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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,702 comments Add your comment
uga-brave
November 7th, 2009
1:36 am
point is all of our current offense is freakin lefthanded,
heyward, schaffer, freeman, nate, macc, etc.
note we dont have a lefthanded starting pitcher to neutralize howard and ibanez.
utley seems to hit anything.
Andrew
November 7th, 2009
1:36 am
uga-brave,we dont have a yankee offense
Andrew
November 7th, 2009
1:38 am
Howard absolutly kills Hudson too
uga-brave
November 7th, 2009
1:53 am
andrew,
once again what is your point.
the braves had what on guy hit 20 dingers, i think the yankees had six.
add in c.c. and best closer in the history of baseball.
uga-brave
November 7th, 2009
2:03 am
see we argue over the merrits of kelly johnson.
he would not make their forty man roster.
but according to this blog he might or not become roberto alomar.
kelly johnson is what is wrong with the braves.
a very average player. very average players produce avearage results.
just like francoeur. kelly and jeff crippeled this team.
we will be much better next year because they will not be here.
Jarryd
November 7th, 2009
2:13 am
roll away, the dew.
semiballcoach
November 7th, 2009
2:17 am
uga-brave
yankee stadium had more to do with the guys with 20 hrs than actual ability…damon? matsui?….320 foot “bomb”
Supes
November 7th, 2009
2:31 am
It’s speculated if Matsui doesn’t take a 1-2 year deal with the yankees at a reduced rate, that his most logical choice would be to go to the Seattle Mariners to play with Ichiro for what’s left of his career.
Guy can still rake, esp. against RH pitching, but I can’t see him with the Braves.
We are already too heavily LH of a lineup, and swapping LaRoache with Matsui is a wash. They both have similar power numbers, except once is a gold glove caliber guy (Adam), the other one is a DH type (at this point in his career).
I get that Ryan Ludwick had one really solid year, but given that the Braves want Heyward, Schafer and McLouth to all be in the OF for 2010 and beyond, why isn’t Ryan Ludwick worth a “gamble” or at least an affordable and productive stop gap type player.
Also, I know that “baby Adam Dunn” aka Cody Johnson is still 2-3 years away (at least) from being major league ready, but his only position is OF at this point. So if the guy pans out, you’ll need to leave a spot in the OF open.
Again aside from McLouth (3 more years on the contract), and Heyward (future corner stone type player), you only have 1 OF slot to cover for right now.
Schafer will probably be the player they want there eventually, but until then…why not someone like a Ryan Ludwick (not expensive, RH bat with some power, who can hit in the middle of the lineup)?
Supes
November 7th, 2009
2:34 am
The only argument I hear against Ryan Ludwick is
1. He’s only done it for 1 year
2. He was injured for an extended time last year
well, any player can get injured and have a subpar year, I’m willing to let that go and before that some players mature later on as a hitter (plus given the chance to succeed).
I seriously hope Wren gives Ryan Ludwick a serious consideration for the LF position on the 2010 Braves team.
I know Cards want relief pitching and or infielder…Braves can work a trade.
uga-brave
November 7th, 2009
2:40 am
if we dont offer rochy i will be somewaht angered.
plays great defense.
would rather have him then ludwick.
keep our six starters intact. pretty sure the roach would out preform him.
nolie
November 7th, 2009
3:34 am
but his only position is OF at this point. So if the guy pans out, you’ll need to leave a spot in the OF open.
good teams don’t ‘leave spots open’ on their roster for guys who are 2-3 years away from POSSIBLY making the team. You fill what you need and if he can break in when he’s ready, great. Ludwick would indeed be a gamble, that is my point of opposition to him.Haven’t we gotten bit by gambles enough over the years? He’s have to come cheap in price and salary and that isn’t likely to happen IMO.I don’t hate the guy, just not happy with basing a large part of out reconstructed offense on that much question.
Rob (from SC) no more arm brace
November 7th, 2009
3:54 am
Call me crazy, but I would like the Braves to sign Austin Kearns to a minor league deal. He said his hand was bothering him the past few seasons. You never know, it could work out
ncgary
November 7th, 2009
4:31 am
crazy
lol
Bay Area Steve
November 7th, 2009
5:33 am
What’s wrong with the blog?
Everybody moved to twitter? Say it ain’t so.
And, why do I care about Vinings Jim and cabravesfan? Most interesting thing going now? Over/under on the age difference? 12?
Bay Area Steve
November 7th, 2009
5:39 am
Man, how much do we have to hope that the front office pulls off the typical out-of-nowhere move? DeRo, no. Ludwick, no. Ordonez, no. Konerko, no. Dye, hell no.
And, doesn’t LaRoche have to be signed? Even with a third year option, at a huge buyout… The other options are not good.
I’m worried about Freeman. Just seems too good to be true that we could have Hanson, can’t-miss Heyward, and Freeman. Salt let salt and pepper down last year. Forget blockage, sign Rochy.
HoratioAlgae
November 7th, 2009
6:19 am
I would definately offer arb to LaRoche, Soriano, and Gonzalez. At least one of the relievers would bolt leaving the Braves with their closer for 2010 and a draft pick. With LaRoche you would have 1B covered for another year with the big bopper playing for another multi-year, free-agent contract the following year. This way they are on the hook for only one more year for each player and they reduce the risk of a high priced free-agent contract.
HoratioAlgae
November 7th, 2009
6:22 am
Oh, and Austin Kearns is washed-up……
Mixxo
November 7th, 2009
7:16 am
Screw twitter and screw the Hudson fan boiz. He done, face it and get over it.
Glad gonzo’s walking too. Have a wonderful day!
richbrave
November 7th, 2009
7:36 am
MIXXO:
O-o-o-o, hate mail on the ol’ blog. Who would have thunk it.
Mixxo
November 7th, 2009
7:50 am
Love y’all……missed ya too…….mean it!
richbrave
November 7th, 2009
7:52 am
tmac
“I say to Braves management: spend some money and improve this offensive lineup and keep as much of the pitching as we can… then we will have a chance.”
Absolutely, but with two caveats. One, limit the spending to the 115-125 million level. That’s been my mantra since the first day I hit the blog, and I haven’t seen anything with the cheap version )85-95 million) that’s convinced me otherwise. Second, buy wisely. FRANK WREN has convinced me at this point he can successfully accomplish that goal.
So how about it LIBERTY? The balls in your court. Commit to a healthy 20% increase in payroll, for two years and let management go get the bats you need to add two power hitters to this line-up. Then stand back and watch BRAVES rally at the box office. Tag, you’re it. Build it and they will come.
Lew
November 7th, 2009
7:54 am
People still think the Brewers are going to trade Ryan Braun and the Braves will offer Jair Jurrjens for him. Sigh.
TommyP
November 7th, 2009
8:00 am
This won’t excite the masses but I wouldn’t mind the Braves making a play at Chase Headley of San Diego. But NOT as their big time bat addition, I might add. We still need one of those.
Headley plays left field but his natural position is 3B. Yeah, I’m thinking post-Chipper here.
He had below average overall numbers in .262 avg., .342 OBP, and .392 SLUG. But let’s look a little deeper than the overall numbers.
On the road, he hit .305 with an .803 OPS. He has good plate discipline as his .377 road OBP attests.
After the All Star Break, his overall numbers (Petco included) were .293, .377 OBP, .421 SLUG, .798 OPS. Those power numbers will improve as he comes into his prime and gets out of San Diego.
The guy is 25 years old and is a switchhitter. He makes close to the minimum next year and then starts his arbitration years. Cheap, young talent that is ready to bust out in new surroundings.
Acquire him now while the cost is down and let him take over for Chipper in a year, 2 at most. While Chipper continues playing, plug him in when Chipper is injured (guaranteed playing time there) and in the OF.
CB
November 7th, 2009
8:02 am
Lew, I’m hoping they hurry up and make their moves,Austin Kearns. Geez
Lew
November 7th, 2009
8:06 am
CB-Getting the deals done quickly will not stop the insane trade proposals. There will still be those who decide we must trade Chipper, Jurrjens, Lowe and Kelly Johnson for Konerko or Dye. Believe it.
tr
November 7th, 2009
8:21 am
There’s been plenty of names bandied about for the clean-up spot – many with question marks, but none would make me smile more than this one.
Adrian Gonzalez
Not sure how to make it happen, but, then again, that would be Frank’s job. VERY talented. VERY reasonable contract, leaving $$$$’s for other needs and wants, too! Won’t bother you with a projected line-up, but it’d be better than most anything else I’ve seen so far!!!
Lew
November 7th, 2009
8:24 am
tr-At what cost?
TommyP
November 7th, 2009
8:36 am
tr: The cost would be huge. HUGE. Let’s not go that route.
TommyP
November 7th, 2009
8:39 am
I sure as hell would love to see LaRoche back on a 2 year deal with a club option.
Lineup of McLouth, Prado, Chipper, NEW acquisition, McCann, Laroche, Yunel, other OF would be enough with our pitching.
Rob (from SC) no more arm brace
November 7th, 2009
9:29 am
how does Austin Kearns on a minor league deal hurt?
Rob (from SC) no more arm brace
November 7th, 2009
9:31 am
Ross Gload would be a great PH pickup also.
VaBraveFan
November 7th, 2009
9:50 am
tr
Adrian Gonzalez would cost just as much as Tex did. He has 2 years remaining on contract for very cheap. Pads are gonna want a big package. I’m not a fan aof trading a load of prospects for a couple season’s of one player that we wont be able to resign (yes i know Freeman takes over at 1st when he leaves) BUt your looking at 5 porpsects that would have to be traded. The redsox would have had him already but there asking price is sky high
Bill M.
November 7th, 2009
10:15 am
Rob (from SC) —– I agree that the Braves should take a chance on Austin Kears if he is healthy. He’s still young (29) and right handed. Also like the idea of Chase Headely of Padres. The Braves are not in a position to be big spenders. Wren go get these guys and offer LaRoche & Gonzales a one year contract. Keep all pitchers for now, later in the season would be the best time to trade.
Lew
November 7th, 2009
10:15 am
Rob-Ross Gload? For what? We need a power hitting full time player, NOT a fourth outfielder. Dude has had declining numbers for the past three seasons, never hit more than 7 HR and that in almost 350 plate appearances and his lifetime OBP is a meager .328. Two of the past three seasons, his OBP was under .320.
Random
November 7th, 2009
10:40 am
cvbraves (November 6th, 2009 11:46 am): “Tell you what? Trade all you want but I’ll go with a lineup of Nate, LF; Prado, 2B; Heyward, RF; Yunel, SS; Brian, C; Chipper, 3B; Freeman, 1B; Jordon, CF: and, either Vazquez, Jurrgens, Hanson, Hudson, Lowe, starting pitcher…and win more than 90 games in 2010. I’ll close with Moylan/O’Flaherty, and then add Medlen, Kawakami, Hyde, Kimbrel, plus 1, to the bullpen.”
With bench = Diaz, Infante, Ross, DHernandez(?), backup 1B/OF(Church?)?
To put a bit finer point on Lew’s comments — we still don’t know at this point if Heyward/Freeman or even Schafer can perform at the ML level, whether because of “pressure”, lack of ability or lack of experience. We simply cannot count on any of them coming through at all in 2010, let alone all of them.
Imo, the best way to isolate and test the most critical of those variables — talent — is to let them play a significant sampling of games at the AAA level, where “pressure” and “experience” should be non factors in their performance.
See how it goes, and promote appropriately.
In the meantime, a trade of Lowe (or Vazquez, if the Braves cannot extend him) would bring the players we need to bridge to or step in for those rookie hopefuls — corner OF and 1B in particular, at least one of whom would need to have RH power.
Just my opinion — I could be wrong.
PS: And I think Jones should remain in the 3-hole, unless his ISO simply does not bounce back. If he truly has lost his power (but maintains his AVG/OBP), he should move up to 2. (If his hitting totally goes to crap, all bets are off.
)
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
10:43 am
Just to clarify, I wrote in my most-recent Proctor story that he had TJ surgery in May 2008. It was May 2009. Just a typo, sorry about that.
With 12-13 months typical for TJ recovery, that’s why Braves think he could be back in May or June, and why it’s almost a certainty that he’ll be under contractual control in 2011, since he needs to be on major league roster for all but three weeks in 2010 to be a free agent (and that’s not gonna happen).
Random
November 7th, 2009
10:50 am
I’ll second VaBraveFan’s November 7th, 2009 9:50 am.
OTOH, if the Braves could get AGon for Lowe and x number of forgettable prospects (”Never gonna happen, my friend”), I’m all for it.
tr
November 7th, 2009
10:51 am
Isn’t Mr. “Unreasonable-asking-price” Towers gone???
Hey, I’m not a big fan of trading away the future, but great talent does come at a cost. The question then becomes, is the cost unreasonable? There are areas of our team (and farm system) where there are surpluses – good prospects blocked by current players, or expendable current players who have replacements in the wings. Wren would be remiss if he just ignored the possibility without asking and maybe doing a little dickering to see if a deal is possible.
And while prospects may represent the future, they are still just prospects and not sure things, not proven commodities like, say Adrian Gonzalez.
Gonzo already has a history of protecting his future with a reasonable team friendly contract – I’m not convinced he cannot be signed long term as part of the trade. Remember the Johan Santana trade? And even if it cannot be done as part of the trade, Braves accounting already has a history of figuring salary over the life of a contract – Hampton’s deal, for example – for single season budget purposes.
Yes, the Tex deal was one-sided on the surface, but which of those kids would’ve realistically been a contributing member of the major league club the past few seasons? Salty and Harrison are still developing and still projects. Feliz looks very good but he’s still only pitched 31 innings in the bigs. Andrus was pretty good, but would he have already supplanted Yunel? Did Tex work out here? No, we didn’t advance to the post-season and didn’t sign him long term. But we took a real shot at the former and didn’t come up as empty-handed as it’s often made out here.
Bottom line for me is that I’m hungry enough for a return to the post-season that it’s worth a chance, worth the risk of trading some prospects to get a great player. And do you really think that Dye (insert several other realistically proposed names here) really enough of an offensive boost to get us on par with the Phillies and Yankees offenses? Puleeeze!!!
Lew
November 7th, 2009
10:55 am
tr-Adrian Gonzalez is a great player and would fit nicely with the Braves. NO one doubts that. However, the Braves have options, (like LaRoche) that would not cost nearly as much when the trade of players we don’t really want to trade is factored in. Who are you going to trade for him? Lowe? Padres aren’t taking on that salary and we’d be complete fools to eat any of his salary when IMO, they can trade him lock stock and $45 million.
How about minor leaguers in a trade? Who? Heyward or Freeman? Seriously? Teheran or Minor? I’m not seeing it. Who else would you suggest? I’m betting that any deal involving Kelly Johnson or JoJo Reyes isn’t doing it.
Lew
November 7th, 2009
10:59 am
Oh-One more thing. With our pitching (no matter which of the five we keep) we do NOT need to have as potent an offense as the Phillies or Yankees. Neither has the pitching to go head to head with us. Witness the Braves’ having won the season series against the Phillies. Do you seriously believe that had we won the WC this year, that it could well have been US against the Yankees in the series?
tr
November 7th, 2009
11:16 am
I don’t WANT to trade ANY of them, Lew. Just saying we should at least look at the possibility before dismissing it. As for minor leaguers, how about (a few of) the following?: Bethancourt, Delgado, Spruill, C. Johnson, Milligan, Rose, Mycal Jones, Brewer, Gearrin, Osuna, Hicks, Rohrbough, etc… We can speculate all we want, but no one knows who the Pads would ask for if we don’t ask them. Sure, it’s ideal to keep ‘em all, but you can’t buy a Mercedes for a couple of bucks!!!
Love LaRoche, but he has always been dismal in the 1st half and may not even be an option.
tr
November 7th, 2009
11:21 am
No. Our offense doesn’t need to be as strong as either team to contend. But it DOES need to be more consistent.
Steve from OH
November 7th, 2009
11:22 am
tr–you can’t trade anyone that was drafted last June until next year’s draft…so that takes guys like Jones, Hale, Minor, RSF, etc off the list.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
11:27 am
Saw an outstanding movie last night, An Education. One of the best I’ve seen this year, and certainly I’d think it’ll be nominated for best picture (especially since they’ve expanded that pool of nominees to, what, 10 this year?).
The Hurt Locker still the best movie I’ve seen so far this year, but An Education is up there with The Hangover, 500 Days of Summer, A Serious Man, District 9 , The Cove, Inglourious Basterds and Zombieland among my other favorites. I also really liked Anvil, Adventureland, Public Enemies and Duplicity (not saying those or Zombieland are worthy of best-picture nominations; just saying I liked them a lot).
I didn’t see Moon, Big Fan, or Sugar (gotta rent those soon) and I’ve heard that just-released Collapse and Precious are outstanding. There’s a few more that look really good on the way before Christmas (some already showing in NY and LA, etc) that will probably make the list.
Lew
November 7th, 2009
11:32 am
tr-Yes, consistency would be a good thing. However, you need to look at it like this-from June 28 of last year, we played even with the Phillies and everyone else in the NL, once we acquired McLouth, traded Francoeur and put Prado in as a starter. With that group of players, we were very close, even with Chipper having his worst season and Prado with his headache problems, Mac with the vision issues, etc. And we STILL played them even.
So how much change do we really need to make to become significantly better? IMO, not much at all. Re-sign LaRoche for three years. If Freeman is ready in two, then you trade Roach, if not, or if FF regresses horrendously, you’re covered. Then all you really need is a LF who has some power (IMO that 20-25 HR would be enough from that position).
After that, the pitching is of prime importance. We need to devote attention to acquiring the best closer we can and grabbing a couple more arms for the pen.
It is not necessary to get Gonzalez and certainly NOT for what he would cost. By all evaluations, the Braves’ minor league system, through bringing up pitchers like Hanson and Medlen and trades both for Tex and for McLouth, is a bit short at the present time. We also have the nucleus of a damned fine pitching staff for the future down there. I certainly don’t want to trade them. Gonzalez is just not the guy the Braves need to target. Neither is Prince Fielder or Ryan Braun. Great players all, but more than we need at way more than we can afford to pay, either in players or salary.
tr
November 7th, 2009
11:38 am
Thanks, Steve!
Just making the point that we might not need to include the top ten to get a deal done for a better option than Dye, etal.
Actually, Lew, with their park (and our lack of need for him) JoJo might not be a bad inclusion for a prospective deal. I like the kid, and maybe a change of scenery would do him some good. And what about Canizaris?
brent a.
November 7th, 2009
11:39 am
My feet and ankles have been bothering me since I was 19.
Offer me a minor league deal.
michael
November 7th, 2009
11:42 am
***HEY DOB***
I’m going to throw this out there and see what everyone thinks about it. Don’t know if this is my head or my heart speaking here but I’ll give it a shot. Saw over on the AJC that John Smoltz has filed for FA. If he and the team could get over all the contractual strife that took place before the 2009 season and if he wouldn’t mind coming back to Atlanta…could anyone see him as our Closer once again. Couldn’t you just hear ACDC’s Thunderstruck playing as Smoltz trots out from the bullpen in the 9th. Gives me chillbumps. Assuming he’d be willing to comeback and that’s an assumption as bit as Mt. Everest…what kind of $ would it take to get him back here? Would like to hear everyone’s opinions.
Steve from OH
November 7th, 2009
11:42 am
tr–maybe. Hard tellin because it’s hard to know who is available and such.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
11:43 am
uga brave, you wrote:
said when they did it, gwinett will fail.
minor league baseball is meant to be played in small towns.
asheville, chatanooga, greenville, durham, macon, huntsville, etc.
I disagree. Minor league baseball these days is thriving in places like Memphis, Providence, Oklahoma City, Dayton and Durham. Not exactly what I think of as “small towns,” but rather small to mid-sized cities. (And you really must not have been to the Raleigh-Durham area in a while if you think of it as a “small town.” That, or you’ve never lived in or been to many small towns.)
Gwinnett County, once you get off the highway, has the feel of a smaller city, to me, and doesn’t at all feel like you’re in the middle of Atlanta. People attending games at the Gwinnett ballpark are going for a different experience than when they go to the big-league park 30 minutes (or an hour or more in traffic) down the road. Much more low-key, cheaper in every way (tix, parking, food).
There’s no reason baseball can’t thrive in both places, and the Gwinnett Braves did fine in their first season. It might not be one of the top markets in all of minor league baseball, but it’ll be in the upper half, I’d guess, when you rate them five years from now.
And for the benefits that it gives the Braves on top of that, it’s a good working relationship. For instance, when they just signed Proctor, one of the big selling points for him and his agent was the fact that Proctor could get one apartment for the year, and know that he’ll probably spend the early part of the season at Triple-A, then just drive the other direction if/when he gets promoted to the big club.
Mixxo
November 7th, 2009
11:44 am
tr @ 11:21
Excellent point! McLouth isn’t the answer at the top of the lineup either. Way too inconsistent….and fragile as I don’t know what. I was really hoping for bigger things from him….didn’t happen though.
What kind of excuse is Mac gonna come up with next year? We’ve worn the eye-thing and the “catcher’s demands” out. Hope he watched some of Molina’s D in the post season. :whistle:
P. W. Hjort
November 7th, 2009
11:45 am
You really need to check Teheran and see how many times he went 6+ innings.
Why is it at all relevant how many times an 18-year old kid went 6+ innings in the Sally League?
Mitchie-san
November 7th, 2009
11:46 am
Dont be fooled with Paranormal Activity DOB. That movie is a rehash of “The Blair With Project” and its not even as good. I could make the whole movie with a camcorder, fan and some lighter fluid. It was ALL in the marketing.
Steve from OH
November 7th, 2009
11:47 am
Why is it at all relevant how many times an 18-year old kid went 6+ innings in the Sally League?
Yep.
Rob (from SC) no more arm brace
November 7th, 2009
11:47 am
Lew
I would love to have Ross Gload as our Number 1 pinch hitter. He did great in that role for the Marlins hitting over .318. Not every player on a team needs to be a superstar.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
11:48 am
Saw over on the AJC that John Smoltz has filed for FA. If he and the team could get over all the contractual strife that took place before the 2009 season and if he wouldn’t mind coming back to Atlanta…could anyone see him as our Closer once again. — Michael.
In a word, no. Or in five words: No, I can’t see it.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
11:53 am
What’s wrong with the blog? Everybody moved to twitter? Say it ain’t so. — Bay Area Steve at 5:33 a.m.
Repeat: 5:33 a.m. (or 2:33 a.m. Bay Area)
BravesfaninWis
November 7th, 2009
11:55 am
Are there any rumblings, and rumblings at all on who the Braves are even interested in getting for our power bat? I hate the suspense, please get a legit power bat that is consistent, none of this average crap and laziness like Loaf Anderson was this past year. How things would have been different had the Braves signed either Adam Dunn, or Bobby Abreu. Neither of those two are any worse defensively then Anderson, and they both have a lot more power with more HR’s. With either of those two, I firmly believe that we would have won the division, or at the very least, the WC.
BravesfaninWis
November 7th, 2009
11:58 am
Michael,
I wouldn’t mind at all seeing Smoltz come back as our closer. The only problem there is that he is no where near as dominant as he was the first time around as our closer. He would probably be cheaper then offering Gonzon or Soriano arbitration. He would probably sign with a team for 1 year, 3-4 million. I just don’t if he would want to come back to Atlanta after what transpired last year.
tr
November 7th, 2009
12:02 pm
OK, Lew, so we don’t “target” Adrian, Prince, Braun, etc… But does it really hurt to at least ASK what it would take, to throw out a few “what about’s” instead of to just ass/u/me it would cost too much? That sounds better than settling for cheap, serviceable, and another year of being on the outside looking in during the post season if everyone doesn’t perform to expectations.
J-MAN
November 7th, 2009
12:04 pm
Well since you said that Hudson is signed “For sure”. Which issue is the more pressing need within the GM office, an OF powerbat, a 1st base powerbat, or the bull-pen?
michael
November 7th, 2009
12:05 pm
Thanks DOB and BravesfaninWis for your comments. While I don’t think he could be as dominant as he was earlier as our closer. I think he could do just as good…if not better than Gonzalez as I’m assuming Soriano will command too much money and like you said…Smoltz would likely be half the price of Gonzalez. Smoltz would give us a year or two stopgap for the next closer we have in the minors I keep hearing about compared to Devine. I just think there have been too many burned bridges between Smoltz and Wren for something like that to happen…but you never know. Time can cure a lot of things.
TnBrian
November 7th, 2009
12:06 pm
Actually, I wouldn’t call Chattanooga a small town, more of a big town. Not a “city” to me either. Just a big, scattered town. At least they’re fixing some of these terrible ass roads I like to take.
Mitchie-San, Paranomal Activity looks stupid & I’ll tell you something else… I’m sick of these satanic movies coming out. These idiots can call it art or whatever, but to me a movie doing this kind of crap is just devil like.
Steve from OH
November 7th, 2009
12:08 pm
Which issue is the more pressing need within the GM office, an OF powerbat, a 1st base powerbat, or the bull-pen?
I would imagine that they’d take care of the power bat first. I doubt that Wren would have a strong preference for either LF or 1B–I think he’ll take what he can get at this point.
TnBrian
November 7th, 2009
12:09 pm
DOB, I had to read your 11:53 comment a few times this morning to figure out the sarcasm. Funny & true. By the way, if you have any buzz from the Braves about possible targets then don’t be shy– let us in on the action. Thanks bud!
cvbraves
November 7th, 2009
12:10 pm
Random: You, Lew and DOB (and several others) take very reasonable approaches with suggestions as to how best make the Braves the best they can be…and I appreciate that.
dogsbrekky
November 7th, 2009
12:11 pm
dOBi – An Education is my favorite movie so far in ‘09
P. W. Hjort
November 7th, 2009
12:13 pm
uga-brave,
Yes. I go to every game. Haven’t missed a home game in 4 years. Leaving for campus now.
McFann Ô
November 7th, 2009
12:20 pm
You lied to me, Mixxo. You lied.
AdirondackDave
November 7th, 2009
12:24 pm
DOB — Speaking of movies.. If you get a chance to rent The Station Agent you’ll thank me later. One of the most memorable movies you’ll ever see.
J-MAN
November 7th, 2009
12:33 pm
I’ve seen on a few rumor sites that the Braves have intrest in Aldonis Chapman. While I personally don’t think theres much truth to this it wouldn’t be a bad move in my opinion.
1. It give us a lefty flamethrowing arm
2. He is young and it make us a team of young great pitchers like we were in the early 90s.
3. Our furute rotation would be Hanson, Chapman, Jurrjens, Minor and the #5 very dangerous rotation
4. He would have fellow countryman Yunel Escobar to mentor him and give Escobar somebody to have on his team that he can feel more kinship to.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
12:34 pm
Time to see if my skidding Jayhawks can get it turned around against the hated K-State Wildcats over in Manhattan, Kan. Man, my boys have looked bad the past few weeks. Thankfully, hoops season is starting….
Adirondack: The Station Agent was a terrific movie. That came out several years ago. Loved it.
Steve from OH
November 7th, 2009
12:37 pm
J-Man, in theory, it’s always great to pick up a guy like that. But what if paying him reduces our ability to pay for the pieces we need to win at the big-league level this season? He’s gonna be damn expensive, and he’s not as much of a surefire option as many think IMO.
J-MAN
November 7th, 2009
12:41 pm
Well thats why I dont seeing it happening Steve but I was just putting out what i’ve seen on some of these sites but i believe you can never have enough good young arms but I do agree he is not as good as the E360 hype machine has made him to be but 102mph is still 102mph.
USED CARS
November 7th, 2009
12:43 pm
I feel real good about where we are as compared to a year ago. We are coming off an 86 win season and we have our rotation already set. It was approximately 365 days ago that we were sitting with one starter and and beginning the Jake Peavy experience (thank you Mr. Towers and let’s hope you find another job soon). This season, our only worries are a couple of bats and filling some holes in the pen
My lineup
Figgins
Prado
Chipper
Derek Lee (for Lowe and JoJo)
McCann
Escobar
Heyward
McClouth (second leadoff)
Vazquez
Juurjens
Hanson
Hudson
Kawakami
Medlen
Gonzalez
Moylan
O’Flaherty
Acosta or Nunez
Carlyle
Logan or some other lefty
Bench
Anyone but Norton
Infante
Ross
Derosa
Or instead of signing Figgins, trade Kelly Johnson for Conor Jackson and put MCLouth back up top
tr
November 7th, 2009
12:44 pm
DOB (or anyone)
Ever seen the movie, “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”? Left me numb. Except for the Germans with English accents, it was IMO unexpectedly excellent.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
12:45 pm
These idiots can call it art or whatever, but to me a movie doing this kind of crap is just devil like. — TnBrian
Speaking of the devil, I had high hopes for The Fourth Kind after seeing the scary trailor. Alas, it’s gotten terrible reviews, so I’ll skip it. I love a great psychological horror movie/thriller, so each time one of these new ones comes out I’m hoping it’s the next The Shining.
But I’m starting to believe there just won’t be another as good as The Shining.
Bad Scooter
November 7th, 2009
12:56 pm
Haha has anybody seen this video before, featuring everyone’s favorite Yankee play-by-play man? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5hK90Itwb8&feature=related
Jack
November 7th, 2009
12:59 pm
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY
Mitchie-san
November 7th, 2009
1:01 pm
DOB I have never heard you mention anything about Sci-Fi movies or shows. Are there any you like?
AdirondackDave
November 7th, 2009
1:03 pm
J-Man & Steve — I’ve been thinking a lot about Chapman too. Nobody is surefire but this guy comes close. As far as salary is concerned he’s going to cost up-front early years money but, if the Braves could swing that, I don’t see him being anymore prohibitive than Jurrjens, Hanson, or Heyward. More than likely they will try to go the McCann route and, if that doesn’t work, they still have them under control for 6 years or in some cases 6 & 2/3rds years.
With Hanson, Jurrjens, Chapman, and Hudson, you’re into the postseason and deep it seems to me. Would make it painless to move Lowe, KK, or even Javy. If I were Wren, I’d be seriously considering the guy. The reference to Escobar could be a positive in signing, also proximity to S. Florida Cuban community, etc. I won’t call it a no-brainer but it makes a lot of sense to me.
Steve from OH
November 7th, 2009
1:15 pm
Adirondack–I haven’t read good things about Chapman’s work ethic, secondary stuff, or maturity. And didn’t he post only so-so numbers in the Cuban league?
That said, I’d be pumped if we signed him. Dude has a big arm and an even bigger ceiling. But I doubt it’s happening…
TnBrian
November 7th, 2009
1:26 pm
DOB or whoever, did any of you know:
Jim Carey stayed at the hotel Stephen King got the inspiration for the his book The Shining? He was filming Dumb & Dumber in Colorado & stayed at the hotel & was so freaked out that he ran out after one night, I believe, & waited outside for his cab. Guess the place is haunted. Just saw it on the internet a while back.
Yeah, The Shining is a movie that never gets old.
J-MAN
November 7th, 2009
1:28 pm
Heck mabye you could have him in the Bull-pen early ala Wainwright, early D. Lowe, Jobba Chainberlian- altough the jury is still out on that one. But 102 mph is 102 mph and in the bull-pen he can rely heavily on that natural stuff until he develops secondary pitches and stamina then he could be a real BEAST.
AdirondackDave
November 7th, 2009
1:29 pm
Steve — You make good points. I’m really only reacting to some general things I’ve read lately. It’s easy to get excited about 3-digit fastballs but, of course, he needs off-speed stuff and a good head on his shoulders to win in the big leagues. I’d also like to know more about his command. Anybody know where we can find some in-depth info on Chapman?
TnBrian
November 7th, 2009
1:31 pm
Speaking of crazy stuff on the internet… my girlfriend had me watch one of those 9/11 conspiracy videos a few days ago & I’ll admit that those buildings crashing like they did is a mystery. Can jet fuel fire really do that, or was something planted there before the planes hit? Not trying to start up a whole government war thing, just a little interesting.
AdirondackDave
November 7th, 2009
1:32 pm
DOB — Do you have any thoughts on Chapman, other an he’s going to cost somebody a lot of money?
Steve from OH
November 7th, 2009
1:38 pm
Adirondack–a quote from a ML GM, from Kurkjian’s column today:
“I love his arm,” one GM said. “But he’s got a ways to go before he’s ready to pitch in the major leagues, physically and emotionally.”
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
1:39 pm
Adirondack: What I’ve heard of Chapman is that he’s got a great arm, questionable attitude, numbers that have declined to some degree in each of the past two years, and is not nearly accomplished enough or “can’t miss” enough to warrant the contract that a big-spending club is going to give him.
Oh, and ESPN mag did a good story on him a couple months ago, if you’re looking for some in-depth info on the guy.
Steve from OH
November 7th, 2009
1:41 pm
Adirondack–this should help. From Jason A. Churchill, who also helps out on ESPN’s draft coverage:
http://prospectinsider.com/view/aroldis-chapman,-lhp/
AdirondackDave
November 7th, 2009
1:43 pm
Steve — “physically and emotionally”… That ‘emotionally’ slows me down on Chapman
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
1:47 pm
People still think the Brewers are going to trade Ryan Braun and the Braves will offer Jair Jurrjens for him. Sigh. — Lew
Lew, I actually mentioned that Braun thing to a Milwaukee writer at the World Series in Philly. He was amused.
CVan
November 7th, 2009
1:55 pm
DOB-
What did the Brewers think of the Braun Jurrjens offer?
CVan
November 7th, 2009
1:55 pm
I mean what did the writer think? I would do that deal in a heart beat
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
1:58 pm
Diaz’s arm is worse than Johnny Damon’s he is not RF — Bravito99
Uh, no it’s not.
The only current major league outfielder with an arm as bad as Damon’s is Juan Pierre.
TnBrian
November 7th, 2009
2:00 pm
Braun is the Brewers McCann, except better.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
2:01 pm
But on a serious note/question for you. Do you get the vibe that the Braves/Wren are looking for a RH hitter in the middle of the order. — N8
Yes, I do. At least that’s what I’ve heard so far. If I hear different, say during the GM meetings this week in Chicago, I’ll let everyone know.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
2:03 pm
DOB- why pick up the stats on June 9? Tmac
To illustrate my point to you, that Dye pretty much stunk from there till the end of the season. Not a bad second half, but a bad last two-thirds of the season. And at his age, I tend to believe that’s more the trend to expect rather than him turn back the clock.
But if you believe his first two months of the season are more indicative of how he’ll play in the future, for some reason, then that’s fine. Believe it. Makes no different to me, dude.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
2:07 pm
Cvan, I didn’t mention Jurrjens, because the Braves aren’t trading Jurrjens. I just mentioned to him that a lot of folks on my blog think that Braun might be available, and that I tried to explain to them that it would be less likely than the Braves trading McCann, which they’re not going to do (at least not in the forseeable future).
He agreed with me, said Brewers aren’t trading Braun.
David O'Brien
November 7th, 2009
2:12 pm
Buster today had a chart of top shortstop OPS totals since 2007 All-Star break:
Hanley Ramirez .952
Troy Tulowitzki .859
Derek Jeter .819
Yunel Escobar .805
Jose Reyes .791
Jimmy Rollins .783
Jason Bartlett .781
Stephen Drew .779
Miguel Tejada .772
Felipe Lopez .756
Ramon Santiago .753
Mike Aviles .750
J.J. Hardy .748
Rafael Furcal .746
Juan Uribe .746