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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,192 comments Add your comment
Bat Masterson
November 14th, 2009
11:31 pm
I don’t know jeffrey d, maybe I just oded on St Tebow.
jeffrey d
November 14th, 2009
11:31 pm
I went through all the bowls, and I think a the Sugar Bowl would be the worst if payoffs were literal.
Except maybe the Gator Bowl
Soph
November 14th, 2009
11:32 pm
So, who’s the QB in waiting for after Cox graduates this year? I guess he’ll go through some growing pains as well.
jeffrey d
November 14th, 2009
11:34 pm
Well we have Logan Gray (Grey?) who (as far as I know) is similar to Joe Cox. And two highly regarded 4 star recruits who have been redshirted so far. Dunno who Richt will go with next year.
Soph
November 14th, 2009
11:35 pm
Well then, it’s all good. Y’all will be okay and Tebow will be gone too. It’s like starting allllll over.
Bat Masterson
November 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
Well Soph, Logan Gray is tops on the pecking order, but Arron Murrey ( not sure about the spelling) is most likely going to be the guy.
I said 10 and 6 for the Falcons, still do. The line needs to protect a little better and Ryan needs to make better reads. He has guys open, but he’s leaning on Gonzalez.
Keyboard Commando
November 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
Josh Willingham’s peripherals were similar to those of Nelson Cruz this past season, of whom Atlanta has shown little interest in. Trade rumors will abound but Derek Lowe is worth far more than one outfielder.
Random is correct, Derek Lowe is likely to rebound performance wise next season, while Vazquez just came off his most successful year after thirteen seasons. Past excellence is an indicator of future standards for most pitchers.
jeffrey d
November 14th, 2009
11:38 pm
The NCAA will probably grand Tim Tebow lifetime eligibility.
jeffrey d
November 14th, 2009
11:38 pm
grant*
jeffrey d
November 14th, 2009
11:39 pm
Then Lentz will take control of the blog.
Soph
November 14th, 2009
11:40 pm
Ugh, that means reading about his precious Cowboys 24-7. Blah.
Don’t worry, I think the Jacksonville Jaguars will grab Tebow and you’ll never have to think about him again.
jeffrey d
November 14th, 2009
11:41 pm
Then the stars will fall out of the sky and come to a fiery collision with the earth.
Soph
November 14th, 2009
11:44 pm
You guys should watch the Hawks – it would make you feel better. They’re actually playing pretty well right now. They beat the Celtics in Boston last night!
brent a.
November 14th, 2009
11:45 pm
A lot of you Georgia fans are beginning to sound like Kentucky fans.
keylargo
November 14th, 2009
11:46 pm
Random – I somehow missed “The Prisoner” but I do remember “Our Man Flint” with James Coburn. It was just a knockoff of the “James Bond” movies which were great, especially the ones with Sean Connery. Did you realize he was a very successful as a body builder in his 20’s and 30’s?
brent a.
November 14th, 2009
11:47 pm
The Hawks currently have the best record in the NBA, including a win over Denver, and road wins @ Boston and Portland.
Not a shabby start.
Bat Masterson
November 14th, 2009
11:49 pm
The Hawks are a very good team, they wore out the Celtics. I have been watching a little, I had given up on the NBA after that Sprewell, J P Carlesimo mess.
Soph
November 14th, 2009
11:51 pm
Nope, not a shabby start at all. Jamal Crawford was a great addition – he’s been awesome.
Cloud Nine
November 14th, 2009
11:54 pm
Sports in Atlanta is back! The resurgent Hawks look complete. The Falcons feature a solid core and have their eye on their first back to back winning seasons. Tech holding tough as they continue their high ranking. Then there is the Braves!! They have the finest starting pitching and should be ready for the playoff’s next season. Just need that solid slugger. How can you not be excited!?! Yahoooooo.
Random
November 14th, 2009
11:58 pm
keylargo (November 14th, 2009 11:46 pm): “Did you realize he was a very successful as a body builder in his 20’s and 30’s?”
No, I did not.
Who? Coburn or Connery? (Or Flint?)
Bat Masterson
November 14th, 2009
11:59 pm
We’ll kick their butts tomorrow, Soph. Go Falcons! Good night, guys
Bat Masterson
November 15th, 2009
12:02 am
By we’ll of course I mean, they will .
keylargo
November 15th, 2009
12:05 am
Random – It was Sean Connery. He came in third in Mr. Universe, 1953.
http://tnation.tmuscle.com/free_online_forum/music_movies_girls_life/sean_connery_bodybuilder
Random
November 15th, 2009
12:06 am
Keyboard Commando (November 14th, 2009 11:37 pm): “Random is correct, Derek Lowe is likely to rebound performance wise next season, while Vazquez just came off his most successful year after thirteen seasons.”
Oh, I’m sure I wasn’t the first to say that.
Right, N8?
“Past excellence is an indicator of future standards for most pitchers.”
Actually, I think that’s one of the twelve commandments, or else one of the six pillars of Islam, or something.
Right, N8?
Maybe it’s somewhere in Hammurabi’s code.
Soph
November 15th, 2009
12:08 am
Night, Bat!
Random
November 15th, 2009
12:16 am
N8 (November 14th, 2009 11:24 pm): “So, joke all you want”
Aaahhhhh — une carte blanche.
Mercy.
Ted
November 15th, 2009
12:16 am
DOB–Ted (from Nebraska) here, I don’t know if you follow KU football as much as basketball, but sorry about the game today! I don’t know if you got a chance to see the game on TV but, I thought the game was closer than the score.
garyis
November 15th, 2009
1:39 am
i believe the braves should offer la roche, soriano and gonzalez arbitration. it seems like the logical thing to do. if la roche accepts the braves get him for the 1 year, the year they need to determine if freeman will be ready.
gonzalez is a no brainer. he will be a bargain for 1 year. soriano is almost a no brainer with a 1 year contract. if you are worried that the braves could get stuck with all 3 and not have enough money to
pay for all of them, trade 1 or 2. this is 3 potential 1st round picks. if you need to trade one or more of them the trading team does not have to give up a pick. so it is almost like dumping a salary. i can’t imagine la roche or gonzalez not being able to get a multi year deal so why would they accept
arbitration. soriano might be the risk. assume soriano took arbitration and got $8.5m for 1 year. if
you needed to trade him even at a $1m loss, that still seems worth the gamble. i believe most teams would buy a 1st and supplemental pick if they could for $1m.
RHR
November 15th, 2009
2:10 am
Hey now, can’t spell sugar without UGA.
I have one of those shirts. From the year we played west virginia in the sugar bowl in the ga dome because of katrina. needless to say, i dont wear that shirt much.
RHR
November 15th, 2009
2:11 am
and i’m pretty sure my facial expression was used by the cameramen who like to get fan reaction from the stands.
RHR
November 15th, 2009
2:13 am
hey props to cab for showing her face after standford hung the speed limit on her boys. cant say i really feel too bad for them for stanford running up the score by going for 2. first of all, usc does that all the time, second of all, how often is stanford gonna humiliate usc? once in a hundred years? eh…let ‘em have their fun. with that said i wouldn’t like it either if i were you lol
RHR
November 15th, 2009
2:21 am
wonder if spurrier regrets not taking the bama job ………bet bama dont regret it lol
and one last rant…hearing the stupid espn broadcaster say gt might be playing the best ball in the country right now. get the hell right on out of here dude. they played duke. they play in the acc. dont get carried away.
uga-brave
November 15th, 2009
2:31 am
down 14-0
gotta love some of that brown liquour.
drowned some ice cubes.
18 year old scotch is pretty darn good.
uga-brave
November 15th, 2009
2:37 am
bay area steve,
here is the difference. i like the good stuff.
my brown liqour is at least 18 years old.
nolie
November 15th, 2009
4:27 am
my brown liqour is at least 18 years old.
aha, you like your liquor like you like your women, huh?
nolie
November 15th, 2009
4:38 am
I could mention here that both Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Messenger are good flix, but it would be a waste of time as nobody will see it.
Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)
November 15th, 2009
7:37 am
nolie (November 15th, 2009 4:38 am): “I could mention here that both Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Messenger are good flix, but it would be a waste of time as nobody will see it.”
“Mr Fantastic”?!?!?
I’m in!
Excelsior!!!
Lew
November 15th, 2009
8:43 am
Well, as a Georgia alum, I’ve always heard the can’t spell Sugar thing plenty of times. They’re going to change the spelling this year, though. Last night’s game was pretty typical of our matchups-very close game with lots of lead changes. Only difference is that this year, neither team is worth a damn. At this point in time, I’d say our season would be an over achievemnt if we beat Tech and make it to that One Hour Martininzing Dry Cleaner Bowl.
Lew
November 15th, 2009
8:44 am
Just as long as when they change the spelling, they don’t let The Winniest Tech Fan do it.
Jeff R
November 15th, 2009
8:46 am
nolie… your 7:32 pm post, Saturday night.
Believe me, I’d rather see Wren sign LaRoche to a multiyear contract, rather than lose him on the market or retain him only for an arbitrated year. But I’m not reading or hearing anything to suggest that Wren is willing give LaRoche more than a one-year deal, if that.
My point was that teams seem more budget conscious this post-season. Economics are driving that development. Does LaRoche get the deal he wants (or something close to it), or does he have to take less than what he would want to secure a three-year contract?
Not sure that LaRoche and his agent are thinking that LaRoche’s offense is going to slide. It may, but I’m doubting that would be their mindset. So, I thought that a one-year arbration deal (I’d imagine it would be in the $9 million range) might work for the Bravos and LaRoche, should the market not be there for the sort deal LaRoche wants.
Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)
November 15th, 2009
8:48 am
Lew (November 15th, 2009 8:43 am): “At this point in time, I’d say our season would be an over achievemnt if we beat Tech and make it to that One Hour Martininzing Dry Cleaner Bowl.”
Well, that’d still beat the RotoRooters Plumbers Bowl, wouldn’t you think?
CB
November 15th, 2009
8:51 am
It is confusing to me why the Braves would have a problem with signing LaRoche to a 3yr contract if the price is right. Do they think they would have trouble trading him one or two years from now? I doubt it.
Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)
November 15th, 2009
8:56 am
CB (November 15th, 2009 8:51 am): “It is confusing to me why the Braves would have a problem with signing LaRoche to a 3yr contract if the price is right.”
Agreed. I think it IS the money.
“Do they think they would have trouble trading him one or two years from now? I doubt it.”
Who knows? Not the Braves. That may be why they’re playing it so cautious.
Lew
November 15th, 2009
9:05 am
Random-I don’t know-lots of fans might like to see all their problems go down the drain.
CB
November 15th, 2009
9:05 am
Random,probably a lot of the Braves moves come down to which pitcher they are able to trade,if it is Lowe they have more money to play with.
Lew
November 15th, 2009
9:06 am
CB-They should give him a three year deal. Even were he to play all three seasons, I hardly think Freeman will be in decline or past his prime at 23.
Mid Town Joe
November 15th, 2009
9:27 am
Will Georgia’s bowl game be closer to Dec 1st or Jan 1st?
Lew
November 15th, 2009
9:30 am
Dec.1
Random
November 15th, 2009
9:47 am
Mid Town Joe (November 15th, 2009 9:27 am): “Will Georgia’s bowl game be closer to Dec 1st or Jan 1st?”
November 28, 2009.
Braveheart
November 15th, 2009
9:53 am
Will N8’s big bowl of sad be closer to May 1st or April 1st?
richbrave
November 15th, 2009
10:19 am
If a big bat is obtained at 1B for VASQUEZ, LaROCHE signs with someone else. If LOWE or KAWAKAMI are traded for an OF’er, LaROCHE gets his deal with the BRAVES, and gives his home-town discount (9 mill more or less), but gets three years. FREEMAN nor JOHNSON are immediate threats to make the big club.
Next year this time, we should know the long and short of both JORDAN SCHAFER and JASON HEYWARD. Hopefully, at least one is full time in our OF with McLOUTH. And a LOWE/KAWAKAMI new deal left-fielder.
Or not, if that VASQUEZ and ? for FIELDER deal goes through. Then SCHAFER and HEYWARD get legitimate shots at regular play in 2010 with HEYWARD’s coming after the arb deadline, DIAZ ’till then. We scramble late winter or early ST for an OF’er if either or both stumble in their quest for the big-time. But in any event, 1B is decided one way or another well before that time, right Mr.WREN? Make it happen, sir.
Lew
November 15th, 2009
10:19 am
Braveheart-You seriously think Ole Nathan’s going to wait that long?
Lew
November 15th, 2009
10:24 am
Richbrave-We will not get Fielder. Not so sure I’d want to, anyway. Couldn’t handle all the fat jokes on the blog. He might get a pass for his weight in the Land Of Beer and Brats, but not in Hotlanta. Not too sure he could take the heat and humidity, either. Dude would be a heart attack or stroke in waiting.
AdirondackDave
November 15th, 2009
10:26 am
Key Largo — AMC’s “The Prisoner” was panned big-time by a reviewer I heard on the radio, think it was NPR but not certain. He said they hit home runs with Mad Men and Breaking Bad (I couldn’t agree more) and struck out with The Prisoner (which I haven’t seen.)
Jeff R
November 15th, 2009
10:31 am
Perfect winter for me would be Wren signing Hudson (check), securing LaRoche’s services, at least for 2010, signing Gonzo and acquiring a righty power bat for Lowe. How easy is that?
Lew
November 15th, 2009
10:35 am
Jeff R-Sounds like a plan to me.
TnBrian
November 15th, 2009
10:45 am
Jeff R, how does a Lowe for J.Rivera sound? RH with some power, not a lot & don’t think he plays a GG OF or anything, but if they were to sign LaRoche I’d be cool with that. That Lackey will be a Yankee, without question. They won’t resign both Matsui & Damon, so they’ll have some extra money for another starter. That leaves the Angels short on pitching. I bet Lowe’s an Angel soon.
Venice Jim
November 15th, 2009
10:47 am
richbrave – looks like we’re all set for the big showdown next week – it should be fun…
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2009
10:47 am
Rob from SC: Winter ball is generally for either prospects/first-year players or young guys recovering from injury, in addition to all those other players who play winter ball in their home country (Venezuelans in Venezuela, etc. Jo-Jo Reyes turns 25 this week and has pitched in parts of three seasons in the majors. He doesn’t fit the typical profile of a winter-ball player/pitcher.
Efrim
November 15th, 2009
10:52 am
It is confusing to me why the Braves would have a problem with signing LaRoche to a 3yr contract if the price is right. Do they think they would have trouble trading him one or two years from now? I doubt it.
I think it’s about future payroll flexibility. Freeman could be a 400 K player for them at first base as early as next year. Laroche making 8-9 million when you have someone who you believe in the minors making so very little might not make sense to them. All that said, I think Freeman should start at Double-A and earn his way to Triple-A. Then if he performs there and has a good spring next year, then perhaps he starts up with the big club. Anyway, I’d go two years for Laroche – which may be what they are trying.
McFann Ô
November 15th, 2009
10:54 am
Soph–
For sure!
And LOVED this article from the “Official Site”. Great stuff…Love that guy!
jeffrey d
November 15th, 2009
10:56 am
I have one of those shirts. From the year we played west virginia in the sugar bowl in the ga dome because of katrina. needless to say, i dont wear that shirt much.
I went to that game! And the SEC title game that year too. After beating LSU, we were all “West Virginia?? PSHT!! Why don’t they give us someone we can PROVE ourselves against?!”
Then on the way out we were like “oh…okay.”
Braveheart
November 15th, 2009
10:56 am
Lew, good ole N8 is usually KC like in his optimism during the offseason. Then as soon as the first pitch is thrown, he’s back to being pessimistic (or realistic as he likes to say).
jeffrey d
November 15th, 2009
10:57 am
I actually saw a guy punching the wall in despair on the way out from the Georgia Dome that night.
jeffrey d
November 15th, 2009
10:59 am
He doesn’t fit the typical profile of a winter-ball player/pitcher.
But CAN he join winter league? Is there some kind of board that regulates that? Or can anyone join and just be out of place? Like if I sat in the student section at a high school football game?
Jeff R
November 15th, 2009
10:59 am
TnBrian… I like it. Rivera’s not a big masher, but if he reproduced his ‘09 numbers in a Braves’ uniform, I’d be happy.
I’m actually starting to think that Lowe may be moved, period. Wether that’s for a power bat or bullpen help, or, even good prospects. Losing Lowe’s $45 million from the books gives Wren an awful lot of budget leeway.
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2009
11:00 am
TampaBrave: I just got the Them Crooked Vultures CD yesterday (along with the new Rosanne Cash and the debut by a band called The Dutchess and the Duke, both terrific CDs).
I’ve played the Vultures CD once and it’s strong. A bit out there — quite a bit, actually — but good.
But if you want to hear straight-ahead hard rock with even more Zep (and Black Sabbath) influence, try Wolfmother’s new one, Cosmic Egg. Not quite as good as their debut a few years back, but still really good retro-sounding hard rock.
McFann Ô
November 15th, 2009
11:01 am
How’s this Vent for ya:
Molina (StL) and Montero (AZ) had higher OBP and higher Batting Averages and played as many or more games than McCann did in 2009. Is the Silver Slugger Award just a popularity contest?
That dude needs to visit baseball-reference.com…
Braveheart
November 15th, 2009
11:01 am
As bad as concussions are, thank God that Rambo kid only suffered a concussion. I was really scared that it was much worse for a while there.
dogsbrekky
November 15th, 2009
11:06 am
Lowe was putrid in just a few starts last year and was pretty good in many…
Let’s not jump off his bandwagon so quickly
La Roche was excellent for us late but I still get that wobbly feeling in my gut when he comes to the dish (too many memories from earlier this decade)..
I like the idea of Wagner as closer as his stuff may still be there and he mashes those fillies lefties.. let Gonzo and MFIKY go… but if we have a choice I take Gonzo every day of the week
DOBI – any word on a play for Nelson Cruz and signing FA Marlon Byrd
keylargo
November 15th, 2009
11:08 am
AdirondackDave – Thanks for the info on “The Prisoner”. I am going to tivo it tomorrow, but it is on tonight at 8 and a repeat at 10 on AMC.
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2009
11:10 am
Those who think the Braves should sign LaRoche to a three-year deal: That’s fine, but don’t just assume you’d be able to trade him and whatever remains on the deal the moment Freeman is ready, or soon after. LaRoche is a bit of an unusual case — find another player with such disparity in his stats between the first and second half of seasons, year after year.
Remember, he’s 30 years old (just turned 30 this month). Also, he hasn’t had more than 25 homers in a season since 2006, nor had an OPS as high as .845 or many as 90 RBI since that season. Yes, he’s outstanding defensively, but so are several other NL first basemen (and several AL first basemen).
And as much as Braves fans, teammates and us reporters like him, fact is that 25 homers a season with an .845 OPS (.834 for his career) and about 85 RBI isn’t outstanding for a first baseman, particularly when those stats are so stilted toward the second half (his first-half numbers are below average for the position, and his second numbers are above average).
In 2007 he had 21 homers and an .803 OPS. If the Braves signed him to, oh, say, a three-year, $24-27 million contract, do you think it’d be such a snap to trade him a year from now at 31 if he had those numbers or worse in 2010?
Joseph G
November 15th, 2009
11:11 am
Best case scenario is Javy accepting a trade to Texas for Nelson Cruz. Both teams benefit. Yes Lowe makes alot of money that could be used else where, but he is a much more proven pitcher than javy except for one season.
Also if LaRoach becomes too expensive or if the FO decides he is blocking Freeman, would Aubry Huff be a good bridge. He is not close to Roachy defensively but can put up more consistant offensive numbers. He can be had for far less money than LaRoach as well,which could be used for the bullpen. With the money saves from trading Javy and not re-signing neithe Roachy or Soriano would Jose Velverde be an option to sign if Wagner chooses to go elsewhere. Danys Baez could also be an option to a lesser degree. Another bullpen arm could be Jesse Crain from MN. Granted not a closer but a good pitcher from the pen. Could he be had for Kelly Johnson or Todd Redman?
Joseph G
November 15th, 2009
11:17 am
DOB: who is /will be out of option this season?
Lew
November 15th, 2009
11:25 am
DOB-Just picked up the new Wolfmother this week. Never heard of them before, but picked the CD up on the recommendation of my Record Store clerk who knows my tastes. Was very pleased and I think I might have to go get there other work.
Anyone who likes Wolfmother might like Black Stone Cherry, also. Great Southern (very) Hard Rock-kind of like Skynnrd on performance enhancement. Their music is heavy, but nothing like the monotony of Mastodon. These Dudes are good.
Braveheart-NO ONE is ever as optimistic as KC-not even me. Nathan will be chowing down on that Sad Meal (antil Ronald McDonald fare?) any day now.
N8
November 15th, 2009
11:30 am
Braveheart, I realize you’re poking fun (all in good fun), but the realistic thing isn’t that far off.
I went into last year very upbeat about the squad. Then when the struggles began, my rants were along the lines of “this team won’t go far as long as Jeff is getting the majority of the playing time in RF and KJ is playing over Prado…” etc…..
Boom. Schafer (who’m I like – but he clearly wasn’t ready and/or was hurt), gets sent down, McLouth provides stability, KJ is replaced by Prado, Jeff is dumped for the unspectacular Church/Diaz combo (proving that the “addition by subtraction” theory was correct), and Hanson is called up, and voila!! The team is not only more competitive, but they are one of the best teams in baseball the rest of the way.
Perhaps I gripe about everything, which means occasionally I will be right. King of like a guy that tells 100 jokes a day. Eventually one of them will be funny.
But even you have to admit that my griping last year was more in line with “reality” and as soon as the things I was going off about in April and May changed, so did my “tune”.
Like I said, I know it’s all in good fun. But give a guy some props once in a while. LOL!
DOB, with LaRoche, I’m thinking 2 years might cut it. Because if what you say is true, that teams will be scared to trade for him, doesn’t it mean that those same teams would now be scared to also give him 3 years? Perhaps, LaRoche will have to settle for 2 years?
Then, in a worst case scenario, they wait until the deadline to trade him from a team desperate for a 1B down the stretch. After all, if he only had the one year remaining (in 2011) and is a notorious 2nd half player, certainly somebody would trade for him. Just like we did.
But I agree with you, a 3rd year is just too damn risky. I just don’t see many teams offering him the 3rd year. But I’ve been wrong before.
Lew
November 15th, 2009
11:31 am
DOB-I can see the logic in what you say about Roach. He might cost a bit more than the Braves would like and though his first half numbers aren’t nearly as terrible as is usually attributed, there should be some concern there, as well. But for all the talk about blocking Freeman. When are people going to realize the kid just turned 20 and even were LaRoche to play all three years, Freeman is hardly likely to be in decline or near his dotage at age 23.
N8
November 15th, 2009
11:32 am
Lew, Black Stone Cherry is a pretty rockin’ band. And for the record, my sad meal will only kick in before April if Hanson, JJJ and Heyward are traded for Ryan Freel. Until then it’s ALL good.
Lew
November 15th, 2009
11:33 am
Nathan-Giving you a bit of good natured grief just gets you kickstarted and takes the pressure off the rest of us to take up column inches and blog hits.
Lew
November 15th, 2009
11:37 am
Another really good Heavy Rocker is the new Three Days Grace CD. Might be the best of their three.
Efrim
November 15th, 2009
11:37 am
Best case scenario is Javy accepting a trade to Texas for Nelson Cruz.
You sure that’s the best case scenario?
TnBrian
November 15th, 2009
11:38 am
I think DOB has a good point about LaRoche & maybe trading him before his contract were to end. Good 1st baseman aren’t that hard to come by & his 1st/2nd half splits are pretty extreme. If he were a more consistant & speedy OF with power or a GG caliber SS than chances are probably better a team could trade him later if they wanted to. But, I’ll still take my chances on him because I still have nightmares about another promising 1st baseman that stunk it up… Thorman.
Lew
November 15th, 2009
11:38 am
Also Dragonforce’s newest Ultra Beatdown if you like really fast ass kicking guitars.
Lew
November 15th, 2009
11:39 am
Efrim-Certainly not in my estimation.
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2009
11:42 am
When are people going to realize the kid just turned 20 and even were LaRoche to play all three years, Freeman is hardly likely to be in decline or near his dotage at age 23. — Lew
Freeman was rated the Braves’ No. 2 prospect this month by BA. A year from now, with Heyward in majors, Freeman could obviously be No. 1 prospect. And you’re saying that, even if Freeman has a great season this year in Double A and/or Triple A and if — repeat, if — he shows he’s ready to play as soon as the start for the 2011 season, you think it’d be fine to keep him down in the minors for two more full seasonsbeyond that?
No way. That would not be seen as an acceptable option, I dare say. That’s not the way it works in today’s game. You develop talent like that to use it, not let it toil in the minors for two seasons beyond its due date.
jeffrey d
November 15th, 2009
11:43 am
I think the real best case scenario would be signing Javy to a 50 year, $2 billion extension and then trading him to the Phillies for Utley.
Steve from OH
November 15th, 2009
11:48 am
Best case scenario is Javy accepting a trade to Texas for Nelson Cruz.
“Best case?”
Lew
November 15th, 2009
11:52 am
DOB-Maybe not, but I’m much more convinced that Heyward is a star in the making than I am that Freeman will be and I don’t think that some seasoning for a couple years would necessarily hurt the kid-he IS outrageously young and 23 would not be ancient.. Besides, I’m an Adam LaRoche fan and I’m still gun shy after the Schafer situation last year..
However, if he is ready and for as cheap as he is, I can easily see the Braves passing on Roach and bringing him up for his shot after getting a one year stop gap at first. There’s something to be said for either point of view, IMO.
IPayForAOL
November 15th, 2009
11:57 am
Keyboard Commando is Coach, by the way.
N8
November 15th, 2009
12:00 pm
Lew, I know. Sadly, I don’t need you guys to get me going. Just an open keyboard. LOL
My buddy that plays in the band with me is a HUGE Three Days Grace fan. I’ve never really grasped on to what he likes about them so much. They’re not bad. But for whatever reason they’ve never done it for me.
Currently listening to Joe Satriani’s “Surfing with the Alien” while I’m working. Not sure why, but I stiil get chills listening to his playing on that record.
KC
November 15th, 2009
12:06 pm
Lew, BULLSH!T! Before the season, you told me outside of this blog that you thought the Braves would win the division going away… which made you MORE optimistic than me.
But hey… ya know what; I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that at all! After all, sports are an escape in some sense from our everyday lives. I’m perfectly capable of recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of a team… even our own, and I know you are too. But sometimes, while I’m not oblivious to the realities, I’d rather focus on the possibilities. I mean… if I just want a dose of sobering reality, I’ll go stare at my bills.
I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to be as optimistic about their team as circumstances could possibly allow. No, wait… actually, I do understand.
Some people here (such as Braveheart) like to imply that expressing optimism is the opposite of reason. It gives them a soapbox from which to extol their superior reasoning skills. And we wouldn’t want anyone thinking you’re opinions are influenced in the slightest by anything other than carefully considered rationale, now would we? =)
Sorry to let the cat out of the bag… but a lot of people here are often more optimistic than they’re willing to let on. And the only reason they won’t say it is for the same reason some teenagers wear pants hanging half way off their a$$… concern for what others will think of them.
BraveGuy
November 15th, 2009
12:07 pm
DOB
What are the chances that Andruw is signed by the Braves (minor league deal) and given a shot during ST?
jeffrey d
November 15th, 2009
12:12 pm
I don’t think the Braves have any plans for Andruw Jones in the future. If we don’t go after Bay or Holliday, Wren will either make a trade or possibly go with some combination of Schafer, Heyward, and Diaz for the corner spots.
But I doubt the Braves would take a chance on Andruw. He tanked with the Braves in ‘07, tanked in Biblical proportions in ‘08, and gained a little bit of dignity back last year, but not much.
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2009
12:15 pm
OK, it’s still Sunday morning in a lot of the country, so this and a pot of coffee should help you get through the morning. Love this woman’s voice, reminds me of the gospel legend Mahalia Jackson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjtBCHi8hO0&feature=related
jeffrey d
November 15th, 2009
12:16 pm
Has anybody mentioned Springsteen’s little faux pas?
The curse of Friday the 13th struck Bruce Springsteen in a most unusual way: it made the 60-year-old rock legend forget where he was. The Boss bellowed “Hello, Ohio!” to his fans at the Auburn Hills Palace in Michigan.
jeffrey d
November 15th, 2009
12:17 pm
oops, it goes on
Springsteen referred to the neighboring state several times in the following 30 minutes until E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt whispered in his ear.
David O'Brien
November 15th, 2009
12:17 pm
N8, at least Brett Favre signing with the Vikings has worked out as you hoped (smile).
The Ghost of 91
November 15th, 2009
12:30 pm
Re-sign LaRoche 2 plus option.
Trade Lowe to Angels for Rivera
Re-sign Gonzo
Deal K.J.
Schafer
Sammons to K.C. for Soria..
There ya go look out Phillies!
N8
November 15th, 2009
12:32 pm
Now, DOB, why you gotta go there? LOL
Besides, there’s 8 games left. Anybody who’s followed the Vikings knows that that is PLENTY of time for them to mess it up. I’ve still holding out hope that it works out for me.
Hey. I’m just happy that after 8 games, my Chiefs matched their all-time pathetic total of 10 sacks last year, already. Any sign of “improvement”, right?
N8
November 15th, 2009
12:37 pm
KC, for me it’s always been about the moment, or recent trends. When I assess what the Braves will do down the road, it’s based on continuing what’s going well and fixing what isn’t.
I’ve never made a blanket statement like:
“The Braves suck and there isn’t any chance in hell they can win!”
It’s always been due to something that won’t change or that Bobby is too patient with. I’m usually pretty optimistic…. perhaps that isn’t the right word. Let’s say I have high expectations.
I’ve never been afraid to admit I’m wrong (ask DOB about Favre), and contrary to popular belief, I don’t WISH losing upon the Braves so I can gripe. I just call it like I see it.
Sometimes my eyes are right. Sometimes they’re wrong.