Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,690 comments Add your comment
David O'Brien
November 22nd, 2009
2:39 pm
Andy K: My guess on what the Rays would be looking for in a Crawford deal is just that — a guess. Because they haven’t given any indications, and have only said they want to re-sign him.
Jay212033
November 22nd, 2009
2:40 pm
DOB
Personally I think that Matt Ryan is overrated but that’s JMO. Also it doesn’t help that the defense sucks!
David O'Brien
November 22nd, 2009
2:43 pm
Soph, at least this blog’s curse can’t be blamed for the Falcons’ demise, right? I haven’t extolled their virtues at any point, so I’m clear of any blame on this one. Same for the ‘Dawgs.
RHR will have to come up with someone else’s voodoo powers to pin those disappointments on. (smile)
Besides, Falcons just got a TD to open second half.
chuckw/deadjournalist
November 22nd, 2009
2:48 pm
seems like sharon jones’ success has spawned a litany of soul/doo-wop style indie-ish bands like the noisettes, the pipettes, the sandwitches, vivian girls, etc. none with the soul angle like jones’ but all vintage-sound throwbacks.
cabravesfan
November 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
I suppose you can blame me for the fact Matt Ryan sucks this year- I seem to be a curse on at least one good player a year when I pick them for my fantasy team…looks like it’s Matt’s turn
Soph
November 22nd, 2009
2:53 pm
Don’t worry, DOB – this one’s on the Falcons. No blog curse.
Chris Houston is a mess.
richbrave
November 22nd, 2009
2:56 pm
Lew
November 22nd, 2009
12:05 pm
That being said-living the in Red Sox Nation, I get to see Youklis play a good deal and he IS that good. I’d hate to lose Yunel, but Youk would be worth it. THAT being said-the deal won’t ever happen. Boston ain’t giving Youk up. It wouldn’t be an equitable deal for them, especially when they can go buy a shortstop without giving up that kind of talent.
LEW:
Good comment re: YOUK. I would add that it seems YOUKLIS is one of the engines that keep the SOX on course. He’s a tough out, and comes to play everyday. To me its as much about heart, pride, attitude if you will, as it is about talent. He has plenty of both.
Soph
November 22nd, 2009
2:59 pm
Blame it on cab!
richbrave
November 22nd, 2009
3:00 pm
UNIVERSITY of RICHMOND is looking for a few good men, asnd women in collegiate athletics. ERIC WARD and KEVIN ANDERSON have both been stellar for the school in men’s football and basketball. We’d like some more please. So if anyone knows an academically solid young man or woman who can excel, but is not necessarily doing that yet, contact the U of R athletic department. We bring out the best in young people.
semiballcoach
November 22nd, 2009
3:02 pm
the falcons schedule didn’t set them up for a winning season….it’s going to take another draft and a couple of defensive free agents to turn it all the way around
Marko
November 22nd, 2009
3:07 pm
True on that semiballcoach.
While they are not lighting the world on fire, they shouldn’t be ashamed. They played over themself last year. With another offseason of draft picks and free agency, they could end up having a huge year next year. The complete turn around may still be another few seasons away.
Jake W.
November 22nd, 2009
3:09 pm
Matt Ryan is definately having a bad year but I blame this really on the people who put this team together. Love the aquisition of Gonzalez but they let so many defensive players go from an already so so defense and only brought in one guy this offseason for the defense(Peterson I think). They decided that the offense was going to win games for us this year. I was dissapointed they didn’t do more to improve the defense. They are playing hard but they simply aren’t that good. Got to improve the defense for next year.
Oh yeah, and a new kicker. What happened to Elam between last year and this year.
cabravesfan
November 22nd, 2009
3:11 pm
Soph-
At least this time my curse won’t be my downfall- I can start Eli
Last year I had to live with Adrian Peterson having an “off” year and still had to start him every week because he was, well, Adrian Peterson…(and I kept hoping he would have a huge game)
Soph
November 22nd, 2009
3:11 pm
Jenkins should’ve caught that.
Soph
November 22nd, 2009
3:13 pm
Will he make it?
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2009
3:16 pm
Falcons 17 Giants 24 …1;57 in 3rd. Jenkins just drop TD pass .
cabravesfan
November 22nd, 2009
3:16 pm
Or maybe I should just take the pins out of my Matt Ryan Voodoo Doll?
Jeff R
November 22nd, 2009
3:20 pm
N8… Good points at 3:18 pm. I really, really don’t think offer any of the three arbitration comes back to bite the Braves. All things considered, they get draft choices.
Venice Jim
November 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
richbrave – looks like we’ll have to wait until the Championship game if we’re going to meet again…
steveP
November 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
I live in the Tampa area and follow the Rays. Crawford is indeed an awesome player. However, he does not want to bat leadoff.
Randy S
November 22nd, 2009
3:23 pm
Jake W,
I think the loss of Brian Williams was huge for that Falcons defense. That put a lot more pressure on Houston and Grimes and a lot more paying time for Chevis Jackson. I know injuries are part of the game, but CB was one place this defense could not afford it.
Justafan
November 22nd, 2009
3:24 pm
Say old Shef wants to play for old Bobby again. Why now it didn’t matter afew years ago. Be glad when old bobs gone.
Crawford –yes
Marlon Byrd-yes
Randy S
November 22nd, 2009
3:25 pm
Oh, and Williams was another piece they added to the D in the offseason (in addition to Peterson).
Marko
November 22nd, 2009
3:29 pm
Of all the Braves hitters this past season, the only ones I would somewhat trust or feel comfortable about hitting in the postseason would be Chipper, McCann, Escobar and Diaz. None of them would touch somoene like Utley or Howard.
Too me, McLouth and LaRoach or totally expendible. They would help get to the postseason, but… Is the goal to set the team up to realistically just reach the postseason and then blame salary limitations for not getting past round 1 -or- is the goal to set up a team to contend for a championship?
Jake W.
November 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
Randy S
Williams as I remember was kind of a last minute addition once they realized that there defense wasn’t that good. Of course injuries haven’t helped us but the defense was already suspect before the injuries started. The way I see it they figured this offense would be so good that we just needed the defense to do just enough. Well now the offense isn’t as good as we thought it was rather by injuries are just bad performances(like Ryan,Jenkins, and I guess you can throw in Elam too). And this defense keeps letting every and any offense march right down the field and score. They can’t get off the field. I don’t really blame them because most should not be starting and they are trying their best, but I just really felt this past offseason they didn’t do enough to address the defense.
TnBrian
November 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
DOB, you like the Scorpions? They aren’t my favorite band, but I still really like a few of their songs.
Bless you
November 22nd, 2009
3:36 pm
fal 17 nyg 31…o line and def-backs suck.
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
3:47 pm
TnBrian–I’m not DOB, but I like the Scorpions too.
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
3:47 pm
But you probably already knew that…
Rob (from SC)
November 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
mlbtraderumors claims the Braves have contacted the Rays about Carl Crawford.
David O'Brien
November 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
Wow. IMPRESSIVE fourth quarter by Ryan, Tony G. and the Falcons.
Venice Jim
November 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
the Giants great late game defense strikes again…
Bless you
November 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
Falcons and Giants tied 31-31 with 28 sec to go…overtime maybe.
David O'Brien
November 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
Rob (from SC): That Crawford rumor was mentioned here earlier, and discussed for past couple of hours.
And just to give credit where it’s due, that item came from St. Pete newspaper. MLBtraderumors is a clearinghouse for rumors, and they do a great job of rounding them all up and presenting them — and giving credit to the sources who publish them to begin with.
TnBrian
November 22nd, 2009
4:03 pm
Steve, always thought Scorpions were an Australian band for some reason… they’re from Germany.
Rob, says they have expressed interest in Crawford which I guess is different than saying they’ve contacted them.
Chris
November 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
rob- yes not too surprising to me. i dont think the braves want to target cameron, willingham, derosa, or marlon byrd unless they necessarly have to. i think wren wants to look at a derreck lee, crawford or adrian gonzalez. but that doesnt mean that the braves won eventually sign a cameron or byrd.
Jake W.
November 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
Great drive for our offense but still some time and our defense has to go back out there.
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
Well, he’s not much of a power hitter and sort of average-ish of an overall hitter for a LF, but he does play a good defensive LF…
Soph
November 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
VJ! Tell me you’re watching this game.
semiballcoach
November 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
elams missed fg’s and jenkins dropped td’s and ryan is overrated
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
But eh, I’d like to see someone else with a better bat show up.
P. W. Hjort
November 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
This is hilarious:
Carl Demonte Crawford’s perfect walk-up song: Ice Cream Paint Job | DRaysBay.
A good read, and I think it would be great to have Carl Crawford and be able to make jokes about Ice Cream Paint Job and everything, but a speedy, left-handed powerless bat isn’t exactly what the Braves need to sink a ton of resources into.
Bless you
November 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
Giants punting with 6 sec…………………..OT
Soph
November 22nd, 2009
4:09 pm
Ugh, but tails never fails.
It’s all on the D for now. Shut ‘em down, boys!
David O'Brien
November 22nd, 2009
4:09 pm
TnBrian: Sorry dude, Scorpions just not my thing.
Venice Jim
November 22nd, 2009
4:10 pm
Soph – of course – feelings are somewhat mixed – not as important to me as the W&M game was yesterday, so that makes it easier…
Rob (from SC)
November 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
the problem I have with Crawford is he is a FA after this season and will get a huge contract
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
4:13 pm
the problem I have with Crawford is he is a FA after this season and will get a huge contract
Not so much the inability to hit for good power? Because we need that, you know.
Soph
November 22nd, 2009
4:13 pm
Well, nevermind. Don’t shut them down then.
CB969
November 22nd, 2009
4:14 pm
Signing Free Agents – YES, Trading the future: NO!
/
Keeper
November 22nd, 2009
4:14 pm
VJ – a rematch in Chattanooga would be wonderful. Have to admit I’m pleasantly surprised that the NCAA did the right thing on that 4th seed, rather than following the money that App always guarantees. Maybe that near-record 17,500 crowd that our game pulled in yesterday had something to do with it – that’s double the capacity of our new stadium opening next fall.
Not so happy to have to play App in the second round (again), but there are no easy opponents by then, and at least they have to come to our place this year. And if we take them down, we got a blessing in Montana at the top half of the bracket – easily the softest of the four seeds. Glad you got one home date – S. Ill will be a bear in round two, but should be a great game.
Soph
November 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
I really dislike our defense.
Venice Jim
November 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
whew….
Efrim
November 22nd, 2009
4:18 pm
Steve from OH, not sure if you saw this, but it’s a good read and the best defense for Law I’ve seen:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/defending-law
TnBrian
November 22nd, 2009
4:19 pm
DOB, whaaaaat? I’m surprised, man. I thought a guy with so much musical taste would like the screaming…. wait, I got it. You don’t like the high pitch vocals– Whitesnake comes to mind. That’s cool, that’s your thing.
VaBraveFan
November 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
nolie
McLouth doesnt work the count enough and is very streaky. Yes he gets walks and steals bags at the right time. But i cant stand the first pitch swinging stuff. As a leadoff guy you need to take pitches and work counts. He’s ok in the spot but i think he would be much better in the 6 or 7 hole. Not good to have a leadoff hitter that goes weeks at a time without a hit.
Bless you
November 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
Giants win on 36 yd Fg.34-31 great second effort by Falcons.
Crawfords worth a big contract, he can beat U without hitting long ball.
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
Efrim–I did see that, and it was a good read. Did you notice a “Kincaid” posting in the comments section? Like the Atlanta radio guy? I thought that guy hated nerdy stats…
Efrim
November 22nd, 2009
4:27 pm
Steve from OH, not sure if that is that Kincaid, although it certainly could be. And that comment I made yesterday about Heyman NOT blasting Keith Law or any other stat guy, well, that’s no longer the truth as he has been destroying him on his twitter account. I’m not sure why he is freaking out. It’s all a bit ridiculous to me. Where are the people blasting the Detroit writer who voted for Verlander over Greinke? Crickets.
Jake W.
November 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
Well, counting on our defense isn’t good. Was hoping we would win that coin toss because knowing you only need to score a field goal to win and knowing how our defense likes to give up long drives. Nice to see the offense play better at the end there and Snelling did a good job seeing as though he’s our third string running back.
Big homestand coming up and finally to the easier part of a tough schedule. Only 2 teams with winning records remaining and we get to play them both at home. Still in this thing. Got to take care of Tampa Bay next week and go from there.
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
Efrim–yeah, all I could think of while reading Heyman blast Law was “why is Jon Heyman such a douchebag?”
Rob (from SC)
November 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
I read somewhere yesterday that the Yankees might pass on Holliday and Bay and wait for Crawford
VaBraveFan
November 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
It makes sense to go after Crawford. If we commit to him with a contract. Look at the name’s floating around as trade possibles. A bunch of 20 homer type guys, that are old with below average D. This team would be better to trade from someone like him. Give him the contract. Upgrades Speed, Defense and is a good hitter with 10-15 homer potential.
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2009
4:36 pm
I agree with you VaBraveFan. Crawford would be a BIG Plus for D and O. Would make Braves a more exciting team which we need.
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
Crawford would be a BIG Plus for D and O.
Big plus for D. I don’t know about O. I mean, he steals a lot of bases, which is good. But it’s down on the list of things I want (and we need) in a player. The dude has a career .335 OBP. .437 SLG. .142 ISO. Them ain’t exactly good. I’d say more average than anything. Do we need an average hitter right now? I’d say it would help us, especially considering his defense, given what GA gave us last year, but it’s not optimal, especially with his power being so-so. We need pop, dudes. Crawford ain’t likely to give us that.
MZ
November 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
DOB —–
Uncut (british music mag) just released its top 150 albums of the decade, and its man of the year … White Stripes’ “White Blood Cells” took the top album honor … unless you’ve already seen it, hazard to guess who was named Uncut’s man of the year?
jeffrey d
November 22nd, 2009
4:47 pm
Do offseasons go in cycles? It seems like we were having these same conversations last year. Crawford, Braun, etc.
I feel like DOB could post a blog from last December and nobody would notice the difference.
Jurrjens4NLCY {New Orlean Saints}
November 22nd, 2009
4:48 pm
What the hell is a Falcon?
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm
I feel like DOB could post a blog from last December and nobody would notice the difference.
Ha! Now that’s a good line…
jeffrey d
November 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm
Except for the people excited about Schafer and KJ’s potential and the excitement of signing Norton to solidify the bench.
jeffrey d
November 22nd, 2009
4:51 pm
What’s a falcon? It’s a bird of prey. Similar to a hawk
N8
November 22nd, 2009
4:51 pm
Isn’t it ironic that Tony Gonzalez wanted to leave the Chiefs to go to a winner and now the Chiefs are 3-7, with the Falcons sitting at 5-4.
Think Gonzalez wouldn’t have made a difference for the Chiefs in two of their tight games?
As a Chiefs fan, I’m lovin’ it!!!
MZ
November 22nd, 2009
4:56 pm
DOB —-
mean’t man of the decade in my earlier post
MZ
November 22nd, 2009
4:57 pm
mean’t meant in my earlier post … jeez
UNCBrave
November 22nd, 2009
4:58 pm
Just saw THE BLIND SIDE….What a GREAT MOVIE! And Sandra Bullock LOOKED AWESOME in her TIGHT clothes
Bill
November 22nd, 2009
4:59 pm
We need pop, Yes we do but will we get it? probably not as we needed Pop last year. We don’t need some old daddy like last year and you could put some pop at 1st, too. Crawford would be a plus for this team. we all know it will never happen. I don’t expect much anymore from front office.
nolie
November 22nd, 2009
5:00 pm
Not so much the inability to hit for good power? Because we need that, you know Steve
c’mon now dude, you must know that his speed will cure everything that ails the Braves. where you been?
nolie
November 22nd, 2009
5:03 pm
Steve
nolie
November 22nd, 2009
5:05 pm
Steve
did you notice that fielding bible vote had Adam @ 14/15?
Bill
November 22nd, 2009
5:06 pm
Its for sure Schafer and ??? will not give the Braves any speed. Speed will not cure everything but it damn sure helps!
Goldenglove002
November 22nd, 2009
5:07 pm
I may be wrong, but I think Crawford has said he would like to play in Atlanta. I’d like to think that would help the Braves chances of signing him long term if they acquired him.
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
5:07 pm
I had not noticed, nolie.
Jake W.
November 22nd, 2009
5:10 pm
N8, as a chief fan I can understand why you like this but unless this is Tony’s last year I would say his upside still looks brighter with the falcons in terms of winning. We are one game out of a playoff spot with the hardest part of our schedule done. If we make it to the playoffs this year good but if we don’t we already have the offense in place. Get a better defense and we are a better team next year. One of the toughest schedules in the league, horrible play from your quarterback, horrible defense,key injuries, kicker can’t kick worth a flip and somehow we are still in this. Can’t honestly figure out why. The way we have played should be worse than 5-5 but i’ll take it. 1 game out of a playoff spot with 6 games left. Got to be an upgrade over what he went through last year with the chiefs, no
nolie
November 22nd, 2009
5:11 pm
Speed will not cure everything but it damn sure helps! Bill
David O'Brien
November 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
MZ: If they named White Blood Cells the album of the decade, I’ll take that as a hint from you about man of the decade. Jack White?
nolie
November 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
had not noticed, nolie Steve
sounds kinda average huh? Guess you weren’t out of order
nolie
November 22nd, 2009
5:17 pm
If they are gonna do a one year pickup that will cost a lot in prospects, they can damn sure do better than Crawford.
Bill
November 22nd, 2009
5:18 pm
Agree Nolie, but where you gone get a power hitter?( do U believe Braves will go FA ? and Why not a power hitter at 1st are RF, CF ? Why didn’t Braves get one last year? We still need RP? Your opinion is welcome.
MZ
November 22nd, 2009
5:27 pm
DOB —-
’tis true … BUT there were 3 DBT records that made the list (BTC’sD at 132, TDS at 82; and SRO at 46) … pretty disappointed Tom Petty’s Highway Companion didn’t make the cut … brilliant album, IMHO
Jake W.
November 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Well looks like the falcons are tired of Elam. Just saw a scroll on CBS where you can showcase your kicking skills tomorrow and if you are good they will give your name to the falcons. Well at least they are being proactive.
MZ
November 22nd, 2009
5:34 pm
DOB ——
Glad to see Elbow made the list, though … Asleep in the Black at No. 74
Jurrjens4NLCY {New Orlean Saints}
November 22nd, 2009
5:50 pm
I don’t think the Braves need significant upgrades to the offense. Lets not forget, this team is very VERY different from the opening day 2009 team. No Faicouer, Schaffer, Norton, Francan’t, Garret Anderson, and no Jeff “Sally no hittin piss pants” Francouer…
During the second half of the season, the Braves had a .581 winning percentage. Thats good for a 94 win season over the course of 162 games.
I’d say the Braves have a bigger need in replacing Soriano and Gonzo. It goes without saying that both should be offered arbitration, as neither will accept. Wren has a necessary job in replacing 2 pitchers worth combined 2.9 WAR. Billy Wagner is an excellent solution, as is J.J. Putz. (Think of the fun while have listening to Chip Caray, Boog’s replacement, have a field day about J.J. coming in relief of JJ, FUN!)
Jurrjens4NLCY
November 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm
Sorry, meant to take the football sh*t outta me moniker…
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
5:56 pm
Maybe I wasn’t, nolie. I don’t really know where Adam falls on the defensive spectrum, but I’m pretty sure it’s not at the top. That’s all I was saying.
Thanks for pointing that out, though!
ncgary
November 22nd, 2009
5:59 pm
doubtful devil rays will trade zobritz but hes cheap, young, decent speed and power, and yet to enter his prime. rays interested in bradley cubs could use lowe we get zobritz? hes tall enough to move to 1b. more than likely they would rather part with upton which might not be a bad move either.
Jurrjens4NLCY
November 22nd, 2009
6:04 pm
Bill,
This years free agent class is way better than last years in terms for the benefit of the Braves. They have tons of options. One option I like best is signing Mike Cameron (3/~30) and trading Nate McLouth for proven cheaper closer.
ccrider
November 22nd, 2009
6:14 pm
I wonder if a deal could be struck the the Rays that would also include Carlos Pena along with Carl Crawford. They are both in their walk year, so either they Braves would have to be allowed a chance to extend them or give up less in the trade. A package of Freeman, Delgado, Bethancourt, Devall and Cody Johnson might work, as long as both players signed new contracts.
Tennbravefan
November 22nd, 2009
6:16 pm
Todays XM Radio rumor:
Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton said in his news and notes segment that the Red Sox and now the Braves have at least discussed Adrian Gonzales with the Padres. The Padres want 4 players from Boston centering around Clay Buckholtz. From the Braves they are asking for J.J.,Schafer, Medlin, and Freeman (Wow that’s too much!) Boston is also talking with Toronto about Halliday and that package centers around Buckholtz as well. If Boston trades Buckholtz among others for Halladay, I think it may benefit the Braves and lower San Diego’s asking price. Also, Hamilton notes that the Braves and Dodgers have at least discussed Vasquez for Juan Pierre, which I can’t see happening.
Efrim
November 22nd, 2009
6:27 pm
Also, Hamilton notes that the Braves and Dodgers have at least discussed Vasquez for Juan Pierre, which I can’t see happening.
Yeah, I can’t buy that. But that price for Adrian Gonzalez(Jurrjens, Freeman, Schafer, and Medlen) seems about right to me. If you’re Jed Hoyer, Padres newbie GM, you better get at least that for the franchise. Now that doesn’t mean it makes sense for Wren, but it absolutely makes sense for Hoyer to demand for that much.
Steve from OH
November 22nd, 2009
6:31 pm
Also, Hamilton notes that the Braves and Dodgers have at least discussed Vasquez for Juan Pierre, which I can’t see happening.
I imagine the conversation going something like this:
“Hi Frank, it’s Ned Colletti. I’ve got a great offer for you!”
“Ok, shoot.”
“In exchange for Javier Vazquez, we offer…Juan Pierre! Whaddya think?”
Click.