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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
562 comments Add your comment
Snotboogie
February 28th, 2010
5:40 pm
Steve McP
Hull, Burnley and the Wolves are the slightly worrying teams. Man City is the only other team to worry about.Gunners have been playing better overall and not as weak as previous years with the lower rung teams.
United play City, Pool, Chelski along with some relegation teams.Pretty tough overall.
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2010
5:40 pm
Shootouts suck, Rob. No way an Olympic game or an NHL playoff game should end in a shootout. I don’t mind it in the regular season, but at least do a 20 minute OT instead of the crappy 5 minute thing…
Navigator
February 28th, 2010
5:41 pm
Does anybody in their right mind expect Chipper to walk away from $28 Million!!!?? I don’t even like Chipper, but I don’t think he has that little sense. If anybody says his pride (read ego) will make him leave early, then him and you are living in an alternate universe. Only a micro fraction of the people living in this world will ever make $28M in their whole life.
TommyP
February 28th, 2010
5:41 pm
Had a best friend in college that went to spring training and came back raving like Grinch just did….about the Pirates. LOL
They look focused, eh?
nolie
February 28th, 2010
5:42 pm
Samoas! joe r
me too yumyum
Heath
February 28th, 2010
5:42 pm
Steve -
Is the OT in the Olympics 10 min?
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2010
5:43 pm
It’s 20 in the gold medal game, Heath.
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2010
5:44 pm
Do you guys remember when Stevie Y scored that 2 OT goal in game 7 against the Blues? That’s good hockey, not shootouts.
Heath
February 28th, 2010
5:44 pm
Steve -
Oh….well, should have a decent shot at not having the Shootout then.
jeffrey d
February 28th, 2010
5:45 pm
I like this 4 on 4 thing
jeffrey d
February 28th, 2010
5:46 pm
Is this sudden death?
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
5:46 pm
Is this sudden death?
Yeah, bro.
Heath
February 28th, 2010
5:46 pm
Yes. On the sudden death.
RJB in DC
February 28th, 2010
5:47 pm
I agree with The Grinch on his assessment. I thing the current roster is strong, if not spectacular. Better than last year. Moreover, we gave a number of games away early while BC hung with KJ, Frenchy and Schafer despite the fact that they were under-performing. Thus exposing the myth that the early games somehow don’t mean as much as games later in the season.
The Grinch
February 28th, 2010
5:47 pm
Schaeffer also looked like he was trying to prove something; I wouldn’t be surprised to see him up next year.
Speaking of Moylan, he was over in the indoor batting cages taking bunting practice with Hanson. He stepped toward the plate and Jimy Williams says “Hey Peter, why don’t you let Tommy go first? There’s a thing or two I want to work on him with.” Moylan looks incredulous and says in his Aussie accent: “Tommy? Tommy who? Tommy F—ing prospect?” Williams laughed and said “What?” while gesturing to the kids standing around waiting for autographs. Moyan looked around and said “Tommy prospect?” You had to be there; he sounded just like Jason Statham in “Snatch.” He and Medlen were constantly cutting up.
Godd to see Williams back coaching, too; he was actually giving helpful advice which is something I didn’t see much of last time. I get the feeling this team really wants to send Bobby out on a high note.
jeffrey d
February 28th, 2010
5:48 pm
Yes. On the sudden death.
Oh geeze….whoever wins it’s gonna be some finish
The Grinch
February 28th, 2010
5:50 pm
TommyP, I was down there two years ago and didn’t rave a bit. They really do look better this year.
Heath
February 28th, 2010
5:52 pm
heart is pounding…
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
5:53 pm
There’s a blog up with the whole story on Cox’s plan and reasons, plus a poll on what you think.
Heath
February 28th, 2010
5:53 pm
…damn
cabravesfan
February 28th, 2010
5:53 pm
Oh well…
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
5:54 pm
well im glad crosby got the game winning goal, but poor USA great job.
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2010
5:54 pm
F@#king Crosby.
The Grinch
February 28th, 2010
5:54 pm
Also, Heyward is a line drive hitter. He’ll hit homeruns, but that isn’t his approach. Expect to see a lot of doubles and triples. After watching him, as impressed as I am I still think he should start at AAA and come up in July unless he’s just tearing the cover off it. Also, for those worried about his weight; dude could put on another 15 pounds easy and still be fine. You just have to see his build in person; can’t apply normal rules to it.
RJB in DC
February 28th, 2010
5:54 pm
And it had to be Crosby too. ugh
jeffrey d
February 28th, 2010
5:54 pm
Canadian bacon is just ham anyway. Idiots…
The Grinch
February 28th, 2010
5:55 pm
Figures; always a new blog when I start typing.
TommyP
February 28th, 2010
5:55 pm
I would imagine that everyone is focused right now and ready to prove something. I mean you know there is someone at the Royals spring training raving about how they look and all but…..
It’s February. February.
Jake W.
February 28th, 2010
5:58 pm
Well good game, don’t watch much hockey. I didn’t even see the puck go in the net. For this to be thier game it took a battle for them to win. They can have this sport, we got them in everything else.
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
6:01 pm
take that ovie, a cup and a gold metal, what you got
The Grinch
February 28th, 2010
6:01 pm
It’s not my first ST there, Tommy; they didn’t look all that focused or hungry last time. I’m much more of a realist than an optimist; I’m just calling it like I see it.
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2010
6:01 pm
Ovie’s got more talent than Crosby, that’s what he’s got.
TommyP
February 28th, 2010
6:03 pm
Jake W.: I’m with you, bro. I just can’t get into that sport. Wasn’t it Fox that used to have this blue laser follow the puck so you could see it?
Good for Canada. It’s all they have, really.
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
6:05 pm
talent or championships..hummm,ill take the winning.
nolie
February 28th, 2010
6:05 pm
So if we can just dump Chipper off somewhere we should win 140 some games, right?
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
6:06 pm
ovies got more talent then jesus christ himself,but that doesnt make him a winner.
Chad
February 28th, 2010
6:07 pm
A-Gon has a club option for $5.5M in ‘11, which you would assume any team he’s on would exercise. Lowe’s and Chipper’s contracts expire after ‘12, assuming the Braves don’t exercise Chipper’s option (although it’s only half what he’s making each of the next 3 seasons). The Braves’ contracts expiring b/t now and then are KK, Wagner, McClouth, Saito, Ross, Infante and all our 1 year guys.
KK and McClouth’s salaries might be free, assuming our front four are as strong as most expect and assuming Schafer can recover and establish him as a ML OF. The other salaries will likely be tied up in those guys or their replacements. The Braves’ best shot to re-sign A-Gon (assuming they trade for him) would probably be to offer him a slightly back-loaded deal.
The only way I would want to trade that kind of talent for A-Gon is if Wren knew he would have the financial resources to make a strong run at re-signing him. We traded a lot of talent for an excellent 1B who was supposed to put us over the top a couple years ago. It seems like the Braves never really expected to make a strong run at retaining his services. Not every trade for an established slugger works out as well as the McGriff trade did either.
I agree with Rob’s sentiment. We can’t keep trading our future away for a shot at success now. Unless you can spend like the Yankees, you have to be able to develop your own local talent. Prospects may not always pan out, but guys like Chipper, McCann, Jair, Hanson and Esco are great examples of what can happen when they do. Someone recently went through a list of some of the guys we traded away for our rentals at 1B and RF, and my stomach turned a little.
TommyP
February 28th, 2010
6:09 pm
Many have projected a lineup so far and here’s my first attempt:
McClouth
Prado
Chipper
Glaus
McCann
Yunel
Heyward
Diaz
Lowe
IF Glaus comes through, that’s a pretty good lineup. (also Heyward coming through but I feel he’ll be a solid contributor from the start)
I’m really pulling for Lowe. I really like the guy and want him to succeed. I also like Huddy being further back in the rotation. Expectations are WAY too high for him right now. He’ll be much better in the 2nd half of the season vs. the 1st. Handle with kid gloves to start.
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
6:11 pm
im just gonna say it now, Derek Lowe will have a better year then Javy.
Jake W.
February 28th, 2010
6:13 pm
I don’t know Tommy as I’ve only watched hockey a little for a couple of years but if they did thats a good idea. Watching on a 40 inch and still couldn’t see the thing most of the time.
From the sound of things the USA is closing the gap between them and us in this game but right now they are still better but if they ever had to play us in basketball, soccer, or baseball we would be heavy favorites and rightfully so. But hockey is theirs and although its dissapointing to come this far and finish second the US still did well and they didn’t roll over us. I liked the fight.
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
6:13 pm
I just read an article where the two lifeguards at the local YMCA are 82 and 70 lol.
TommyP
February 28th, 2010
6:15 pm
Andrew: That’ll be comparing apples to oranges with the change in leagues (especially since Javy is in the AL East now).
nolie
February 28th, 2010
6:23 pm
no bite here Andrew. gave it up for Lent
Andy K.
February 28th, 2010
6:29 pm
If you guys think we have crazies on this blog just go look over on Schultz’s…shenanigans
Snotboogie
February 28th, 2010
6:43 pm
Lol and joerochester’s story.
They really put the Y in YMCA dont they!
Braveheart
February 28th, 2010
6:44 pm
I wouldn’t have a problem trading elite prospects or paying lots of money if the player we’re getting back is so special that he’s worth it, but the thing Adrian Gonzalez just ain’t that special of a player. He’s just not. He hasn’t put up a 1.000 OPS yet in his career. If I’m gonna trade elite prospects, I’m gonna do it for Fielder, Braun, Pujols, etc. Not for some guy who has barely averaged an OPS above .850 before last season.
Troy Glaus, 2006 thru 2008: .261/.364/.491/.856
Adrian Gonzalez, 2006 thru 2008: .288/.357/.504/.860
I understand Gonzalez had a great year last year, and that he is 28 and in his prime, and that he’s been putting up those numbers in a hitter unfriendly park, and ain’t making that much over the next year or two, and that Glaus was injured last season, and is getting old, but the Braves basically paid what? 2 or 3 million for Glaus? But you’re willing to pay with a bunch of elite prospects in addition to money for Gonzalez?
And about Gonzalez’s season last year, yeah, it was pretty good. But are those walk totals real? Would they be similar in a more competitive lineup? Or were they inflated because there was no fear of those around him?
And that was a mighty impressive power display he put up last season, but, again, is that also a product of seeing so many garbage pitches thrown to him that he obviously wasn’t supposed to swing at, that it became easier to identify and lock in on those rare pitches he saw that he could drive?
I dunno, but I’m very reluctant to consider trading valuable pieces for a guy who didn’t put up numbers much better than Laroche or Glaus before last season, especially when there were circumstances present last season that possibly caused his walk and power rates to be inflated.
nolie
February 28th, 2010
6:50 pm
well at l;eat you didn’t base it on WARP or BJWS or some such BH
nolie
February 28th, 2010
6:58 pm
Even I can understand that post and the points it makes. and I kinda agree. though he does have a 935 OPS away from home which might make it kinda interesting
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
7:00 pm
snotboogie
In all fairness to the old dudes, they are incredibly fit. The 82 year old runs two miles a day and lifts weights.
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
7:01 pm
This is the same city where we had an 80 year old bartender, too. It’s the fountain of youth up here, let me tell ya.
Woody Woodward
February 28th, 2010
7:03 pm
Chipper needs to keep his pie hole shut on this retirement business. What clubhouse leader talks retirement in the middle of a pennant race like he did last year? I also remember a column a few weeks ago that made mention of a thumb injury he suffered while hunting (one of his niggling injuries) and then Chipper raved about how well his hunting show (or some such) is coming along. Where’s the man’s head? Is his heart in it?
nolie
February 28th, 2010
7:06 pm
Pretty desperate for something to bytch about, huh Woody?
Dang ...
February 28th, 2010
7:10 pm
Woddy Woodward– now now, can’t give the slightest hint of negativity. Shame on you.
Of course when the season starts and there’s one tiny hiccup in anyone’s play THEN they’ll be the same old negative nelly’s we all know and love patrolling the site.
Dang ...
February 28th, 2010
7:11 pm
Woody– told ya. (Refering to nolie’s 7:06)
RHR
February 28th, 2010
7:12 pm
I like how ballgame! posts aren’t just for baseball games.
nolie
February 28th, 2010
7:12 pm
– now now, can’t give the slightest hint of negativity. Shame on you.
there’s negativity and then there’s ridiculous whining about nothing. kinda like your post, y’know?
Bobbymahlom
February 28th, 2010
7:13 pm
Whoever came up with the idea that the only team without a loss had to beat a team they had already beaten to win the gold medal. Now both teams have the same record and if you go to a tie breaker on goals scored USA wins.
nolie
February 28th, 2010
7:14 pm
and you won’t find me being negative no matter what happens, unlike a lot of folks . prolly you too from the tone of your post.
Braveheart
February 28th, 2010
7:16 pm
though he does have a 935 OPS away from home which might make it kinda interesting bb
yeah, geez, just looked at that road split, and am inclined to say nevermind about what I said earlier. A 139 OPS+ over the last 4 seasons. Chipper’s got a 143 for his career, so I guess Gonzalez’s numbers should be relatively similar to Chipper’s average season if Gonzalez was hitting in a more friendly park. Trade the farm!
18 Wheels of Love
February 28th, 2010
7:19 pm
Hockey is not a sport.
Braveheart
February 28th, 2010
7:20 pm
What clubhouse leader talks retirement in the middle of a pennant race like he did last year?
maybe a clubhouse leader looking to ease the pressure on everyone else by deflecting attention? or maybe a clubhouse leader who has to answer far more questions than anyone else, and thus gets asked far more questions he has to answer than anyone else?
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
7:21 pm
For those scoring at home, the five longest home runs that I saw in BP today were off the bats of Brian McCann, Yunel Escobar, Jason Heyward, and two by ol’ Chipper himself. He drove one right-handed that hit off the Champion scoreboard sign about 20 feet above the left-center wall, and crushed one left-handed (remember that’s the swing he’s working on) that hit three-quarters of the way up the high wall in straightaway center field. That was an epic shot, and the swing drew praise from GM Frank Wren seated behind the cage.
nolie
February 28th, 2010
7:21 pm
why not 18? I can see that about Curling but why hockey? Ever play it? it’s pretty rough work.
Andrew in PA
February 28th, 2010
7:22 pm
batting practice is mad overrated
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2010
7:23 pm
18 Wheels–huh?
nolie
February 28th, 2010
7:25 pm
but a lot of fun Andrew
Braveheart
February 28th, 2010
7:25 pm
How is hockey not a sport? I don’t like hockey at all, even though I loved the game today, but if hockey ain’t a sport, what the hell do you consider baseball?
nolie
February 28th, 2010
7:26 pm
I think maybe 18 was trolling for a bite?
a643dp
February 28th, 2010
7:27 pm
Heywards nickname should be…… HEMI
brian
February 28th, 2010
7:30 pm
I would just call Heyward “The Argonaut”
Heath
February 28th, 2010
7:32 pm
DOB -
Would you agree or disagree if the polls read: 1.) SU, 2.) KU, 3.) UK tomorrow?
SeATLite
February 28th, 2010
7:33 pm
Rob, RJB, NC, thanks for the reassurance. I’ll endeavor to see the media’s blind eye as a good thing.
Now if I could just get over Lowe starting on Opening Day…
Heath
February 28th, 2010
7:35 pm
I hope you’re kidding about the Hockey is not a sport comment. Curling…yeah..but hockey?
JasonInFL
February 28th, 2010
7:41 pm
D-Lowe should start the opening day at Gwinnett… (:
Hope D-Lowe bounces back and earns that $15 mill…If he has a real good year, this staff can be really, really good. The bullpen will be BETTER than last year.
Woody Woodward
February 28th, 2010
7:43 pm
“maybe a clubhouse leader looking to ease the pressure on everyone else by deflecting attention?”
deflecting attention from what? His own poor play down the stretch? In the field and at the plate, Jones was anemic. The rest of the Bravos were playing with a fire in their belly that has been sorely lacking in recent years. Jones’s job is to stoke the fire, not douse it.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
7:44 pm
Go Braves: Peachtree TV still hasn’t announced who’ll team with Joe Simpson on its broadcasts.
nolie
February 28th, 2010
7:44 pm
The rest of the Bravos were playing with a fire in their belly that has been sorely lacking in recent years. Jones’s job is to stoke the fire, not douse it. Woody
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2010
7:47 pm
By my count, Chipper needs about 11 more down years until we can start getting on him for “dousing the fire.”
joerochester
February 28th, 2010
7:51 pm
Are the Cubs sending out Zambrano opening day?
falcoholic
February 28th, 2010
7:58 pm
if glaus doesnt put up big numbers expect the braves to be under five hundred. i dont get why the heck they wont freaking sigh a speed player who can steal a lot of bases. we need speed and power this season if we want to make the playoffs
Dang ...
February 28th, 2010
8:00 pm
Chipper most definitely ended his swing with both hands on the bat when he was younger. I remember it pretty clear. I guess he still does right handed, but he used to from both sides of the plate as I recall.
I got Jason Heyward finishing 2010 at .290-21-82.
Dang ...
February 28th, 2010
8:02 pm
falcoholic– that’s what they got Nate McLouth for. Not sayin’ he’s a prototypical leadoff guy, but they obviously think he is. Just sayin’.
KC
February 28th, 2010
8:03 pm
Classic!!! For those not easily offended… with a slightly twisted sense of humor, here is one of the all time classic underground songs/videos (Gaybar by Electric 6):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTN6Du3MCgI
nolie
February 28th, 2010
8:07 pm
I got Jason Heyward finishing 2010 at .290-21-82. Dang
so he is gonna hit better as a 20 year old rookie than Chipper did at what 23? BA might be a bit high, but I think it’s possible, and would be mighty happy with those figures
falcoholic
February 28th, 2010
8:08 pm
so how do u guys think well rotate our outfield
Avon Barksdale
February 28th, 2010
8:10 pm
no people is crazy on here
Avon Barksdale
February 28th, 2010
8:11 pm
falcoholic, heyward in right, nate in center, diaz plays lefties melky plays righties
Dang ...
February 28th, 2010
8:11 pm
nolie– Chipper has a series of nagging injuries when he first came up and I think it played a part in some of his numbers. Still impressive numbers by young Chipper, but still. If Heyward can stay healthy….
falcoholic
February 28th, 2010
8:12 pm
avon dude whos crazy?
Avon Barksdale
February 28th, 2010
8:12 pm
heyward will be ROY and MVP the same year, has anyone ever done that?
Woody Woodward
February 28th, 2010
8:12 pm
Heyward will make Chipper look like Woody Woodward.
Stringer Bell
February 28th, 2010
8:12 pm
you got that right bro
lpad
February 28th, 2010
8:13 pm
Wow hockey not a sport. That must be the dumbest thing ever written on this blog, maybe ever. Would love to here why it isn’t?
On a different note, Crosby is officially a legend now. Not much else for him to do now? Is he even 25 yet?
Avon Barksdale
February 28th, 2010
8:13 pm
falcoholic
February 28th, 2010
8:12 pm
avon dude whos crazy?
everyone on this blog
Couch Tater
February 28th, 2010
8:13 pm
On Blaine Boyer’s recruiting calls to come to the D-backs…
LaRoche, an avid hunter, questions Boyer’s true ambitions – “He just wanted another redneck on the team”
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/2010/02/27/20100227diamondbacks-blaine-boyer.html
Avon Barksdale
February 28th, 2010
8:13 pm
hahaha my man stringer bell is here whats up homie
Stringer Bell
February 28th, 2010
8:14 pm
you mean as a rookie or career, Woody?
falcoholic
February 28th, 2010
8:15 pm
dude heyward is not going to be mvp look umm. howard is a lot better than heyward will be in this upcoming season i mean seriously common sense
Jimmy McNulty
February 28th, 2010
8:15 pm
I know where you guys live.
Dang ...
February 28th, 2010
8:16 pm
“u guys can u reply faster i mean dang not bein mean but i like chatting wit u guys”
Well, I’m not “bein” mean here either, but could you like, I don’t know, use spell check because I feel like I’m talking to a Kindergarten kid with your grammer.