McLouth goes to minors for a day; Braves make cuts

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1,063 comments Add your comment

Mekons

March 22nd, 2010
12:30 am

If JoJo goes to Japan, they have to pay a transfer fee and if the Braves want, cough up a player, I think. Any Japanese player will jump at a chance to go to the US as long as they get their salary.

Steve McP

March 22nd, 2010
12:36 am

Thanks DOB, look forward to the article. Instead of a freelance journalist how about having Chipper (assuming he is not playing in P S L) run the blog for a day, it would be great fun!

Mekons

March 22nd, 2010
12:36 am

Breaking Bad season premiere tonight was sublime. Whole new roads they’re headed down, and all look dark and compelling.

The opening scene was amazing, Dave. This show just keeps building the tension. Now we have crazy death cult psychopaths after Walt. The first year was interesting, but it is just getting better and better. Anyone not watching this is insane.

I saw a post on a liberal site, and I’m a liberal, saying he or she refused to watch the show because it glorifies meth. Anyone who has watched the show knows how wrong that is.

The Grinch

March 22nd, 2010
12:38 am

What’s wrong with meth?

nolie

March 22nd, 2010
12:52 am

g’nite y’all

Mekons

March 22nd, 2010
1:32 am

Yeah, Grinch. It’s just a wonderful drug. Heck, I love psychosis. Snicker.

shmoe

March 22nd, 2010
1:35 am

Um, meth will rot your skin and internal organs before inducing psychosis, but yeah, glamorous drug indeed

Runnin

March 22nd, 2010
1:59 am

Mekons wrote: “Any Japanese player will jump at a chance to go to the US as long as they get their salary.”

I have doubts about this. The major league may be the ultimate challenge for a player of any nationality, but it takes a certain kind to pull up roots and move halfway around the world. The Japanese are big on family loyalty and responsibility. Any J player moving to America is likely going against his family and friends and many will not be willing to do that.

Mekons

March 22nd, 2010
2:11 am

Runnin. You are wrong. Succeeding in the US is crazy good in Japan. Why do you think they have about 50 reporters around every Japanese players in the U.S.? Japanese bands who do well in the U.S. get huge coverage, too. But not like Ichiro.

The Grinch

March 22nd, 2010
2:34 am

One can achieve psychosis through other means…it often happens as a matter of fact. Don’t hate on a Seussian for crackin’ a joke.

Runnin

March 22nd, 2010
3:44 am

I disagree. Living in Japan for 20 years I’ve read and heard many stories of J players who didn’t want to go to the Major League. Yes, it’s a big story and big news, but not every player wants that kind of attention or pressure. Most probably don think they could succeed there and many don’t want to leave their countries or their teams. It’s only the more independent minded and confident players who make that leap.

David O'Brien

March 22nd, 2010
6:34 am

Just watched the fourth quarter and overtime of the Hawks-Spurs replay on ESPN. Helluva game, and a reminder of just how far the Hawks have come.

Why I’m watching an NBA replay at 5 a.m. is another sad story about the disaster that is my nonsensical sleep routine. Or lack thereof….

18 Wheels of Love

March 22nd, 2010
7:22 am

At least there is coffee…

zookey

March 22nd, 2010
7:29 am

DOB

Talking about sleep routines,just finished listining to Atl Baseball Talk interviewing you today.
Question…Dose McLouth look as bad in bp vs live pitching ?

jeffrey d

March 22nd, 2010
7:39 am

I could go for a dose of McLouth

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
7:56 am

Rather see Kimbrel assigned to Gwinnett where he can get his share of opportunities to close rather than backing up Saito and Wagner at Atlanta. The kid needs to pitch in tough game situations.

sidslidkid

March 22nd, 2010
8:04 am

zookey, I watched him on Saturday vs the Jays and he was making good contact in BP. I don’t remember him hitting any 450 shots… but I also didn’t see him struggle in the cage.

zookey

March 22nd, 2010
8:08 am

Dose > Something unpleasant,to which one is subjected.
My subconscioue must be on overtime.
JD,thanks for pointing that out.

robdawg08

March 22nd, 2010
8:17 am

There should be lots of concern about McClouth struggling against basically minor league pitching in ST. This guy is supposed to be our CF and leadoff hitter. I guess an OF of Diaz,Melky,and Heyward would be ok ? The defense would have much less speed though.

DOB, wouldn’t it be smarter to let Kawakami be the opening day starter to against other teams’ aces so you would have an advantage of your better pitchers 2 thru 4 facing other teams less talented pitchers ? Basically give up 1 loss to potentially get 3 in return ? Then our # 1 would face their # 2,our # 2 would face their # 3,etc.

How is the confidence in Saito and Wagner right now closing out games ? Wagner has struggled I think every time he’s pitched…

Lew

March 22nd, 2010
8:42 am

robdawg-I can’t find the ST game logs, but I believe that Wagner’s first outing was bad and that he’s been pretty Wagner – like every other time out since then. He’s given up six hits in five IP, but K’ed 5 and only walked one batter. I know his first appearance was the source of most of those hits and, I believe, all of the runs he’s given up.

zookey

March 22nd, 2010
8:46 am

Thanks Kid,Wondering if this was really a timing thing or if Nate was pulling a A.Jones on us.

robdawg08, Kawakami facing other teams aces might be a great idear and based on his past we might win a lot of those games.

Steve McP

March 22nd, 2010
8:47 am

DOB said in the blog that Nate was taking BP OK according to Pendleton, but then collapsing his knees when in live action. Nate’s comments about the Minor League game he played was that he was finding his timing and staying upright through the ball.

Spin Cycle

March 22nd, 2010
8:50 am

“Chavez hasn’t had a good spring, but made 73 appearances last season as a Pirates rookie. I don’t think the Braves are going to let a few spring appearances change their view of a pitcher they spoke so highly of after getting him in the Winter Meetings trade for Rafael Soriano.”

Actually the Braves would have spoken highly of a warf rat had that been what they got in return for Soriano!

The Braves spin machine works more overtime than the spin machines of the two major political parties combined!

Lew

March 22nd, 2010
8:53 am

Spin Cycle-And you do such a great job keeping up with it, too.

Thanagar

March 22nd, 2010
8:57 am

As with many drugs, there’s nothing “wrong” with meth… if you have a non-addictive personality. And “Breaking Bad” is one of the half-dozen or so dramatic series worth watching these days.

David O'Brien

March 22nd, 2010
9:09 am

Lew, Robdawg: Wagner gave up three hits, two runs and one walk in his first appearance, then allowed no hits or runs in his next three (with three strikeouts in that stretch).

In his fifth and most-recent appearance Friday, he gave up three hits and one run (if I’m not mistaken the hits came on breaking pitches, which is what he was working on that night.

18 Wheels of Love

March 22nd, 2010
9:12 am

Did you know?

Flammable and Inflammable mean the same thing.

I don’t understand.

Lew

March 22nd, 2010
9:13 am

EnDOB-Thanks-couldn’t find the info. I didn’t think he had been as bad as portrayed.

David O'Brien

March 22nd, 2010
9:14 am

Rey Clay Baseball: Good stuff you pointed out at 7:44 a.m. I had no idea how good Thurston was defensively until seeing him this spring. By the way, just looking at his bio again after reading your post, and couple other things stand out — he played in the outfield in 34 of 37 games in Venezuelan Winter League in 2007, and he struck out more than 65 times in only one of his 10 minor league seasons.

David O'Brien

March 22nd, 2010
9:16 am

Talking about sleep routines,just finished listining to Atl Baseball Talk interviewing you today.
Question…Dose McLouth look as bad in bp vs live pitching ?
— zookey

Not many folks have such a clever way of getting a question answered.

CB

March 22nd, 2010
9:20 am

18 Wheels, one of life’s mysteries,huh?

Hillbilly

March 22nd, 2010
9:23 am

18 WOL (9:12),
Huh? I work in the safety department at an Oil Refinery and if that’s the case then you just turned my world upside down.

Hillbilly

March 22nd, 2010
9:25 am

Ahhh. You said inflammable,…not non-flammable. OK.

David O'Brien

March 22nd, 2010
9:27 am

natec: Yes, Twins payroll is going to be about $100 million this season.

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
9:28 am

Unless something is physically wrong with McLouth, Cox will have him in centerfield on opening day, regardless his poor spring performances. Bobby Cox has never been the sort of manager to go south on his starters quickly, even if it would be better for the team if he dd so.

Braveheart

March 22nd, 2010
9:29 am

Next time I hear about a catastrophe at an oil refinery in Arkansas, I’ll know that the Hillbilly in the “safety department” momentarily got his flammables confused :)

18 Wheels of Love

March 22nd, 2010
9:30 am

Jeff R, you are right my man. anyone care to check Derosa’s spring stats the year he was given 3B?

18 Wheels of Love

March 22nd, 2010
9:31 am

Braveheart, that scenario brings to mind Homer at the nuclear plant. Mmmm, donuts.

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
9:38 am

18 Wheels of Love… I remember the DeRosa agony well!

Hillbilly

March 22nd, 2010
9:38 am

Braveheart,
Maybe I better log off and get to work, huh?

unbelievable

March 22nd, 2010
10:00 am

Rather see Kimbrel assigned to Gwinnett where he can get his share of opportunities to close rather than backing up Saito and Wagner at Atlanta. The kid needs to pitch in tough game situations.
- Jeff R

maybe so, but I still think pitching in the 6th or 7th of major league games is tougher than closing out a minor league game. Eventually, he’ll have to make the jump (might not need to be this season) but Id rather him come up and get a year under his belt before we throw him into the closer role

Gil In Mechanicsville

March 22nd, 2010
10:06 am

Here’s the deal, Moylan will be put into the closer role before Kimbrel has at least pitched in high AA.

Gil In Mechanicsville

March 22nd, 2010
10:08 am

And yes, it’s tougher to get major league hitters out than minor leaguers no matter what inning you are pitching in.

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
10:08 am

unbelievable… I don’t know about that, that the 6th or 7th in a major league game is necessarily tougher than closing at Gwinnett for Kimbrel, at least at this stage in his development.

As DOB has pointed out, Kimbrel has very little high minors experience. At Gwinnett, he’ll face a lot of players who’ve had major league experience or are close to being major league ready. I think that Kimbrel benefits from game situations where he needs to close games and sew up saves; that’s what he’s being groomed to do.

And pressure at Gwinnett? No, not on the order of major league pressure, but Kimbrel will have something to prove. Kimbrel’s ability to jump to the bigs will depend on his performances. I’ve got to believe that that would involve a good deal of pressure for him.

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
10:11 am

I think KImbrel goes to Gwinnett, though I might be wrong, but Gwinnett is just a short drive from Turner in case he’s needed. And I think Kimbrel’s AAA ready, too.

Chopshop

March 22nd, 2010
10:12 am

DOB

Great interview on atlantabaseballtalk !! It was great to listen and learn some additional information. Keep up the great work !!!

Lew

March 22nd, 2010
10:12 am

Unbeievable-I hear what you’re saying, but should Kimbrel come up this year (other than to replace an injured reliever), how much experience would he really be getting. We’ve already got our closer and three set up relievers – Moylan, Saito, O’Flaherty – so I’m not certain Kimbrel would have much more than a mop up role. He might do just a well pitching regularly in Gwinnett.

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
10:19 am

And let’s not forget Joey Devine. The Braves, if the relievers stay healthy and perform up to expectation, have a pretty solid bullpen without Kimbrel. Why rush the guy? Granted, not all pitchers are created equal, but management having rushed Devine into the majors should be a lesson to us all. Most young pitchers benefit from minor seasoning.

Homer

March 22nd, 2010
10:22 am

Fire DOB and Nate.

Gil In Mechanicsville

March 22nd, 2010
10:23 am

For one thing, the minors are a much more controlled environment. Despite what folks in the ticket office at Gwinnett would have you believe, winning is not all that important.

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
10:33 am

Gil In Mechanicsville… Yes, minor league baseball is about development.

bravesgrl4life

March 22nd, 2010
10:33 am

So, are any of you regular denziens gonna be at The Ted on April 5?

David O'Brien

March 22nd, 2010
10:34 am

Jeff R and Lew: Good points about Kimbrel. Some act like him starting the season in Triple-A is akin to him being sent to Siberia with no chance of seeing him again until next spring thaw.

In addition to points you made, keep in mind he’s not on the 40-man roster. To put him on it, the Braves would have to expose someone to waivers by removing them from the 40-man. They can put Diory on 60-day DL to open one spot, but that’s presumably the spot they’ll need to create for Proctor.

sidslidkid

March 22nd, 2010
10:35 am

bravesgrl4life, I’ll be there.

unbelievable

March 22nd, 2010
10:36 am

Lew, good points also. I still think any opportunity against big league hitters will be beneficial for Kimbrel. Like I said his time may not be this season either. We can bring him up next season after Saito is gone and let him be behind Wagner and Moylan. I was just saying that there is probably more pressure at the big league level, even in a smaller role.

unbelievable

March 22nd, 2010
10:37 am

Some act like him starting the season in Triple-A is akin to him being sent to Siberia with no chance of seeing him again until next spring thaw. – DOB

yeah DOB, exactly what I was thinking. AAA is just like Siberia

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
10:43 am

DOB, yes, it creates complications with the roster for the Braves to keep Kimbrel with the big club.

I listened to your interview on Atlanta Baseball Talk. Excellent to get your analysis with all the extra color.

Gil In Mechanicsville

March 22nd, 2010
10:47 am

Face it, the real reason players want to be in the show is the money, they game is the same in Gwinnett as in Atlanta. I suspect the neighborhood in Gwinnett might be a little nicer.

Stop trying to rush these kids along too soon. Haven’t we seen the JoJos and the Devines get set up to fail far too often. That said, I hope Dunn can find his comfort zone and contribute this year.

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
10:54 am

Gil In Mechanicsville… I would say that generally the level of talent in the big leagues is better than the talent in AAA, any triple A league. AAA has more than its share of retreads and lifers.

NEW CARS

March 22nd, 2010
10:57 am

DOB,
In regards to McLouth, have you noticed whether he’s getting good breaks on ball in the outfield. In other words, is this a vision problem or a little further north. I hope he’s secure enough to go back to what worked for him in the past, being a little more patient at the plate instead of pressing. That is the biggest difference that I see between Nate and Frenchie, as Nate seems to have a grip on the strike zone. Frenchie never made the adjustment after pitchers quit serving up first pitch fastballs.

car3boogie

March 22nd, 2010
10:57 am

maybe I missed it but what spot on the 40-man roster will open for Heyward?

flange1

March 22nd, 2010
10:58 am

I agree with Gil!

Let Kimbrel, Dunn and Lyman start the season in Gwinnett. Let them get some good work in and have them ready if needed later in the year or next year.

I think I am for keeping Acosta and Chavez on the big team until Proctor is ready and then dropping Acosta. Let Jo Jo start in Gwinnett or trade him to Japan.

I think Minor is the new go to guy for a starter after Medlen anyway…

Jersey Gil

March 22nd, 2010
11:00 am

DOB…I was listen your interview in bravesbaseballtalk…You have a nice “Radio Voice”…How come you don’t have a radio talk show?….Anyone approach you about that?…..

DAP

March 22nd, 2010
11:02 am

gil in mechanicsville, just wondering by what experience or authority you make your claims that winning or losing doesnt matter in the minors, that the game is the same between AAA and MLB, and that players care about making more money, not playing at the highest level. im thinking to know all that, you must have been a MLB player at some point, and you must be an official in the office of some organization somewhere.

unbelievable

March 22nd, 2010
11:04 am

dont want Acosta on the roster

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
11:08 am

Gil can speak for himself, but I’ll expand on what I wrote earlier. Minor baseball is about development. More precisely, it’s primarily about player development. I would never sugget that minor league teams don’t want to win. Those clubs still need to sell tickets and concessions to earn solid profits. Winning is good for business, good for management and good for the players regardless the level.

Jersey Gil

March 22nd, 2010
11:09 am

Anyone…What happen to Todd Redmond?….He was in gwinnett last yr, also play for USA in the World Baseball in Italy last Oct.

smitty

March 22nd, 2010
11:22 am

bravesgrl4life – I’ll be there, got season tickets again this year after a year off. Sadly I doubt most of the regulars here go to many games.

Moe Berg

March 22nd, 2010
11:25 am

“Sadly I doubt most of the regulars here go to many games.”

A lot of regulars here don’t live where they can go to many games.

Rob from SC

March 22nd, 2010
11:27 am

Joey Devine got hurt as soon as he came up. Secondly he got screwed by going up and down.

18 Wheels of Love

March 22nd, 2010
11:30 am

McLouth more than likely has what golfers call ‘the yips’, which means he is thinking too much.

P'cola Brave

March 22nd, 2010
11:30 am

Just bought tickets last night for the Colorado series. Can’t wait for the trip and regular season baseball.

car3boogie

March 22nd, 2010
11:32 am

18 Wheels come on now are we at the point of Tin Cup quotes….That is funny. But I actually agree 100% it is mental now

rico43

March 22nd, 2010
11:32 am

Redmond went down to AAA in first cut. Pitched pretty well in the early games, though.

rico43

March 22nd, 2010
11:34 am

DOB or anyone, when are the DBT scheduled to be on Letterman?

c jonze

March 22nd, 2010
11:35 am

Isn’t Heyward also not on the roster? Will someone lose a spot if/when he joins the club in ATL?

ncscoots

March 22nd, 2010
11:41 am

McLouth more than likely has what golfers call ‘the yips’, which means he is thinking too much.

Might be pronating and supranating all at the same bleepin’ time, LOL. Dropping too low, swinging too high, loading too deep, hands too forward, head up, feet back, shoulders open, hips closed, etc., etc.

And people wonder why I gave up golf. :-)

thinbreakness

March 22nd, 2010
11:41 am

DOB-
Listened to your interview and want to thank you for your hard work. I was particularly interested in the commercial aspect of the blog. I hope electronic journalism pays dividends. I enjoy very much the info you provide. Good Luck and Thanx again.

DiamondbackMac

March 22nd, 2010
11:41 am

Enter your comments here

Nova Scotia Steve

March 22nd, 2010
11:47 am

Only 2 Weeks until OPENING DAY!

David O'Brien

March 22nd, 2010
11:54 am

Jersey Gil: Redmond was in camp, but got optioned to Gwinnett in the first round of roster cuts.

Thinbreakness: Thanks, man.

Brian from SC

March 22nd, 2010
11:55 am

Yes, Heyward will have to be added to the 40-man roster. So a couple of guys are probably going to have to be put on waivers. Some candidates: James Parr, Stephen Marek?

unbelievable

March 22nd, 2010
11:55 am

Marek and Parr should be taken off the 40 man

richbrave

March 22nd, 2010
11:56 am

Jeff R

March 22nd, 2010
11:08 am
Gil can speak for himself, but I’ll expand on what I wrote earlier. Minor baseball is about development. More precisely, it’s primarily about player development. I would never sugget that minor league teams don’t want to win. Those clubs still need to sell tickets and concessions to earn solid profits. Winning is good for business, good for management and good for the players regardless the level.

And he-e-e-r-r-r-r-e’s ‘NUTZY.’ Easy now Jeff. ‘NUTZY’ is the current mascot of the RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS, the GIANTS AA team now ensconced at the cozy confines of the “Diamond.” I met NUTZY up close and personal in a town south of RICHMOND, VIRGINIA on saturday. Being an old man I was not particularly impressed, but the kids playing there ate it up. Out with the old – BRAVES fans. In with the new – GIANTS fans. Us BRAVES old farts will be dead, and a new, young generation of suckers needs to be spawned here. So let the games and the winning begin anew as it did in 1966.

Willy Wally

March 22nd, 2010
11:59 am

You guys do remember what Kimbrel did in the Arizona Fall League, right? Kimbrel walked 16 batters in 10.3 innings. Kimbrel had a BB9 of 6.8 last year, and has a BB9 of 5.7 for his career in the minors. That’s just not going to cut it. Not in the majors. Definitely not for Bobby Cox. You remember what happened to McBride when he couldn’t stop walking people?

We’ve had some talented relievers like McBride, Boyer, and Devine who crumbled under the pressure. I don’t know what the explanation was for why Kimbrel went from having a really bad walk rate in the minors to become somewhat Ankiel-ian when given some attention and pressure in the Arizona Fall League. There were even reports that his fastball was down 3 to 5 miles an hour in the AFL while he struggled to throw strikes.

I’d be very hesitant to put a kid with control problems in the majors based purely on performance reasons. This is even more true when I have questions at the present time about his ability to handle the performance expectation pressure that comes with being a major leaguer, especially since he will be the kind of major leaguer who has a huge friggin’ fatal flaw like walking people that tends to p!ss off managers and fans, which only heightens the pressure and sense of panic when he gets to any count that has 2 balls in it. It takes a tough dude with a thick skin to withstand the abuse that comes from the manager, teammates, broadcasters, the media, and fans when you have an unfortunate propensity to hand out free passes to first base in the late innings.

The kid has electric stuff. As I’ve said before, I’ve seen him. His stuff is awesome. Like I said before, the time I saw him in Gwinnett there was a buzz in the crowd when he pitched. Lots of oohs and aahs, but there was also alot of grumbling and groaning in the crowd as well when he started walking people. There were only about 4,500 very laidback people in attendance that day, but imagine what that would’ve been like if there 45,000 people in the stadium grumbling, groaning, hissing, and screaming bloody murder at him? If there were bloggers foaming out of the mouth and cracking jokes all day, every day about grand slams like with Devine or calling him a vat of goo like with Boyer?

I like that he has bounced back strong off the AFL as if it never happened, but ya gotta be careful. This kid is special. No need at all to rush him. He needs to at least get the BB9 rate below 5 to be successful in the majors, don’t ya think? And at the very least further seasoning in the minors can toughen him up in a low pressure situation, let him get more comfortable with the fact that, “yeah, I may walk a batter or two more than I should, but, oh well, it is what it is. I’ll work hard to overcome it, but I’m not gonna freak out and panic over it, and turn a BB9 of 7 problem into a BB9 of 14 nightmare like I did in the AFL.”

richbrave

March 22nd, 2010
12:00 pm

DAVE if you’re still up………. if I can get a taste of home, how might I ship you some “Q” from RALPH’S in WELDON, N.C.

Jersey Gil

March 22nd, 2010
12:00 pm

rico43…DOB…Thanks..He only pitch on 3/5/10 agains Wash…looking at the Box Score 2inn , 1hit, 1BB ,1SO..that its…for a player to be in 40men roster..i say wow…He will be candidate to be replace in the Roster if the Braves not have plan for him.

Don

March 22nd, 2010
12:01 pm

Poor Bobby — What will he do if Wren messes the Roster up – and he doesn’t have a pinch hitter to use who can’t get a hit – or a relief pitcher to use who can’t get anyone out.
Of course, with our two options for center field (McLouth and Melky), he will probably be able to continue his tradition of useing a regular who can’t hit much.

Brian from SC

March 22nd, 2010
12:03 pm

I think that’s Don’s way of saying he thinks the Braves will be good this year and that he’s looking forward to the season! I knew you’d come around, Don!

Wayne in Utah

March 22nd, 2010
12:05 pm

Don

You are so predicatable…….

You would probably complain if your banana split had too much chocolate syrup!

When Bobby is gone, you Bobby bashers will find something you don’t like about the next guy. Never satisfied.

Wayne in Utah

March 22nd, 2010
12:06 pm

Don is the kind of guy that would want Heyward returned to Gwinnett the first time he struck out two times in a game………………….

Brian from SC

March 22nd, 2010
12:09 pm

No, if Heyward struck out two times in a game, Don would blame Bobby for not teaching him how to not strikeout.

Interestingly, Don would also blame Bobby if Heyward burns his toast one morning.

David O'Brien

March 22nd, 2010
12:17 pm

Doesn’t making it thru two cuts and the fact that Nate McLouth can’t buy a hit make it a sure thing now that Jason Heyward is the Braves opening day righfielder? — Chopper

I think it’s pretty much been a sure thing in the view of most of us here since the second week of camp, or thereabouts. I’d really be surprised if Heyward’s not on the opening day roster.

Hillbilly

March 22nd, 2010
12:17 pm

Rico,

DBTs were on Letterman about a week and a half ago. They played This ####### Job off the new album. It’s on Youtube.

DAP

March 22nd, 2010
12:21 pm

i finally got around to buying my opening day tickets this past weekend. im pumped about april 5th….and i would really like to see heyward that day.

David O'Brien

March 22nd, 2010
12:21 pm

Brian from SC: yes, thanks for pointing that out about Heyward and 40-man. We all get so conditioned to just assuming he’s gonna be on the opening day roster, it’s easy to forget they have to make a 40-man roster move to get him on.

Then another to get Proctor on.

One of those moves will be moving Diory to the 60-day DL, I’m sure. But after that … wouldn’t care to guess. Anything could happen in next two weeks, including a possible trade to open a spot.

But you can see where the Braves might like to avoid having to make yet another 40-man move to add someone else right away, in addition to Heyward and Proctor.

One other thing to consider: It’s usually easier to move someone from the 40-man and get them through waivers right after the season begins, after other teams have set their rosters and don’t have any spots open to make a waiver claim.

Hillbilly

March 22nd, 2010
12:21 pm

Got my Jamey Johnson tickets for April 9th. Wish he was the main event, but he’s opening for Hank Jr. so I won’t get the full effect of a JJ show. Anything’s better than nothing I guess.

thinbreakness

March 22nd, 2010
12:23 pm

Hopefully Nate gets it going. If not, that’s why they pay Bobby. Bobby will figure something out until McLouth starts putting the ball in play again. If you think it’s a weak OF to begin with, then this is just a bump in the road to a long season. This team is pretty deep and should be able to overcome adversity in April or August.

monty

March 22nd, 2010
12:25 pm

IS there a game today?

Brian from SC

March 22nd, 2010
12:27 pm

Brad Wilkerson
Cliff Lee (1920s hitter, not the pitcher)
Gary Sheffield
Matt Williams
Frankie Hayes
Luke Appling
Curt Flood
Mike Easler

Joe Nuxhall
Don Newcombe
Scott Sanderson
Anibal Sanchez
Frank Oberlin

Who is this random group of players? These are the guys that have the highest baseball-reference similarity scores to each of the Braves’ projected starters, through their current ages. (I cheated and put Matt Diaz in instead of Heyward, since Heyward doesn’t have any MLB stats yet.)

What does it mean? Absolutely nothing. Just maybe a little interesting.

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