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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,016 comments Add your comment
Trey - 10
August 13th, 2010
12:07 am
I was kidding about the weight, McFann! Now Wickman was fat.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
12:07 am
Noleeee – yeah, that’s the idea behind it. However my affliction for Jose Bautista and d-backs players will stay the same, lol.
Trey - 10
August 13th, 2010
12:08 am
True, Nolie. Anyway, I gotta ge to bed, night all!
Venice Jim
August 13th, 2010
12:08 am
noleeee – I hadn’t had a chance to mention this since I saw you post the lyrics to Paradise a couple of nights back – the new Buffett album is a collection of his final encores from his concerts during the past several years, some covers, some of his older stuff – one of which is him and Mac MacAnally sharing vocals on Paradise…not quite JP, but still fun…I’ve seen Prine lots of times over the years, including a great gig in Richmond in a 100 seat venue circa 1978…
Dumbfound
August 13th, 2010
12:09 am
were playing
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:09 am
s’ok Nick. If you got poor taste, you got poor taste, nuttin’ youse can do ’bout dat
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2010
12:10 am
Co-Sign Robert…
The Phils have the heart…They aren’t the defending Champs 4 nothing!
N8
August 13th, 2010
12:10 am
“Not sure what Glaus being “worthless” has to do with this.” Shaun
Sorry, was gone all day and never got to finish our discussion (I know you’re heartbroken, right?)
Glaus being worthless has everything to do with it. Like I said, the surrounding guys in the lineup have everything to do with what or how a guy is productive.
A leadoff hitter that gets on base can only score runs if somebody knocks him in.
A 3-hole or cleanup hitter can only provide RBI if the guys ahead of them get on base…. and so on.
While Chipper’s numbers have been more Chipper-like since mid-June or so, he and McCann taking walks (when they get pitched around), doesn’t do any good to the team (that inning) if guys aren’t cleaning up behind them.
The only good it does is to facilitate turning the lineup over. Which obviously is a good thing when your 3 best hitters (though one could certainly argue that Mac is better than Heyward at this point), are at the top of the order. The more “chances” they get, the better. I know we agree on that.
But the discussion at hand, was productivity. Knocking in runs. Producing runs. Early in the year, Chipper wasn’t knocking in runs. Not because he didn’t have opportunities. But because he was failing in situations that he used to thrive in.
But it didn’t matter, because the people behind him (mainly Glaus in May and early June) cleaned up his mess.
Now Chipper is (was) hitting and starting to hit with authority and Heyward doesn’t get on base as much as he was earlier in the year, and Prado is out.
I know people say managers shouldn’t play the “hot hands” or mix and match the order. But at some point you have to put the guys that are currently doing something really good, but lacking in another area, in a position to succeed and help the team. For instance a 3-hole hitter that’s getting on base a lot, but not slugging at a high percentage.
Meanwhile, your leadoff hitter is one of the better sluggers on the team. Not a prototypical middle of the order guy. But one of the best options on the team.
We are both in agreement that such shuffling of the lineup might only net enough run differential to gain 2-4 victories over the course of a season, which on the surface doesn’t look like a whole helluva a lot.
But what if the Braves finish 1 game out of the playoffs, having had the wrong guy in the 3-hole for almost 3 months of the season?
I think it’s a valid question.
On a side note, I’d like to hate on the Phillies for their comeback tonight, but Casey Blake gets the majority of my hate tonight. What a pathetic display of defense with the game and possibly their season on the line (I believe he was brought in for defense too).
Only good thing is that the Braves get to play the Dodgers (and will miss Kershaw).
Heard the announcers (Costas and Verduci) state something VERY scary tonight during the broadcast of the Phillies/Dodgers game.
The Phillies have played a total of 16 games this year with both Utley and Rollins in the lineup at the same time…..They have gone 12-4 in those 16 games. With Utley about to return and Rollins already back, only one thing I can think of saying upon hearing that news…..
Uh-oh.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
12:10 am
MIA – has it been confirmed he will need surgery? That’s why I alluded to the fact that if he’s healthy. I think teams will bite on lowe for $12.5 per. That’s what arroyo and randy wolf type players make and lowe is better.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:11 am
I saw Prine just once, but I love his stuff. also like Townes Van Zant. saw him twice.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:12 am
noleeee: LOL – no love for NMB? At least they have the MLB package, along with a pretty bartender who always sets my TV up for Braves’ games.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:14 am
ah NMB is ok, just kinda OC at times
Robert
August 13th, 2010
12:14 am
“Good news …
Braves play the Dodgers next at home”
That’s good news? Need I remind you that
A. The Dodgers are gonna be looking to get over being stung, and
B. Bozo the Clown vs Albert Einstein is a fairer mental matchup than Cox vs Torre
Dumbfound
August 13th, 2010
12:15 am
What about the guy, I think his name is Joe Thruston, that Conrad beat out in spring training for the final spot. He’s a third baseman. But I think we need someone better.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:15 am
OK, Nick, you are entitled to dream. But if they unload Lowe-tard, the Braves may have to eat $10 mil; the Bravos, as a rule, don’t eat contract money at that amount.
At 39, teams will not spend $12.5 or even $10 for Lowe-tard.
N8
August 13th, 2010
12:16 am
“What a cruel, strange coincidence it would be if Chipper’s career began and ended with ACL surgeries on his left knee. Blew it out at end of spring training in his rookie year in 1994, and now faces same type of reconstructive surgery he had 16 years ago.” DOB
No. A cruel and strange coincidence would be if Ron Gant was riding a motorcycle to the ballpark to do his work with the broadcast team, and got into an accident. Then lost his job to the probably soon to retire Chipper Jones.
“Hey phils Biatch, 7-2 Biatch ! Oh ! 8-2 Biatch ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha !!” Dumbfound @ 9:46
“9-2 Biatch !! Dumbfound @ 9:47
Not only should the blog gods BAN your ass for jinxing the outcome of that game. But especially for typing the word “biatch” in back to back posts one minute apart from each other.
Shame on you.
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2010
12:17 am
Nick
Ankiel Has been Garbage since he got busted for HGH/Roids in 2008 the stats don’t lie…
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
12:17 am
Dumbfound – thurston hasn’t been that great at AAA. He was good in spring training and I thought they were crazy for taking Conrad over him but it was definitely the right choice.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:17 am
noleeee, yer thinking about Aventura; THAT’S def. OC. NMB is more middle class than anything else.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:18 am
poor deluded Robert escaped from his room again I see. They need to tighten security up a bit at the mental hospital.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:18 am
HA! The Padres were wearing the Randy Jones uni’s from the early ’70’s.
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
12:19 am
Sorry, nolie. I actually replied to your last comment to me. However, the power went off, briefly, and I had to reboot.
I had something to say to those LA people, also, but forgot it in all the confusion.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:20 am
thats what back up power supplies are for Tom
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
12:21 am
Tomahawkin – your right. Dude was a flash in the pan. I hope Wren gets a legit CF and LF this off-season. I’m tired of platoon players, 5th OF, and scrubs out there.
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
12:22 am
cabravesfan, are you still with us in the wee small hours of 9:20 out there?
Dumbfound
August 13th, 2010
12:22 am
@N8, yeah i need a beat down for that ! How did I know the Dodgers pen was garbage !
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
12:23 am
thats what back up power supplies are for Tom
You’re right (as always) nolie. I have it for the ‘puter, but not for the internet.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:23 am
shouldn’t crow till it’s over Nick. Old old baseball axiom.
Chop Chop
August 13th, 2010
12:24 am
You’re right, MiaBchBravesFan.
The Braves would probably have to pick up at least half of Lowe’s salary to make a deal happen, and why would the other team want to give up what it would take to get the Braves to chip in that much when they can go out and sign a league-average free agent starter for $5-$6 million?
The offseason hinges on Chipper now. If he decides to come back, he’s going to get that $14 million.
Speaking of that, here’s a scenario for everybody:
Chipper goes through rehab but realizes that he can’t play third base anymore. He comes to the Braves and says, “Look. I’m willing to play first base. I really want to play one more season to end things on a high note.”
They couldn’t deny Chipper that because of what he means to the organization, right? Freddie Freeman certainly isn’t worth more to the club than Chipper, so…what happens?
N8
August 13th, 2010
12:25 am
Many teams win with scrubs, 5th outfielders, and platoons in the OF. OF course they usually have power from hell coming from the corner infielders, and usually DON’T have power from their catcher.
ONE BIG BAT this off-season solves a whole ton of issues. I’m not talking a big “NAME” like so many want to read that Wren has traded for.
Simply just a guy that can play defense, run and hit the damn ball consistently from the cleanup spot in the order, allowing Mac to bat where he should be batting, which is in the 5-hole.
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
12:25 am
Bat, Snot, Soph:
I’m with nolie; clue me in. Is 0.2kcin = stay? Am I even in the vicinity?
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:25 am
well you didn’t say it was the net that went down, you need to explain yourself better bro…I caint read your mind from this far away y’know!!!
Home of the Braves
August 13th, 2010
12:25 am
N8 @12:16AM
That was one of the best all-around posts in a long time. Certainly brightened my mood with its strange humor.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:27 am
well it was one of the longest in a while anyway HOTB
N8
August 13th, 2010
12:27 am
Dumbfound, I was just giving you crap. I was watching the game at my dad’s house after taking the fam there for dinner and specificly trolled the blog when I got home for posts around the time that the Dodgers took the 9-2 lead.
I knew that A) there was likely Phillies trolls running their mouths earlier in the day/game, and B) that some Braves fan would be talking trash.
Never a good recipe. Of course if Casey Blake fields the ground ball and starts the double play, we’re not having this conversation.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
12:29 am
N8 – are you down with Werth hitting cleanup next season?
Dumbfound
August 13th, 2010
12:29 am
@N8, If you think I was terrible, you should have read what the phils80 fan was saying. Calling people Rednecks, Rednecks sleep with their sisters, Chipper should have been hurt worst..etc Two wrongs don’t make a right, I’m not a Redneck, but I was offended by that comment ! DOB have already band one phils fan and I think he should band the other one. Oh, well.
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
12:31 am
Sorry, again, nolie. (Man, I’m having a bad night.)
Robert
August 13th, 2010
12:31 am
“Dumbfound – Don’t worry, Bobby Valentine is still picking the Braves to win the division”
Bobby Valentine is one of two men in the history of major league baseball to be outsmarted by Bobby Cox
Keep that in mind when deciding how much weight to give his opinions
Actually – since a combined one hitter in game 6 of the WS probably wasnt the result of managerial genius, I guess the Braves beating the Indians didnt involve Cox outsmarting Hargrove (although most men could do that just by inhaling and exhaling without soiling themselves)
so I’m thinking that Valentine might be the ONLY man ever to be outsmarted by Bobby Cox
N8
August 13th, 2010
12:31 am
Home of the Braves, thanks.
I was initially going to type that it would be funny if Gant came out of retirement to take Chipper’s spot in the 3-hole. But found the irony of the motorcycle accident and Chipper AGAIN taking Gant’s job to be too much to resist.
Of course, in order for it to come full circle, Chipper would have to find a way to not be able to perform on the air, and Ryan Klesko would stumble into taking over the position. But that’s just pushing it a little too far now, right?
Glad somebody enjoyed it.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
12:31 am
Looks like the Braves are gonna have to sign a LF and trade for a CF. There isn’t any good free agent CF options and there’s no chance McLouth is in CF unless something miraculous happens.
richbrave
August 13th, 2010
12:32 am
DOWN ON THE FARM:
12 hits behind JULIO TEHERAN as the PEARLS dismantle the BAY BEARS 12-2.
CF ANTOAN RICHARDSON (.290 BA) 1-3, BB, 2 RBI (16), 2 R.
SS DAN PASTORNICKY (.247 BA) 2-5, 3 RBI (11), 2 R.
RF WILLIE CABRERA (.309 BA) 2-5, 2 2B (37), 2 RBI (56), 1 R.
2B ERIC DUNCAN (.279 BA) 3-4, BB, 1 3B (4), 2 RBI (53), 2 R.
1B MAURO GOMEZ (.272 BA) 0-4, 1 RBI (64).
LF JORDAN SCHAFER (.200 BA) 0-2, 3 BB, 2 R.
C JESUS SUCRE (.297 BA) 1-5, 1 R.
3B LUIS BOLIVAR (.277 BA) 2-4, 1 R.
DH MIKE DANIEL (.265 BA) 1-3, BB, 1 RBI (15), 2 R.
JULIO TEHERAN (2.70 ERA) 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R/ER, 0 BB, 6 SO.
JAYE CHAPMAN (5.74 ERA) 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 SO.
A combined five-hitter, no BB’s, and 9 SO’s. NICE!!!!
Dumbfound
August 13th, 2010
12:32 am
@N8, I hear you, but I should have kept my big mouth shut !
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:32 am
“Speaking of that, here’s a scenario for everybody:
Chipper goes through rehab but realizes that he can’t play third base anymore. He comes to the Braves and says, “Look. I’m willing to play first base. I really want to play one more season to end things on a high note.”
They couldn’t deny Chipper that because of what he means to the organization, right? Freddie Freeman certainly isn’t worth more to the club than Chipper, so…what happens?”
I see Chipper at 3B again next year if he decides to come back. Someone will spot start at 3B for Chip, and Freeman will have his shot at 1B.
The Braves like what they have in the minors, and will not trade it for OF relief. You’re gonna hate me, but it’s the Kevin Millwood thing all over again…
JJ’s arbitration $$$’s will be HUGE, given the Lowe-KK-McLouth-Chipper contracts. Unless the Braves unload McLouth, KK or both, JJ will be traded for young OF hitting.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:33 am
is Werth worth having? Won’t he poison our precious cluhouse chemistry when he starts banging the other guy’s wives? Or will that just bring folks closer like in NY in 72/73?
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
12:34 am
Robert – lol, your right. I was being sarcastic more than anything. Bobby V was the guy who picked “Jose” Ortiz to win this years homerun Derby. No wonder the Marlins didn’t sign him.
MIBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:34 am
“David O’Brien
August 12th, 2010
9:26 pm
What a cruel, strange coincidence it would be if Chipper’s career began and ended with ACL surgeries on his left knee. Blew it out at end of spring training in his rookie year in 1994, and now faces same type of reconstructive surgery he had 16 years ago.”
I wasn’t going to reply to this post because I thought I’d be rather late in doing so, but having read N8’s just recently posted reply I felt compelled to go ahead.
The idea that Chipper’s career might end with the same injury that almost derailed it at its start is cruel and ironic. What we all as Braves fans can be grateful for is that the first one didn’t and we got to see Chipper become Chipper and enjoy all the great moments he gave us as a future HOF baseball player, and the contributions he made to the Braves in other ways, including moving to LF and restructuring his contract to free up money to try to help the team win when the finances got tight.
And to N8 – what the hell does Ron Gant’s motorcycle accident have to do with Chipper getting hurt on the frickin’ baseball field?!@
Dumbfound
August 13th, 2010
12:35 am
I can’t believe Valentine picking the Braves ?!? Stop the presses !
GermanBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:35 am
I see Robert is still around beating the same old drum. Hey Robert: get a life!!
Chop Chop
August 13th, 2010
12:38 am
Keep preaching it, Robert.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
12:38 am
Mia – I would be pissed if we traded JJ. If we did, we better be getting Kemp or Braun.
N8
August 13th, 2010
12:38 am
Nick 2.0, I actually like Werth a lot. Not sure what to make of the rumors of him getting down with Utley’s wife though. Not really my problem I guess. Sometimes strange scenarios with relationships can cause a team to dump guys they shouldn’t.
My Chiefs got Willie Roaf (who anchored a GREAT offensive line under Dick Vermeil in KC) because Joe Horn (a former Chief), was banging Roaf’s old lady. The two couldn’t co-exsist with one another and the Saints chose to rid themselves of the aging Roaf.
If Werth were to come to the Braves, play solid defense, and anchor the cleanup spot for a couple of years, I’m down with everybody getting a fresh start at some point.
But again, it goes to my initial point. Werth is a “big name” at this point. Not sure it’s necessary to overspend for him (and teams WILL overspend for him). Just like Derek Lowe, I’m not sure he’ll be worth the money when that contract that he gets is up.
Before Medlen got hurt, I was fully ready to trade one of the young pitchers to acquire a young (and under contract/control) outfielder from somebody desperate for pitching and looking to trim some payroll
I still wouldn’t mind the Braves seeing what it takes to get a guy like Kemp from the Dodgers. Though, with Medlen now done for most of next year (if not all of it). Not sure if I’d give up a young pitcher anymore. Depends on how Minor does the rest of the way and if Delgado and Teheran cruise through AAA and the AFL like Hanson did.
Short point long? I’d love to have Werth. Not sure I’d love to have that contract 2 years down the road.
haggardeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:43 am
noleeeee
I know we’re not supposed to take this “Braves thing” to bed with us, we’re not supposed to let a loss adversely affect our lives because–after all– it’s just a game and we should all have more substantial things to furrow our brows about and we should never, ever, have an adverse, name-calling exchange on the blog with a fellow poster due to a difference of opinion.
Well, sir, I have done my share of brow furrowing over substantial things as I’ve gone about business-as-usual alll day long, then did some more this evening beside my mother’s bed in ICU as she recovers from surgery.
Yet, when I heard the definitive news about Chipper Jones while rolling south out of the mountains and toward Atlanta this afternoon, I thought of you, noleeeee, because I know he’s your favorite and, for a while, that, too, was enough to furrow the brow as well because it matters.
I know, I know; he’s a millionaire due–in part–to our passion for the game he’s excelled at, he’s had a wonderful run, and his life, as well as ours, will go on just fine, just grand. Plus, a too oft furrowed brow leads to increased forehead wrinkles.
But the music of another favorite of yours–Eric Clapton– plays as I type, “Bell Bottom Blues” has played and the chorus sings, “I don’t want to fade away, give me one more day”. Man.
Okay, that’s enough. How ’bout a good joke?
Robert
August 13th, 2010
12:43 am
“We are both in agreement that such shuffling of the lineup might only net enough run differential to gain 2-4 victories over the course of a season, which on the surface doesn’t look like a whole helluva a lot.
But what if the Braves finish 1 game out of the playoffs, having had the wrong guy in the 3-hole for almost 3 months of the season?”
Like 2007, when they finished 5 games out and had a .200 hitter at clean-up for most of the season?
2-4 game from juggling the lineup is HUGE, when it add it to a couple of games from playing the hot hand out of the pen, a couple from optimizing a platoon, and so on and so on
In short, the manager’s job is to win those 2-4 games here and there, NOT to look dumb while saying “duh, gee wilikins he NEVER makes an error” after his SS boots 4 balls in 3 days
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
12:43 am
First of all, I just popped onto the blog since Monday??. When I come up with my usual profound statements, if any of them were recently said, bear with me.
Secondly, if I ask my mentor, nolie (or anyone else that has an opinion…which would be everyone, I guess) and the question or topic was recently discussed….bear with me.
That being said, nolie, I’ve been listening to a lot of MLB shows talking about the “leadership” they’re going to miss with Chipper out.
Even though he can’t be on the field, don’t you think he can still provide insperation and leadership in the dugout and clubhouse?
I do. Of course I also bought large shares of Enron.
richbrave
August 13th, 2010
12:43 am
MIAMIBEACH FAN:
TEHERAN may be up by next year’s arb date. I’m not feeling DELGADO or VIZCAINO at this point for 2011. I believe we’ll still have LOWE and KAWAKAMI, but I think SAITO and WAGNER are gone.
N8
August 13th, 2010
12:44 am
“And to N8 – what the hell does Ron Gant’s motorcycle accident have to do with Chipper getting hurt on the frickin’ baseball field?!@” MIBravesFan
It has everything to do with it (in discussion – though nothing to do with the actual injuries).
Gant was the Braves LF in 1993. In the off-season after 1993, Ron Gant received the highest arbitration figure ever handed out at that time (5 million bucks I believe), and was again going to be the Braves LF and 3-hole hitter in 1994.
He then had a motorcycle accident that voided his contract and he was released. Opening the door for a 23 year old rookie, who was the SS of the future not only for the Braves, but was going to break the mold (Arod before there was Arod), to make the team as their starting LF. Even though he hadn’t played the OF in the minors.
You keeping up with this?
Then, Chipper tore up his knee and another kid with a big bat, won the LF job just so they could get his bat in the lineup.
Enter Ryan Klesko.
Thanks for playing…. and lighten up Francis.
haggardeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:45 am
MIBravesFan
Good post at 12:34 !
Robert
August 13th, 2010
12:45 am
“No. A cruel and strange coincidence would be if Ron Gant was riding a motorcycle to the ballpark to do his work with the broadcast team, and got into an accident. Then lost his job to the probably soon to retire Chipper Jones”
THAT …… was kinda wrong, but funny as all hell
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
12:46 am
I hope VJ went to bed so he won’t bust my non-strikes for misspelling.
Dumbfound
August 13th, 2010
12:47 am
Chipper is going to get a second opinion. What if it’s better than the first one ?!
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
12:48 am
Heyward Werth McCann Freeman would be a nasty 3-4-5-6. Especially with Prado and Infante setting the table.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:49 am
that 2-4 game swing could be either way and what if they would have ended up doing worse? no way to know how any of it would/will turn out despite your constant harping that you know.
I can think of a game or two that Jason won out of the two hole that he might not have had a chance at all if he were batting third. sad to see someone so desperately afraid of losing that he has to scapegoat like that. Methinks of your word contempt….
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:49 am
JJ can fetch a five tool OF in AAA, as well as another MLB ready OF who’s maybe a four star prospect. Teams would drool for a shot at JJ, and the Braves are in desperate need of young OF’s to accompany Heyward’s efforts.
Remember, folks, the Braves will be on a rebuilding plan next year, and will do everything in their power to shed the bad contract threesome of Lowe (can’t), KK (maybe), McLouth (lol).
haggardeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:49 am
Tom O’Hawke
I heard the same train of thought mentioned today as the folks in Atlanta spoke of how much he’s been there for Jason Heyward and how important it will be for him to remain on the bench, always within Heyward’s earshot.
N8
August 13th, 2010
12:51 am
“The idea that Chipper’s career might end with the same injury that almost derailed it at its start is cruel and ironic.”
That’s not cruel and ironic. That’s GOOD luck. That’s a blessing. That’s good fortune… fate if you will.
Had the world NEVER gotten to see Chipper Jones play, THAT would have been cruel and ironic.
The fact that we did get to see it, makes it all a little less painful.
JR Richards having a stroke in his prime and never being the same was cruel. Dave Dravecky having his arm fall off and coming back to pitch again, only to have it happen again… was cruel.
A guy that had a serious injury at age 23, fought back from it and STILL had a HOF career? I fail to see the cruelty of him having the same injury at age 38. Ironic? Certainly. Not cruel.
The irony and comedy in Gant losing his job TWICE to the same guy, while ironically having a 2nd motorcyle accident… was what I thought might define “cruel”.
But, it was a joke. Apparently it went over your head. Sorry.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:52 am
yeah I think he will be a help off the bench, but in general his best brand of leadership was on the field IMO, though he certainly helped a lot keeping Shef happy for two years.
The A Bomb
August 13th, 2010
12:53 am
MICKEY MANTLE
1967 Age 35
144 games, 22 HR 55 RBI .245
1968 Age 36
144 games, 18 HR 54 RBI .237
1969 RETIRED….Damaged broken down goods.
CHIPPER JONES
2009 Age 37
143 games, 18 HR, 71 RBI .264
2010 Age 38
95 games, 10 HR, 46 RBI .265
2011 LIABILITY….. RETIRE
There’s no fountain of youth. Damaged broken down goods. Settle and free up the bucks.
MIBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:54 am
“Tom O’Hawke
August 13th, 2010
12:43 am
. . . Even though he can’t be on the field, don’t you think he can still provide insperation and leadership in the dugout and clubhouse?
I do. Of course I also bought large shares of Enron.”
I think he most definitely can and will provide that in the dugout and clubhouse Tom. As westgadave (hope I remembered that exactly right) pointed out earlier, Chipper is the only one of the great players on the Team of the 90s who never left (I know there’s a lot of reasons for that, but it doesn’t change the fact he’s the one guy who never left). He might not be able to contribute any more on the field this season, but I think he’s going to be very much there off the field.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
12:54 am
screw that A bomb
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
12:55 am
haggard
Oh you know he’ll be on the bench for every game and maybe have his spikes on, too.
Robert
August 13th, 2010
12:55 am
“Robert – lol, your right. I was being sarcastic more than anything. Bobby V was the guy who picked “Jose” Ortiz to win this years homerun Derby”
Dude – Game 6 of the 1999 NLCS was the WORST managed baseball game ever played.
The way it ended – Kenny Rogers, at that time quite possibly the worst playoff pitcher in the hostory of baseball, walking Andruw Jones to force in the winning run – was laughable, but it was just the culmination of a veritable comedy of errors.
Of course, gotta give credit where it’s due. Rogers did something that isnt easy to do (it’s HARD to walk Andruw Jones!)
I watched that game with a good friend and we were giggling like schoolgirls (only partly cuz the Braves actually won). We kept saying to each other that we had just seen Mad Magazine’s “Spy vs Spy” in real life
The A Bomb
August 13th, 2010
12:56 am
Money can be used in other areas. Mantle was done… knees gave out. Jones is getting worse, not better.
Screw that? I don’t think so.
Between obliques and knee his salary or at least part of it would be better used on a younger athlete who can still get it done.
MIBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:57 am
And Tom, I wouldn’t blame myself too much for that Enron thing, you know?!
Chop Chop
August 13th, 2010
12:58 am
I think Chipper’s dugout and clubhouse presence will carry the Braves to a World Series title. He will clap his hands and make hits rain down upon the opposition. He will adjust his cup and cause the opposing pitcher to soil himself. He will spit some sunflower seeds out and create bad hops. Chipper is our secret weapon.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
12:58 am
richbrave: 2011 has Hudson, Hanson, Lowe (sadly), Minor, KK and a VERY young bullpen, with Venters closing.
Still an IF of McCann, Freeman, Prado, Gonzalez, and Chipper. JJ can bring a stud five-tool LF and a young starting CF to go with Heyward.
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
1:00 am
Those are my exact thoughts, too, MIBravesFan.
nolie, I would think his leadership would be as present as if Chipper had a day off or two. I know, he’s not on the field, but I still think the intangible benefit of his presence will still be ….. present.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
1:00 am
Rogers did something that isnt easy to do (it’s HARD to walk Andruw Jones!) Robert
ignorant untrue statement typical of Robert, who lives in his own special lil dream world, where he knows more about baseball with no actual experience than all the guys who play and direct it. Tip o’ the cap to out resident genius. Cue some HEAVY sarcasm there at the end.
MIBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
1:00 am
It was an extremely bad joke then N8, and if you want to think it “went over my head,” you feel free.
N8
August 13th, 2010
1:00 am
“Remember, folks, the Braves will be on a rebuilding plan next year….
I disagree. Retooling perhaps, but rebuilding?
The foundation for the future is also the reason they are winning this year.
JJJ
Hanson
Medlen (out for most of next year – but part of the future)
Venters
Heyward
Prado
Minor is now here
With McCann and Hudson providing veteran leadership and more importantly, championship caliber contributions.
Freeman might not provide any given month like Glaus did in May, but he’ll certainly offer what Troy’s offered since then (and before then).
Other than what Chipper’s provided since mid-June, it won’t be too hard to replace what he had given them since last June.
D-Lowe (money aside) can still provide solid innings in the 5 spot of the rotation.
Leaving guys like Kimbrell, Delgado, Teheran, to fill in spots as needed along the way.
Wren needs one big bat in the OF or to get a big bat at 3B. Cleanup has to come from one of those two spots.
If that happens and no other significant injuries happen, guys like Infante, Conrad, Hinske, Diaz, Melky, etc…. can make up the bench and utility guys.
Also, Venters needs to be able to close with Wagner leaving. But the Twins will have Joe Nathan coming back and have recently traded for Capps. So if Wren isn’t comfortable with Venters closing in his sophomore effort. They could make a trade for one and slowly work Venters into the role.
But this team will NOT be rebuilding going into next year. The rebuilding began last year and has continued this year.
Dumbfound
August 13th, 2010
1:01 am
Any comments from Torre yet ?!?
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
1:01 am
I agree, Chop Chop.
uga-brave
August 13th, 2010
1:01 am
DOB, put the lyrics to a name, go cash.
“when the man comes around”
DO him justice.
haggardeeee
August 13th, 2010
1:01 am
Venice Jim
About that new Buffett CD : is it just a Parrot Head Club release or can any old mortal purchase it online or at the local music store?
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
1:02 am
But this team will NOT be rebuilding going into next year. The rebuilding began last year and has continued this year. N8
I agree,
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
1:03 am
And Tom, I wouldn’t blame myself too much for that Enron thing, you know?!
Thanks, MIBravesFan. At least I didn’t have to change the name of my home as the Astros did!
Robert
August 13th, 2010
1:04 am
Chipper suffering a career threatening injury is sad, but not tragic. The fact that he suffered a similar injury many moons ago is somewhat ironic, but not cruel
What happened to Daryl Kile was tragic.
And that radio guy who called his wife the next day asking if she needed a date to the game – that was cruel
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
1:04 am
I don’t think JJ can bring in a good LF AND CF. I wouldn’t trade him within the NL.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
1:04 am
speaking of homes..how are the hills, back for the weekend?
Mighty Impressed
August 13th, 2010
1:05 am
“Last season after pitching a full season in the SEC, he had time for only four starts at Single-A Rome after the negotiation of his $2.42 signing bonus, a Braves draft record. How far has he come in a year?” -DOB
Man, that’s two dollars and forty two cents very well invested.
Yunel's Frosted Tips
August 13th, 2010
1:06 am
I don’t care who is banging who’s wife if they can be a productive clean-up hitter for 2010..then by all means go get them….we have pitching to contend for years……better get some real bats
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
1:06 am
it’s still open for consideration, he might bomb…
N8
August 13th, 2010
1:07 am
“It was an extremely bad joke then N8, and if you want to think it “went over my head,” you feel free.” MIBravesFan
I won’t apologize and pretend I felt bad for Ron Gant after that motorcycle accident. As a fan I was pissed off about it. It opened the door for younger (better) player to get to the show faster. So in the end, it wasn’t that big of a deal.
Gant made it back from the injury and is now part of the Braves family. Nothing really lost. Other than Gant didn’t get to be a part of the 95 team that won it all.
If you didn’t like the humor, I’m cool with that. As far as you not getting it or me insinuating that? It was also a joke.
It’s not like I made a joke about OJ killing people. I made a joke about two guys that made millions of dollars playing a GAME, and whether you like it or not, are “connected” to eachother (along with Ryan Klesko) because of two seperate knee injuries that happened months apart.
Lighten up.
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
1:07 am
I think Chipper’s dugout and clubhouse presence will carry the Braves to a World Series title. He will clap his hands and make hits rain down upon the opposition. He will adjust his cup and cause the opposing pitcher to soil himself. He will spit some sunflower seeds out and create bad hops. Chipper is our secret weapon.
Is it just me, or does Chop Chop have a sarcastic sense of humor?
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
1:07 am
Bruce Chen was rated in the top 5 in all baseball and looked how that turned out.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
1:08 am
“But this team will NOT be rebuilding going into next year. The rebuilding began last year and has continued this year.” —N8
It’s all about the millions pending on Chipper, Lowe, KK, and McLouth, compounded by the relatively big numbers JJ will command in his first arbitration winter. The only rebuilding I have seen is Heyward playing this year. The Braves will get younger and cheaper the next couple of seasons. There is no pressure to have Bobby leave a winner in 2011. Liberty Media money has not trickled down to the Braves. Yeah, $90 mil is a nice budget, but not when you owe Chipper, Lowe, KK, McLouth, and Hudson over half the annual budget!!!
Hate to say it, but the Braves will trade JJ, just like they traded Kevin Millwood when he was at the top of his game.
It’s all about the millions.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
1:08 am
I don’t care who is banging who’s wife if they can be a productive clean-up hitter for 2010. YFT
what about our precious chemistry which is the heart and soul of this year’s team???
Robert
August 13th, 2010
1:09 am
“ignorant untrue statement typical of Robert”
Uh huh – because if there’s one thing Andruw Jones is known for, it’s plate discipline
The A Bomb
August 13th, 2010
1:09 am
You don’t trade Jurrjens for anything.
Pitching’s the reason we’re in this thing and guys like Teheran and Delgado are about 2 years away, when Lowe’s horrible contract expires.
Now if one of those guys steps up maybe we can deal Lowe next year at the deadline if any team is desperate to pick up a starter.
Money for a hitter can come from freed-up Chipper money, and if we can settle with Kawakami and send him back to the Far East.
haggardeeee
August 13th, 2010
1:11 am
uga-brave
“The whirlwind is in the thorn tree” That is one fine tune, brother.