Braves need power to complement pitching
New York – We managed to make it out of Atlanta without a boat this morning, and I’m glad to inform you that we should actually be able to play baseball without a rain delay tonight.
Braves have had big bat only since July 31 trade
Not that that’s going to do much for you good people back in Atlanta and the surrounding areas, who are dealing with incredible amounts or rain we had dumped on us for the past several days — and which was likely to continue for another couple of days, last I heard.
I’m fortunate to live on the high end of our hilly street, so the only real mess I had was some water in the basement, which thankfully has a bare concrete floor with a drain, so as long as it doesn’t get to the pool table there shouldn’t be any real damage. And we didn’t have nearly the flood problems in our area, by Emory and Toco Hills, that they had in the north and west suburbs and east of the city.
Anyway, good luck to all of you dealing with that ugliness. It’s bad stuff. My late grandmother had her house in Greenville, N.C., completely wiped out by a flood when the Tar River swelled to unprecedented levels about a decade ago – the house I grew up in, which grandma moved into after we moved to Memphis.
Now, on to a whole different sort of difficult situation and, yes, for fans, another sort of sad scenario. We speak of the Braves’ diminishing playoff chances, after they dropped two out of three in their soggy weekend series with the Phillies. They could barely afford to lose any games at all after that 0-5 stretch a couple weeks back, and losing a series, well, that obviously made the NL East an impossibility (the Braves needed to sweep Philly to really have a chance to track them down in the last two weeks of the season).
But it also turned their wild-card scenario into one where the Braves not only must basically run the table the rest of the way, but also have a Colorado collapse (and, oh yeah, also have San Francisco and Florida win a game or two fewer than the Braves the rest of the way).
For example, if the Braves went 11-2 the rest of the way, they’d finish 90-72. The Rockies could go 6-6 and still finish ahead of them at 91-71. The Rockies would have to play sub-.500 ball the rest of the way to finish behind the Braves if the Braves won only 11 of their remaining 13 games.
If you missed Emmys last night, Joan ... er, Mad Men won
Hey, sure, it could happen. Stranger things, and all that. I mean, the Rockies were just in a skid like that a week ago. But that’s what it’ll take, just so you know (and I’m sure those of you still following this thing closely have probably already figured it out yourselves).
If the Braves go 12-1 in their remaining 13 games, the’d finish tied with the Rockies if the Rockies played .500 ball in their remaining 12 games. Then there’d have to be a one-game playoff (and again, I’m just ignoring San Francisco and Florida, both of which are also ahead of the Braves in the wild-card standings, but only by a game (Giants) and a half-game (Marlins).
If the Braves pulled off a most-improbable 12-1 run the rest of the way, or even 11-2, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say they’d only have to worry about the Rockies, because I don’t think the Giants and Marlins would stay with Atlanta in that case.
Hey, this is probably the point where we should say again, these are really long odds the Braves now face. Extremely unlikely that they’re going to make it to the postseason.
But we’re just trying to give you an idea of what it would take for them to make it. That’s all.
Ten of their remaining 13 games are against the Mets and Nationals, including seven against the latter. So they’ve got that in their favor. But that’s about all the Braves have to recommend of their chances, at this point.
They needed to sweep the Phillies. They lost two out of three against them.
How high’s the water, mama?
♣ The pitching rises: Through it all, through team skids and surges, one thing has been unwavering with the Braves. Starting pitching.
Their starters now lead the majors with a 3.55 ERA, the way so many of those Braves rotations did during the run of 14 consecutive division titles.
San Francisco and Los Angeles are tied for second in the NL with 3.60 ERAs by their starters, and St. Louis (3.62) is fourth. In the AL, the only team with a starters’ ERA below 4.23 is Seattle (3.97).
Unfortunately, this Braves team differs from most of those Atlanta teams of the 14-year postseason streak in a couple of ways: They don’t have a bullpen that’s stayed reliable all season (they’ve been very good at times, but quite shaky at others), and, most importantly, the offense doesn’t have a couple of feared hitters who’ve put the team on their backs and carried it for long stretches.
Remember in the spring, when several Braves players and GM Frank Wren all talked about how this team didn’t have a 30-40 homer hitter, but had at least a handful of guys capable of hitting 15 to 25 homers?
Well, Brian McCann is the only one who’s hit 20 homers for the Braves, and Chipper Jones (16, only one in more than a month) and Yunel Escobar (14) are the only others from the projected handful of hitters who’ve come close to what the Braves projected they’d hit (and they expected more from Chipper, obviously).
Loading ...But he lost his job after a dismal stretch, and Jeff Francoeur (another of the group they believed could hit 20 or more homers) hit only five in 82 games before he was traded. Francoeur’s hit a lot better since going to the Mets, but still has only 12 homers.
Nate McLouth, had he stayed healthy, might have hit 15 or 20 after being traded to the Braves. He’s got a .269 average and 18 homers for the season, including a .276 average and nine homers in 71 games for the Braves.
The point I’m trying to make is that things didn’t work out as planned for the Braves, who believed that they could make up for not having a big bat (they pursued several this winter and fell short in each case, either deeming free agents too expensive or the price tag for trading for a Ryan Ludwick or others to be too high) by having a bunch of borderline power guys.
It didn’t work, and they scrambled to make moves to try to fill the void during the season.
The one move that worked out exactly as hoped was the trade for LaRoche, who has exceeded expectations, batting .356 with 12 homers, 33 RBI and a 1.066 OPS in 44 games since the trade-deadline deal.
If only they’d had him all season, what might it have meant for the lineup?
That’s why the Braves probably need to strongly consider doing what Chipper and others have suggested – make a strong bid to retain LaRoche, perhaps paying a little more per season in a two-year offer if you’re concerned about blocking Freddie Freeman, who might be ready in another year or so to move into the position.
A middle-payroll team like the Braves can’t really afford to block young players like Jason Heyward and, perhaps, Freeman, for an entire season or more after they’re ready to make an impact, not when such players will make less than $1 million in their first two seasons in the majors.
The Braves can retain a strong starting rotation for years to come if they spend wisely, allocating toward pitching – starters and perhaps a reliever or two – they money they’ll save by having young players at a few positions.
Braves can have strong rotation for years to come
But if they don’t want to go three years with LaRoche for that reason, if they don’t want to gamble that they could trade him down the line when Freeman’s ready, then they might at least have to consider making a strong two-year offer for LaRoche.
He’s indicated he can’t afford to take a big hometown discount to stay with the Braves, but LaRoche has also made it clear he loves playing in Atlanta and the guys on the team. So I’m betting that, while he won’t take a lot less to stay here, he might take a little less, and would certainly take the Braves over most other teams if offers are more or less equal.
♣ They all have big power guys: If you look around at the NL teams battling to make the playoffs, they all have at least a few guys with 25-30 homer power.
The Marlins have three guys with 22 or more homers (Ross, Ugga, Ramirez). The Rockies have three guys with 22 or more (Barmes, Tulowitziki, Stewart), and four others with at least 14 (they seem like what the Braves had hoped to be, in terms of multiple guys with 15-25 homer power).
The Phillies are absolutely loaded with power, and they lead the league in road homers as well as homers in their bandbox home park. They’re straight legit, in other words. They have a remarkable four hitters with 31 or more homers (Utley, Ibanez, Werth, Howard), and Rollins with 19.
The Cardinals have Ludwick with 20 and Pujols with 47, and adding Holliday gave them a trio of big sticks. Holliday has 13 homers in 52 games for them, and Rasmus also has 15 homers.
Even the pitching-centered Giants, with their pitcher-friendly ballpark, still have three guys with 15 or more homers (Rowand, Molina, Sandoval) paced by Sandoval’s 22.
Notice the two teams with the best starting pitching in that bunch, the Braves and Giants, are also two teams that could be left out of the postseason. Lack of pure power bats, they have in common along with stellar starting pitching.
Meanwhile, the Giants’ rivals from down Southern California, the Dodgers, are holding off the Rockies thanks in large part to a lineup that has four hitters with 17 or more homer (Blake, Ramirez, Kemp, Ethier), including 56 from the duo of Kemp and Ethier. They’d have three finish with 25 to 35 homers apiece if Manny hadn’t been suspended 50 games.
The point of all this: The Braves need to get a real power bat this winter, a 30-homer type guy. Or retain the one they have, LaRoche.
Alright, gotta get over to the ballpark. Let’s turn it over to The Man to take us out. And here’s a video of him doing this classic.
“FIVE FEET HIGH AND RISING” by Johnny Cash
My mama always taught me that good things come from adversity if we put our faith in the Lord.
We couldn’t see much good in the flood waters when they
were causing us to have to leave home,
But when the water went down, we found that it had washed a load of rich black bottom dirt across our land. The following year we had the best cotton crop we’d ever had.
I remember hearing:
How high’s the water, mama?
Two feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, papa?
Two feet high and risin’
We can make it to the road in a homemade boat
That’s the only thing we got left that’ll float
It’s already over all the wheat and the oats,
Two feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, mama?
Three feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, papa?
Three feet high and risin’
Well, the hives are gone,
I’ve lost my bees
The chickens are sleepin’
In the willow trees
Cow’s in water up past her knees,
Three feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, mama?
Four feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, papa?
Four feet high and risin’
Hey, come look through the window pane,
The bus is comin’, gonna take us to the train
Looks like we’ll be blessed with a little more rain,
Four feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, mama?
Five feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, papa?
Five feet high and risin’
Well, the rails are washed out north of town
We gotta head for higher ground
We can’t come back till the water comes down,
Five feet high and risin’
Well, it’s five feet high and risin’
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913 comments Add your comment
RHR
September 21st, 2009
3:17 pm
Primeiramente!
DAP
September 21st, 2009
3:21 pm
beekay, church makes $2.8mil this season, so i dont think the braves can keep him for under $3mil.
my idea is to get rid of kawakami, johnson and church, resign soriano, laroche, and bring in mike cameron.
i think it makes us a better team overall, and well within our financial ability.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
3:28 pm
I think they need to retain Laroche AND add a power bat in the outfield, but that might not be in their budget.
18 Wheels of Love
September 21st, 2009
3:29 pm
Awesome reading, thanks!
DOB, check out the new Q-Tip….good stuff.
Mid Town Joe
September 21st, 2009
3:34 pm
cinco
salespro2
September 21st, 2009
3:38 pm
Enter your comments here
It would not surprise me at all if the Braves pull a “Hansen” next year with Hayworth. Start him in AAA next year ’til about June 1st, then, call him up. Providing though that he performs again next year like he did this year in the minors. Freeman probably needs at least 1 full year in AAA. That’s why think the Braves might offer Rochy only 1 year. I’d be surprised if it’s 2 years.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
3:42 pm
Freeman may need to start the year at Double-A and prove that he can perform at that level. He didn’t really do that well there, which is understandable, considering he was 19 going on 20. Very young for Double-A.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
3:42 pm
7th? I’m awesome.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
3:43 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! Yeah, this rain is bad…we have a sinkhole-type thingy in our backyard that fills up like a small pond when it rains enough–and apparently last night it really overflowed ’cause a lot of the pea-pebbles that were under our deck washed out all over the yard. And from the looks of the grass this morning, I would guess that’s not the only part of our yard that “flooded”.
Yes, the Braves definitely need another power bat…to bat cleanup, of course.
On the bright side, BMac has an outside chance at 100 RBI–just needs 12 more! And if he keeps hittin’ the way he’s been hitting, well, doesn’t seem impossible!
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
3:44 pm
Crap, I was 8th. I’m not awesome.
Chop Chop
September 21st, 2009
3:44 pm
I’d like to see the Braves pull a Hansen with Hayworth. I don’t know who those guys are, or what that even means, but it sounds like a winning strategy.
You all are Cox apologists
September 21st, 2009
3:45 pm
OF COURSE THEY NEED POWER!
Uh, DOB, that’s obvious. Great journalism and hard work!
Seriously though, the Braves need new management, new faces, and new leadership. The business-type approach is STALE and we need a NEW VOICE in the clubhouse.
YOUR AN IDIOT if you think Cox should return as manager of this team. PERIOD.
It’s BLATANTLY OBVIOUS that Cox has worn out his managerial welcome in Atlanta. WREN, if by any small chanCe you’re reading this blog, please do me and thousands of other Braves fans a favor and NOT allow Cox to return. He’s killing us.
Cox=heartless, gutless baseball.
JEB
September 21st, 2009
3:45 pm
Chipper WILL have a better year next year (too much pride not to!)
But, we’ve GOT to get a true #4 hitter behind him to protect him!
LaRoche needs to be retained, but he has flourished hitting lower in the order! He does not do well in the 4 hole. His stats bear that out!
DAP
September 21st, 2009
3:47 pm
efrimI think they need to retain Laroche AND add a power bat in the outfield, but that might not be in their budget.
i think they can do it if they make the right moves, including getting rid of a couple of guys who will be paid way to much for what they add to the team (johnson, church).
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
3:51 pm
Just read what Bradley wrote and I’m blown away! The Braves have outscored their opponents by 74 runs and won 79 games while the Fish have outscored their’s by 7 and have 80 wins? Anybody else feel like no team can possibly have that bad of luck and maybe it’s the freakin manager? Holy sh**, if Cox doesn’t retire then he’s not only stubborn, but selfish.
And a big NO to Pendelton… too much influence from Bobby the last few years can’t be a good thing.
curtis jones
September 21st, 2009
3:51 pm
This should be Frank Wren’s shopping list:
1. A new manager.
2. A leadoff guy with speed, who can reach base, steal, and play good defense in the OF.
3. A true cleanup hitter to play 1B..hopefully better than LaRoche.
4. A reliable closer.
5. A defensive upgrade in RF…I’m thinking Jason Heyward.
2010 lineup
1 Speed guy CF
2 Prado 2B
3 Escobar SS
4 Power guy 1B
5 McCann C
6 McLouth/Diaz LF
7 C Jones 3B
8 Heyward RF
"I am a Cox apologist"
September 21st, 2009
3:52 pm
WREN, if by any small chanCe you’re reading this blog
Even if WREN is reading the blog, I bet he SKIPS over posts with randOm capitAlization.
wren
September 21st, 2009
3:52 pm
i’m affraid prado won’t hit next year-just like kelly-
if we keep Laroche, we could deal KK for hermida, ryan ludwick, nick swisher. i think for dunn or fielder would take vazques or hudson.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
3:53 pm
“Hayworth”? Sounds like a name of a horse, Chop Chop.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
3:55 pm
You Are All blah blah: No, I think we all agree it’s you doing the hard work. It’s not easy writing the same boring, obnoxious comment 12 times a day. Tip of the cap to you, sir.
Panties in a wad
September 21st, 2009
3:56 pm
DOB what’s a realistic timeline for Heyward and Freeman to be ready to start at the major league level? I wouldnt want either to have a Schaffer type experience up here. And did Schaffer get damaged beyond repair by his brutal experience here?
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
3:57 pm
2010 Braves
Chipper rebounds to hit 20-25
McCann doesn’t slump and hits 20-25
LaRoche gets a 2-year deal, hits 25-30
McClouth for a full season hits 15-20
Heyward shines as a rook with 15-20
Yunel continues his improvement, 15-20
That’s pretty reasonable, isn’t it?
salespro2
September 21st, 2009
3:59 pm
Sorry ’bout the Hayworth vs Heyward and Hansen vs Hanson. Honest screw-ups.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
3:59 pm
I’d like to see the Braves pull a Hansen with Hayworth.
I think they should trade them both for Grace Kelly. But they’d probably have to throw in Medlin and that’s just not gonna happen. Ren is and idiot.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
4:00 pm
Do we really want two years of first half Adam LaRoche though?
Mike
September 21st, 2009
4:01 pm
Javy Vazquez and Freddie Freeman for Prince Fielder. Milwaukee desperately needs an arm and has supposedly considered dealing Prince before. Prince and Javy are both under contract through next year with Prince scheduled to make $10.5 million – so it works within the context of the 2010 budget.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
4:03 pm
In Bobby’s defense… I’ve been a fan of his team since I was 10 years old and I will always respect him as a manager for what he brought to the Braves. Losing will make the average fan point straight to the manager, but it’s not always fair. I just feel too many times, this year especially, our team could be one of the best, but dumb or stubborn moves have cost us. I think it just deflates the guys there(pops the air out of the balloon).
Tomas
September 21st, 2009
4:04 pm
Sign Laroche to a three year deal worth 24 million with NO TRADE CLAUSE, and call up Jason Heyward to be the starting right fielder from the get go. The guy is ready, he really raked this year, and put up a show in spring training. He is definitely ready.
Trade Kawakami for some quality relievers. The Brewers need starting pitching, maybe a todd Coffey, and Mark Difelice for Kawakami deal. The Dodgers need a starter, maybe they’d be willing to trade George Sherrill or Ramon Troncoso for Kawakami.
otis
September 21st, 2009
4:04 pm
Enter your comments hereWhat about Milton Bradley now that he’s out in Chicago? Cheap with power for possibly Lowe. We save $13mil for bradly at $7mil.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
Mike, why would you want that fat thug Fielder here over Vazquez when you can keep Javy and LaRoche? I wouldn’t think losing Javy AND LaRoche for fat boy with some pop in his bat will benefit the team.
Panties in a wad
September 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
“Trade Kawakami for some quality relievers”
I doubt we could. The market probably just isnt there even if the Braves ate a big part of his salary. The solution may be to put him in the bullpen as the setup guy if Gonzo leaves through free agency or long relief if MG stays.
dmack2027
September 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
Dave,
Why in the world would Bobby give Brian the day off yesterday. Given that LaRoche and Yunel were out of the lineup, Brian’s bat needed to be in there, especially when the rain delay removed Cliff Lee from the game.
The Braves needed to win that game, and needed more offense to accomplish that.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
4:08 pm
jeffrey d,
Yeah, I’ve been wondering the same. The only other option would be to get a sub-par first baseman for a year as a stop gap until Freeman gets here and that won’t do us any favors next year. Whether it be in the first half or second half, La Roche would still total 25-30. We would just be hoping that a solid two-year deal in Atlanta provides him with the stability and security he needs to possibly produce better in the first half. That’s just a hope and a prayer though.
beekay
September 21st, 2009
4:08 pm
Does anyone on this board think that Jordan Schafer will be our starting Centerfielder next year?
Danga
September 21st, 2009
4:09 pm
DAP…I like your plan. How is Cameron’s defense these days? Has he lost a step, yet?
Ron in Mobile
September 21st, 2009
4:09 pm
DOB
I recomend that for a real men of genuis commercial.
Make it a Bud Light Mr composer of the repetitive douche bag blog comments. Day after day you scream to the world what an enourmous chum you are. We know your not afraid to use CAPS…cause thats just how you roll
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
4:11 pm
Also, Freeman’s no sure thing either. He struggled shortly after he got to AA. Plus he only hit like 8 HR this year.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
4:11 pm
I have never seen this much rain in my life. Wow
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
4:12 pm
beekay,
I hope that Jordan will be our starting CF. He would be our speedy lead-off guy that we’ve been missing for quite some time. Its just hard to say that he will be when he’s had so many setbacks (suspension, sub-par play, injury, etc).
Tomas
September 21st, 2009
4:12 pm
I meant with no no trade clause. I shouldn’t worry about that, considering the Braves have a team policy of not giving those.
Danga
September 21st, 2009
4:12 pm
What in the world makes you refer to Fielder as a thug?
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
4:13 pm
Cox=heartless, gutless baseball.
YAACA=brainless, clueless blogging.
Whether he’s right about Cox or not, LOL. Haven’t checked Bobby’s GORP recently.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
4:13 pm
lol @ Ron in Mobile
Brilliant
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
4:14 pm
What in the world makes you refer to Fielder as a thug?
Probably the whole “Where the F*** is Mota?! Imma knock down this door!” incident. Either that or he’s a racist.
Hillbilly
September 21st, 2009
4:16 pm
Passing on a 3-year deal for a potential 30 home run bat due to concerns over blocking a 20 year old who hasn’t mastered AA yet would be a huge mistake. Worry about tomorrow tomorrow, in this case. We’ve got a potentially dominant starting staff that needs some offensive support. LaRoche is not the end-all solution, but he is an easy piece of the puzzle. He’s not going to stick it to you as far as payroll is concerned and he wants to be here. We’re going into this offseason in dire need of some offensive firepower. There’s an easy one standing in his waiting-at-the-bus-stop stance right in front of you. Don’t let this one get away.
Danga
September 21st, 2009
4:18 pm
Hmmm…I missed that incident. Sounds to me a little like that fire that people keep on talking about the Braves needing.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
4:19 pm
Vazquez and Freeman for Fielder is an interesting idea. What are the terms on Fielder’s current contract? It would be the arm for bat trade we need, keep salaries even, and provide us with a for sure young, talented first baseman, rather than a possible talented and young first baseman. We’d be kicking ourselves tho when Freeman is making 400k and ripping it up for the Brewers (see Andrus, Wainwright, etc).
Danga
September 21st, 2009
4:20 pm
I wonder how much Hoffman costs this offseason?
O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
4:20 pm
Next year, the Braves have questions at 1B, 2B, LF and RF.
I hope they resign LaRoache, even if its for 3 years. Because if Freeman is ready, they can trade Adam at the trade deadline during the 2011 season. Wouldnt Adam be more attractive that way, because a team that trades for him would have him under contract for one and a half seasons.
At 2B, we still dont know if Prado is the full time solution, and KJ needs to go. In LF, is Diaz the full time starter? And who plays RF until Heyward is ready?
So many issues for Frank Wren this offseason, not to mention the fact that we have 6 starting pitchers, Soriano and Gonzales are free agents, and our bullpen is inconsistent. And (hopefully), we will be looking for a new manager.
CB
September 21st, 2009
4:25 pm
ncscoots, I called for a trade foe Carl Crawford this morning, I thought you would jump on the bandwagon since you like speed so much,lol.
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
4:26 pm
At 2B, we still dont know if Prado is the full time solution
Uh-oh. Heading for the fallout shelter, LOL.
njbraves
September 21st, 2009
4:26 pm
I’m all for keeping LaRoche, but he is not the power bat we need. Adam seems to do better hitting down in the order. Braves need to find a way to get Holliday or Bay.
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
4:27 pm
CB, oh, no, you didn’t?!? Next thing I know, you’ll be touting Chone Figgins and Ryan Freel, LOL. Dastardly, you are.
glove51
September 21st, 2009
4:27 pm
What does Prado need to do to show he is “the full time solution”?
Mike
September 21st, 2009
4:27 pm
Fielder made a mistake and let his emotions get the better of him. But that doesn’t make him a thug. Wow, I hate that word.
LaRoche is completely fungible so losing him should not enter into the equation at all. He is a good player but guys like him at 1B are a dime a dozen.
The Braves are loaded with starters and should leverage that. Plus, Prince is only 25 so assuming they could resign him, they should get his best years.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
4:29 pm
What does Prado need to do to show he is “the full time solution”?
Show that he can be consistent over a full season
Roja
September 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
Don’t forget we could use a bullpen also except maybe for EOF and Petey. Look at the number of times this year when we have scored more runs than our starting pitcher has allowed but we lost the game. Look at the shutouts turned into losses… the times the bullpen turned big leads into save opportunities or losses. Unless our starters suddenly start getting 8 or 10 CGs a year or we pick up 3 or four guys that hit 30-40 dingers a year, our bullpen will still be our bigest liability in 2010.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
I think Soriano and Gonzo both walk…I’m a big fan of Gonzo but i’d rather have Soriano if we can keep him.
Try to trade Kawakami and if both relivers walk and minus G. Anderson that frees up close to $20 million.
I think we should try to re-work a three year-deal to keep Tim Hudson and sign LaRoche to a two year deal in the area of 7-7.5 million per season.
Hopefully we’ll have somewhere in the area of 7-9 million left to get someone who can hit us 20-25 homers in left field…then we’ll need a closer to address the bull-pen in a bad way.
I’m no GM and please don’t rip the hell out of me…I’m just thinking out loud.
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
4:34 pm
Plus, Prince is only 25 so assuming they could resign him, they should get his best years.
Assuming he doesn’t have a heart attack at 26. Seriously, wouldn’t you be a little worried about his future health? Not just his cardio health, but his legs and joints, too. I’m not a big believer that baseball players have to be “athletes”, but Prince looks pretty bad, man.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
4:35 pm
1. Schafer CF
2. McClouth LF
3. Yuni SS
4. Fielder 1B
5. Chipper 3B
6. McCann C
7. Prado 2B
8. Heyward RF
Rotation:
Hanson
Hudson
Jurrjens
Kawakami
Lowe
Just an idea…
CB
September 21st, 2009
4:36 pm
scoots, yeah I was trying to set you up- kind of like when Lew is around and we are talking about Vazquez and Hudson. Just kidding,Lew.
glove51
September 21st, 2009
4:36 pm
Prado has 400 AB’s, is hitting .298, with 10 homers and 30 doubles, and has respectable .345 OBP.
His career BA is .302 and OBP is .353 in almost 800 plate appearances, with a career OPS of .793, which is good for a 2B. He is not yet 26 and will develop a little more power I’d bet.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
4:37 pm
Wouldn’t the Brewers want young players/prospects that are controllable for many years to come, rather than a free agent to be and one minor league player? I think the trade makes more sense for the Braves than it does the Brewers.
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
4:38 pm
CB, speed wounds. Mashers kill. I’m for killing, LOL.
Is Lew around today? Trade Vazquez!
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
4:38 pm
Where’s all this Prince Fielder stuff coming from? Are the loonies taking over again?
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
4:39 pm
Efrim, the Brewers would get a good pitcher for a year and a prospect to replace what they’re losing. It may take another prospect to complete, but Javy and Freddie would be the bones of it. It’s just a thought.
Danga
September 21st, 2009
4:40 pm
Looks like Cecil had a 20+ year career and family history is important with that kind of thing. As big as he is he still had a better UZR this year than LaRoche. I don’t know if that matters as much at 1B as I am still trying to understand these advanced stats. It isn’t as if he just lets himself go either. He has tried the whole vegetarian thing in order to control his weight. Personally, he was one of my favorite players to watch. I would love to see the big guy bopping homers for the Bravos.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
4:40 pm
jeffrey d,
Someone threw it out as a possible trade option. Just toying with the idea.
Danga
September 21st, 2009
4:44 pm
However, Prince probably isn’t the best move for the Braves. You can’t afford to pass up on a prospect like Freeman and his low cost years. If the Braves are going to invest money in a position, it would make much more sense to throw it into a position where there are no obvious up and coming prospects.
cvbraves
September 21st, 2009
4:44 pm
Bobby Cox has done a great job this year, and I sure hope he comes back next year.
I am thankful for the job he and the Braves have done to be “still in the race” this late in the season…it has been awhile.
Sure would like to see them win most of the rest and at least make the wild card…but, nevertheless, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the season, look forward to the last 13 games this year, and look with anticipation toward 2010.
Good job, Braves, Cox, Wren and the whole Atlanta organization.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
4:45 pm
Our backyard is flooded…got some good photos of it.
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
Danga, you could be right, re the family history thing. But, I don’t think his dad ever looked quite that loaded, did he? Though that could be my selective memory coming into play, too. I’m not trying to beat on Prince, BTW; I’d have the same reservations about any human carrying that kind of weight on that frame.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
LaRoche has exactly as many HR with the Braves than he had in half the games with the Pirates.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
Was really trying to tell if this comment was for real or dripping with sarcasm. lol
Danga
September 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
Cue long, strangely capitalized rants.
CB
September 21st, 2009
4:47 pm
cvbraves,you better duck. I see a grenade coming from No More Bobby.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
Rally must be in heaven.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
heaven on Earth….didn’t mean to imply that he was dead.
cvbraves
September 21st, 2009
4:51 pm
CB: cvbraves,you better duck. I see a grenade coming from No More Bobby.
It’s okay. There are quite a few of us on this blog that know a lot more about baseball than No More Bobby. He doesn’t have a clue!
CB
September 21st, 2009
4:53 pm
Agreed,cv.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
4:54 pm
Arizona Brave, if I am the Brewers, I am trying to net a haul like the Rangers did for Teixiera. They probably wouldn’t get it, since no team is willing to give up that type of haul in this day and age(other than the Braves….just kidding), but that’s the type of deal I’d expect them to go for. Similar to the situation the Padres are in. If they are dealing Gonzalez(and it doesn’t sound like they will), you need to get several young players/prospects back in the deal. I think the Brewers are farther away from contending than some think. It’s really not that good of a major league team, and their minor league system is quite bad too.
Danga
September 21st, 2009
4:58 pm
Was just looking at Prince’s contract. They better trade him. He is a year away from FA and a Boras client.
Daslied
September 21st, 2009
5:00 pm
I’d be fine with Prado full-time at 2B next year. But I’m not so quick to give up on Kelly. Yes, he’s been bad this year, but you don’t necessarily toss someone for that.
2007 (614 PA, age 26) – .795 OPS, 12 HR, 39 2B, 6 3B, 11 SB
2006 (608 PA, age 25) – .831 OPS, 16 HR, 26 2B, 10 3B, 9 SB
He’s heading into his prime years, so let’s not be so hasty. He’s not Francoeur. Yes, he’s streaky, but we’re talking about a likely 7th/8th spot second baseman, not a cleanup hitter.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
5:00 pm
Show that he can be consistent over a full season
Like Kelly!
Soph
September 21st, 2009
5:01 pm
Our backyard is flooded…got some good photos of it.
Me, too. This is not fun. Glad I didn’t have work today, I heard the interstates are a mess.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
5:01 pm
jeffrey d Rally must be in heaven.
heaven on Earth….didn’t mean to imply that he was dead.
Oh yeah, he loves the wet stuff! Matter of fact, I kinda like taking my socks off, putting on my Braves Crocs and hat and going out in the BIG puddles out back (my sister and I have gone out a couple times). My feet are freezing now, but I got some good photos–sis holds the umbrella for me. Totally fun, I gotta tell ya…
But that’s not to say I would like about a week of sun…and the rain last week killed my baby apple tree.
Daslied
September 21st, 2009
5:02 pm
Sorry, got the seasons wrong – that’s 2008/2007, lest I fall victim to the “that was 3 years ago!” comments.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
5:04 pm
Forget the Fielder talk. Don’t wanna deal with Boras.
glove51
September 21st, 2009
5:05 pm
I can’t see Kelly back in ATL next season. Not with Prado, Infante and Diory available. Kelly is not too great with the glove and the Braves have mutliple other options which are comparable to Kelly at his best (at bat).
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
5:05 pm
Soph–
You’re flooded, too, eh? Wow…
Glad I didn’t have work today, I heard the interstates are a mess.
Yeah, it’s bad…we haven’t gone out at all today, either. Well, Dad went to work of course…he’s on his way home now.
I mean, it’s got its moments as far as “fun” goes, but I could live without it…that thunder last night was LOUD!! Had the iPod in to try to block it out so I could fall asleep, but I can’t turn it up loud enough for that. Just glad no trees have fallen…um, so far…
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:06 pm
Hey now RHR…I never said I thought that Kelly should be counted on as our everyday 2B. I just root for the guy and hope that he’ll one day prove to be consistent. That’s looking less and less likely though.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:07 pm
316 wasn’t bad this morning….I got off right before 85, though, and I heard that was nasty
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:09 pm
that thunder last night was LOUD!!
Wasn’t it?? It kept me up for about 2 hours. Drove the dog crazy too.
Daslied
September 21st, 2009
5:09 pm
Historically, KJ’s OPS is above .800 in every month except for June (.680) and August (.723). Outside of the two months, his lowest OPS is in July, at .801.
Prado’s is above .800 in every month except for May (.598!) and Sept/Oct (.661). Weird – he kills it in April, June and August, and is pretty good in July (.819), so his offense fluctuates month-to-month.
I smell a perfect monthly platoon!
O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
5:10 pm
Daslied
My issue with KJ is that he is very streaky. He can be hot for a while (as he was last Septemeber), and then he can be cold (like he has been most of this year). Given the Braves power issues, I dont think they can afford to rely on someone so streaky. But thats my opinion.
I also wonder if Prado can produce over a full season (he has struggled in August and Sept, although that might be due to his headaches and some family issues).
Soph
September 21st, 2009
5:10 pm
McFann -
Yup, a little flooding. The yard seems to be going underwater. I heard the thunder last night but I actually fell back asleep. Normally, I’d be wide-awake.
Daslied
September 21st, 2009
5:13 pm
glove51 – Prado and Johnson are pretty comparable offensively.
Infante, Hernandez, Conrad? Those guys are not even in the same hitting league. Infante’s a nice utility guy, and the other two are AAAA players.
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
5:13 pm
It really is amazing reading all of you talking about flooding and thunderstorms and California is in the middle of a serious drought with temps getting back close to 100 this week…hope you all stay safe!
CB
September 21st, 2009
5:16 pm
I would think Kelly could see that he would not be offered arbitration nor would any other team be willing to take him under those conditions. The Braves might offer him a salary in the 1.0 to 1.5mil range. I think he would be wise to accept.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
5:17 pm
cabravesfan, how bout those Niners?
Daslied
September 21st, 2009
5:17 pm
O’Brien – I agree that KJ shouldn’t be relied on as a major offensive cog. The distorted perception here is that he SHOULD be. He can be a really nice bottom-of-the-order hitter. If we had the big sluggers 3-4-5 KJ wouldn’t look to be so much of a disappointment, or whatever people think he is. He’s not Utley or Kinsler, but he shouldn’t have to be. He’s a guy with gap power, some pop and some speed, and he’d be just wonderful lower in the order. If he can bounce back from this year, of course. I think he can.
monty
September 21st, 2009
5:18 pm
I’d take a 2nd baseman who hits more consistently over the course of a season and can hit in the 2 hole than one who hits 8th with power 3 games out of every 40 he plays in and strikes out or makes weak outs the rest of the time.You can’t platoon KJ because he hits LH better than RH thereby messing up the lefty righty matchup deal. If we cut Prado a little slack during the time immediately following the headache deal, he has performed very well!
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
5:20 pm
I know this is a Braves blog, but as a Niners fan I can’t pass up someone bring em up. GO 49ers! Gore is a beast when he play Seattle. K, got it out of my system.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
5:20 pm
Hey DOB,
I know this may not be high on your priority list – But any word on LaRoche? -
Trying to set my fantasy league for the week…
BIll Heller
September 21st, 2009
5:20 pm
Having power hitters DOESN’T MEAN SQUAT if you bat them leading off (McLouth) or in the 7th/8th spot (LaRoche).
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
5:21 pm
cabravesfan – what’s the forecast for early November?
monty
September 21st, 2009
5:21 pm
Oh yeh! I forgot KJ cost us way too much to ride the pines.Can’t have a guy making almost 4 mil/year fighting for a starting job or at least you shouldn’t.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
5:21 pm
It’s okay jeffrey. I root for Marteen the way you root for Kelly so I understand. I do like Kelly though. He’s handled himself well through losing his starting job and all.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
5:21 pm
Goooo 9ers
Big road game against the Viks next week!!!
Mike in LA
September 21st, 2009
5:21 pm
I don’t think that Lowe’s contract is going to be as difficult an obstacle in a trade as most people do. Think about it. After John Lackey who is the next best free agent pitcher? Randy Wolf maybe? Everyone needs pitching and while 3 years at 15 mil for Lowe is a little too much he’s still durable and keeps his team in most games. I’m sure the Dodgers wouldn’t mind having him back given that he had 3 solid seasons with them and was well liked. Look at the other horrible contracts they’ve had there. Pierre, Jason Schimdt, etc…The Braves can trade him but simply can’t expect much in a return. A decent midlevel prospect would do. Kawakami and Schafer are also trade chips the Braves can utilize to get a solid reliever. The two of them could net Heath Bell and prospects. Freeing up those salaries would allow the Braves to make Laroche a fair two year deal and resign Gonzalez or Soriano to share the closing duties with a Bell type of a reliever. And I agree with starting Heyward from the get go. His plate disclipine is far superior to Schafer’s and he won’t be overwhelmed like he was. 2010 Team should be:
Mcclouth CF
Prado 2B
Chipper 3B
Escobar SS
Mccann C
Laroche 1B
Diaz LF
Heyward RF
Rotation: Vasquez, Jurrjens, Hanson, Hudson, Medlan
Bullpen: Bell, Gonzalez or Soriano, Moylan, Oflaherty, and take your pick of the next best three arms on the team
unbelievable
September 21st, 2009
5:22 pm
several things:
Jordan Schafer has a 0% chance of being our starting CF’r at the beginning of next season. He may be called up, but the Braves will want to see he’s healthy and not living on ST fastballs first.
Plenty of teams would be interested in taking Kawakami off our hands. Take away his april starts and you’ve got someone with a 3.50 era or so with a reasonable contract. We wouldnt have to eat any of that deal to move him
Prado at $400K is a hell of a lot better than KJ at $3.5 mil for next season. If Prado cant cut it, we’ve got Infante, if he cant maybe Conrad.
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
5:23 pm
gosh, now cabravesfan has an opportunity to talk ‘Niners and forget her Trojans…
Tomas
September 21st, 2009
5:24 pm
Unfortunately Kelly is going to get non-tendered. He is a good player to have in the bench. He runs well, hits for occasional power, and has quality at bats most of the time, but the Braves aren’t going to pay him 3 million or more.
Tomas
September 21st, 2009
5:26 pm
Can a player be non-tendered and then signed as a free agent by the same team?
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:26 pm
I do like Kelly though. He’s handled himself well through losing his starting job and all.
And getting called to pinch hit after Norton. That’s gotta be depressing.
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
5:27 pm
The Braves have made 4 rather significant playing time decisions throughout the course of the season. First, they optioned Schafer to AAA and acquired Nate McLouth. Second, they benched Kelly Johnson in favor of Martin Prado. Third, they traded Jeff Francoeur for Ryan Church. Lastly, they traded Casey Kotchman for Adam LaRoche.
For the first 50 games, the 50 games preceding the first major roster change, the Braves were typically using a line-up that looked like this:
1. Kelly Johnson – 2B
2. Yunel Escobar – SS
3. Chipper Jones – 3B
4. Brian McCann – C
5. Garret Anderson – LF
6. Jeff Francoeur – RF
7. Casey Kotchman – 1B
8. Jordan Schafer – CF
They went 25-25 in those 50 games, a .500 winning percentage. After McLouth was acquired, the line-up typically looked like this:
1. Nate McLouth – CF
2. Yunel Escobar – SS
3. Chipper Jones – 3B
4. Brian McCann – C
5. Garret Anderson – LF
6. Casey Kotchman – 1B
7. Jeff Francoeur – RF
8. Kelly Johnson – 2B
The Braves went 11-15 over their next 26 games, a .423 winning percentage. The Braves then benched Kelly Johnson in favor of Martin Prado. The line-up then typically looked like this:
1. Nate McLouth – CF
2. Martin Prado – 2B
3. Chipper Jones – 3B
4. Brian McCann – C
5. Garret Anderson – LF
6. Yunel Escobar – SS
7. Casey Kotchman – 1B
8. Jeff Francoeur – RF
9 games later, the Braves had gone 5-4, a .566 winning percentage, when they traded Jeff Francoeur for Ryan Church. The line-up then typically looked like this:
1. Nate McLouth – CF
2. Martin Prado – 2B
3. Chipper Jones – 3B
4. Brian McCann – C
5. Garret Anderson – LF
6. Yunel Escobar – SS
7. Mayan Diurch – RF
8. Casey Kotchman – 1B
After 18 more games, and going 11-7 (.611 W%) in those 18 games, the Braves pulled the deadline deal swapping LaRoche for Kotchman. The line-up has since typically looked like this:
1. Nate McLouth – CF
2. Martin Prado – 2B
3. Chipper Jones – 3B
4. Brian McCann – C
5. Garret Anderson – LF
6. Yunel Escobar – SS
7. Adam LaRoche – 1B
8. Mayan Diurch – RF
The Braves have gone 27-19 with this line-up, a .587 winning percentage.
Overall, the Braves have gone 54-45 (.545) since they got rid of Schafer, 43-30 (.589) since they benched KJ, 38-26 (.594) since they got rid of Francoeur, and 27-19 (.587) since they acquired LaRoche.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:27 pm
Awesome…looks like I’m not working tomorrow either. I got bills to pay, rain….
glove51
September 21st, 2009
5:27 pm
I didn’t mention Conrad.
Infante has been much better than Johnson with the bat this season and better than Johnson most of last season. Infante and Diory, along with Prado obviously, make Johnson expendable.
N8
September 21st, 2009
5:27 pm
I just spent a half hour looking for You Are All blah blah’s post. Kind find it. Please help?
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
5:28 pm
cabravesfan, how bout those Niners?
Efrim-
looking pretty good, especially on defense- this week will be a great test for them but being 2-0 in the division is fantastic
VJ-
Novemeber is pretty much like every other month out here- sunny, warm, highs around 75…cooler in the evenings (and by “cooler” I mean 60)
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
5:28 pm
N8
You Are All blah blah’s = You Are All Cox Apologists
I think anyway
Jake W.
September 21st, 2009
5:29 pm
“Prado and Johnson are pretty comparable offensively.”
But a place where we can say for sure that they are not comparable is when it comes to salary. Oh and one is left handed and one is right handed. The money that we save not paying KJ can help us with our main other needs like a corner outfielder or a 1st baseman or a relief pitcher. 2nd baseman isn’t that big of a problem when you look at those other needs so going with Prado for next season if you address those other needs is not a bad deal in my view.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
5:29 pm
What say the people on Chone Figgins?
Daslied
September 21st, 2009
5:29 pm
Monty, I’m not arguing about who should be the starting 2B. In fact, in my first post I said something like “I’m fine with Prado starting”. I just don’t agree that KJ sucks, streaky or not. I don’t agree with that at all. Unless you’re Pujols you’re going to have slumps at some point.
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
5:30 pm
N8 – 3:45 pm
Mike in LA
September 21st, 2009
5:30 pm
cv Braves, great posts! Couldn’t agree more. Like most I’m dissapointed that our team is probably not going to get to the playoffs because that’s what you hope for as a fan but this year has been a tremendous improvement from last year and the organization is clearly headed in a positive direction. And Bobby Cox is was separates this organization from others. His optimism has never wavered, it doesn’t matter if they were winning divisions every year or not making the playoffs the last few. How many organizations do you see that when a team struggles players’ performances are called out in the media or teamates bicker and finger point at one another. That has never happened in Atlanta and never will under Bobby Cox. They’ve won as a team and lost as a team because of their manager and the man deserves to have his job as long as he wants it. Couldn’t be prouder to be a Braves fan.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
5:31 pm
Wait, you already know you don’t have work tomorrow? I want a rainy day off too!
CB
September 21st, 2009
5:32 pm
PWH,excellent post but who is Mayan Diurch?
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
5:32 pm
But a place where we can say for sure that they are not comparable is when it comes to salary. Oh and one is left handed and one is right handed. The money that we save not paying KJ can help us with our main other needs like a corner outfielder or a 1st baseman or a relief pitcher. 2nd baseman isn’t that big of a problem when you look at those other needs so going with Prado for next season if you address those other needs is not a bad deal in my view.
True, but Kelly Johnson is the better upside play than Prado. And I really don’t think he’s more of a bust potential than Prado. I’m just saying you lose a really valuable commodity if you get rid of Johnson, a left-handed hitting middle infielder with power potential and plate discipline. And it’d be stupid to just get rid of him just because you want to save $3 million. Odds are you’re better off economically if you keep Johnson and cash him in for either on-field value or trade value later.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:33 pm
Yes….and I didn’t know I wasn’t working today until I got there. Rainy days off are nice, but if I don’t work I don’t get paid!
Stoned Mountain
September 21st, 2009
5:33 pm
More long distance hitting? OK. But what this team needs most is speed. Speed doesn’t slump. Speed gets you to more balls in the outfield, speeds destroys pitcher concentration, speed gets us runs on singles when fast guys are on second. Speed is modern and exciting. Sitting back waiting for homers old, fleeting and boring.
Daslied
September 21st, 2009
5:33 pm
glove51 – I assumed Conrad was one of “the others”, or whatever you called them.
And Infante was in no way better offensively than KJ last year.
Once again – not arguing for Prado or KJ. Just trying to point out that KJ doesn’t suck…
JEB
September 21st, 2009
5:33 pm
P. W. Hjort
You did a lot of good home work!
We could have given you the blog for the day – all of that brings up a lot of conversation!
Good Job!
CB
September 21st, 2009
5:34 pm
PWH,just kidding.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
5:34 pm
What say the people on Chone Figgins?
Nice player, but not what we need.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:35 pm
I’m no Chone Figgins expert, but I think he’s Omar Infante with speed
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:35 pm
And aging too
Panties in a wad
September 21st, 2009
5:35 pm
“Forget the Fielder talk. Don’t wanna deal with Boras.”
If that’s the case he would be another one season rental. Wren will not deal on Boras’ terms. Dont trade for Fielder.
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
5:35 pm
Stoned Mountain -
Funny name, by the way.
More long distance hitting? OK. But what this team needs most is speed. Speed doesn’t slump. Speed gets you to more balls in the outfield, speeds destroys pitcher concentration, speed gets us runs on singles when fast guys are on second. Speed is modern and exciting. Sitting back waiting for homers old, fleeting and boring.
All these things are basically true (except the what this team needs most is speed part), but if you’re concerned with actually winning games, power is what’s more important. No matter how boring it may be.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
5:36 pm
Well, that sucks. If I don’t have work tomorrow, they need to let me know tonight. I don’t want to wake up tomorrow then find out. I know schools and universities ae closed tomorrow.
monty
September 21st, 2009
5:36 pm
I haven’t heard much mention about Diaz being trade bait but it only makes sense if you trade for a big bopper to play LF or CF with Heyward coming on to play RF at some point next year. McLouth could move to LF if we get a CF. But either way Diaz could start for some team and hit.300 with 20 HR’s.(think of Josh Willingham) If we don’t get an OF then Diaz goes to LF when Heyward comes up. If we don’t get a big bopper in the OF then that leaves 1b, Adam will likely hit 25-30 next year, only an Adrian Gonzales type would hit more.It would also be nice to have a replacement for Chipper waiting in the wings someone with pop who could fill in and not be a power drain when Chipper isn’t in the lineup. Someone who could play 40 games and us not miss a beat power wise.
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
5:36 pm
cabravesfan – I’m filling a suitcase with rainwater to bring out with me…maybe that will help…wait, what if it goes over the weight limit?
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
5:36 pm
cabravesfan, did they rush the passer well yesterday? I don’t get to watch the games because I live on the East Coast, but I heard via Maicco and Barrows blog that they had trouble keeping Kerney away from Hill. I wanted a Right Tackle this past offseason, and I hope that is something they target this upcoming offseason. I like Snyder, but I just think he fits better at guard.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
5:37 pm
Isn’t Jair Jurrjens a Boras client –
uuhhhhh ohhhhhhh
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:38 pm
There ain’t no elephant in here.
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
5:39 pm
I’m no Chone Figgins expert, but I think he’s Omar Infante with speed
And no glove…guy cannot play the infield at all
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
5:41 pm
Is Laroche starting?
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
5:41 pm
And no glove…guy cannot play the infield at all
Really? But I was made to believe that speed alone makes one a good defender…or is that just talk from folks who didn’t play?
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
5:41 pm
jeffrey d – lol
http://www.clker.com/cliparts/f/f/4/4/121617897960609915lemmling_2D_cartoon_elephant.svg.hi.png
There is now
Katie
September 21st, 2009
5:41 pm
Just read Bradley’s 5 guys he would want to replace Bobby. Any (intelligent) thoughts on that?
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:42 pm
Just checked Jair Jurrjens on Wikipedia to check that he’s a Boras client (he is)
Poor guy is pictured with Corky
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
5:42 pm
I wanted a Right Tackle this past offseason
SO DID I!!! As soon as the Crabtree pick was announced I sent a text to my cousin (a die hard 49ers fan who grew up in the Bay Area) that would not be suitable for a family-or-McFann-friendly blog…WE NEED O-LINE HELP!!! (OK sorry for the rant!)
Hill was sacked 4 times but at least one was his own fault (stepped right into the rusher)…they looked much better but still aren’t throwing much downfield- it will come
glove51
September 21st, 2009
5:43 pm
“Just read Bradley’s 5 guys he would want to replace Bobby. Any (intelligent) thoughts on that?”
Out of the guys listed, I’d pick Oquendo.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
5:43 pm
jeffrey d Wasn’t it?? It kept me up for about 2 hours. Drove the dog crazy too.
Kept me up for close 5 hours, I think…eh, maybe like 3.5–I dozed off a few times…
The Bird slept through it (well, he might have been awake, but the important thing is he didn’t have a freak-out), and the Gerbil likes storms, so he was prob’ly up playing the whole time.
Soph The yard seems to be going underwater.
Same here…
I heard the thunder last night but I actually fell back asleep. Normally, I’d be wide-awake.
I’m always awake during thunder (doze a little bit)…hate hate hate it! It was right on top of us…
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:43 pm
Speaking of speed making guys incredible players, what’s Josh Anderson up to?
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
5:43 pm
RE: 49ers
Seattle had 4 sacks yesterday…Hill ain’t gunna last long if that keeps up.
Vikings game is goin to be a tough one…Down with Brett Farve
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
5:44 pm
jeffrey d–Cot’s lists the player’s agents on the spreadsheet feature if they have ‘em. It’s a good place to check.
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
5:45 pm
I wasn’t blown away by any of Bradley’s picks, mainly b/c I’d rather Cox come back next year. That being said, picking a would be successor to the Red Sox or Cardinals is not a bad place to look. We have fallen off a bit the last few years, but with our rising talent and our history, we should have no problem getting the best manager available.
Jake W.
September 21st, 2009
5:45 pm
“True, but Kelly Johnson is the better upside play than Prado. And I really don’t think he’s more of a bust potential than Prado. I’m just saying you lose a really valuable commodity if you get rid of Johnson, a left-handed hitting middle infielder with power potential and plate discipline. And it’d be stupid to just get rid of him just because you want to save $3 million. Odds are you’re better off economically if you keep Johnson and cash him in for either on-field value or trade value later.”
But thats assuming that you are currently looking for a longterm solution at second. I don’t think that is what the braves are doing which is why I said Prado would be good there for next season. He could turn out to be a longterm solution but nobody knows that so take it one year at the time with that position. We have seen how trying to play musical outfielders has not helped us so I think the braves would rather invest more money into finding a longer term solution out there than the one-year thing that they have done with Kotsay and now Anderson. Our infield is pretty productive. Especially if we can keep LaRoche next season. Our outfield though has problems.
And it would not be stupid to let KJ walk. The braves aren’t financially strapped liked the marlins but they still have to be smart with their investments. They can not afford to wait out another season to see if KJ puts its together. Not if they want to improve offensively at other positions. They can however afford to see if Prado pans out. Thats my opinion though. They could choose to give KJ another chance.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:46 pm
Turtles, birds, gerbils, etc….
Is anybody else picturing McFann’s house to look like Ace Ventura’s?
http://thecia.com.au/reviews/a/images/ace-ventura-pet-detective-5.jpg
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
5:46 pm
Nova Scotia Steve-
ShaunHill is tough- he’ll hold up ok (and if Frank Gore keeps running like that sacks won’t be much of a problem
)
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
5:47 pm
RE: Turtles, birds, gerbils, etc….
Be even funnier if the Braves were on in the background…
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
5:47 pm
If we add another power bat + Heyward, I think Ted Turner could manage to 2010 Braves into the playoffs.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:48 pm
Or an elephant
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
5:49 pm
I know I’m not alone when I say that I hope we keep the same starting pitching in tact heading into 2010. So, why not resign LaRoche, Gonzo and go out and get a guy like Mike Cameron? If Heyward isn’t on the team coming out of ST, then they could plug Diaz is LF, Nate in CF and Cameron in RF. It gives them plenty of options and is very doable.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
5:50 pm
Why would Ted Turner manage the Braves?
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
5:50 pm
RE: Or an elephant
Worthy adversary
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
5:50 pm
VJ-
By all means bring your rain water! My lawn is getting crunchy…
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
5:50 pm
Nova Scotia Steve and cabravesfan, I think they will have to throw downfield at some point. I like that Singletary is making them more of a physical smashmouth team, but you need to air it out to put up some serious points. Josh Morgan has to be more involved. What’s your takes on Haralson? I’m a big fan, from what I’ve seen and read.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
5:50 pm
jeffrey d–
NSS Be even funnier if the Braves were on in the background…
Totally…Animals + Braves = McFann heaven.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
5:51 pm
Mike Cameron would be a nice pick-up
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
5:51 pm
JJ is a Boras client, but that’s a bit down the road.
monty
September 21st, 2009
5:52 pm
Daslied
My comments about KJ were not directed at anything you said about him, just how I feel. I supported KJ early on this year at the beginning of his slide(he’s a hitting machine when he is on)but too often for me it seems like someone pulls the plug on the machine! I enjoy reading your comments!!
Space Monkey
September 21st, 2009
5:53 pm
Impact power is essential, but we also really need impact speed. This team couldn’t win a 100-meter dash against a squad of senior citizens.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
5:53 pm
CBF–the only IF position Figgins is above-average at (according to UZR) is 3B. Below-average at all OF positions…
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
5:53 pm
So, why not resign LaRoche, Gonzo and go out and get a guy like Mike Cameron?
I’m for resigning Laroche, but Cameron isn’t the big basher I was thinking. His age might show at some point.
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
5:53 pm
obviously being facetious on bringing Ted to The Ted, though it would certainly be entertaining. just making the point that if we add some O, even the mouth of the south could get us into october.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
5:54 pm
Impact power is essential, but we also really need impact speed. This team couldn’t win a 100-meter dash against a squad of senior citizens.
I would write this as “impact power is essential; impact speed is a luxury.” Impact speed is nice, but not a necessity.
nolie
September 21st, 2009
5:54 pm
if he cant maybe Conrad. (UNB)
that had to be the most amazing 34 at bats in the history of baseball
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
5:55 pm
Efrim-
Big fan of Harleson, big fan of Justin Smith, Pat Willis may already be the best middle linebacker in the NFL. I really like the way the D is looking…
I agree they will need to air it out- Morgan & Davis need to be more involved in the offense but Singletary made it clear they will be a run first team and so far that seems to be working
Lew
September 21st, 2009
5:55 pm
scoots-Certainly not for Prince Fielder anyway.
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
5:56 pm
cabravesfan – I might not have room for Yumi if I do that…
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
5:57 pm
Steve-
I’m assuming that means you are agreeing with me? He’s terrible in the field
nolie
September 21st, 2009
5:57 pm
What say the people on Chone Figgins? (ARIZ)
not until he learns to spell his first name correctly, actually not then either
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
5:58 pm
VJ-
Fed Ex her
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
5:58 pm
Yeah, I’m agreeing w/you, CBF. You say he sucks and so do the stats…what more do I need? LOL!
(My first comment was extreme sarcasm)
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
5:58 pm
cabravesfan, I’m certainly happy with the results. Moving in the right direction is all I am hoping for. I love the progress of Staley too.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
5:58 pm
No on Figgins, in case you hadn’t already figgered it out…
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
6:00 pm
Efrim, I just don’t know for sure how much cash they’ll have left if they sign LaRoche and Gonzo on top of Lowe/KK/Javy/CJ heavy contracts so a guy like Cameron who won’t cost top prospects and a lot of money might be their best best. Think… LaRoche and McLouth for a full season and McCann and CJ almost have to improve their numbers from ‘09, you would think.
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
6:01 pm
Steve-
Forgive me if I’m a bit slow- it’s Monday…
Efrim-
Staley has turned into a very good player- glad the 49ers had the sense to lock him up for a while (and while we are on teh subject of positive moves- Jed York has been brilliant since he took over the day to day operations of the team…nice to see someone in the family has Eddie’s smarts because his sister clearly didn’t get them!)
BravesfaninWis
September 21st, 2009
6:01 pm
I feel not one ounce of pit for the Braves and here is why.. They had a very realistic shot at landing a power bat in the form of Adam Dunn.. They had the chance and passed to go after a less expensive, less productive bat in Garrett Anderson.. So with that gamble here is where we sit.. Dunn would have given Chipper the protection he needed, and perhaps we could be talking different numbers for Chipper had Adam Dunn been lurking in the cleanup spot..
The thing is, the Braves don’t do the right things at the right times.. Trading for LaRoche was smart.. Kotchman is not a power hitter, and LaRoche’s defense is right up there as well.. Will they keep LaRoche or rush the young Freeman along just because he will be cheaper? It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they do the latter just to save some money even though Freeman is not proven against ML pitching..
The one big reason I heard the Braves were passing on Dunn is because of his defense.. Sadly, they went after a older and perhaps slower version of Adam Dunn just because he was cheaper.. So right there is the main reason I could care less that the Braves will not make the playoffs.. The Braves FO had the chance to bring in a proven power bat like Dunn, and they failed.. Maybe this winter they will finally get it right.. Imagine this year what it would have looked like after the trade deadline..
1. Nate McLouth- CF
2. Martin Prado – 2B
3. Chipper Jones -3B
4. Adam Dunn – LF
5. Brian McCann -C
6. Adam LaRoche – 1B
7. Yunel Escobar – SS
8. Diaz/Church – RF
9. Pitcher
Oh what could have been..
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
6:05 pm
If its “No” on Figgins, then do we look for a power hitter or a speed guy? Discussions on the month to month numbers of Prado and KJ seem trivial and boring. Kelly is gone with that salary number and Prado stays with his. Come on people, let’s get a creative.
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
6:05 pm
1. Nate McLouth- CF
2. Martin Prado – 2B
3. Chipper Jones -3B
4. Adam Dunn – LF
5. Brian McCann -C
6. Adam LaRoche – 1B
7. Yunel Escobar – SS
8. Diaz/Church – RF
9. Pitcher
That team’s defense is SO bad. Like, really bad. Not a single plus defender except your SS and half of your RF platoon. Of course, the other half of the platoon is very bad. And your Catcher is not so great. And your 3B is aging and having a terrible time with the glove. And your 2B is average at best. And your CF is below-average. And your LF is one of the worst defensive players in the game. And your 1B is average at best.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
6:06 pm
Kawakami is on standby to start if Lowe has any problem with that finger warming up. Kawakami will go to the bullpen with Lowe when he goes to warm up, and will be ready to step in if necessary….
Hanson will make his next turn. He’s getting an extra day of rest with the off day Thursday, plus only went five innings because of the rain delay yesterday….
LaRoche is back in lineup. Came in today and told Cox, “Put me in.”
LINEUP
1. McLouth
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Escobar
6. Anderson
7. LaRoche
8. Diaz
9. Lowe
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
6:08 pm
Like Lazarus rising from the dead, certain bloggers keep coming back after saying goodbye until next year…
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
6:08 pm
Thanks for the lineup, Chief.
Bay Area Steve
September 21st, 2009
6:10 pm
All this football talk on a Braves blog is ridiculous; have a little respect, people.
Oh wait, it’s about the 49ers?
NINERS
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
6:10 pm
One of this team’s biggest systematic weaknesses that largely gets overlooked is the fact that they are very bad at playing defense. I expect Chipper to get better next year (to a tolerable level), Yunel too (to the GG level). That’s about it. They can’t afford to be adding DH’s and trying to stick them in LF or at 1B.
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
6:12 pm
Love it, Roachie. Way to man up and get on the field!
Roman Gal
September 21st, 2009
6:12 pm
It would not surprise me at all if the Braves pull a “Hansen” next year with Hayworth.
This gave me a good chuckle…especially since Hansen is a porn star and Hayworth is a femme fatale.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
6:13 pm
Like Lazarus rising from the dead, certain bloggers keep coming back after saying goodbye until next year…
Yes, JUST like Lazarus
VACommonwealthBravo
September 21st, 2009
6:13 pm
DOB channels Yoda. “Lack of pure power bats, they have in common along with stellar starting pitching.” All this needed was a tweak and a finishing “they do” (oh, and read in your best Yoda voice, of course). See?
“Lack of pure power bats, have in common along with stellar starting pitching, they do [Yoda laugh].”
Nice. May the force be with the Braves.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
6:14 pm
Dear Lord,
3 things we pray….
To give Chipper more power, so that the bloggers don’t sour.
Give Bobby a brain, so we all don’t go insane.
And find a trade partner for Lowe, cause he sure does blow.
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
6:15 pm
That was hilarious, Arizona Brave.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
6:18 pm
Can I get an “Amen”?
Danga
September 21st, 2009
6:21 pm
Yeah…It seems our philosophy doesn’t have much of a philosophy behind it at all. The don’t defend well. They are not fast. They don’t hit for power. Seems like if we were going to field a lineup of .280 hitters with 12 homers we could have gotten some great defense out of the deal.
Danga
September 21st, 2009
6:21 pm
*lineup that is.
Mike in VA
September 21st, 2009
6:23 pm
DOB – Have you heard any rumors of anyone that we may be looking at as a power hitter for next season? (Bay, Dunn, etc.) Also I saw in a trade rumor article that the Braves could be interested in Billy Wagner if we loose Gonzo and Soriano. His stats, since he came back don’t look too bad, heard anything about this? On another note, Chipper did look a whole lot better at the plate yesterday.
Russ
September 21st, 2009
6:23 pm
Bradley referred to the Braves outscoring their opponents by 74 runs this year which should have resulted in more wins. Baseball Prospectus confirms his opinion in their Pythagaport standings to a degree. Given their run differential, the Braves should be 83 – 66 which would still put them two games behind the Phillies and one game behind the Rockies in the wild card standings.
While I believe that Bobby has had a bad year, the team should have signed a big bat like Adam Dunn instead of Garret Anderson in the offseason. Joe Sheehan of BP had a great article last week that compared Dunn to Anderson. Dunn would have been worth approximately 5 additional wins for the Braves this year. With Dunn, better managing and a little more luck, the Braves would be in the playoffs this year. Let’s hope that we don’t make a similar mistake this offseason.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
6:29 pm
And who’s gonna pay for the $18 million differential between Dunn and Garret’s contracts? You?
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
6:30 pm
Regarding Lowe… it could be worse. We could be stuck with injury prone Burnett and his contract. Try trading that guy. The only thing he has on Lowe is his K’s, but that wouldn’t make up for all his negatives.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
6:31 pm
One of this team’s biggest systematic weaknesses that largely gets overlooked is the fact that they are very bad at playing defense. I expect Chipper to get better next year (to a tolerable level), Yunel too (to the GG level).
Absolutely! Our defense has been very bad this year (I think we’re in the 20-somethings in defensive efficiency?). Chipper will do better next year and I think if he is free of his hip flexor stuff Yunel will improve too. When Heyward arrives, he (should) play plus D in right. And in a perfect world, Schafer plays CF at some point and McLouth moves to left, giving three + defensive OF. Or just sign Matt Holliday, LOL!
Gotta get Marteen on P90X like Matty D…
varoadrunner
September 21st, 2009
6:31 pm
Is Brian McCann really that good of a catcher? I love him. I want him as a Brave. But does he have to catch? We need him fresh and inthe lineup everyday. What are we paying David Ross? He seems to be a better catcher than mac – I say that from a defensive standpoint and not from a ‘handling of piptchers” perpective – although I’m not sure that Ross isn’t as good there also. We need to find a new position for McCann. Has he ever played anything but catcher? First base? Maybe he is our answer at first base and find us a couple of outfielders. Another year of Anderson in the outfield and I will commit Hari cari – or is it harry carry?
Diaz has been great but still comes across as streaky. KJ is another Franceour. Get him out of Atlanta and he’ll be fine. Far too much pressure now. he lost his position and cna’t get the edge back.
Get us outfield bats. How long have we begged?
NEW CARS
September 21st, 2009
6:34 pm
Fielder is the wrong Brewer IMO…I would love to see Ryan Braun in leftfield batting cleanup….Whether its Braun or someone else, we have got to find a consistent major league right handed bat to put in the middle of the lineup. How about a Lowe for Dye or Konerko trade
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
6:34 pm
Steve – This Cot’s site is great
NO MORE BOBBY
September 21st, 2009
6:36 pm
curtis jones
This should be Frank Wren’s shopping list:
1. A new manager.
2. A leadoff guy with speed, who can reach base, steal, and play good defense in the OF.
3. A true cleanup hitter to play 1B..hopefully better than LaRoche.
4. A reliable closer.
5. A defensive upgrade in RF…I’m thinking Jason Heyward.
2010 lineup
1 Speed guy CF
2 Prado 2B
3 Escobar SS
4 Power guy 1B
5 McCann C
6 McLouth/Diaz LF
7 C Jones 3B
8 Heyward RF
I think the new players should have those names on back of their jersey – Speedy Guy and Power Guy. That would be awesome!
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
6:36 pm
The world’s tallest man was on field before game. He’s 8-foot-1, they said. From Turkey, about 26, but looks older.
It was sad, really. He can’t walk without brace/crutch supports that he holds in his massive, gnarled hands. Until he straightens up, which he doesn’t do much, he’s probably about 7-6. He stood for about 10-15 minutes, with his braces for support, then had to sit back down a while before walking.
It’s a sideshow. I’m assuming that’s how he makes a living, just going around and making appearances like this. He had on a Mets cap and jersey.
Jerome did a little segment with him for the broadcast (the guy had an interpreter). He absolutely towered over Jerome, who’s about 6-5 or 6-6.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
6:37 pm
Angel Villalona: “Soy inocente!”
I can see it now…
Ross: “Hey kid, be sure not to throw this guy inside.”
Medlen: “Why, good inside hitter?”
Ross: “No, he killed the last guy who did it.”
Medlen: [Sh!ts pants]
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
6:38 pm
Fielder? Braun? Is crazy trades season starting early?? Or did it just never end?
Someone on here had a good quote around the trade deadline – Other GMs aren’t waking up saying “I wonder how I can help the Braves out today?”
People don’t want Lowe’s giant contract. People aren’t going to overvalue KJ because he had a great second half last year. Put simply, other teams don’t want our garbage/baggage
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
6:38 pm
varoadrunner We need to find a new position for McCann.
No, we don’t.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
6:40 pm
RE: McFann – No, we don’t. -
lol
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
6:42 pm
And other teams aren’t going to give up a guy like Braun. It’d be like us trading Hanson and McCann
Katie
September 21st, 2009
6:42 pm
DOB-
I saw the world’s tallest man on the news the other day. I agree with you that it’s sad, and it seems pretty distasteful to have him at a baseball game just for entertainment
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
6:42 pm
Mike in VA: Too early for that, at least as far as hearing names. None being bandied about yet.
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
6:42 pm
jeffrey d – have you not learned that logic has no place on the blog? (at least for 1 or 2 or 56 of our compadres)
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
6:44 pm
Or just sign Matt Holliday, LOL!
That would be nice, and that’s a player I am comfortable giving up a first round selection and a nice chunk of change for.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
6:45 pm
I know that logic isn’t exactly a cornerstone of our blog…it just got so old seeing
“Hey I got an idea! How about we package KJ, Boyer, and JoJo for Halladay??”
Decent Call
September 21st, 2009
6:47 pm
I don’t always agree with every single opinion DOB throws out there but today’s column is spot on.
Even though I know that LaRoche has produced like a champ since returning to the Braves, something just doesn’t feel right with Chipper lobbying for the Braves to re-sign him. It’s a conflict of interest.
Chipper obviously likes having his best bud and business partner on the team and I don’t think I actually fault him for that. I just don’t know if signing LaRoche long term would be a good idea due to the reasons listed by DOB.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
6:47 pm
“Hey I got an idea! How about we package KJ, Boyer, and JoJo for Halladay??”
That’s a good start, but we may have to throw in Norton to complete the deal. If I were Wren, I’d take a hard line and make Norton untouchable though.
braves fan14
September 21st, 2009
6:48 pm
Does anyone have a link 2 watch 2nites game?
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
6:49 pm
jeffrey d – but you’re the type of person who serious fans such as myself despise because you discuss non-essentials such as your Bulldogs. I am always totally serious and focused on making the Braves better based on my trenchant observations…
Chop Chop
September 21st, 2009
6:49 pm
Looks to me like the world’s tallest man wants the attention.
I don’t blame the dude. He might as well make as much money as he can off of it.
Il Cattivo
September 21st, 2009
6:50 pm
The METS are a circus themselves. Seems only fitting they would have the world’s tallest man as a sideshow.
OKGA
September 21st, 2009
6:51 pm
Offer LaRoche a 2 year deal & see what happens. Personally I don’t even think Freeman will be ready in 2011. But why rush him anyway? I’d like to see the Braves let Gonzo & Soriano walk, sign Billy Wagner (anyone know how much he’s asking for?) & let Moylan, Valdez, and Kawakami battle it out for 8th inning guy.
Look at the Braves lineup & rotation. They’ve got a decent team. So why is it that they are just so streaky and inconsistent? I think you have to look at Bobby Cox to find the answer for all the floundering.
bruce
September 21st, 2009
6:52 pm
my guess is Chipper’s bat improvement is due to rest (due to injury) which gives him his bat speed back and more periodic rest during the season is needed to keep him being Chipper… let Chipper be Chipper.
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
6:53 pm
LOL @ steve and jeffrey d
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
6:56 pm
jeffrey d – you also failed to mention what trade we would use to bring Boyer back to us… I think a majority of our brethren would favor sending Chipper to bring Blaine back…
Arizona Brave
September 21st, 2009
6:59 pm
I’m thinking we could trade Heyward to get the actor who plays Mahoney in the Buffalo Wild Wings commercial. That guy had movement on his “fastball.”
Chop Chop
September 21st, 2009
6:59 pm
I’d trade Chipper for Blaine Boyer, but only if the D-Backs will pick Chipper’s entire contract.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
7:01 pm
No, we don’t.
Oh, McFann.
You handled that very well. I’m impressed.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
7:03 pm
Soon as we see Laborin’ Lowe look down at his thumb, call it a night on watching Braves baseball and pop in a good movie.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:05 pm
Maybe Atlanta will have to start giving Chipper regular rest…something like the Yankees have done with Arod this year.
One day off every 7 days…plus mixed in off days in the schedule.
Russ
September 21st, 2009
7:05 pm
Jeffery D – Dunn’s salary this year was $8 million and Anderson made $2.5 million per ESPN.com. For an extra $5.5 million, the Braves would have been 5 wins better and right in the thick of the playoff race. The added ticket sales from a closer race along with the huge payoff from actually making the playoffs would have made the Braves much more than the $5.5 million difference.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
7:06 pm
I’d like to see the Braves let Gonzo & Soriano walk, sign Billy Wagner (anyone know how much he’s asking for?)
Not sure how much Wagner will be asking for, but you realize that we’d give up our first round pick for a 38 year old relief pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery. Matt Holliday? Sure, sign me up. But not for Billy Wagner. Not unless we were set on offering arbitration to Soriano and Gonzo, and sure they weren’t going to accept it.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
7:06 pm
What to do about 1B? Poll added to original blog. Check it out
CB
September 21st, 2009
7:10 pm
Chop Chop,I did fall in love with the worlds leggiest woman.lol
Soph
September 21st, 2009
7:12 pm
Yeah, jeffrey, don’t you know anything?. Just an extra $5.5 mil. I mean if we got Dunn we would’ve sold out every single game and he would’ve singlehandedly carried us to the playoffs. Duh.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
7:13 pm
I’d really like to see Escobar hit 2nd next year.(or leadoff) Guy has a .380 OBP. With the lack of power bats in the lineup, I understand why they wanted to hit him lower because he has been so good in RBI spots. But hopefully, they add a power bat so it enables BC to hit him there.
Chop Chop
September 21st, 2009
7:13 pm
Is the Verducci Effect just another one of those mysterious statistics that some nerd just made up to taint/ruin our love of scrapitude and guts?
I think so.
Tommy Hanson’s thrown 180 pro innings this season. His previous career high was 138 IP last season. I don’t know about you, but want two more starts for this kid. I want him to throw two complete games. I don’t care if his arm explodes on the mound. F*** it. We’re going to send a message to the NL for 2010.
What message is that?
“We do not care if our pitchers’ arms explode. Suck it, haters.”
TO NEW YORK FANS
September 21st, 2009
7:13 pm
It sure is funny how people who are fans of teams in the northeast always make fun of Braves fans for being bad fans and only showing up when the team is winning yet in watching the Mets game tonight, I see maybe 20,000 in the seats. Gee, where is everyone? Could it have something to do with the Mets being terrible? I don’t care what city you are in, if the team is doing bad, the fans won’t show. It is not only in Atlanta and that includes Yankees fans!
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:14 pm
Sac Fly = Chipper
Chop Chop
September 21st, 2009
7:15 pm
There’s a missing “I” in that last comment. See if you can find it. If you can’t, just put an “I” somewhere and make it more interesting.
braves fan14
September 21st, 2009
7:16 pm
Any links 2 watch tonites game?
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:17 pm
soph – well said
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
7:17 pm
Tommy Hanson’s thrown 180 pro innings this season. His previous career high was 138 IP last season.
Add in his AFL innings, and it’s 166, Chop Chop.
We need a 21-inning marathon for Hanson’s next start. Gut it out, Tommy.
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
7:17 pm
Chop Chop -
I’d trade Chipper for Blaine Boyer, but only if the D-Backs will pick up Chipper’s entire contract.
Why? He’s been worth his money this year and if he’s exactly as bad or good–whatever you want to call it. Perhaps I should’ve said if he’s exactly as valuable–as he has been this year during 2010–aka worth his contract–he’s going to hang it up. It’s a win win.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
7:18 pm
How ’bout that Misch-Thole battery?
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
7:19 pm
Chipper is about as effective as Reid Gorecki at this point.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
7:19 pm
Boo-yah!!
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
I see Escobar ran that one out – ahem
Soph
September 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
Way to hustle, Esco.
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
Great hustle, Yunel!
David..(Athens, AL)
September 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
nice hustle by Escobar
Katie
September 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
dang GA
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
Beautiful swing loaf
Chop Chop
September 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
Pat Misch is awful.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
Loaf!
Yay!
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
Wow, GA!!!!
Katie
September 21st, 2009
7:22 pm
nice smile from Loaf
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
7:22 pm
CRUSHED. Wow. Might be of the longer balls hit here in the first season. Upper tank in right.
BravesFanChris24
September 21st, 2009
7:22 pm
LOAF!
MattyRoss
September 21st, 2009
7:22 pm
Holy crap. Nice hit, GA.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
7:22 pm
Hey, this inning rules! Waytago, GA!!
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
Why in hell is GA hitting ahead of LaRoche, anyway?
StingerSplash
September 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
DOB,
Was that Tar River flood 10 years ago the one that came as a result of Hurricane Floyd? I was living and working in that part of the world then. Lemme tell ya … Floyd inhaled vigorously.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
Whooopie (Sarcasm)!
The Braves Awfense Shows up against the AAA mets…Where was this style of offense over last weekend…?
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
Soph You handled that very well. I’m impressed.
Thanks!
Chop Chop
September 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
Pat Misch doesn’t even get lefties out, so my guess is that this 28-year-old waste of flesh is going to have a difficult time making the 2010 New York Mets.
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
And why exactly couldn’t we do that just one inning ago? You know, like, the 9th inning yesterday?
They do this every time. I swear, it drives me crazy.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:25 pm
4-0 lead for D-Lowe again…? Why am I getting flashbacks…?
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
7:25 pm
How ’bout that Misch-Thole battery?
What’s the big deal with this Thole guy? Joe and Chip were going on about him last week–they said his name every chance they got! It was annoying…What’s up?
Thats ok Lowe will give the Mets those runs back
September 21st, 2009
7:25 pm
Cause his Sanker Ball aint gonna Sank tonite
CB
September 21st, 2009
7:25 pm
Chop Chop, no we are “THAT” good.
rico43
September 21st, 2009
7:25 pm
Admit it — Garret Anderson has given the Braves pretty much what everyone hoped and expected when he was signed. Offense and defense. I give Wren props for getting him late, but in no way does he return.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
7:25 pm
Whooopie (Sarcasm)!
The Braves Awfense Shows up against the AAA mets…
Damned if they do, damned if they don’t, huh?
Dear Florida and Alabama:
September 21st, 2009
7:25 pm
Come get your water.
Signed, Georgia
David..(Athens, AL)
September 21st, 2009
7:28 pm
Dear Florida and Alabama, good comment!!!!!!!
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
7:29 pm
The correct answer to the poll is:
Offer LaRoche a two-year deal, and consider trading him in 2011 if Freeman’s ready by then
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
7:30 pm
Nice play by Prado.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
Well done by Prado. Difficult play.
Dear Georgia
September 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
Considering I don’t remember the last day it didn’t rain, I would say that we have plenty. But thanks anyway.
Signed, Alabama
Chop Chop
September 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
Ballgame.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
Nice play by MP!
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:34 pm
MattE!!!!!
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
7:34 pm
Is this Matt Diaz guy for real?
Mid Town Joe
September 21st, 2009
7:34 pm
Vinings Jim
How’s the ‘Hooche doing behind Lovett Academy?
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
7:35 pm
Tell you what, in the Braves’ visits here, the ballpark has not been an impediment to home runs.
Diaz just equaled his career high with 12, by the way.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
7:35 pm
So……a Diaz/Church platoon wouldn’t be THAT bad, would it? Maybe Diaz/Heyward in RF and a free agent in LF?
BravesFanChris24
September 21st, 2009
7:35 pm
Matt
NO MORE BOBBY
September 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Did anyone else see the lady in stands with a REHAB tee on downing a beer? Ha!
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
“Remember in the spring, when several Braves players and GM Frank Wren all talked about how this team didn’t have a 30-40 homer hitter, but had at least a handful of guys capable of hitting 15 to 25 homers?”
Who were those players and what were they on…? Especially depending on the Reincarnated Francoeur….
Matty D with a 410 footer
Where The Hell was this offense over the weekend…?
And don’t give me that “Blame It On The Rain Crap!”
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Now would be a good time to power down and start studying (again) if it wasn’t so darn entertaining…
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Can we just keep playing the Mets?
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Yay, Matty!!
Salamander
September 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Nothing like playing the Mets when its time to lick some wounds.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
DOB
If Matty Diaz plays every day…ya gotta think he’s got 20 HR potential
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:37 pm
MidTown Joe – I might not want to eat at Canoe tonight, unless I had one…
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:37 pm
Can we make “Bailout Ballpark” the home of the Braves? The braves Awfense has Clowned here this season…
I think they have outhomered the Mess at a 3-1 ration in this park if not worse…?
CB
September 21st, 2009
7:38 pm
Efrim,if you tried to platoon Heyward, Rob from SC would croak.
BRAVESMAN29
September 21st, 2009
7:38 pm
Pat Misch in FRench means “batting practice pitcher!
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Daniel Murphey… bad.
FIRE BAD!
David..(Athens, AL)
September 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
WOW!!!!
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Warning track power – plus some!
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
WOW!
BravesFanChris24
September 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Larry Larry Larry ~_~
Mid Town Joe
September 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Beating the Mets this time of year, well……………it’s like beating the Braves this time of year.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Thanks Hoss for the Meaningless homer…!
We needed that 6 weeks ago…!
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Damn it Chipper, stop swinging at the first pitch!!
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Listen to it. Can you hear that? That’s the sound of the Mets fans booing Larry. And I love it!
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
7:40 pm
Wow. Batting practice.
NO MORE BOBBY
September 21st, 2009
7:40 pm
Get 8 more so Bobby cant screw it up!!
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:40 pm
CB –
Bad Scooter
September 21st, 2009
7:40 pm
Chipper Jones, ladies and gentlemen
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
I say the boo’s are more directed at Misch then Chipper at this point
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
Aw…don’t take him out.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
Chipper has as many extra-base hits (two) in the past two games as he had in his previous 31 games.
That was his first homer of the month.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
It seems like the Mess are the only AAA team that the braves have clowned all season…
“Los Amazins” are a Mess” It’s gonna take 2 years for them to get back into contention
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
7:42 pm
DANGIT!! Take some pitches…
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:42 pm
Thank goodness we still have sensible bloggers who use this occasion to bash Chipper…
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
7:43 pm
Efrim,if you tried to platoon Heyward, Rob from SC would croak.
Yup, he certainly would. But honestly, Diaz is just too valuable against left handed pitching. He destroys them. There really isn’t anything wrong with a platoon. Could be very effective.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
7:43 pm
Shoot…why the devil did they take that Misch out? Idiots…
ChurchMan
September 21st, 2009
7:43 pm
how often is it that a DOB titled article goes WITH the Braves and not against?
“Braves need power to complement pitching”
lets just hope Lowe doesn’t need all 8 of these in order to win.
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
7:43 pm
Talk about batting practice.
Does this game actually count? This isn’t even fair. I hope I’m not going to regret having said that.
Come on Chipper.
Jeff R
September 21st, 2009
7:44 pm
DOB, Trotting out the 8′ 1″ guy from Turkey is kind of sad. But I guess it pays his bills.
Braves need a power bat, for certain, but it would be nice to add a legit leadoff hitter. I think that’s less likely and less doable. McLoth is serviceable leading off, but not the best in the role.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:44 pm
Anyone think Matty should get a chance to earn an everyday spot at Spring Training in 2010…dude deserves it…again.
philly birds
September 21st, 2009
7:45 pm
Enter your comments here If we could of only done this against the World Champs.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:45 pm
…Annnnnddd it begins…
JK
CB
September 21st, 2009
7:46 pm
To all the bloggers who are not happy even with a win, go out to dinner on me. Its a Visa and the number is BR 549.
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
7:46 pm
My TV’s a little slow here.
I can’t be sure but I believe that was a Chipper Jones homerun.
Blue
September 21st, 2009
7:47 pm
Lowe’s slider is terrible.
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
7:47 pm
Good old Jeff Francoeur.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:47 pm
Good ol Thole
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 21st, 2009
7:48 pm
Braves ONLY score 8 runs in 2 innings against this AA pitcher?!?!?!
Thats ridiculous!!
RHR
September 21st, 2009
7:48 pm
1st – I’ve been looking at pics and reading about this flood for the last hour or so. Wow. I’ve never seen anything that widespread. Hope all the denziens are alright.
2nd – Chipper!
3rd – I forgot. Oh yeah. Jeff still swinging at 1st pitches.
Finally
September 21st, 2009
7:48 pm
Chippy musta got back on his PEDS.
Finally
September 21st, 2009
7:50 pm
Thanks Hoss for the Meaningless homer…!
We needed that 6 weeks ago… (Tomahawkin’)
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried about the Perverbial Elephant in the Room
September 21st, 2009
7:51 pm
Anyone know that Kondike bars have a thicker more choclaty shell???
Sheessshhh….
Imagine what people are going to be doing for them now….
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
CB – I’m happy with the win, so I just ordered pizza delivery with your number – thanks!
Mid Town Joe
September 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
CB take a chill pill. The Braves have been on a roller coaster ride this season, and so have their fans.
Nova Scotia Steve - Wants a Perverbial Klondike Bar
September 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
StingerSplash: That was it. Hurricane Floyd. I couldn’t remember exact year. It took out all the houses on the whole lower part of the street, basically. We lived in that house 10 or 11 years and the water only got up to the edge of our yard a couple of times. But with Floyd, it was literally on the roof.
Mid Town Joe
September 21st, 2009
7:53 pm
Chipper’s dinger reminds me of 1/2 the dingers Alex Rodriguez has hit in his career.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
One Word I hate what people (Opposing teams fans) say about this team…Is “Business-Like” I have hated that type of play for years and have ever since Deion and Justice left…
CB
September 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
VJ,you are welcome- I am a kind person to all my friends on the blog.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
7:55 pm
Thanks Hoss for the Meaningless homer…!
Ho, sit down before I cut you. Bank on it!
Braves Paisan
September 21st, 2009
7:55 pm
I looked up Prado’s range factor at 2nd, and it is 5.26. If he had played enough games, he would be tied with the major league lead with Matsui. I think he has won the job for next year.
Finally
September 21st, 2009
7:55 pm
Perverbial —Nova
what in the hell is that? Do you want a perverted Klondike bar or a proverbial Klondike bar-whatever either one of them would be.
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
7:56 pm
ok, 5 back with 2 weeks to play. rox have to face carpenter and wainwright this weekend. what are our chances? 5 percent? 1 percent? 0 percent?
CB
September 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
Mid Town Joe- no anger on my part,bro.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
Two hits for Lowe, matching the Mets’ total against him.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:58 pm
I know People on here are ranting on me for bashing Chipper…
But Our Self-Proclaimed Leader needs to be held accountable for this dismal and outerwise underachieving year, Ditto for Bobby
People think he will bounce back next year…The man will be 38 and big leaguers are off the PED’s so what makes people think he will bounce back…?
Not hatin, just stating the obvious…
Finally
September 21st, 2009
7:58 pm
Is “Business-Like” I have hated that type of play for years and have ever since Deion and Justice left… Tomhawkinn
damn, i’m sorry to hear that. Compliments to your team make you mad huh? Truthfully dude. are you over 16? If so, I feel real sorry for your parents. They must be totally embarrassed.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
My parents have had a place on the gulf my entire life and I’ve lived on the river most of my life and I’ve never seen widespread flooding like that. Ive seen hurricane storm surge flooding but even that only a couple miles inland and areas above that were fine.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
Nate-Dawg, you suck. Another meaningless double! Step up!
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
RHR
LOL
It’s not cool when you say those phrases (Joking)
Mid Town Joe
September 21st, 2009
8:00 pm
Flooding is terrible. We went through it here in Central Ga in July of’94, after 27″ of rain in 4 days.
Innocent Bystander
September 21st, 2009
8:01 pm
Aw man, Prado was SOOO close! I’m pulling for 4 runs each inning. Chipper had better drive him in now.
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
8:01 pm
Good thing we got Derek Lowe and they didn’t.
Finally
September 21st, 2009
8:01 pm
Prado has turned into a double machine the last week or so.
Frank Wren
September 21st, 2009
8:02 pm
Tomahawkin is (one of) the village idiots around here. Just ignore him
RHR
September 21st, 2009
8:04 pm
Ok everyone stop talking so I can catch up on the comments .
RHR
September 21st, 2009
8:05 pm
Aw Tomahawkin is entertaining. I like him.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
8:05 pm
Prado has turned into a double machine the last week or so.
Yeah, I know…BMac better start hittin’ some more or Prado’s gonne take over the team lead!
glord1
September 21st, 2009
8:06 pm
Just curious if any of the bloggers that don’t think Prado can be an everyday play ever watch much baseball?
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
8:07 pm
Hey, lay off T-Hawkin’. He doesn’t get mean with anyone and is as big a Braves fan as they come…even if I disagree with a lot of what he says.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
8:07 pm
“Tomahawkin is (one of) the village idiots around here”
Good! There was a team full of Idiots that won the W. Series 5 years ago…
If you don’t like my posts, then either ignore them or then I’ve got 2 words for ya!
Salamander
September 21st, 2009
8:09 pm
Assuming Lowe makes it through 5 (and the bullpen doesn’t collapse), he is going to get to 15 wins – his ugly peripheral stats be damned!
Gotta wonder if JJ or Vazquez reaches 20 wins if they had the kinda luck that Lowe has had this year.
Joe D. loves Marilyn
September 21st, 2009
8:09 pm
BELIEVE…
Not going to hurt me…anyway.
1982 started the season 13 – 0…could this team duplicate that feat…while the Rockies play .583 ball or worse?
Doubt it…but why not BELIEVE…hell, the Dawgs and Falcons don’t play until the weekend…and it won’t cost me anything, anyway!
Sign LaRoche…and Gonzales…let Soriano go…too much of a head case (IMO…). Heyward in right…and Diaz has earned the left field spot…(winter ball…learn to play better Dfense)…
Bobby Cox…not a bad time to bow out, gracefully…
STILL CONTINUING TO BELIEVE…
Rob from SC
September 21st, 2009
8:10 pm
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
7:43 pm
Efrim,if you tried to platoon Heyward, Rob from SC would croak.
Yup, he certainly would. But honestly, Diaz is just too valuable against left handed pitching. He destroys them. There really isn’t anything wrong with a platoon. Could be very effective.
THe way to go is to trade for a power hitting first baseman. Platoon Schafer and Diaz in LF, and the McLouth and Heyward in CF and RF.
CB
September 21st, 2009
8:10 pm
Tomahawkin, would that be scroll by or that wresting phrase?
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
8:11 pm
Yesterday was the Braves’ day to make their rookies dress up in embarrassing getups for the trip. (Hey, you can’t help the timing of these things sometimes.) Anyway, from what I hear the highlight was Hanson in a Speedo. They had the big redhead and his pal Kris Medlen dress up in Speedos and wearing water wings, etc. Made for an interesting scene when the team bus pulled up in front of the Grand Hyatt last night and they got off the bus and walked into the hotel through a crowd of people.
Frank Wren
September 21st, 2009
8:12 pm
Oh dont worry. I do. Your posts are mostly juvenile dribble. I skip right past them.
Mid Town Joe
September 21st, 2009
8:12 pm
The Braves have outscored 6 NFL teams from yesterday’s games.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
8:12 pm
@ DOB’s 8:11–
Mr.Neutral
September 21st, 2009
8:12 pm
You know, women in the stands are ecstatic when they get a ball, but give em two and – well, not so much.
CB
September 21st, 2009
8:13 pm
wrestling{cab- I know you will love that}
Mid Town Joe
September 21st, 2009
8:13 pm
I just heard that Six Flags is under water!
Marc from FL
September 21st, 2009
8:13 pm
Well at least Georgia isn’t in a drought anymore. I love hurricanes, but feel for flood victims, those things ruin lives sometimes.
The Braves have what, 13 games left? I’m calling 8-5 the rest of the way. Good, but not great.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
8:13 pm
For Most people who don’t know, I take every game with an SEC/Football style of philosopy to them, the veterans of the Blog know that (Steve From OH, RHR, among others).
I know I have My BF’s but usually it’s called for, because I put high expectations on this squad after the S. Training Hype
I don’t get combative with others unless the take jabs at me, I usually let the first one slide, after that It’s On!
Especially the last 3 years…I get tired of watching the Phillies outplay us in crucial games so therefore I call the team out…
Most Bandwagon Braves fans have dissappeared from the blog as opposed to when we won the first 2 games of the season, Oh yeah its football time now most braves fans are Riding hard on the UGA bandwagon instead of watching the games…
Mr.Neutral
September 21st, 2009
8:14 pm
You younger fans probably don’t remember this Mets’ pitchers’ father, JB.
NO MORE BOBBY
September 21st, 2009
8:15 pm
Something tells me DOB likes the new Mets pitchers last name.
Joe D. loves Marilyn
September 21st, 2009
8:15 pm
John Olerud…
Trivia answer…
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
8:15 pm
The poll says a two year deal and trade if FREEMAN’s ready after next year. I can’t see it. The wheels fell off his hitting machine after he was promoted to MISSISSIPPI and the word got around the league. He batted .161 in 62 August AB’s with a .431 OPS only one extra-base hit (2B) and his SO-BB ratio skyrocketed to 12 to 6 from July’s 7 SO-5 BB. Ugly numbers everywhere. Was he playing hurt, or did the opposition finally get a solid book on his weaknesses as a hitter? Maybe a regular here who saw him in PEARL or around the league could clue us in. FREDDIE’s last month’s stats do not bode well for Mr. FREEMAN’s early audition in ATLANTA. Better take the LaROCHE bird in the hand for three, and let the two (HEYWARD-FREEMAN) in the minors go for the moment. Now HEYWARD is another matter altogether. I think when the arb clock expires next season, ATLANTAN’s get to greet Mr. HEYWARD up close and personal, barring injuries or AAA set-backs similar to those FREEMAN experienced late in this season. Hey DAVE, any scuttle-butt floating around about FREEMAN’s malaise?
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 21st, 2009
8:16 pm
Should The Braves Concoct A Milton Bradley Experiment?
Short answer: no with a but, long answer: yes with an if…
IF the Cubs release Milton, and IF he is open to coming to Atlanta, then yes. Do it. Sign him to a one year deal for 5 – 6 Million and a one year mutual option for 13 million.
I don’t want to hear Clubhouse cancer… Have Bobby straighten him out, since he is such a players manager. I would be pissed too if I had to play for the Chicago Cubs. He doesn’t like the Chicago media, and all Atlanta has is David O’Brien and Mark Bowman… If his attitude scares you (Although, I don’t mad watching an Atlanta Brave play with some attitude) include some kind of clause in his contract that allows them to void the contract, if necessary.
Also, Heyward ISN’T coming up at the start of next year, and I don’t want to see him up at all next year. He is a kid, not “a man amongst boys”. A 20 year old kid…
What do “yall” think?
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
8:16 pm
AAAAHHG!! No!! You’re practically always the guy who goes 0-fer in these fun, high-scoring games! And your hitting streak is on the line, here…
Rob from SC
September 21st, 2009
8:18 pm
Tomahawkin
It is never football season in my house. It is baseball season 24/7 365. Once the season is over, it is time to keep track of the AFL or as I call it the Jason Heyward finsihing school.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
8:18 pm
CB
LOL, everyone knows the end of the DX quote…If you don’t know, “Then Your (exepletive) Better Call Somebody!”
I’m trying to be a good boy tonight…
In fact Rasslin comes on tonight, too bad I don’t buy into that Garbage “John Cena” show…
Marc from FL
September 21st, 2009
8:18 pm
richbrave, he probably just slumped real bad, most minor league players do, hence the reason they’re in the minors.
I have no doubts Freeman will be a capable major league 1B for somoene. I don’t think he’ll be a big power bat though, so it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if we got a power bat.
To be honest I would really like to see Derek Lee in a Braves uni next year, he’d be a great right-handed bat to compliment this line-up.
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
8:19 pm
Man am I glad I wasn’t there to see that.
I saw some team made their rookies dress up like superheroes. I thought that was pretty lame. That’s what I thought.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
Garret’s been tearin some ump’s butt these last few games. Wonder why he’s all the sudden doing this?
PWHjort, yeah, I’m sure this is the real Diaz. He lost weight and has always been a good hitter. I just think he’s stronger and quicker. I won’t complain a bit to see him as our starting LF/RF in 2010.
Necromancer
September 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
Tomahawkin’
You’re the man!
I read your posts because they’re entertaining and funny as hell.
There, now I’ll go back into my self-imposed exile and see you folks later!
CB
September 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
Tomahawkin, I only have one thing to say to you- ‘WHOO’
Rob from SC
September 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
got to get rid of Lowe this offseason.
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
8:21 pm
Pitcher’s park?
RHR
September 21st, 2009
8:21 pm
DOB – KK is considered a rookie, right? Have you heard anything about what they had him, Hanson and Medlen dress up as for rookie initiation? I was told that was supposed to happen when they left ATL for NY on Sunday.
Blue
September 21st, 2009
8:21 pm
One more time: Lowe’s slider is terrible.
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
8:21 pm
CB-
wrestling?? WHAT??
Alonso
September 21st, 2009
8:22 pm
Mets officials kept saying that the ball would jump out of Citi Field once September came around. I guess they were right about one thing this year.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
Rob From SC
Go Live In a Football Town for a few years, it will grow on you, especially the tailgating with chicks experience
I was a two sport athlete so I’ve always watched both…Even though I like watching football more than baseball…But Then again I’m one of those dude who can watch baseball all day as long as the right commentators are on…
Most Chicks find that boring, but I get hype when I watch the games, most people on here know that…
And I think most people who see my posts can probably imagine that I emulated Brian Jordan, Deion, David Justice among others growing up…
CB
September 21st, 2009
8:24 pm
cab- I know you love a typo.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 21st, 2009
8:25 pm
Frenchy strikes out on ball four, he hasn’t changed…
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
8:25 pm
CB-
totally missed that
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
8:25 pm
Maybe LaRoche will get an inning in tonight.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
8:25 pm
Wow, speedos huh? Funny stuff.
Mixxo
September 21st, 2009
8:26 pm
Hey!
Offense?!?
Bradley says Gardenhire’s the best mgr. in baseball. He’s good, but he’s no Jimmy Leyland…THE best mgr in MLB! Bank on that.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
8:26 pm
NecroMancer…!
Where in tarnation have you been, Partnah…!
You’ve been MIA, what gives Chief…?
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
8:27 pm
CB
I will raise ya one…!
“Don’t Sing It, Bring It!”
bravefaninok
September 21st, 2009
8:29 pm
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
Because he is a professional hitter,with a professional eye.(they were both balls inside)
Salamander
September 21st, 2009
8:29 pm
What do “yall” think? [about Milton Bradley in the ATL next year]
Fu-k no.
Innocent Bystander
September 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
Let me ask this…
Why is Matty Diaz considered only a fourth outfielder? Seems to me he gets on base quite often. The guy has a career .312 BA! I think we’d be just fine having him out there every day in RF/LF next year.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
Is CB and Tomahawkin the new Soph and JJ4NLCY?
Marc from FL
September 21st, 2009
8:31 pm
Gardenhire versus Leyland huh? You don’t even throw Mike Scioscia in the mix? Maybe I’m just generous but I think it’s a wash between those 3, and I have a hard time not bringing Joe Maddon and Tony Larrusa in the mix too.
I know, 5 people can’t be “the best”, only one can be the best, but these guys have all done more with less enough times to prove their worth. Joe Maddon is in there because the Rays don’t go anywhere last year without him in my book.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
8:31 pm
I don’t always agree with every single opinion DOB throws out there but today’s column is spot on.
Even though I know that LaRoche has produced like a champ since returning to the Braves, something just doesn’t feel right with Chipper lobbying for the Braves to re-sign him. It’s a conflict of interest.I don’t always agree with every single opinion DOB throws out there but today’s column is spot on.
Chipper obviously likes having his best bud and business partner on the team and I don’t think I actually fault him for that. I just don’t know if signing LaRoche long term would be a good idea due to the reasons listed by DOB.
Huh? Its been a few hours since I read what DOB wrote but I sure don’t remember it saying anything like that. I thought it was more pro resign Adam.
CB
September 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
Salamander, where have you been? We missed you, buddy.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
I for one thought It was premature to call “Bailout Ballpark” AKA Citi field a pitcher’s paradise in April…Because the analysts never saw how the ball carried there in the “Summertime”!
I still think the Planes Sound Louder at Bailout Ballpark than they Did at Shea, Maybe because Bailout Ballpark has better speakers…But then again I can’t hear the Blaring Music like I used to at old Shea…
That sucks too, because I usually like the music they play at Shea, mainly the Salsa Music…
bravefaninok
September 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
Salamander
September 21st, 2009
8:29 pm
What do “yall” think? [about Milton Bradley in the ATL next year]
Fu-k no.
Nope he and his poor attitude and poor stats can stay in Chicagoland.
Mixxo
September 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
What do “yall” think? [about Milton Bradley in the ATL next year
You kiddin’ me?
Besides, he’s already in my fielder lineup….where he belongs!
Marc from FL
September 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
Innocent Bystander, it used to be believed that Diaz was a defensive liability, but I think he’s shown to be at least average in the field, and with his bat average is good enough.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
8:33 pm
I see Joe & Boog are still trying to hook Nate up.
braves4ever
September 21st, 2009
8:33 pm
well its 11-2 , hmm ,coulda,woulda, used some of that this weekend.
O what do I know ,got home today to help da fam use 3 shop vacs suck up about 150 gallons of water out of basement. But we did not have it not as bad as some folks. Now the Braves are rockin and its time for MNF and House season opener is on , dang,got to figure how to make this DVR record 2 shows.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
8:34 pm
bravefaninok, hey, Matty is just experimenting up there right now. He’s got their pitchers right where he wants them.
Mixxo
September 21st, 2009
8:34 pm
Marc from FL -
I like Maddon, Scioscia too.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
8:37 pm
I said Hell No To Milton Bradley in the last Blog!
If people think Bobby is hard on Esco (I’m one of them) then Bobby would lock Milton Bradley into detention and throw away the key, Plus Bradley had a “Contract Year” last year playing 1/2 his games in a hitters paradise and now he doesn’t give a What!
He’s the millenium version of Albert Belle, nuff said
RHR
September 21st, 2009
8:37 pm
lol I wasn’t caught up on the posts, btw. I see DOB’s rookie post now.
Chipper Jones
September 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
MMMMMMMMMMM…… this big league chew gum is delicious! MMMMMMMMM….. after this I’m gonna put some wintergreen dip in.
glord1
September 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
Innocent Bystander
September 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
Let me ask this…
Why is Matty Diaz considered only a fourth outfielder? Seems to me he gets on base quite often. The guy has a career .312 BA! I think we’d be just fine having him out there every day in RF/LF next year.
I agree. Matt leads the team in OPS. If he is not an everyday player we dont have any.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
Boog, Talks about Matty-D getting the Munchies…!
Just Imagine How good the telecats would’ve been if Boog was brought on during the days of the old TBS telecasts…
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
Loved the gift that Boog bought for Joe.
Funny stuff…
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
Bobby Parnell…
Salamander
September 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
CB
First semester in a PhD program… just been swamped with work, which combined with the braves tanking a few weeks back, made me stay away from the blog.
I had nothing positive to add to the conversation, and so I figured it was best to just read the blog for a while, and start posting again when I could control my caustic attitude a little bit. I don’t mind ripping others who post on this blog, but continually ripping on players is just counter-productive.
bravefaninok
September 21st, 2009
8:46 pm
TN ,i was responding to Garrett chewing out the umps ….
I love the way matty sets up a pitcher flailing away at balls 3 foot outside.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
Salamander–you’re in English, aren’t you?
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
8:50 pm
If there’s someone willing to swap an Oliver Perez for a Milton Bradley, then in theory there is someone willing to swap something less than desirable for a Derek Lowe. You’d want the less than desirable thing to fill a hole, presumably the outfield with Freeman upcoming and the fact that the Braves (wisely) don’t pay that kind of money for relievers. Some possibilities:
Torri Hunter makes $18 million a season from 2010-2012, but he has a no-trade clause and it’s unlikely the Angels would trade their favorite toy. Plus ex-Angels haven’t exactly panned out in Atlanta.
Carlos Lee, who also has a no-trade clause, makes $18.5 million per season over the same time period. The Astros probably wouldn’t look to move Lee for something that will help them win now. If they try to win now, it doesn’t make sense to do it without Lee.
Kosuke Fukudome could be a contract-swap candidate. He’s owed $26.5 million over the next two seasons. It’s significantly less than Lowe’s $45 million over three seasons, but possibly a contract that the Cubs might not mind swapping for a durable SP.
Aaron Rowand is owed $36 million over the next 3 years, but it doesn’t make sense for the Giants to be subtracting bats and adding SP.
Carlos Beltran’s too good to be dealt in a contract-swap type deal.
J. D. Drew could be a candidate for a contract-swap. He’s owed $28 million over the next two seasons, but his contract has a ton of club opt-outs that will likely trigger if his production or health goes south. The Red Sox would probably view Drew’s contract as much more valuable. Plus, let’s be honest, if they wanted Lowe last off-season they could’ve had him.
Alex Rios is perhaps the most similar contract in therms of value to Lowe’s. He’s owed $58.7 million from 2010-2014 with a $13.5 million club option for 2015 ($1 million buyout).
In terms of relievers, Francisco Cordero’s $24 million through 2011 with a $12 million option for 2012 ($1 million buyout) could make some sense.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
8:51 pm
DANGIT!!
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
Ross is in to catch, Kawakami is pitching
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
8:54 pm
BMac 2 K’s away from a new career-high.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
8:54 pm
NO!! Don’t put in ssoR now!! BMac’s…hitting…streak…is over…
Salamander
September 21st, 2009
8:55 pm
Salamander–you’re in English, aren’t you?
Hahahahaha…
Nope. No future in the liberal arts unless you are a top student, which I was not. I was an English major (so you’re right on with that label), but I switched over to the sciences after taking a few years off.
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
8:58 pm
BOBBY’s hoping KENSHIN will close this one out.
bravefaninok
September 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
Boog and Joe just said KK was dressed as a Ninja and his translator was a samuri….swords and all….
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
So what field are you pursuing your PhD in, then?
(Sciences are a good choice, LOL!
)
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
9:00 pm
How about we throw KJ a bone and let him play the rest of the game?
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
9:02 pm
D.O.B.
How Would YOU compare New York and Atlanta Drivers…?
Well since Atlanta is N. England South it seems like they are worse down here…
If you want to see bad driving exhibits drive around the “A” on a day like today…
Atlanta Drivers have to be the, not rudest, but most inconsiderate in the country…
NO MORE BOBBY
September 21st, 2009
9:03 pm
That one fan doing lets go Mets on the cowbell is pretty sad.
Salamander
September 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
Planetary Sciences (I hope), but the department I’m in is focused on astro-physics, so I might have to shift my work to cater to the available research opportunities.
tlj
September 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
Enter your comments here
It seems a lot of bloggers want to get rid of Bobby Cox. If that should happen who would you get to replace him? The proven managers are already taken, that leaves retreads or someone new. Don’t just
ask for Cox to step down unless you have someone in mind to take his place. My guess is no matter who suggest (remember they have to be available not just a name tossed out) 50 % of the other bloggers will object to that person. In other words no matter who replaced Bobby Cox half of you guys will object. Might as well keep what we have.
Steve from OH
September 21st, 2009
9:07 pm
Astro-physics? Damn. That is some heavy stuff, my man. Kudos.
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
Marc from Fl:
I agree that DERRICK hits when the chips are down, and can be a tough out. But he’s old, what 34 this year? No, I’m happy if we sign LaROCHE, and get MATT HOLLIDAY to replace GARRETT ANDERSON. Everybody says the MEDIA won’t go that high to get him, but if the ownership wants a ring as badly as I think they do, they’re gonna’ have to shell out some extra millions in coin for the next two years.
CB
September 21st, 2009
9:13 pm
I think the wrong guy went to the bullpen, but I guess hard to put a 15mil man in the pen.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
9:13 pm
The proven managers are already taken, that leaves retreads or someone new
You’re talking like there’s only 32 men in the world fit to be a major league manager. We don’t need someone with 1,000 wins on his resume. Look at the Falcons – Coach Mike Smith had 0 career wins as a head coach when he was hired last year.
Mixxo
September 21st, 2009
9:14 pm
DOB -
Been on a Bourdain mini-marathon this afternoon. The NYC show was outta this world. Here’s a little heads-up unless you already know about it.
http://www.keens.com/OurMenus/Dinner/
I know where I’m going….my next trip in.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
9:14 pm
Oh, yeah…good thing we put this guy in.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
9:17 pm
Good AB Melanie
Soph
September 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
Is that Kelly?
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
9:19 pm
I believe it is Kelly….almost forgot what the guy looked like
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
9:20 pm
Good eye, Kelly.
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:21 pm
O.K. CHIPPER, bust one out of here. Hey, RANDOM, CHIPPER, huh,huh?
Finally
September 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
Enter your comments hereF the Cubs release Milton, and IF he is open to coming to Atlanta, then yes. Do it. Sign him to a one year deal for 5 – 6 Million and a one year mutual option for 13 million Jur
man that makes Tomhawkin’s crap sound smart. No way do the Braves get Bradley. Not only is he a total jerk, but he’s hurt all the time too. Are you 14?
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
I mean, seriously–BMac just had a day off…why the heck did he hafta get the rest of this game off, too?
NO MORE BOBBY
September 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
That E-Cigarette ad next to this blog is lame. It shows Danny Bonaduce smoking one. What the? Im sure we will all run out and get one of those since Bonadouche is so cool. Right?
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
We’ve been having a lot of “Enter your comments here” screw ups recently…wonder why
CB
September 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
No More Bobby, they should have you smoking it, right?
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
I’m mad that Sheffield is not in the Lineup!
I don’t get to hear my “Hear I Go!” by Mystikal Blasting on the P.A…
Jose Chung
September 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
Chipper didn’t run very hard on tht ground-out…wonder if he’ll get benched?
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
KK is sharp so far tonight. Need four more outs.
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:30 pm
McFANN:
BOBBY thinks we’ll need him when we get to the WS.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
9:31 pm
We haven’t gotten a hit since the 3rd
Soph
September 21st, 2009
9:32 pm
We haven’t gotten a hit since the 3rd
Negative nellie.
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
jeffrey d:
We haven’t needed one since the second.
N8
September 21st, 2009
9:34 pm
“You’re talking like there’s only 32 men in the world fit to be a major league manager. We don’t need someone with 1,000 wins on his resume. Look at the Falcons – Coach Mike Smith had 0 career wins as a head coach when he was hired last year.”
That’s one of the better points made on this blog in months. Nice comparison. Leo Mazzone was an unproven pitching coach at the ML level in 1991 too. 18 years later, people are pining for his return.
Every HOF career, whether as a player, coach or even owner (in any sport), has to start somewhere. And every single one of them started their career with 0 wins under their belt.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
richbrave–
“Haha”…
jeffrey d We’ve been having a lot of “Enter your comments here” screw ups recently…wonder why
Dunno…for whatever reason the “Enter your comments here” thing doesn’t disappear when you click inside the box anymore. Really annoying…
We haven’t gotten a hit since the 3rd
Yeah…this game got boring in a hurry. Haha, I never thought an 11-run game for the Braves could get boring…but, once again I was wrong.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
We haven’t needed one since the second.
Positive Pete
Mixxo
September 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
DOB –
OK, check that Chief…..somebody just told me Peter Luger’s instead. I dunno, they both look good.
http://www.peterluger.com/
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
Sad thing is I missed all the action
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
9:37 pm
And don’t get me wrong–I love creaming the Mets…just that, I dunno…couldn’t they have at least gotten a few more hits? I’m greedy…plus BMac’s hitting streak snapped.
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:37 pm
I sure liked the looks of GWINNETT’s DAVE BRUNDIGE when he was here last year in RICHMOND. I think he’s the under-the-radar replacement for BC.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
9:37 pm
Sad thing is I missed all the action
That’s a bummer.
David..(Athens, AL)
September 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
KK with the save opportunity …
brent a.
September 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
Meanwhile, similar to Mike Smith, 3 of the last 4 Detroit Lions head coaches had ZERO career wins upon their arrival in Detroit, too, including the current coach, who still has zero.
Let’s hope our next manager drafts right the QB
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
9:41 pm
Is Bobby ever going to give Clint Sammons a single at-bat before the end of the season?
What is the deal. The guy has had one at-bat all year in the 9th inning of a game against the Mets, the one where Delgado dropped what would have been the last out. Does anybody remember it?
He hit about a 400 foot foul ball and then worked a walk. That made more of an impression on me than any Gwinnett/bench player this year. I’ve missed about the past two innings so I don’t know if he actually has been used but I’m pretty sure he hasn’t.
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:42 pm
I notice KK’s S-B ratio beginning to deteriorate fourth time around.
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
9:42 pm
Mitchell-
with Mac out Sammons is the back up catcher…can’t use him “just in case”
Soph
September 21st, 2009
9:43 pm
I don’t think we can compare the Braves to the Detroit Lions though. The Lions are a mess. A biiiiiiiig mess.
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
9:43 pm
Well done, KK!
Soph
September 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
Great job, Bravos. Good catch, Nate.
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
I forgot that facet of the save rule. That’s funny. Good work Kawakami.
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
Props to KK- first career save
He looked very good out there
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
9:45 pm
And by one at-bat I mean since he got called back up.
Wanted to make that clear. He did technically have one at-bat in ‘09.
I’m making my final prediction the year, are we ready? If Clint Sammons is given a chance, he will hit a homerun in his first… or technically second… at-bat.
I’m telling, the guy’s got talent.
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:45 pm
He’s righted the ship and throwing strikes again.
Mitchell
September 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
What a way to end it.
I’m a little behind aren’t I?
bravefaninok
September 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
Next years closer folks….KK sign Huddy,keep Vasquez,JJ Tommy and Lowe,
buy a bat with money saved from Soriano and Gonzo.
nolie
September 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
I like Maddon, Scioscia too (Mixxo)
I think Scioscia is a good manager, but I don’t like his offensive philosophy. I’m much more into patience then his aggressive approach. So I would pass on him. Maddon? nothing to prove he was all that important, nothing to prove he wasn’t. might be OK.
Hey, KK did a good job. Bet he’s not all that happy in that slot though.
glord1
September 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
After tonights game there are three 2B in the NL that have an OPS over 800.
Chase Utley
Felipe Lopez
Martin Prado
Prado make the league minimum and is a lifetime .300 hitter in the majors. Anyone really think he will not be the starting 2B next?
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
O.K. BRAVES 9-2, let’s go. We could use a sweep.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
9:49 pm
Mitchell He did technically have one at-bat in ‘09.
He’s actually had 5–he got ABs in while BMac was on the DL.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
Actually, since being called back up, Sammons has no ABs or PAs…he came in to catch on Sept. 3rd, but never came to the plate.
N8
September 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
Hey everybody. There’s only about 134 days left before pitchers and catchers report.
Go Braves in 2010.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
9:52 pm
Apparently, more rain on the way in the metro.
Stay safe, everyone!
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:52 pm
92 wins if we run the table. That should trump the ROCKIES , GIANTS, and MARLINS. Definitely the FISH, as we would sweep three from them without losing anywhere else.
nolie
September 21st, 2009
9:52 pm
BMac 2 K’s away from a new career-high (McFann)
you gotta relax and stop obsessing on the problems. They all have good times and bad times. Jusr concentrate on how good he is over the long term or you will drive yourself nuts.
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:53 pm
NYTOL.
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
9:54 pm
cabravesfan – try to remember – dinner is a useful thing! (preferably one that involves dinner-type food) I’m sure it will be easier to remember once you get to November…
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
9:54 pm
Night, richbrave
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
9:56 pm
VJ-
it would be nicer if dinner would magically materialize on my table…
nolie
September 21st, 2009
9:56 pm
Prado make the league minimum and is a lifetime .300 hitter in the majors. Anyone really think he will not be the starting 2B next (glord)
I’d wager that there are at least a dozen on here who think he shouldn’t be.
MZ
September 21st, 2009
9:58 pm
DOB ——
Sampled a bit of both Rural Alberta Advantage and Roman Candle … good stuff on both accounts … saw a piece in Spin on RAA … you see it?
Vinings Jim
September 21st, 2009
9:58 pm
cabravesfan – that could be arranged (in a manner of speaking)
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
9:59 pm
nolie–
I’m already nuts! Tought you knew that…
Seriously, though…I only said that ’cause he K’d…if he’da homered, I would have said, “BMac 4 HR away from a new career-high”…if he’da just driven in a run, I woulda said, “BMac 5 RBI away from a new career-high”…
But I know…sometimes I do get hung up on the K’s and such…just tired of ‘em, you know…
And he just needs 5 more doubles to get to 40–career-high is 42. I’d love it if he could hit 8 more doubles to not only get a new career-high, but also break the NL Record for Most Doubles in a Single Season By a Catcher (which as of now stands at 42–he’s tied with Terry Kennedy, who hit 42 doubles for the Padres in ‘82, the only year he hit more than 27).
unbelievable
September 21st, 2009
9:59 pm
if we run the table, which is highly unlikely, the rockies will need to go 7-5 against crap teams. Aint happenin boys, was a better season that most expected though
glord1
September 21st, 2009
9:59 pm
With a league minimum salary next year this is the list of second baseman in the NL I would take over Prado.
1. Chase Utley
2. Brandon Phillips
3. ………..
Could not find a third.
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
10:00 pm
VJ-
until then you will just have to deal with my eating habits
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
10:03 pm
Ah well…I’m out. Night, all!
cabravesfan
September 21st, 2009
10:04 pm
Night McFann!
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
10:05 pm
Goodnight McFann
Tumbleweed
September 21st, 2009
10:11 pm
’scuse me as I blow on by
Crickets
September 21st, 2009
10:11 pm
No problem at all
Prado and Diaz regulars 2010
September 21st, 2009
10:11 pm
Matt Diaz
For NL OF with 300 AB.
Ranks 11th in OPS
Ranks 13th in slugging
RHR
September 21st, 2009
10:11 pm
I’m glad she didn’t get threatened with a wallop tonight.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
10:12 pm
How do we know that’s why she didn’t leave?
Rick
September 21st, 2009
10:14 pm
I think we need to keep Javy the guy loves Atlanta and said he’d love to stay here . Why not work out a contract for him he said he’d take less to stay . We need to get rid of Lowe and resign Huddy to 4 year deal and have it to where the money is less but have incentives in there that can be reached if he stays healthy . . If trade Lowe and even pay part of his contract say 5 million a year still leaves us 10 million to spend on Andy and towards bullpen and maybe even Chipper will lower his contract or add a year like he has in the past to get more help .
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
10:14 pm
I’m watching Andy Griffith right now…I bet McFann watches that show
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
10:15 pm
If Colorado would just stay idle, I think the Braves would have a chance.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
10:16 pm
We need to get rid of Lowe
You say that so casually.
“Oh yeah, we should pick up Hudson’s option, add more seats in right field, get rid of $45 million, and start serving cherry flavored Dippin Dots.”
Duke
September 21st, 2009
10:16 pm
richbrave
September 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
O.K. BRAVES 9-2, let’s go. We could use a sweep
Thanks, like no one else knew that. Dumba**.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
10:17 pm
McFann’s life is based on that show.
nolie
September 21st, 2009
10:18 pm
I hate it that so many of the summer shows I like ‘Burn Notice” , “The Closer” etc, show a little over half a season and then go on hiatus for months and months. Booo!!
Mr.Neutral
September 21st, 2009
10:18 pm
Martin Prado is too streaky to be a starter.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
10:19 pm
still leaves us 10 million to spend on Andy
Wait wait…who’s Andy? Andy LaRoche? Andruw Jones? Garret Anderson? Josh Anderson?
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
10:21 pm
Duke -
Thanks, like no one else knew that. Dumba**.
Way to be a troll and add nothing to the conversation, douchebag.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
10:22 pm
Andy Griffin,dumbass.
glord1
September 21st, 2009
10:25 pm
Is Andy Griffin going to manage the Braves next year. Awesome
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
10:25 pm
ahh, of course of course….$10 million for Andy Griffith seems like a bold move though
http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/1636831.jpg
Mr.Neutral
September 21st, 2009
10:25 pm
Prado since the AS Break:
276/314/395/709
RHR
September 21st, 2009
10:27 pm
How much did we pay Gomer Francouer though? I mean, he didn’t even manage and he got close to that.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
10:29 pm
Oh we were looking for Andy to manage?
brian
September 21st, 2009
10:30 pm
Although I love LaRoche, if he demands more than a 2 year deal I would let him walk. I cannot think of any names right now but ideally if the Braves signed a power hitter to a 3 year deal the power hitter would have some versitility – able to play 1B and LF. Do the Braves dare let LaRoche walk and go after Adam Dunn? I guess I did come up with a name but Dunn is not who I would ideally picture in that spot
cvbraves
September 21st, 2009
10:31 pm
Mike in LA…thanks….and I agree with your comments, too.
Great job, Bobby and Braves. Let’s go for another win tomorrow.
Roman Gal
September 21st, 2009
10:34 pm
They had the big redhead and his pal Kris Medlen dress up in Speedos and wearing water wings, etc.
Oh, man…I wish I could’ve seen that!!
Hilarious!
nolie
September 21st, 2009
10:37 pm
Prado since the AS Break:
276/314/395/709 (Mr Neutral)
I bet you ain’t neutral at all Mr N. Everybody has slumps as any Kelly Johnson must surely be aware. He’ll be a .750-775 OPS hitter over a season which ain’t bad for second, and he is playing better D since he is playing regularly. No doubt that he does not have the upside of KJ, but truth br told I’m getting kinda tired of waiting for that upside to kick in and hang around longer than 1/3 of a season. I think KJ is likely gone B4 next season, no more than he did this year and considering his likely salary. Not sure they will even be able to trade him, but I hope they can rather than just lose him to non-tender….which always sounds like a tough steak to me anyways.
Roman Gal
September 21st, 2009
10:38 pm
I hate it that so many of the summer shows I like ‘Burn Notice”… nolie
I love Burn Notice. I got a little behind with it this season, though. I need to catch up online…Actually, I need to catch up on a lot of things, so I guess it’ll have to wait a while.
nolie
September 21st, 2009
10:39 pm
Do the Braves dare let LaRoche walk and go after Adam Dunn? (Brian)
again, they are not gonna trade for Dunn. He is too expensive for what they think of him including what they would have to give up. It ain’t gonna happen any more that Chipper moving to first is gonna happen.
Roman Gal
September 21st, 2009
10:43 pm
Sciences are a good choice, LOL!
That’s debatable…[smirk]
Mr.Neutral
September 21st, 2009
10:43 pm
Prado since the AS Break:
276/314/395/709 (Mr. Neutral)
Nolie – Seriously, what could be more neutral than stats with no comment?
cvbraves
September 21st, 2009
10:44 pm
Vinings Jim: Why in hell is GA hitting ahead of LaRoche, anyway?
…After Garret’s mighty blast tonight, did you figure it out?
nolie
September 21st, 2009
10:47 pm
Nolie – Seriously, what could be more neutral than stats with no comment (MR N)
I still bet I’m right
keylargo
September 21st, 2009
10:47 pm
I don’t see anything wrong with signing LaRoche to a three year contract as long as there is no “no trade” clause in it. The Braves don’t give those anyway. If Freeman is ready in 2012, the soonest IMO he’ll be ready, LaRoche could be moved if it were needed.
pryguy
September 21st, 2009
10:49 pm
still believing…
Did KK have to dress up?? He is a rookie.
Mr.Neutral
September 21st, 2009
10:51 pm
Nolie – That comment was “neutral” but the one about Prado being “too streaky to start” might have had a slight tinge of revenge in it.
glord1
September 21st, 2009
10:56 pm
Prado Career
302/353/440/793
Career BA is 38 pts higher that KJ. Salary 2 mil less. Bye Kelly
Herschel Talker
September 21st, 2009
10:57 pm
It’s about time the columnists start hammering on Booby gittin on out of here. Mark Bradley is now obsessed with it. Booby is a moron.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
10:59 pm
DOB, you got some serious props from Jim Powell & Chip Carey on the radio earlier. Spoke of your blog today on the possible resigning of LaRoche, etc. “O’Brien and his very well written and much read blogs” was how I believe Powell put it. Anyways, people definitely respect you and your work, it seems.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
11:02 pm
Here’s gamer with quotes, unedited. I’ll give you another good quote from Lowe about being the team’s first 15-game winner this season (he was self-deprecating again, saying he was less deserving, etc. Let me find that quote.)
By David O’Brien
dobrien@ajc.com
New York – Oh, sure, now the Braves blast away for 11 runs in the first few innings.
After mustering six runs combined in a pair of costly home losses to Philadelphia over the weekend, the Braves jumped all over the sputtering New York Mets in an 11-3 win Monday night at Citi Field.
Garret Anderson, Chipper Jones and Matt Diaz belted home runs in the first two innings, and Martin Prado had a two-run double in the third to give Derek Lowe an 11-1 lead en route to his 15th win.
“As long as we keep winning and putting pressure on the other teams, that’s all you can do,” Lowe said after the Braves picked up their ninth win in 11 games.
Lowe (15-9) gave up three runs and six hits in five innings, and Kenshin Kawakami pitched four scoreless innings of one-hit ball for his first major league save.
The Braves tied Florida for third in the National League wild-card standings and gained a half-game on Colorado. But time is running out on the Braves’ playoff aspirations.
Colorado was idle Monday, and the Braves and Marlins trail the Rockies by five games with only 12 to play. They were also a half-game behind San Francisco before the Giants’ late game Monday.
To make the playoffs, the Braves need to just about run the table and hope Colorado loses more than it wins. Their chances are looking like slim and none, with slim lingering over by the door.
But on Monday, the Braves played like they still believe it’s worth a fight. They ambushed the Mets with a four-run first inning capped by Anderson’s two-run, two-out homer, then threw up a four-run second inning and a three-run third.
“To put something like that on a pitcher in the first inning can be rough,” Anderson said.
The Braves pounded out eight runs on seven hits and three homers against Mets starter Pat Misch, who was replaced after recording four outs.
Anderson’s two-run homer sailed to the right-field second deck. Diaz led off the second with a homer, and Jones hit a towering three-run shot that sent Misch to the showers.
“It’s good to contribute the last couple games,” said Jones, who had a double Sunday and two hits and four RBIs Monday, giving him as many extra-base hits (two) in two games as in his previous 31. He smiled and said, “Almost makes the game fun again.”
Lowe (15-9) had no walks and five strikeouts, and was pulled as a precaution with what looked like a paper cut on his right thumb. He did it when a fingernail raked it throwing a third-inning curveball.
The veteran left a Tuesday start against New York after two innings with a blister on his right ring finger, which caused no problems Monday.
“As long as we’re breathing in this [playoff race], we want him to make his next start,” Cox said of the decision to get him out.
Kawakami notched the first four-inning save by a Brave since Mark Grant in 1990 at San Francisco. Kawakami, a 34-year-old major league rookie starter, last recorded a save in 1999 for his longtime Japanese team, Chunichi.
Chipper needs three more
Jones’ homer was his first since Aug. 29 and 17th of the season, and he still needs three more in the last 12 games to break a record he shares with former Braves great Eddie Mathews.
They are the only major leaguers to begin careers with 14 consecutive seasons of at least 20 homers.
LaRoche back in lineup
Adam LaRoche returned to the lineup after missing a start Sunday with a stiff back. “He came in [Monday] and said, ‘Put me in,’” said Cox, who did just that.
LaRoche was 14-for-28 with three homers and 11 RBIs in his eight games before going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk Monday.
No skipping Hanson
Cox said rookie Tommy Hanson would make his next Saturday at Washington. Cox said last week that the Braves would monitor their prized pitcher’s innings and possibly skip one of his turns.
Hanson pitched only five innings Sunday because of a long rain delay, and will get an extra day of rest before his next start because of the off day in the schedule Thursday.
Mixxo
September 21st, 2009
11:03 pm
Booby’s gonna be here for a long time to come…..you can bank on it.
Herschel Talker
September 21st, 2009
11:04 pm
Mixxo – that is because he is a putz. Everyone knows it’s time for him to go. He has stayed too damn long.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
11:07 pm
pryguy: Glad you reminded me about K.K. He and his interpreter both had to dress up as ninjas for the flight from Atlanta to NY and the walk across tarmac and from bus to hotel, etc.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
11:08 pm
Mixxo, don’t say that, please. It’s been a good night and very few want to hear your prediction on Cox being here for a “long time”. Mixxo’the party pooper’…
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
11:09 pm
Here’s LOWE on getting his 15th win:
“Look at our team. We’ve got guys who deserve way more than 15 wins. I’ll take it and leave it at that…. Wins and losses can be so deceiving.”
He mentioned possibly getting a couple more wins before the season is through. “17 wins, as bad as I’ve pitched….”
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
11:11 pm
Cox on Lowe’s record, etc:
“He’s got 15 wins; I’ll take that any time. I don’t care what some of the [other] stats are.”
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
11:13 pm
By the way, speaking of Chipper: for a guy who gets booed so lustily at Shea (and now here at Citi Field), you should have seen the five male fans waiting above the dugout for him to finish his postgame interview with Jerome. When Chipper threw his batting gloves up to them, they fought each other trying to grab one of the gloves. Jerome said they had to call security over, no lie.
Herschel Talker
September 21st, 2009
11:13 pm
“Cox on Lowe’s record, etc:
‘He’s got 15 wins; I’ll take that any time. I don’t care what some of the [other] stats are.’”
More buffoonery from Eeyore. He’s now trying to tell us that Lowe has been a model ace? How many of those 15 wins were because the Braves outslugged the opposition? Lowe has been a joke the whole second half.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 21st, 2009
11:14 pm
Oh, Lowe… at least he acknowledges his suckness. Can’t hate on a guy too much if they’re this honest.
Alright, got to write an essay, rough draft, whatever the hell that lady wants due in the morning. Ink cartridges are EXPENSIVE! My God, I guess they think money grows on trees.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:15 pm
Ninjas, Chipper? Really? I’m sure it was amusing but I don’t know….I was thinking something more…well, like Big and Little’s speedo getup. You know, more embarrassing. I mean, what does a ninja even wear?
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
11:17 pm
RHR: Good question. I was thinking the same thing, to tell you the truth. What the hell does a ninja wear that’s embarrassing?
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:18 pm
He’s got 15 wins; I’ll take that any time. I don’t care what some of the [other] stats are.”
Uh..
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:20 pm
Plus, its kinda stereotypical….did you see the yankees rookies pics (i’m sure you didn’t) they had batman, robin, catwoman, now those were funny.
fastasballs
September 21st, 2009
11:21 pm
The blog has been an entertaining read this evening. We’ve had men in speedos wearing wigs, two Japanese Ninjas, & an eight foot dude wearing Mutts gear. Throw in some flooding, a group of guys fighting over the hated rival’s batting gloves & a few outrageous trade ideas to top it off.
It sounds like DOB went on some sort of National Lampoon’s vacation this week.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
11:22 pm
The ninja thing may not be as embarrassing as the speedos, but it is pretty funny having the Japanese guys prance around as ninjas.
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
11:23 pm
Is Herschel Talker Robert?
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:23 pm
You would think so.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:24 pm
Oh please. Herschel Talker is and idiot but at least he has more than one line and he never mentions donkeys. (I dont think so anyway?)
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
11:25 pm
As least to me.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:25 pm
Guess I should bow out gracefully before I go all BAS on y’all.
Night y’all. Stay safe, Georgians.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
11:27 pm
TnBrian
Co-Sign Bro…
At Least D-lowe admits that he hasn’t pitched up to the salary he’s getting…It shows fans something when players admit that they have not earned their pay as D-Lo did…
And I think D-Lowe is Pissed that he didn’t win 20 games this year. He was Clowning for the first 2 months then the warm weather caught up to him…
Soph
September 21st, 2009
11:27 pm
Donkey is a bingo slot so I’ll take it.
keylargo
September 21st, 2009
11:27 pm
Is Herschel Talker Robert? PWHjort
The most accurate description of Herschel Talker I’ve heard was Paul Lentz without the occasional intelligent comments.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
11:28 pm
Mixxo…
LOL, Bro, Leave the “Bank On It!” catch lines up to me, because I’m the “Donald Stump” of the Blog, (Joking)
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
11:29 pm
I need to print that Bingo card
Soph
September 21st, 2009
11:35 pm
I would’ve had Bingo the other day if I had printed the card. Esco got hit, Brooks played, and I’m pretty sure someone called Bobby a donkey on here.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
11:36 pm
That’s only 3
Soph
September 21st, 2009
11:36 pm
There were more. I can’t remember the rest of them. I’ll have to look at the card again. And, there’s the free space.
N8
September 21st, 2009
11:39 pm
DOB, I’ll assume being in NY, you didn’t tag your DVR along with you. Just got done watching the season premiere of House. As expected, it was fantastic. Pretty much ran through every emotion a person can run through watching tonight’s 2 hour intro to the season.
Good stuff indeed.
fastasballs
September 21st, 2009
11:42 pm
N8, House was fantastic tonight, wasn’t it? I wasn’t sure how the the first episode of this season would play out, but it didn’t disappoint.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
11:42 pm
I’m so mad at myself. I forgot to set my DVR for the season premiere of House. I’ll have to catch it online or wait for the repeat. I heard from a few people that it was great.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
11:44 pm
Why does everyone Bash Paul Lentz…?
Is it his essay posts or does he come off as crude to some. I’m in the minority but I’ve never had a probablem with the dude…He has an occasional BF every now and then but it seems that everyone on here disagrees with him but me…?
What gives…? I guess it’s house divided, I bet he’s a Stanford Fan, Poor Hombre…
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
11:44 pm
I never really got into House. I’ve got some friends that’ll swear by it, though
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
11:48 pm
I’m Gonna Try to cancel out, and Watch Some old New York Undercover on Youtube…
The Morning Commute is gonna be Hell tomorrow, “Bank On It!” I have to commute from Henry County to Suwanee…I’m not looking foward to that…but I will be Bumping my Traffic Jam Mix CD…It keeps me jammin in traffic and free from the Ill’s of dumb ass commuters…
N8
September 21st, 2009
11:48 pm
fastasballs, it was fantastic. It’s my favorite show on TV. I don’t watch that many shows (Heroes, LOST, House, CSI and Law & Order SVU), so I won’t claim it’s the best show on TV. But out of the stuff I watch, nothing is better. Can’t actually remember any episodes that I’ve walked away thinking it could have been better.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
11:49 pm
Yeah, I wasn’t into it before either but I started watching a few seasons ago and got hooked. I like medical themed shows though.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
11:49 pm
Jeffrey D
I Got onto House a few weeks ago, it’s easy to get hooked on, like Niptuck and the O.C.
N8
September 21st, 2009
11:50 pm
How in the hell does a team control the ball for over 45 minutes and lose an NFL game? As crappy as it is to be a Chiefs fan right now, I can’t imagine being a Dolphin fan is much better.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
11:51 pm
The Morning Commute is gonna be Hell tomorrow,
Ugh, don’t remind me. I’m so thankful I didn’t have to go in today. I’m dreading tomorrow.
N8
September 21st, 2009
11:52 pm
Can’t forget about Rescue Me. I didn’t watch this year, because my DVR froze up and the cable company had to come replace the box, and we were saving the entire season to watch when we had time. So, I guess I’ll wait until it comes out on DVD. Watched Nip Tuck the first two years, and just stopped watching for whatever reason. Probably catch up on it some day via DVD.
Soph
September 21st, 2009
11:53 pm
I don’t care about the Dolphins and that game still gave me a headache. Their last drive was a mess.
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
11:56 pm
It’s nothing against House…it seems like a great show. I just haven’t really gotten into any new shows.
Tomahawkin
September 21st, 2009
11:57 pm
Soph
It Hasn’t rained here on the southside in a Gripp! You know I got that southside “On Deck!”
I better not wake up to rain at 5AM, Then I don’t wanna get outta bed, let alone put up with dumb (exepletive) commuters
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
12:01 am
It’s been a few hours since it rained here but I read online that more rain is on its way. We’ll see.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:01 am
I better not wake up to rain at 5AM
Sorry bud, but I’m pretty sure you will
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
12:03 am
Sorry bud, but I’m pretty sure you will
Bank on it!
Sorry, T’Hawkin – had to do it.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
12:04 am
I’m watching Andy Griffith right now…I bet McFann watches that show
OMFG! I was just whistling that tune during play practice!
Weird.
nolie
September 22nd, 2009
12:08 am
I just haven’t really gotten into any new shows. (JeffreyD)
House, new? hmm. where you been dude?
nolie
September 22nd, 2009
12:09 am
Rah for 30 ROCK and it’s wins !! Tina Rules !!
nolie
September 22nd, 2009
12:09 am
Tina reminds me oh RHR.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:09 am
Small world
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:10 am
lol, when I say “new” I mean I haven’t followed a show since Seinfeld or Friends
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
12:11 am
Wow, it’s been a while then, huh?
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:13 am
Although I’ve been watching old Andy Griffith episodes every now and then for the first time, so that’s new to me
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:14 am
But enough about my TV watching habbits
Tumbleweed
September 22nd, 2009
12:18 am
Just passin’ through again
Crickets
September 22nd, 2009
12:21 am
No problem, tumbleweed
David O'Brien
September 22nd, 2009
12:22 am
Please, no House spoilers. Love the show. Never miss it. Gonna watch the 2-hour season premiere on DVR as soon as I get home Sunday night.
HoCoJo
September 22nd, 2009
12:27 am
CSI Miami was great tonight!
2 hour severe thunderstorm tonight down here in central jawjaw. flash flooding everywhere. lightning like I’ve never seen for over two hours. think my house was struck at least once. please pray for those less fortunate and the hardships they must deal with this night! I know the folks in the ATL area need it.
David O'Brien
September 22nd, 2009
12:28 am
jeffrey d: or, since about when TV comedies really took it to another level….
But seriously, dude, you’ve missed about 10 shows that have been as good as any in my lifetime. It really is a golden age for TV in a lot of ways. Exceptional stuff, if you just weed out the garbage and reality-show filler, etc.
With comedies, there are so many good ones now that have gone way past the old, banal, laugh-track crap. And no, I’m not lumping Seinfeld with the likes of Friends, which I just never thought had much to it at all; I loved Seinfeld back in the day, never missed it. Like the Mary Tyler Moore Show and Bob Newhart, when I was a kid. They were fresh and irreverent by the standards of the era, and many Seinfeld episodes still hold up well (all of Mary Tyler Moore does).
But in my opinion, Arrested Development, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm and 30 Rock are even better than Seinfield, even if that’s sacrilege to some to say that, and hard to compare from one decade and time to another. I tell you what else, I also love It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Scrubs and would honestly rather watch either today than old episodes of Seinfield.
And while Rescue Me is probably more a drama than comedy, it’s also hilarious. And a great show.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
12:29 am
DOB,
House reveals he is gay, and the entire hospital explodes in its own hospital show cliche.
rockinthebeergut(formerly southbeachdietfreak)
September 22nd, 2009
12:31 am
I must say that I’m really proud of this team. This late in the season, reeling off 7 in a row and now 8 of 10. It would have been so easy to quit, but these guys are playing their butts off. regardless of how you finish, Braves, I’ll always be a fan. Here’s to a sweep of the Mets!!
HoCoJo
September 22nd, 2009
12:32 am
My fav show in reruns is “Still Standing”.
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
12:32 am
Stay safe, HoCoJo! It’s been a crazy day.
glove51
September 22nd, 2009
12:33 am
I was glad to see Bryan Cranston won best drama actor for Breaking Bad.
HoCoJo
September 22nd, 2009
12:34 am
Thanks Soph. Did the groundhog see his shadow today?
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
12:34 am
My fav show in reruns is “Still Standing”.
That is a pretty good show…
Ended just when it was getting real good. Although its hard to ignore the fact that its a cookie cutter “fat guy, skinny wife” show…
RHR
September 22nd, 2009
12:35 am
Tina is 1 of my favorites, im flattered, nolie.
Um the astros fired their manager? Cecil cooper was their manager? What happened to that old pervy looking dude they had? With the bad mustache?
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
12:36 am
I wish I could watch the emmys, does anyone know of an internet link?
nolie
September 22nd, 2009
12:36 am
If House is gay, i bet Cuddy is surprised. she’s kinda hot
RHR
September 22nd, 2009
12:38 am
I bet he got bozo’ed by dateline and chris hanson didnt he?
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:43 am
Scrubs and The Office are two shows I know I’d like. I’ve just never really tried to get into them.
nolie
September 22nd, 2009
12:44 am
http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2009/09/best_pitch_in_b.php
Here is a list of the top 20 fastballs thrown between 2007 and August 2009, inclusive
Pitches are averaged by pitch type (4-seam fastball, FB; 2-seam fastball, FT; cut fastball, FC), for each pitcher and then ranked by average value. The marginal value of the pitch dimensions are summarized in Control, Velocity and Movement, evaluated by calculating how much value would drop by removing these dimensions. These values are represented as weighted Z scores.
Rank Player Value Type Control Velocity Movement
1 Zack Greinke -0.0313 FT 1.13 2.68 0.90
2 Roy Halladay -0.0304 FT 0.73 2.19 0.72
3 Ronald Belisario -0.0181 FB 0.38 2.05 0.33
4 Ubaldo Jimenez -0.0166 FB 0.33 2.14 0.25
5 Jonathan Broxton -0.0164 FB 0.18 1.87 0.09
6 Felix Hernandez -0.0155 FB 0.38 1.94 0.25
7 Roy Halladay -0.0150 FC 0.50 0.96 0.55
8 Heath Bell -0.0149 FB 0.41 1.39 0.28
9 Mariano Rivera -0.0130 FC 0.19 1.32 0.32
10 Bobby Jenks -0.0123 FB 0.31 1.15 0.07
11 Daniel Bard -0.0122 FB 0.13 1.42 -0.01
12 Brandon Morrow -0.0118 FB 0.11 1.20 0.21
13 Joel Zumaya -0.0112 FB -0.08 1.95 -0.14
14 Vin Mazzaro -0.0106 FB 0.34 1.04 0.26
15 Andrew Bailey -0.0101 FC 0.38 0.51 0.37
16 J.J. Putz -0.0095 FB 0.20 0.96 0.14
17 Joe Nathan -0.0092 FB 0.19 0.63 0.26
18 Freddy Dolsi -0.0090 FB 0.12 1.47 0.12
19 Chris Carpenter -0.0090 FB 0.24 1.34 0.26
20 Kevin Jepsen -0.0090 FB 0.18 0.99 0.13
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
1:11 am
Braves certainly have the easiest schedule of all contenders for the Wild Card, so, postseason hopes still alive for me…
Bobby (I manage on instincts and my (rather rotund) gut feeling...alone) Cox
September 22nd, 2009
1:16 am
I STILL BELIEVE…
I will be back…one more year…want to see how I can screw up this pitching staff, again…
Can you tell that I also manage really well when we hit 3 home runs in a game…
(…and we still have a 4% chance…according to ESPN…)
Rockies have the easiest road regarding the schedule…9 home games and only the last 3 on the road vs. the Dodgers…(where those games may not even matter). But they have a tough Cardinals team coming in this weekend…with their 3 best starters going…so if they lose all 3…???
So, with 12 games left…and the Braves & Marlins 5 games back in the Wild Card…and the Giants now just 4 back…it is now going to take a major frickin’ miracle for the Braves to make it to the post-season in 2009…
Marlins…home: 3 with Philly and 3 with Mets…away: 3 with Braves and last 3 with Philly…
Braves…away: 2 with Mets and 3 with Nationals…home: 3 with Marlins and 4 with Nationals…
Giants…away: 2 with Arizona…home: 4 with Cubs…3 with Arizona…away: 3 with Padres…
Rockies…home…3 with Padres…3 with Cardinals…3 with Brewers…away: 3 with Dodgers…
(We can also pray that the Phillies drop 9 out of their last 12. OK…do not think that will happen, either…)
So, we have almost zero chance…and we need to really run the table…can we do it???
I STILL BELIEVE
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
1:22 am
Rockies don’t have the easiest, they have the hardest. Braves have the easiest…
Bobby (I manage on instincts and my (rather rotund) gut feeling...alone) Cox
September 22nd, 2009
1:25 am
I was wrong…imagine that.
9 games behind the Phillies now…but they have not clinched anything…yet…magic number for them is now…6.
So…the Phillies have 14 games left…not 12.
Can they go…say something like…4 – 10…down the stretch or worse???
NO…
Bobby (I manage on instincts and my (rather rotund) gut feeling...alone) Cox
September 22nd, 2009
1:29 am
By the way…the Braves magic number is now…22.
Easy to figure…add up our total wins the rest of the year and the Phillies total number of losses…and if it equal 22…then we will win the division…(hoping…the Marlins do not get there before we do…)
I needed to make myself laugh with that one…
Bobby (I manage on instincts and my (rather rotund) gut feeling...alone) Cox
September 22nd, 2009
1:34 am
Magic Number(s)…
Cardinals………3
Phillies…………6
Angels…………7
Dodgers……….8
Yankees………8
Tigers………….11
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
1:40 am
With JJ pitching tomorrow, the Braves better win, and they have a VERY good chance…
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
1:41 am
The Braves finished the season with winning records against each of the National League’s projected division winners — Phillies (10-8), Cardinals (4-2), Dodgers (4-3).
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
1:57 am
I say, trade for Michael Cuddyer, and sign Russell Branyan, let LaRoche walk unless he give a considerable hometown discount…
BAM! World Friggin’ Champions…
sum guy
September 22nd, 2009
2:08 am
I say, trade for Michael Cuddyer, and sign Russell Branyan, let LaRoche walk unless he give a considerable hometown discount…
Seattle will overpay to keep Branyan there. Their farm system might be one of the worst in baseball
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
2:24 am
I don’t know about all that much money…
I think a 3 yr. 15 million deal (10: 5M 11: 7M 12: 3M) would have him running over here so fast his torso would fall off because it can’t keep pace with his legs (Good? No? Ok.).
One of this teams big problems is hitting righties and he has over a .900 OPS against them, Let me put it this way; He is as good against rightys as Matty D is as good against Leftys…
Thats what they need!
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
2:26 am
Also he is from Warner Robins …
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
2:31 am
Also, Aaron Hill seems to be a good fit, if it could work out…
sum guy
September 22nd, 2009
2:36 am
I watch Branyan play almost every day (when he’s healthy and the Braves aren’t on the west coast) I could see the M’s giving him a similar contract to what you suggested, though it would be an incentive laden contract. i’m thinking 2 years 15 million with a mutual option for a third year.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
2:47 am
If I’m Wren, I’m giving him that contract…
…and preparing for a bidding war
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 22nd, 2009
2:54 am
You know what? I take it back, But I would sign both LaRoche and Branyan. Russel can play the first half and LaRoche could play the second half.
That made me laugh.
sum guy
September 22nd, 2009
3:01 am
IF the braves offered a similar contract, i don’t know if it would be a bidding war. RB seems to be happy in seattle and from what i’ve read, he’s willing to stay in the Emerald City
Rob from SC
September 22nd, 2009
6:51 am
I don’t understand this Prado bashing. Yes he slumped after having those headaches, but he had a lot of family issues. BAseball players are only human.
To me Prado gets himself in trouble when he tries to pull the ball. He has that great opposite field swing like Escobar. Prado is tied for the team lead in doubles,has a better slugging than Escobar, Jones, McLouth, Anderson; and second in average
He has had a really good season.
Steve from OH
September 22nd, 2009
7:07 am
More buffoonery from Eeyore. He’s now trying to tell us that Lowe has been a model ace? How many of those 15 wins were because the Braves outslugged the opposition?
No, fool, he’s saying it because it sounds a whole lot better than “yeah, he’s got 15 wins, but look at his peripherals, for chrissakes. He’s sh!tty! He’d better shape up or ship out, by golly!”
Steve from OH
September 22nd, 2009
7:08 am
Aaron Hill=career year in a big way. No a thousand times.
richbrave
September 22nd, 2009
7:28 am
And speaking of power, here’s hoping against hope that CHIP hits three more HR’s this year to keep the string alive.
richbrave
September 22nd, 2009
7:33 am
Yes, MARTIN has proved out. He’s done as well in a positive way as KELLY has in the opposite direction. The club’s better off. I would say from the outside looking in, that we rid ourselves of the cancer in the clubhouse – FRANCOUER. I don’t know if our improvement began with the arrival of CHURCH or not, but it didn’t hurt. Certainly, after first McLOUTH and then LaROCHE, we began to find ourselves as a team.
O.J.
September 22nd, 2009
7:47 am
Hey DOB, if the Braves can end the season at 90-72 and dont get into the playoffs, I would be OK with that. Its better than being 72-90 like last year, shows what a huge turn around we had, almost makes Bobby Cox look like he should be manager of the year, taking a team that was 72-90 last year to a team that would be 90-72 this year. Not great by any means, but its still a huge accomplishment. Dont you think? And it also opens Frank Wrens eyes to prove that we needed a big bat all along. If we can keep this same lineup next year, guarantee we win more than 90, probably a 100.
David
September 22nd, 2009
8:45 am
DOB, House was fantastic last night. I haven’t enjoyed the show that much in a long time. I think that you will like it very much.
Firearm
September 22nd, 2009
8:50 am
DOB, Kenshin and his interpreter dressed as ninjas to the airport?
…PLEASE tell me they had a little confrontation with pirates.
CallUpHeyward
September 22nd, 2009
8:53 am
Not only do the Braves need more power, they need more speed. When the long balls aren’t coming- and they haven’t- they play station to station baseball. There have been any number of times this season the Braves have failed to score with more than two hits in an inning. That’s pitiful.
Kevin
September 22nd, 2009
9:28 am
Naw braves need new manager n hittin coach instead O’Liein…cxse closed…
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
9:29 am
I don’t know if there was an altercation with Pirates, but let’s just hope the NInjas didn’t have a TSA confrontation.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
9:31 am
Just a quick glance at the old blog and here is the “Prado needs consistency thing” on just about every page. Some question whether we are set at 2nd base and should we keep KJ.
WOW, I mean do people actually watch the Braves at all or just come on here to stir things up? Last I checked a .300 hitter at 2nd base with about 10-15 homers projected is pretty darn sweet. Throw in the range and defense and versatility and well, I think he is named Prado. Pencil him in the #2 hole to start 2010.
What about KJ you ask? Well, in short, he is gone. Infante can provide cheap insurance at 2nd if Prado fills in at 3rd or 1st. Infante is also versatile. KJ is not versatile and at 2.5 million he ain’t sitting the bench. Kelly has some upside and a change of scenery will do him some good. Look for KJ to go with a pitcher (no, it won’t be Vazquez) for a LF bat.
Not sure about needing a lot of bats. The players need to fulfill potential. Chipper and McCann need to both hit 20+ homers. LaRoche is a given there probably around 30 (yep, I voted we should pay him well for 2 years). I will assume for this post that Heyward will be in RF and swatting 20+ so the only “upgrade” we need is the oft-mentioned big bat for LF. Absolutely I would not trade Vazquez for said bat. Wren listened to me on Prado so I feel confident Vazquez will remain a Brave.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
9:43 am
DOB….agree with you whole-heartedly on the comedy shows. Never saw much in Seinfeld or Friends that had me rolling on the floor to be honest. But you had to like Sanford and Son or Benny Hill I am guessing?
Figures, I lease my building in Buckhead to the new tenants and they are thinking of holding a bass tournament in the basement.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
9:46 am
martin prado between last year and this year has basically done what escobar did in ‘07, that led us to believe he could take over full time. i definitely think martin needs a shot to play everyday, and infante is a nice backup to have in case he needs some days off. kelly johnson is just making to much money to keep around at this point.
dcp
September 22nd, 2009
9:47 am
Wow Jurrjens – let’s celebrate the Braves winning record against the division leaders. What will that get the Braves? That means they choked it against bad teams – Reds, Pads. Those 3 teams are all going to the playoffs and the Braves are still out. The Braves had 3 must win series against the Phillies in the last month (2 at home) and lost 2 of 3 each time, so that 10-8 is garbage – nobody will look back and say “well, the Phils, Dodgers, Cards won the World Series but hey, we beat them head to head”.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
9:47 am
i think friends is halarious.
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
9:51 am
Dadgum (who apparently still Rocks On)-I was one of that multitude who felt that Prado was best suited to a utility role and that Kelly would turn it around. I was flat out wrong. In 117 games (I was surprised at this when Joe mentioned it last night), the Dude has 32 doubles and 10 HR (in a little less than 3/4 of a season). Projected over a full year, Prado would be hitting about .300 with 43 doubles and 14 HR. Not too bad for a utility guy who makes diddly in salary.
I always liked Kelly Johnson, but he blew his shot, pure and simple. I think that when one considers how little he has played since being removed from the everyday lineup, the writing is on the wall and your thoughts that Kelly is gone after the year ends is spot on.
I’m also not really sold on keeping Ryan Church. If we were to add the $2.5 mil we save by letting Anderson walk (and he has provided about what we expected, IMO), the over $3 mil that KJ would make in arb and the same for Church, we would have over $8 mil to use towards the aqcuisition of a power bat for the outfield. It would more than pay for Roachy’s extension if we could sign him to a 3 year, $24 mil contract.
As for outfielders if we let Church walk, we still have Diaz and could bring up Brandon Jones to play against RHP, would still retain McLouth and would put the power hitter (whoever that may be) in LF.. When Heyward is ready, Diaz could Pinch Hit and Brandon sent back to Gwinnett (I believe he still has a year’s options left).
Just something to think about, but if we spend Gonzo’s/Soriano’s salaries for a new closer and can sign Hudson to a club friendly longer term deal for a smaller 2010 salary, we might actually be able to retain our ENTIRE starting staff. I think Kawakami proved pretty definitively last night he can adapt pretty easily to long relief. Maybe it’s stretching the salary potential a bit, maybe not and maybe the ownership could add a few mil since it would make us pretty close to a powerhouse. Thoughts?
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
9:58 am
jeffrey d I’m watching Andy Griffith right now…I bet McFann watches that show
Oh yeah, totally! My Lovey cann whistle the theme song (well, kind of…
)! The color ones are kind of annoying (Andy’s too freakin’ crabby and there’s no Barney), but the black-and-white ones are great!
varoadrunner
September 22nd, 2009
10:01 am
DOB – I hope I didn’t miss this but How did kawakami qualify for a save in last night’s game?
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
10:04 am
lew you and i are completely on the same page as far as next years team goes. dropping church and kelly is the way to go.
without losing one starting pitcher, we would have $2.8mil from kotchman coming off, $2.8 from ryan church, $2.8 from kelly, $2.5 from anderson, $.8 from norton, $3.4mil from gonzalez, $6.3 from soriano.
that right there equals $21.4mil coming off the books, before we move a starter! i still think it would be a good idea to try and trade kawakami, but it wouldnt be necessary. and like you said, if we could raise payroll a little for a team on the cusp of being the best in the NL, we’d be golden.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
10:06 am
varoadrunner, if you pitch the last three innings of the game you get the save no matter how far ahead your team is.
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
10:07 am
varodrunner-Any reliever who comes into a game where his team is winning and pitches three or more innings holding the lead, automatically qualifies for a save, regardless of the score when he entered the game.
DAP-And if I’m not mistaken, the Braves have not received insurance $$$$ for Hudson. If this is so, we’ve been paying everyone’s salaries anyway and Kawakami’s is somewhat reduced for 2010-still more savings.
GboroBravo
September 22nd, 2009
10:08 am
Malcolm in the Middle is great to watch
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
10:10 am
lew, i still think that kawakami is to expensive for a long man…with raises guys are due to get, i think that $21.4mil i cited earlier would get stretched pretty quick. the braves could easily pay $16mil next season between laroche and a closer, which, after raises, doesnt leave much for an outfielder. being able to trade kawakami’s $7mil or so makes a big difference. i really like pwhjort’s idea from yesterday about working out a trade for michael cuddyer, who is signed one more year plus an option.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
10:13 am
OK, even with the walk, BMac OBP went down a point (AVG went down 2 points). And not only did he break a 9-game hitting streak, he also snapped a 5-game RBI streak–had at least one RBI in his last five games; 9 RBI all together.
It’s funny…yesterday afternoon I was thinking how when it’s really sunny and dry for a long time, it feels like it’s never going to rain again. When it’s rainy for a long time, it feels like it’s never going to be sunny again. When a player’s going 0-20, it feels like he’s never going to get a hit again. And when he’s in a long hitting streak, it feels like he’s never going to go 0-fer again, especially when he even gets a pinch-hit, RBI single…
Well…just gonna hafta start a new hitting streak tonight. But I’m still miffed at Bobby for randomly taking him out in the 6th.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
10:14 am
*BMac’s OBP
David O'Brien
September 22nd, 2009
10:14 am
varoadrunner: because he pitched four innings of relief to finish the game. another of those sort of quirky rules in scoring, like how Hanson got a loss in that 4-2 game when he pitched the first two innings and gave up one run.
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
10:16 am
DAP-I’ve got my doubts about Cuddyer. Dude has some power, but 28 dingers in MInnesotra won’t translate to an equal number in ASTlanta. Add to this the fact he will be making in the $6 mil range (based on 09’s salary) and the fact that in a five full year ML career, he has only played 150 games ONCE and the year before last he only played in 71 games. I’m not certain he’s the one we need to hope will answer our prayers-even with Roachy signed.
David O'Brien
September 22nd, 2009
10:17 am
varoadrunner, to clarify, here’s the saves rule from the MLB rulebook:
Rule 10.20 in the Official Rule Book states:
Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions:
(1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and
(2) He is not the winning pitcher; and
(3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:
- (a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
- (b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batsmen he faces; or
- (c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
10:20 am
lew, your probably right, looking at cuddyer more closely, this year could be a fluke.
bravesgrl4life
September 22nd, 2009
10:20 am
rockinthebeergut(formerly southbeachdietfreak)
September 22nd, 2009
12:31 am
First, I love the rockingthebeergut song
Second, I am in total agreement with you. Regardless of whether we make the playoffs or not, at least this offseason, we can look forward to 2010. There is defintely more potential than we’ve had for the last few years.
Mitch C
September 22nd, 2009
10:27 am
Dave, the good thing is that the Braves are going to finish over 500, and at least ten to fifteen games better than last year. That’s progress. Hopefully, with the same people, and a better bullpen, they can win at least the wild card in 2010.
It;s crucial that we sign Laroche. He has been a Godsend since coming to Atlanta. I shudder to think where we would be without him. I’d offer him at least a two year deal, for as much money as we can afford, even if it means keeping Freeman in the minors until 2011. Laroche can hit us at least 20 plus homers, and drive in 80 plus, which would be important, especially with Chipper injured, in decline, and maybe even retiring after next year.
It will be a big loss if we lose Laroche. Besides that, if we can sign one of the two free agent relievers, preferably Soriano, we should be fine with them, and our returning pitching.
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
10:27 am
DAP-I think he’s a solid player, but the missed time really concerns me-missing time is something we really don’t need from our only real power bat. There’s got to be a young guy with a bit of a track record that some team will be willing to part with-for pitching, if necessary, who makes somewhat less $$$$ and has been relatively healthy throughout his tenure. Pitching IS the best trade commodity to have and it’s the one thing we DO have
Danga
September 22nd, 2009
10:30 am
I wasn’t aware of that version of the Save interesting.
Anyone going to see the Walkmen on Friday at Variety Playhouse?
Couch Tater
September 22nd, 2009
10:38 am
Jon Heyman article on the 2010 free-agent market:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/09/16/free.agents/index.html
Oh, and good moanin’.
Charlie Mingus – Moanin’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__OSyznVDOY&feature=related
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
10:39 am
Danga-Not surprising that you or anyone else is unfamiliar with that rule. You just don’t see relievers going three or more innings very often, anymore.
Interesting news-Just saw on CNN that Michael Moore’s new film about the banking industry focuses on Liberty Media (among others). This should be interesting to we Braves’ fans.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
10:42 am
Lew,
Agree with your 9:51 post. But, Heyward is the platoon outfielder. I know some people think he needs more minor league seasoning. I don’t because his strikeout total was impressive. He knows the zone and even though major league pitches are of a higher quality, they throw more strikes. This kid is intelligent and will make adjustments.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
10:44 am
Why are people still complaining about not signing Dunn? Maybe he didn’t want to come to Atlanta. Maybe his demands were ridiculous until he finally signed. You can’t assume that because Wren didn’t sign someone it’s because he didn’t try. (See Furcal, Rafael.)
Lowe, KK and Vazquez were all acquired in the offseason. If Dunn was on the payroll we possibly wouldn’t have gotten LaRoche or McLouth. So who do you choose?
According to WAR, LaRoche has been more valuable than Dunn (2.4 WAR vs. 1.8 for Dunn). And yes, I know we haven’t had LaRoche all season. McLouth and Lowe have been nearly twice as valuable (both 3.2 WAR). KK has been equal (1.8). Javy? Almost four times as valuable – 6.5 WAR.
Not saying Dunn wouldn’t fit nicely, save for the defense. But Atlanta can’t just spend and spend, so you have to factor in ALL reasons for not signing him, and what you might miss out on if you did.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
10:47 am
Lew,
You know how this organization has kind of toyed with B. Jones’ career. He never developed the power they thought he had. I don’t see the organization keeping him, especially if Shafer needs a spot at Gwinnett.
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
10:48 am
WBC-I could certainly see Heyward winning the starting job out of Spring Training if he has a good spring, but don’t see them platooning him. I kind of hope that he IS ready, because it would solve some serious power problems on the cheap (we can hope, anyway).
I’m thinking that with a full year of LaRoche (his first half is still an average of .253, 13 and 43 RBI-not terrible, by any means) and Heyward ready, as well as a full season of McLouth and Prado, we may not need another boomer (would mind having one, though). I only wish we really knew about Heyward and waiting until the end of ST may be too long to wait to find another good bat.
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
10:50 am
WBC-I’m not crying if Brandon heads down the road, but has he ever REALLY gotten a chance to prove himself? Not saying he would hit for loads of power, but I believe he’s much better than we’ve seen to this point.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
10:53 am
I’m thinking that with a full year of LaRoche (his first half is still an average of .253, 13 and 43 RBI-not terrible, by any means) and Heyward ready, as well as a full season of McLouth and Prado, we may not need another boomer (would mind having one, though).
Dangerous thinking that, unfortunately, might be shared by the Braves’ FO. The impossible dream, from where I sit.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
10:54 am
Lew,
Like last year with Hanson and Shafer, the organization is sending Kimbrell, Heyward and Minor(LH out of Vandy) to Arizona. Depending on how well these 3 guys perform will determine a lot. We need a lefty in the rotation and some have said Minor has 4 pitches and was as good as Price. We will see, and I think the AFL is a good benchmark.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
10:56 am
Lew,
Your 10:50 post is right on the money. I think he was dimissed because he never developed that power. I think he’s a good player who would thrive in the majors with the right situation.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
10:57 am
ncscoots,
I tend to agree with your 10:53 post. But what are the alternatives?
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
10:57 am
some have said Minor has 4 pitches and was as good as Price.
Must be some other Price not named David, LOL.
unbelievable
September 22nd, 2009
10:58 am
who said Minor was as good as Price
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
10:59 am
Damn-If Minor is ready (and I realize many were NOT happy with his signing over others in the draft), wouldn’t THAT make the rotational situation interesting?
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
11:02 am
scoots-That should have read that I wouldn’t mind another boomer. I think we can’t wait until ST to find out if Heyward is ready or not and forego getting someone else. If we DO pich up a bat and Heyward DOES prove he’s ready then we can always deal an outfielder later. Wouldn’t it muddy the waters if Schafer and Heyward proved ready? Who could we get for McLouth?
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:04 am
ncscoots,
The guy made 3 starts and pitched twice against Cuba in the WBC Classic this year and ended with an ERA of .83
You’re not taken 7th in the draft unless you’re real good. Or maybe the Braves can’t scout anymore.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
11:05 am
WBC, re your 10:57, the alternative is a trade for a proven run-producer who can anchor the middle of the order, lengthen the lineup, and promise an order of performance that will keep the Braves from relying on “everybody has to hit” every bleepin’ game.
Trade a pitcher, gut the farm, sell some body parts, whatever, LOL. Otherwise, you’re just looking at the same offensive team in 2010: a fairly good offense that has to play at its peak almost all the time, to win consistently. No team can do that without favor from the gods, and I tend to have little faith in that kind of “plan”.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
11:07 am
Didn’t say Minor was a bum. My implication was that David Price is a good bit better, and it’s unlikely that the two are in the same conversation.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:11 am
ncscoots,
I agree, we need to score more and close better. I still think the power of this organization is it’s ability to draft and develop young players. Wren has many options and will again be dealing from strength because he rebuilt our pitching.
Train Wreck Bystander
September 22nd, 2009
11:18 am
I don’t really understand all the man crushes for Roachey. Yes, he’s been a great 2nd half addition. I seem to remember him always having great 2nd halves here. But he’s slow to boil, and come next spring I doubt he’d be doing for the Braves what he is doing now.
Right now, I don’t have a better answer.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:18 am
ugh…I forgot about the Minor signing. Seems like we had so many better options to pick from. Then again, I said the same thing about Matt Ryan so maybe Wren knows something.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:22 am
Oh yeah, totally! My Lovey cann whistle the theme song McFann
At first, I thought “My Lovey Cann” was some cute nickname you had for Brian. I’m assuming Lovey’s your bird?
And totally agree that the black and white episodes are the best. It’s just not the same without Barney.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
yeah, i think the team has to be put together as if heyward wont contribute much. in other words, i want get a guy who is versitile in the field so that next year, the out field could be mixed and matched a bit. a guy that can play center field would be great, and there is a really good option out there. a guy with power, and a very good defensive outfielder.
ozzie
September 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
It may be tough but there are two primary scenarios that will fix this team:
1. Resign LaRoche (3yr deal – FF is no where near ready for the MLs) & sign one of Bay, Holliday Dye for LF – best move IMHO but you will need to call CO for cash and clean house via DFA. Means a lower priced bench, more rookies and letting Gonzo & Soriano walk. You can pick up Wagner here for 1yr as the closer and have Moylan as the 8th inning dude.
2. Trade for Fielder or Adrian G, let LaRoche walk – sign Figgins to platoon in LF with Diaz and 3B with Chipper. You lose a starter in this scenario likely Vaz or JJ which I doubt they do especially in the case of JJ. I still see Wagner in this scenario with Gonzo and Soriano going to other teams.
Sure there are other players (lessor) and combos but either of the two above will get you the division or a WC with no drama in September.
Others have mention getting Konerko, Cameron, DeRosa et al but they are not difference makers IMHO. This team needs a 30-40HR/125+ RBI guy desperately.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
ncscoots,
I know it’s only Rome, but Minor 14IP, 1ER, 0BB, 17K .64ERA
I guess the Braves have seen enough to send him to the Arizona Fall League.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:26 am
jeffrey d–
LOL! Sorry! Yes, my Lovey is Petey Bird. I call him my Lovey because he has a “crush” on me–I mean, he doesn’t really like to sit on anybody else. And he looks at me with googley-eyes…
It’s just not the same without Barney.
Yeah…that Warren dude is annoying–”Huh-yeah! Huh-yeah! Huh-yeah!” And Goober’s in too many episodes. I mean, ya know, he’s funny…but enough is enough.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
ozzie,
Moylan closes next year. He just set the major league for appearances without giving up a home run. The guy’s got the goods and will be even better in 2010.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
Like the Geico money.
And I’m not sure who Warren is.
timthebrave
September 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
I vote for this as post of the month from Ron in Mobile on first page.
“I recomend that for a real men of genuis commercial.
Make it a Bud Light Mr composer of the repetitive douche bag blog comments. Day after day you scream to the world what an enourmous chum you are. We know your not afraid to use CAPS…cause thats just how you roll” I’m still laughing
rammerjammer
September 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
Cameron would be an upgrade from Garret and would almost certainly sign for one year, giving the Braves flexibility with Heyward and, yes, Schafer. No, he’s not a 30-HR guy, but how many of those are affordable and make sense with Heyward on the cusp and maybe Schafer in the mix? One year is the way to go. If not Cameron, another RH-hitting outfielder who’ll sign for one year.
And when you think about what LaRoche has brought this team, and what this team had in Kotchman before, well, you just don’t let him get away…especially when there is no Plan B if he leaves.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
11:36 am
there is a really good option out there. a guy with power, and a very good defensive outfielder.
Let me guess…his middle name wouldn’t be “park-adjusted”, would it, LOL?
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:38 am
jeffrey d Like the Geico money.
Haha, right!
And I’m not sure who Warren is.
He’s Andy’s new deputy…at least I think that’s his name…
SUN!! WOW! That’s cool-looking!
jmart
September 22nd, 2009
11:38 am
O’Brien
September 21st, 2009
4:20 pm
Next year, the Braves have questions at 1B, 2B, LF and RF.
How in the world can anyone doubt what a hard nosed player Prado is? Have you watched his approach at the plate? His defense continues to improve. He is a clutch hitter and has many multiple hit games. I believe that he has proven over the course of this year that he deserves to be a starting 2nd baseman. His versitility is also very beneficial for a team that occassionally needs a replacement at 3rd base.
Same goes for Diaz. He now has 12 home runs. What would his number be if he had started all year. He plays an adequate right field but would be better off in left field. His OBP was well over .400 as the lead off batter but when McClouth came back Cox reinserted McClouth in the one hole. Diaz has the versatility to bat virtually anywhere in the lineup.
If Haywood becomes our right fielder I believe that our only questions for next year are who plays first base, can we resign Hudson? and can we make over our bullpen?
Danga
September 22nd, 2009
11:39 am
I think Cameron could be a difference maker if you look at him as GA’s replacement. Cameron will hit more homers and get on base at a better clip. Then there is his defense. If he ends up in Atlanta, I think he plays CF and McClouth gets moved over. Either way, OF defense is much better.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:39 am
And the sky is like…blue in some places. This is odd…I think I’ve seen this happen before, but I don’t remember when that was…
P. W. Hjort
September 22nd, 2009
11:42 am
I know it’s only Rome, but Minor 14IP, 1ER, 0BB, 17K .64ERA
Minor had been facing competition roughly equivalent to AA for the past 3 years. Anything less and I’d be disappointed.
I guess the Braves have seen enough to send him to the Arizona Fall League.
They pretty much decided to send him to the AFL before he threw a single professional pitch.
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
11:42 am
Oh, sunshine how I’ve missed you.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:43 am
Soph–
I’ve missed it, too! Wow…this is amazing…
Q
September 22nd, 2009
11:44 am
Why not trade for Dunn who has got one year left on his deal? Trade Medlen and JoJo Reyes and one other player for him.His salary is about 10 million or so next year so don’t pick up Hudson’s 12 million option and you free up the money for Dunn and still have 2 million to add a bullpen arm. Or improve the player package and trade for Adrian Gonzalez who is under contract for the next 2 years for a total around 12 million.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:45 am
If Haywood becomes our right fielder I believe that our only questions for next year are who plays first base, can we resign Hudson?
The day Haywood becomes our right fielder is the day I sing hymns in a mosque
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
11:45 am
white blood cellsMoylan closes next year.
i dont know about this. lefties are hitting .300 against him this year.
rammerjammer it might take two years on mike cameron, but i agree with you that he is a great option. and, he may not be a 30 homer guy but he has 21 homers at age 36, and has hit at least 21 in each of his last 4 seasons. great defense, speed, and some power. he, mclouth, diaz and heyward should be our OF guys next season.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:45 am
P.W. Hjort,
Maybe we should trade Minor while his value is high, saving money to keep Kelly Johnson on the bench. This way the matrix of players will work better.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:46 am
I’m gonna miss the rain. Not the monsoon we had yesterday, but I do enjoy the rain.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
11:46 am
If Haywood becomes our right fielder I believe that our only questions for next year are who plays first base, can we resign Hudson? and can we make over our bullpen?
Yes, an OF of Diaz, McLouth, and Heyward simply screams “800-run offense”, LOL.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
11:48 am
Whatever happened to JoJo Reyes? Did he have surgery or something?
Or, have the Braves just said, you’re done for the year, see you next year.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:49 am
jeffrey d–
I like the rain, too…but I am ready for some sun (low-humidity, though–I hate heat).
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy going out back and stepping in DEEP puddles and getting all wet yesterday!
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
11:50 am
And, of course as soon as I declare my love for the sun, it disappears. It’s teasing me.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
11:50 am
lew….just getting back to an earlier response from you. Seems you me and DAP are on the same page. Not sure though we can keep everyone of the SP’s and then acquire a bat through FA. Putting KK in the pen at 7.5 million for middle relief I can’t see happening throughout 2010. This is why I feel the Braves best move is to trade KK/KJ for another big bat which is assuming of course Wren feels he will get the necessary mileage out of Hudson. The Hudson scenario still has to play out before any trade of KK or whomever. Sign LaRoche first though.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
With the Braves bullpen woes, I was very happy to see KK get to go four and get the save last night. I wish that the Braves would use their former starting pitchers (KK, Medlen) in this role (or go to a six man rotation, which is not going to happen this late in the year).
KK is better for four every five days than Nunez, Acosta, Logan, and whatever meat is left on the bench.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
Q, dunn gets $12mil next season, and the nats would want alot for him, i think. that will be a hard trade because its in our division.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
Well according to weather.com, it looks like the sun’s going to stay for awhile, with maybe a couple showers later.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:52 am
But you know how I’m usually wrong, so get your rain boots ready.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
11:52 am
Train Wreck – if LaRoche had his typical 2nd half numbers in the 1st half as well, Atlanta wouldn’t have a prayer of signing him.
JMart – Diaz has 12 HR in 391 PA (about the same as 2007). Over 650 PA (roughly a full season) that would be about 20 HR. This year he has 6 each against RH/LH, but in his career the split is pretty pronounced – 24 against LH (662 PA) and 11 vs RH (705 PA). The knock on Diaz is that split – his OPS is nearly .200 higher against LH (.919 vs. .727).
That being said, I’d be okay with him out there, but not as “the” power guy in LF.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
11:53 am
Heywood?…What happened to Dagwood?
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:54 am
If the Braves didn’t want Dunn last season, why would they want him now that his salary’s increased and he’s going to cost prospects?
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:54 am
Soph–
A can’t stand getting teased like that!
jeffrey d–
I saw a 5-day forecast that showed rain…rain…rain…
But I’m usually wrong, too, so get your sunglasses ready!
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:55 am
Dagwood’s still getting owned by Mr. Dithers.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
11:55 am
White Blood Cells – you’re joking about trading Minor, right?
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
11:56 am
If the Braves didn’t want Dunn last season, why would they want him now that his salary’s increased and he’s going to cost prospects?
Hellooooo. Didn’t you see that post yesterday from someone? If we get Dunn, we sell out every single home game with standing room only and he carries us to the World Series. Duh.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:57 am
haha, oh yeah I saw that. It was after I left and you backed me up with some sarcasm (props, btw)
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
11:58 am
Oh, here we go with the Adam Dunn thing again! Lew, I am gonna let you take that one. I remember how much my head hurt beating it against the wall debating Adam Dunn or any other defensive stiff for that matter.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:59 am
OK, I got my photos from yesterday uploaded. Photobucket came through this time!
I also uploaded some photos of my Lovey, since we were talking about him a little while ago…
P. W. Hjort
September 22nd, 2009
11:59 am
White Blood Cells
You really enjoy pissing out of your @ss, don’t you. Anyway:
Maybe we should trade Minor while his value is high, saving money to keep Kelly Johnson on the bench. This way the matrix of players will work better.
The Braves can’t trade Minor until next August. If any of that made any damn sense to begin with.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
11:59 am
Yes, an OF of Diaz, McLouth, and Heyward simply screams “800-run offense”, LOL.
But scoots, didn’t you know that Heyward was going to crush major league pitching as a 20 year old? .320/.410/.540 at the very least.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
11:59 am
I’m wondering if the Braves are getting close to shutting down Hanson.
Playoff hopes are slim, he’s reaching that mystical number of increased innings from the previous year that you don’t want to exceed. He’s had a great year and can build from here.
I’m betting that the Nationals’ start is the last one Hanson makes this year.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
But it’s like….every homerun hitter suddenly becomes an option on here. Logic and economics go flying out the window.
If we could just trade for Braun, Howard, and Utley, we could move Escobar to pitcher and start wearing sombreros instead of baseball caps! It’s almost too easy…
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
My photos from yesterday are of the rain “damage” in our backyard…shoulda been more specific there…
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
Short version: With Dunn, there’s probably no KK, Lowe, McLouth or LaRoche, and possibly no Javy if we signed Dunn early. Each player has been much more valuable, according to WAR, except for KK. He’s been equally valuable.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
12:01 pm
Daslied,
Of course, I was making a wise crack @ Hjort in response to his wise crack.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:02 pm
Geeze McFann…you weren’t foolin about that river
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
12:03 pm
Me? Sarcastic? Nu uh. Props to you for the props you gave to me.
McFann – awwww, Petey’s a cutie. Very handsome bird.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:04 pm
I don’t need props. But you just bought yourself a shut-up free day.
Lovey Cann looks like a fun bird
sportsmandh
September 22nd, 2009
12:04 pm
Guys,
Haven’t been able to post in a while, but I’ve still been paying much attention and have several comments:
1) Why does anyone have any question about Prado being the future everyday 2nd baseman? There should not even be any question. What more can you ask from a guy? Why would you even want to take a chance on Kelly Johnson? He is dead weight, cut him. Prado makes much less and has produced much more than Johnson. It isn’t even a question. Further more, Prado is a hitting machine. He is going to be the Braves version of Placido Polanco for the next several years. A .300 hitter, 8-10 homer, 40 double, 80 plus rbi guy. Most teams would be very happy to have that for their everyday 2nd baseman. Given the combination of things Wren will have to manage for trying to adjust the roster in the offseason, 2nd base is an easy answer.
2) A lot of you posters are underrating McClouth. He has done a good job. He is a good player. Same as Prado, finding a spot for McClouth is a no brainer. Now whether you play him in left or center is up for debate, but he’s on the team regardless. People keep talking about finding a speed leadoff guy for center. Hello, again just like with Prado, given the combination of things Wren is going to have to look at, this is not an issue. You stick with McClouth. He’s not even close to the problem. He is a 20 stolen base guy (by far the best on the team there), a gamer, a good outfielder, and about the only thing you could complain about is his throwing arm. Also, do you guys realize Schaeffer may not ever even develop into the caliber player McClouth is? Now, I hope he does, and he may. But sometimes it’s better to go with ‘the bird in the hand’. Plus McClouth is under contract for 3 more years.
3) There is and always will be a place for Matt Diaz as the 4th outfielder on this team. And when he’s not playing a very good pinch hitting candidate. He’s a good leader and chemistry guy too. Let’s say if Schaeffer does develop well, and by the start of 2011 you have Heyward, McClouth, and Schaeffer. That’s a very good, athletic, solid defensive outfield. There will still be a place for Matty D as the 4th outfielder.
I personally don’t think outfield is the problem or as big a concern as some others. If Heyward turns out to be what everybody thinks, the power problem isn’t as bad as feared. Unless there’s a way to sign Jason Bay, then I wouldn’t even give it as much thought as some other spots.
The bigger question is what to do with some other roster spots. The whole 1st base issue for the next 2 seasons. I’m for signing LaRoche if they can for 2 years. What to do if they can’t? Not sure. And what to do about 3rd base down the road? And BULLPEN?
Personally, I would not bring back Church or Johnson. I may consider bringing back Loaf just for one season if he would accept the role of a stop gap it he’s on the cheap which he probably will be. I would do this too hoping for a June or so callup for Heyward, and then have Loaf as a solid pinch hitter, spot starter, and dh for interleague games during the midseason.
My only pie in the sky idea I wonder if Derek Lee may be a trade candidate, or free agent candidate? I have no idea of his contract status. I know he would command top dollar. But if Wren makes some other tough decisions. For example doesn’t resign Hudson. Then maybe you could sign Lee for 2 years. Check this out for 2010 2011, all you got to do is fill in the bullpen holes
1) McClouth – cf
Diaz – rf (Heyward when ready)
2) Prado – 2nd
3) Chipper – 3rd
4) D. Lee – 1st
5) McCann – c
6) Escobar – ss
7) Loaf – lf (Schaeffer when ready, or Diaz)
bench:
Ross
Infante
Brandon Jones
whoever else wins the spot
Rotation
Vazquez
Lowe
Jurrjens
Hanson
KK
pen
Moylan
Medlin
O’Flaherty
Sorianno or Gonzalez (we know they won’t resign both)
Johnny Schuerholz
September 22nd, 2009
12:04 pm
Lew…
Do not want to get political on you…however, you brought it up.
As far as CNN and Michael Moore are concerned…it will not matter at all. Michael Moore is out of touch with mainstream USA (and so is CNN…have you seen the ratings!). All that fat slob wants to do is bash America…and any company that tries to make a profit…and to bash any, living…breathing conservative on the planet.
Will not matter cause CNN is talking about it and no one watches CNN anymore unless you are a bed-wetting leftist…and as far as the drivel that comes from Michael Moore..he can go to hell (or to Cuba)…as he is sure on his way to some where very warm come dirt nap time…hopefully…sooner… rather than later!
njbraves
September 22nd, 2009
12:05 pm
Any offseason move that involves trading JJ is not only dumb, but also completely unrealistic. He’s one of the best pitchers in the NL and he makes peanuts. Why on Earth would the Braves trade him, especially for someone like Fielder, who will be a FA in a year. Cameron isn’t happening either. Would a full season of Mike Cameron have made this team dramatically better?? Nope. You want a legit contender next year, find a way to keep Vazquez and Huddy and add either Bay or Holliday. I’d be happy to let Gonzo and Soriano walk and find a cheaper replacement. Neither guy really impresses me that much and both guys, especially Gonzo, put too many people on base. This team is close to being a legit contender, let’s hope they do the right thing.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
12:05 pm
jeffrey d you weren’t foolin about that river
Sure wasn’t. Yeah, it cann get pretty big…think that’s the biggest it’s ever gotten, though–even counting hurricanes.
Soph–
Thank you! He’s a good boy…most of the time.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
12:06 pm
DAP,
I select Moylan’s 2007 numbers v. left handed hitters (pre-surgery). They batted .242 with no homeruns that year while right handers batted .185 with 6 home runs. I think he has finally recovered fully. You know they say it really takes 18 months. I believe he can pitch to either side effectively.
Will
September 22nd, 2009
12:07 pm
Didn’ know if anybody posted this but I thought some of the huge bobby haters might like to see this. You have to scroll down a little bit to the part about the braves.
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ge-managers092109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
12:07 pm
jeffry d–
Oh, he’s a very fun bird–’sept when he screams. Sometimes we’ll be sitting right next to his cage, and he’ll be screaming his head off!
But we love him…we’ve had him for 8 years!
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
12:09 pm
I think I had a shut-up free day yesterday. I’ve grown accustomed to your shut-ups now. I’m immune to them.
RHR
September 22nd, 2009
12:09 pm
Aw your bird is beautiful, McFann. I bet he’s fun to have.
Johnny Schuerholz
September 22nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Peter Moylan will try to close out the next Braves save situation…starting tonight. Gonzo and Soriano…will go back to set-up roles for the bullpen. Hey…this came down from Bobby Cox.
BELIEVE
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
12:15 pm
sportsmanh
i agree prado should get a shot to play everyday, mclouth is a solid player, schafer should be a september callup in 2010 at best, and matt diaz is fantastic for this team, and should stay for a long time.
derek lee is signed for one more year at $13mil, and has a full no-trade clause. i do think the cubs would consider moving him depending on what they are thinking for the immediate future. i think they are realizing they made some bad signings and might need to regroup a bit. but, a derek lee trade is a longshot.
cabravesfan
September 22nd, 2009
12:18 pm
McFann-
Thanks for the pics
I still can’t believe how much rain you all have gotten…
I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a bird but sadly, my “roommate” would not agree (actually she might like a bird…)
Liberal Lion
September 22nd, 2009
12:19 pm
Easy there, Johnny Schuerholz.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
12:20 pm
white blood cells
his numbers against lefties are slowly getting better, but i wouldnt anoint him. lefties have really hit him hard this year, and i wouldnt thrust him into a closer role without knowing first if that is fixed.
RHR
September 22nd, 2009
12:20 pm
Lew…
Do not want to get political on you…however, you brought it up.
No, he made a comment about a film being made regarding Liberty Media, owner of the Braves.
Don’t hurt yourself with those far reaches to share your political leanings with us, “Johnny Schuerholz”.
sportsmandh
September 22nd, 2009
12:21 pm
DAP,
What about a trade of Vazquez and maybe a prospect or 2 for D. Lee? A better idea than the crazy suggestions about trading for Prince Fielder or Ryan Braun. No way the Brewers trade either of those guys, especially for a shorter term piece of the puzzle like Vazquez.
Either way, if there’s no Hudson or Vazquez, one or the other, there may be payroll to sign/trade for a Bay or Lee. Plug them in the clean up spot and this team is ready to roll.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
12:21 pm
My off season predictions …
1. Braves sign Hudson to multi-year extension (3 years, $24 million)
2. Braves renegotiate with Vazquez to extend his contract (3 years, no idea on the money)
3. Braves try to sign LaRoche to two year deal
4. Anderson, K. Johnson, Church, Gonzalez, Soriano are not extended contracts
5. Braves trade one of Lowe, Hudson, Vazquez, or Kawakami to fill outfield and bullpen needs. No idea which one or whom they receive in trade, depends on what is offered.
6. Braves do NOT trade for Adam Dunn or Ryan Freel.
It should be noted that, post-KJ, post-Francoeur, and post-Kotchman, that the Braves are well above .500 team, despite a very shaky bullpen. How much do the Braves really have to improve in the off-season? First base and closer are going to be the only real needs for the Braves. A power hitting outfielder will really help, but is probably not necessary with Heyward on the way and Schafer hopefully bouncing back.
Even if Roachy doesn’t sign, Braves should be able to promote Ryan “Spangles” von Furstenburg to cover 1B.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
12:22 pm
P.S., I doubt that Greg Norton gets resigned either.
RHR
September 22nd, 2009
12:23 pm
Speaking of man crushes, I’ll be glad when everyone gets over Adam Dunn. Will they ever? Probably if he ever became a Brave.
Daybed Wagmoe
September 22nd, 2009
12:25 pm
DOB — music recommendation for ya: Joe Pug’s “Nation of Heat” EP.
Chris
September 22nd, 2009
12:28 pm
How ironic that a 30 HR guy is now considered a “big bat” in the post-steroid era.
Marc in FL
September 22nd, 2009
12:34 pm
The bullpen is fine the way it is, most bullpens suck with one guy or maybe two guys at the end that can close it out. Our bullpen is actually one of the best in the NL, if not for Soriano’s struggles lately, Moylan’s early on, and Bobby’s love affair with Bennett, it would probably be leading all the major stats.
I don’t know if signing Laroche is very smart, he’s a good second half player but absolutely tanks in the first half. Look the NL central and there’s 3 or 4 good 1B that will probably be available this offseason and only have a year or two left on their contracts. I would argue with Berkman, Lee, or Fielder at first next year.
We’ll get another cheap OF bat, but with McLouth and Diaz already locked in place, and the Braves’ confidence in Schafer and Heyward, I wouldn’t expect anything too drastic. They’ll probably try to find someone who went FA after a injury plagued season and try to get a one year deal. Hell, it might be Church.
Quite a few people maybe walking, it’s a shoe-in that Hudson, Norton, and Anderson are off the payroll, maybe Church and either Gonzo or Soriano (but not both, maybe neither), and good chance that Laroche and Johnson aren’t going to be back.
That opens up a lot of money to do what any smart team building for the future would do, start locking up young talent. Spending some of that on a true power bat at first would be smart, but you’d still have some money leftover for locking up people. Blowing ALL of it on FA’s and expensive trades is just poor management
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
12:38 pm
What about a trade of Vazquez and maybe a prospect or 2 for D. Lee?
Why would the Braves have to add prospects to that deal? And why would they want to make a trade like that? Vazquez has more value than Lee, imo.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
12:41 pm
RHR–
Thank you! He’s very fun.
cabravesfan–
You’re welcome! I can’t believe it either…but it’s sunny right now! We just got back from getting Icees for lunch, and we drove over the Yellow River–those poor people who live along that! I saw one car under water…and a quite few houses with water with flooded yards. Our little “river” was nothing in comparison.
Our grandparents can’t get out of there neighborhood (actually, we have an aunt, an uncle, and their four kids who live in that neighborhood, too). It’s right by the Yellow River.
I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a bird but sadly, my “roommate” would not agree (actually she might like a bird…)
It’s quite an adventure!
Scary when he flies–but we keep his wings clipped. He’s lots of fun, though.
Haha, but yes, I’m sure your “roommate” would like Petey–lot’s of meat on that Bird!
(Sorry, Lovey!)
dmack2027
September 22nd, 2009
12:42 pm
DOB,
Do you get a sense where the Braves stand with Jordan Schafer? Personally, I think his wrist was hurting him much more than he let on this year with the Braves. He would be a cheap OF. He could play CF and shift McClouth to LF.
Braves need power or speed. Jordan gives them speed, although he was not given a chance to display it hitting in the 8th spot in the order. Let Diaz platoon with a LH hitter until Hewyard arrives in June. If the Braves go this route, they need to acquire/retain power at first base. Signing LaRoche to a two year deal makes sense.
Bullpen is also a concern. I like Moylan as a setup guy, but he does not have closer stuff. Gonzo and Sori do. Any talk of extending one of them?
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
12:46 pm
marc in fl, he’s a good second half player but absolutely tanks in the first half.
this is false, and so is your idea that hudson is a shoe-in to be off payroll next year.
Jeff R
September 22nd, 2009
12:49 pm
RichBrave had a good post last night on Freeman’s hitting lapse after his promotion to AA Mississippi. He wanted to know more. I didn’t see any posts that followed his from anyone with any info. It would be interesting to get some insights.
Sign LaRoche to three years. Braves don’t give no trade clauses. That provides some flexibility IF Freeman is ready in ‘11 or ‘12.
cabravesfan
September 22nd, 2009
12:51 pm
McFann-
I’m sure he’s quite tasty
(Sorry Petey!)
Hopefully some of that water will start receding soon…that’s scary
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
12:56 pm
with McLouth and Diaz already locked in place, and the Braves’ confidence in Schafer and Heyward, I wouldn’t expect anything too drastic.
Man, I bet folks are going to get tired of me on this subject between now and the winter meetings, LOL. I guess all the Braves really need is for McLouth to have a career year, Diaz to hit LH a couple hundred OPS points above career, and Heyward to win ROY. Sounds like a plan.
Sheesh. Nothing like “everything goes perfectly” as Plan A!
Let me know when a lineup of McLouth-Diaz-Heyward-LaRoche-Prado-Escobar-Chipper-McCann strikes someone as World Series bound. I’m having a little trouble getting that picture.
Rob from SC
September 22nd, 2009
1:00 pm
ncscoots
You have to also realize that McCann, Escobar, and Prado will only get better.
bravesfan84
September 22nd, 2009
1:00 pm
MLBtraderumors says there is tension between cox and wren, but they expect cox to return next season….hmmmmmmm
Marc in FL
September 22nd, 2009
1:02 pm
DAP – you’re almost sort of right.
Laroche had a better first half than second half in 2005. Other than that he’s been a below average first baseman (offensively) in the first half.
And Hudson isn’t coming back, you’re assuming he’ll be cheap to sign (he won’t because Red Sox Nation. Dodger Blue, and a couple other teams are probably going after him), and that we’ll be able to trade one of our high dollar pitchers for a good return, and that he’d be better than Lowe if he did come back which is really just happy thoughts. Hudson would be more of a gamble than a safety; he isn’t coming back.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
1:03 pm
You have to also realize that McCann, Escobar, and Prado will only get better.
Be careful. That really isn’t a given.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 22nd, 2009
1:03 pm
My hopeful steps for the Braves this offseason:
1- Sign LaRoche
2- Extend Vazquez
3- Let Hudson walk
4- Trade Church/KJ for relief help(have to agree with Lewy on that)
5- Resign one of Gonzo/Soriano
6- Trading for a guy like Cameron would be cheap– both in prospects & dollars… Could go a little further and try to pry Ludwick from St.Louis
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
1:03 pm
cabravesfan–
Well, one Thanksgiving when he was being a bad boy we threaten to forget the turkey…
Hopefully some of that water will start receding soon…that’s scary
Yeah…the water in our backyard is gone, but everywhere else…eesh. Scary indeed.
Marc in FL
September 22nd, 2009
1:05 pm
ncscoots –
Unless the Braves blow up the team and spend the next 4 years rebuilding, they can only change so much. We need a solid bat and I think finding a better first baseman is the answer. The other guys on that list would be acceptable if we had just one big bopper between Chipper and McCann.
Our pitching is solid as-is, I think we all agree on that.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
1:05 pm
Let me know when a lineup of McLouth-Diaz-Heyward-LaRoche-Prado-Escobar-Chipper-McCann strikes someone as World Series bound. I’m having a little trouble getting that picture.
Platoon Diaz with Heyward and sign Matt Holliday……
I’m not sure if the Braves can afford to add a contract like that, but it’d be nice.
Jeff R
September 22nd, 2009
1:06 pm
ncscoots… need a proven power bat in place of Diaz. Whoever that is. Think having LaRoche and a new power bat in the lineup makes the difference.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
1:10 pm
Efrim Be careful. That really isn’t a given.
True…but if BMac’s surgery works, no real reason to doubt he’ll be better next year, right?
RC
September 22nd, 2009
1:12 pm
“Let me know when a lineup of McLouth-Diaz-Heyward-LaRoche-Prado-Escobar-Chipper-McCann strikes someone as World Series bound. I’m having a little trouble getting that picture.”
I’d say it’s about as likely as a starting rotation of Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Brett Myers, Joe Blanton, and Kyle Kendrick competing for a World Series. With the rotation strength the Braves should have next year, they don’t need to be the ‘27 Yankees. Just like the Phillies didn’t need Whitey Ford due to the strength of thier lineup.
Jeff R
September 22nd, 2009
1:13 pm
Efrim, can’t imagine management paltooning Heyward with Diaz. When Heyward’s up, he’ll be an everyday player.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
1:15 pm
marc in FL, the fact that laroche’s numbers are better in the 2nd half isnt what im disputing. im challenging your definition of “tanking”. a guy OPSing .783 with 12 homers in the first half isnt “tanking”. it might not be great, or ideally what you want from your first baseman, but it is far from “tanking”. besides, if you are going to talk about what an average first baseman does, you cant really just take laroche’s splits. you should take his average.
and im not assuming anything about hudson, unlike you, who thinks he is a “shoe-in” to be off the payroll next season.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
1:15 pm
True…but if BMac’s surgery works, no real reason to doubt he’ll be better next year, right?
I more meant Prado and Escobar, who have both had fantastic years. Heap should be better, I agree.
glord1
September 22nd, 2009
1:15 pm
Anyone that thinks there is no chance of Huson returning does not know the situation very well.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
1:16 pm
You have to also realize that McCann, Escobar, and Prado will only get better.
How much better? Do you honestly think those three guys could carry a team offensively? They can’t. McCann has to sit 35 games, Escobar is an excellent 2 hitter with pop, and Prado is a fine complementary player, if he can hit over an entire season. But impact offensive players? Huh-uh.
These are the type of guys who make a good offense a very good offense, because they bring plus offense for their positions. But they aren’t offensive centerpieces. Surround a serious banger with Escobar and Chipper on one side and McCann and Laroche on the other, and sprinkle a Prado and a McLouth around. Now, you’ve got offensive depth, you don’t have count on a rookie to make high-quality contributions, and you can actually afford to give Chipper or McCann or whoever a day off without the offense looking like Round Rock’s.
You simply cannot overestimate the impact that a big-time bat will make to this team. Nor can you underestimate the lack thereof to its detriment.
monty
September 22nd, 2009
1:16 pm
All right Braves fans, here we go down to the wire, 12 games left for us and the Rockies. I said earlier this year that the schedule would favor us in the end(although I was counting on us being 3 games out at the most). Rockies play 3 against the PAdres who gave us fits and I believe have played well as of late and 3 with St. Louis(anything could happen there 0-3 maybe?)then 3 with the Brewers, maybe big Prince will have a hot series, and then they close out with the Dogers in LA (I believe). Surely the Dodgers will be trying to exercise dominance against them in case they meet again. So, here’s hoping for the Braves to go 10-2ish, 9-3 worst case and for the Rockies to go 5-7 or worse! I said a month ago that 92 wins looked like the magic number, but hopefully it will only take 90. Oh yeh, let’s not forget the Giants or the Marlins. No time to rest now for McCann or Chipper or anybody, we need our best players playing from here on out!
dmack2027
September 22nd, 2009
1:18 pm
For what it is worth, Javy Vazquez is having a great year. It is by far his best year. His career numbers indicate that this might be a sell high situation for the Braves. Hudson is the more proven and decorated pitcher. Given the choice between Tim and Javy, I take Tim. This is especially true when you can trade Javy for consderable value, picking up one or more nice pieces, as well.
fastasballs
September 22nd, 2009
1:18 pm
I think Wren does what it takes to get a big bat for the outfield. We’re not set even if LaRoche is resigned & Heyward makes the team out of ST. The Braves need a clean up hitter, plain & simple.
I doubt Wren is going to try & ride the Chipper/McCann combo to the playoffs next season. Both will miss quite a bit of playing time for different reasons, but out the line up they will be at least 20% of the time. That’s fine if those two are not counted on so much for the offense, but as the team is constructed they are.
I think Wren will make a serious push for a big bat either by trade or the FA route. He’s not going to count on rookies, Chipper, McCann & a few guys to have career years. He’s smarted than that & proved it over the winter by upgrading the pitching staff. He’ll probably pull something out that none us are even considering. He has options, lots of them.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
1:22 pm
Unless Wren finds a fifteen million dollar bill while walking down the street, we’re not signing Matt Holliday.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
1:22 pm
ncscoots….you have Diaz in the starting 8 mix which I can’t see(more of a 4th outfielder) if the Braves get another OF bat. Assuming they do(get whomever) I gotta like the lineup as World Series material. Any team that makes the WS has to have players “not tank” or play to their ability. I don’t think this team needs a huge makeover and with McClouth, Prado, LaRoche, Hanson you have players that weren’t starting to begin 2009 anyway. Throw in Heyward (should make it despite arb2) and a 30-homer LF and there you have it. I think other teams would find that formidable and certainly no less formidable than a Rockies team that made it to the WS a couple years ago.
Marc in Fl….Hudson may very well not come back but I find it hard to imagine in this economy a GM is going to give him that much more per year, if any, coming off TJ surgery. For Hudson it is probably going to come down to number of years in a restructured contract. Will Wren do that? To me that is the bigger question. Vazquez has made a huge statement to Wren and pretty much everyone in baseball this year. If Hudson’s option is not picked up or we are outbid I don’t think it is a huge loss.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
1:23 pm
Excellent post at 1:16, ncscoots.
David O'Brien
September 22nd, 2009
1:26 pm
dmack: after watching Vazquez have the season he’s had — and it’s been outstanding, in every way — you really think Hudson at a $12 million option in 2010 is better to have than Vazquez making $11.5 million? Or are you looking at it from a bigger picture, assuming Braves can get Hudson to take a multi-year deal with a lower salary and maybe get a big bat in return for trading Vazquez?
If you’re seeing it in the latter view, I understand you wanting Huddy more than Vazquez in 2010. But just strictly from a performance standpoint, when’s the last time Hudson had an overall season as good as Vazquez is having this year?
SoWeGa Fanatic
September 22nd, 2009
1:27 pm
Whatever happened to Scott Thorman?
RC
September 22nd, 2009
1:27 pm
The obvious answer is to trade for Milton Bradley. The Cubs will gladly eat his contract, and he can be the big bat the Braves need.
(Can’t…..stop…..laughing……)
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
1:28 pm
ncscoots, agree with your 1:16, too. I’d like to believe McCann has a bit of upside if he gets that LASIK tweak, but he should sit at least 35 games to remain fresh offensively and defensively.
Yunel has also shown every indication of being a very good offensive SS but not another Hanley.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
1:29 pm
But just strictly from a performance standpoint, when’s the last time Hudson had an overall season as good as Vazquez is having this year?
Well, LOL, you could actually say the same thing about Vazquez, too!
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
1:30 pm
Assuming we pick up Huddy, here’s the contracts we’re losing this year:
LaRoche – $4M (when you take away what the Red Sox are paying)
Infante – $2.26M
Norton – $.8M (geeeze…)
Soriano – $6.1M
Gonzalez – $3.45M
That’s $16.61M. As much as some of you hate Gonzo and Soriano, the bullpen is in terrible shape without them. We also need a first baseman. Whether or not we resign any of these guys, a lot of that $16M is going to the bullpen and first base. Barring a big trade, I don’t think we’re getting a huge bat this offseason.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
1:30 pm
dmack…you are taking a huge gamble trading your #1 2009 guy for a guy coming off TJ and hope he makes you forget the #1 guy. It all starts with pitching no matter how much timber you need in the lineup. I don’t see Wren rolling those dice at all.
What I do see is a KK trade for a bat and pick up Hudson’s option as a #3-4 type starter. Think about this, what if the Braves trade Vazquez and then Hudson develops arm issues in 2010 related to post-TJ surgery? Thus we have neither pitcher. Again, don’t see Wren allowing that scenario to raise it’s head no matter how far-fetched it may seem.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
1:31 pm
And that of course is assuming that payroll is neither increased or decreased. And it’s not accounting for pay raises, etc.
Ron in Mobile
September 22nd, 2009
1:32 pm
Milton Bradleys attitude problem added to our clubhouse thats filled with the likes of country boys like Bobby, Chipper and Mac.
Awesome idea for a reality show…really bad idea for a ballclub.
njbraves
September 22nd, 2009
1:32 pm
I really like Vazquez, but his career numbers indicate that he could regress next year. Huddy has been a better pitcher than Javy for the last 8 years overall. If they can only have one, I’d choose Huddy. However, their best chance to make th eplayoffs next season id to keep both.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
1:35 pm
Jeffrey d – Infante is signed for 2010 at $2.25MM. (He has a $2.5MM option or $250K buyout for 2011). And I believe Atlanta is paying about $3MM, or a little less, for LaRoche.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
1:37 pm
But I’m pretty sure KJ and Church will be gone, so that’s what, $5MM saved?? (I keep forgetting Church is even on the team at this point.)
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
1:38 pm
DOB….you would have to go back to Hudson’s old days with the A’s when he and Zito were lighting it up.
Good point….while Hudson can sure help us if all goes well, he wasn’t exactly Cy Young material prior to the surgery. All the more fuel to the fire that the Braves don’t pick up his 12 mil option to have him as the #3-4 starter when you have KK at 7 million throwing well this year. Maybe the Braves will spend money for a LF bat in FA and keep the rotation the same. Decisions, decisions.
RC
September 22nd, 2009
1:38 pm
“What I do see is a KK trade for a bat and pick up Hudson’s option as a #3-4 type starter. Think about this, what if the Braves trade Vazquez and then Hudson develops arm issues in 2010 related to post-TJ surgery? Thus we have neither pitcher. Again, don’t see Wren allowing that scenario to raise it’s head no matter how far-fetched it may seem.” – Rock On….
Great point. That’s actually why I think the Braves keep all 6 starters, since you never know when one will go down. I doubt any “big” bat will be acquired, but I do think LaRoche is resigned.
dmack2027
September 22nd, 2009
1:39 pm
Hudson has said he would be open to a multi year deal. I think Hudson is going to only get better, and be in top shape by the beginning of next year.
I think Wren will be cognizant of the fact that this is by far the best year Vazquez has had in a long time, maybe ever. If you can trade him to pick up a bat, you need to sell high on him. Then, you can take some of that money and sign Huddy to an extension.
I think the chances of Javy duplicating this season, next year, is not very good. My money is that Hudson will be the better pitcher next year. That said, I would rather trade Kawakami than get rid of either.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
1:40 pm
Yunel has also shown every indication of being a very good offensive SS but not another Hanley.
Roger that, Piedmont, and most everybody here knows I have a big man-crush on Escobar, LOL. So, it’s not as if I’m ripping the guy (or McCann or Prado, either. OK, maybe Prado a little, LOL.).
JIm Hendry
September 22nd, 2009
1:45 pm
Guys listen!
When Milton wasn’t throwing live balls into the stands, taking himself out of the lineup, badmouthing the club to the media, bashing water coolers and getting in Pinella’s face he was a class act. I mean he did hit 13 homers. Just beacuse we paid him over 2 million per homer doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a fine addition to the braves, royals or pirates.
You guys can trust me I’ve recently signed Zambrano, Dempster and replaced Mark Derosa with Aaron Miles. I’m a baseball expert!!!
TennesseePaul
September 22nd, 2009
1:49 pm
Been a while, and I know I’m late to this but this line caught my eye:
“If only they’d had him all season, what might it have meant for the lineup”
I have enjoyed watching LaRoche do his two month sprint, as he always does, but this hasn’t clouded my perception of his entire season. He still spends the first 3 to 4 months .252/.326/.447.
This year alone Kotchman hit .282/.354/.409 as a Brave.
If LaRoche some how learned to stretch his second half numbers (.302/.365/.554) across an entire season, then he’d be a good pick up. Then he’d be out of the Braves price range…
At any rate I’m impressed with the rebound this team made. 90 losses last season. This season they’re looking at 85+ wins.
Now to free up money… Trade Lowe and keep Javy, Hanson, Jurrjens, Hudson and Kawakami.
The Love Child of Dale Murphy and Johnny Cash
September 22nd, 2009
1:52 pm
I very much agree with dmack2007’s point. Vazquez has been more of a number three starter throughout his career. No question, he has been great this year. However, Wren could sell a number three starter and get a number one return. I think the Braves are in a no lose situation here. I also think the more “extreme” contributors to this blog should spend the winter readying themselves for somewhat of a correction in Vazquez’s performance should the Braves decide to keep him.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
1:54 pm
RC….well not sure about 6 starters. Gotta think they will find someone to man a #5 start should an injury occur. Medlen or someone of his ilk can pop in and perform.
Again I would like Hudson but not at the expense of Vazquez. If we did keep all six KK would probably hit the pen and at 7+ million that is probably not what the Braves want. Assuming that we are still trying for that big bat that is for LF. If the Braves start to see they aren’t going to get a big bat in trade then they may well let Hudson walk and go the FA route. Lots of scenarios. Wren has made a lot of good decisions and perhaps the best decisions are the trades he didn’t make. Remember Peavy?….more fuel to the fire Wren won’t let Vazquez go and insert Hudson.
Nelson S.
September 22nd, 2009
1:54 pm
What if we sign Huddy to extension to lower is salary for next year, and trade Vazquez for Derrick Lee if we can’t sign LaRoche. Lee and Vazquez will be in the last year of their contracts.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
1:55 pm
Now to free up money… Trade Lowe and keep Javy, Hanson, Jurrjens, Hudson and Kawakami.
TennesseePaul, if only it were that easy.
RHR
September 22nd, 2009
1:55 pm
Unless Wren finds a fifteen million dollar bill while walking down the street
I found one of those one time. It was fake. Dammit.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
1:57 pm
jeffery d, the braves are paying laroche what they were paying kotchman, so its only about $2.8mil off the books.
infante is signed for next season, but you forgot to subtract anderson’s salary. if the braves cut church and kelly, as they should, the total coming off the books with out trading a starter is closer to $21.4mil. here is an earlier post from me that is actually closer to what guys are making:
without losing one starting pitcher, we would have $2.8mil from kotchman coming off, $2.8 from ryan church, $2.8 from kelly, $2.5 from anderson, $.8 from norton, $3.4mil from gonzalez, $6.3 from soriano.
so we actually have a little more flexibility than you think, if church and kelly are cut.
Jake W.
September 22nd, 2009
2:00 pm
“Hudson has said he would be open to a multi year deal. I think Hudson is going to only get better, and be in top shape by the beginning of next year.”
My only problem with keeping Hudson is that he is so much like Lowe to me. They are both sinkerball pitchers who depend on contact and defense so much. We have already seen from both him and Lowe what can happen if that sinker is not sinking. Javy is a strikout pitcher who may have finally found a nice home in Atlanta and in this spacious ballpark. Hope braves can find a way to keep both but if I had to have my pick between the two I would want Vazquez. In a perfect world though I would rather keep Hudson over Lowe but I doubt we will be able to trade Lowe’s contract. Thats why it looks like it will come down to either Vazquez or Hudson. If Hudson reworks his deal for a multi year contract than him, but if its strictly based on next year I want Javy or Hudson.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
2:00 pm
TennesseePaul…yep 99% of this blog would concur but most of us are resigned to the fact that ain’t happening.
Another thought what if we trade away a pitcher for a big bat and he has a mediocre year in LF? Gotta be careful what you wish for which brings me back to pitching. It all starts with pitching…always has, always will.
Mother Nature
September 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
I don’t like the Braves, but I HATE Atlanta!
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
2:03 pm
ncscoots….you have Diaz in the starting 8 mix which I can’t see(more of a 4th outfielder) if the Braves get another OF bat. Assuming they do(get whomever) I gotta like the lineup as World Series material.
Bro, it wasn’t I who had him in the starting 8, but the poster to whom I was replying. The whole gist of that was the point that the Braves didn’t need changes in the OF. Might need to read a little closer, eh?
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
2:04 pm
DAP,
Your 1:57 post may be to simple for people to understand.
RC
September 22nd, 2009
2:04 pm
I think the Braves don’t want to get into a situation where they have to rely on someone like Medlen or Reyes to fill the #5 starter role in case of an injury. Not having a solid starter for the #5 spot is part of what potentially has cost this team a postseason spot this year. Also, Kawakami’s contract does include provisions in it for if he was made a reliever, telling me that the Braves considered that a possiblity from the start, and would not be against using him in that role. I agree that $6.667 million is a lot of a non-closer in your bullpen, but I don’t think it’s a lot to insure that you won’t have to face another Jo-Jo Reyes start in 2010.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
2:06 pm
DAP,
You only forgot to mention the 10.25 million comming off when Sor/Gon duo are gone.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
2:07 pm
DAP,
I forgot to mention the 3 million comming off for Bobby.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
2:07 pm
It all starts with pitching…always has, always will.
This year, it ends with it, too…short of October.
You’re worried that a bat “might not” live up to his billing, or that Hudson “might not” totally recover from TJ, but, you’re convinced that Vazquez can repeat this year? I confess, I missed the logic somewhere.
sportsmandh
September 22nd, 2009
2:08 pm
Efrim,
Why go for a guy like Derek Lee? Yeah, you’re right, we’d really hate to have a bonafide clean up hitter for a couple of years until Freeman is ready for prime time, and especially one that would meet the right handed power bat the Braves have craved. You’re right, we should probably just settle for trying to sign Roachy for 2 more years, especially if you think he’s going to become more consistent. No reason for us just to think a little bit and see if there isn’t some other scenario we could come up with that might be a little better.
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
2:10 pm
Unless Reid Gorecki is a lot better than I think he is, I don’t see the Braves getting rid of Church. He and McLouth are the only OF who could legitimately play any of the three positions for more than a few games. With Schafer’s uncertainty, Church is a decent insurance policy.
monty
September 22nd, 2009
2:12 pm
RC
“Not having a solid starter for the #5 spot is part of what potentially has cost this team a postseason spot this years here.”
That’s a new one on me. Whatever the team’s woes have been, you can’t lay it on the 5th starter!
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
2:12 pm
Had Shafer been healthy, it would be a different story.
Heywards Heroes
September 22nd, 2009
2:13 pm
When does the Arizona Fall League start?
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
2:14 pm
RC – I don’t get your comment about the #5 pitcher. Vazquez, JJ and Hanson have been superb. KK’s been pretty dang solid. Lowe’s been our least effective pitcher, and he’s still at least league average.
The offense is what sunk them.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
2:14 pm
white blood cells, You only forgot to mention the 10.25 million comming off when Sor/Gon duo are gone.
hm…nope, i didnt.
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
2:14 pm
And if Heyward’s not ready for the majors when the team breaks camp, Church could be the opening day RF.
Anders
September 22nd, 2009
2:15 pm
Oh, did I mention Misch has nothing? Yikes.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
2:16 pm
ncscoots….Going on what I saw this year, yeah, I am convinced Vazquez can repeat his performance next year. Put it another way, I am a lot more convinced on Vazquez repeating than I am on Hudson coming in and doing the same thing. As for the bat, well, you have to improve the lineup to get to the big stage. Just hope all the pieces fit and players perform. There is a lot of “might” in just about every move.
sportsmandh
September 22nd, 2009
2:16 pm
And BTW for the record I don’t even know if the Cubs would be open to trading Derek Lee, or interested in Vazquez. (Although it they saw the way he blew away the Cardinals a week or so ago they might be).
I’m just thinking about possibilities, which I’m sure any GM does.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
2:17 pm
sportsmandh, you wanted to add prospects to that deal. Why would the Braves have to do that in your trade scenario? Because Lee is more valuable than Vazquez moving forward? I disagree. That’s all I am saying.
RC
September 22nd, 2009
2:19 pm
sportsmandh,
8, 22, 20, 34. Those are Derrek Lee’s HR totals over the past 4 years, playing in a homer-friendly ballpark. Oh, and he’s making $13 million next year.
32, 21, 25, 25. Those are Adam LaRoche’s HR totals over the past 4 years, playing mostly in Pittsburgh with a terrible offense around him (the 32 came in his last year in ATL). He can probably be signed for around $7-8 million a year for 2-3 years. Basically a little over half of Lee’s annual salary.
Lee is 34, LaRoche is 30. And you don’t have to trade any prospects for LaRoche, while you’d be parting with at least a couple of mid-level guys for Lee.
Those are the reasons to “settle” for LaRoche over Lee.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
2:19 pm
Piedmont – It depends on whether or not they sign an OFer or call up Heyward (or Schafer). Church will be gone for the same reason Kelly will be – too expensive for a backup. Infante can back up CF, and Diaz should be 4th OF.
Of course, if Church could revert to his 2008 pre-concussion form (.900+ OPS)…but I don’t think he will.
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
2:19 pm
The more I think about it, the more reasonable Paul Konerko sounds (if the Braves can’t make a deal with LaRoche, that is).
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
2:19 pm
sportsmanh
just saying lets trade for derek lee doesnt make it possible. lee has a full no trade clause, is the best hitter on his team this year, and is under contract for just one more season. he wont be an easy guy to trade for.
piedmontUnless Reid Gorecki is a lot better than I think he is, I don’t see the Braves getting rid of Church. He and McLouth are the only OF who could legitimately play any of the three positions for more than a few games.
unless the braves signed a center fielder, like cameron, who is a much better player than church. problem solved.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
2:20 pm
DAP,
Sorry, my bad.
RC
September 22nd, 2009
2:20 pm
Daslied,
Hanson wasn’t called up until midway through the season. The Braves were basically giving up the games that their #5 guy started during the time that Hanson was in the minors.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 22nd, 2009
2:21 pm
You look at how sh*tty Lowe has been most of the season and I bet that makes Wren more hesitant to deal Vazquez. No way do I trust Hudson after that kind of surgery. He’s proved so far in his starts this year that he’s still not a K pitcher and if that sinker is flat, he’s pretty much garbage. His slider also looks flat and stale.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
2:21 pm
DOB,
How far we have fallen when your game story is buried on p.2 next to the box scores. The AJC no longer believes.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
2:22 pm
Efrim I more meant Prado and Escobar, who have both had fantastic years. Heap should be better, I agree.
Gotcha.
monty No time to rest now for McCann…
Ye-ep…that’s why Bobby took him out of a game we were already gonna win last night. Makes total sense…But that doesn’t mean I hafta like it.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
2:22 pm
With Schafer’s uncertainty, Church is a decent insurance policy.
I agree, Piedmont. The Braves don’t normally carry 5 OF, but, I wonder if they might not do so in 2010? Forgo a PH specialist, maybe? Heck, if they have three everyday OF, I’d just as soon carry Church as Diaz, except for being LH, maybe.
Anders
September 22nd, 2009
2:23 pm
Anyone else picturing RC at the end of that 2:19 post doing the Joe Pesci walk with his hands palms up down by his sides and that sh*t eating grin on at the prosecutor in My Cousin Vinny after slam dunking the case?
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
2:24 pm
Daslied,
I don’t have GA returning. So my OF would be Diaz, McLouth and Church, with Schafer and Heyward as possibilities, depending on how they do in the spring. Infante is just an emergency OF in my mind (so is Prado, for that matter). Maybe they find someone cheaper than Church in a trade or get lucky at the end of spring training in the FA market. But you can sign Church for less than $3 million in the winter, and if Heyward and Schafer are awesome in the spring, you could probably move Church to another club.
Folks, here’s another idea for an OF. How about Bobby Abreu?
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
2:24 pm
Piedmont Blues I’d like to believe McCann has a bit of upside if he gets that LASIK tweak…
Yeah…
It’s gotta work first, I s’pose…
Anders
September 22nd, 2009
2:25 pm
The AJC no longer believes. (White Blood Cells)
The AJC believes in sales. You can do the math from there.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
2:25 pm
just saying lets trade for derek lee doesnt make it possible. lee has a full no trade clause, is the best hitter on his team this year, and is under contract for just one more season. he wont be an easy guy to trade for.
I wonder if other fans on other blogs are saying this about Vazquez.
Team X’s blog:
just saying lets trade for Javier Vazquez doesnt make it possible. Vazquez has a full no trade clause to the NL/AL West, is the best pitcher on his team this year, and is under contract for just one more season. he wont be an easy guy to trade for.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
2:26 pm
Pitching matchup for tonight looks good, but how ’bout tomorrow’s?
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
2:26 pm
DAP,
Hard as it is for me to believe, there may be a bidding war for Cameron. He may offer the least risk of any CF available in the FA market. I can’t see the Braves getting involved with that.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
2:27 pm
Anders,
I know, and I still subscribe. Whyyyyyy!
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
2:28 pm
RC….yep, everyone forgets the importance of April during a 6-month season. Another reason I think you will see the Braves start Heyward in RF to open the 2010 season. Barring injury or a poor ST of course.
Anders
September 22nd, 2009
2:32 pm
RC….yep, everyone forgets the importance of April during a 6-month season. Another reason I think you will see the Braves start Heyward in RF to open the 2010 season. Barring injury or a poor ST of course. (Rock On)
Yet all I hear on here is how Frenchy and Shafer killed the Braves season with their bad starts. Now you want them to possibly rush Heyward like they did Shafer? Point is April is important, maybe too important to rush a guy.
Anders
September 22nd, 2009
2:34 pm
Rock On – BTW, the Mets did the same thing with Murphy. They forced him and screwed him up badly imo.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
2:34 pm
Put it another way, I am a lot more convinced on Vazquez repeating than I am on Hudson coming in and doing the same thing.
Whereas I’m just as convinced that Hudson will have no worse a 2010 than Vazquez, and that’s the season under discussion. Not the great year that Vazquez is currently having (or the lesser years that he’s had in the past), nor the years in which Hudson received CY Young votes (nor his awful 2006 in Atlanta).
Is it your contention that Tim Hudson will be a lesser pitcher than he was pre-surgery, and, if so, to the extent that he will appreciably underperform Javier Vazquez in 2010? That he will be, oh, a 4.00+ ERA pitcher, and that Vazquez will be sub-3 again? Quantify the differential that you see between the two for 2010.
Artie
September 22nd, 2009
2:35 pm
And because of sentimentalism we’re not getting a middle of the order Bat this offseason(you know the usual Blah Blah Blah we need to sign hudson cause he is/was an ace, hes a nice person and “pitched well since he came Back”)..i dont figure how the Braves need to sign him..pitching is our strength..we will survive without him(check from April to August)..How about we let Huddy walk..sign a friggin Bat with power that this team needs and extend Vazquez who WILL be better than Huddy come next year.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
2:36 pm
DOB,
Like your Cash rain song. How about “High Water (For Charley Patton)” on Love and Theft. Dylan even mentions Kansas City.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
2:37 pm
Efrim just saying lets trade for Javier Vazquez doesnt make it possible. Vazquez has a full no trade clause to the NL/AL West,
they probably arent saying he has a full no trade clause, since he doesnt. they might care about that if they are in the west.
plus its a totally different situation. derek lee is the best hitter on a team with a struggling offense. vazquez is the best pitcher, with several close seconds on a team that is flush with pitching. and yeah, its gonna be tuff for a team to trade for vazquez. they will have to give up alot.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
2:37 pm
Piedmont – I’d say no to Abreu. He doesn’t solve the power thing, and he’s going to be way too expensive for someone who doesn’t feel the biggest need.
monty
September 22nd, 2009
2:40 pm
Way to add power and save money is make McCann into a firstbaseman in the offseason and he gets to play 150 games a year instead of 130(can anyone say 30 HR’s?) and at some point the kid will have to get out from behind home IMHO anyway)make Ross your starting catcher(he will hit you 20 HRs, BMac will hit better not having to catch, then you invest the money you were going to pay LaRoche into your cleanup hitter + some extra. Starting OF will be “Cleanup guy”, NAte and Diaz until Heyward gets here.If MAc can make the transition then we are truly set at 1st for awhile and Freeman could be great trade bait if he continues to improve. Whatever money we save moving Mac to 1st we shore up the bullpen with.
Lineup would look like this:
Mclouth- 20 Hr
Prado – 12-15
Chipper- 20
Clean-up guy- 30+
BMac- 25-30
Escobar- 15-20
Diaz/Heyward – 15-20
Ross – 20+
That’s a potent lineup and if we shore up the pen to go with starting pitching. Awesome!
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
2:43 pm
DAP, that’s kind of where I am getting at. A team better be ready to back up the truck of prospects for Vazquez. Or a young hitter or immense value. I know, one year of Vazquez. But his value is very high right now and I think some here continue to underrate his value on the trade market. No reason the Braves should have to add prospects to a deal involving Javy unless is was for an elite hitter.
Brandon
September 22nd, 2009
2:46 pm
DOB,
Just wondering if you have any comments on Gordon Edes of Yahoo sports reporting on Bobby:
“Another situation that bears watching is in Atlanta, where manager Bobby Cox has been hedging about whether he will be back. According to a major league source, the relationship between Cox and GM Frank Wren deteriorated during the spring to the point that Cox packed his bag and climbed into his car to drive home from spring training until dissuaded from doing so by one of his coaches.
Cox was unhappy at the way the John Smoltz(notes) issue had been handled, the source said, and because he had not been kept up to speed on other personnel decisions. The relationship appears to have been patched up, although the parting with Tom Glavine(notes) was another strained episode, and the expectation is that Cox will be back because he’s excited that the Braves have another core of young talent developing. Stay tuned.”
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
2:50 pm
scoots….Hudson wasn’t great pre-surgery and you would have to go back pre-2007 if you want the pitcher you think Hudson might be. Not sure what to tell you man but I have said (many many many times) that I would like both pitchers. Period. Don’t think it will happen per the numerous posts in the past. But if you want me to “quantify the differential” between Vazquez and Hudson for you- perhaps handicap it is more like it- I can easily see Vazquez having a full ERA point less than Hudson next year say 3.00 to 4.00. We don’t know that of course but Wren will have to make decisions of a similar nature about what he thinks the future will hold. I doubt seriously he is going to think about Cy Young votes from years gone by.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
2:51 pm
I thought Cox was paid to manage. Apparently he also has GM responsibilities. (or not) Again, and it’s not an unreasonable question to ask, who makes the personnel decisions for this team? If Wren must run everything by Bobby, then we does the organization employ Wren?
TennesseePaul
September 22nd, 2009
2:53 pm
DAP: “but you forgot to subtract anderson’s salary. if the braves cut church and kelly, as they should, the total coming off the books with out trading a starter is closer to $21.4mil”
This doesn’t include raises to Yunel, McCann, Hanson, Jurrjens, Chipper, McLouth, Prado, Moylan, Omar, Ross, Diaz, and whoever else. Right now that could be around $11 million… Perhaps there is “only” $10 million available which will need to be allocated to replacing/resigning Gonzalez, Soriano, LF, RF, 1B, and bench…
TennesseePaul
September 22nd, 2009
2:56 pm
Perhaps Wren can work some magic, but it is hard to imagine spending half as much on the same positions and getting more production from them… unless all our minor leaguers come up and play like hall of famers right out of the gates… sustaining it through October.
I’m coming to the conclusion that a starter will have to be traded, not simply because of over crowding.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
2:57 pm
Anders…..no where did I say the Braves are to force Heyward into the lineup before he is ready. He is ready now by many many scouts opinions. But again, if he continues his pace during ST it would not be rushing him if he is the best for the job. Those in the know make the decision and I am of the opinion he will make the roster out of ST. We’ll see but I agree with you that if he ain’t ready don’t rush him.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
2:57 pm
RC – Hanson debuted on June 7th. Before that, there were 8 starts from the 5 spot. Reyes made 5 starts, going 0-2 and the team went 2-1 when he didn’t get a decision. Medlen made 3 starts, going 1-2. Losing 5 of 8 from the 5th spot obviously isn’t great, but this is worse:
Through 6-6, the day before Hanson’s debut, Atlanta scored 3 runs or less in 24 of 54 games, including 7 shutouts. They went 3-21 in those games.
TennesseePaul
September 22nd, 2009
2:59 pm
“Again, and it’s not an unreasonable question to ask, who makes the personnel decisions for this team? If Wren must run everything by Bobby, then we does the organization employ Wren?”
No. It isn’t unreasonable to ask. Perhaps unnecessary. Wren makes the personnel decisions based on input from John, Bobby, player development, scouts and his own observations.
N8
September 22nd, 2009
3:00 pm
Scoots, your 2:34 was perfectly stated. Well done.
On a secondary note, here is what should also be considered. I don’t think that ANYBODY is going to question that Vazquez coming off of a great year will/would bring more in return (be it a top prospect – or a major league ready piece of the puzzle). Then again, perhaps other GM’s out there would give plenty for Tim Hudson and the opportunity to have a year’s worth of time to lock him down long-term?
Until they are BOTH inquired about from other teams, and the DOB states what teams may or may not be offering for each, we’re ALL speculating on the subject.
I think long-term, Hudson’s the better investment. Though I’m open to the possibility that Vazquez is a late bloomer and going to dominate for years to come. But this seems too much like Jaret Wright to me. Sell high.
But ultimately it comes down to this. The team is definitely better off with only one of them, and the 12 million that the other is going to make going to an OF bat, or improving other areas in general. In a perfect world, LM sees an opportunity to have something really special and ups payroll, allowing Wren to keep both and float the odd-man out in the bullpen. But who expects that?
I’m on record as wanting Tim Hudson over Vazquez if Wren HAS TO choose between one of them (assuming that KK isn’t going anywhere – and he shouldn’t be – or Lowe is untradable – and he is, imo). But I’m stating right now, that if Wren were to choose Vazquez over Hudson, and even chose to sign Vazquez long-term, I’m cool with that. Because in the end, either one of them is pretty damn good, and if the money that the other was going to make is spent on getting a real clean-up hitter, the TEAM will be better.
I think both will have good years next year. Unfortunately, with Chipper’s and Lowe’s contracts, we can’t keep them both. Wren’s gotta choose.
I’ve also stated before, that Wren could REALLY gamble, and trade them both. Keeping a rotation of Hanson, JJJ, KK and Lowe, while either adding a low risk/low cost starter (say like Paul Byrd or somebody like him), to round out the rotation, and go for broke on a bat. Especially with Minor waiting in the wings. Perhaps Medlen, given all winter and the spring to prepare for that role (5th starter), could be an option.
By “go for broke”, I mean going after a Jason Bay, Matt Holliday or perhaps a trade that is not yet on the radar.
I trust that by the time 2010 starts, our rotation will STILL be solid, our bullpen will look different, but should still be OK and our lineup will be significantly better.
As a fan, I’ll be disappointed if the team doesn’t have more balance between the offense and pitching going into next year.
rammerjammer
September 22nd, 2009
3:00 pm
One important element Vazquez adds that Hudson doesn’t is strikeouts. And other than Hanson, a rookie, we have no power pitchers. Lots of pitch-to-contact guys, of which Hudson is one. If forced to choose, I’d keep Vazquez.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
3:02 pm
Rock On……1:22 pm … “… and a 30-homer LF and there you have it.
Based purely on 2009 performance, here are your choices.
7. A Dunn WSH OF 37
9. J Bay BOS OF 36
10. J Werth PHI OF 34
12. N Cruz TEX OF 32
14. A Ethier LAD OF 31
14. R Ibanez PHI OF 31
24. R Braun MIL OF 29
28. M Cuddyer MIN OF 28
30. C Granderson DET OF 27
30. N Swisher NYY OF 27
35. C Lee HOU OF 26
The Twins must be close to needing to unload Cuddyer, and Texas could always use pitching. Maybe Cruz could be had for pitching.
richbrave
September 22nd, 2009
3:08 pm
JUST guessin’:
Looking at next year’s LF’er.
Option 1 – MATT HOLLIDAY, 19 million for 3-4 years, 17.5 million 5-7 years. I love this option, but MALONE will probably have to pony up too much to be viable. Still, if we want to play hard-ball with the big boys we need a player in his prime like HOLLIDAY.
Option 2 – JASON BAY, 11.5 million for 3-4 years. 10.0 million for 5-7 years. Less desirable from an average standpoint, but man does he hit in the post-season. Would love to wrest him from the SOX. That town doesn’t deserve a decent team after letting the boys from southy walk.
Option 3 – BOBBY ABREU, 6.5 million for one year, 6.0 million for 2 years, 5.5 million for three years. This option provides the most financial and player personnel flexibility, but age is a big factor.
Anybody else care to ante up in with their personal choices and reasons?
N8
September 22nd, 2009
3:12 pm
rammerjammer, I agree with you if Chipper and KJ are the starting 3B and 2B going into next year. Not to mention our defensive outfielders. If your rotation is anchored by Lowe, KK, JJJ and Hudson, (with Hanson being the lone strikeout pitcher), your defense better be OUTSTANDING.
So, I suppose that Wren has to factor that in (which I’m sure he is doing), when he decides between the two.
I know that DOB stated that the Braves wouldn’t eat any of Lowe’s money, say 10 million dollars. Because that would boil down to them paying 25 million dollars for this one season. I say, if somebody is willing to take him, if the Braves eat 10 more million, GO FOR IT!
As a fan, I’d rather have 10 million factored in next year (2010), and be out from under the remaining 30 million in 2011 & 2012, if it allows Wren to lock down both Vazquez and Hanson. Then again, didn’t Lowe have a similar type of “career” season last season?
I think Wren needs to weigh all the options, and wait for offers on EVERYBODY to start coming in. Then make the move that makes the most sense for not only 2010, but the long-term future of the franchise. In the end, Lowe, Hudson and Vazquez probably don’t factor in beyond 3 more years, anyhow.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
3:14 pm
Tn Paul,
Then why is Bobby packing his bags and ready to quit before the season starts because Smoltz was mistreated and he becomes further alienated when Glavine is cut. Wren was correct about both pitchers and Bobby pouted the first half of 09 causing this team to be 35-40. Everyone now knows and Bobby must go.
David O'Brien
September 22nd, 2009
3:15 pm
new bloggage
ozzie
September 22nd, 2009
3:19 pm
I firmly believe Bobby has lost the power to decided when he goes. Wren may not pull the trigger this winter but Bobby being “excited” about young players coming up means diddly to Wren.
In fact I don’t even trust Yahoo sports so the whole article is suspect IMHO.
Bobby likes veterans not young players. I doubt he woudl stay b/c of some kid regardless of what he may become.
If Bobby is not gone this year it will be next year so who really cares (including him) about guys who will come into their own in 2011-12.
I am betting Wren cans Bobby and they make it look like he is retiring.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
3:19 pm
Tn Paul,
How can the organization trust Bobby when he was ready to quit on them. Hell, he benched Escobar for quitting while he’s been quitting all year with Norton, Johnson, Francouer not to mention pulling Hanson in Houston and leaving Lowe out there 2 weeks ago in NY.
benchwarmer
September 22nd, 2009
3:19 pm
Milton Bradley, Prince Fielder,?! Like in golf, the silly season starts now. I don’t think I can take it again this year! Just too much, toooo muuch!
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
3:20 pm
By “go for broke”, I mean going after a Jason Bay, Matt Holliday or perhaps a trade that is not yet on the radar.
I agree. I’m actually for trading anyone in the system not named Jason Heyward for a legit middle of the order bat. That includes Freeman. Braves have a chance to be really good in the next two seasons. Adding that one piece may seal it. Heck, they are already going to win 85+ games. I do have a concern about replacing Soriano and Gonzo, if they leave. But bullpen arms are easier to find than middle of the order bats and reliable starting pitching, so I think they will be available.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
3:22 pm
ozzie,
It’s the writer not the outlet. Eades is an old timer with reliable info and regarded as an ML insider.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
3:22 pm
10paul This doesn’t include raises to Yunel, McCann, Hanson, Jurrjens, Chipper, McLouth, Prado, Moylan, Omar, Ross, Diaz, and whoever else. Right now that could be around $11 million…
yeah, obviously it doesn include that. but, $11mil in raises? anything to back that up?
benchwarmer
September 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
Bobby Abreau? Why?
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
3:38 pm
Daslied,
Abreu may be too expensive for this team’s payroll (though he would be less than Bay or Holliday), but he gets on base, steals bases, scores runs, and drives in runs. He won’t hit 30 HR but he’ll fill up the scorecard.
benchwarmer
September 22nd, 2009
3:39 pm
The point of it all is supposed to be a World Championship! For that we need championship caliber individuals with talent, you know, like Chipper for all these years. Country boy, yes, but he raises his level and will give up for the team. Now let’s talk seriously about good talent able to perform at a high level with 100% enthusiasm. Lets start with manager candidates. Bobby’s act is old and thin.
benchwarmer
September 22nd, 2009
3:42 pm
Should have said gives it up for the team.
benchwarmer
September 22nd, 2009
3:43 pm
Seems like a good year for avoiding pitchers getting hurt.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
3:45 pm
DAP – I believe JJ, Yunel, Moylan and Diaz are all eligible for arbitration, based on service time. I’m not smart enough to figure out the increase there.
Hanson and, I believe, Prado will still make the minimum.
McCann and Chipper both get $2MM raises, McLouth makes $2.5MM more, Omar gets $375k more and Ross gets $200k more. (Chipper’s vesting option for 2009 was between $8-11MM, and I think it’s the high number.) So that’s a $7.075MM increase total for those 5 guys.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
McFann – I know how you were a little perturbed about McCann leaving the game last night, but doesn’t it feel better now knowing that he’s slightly more rested?
Yehuda Hamer
September 25th, 2009
9:35 am
The 1998 Braves had great hitting and pitching and didn’t make it to the World Series
Jurrjens4NLCY
October 3rd, 2009
10:00 am
ben
October 5th, 2009
2:54 pm
Same GM, same manager, same players, same result. Same ole, same ole.