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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,067 comments Add your comment
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
12:58 am
Tom O’Hawk
Since he’s dead, I would imagine that he’s an angles fan.
TnBrian
February 22nd, 2010
1:00 am
DiamondbackMac, God Bless you sir.
nolie has me feeling bad right now.
Venice Jim
February 22nd, 2010
1:01 am
Tom O – you’re too young to know Red Skelton – off to bed myself – have a good evening…
Tom O'Hawke
February 22nd, 2010
1:01 am
Since he’s dead, I would imagine that he’s an angels fan.
Excellent point, DiamondbackMac!
Tom O'Hawke
February 22nd, 2010
1:07 am
you’re too young to know Red Skelton
Jim, long story. The short version is, I studied early pioneers in TV, years ago.
Good night. If our “LAdy” is still awake, tell her good night for me.
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
1:08 am
Tom
I, however, have been a Braves fan since they were in Milwaukee.
TnBrian
February 22nd, 2010
1:08 am
Since some here got onto Tebow for his religious “rants” as they called them and even a poster or two called Matty D. a “bible thumper” some time ago I’d like to say it’s always nice to here positive talk wherever you go in a crazy,selfish world. And this is coming from a guy who linked a mean video about a a guy just half an hour ago. Probably hypocritical on my part, but whatever.
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
1:11 am
It’s hereditary, my father was a Boston Braves fan. And, his father was a Braves fan before him.
Tom O'Hawke
February 22nd, 2010
1:21 am
Tom
I, however, have been a Braves fan since they were in Milwaukee.
It’s hereditary, my father was a Boston Braves fan. And, his father was a Braves fan before him.
That’s great stuff, DiamondbackMac . My father was a Milwaukee Braves’ fan. It’s hereditary for me too.
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
1:23 am
TnBrian
The world isn’t selfish and crazy, just some of the people in it. Avoid them whenever possible. When it’s not possible, forgive them.
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
1:25 am
Tom
My earliest memories of the Milwaukee Braves was listening to them on the radio in the early 60’s.
nolie
February 22nd, 2010
1:26 am
well I’m gonna give shuteye a try. nite y’all. at least for a while
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
1:28 am
G’night nolie.
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
1:28 am
Pleasant dreams.
Tom O'Hawke
February 22nd, 2010
1:30 am
‘Night nolie.
Andrew in PA
February 22nd, 2010
1:33 am
nolie will be back on here in an hour or two
Home of the Braves
February 22nd, 2010
1:36 am
As a frequent reader and pretty infrequent poster, I have to say that Tom O and DBackMac deserve a lot of credit for the Red Skelton conversation. That was downright clever and funny.
Really enjoyed the blog these past two days. All the updates from DOB plus a lot of generally intelligent conversations of prospects and thoughts on the way the team stacks up have really gotten me into the baseball mood again.
nolie
February 22nd, 2010
1:39 am
Brian I think you got a good heart dude. Which is why i don’t like it when guys pick on you too much.
Tom O'Hawke
February 22nd, 2010
1:40 am
My earliest memories of the Milwaukee Braves was listening to them on the radio in the early 60’s.
DiamondbackMac, my father grew up in Montreal and was a Dodgers’ fan … which also meant a Yankee hater. The Dodgers’ AAA team, back in those days was the Montreal Royals.
He was very upset when the Dodgers left Brooklyn to go to LA (sorry cab). He disowned them.
As he still was a Yankee hater, and the Milwaukee Braves played and defeated the “hated Yankees” in the ‘57 world series, he became a fan. (There’s a piece of Tom O’Hawke history, for you)
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
1:41 am
Home of the Braves
Gracias amigo/amiga!
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
1:44 am
Tom
I’m sure that many of us on the blog have similar stories to tell. It would be nice to hear more of them.
Tom O'Hawke
February 22nd, 2010
1:46 am
As a frequent reader and pretty infrequent poster, I have to say that Tom O and DBackMac deserve a lot of credit for the Red Skelton conversation. That was downright clever and funny.
Speaking for myself, and DiamondbackMac, I think Home of the Braves should post a lot more often.
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
1:52 am
Tom
Speaking for myself, and DiamondbackMac, I think Home of the Braves should post a lot more often.
ROFL
Tom O'Hawke
February 22nd, 2010
1:54 am
nolie will be back on here in an hour or two —- Andrew in PA @ 1:33 am
Brian I think you got a good heart dude. Which is why i don’t like it when guys pick on you too much —- nolie @ 1:39 am
Andrew, I was gonna say that I’ll say closer to 1 hour. Never did I think 6 minutes, however.
Home of the Braves
February 22nd, 2010
1:56 am
Haha. Thanks guys. I’ve been trying to start posting more recently (though I think it’s about once a day at this point). I’ve always just read for the updates. I leave the boisterous opinion forming up to everybody else. I’m too much of an optimist for everyone to want to hear my opinions anyway. I’d sound like Bobby had started getting on my computer (not insulting Bobby’s intelligence, don’t get me wrong, he just doesn’t seem like the computer type) and started posting…
Oh and DiamondbackMac, I’m an amigo…
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
2:02 am
Home of the Braves
I’ve been trying to start posting more recently
I rarely post myself. The main reason is that I type slowly, arthritis.
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2010
2:16 am
Well folks I’m seeing lightning to the southwest so it’s time to unplug, go to bed, and pull the covers over my head (storm is on the way).
Tom O'Hawke
February 22nd, 2010
2:24 am
Good night, DiamondbackMac. It’s been fun.
Oh and DiamondbackMac, I’m an amigo…
It’s OK, I guess, Home of the Braves. No one ever said this was a perfect blog …
I can't take it anymore
February 22nd, 2010
4:17 am
sleep is for the dead
Rob from SC
February 22nd, 2010
5:01 am
do position players report today?
ncgary
February 22nd, 2010
5:11 am
that they do rob,
nolie ever thought about chia seeds,
south americans used to use them as currency
they absorb 12 times their weight in liquid and
are supposed to be good for diabetes also
i havent triied them but they say they suppress the appetite
me i eat like a horse and weigh the same as i did
30 years ago
sorry but i can still wear my high school jeans
Jay212033
February 22nd, 2010
5:22 am
Rob
Yep, everyone is suppose to report today.
Rob from SC
February 22nd, 2010
6:07 am
Jay212033
February 22nd, 2010
5:22 am
Rob
Yep, everyone is suppose to report today.
what a great day
Runnin
February 22nd, 2010
6:44 am
I thought March 1st was the official day for everyone.
Rob from SC
February 22nd, 2010
7:01 am
Runnin
February 22nd, 2010
6:44 am
I thought March 1st was the official day for everyone.
march 2nd is our first game
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2010
7:04 am
I miss The Shield. — DMBJAMS
Don’t we all? Terrific show. At least we’ll get Shane (Georgia boy Walter Goggins) on the new FX show, Justified. But we gotta know if Vic Mackey is still on desk duty, or pursuing justice on the side in his spectacularly corrupt manner — or if our shiny-domed Bad Man just snapped and went completely to the other side….
Good morning all, from the Braves/MIB Blog satellite office only two exits from Dark Star, where I’m on cup No. 2 and the sun’s turning the sky orange-pink over Lake Bryan here at the condo. We’ll be headed over to the park shortly.
CB
February 22nd, 2010
7:04 am
Actually, tomorrow is the official day. VJ,thanks but best team won. There may be another day of meeting down the road.
GovClintonTyree
February 22nd, 2010
7:47 am
DOB, as a Florida native, I can’t think of a worse place to spend six weeks than the middle of that crap. Focus on the baseball and find fun where you can. Guess it’s the downside of your vocation; well, that and lost luggage.
O.J.
February 22nd, 2010
7:49 am
Hmmmm, I thought the Yankees only had 2 million left to spend, and they gave that to Randy Winn. Now they sign Chan Ho Park for 1.2 million. HUH?
sidslidkid
February 22nd, 2010
8:07 am
DOB, see if you can get a “Hoss quote” out of Chipper.
Haulin' the Tarp
February 22nd, 2010
8:09 am
Any news to report? Hows everyone feeling since its first day for everyone
Obee
February 22nd, 2010
8:14 am
It’s hard to take Bobby’s comments very seriously this time of year, since he always seems to be the number one optimist when spring training begins. Nevertheless, I’m excited about this year. There are a lot of unanswered questions on offense, but if things go the right way, the Braves could be a run scoring machine. I suspect that Glaus and Cabrerra will be better than a lot of people think, and I also think it’s likely that Chipper will be back to his old form. Also think that Schafer may be the sleeper. It doesn’t seem like people are counting on much from him but I think he could be like Chipper in this way. If I recall (someone correct me if my memory’s faulty), Chipper was hurt very early in his career and missed what would have been his first full year. Then he came back strong. I’m betting that if he’s healthy, he’ll be a regular in the outfield by the second half.
Jay212033
February 22nd, 2010
8:17 am
DOB
It’s not raining down there? It poured here in ATL last night.
sidslidkid
February 22nd, 2010
8:23 am
Obee, The only way I see Schafer starting is if there are injuries. I can’t see anyway that he will start over McLouth or Heyward. And he would have to out preform Diaz, Melky, and Hinske. It’s possible that McLouth will struggle a whole helluva lot and we will have to call Schafer up, but nobody wants that to happen.
Macon Braves (RIP)
February 22nd, 2010
8:32 am
Six different links to finally find the REAL blog!!! Come on DOB, fight for us here, this new format is stupid and aggravating!!
Macon Braves (RIP)
February 22nd, 2010
8:41 am
I would still read all of your short update stories even if they were just under the Braves headlines. They don’t have to trick us into clicking on them while making us search for the real blog.
Fischerking04
February 22nd, 2010
8:49 am
Great blog DOB—
It’s good to hear about what the players are actually doing, as opposed to speculation and hear-say. Now the countdown for Heyward.
toga party
February 22nd, 2010
8:52 am
O.J., I believe the Yankees said they only had $2 million left to spend on their outfield. Not $2 million left to spend overall.
Really, I think they were just saying that to justify not pursuing Damon after their initial offer was rejected, and other things started to take shape.
sidslidkid
February 22nd, 2010
8:55 am
I wonder if fans are going to consIder Heyward a bust if he hits less than .285 AVG, 20 HR, 85 RBI?
Don
February 22nd, 2010
8:57 am
Who pays any attention to what Bobby Cox says about a player. He always says – its great.
sidslidkid
February 22nd, 2010
9:00 am
Who pays any attention to what Don says about a coach. He always says – it sucks.
Someone
February 22nd, 2010
9:17 am
Good Morning. This is an experiment.
Someone
February 22nd, 2010
9:18 am
Didn’t work.
RHR
February 22nd, 2010
9:18 am
Maybe you should’ve given it more time.
bravofan
February 22nd, 2010
9:18 am
play streak for the cash with me on espn the group is called Atlanta Braves all you have to have is an espn account come play its fun
Someone
February 22nd, 2010
9:20 am
RHR
I was experimenting with changing fonts.
Steve McP
February 22nd, 2010
9:29 am
Didn’t the dreaded PL talk a lot about streak for the cash? Is it safe to be there?
Smitty
February 22nd, 2010
9:31 am
Bravofan: Hey are you the only one in the group for Streak for the Cash? I joined yours my espn account is wildcatfrwd10 let me know if I joined the right group
Smitty
February 22nd, 2010
9:35 am
Man I’m ready for baseball to start! This is the greatest time of the year!
Smitty
February 22nd, 2010
9:35 am
Andrew n PA: are you going to get over to any of the Braves vs. Phillies games this year?
Smitty
February 22nd, 2010
9:38 am
Hey would any of you guys wanna get in a fantasy baseball league w/ me if I creat one on ESPN?
McFann
February 22nd, 2010
9:42 am
cabravesfan I am ashamed to admit that there was a moment of sheer madness when I thought that Mac’s birthday was in April
Well, that’s kind of understandable–you were prob’ly just thinking of my b-day.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2010
10:01 am
Chipper and Heyward among today’s arrivals, and everyone’s here except Escobar and Prado. At least we think that’s the case.
Yes, Heyward is bigger and ripped. I asked him specifically for height and weight, so we can get that straight. He said probably 6-6 in shoes (which means 6-5), and 245 pounds. Up from 230 last year.
He said he didn’t do any specific diet or increased weight work to put on the muscle.
“I’m just growing up,” he said. “Hopefully growing into my grown-man strength pretty soon.”
He smiled when he said that, probably because he knows he could rip off our heads now.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2010
10:04 am
Derek Lowe saw Heyward in batting cage this morning for first time since last year.
“He’s huge,” Lowe said. “He’s an outside linebacker.”
Chipper agreed with Lowe.
“He’s Jevon Kearse,” said Jones, a noted Gators fan. “He’s The Freak. I’m telling you, he’s a bigger version of Freddy McGriff.”
A much bigger version, I’d say. At least across the shoulders.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2010
10:09 am
But I should add, I’ve never see a baseball player carry 245 so easily. Dude looks like he could put on another 10 without even getting thick around middle. I’d be surprised if his waist is bigger than 31 or 32 inches. He’s still narrow in hips and waist, just wider in shoulders, thighs, etc. Folks, he’s a specimen.
GovClintonTyree
February 22nd, 2010
10:13 am
Yeah, but can he turn on a fastball under his hands?
GovClintonTyree
February 22nd, 2010
10:14 am
I do like the sound of the McGriff comparison. There was a lot to like about Fred.
I give Chipper’s comments my full endorsement.
RHR
February 22nd, 2010
10:15 am
Can he leap tall buildings in a single bound?
RHR
February 22nd, 2010
10:15 am
Or is it bounce? I can never remember…
Voice of Harold
February 22nd, 2010
10:16 am
DOB,
I realize Spring Training is a long process, but you do seem happy to be able to deliver some substantive news now. Beautiful weather doesn’t hurt, I’m sure.
I may have missed it, but what’s the hold up for Escobar and Prado?
And, how about KK? anything to report with respect to how he spent his offseason or his first few days in camp?
Jay212033
February 22nd, 2010
10:16 am
DOB
What does he look like hitting the ball? We’ve seen this out of another one of our phenoms as well so i’d like to know what he looks like hitting and fielding rather than his build.
N8
February 22nd, 2010
10:17 am
Are you guys seeing a different interface than I am when opening the main Braves page on the AJC? Because EVERYTIME that I click on the top story under DOB’s name, it’s the right blog.
I have yet to go to the wrong one? Usually I’m the one griping about format and what not, so I’m not getting on you guys, I get that it’s frustrating. But I just haven’t had trouble with it.
That being said, I recall in the last couple of days that even DOB said he posted on the wrong one. So…..
Where's Fluffy?
February 22nd, 2010
10:18 am
this new blog format reminds me of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist where you have to run all around the city trying to find out where the Where’s Fluffy? band is playing
N8
February 22nd, 2010
10:18 am
“Or is it bounce? I can never remember… RHR
It’s bound. Captain Kangaroo could leap over little kids in a single bounce.
Jay212033
February 22nd, 2010
10:19 am
Can many players turn on a fastball under their hands?
TennesseePaul
February 22nd, 2010
10:20 am
“He’s huge,” Lowe said. “He’s an outside linebacker.”</me.
Can he still run like the wind? I heard he has 5 tools…
GovClintonTyree
February 22nd, 2010
10:20 am
Utley, for one.
Thrillhouse44
February 22nd, 2010
10:21 am
What does he look like hitting the ball?
Big…6′5″, 245 or so.
DAP
February 22nd, 2010
10:21 am
is it just me or did jay really come off as a jerk there?
hey jay, with all the hype about heyward, do you think its possible he has trouble hitting a baseball? seriously, with everything that has been said about him, and with his amazing minor league numbers, you think maybe he doesnt look to good swinging a baseball bat?
N8
February 22nd, 2010
10:21 am
Hey DOB, do you get into The Offspring? They used to really annoy me. But I’ve actually enjoyed some of their newer stuff, which has caused me to go back and enjoy some of the stuff from the early 90’s.
Pretty intense stuff for working out to.
RHR
February 22nd, 2010
10:22 am
Must be, N8. When I click on the banner, which is what I used to do, it goes to the latest burst he’s written and lists them in order from newest to oldest, I just look for the one with the most comments.
dpelfrey
February 22nd, 2010
10:23 am
I think DOB’s got a little “man crush” going on right now with Heyward. Come on, admit it, you blush when he talks to you.
Armbar
February 22nd, 2010
10:24 am
Enough with the “can he hit the inside fastball?”. None of you had ever heard of an armbar before Keith Law mentioned it, now half of you are running around saying “Armbar this, armbar that” as if you have a darn clue what you are discussing. Ah, shaaaaaadUP! Chrissakes, google “armbar” & “baseball” together, and you barely find anything discussing it. Freakin’ shameless plagiarizing amateurs
DAP
February 22nd, 2010
10:26 am
N8, if you go to the top of this page and click on the headline that says “atlanta braves” and has that pic of DOB, it will take you to a list of everything that he has written. that used to take you just to a list of his blogs. (thats where i always went to find the new blog) so last time i did that, it took me a minute to figure out which place was the blog and which place was just a info blurb. coming from the main ajc sports page is a little easier if that whats your used to doing.
unbelievable
February 22nd, 2010
10:28 am
just wondering why people arent moving to the new blogs? can everyone not view them?
GovClintonTyree
February 22nd, 2010
10:28 am
Mr. Armbar, I still don’t know what an armbar is. I do know you can get Ryan Howard out with inside fastballs but you have to be very precise. Big guys often like to get their arms extended, and I assumed that Heyward was no different. But that can leave you vulnerable to well placed inside stuff. Hence my question.
DAP
February 22nd, 2010
10:30 am
GovClintonTyree, a perfectly placed inside fastball is a very difficult pitch for every single major league baseball player.
its also a pitch that pitchers will miss with quite a bit.
O.J.
February 22nd, 2010
10:30 am
unbelievable, they arent new blogs, this is the blog.
RHR
February 22nd, 2010
10:30 am
It’s bound. Captain Kangaroo could leap over little kids in a single bounce.A
Thanks Nate, thats what I thought. Underdog could do it in a bound and a half.
Macon Braves (RIP)
February 22nd, 2010
10:30 am
I see now that if you click on DOB’s picture, it will take you to a whole list of stories and the blog and you can find the blog by looking for the one with the most comments. But if you just go down to the Braves section and go to “Braves Blog”, it takes you to the latest burst instead of the actual blog.
Really don’t get why they’ve changed it. Change for the sake of change isn’t always a good thing.
dpelfrey
February 22nd, 2010
10:32 am
I’ve heard of an “arm bar” long before Keith Law mentioned it. It’s just a fancy way of saying the front arm extends too early.
And you wouldn’t notice it in Heyward’s swing if you weren’t looking for it specifically. He’s the top prospect in baseball, so you shouldn’t be surprised that he’s being broken down to the n-th degree.
O.J.
February 22nd, 2010
10:32 am
I’m sorry, but if I am a pitcher, I would think twice about pitching a guy inside that is 6ft 5in and weighs 245 lbs of pure muscle.
I am sure most pitchers will shy away as well when they see how big he is.
N8
February 22nd, 2010
10:33 am
I don’t know if Jay came accross as a jerk or not. A little guarded/sarcastic maybe. Bottom line is that until Heyward does it for the ATLANTA Braves, he’s still just a top prospect. But he happens to be the #1 overall prospect in all of MLB. So I’m pretty sure that the kid can play.
Francoeur was never rated that high. He was never really accused of being a 5 tool player. Andruw was. Andruw had a very nice 10 year run.
If the Braves get 10 good/great years out of Heyward, I’m guessing they’ll be pretty happy. Not every top prospect automatically makes it to the HOF.
IMO, Heyward is the most highly touted prospect the Braves have had since Chipper. So comparing him to anybody else that’s come up isn’t accurate. Does that mean he’s a can’t miss guy? Nope. But unless you’re expecting 45 HR and 130 RBI right out of the gate, his window to be a success is pretty wide. Dude’s still a kid. Even Griffey Jr. didn’t hit more than 27 HR until age 23 (4th full season), in that band box of a park (Kingdome).
I would think if Heyward hits .275ish with 18-25 HR and plays stellar defense over the next 2-3 years, the Braves would be elated. From everything I’ve read about the kid, I don’t think those numbers are out of line to expect from him.
Lower your expectations and the kid will impress you. Putting him in the Pujols category before he’s played an inning in the big leagues, and you’re bound and determined to be disappointed. Which isn’t fair.
Macon Braves (RIP)
February 22nd, 2010
10:35 am
OK, so never mind. Even just clicking on DOB’s pic doesn’t even work now, it just takes you to the latest burst. Clicking on “Atlanta Braves” next to his pic will take you to a list of the bursts and blogs. Just have to look for which has the most comments to find the actual blog at that point.
I know I confuse easily, but I don’t feel bad with this one because I’m obviously not the only one hating this new setup.
N8
February 22nd, 2010
10:35 am
Gotcha DAP. I just have the Braves page bookmarked, and then click on the first story under DOB’s name, and it’s always the latest blog. But that’s how I’ve always done it. So I guess that’s why it isn’t giving me trouble.
O.J.
February 22nd, 2010
10:36 am
N8, you make very good points.
Macon Braves (RIP)
February 22nd, 2010
10:37 am
I thought an arm bar is what Rasslers used to twist each other’s arms out of their sockets?
O.J.
February 22nd, 2010
10:38 am
Actually, if you look at the Braves Page on ajc.com, to the right of the picture of the main story, it says Braves Blog, and underneath that it says, David O’Brien, and underneath that, it has the main blog. Not that hard really. Just click the link under DOBs name and you are in the main blog.
Macon Braves (RIP)
February 22nd, 2010
10:42 am
N8, I see how you’re getting around the problem and think I will just bookmark the Braves main page myself. Thanks for the idea.
Jay212033
February 22nd, 2010
10:44 am
Coming off like a jerk?!?! All I’m saying is I would rather know how a player performs rather than know about his physique. People on this board constantly take stuff the wrong way.
And the comment about the fastball under the hands I said can many players hit that pitch and you and name too many player that can hit that pitch. The ones that can are basically your top flight players.