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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Nova Scotia Steve - Goodbye Bobby Cox
September 24th, 2009
6:12 pm
Bozo’d
Piedmont Blues
September 24th, 2009
6:15 pm
I’ll give you two reasons to let Gonzo and Soriano walk rather than signing either to multiyear contracts: Brad Lidge and Billy Wagner. Unless your name is Mariano Rivera, long-term investments in closers is a gamble.
MFIKY is awesome, but someone will offer him three or four years. And that may be two or three years too many.
Eddie Mathews calling Chipper on the psychic hotline...
September 24th, 2009
6:19 pm
Chipper Jones…
Manager’s job (player manager?…) for the 2011…Atlanta Braves…
Yours…if you want it?
BELIEVE…
nolie
September 24th, 2009
6:30 pm
Here’s what we need to evaluate managers in any sort of objective fashion: We need some objective way to evaluate every decision every manager made then we need to compare a manager’s decisions to every other managers’ decisions. (Shaun)
good posts today, actually pretty much the essence of how most baseball people think. Everybody makes mistakes and for most managers they tend to even out viv a vis other managers. Bill James had an interview last winter in which he addressed your above comment. He said it was flat out impossible to do that, there are so many variables involved that it just can’t be dome. Also said that the only people who make definitive statements about would have happened in any instance are people who have never been involved in analyzing real baseball.
Adda Boy Huddy
September 24th, 2009
6:32 pm
The only way you can resign Hudson is to get rid of JV, and that in my opinion would be a bad idea.
Lowe – too expensive to move (didn’t like the sign from the get-go, but we have him like it or not)
JV – Career year, I think he’ll have another good one as I think he’s much more comfortable in the NL, but he is somewhat of a gamble considering his career.
JJ – They do anything other than lock JJ to a long term deal and I quit this team
Hanson – Obviously this kid isn’t going anywhere, he’s part of our future
KK – Our bridge to Japan. As they continue to get better over there MLB teams will compete more and more for their services. We need to keep KK and let him start to make ATL appealing for the next gen of asian players. Besides, he’s not nearly as bad as some of the people on blog accuse him of being.
Medlen – Our minimum wage (by baseball standards) back-up, sufficient for what he is
So why resign Hudson? To take JV’s place maybe, but I don’t like that idea. Spend the money on a bat, let Huddy walk.
And letting both Gonzo and MFIKY walk is just stupid, I can already see the countless bullpen blow-ups costing us the season. With O’Fer and Logan we could have two lefties, so maybe let Gonzo walk.
varoadrunner
September 24th, 2009
6:41 pm
My only question regarding Cox is WHY ONE MORE?
One more for the Braves fans to suffer his nose-picking and poor decisions. Again, at least, the light at the end of th tunnel is in site.
varoadrunner
September 24th, 2009
6:44 pm
Move Escobar to third????? and have another injury waiting to happen there again. Move McCann to first and keep Ross.
Tomahawkin
September 24th, 2009
6:46 pm
Enter your comments here
TennesseePaul
September 24th, 2009
6:46 pm
I figured Smoltz could squeeze into the narrow definition of “decent pitcher.”
Not knowing what exactly was the criteria, exactly three runs scored, three runs or more scored, three run lead…
_Runs_ __W-L
=3 RS_ _24-28
>=3 RS 194-60
>=3 RD 129-0
Tomahawkin
September 24th, 2009
6:49 pm
Watching all the Flood Damage from across the “A”
My heart goes out to everyone who suffered any damage…
I don’t Think That there are any people on here who live on the Westside of the “A” (Douglas/Paulding) Counties
Since we didn’t get that much flooding down where I live; This week is one of the few times where I’m glad That I live in Henry County, You guys know that I got that “Southside on Deck!”
Couch Tater
September 24th, 2009
6:51 pm
It is totally impossible to isolate the correct strategic choice in almost all real-life situations, for the simple reason that all real-life strategic situations involve dozens of variables, many of which have not been thoroughly tested by trial. People who think that they know when a manager should bunt and when a manager should pitch out and when a manager should make a pitching change are amateurs. People who have actually studied these issues know that the answer disappears in a cloud of untested variables. Bill James
Here’s the whole interview, nolie.
http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/bill-james-answers-all-your-baseball-questions/
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
6:52 pm
varoadrunner Move McCann to first and keep Ross.
nolie
September 24th, 2009
6:52 pm
By this, I don’t mean they all gain weight, but that once a certain trend starts, it seems to catch on and before long all managers are doing the exact same thing. Everyone uses closers only for the ninth inning now, with few exceptions (wjones)
C Y A. once a tactic is accepted as by the book, there is more risk to ignoring it.and it’s harder to justify when things go south.
What the haters don’t understand is that there is very little difference tactics-wise between managers. They most all do basically the same way which makes their effect on the clubhouse and players the more individual aspect of their managing and thus the one to make the most potential difference.
As I have said B4, go to any team board and you will read the exact same rants against their manager by their fans as you do here against Bobby.
Some folks have to simplify things and need a scapegoat to blame for their disappointments. The more that they have their ego invested in their team, the stronger that need. Can’t be their fault for picking a less than stellar team to root for, gotta be someone elses screw up.
Jake W.
September 24th, 2009
6:53 pm
“I’ll give you two reasons to let Gonzo and Soriano walk rather than signing either to multiyear contracts: Brad Lidge and Billy Wagner. Unless your name is Mariano Rivera, long-term investments in closers is a gamble.
MFIKY is awesome, but someone will offer him three or four years. And that may be two or three years too many.”- Piedmont Blues
I think some of you are overestimating the free agent market. There were a lot of players last offseason who signed for a lot less than they thought they would get. No the braves will not sign either to longterm deals and I don’t know many teams that would. Most of the high payroll teams are set at closer and some that aren’t may not want to invest that much money or years in to these two relievers especially given there injury history. Maybe the Cubs but I don’t know. I think the braves can get Gonzo for a deal similar to what they gave Soriano. Doubt Soriano would take another deal like that.
nolie
September 24th, 2009
6:55 pm
Ok…who hijacked Rob’s name?! (RG)
and where did they bury his body?
nolie
September 24th, 2009
6:58 pm
You’re primarily responsible for some of the dumbest things I’ve ever read regarding the Braves. You’re a clown, right (YAACA)
now that’s ironic
Steve from OH
September 24th, 2009
6:58 pm
People who think that they know when a manager should bunt and when a manager should pitch out and when a manager should make a pitching change are amateurs. People who have actually studied these issues know that the answer disappears in a cloud of untested variables. Bill James
Uh-oh. Don’t tell this to Coach or Robert. Or MFin09. They may not take it the right way.
Jeff R
September 24th, 2009
7:01 pm
Kelly Johnson may or may not breakout elsewhere. Second base was his to lose, and he managed to lose it. He’s a subpar defender who may be a better than average hitter (let’s grant that he might have suffered a tremendous slump this year).
I like Francouer. But he wasn’t accomplishing a thing in Atlanta. He’s doing a bit better in NYC. Good for him (whether or not he ever reclaims his power is anyone’s guess).
If Johnson goes on to establish himself elsewhere, great. But hasn’t seized the opportunity here.
Tomahawkin
September 24th, 2009
7:01 pm
I like the Idea of moving B-Macc, and having D-Ross start since he was a pretty good offensive catcher when he was in Cincy.
Problem is that B-Macc will not change Positions until he reaches his mid 30-s “Bank On It!”
B-Macc has caught his whole career and I only see him changing positions only when he feels that his knees are breaking down on him, much like Mike Piazza when he was on top of his game
Steve from OH
September 24th, 2009
7:04 pm
Oh yeah, and I agree with y’all that Kelly’s gone next year. Why keep him when you can pay Marteen 400K and use the savings to improve areas of a greater need? I still have high hopes for him and I think one day we’ll miss him, but for now 2B is Marteen’s.
nolie
September 24th, 2009
7:06 pm
still think the Braves can get something good for KJ. He hasn’t been as bad as his numbers say he is, and I’m sure Wren knows that. (RG)
doesn’t matter what Wren knows about him, it’s what the other GMs think they know. He might be part of a bigger trade? If I’m another GM I wouldn’t trade anyone of value for him, but there are a few dummies running clubs . One never knows, do one?
Steve from OH
September 24th, 2009
7:06 pm
But no way they non-tender him. He’ll be traded. I’ll bet Minnesota is extremely interested.
Jake W.
September 24th, 2009
7:09 pm
Jeff R, I agree with your 7:01. KJ is similar to Frenchy to me only he hasn’t been traded yet. Braves didn’t give up on him and gave him ample opportunity to be the everyday second baseman for this team. He may very well be the player they all thought he would be when he leaves but he could also go the route that Giles did once he left the braves.
Couch Tater
September 24th, 2009
7:10 pm
There will always be people who are ahead of the curve and people who are behind the curve. There will never be a shortage of stupidity. Bill James
Nova Scotia Steve - Goodbye Bobby Cox
September 24th, 2009
7:12 pm
Anyone gettin Bozo’d lately???
Bay Area Steve
September 24th, 2009
7:12 pm
10Paul,
I was really hoping someone would find some comparables. Glad you found one. My feeling is that Huddy is far better than most, if not all, pitchers. But, if I read your Smoltz stuff correct, he’s 129-0 with a 3-run lead. I’m callin’ BS.
Jeff R
September 24th, 2009
7:13 pm
Ross could be an everyday catcher, but I think he’s very suited to a backup role. I don’t think his offense would hold up if he played regularly.
McCann is a good receiver. He’s young and physically up to the demands of catching regularly.
I hope Wren resigns LaRoche. It would be solid investment, giving the Braves good power from both spots.
Nova Scotia Steve - Goodbye Bobby Cox
September 24th, 2009
7:13 pm
I would like to send out some sympathies to Atlanta area residents effected by the recent flooding.
It looks like a terrible scene.
Jeff R
September 24th, 2009
7:14 pm
Jake W., agreed.
Bay Area Steve
September 24th, 2009
7:14 pm
no way they non-tender him, Steve?
Give me 3-1 for $20?
Roman Gal
September 24th, 2009
7:14 pm
I’m ready….and also upset about it. Efrim
Me too. Do you think we should throw a farewell party in his honor?
Roman Gal
September 24th, 2009
7:15 pm
I’ll bet Minnesota is extremely interested.
I’ll bet there are several teams interested.
David O'Brien
September 24th, 2009
7:15 pm
abwright: teams have to either sign their free agents or offer them arbitration by a deadline. If they don’t offer arbitration to unsigned free agents, the team doesn’t get any compensatory draft picks for its Type A or Type B free agents that they would get a pick or picks for if they offered them arbitration.
But if the team does offer arbitration, it had best be prepared to pay a salary set in an arb hearing (or settle with the player before the hearing). Like when Greg Maddux surprised the Braves by accepting their arb offer as a free agent, when they ended up trading Millwood late in offseason in order to clear up payroll room to fit Maddux’s huge salary into the existing payroll. They thought for sure he’d turn it down and take a multi-year offer elsewhere; the Braves guessed wrong on that one, and they’ve never forgotten that. They are careful with those decisions now, more than they were before that Maddux thing happened.
Bay Area Steve
September 24th, 2009
7:16 pm
The terms bozo’d and bitch-fit should go. They aren’t funny, weren’t funny, and will never be funny.
I’m rather see some Double-Pits-To-Chesty than that drivel.
Roman Gal
September 24th, 2009
7:16 pm
So, I guess the Braves aren’t playing tonight.
Figures, since this is the first time in weeks I haven’t had a boatload of work to do…
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
7:17 pm
I agree with Jeff R @ 7:13.
Nova Scotia Steve - Goodbye Bobby Cox
September 24th, 2009
7:17 pm
Sorry Bay Area Steve…
I kind of enjoy it…never got on the bitch-fit band-wagon.
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
7:22 pm
Roman Gal Figures, since this is the first time in weeks I haven’t had a boatload of work to do…
That stinks.
It’s also the first time in a while that there hasn’t been a football game on during the Braves on Thursday night.
Nova Scotia Steve - Don't Stop Believin'
September 24th, 2009
7:22 pm
Definitely heading to the bar to watch the Padres and Rockies tonight.
Still can’t believe I’m typin that.
nolie
September 24th, 2009
7:23 pm
He isn’t going to just release a potential 4-win player. If anything, he trades him. (PWH)
I’m sure he will try to trade him either individually or as part of a multi-deal. I’m also pretty sure that he will non-tender him if he can’t trade him, we’ll see. I’m fine with keeping him if they can afford it. But if you wanna bet let me know.
Rob from SC
September 24th, 2009
7:24 pm
Roman Gal and Nolie
It was really me with the Heyward comments. I think this surgery is making me soft.
RHR
I love everything Chipper has done for this team since he was called up. He just isn’t a superstar anymore. I just feel he get a free pass on this blog.
Nova Scotia Steve - Don't Stop Believin'
September 24th, 2009
7:27 pm
Chipper WAS NOT getting a free pass on this blog last week to two weeks ago…that’s for darn sure…it made me cringe to come on here
nolie
September 24th, 2009
7:28 pm
ere’s the whole interview, nolie (Tater)
thanks Tater. I somehow failed to bookmark that and have looked for it a few times. I got it under wraps now.
Efrim
September 24th, 2009
7:32 pm
Me too. Do you think we should throw a farewell party in his honor?
Roman Gal, that’s a great idea. We can bring back the “(KJ fan)” next to our names, at the very least. Of course, just on that day, when he is sent on his way….
nolie
September 24th, 2009
7:33 pm
There will never be a shortage of stupidity. Bill James (Tater)
well now we know that Bill reads this board regularly
NO MORE BOBBY
September 24th, 2009
7:34 pm
ESPN said it best that Bobby during the regular season is without a doubt Hall of Fame manager material, but in the post season just an average manager.
nolie
September 24th, 2009
7:37 pm
Ross could be an everyday catcher, but I think he’s very suited to a backup role. I don’t think his offense would hold up if he played regularly
Ross has a career BA of .227. That is not my idea of an every day player, even at catcher let out anywhere else.
NO MORE BOBBY
September 24th, 2009
7:37 pm
Predictions anyone on who stays and goes from this years roster in 2010?
With Bobby coming back we can throw out the Chipper to an AL team. He is going to give it one more shot with Cox and then both ride off into the sunset together.
Efrim
September 24th, 2009
7:39 pm
But no way they non-tender him. He’ll be traded. I’ll bet Minnesota is extremely interested.
Steve from Ohio, I don’t know. I’d like to think there will be enough of a market for the guy, but my guess is he is non tendered. Be great to get something for him. I think he’d be a great pickup for several clubs. Minnesota, as you said. Arizona comes to mind, as well.
Jeff R
September 24th, 2009
7:46 pm
I agree with Efrim. Wren will try to trade Johnson, but, if push comes to shove, he’ll non tender him.
nolie
September 24th, 2009
7:49 pm
SPN said it best that Bobby during the regular season is without a doubt Hall of Fame manager material, but in the post season just an average manager (NMB)
I can pretty much agree with that. I think he has taken a bit more of a hit about post season failures than he deserves considering some of the funky stuff that happened, especially early in the run. But the thing that goes most to making him great is his patience and relationships and they are of less value in a short series.
People are more and more coming to realize just how much of a crapshoot post season is with the extended number of teams.Wins by WC teams and 8 years of no title by the highest payroll in baseball show how hard it is. Absolutely anything can happen in any short series, and the pressure of PS just ups the difficulty.
Bobby was a Ralph Houk protege and he has outperformed his tutor overall. All things considered,I think that hes had an excellent career.
nolie
September 24th, 2009
7:52 pm
With Bobby coming back we can throw out the Chipper to an AL team (NMB)
there never was a Chipper to an AL team.
Jeff R
September 24th, 2009
7:52 pm
nolie… Some everyday catchers are that because of their defense and ability to handle pitchers. Brad Asmus comes to mind. My point was that if you have McCann, who likes to catch and is physically up to the job, moving him to first and starting Ross behind the plate makes little sense. Wren should try to resign LaRoche. The lineup benefits overall.
But, for the sake of discussion, if LaRoche left, and Wren had no good option for first, and McCann was willing to move there, then Ross could catch everyday. But, yes, offense would suffer.
Mixxo
September 24th, 2009
8:00 pm
I vote for one of these know-it-all bozos here……for “next” mgr.
MZ
September 24th, 2009
8:01 pm
DOB ——
I’m gonna send you some American Aquarium, unless you’ve gotten it already … probably throw in some Flow Tribe (little bit of local (New Orleans) flavor) …
CB
September 24th, 2009
8:01 pm
Mixxo, could we hold the list down to the top 100?
nolie
September 24th, 2009
8:04 pm
My point was that if you have McCann, who likes to catch and is physically up to the job, moving him to first and starting Ross behind the plate makes little sense. (Jeff R)
I agree with the part I quoted.
No way under any circumstances would I ever agree to make Ross a starter. He has pop, but that’s all. It would be smarter to keep Mac at catcher and find a journeyman FBer most any of whom would be a better choice than Mac at first and Ross at catch.
Ross has done a good job this year at backup, but your other option is not acceptable for a contending or even pretending team IMO.If a team couldn’t do any better than that scenario it’s in trouble.Even Prado at first and Infante at second would be better.
Not ripping you for thinking out of the box, just expressing my opinion.
Whens the dang game start? Hard to believe in 10 days we will probably be asking that every night: BOO!! (
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
8:19 pm
I totally agree with nolie…and with the part of Jeff R’s post that nolie quoted.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
8:20 pm
You know that feeling when you do a play 12 months ago and you find yourself on youtube singing and acting in that play…
Yeah.. I just got that feeling…
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
8:37 pm
To add on what nolie and Jeff R said…
B Mac wont throw out a lot of runners, but he calls a great game. I MEAN GREAT! Best in the league at callin games, Imho…
And I think McFann and Joe Simpson agree with me…
David O'Brien
September 24th, 2009
8:38 pm
I’m digging the premiere of this new show, FlashForward, on ABC right now. It’s a cool premise.
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
8:40 pm
Is anyone planning to follow the COLORADO game tonight? It’s scheduled to start as I type this.
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 24th, 2009
8:42 pm
BALLGAME!!!
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
8:44 pm
Yes. I am watching the COLORADO game, Lol…
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
8:45 pm
First half-inning is history. No score. ROX coming up.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
8:46 pm
Error on the first play??
My GAWD!
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
8:47 pm
Jurrjens4NLCY:
Keep us up to speed will you? I’m just getting info off game-tracker through the AJC Scoreboard. Thanx a million.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
8:48 pm
Tulo 3 run homer…
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
8:49 pm
Evidently PODS don’t want the ROX to fall too far toward the rest of the hounds in the pack. DAMM.
dogsbrekky
September 24th, 2009
8:49 pm
richbrave – yes, should be a beauty
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
8:50 pm
richbrave,
Sure, but I don’t feel like watching it much longer… lol.
=(
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
8:51 pm
Ugh, what if the Rockies and Giants win?
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
Top second 3 – 0 Roxs
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 24th, 2009
8:53 pm
C’Mon Padres!
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
8:54 pm
NOW the shlub RICHARD settles down and gets outs.
The Invisible Man
September 24th, 2009
8:54 pm
_____________________________________________
keylargo
September 24th, 2009
8:55 pm
Rockies 3 – 0 top of 2nd.
Brian the Brain
September 24th, 2009
8:55 pm
I swore I saw an ad somewhere to watch the game for 99 cents. Did I dream that?
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
8:56 pm
O.K. PODS. We need hits. Get at least one back right away to let us know your collective hearts are in the right place.
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
8:58 pm
JJ4NLCY–
Totally!
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
8:59 pm
Nice. A triple?
keylargo
September 24th, 2009
9:00 pm
It’s going to be a real slow night on the blog but I have a topic……………
What if A.C.O.R. N. were to buy the Braves. We could, through their accountants creative bookeeping, come up with a larger payroll – say $500,000,000. That would be a good start to Bobby’s last year.
Feel free to share your own ideas on how life would be better with ACORN vs. Liberty.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
9:00 pm
2 out triple from the Pads, quick richbrave, tell em you need him to score…
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
9:00 pm
Stranded on third. Bottom of the second coming up.
P. W. Hjort
September 24th, 2009
9:02 pm
God the Padres are such an awful team.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
9:02 pm
Dammit richbrave you wern’t QUICK ENOUGH!!!
chip off the ol block
September 24th, 2009
9:03 pm
largo- acorn…… are you serious? come on, there is no way n hell i’d have anything to do with them for nothing
yea we could have richer payrolls, but i wont accept a d@mn thing from them.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
9:04 pm
Amazing, 3 runs on 1 hit…
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
yea we could have richer payrolls, but i wont accept a d@mn thing from them.
Not even 10 billion Championships??
N8 (is it 2011 yet?)
September 24th, 2009
9:06 pm
DOB, two of the actors in Flash Forward, are from LOST, and the past two seasons of LOST have been nothing but flash backs and flash forwards. While I’m excited to watch the show as well, and it seems like an origninal concept…. it’s not original.
EVERY review is touting it as the “new” LOST with LOST ending this season.
But I agree with you that it looks pretty kick ass (why wouldn’t I, I love LOST).
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
9:07 pm
Roxs walk on a strike right down the middle, one away with the pitcher up, opps now he sac him over
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
9:09 pm
Who does more flashbacks/cut aways per episode?
LOST or Family Guy
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
9:09 pm
Oh KAISER SOSE. RATS a walk. Yeah, DP!!!! Top of the Third.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
9:09 pm
No DP. A sac and a flyout…
P. W. Hjort
September 24th, 2009
9:10 pm
Ugh, nothing goes right for this team.
P. W. Hjort
September 24th, 2009
9:11 pm
Following the Padres must be like following the 2008 Braves. Perpetually.
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
9:12 pm
PWHjort, your watching on MLB.TV right?
You using standard mode?
Why is your stream faster than mine?
P. W. Hjort
September 24th, 2009
9:13 pm
Hotty Toddy, Gosh almighty
Who in the hell are we?
Flim Flam, Bim Bam
Ole Miss By Damn!
Jurrjens4NLCY {Knoble.MLBlogs.com}
September 24th, 2009
9:14 pm
“Throw a strike down the middle, hes got to be takin to work the pitcher a little, and give Richard a little break..”
[Swings and misses]
P. W. Hjort
September 24th, 2009
9:16 pm
I’m watching the football game on TV and I’ve got the Rox-Padres going on the iPhone. Wow, sports technology overdose.