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562 comments Add your comment
McFann
February 28th, 2010
2:03 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!
HTF
February 28th, 2010
2:04 pm
A blog without Heyward in it? WTF? Boo this man.
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
2:06 pm
Sweet blog.
paranoiaagent0
February 28th, 2010
2:06 pm
I assume you’ll want to fix this- you say that Chipper had a “1.066 slugging percentage in 361 games.”
but meant OPS, I assume.
TennesseePaul
February 28th, 2010
2:10 pm
Thanks for the blog DOB
Mitchie-san
February 28th, 2010
2:12 pm
Heyward.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
2:14 pm
Added a poll to the blog after I posted it. On predictions for Chipper stats in 2010.
MattyRoss
February 28th, 2010
2:14 pm
Thanks for the new one DOB. Who do you put #1 right now, Kansas or ‘Cuse. I have to lean towards my alma mater ahead of yours at the moment, though KU still might be the better overall squad. Just seems like Syracuse should get that recognition, if only for a week.
MattyRoss
February 28th, 2010
2:15 pm
Mitchie-san, everything still where it should be over there? Good to see your computer didn’t get washed away.
RJB in DC
February 28th, 2010
2:17 pm
Agree with the growing confidence level of the younger players (I think McCann has fully embraced his role as the team leader). I think much of Chipper’s success will depend on how Glaus performs offensively. If he has the power numbers that he had prior to his injury, sitting Chipper for a rest for Infante won’t have so much of an impact on a team that still isn’t geared to play small-ball.
todd
February 28th, 2010
2:19 pm
Chipper will be Chipper – hurt half the time and Troy Glaus will be himself – hurt half the time. We will be lucky to get a full 162 games between the two of them. We better pray that there is somebody who can step up or it is going to be a long season. Thanks for the operating cash Liberty Media!
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
2:19 pm
MattyRoss: Agreed. I’d vote ‘Cuse No. 1 right now. Helluva performance last night.
Paranoia: Thanks for the catch. Got it fixed.
Mitchie-san
February 28th, 2010
2:20 pm
Matty, yeah we are all in one piece. It was pretty crazy around here for a while. It was very anti-climactic…
I have been puzzled since yesterday, though. Some people actually seem disappointed or annoyed that the tsunami wasnt bigger…
I dont get it.
3131
February 28th, 2010
2:21 pm
i hope chipper has a good year cuz i dont want to see him retire yet
Knockahoma
February 28th, 2010
2:22 pm
DOB, Thanks for the article. Assuming that Heyward make the club, our bench should be Hinske, Infante, Cabrera,Ross and ???. What’s your thoughts on that final reserve spot?
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
2:22 pm
Speaking of Heyward, he and nobody else in this group hitting now is doing anything against Kenshin Kawakami. Mostly late swings against him by Heyward, Diaz, others. Thurston pulling some grounders to the right side….
Jesse Chavez coming in to pitch now. I think I’ll head down to field.
BravesinTN
February 28th, 2010
2:23 pm
Also a helluva performance last night: Roger Daltry and Eric Clapton. Great Johnny Cash cover by Roger and Vince Gill and Clapton trading licks…fantastic. Great song by Snider – how about a Clapton tune next blog? I think it’s going to be a great Braves year, I’m still nervous about the health of the backend of the bullpen, though.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
2:27 pm
Jesse Chavez on the slab. Everything low and away to McCann, only swung at a couple of pitches. Heyward same thing, looking at most low & away stuff in first round, grounder to left side … nothing in air that round.
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
2:27 pm
I am expecting huge things from Kawakami
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
2:29 pm
Non one’s got a ball in the air against Chavez yet. Diaz just grounded to left side, took a borderline pitch away, etc. From here, looks like Chavez is locating very well, everything on outer edge of plate or just off it, almost everything down.
MattyRoss
February 28th, 2010
2:31 pm
Mitchie – maybe they feel like it was a “crying wolf” type situation. As in what the hell was all that fuss about, I went to home depot and sealed off windows and etc. etc. for this? People don’t like to be bothered, I guess. Better safe than sorry, though, of course. I’m sure most keep that in mind.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
2:31 pm
Wind’s blowing hard in from right field, so I’m not expecting many tape-measure shots even after the coaches start throwing BP. Not from lefty hitters at least. Right-handers should be able to get some up on the berm, as it’s blowing in from right but across the field and sort of out to left.
Steve McP
February 28th, 2010
2:32 pm
McCann said “Nan I can really perform at this level”, why was he saying that to his grandmother?
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
2:32 pm
DOB
Based on your observations from previous spring trainings, when do hitters begin to get comfortable.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
2:34 pm
Heyward just got one up in the air out of the infield. First to do it against Chavez. Soft liner over the shortstop. And that’s it so far against Chavez. Nobody’s hit anything off him.
Mitchie-san
February 28th, 2010
2:36 pm
Matty, I hear ya. If it was worse, they would probably scream that they didnt have enough warning or knowledge of it.
I guess there are just types of people who like to complain.
Benjamin
February 28th, 2010
2:37 pm
I know people were down on Kenshin last year, but aside from a couple horrible outings, I wasn’t disappointed in him. He had several stretches of putting up quality starts. He just needs to work on his pitch count so he can go a little deeper into games.
UKUGA/brent a.
February 28th, 2010
2:40 pm
Syracuse is #1 . . . Kentucky and Kansas are tied for 2nd, pending the outcome of Purdue/Mich State today. Purdue may not lose today, but will probably slip soon, without Hummel.
You can give Duke whatever ranking you want to give them, but I don’t view them as a serious threat.
UKUGA/brent a.
February 28th, 2010
2:42 pm
+ K State/Kansas is huge, coming up this week.
K State is legit, and I expect them to give Kansas equally as tough a battle as they did in Manhattan.
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2010
2:47 pm
DOB – so is it safe to say the Chavez/Soriano trade looks promising? I mean, does Chaves have similar stuff when he’s on? Thx for the realtime updates bro.
Steve
February 28th, 2010
2:48 pm
Dave,
Give us a number on how many games you think the Braves will win. My guess is right around 90.
bigstack19
February 28th, 2010
2:49 pm
You forgot to mention that Chipper played in 143 games last year which is the most for him in some time. Maybe he needs to sit more to keep himself fresh. I hate to say it but the Braves whole season comes down to Glaus. If he stays healthy and hits 30 homers and 100 RBI while playing decent defense this team will be in contention. If he stays hurt, can’t hit a lick or fields the position like he is lost then the Braves will be scrambling to score runs all year. This is a team that has less speed than a senior league softball team. They will need to hit home runs. No first to third on singles. No scoring from first on doubles. No stealing bases to help manufacture runs. Glaus is the lynch-pin for the whole season. If he busts the Braves won’t win 80 games.
Heath
February 28th, 2010
2:54 pm
You guys ready for some hockey? Can USA do the unthinkable and beat Canada…for the second time?
I’m ready!
Venice Jim
February 28th, 2010
2:56 pm
richbrave (if you’re out there) – great shot by the Spiders to force OT…
GovClintonTyree
February 28th, 2010
3:00 pm
Chipper might have been tired, but that wasn’t the major problem. His swing was messed up.
SeATLite
February 28th, 2010
3:00 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&page=wojciechowski/100228
One anonymous scout’s extensive rundown of the best players and his projections for how the season plays out. Not one word in the whole thing about the Braves or any Braves player. In his brief mention of the NL East race, he just says “Phillies win, Mets suck, Nats gotta be careful with Strasburg.” And then pegs the Rockies as the NL WC later on.
Can’t decide how I feel about that. Yes, it’s just one scout’s opinion, and yes, it can be good to come in under the radar… but it makes me worry that we in Braveland have a presbyopia problem. Are we too close and too emotionally involved to see that this team just can’t compete at a high level? Or, conversely, are we the only ones paying enough attention to know that there’s something special about this club?
Think I need a Xanax.
A drunkards ramblings
February 28th, 2010
3:02 pm
Hey Dave, Great blog but wouldn’t Snider’s “Age like wine” be a little more appropriate for Chipper?
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:05 pm
Hope the US didn’t use up all their goals against the Fins… the count down to the drop of the puck has started.
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
3:07 pm
SeATLite
There are a lot of things tha need to go right for tus this season. That being said, we should win the wild card at least.
Venice Jim
February 28th, 2010
3:07 pm
I hope this Richmond-Xavier game is the last double overtime game a team from Virginia plays this weekend…
Braveheart
February 28th, 2010
3:09 pm
I’d like to see Chipper worry less about regaining power, and just transition into the kind of .300/.400, 15 home run hitting guy Todd Helton has become. It’s not likely he’ll once again become the .300/.400/.550 machine he once was. He may have just reached the age where he can either slap singles and doubles and be an on base machine who hits .300 and gets on base 40% of the time, or he lets the average slip, but loads up on the power like in 2004. I’d rather see the .300/.400 guy with average power. Who knows? Maybe he’ll be a monster again this year, but last year didn’t seem to be a lack of strength issue, but seem liked a guy getting old who’s losing the fast twitch muscles needed for fielding and bat speed. But he knows his own body better than what my eyes tell me, so what the hell do I know.
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
3:09 pm
on MLBtraderumors it says that Ken WIlliams would seriously giving SD a package centered around Gordon Beckham for Adrian Gonzalez.
I would not trade Beckham if I were them
Nan, I can
February 28th, 2010
3:09 pm
Baseball season. FINALLY.
I have a feeling Glaus will be just fine.
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:12 pm
Braveheart -
I agree that Chipper doesn’t have to worry about HRs to be really effective in the 3-hole. Hitting for a high average, strokin’ doubles in the gap, and rackin’ up the BBs would be perfect.
Braveheart
February 28th, 2010
3:14 pm
Cain can really pitch, man. Lincecum, he’s a freak. He weighs 160 or so pounds. He’s a max-effort guy with a bad delivery. Don’t get me wrong — he punched out 261 guys last year and he might pitch forever. But it’s just that Cain pitches with such ease. He won 14 games last year with a 2.89 ERA. Lincecum won 15 with a 2.48. See what I’m saying?
No, Scout X, I don’t see what you’re saying. Are you saying Cain’s smart enough not to exert himself too much, knowing how many he wins is dependent upon luck of the draw when it comes to run support and defense?
RJB in DC
February 28th, 2010
3:20 pm
SeATLite–just finished reading that as well. Gotta he an AL scout (read his comment on Javy as being from the “other league”). So I am thinking that we are just running under his radar. How could you comment on Strasburg on the one hand and fail to even mention Hanson.
But my view is that works. Frankly, outside of McCann, we don’t have a player that draws much attention beyond the local market (unless Chipper lights it up like two seasons ago). I think we have a very solid team. Individual match-ups against the Phillies are going to be problematic, but if we can dominate the Nats, Mets and Marlins, we should be withing striking distance come Sept.
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:21 pm
VJ -
You guys getting this hockey game live?
The Bird and Indian
February 28th, 2010
3:22 pm
Thanks for the BP updates DOB. I was disappointed that I don’t get to go to a BP this year. At least I get to see a game in a couple of weeks.
Braveheart
February 28th, 2010
3:25 pm
Frankly, outside of McCann, we don’t have a player that draws much attention beyond the local market (unless Chipper lights it up like two seasons ago).
hence, why it doesn’t make too much sense that folks are crying about Heyward getting so much nationwide love. even mccann is pretty much baseball’s best kept secret to everyone but the south and fantasy baseball players
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
3:27 pm
HEath
This pace does not favor us
Braveheart
February 28th, 2010
3:29 pm
Chipper played in 143 games last year which is the most for him in some time. Maybe he needs to sit more to keep himself fresh.
I agree with that. Thought so too with Garrett last year. Garrett was hitting .300 and had an OPS around .800 in late July, but got run into the ground and his numbers nosedived.
Venice Jim
February 28th, 2010
3:30 pm
Heath – yes, we are getting it live- we did watch then end of the UR-Xavier game – sorry about the outcome, richbrave…
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:31 pm
VJ -
Just checking. I didn’t want to say something and ruin in for ya.
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
3:32 pm
what a hit
NCBravesFan
February 28th, 2010
3:33 pm
SeATLite : I’d rather scouts and pundits ignore the Braves. A lot of these same folks have been pretty high on the team the last couple of years, to no avail.
With the pitching depth they have, they should be able to contend. Health and a few breaks here and there will probably determine how far the Braves go.
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
3:34 pm
you like that brooks orpik putting heatley on the US bench
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
3:34 pm
Sports can be fairly random at times. An injury or two can always put one team out of contention and another one in contention.
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:34 pm
I’d rather scouts and pundits ignore the Braves. A lot of these same folks have been pretty high on the team the last couple of years, to no avail
…yeah, thats why they didn’t make the playoffs. Dang scouts and pundits.
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
3:37 pm
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
3:34 pm
you like that brooks orpik putting heatley on the US bench
I wonder if he would check Crosby?
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:37 pm
VJ -
No where near the scoring in the first period for this game compared to the last one, huh?
NCBravesFan
February 28th, 2010
3:38 pm
Heath, did you really think that was the point I was trying to make, or are you just trying to be a smarta$$?
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:40 pm
saw that goal coming as soon as they turned it over….damn.
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
3:42 pm
NOT LOOKING GOOD HEATH
Must stop this PP
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:43 pm
….and now a power play. Sheesh.
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
3:43 pm
If the Braves can get this guy then they are world series bound. Adrian Gonzalez, Braves offer Freeman, let them choose between Arody’s and Julio, and another mid level prospect. Who’s with me?
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
3:43 pm
b from SC
February 28th, 2010
2:32 pm
DOB
Based on your observations from previous spring trainings, when do hitters begin to get comfortable.
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
3:44 pm
Rob in SC, i doubt he would give Crosby more then a little push.
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
3:44 pm
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
3:43 pm
If the Braves can get this guy then they are world series bound. Adrian Gonzalez, Braves offer Freeman, let them choose between Arody’s and Julio, and another mid level prospect. Who’s with me?
Gonzo is a .260 hitter, I’ll pass
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:44 pm
…bad thing, US seemed to have the ice tilted in their favor for most of this 1st period…stupid turnover and all that good play is erased.
Salamander
February 28th, 2010
3:44 pm
Not sure if its been posted here yet, but here is a tv schedule for Braves games this spring (I found the list on Talkingchop.com):
Tuesday, March 2nd @ 1pm – Braves vs. Mets on MLB
Tuesday, March 9th @ 7pm – Phillies vs. Braves on CSS (Comcast?) and MLB
Thursday, March 11th @ 7pm – Braves vs. Yankees on CSS and MLB
Tuesday, March 16th @ 1pm – Marlins vs. Braves on FSS and MLB
Wednesday, March 17th @ 1pm – Braves vs. Marlins on FSS and MLB
Tuesday, March 23rd @ 1pm – Braves vs. Mets on ESPN
Wednesday, March 24th @ 1pm – Phillies vs. Braves on ESPN
Friday, March 26th @ 1pm – Tigers vs. Braves on ESPN
Tuesday, March 30th @ 1pm – Yankees vs. Braves on CSS
Wednesday, March 31st @ 1pm – Astros vs. Braves on CSS and MLB
Heath
February 28th, 2010
3:45 pm
Good pp kill…let get something going here.
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
3:48 pm
lol you’ll pass on Gonzo? what are you smoking and where can i get some? is fat albert good enough to play first for you?
TommyP
February 28th, 2010
3:53 pm
Slow sports Sunday today. Is it me or did they used to have more men’s basketball on Sundays?
Watched a lot of NFL Combine today. Tebow impressed in most of the measurables. Hardesty looked great, Spiller burned the 40 up as did Best…. Can’t wait to watch Dexter McCluster in the NFL. He’s a football player.
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
3:54 pm
I’m with Rob. I’d rather keep two of our top prospects and take a chance that Freeman will pan out rather then trade for Gonzo.
SoDak Brave
February 28th, 2010
3:54 pm
Need a lil help. I am using google chrome and everytime i refresh the blog, it goes back to the top. Anyone know how I can fix this, so it will go back to the place i was last at?
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
3:55 pm
Andrew in PA
I would rather have 6 years of Freeman and Teahern than 2 year of Gonzalez
Poorbrave
February 28th, 2010
3:56 pm
“we got a guy like Milky Cabrera who can actually play.” said Cox.
“Ouch, a couple guys’ ears might be burning about now.” said DOB.
Is it obvious DOB you do not care for Cabrera are does it just seem that way? Alot of bloggers seem to be cutting him down. I hope he proves the non-believers wrong….Give the Man a chance, new league, new team, don’t have NY pressure, and He’s got Wren & BC’s backing. If it don’t work, we have July trade bait.
Thanks for the info. You and Jeff have been doing double duty. Thats GREAAAAAAAAAAAAT.
glove51
February 28th, 2010
3:58 pm
Poorbrave: WTF???
And Roodge Owns
February 28th, 2010
3:59 pm
Poorbrave, I don’t think you’ve got those two quotes put together correctly.
toga party
February 28th, 2010
4:00 pm
Thanks for that post Salamander. I hadn’t seen the spring TV schedule yet.
Andy K.
February 28th, 2010
4:01 pm
Poorbrave, I think you’re misinterpreting…the Cox comment was referring to guys in the past like Church, etc who were less desirable options for the OF. and DOB has already addressed Melky and his preseence, and has shown no signs of not caring for him…
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
4:01 pm
Poorbrave,
You’re taking the quotes out of context.
Poorbrave
February 28th, 2010
4:03 pm
Sorry about that. My bad. Gone back to re-read.
TnBrian
February 28th, 2010
4:04 pm
“I’d rather keep two of our prospects and take a chance that Freeman will pan out rather then trade for Gonzalez” joerochester
joerochester, now I’m not accusing you of doing this, but the second Freeman starts to struggle in the bigs so many will be screaming at why the Braves didn’t package him in a trade for Gonzalez. Personally, I’d offer Freeman and maybe two decent prospects to SD and might even raise the offer a little with one more good propect.
Some of ya’ll take these young minor leaguers too seriously. Really, how many of them pan out to be a Adrian Gonzalez?
toga party
February 28th, 2010
4:05 pm
SoDak Brave, I have that problem when using Chrome as well. I haven’t found a solution for it yet, so I just read the blog in Firefox. My other problem with Chrome, when reading the blog, is that I tend to highlight things as I read. Chrome adds all the things you highlight to the RAM the program is occupying, so you end up eating way too much memory with the browser. The combination of those two issues leads me back to Firefox.
RJB in DC
February 28th, 2010
4:06 pm
Poorbrave-Not to speak for DOB (like he needs the help), but I think the point he was trying to make is that BC will almost never say anything not positive about anyone of his players–even to a point of re-cycling worn out sound-bites. Like this one was…
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
4:06 pm
Tn
If we were assured that AGON would be a Brave and we could lock him up, then I would think about trading for him. However, if we lock him up would we still be able to keep Hanson, Heyward, Jurrjens, in the future?
Heath
February 28th, 2010
4:07 pm
2nd period about to get underway…. come on boys, let’s get that game-tieing goal.
Poorbrave
February 28th, 2010
4:08 pm
Thanks glove51, Andy K, and Roodge my screw -up…forgive DOB?
Poorbrave
February 28th, 2010
4:09 pm
your right….RJB
TnBrian
February 28th, 2010
4:09 pm
joerochester, A-Gon’s contract is up about the same time as Chipper’s and Lowe’s, correct? If so, I’d think they could have enough cash to lock up all those guys you mentioned above. Maybe they’d need to release another contract or some other kind of tweaking, but man, this is Adrian Gonzalez we’re talking about.
Andy K.
February 28th, 2010
4:10 pm
Be back in a bit ladies and gents…more USA hockey
Heath
February 28th, 2010
4:10 pm
Another penalty? dang.
Couch Tater
February 28th, 2010
4:12 pm
Braveheart – I agree about the days off, but the other side from Jermaine Dye about last years second half slump. He’s younger than Chipper.
“Having everyone rotate between the outfield and DH, doing all that, I think it made it that much tougher than being in the lineup every day, trying to work your way out of a slump. It just kind of piled up and piled up.”
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Rosenthal-Why-is-Jermaine-Dye-not-signed-021010
So, I guess if you’ve got a good avg. you can take a day off. lol
And Roodge Owns
February 28th, 2010
4:13 pm
Happens to me all the time, Poorbrave.
Heath
February 28th, 2010
4:14 pm
….okay…killed a pp….and now we get one.
TommyP
February 28th, 2010
4:15 pm
Isn’t this the last year of A-Gon’s (yet ANOTHER athlete where we give him the unimaginative 1st letter of first name, 1st 3 letters of last name….ugh) small contract? If so, I want no part of him as he’s going to get a MONSTER deal next year.
Braves aren’t going to sign him to, say, a 5yr./$90 million deal. Just ain’t happenin’….
Heath
February 28th, 2010
4:16 pm
…pp looking… oy.
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
4:16 pm
Tommy…
I’m not sure even that would get it done. LOL.
Rob from SC
February 28th, 2010
4:16 pm
DOes anyone like Matt Diaz to hit leadoff against LHP