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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
7,407 comments Add your comment
Erik
December 24th, 2009
11:52 am
I was out in a bar in Buckhead(Stout) last night and Frenchy was there. I proceeded to buy him a drink and tell him how I wished he was still a brave and he responded with “I would love to be a Brave again but not with Frank Wren in the front office. The only good part about not being a Brave anymore is that I dont have to deal with him.”
I love Jeff.
He then proceeded to tell me how the mets are going to suck next year.(I swear I am not making this up) He didn’t seem to think that they were going to get Bay but he also said that even if they did get Bay that still were going to suck because they had no pitching…… I love Frenchy.
I am not as pessimistic as Jeff about the Mets season but its good to know he is still a brave at heart.
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
11:53 am
Robert (Chipper Is The Best),
I sympathized and understand D. Lowe’ feelings. He lost my respect when he made those feeling public. Not once have I heard a player compliment the Braves for not voicing concerns for poor performance. He gets paid 15,000,000 per year. While I do see it being difficult to transition to new team and city, I don’t understand someone who pitched far below the performance of his contract to whine about anything. If he was so unhappy with how the Braves were treating him why does he not go to them and ask them to void his contract. When you make that much money and publicly complain about a team that is paying you I have no respect.
Cliff notes:
Don’t blame him for feeling that way I blame him for publicizing it.
EWare
December 24th, 2009
11:53 am
Hey DOB, thanks for posting your top 50. It always proves beneficial to me when I’m spending the plethora of iTunes gift cards I always get from family for Christmas.
Also, thanks for the great year. It’s really fun reading this blog. Maybe the Braves will throw you up on a billboard with the quote…”Welcome to the Blog” or something. Either way, it’ll be better than their usual slogan.
I don’t buy many albums throughout the year, but I figured I’d post my top 3 favorites…
1. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears – Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is
2. Ryan Bingham – Roadhouse Sun
3. Will Hoge – The Wreckage
Jam of the Year: “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” – Will Hoge
O.J.
December 24th, 2009
11:54 am
There seems to be a lot of 1 year deals this year. Not sure I have ever seen that before.
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
11:54 am
emptyseats: My top 50 is just one man’s list, one music lover’s opinions. I’m probably in the minority, but have never been a big fan of DMB. I respect his work and realize he has a huge following, but it just doesn’t do much for me.
Angus
December 24th, 2009
11:55 am
Thoughts and prayers for Vic Chestnutt. I’ve been told he’s near passing. Sad day if so.
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
11:56 am
Mitchie-San
You said I need to drink some egg-nog and settle down because I keep calling out our Cheap owners…?
No Thanks Dude, I will puke if I injested that crap! I’d eat fish food flakes before I’d drink egg-nog!
stamper
December 24th, 2009
11:56 am
DOB -
i put this on the last blog, not sure if you saw it… but here it is again.
My Favorite 30 Albums (+ 2)
1. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
2. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
4. A.C. Newman – Get Guilty
5. Fever Ray – Fever Ray
6. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
7. the Decemberists – The Hazards of Love
8. White Rabbits – It’s Frightening
9. Dark Was the Night Compilation
10. Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
11. Doves – Kingdom of Rust
12. The XX – xx
13. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone
14. Dinosaur Jr. – Farm
15. British Sea Power – Man from Aran
16. Passion Pit – Manners
17. Sunset Rubdown – Dragonslayer
18. Brakes – Touchdown
19. the Bird and the Bee – Ray Guns are Not Just the Future
20. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
21. Matt & Kim – Grand
22. The Clientele – Bonfires on the Health
23. Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career
24. Sonic Youth – the Eternal
25. Built to Spill – There is no Enemy
26. the Church – Untitled 23
27. Real Estate – Real Estate
28. Peter Bjorn and John – Living Thing
29. Bat for Lashes – Two Suns
30. Bon Iver – Blood Bank EP
best live album: Nirvana’s 1992 Live at Reading.
best album I forgot to include: The Dead Weather – Horehound
(i dedicate this post to chipdip, i know how much he enjoyed my selection the first time)
Braves Fan
December 24th, 2009
11:57 am
Grading Frank Wren as the Braves General Manager is easy because he sucks! He signs Chipper Jones to a large contract extension when everyone including Chipper sees his skills going downhill and then he moves the best pitcher on his team for a singles hitter and prospects that he may or may not be here to enjoy. He signs Tim Hudson to a three year extension for big money coming off major elbow sugery when he only pitched a few games!!! Tim Hudson was overpaid to come here before and you reward him with another bloated contract unbelievable!!! Those moves and then he goes to the baseball graveyard and agrees to a contract with a washed up player who has never played first base. All I can say is if the economy wasn’t bad I still wouldn’t pay to see them play!
Michael Ruffin
December 24th, 2009
11:57 am
Thanks for the analysis. Your approach is far superior to the emotional knee-jerking of Mr. Bradley.
TnBrian
December 24th, 2009
11:58 am
DOB, you’d better leave the building because Wren might pull another surprising trade out of his hat on Christmas Eve. You sure as heck don’t need anymore surprises. Offices might be closed, but Wren’s phone might be open for business. LOL
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 24th, 2009
11:59 am
Why does the Brave’s offense, year after year, seem to depend on a couple of old guys “regaining their form”? My prediction–the offense will suck again in 2010.
BravesfaninWis
December 24th, 2009
11:59 am
I wonder if the Braves plan on trading Cabrera if they get someone on the lines of Nady, Uggla, or someone else? If they got Uggla, it would make sense to either place Uggla in LF or move Prado to LF which would leave Cabrera the odd man out. I would rather have that power potential versus what Cabrera could give us.
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
11:59 am
Someone Mentioned that the F.O. is looking at Marlon Byrd? Arrggghhh!
It wouldn’t suprised me If we stooped that low to sign Marlon Byrd to a 1 year 3-4 mill deal…
I do not want DeRosa, I don’t want Nady because he is a Borasshole client, I don’t want Byrd, he’s a bust. I want either Bay (Which is close to none with our cheap owners) or Jermaine Dye as a 1 year fill in.
Get’er Done NOW! Frank, I can’t believe I just said get’er done, Damn I spent too much time in Arkansas
Kieran (Long Island Braves Fan)
December 24th, 2009
12:00 pm
DOB-
I noticed *Mastadon* on your list, and was a bit surprised as i didn’t think that was your genre. As a big Metallica fan, they’ve always popped up but I’ve never really given Mastadon a chance. Obviously if they’re on your top 50 you’re going to recommend them but are they worth going out of my way for? (They are also opening for Metallica in Puerto Rico)
Lew
December 24th, 2009
12:00 pm
JerseyGil-Merry Christmas to you and your wife, too. Are you going to put lights on a a palm down there for your tree?
Reid Adair
December 24th, 2009
12:01 pm
Same old Frank Wren. Nothing has changed. Lies to the fans, and makes deals that his buddies try to make sound like they’re good.
Dumped Soriano and Gonzalez for Wagner and Saito … saved some money, but lost a lot in performance.
Traded Vazquez for a guy who can’t play every day (especially offensively). Prospects are nice, but that doesn’t help with the immediate future.
DAP
December 24th, 2009
12:01 pm
I hope javy knows how much we braves fans enjoyed having him here, and bow much we wish he was still on the team. DOB, if you get chance, let him know that.
I still want to see the braves get jonny gomes, though I don’t see how he really fits on the team now unless melny gets flipped for prospects. But gomes has the potential to be a really good player, and I’d love to see him get some AB’s in left for the braves. If I had my way, wren would get rid of melky in a trade for a prospect or something, and then sign jonny gomes and eric hinske.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
12:02 pm
“Lil Barry Bailout”
“Why does the Brave’s offense, year after year, seem to depend on a couple of old guys “regaining their form”?”
Because the owners are Cheap! And they wonder why people prefer to go to Gwinnett over than seeing a boring Awfense get shutout by guys like Cy Redding
TnBrian
December 24th, 2009
12:02 pm
“All I can say is if the economy wasn’t bad I still wouldn’t pay to see them play” Braves Fan
Good. You’re probably trailer trash that hogs like 3 seats when you go to a game anyways. Hey, this is a classy team and they like to see classy fans take up seats in their stadium.
EWare
December 24th, 2009
12:03 pm
Well, since I posted my albums of the year, I guess I better post my concerts of the year too…
1. Kings of Leon – Lollapalooza – had just quit raining, Chicago skyline in the back, just amazing
2. Langhorne Slim – Lollapalooza – I always find it fun when the drummer is playing heavy with only an acoustic guitar leading the band. High energy
3. Ben Harper – Lollapalooza – broke out Zep’s “Good Times, Bad Times” – rockin!
I guess that was just my review of Lollapalooza
Tomy Fournier
December 24th, 2009
12:03 pm
ATLANTA WILL BE THE FRONT RUNNER…PUT THIS IN FRONT PAGE..OK????OK…
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
12:05 pm
DOB,
While I kind of like Uggla and would make the JV trade helluva more impact for this year. I find it unlikely as the Giants with their bevy of pitching could not swing a deal. I would imagine, since we are in the same division, the price would be a bit higher for us.
I am indifferent to the JV trade. It’s not that I don’t like it, in fact love trading for young guys with upside, just do not see the impact Carbrea brings. I see him similar to Diaz with out Diaz penchant for hitting LH pitching. Would of been happy with another mid tier prospect, especially in the wake of not wanting to pay K. Johnson similar amount of money for similar performance. (I don’t disagree with the move to non tender him)
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
12:05 pm
Lil Barry Bailout
“Why does the Brave’s offense, year after year, seem to depend on a couple of old guys “regaining their form”?”
Like we did last year we are going to rely on Chipper having an MVP caliber season like we did last year and got burned…
Chipper is still good but he’s only due for 20-23 homers and 80-85 rbis, especially if we don’t have High OBP’s from the 2 guys ahead of him in the lineup…
owl hunter
December 24th, 2009
12:05 pm
Wagner and Saito are not a downgrade from Gonzo/MFIKY. Those two had their fair share of injuries as well, and less big game experience. It’s crazy how people think that once someone is off the team, they were these great game changers. There are still people who want Frenchy back. Get a grip!
bravesgrl4life
December 24th, 2009
12:05 pm
If you haven’t already, go read the Q&A with Matt Diaz on the Braves site. Pretty good stuff there. I am proud that Matt is from my hometown area in FL. I hope we keep him for a good long time.
Radio Cure
December 24th, 2009
12:05 pm
Randy S
Damn, you’ve seen some good shows this year.
I didn’t get to see as many this year as I usually do. Living in FL makes it hard; not many acts want to come down below the panhandle. I saw Phish in June at Univ of Tenn and U2 in Tampa. Both really great shows. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen Wilco, but they always put on a killer rock show.
I’ll be down in Miami, too. Only can do Tues unfortunately. I actually need to get rid of my Monday tickets if you know anyone. Have fun.
Soph
December 24th, 2009
12:10 pm
That was a nice text from Javy. He’s going to be missed – hope he does well during his second stint with NY. He deserves it. Thanks for sharing, DOB.
McFann O
December 24th, 2009
12:11 pm
You’re welcome, jeffrey! And thanks!
Thanks, Nova Scotia Steve!
Merry Christmas, VaBraveFan!
Aaand a Merry Christmas to you, bravesgrl4life! Hope you get everything you wished for, too!
including a 2010 Braves WS
That would be fanntastic!
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
12:13 pm
Lil’ Barry Bailout
11:59 am
“Why does the Brave’s offense, year after year, seem to depend on a couple of old guys “regaining their form”? My prediction–the offense will suck again in 2010.”
Because we are not the Yankee’s, Red Sox’s, Cub’s, Met’s who can afford to overpay for talent. On a different level we are not the Pirates, Marlins, or Ray’s who trade any and ALL of their arbitration eligable players for young cheap talent. We are in the middle and have to take chances like this. Similar to 91 before Ted infused the team with money. Bream, Pendlelton, Belliard, Leibrant and a bevy of other players we signed cheap to help with our young core.
TnBrian
December 24th, 2009
12:14 pm
Wagner and Saito are better than Gonzo and Soriano. Experience over youth. Whoever says that’s not true is a “ra”tard. Oh, Lordy, The Hangover strikes again!
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
12:14 pm
Eware: I saw Langhorne Slim at the EARL last month, and he did put on a helluva show.
richbrave
December 24th, 2009
12:14 pm
Hey, LEW, have a good’un. See you on the flip side in August.
owl hunter
December 24th, 2009
12:15 pm
Billy
Correct!
richbrave
December 24th, 2009
12:16 pm
DOB:
Hopefully you are on the plane winging your way west. Get some rest. God knows you’ve earned it.
Mike Mike Bo
December 24th, 2009
12:16 pm
DOB — Even though my taste overall doesn’t resemble yours at all… here’s my top 10 of 2009:
1. BRAND NEW: Daisy (Highly Recommeded)
2. THE USED: Artwork
3. PEARL JAM: Backspacer
4. THE SLEEPING: What It Takes
5. TAKING BACK SUNDAY: New Again
6. YEAH YEAH YEAHS: It’s Blitz
7. JACK’S MANNEQUIN: The Glass Passenger
8. THE ALMOST: Monster, Monster
9. MONSTERS OF FOLK: Monsters of Folk
10. MATT & KIM: Grand
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
12:17 pm
Soph
I saw your comment about Glaus
I’m not a Glaus Fan either especially since he is off the Roids, but Put your money on him hitting .265 20-80 if and only if he stays healthy. A low risk high reward option since the owners are going Cheap! I’d take Glaus over the 10 mil that Roachy was asking 4, and I’m still P’d about getting Violated by WhineBrenner on that Vazquez deal!
tmac
December 24th, 2009
12:17 pm
DOB- please ask Wren “What’s the rush?”
He has reacted way to quickly in both the Soriano trade and the Vasquez trade. If other GM’s are saying that “it appears to be made in desperation…” as you quoted, then there has to be something to it.
I don’t get the urgency to get rid of players in December. I truely believe that both trades (soriano & Vasquez) could have been made late in spring training for who the Braves got in return. And most likey could have been made for even more in return when other teams lose a pitcher or find out their rotation is just not good enough.
This is obviously Wren’s style cause it’s the 2nd year in a row he has made moves very early in the off season. He got lucky last year his first choices did not accept his offers. But to me, I feel he is afraid to let situations play out and accepts lesser offers to get deals done early. And I don’t like it.
Also, what shoulder in Troy Glaus coming off surgery? cause if it’s his left shoulder than first base for a right hander is not a good combination for injury free future. Thx
bobby
December 24th, 2009
12:17 pm
DB, we may agree on a lot of things but definitely not our music.
richbrave
December 24th, 2009
12:18 pm
And a Holiday Greeting to McFANN, one of our bevy of great young talents on this blog. Enjoy. See you in 2010.
JED
December 24th, 2009
12:18 pm
angus- RE: VIC , WHAT THE HELL????
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
12:18 pm
Kieran, while I don’t listen to much metal anymore, I do still dig Metallica (I’m a “Ride The Lightning” freak) and Mastodon, who are just massively talented (and from Atlanta, to boot).
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
12:20 pm
Mike Mike Bo: Three of your 10 were on my list. So it’s not like we’re completely different there.
owl hunter
December 24th, 2009
12:20 pm
Lots of gms and players prefer to have deals done before christmas.
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
12:22 pm
(Joking)
I want a Holliday greeting but mine version involves a Man wearing a Braves jersey playing LF, but that’s not gonna happen…
Eric In Albany N.Y.
December 24th, 2009
12:22 pm
Happy Hollidays Dave O’Brien!
Just want to go on record as saying im behind FW all the way. When ever i see him down in spring training he always says hi to myself and other braves fans. seems like a real good guy. and we all forget the difference in the braves from 08 to 09. they were a far better ball club due to the hard work last offseason. i dont care what anyone said about lasy offseason and all the non deals made. the guy put together a pitching staff that was one of the tops in baseball. that proves to me we all need to relax and take a wait and see view on every offseason. just trust FW. its all we can do at this point!
Again i hope you and your family have a great holliday DOB!
ease19
December 24th, 2009
12:23 pm
As everyone begins their plans for the holiday season, I just wanted to wish everyone here a wonderful holiday and that everyone stay safe. We have some serious blogging to do next year! And DOB a special thanks to you for creating this forum for us to enjoy (or not as some people would argue!). You are truly a master of your craft.
And a final thought before I flee for the holiday’s myself…remember, every team, no matter the sport, enters into a season with IFS…this year will be no different and every team, again no matter the sport, deals with injuries throughout the year…It is the nature of the beast. And with that I bid adieu! So long and to all a good night! (or err, day!)
jerry
December 24th, 2009
12:24 pm
anyone that posts a lineup that has Melky batting leadoff for my Braves should be banned for being igno no stup no not being very bright. thats all
Kieran (Long Island Braves Fan)
December 24th, 2009
12:24 pm
Ride the Lighting, also my favorite Metallica album, I bounced around on deciding until I was asked “If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have one metallica album what would it be.” (I’m one of the few who like EVERY album they’ve including The vicious “St Anger”) After weighing out the situation, Ride the Lighting was the clear choice.
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
12:26 pm
Please elaborate on the “desperation” moves? The Braves were discussing trade for two months before this deal got done. Wren probably had the best offer on the table and he took it. You may not like the return and that is a valid opinion but labeling them as “desperation” or “panic” with out quantifying it is blatant ignorance of general baseball knowledge.
Lew
December 24th, 2009
12:28 pm
richbrave-same to you and the rest of the blog and here’s hoping Lentz has an Ebeneezer Scrooge moment!! Looking forward to dinner together next summer.
Bravesgrl4Life-are you planning on coming to Disney for Spring Training? Just booked my plane tickets for February 19-arriving with pitchers and catchers. Plane tickets are freaking expensive this year. Sheesh. At least I have a house in Orlando.
Randy S
December 24th, 2009
12:28 pm
Radio Cure
Yeah, I made it to about a show a week this year. And yes, Florida can be a black hole for music sometimes. You should really check out Bear Creek, it is up in Live Oak. Small (5,000 person) festival. Camping in the woods. Very intimate. Lots of musicians sitting in with each other. I will definitely go back.
As for getting rid of that Monday night ticket, that might be tough. Last time the played down there, people were giving away tickets for the first 2 nights. Big venue. That said, Tuesday should be a blast, they are back on top of their game again. Oh, and I was at that Knoxville show as well. Very fun. Awesome first set.
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
12:29 pm
Stamper: Lot of great ones on your list. But I gotta say, I’m a huge fan of the Doves (have every CD they’ve made), but I thought this one was weak compared to their previous stuff, and I didn’t like the new Peter, Bjorn and John CD quite as much as the last one. And that Bon Iver EP — I thought it was rather boring, and this from someone who loves their For Emma, Forever Ago CD….
EWare: Love the Black Joe Lewis CD, and been listening to it (again) a lot lately after going months with it buried in my stack.
I left out of my list at least 25 CDs that I really liked this year, like the Crocodiles’ CD, and Spinnerette, and Band of Skulls (those were three of my favorites of the summer (probably should have made room for all of them, now that I think about it) and Wayne Hancock’s Viper, which I really forgot came out this year, and Dutchess and the Duke’s latest, which I just bought and have listened to maybe three times, and Wolfmother, which I’ve only listened to twice, and Them Crooked Vultures (listened to once or twice so far) and Drake (also once)… And of course I probably left out several others I would have found deserving but that I haven’t gotten around to buying yet, like Robert Earl Keen’s latest. Gives you some idea of how difficult (and time-consuming) it is making such a list. Unfortunately, I think ones you’ve listened to a lot lately tend to leave more of an impression when putting together a list like this. But I don’t want to start making changes after the fact.
MaineBrave
December 24th, 2009
12:29 pm
Uggla, DeRosa or Dye and our line-up looks killer
Get it done Wren.
Daybed Wagmoe
December 24th, 2009
12:32 pm
Angus — yeah, what’s this about Vic Chesnutt? Very sad news indeed.
owl hunter
December 24th, 2009
12:33 pm
Dye=LOAF 2.0
TexasBrave
December 24th, 2009
12:33 pm
Ok so say we go out and get a Nady type player who can play first as well as their natural position, you still have an odd man out if Glaus does seem to get it going during spring training. I just don’t want to see Hayward blocked, Prado benched (if it is someone who plays second i.e. Uggla or DeRosa) or Diaz benched more than he starts.
Of course if Wren does get said player he could always wait towards the end of spring training and trade off the excess player. I know a lot on this blog would like to see Nady, but as for me I would like to get DeRosa. He can play all positions except for catcher and pitcher, he would be great insurance for the inevitiable injuries during the season without the drop off in offense.
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
12:34 pm
Jerry
If Milky Cabrera has a OBP of .380 or higher I’d bat him leadoff…
And it stands right Now Milky Cabrera Leads off and Prado bats 2nd, “Mark It Down!” We need to get back to playing A-B-C baseball on offense instead of relying on the 3-run homer AKA “Bobby-Ball”
Lew
December 24th, 2009
12:34 pm
tmac-Maybe you’d like to go deep into Spring Training with your 1B, closer and setup guy, left fielder and bench personnel still to be decided, but no sane person who actually has a clue about putting together a successful team would do so.
You think other teams had him over a barrel this early? What do you seriously think would have been the case had Wren had to unload everyone three weeks before heading north? You don’t think the other trade partners would have sat in the proverbial catbird seat then? And let us not also mention team chemistry when they have no playing time together-even ST games?
If you think he could realistically waited that long, you are, at the very least, completely wrong.
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
12:35 pm
JP: Thanks for the reminder about Felice Brothers. Another that is, unfortunately, not carried by your chain-type stores where I got my gift cards. Had it on my list a few days ago, along with BlakRoc, and neither of those was there. Gotta get to my friendly local CD store to get Felice Brothers soon as I get back from Canada. I’ve heard nothing but great things about it, and I loved their last one, the self-titled CD.
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
12:36 pm
Norton: Just noticed that typo on two no. 12s. damn. gotta fix now. No. 50 gets bumped off, others move down a notch.
tmac
December 24th, 2009
12:39 pm
Billy- i can add my two cents to your response.
trading Soriano 2 days after accepting arbitration for a avg middle reliever IS desperate. Wren couldn’t trade Lowe cause no one wanted to pay his salary… in December. So, he trades Vasquez instead in December.
No team wants to take on Lowe’s salary as a first offer, but when they go to spring training and have an injury or the pitchers they are counting on are not performing… then it’s a whole different perspective.
When you are buying a car, do you go to the dealer and accept their first offer? No, unless you have no choice and you are desperate.
As for your “blatant ignorance of general baseball knowledge” comment, you don’t know exactly what Wren has been doing for the last 2 months. He could have been only offering Lowe and not willing to pay any of his salary or wanted to high of a price in return… most teams get creative when talking trade. Over the years i’ve learned the Braves don’t get creative with their players. They will accept creative ways to make trades, but do not offer them.
So unless you know the specific details of what FW has been doing… let’s leave the name calling and questioning one’s baseball knowledge out, huh?
jerry
December 24th, 2009
12:41 pm
tomahawkin since you post interesting ideas I’ll let you ride with that but as for now i’m not typing to you again for 10 days. and quit with the “mark it down” crap Melky will not bat leadoff for my Braves if I have to go down to the field and tackle him
Radio Cure
December 24th, 2009
12:42 pm
Ooh Felice Brothers! Great CD and great show.
Efrim
December 24th, 2009
12:42 pm
Wagner and Saito are better than Gonzo and Soriano. Experience over youth.
I’m not so sure about that…..
jerry
December 24th, 2009
12:42 pm
and I prefer Bobby ball
Alex
December 24th, 2009
12:42 pm
My biggest problem with Wren was his apparent lack of respect for Smoltz/Glav. Sure, it ended up likely being the right baseball move, but that’s just not how you treat HOF faces of the franchise.
Other than a need for some sensitivity training, I’d say he’s done a bang up job.
Norton2010
December 24th, 2009
12:43 pm
No. 1 cd…Lady Gaga. I’d like to poke her face.
TexasBrave
December 24th, 2009
12:45 pm
I don’t think Melky would make a good lead off man. Although he does not strike out a lot, his career OBP is low for a leadoff man, around .330. With the current make up of the team I see him hitting either 7th or 8th.
owl hunter
December 24th, 2009
12:46 pm
Gonzo and Soriano are young, but already have injury histories.
jerry
December 24th, 2009
12:47 pm
And i remember a game 2 years ago in which Reyes had 3 hits 4 stolen bases ans 2 runs scored. We won 4-2 on a 3 run shot by Diaz
Hawkshurrah
December 24th, 2009
12:47 pm
David, I may have missed this so please excuse me if I did, but what is likelihood – in your opinion – of J. Schafer being a solid contributor this year or ever to the Bravos. After all the hype, few ever mention him at all these days. I know he had an awful year in ‘09 but if his wrist was the issue, he may impress this year. Thoughts?
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
December 24th, 2009
12:48 pm
I wish I could find the ol’ TBS opening music for the Braves…mid to late 90’s…anyone have it…it used to show all the ol highlights…instramental??
Anyone?
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
12:53 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
I’ve been longing for those instrumentals as well! Does anyone know who did those…?
Ex-Braves Fan
December 24th, 2009
12:53 pm
So, the Braves are looking for THREE 19 year old pitchers for the future. WHAT FUTURE, 2015????? I just read on SI.com where the Pirates are looking to sign that great closer Octoval Deval as their closer. Man, on the Pirates stink at making worse deals than the Braves. Heck, it is an INSULT to KC to compare a Braves move with them these days as they even TRY to sign someone. The Braves have become a laughing stock. The Oakland A’s of the NL, trading away all their good vets for farm hands that will play two seasons and be traded for yet more farm hands. GET the picture? THE BRAVES ARE NOT GOING TO BE WINNERS AGAIN. ENJOY THAT ONE NL CHAMPIONSHIP. The Hawks and Falcons are NEVER going to win any danged thing either. THE CITY OF LOSERS IS AMPLY NAMED, Atlanta, Georgia. Simply, the Braves suck. I quit caring about them in 2005. I decided that when I wanted to watch minor leaguers play, I would just drive over to Rome and watch the kids play. At least they give effort. At least they are not over the hill, injured, broken down, over paid, lazy bums. SCREW the Braves. Come on Rome Braves!!!
Steve from OH
December 24th, 2009
12:53 pm
Efrim–thanks. Have a Merry Christmas, dude!
(Go Wings!)
P. W. Hjort
December 24th, 2009
12:54 pm
So what do you think of your GM?
I’m a fan. I think he’s an elite talent evaluator and that’s the starting recipe for success. He also seems savvy with the advanced analysis.
I couldn’t be happier.
Justice
December 24th, 2009
12:54 pm
DOB, have you listened to BIRELI LAGRENE? I gather that his general musical genre (jazz, gypsy swing) isn’t exactly your thing, but you should check out some of his videos on youtube. Technically he has to be one of the most gifted guitarists on the planet, and musically he’s surely up there too. Just beautiful arrangements of many familiar songs.
On a side note, thanks very much for the job you’ve done this year covering the Braves. You’ve got a seriously tough job with the 24 hour news cycle compounded by a fair share of unreasonable fan(atic)s who live on the blog. Hope you can take it easy over the next week or so.
Driver 8
December 24th, 2009
12:55 pm
Frank Wren is an awful GM. He gets worked in every deal he has made. Sorry but the “sign a guy coming off a major season-ending injury” philosophy is not cause for excitement or optimism.
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
December 24th, 2009
12:55 pm
Yeah DOB…
Great job man…solid stuff as always!
Enjoy your time in Whislter!
preston hannatized
December 24th, 2009
12:56 pm
DOB … please address these points:
Melky — doesn’t play hard all the time, bad clubhouse guy.
Glaus — inflated numbers in the steroid era.
Thanks, DOB
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
12:56 pm
Jerry
Bobbyball kills us in games against philly
Bobbyball worked in the 90’s when you had 4 guys on a team that had 30+ homers, Those days are over and the Bobbyball garbage needs to stop
If you noticed last year the braves played a lot better offensively when we put the hit and run’s on and run on opposing pitchers…
That wait 4 the 3 run homer stuff gets stale when you have a team that strikes out a lot as has the case been over the last 4 years
tmac
December 24th, 2009
12:58 pm
Good ‘ol Lew- thanks for putting words into my mouth yet again. Did I say that i wanted to go deep into spring training with the entire team undecided? No. And how many teams have you build and GM’d? i’d guess 0 (could be wrong).
Stop being so quick to attack people and understand that not everyone thinks exactly like you or should they. It would be very easy to resolve your 1B postition (like they did with glaus or could have with laroush?) and maybe make a trade for a middle reliever with secondary personell… They already signed two relievers to address the back end of the game.
But even with my limited baseball knowledge (as you think), i do believe there would be more than a little interest in a top starter and a closer at the beginning, middle and end of spring training and the season for that matter. If you dismiss that, than i would have to question your baseball knowledge. You also act like no other team in baseball goes to spring training looking to add to their team. It happens every year with almost every team.
My problem with Wren is simple: he tells the baseball world what he wants to do and then immediately goes out and tries to find someone to accomidate. I don’t see many other GM’s doing that and trading a top pitcher and closer in december.
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
12:59 pm
I also don’ like the thought of A strikeout prone batter such as Glaus being coached by Terry Pendleton, ditto for Milky Cabrera…
I see 115 K’s for Glaus
Wayne in Utah
December 24th, 2009
1:00 pm
Ex-Braves Fan
Don’t let the screen door hit you in the backside on your way out the door. Have a nice life.
Driver 8
Can you say Renteria for Jair Jurrjens and GHernandez?
Can you say Tyler Flowers and a host of other wannabees for Javier Vazquez?
Can you say 1 year of Vazquez for a 4th outfielder and a #3 prospect
Can you say Francoeur for ANYBODY?
Are you a football fan? Because as a baseball fan, you suck.
P. W. Hjort
December 24th, 2009
1:00 pm
Driver 8 (December 24th, 2009 12:55 pm EST): Frank Wren is an awful GM. He gets worked in every deal he has made.
Let me gently suggest something.
It’s extremely difficult to take anyone seriously who says things that fly right in the face of logic.
Boy, that Jose Ascaino for Will Ohman and Omar Infante was a real stink-bomb. Edgar Renteria for Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez? Terrible trade, right?
FEAR
December 24th, 2009
1:00 pm
Mastadon stayed at my house before they were big in Greenville, SC. They were cool except the drummer was an ass hole. We drew on him when he passed out. hahahaha. I don’t like their music though. i’m more into thrash metal.
Radio Cure
December 24th, 2009
1:01 pm
Randy S,
I definitely need to check out Bear Creek. I think I’ve seen that Greyboy Allstars usually play there. Big fan of theirs. I went to NYC to see their reunion show after their 5 yr hiatus.
Have fun at the shows.
richbrave
December 24th, 2009
1:01 pm
Wow, never realized how far out of the music field I am. Old school for sure. Of all the bands listed today, PEARL JAM is the only one I’ve even heard of, let alone listened to. A few of my fave artists:
JAZZ and FUSION:
GLENN MILLER – Greatest Hits.
HARRY JAMES – Record Session ‘39 – ‘42.
DAVE BRUBECK – Take Five.
AMHAD JAMAL – Poinciana.
HERBIE HANCOCK – At the Village Gate.
RAMSEY LEWIS – The In Crowd.
GROVER WASHINGTON Jr. – Anything early, and Winelight.
GARY BURTON and CHICK COREA – Crystal Silence.
THE CRUSADERS – Street Life.
STEELY DAN – you name it, I’m there.
PAT METHENY – As falls Wichita, so falls Wichita Falls.
DOWN TO THE BONE – From Manhatten to Staten.
BT
December 24th, 2009
1:02 pm
Has some dummy asked for a new blog yet DOB?
McFann O
December 24th, 2009
1:03 pm
Thank you, richbrave! Merry Christmas!
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
December 24th, 2009
1:03 pm
BT – think you just took care of that.
Bravesfan54
December 24th, 2009
1:03 pm
DOB – I echo the well-wishes so ably written by ccrider @ 3:28. No new job, DOB…no, no, or I’ll join the posse’ that’ll find you. You belong to us!
Count DeMonet
December 24th, 2009
1:03 pm
Forget about Glaus and Melky and Javy. Don’t worry about Soriano and Gonzo. The really really bad news is that Dip Caray is BACK. I thought we were finally rid of this overrated jackazz. Now we get to hear/see him even more on Fox. Simpson must be thrilled to be back with him, What a joke.
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:04 pm
Wayne In UT
“Are you a football fan? Because as a baseball fan, you suck.”
That’s a little harsh don’t you think…?
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:05 pm
I get Tired of Chip Caray after we have any series against the Cubs…
I wanted Don Sutton to go back to being on TV, but I knew Chip would be the most logical choice…
Wayne in Utah
December 24th, 2009
1:06 pm
T’hawkin
About once in a blue moon, you have something intelligent to add…..”mark it down”
Merry Christmas!
ccrider
December 24th, 2009
1:07 pm
Lew: One thing about your comment that people need to buy tickets and go to games if they want payroll to grow.
I go quite often to games, but I also believe in the business model, if you want to make money, you have to spend it.
The Braves have stayed stagnant on payroll for a long time, while other teams have passed and far exceeded them. In 1995 the Braves and Yankees had the highest payrolls and I understand the Braves television situation has changed, but they have not put in the money in to truly compete with the higher teams since about 2003.
A payroll that is even in the 110 million range could again excite the fanbase and get people in the seats and give the team a better chance to win. I view it as cause and effect. You can occasionally compete with a lower payroll, like the Twins do, but it is getting much harder to win the World Series if you don’t have more payroll flexability to add players in years you are very close to having a World Series calibur team.
Ex-Braves Fan
December 24th, 2009
1:08 pm
Wayne in Utah: I am long out the door pal. Enjoy LAST PLACE fool.
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
December 24th, 2009
1:09 pm
I think I’m gunna make a trip to Altanta again this summer…