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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
558 comments Add your comment
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
1:02 am
“That’s why I’m preaching about not getting your hopes up on this Heyward. They’ll be some shattered dreams if this kid turns out Frenchy part duex.” — AtTheMike
I understand where you’re coming from. However, I think almost everyone, on this blog, realizes that. Talking about a young prospect, however, is a lot of fun. Sometimes, and probably most times, the hope exceeds the reality.
Don’t kill the hope, buddy.
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:04 am
well at least you did not say “high karate UGA
of course I didn’t, what would that have to do with sec? I was punning to sec and brut in wine. Yeah i know, he who puns would pick your pocket
Heath
February 26th, 2010
1:04 am
After Germany had put up a good run to close the gap in the medal count, USA has put a little distance between the two the past couple days to now have 32 medals (8,12,12) to Germany’s 26 (8,11,7). With 2 more medals, US will tie their all-time Winter Olympics high…and with 4 more, they will tie the all-time high of any country. I think we can do it! (Had to chance the sugject or some of the blog participants would start yellin’ at me for talkin’ too much round ball…though I have been very good the past 2 weeks by very rarely even mentioning the subject.)
AtTheMike
February 26th, 2010
1:05 am
lexbrave– yeah, when I was reading O’Brien’s comment towards you I was thinking…. what a freakin chidish remark he’s making.
Seriously, if I say Johnny Cash sucks do I get banned from this place?
uga-brave
February 26th, 2010
1:05 am
prguy,
caroll is covering GT basketball, or what is left.
Nate from NCState
February 26th, 2010
1:06 am
Just came from watching “Shutter Island” I gotta say, for all the talk about how it was a bad omen that the movie kept getting pushed back… wasn’t getting great reviews…
I thought it was one of the most eerie and disturbing movies I’ve seen in a while, which is exactly what it is supposed to be. The plot was very interesting.. and the score… yikes! It gave me and the lady friend the creeps, I even had to follow to her home afterwards.
Anyways, I say go see it! Worth the price.
Heath
February 26th, 2010
1:06 am
AtTheMike -
Johnny Cash does suck….on suckers and lollipops. So, no, you will not get banned,
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
1:07 am
” being fairly new to the bloggage….Where is Carroll? When does she begin her work with the Braves and begin to spell DOB from working himself into a coffee-induced coma?”
pryguy, you say you’re new to the blog???
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:07 am
if I say Johnny Cash sucks do I get banned from this place Mike
nah, but you’d prolly lose some music cred
lexbrave
February 26th, 2010
1:08 am
and just because i dont talk as openly as heath does about how beatable i think uk is doesnt mean im any less knowledgable. fact is i think kentucky could lose any one of their last few games. but kansas looks just as beatable, if not more.
AtTheMike
February 26th, 2010
1:08 am
Tom O’Hawk– I want the best for Heyward and the Braves. I do. I just choose to tread carefully.
AtTheMike
February 26th, 2010
1:10 am
By the way, I like Cash. Just sayin’….
uga-brave
February 26th, 2010
1:10 am
nolie, high karate is some damn good cologne. just a price point above brut.
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:11 am
AtTheMike………a far worse fate awaits you…….not only will you be banned…..you will rot in hell….how dare you! (I don’t really like all of his music either)……the perfect quaretet is JC, John Prine, Kristofferson, and Willie………..seen’em all…alas, they never saw me.
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
1:12 am
Tom O’Hawk– I want the best for Heyward and the Braves. I do. I just choose to tread carefully.
AtTheMike, my “e” may be silent, but it still should be visable.
uga-brave
February 26th, 2010
1:15 am
lexbrave, simmer down. i dont think anyone that watches kentucky does not believe they are are not a number one seed.
i just dont think they are being challenged in this league.
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
1:16 am
Thank the stars above that cabravesfan isn’t here to correct my spelling.
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:16 am
high karate is some damn good cologne. just a price point above brut. UGA
ok I’ll remember that, how about Pinaud Lime sec cologne?
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:17 am
…the perfect quaretet is JC, John Prine, Kristofferson, and Willie…… Salt
damn fine 4some my man
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:18 am
nolie………English Leather?
pryguy
February 26th, 2010
1:19 am
Ok Tom….one year is fairly new…haha
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:21 am
Tom O……….she ain’t the only one that’ll correct your spelling….should it be needed.
lexbrave
February 26th, 2010
1:21 am
uga sorry got riled up by dave’s low blow. you just dont question the basketball iq of a lifelong kentucky native. we know more about basketball than the average fan knows about their own mother.
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
1:21 am
Yeah, pryguy. You seemed to know too much for a rookie.
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:24 am
BB, R Johnson, Aldert C., Son House…………that’s a pretty good quartet as well.
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:27 am
Skynyrd, Allman, ZZ, Outlaws…..aHHH, Ladies and Gentlemen, The fantastic ZZ ZZ Top!!….
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
1:30 am
“Tom O……….she ain’t the only one that’ll correct your spelling….should it be needed.”
Salt life, it doesn’t hurt as much from anyone else. When cabravesfan does it, I feel as though Iran’s Ahmadnejad, just chastised me for being anti semitic. But, don’t tell her I said that, will ‘ya?
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:30 am
we know more about basketball than the average fan knows about their own mother. lex
sheeesh
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:31 am
I’m gonna tell
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:32 am
my favorite……by way of my mother, because all I had to listen to from 66 to 70 was Frank, Dean, Elvis, Nat, and Johnny….how lucky could one guy be…….
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:34 am
Tom……….my lips are sealed
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:36 am
I’ve drunk more blog and typed more beer than I care to for one evening………good night
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:37 am
nite Salt
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:38 am
unless of course something can be worked out
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
1:39 am
Tom……….my lips are sealed
Salt life, I appreciate that. Now, if you’re closer to Florida than I, would you use a little super glue on nolie’s lips? Apparently, his sealing needs assistance.
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:39 am
I’ll never smoke weed with Willie again.
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
1:40 am
Good night, Salt life.
lexbrave
February 26th, 2010
1:41 am
nolie, and there’s a few (not me) that actually love basketball more than their own mother.
Salt life
February 26th, 2010
1:43 am
Tom……I am a short swim from fla, but the nollie man is in the pan handle and that is about 400 mile away…..so……maybe tomorrow……..or Sunday
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
1:54 am
Tom……I am a short swim from fla, but the nollie man is in the pan handle and that is about 400 mile away…..so……maybe tomorrow……..or Sunday
Ah yes, Salt life … Alabama, yes? Will you’re still a lot closer than I am. No hurry, whenever it’s convenient for you. As long as it’s before cabravesfan finds out.
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:56 am
but the nollie man is in the pan handle and that is about 400 mile away….Salt
nah I’m down near Ft Myers in SW Fla. too far for you Salt.
nolie
February 26th, 2010
1:57 am
we can still work out a deal Tom
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
2:00 am
we can still work out a deal Tom
nolie … aka, Scott Boras
Wayne in Utah
February 26th, 2010
2:08 am
Got a lot of work going on, a lot of miles covered in the past 2 weeks…..feel lost as far as insider info on the Braves, and too darned tired to go back and review the blog…
I guess the Braves will just have to get along without me for a little while.
How is Cody Johnson showing, I wonder???? I would love to see that masher figure out how to hit enough bats to make it in ATL in a few years!!!
Rob Deer or Dave Kingman anyone??? Those guys were crushing the ball way before the steroid craze, if I remember correctly.
Tom O'Hawke
February 26th, 2010
2:16 am
Hey, nolie (I hope that was loud enough for you to notice, but not to wake you up if you’re sleeping.)
I haven’t had too much time lately, but will have some now, and this coming weekend. You side tracked me with your ukulele guy, Jake Shimabukuru (from the jazz guitarists). I listened to as much of his live stuff, first, then his studio cuts. The man is impressive.
)
Anyway, I’m about to resume the 9th on your list, Steve Morse. (I just know you’ll sleep better with that update.
nolie
February 26th, 2010
4:03 am
Morse headed a group called Dixie Dregs and the The Dregs. He has also played in Deep Purple since the mid 90s I think.
ncgary
February 26th, 2010
4:43 am
ukuga yeah pretty sure the main character says that about the tv shows his wife watches
happy birthday man in black jc
getting closer to hearing what we all are craving
play ball
RG in Oregon
February 26th, 2010
5:10 am
My son and I met Matt Diaz a couple of years ago during spring training. He spent a good ten minutes chatting with us. He signed a ball for my son as well. He is a complete class act and he is one of our favorite Braves. I wish him the best for the season.
Rob from SC
February 26th, 2010
6:14 am
DOB
Do you see any situation where Freeman joins a platoon with Glaus after the All-Star break if he destroys minor league pitching?
Braveheart
February 26th, 2010
6:43 am
you just dont question the basketball iq of a lifelong kentucky native. we know more about basketball than the average fan knows about their own mother.
Then again, the average fan doesn’t know their momma the way a lifelong Kentucky native does, if you know what I’m saying. Them kinds of relations are just a lil’ bit too Kentucky for the rest of us.
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
7:01 am
… and the endless loop continues. Wake, coffee, sun rising over Lake Bryan, work, bed, wake, coffee….
Good mornin’ to all. Sunny, cold (upper 30s!) here in the Evil Empire of the South….
Do you see any situation where Freeman joins a platoon with Glaus after the All-Star break if he destroys minor league pitching? — Rob from SC
I’d never say never, but I don’t see that happening.
Braveheart
February 26th, 2010
7:03 am
What I want to know is what Billy Wagner is gonna think the first time he sees Kris Medlen’s My Little Pony backpack in the bullpen?
Braveheart
February 26th, 2010
7:05 am
Mike & Mike hyping up Heyward big time right now. Said they asked Schuerholz if Heyward was gonna be ready Opening Day, and Schuerholz said that’s up to Bobby to determine.
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
7:08 am
you just dont question the basketball iq of a lifelong kentucky native. we know more about basketball than the average fan knows about their own mother. — lexbrave
That reminds me, I need to send my mom, what’s-her-name, a birthday card. (Or was it April? Hmmm. Better call dad. If I can find that dude’s phone number….)
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
7:19 am
Seriously, if I say Johnny Cash sucks do I get banned from this place? — AtTheMike
No, not at all. You’re certainly entitled to that opinion, just as a person who says the near-uanimous No. 1-rated team (by the polls, computer RPI, power ratings, etc.) is unimpressive.
And we’re entitled to find that view incredulous, and to say so.
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
7:24 am
Speaking of the great Man in Black … Happy birthday, Johnny Cash. Born this day, 1932.
bravofan
February 26th, 2010
7:48 am
Dob: what is the mood of the team in spring training can you get a sense of that?
sidslidkid
February 26th, 2010
8:09 am
DOB, when are you going to the other field? After the Freeman comments I’m jonesing for some more… gimme my fix, DOB!
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
8:18 am
bravofan: I think the mood has been pretty apparent in the quotes from players, including the quote in this blog (see above) from Matt Diaz. They’re very optimistic, positive, confident. Chipper adds the if-we-stay-healthy caveat, which I think is essential, but they’re all upbeat.
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
8:20 am
A little chilly, but it’s a beautiful morning here at Dark Star. Headed back to clubhouse.
bravofan
February 26th, 2010
8:20 am
thats what I figured just wondering!
Couch Tater
February 26th, 2010
8:32 am
An early morning toast to our blog friends, their mommas and their stills…
Johnny Cash – “My Old Kentucky Home”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLyYYY1ITiY
dpelfrey
February 26th, 2010
8:47 am
Regarding the “if-we-stay-healthy” caveat…the Braves are due for some good fortune in that department.
Reuben Mindali
February 26th, 2010
8:53 am
What are you seeing with Prado so far this ST? Do you feel that he will have another stellar year? Aside from his brief battles with migrane problems last year he was arguably the Braves best player last year.
Hillbilly
February 26th, 2010
8:53 am
What I want to know is what Billy Wagner is gonna think the first time he sees Kris Medlen’s My Little Pony backpack in the bullpen?
Well I was thinking…if that’s a rookie initiation thing, and no rookies make the roster who has to tote it? Will Medlen be stuck with it again, or will a newcomer like Jesse Chavez inherit it? These are the truly important questions that have to be worked out in ST.
Hillbilly
February 26th, 2010
8:55 am
Cash and Coe. Haunting and powerful, those opening lines.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3mnPHdlp08
bigchiefrg
February 26th, 2010
8:58 am
That’s rough DOB, remember Johnny Cash’s bday but not Mom’s? Dark Star must really be dark this year
sidslidkid
February 26th, 2010
8:58 am
“Regarding the “if-we-stay-healthy” caveat…the Braves are due for some good fortune in that department.” – dpelfrey
I hear that.
DiamondbackMac
February 26th, 2010
8:59 am
More Cash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFN9C9PVpg&feature=related
dpelfrey
February 26th, 2010
9:00 am
Does anyone know if there’s a place to find situational minor league stats. I’m curious what Heyward’s splits were the past few years.
Also, the hub bub about Heyward sort of reminds me of Matt Wieters last year, at least with regards to the national media attention. Wieters ended up hitting .288 with 9 HR and 43 RBI (.753 OPS) in 98 games. I look at this type of stuff when I try to think about Heyward’s potential for this year. It’s always so rare that a rookie comes out and puts up big numbers.
One thing is for certain, Heyward will but some butts in the seats. I know Bobby makes the decisions on who’s on the roster based on performance, but I would think there should be a lot of pressure from a marketing standpoint to have Heyward there for opening day.
dpelfrey
February 26th, 2010
9:02 am
Chavez is 6′-2″. The my little pony backpack is reserved for 5′-9″ and under. Don’t you know anything Hillbilly?
Hillbilly
February 26th, 2010
9:11 am
Dpelfrey, evidently I don’t.
Seriously, though, Luis Valdez wore it during the game that I attended in September last year. I think he’ll exceed the height limit.
Jeff R
February 26th, 2010
9:38 am
DOB, what cool new rides do they have at Disney?
Oh, yeah, just joshing!
Why anyone thinks Heyward is another Frenchy, or could be another Frenchy, is beyond me. Frenchy had good reviews coming into the majors, but nothing on the order of what Heyward has received across the board.
Could Heyward fail to live up to expectations? Possibly. But I’d be willing to wager that the big guy lives up to billing.
Now, whether or not he should start the season in Atlanta or Gwinnett – or Mississippi, for that matter – is an open question. I think it benefits Heyward to get some high minors at bats. Unless he has a torrid hitting spring, I’d give Heyward two or three months at Mississippi/Gwinnett and then bring him up.
Ben
February 26th, 2010
9:50 am
Heyward is the complete opposite of Frenchy. Heyward hits to all fields and walks as often as he strikes out.
Voice of Harold
February 26th, 2010
9:56 am
lexbrave, look. DOB has it right. Loss to SC a fluke? If that’s what you call losing games you’re supposed to win, then so be it. I think it glosses over the fact that you didn’t play well, making it seem like the gods conspired against you or something. And it gives no props to SC who did play well, and took advantage of UK mistakes. You’re supposed to beat SC, but you didn’t get it done a few weeks ago. So, UK is obviously not unbeatable.
But you come across that way. You’re obviously a passionate UK fan, and maybe know a little about basketball. But it doesn’t come through with all the strident cheer leading. I say dial it back a little, cochise.
dpelfrey
February 26th, 2010
9:56 am
I’m with Jeff R on one part,
Frenchy had a lot of hype but other than tearing it up at Danville, he never posted an OBP over .325 or slugged over .500 as he progressed through the minors. I think most of his hype was based more on his overall athletic ability. He was never a 5-tool player as he wasn’t considered a guy that could hit for average. Great arm, yes…great potential for power, yes…good speed, yes. To me, that’s what makes a true 5-tool player so special, that ability to hit a bunch of homeruns without sacrificing average. Heyward’s in a different class in my opinion.
But I disagree that he needs to be at AAA for a few months. If he hits well this spring against good pitching, I say right field is his.
DAVBRAVES
February 26th, 2010
10:01 am
Enter your comments here
thinbreakness
February 26th, 2010
10:07 am
Read this morning that the Cubs and Mets are looking for bullpen help. I bet they aren’t the only ones. Isn’t it great that Wren has stockpiled a few bullpen arms?
JOE
February 26th, 2010
10:08 am
voice of harold, amen brother
ncscoots
February 26th, 2010
10:12 am
I guess we might want to see the kid play a little this spring before determining whether he does or does not need some time at AAA. Just saying.
But when you look at the Braves’ OF roster, it’s hard to believe anything other than that he’s going north, if he’s the least little bit ready. I mean, Cabrera/McLouth/Diaz on Opening Day? Mercy.
thinbreakness
February 26th, 2010
10:12 am
Looking at the Fills lineup, still very good, but what if one of their big 3-4 go down. I really wonder, other than having Halladay for the entire season whereas Lee came in mid-season last year, how much improved they really are.
tiger297
February 26th, 2010
10:18 am
the bullpen rookie carries the backpack and if there are no rookies nobody brings it in until a rookie is called up. At least that is the way it has been done the last 3-4 years since I’ve been sitting out there.
thinbreakness
February 26th, 2010
10:18 am
ncscoots-
If Heyward isn’t added to the 40 player because he starts at Gwinnett, then it’s either Schafer or Blanco for the 4th OF spot. Unless they trade surplus relief corps (Acosta, Marek, Valdez or SP Parr, Redmond) for an outfielder.
Moe Berg
February 26th, 2010
10:19 am
thinbreakness–At the back end of their rotation, do they have Contreras instead of Moyer? They improved their bench with the pick up of Gload.
And Werth came into spring training looking like a bad a$$. Check out this photo:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/photo?photoId=2477976&team=phi
They did not improve as much this off season, as we hope the Braves did. But of course, when you get to the World Series, perhaps one does not need to improve as much.
dpelfrey
February 26th, 2010
10:20 am
thin,
I think any team would struggle when one of their top 3-4 players go down. If Hamels and Lidge are back to 2008 form, then I think the Phillies will be very tough to beat. And I don’t think they’re going to get big years again from Werth and Ibanez..
thinbreakness
February 26th, 2010
10:24 am
dpelfrey and Moe-
Agree with both of you. Moe, good call on Gload and Contreras. I like Gload, he killed us a couple of times last year while a Marl. Contreras could be the 5th SP, but I think they see him as a reliever since he was lights out in this role last year for the Rockies.
DAP
February 26th, 2010
10:29 am
thinbreakness Looking at the Fills lineup, still very good, but what if one of their big 3-4 go down.
honestly, they are still very good if just one of thier big 3-4 go down. personally i dont believe werth or ibanez are going to have the kind of year they did last season. not that they will be terrible, but just not as good as last year. i do think rollins will bounce back and utley and howard will be excellent as always. i just hope that the streaky utley and howard have some slumps that coincide where they lose gobs of games at a time.
thinbreakness
February 26th, 2010
10:33 am
DAP-
Do you think the way our 25 player team is constructed, that we may weather the injury bug a little more successfully than the Fills?
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
10:37 am
Schafer not hitting again today, third straight day. But he took “dry” swings and said surgically repaired hand felt good, which was a good sign especially in cold weather. He clearly learned his lesson last year about not trying to play through injury.
“It makes no sense for me to try to play in spring training if it doesn’t mean anything,” he said, and by that I think he meant if he’s not playing for a roster spot and/or if he’s going to make it worse by pushing it now.
TennesseePaul
February 26th, 2010
10:38 am
Unless he gets hurt and remains in extended spring training, I would think Heyward would “go North” no matter what… he’s in Florida.
Lawyered.
Uninspired Spring Sports Writer: Team could struggle if key player is removed.
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
10:39 am
Jurrjens might do some long-tossing today, but Bobby Cox wasn’t sure as of 10 a.m. He didn’t throw yesterday after long-tossing Wednesday, but he’s had only minor pain or discomfort in shoulder (or no pain, according to Cox).
Jersey Gil
February 26th, 2010
10:40 am
thinbreakness,DAP…..See my post 3:32 Page 2 yesterday, Article by phillis writer. I think ours 25 player match with them and also ours Minor league system are better.
sidslidkid
February 26th, 2010
10:41 am
Good news about Schafer not rushing back. We just need him 100% ready by mid season.
TennesseePaul
February 26th, 2010
10:41 am
It makes no sense for me to try to play in spring training if it doesn’t mean anything
eesh… poor wording from the kid.
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
10:41 am
dpelfrey: and on top of that Chavez isn’t a rookie. The My Little Pony backpack is for rookies.
Daslied
February 26th, 2010
10:42 am
Say that you dug up an old recording of your band playing live, from when you were in high school.
Which of these is the most shame-inducing part?
A. It’s a cassette, and it took you a big chunk of time to find something to play it on.
B. The interesting song selection. In this case, the first four songs were King’s X, STP, Rush and Freddie King. WTF?
C. The laughable playing.
D. The realization that you weren’t as cool as you thought back then.
thinbreakness
February 26th, 2010
10:44 am
Jersey-
Thanx, I did read it yesterday and came to the conclusion that injuries are an issue with every team regardless of what that team did last year. I like what Wren did with our bench, I think he reinforced the team as best he could.
BravePack12523
February 26th, 2010
10:44 am
I’m pretty excited so I wanted to share it with my fellow Bravos fans here on the ole’ blog. It’s been a productive week as I just picked up my new authentic Braves alternate road blue jersey yesterday to go along with my Sunday red and home white Chipper authentics. Man what a sharp jersey, very happy I got it. Also bought our annual Braves tickets for the July 22nd game against the Padres. We went all out this year and bought seats 5 rows behind the Braves dugout. We drive down from Chicago every year to the Ted and have been getting better seats each year for the kids. I brought them up the right way and my whole family are Braves fans( I even turned my wife into a Braves fan, who grew up a White Sox fan so now she has 2 favorite teams). The kids love the Braves as much as I do and love coming down there every year. Hopefully they will be well into 1st place by then.
Also trying to find MLB 10:The Show early and putting my detective skills to work this weekend to be able to start my season as the Braves so wish me luck with that…truely a great game to play while I wait for the Braves season to start. Lastly, we hopefully get to see the USA men bring home a gold this weekend in hockey. Go USA and Go Braves.
sidslidkid
February 26th, 2010
10:45 am
Luckily the Braves have 3 off days in the first 3 weeks of the season. 4 if you count the day before opening day. So in theory we’ll be OK if we have to skip Jurrjens spot the first time around. Hopefully he won’t fall too far behind (if any) and will be ready to go 6 innings by 4/11.
tiger297
February 26th, 2010
10:46 am
daslied
remember cool is comparative so while you may not be as cool or as good as the kids today are you were probably just as cool and just as good as you thought back then
and I will keep telling myself that forever