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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,693 comments Add your comment
Mike in Smyrna
January 16th, 2010
12:53 pm
Somebody earlier said something about never having a unanimous first ballot hall of famer. I agree that I don’t think it will happen with Maddux but only because some of these writers will purposefully keep it from happening. Are there any names in mind that fall in to that category that should be but probably wont? Griffey, Pujols, Randy Johnson?
Jim
January 16th, 2010
12:53 pm
If Glavine sign on with Braves I bet part of the deal is that he does not have to report/answer to AH Wren.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
12:54 pm
Heyward-
13 pitchers, 8 regulars, Infante, Ross, Hinske and whoever (Heyward, Shafer, ???).
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
12:55 pm
yeah clint did very in in atlanta, Tom….. .176 career average…..did really well last year bumped the old average up to .182 with a .250obp and a robust .182slg dang he did hit well
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
12:56 pm
maybe you were talking about 2007 when he got 3 at bats for the year and got 2 hits.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
12:59 pm
Heyward-
I guess it’s unlikely Sammons could improve at all. You are right, he’s a worthless slug lucky to be playing pro ball at all. Why is he even in the organization?
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:00 pm
I agree
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
1:04 pm
Heyward-
You would, I suppose you can evaluate talent better than the organization. At any rate, Sammons was merely a suggestion to the possibility. It could be any catcher with superior defensive skills as that would be his role in a 3 catcher scenario.
wjones
January 16th, 2010
1:04 pm
You guys are right, Bobby will not have a third catcher. He will have a 12th pitcher. And rather than have a wasted roster spot on a third catcher, he will have a wasted roster spot on a 12th pitcher. And Ross will not be used unless McCann is resting, no matter how well he hits. Pet peeve of mine. And for the record, I don’t think that, given the opportunity, Sammons would be any more worthless than Paul Bako, Henry Blanco, or many other “lifer back-up catchers” taking up roster spaces in MLB.
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:05 pm
I think he’s gone for now salamander
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:06 pm
Hey, you’re the one that wanted him on your team Tom, and you were the one who said he hit well in Atlanta not me, sorry you took offense…and not once did I say I could evaluate talent.
wjones
January 16th, 2010
1:09 pm
Well my earlier post was eaten up, but DOB, I was going to comment on your take on Kevin Brown’s sensational year in 1996. I too agree that is was a great year, but I wanted to comment about the WHIP and the 16 hit batters. The way I understand the stat, WHIP does not include HBP’s, only hits and walks. While that usually doesn’t make much difference, it would understate someone like Brown. HBP’s have the same effect as walks, and to not include them in WHIP is a flaw of the stat, IMHO. Doesn’t change the fact that he had a great year, and the WHIP would still be great, just not quite as great.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
1:09 pm
wjones-
Even if you carry 12 pitchers and 8 regulars you still have 5 spots open minus Infante, Hinske and Ross. That is 23 players. Who are the other 2? Shafer, Heyward
It was simply a suggestion on a 25 man team. I was not advocating.
ugaaccountant
January 16th, 2010
1:10 pm
“Heyward
yeah clint did very in in atlanta, Tom….. .176 career average…..did really well last year bumped the old average up to .182 with a .250obp and a robust .182slg dang he did hit well”
Clint’s ability is completely irrelevant to the proposal. I don’t believe his proposal is a good idea but I will seek to understand it nonetheless.
His proposal is to have Clint Sammons on the Braves bench so that both McCann and Ross can be ideally utilized without having to worry about what would happen in an emergency if an injury occured. The premise being that Ross is a pretty good player that could help rest McCann and perform okay at the plate. I believe Bobby already utilizes McCann and Ross as often as he would like and is relatively comfortable in an emergency with Diaz catching an inning or two for 1 game until Sammons could be called up from Gwinnett.
The thinking here is similar to soccer where you have 3 substituions and Goalies are a highly specialized position. Often a coach will hold the 3rd substitution until very late just in case the Goalie gets injured. But ultimately there are so many other things to worry about that the coach often uses the 3rd sub anyway and would make do with whomever in the very limited chance that the Goalie does get injured. That’s why very few clubs hold an emergency catcher on the 25 man roster when there are so many other uses for that roster spot.
richbrave
January 16th, 2010
1:11 pm
DAVID O’BRIEN:
“Can he [DAMON] help the Braves? Absolutely. They could put him in left field and trade Melky Cabrera or – I’d really hate to see this – Matt Diaz……”
Is that because you consider him as solid a citizen of a player as I do? None better fror the BRAVES in my book.
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:12 pm
I understood his proposal UGAA but thanks for breaking it down again in 3 paragraphs well done
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
1:12 pm
Heyward-
My 12:39, Anyone think the Braves carry 3 catchers, maybe Sammons?
Dude, learn how to read or at least comprehend. Maybe means maybe, not I think he should be on the team.
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:14 pm
whatever Tom sorry you said he hit well in atlanta and I proved you wrong my bad now get over and stop insulting
Heath
January 16th, 2010
1:14 pm
I checked out that pre-presser video that TommyP posted…. what a tool that one TV guy was. Upsetting your peers, with whom you have to continue to work, is not a good idea.
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:16 pm
Dude, learn how to read or at least comprehend. Maybe means maybe, not I think he should be on the team. Tom
And for the record the blog shows I answered no to that, and you came back with well he did hit well in atlanta. I answered your question with a no Cox will not carry 3 catchers, then simple asked if you would really want sammons taking a roster spot.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
1:16 pm
ugaaccountant-
Thanx for the clarification for all the knee-jerks. I thought anyone would understand the premise with the phrasing, Anyone think and maybe.
ColoradoBravesFan
January 16th, 2010
1:17 pm
Tom O’Hawke
January 16th, 2010
2:36 am
Hey Braves_Fan_RSD , I see on your other site that you are currently only givng the Braves a 19.1% chance of making the playoffs. 4 teams make the playoffs, from the NL, out of 16. That’s 1 in 4, or 25%. If everything is equal, all teams would have a 25% chance of making the playoffs (in the NL). So, are you saying, that right now, you think that the Braves’ chances of making the playoffs, are that much less than equal?
Even though 4 teams make the playoffs, the Braves only have 2 ways to get there. Win the NL east or the wildcard. So, it is 2 in 14(1 in 7) chance not 1 in 4. If everything were equal. But with the Phils in our division, it really is more like a 1 in 13 chance. We will need lots of ifs to go our way and some luck to make the playoffs this year.
Go Braves….
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
1:20 pm
Heyward-
I don’t see Cox using 3 catchers.
Very next post- Would you want Sammons taking a roster spot?
Dude, a little more than a simple no.
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:22 pm
right and my post @ 1:16pm says exactly what you just said lol
richbrave
January 16th, 2010
1:22 pm
richbrave
January 16th, 2010
1:18 pm
And thanks GEORGIA for sending the UNIVERSITY of RICHMOND one DARRIUS GARRETT by way of Powder Springs. He had 14 blocks against UMASS wednesday night and gets the start tonight, his first as a soph. We now have three of five starters on our men’s b-ball team from GEORGIA to wit: KEVIN ANDERSON, pg; DAVID GONZOLVEZ, sg; DARRIUS GARRETT, pf. And NIKITA THOMAS on the women’s starting five. Thank you again GEORGIA. Keep ‘um coming.
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:22 pm
lol thanks
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:24 pm
But keep arguing all you want Tom have a great day my friend I am going to go work on my reading and comprehension
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
1:26 pm
You should, it’s obvious.
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:27 pm
I could say the same thing for you Tom Waits since my post @1:16pm says the same thing as your post @1:20 pm so if i have trouble looks like you do to,…..DUDE grow up
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
1:29 pm
OK, I’ll try.
Salamander
January 16th, 2010
1:31 pm
Ha, Heyward – you remind me of PL a little with the way you respond in rapid fire succession. You don’t happen to like the Cowboys do you?
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:32 pm
I don’t really care for football not sure why
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:36 pm
I got no problem with Tom, and never insulted him until he said I needed to learn to read or at least comprehend. I’ll grant him that he did say maybe Sammons. But I really only asked him, if he would really want Sammons for a roster spot…..it was just a question….I don’t come on here to fight and if Tom feels I was a jerk to him then hey I’m sorry Tom.
Eric from MO
January 16th, 2010
1:36 pm
I have to agree with Uga. I think Bobby already uses Ross like a ph some, unlike past back-up catchers. Seems I recall him pinch hitting some last year. I dont remember how much but I know it was some. Really cant see any point in carrying a 3rd catcher.
Steve from OH
January 16th, 2010
1:38 pm
I dunno, I don’t think Sammons is a bad player for the Braves to keep around. Having a catcher that is good defensively and a good reciever isn’t a bad thing, especially if he’s just an injury fill-in for a short period of time, like Sammons is.
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:46 pm
Enter your comments here
Eric from MO
January 16th, 2010
1:47 pm
I dont know…seems like a waste of a roster spot to keep somebody to just play in case of an emergenacy.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
1:48 pm
Heyward-
Sorry to insult. Anyway, if the Braves carry 13 pitchers like they did last year, they have 1 roster spot available. Carrying 13 last year is where Norton really killed them because he was used as a PH only (no real defensive skills anywhere on the diamond). If they carry 12, like most teams, there will be 2 roster spots available. Who, on the 40 man roster will get these 2 remaining spots?
jj
January 16th, 2010
1:53 pm
I know I’m beating a dead horse but I still don’t understand the total lack of respect this organization has for Andruw Jones.I know Glav,Maddog,and JS were great Braves and should be held in high esteen,but neither denied the money to stay in The ATL like #25 did and he gave his all when other Great Braves,(#10),chose to sit it out.The first thing this organization do is give his number to whoever they sign.I wonder who will wear #10.Druw,there are a few of us that appreciate your time here and there will never be another #25.I also wonder when they will pay our SS the MONEY like they did Mac and Frenchie?Silence is Golden.
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
1:54 pm
Just guessing but Thurston and Jones if they have OK spring trainings?
Eric from MO
January 16th, 2010
2:00 pm
jj AJ sucks now. It is no disrepect but he isnt a HOFer and will never be. Plus why in the hell would you pay a player more than you have too? That is ridiculous. Not even considering there already has been problems with him in the locker-room. By the way Frenchie made league min all his years here til his last one…which was through arbitration because he was eligible. Like all players have to do.
McFanny
January 16th, 2010
2:01 pm
Hey, it would be a good idea to carry 3 catchers no matter who the 3rd catcher would be. It frees up Ross to pinch hit. He had 6 homers in limited 1st half action. It makes since to give more AB’s.
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2010
2:02 pm
Just blew a home-equity payment at Decatur CD. Damn that place!
Got a bunch of stuff, including new Spoon (already played it; terrific), Guy Clark (listened at store; terrific), Freedy Johnston, Roman Candle (listening now; very good) and an old Dale Watson CD.
wjones
January 16th, 2010
2:05 pm
Bobby didn’t routinely carry 13 pitchers, just called up an extra when there were emergency situations (MY GOD, don’t give him any ideas–I still think the 12 pitchers is excessive when the AAA team is across town!). Most of the year he carried 12, and even with 5 bench players it was a short bench. First you had Norton, who didn’t produce at all in the role Bobby gave him–pinch hitter against RHP. Then you had the fourth OF–either Diaz or Church, but when Church went down it was Goriecki. Then during the Infante injury you had Hernandez, who was hitting .350 in AAA, but hit about .150 here. Then once Prado took over second, your bench player was Kelly, who killed lefties, so he was used against righties, and didn’t do nearly as well. Then, as a last resort, usually after a pitcher or two was used to pinch hit, you had Ross, who produced all year but was VERY seldom called on to pinch hit, and Bobby would not hesitate at all to have McCann bat for him when he started. So this year? We have replaced Norton with Hinske. That’s good. Hopefully Infante will not break his hand for the third straight year. Our fourth OF hopefully will still produce. Kelly will be replaced by someone, who surely can’t do much worse than he did last year. I still think we could benefit from more pinch hitting opportunities from Ross, but I don’t think Bobby will do it. I hope he proves me wrong.
Heath
January 16th, 2010
2:08 pm
DOB -
Doesn’t look like KU is having a problem early on against Texas Tech.
Salamander
January 16th, 2010
2:09 pm
DOB – do you have a wall with nothing but CDs stacked from the floor to the ceiling at your place?
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2010
2:17 pm
“Can he [DAMON] help the Braves? Absolutely. They could put him in left field and trade Melky Cabrera or – I’d really hate to see this – Matt Diaz……”
Is that because you consider him as solid a citizen of a player as I do? None better for the BRAVES in my book. — richbrave
richbrave: yes — great guy. also a good hitter, and not the defensive liability he once was in the outfield. doesn’t hit for a lot of power, but on balance he’s an asset, no doubt.
Mayor of Simpleton
January 16th, 2010
2:18 pm
DOB…Do you think Dale Murphy should be in the hall? I do but am a biased Braves fan. I think the fact he played on bad teams and bordered the steroid era killed his chances.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
2:20 pm
wjones-
You are correct. It just seemed like Norton consumed 2 roster spots because Bobby would not put him in the game after he pinch hit thus consuming 2 players for one move.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
2:25 pm
That’s not right either if he was pinch hitting for the pitcher. Bobby did some strange things last year that confused me like I am now. At any rate, our bench is greatly improved IMO.
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2010
2:25 pm
Carolina trailed 32-12 a few days ago against Clemson, and trails 24-8 today at home against Ga. Tech? What in the world?
ilikegoodstuff
January 16th, 2010
2:27 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5LMJzz9gVQ i thought you might like this as much as i did dave
bravemandan
January 16th, 2010
2:28 pm
DOB,
You must have one heck of a music collection?
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
2:29 pm
DOB-
Used to love NCAA Basketball. Don’t know what happened to my passion for that game. Got a hoop above the garage door too. Braves are all consuming.
Soph
January 16th, 2010
2:31 pm
Carolina trailed 32-12 a few days ago against Clemson, and trails 24-8 today at home against Ga. Tech? What in the world?
They can’t score! And, too many turnovers.
Heath
January 16th, 2010
2:32 pm
Georgia Tech fans have to be pretty excited right now…sheesh.
Steve from OH
January 16th, 2010
2:33 pm
ilikegoodstuff–that was some pretty stellar picking by that guy. Good video…
Heath
January 16th, 2010
2:33 pm
After a loss today…I wouldn’t be surprised if Joey Brackets (Joe Lunardi of ESPN) projected UNC out to the tournament.
Fred
January 16th, 2010
2:34 pm
DOB, You mentioned that Diaz isn’t the defensive liability he once was in the outfield. I feel that is true in LF but there are certain plays in RF where he looks lost. In a platoon role he should be OK in RF, but I don’t feel defensively he is a great full-time RF. But with Heyward on the horizon that point will soon be moot. Also, if the Braves sign another OF like Damon it would seemingly make more sense to trade Diaz and keep Cabrera because Cabrera plays all 3 OF positions and is a switch hitter. If McLouth was injured, it would be nice to slide Melky into the CF/leadoff role.
EARLY WYNN
January 16th, 2010
2:34 pm
Somebody mentioned that the perception is/was that Early Wynn struggled to reach 300 wins and that is why he didn’t get into the HOF until his 3rd or 4th ballot year.
There is a lot of truth to that perception. Wynn pitched for the White Sox for five years at the tail end of his career and reached 284 Wins at the end of the 1960 season. In 1961 he managed only 8 wins in 16 starts, having been injured part of that season. He was then at 292 wins and the next year he hit the skids. Although the Sox hung in there with him, trying to help him get the 8 more W’s he needed he was only able to win 7 games in 26 starts. At the end of the year the Sox finally gave up on him and got a lot of heat since he only needed one more win but they released him anyway.
His former team, the Cleveland Indians gave him the chance and it took him five starts to get that final win to put him over the 300 mark. And then he hung it up. Now here is the strangest part of all. During that five starts and 15 relief appearance his ERA was only .228 and yet he only managed one W. His career ERA was 3.54.
So that perception is dead on. He did in fact struggle and needed two teams helping him a great deal in reaching his final goal.
ilikegoodstuff
January 16th, 2010
2:37 pm
Steve from OH – yeah it is! i think he lives here in georgia. this requires further investigation
DeployedDave
January 16th, 2010
2:37 pm
unfortunately momentum is shifting back to NC
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2010
2:38 pm
Fred, you make some good points, and agree with you on Diaz in LF vs. RF.
While Melky is undoubtedly the more versatile and better defensive player, Diaz is such a superior hitter to Melky, and against lefties the difference is dramatic.
DeployedDave
January 16th, 2010
2:39 pm
GT halted the comeback
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2010
2:39 pm
bravemandan: yes. and a heck of a security system.
DeployedDave
January 16th, 2010
2:40 pm
Uhhhhh I spoke too soon…here comes NC
Soph
January 16th, 2010
2:42 pm
Damn, UNC’s quick but they can’t finish to save their life.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
2:42 pm
DOB-
Just go back to vinyl, to cumbersome to steal.
bravemandan
January 16th, 2010
2:44 pm
LOL, I don’t blame you on that. Have a great one!
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 16th, 2010
2:46 pm
DOB-
You alphabetize your collection?
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2010
2:57 pm
I’m loving this ESPN360 feed of the KU game. Didn’t even realize I had the capability with my service provider, but I do. Niiiice.
MZ
January 16th, 2010
2:57 pm
DOB —–
you got the “Oh Tall Tree In The Ear” Roman Candle? was listening to that one this morning … really love that disc … listening to the new Eels right now … pretty blue … i won’t go so far as to say it’s depressing, but it’s not a happy record …
have you had a chance to listen to the new Freedy yet?
unbelievable
January 16th, 2010
2:59 pm
UNC is sloppy with the ball. Im pretty sure they’ve had more turnover than their opponents in most of their games this season also. shooting % from the line doesnt help much either. looks similar to their 2006 team
Heath
January 16th, 2010
2:59 pm
DOB -
ESPN Full Court is giving a free one-week preview. I think it expires today.
jeffrey d
January 16th, 2010
3:01 pm
ESPN Full Court is giving a free one-week preview. I think it expires today.
Me too, so unless you have a different provider, I hope you don’t get too used to it.
unbelievable
January 16th, 2010
3:02 pm
DOB – heard anything on the Nady front lately? still wouldnt be surprised to see the loser in the Damon talks (Yanks or Braves) end up with Nady
Heath
January 16th, 2010
3:02 pm
…at least I know I saw something about that not too long ago. ‘Cause I am getting ESPN channels too that I normally don’t get. I just don’t see anything in the guide about a free preview…. so, I could be wrong.
Richard Simmons
January 16th, 2010
3:03 pm
Oh what I would give to have Johnny Damon and those flowing locks on my team. He’s a real catch
Heath
January 16th, 2010
3:11 pm
…been usin’ my ESPN Fullcourt preview to watch the Ole Miss-Tennessee game. UT is NOWHERE near the same level of intensity in this game. I think that over the full season, their lack of depth is just gonna be too much. Though, gotta give Ole Miss credit….not a bad team at all.
Eric from MO
January 16th, 2010
3:17 pm
Well my Tigers win streak ends at 9.
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2010
3:24 pm
ESPN Full Court is giving a free one-week preview. I think it expires today.– Heath
But I’m watching on computer, on 360. If you’ve got ESPN Insider and most interne providers, you get it free. (At least I think you have to have Insider; maybe not, though. Anyway, it’s not the free preview thing. But glad you reminded me. I can watch rest of it on TV.)
Heyward
January 16th, 2010
3:28 pm
Some internet providers provide espn360 as a “bonus.”
Heath
January 16th, 2010
3:29 pm
DOB -
Having ESPN360 is service-provider dependent to my knowledge. When I try to sign up for it, my internet service-provider is not on the list…. Not surprised…. Roadrunner is a Time Warner product. We all know how cheap those guys are.
Heath
January 16th, 2010
3:33 pm
Soph -
You mentioned earlier that you think UNC just can’t score. Every time I have watched them, it’s been their porous defense and sub-par ball-handling by their guards.
MZ
January 16th, 2010
3:33 pm
Saints or Cardinals?
Piedmont Blues
January 16th, 2010
3:38 pm
DOB,
RE: UNC — there’s no substitute for solid guard play in college hoops. You can have a roster full of 6′8” and over guys, but if no one can get them the ball, it does you little good.
Eric from MO
January 16th, 2010
3:41 pm
MZ I like the Cardinals…Saints were pretty bad the last month of the season.
Piedmont Blues
January 16th, 2010
3:41 pm
Heath,
Roy’s teams have never been great on-the-ball defenders. Typically, they run you to death and pound you on the boards and figure you’ll eventually tire out the other guys. When your guards can’t handle the running game, Carolina will always be in a world of hurt.
Soph
January 16th, 2010
3:44 pm
You mentioned earlier that you think UNC just can’t score. Every time I have watched them, it’s been their porous defense and sub-par ball-handling by their guards.
I agree, defense is an issue as well. And, of course like you said the ball-handling by the guards which causes the high volume of turnovers.
I just saw that the 7 footer Zeller is out again for a long period of time. Not good.
Heath
January 16th, 2010
3:48 pm
Ole Miss-UT game is turning out to be quite a finish.
Soph
January 16th, 2010
3:49 pm
cab, are you here? Who ya got in today’s NFL games?
VJ – you too?
Braves_Fan_RSD
January 16th, 2010
3:50 pm
ESPN360 is free for Comcast users and ESPN INsiders
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2010
3:52 pm
Hewitt’s Jackets can blow a lead with the best of them, can’t they?
Soph
January 16th, 2010
3:59 pm
UNC takes the lead.
Soph
January 16th, 2010
4:02 pm
Haaa, look at Roy Williams. Excellent game.
lexbrave
January 16th, 2010
4:03 pm
id love to hear the argument from whomever wouldnt vote maddux in 1st ballot to keep him from going in unanamously.
Venice Jim
January 16th, 2010
4:03 pm
Soph – I notice how you looked for me when Carolina was coming back
Venice Jim
January 16th, 2010
4:06 pm
cab is about to depart, and will not see much of today’s football – she will be rooting for Drew and Peyton – she would appreciate it if you did not…
Soph
January 16th, 2010
4:07 pm
lol VJ, I’m willing to acknowledge that Duke is more experienced this year so they’ll probably win more games than UNC.
And, what a coincidence! I’m cheering for the Saints & Colts too.
Soph
January 16th, 2010
4:10 pm
I can’t watch…