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2,530 comments Add your comment
Daslied
October 21st, 2009
3:50 pm
Magglio Ordonez will not be worth 18 million dollars. Or 15. That’s elite offensive player money, and he’s produced like that exactly once (2007) in the last six years.
Let me clarify that – he might be worth $18MM player in New York or L.A., but he won’t in Atlanta.
Piedmont Blues
October 21st, 2009
3:53 pm
DOB,
Thanks for the update on Heap.
BTW, this weekend is the Lexington Barbecue Festival. 15,000 pounds of Western N.C. ‘cue. I prefer the Eastern N.C. variety myself, but pig is pig.
Plus, the festival provides the best opportunity to purchase Fine Swine Wine from NASCAR legend and N.C. winemaker Richard Childress. He produces a new vintage of FSW yearly at the Q Festival and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Childress makes some decent vino, especially when you consider the climate here, which ain’t exactly Napa Valley, if you know what I mean.
Piedmont Blues
October 21st, 2009
3:56 pm
As for umpires and replay, I’m shocked the umps’ union lets the clubs show bad calls on the Jumbotron 30 seconds after the play.
Bobby's Cox
October 21st, 2009
3:58 pm
tiger,
I’m just saying it infuriates me when people continue to attack the sport. Baseball took the heat of the steroid era through the press while other sports got a free pass (like baseball was the only sport), and now people want to point their fingers at the officiating. Baseball to me is the purest form of sport in regards to officiating (well maybe besides hockey). In football, you can influence plays with penalties (holding calls or pass interference). In basketball, you can do worse with foul calls. But baseball pretty much takes a game like the Eric Greg Disaster to screw things up. Typically, one bad call here or there won’t alter the outcome of a game. 3 or 4 bad calls last night wasn’t enough to alter that outcome.
Over a 162 game season, the calls are a moot point. For the playoffs, DOB and others mentioned it…there should absolutely be instant replay. It would take no more than 45 seconds for the ump to walk over, look at the screen, and make the correct call.
Bobby's Cox
October 21st, 2009
4:02 pm
Piedmont Blues,
I always thought the Jumbotron wasn’t allowed to show the replays on close calls. From last night’s game, I think fans were seeing the replays on the tv’s near concessions, maybe on in-seat tv’s as well. Usually you don’t hear the fans react so much as they did last night when the replays are showed on national TV. It makes me wonder how many tv’s were showing the game throughout the stadium last night.
18 Wheels of Love
October 21st, 2009
4:03 pm
DOB,
Wren spill any beans on what went down at Camp Dark Star?
Poor Steve Phillips….I saw her picture too and it reminded me of a quote from Chris Tucker in the movie ‘Friday’….”Janet Jackson? More like Freddy Jackson!”
tiger297
October 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
and I do agree with you that in totality baseball is the most pure game (until we start talking about parity and such but we can save that for another day)…maybe we could use the hockey method where there is an offsite official that reviews controversial plays and can halt the game if necessary to get the call right…would probably add less time to the game than the umpires going over to review it
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
Is Schafer still in a cast?
rammerjammer
October 21st, 2009
4:08 pm
Lowe, Schafer and Jo-Jo for Carlos Lee. Everybody wins.
McFann Ô
October 21st, 2009
4:13 pm
Greg I knew he was uncomfortable, but not to the degree he obviously was this season.
I getcha.
Yeah, his K rate did rise sharply, especially towards the end of the year, and funny thing, too–he only K’d 5 times in April, before he got the specs. Then in May he only K’d 7 times. Then in June He K’d 15 times, 18 times each in July and August, and 20 times in Sept/Oct. Yikes…
I’m not surprised you caught on to that discomfort quicker than I
Of course.
Thanks, Chief!
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
4:19 pm
Lowe, Schafer and Jo-Jo for Carlos Lee. Everybody wins.
Except the Braves. Because they give up their Center Fielder of the future for someone with negative trade value.
Chris
October 21st, 2009
4:22 pm
that carlos lee trade proposal woundn’t work. no way the astros would go for that
Shaun
October 21st, 2009
4:28 pm
that carlos lee trade proposal woundn’t work. no way the astros would go for that
Why not? They’d be stupid not to. They get Lee’s contract off the books and get two young players and a quality starter.
The Braves shouldn’t go for that.
David O'Brien
October 21st, 2009
4:29 pm
Chris: Not at all surprising that Frank didn’t share anything about who they might trade or anything else like that. He wouldn’t have said that even before last winter, when he was a little more candid than Schuerholz would have been about certain things, certainly pursuits, many of which backfired on the Braves. Since then, Wren has been more guarded in making public assessments about personnel matters and directions the Braves might go in trades.
TnBrian
October 21st, 2009
4:29 pm
Doubt Wren even gives so much as a hint as to who they’d like to target this winter after the bs that went down last offseason. Can’t blame him a bit, but it would be awesome to if he did, at least for the fans.
David O'Brien
October 21st, 2009
4:30 pm
I do think those of you worried about Kelly Johnson displacing Prado at 2B, should probably not spend much time fretting over that possibility.
I’ll address that some in a new blog, either tonight or tomorrow.
keylargo
October 21st, 2009
4:31 pm
.313 BA .390 OBP .488SLG .878 OPS 13 HR Matt Dias $1.2 M
.310 BA .376 OBP .428SLG .804 OPS 9 HR Maglio Ordonez $18 M
Hmmm…….Which one do I want on the team?
Shaun
October 21st, 2009
4:33 pm
I kind of like Johnson in a “super-utility” role, if they can’t get fair value in a trade. Or maybe even give him a shot in a platoon role in leftfield, if they can’t get what they’re looking for.
Whether you like Johnson or not, you have to like the possibilities he brings to the table. Even though he had a down year which hurts his trade value, I’m sure there are teams that would give the Braves something of value for him.
Daslied
October 21st, 2009
4:33 pm
David, you tease.
Oh, joyous day.
dogsbrekky
October 21st, 2009
4:40 pm
Piedmont – forget the NC wine (must be as bad as NY based wine) but feel free to SHIP US a ton or 2 of swine done in the old NC BBQ manner… anytime, anyhow
Steve from OH
October 21st, 2009
4:40 pm
Boo!
ncscoots
October 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
Whether you like Johnson or not, you have to like the possibilities he brings to the table.
You have not been reading this blog, I guess. The folks here who don’t like Johnson feel so because they absolutely DON’T like his possibilities. I got dollars to donuts that you’ll not find one blogger who likes Johnson’s potential and yet dislikes the kid, LOL.
No, I’m afraid “Oh, joyous day” is the more typically occurring comment. Doesn’t make it any smarter, just more typical.
jeffrey d
October 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
I see we’re back to throwing JoJo into trades. “We hate his guts, but he’s good.”
The Artist Formery Known as Too Hot For Teacher
October 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
It’s offseason now….ahhhh…I can enjoy blog participation again. Am I the only person who avoids posting during the season but loves doing so in the offseason?
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
4:45 pm
I agree witcha Shaun (4:33 pm).
jeffrey d
October 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
Formery? Sounds….ahh, I won’t say it.
ncscoots
October 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
Am I the only person who avoids posting during the season but loves doing so in the offseason?
All relative, I guess. When the in-season pegs the needle on the idiotometer, merely backing it off into the red zone seems a high improvement. Plenty of time between now and March for the place to ramp up, though.
dogsbrekky
October 21st, 2009
4:53 pm
Kelly Johnson, great human, effing terrible defensive baseball player and almost as bad offensive bballer…….. but hey why don’t the Bravos keep him in 2010 to remind us all of our 2006-09 MEDIOCRITY
tiger297
October 21st, 2009
4:54 pm
I do think KJ deserves a chance…with the braves spending limits you wouldn’t expect to see $10.6M in bench players so with ross/omar under contract I would expect we have to pick between church or kj…or cut them both loose and free up $6.8M
rammerjammer
October 21st, 2009
4:57 pm
Really now, Lowe is unnecessary and overpriced, Schafer wouldn’t be needed with a Lee-Nate-Jason OF and Reyes…well, every GM is tempted by a “promising” lefthander.
keylargo
October 21st, 2009
5:01 pm
KJ made $2.825 and Church $2.8. They can be offered 80% of that or $4.5 to sign.
ncscoots
October 21st, 2009
5:02 pm
Schafer wouldn’t be needed
Do people seriously judge Schafer on his poor MLB debut, and just totally ignore his minor league work, his physical ability, his tools, his work ethic, and everything else about the kid that screams “good ballplayer”? How is that even bleepin’ possible? Seriously, I’m askin’ here.
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
5:05 pm
How is that even bleepin’ possible? Seriously, I’m askin’ here.
Ignorance, I guess. Snap judgments. Uninformed opinions. Etc…
Fleming
October 21st, 2009
5:09 pm
ncscoots
Do people seriously judge Schafer on his poor MLB debut, and just totally ignore his minor league work
They did with Conrad.
Fleming
October 21st, 2009
5:10 pm
Only in reverse order.
Goldenglove002
October 21st, 2009
5:17 pm
Jeff Lyman blogging out in Arizona. Sort of cool that he is actually answering the questions asked in the comments section, normally the player blogs are pretty brief and you only see them on it once.
http://aflbraves.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/10/hi_my_name_is_jeff.html#comments
DON’T LET PRIZED PROSPECTS DRIVE!!
TheWrightStuff
October 21st, 2009
5:18 pm
While I didn’t pay much attention to the delusional Mets fan who seems obsessed with smelling farts, I will say that the Madoff scandal will not affect the Wilpons like it seemed it would at first. Perhaps that’s why they were so adamant about not selling the team, it’s the sky is the limit payroll concerns yadda yadda yadda. They made 48 million bucks. Even if they have to give it all back, that is by far better than losing 700 million. And so I think the guy may be right about one thing, the Mets will sign some pretty good looking players in 2010. They can’t afford not to.
Fleming
October 21st, 2009
5:22 pm
TheWrightStuff
Not so sure about the Wilpons. Saw that attendance was down at Citi field this year
Lew
October 21st, 2009
5:25 pm
scoots-It’s not a matter of feeling KJ has no worth. He just isn’t going to be worth what he will cost us to bring him back, when we have bigger needs for the almost $4 mil he would make. Simple economics and cost/benefit. I still think if they had seriously wanted to bring him back in 2010, then they would actually have let him play occasionally when he returned from rehab.
Lew
October 21st, 2009
5:27 pm
You misunderstand. They did not MAKE $48 million, they got back $48 million of what they had originally lost. About enough to get a better first baseman than Del Gado and not much else.
JEB
October 21st, 2009
5:29 pm
DOB,
Agree with you entirely on the situation concerning the umps and replays!
In fact, they could save time by having 2 extra members (of umps) in a boothe viewing the game as it moves along. They will instantly have the video replays in front of them and can then communicate back down to the umpire cheif, whenever there is a dispute and immediately say “Good call!” or “Bad call”. Less time involved doing this – than what the arguements take with players, coaches, and umps.
rammerjammer
October 21st, 2009
5:29 pm
I judge Schafer on how he can make us better. We have a centerfielder, we will soon have a rightfielder, and we have an opening in leftfield for a masher. Schafer’s skills don’t address this club’s greatest need…a middle of the order bopper. But he can help get us one.
Mike Tyson
October 21st, 2009
5:33 pm
I do think KJ deserves a chance
Where were you the last 3 years when KJ has his chance, 2nd chance, and 3rd chance. It was only a year ago people said he had the upside of Chase Utely.
How about Martin Prado deserving a chance? No thank you to Kelly Johnson. And for those of you who think Kelly could be a super-utility guy, please. Did you see how much his defense sucked when he wasn’t playing everyday? Wow. If I ever needed a fan to support me, I’d want those KJ supporters on my side.
dogsbrekky
October 21st, 2009
5:34 pm
ncscoots, re the CF kid, I agree, the guy has major tools. The fact that our moronic medical staff let him play while under terrible duress with wrist injury/ies is laughable… the kid showed us early in ‘09 why he can be great… get him fit and well and give him another shot
dogsbrekky
October 21st, 2009
5:38 pm
WrightStuff – you need to know that the Wilpons lost near on 3/4 Billion $ with Bernie, this is a fact, don’t let the personal finances cloud what happened, their trusts and co’s lost that much… REALLY
TheWrightStuff
October 21st, 2009
5:38 pm
Of course it was down this year. Who wants to watch a triple A team play. You attendance was low as well, even when the Braves were still in the WC hunt. Bad economy.
TheWrightStuff
October 21st, 2009
5:39 pm
dogsbrekky,
you are misinformed.
http://www.cbssports.com/columns/story/12399103/rss
ugaaccountant
October 21st, 2009
5:41 pm
I was one of Schafer’s biggest fans coming into 2009. I thought he completely won that job. In fact, I was in favor of batting him higher in the lineup so that his speed could actually be of use. Basically we couldn’t have wasted his skillset any more than by hitting him 8th. Bobby had no intent of ever letting him run, which was the one major league ready skill he had.
I had no interest in sending him down at all. As a mid-market team, it’s more important for the Braves to develop talent from within than to do a stop-gap like plugging Blanco in for Schafer.
But I am a realist, and getting McLouth as a gift could not be turned down. I do not expect Schafer to ever be a better player than McLouth. He is however cheaper so he has his uses.
This offseason, both McLouth and Schafer have a low trade value compared to their ability so I would keep both for now.
ugaaccountant
October 21st, 2009
5:45 pm
KJ – Worth 4 million to someone. He’s a league average 2nd baseman starter. We certainly can choose to keep him and let Church walk. We have better OF prospects (Heyward, Schafer, even Jones) than 2b prospects (Conrad is not a prospect). His best use to the braves though would be trading him for a prospect, preferably one for 3b or MI.
dogsbrekky
October 21st, 2009
5:45 pm
WrightStuff – no I am 100% correct, the reported capital included only their personal amounts, the story you quoted was also in the NY Post today, but unlike the NY Post, the story you quote does not (CORRECTLY) mention the trust and company losses by the Wilpons…. then again I know directly about said losses so please tell me my eyes and ears are wrong
TheWrightStuff
October 21st, 2009
5:46 pm
Lew,
They did in fact MAKE 48 million. It was a net profit. Whether they have to give it back or not I don’t know. But some of you are a little too giddy about the Mets misfortunes. And you are all hoping the Mets can’t sign/trade for some good players. I think they will. http://www.cbssports.com/columns/story/12399103/rss
TheWrightStuff
October 21st, 2009
5:48 pm
Dogsbbrekky,
You are not correct. Worse scenario now, is the Mets have to give back the 48 million.
rammerjammer
October 21st, 2009
5:49 pm
ugaaccountant,
I was just thinking about the Schafer-Nate comparison when I read your post. I think Schafer’s ceiling IS Nate McLouth. Jordan plays better defense but Nate has more power (this all assumes Jordan can hit ML pitching). So they’re somewhat the same player, and that’s my contention. Jordan’s a part our machine doesn’t need, kinda like Salty was awhile back, and is more valuable as a trade chip.
dogsbrekky
October 21st, 2009
5:49 pm
WrightStuff – they PERSONALLY made $48 and will be sued to return it
Some of their companies and trusts lost near on $750 Million… trust me… my ex missus worked for said group………………
Mixxo
October 21st, 2009
5:49 pm
Tony G. & P.T.I. divvy-ing out Falcon props!
Hey Dallas……we’re comin’
Lew
October 21st, 2009
5:50 pm
dogs-Even if you work in the industry and have (dare I say it?) inside information, you wil NEVER convince a Mets’ fan that they don’t have as much money to spend as the Yankees. They’ve been claiming it for yeears, yet all they could afford to buy was ONE Division Championship.
Don’t bother throwing facts at them, they just ignore them-like they conviently don’t mention that the Mets’ drop in attendance was one of the largest in MLB-WAY over the average percentage of attendance loss.
Bobby's Cox
October 21st, 2009
5:50 pm
Whether you like Johnson or not, you have to like the possibilities he brings to the table
Awww, the great KJ debate. Let me in.
And what possibilities are those Shaun? Another lefty off the bench? An oft-poor hitting one at that? Another lefty on an left-heavy lineup with Schafer (lefty), Heyward (lefty) and Freeman (lefty) waiting in the wings? Not sure I see the same possibilities you’re seeing. It doesn’t seem like Wren is either. Can’t wait to read DOB’s blog.
Btw Shaun, I posted this last week I believe. There’s roughly 8-10 teams that would likely be interested in KJ. That is, teams where KJ’s “upside” is better than these teams current options. They are: Twins, Indians, Padres, Dodgers (assuming Hudson bails), Diamondbacks, Cubs, Brewers, Nationals, Astros, Pirates. That’s a 1/3 of baseball, and Wren and the Braves have historically been good at trading players in the past that were out of options etc… In this case, Wren doesn’t have to trade Kelly, so he does have some leverage in getting a good return.
CB
October 21st, 2009
5:51 pm
At the risk of having to wear a helmet to protect myself on this blog, what is it about Jordan Schafer that says great prospect? His minor league numbers do not say greatness,Jason Heyward yes. His career avg.269,obp is .337. Some of you see things in him I do not see, I hope you are correct and I am wrong.
Lew
October 21st, 2009
5:53 pm
Wrightstuff-Dude, they went out and spent umpteen million BEFORE the Madoff Scandal was even in the news and STILL ended in fourth place-DESPITE KRod. Despite Putz (what a perfect name for a NY team). Despite Johan. How much do you think they have to spend? Enough to buy an entire pitching staff, a first baseman, an outfielder and a shortstop who will actually play half of their games?
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
5:54 pm
rammerjammer
We have a centerfielder, we will soon have a rightfielder, and we have an opening in leftfield for a masher. Schafer’s skills don’t address this club’s greatest need…a middle of the order bopper. But he can help get us one.
Schafer isn’t the type of player you trade away to fill another need because he’s blocked. Schafer is the type of player that displaces a current MLB regular.
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
5:55 pm
CB -
Minor league numbers are only part of the picture. Scouts love Schafer.
jeffrey d
October 21st, 2009
5:58 pm
what is it about Jordan Schafer that says great prospect?
To be honest, I agree. He had a pretty good season in the minors a couple years ago, not so hot last year, and we all know what he did this year. I do know that the scouts and Braves seem to think he has some great potential, though, so I’m just trusting them.
dogsbrekky
October 21st, 2009
5:59 pm
good night y’all
ugaaccountant
October 21st, 2009
6:01 pm
No, Heyward and Hanson are the type of players that displaces a current MLB regular. Schafer apparently had a minor league avg. of .269 obp of .337 and not too much power. Coupled with maybe 30 sb speed and good potentially great defense, he’s a solid major league prospect, but very much should be blocked by McLouth for as long as we can afford him.
I agree with rammerjammer that you trade him if he’ll bring good value in return. I just don’t think he’ll bring good value after his 2009 season. I think he’s worth a lot, but i’m not sure trade partners will agree to a fair value. Carlos Lee and relieving ourselves of Lowe’s salary is kind of good value, but ultimately I don’t trust Lee that much more than Lowe.
ugaaccountant
October 21st, 2009
6:02 pm
P.W.H. agreed – scouts do love him more than his numbers support. That’s a good sign for us!
rammerjammer
October 21st, 2009
6:02 pm
CB,
Schafer has “tools.” The experts, of which I am certainly not one, say Schafer has the glove and arm right now for MLB. Some of them say he has the bat and the wheels. I see a fast guy who’s not an impressive base stealer and whose hitting is pretty unremarkable.
Maybe I’m spoiled by Heyward and Freeman, but I read about Schafer and I think George Lombard or Mike Kelly…toolsy, athletic, high-ceiling prospects whose skills never quite translated into stardom.
jeffrey d
October 21st, 2009
6:02 pm
But at the moment, Schafer is not being blocked at LF is what some people are saying.
random
October 21st, 2009
6:05 pm
Jeff R (October 17th, 2009 11:05 am): “now is your “five years” comment your coy way of saying you’ve done so?”
It’s my coy way of saying that you haven’t.
“If not, then we’re just getting YOUR two-cents as well.”
Yeah, well, that’s all I can spare for the likes of you.
CB
October 21st, 2009
6:06 pm
PWH,I am one of your fans on the blog because you usually support your opinions with facts and stats,when he shows better numbers then we should be considered a top prospect. Again, I would love to see him succeed.
Random
October 21st, 2009
6:07 pm
“random” = “Random”
(I blame it on the Smokies.)
Bobby's Cox
October 21st, 2009
6:09 pm
Scoots & ugaaccountant,
I’m with you on Schafer. I bought into the Schafer hype in ST last year, and for good reason. The dude raked and showed he was ready. How much that early wrist injury hurt him, I have no idea. But, I’d expect him to bounce back. When he heals and starts mashing again in the minors, he’s either real good trade bait, or is playing the OF for us late next year or in 2011, and then Nate becomes real good trade bait.
rammerjammer
October 21st, 2009
6:10 pm
jeffrey d,
True enough. Leftfield is there for the taking, and I’m sure some would like to see Nate slide over there and Jordan take over center. No doubt that improves our OF defense, but we still have a yawning power gap in the lineup. Unless LaRoche is the answer there…and I’m not so sure about that.
Daslied
October 21st, 2009
6:23 pm
For the record, my “joyous day” comment was sarcastic. I’ll be very sad to see KJ go, if that’s the pending announcement.
TheWrightStuff
October 21st, 2009
6:37 pm
Lew,
What happened to the Mets in 2009, is the exact thing that happened to the Braves in 2008. The ENTIRE team went on the DL. YOUR team revamped its pitching staff, and I expect the Mets will do the same. And they will address the outfield, most likely LF since Beltran and Francouer are set in CF and RF. Murphy can play 1st base. Or maybe they could sign someone one the cheap, like Huff to play 1st base. You seem to be forgetting that the Mets will have the core players that spent significant time on the DL back in 2010. They may even resign Delgado cheaply for 1st base, I don’t know. But the Mets will address these issues, and are already coming up with a plan for the 2010 season. Wait and see what happens. It will all be clear in a few months, and then we can restart this debate. YOUR team has its own worries, you NEED a real cleanup hitter, and until the Braves address that glaring need, I don’t see them much better than another 3rd place finish. Unfortunately, you will have to more than likely trade Vasquez for your bat since no one in their right mind will take on Lowe’s contract. Then you have to HOPE Hudson is back to form. Your payroll is not likely to go up from 2009’s salary,.
Steve from OH
October 21st, 2009
6:45 pm
Where were you the last 3 years when KJ has his chance, 2nd chance, and 3rd chance.
You’re just jackin’ me, right? Unbelievable…
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
6:47 pm
Hanley Ramirez hit .297/.352/.430/.783 in the minors. He’s hit .316/.386/.531 in the majors so far. Schafer has hit .269/.337/.446/.783 (does that .783 figure sound familiar?). You’re all forgetting one very important thing. Schafer is 22 years old. To this point in his career, he has the exact same minor league OPS as Hanley Ramirez (at the exact same ages except for 38 PA’s this year). No, he’s still a top prospect. Very much so. (Well, he doesn’t qualify for “prospect” status, but if he did he would be.) His major league results at age 22 with a broken wrist aren’t very relevant. The fact that he put up an .850 OPS as a 21-year old in 84 games at AA is much more relevant.
He is our center fielder of the future. Not McLouth. McLouth is a fine player, but he’s nothing more than a league-average at best corner OF.
In the first 2 months of the 2008 season, McLouth hit .312/.399/.605 with 13 HR (6.05% of his AB’s). Statheads viewed this as unsustainable due to the high BABIP. Scouts viewed this not only as unsustainable, but as a complete fluke. He hit 13 more HR in the next 4 months of the season, hit 20 in 2009, and in the 10 months since June 1, 2008, has hit .256/.343/.436/.779 (33 HR, 3.71% of his AB’s). And this is more or less the real Nate McLouth.
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
6:49 pm
The sentence: Schafer has hit .269/.337/.446/.783 (does that .783 figure sound familiar?)
Should read: Schafer has hit .269/.337/.446/.783 in his minor-league career (does that .783 figure sound familiar?)
brent a.
October 21st, 2009
6:54 pm
Bobby’s Cox,
I’m with you for the most part on the impact refs can have in a basketball game.
Nonetheless, like with anything, people have a tendency to focus on instances in which the high-profile teams get the breaks, and the little guy gets messed over. Not the other way around.
The two NBA series you mention are classic cases of that. Did the Lakers get favorable calls in some of the games they won in the Denver series? Sure. But what about Game 2 of that series that Denver won in LA? Go back and watch the 4th quarter, especially the last 4-5 minutes. It was a joke, in favor of Denver.
And yes, the infamous 2002 WCF (Lakers-Kings). Game 6 was a travesty and an embarrassmeent to the league.
But, you know what else was a travesty? Games 2 & 5 – both Kings wins and games that were heavily influenced by the refs.
People forget about Games 2 and 5 (especially Game 2, because it was a 10:30 PM EST start, whereas Game 5 was on NBC during prime time), but they focus on Game 6, because that is the game that the 2-time defending champion Lakers were facing elimination.
Game 6 was on a Friday night, in prime time on NBC, and the Lakers were facing elimination. Everyone saw it.
The reality of that series, though, is that Lakers could’ve won that series in 4-5 games, had it not been for the refs helping out the Kings so much in those other games. (The Robert Horry shot in Game 4 notwithstanding).
I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true. Go back and look at the box scores (fouls/free throws) for that entire series (and the Lakers-Pistons series in 2004), there are certainly some eye openers in there.
CB
October 21st, 2009
6:59 pm
PWH, based on you argument, we can expect Jordan to be our next Hanley Ramirez,correct? Minor league stats don’t tell the whole story for sure, maturity level and minor league parks also factor in. I truely hope he is what you and others feel he will be- I just don’t see the reason to be excited yet. But he is cute with nice ears.
Steve from OH
October 21st, 2009
7:00 pm
DOB was a Kiss fan? Man, and he says I’m bad…
I’d be happy if I never heard another Kiss song again…especially “Rock and Roll all Nite,” or whatever that monstrosity is called…
Steve from OH
October 21st, 2009
7:00 pm
And yes, I realize he posted that a while ago, but I’m still catchin’ up on the blog…
Jake W.
October 21st, 2009
7:02 pm
TheWrightStuff
You are right, its better to wait a couple of months for everything to be clearer but i don’t see how you feel all will be fixed with the mets yet there is nothing but doubt with the braves. No one will take Lowe, we will lose Vazquez and we have to HOPE that Tim Hudson regains form. Not many good pitchers on the free agent market. Lowe’s contract may not be enticing but i’m sure there will be some teams that take a look. The Mets will have that core back but what has it gotten them? One first place finish. We have problems we need to address just like your team and I feel Wren will do his best. The mets will be better next year but good enough to dethrone the phils, I doubt very seriously.
TheWrightStuff
October 21st, 2009
7:11 pm
I didn’t say “all will be fixed with the Mets”. What I am saying is that the Mets will make upgrades for their most glaring needs next season. I Expect them to be competitive next season, and I do think that if healthy the Mets can give the Phillies a run for their money. I also am not saying I don’t expect for the Braves to compete, I’m sure they will. I just don’t see how you can afford the big bopper due to your payroll constraints. That’s all.
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
7:12 pm
CB -
based on you argument, we can expect Jordan to be our next Hanley Ramirez,correct?
No. Not what I said or meant. Dismissing Hanley Ramirez for his mediocre minor-league numbers would’ve been incredibly stupid. Dismissing Jordan Schafer for his mediocre minor-league numbers is similarly stupid. In the lower minor leagues, scouting is much more important than results. Basing an assessment of a player’s potential on what they did when they were 19 in single-A is stupid. As players ascend through the minor leagues their numbers start to become more and more meaningful. AA and AAA (aka the upper minors) are where you start to see real, meaningful data. Still, though, scouting reports are a much better indicator of future success than numbers, especially when a player is young for his level. For instance, as a 20 and 21 year old, Hanley Ramirez hit .279/.340/.413/.753 at AA. Do you think everyone said, “his numbers suck, he’s not a top prospect”? NO! They considered the context.
Similarly, Jordan Schafer’s minor league numbers should be given the exact same consideration. He’s 22 years old and he’s been young for every level he’s played at. The scouting reports have a whole lot more predictive value than his numbers, at this point.
For instance, this is what Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus wrote about Schafer this off-season (ranking him the team’s number 3 prospect, behind Heyward and Hanson, ahead of Freeman, Teheran, Delgado, Medlen, Gorkys, Rohrbough, Flowers, etc….)
3. Jordan Schafer, CF
DOB: 9/4/86
Height/Weight: 6-1/200
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: 3rd round, 2005, Winter Haven HS (FL)
2008 Stats: .269/.378/.471, .263 EqA at Double-A (84 G)
Last Year’s Ranking: 1
Year in Review: Last year’s breakout performer missed two months early in the season serving a 50-game suspension for some kind of involvement with HGH—the facts are still not clear. He got off to a slow start due to rust and plenty of distractions, but found a groove in the second half, batting .303/.387/.526.
The Good: Schafer’s tools rate as average or above across the board. He’s a patient hitter with a quick, quiet swing and at least average power. He’s a 60 runner and an even better center fielder because of his outstanding instincts, with one scout adding, “I don’t think I ever saw him break wrong on a ball.” His arm is another weapon due to both its strength and accuracy.
The Bad: Schafer struggled against left-handers in 2008, who found success both in busting him inside and getting him to chase good breaking balls. The suspension seemed to hang over his head much of the year; he was clearly pressing at times, and his body language left many wondering if he was having any fun out there.
Fun Fact: While 12 players have been drafted out of Winter Haven High School, Schafer is aiming to become the first to reach the big leagues.
Perfect World Projection: An everyday star-level center fielder who annually hits .300 with 20/20 power/speed numbers.
Glass Half Empty: He turns out to be a one-sided star in desperate need of a platoon partner, a la Ray Lankford.
Path To The Big Leagues: Gregor Blanco does not provide a significant roadblock.
Timetable: The Braves still have the utmost confidence in Schafer, and while they do not go into detail, they have no long-term concerns about his suspension. Schafer is their center fielder of the future, and there’s an outside chance that the future could begin in April.
Braveheart
October 21st, 2009
7:15 pm
You’ve Got The Wright Stuff!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDAzP7BDHe4
Soph
October 21st, 2009
7:17 pm
Soph-
Just saw your comment about He Who Shall Not Be Named- let’s just say it will take quite a bit to warm up to him…He’ll have to earn my support
Oh, I know. I’d feel the same way. My two-faced brother, who was all “we don’t need Crabtree” for the last six months loves him all of a sudden. Flip flop.
TheWrightStuff
October 21st, 2009
7:17 pm
Come on now, I haven’t at all been obnoxious, I’m not trolling your board, and I’m not the fart idiot.
CB
October 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
PWH,I forgot to hit the sarcasm button with the Hanley remark,I hope you already knew that.
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
CB,
I took it literally, but I’m glad to know you were being sarcastic
.
Jake W.
October 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
“I just don’t see how you can afford the big bopper due to your payroll constraints. That’s all.”-TheWrightStuff
Well thats what a GM is for. Its his job to figure out how to improve a team and work within the constraints that team has. Frank Wren has made some smart trades for us. He has gotten young talent and still managed to hold on to some of our top prospects. He spent last offseason improving our pitching and he will spend this offseason improving the offense. Having an endless payroll isn’t the only way in which to improve a team so while we may not have the money to work with like the mets, I feel like we have more resources to work with because of our surplus of starting pitching and having a good farm system.
And while you did not say all will be fixed, all you need to do is reread what you wrote and you will see what I meant. The Mets can do or will do this in almost every scenerio while the braves can’t move Lowe, have to get a cleanup hitter, and most hope with Hudson.You seem a little overly optimistic with your needs and a little pessimistic with what the braves need. Thats the only point i’m making.
cabravesfan
October 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Soph-
I didn’t want him in the first place…
Vinings Jim
October 21st, 2009
7:38 pm
just logged in – wait – were you talking about me?
cabravesfan
October 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
VJ-
what do you think?
Vinings Jim
October 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Enter your comments here
Vinings Jim
October 21st, 2009
7:40 pm
does that answer your question?
CB
October 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
cab, you shook VJ up so much he couldn’t talk.
cabravesfan
October 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
VJ-
I think my comments are best left off the blog
Vinings Jim
October 21st, 2009
7:42 pm
clearly, I am and idiot…
cabravesfan
October 21st, 2009
7:42 pm
CB-
apparently I did
P. W. Hjort
October 21st, 2009
7:42 pm
Vinings Jim –
You’re not and idiot, just a pre-madonna.