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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,563 comments Add your comment
Andrew in PA
January 7th, 2010
3:04 am
i’d rather have glaus,nady and melky and take saito off the team
nolie
January 7th, 2010
3:09 am
Saito is one of my ifs Boston was very careful about how they used him last year, not often AND in mostly low leverage situations. Not sure how effective he will be all season if Bobby uses him like he often uses set up men.
The A Bomb
January 7th, 2010
3:14 am
I truly wish we would stop comparing the Braves to Philadelphia in ANY way, shape or form, considering we continue to pitch to their No. 4 hitter.
Pitching, hitting, size of locker rooms, color of uniforms — none of it matters as long as we continue to believe we can get Ryan Howard out.
N8
January 7th, 2010
3:27 am
“Pitching, hitting, size of locker rooms, color of uniforms — none of it matters as long as we continue to believe we can get Ryan Howard out.”
Yet, while pitching to Howard, we managed to go 10-8 against Philly.
I’d say figuring out how to hit pitchers we’ve never seen before, or making journeymen look like Greg Maddux, is a bigger issue than how we often we pitch to Howard. Don’t you think?
bravesgrl4life
January 7th, 2010
5:49 am
I guess for once the Braves bloggers went to be and didn’t blog quite all night long.
JHeyward 2010 ROY
January 7th, 2010
6:29 am
I am worried about Saito holding up over the course of the season, but no such worries about Wagner!
18 Wheels of Love
January 7th, 2010
7:44 am
Bizarre Ride 2 The Pharcyde is up there with the best rap albums…I lump it in with Three Feet High and Rising.
GovClintonTyree
January 7th, 2010
7:50 am
Thing I gotta remember about Glaus is, he’s not a “B” level acquisition. If healthy, he’s an “A” level masher – exactly what I wanted, even righthanded. More risk than I’d like, probably more than we’d all like, but he’s not an average ballplayer. He’s Kong. He’s huge. And he was a pretty nimble 3B. 1B should not be a difficult transition for this particular player.
.P.a.u.l .L.e.n.t.z
January 7th, 2010
8:03 am
N8………..If memory serves me correctly, the Braves went 7-2 against the Phillies the first part of the season. then we finished up 3-6.
Our 10-8 record was misleading because even by going 7-2 in the first half of the season against the Phillies, we were still behind them in the standings.
When it mattered in the second half of the season, we faltered down the stretch against superior competition (and let’s not forget the 0-6 meltdown at home against the Marlins and Nationals to end the season).
Last year’s Braves would win a few games and then seem to “take the night off” to rest on their laurels. After the All-Star Break, many of you were giddy because the Braves took 6 of 8 at home against the Mets and Giants. However, I was very disappointed because we should have won all 8 games. Many of you ripped me for being too negative.
Someone made a point earlier about this year’s Braves needing to beat up on the teams that they absolutely need to beat. In 1993, we went 13-0 against the Rockies. Now if we had gone 11-2 against them, I’m sure that many of you would have been just as giddy as you were with the Mets and Giants series. However, if the 1993 Braves had settled for a 11-2 record against a terrible Rockies expansion team, then we would have finished 1 game behind the Giants and not made the play-offs.
In poker, there’s a saying: “It’s not so much how much money you win…..it’s how much money you save”. “Save” means not giving money away by chasing inside straights or playing garbage hands that have a slim chance of winning.
The same thought process can be applied in baseball when it comes to “giving winnable games away”. We gave away too many games we should have won in 2009. It was a combination of the offense not having any life some nights……..AND………..Bobby Cox relentlessly trotting out Greg “only way I can get on base is to hope some BUM on the mound forgets that I can’t hit anymore” Norton to pinch hit every night in key situations where a pinch hit can mean the difference between a win and a loss. And of course Bobby stubbornly refusing to bench Kelly and Francoeur until he was pretty much forced to also heavily contributed to our first half woes.
.P.a.u.l .L.e.n.t.z
January 7th, 2010
8:06 am
I just looked at the 2010 schedule. The Braves come to San Francisco early this year. They are out here April 9-11, which is a Fri-Sun series. I need to get my tickets early then. Looks like I’ll get a chance to see in person how our boys shape up.
ncscoots
January 7th, 2010
8:08 am
If healthy, [Glaus is] an “A” level masher – exactly what I wanted, even righthanded.
Absolutely correct. Hoss and Glaus have to return to form, if the Braves have any hope of contending. On the other hand, if they do so, some of the other offensive deficiencies will have less impact on the squad’s chances.
The Braves have some margin for error with their pitching; if one starter underperforms, there is enough quality depth to probably overcome it. The offense probably doesn’t have that comfort zone. Even if all else goes right offensively but Chipper and Troy don’t, it’s probably a long year.
Elon Brave
January 7th, 2010
8:15 am
Good morning, denizens. 53 days till Spring Training.
Now, I’m a realist, sometimes a downer and my girlfriend woke up in a HORRIBLE mood today (no fun), but I’ll be honest, I believe things could be worse for our boys. In fact we have a LOT to look forward to this season…
The chance to watch Billy Wagner throw gas 3-5 nights a week
1) A very solid pitching staff (featuring a full season from Tommy Hanson)
2) The Incredible Hulk taking over at 1B
3) Our first taste of Jason Heyward
4) Cox finally getting poured over by the media in his last season at the helm
5) McCann with fully corrected vision
6) Nate McClouth on full rest from the off-season
7) The hot dog selection at Turner Field
9) Mistaking Kris Medlen for the bat boy in pre-game BP
10) Who cares…. baseball season is around the corner.
Runnin
January 7th, 2010
8:26 am
from Strait Story….
Young smart aleck: “What’s the worse part about getting old, Alvin?”
Alvin Strait: “Rememberin’ when I was young.”
Jay212033
January 7th, 2010
8:34 am
The best Rap album of all-time is Nas – Illmatic!
Oh and someone posted a few days ago a comment from Jim Callis’ blog about the Phillies farm system being better than the Braves. Well yesterday Callis stated the that was pre Halladay/Vazquez trades and that he’d rank the Braves ahead of the Phillies now.
P. W. Hjort
January 7th, 2010
8:46 am
Hinske signing is questionable IMO.
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 7th, 2010
8:55 am
Best Rap album of all time: Tupac’s All Eyes On Me
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 7th, 2010
8:56 am
Makaveli is the second greatest. All of Tupac’s albums are great though.
raleighbravefan
January 7th, 2010
9:03 am
Elon – All well said. Let’s play ball and see what happens.
unbelievable
January 7th, 2010
9:05 am
there is nothing questionable about signing a cheap bench bat
GatorBrave
January 7th, 2010
9:09 am
Why the fu@! did Wren sign Saito anyways? For Kawakami and future Japanese market? We don’t need him at all with Moylan,Medlen and O’Flaherty. See, that’s what gets me about Wren. That Hinske signing is qeustionable and DUMB when you consider he could’ve used the Saito and Saito money plus what little is left over for Damon or Nady. I swear, if any of you believe a stinkin Cabrera,Diaz platoon is enough than you’re fooling yourselves. 3rd place finish unless so many things go right….TOO many things if you ask me. Wren has already screwed Bobby, Chipper and all of us out of the playoffs for 2010.
I try to find what’s gone right this offseason for my team and draw a blank. Fans, we’re worse off than we were ending the ‘09 campaign. Try and convince me different,I don’t think you can.
Lets see here:
Wagner/Saito – Gonzo/Soriano = equal
LaRoche – Glaus = downgrade
Vazquez – Hudson = downgrade
Anderson,Diaz/Church,Diaz – Cabrera,Diaz = equal
Hinske – Norton = upgrade….. duh, my baby cousin is an upgrade to Norton
So, tell me, have we upgraded one bit this offseason? And don’t mention Heyward because he’s just a kid that shouldn’t be a solution to this teams offense for at least another year when he’s actually faced a MLB pitch.
floridastateseminoles
January 7th, 2010
9:10 am
Quick question is someone could answer this for me please
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman says that Braves’ team president John Schuerholz indicated the team’s payroll “won’t be diminished at all.” Bowman’s rough estimate has the team’s 2010 payroll at about $87MM after they spent roughly $95MM in 2009.
Are the Braves playing dumb and going to make a couple of more signing are not.
VOR
January 7th, 2010
9:11 am
Elon: Nice post at 8:15…
GatorBrave
January 7th, 2010
9:12 am
Sorry fans, I meant the Saito and Hinske money to be used on a OF bat. I know that might not equal out to enough for a guy like Damon or even Nady, but don’t tell me they wouldn’t have a little more left to sign one of those guys.
P. W. Hjort
January 7th, 2010
9:13 am
unbelievable (January 7th, 2010 9:05 am EST): there is nothing questionable about signing a cheap bench bat
There’s no reason Brandon Jones or Mitch Jones or a number of other minor leaguers can’t do the same damn thing for league minimum. Save the money, spend it on the draft or IFA market.
floridastateseminoles
January 7th, 2010
9:13 am
sorry if someone could answer this for me
BAMABRAVE
January 7th, 2010
9:15 am
Just have to start the day off right and say to all ROLL TIDE!!! Tonight is the night we bring home our 13th National Championship! This year we’ve painted the state of Alabama Crimson, the SEC Crimson and now we’ll paint the nation Crimson! Roll Tide!! And, Go Braves!
tiger297
January 7th, 2010
9:18 am
around the bowl and down the whole roll tide roll
GatorBrave
January 7th, 2010
9:18 am
DOB, cut your underwear or something. Nice blog and all, but that doesn’t give you a right to say what you want to Braves fans. Hey now, this franchise needs all the fans it can get and one of their beat writers shouldn’t be a butthole to what fans are left. Turner Field is looking like the land that time forgot these days with an average of what, 18,000 a game. Chill Music Man.
tiger297
January 7th, 2010
9:19 am
or down the hole…either way
Noah
January 7th, 2010
9:26 am
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman says that Braves’ team president John Schuerholz indicated the team’s payroll “won’t be diminished at all.” Bowman’s rough estimate has the team’s 2010 payroll at about $87MM after they spent roughly $95MM in 2009.
O.J.
January 7th, 2010
9:28 am
floridastateseminoles, no, there will be no more moves because we are at the 90 million dollar mark with all the incentives added and sign on bonuses factored in. Only way we get another player is through trade or something, but that isnt happening either, at least thats what Frank said.
GatorBrave, you need to realize that this is a blog, and it is DOB’s blog, and just as anyone else on this blog can say what the hell they feel, so can DOB. So, I suggest if you dont like it, you go create your own blog and say what ever you want there. We regulars are quite content with the way this blog is ran.
DAP
January 7th, 2010
9:28 am
Hinske signing is questionable IMO.There’s no reason Brandon Jones or Mitch Jones or a number of other minor leaguers can’t do the same damn thing for league minimum.
brandon jones, no. plays only corner OF and does not have the power potential hinske has. you may have an argument with mitch jones. dude plays every position hinske plays and obviously has alot of power. perhaps the braves would rather have a veteran as a fall back plan? a guy who has actually done it in the majors?
does anyone know the terms of the hinske deal, anyways?
floridastateseminoles
January 7th, 2010
9:29 am
noah
seen that to who you think they are talking to hope its dye and sheffield
Jeff R
January 7th, 2010
9:29 am
The A Bomb… I wouldn’t quite say that ‘10 is an “illusion for the average fan,” or words to that affect. I’d say Wren has his sights set on 2011 and beyond. He’s added “ifs” to the roster who he believes will help make the club competitive but doesn’t bust the bank or require longer term commitments.
Competitiveness for the 2010 Braves rests on the “ifs” (if healthy, if rebounded) coming through. My guess is that if the “ifs” meet expectations, then the Braves will be a very good club with a shot at the post season (that’s post season, as in wild card. The good ol’ Phillies have to be prohibitive favorites to win the division again).
O.J.
January 7th, 2010
9:32 am
OMFG, there are no more moves happening people, NONE, Frank has already stated as such. I imagine that even on opening day when we have this same lineup without anyone else being added, that you dolts will still be saying, “Who do you think Frank is gonna get, Nady or Dye?” Frank said he is done after adding another small piece, like a bench bat, and he did that with Hinske, so there is no more happening. And if there is, it wont be a major piece at all.
GatorBrave
January 7th, 2010
9:32 am
Noah, well, I’m sure they’ve put up some money in case they need it for a in season deal, but it’s who this Wren guy signed already is where the problem lies. I know a basball season is going to have question marks regardless, but Wren has just created more and more questions with his signings. I feel sorry for Bobby Cox, I really do. Wren is a sorry SOB and if we don’t reach the playoffs or at least come damn close I hope he gets the ax at season’s end. We can do better.
Noah
January 7th, 2010
9:41 am
Sheffied would not be a good fit. He is 41 and injury prone. Signings like Hinske make much more sense then Sheffield. Dye on the other hand may help. Obviously someone like Damon would be great. Frankly most of the best remaining players are not outfielders.
Jeff R
January 7th, 2010
9:42 am
Wren and the entire front office aren’t aiming for short term success – one season wonders and then puff!
I credit Wren with returning to the philiosphy that gave the Braves their incredible run: build from within, build with pitching and defense, and and other parts as needed.
I’d rather see the franchise positioned to be competitive for a number of years rather than see them throw everything they’ve got into the bucket for a one season payoff.
Banker
January 7th, 2010
9:48 am
The Braves subtracted Vasquez, LaRoche, K. Johnson, G. Anderson, R. Church, M. Gonzalez, and R. Soriano. They added Wagner, Saito, Glaus, Hinske, and Cabrera. How does this make the team better in 2010? Are the players that were added really any better than the ones lost? It seems several of players they added come with major injury risks. Please tell me the “offseason roster reconstruction” is not complete!
unbelievable
January 7th, 2010
9:49 am
Wren is building with pitching, dont think defense is his main concern. 3/4 of our infield arent really known for being very solid defensive players
TommyP
January 7th, 2010
9:50 am
I’d categorize the Braves’ offseason as risky and uninspiring. With risk, however, there is the chance of reward.
I think most of us had a different idea of what Wren would do this offseason. When many of us filled the blog with concern for our Braves last season, the optimists kept pointing to how we’d have money to spend this offseason on a hitter. If you said Glaus, Hinske and Melky would be your answers last September, 99% would’ve (A) made fun of you and (B) called you AND idiot.
With that said, as a Braves fan, I’m ready to get the season started. I think even the ones that are disappointed will eventually shove their opinions aside and root like hell for the Bravos. It just might be strictly from the couch, however.
floridastateseminoles
January 7th, 2010
9:50 am
noah
Thank you I will agree with you on Sheffield but would be nice to see him in a braves uniform one more time. I would like for them to add Dye I think he could be had for pretty cheap say 5mil and produce 20-30 homeruns. Its kills me people saying the braves are done but yet that statement comes out from the team president.
unbelievable
January 7th, 2010
9:51 am
“Banker – The Braves subtracted Vasquez, LaRoche, K. Johnson, G. Anderson, R. Church, M. Gonzalez, and R. Soriano. They added Wagner, Saito, Glaus, Hinske, and Cabrera. How does this make the team better in 2010?”
no the braves replaced francouer, kj, schafer, kotchman, norton, and anderson from the lineup with Glaus, Prado, Diaz, McLouth, Hinske and Melky/Heyward. Sori and Gonzo have just as much risk as Wagner and Saito
jeffrey d
January 7th, 2010
9:52 am
Just have to start the day off right and say to all ROLL TIDE!!!
This is why it’s gonna be hard to root for them
Ben
January 7th, 2010
9:52 am
Jeff R , I agree with you 100%. All these additions are stop gap, to be competitive this year.
TommyP
January 7th, 2010
9:54 am
Jeff R: If defense is Wren’s plan, what is Glaus doing at first? Our infield defense is average at best. OF should be pretty good, however, if Heyward fares well in right.
DOB: I hear so much about Heyward’s offensive prowess, what about his defense? His arm? Instincts?
Banker
January 7th, 2010
9:56 am
Unbelievable: Those moves you mentioned happened DURING THE SEASON! I am talked about all the off season moves that were supposed to happen to upgrade our offense. Our offense is no better now than it was when the season ended- and we have lost our best starting pitcher from 2009!
bravesgrl4life
January 7th, 2010
9:56 am
Elon Brave your 8:15 post was great! Can we not just have some fun with the Braves this season, win or lose?
Noah
January 7th, 2010
9:57 am
TommyP: I have not seen the Braves focus on defense in recent years, wish they did more kinda like Seattle has gone to with their new GM.
But I think Glaus could be pretty good at 1st. He is still pretty young, was one of the best defensive 3rd baseman in the game and will probably adjust well.
McFann O
January 7th, 2010
9:58 am
JJ4NLCY–
I know it’s a children’s book…actually, those I cann handle a little better.
I’ll try to remember to look it up next time we go to the bookstore.
David O'Brien
January 7th, 2010
9:58 am
Mornin’, all.
TommyP, Heyward’s a very good defensively outfielder, which is why they never considering moving him to first base to fill that role. He’s got a great arm, real good range and speed, good OF instincts, according to scouts. And everything I saw in him last spring, in workouts and the games he played, supported those reviews….
DOB You ever watch Better Off Ted — Nolie
Watched a few of the first episodes. Thought it was good, not great, and stopped DVR’ing it. Has it gotten better? Someone mentioned that it had….
DOB, cut your underwear or something. — Gatorbrave
Too cold here to cut my underwear, dude.
(What does that mean, anyway? I don’t know that I’ve ever even heard that expression. Cut your underwear?)
Noah
January 7th, 2010
9:59 am
Banker: If your offense is no better then the end of last year then we have enough offense and are fine.
floridastateseminoles
January 7th, 2010
10:00 am
forgot to mention johnny gomes would be a nice pickup for the braves
would be nice for them to get gomes and dye
Ron H
January 7th, 2010
10:00 am
“In addition, the Braves annually save a small portion of their allocated payroll in the event that it will be needed during the season to account for injuries or provide assistance at the Trade Deadline. ”
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100106&content_id=7884776&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
McFann O
January 7th, 2010
10:01 am
bravesgrl4life Can we not just have some fun with the Braves this season, win or lose?
Sounds like a challenge! I’ll give it a whirl…but the first time BMac K’s more than once in a game, all that may be out the window.
BTW–Love the photos of Whiskey and Brandy! Too cute!
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 7th, 2010
10:01 am
TommyP–Heyward is considered a five tool talent. He’s got a great arm, is very good defensively, and runs very well for a guy his size. According to every scout that I’ve read quotes from, he’s expected to be the total package.
David O'Brien
January 7th, 2010
10:03 am
N8: Great couple of posts late last night/early this morning. Almost couldn’t believe how upbeat you seemed. Especially considering the momentum the Minnesota Favres have going into the playoffs. (smile).
Noah
January 7th, 2010
10:03 am
Gomes and dye would mean they would have to let 2 outfielders go. If you keep Heyward down though you could get one of them.
Banker
January 7th, 2010
10:03 am
The only way we have enough offense this year is if every offensive player has a career year. Chipper is going to have to have a monster season. McCann has to stay healthy, Glaus will have to come back strong from injuries, McClouth, Cabrera, and Diaz will all have to have career years for our outfield to even compare with other teams. Heyward has never seen a MLB pitch! There are so many “IF’S” in this lineup – just like there was last year to start the season.
jeffrey d
January 7th, 2010
10:04 am
Can we not just have some fun with the Braves this season, win or lose?
I can see two sides to this. On the one hand, we love the Braves. On the other hand, 162 games is a loooooong time if you’re losing.
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 7th, 2010
10:05 am
Our offense is no better now than it was when the season ended
Banker–Maybe you weren’t paying attention the last few months of last season? The offense was one of the top scoring in the league after those inseason moves were made. From that end of the season lineup, you’ve subtracted Anderson, Johnson, Church, and Laroche, but added Glaus, Cabrera, Hinske, and probably Heyward. I think the offense will be pretty good personally, maybe not league leading necessarily like it was the last few months of the season, but not bad like you’re trying to make it out to be.
Noah
January 7th, 2010
10:07 am
Banker: I’m not understanding. First you say the offense is no better then the end of last year which was good enough to win and combined with our pitching to be one of the best teams in baseball in the 2nd half. Now you say there is not enough offense.
O.J.
January 7th, 2010
10:07 am
I just dont understand why its so hard for everyone to grasp that Frank is done making moves. I mean, I understand hoping he makes more, but realistically, it isnt going to happen, yet, all we hear is, who else can we get. And its no one!
Noah
January 7th, 2010
10:09 am
GM’s are never done looking at moves to improve a team. Its funny for fans to sit here and say they are 100% done no matter what.
Banker
January 7th, 2010
10:10 am
Noah: If last years offense was good enough to win, why didn’t we make the playoffs? Thye flopped down the stretch. I believe they ended the season on a 6 game losing streak? Wait and see…..Wren will have to try and pull another midseason retooling again this year. There are just so many “IFs”
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 7th, 2010
10:10 am
Chipper is going to have to have a monster season. McCann has to stay healthy, Glaus will have to come back strong from injuries, McClouth, Cabrera, and Diaz will all have to have career years for our outfield to even compare with other teams.
I see you conveniently leave out Escobar and Prado. They are better offensive players than the majority of middle infielders around the NL.
David O'Brien
January 7th, 2010
10:10 am
They just announced Wilco at Fox Theatre on March 26. Don’t they know that’s the last week of spring training? Come on, fellas….
O.J.
January 7th, 2010
10:12 am
Noah, no, a GM is never done making moves, if it can help the team. But from Frank’s perspective, he is done making moves that people would consider big, like a Dye or Nady signing. He said so himself. So no, fans are not saying we are 100% done, Frank pretty much is.
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 7th, 2010
10:13 am
If last years offense was good enough to win, why didn’t we make the playoffs?
Go look at the offensive numbers the first half of the season, that’s why the Braves didn’t make the playoffs. After Frenchy, Schafer, and Johnson were dumped the offensive improved dramatically.
O.J.
January 7th, 2010
10:13 am
If last years offense was good enough to win, why didn’t we make the playoffs? Banker
Because we didnt have the same lineup all year, thats why. Sheesh.
bravesgrl4life
January 7th, 2010
10:13 am
McFann, I’m just gonna try, ’cause for the first time in the almost 18 years I’ve lived up here, I get to go to more than one or two games during the season. And, I have my gear this year – BMac jersey, Hanson t-shirt, and my Braves hat. So, I’m ready to go.
Noah
January 7th, 2010
10:14 am
Banker: The #’s show the Braves had one of the top offenses in the 2nd half and one of the best run differentials in baseball. They fell behind too far in the 1st half with Schaefer, Frenchy and the like to catch up. I suppose if you don’t value Mclouth, Glaus and other additions then you believe the offense has not changed.
Banker
January 7th, 2010
10:14 am
Macon braves: I left out Escobar and Prado, because they are pretty consistant. The rest of lineup needs to come back very strong this year. Who is realistaclly going to hit 25 homeruns this year? Who wil drive in 100+ runs? Who wil steal 20 or more bases? We have some players that can, but like I said, they will have to have a career year.
O.J.
January 7th, 2010
10:15 am
Banker, you are one of those guys that likes to just look at what Frank did and not look at the obvious and do some research before spouting off.
David O'Brien
January 7th, 2010
10:15 am
Dentist appointment at 11 a.m. Arrgh.
(Fortunately, my dentist, as I’ve mentioned before, is quite attractive — in her late 30s and has her own practice. Still, going to the dentist is going to the dentist.)
glord1
January 7th, 2010
10:16 am
Here is how I see the Braves chances in 2010. They are one of about 15 teams that can make the playoffs. They have a chance but alot of things have to go right for them to make it. In the not so distant past alot of things had to go wrong for them to miss. That is the position the Phillies find themselves in now.
Here is what has to go right.
Two aging but good relievers have to hold up. I believe they will.
Glaus has to stay healthy and give the Braves at worst 20 hr and 80 rbi. I would say that is 70/30 yes
Chipper has to rebound. 50/50 at best. I think his days as a run producer may be over.
The starting pitching has to produce again. 80/20 yes. Pretty likely.
Heyward has to produce. I believe he will. 18 hr 75 rbi and hits .290
McLouth has to rebound. I feel really good about a 24 hr 85 rbi 265 ave season minimum.
Diaz and Cabrara have to produce 15 hr 75 rbi and .290 ave. That should happen easliy.
Prado has to keep doing it. I will be shocked if he does not.
this is what I expect.
McLouth 25 85 .265
Prado 14 70 .310
Chipper 18 78 .295
Glaus 25 85 .260
McCann 24 90 .295
Esco 15 78 .295
Heyward 20 75 .285
Diaz/Cabrara 15 70 .290
That might be enough to get us into the playoffs with Hinske and Ofante chipping in if the Pitching does what it is capable of doing.
DAP
January 7th, 2010
10:16 am
noahGomes and dye would mean they would have to let 2 outfielders go. If you keep Heyward down though you could get one of them.
no, i dont think so. position players that are gone from last years roster are, johnson, church, norton, anderson, laroche. thats 5 guys. so far we have added glaus, melky and hinske…so while really you need at least one of those two last spots to be an infielder (thurston?) you could add another outfielder AND bring heyward in, or you cold keep heyward down and bring in two outfielders.
moot point though, right? were done. weve added glaus, hinske, melky, thurston will probably get one of the slots and if heyward doesnt start the season on the 25 man, i bet mitch or brandon jones keep his seat warm for him.
Lew
January 7th, 2010
10:17 am
Got to agree with Nathan on this one. The Phillies had a losing record against us last year. The Braves also beat Halladay and Lee straight up and own Johan.
The reason we came up short in the playoff race is quite simple-we have to beat the Pirates and the Nats. Unless we improve against the lesser teams which tend to give us constant difficulties, we will go no further than we have. I’m not worried about the Phillies-I’m concerned with the cellar dwellers.
Hillbilly
January 7th, 2010
10:17 am
DOB,
I saw in the last blog that you ranked DBTs The Fine Print much higher than Patterson’s Murdering Oscar. I got both for Christmas, and while both are top notch in my book, I just can’t get past how much better I’m liking Murdering Oscar and other Love Songs.
Maybe it’s because I wasn’t expecting much out of Hood after hearing Killers and Stars. Or maybe it’s because I have been listening to most of the Fine Print songs on the accoustic Live at Cooley’s House double CD for several years now, so the new has worn off. All I do know is my kids are probably getting tired of listening to “Heavy and Hanging” on their way to school every morning.
Tomas
January 7th, 2010
10:18 am
Defense has definitely improved. Melky or Heyward is a much better option in right field than Diaz, and Diaz can handle left field much better than Garret Anderson that’s for sure. Prado is better defensively then Johnson, and Chipper had a down year defensively, but hopefully he’ll bounce back. Yunel got much better during the second half, hopefully he’ll be like that for a full season. And Glaus was a great defensive third base man, so first base shouldn’t be that hard for him, but he is a downgrade over kotchman and Laroche almost everybody is.
Banker
January 7th, 2010
10:19 am
Noah: The players that have left from season’s end are: LaRoche, K. Johnson, G. Anderson, and Church. They have added Glaus, Hinske, and Cabrera. G. Anderson’s numbers were comparable than Cabrera’s last year, K. Johnson was comparable to Hinske, Glaus didn’t even play last year, and has barely ever played first base. AND we lost our best pitcher! There is no way that this team was upgraded from last year! I don’t care how good the offense was at season’s end, we didn’t make the playoffs. This team should have been improved from season’s end, and not merely kept to status quo.
Noah
January 7th, 2010
10:20 am
Banker:
Mclouth will steal 20 bases. he stole 19 last year and he was injured. In a full season he likely will give you 25hrs too, he had 20 last year.
Other 25hr candidates include: Glaus likely, McCann, Chipper,
Arkansas Transplant
January 7th, 2010
10:21 am
The reason the payroll last year was round 95mil is because they received insurance money for Hudson and used it during the season to pick up Laroche. They said this years payroll would stay around 90mil but they also indicated they wanted to have some sort of payroll room this year in case they need to make a move during the season.
O.J.
January 7th, 2010
10:22 am
Banker, look at it this way.
Opening Day lineup last year.
Johnson
Escobar
Jones
McCann
Anderson
Franceour
Kotchman
Schafer
Pitcher.
This years eventual opening day lineup.
McLouth (will have him a full year)
Prado (will be in the lineup full time)
Jones (Determined to come back and has Glaus now protecting him)
Glaus (Just know that he is going to hit at least 35 homers)
McCann (will be in the lineup a full year, and we all know he can hit)
Escobar (enough said)
Melky/Diaz (will put up much better numbers than Loaf)
Heyward (kid is a phenom, if he is ready, hes ready)
Pitcher
Now look at that and honestly tell me you dont think this team is better than last years.
Noah
January 7th, 2010
10:23 am
Regarding Kotchman and LaRoche. Was lead to believe they were steller defensive players last year but reading this year that many rank them average to below average and the advanced defensive stats show that to be the case.
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
January 7th, 2010
10:24 am
Sorry to go back in time folks but I was just reading the exchange between DOB and Random from yesterday.
Which was a little entertaining i must say. But I enjoy the variety of topics on this blog.
We get off topic (Braves/baseball) a little…but its a blog. And we’re always thinking of the Braves (at least most of us are)…and if you don’t like what’s being discussed there’s usually several topics going on at once.
So pick one and jump in.
Best blog on the net as far as I’m concerned!
Arkansas Transplant
January 7th, 2010
10:25 am
The only problem I have with anything we’ve done up to this point, is the way we seemed to rush to move Vazquez. I really don’t think they had to move him in order to sign Glaus. I think we could have traded Vazquez at any moment between now and spring training without any effort. So the fact we moved on that trade so quickly kind of concerns me. I think we could have gotten a little more by waiting til spring. He was like our “ACE” in-the-hole, no pun intended.
GermanBravesFan
January 7th, 2010
10:25 am
Noah & floridastateseminoles: while it is perfectly alright to discuss which players would be nice to have, we have to face reality… The Braves’ are done making significant moves. As several people have stated before: payroll might be at $87 Million right now (with a limit of $95 Million), but one still has to add in possible incentives/bonus money. This means we are close to the maximum… Even if the Braves traded someone, they could only trade for someone with similar salary. Hey, let’s just get the season started and see what happens!
(Who knows, perhaps they are saving a little bit in case they would like to have some flexibility at the trade deadline…)
glord1
January 7th, 2010
10:25 am
OJ – That line up is better. Much better. The question is will the pitching be as good. It was pretty remarkable last year. Jurrjens and Vazquez should have both won 20 games last season.
CB
January 7th, 2010
10:26 am
The Braves scored 735 runs last year,to have a chance that total needs to go up to at least 800. Those who are hoping our pitching will be better are probably dreaming. With this current roster, we have a chance to score 800 with the perfect scenarios of good health from old timers, younger players to step up even more and Heyward to step in and be what we are all hoping. It can happen and that is all we can hope for.
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
January 7th, 2010
10:26 am
I was at the dentist yesterday DOB…and the Dental Assistant was extremely extremely hot.
And wouldn’t ya know it…I have some work I need to get done on my teeth.
Now I can’t wait to get the dentist. Let hope she holds my hand when I get the numbing needle.
Daslied
January 7th, 2010
10:27 am
I can’t believe Random is Australian. I pictured him as Stephen Hawking.
I also can’t believe someone (TnBrian?) said DOB has the worst musical taste he’s ever seen, when more than once here Tomahawkin’ has stated that he was currently listening to Color Me Badd. Dude, even if apart from that you had the greatest taste ever, you’d be the O.J. Simpson of musical taste – shame about that “one thing”. Just messin’ with you, by the way.
How about Robert? Dude was making some good posts last night, for about 10 minutes. Then he went down the inevitable path of ridiculousness.
Banker
January 7th, 2010
10:28 am
Noah: You mention HR “candidates” I know they are capable, but do really think all 4 will hit around 25 HRs this year? Mabye I’m just being pessimistic. I miss the days when the Braves were always in mix for the top free agents every offseason. Now we are bottom feeders, going after unproven young guys, and injury prone older players on the cheap!
auburnbrave
January 7th, 2010
10:29 am
After seeing how this offseason has shaped up so far, I get the feeling that the 2010 season will mirror 2009 as far as Frank Wren’s actions. Looks to me like maybe he’s planning on going into Spring Training or even the season with a team with a lot of potential, but also planning on tweaking things and maybe even shaking up the lineup with some trades that haven’t been available right now.
Radio Cure
January 7th, 2010
10:29 am
DOB, Wilco’s playing Miami on 3/22 (off day for the Braves) and 3/23 in Clearwater (you’s probably have to race up from St. Lucie, though, to get there in time).
David O'Brien
January 7th, 2010
10:30 am
Daslied: Funny you mentioned that about Robert. I swear after his first couple of HOF posts, I was about to comment on how reasoned and well-researched they were. Then, as you pointed out….
Elon Brave
January 7th, 2010
10:31 am
I mean, I check the team site, and the ajc site and all the trade rumor sites throughout the day and it just gets tiring. I think we have a chance to be really good this year. Our roster has its risk-spots but that’s every team. We have some young guys waiting in the wings should something go wrong. I think there’s a lot of reason for optimism.
HomeofdaBrave
January 7th, 2010
10:31 am
Again, when are people going to stop bringing up the Braves second half? Come July and the Braves are still struggling to score runs?
I can see it now:
“WHO CARES IF THE PHILLIES ARE 10 GAMES IN FRONT OF US, LAST SEASON, WE WERE THE BESTEST TEAM IN BASEBALL IN THE SECOND HALF!1!!”
It’s a new season with new players. No Vazquez or Laroche (and his .957 OPS) this time.
Lew
January 7th, 2010
10:31 am
GLord-I don;t see McLouth hitting 25 HR’s-not while playing half his games at The Ted (see his .214 BA in Atlanta last year). At this point, I’d be happy if he hits that .265. THAT would be a significant improvement right there.
McFann O
January 7th, 2010
10:31 am
bravesgrl4life–
Yeah, I’m gonna give it a try, too–sometimes I REALLY annoy myself when I get so worked up over “dumb stuff”. I mean, obviously if BMac goes into another 0-20 tailspin I won’t be too pleasant, but I really want one little loss or one little 0-fer to not effect me the same way it (they?) effected me in the past.
So put that in writing (and remember that I said “ONE little loss or ONE little 0-fer”.
)…
Hope you get to go to some exciting games! Maybe you’ll get to see Hanson pitch a gem and BMac hit one-a those bases-loaded doubles–all in one game!