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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
995 comments Add your comment
Soph
March 24th, 2010
8:59 am
well Coach always makes a good punching bag Soph. and for real evil we have that sociopath Spike. nolie
Ok, nolie – I’ll keep that in mind. I can’t be patient like you though so I may go overboard a bit when they say something stupid.
McFann
March 24th, 2010
9:01 am
CB they know from one end of the country to the other that you love McCann. Many other countries speak about your undying love and they use it for an example to teach their children.
Aw, shucks! How things get around…
You also inspire many to watch Mr. Ed to learn life’s lessons.
That is also what I’m here for.
flange1
March 24th, 2010
9:01 am
i can’t take it anymore,
Congrats to the wife!
I am sure Steve will be envious of you guys moving to Michigan, he loves that state so much!!
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
9:02 am
Jeffrey d-
11 season in Atlanta with a 2.63 ERA and 4-8 with a 3.42 ERA in NLCS games, almost a full run higher. Very good, probably great, but still off the absolute greatness displayed during the season. And yes, he is a first ballot guy and one of the greatest pitchers ever.
Escobar for Supreme Court
March 24th, 2010
9:03 am
Alright Geoff no need to break down to insults now just because you can not counter points correctly. First of all I would like to say and I will stand by the fact that Maddux is not a GREAT postseason pitcher just a middle of the road guy. 11-14 overall in the 13 seasons he was there. He has a good S.O. to B.B. ratio but that is his MO with out that control he would have been meat. Further more a 3.28 ERA in the post season is not great. The great pitchers have it in the middle to low 2’s. So with that being said I realize that none of the Braves pitchers really have great stats because they did not hit, at all. Unfortunately everyone knows the post season is about pitching and making the 3-4 runs a game you get count.
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
9:04 am
Very good, probably great, but still off the absolute greatness displayed during the season
Well he’s facing the best competition in the league. How are you gonna complain about a 2.63 ERA? And how is somebody gonna call that “worthless”?
Soph
March 24th, 2010
9:07 am
How did you get Geoff from jeffrey?
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
9:09 am
Escobar – So who would you consider a “great” postseason pitcher? I see nothing wrong with Maddux’s 3.27 CAREER ERA in the postseason. That’s also considering that 11 of those ERs came in 7 innings while with the Cubs.
No, you’re right. Maddux is completely worthless
Escobar for Supreme Court
March 24th, 2010
9:09 am
Soph I was making fun of him its how the French spell Jeff, thank you come again.
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
9:09 am
Maybe he’s imagining that I look like the giraffe from Toys R Us
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
9:11 am
jeffrey d-
I’m just not a big fan of his post season period. And I don’t think he should of left Schuerholz holding a 16 million dollar bag forcing him to trade Millwood. I always considered Maddux a mercenary. I will not argue his regular season prowess because he was truely great.
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
9:12 am
Oh, that was making fun? PL came up with better stuff than that.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
9:13 am
jeffrey d-
With Atlanta in NLCS games 4-8, 3.42 ERA. You know, the last step before the WS.
Escobar for Supreme Court
March 24th, 2010
9:13 am
Ok if we are going to single game/season accounts I could bring the point of him posting a 0.00 in 2008 over 3 games but only 4 innings into the argument and that helped drop his ERA a decent amount or the ‘02 and ‘03 season where he played 6 innings and gave up 2 runs in each game help lower his ERA. I see you not wanting to talk about the times he posted and 14.14 an 11.25 and a 9.00 in ‘89 ‘00 ‘08 respectfully.
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
9:13 am
And I don’t think he should of left Schuerholz holding a 16 million dollar bag forcing him to trade Millwood.
I completely agree. I’m just trying to prove the obvious point that Maddux isn’t “worthless” in the postseason.
Soph
March 24th, 2010
9:14 am
Soph I was making fun of him its how the French spell Jeff, thank you come again.
Maybe he’s imagining that I look like the giraffe from Toys R Us
Yeah, I didn’t realize Geoffrey the giraffe was French too.
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
9:15 am
I see you not wanting to talk about the times he posted and 14.14 an 11.25 and a 9.00 in ‘89 ‘00 ‘08 respectfully
What? I’m talking about the time he posted a 3.27 ERA over 198 Total Postseason Innings. Is that sample size not big enough for you?
Escobar for Supreme Court
March 24th, 2010
9:15 am
Oh, that was making fun? PL came up with better stuff than that
Like saying did DoB bake stupid muffins this morning because truly that was genius I felt like I was in pre school so I retorted with an equally bad remark
David O'Brien
March 24th, 2010
9:15 am
Braves LINEUP for Wednesday:
Cabrera 8
Prado 4
Chipper 5
Glaus 3
McCann 2
Escobar 6
Heyward 9
Diaz 7
Hudson 1
McFann
March 24th, 2010
9:16 am
Thanks for the lineup, Chief!
Escobar for Supreme Court
March 24th, 2010
9:19 am
iight killer he is with out a doubt that the best pitcher ATL has ever seen and will ever see because he has a 3.27 ERA in the post season. Glavine had a 3.30 and Smoltz 2.67 both have more innings than Maddux. Who is better? My original point was that he robbed ATL and I wouldn’t want him teaching young players to scalp organizations like he did.
sidslidkid
March 24th, 2010
9:20 am
good lookin’ lineup.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
9:22 am
jeffrey d-
Correction, 3.67 in in NLCS mostly bumped by the horrible start in 1989 when he wasn’t a Brave. His fate could’ve been different with more run support. My opinion is completely subjective and filled with flaw, but I’m still not impressed with his post season performance. Any thing I say is completely refuttable, maybe I was expecting too much when it really mattered.
Lew
March 24th, 2010
9:23 am
I’ve always realized that this Blog is a step above any other sports blog in the U.S., but our own movie? It would have to be the Night Shift, though, if you want to interest Scorcese. The Day Shift is too rational for good theater,
Braveheart-I think you missed one or two of Shaun’s lectures. I’m sure there were more. Just remember – we don’t want to know the truth.
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
9:26 am
I thought “Stupid Muffins” was pretty funny actually
iight killer he is with out a doubt that the best pitcher ATL has ever seen and will ever see because he has a 3.27 ERA in the post season
Is that what I said? All I was doing was pointing out how dumb it was to say that Maddux was “worthless” in the postseason. Anyway, we’re just going to go back and forth…not going to accomplish anything. Sorry I was rude.
18 Wheels of Love
March 24th, 2010
9:26 am
Methinks McLouth will not be the leadoff come opening day….unless Bobby has opted to get him 9 AB’s ina minor league game. Bobby almost always allows his starters to play through slumps like this in ST and even the regular season. I think Melky might be the guy.
Of course I’ve been wrong once before.
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
9:26 am
Wouldn’t a night shift movie just involve a bunch of people drinking for 90 minutes?
Trey
March 24th, 2010
9:27 am
Thought some of you might like this video of my Braves spring training trip.
http://vimeo.com/10397765
i can't take it anymore
March 24th, 2010
9:28 am
flange1
Thanks, man. We are really excited about the move. I am just a little nervous about the snow.
We hear that Ann Arbor really is a great place to live.
2010 Braves year
March 24th, 2010
9:28 am
If Leo came back to the braves we would have to trade Hanson and Jurrjens and all the other young pitchers because Leo doesnt like the kids.
CB
March 24th, 2010
9:29 am
Lew, I saw the picture of you in Chop Talk and you really are not that big. The way you described yourself I was looking for someone much bigger,kind of like one of those guys on The Biggest Loser.
Escobar for Supreme Court
March 24th, 2010
9:32 am
Jeff I would think it was funny if I was the one saying it but I wasn’t and it was about me so no I didn’t laugh and your right we are just going back and forth but I still think when It mattered he choked. Aside from one great year in the post season he got pounded a lot. Thats the last I’m saying on it though.
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
9:32 am
Isn’t that the after picture, though?
Lew
March 24th, 2010
9:37 am
CB-Dude, when I started dieting in January 2009, I weighed 330 pounds. That’s pretty much in Biggest Loser territory. But thanks. I AM thinner. Bobby Dews said he almost didn’t recognize me.
Lew
March 24th, 2010
9:38 am
jeffrey d-No, it’s really a in the middle picture. I still have about 75 pounds left to lose.
Poorbrave
March 24th, 2010
9:41 am
Tim B, I too think Greg Mad Dog would make a great mgr. Why not?
CB
March 24th, 2010
9:42 am
Lew, also the day I was looking for you is the same day they were taping the Peter Moylan blooper intro he was trying to get thru with Billy Wagner giving him a hard time. Moylan didn’t have a chance and it was funny to listen to.
Dang ...
March 24th, 2010
9:42 am
18 Wheels of Love, me thinks you’re right. Cabrera WORKS-THE-COUNT better than Nate. Though he’s not exactly a “patient” hitter, he certainly seems to have a better idea of what to do leading off. Nate might just excel hitting 7th or 8th, probably in that 8 spot.
I look at it like this….. you could platoon a Diaz/Cabrera at leadoff and keep Martin in his 2 spot and be just fine. Neither one of those guys are burners, but still have decent enough speed to steal you a base now and then. It’s not like Bobby would let Nate steal 30 bags if he were getting on base a lot at leadoff anyways.
If Chipper and Glaus stay healthy and McCann-Escobar just do what they’ve always done than whatever Heyward gives you is icing on the cake. I didn’t really like CJ’s comment that the lineup isn’t the same without Heyward in it. Why put more on the shoulders of a rookie than necessary?
BossLady
March 24th, 2010
9:45 am
Tom O’Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
5:59 pm
I heard the radio interview with DOB and I appreciate the link, ABTSteve.
The 44 minutes went by fast, because it was enjoyable to listen to. Well, not all of it. There was one part I thought sucked.
“You wouldn’t believe, man, you wouldn’t believe….there’s been a relationship started on the blog. There’s a couple … there’s a guy that moved out to California and is living with the girl now. I don’t want to give you their names, but they talk about it there all the time, though, uhh … and they met through the blog. They went to a game together …. met at a game, and the next thing you know he’s up and moving across the country and he lives with her now.”
Thanks, Dave, for rubbing it in the face of the loser.
Where is this link? How can I hear the full interview?
stats
March 24th, 2010
9:50 am
DOB interview here: http://atlantabaseballtalk.com/
Brian from SC
March 24th, 2010
9:52 am
I don’t necessarily disagree that Cabrera should be given a shot at leadoff, but he most certainly does not work the count better than McLouth by any measure. McLouth walks more (9.3% to 8.0%) and sees more pitches (3.91 Pit/PA to 3.70). Cabrera swings at the first pitch far more (26% to 17%). McLouth gets himself to a 3-1 count more often (15% to 9%), and a 3-2 count more often (13% to 12%).
Lew
March 24th, 2010
9:52 am
CB-Yeah, Moylan is a trip. Sometime when The Grinch is posting, ask him about Moylan/Hanson at the batting cages in February. Funny story, but Grinch should tell it.
Dang ...
March 24th, 2010
9:52 am
Trey– wasn’t that the song on Police Academy 4 on your video? I liked your video.
Drew
March 24th, 2010
9:54 am
2010 BRAVES YEAR… What do you mean by Leo doesn’t like the kids? If you ever listen to the guy talk he loves these kids. I don’t see why he wouldn’t… who wouldn’t like kids this young that are smart about the game and know how to carry themselves in the bigs?
That being said… I like Leo but I’m also not in a “Bring Leo back” mode right now. Hopefully the Braves will have few injuries to speak of this year which has been 1 of the complaints against Roger since he took over the job. Well, that and the bullpen for a few years.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
9:55 am
If Cabrera is consistent at reaching base as a leadoff hitter, say 370-380 OBP, he’ll be starting everyday. If Cabrera succeeds in this role, the 3 players rotating for the last 2 spots are Heyward, McLouth and Diaz. Most likely you’ll see a Diaz/McLouth platoon in left.
Dang ...
March 24th, 2010
9:58 am
Brian from SC– what are Melky’s numbers hitting leadoff in his career? Not hitting lower in the lineup with the Yankees. DOB gave us some of his career leadoff numbers, though, a small sample size. I didn’t realize that about Nate because watching him last year and some this ST he just seems to always be a bit ansty up there. But, stats don’t lie, or d they? LOL
Lew
March 24th, 2010
9:59 am
Drew-I don’t think it’s a matter of the Kids we have now, but it’s been pretty well publicized that some of the Kids pitching for the Braves during Leo’ pitching coach tenure didn’t really get on with Leo all that well – one of them was Jason Marquis.
If you go back and look at Leo’s days with the Braves, many of his biggest success stories were transforming pitchers like Ashby, Burkett and Jaret Wright back to a semblance of effectiveness and not turning Kids into Superstars.
I believe that most of us feel that almost anyone could have mentored Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz and that it had more to do with their ability and less with Leo’s tutelage.
Brian from SC
March 24th, 2010
9:59 am
thinbreakness, that would be asking Cabrera to maintain an OBP 40-50 points above his career average. I hope he does that, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on it.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
10:00 am
Diaz/McLouth platoon means Cabrera moves to Left whatever, point is, if Cabrera solves the leadoff problem, your 1-7 or 1-6 will be permanent. Less batting order disruption when you substitute.
Brian from SC
March 24th, 2010
10:03 am
Dang…Cabrera’s got a career .290/.373/.408 line in the leadoff spot, albeit at a small sample size. McLouth’s is .260/.345/.458.
There is probably something to be said about Cabrera trying to be more patient when he hits at the top as opposed to the bottom. But I don’t think it’s a big enough factor for him to be able to maintain a .370 OBP over a long period of time. But it wouldn’t be the first time someone has made a jump like that at his age. I’ll take it, but I’m not counting on it.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
10:05 am
Brian-
Agree, it’s a stretch. But it might put Diaz and McLouth in better run producing situations. But I do agree with you that it’s probably asking too much of Melky.
Brian from SC
March 24th, 2010
10:05 am
I noticed that putting “Dang…” in front of my post made it sound like I was shocked by the stats I posted, while in reality I was just referring to the previous poster, lol.
Brian from SC
March 24th, 2010
10:07 am
I agree…IF Cabrera was able to get on base at that clip, it would help get those 7-type hitters like McLouth and Diaz down in the lineup where they would be best suited.
Drew
March 24th, 2010
10:09 am
LEW…
Understood… I was throwing it out there that the kids that we have now (JJ and Tommy) seem to be far enough beyond there years to where they know their pitches. They know there arms. And they seem to know there work ethic. Which is why I kind of put them in that same category with Maddox, Glav, and Smoltz (as far as potential but not as far as legacy obviously.)
Let’s not forget that during the Braves streak, he was able to piece together quite a bullpen. From long-reliever to closer there were definitely some good years. That is what I give Leo more credit for than the Big 3 starters IMO.
McFann
March 24th, 2010
10:11 am
So Lew’s in the April ChopTalk?? Dang…when’s MINE gonna get here?
Soon, I’m sure…
Drew
March 24th, 2010
10:11 am
Lew… all of this is nor naught as far as I’m concerned. I figure, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? And Roger has himself a heckuva staff to work with right now. Here’s hoping the starters and the pen stay healthy and produce and all is well.
Lew
March 24th, 2010
10:16 am
Drew-I agree – they’re not ditching McDowell, nor should they. Leo’s tenure was what it was, but time to move on definitely came and he went. Not so sure with Kids like Teheran, Vizcaino and DelGado in the wings that Leo would be the Go-To guy in this case, anyway.
McFann-My copy won’t be here until late next week. RHR claims it’s her having MFIKY as her Enforcer that gets her’s there faster. Far be it from me to doubt her. She’ll give me a nickname if I’m not careful – or make me face down that cold steel stare from 60 feet away.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
10:16 am
Drew-
I just thought it odd when Leo left no one talked as if he’d be missed or what a big lose it was to the organization. Everyone wished him luck and were grateful for the contributions he made but never explained what those contributions were. Can’t argue that he was our pitching coach for what, 14 years?
DAP
March 24th, 2010
10:18 am
lew, i seem to remember that tim hudson and mazonne didnt exactly get along great either. anyone else remember that?
ugaaccountant
March 24th, 2010
10:21 am
“Greg Maddux worthless in the postseason?”
I’d hate to see what posters like this would think if they were say a Mets fan after you get past Johann.
Lew
March 24th, 2010
10:22 am
DAP-I believe there were difficulties with Jason Schmidt, too.
ugaaccountant
March 24th, 2010
10:23 am
I can’t imagine why anyone wants to dump McDowell. Does he get no credit for bringing along great rookies 2 years in a row? What about helping Kawakami make adjustments?
I don’t judge a pitching coach at all by how well his 15 million a year veteran is doing. D. Lowe should know more about pitching than any coach in the league, that’s why he’s making 15 mil a year.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
10:23 am
DAP-
This not supportable, but it seems I remember that Leo didn’t really work well with young pitchers. Maybe a little too rigid. I think McDowell is super and we are lucky to have him. He seems respected and even the vets (Lowe) have sought his counsel. This sounds like so much homerism, I know.
ugaaccountant
March 24th, 2010
10:25 am
Agreed Lew – If McDowell leaves in the next couple of years for whatever reason, we should look to a pitching coach that will help us transform our next wave of young power arms into the best starting 5 in baseball.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
10:31 am
Looked at the box from yesterday and see that Proctor had a little trouble finding the zone. Did anyone see him pitch and if so, what did he look like?
CB
March 24th, 2010
10:35 am
It would seem many on here are very worried about the leadoff position too much,I think we have many options. The players we currently have is full of 1 and 2 and 7 and 8 hitters. We really need at least one more power hitter to be a strong lineup- those who are counting on Heyward to be that hitter may be sorely disappointed in his rookie year. Here is hoping I am wrong.
BossLady
March 24th, 2010
10:35 am
Thanks stats
Trey06
March 24th, 2010
10:40 am
Thanks Dang… LOL I’ll have to watch Police Academy 4 again to see.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
10:41 am
CB-
I think this team is quite capable of hitting home runs and that’s why I’d argue that the leadoff may not matter.
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
10:42 am
It would seem many on here are very worried about the leadoff position too much,I think we have many options
The problem is that people are scared if McLouth is struggling Bobby will pull a KJ on him. KJ couldn’t get it out of the infield, but Bobby kept putting him at the top of the order.
DAP
March 24th, 2010
10:44 am
CB We really need at least one more power hitter to be a strong lineup-
what kind of hitter qualifies?
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
10:45 am
jeffrey d-
Hope you realize that I go heavy handed on Maddux for no real legitimate reason. No hard fellings Dude and I agree/understand with your perspective.
McFann
March 24th, 2010
10:46 am
Lew–
Sweet! Can’t wait to get it!
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
10:46 am
thin – Not a problem at all. I understand a lot of people are upset with Maddux for that whole arbitration fiasco. I guess my personality is a lot more forgiving than others’
jeffrey d
March 24th, 2010
10:49 am
Aren’t your Chop Talk magazines addressed to “McFann”?
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
10:50 am
jeffrey d-
The greatest games I ever saw pitched were those by Maddux. It seems like ther were tons of complete game wins while throwing 92 pitches.
Lew
March 24th, 2010
10:53 am
I just started reading a Robert K. Tannenbaum book and noticed the cover design was by (I Kid you not), Carlos Beltran. Wondered what Ole Carlos was up to since he sure as hell ain’t playing baseball. Awfully expensive paperback cover, though, at over $19 mil a year. Isn’t it amazing what the Mets’ outrageous salary level supports?
Brian from SC
March 24th, 2010
10:55 am
Question for blog veterans: When Carroll posts a blog in DOB’s stead, as she did this morning, do y’all stay on DOB’s latest and continue chatting? I didn’t notice much movement over to the new blog this time.
Lew
March 24th, 2010
10:55 am
Greatest game I saw pitched was on Sunday June 21, 1964 – a 90 pitch Perfect Game by Jim Bunning (the current KY. Senator) over the NY Mets (an added bonus). Watched that sucker on TV, just like I did Randy Johnson’s Perfect Game.
Lew
March 24th, 2010
10:57 am
Brian-Could that be because we’ve been talking all morning and no one has come here (before you) to let us know that “new bloggage”, as DOB would call it, is available?
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
10:57 am
Lew-
Amazing how that Dude retreated on all those people in Detroit who supported him during his Baseball career.
flange1
March 24th, 2010
10:57 am
DOB,
Finally got the time to listen to your interview! As a long time reader, I want to again thank you for all the work you do to get us Braves information 24/7.
Most of us long timers understand the amount of work you put in and ALL of us appreciate the blog!
McFann
March 24th, 2010
10:58 am
jeffrey d–
But of course! (Though they’ve got my last name on there, too.)
Lew
March 24th, 2010
11:00 am
tb-You mean Bunning? He pitched that Perfect Game as a member of the Phillies. He DID pitch a NO Hitter with the Tigers, but not the Perfect Game. I believe he’s the only pitcher to throw No Hitter’s in both leagues.
Better pitcher than a Senator, I suppose, though that’s a topic for another forum.
thinbreakness
March 24th, 2010
11:02 am
Lew-
Agreed and I do apologize for the reference, just struck me as selfish. Again apologize.
itcouldbeworse
March 24th, 2010
11:03 am
NEW BLOG…just to let you know
Brian from SC
March 24th, 2010
11:03 am
Lew, I guess that answers my question. Glad to be of service.
RHR
March 24th, 2010
11:26 am
Cabrera 8
Prado 4
Chipper 5
Glaus 3
McCann 2
Escobar 6
Heyward 9
Diaz 7
I heart this lineup so much.
RHR
March 24th, 2010
11:30 am
RHR claims it’s her having MFIKY as her Enforcer that gets her’s there faster. Far be it from me to doubt her. She’ll give me a nickname if I’m not careful – or make me face down that cold steel stare from 60 feet away.
That’s exactly right. Don’t think that just because he’s in Tampa that people in the A have forgotten that he will kill them.
RHR
March 24th, 2010
11:30 am
If he feels like it.
RHR
March 24th, 2010
11:36 am
If he doesn’t feel like it he’ll just make a note of it and kill you when he’s feeling better.
RHR
March 24th, 2010
11:36 am
Last!
phoenix falcon
March 24th, 2010
12:16 pm
” ♦ On what made the Braves such a great place for pitchers: “It’s funny. I try to explain that to other organizations, how it was run here and how you get it done, and they don’t want to believe you. ‘What kind of running program did you have?’ I told them, Well they ran out in the outfield, then I told them to add two [sprints] every day, but I wasn’t counting. And they [other teams' officials] say, well what about …”
WHAT???????????????????????????????????????????????????
Renegator
March 24th, 2010
1:05 pm
Brian: Thats because Carroll doesn’t announce when a new blog is up – like DOB does…
abwright
March 24th, 2010
1:07 pm
Phillies versus Braves on ESPN right now.
Yesterday, Conrad stunk it up. Thurston looked pretty good. I wonder if Thurston has the edge on the last bench spot?
Venters didn’t look too good either.
Hope the Braves can throw the ball and catch the ball a little better today against the Phils.