Trey – a save can be earned if a guy is the finishing pitcher but not the winner and “pitches effectively for at least three innings.” (That’s from MLB.)
Efrim–sure, if it was a percieved need, I would absolutely believe it was a consideration. I don’t think you ever draft solely for need, but to say it’s not a consideration is foolish.
Yup, next year for instance. Clearly, the Braves have a serious need for position players in their system. So I’m expecting them to hope that players to their liking(middle infield and the hot corner, specifically) fall to them.
Cox continuing to put Chipper in the three hole after Chipper went in the tank killed the Braves chances down the stretch. This is reason enough to realize that Cox can’t assess the team’s situation and make quick judgments that are in the team’s interests and not in the interests of one of his “boys”. Cox needs to retire or be retired. If he comes back next year it will be a wasted season.
I heard about the Marquis/Mets thing. Apparently, Marquis has been speaking to Francoeur about how he’s desperately wanting to join the Mets next season. At least that’s what I read online.
Wayne in Utah (I got hit by a dragon fly on my pinkie finger, and I can barely type)
September 22nd, 2009 5:21 pm
trey
Actually, yes. I put Reyes in as one of 8 possible starting pitchers (count ‘em, 8: Hanson, Hudson, Lowe, Kawakami, Vazquez, Medlen, Minor and Reyes).
So, for Reyes to start, he must be LIGHTS frickin out, or we must lose 3 other pitchers to injury. And yes, if we go with our top 8 possible starter, ADD Ryan Braun, our staff could still be dominant.
Come on now, try to keep up.
What I am NOT saying is that I am counting on Reyes. What I AM saying is that I haven’t counted him out yet. TOO many major league starters out, there that took quite a few years to put it all together, while generally sucking for a while.
Reyes has no value now, so why not hang onto him to see if he eventually develops into a potential major league pitcher?
I heard about the Marquis/Mets thing. Apparently, Marquis has been speaking to Francoeur about how he’s desperately wanting to join the Mets next season. At least that’s what I read online (Soph)
Hey, maybe it’s Frenchy these guys have wanted to play with in Atlanta all these years and not Bobby Cox? {:
Bullpen pitchers of interest(other than Rafi and Gonzo)
September 22nd, 2009 5:25 pm
Rafael Betancourt
Takashi Saito
Billy Wagner
Jose Valverde
Kiko Calero
J.J. Putz
Darren Oliver
David Weathers
Guillermo Mota
Bob Howry
Latroy Hawkins
Octavio Dotel
Kevin Gregg
John Grabow
Brandon Lyon
Trevor Hoffman
Fernando Rodney
Yeah, I’d be willing to pay more to get a right handed power bat. Plus I think LaRoche is gonna cost more the $7 mil. The team needs a right handed power bat and clean up hitter more than it needs both Vazquez and Hudson. That is the tough decision Wren will have to make.
Now if they decide to keep both and can sign LaRoche, and fill some bullpen holes, the team can still be very good. But I still think we need a real clean up hitter. If we’re hiding LaRoche in the #7 hole, even if he hits 25-30 homers and hits .270 or so, that would help this team probably get back to the playoffs next year. But it’s not gonna get them over the top to be able to beat somebody like the Phillies or Yankees that have pitching and can also bang.
I would be willing to give up a couple of lower level prospects too probably. I wouldn’t be willing to give up certain prospects to include Schaffer or Medlin. (Of course Heyward and Freeman are no brainers). I would be less likely to do these things for Holliday than Bay or Lee.
dogsbrekkymaybe my fat heffer of a blue-jay, have not seen him in 2 weeks…
That would be too funny. I s’pose they do fly South…we mostly see them at this time of year and in the winter.
love me and leave me
That’s the way it is with Beggar Ben–he’s here all winter, begging for food; I go out in the freezing rain and snow and everything…come Spring and he’s gone. Can’t even do the decent thing and make his nest in our yard after all I do for him.
Crows, eh? Hmm…that won’t be too much fun. We get starlings…YUCK!
Wayne we have given Jo-Jo many chances and he can’t win. He has only 5 career victories and that is awful. We need to just drop him from our team its not like we would be wasting money.
welcome back Paul L., I must admit I missed your baseball comments. And I agree, there still is a chance for the Braves …. just got to keep on winning … GO BRAVES!
If you enter a game after the end of the fifth inning with your team leading, pitch three or more innings, don’t surrender the lead, and finish the game, you can get a save.
To qualify for a save, a pitcher:
1. He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning
2. He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, at bat or on deck
3. He pitches for at least three innings
Rule 10.20 credits 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.
trey and others who would release JoJo Reyes at this point in his development.
Bronson Arroyo (27), Chris Carpenter (29), Randy Johnson (27), Wandy Rodriquez (28), Jamie Moyer (31) and Johan Santana (was younger when he came around, but sucked for 2 years).
This is the ages when these pitchers finally got out of their funk, and started to be productive major league pitchers.
I am NOT saying that JoJo Reyes will ever amount to anything. What I am saying is that many decent major league pitchers took a few years to develop into good hurlers.
Why are you so quick to drop a lefty with a live arm, who we can park and see if he develops.
Too damned much fantasy baseball thinking around here. If he doesn’t get me a win NOW, drop him.
Agreed on LaRoche. He should be hitting 4th. Our 4-8th hitters are somewhat equal, in many ways. Not a bad problem to have, but we need to take Mac out of the 4th spot, as he does better in the 5/6 position.
I get the feeling people said the same thing about the Braves last season. Anyway, I am a firm believer in sports karma, so I’m not going to kick the Mets while they’re down.
Not having a solid starter for the #5 spot is part of what potentially has cost this team a postseason spot this year. (RC)
what? the worst Braves pitcher is better than the #5 of any other NL team and better than most of the #4 starters. I think you need to look for another reason
We’re getting Ryan Braun?! WOW!! I hate to lose Jurrjens, but MAN, Braun is going to give us so much more in the lineup. Who else goes in the trade, or is it just Jurrjens? Thanks… I’m SO excited!!
Everyone screaming for a power hitter next year is not understanding one thing. The line up we are playing tonight is a play off team when you add our starting pitching.
The #1 reason this team is not going to the play offs is not because BC abused the bull pen (although he did) or because Chipper has stunk since June (although he has). It is because for over 1/3 of the season we played the game overmatched at the four position player spots.
Lets take a look at what we trotted out there in April, May and part of June. Francouer, Johnson, Schafer, Kotchman and pitcher hitting 5-9 killed our season. We really could only score in half of the innings in every game played early this season.
If we resign Laroche and substitute Hayward (he only has to give us 15 ht 65 rbi and a 750 OPS)for GA plus the current line up I like our chances. You give me that line up plus add Hudson to the rotation and I would not be surprised to see 95 wins next year.
Steve from OH– what do you mean? But, they said on here that Jurrjens and Prado, I think, to Milwaukee for Braun. If they’re teasing me then shame on them! What a dirty, cruel trick to play on a 11 year old kid like me!
A conversation heard in the Burger Queen where you work about 5 years ago: “Man, that kid is terrible. He will NEVER be a good frenchy fryer. Let’s drop him from the Burger Queen Team NOW!!”
Now, aren’t you glad they didn’t give up on you so quickly! Now, you are the 3rd best fry man on the team!!!
You know who I’d really like to see the Braves go after once the main issues are settled, Kelvim Escobar. He’ll be looking for a minor league contract and coming back as a reliever.
Here’s a lineup I’d like to see if LaRoche isn’t resigned….
1. Nate McLouth CF
2. Martin Prado 1B
3. Chipper Jones 3B
4. Cleanup Hitter LF
5. Brian McCann C
6. Yunel Escobar SS
7. Dan Uggla 2B
8. Diaz/Heyward RF
If cleanup type LF is not gotten….
1. Nate McLouth CF
2. Martin Prado 1B
3. Chipper Jones 3B
4. Dan Uggla/Yunel Escobar 2B/SS
5. Brian McCann C
6. Dan Uggla/Yunel Escobar 2B/SS
7. Matt Diaz LF
8. Jason Heyward RF
If Marlins are seriously considering dealing Uggla in off season, if they’d take say KJ and a few pitching prospects for him (since he’d be a salary dump).
Gotta figure that Diaz will be the fourth outfielder next season. He’ll be an overpaid fourth outfielder, though. Maybe trading Diaz would be a good move? Yep. I’d trade him. He’ll turn 32 in March. He could be an everyday starter for a mediocre club. Find one of those clubs that has something that fits a pressing need and, BOOM!, make a deal.
No way Holliday or Bay is comint to Atlanta. With Hayward coming and Diaz producing they dont need to over pay. Got to get a 1B with pop and some relief help. Like to see Vazquez and/or Hudson signed to an extension.
Jesse – I resemble those comments but for the record a friend in the front office told me about the Braun trade idea… personally I would NOT trade JJ straight up for Braun.. (dude is weird looking)
Besides my f/t job, I am helping my wife with a startup opportunity and also I have taken over my investment portfolio (I figure I can’t screw it up any worse than they have!) for fun. Been darned busy. Taking a bit of time off tonight though.
Add to your list Xavier Nady???? He would be a poor man’s version of Bay/Holliday.
Personally, I think the Braves prefer to trade for help. When you go the FA route for major talent, you always overpay (see Derek Lowe).
Not sure if this has been asked yet, but does anyone have access to ESPN Insider and mind posting the story posted this morning titled “”Next in line after Cox”? I would much indebted to you for a lifetime.
Other than his 3-for-21 stretch over a two-week period when he was dealing with the headaches and sat out a week, Prado has been one of the Braves’ two or three steadiest, most productive hitters since June 30, the day he got four hits and won an everyday lineup spot.
Since getting his legs back under him or his mind cleared or whatever — since ending that funk — he’s hit .303 with 10 extra-base hits and 10 RBI in his past 22 games.
From June 30 until now, with the two-week slump/rest included, here’s what he’s done: 67 games, .313 (85-for-272), 21 doubles, 7 homers, 39 RBI, .350 OBP, .467 slugging, .817 OPS.
Love to see Matty get some well-deserved props from the Blogmeister. He has hung in there, played off the bench, in and out for lefty pitching, now has really gained the confidence of the Skipper and has a daily spot in the outfield. And he’s such a SWEET guy!
But, we need to come up with a new nickname. Capt. Caveman by rights belongs to Johnny Damon. Matt needs a unique nickname. Let’s try again……….asking for suggestions…..
What about “Wally” for the night he ran plumb into the outfield wall?
You guys have something better?
Wayne – I agree. If Nady is healthy and his market drops down to 6-7 mil he would be a steal and perfect fit for the Braves. It seems like I remember him playing some 1B.
1,070 comments Add your comment
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
5:12 pm
Trey – a save can be earned if a guy is the finishing pitcher but not the winner and “pitches effectively for at least three innings.” (That’s from MLB.)
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
5:12 pm
Efrim–sure, if it was a percieved need, I would absolutely believe it was a consideration. I don’t think you ever draft solely for need, but to say it’s not a consideration is foolish.
Yup, next year for instance. Clearly, the Braves have a serious need for position players in their system. So I’m expecting them to hope that players to their liking(middle infield and the hot corner, specifically) fall to them.
Danga
September 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
JoJo had his chance to crack the rotation. He did not seize it.
Wayne in Utah (I got hit by a dragon fly on my pinkie finger, and I can barely type)
September 22nd, 2009
5:14 pm
trey
If a reliever finishes a game with 3+ innings (or maybe it is 4+), then it qualifies as a save. It’s a rarity, for sure.
wjones
How about ?? in left? A couple less question marks for sure.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
5:15 pm
dogsbrekky–
Thank you.
in the NY Post (the best NY sports paper for beisbol) they did not have a single comment about the Braves 11 – Mutley’s 3 today, not a comment
That’s weird…ha! How annoying!
The Real Don Steele
September 22nd, 2009
5:16 pm
Cox continuing to put Chipper in the three hole after Chipper went in the tank killed the Braves chances down the stretch. This is reason enough to realize that Cox can’t assess the team’s situation and make quick judgments that are in the team’s interests and not in the interests of one of his “boys”. Cox needs to retire or be retired. If he comes back next year it will be a wasted season.
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
5:17 pm
I heard about the Marquis/Mets thing. Apparently, Marquis has been speaking to Francoeur about how he’s desperately wanting to join the Mets next season. At least that’s what I read online.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
5:17 pm
Oh, PS, dogsbrekky–
We saw a huge blue jay today…I mean HUGE! He was even bigger than my Lovey.
Wayne How about ?? in left? A couple less question marks for sure.
dogsbrekky
September 22nd, 2009
5:20 pm
McFann – maybe my fat heffer of a blue-jay, have not seen him in 2 weeks… love me and leave me
oh well I will have the CROWS for the winter…
Wayne in Utah (I got hit by a dragon fly on my pinkie finger, and I can barely type)
September 22nd, 2009
5:21 pm
trey
Actually, yes. I put Reyes in as one of 8 possible starting pitchers (count ‘em, 8: Hanson, Hudson, Lowe, Kawakami, Vazquez, Medlen, Minor and Reyes).
So, for Reyes to start, he must be LIGHTS frickin out, or we must lose 3 other pitchers to injury. And yes, if we go with our top 8 possible starter, ADD Ryan Braun, our staff could still be dominant.
Come on now, try to keep up.
What I am NOT saying is that I am counting on Reyes. What I AM saying is that I haven’t counted him out yet. TOO many major league starters out, there that took quite a few years to put it all together, while generally sucking for a while.
Reyes has no value now, so why not hang onto him to see if he eventually develops into a potential major league pitcher?
Anders
September 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm
I heard about the Marquis/Mets thing. Apparently, Marquis has been speaking to Francoeur about how he’s desperately wanting to join the Mets next season. At least that’s what I read online (Soph)
Hey, maybe it’s Frenchy these guys have wanted to play with in Atlanta all these years and not Bobby Cox? {:
dogsbrekky
September 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm
MY problem with JoJO is the guts thing, does he have a winning psyche… not sure down here… sorry
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
5:24 pm
Steve from OH,
RC
September 22nd, 2009
5:25 pm
“JoJo had his chance to crack the rotation.”
‘Crack’ is EXACTLY what Jo-Jo did when he was placed in the rotation.
Bullpen pitchers of interest(other than Rafi and Gonzo)
September 22nd, 2009
5:25 pm
Rafael Betancourt
Takashi Saito
Billy Wagner
Jose Valverde
Kiko Calero
J.J. Putz
Darren Oliver
David Weathers
Guillermo Mota
Bob Howry
Latroy Hawkins
Octavio Dotel
Kevin Gregg
John Grabow
Brandon Lyon
Trevor Hoffman
Fernando Rodney
sportsmandh
September 22nd, 2009
5:25 pm
RC,
Yeah, I’d be willing to pay more to get a right handed power bat. Plus I think LaRoche is gonna cost more the $7 mil. The team needs a right handed power bat and clean up hitter more than it needs both Vazquez and Hudson. That is the tough decision Wren will have to make.
Now if they decide to keep both and can sign LaRoche, and fill some bullpen holes, the team can still be very good. But I still think we need a real clean up hitter. If we’re hiding LaRoche in the #7 hole, even if he hits 25-30 homers and hits .270 or so, that would help this team probably get back to the playoffs next year. But it’s not gonna get them over the top to be able to beat somebody like the Phillies or Yankees that have pitching and can also bang.
I would be willing to give up a couple of lower level prospects too probably. I wouldn’t be willing to give up certain prospects to include Schaffer or Medlin. (Of course Heyward and Freeman are no brainers). I would be less likely to do these things for Holliday than Bay or Lee.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
5:26 pm
dogsbrekky maybe my fat heffer of a blue-jay, have not seen him in 2 weeks…
That would be too funny. I s’pose they do fly South…we mostly see them at this time of year and in the winter.
love me and leave me
That’s the way it is with Beggar Ben–he’s here all winter, begging for food; I go out in the freezing rain and snow and everything…come Spring and he’s gone. Can’t even do the decent thing and make his nest in our yard after all I do for him.
Crows, eh? Hmm…that won’t be too much fun. We get starlings…YUCK!
dogsbrekky
September 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Bullpen – I love me some Darren Oliver… woo hoo, guy has been A-ok this yr
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Bullpen pitchers of interest, I’d probably rank Soriano and Gonzo at the top of that list. Valverde too.
trey
September 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Wayne we have given Jo-Jo many chances and he can’t win. He has only 5 career victories and that is awful. We need to just drop him from our team its not like we would be wasting money.
nolie
September 22nd, 2009
5:30 pm
Minor had been facing competition roughly equivalent to AA for the past 3 years. Anything less and I’d be disappointed. (PWH)
you’re nuts if you think college ball is anywhere near AA level. More like between low and high A for the most part.
trey
September 22nd, 2009
5:30 pm
Yeah, I have never seen a save where a pitcher has thrown three or more innings so that is actually new to me.
David..(Athens, AL)
September 22nd, 2009
5:35 pm
welcome back Paul L., I must admit I missed your baseball comments. And I agree, there still is a chance for the Braves …. just got to keep on winning … GO BRAVES!
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
5:35 pm
trey,
Three-inning saves almost never happen any more. Nor do saves of more than three outs, for that matter.
Nova Scotia Steve -
September 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
Phillies are 42-24 against the National League East this year.
The only team with a winning record against Philly is the ol Atlanta Braves with a 10-8 record.
PS
Jason Worth is such a good hitter…92 RBI’s this season…for a guy that doesn’t get much of the spot-light in Philly
Nova Scotia Steve -
September 22nd, 2009
5:37 pm
Can anyone explain to me how Kawakami got a save in a 11-3 ballgame?
I was perplexed.
nolie
September 22nd, 2009
5:45 pm
OK, maybe Prado a little, LOL(Scoots)
c’mon man, he’s mini-Esco
David O'Brien
September 22nd, 2009
5:47 pm
BRAVES LINEUP
1. McLouth
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Anderson
6. Escobar
7. LaRoche
8. Diaz
9. Jurrjens
METS
1. Pagan, LF
2. Castillo, 2B
3. Wright, 3B
4. Beltran, CF
5. Murphy, 1B
6. Francoeur, RF
7. Schneider, C
8. A. Hernandez, SS
9. Figueroa, RH
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
5:47 pm
Nova Scotia Steve,
If you enter a game after the end of the fifth inning with your team leading, pitch three or more innings, don’t surrender the lead, and finish the game, you can get a save.
braves70
September 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
To qualify for a save, a pitcher:
1. He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning
2. He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, at bat or on deck
3. He pitches for at least three innings
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Save_(baseball)
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
Still don’t understand why our best power hitter and run producer is batting 7th.
David O'Brien
September 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm
Nova Scotia, here’s the save rule:
Rule 10.20 credits 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.
Wayne in Utah
September 22nd, 2009
5:52 pm
trey and others who would release JoJo Reyes at this point in his development.
Bronson Arroyo (27), Chris Carpenter (29), Randy Johnson (27), Wandy Rodriquez (28), Jamie Moyer (31) and Johan Santana (was younger when he came around, but sucked for 2 years).
This is the ages when these pitchers finally got out of their funk, and started to be productive major league pitchers.
I am NOT saying that JoJo Reyes will ever amount to anything. What I am saying is that many decent major league pitchers took a few years to develop into good hurlers.
Why are you so quick to drop a lefty with a live arm, who we can park and see if he develops.
Too damned much fantasy baseball thinking around here. If he doesn’t get me a win NOW, drop him.
Pete
September 22nd, 2009
5:53 pm
braves70 Wikipedia is incorrect; DOB just posted correct version.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
5:56 pm
Thanks for the lineup, Chief.
Wayne in Utah
September 22nd, 2009
5:58 pm
Piedmont
Agreed on LaRoche. He should be hitting 4th. Our 4-8th hitters are somewhat equal, in many ways. Not a bad problem to have, but we need to take Mac out of the 4th spot, as he does better in the 5/6 position.
Braun would be the perfect #4!
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
6:00 pm
Wayne we need to take Mac out of the 4th spot, as he does better in the 5/6 position.
I gotta agree with you there. (Shocker alert.
)
Steve from OH
September 22nd, 2009
6:00 pm
Still don’t understand why our best power hitter and run producer is batting 7th.
And batting behind GA no less…
Steve from OH
September 22nd, 2009
6:03 pm
Seriously? The Mets are starting guys named Pat Misch and Nelson Figueroa? Things really are bad in Queens, huh?
Good, good…
Wayne in Utah (the anti-Omar)
September 22nd, 2009
6:04 pm
Wait minute! Reyes is NOT white! Why am I defending him ??? Let’s trade him with a few other latinos for a white player.
Nova Scotia Steve -
September 22nd, 2009
6:09 pm
Well thanks for the info everyone.
I haven’t heard/seen this in a long-long time…I didn’t even know the rule exsisted. I thought it was a typo/mistake when I first saw the stat.
Guess you can learn something new about this game everyday!
Wayne in Utah
September 22nd, 2009
6:10 pm
that was for you, McFann!
Chop Chop
September 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Steve,
I get the feeling people said the same thing about the Braves last season. Anyway, I am a firm believer in sports karma, so I’m not going to kick the Mets while they’re down.
southern hope
September 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Paul Lentz, I’ve printed out your comment at 4:27 p.m. and am scotch-taping it next to my laptop. A girl’s got to have dreams.
Steve from OH
September 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Here’s a fun game:
Pitcher A: 8-6, 4.73 ERA, 4.77 FIP, 5.66 tRA (94 ERA+)
Pitcher B: 11-9, 4.22 ERA, 4.48 FIP, 4.91 tRA (106 ERA+)
Pitcher C: 15-9, 4.55 ERA, 3.78 FIP, 4.37 tRA (91 ERA+)
Not trying to prove a point, just a fun comparison…(ERA + attempt to account for league effects)
nolie
September 22nd, 2009
6:13 pm
Not having a solid starter for the #5 spot is part of what potentially has cost this team a postseason spot this year. (RC)
what? the worst Braves pitcher is better than the #5 of any other NL team and better than most of the #4 starters. I think you need to look for another reason
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
6:14 pm
njbraves
September 22nd, 2009
6:14 pm
Jo-Jo Reyes will never be a good major league pitcher…the kid is terrible.
Pete
September 22nd, 2009
6:16 pm
Ive posted 4 comments, and only 1 made it. Just me, or anyone else having issues posting comments??
Jesse
September 22nd, 2009
6:16 pm
We’re getting Ryan Braun?! WOW!! I hate to lose Jurrjens, but MAN, Braun is going to give us so much more in the lineup. Who else goes in the trade, or is it just Jurrjens? Thanks… I’m SO excited!!
Steve from OH
September 22nd, 2009
6:17 pm
Jesse–oh buddy, hate to burst your bubble but…
glord1
September 22nd, 2009
6:17 pm
Everyone screaming for a power hitter next year is not understanding one thing. The line up we are playing tonight is a play off team when you add our starting pitching.
The #1 reason this team is not going to the play offs is not because BC abused the bull pen (although he did) or because Chipper has stunk since June (although he has). It is because for over 1/3 of the season we played the game overmatched at the four position player spots.
Lets take a look at what we trotted out there in April, May and part of June. Francouer, Johnson, Schafer, Kotchman and pitcher hitting 5-9 killed our season. We really could only score in half of the innings in every game played early this season.
If we resign Laroche and substitute Hayward (he only has to give us 15 ht 65 rbi and a 750 OPS)for GA plus the current line up I like our chances. You give me that line up plus add Hudson to the rotation and I would not be surprised to see 95 wins next year.
Chop Chop
September 22nd, 2009
6:17 pm
nolie,
You cost us a postseason spot this year.
(Okay, okay. Don’t get bent out of shape. It was either you or MariettaDerek. You lost the coin flip.)
Chop Chop
September 22nd, 2009
6:18 pm
DP to the C, baby.
The magic is back.
Jesse
September 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
Steve from OH– what do you mean? But, they said on here that Jurrjens and Prado, I think, to Milwaukee for Braun. If they’re teasing me then shame on them! What a dirty, cruel trick to play on a 11 year old kid like me!
Wayne in Utah
September 22nd, 2009
6:21 pm
njbraves
A conversation heard in the Burger Queen where you work about 5 years ago: “Man, that kid is terrible. He will NEVER be a good frenchy fryer. Let’s drop him from the Burger Queen Team NOW!!”
Now, aren’t you glad they didn’t give up on you so quickly! Now, you are the 3rd best fry man on the team!!!
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
6:22 pm
Who else goes in the trade, or is it just Jurrjens?
I think I read that McCann, Hanson, and Norton were also included.
Jesse
September 22nd, 2009
6:22 pm
hehehe, Steve from Oh said, “I hate to burst your bubble butt”…. hehehe! Bubble butt. hehehehe!
HoCoJo
September 22nd, 2009
6:26 pm
DOB
Are you wearing your SWAT Team tee shirt tonight?
Just kidding.
nolie
September 22nd, 2009
6:32 pm
nolie,
You cost us a postseason spot this year. (CHOP)
sounds about right, I never was a believer that they would get there so it likely is my fault.
cabravesfan
September 22nd, 2009
6:32 pm
I think I read that McCann, Hanson, and Norton were also included.
All that for Ryan Braun?? You think they’d settle for JJ, Mac and Hanson? Not sure I’d part with Norton…
richbrave
September 22nd, 2009
6:32 pm
LF 2010:
Option 1 – MATT HOLLIDAY – 18 million per more or less, or-r-r-r-r
Option 2 – JASON BAY – 11 million per more or less or-r-r-r-r
Option 3- BOBBY ABREU – 6 million more or less or-r-r-r-r
Option 4 – Resurrect WES COVINGTON’s ghost.
Chop Chop
September 22nd, 2009
6:34 pm
nolie,
They’ve made the postseason in our hearts. That’s all that matters.
richbrave
September 22nd, 2009
6:35 pm
WAYNE IN UTAH:
Dude, long time no post. Wha’ ‘zup?
Chop Chop
September 22nd, 2009
6:35 pm
I’d trade any Niners and/or USC fans for Ryan Braun.
cabravesfan
September 22nd, 2009
6:36 pm
Chop Chop-
you’d miss me
Goldenglove002
September 22nd, 2009
6:39 pm
You know who I’d really like to see the Braves go after once the main issues are settled, Kelvim Escobar. He’ll be looking for a minor league contract and coming back as a reliever.
fastasballs
September 22nd, 2009
6:40 pm
“Option 2 – JASON BAY – 11 million per more or less or-r-r-r-r”
Better add about 4 million to that figure or more.
Vinings Jim
September 22nd, 2009
6:46 pm
cabravesfan – go home, damn it!
Vinings Jim
September 22nd, 2009
6:47 pm
but not sticking up for your football choices…
Vinings Jim
September 22nd, 2009
6:48 pm
Apparently Fred and Ron don’t understand that the blog wisdom is that signing Chipper was a major disaster…
P. W. Hjort
September 22nd, 2009
6:49 pm
I’d rather have Holliday than Bay.
richbrave
September 22nd, 2009
6:52 pm
Four innings of relief evidently gets you a save irrespective of the score.
BravesFanChris24
September 22nd, 2009
6:54 pm
Here’s a lineup I’d like to see if LaRoche isn’t resigned….
1. Nate McLouth CF
2. Martin Prado 1B
3. Chipper Jones 3B
4. Cleanup Hitter LF
5. Brian McCann C
6. Yunel Escobar SS
7. Dan Uggla 2B
8. Diaz/Heyward RF
If cleanup type LF is not gotten….
1. Nate McLouth CF
2. Martin Prado 1B
3. Chipper Jones 3B
4. Dan Uggla/Yunel Escobar 2B/SS
5. Brian McCann C
6. Dan Uggla/Yunel Escobar 2B/SS
7. Matt Diaz LF
8. Jason Heyward RF
If Marlins are seriously considering dealing Uggla in off season, if they’d take say KJ and a few pitching prospects for him (since he’d be a salary dump).
cabravesfan
September 22nd, 2009
6:55 pm
VJ-
I’m leaving…not all of us get to set our own hours, you know
(as for the football choices- seeing as how I am 28-4 in two weeks and you…aren’t, I’m not sure I need you to stick up for me
)
dogsbrekky
September 22nd, 2009
6:56 pm
I started the trade JJ, KJ and Prado for braun thingy, but I got it from an ATL FO mate… still Brew Crew said eff off sonny Jim….
Bay is good but seriously the dude wants >>> $15 pa for long term and Holliday they want Tex money…….. lol lol lol
Chop Chop
September 22nd, 2009
6:57 pm
Gotta figure that Diaz will be the fourth outfielder next season. He’ll be an overpaid fourth outfielder, though. Maybe trading Diaz would be a good move? Yep. I’d trade him. He’ll turn 32 in March. He could be an everyday starter for a mediocre club. Find one of those clubs that has something that fits a pressing need and, BOOM!, make a deal.
Hell yeah.
I like making a deal that includes pyrotechnics.
BOOM!
That gives me goosebumps, man.
Jesse
September 22nd, 2009
6:58 pm
dogsbrekky- JERK!
dogsbrekky
September 22nd, 2009
6:59 pm
Chop – The only way I see us trading Capt, Caveman is if we get Peter Perfect, Dick Dastardley and wait for it……..
my personal favorite……… “The ARKANSAS Chug a Bug”…………..
glord1
September 22nd, 2009
7:00 pm
No way Holliday or Bay is comint to Atlanta. With Hayward coming and Diaz producing they dont need to over pay. Got to get a 1B with pop and some relief help. Like to see Vazquez and/or Hudson signed to an extension.
Nova Scotia Steve -
September 22nd, 2009
7:01 pm
Kelvim Escobar = No
dogsbrekky
September 22nd, 2009
7:03 pm
Jesse – I resemble those comments but for the record a friend in the front office told me about the Braun trade idea… personally I would NOT trade JJ straight up for Braun.. (dude is weird looking)
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 22nd, 2009
7:03 pm
Francoeur fixin to talk about his new found love, the Mutts.
Piedmont Blues
September 22nd, 2009
7:04 pm
How bout that … Chris Chambliss is calling the AAA championship game. He’s a guy I wouldn’t mind seeing back in the Braves dugout again …
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 22nd, 2009
7:05 pm
Bug Eyed Braun…
German Lady
September 22nd, 2009
7:07 pm
If Francoeur isn’t worried about his OBP or his average…what is he worried about?
Wayne in Utah
September 22nd, 2009
7:08 pm
richbrave
Besides my f/t job, I am helping my wife with a startup opportunity and also I have taken over my investment portfolio (I figure I can’t screw it up any worse than they have!) for fun. Been darned busy. Taking a bit of time off tonight though.
Add to your list Xavier Nady???? He would be a poor man’s version of Bay/Holliday.
Personally, I think the Braves prefer to trade for help. When you go the FA route for major talent, you always overpay (see Derek Lowe).
What say ye?
Poopy Pants
September 22nd, 2009
7:08 pm
Not sure if this has been asked yet, but does anyone have access to ESPN Insider and mind posting the story posted this morning titled “”Next in line after Cox”? I would much indebted to you for a lifetime.
Wayne in Utah
September 22nd, 2009
7:10 pm
dogsbrekky
We need more weird looking players, if that’s what it takes to get somebody like Ryan Braun.
I was wondering if he might be a bit on the outs with Milwaukee, due to his being critical of the team earlier this summer???
David O'Brien
September 22nd, 2009
7:10 pm
Other than his 3-for-21 stretch over a two-week period when he was dealing with the headaches and sat out a week, Prado has been one of the Braves’ two or three steadiest, most productive hitters since June 30, the day he got four hits and won an everyday lineup spot.
Since getting his legs back under him or his mind cleared or whatever — since ending that funk — he’s hit .303 with 10 extra-base hits and 10 RBI in his past 22 games.
From June 30 until now, with the two-week slump/rest included, here’s what he’s done: 67 games, .313 (85-for-272), 21 doubles, 7 homers, 39 RBI, .350 OBP, .467 slugging, .817 OPS.
Vinings Jim
September 22nd, 2009
7:12 pm
cabravesfan – that was amazingly obnoxious, my love
Choppinmama
September 22nd, 2009
7:12 pm
Love to see Matty get some well-deserved props from the Blogmeister. He has hung in there, played off the bench, in and out for lefty pitching, now has really gained the confidence of the Skipper and has a daily spot in the outfield. And he’s such a SWEET guy!
But, we need to come up with a new nickname. Capt. Caveman by rights belongs to Johnny Damon. Matt needs a unique nickname. Let’s try again……….asking for suggestions…..
What about “Wally” for the night he ran plumb into the outfield wall?
You guys have something better?
Goldenglove002
September 22nd, 2009
7:13 pm
Los Mets? what the heck?
dogsbrekky
September 22nd, 2009
7:13 pm
Thanks Dobi – I love Prado and I say that with a long history (allegedly) of HETERO-sexuality
then again I love Infante and McCann as well
Chop Chop
September 22nd, 2009
7:14 pm
It’s a regurgitation of Mark Bradley’s column about the same subject, Poopy Pants.
glord1
September 22nd, 2009
7:14 pm
Wayne – I agree. If Nady is healthy and his market drops down to 6-7 mil he would be a steal and perfect fit for the Braves. It seems like I remember him playing some 1B.
Chop Chop
September 22nd, 2009
7:15 pm
Goldenglove002,
I believe the term is “F**k the heck?”
Chop Chop
September 22nd, 2009
7:15 pm
That’s enough commenting from me. Enjoy the win, folks.
Poopy Pants
September 22nd, 2009
7:15 pm
Chop, Chop– So they just copy and pasted Mark Bradley’s article? Or did they make any new suggestions?
Choppinmama
September 22nd, 2009
7:18 pm
Francoeur looked positively thrilled talking about going to “plays” with Catie on Sat and Sun afternoons, didn’t he?