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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,063 comments Add your comment
Heath
March 21st, 2010
3:00 pm
I am officially rootying for Wisconsin now.
Heath
March 21st, 2010
3:02 pm
This Cornell team can shoot.
njbraves
March 21st, 2010
3:02 pm
Choosing Jo-Jo for a bullpen spot would be a mistake. The kid has never shown anything.
UNCBrave
March 21st, 2010
3:05 pm
Roy Williams=2 National Titles in 5 years at UNC
Self-1 Title
Also, UNC and Roy won the NC last year when they were the FAVORITE by far to win it….KU bailed in the 2nd Round
It could be argued that KU had a WORSE season than UNC b/c of expectations..
If LAST YEAR’s UNC NC team would’ve lost in the 2nd Round, that would have been a WORSE season to me than this year
David O'Brien
March 21st, 2010
3:05 pm
Self has one more national title as the coach of Kansas than Roy Williams did. — Braveheart
And one fewer second-round exit as a No. 1 seed (happened twice under Roy at KU). But there were the first-round exits for Bill’s teams in 2004 and 2008…. Hey, bottom line, every KU alum I know is happy to have Self as coach, and most UNC fans I know are thrilled to have Roy, despite what happened with either team this season.
Mekons
March 21st, 2010
3:06 pm
JoJo’s problems are usually the second time through the order. He has good stuff. I think he would be good out of the bullpen.
unbelievable
March 21st, 2010
3:09 pm
good move by the Braves and McLouth
DOB, any word on the Thurston/Conrad battle. Who has the advantage up to this point?
Goldenglove002
March 21st, 2010
3:13 pm
Regarding the 40-man roster, I would think Diory would go to the 60 day DL for Heyward and then Stephen Marek would be dropped off to make room for Proctor. Does marek really have any sort of shot at making this team in the near future? I don’t know that I would even worry about him being claimed off waivers.
If Thurston or Kimbrel get spots I’m not really sure who the braves would have to move.
Heath
March 21st, 2010
3:14 pm
“Hey, bottom line, every KU alum I know is happy to have Self as coach, and most UNC fans I know are thrilled to have Roy, despite what happened with either team this season” –DOB
Great coaches for both teams…no doubt. Coach Cal can bring in the recruits….we’ll see if he can bring home the bacon. So far UK fans are happy to have him.
UNCBrave
March 21st, 2010
3:19 pm
Agree with DOB there…I’m sure KU is happy to have Self just as I’m happy to have Roy
TnBrian
March 21st, 2010
3:28 pm
Is Jonny Venters pretty good. I take it he’s better with command than Dunn, but haven’t heard much at all about what he throws. I just know he’s a lefty and he’s 25 judging from what the internet tells me.
David O'Brien
March 21st, 2010
3:28 pm
It could be argued that KU had a WORSE season than UNC b/c of expectations.. — UNC Brave
Ahh … ol’ UNC Brave is back. You disappeared with hoops talk for about two months, after carrying on early about how great the Heels were (for about their first 10 games) and how weak KU’s out-of-conference sked was, etc.
Why can’t you just enjoy the Heels’ run through the NIT, dude? You gotta revel in others’ misery? Why’s that?
You’ve got a lot of gall to even mention your school and hoops right now, after the horrendous season they had. And my cousins who are UNC alums and huge fans — including one big financial contributor to the school — agree with me on that. Unlike you, they think this season was a huge disappointment at UNC. You have some low exectations if you don’t.
If KU ever, and I mean ever, has a 16-16 season under Self, there will be calls for him to be fired. There’s no way, under almost any circumstances, that KU, UNC, Duke or Kentucky should have a .500 season (not counting those NIT wins you’re tacking on).
And by they, you mention that UNC didn’t have high expectations this year. Really? They were preseason top 10 in virtually every media outlet. They were No. 7 in Sports Illustrated college hoops preview (I got it out the other day because I was curious what was being said about them entering the season).
So don’t try the revisionist history. Just enjoy your possible NIT title run. And why is it so hard for you and some other UNC fans to understand that KU alums really, honestly are happy that Self is the coach now instead of Ol’ Roy? I don’t see why that’s any concern for you all, but it obviously is. I hear it every time I go home to see my parents in Wilson, N.C.
It amazes me that a school with UNC’s rich hoops traditon, that any of its fans/alums would give a rat’s arse about what’s happening at KU vis-a-vis the coach. But it clearly is an obsession with some.
Roy did a great job at KU while he was there. He’s gone. KU got a helluva replacement, and that’s that. Move on, dude. And if a 16-16 season is satisfying for you, then fine.
And by the way, after KU went 37-3 en route to winning the 2008 national championship, it lost five players to the NBA draft, lost its entire starting give and seven of their top scorers to the draft or graduation. The next year the Jayhawks won another Big 12 title and advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing to Michigan State.
A 16-16 season or NIT berth that season wouldn’t have been acceptable to KU fans.
Heath
March 21st, 2010
3:32 pm
“If KU ever, and I mean ever, has a 16-16 season under Self, there will be calls for him to be fired. There’s no way, under any circumstances, that KU, UNC, Duke or Kentucky should have a .500 season (not counting those NIT wins you’re tacking on).” –DOB
Spot on. Look how quick Billy G. got the hook at UK. Win or go away.
jim
March 21st, 2010
3:33 pm
Having another lefty like Jo Jo in the pen to pitch to the likes of Howard, Utley, and Dunn would be a plus, provided all else is equal. I think Kimbrel needs another year — or at least 3 months — in the minors to work on his command. I could see Proctor replacing Chavez when he is ready.
TnBrian
March 21st, 2010
3:37 pm
jim, I think Venters gets the nod instead of JoJo. Just going by what DOB and Bowman predict and they should know much more than we do about this stuff.
Soph
March 21st, 2010
3:37 pm
A 16-16 season or NIT berth that season wouldn’t have been acceptable to KU fans.
Oh, as a Heels fan it was a major disappointment to me but I’ve come to terms with it. It is what it is. Hopefully, the freshmen will gel throughout the NIT and come back strong next season.
jeffrey d
March 21st, 2010
3:38 pm
Spot on. Look how quick Billy G. got the hook at UK. Win or go away.
Or Tubby. Do you know how many teams would kill to have Tubby Smith as coach?
Mac
March 21st, 2010
3:38 pm
What NIT title run? UAB will end them.
thinbreakness
March 21st, 2010
3:40 pm
jim-
A couple of good points have been made about JoJo as reliever. First – he was effective as a starter the first time through an order. Second – He may be able to give you 2 innings when you need them. Maybe his calling is in the pen?
TnBrian
March 21st, 2010
3:42 pm
Are we having a war of words about college hoops again? Sure looks like it’s fixing to heat up big time around here. PEACE!
jeffrey d
March 21st, 2010
3:42 pm
But Kentucky fans have a “nothing short of the Final Four will satisfy us” attitude. Which is respectable, but there’s about 200 other teams that want to win it all too. And your team isn’t always going to be the best.
Now Calipari has the Wildcats in excellent position for a title after just one season. What happens when UK has an average season under him? He didn’t always have lights out seasons in Memphis either.
jeffrey d
March 21st, 2010
3:44 pm
Are we having a war of words about college hoops again?
For real. It’s not like we’re in the middle of arguably the most exciting playoffs of any sport in the nation.
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
3:44 pm
Looks like the Buffalo Bills are poised to draft a QB. The question is which one will they draft? Bradford, Tebow, Clausen?
Soph
March 21st, 2010
3:45 pm
Didn’t Gillespie have issues with his contract too though? I think I remember him not signing his contract for two years after being hired. Not saying that the lack of wins didn’t have anything to do with it but weren’t there other factors too?
Soph
March 21st, 2010
3:46 pm
joe – I was reading an article yesterday that had a couple of mock drafts within it and both had Bradford going first to the Rams so I think the Bills will go with Clausen.
Nova Scotia Steve
March 21st, 2010
3:47 pm
NCAA basketball to Canada is like NHL to USA.
In most states anyway…
thinbreakness
March 21st, 2010
3:48 pm
TnBrian-
There you go again. DOB never made a definitive committment to either pitcher, just pointed out possible scenarios and the reasoning behind these decisions.
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
3:48 pm
Meh… The Bills need to be run better to be successful. They have made many poor personnel decisions in the last few years. I don’t know if Clausen will work there, but who else do they have..?
David O'Brien
March 21st, 2010
3:49 pm
McLouth on his work in intrasquad minor-league game today (three hits, one walk in six plate appearances):
“It went good. I’m glad I got a chance to do it. I just need to step away. Hitting is a funny thing. It can wear on you, even in spring training when numbers don’t matter – because they do. Not necessarily numbers, but feeling well and making good contact matters. And when that’s not happening, regardless of whether it’s spring training or not, that’s frustrating.”
“To step away and kind of have some at-bats that really don’t matter, and get a chance to just make some good contact. It was good. I felt great at the plate, made good contact … it was a big step forward.”
“I got six at-bats, had three hits and a walk. And made solid contact. That was what I was looking for. Being on time. That’s really what I’ve been struggling with is my timing. When you’re on time – everyone here knows how to hit. So it’s being on time, and being in the right position when the pitch is in the zone, to take a good swing. And that’s something I haven’t been doing.”
lpad
March 21st, 2010
3:50 pm
I would respect UK’s standard involved running a clean program. Wherever Calipari goes, sanctions follow.
Heath
March 21st, 2010
3:50 pm
jeffrey d -
Tubby was not fired. He quit. He is a an excellent coach, but intentionally did not recruit the best of the best…so, once Pitino’s players left after ‘98, UK really wasn’t a legitimate contender. For programs like Georgia, Minnesota, and Auburn (recent rumors link him there…true or not), Tubby is perfect. For UK, KU, UNC….not so much.
Also, I wouldn’t say that UK fans expect to be in the Final Four “every” year….but since we haven’t really been a contender since ‘98….yeah, that is too long.
David O'Brien
March 21st, 2010
3:51 pm
On Pendleton’s comment to me yesterday about how McLouth was collapsing his legs, going too low in his swing stride:
“That’s part of it,” McLouth said. “Because if you’re late, then all of a sudden you’re rushing to get to the ball and things are breaking down. What better time to fix it than in spring training.
“It’s not like it’s not frustrating because it’s spring training. It’s not like I’m not trying to fix it. It’s just something that’s difficult to do. So today was nice to step back and get on some backfields, get a bunch of ABs in a row.”
I asked him if he’s confident he’ll be ready for the season:
“Definitely. Because I’m not gonna stop working or stop taking at-bats until I am ready. I’m going to take as many at-bats and as many pitches as it takes.”
Nova Scotia Steve
March 21st, 2010
3:51 pm
Who ever thought McLouth would be one of the major causes for concern heading into Opening Day???
Seems like a great move by both sides today.
atlantaspike
March 21st, 2010
3:52 pm
I’ve never understood Cox’ approach to bench construction. A bench should be full of hitters who can’t field, not fielders who can’t hit. The overwhelming majority of times a bench player enters a game is for offensive (PH or PR), not defensive purposes. Gwinnett is just a phone call away. I’d rather have the tactical offensive advantage on a game by game basis, and be willing to suffer the consequences of very occasionally having to deal with an inferior defender for an inning or two. The virtue of keeping a Lockhart-esque “glove man” around over someone who can actually change a game around – say a Jim Edmonds type 5th OF who might actually win a game or two for you just eludes me.
Heath
March 21st, 2010
3:53 pm
Soph -
Billy G. was a major a – -. There was articles on ESPN about how he treated their reporters and after left, his mistreatment of the players started leaking out. These two things did not sit well with the fan base or the administration….so, him not winning on top of that made it pretty easy to decide to give him the boot.
Braveheart
March 21st, 2010
3:54 pm
Choosing Jo-Jo for a bullpen spot would be a mistake. The kid has never shown anything.
In his career, JoJo’s split against lefties is .210/295/350/.645, with a 2.53 K/BB rate.
The league average lefty against lefty split in the NL last season was .238/.314/.374/.688, with a 2.59 K/BB rate.
So there is some reason to believe JoJo could at least be average against lefties as other lefties in the NL are. And most of that split came as a starter. Most starters should have better results as a reliever. So maybe his splits against lefties become even better, although the improvement likely won’t be better than what other LOOGYs do against lefties. As a starter, JoJo doesn’t have much value. As a LOOGY, however, there are indications he can at least be average, which means you’re able to make him valuable to your team.
Minor doesn’t have much experience to base this on, but if he’s starting the season in AA, he’s getting close to major league ready. And even if Minor ain’t necessarily ready, he couldn’t possibly be much worse if forced into emergency action than the 6.00 or so career ERA JoJo has as a major league starter. So what would you lose by not having JoJo ready to go as a starter? You got Medlen, and maybe Minor (if only because Minor couldn’t possibly be worse as a major league starter than JoJo). So you’re likely not losing anything by using JoJo as a LOOGY, but you could possibly gain something by taking a useless piece and making him valuable as an average LOOGY.
thinbreakness
March 21st, 2010
3:54 pm
Heath-
No shedding the Rupp legacy huh?
jeffrey d
March 21st, 2010
3:55 pm
Tubby was not fired. He quit
Didn’t he quit because the UK fans ran him out? Even though he was regularly making the NCAA Tourney and won Coach of the Year in 2005 (I think)?
For programs like Georgia, Minnesota, and Auburn (recent rumors link him there…true or not), Tubby is perfect. For UK, KU, UNC….not so much.
Why? Because we don’t want to win? Just because these schools don’t have the rich tradition of UK or KU, we still want that and it doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve that.
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
3:55 pm
Glad to see Nate had a great day.
jeffrey d
March 21st, 2010
3:56 pm
I’d love to continue this argument, but I’ve got to head out. Talk to you guys later
nolie
March 21st, 2010
3:56 pm
You know, I’ve never seen the Bourne movies, joe. STEVE
you need to change that when you have time.
thinbreakness
March 21st, 2010
3:56 pm
atlantaspike-
Probably not the only thing that elludes you.
T for Texas
March 21st, 2010
3:58 pm
I hope that today really is a step back for Nate. If he hits this year we are dangerous. Sounds like the side trip today was a good idea with the three hits and all. Thank god he didn’t take an 0-for on a minor league field. That would have been worse for his psyche than that diatribe DOB dropped on UNC Brave must have been for his. You okay there little Tar Heel?
TexasBrave
March 21st, 2010
3:58 pm
atlantaspike thats why I like Thurston over Conrad. Better numbers and some pop in his bat. Probably not as good a fielder as Conrad, but that is why you have Infante and Hinske. The other thing Thurston has going against him right now is that he is not on the 40 man and Conrad is. It would take a roster move to keep Thurston and unfortunately for him the competition between he and Conrad is close. If Thurston was far and away the better choice then it would be a no brainer.
JEB
March 21st, 2010
3:59 pm
McClouth should do a few more games with the minors group.
Should not just go on one afternoon’s efforts. He needs more time to build and correct his timing issues – one day will not do it!
If he will take a few more days and get alot more at bats – he will be a different hitter in a week’s time.
If they move him back into the regulars after just one day – we will see the same results as with Francouer going to the minors for 3 days.
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
4:01 pm
Texas
Conrad has a higher OBP, though. He still has some pop, too.
David O'Brien
March 21st, 2010
4:02 pm
Get this: A San Francisco writer wrote on Twitter that Willie Mays said he’s looking forward to seeing Jason Heyward when the Braves play out there in April. Seriously, he said that. (Apparently Mays watches all the games he can get on his satellite dish, has the MLB package and all that.)
So the “Say Hey Kid” looks forward to seeing J-Hey. No pressure there.
nolie
March 21st, 2010
4:04 pm
of arguably the most exciting playoffs of any sport in the nation. JEFFREY D
bouncey ball? you’d have to do a lot of arguing to convince me of that
Heath
March 21st, 2010
4:06 pm
jeffrey d -
You’ll get this later…
Sure, UGA, Minnesota, etc. wants to win….but it usually doesn’t happen over night. Look at Gonzaga. To become a national title contender, you generally have to establish yourself as a consistent winner first. Now that they are consistent winners, they are getting better players and maybe in the years to come they will become true national title contenders. Right now, there typically is only a dozen or so programs that can realistically expect to be in contention for a title nearly every year because of their consistent performances. Like the old saying goes, you have to walk before you can run….Tubby is a great coach to help take you to that “walkin” stage.
T for Texas
March 21st, 2010
4:06 pm
Last year in approx 275 ABs Thurston .645 OPS. In 55 ABs Conrad .666 OPS.
atlantaspike
March 21st, 2010
4:08 pm
Probably not the only thing that elludes you.
You know, when you misspell an ad hominem, you come off looking like even more of an idiot, thinbreakness.
Jay212033
March 21st, 2010
4:09 pm
I wonder what pitcher(s) McLouth faced today.
nolie
March 21st, 2010
4:10 pm
A bench should be full of hitters who can’t field SPIKE
man that is soo sad. ain’t fantasy ball spike
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
4:10 pm
I wonder what pitcher(s) McLouth faced today.
I think he played in Williamsport last year.
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
4:13 pm
http://appshopper.com/prices/free/2
Free Iphone apps at that site. Not sure of the quality, but hey, they are free.
atlantaspike
March 21st, 2010
4:13 pm
man that is soo sad. ain’t fantasy ball spike
I yield to your riveting, well-researched logic. Really, this is the kind of commentary you are only going to get on an AJC Blog. It’s what keeps me coming back.
Jay212033
March 21st, 2010
4:13 pm
Cool! Thanks Joe.
Mixxo
March 21st, 2010
4:18 pm
atlantaspike LOLZ!
BTW…..I agree with you. I’ll take bench “hitters” over bench fielders……any day!
Richie
March 21st, 2010
4:20 pm
DOB, I am a UNC fan, and I didn’t have high expectations for this year’s squad. I wasn’t going to dare compare them to 06 squad, like i read on UNC sights early on. Coming off a NC, and having elite talent of that caliber leave, UNC would struggle. I went to the Coaches vs Cancer classic in November. And they struggled mightily against Ohio St. They just happened to win because Ohio St was flat. I saw they had no consistent outside threat, besides Graves( he is way toooo streaky), saw teams were able to pack the middle and the paint to neutralize their bigs. And inexperienced PG play. The team also had no cohesion. I think UNC fans and alums, esp in N.Carolina, were spoiled by the deep playoff runs the past 3 years, without looking at the roster. They had a highly ranked class with no back up pg in it. And only 1 true pg on the roster ,so I knew they would struggle.
Kansas, reminded me on UNC’s 07 squad, loaded with talent. They just didn’t bring it every night and had a tough end to a fantastic season. Just make sure Henry comes back because he isnt NBA ready, no matter what he says. KU destroyed my bracket, with help from Nova.
TnBrian
March 21st, 2010
4:24 pm
thinbreakness, there I go again, huh? Yeah, because I just put words in O’Brien’s mouth all the time or something. I hope you were kidding because if not, you have me mistaken for somebody else, dude.
86-76
March 21st, 2010
4:24 pm
Confussed!!!! Heyward is looking good-McLouth is not. Would that mean that we will have a outfield of:
1. Heyward-Cabrera-Diaz
2. Heyward-McLouch-Cabrera (Diaz)
3. Heyward (Diaz)- McLouch- Cabrera
TnBrian
March 21st, 2010
4:26 pm
DOB, well, according to some here, J-Hey feels no pressure. He feels nothing but the ball jumping off his bat for a 450 ft blasts.
thinbreakness
March 21st, 2010
4:26 pm
atlantaspike-
Sorry for adding the extra “l”. Based on my negligence, I’ve changed my mind and agree with everything you’ve said.
The Ghost of P.L.
March 21st, 2010
4:28 pm
McLouth will be fine. Again, a proven veteran slumping in Spring Training means little to me. What he does in April is what matters to me.
Heath
March 21st, 2010
4:28 pm
Cornell is puttin’ a hurtin’ on Wisconsin. Looks like it will be Big Red versus Big Blue. More worried about that team than I was about Wake…..even moreso than WVU too because of their ability to shoot.
thinbreakness
March 21st, 2010
4:30 pm
TnBrian-
Go to the other Blog and tell me where DOB said Venters will be the LH if Bobby carries 3 in the pen. If you find a definitive statement of such, then my blog must not post DOB’s comments
nolie
March 21st, 2010
4:30 pm
It’s what keeps me coming back.spike
gee if I had know that I wouldn’t have said it. your comment was too silly to warrant any deep commentary on.. they have to play if starters get hurt and D actually does have an important place in real baseball.
hopefully your bench players can do some of both, but to ignore defense and stock nothing but hitters…well doesn’t seem to be any actual major league managers who subscribe to you opinion. Prolly a reason for that which escapes you too huh?
The Ghost of P.L.
March 21st, 2010
4:30 pm
..With the way the Braves are handling Scott Proctor’s comeback from surgery (which I feel is the smart move to make)……..I’m wondering why the Braves didnt do the same thing with Peter Moylan last year when he was making his comeback from surgery?
Moylan pretty much stank the month of April in 2009. He should have started the 2009 season at Gwinnett and worked on his control. Yet Bobby kept trotting him out there (kind of like how he did with Greg “the only way I can get on base is if the pitcher forgets to throw strikes” Norton). Moylan didnt really start turning it around until June.
Perhaps it isnt too late to teach an old dog some new tricks (you know, like allowing Proctor to ease his way back in, instead of rushing his comeback like Bobby did with Moyan last year).
The Ghost of P.L.
March 21st, 2010
4:31 pm
RHR………..thanks for the heads up on ESPN televising the Braves next week.
The Ghost of P.L.
March 21st, 2010
4:36 pm
I must give major props to O’Brien for the rip job he did on UNC brave. I can understand dude cracking on Kansas for the dump job they did against Northern Iowa. But to try to prop up the DUMP JOB that North Carolina did this year, at the expense of KU………was pitiful.
atlantaspike
March 21st, 2010
4:39 pm
your comment was too silly to warrant any deep commentary on.
Touche’! I am wounded to the core with this rapier thrust!
well doesn’t seem to be any actual major league managers who subscribe to you opinion.
they have to play if starters get hurt and D actually does have an important place in real baseball
Okay, I am going to humor you and actually try and have a dialogue here. How many times a year does a starter get hurt in mid-game versus how many times a year do you bring in a pinch hitter to you know, actually try to win a close game? Let me put this another way – I’ll type slowly, as I know you don’t read fast – which do you think you’d use more often, insurance against being struck by lightning, or insurance against being rained on?
another Wonderbra post – no visible means of support
The Grinch
March 21st, 2010
4:40 pm
Nolie, agreed about the bounceyball comment. If you’re not interested in the sport, then the playoffs may not be quite that exciting for you. Oddly enough, I like watching the Hawks, but college just doesn’t get it for me. Yet I prefer college football to pro football (though I love them both).
The Ghost of P.L.
March 21st, 2010
4:42 pm
Cornell getting ready to go to the Sweet 16.
Just think, for the next few days, a team of mostly privileged white kids will be considered “underdogs” by the media. Ironic dont you think?
Mekons
March 21st, 2010
4:45 pm
Our BP wasn’t as good last year. We needed Moylan, even at 75 percent. We’ve got a lot more alternatives this year.
Lew
March 21st, 2010
4:46 pm
Great to know that McLouth can at least hit minor league pitching. I guess that means we have Gwinnett covered.
Seriously though – maybe this lights a fire under his behind and he turns into the player so many think he is. Damn this negativity is liberating.
nolie
March 21st, 2010
4:46 pm
gee Spike, why don’t they all do as you suggest? Can’t believe they all miss your cogent points.
Sigh. Another guy who thinks he knows more that actual baseball folks, and gets an ego boost out of being condescending.
enjoy your stay lil man.
The Grinch
March 21st, 2010
4:46 pm
Atlantaspike, I’m inclined to agree with you. I remember a game last year when Ross Gload from the Marlins KILLED us with a walk off homer (I think it was a three runner) and thinking to myself, “self, why don’t we have someone like that on our bench instead of folks like Blanco, Norton and Hernandez?”
Heath
March 21st, 2010
4:48 pm
Hell of a finish in the MSU – Maryland game… MSU wins on a buzzer beater.
Lew
March 21st, 2010
4:48 pm
Grinch-Wren saw to it that it won’t be a problem this year.
The Grinch
March 21st, 2010
4:49 pm
Of course, I think this year’s bench will be quite good.
Heath
March 21st, 2010
4:50 pm
Paul -
Bilas has already said that he thinks they would win.
lpad
March 21st, 2010
4:52 pm
heath – that was a pretty dull game that got real good at the end. MD was too passive on D on the last possession. Gotta find the shooters.
Heath
March 21st, 2010
4:53 pm
lpad -
I was stuck watching the OSU game here in Cleveland….so, all I caught was the ending. Was still a good finish.
lpad
March 21st, 2010
4:55 pm
go to ncaa.com and use the on demand feature. get to see any game you want for free. I was able to watch the Missouri and WVA game on it as I watched the MD game on the tube.
lpad
March 21st, 2010
4:56 pm
wish I had known about it earlier. missed all the games i wanted to see on thursday and friday.
nolie
March 21st, 2010
5:03 pm
“self, why don’t we have someone like that on our bench instead of folks like Blanco, Norton and Hernandez?” GRINCH
one or two like that is just fine. Spike’s original statement was to stock the bench with all guys like that A bench should be full of hitters who can’t field quoth the great spike, which is a completely ludicrous statement even if you accept it as hyperbole.
We have Hinske this year and they were interested in Gload, but having nothing but those type guys on your bench is not gonna fly with any real life manager.
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
5:03 pm
Just think, for the next few days, a team of mostly privileged white kids will be considered “underdogs” by the media. Ironic dont you think?
That’s ok. Most of the losing teams’ members will be working for them one day.
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
5:04 pm
Anyone else see the Mich State/Maryland finish? I was eating lunch and an awesome buzzer beater it was.
atlantaspike
March 21st, 2010
5:05 pm
Spike, why don’t they all do as you suggest? Can’t believe they all miss your cogent points.
I don’t suppose you have any, like evidence that there are no “actual major league managers who subscribe to you (sic) opinion.”? Or do I need to do your work for you? I just love guys who spout perceived conventional wisdom while patting themselves on the back for being some kind of savant. I don’t mind you using argumentum ad verecundiam, but perhaps, for us lesser folk, you could actually define the authority you are appealing to? Or can I file this under “stuff nolie makes up and prays to god holds up under scrutiny”?
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
5:06 pm
Not to mention, Nolie, we have utility fielders. They are much more valuable in that they are able to field multiple positions. Most of your power bench hitters are able to field one position at best(see Matt Stairs).
joerochester
March 21st, 2010
5:08 pm
Mr. Atlantaspike, what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
Mekons
March 21st, 2010
5:08 pm
You’ve gotta have really good glove people on the bench to protect your lead after a double switch. Infante and Brooks will probably be those two. Then we have Ross, Hinske and whoever the fourth OF is that day for bats off the bench. And both Infante and Conrad can hit pretty good. And we have the flexibility to rest Chipper, Glaus, and McCann (not at the same time) without losing much offensively.
The last thing you want is five hulking DH types.
nolie
March 21st, 2010
5:11 pm
A bench should be full of hitters who can’t field spike
and I hope all the condescension is helping your fragile ego. It obviously needs it or you wouldn’t use it so much. glad to help out there lil buddy.
abwright
March 21st, 2010
5:14 pm
I’m glad to hear that Nate had a good day for a change. Hopefully he gets a ton of ABs in the next couple of days and puts this timing issue behind him. I’m guessing that a minor league game is somewhere between batting practice and regular Spring Training games. Fix the problem, establish the changes, then do it for real.
If Nate gets back to normal and Glaus starts showing some power, Braves fans can comfortably waste their blog time arguing about JoJo versus Venters versus Chavez to see who gets to ride the bullpen pine and dream about getting into a 20 inning ballgame.
Mixxo
March 21st, 2010
5:16 pm
atlantaspike for moderator!!
CB
March 21st, 2010
5:16 pm
nolie,glad to see you are taking the high road- do you need to borrow my fly swatter?
monty
March 21st, 2010
5:18 pm
Last year we had a guy coming off the bench pinch hitting late in the game with chances to tie the game or put us ahead and he never delivered at leaast I don’t recall him delivering. (Norton) But BC kept running him out there and I’m quite sure it cost us a game or two. As opposed to having someone who could actually get a hit. I don’t think his defensive prowress is why BC kept him around. He was supposed to hit. But he didn’t. WIth that in mind I would lean toward having bench players who were better hitters than fielders, if I couldn’t have both.
nolie
March 21st, 2010
5:21 pm
not worth the effort CB, but thanx. he’ll disappear along with his silly comments soon if he can’t get someone angry. its what he needs
JasonInFL
March 21st, 2010
5:22 pm
Went over to the game today…got soaked…wanted to see Heyward…was going to leadoff the next inning before the game got called.
Also, the stadium accidentally played sound of glass breaking when Chip hit…he had to step out…took a look up to the box…didn’t look happy for a sec…
nolie
March 21st, 2010
5:24 pm
But BC kept running him out there and I’m quite sure it cost us a game or two. As opposed to having someone who could actually get a hit. I don’t think his defensive prowress is why BC kept him around. He was supposed to hit. But he didn’t. WIth that in mind I would lean toward having bench players who were better hitters than fielders, if I couldn’t have both. Monty
gee, nobody is saying we shouldn’t have a hitter or two like that-though don’t forget that Norton WAS that hitter the year b4. spike’s contention is that the bench should be full of nothing but guys who can hit but not field.