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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,373 comments Add your comment
AdirondackDave
November 22nd, 2010
11:23 pm
Russell Bell — The mail reason to trade Lowe would be to free up $30m over the next two years. Braves would have Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Minor, Beachy, and Medlin (probably Aug/Sep.). Also, Teheran, Delgado, Viscaino, and perhaps a couple others ready to help by the second half of the season. Lowe is an asset, he always has been and still is. But his freed-up salary could be a real difference-maker in continuing to improve the offense and extending contracts of key guys like Uggla, Prado, Heyward, and who knows, maybe even Freeman a couple years from now if he performs like we think he may.
Also, I think Javy Vazquez could be brought back, probably for a lot less they Lowe will make the next two years. That’s an option anyway. I like both Lowe and Vazquez but, between the two, I think I’d rather have Javy. Also, remember the positive impact, it was said, that he had on JJ’s development.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
11:24 pm
Russell Bell
I would say the Bench needs the most fixing. Adding one proven arm to the bullpen is all it really needs. The bench is depleted through FA and Uggla trade. It needs the most rebuilding.
fred
November 22nd, 2010
11:26 pm
nolie.
Well said. the pen may have problems.
Russell Bell
November 22nd, 2010
11:30 pm
Well if Lowe was traded (which I strongly doubt), Wren would have to sign another starter like Vazquez. A rotation of Hudson, Hanson, JJ, Minor, Beachy would make me nervous.
Sure, I might pick Vazquez over Lowe as well if I had the choice, but I don’t think a ’salary dump’ of Lowe is enough of a reason for the Braves to trade him in order to sign a different FA starter.
Russell Bell
November 22nd, 2010
11:33 pm
The bench needs some work as well, but the bullpen (with the young arms at the backend) might be an area of concern. Kimbrell and Venters have dominating stuff, but they are still kinda young to be thrust into the roles they will hold next season.
Also, Venters logged a ton of innings in 2010. I suspect he will be fine in 2011, but I have to wonder if his heavy 2010 workload will impact the effectiveness of his pitches next season. Just speculation, but I will be interested to see how he pitches.
AdirondackDave
November 22nd, 2010
11:35 pm
I don’t think Lowe will be traded either. Just saying that there is a clear scenario and solid reasons that could make it happen. It’s not likely but it wouldn’t surprise me either.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
11:38 pm
RB
I agree that the bullpen is an area of concern. I just think the bench should be the priority. Add a proven SU guy to the bullpen and it should be fine. The bench is depleted and they need to add a few guys there.
alex
November 23rd, 2010
12:05 am
we need to pick up validameire gurrao of texas this man is just what we need
steve
November 23rd, 2010
12:07 am
I can’t believe this team in comfortable with fragile Freddie Freeman as its starting first baseman. This guy has disaster written all over him. Has Frank Wren actually seen him swing a bat, he looks like a golfer with that upper cut! He is going to hit .220 with 4 Homers before he has to be disabled for some bogus reason just to get him off the field and then hopefully he will disappear like Jordan Schafer has. I say put Eric Hinske at first base full time and send Freeman back to the minors where he belongs.
shinburger
November 23rd, 2010
12:13 am
steve get real
gcs
November 23rd, 2010
12:14 am
It would be nice to get one more big bat….
.
shinburger
November 23rd, 2010
12:21 am
gcs, sorry as much as i want it too i dont think it will happen. i think wren will wait until trade deadline and address the biggest need for the club which in my mind will probably be a outfield position but you never know
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
November 23rd, 2010
12:40 am
steve – I agree. I wished they’d kept Lee and kept Freeman down in the minors….but that’s just mo.
shmoe
November 23rd, 2010
12:42 am
i would not pick vazquez over lowe
Billreef
November 23rd, 2010
12:53 am
Well I guess it’s confirmed, Chipper is a lazy slug. Hunting instead of rehabbing, putting off hitting even though he’s cleared and calling Fredi to make sure they weren’t gonna have to show up in shape despite the new manager. Guess that explains why we wind up with so many hamstring, groin and oblique injuries(Martin excepted of course).
BILL MAIER
November 23rd, 2010
1:08 am
did bobbys country club atmosphere for spring training carrying over to melky loafing all year and getting away with it in starting the majority of games
ward
November 23rd, 2010
1:23 am
How is every one doing? Just been back from work, and we have 6 to 7 inches of snow already, and it’s cold…….I just read the latest rumor too, and the Braves are looking to improve the bench.The rumor was 9 hours ago…..
ward
November 23rd, 2010
1:29 am
I think we need a bench player with speed, and that can steal some bases, and we need a middle relief left handed pitcher.
Ron Hyatt
November 23rd, 2010
1:45 am
The best outcome for this situation will be one where the end result is no Chipper in 2011, and we know that NOW instead of mid May.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:01 am
I’m guessing Chipper will play 65% of the games? I just don’t see him putting up big numbers like two years ago.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:15 am
I like Chipper, and i hope he has come back player of the year, but his numbers have fallen, and he’s hit into a lot of double plays last year. I just don’t want to see another Bret Farve failer.
Lollygagger
November 23rd, 2010
2:54 am
Yikes. Chipper taking a beating on the blog today. No respect for elders around here.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
4:14 am
Lollygagger: I feel bad for the guy.Who happens to be the greatest Brave ever? I just hope he can have a great year. Even though i can doubt him too. What he does in his off time, is his buisness not mine.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
4:20 am
I said some things about him , and money, and I put my foot in my mouth. I realize Chipper is a good guy, and a great player. I hope he has a successful year, and he can put all these doubters to rest.Yes: even my doubts on him too.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
4:32 am
I would be happy if Chipper hit 2.80, 2O homers RBI 80, and 8 stolen base. That would be a solid year.
Billy
November 23rd, 2010
4:38 am
Let me get this straight. The same routine in Spring Training that produced 14 straight division 1st place titles is all of a sudden in question? You know what is in question? The uninformed critics who question it?
ward
November 23rd, 2010
4:55 am
Teams who have the most wins or titles, are always going to be questioned. It’s just the way it goes.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
5:00 am
I’ll always b e a Braves fan, nothing will chnge that! No matter how far the Braves go.I’m looking forward to the Spring training, and the new player Uggla.”Go!!! braves!!!.” Be Cool Every One. and Nite Friends……..
Rodney Derrick
November 23rd, 2010
7:00 am
Big story in this morning’s NY Times about Braves prospect Edward Salcedo and Scott Boras–
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/sports/baseball/23boras.html?_r=1&ref=sports
Bobby's chauffeur
November 23rd, 2010
7:00 am
Was looking at some of my old coins and came across a 1995 world champion limited edition (#4271) 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver coin. with the Braves logo on it. One of my kids must have given it too me. Do these coins carry any value?
mowreck
November 23rd, 2010
7:16 am
I would DEFINITELY spend some of the money or WHATEVER it cost to get Eric Hinski back.
That would solve 1B, OF, and maybe 3B if needed. Or could sure work him at those position.
Really enjoyed this article. Been a big Brave since before they moved here. Never forget getting that foul ball that Felipe Alou hit down the 1st base line near right field in FIRST game I went to. Alas, girl I was dating, I married and gave her sister’s boy the ball. His brother just won the Texas High School as a coach this past year. Again, thanks for the article. Don’t get out much to the games, but still watch every game on my big screen. My daughter has pictures with Jason Haywood, Ryan Klesko, etc. (her favorite player).
mowreck
November 23rd, 2010
7:17 am
Texas High School Championship.
Jeff R
November 23rd, 2010
7:48 am
Chipper’s a wild card going into the season. Can’t be counted on until he demonstrates that he can play on his rebuilt knee. Let’s hope Chipper’s up to it.
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
8:12 am
Chipper is trying to convince Uggla to go with a single digit numbered uni. Thinks he could look like a muscle bound bad arse in a single digit like Gant used to:
http://www.790thezone.com/instantreplay/Episodes.aspx?PID=1345
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
8:14 am
This ain’t 1985 anymore where if you blow out your ACL, your career is over. Chipper will be fine.
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
8:20 am
Thanks for whoever posted that NY Times Salcedo story. I particularly love the snippet from the old Boras interview where he’s blasting agents for giving loans to poor college athletes. There’s not an ounce of integrity in that man, but that probably goes without saying.
Sports is a dirty dirty business when you peel back a few layers.
Hillbilly
November 23rd, 2010
8:24 am
There’s a place in this world for ALL of God’s creatures…and it’s right next to the mashed potatoes and gravy.
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
8:28 am
There’s not an ounce of integrity in that man, but that probably goes without saying. Sports is a dirty dirty business when you peel back a few layers.
I agree. Boras doesn’t look too good in that article. However, if someone lends you $70 grand, and you sign a million dollar contract, how about paying back the $70 grand?
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
8:30 am
The thing about Salcedo and Boras…the kid got $1.6MM to sign, right? Why not just pay the sumbee out of that and then fire his azz?
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
8:31 am
Last year, Chipper was trying to be the anchor and power of this team. He doesn’t have to do that this year. He just has to be a complementary player, and he’ll be a damn good one. All Fredi has to do is play Prado at third and put Mather or someone else in left and he can give Chipper regular rest without missing too much offense. I think he can hit well over .300 without having to worry about being the “power” that this lineup needed last year. Heyward, Uggla, McCann and Freeman are the power this year. That’s partly why I think Chipper needs to be hitting 6th, between McCann and Freeman. Let him be one of the more dangerous 6th hitters, instead of a mediocre 3rd hitter.
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
8:36 am
All Fredi has to do is play Prado at third and put Mather or someone else in left and he can give Chipper regular rest without missing too much offense
I truly hope that, whatever utility IF is used this year, he’s good enough that Prado doesn’t have to keep popping between LF and 3B.
Bill M.
November 23rd, 2010
8:37 am
I agree, think the Braves should trade for Carlos Gomez. He has alot of potential if if if he can stay healthy. His defense is great and he would be a heck of a player when he figures out how to hit. He’s still young. Why not have him and Young both!!! The defense will be improved. I think it’s time to turn the page on Diaz.
dap01
November 23rd, 2010
8:39 am
I love Chipper but he did not sound like a leader in that article. He is walking in the woods with a bad knee. That sounds like his pleasure time is more important than being a top level player. He is not hitting. He does not want to work out much before or during spring training. That was not a flattering article.
Chipper should bat 6th. He clearly is not a power hitter but his great eye and hitting ability may be good for lower in the order.
Come on Chipper, surprise us!
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
8:45 am
Braveheart, I hear you, but you have to look at things realistically. Most people that have nothing then all of a sudden get a lot of money don’t understand the concept of short-term sacrifice for long-term reward. To the Salcedo’s, keeping the $70,000 for now is probably more important to them than what agent they use. They can always pay Boras back later and switch agents after he gets in a position where he’s got some long-term money on the way. For now, that $1.6 million may be the only money that family ever sees. Kid could blow out both knees tomorrow.
And who knows what the actual facts are…this was a NY Times article.
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
8:49 am
dap01…
Are you really going to start that argument? All professional athletes should be cryogenically frozen during the offseason to prevent any injuries. Could you imagine one of Chipper’s kids wanting to wrestle around, and he says “Daddy gets paid a lot of money to play baseball and I can’t risk getting hurt playing around with you, plus the guys on the ajc blog will all complain that I don’t care about this team if I play with youa and risk tweaking my knee.”
Come on man. Seriously.
Russell Bell
November 23rd, 2010
8:51 am
Some of you guys sure do whine a heck of a lot about what Chipper does (or doesn’t do) in the off-season. How about waiting until the end of ST to pass judgment on him, or any other member of the team?
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
8:55 am
How about waiting until the end of ST to pass judgment on [Chipper], or any other member of the team?
That would be logical, but would significantly reduce the amount of blog fodder, LOL. Can’t have that, can we?
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
8:59 am
If you click on the link above for the 790 interview, Chipper said that in his typical offseasons, he usually lifts weights for 45 minutes every day. Due to his rehab this year, he said he has been working out 90 minutes a day this offseason.
And, then, I guess, he also spends time walking out in the woods trying to kill animals, which, granted, ain’t the greatest work out, but, walking and being active sure beats sitting his arse on the couch for the rest of the day after his 90 minute workouts. You just hope he doesn’t take a misstep and re-injure his knee, but walking around is usually recommended for people recovering from a leg injury. And if you can find a fun, creative way of sneaking in your walks on a surface softer than concrete, that is even better
And, again, regardless of whether he hunts or not, he says he is working out 90 minutes a day with weights and such.
CB
November 23rd, 2010
9:15 am
I would be curious to know if the Braves at least kicked the tires on Justin Upton – I know his contract is at least affordable for a few more years and we do match up well with prospects. I know Towers would demand unreasonably but curious to me no mention of the Braves.
njbraves
November 23rd, 2010
9:16 am
Great move getting Uggla, but let’s be honeast here, the Braves still aren’t as good as the Phillies. Wren should be out there shopping for another impact bat, but of course, he’s not. I love that we have so much minor league pitching talent, but there is no way all of it pans out the way they hope it will. Why not trade from a position of strength, especially since they were able to acquire Uggla so cheaply. I see no reason not to be “in” on Justin Upton. He’s a great young talent, who appears to be available, with a very reasonable contract for the next 5 years. It just seems like a mistake not to be trying to make this team as potent as possible…they’re ready to win now.
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
9:17 am
but you have to look at things realistically. Most people that have nothing then all of a sudden get a lot of money don’t understand the concept of short-term sacrifice for long-term reward. To the Salcedo’s, keeping the $70,000 for now is probably more important to them than what agent they use. They can always pay Boras back later and switch agents after he gets in a position where he’s got some long-term money on the way. For now, that $1.6 million may be the only money that family ever sees. Kid could blow out both knees tomorrow.
I was a kid who came from nothing. I borrowed over $120,000 to pay for college and law school. Should I be using this same mentality then? No one has given me $1.6 million, but I still write the big check every month paying back those loans, and have done so every month for the last 10 years, and will continue to do so for the next 20 years. Should I tell the government and the banks who I borrowed that money from, screw you, I’m not paying you back until I damn well want to, which may be never if I’m never satisfied with how much money I have? Yeah, when you borrow money, you don’t owe them, they own you, but you knew that was the deal going in, so why would you cry later, and expect anyone to feel sorry for you?
Hillbilly
November 23rd, 2010
9:21 am
Braveheart (8:59),
You’re right on the money, except you short-change the significance of a good walk through the woods. It’s what I do 9 months out of the year, and I would argue that it provides a hell of a workout.
And your other point about taking a wrong step makes sense,…he could step in a stump hole, or slip in a mud hole, or twist his knee jumping over one of those big Texas rattlers.
But then again, something like that could happen anywhere. I blew out my ankle this past March by stepping on a small root in my back yard…flat and clean terrain with freshley mowed grass.
Hillbilly
November 23rd, 2010
9:26 am
And I skipped out on the prescribed rehab. Decided to rehab it by throughout turkey-season in the South Arkansas river bottoms. I feel like I can go out and hit .280 and put up 18 homers and a .850 OPS now.
Maconboy
November 23rd, 2010
9:29 am
Yea game ready for ST & then Jeter walks across that River up there every home game to get to the park, Right?
Braves star has scare on hunting trip | Ben Maller
November 23rd, 2010
9:32 am
[...] to having a bit of a scare on a recent hunting trip in Kansas with former Brave Adam LaRoche when he stepped in a hole with is left foot, of course. “It sent chills up my spine when I did it,” Jones said. “But nothing bad [...]
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
9:38 am
“the Braves still aren’t as good as the Phillies”……….NOR DO WE HAVE $135M TO SPEND ON THE PAYROLL! Let’s get real, people.
The same ones who are grousing about Chippers off season activities, are the same ones who constantly complain about Chipper and his salary every day. If you believe Chipper should give back some money new, then you MUST also believe that the Braves OWE him money from years past, when he restructured his contract twice to help the team, when he always gave the Braves a true “hometown discount” when he could have gotten much more as a free agent, and when he moved to LF to help the team to the detriment of his career. I’m sick of hearing it.
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
9:39 am
You’re right on the money, except you short-change the significance of a good walk through the woods. It’s what I do 9 months out of the year, and I would argue that it provides a hell of a workout.
Yeah, I’ve never been hunting, so I don’t know all that it entails, but I figured it must be a decent workout since I know dudes who look like they’re gonna stroke out if you make ‘em walk 18 holes of a golf course. But I wasn’t sure, so I didn’t want to overstate it. In so doing, it looks like I greatly understated it.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
9:41 am
Some interesting prospects picked up yesterday. The OF form the cleveland system seems to have good numbers – more steals than RBIs in recent years indicating leadoff potential. But the more intriguing prospect might be the Royals one – if nothing else I have a lot of trust in the royals organization in not doing a good enough job of recognizing their talent – so it is possible that dude has a utility potential at ML level. If nothing else it seems like recent acquisitions such as Taveras (who was released), Wilkin Ramirez and Costanza seem to be towards increasing organizational speed. Just nothing at the ML level.
dap01
November 23rd, 2010
9:52 am
dfeflry: Read the blog before ranting. I said the article was not flattering. But I will clarify, his saggy biceps aren’t too impressive either.
Thanks for your input
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
9:54 am
Snot
I agree. I looked over the Royals guy last night and kept scratching my head why he was let go. The guy has been really consistent with solid numbers. Should at least be given a shot at a backup role.
Marlow29
November 23rd, 2010
9:55 am
A little off topic, but I would really like to see Chipper in the 2-Hole and Heyward or Uggla in the 3-hole. We simply need someone with more pop in the 3-hole, and who gets on base more than Chip?
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
10:03 am
dfeflry: Read the blog before ranting. I said the article was not flattering.
I think you are the one who needs to do that. You have taken everything out of context and twisted it to mean something you want.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:04 am
Some people on this blog are unbelievable. Their comments are quite amusing.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:06 am
No way I would put Chipper 6th. If hes not in the 3 hole he needs to be in the two hole. His OBP is fit for the top of the order. Hes a waste of an at bat if you put him low in the order.
Lew
November 23rd, 2010
10:07 am
I’d like to see Chipper bat second myself, but with Uggla and Mac folowing him in the lineup, his average goes up at least to .285 this year with all the good pitches he’ll see. Kind of doubt they’re going to walk him with serious powerr now behind him for protection.
And ike DPelfrey says – he no longer has to be the one to provide the middle of the order power. I’m thinking he has a very good season and may well report to Spring Training in even better condition because of his rehab.
And anyone who’s walked through the wood- especially rough terrain – know’s it’s very good exercise.
Besides – if he injures himself and has to retire then the naysayers should be happy. If not, he’s strengthened himself. Seems to me to be a no lose situation, actually.
Lew
November 23rd, 2010
10:09 am
Of course, he COULD just sit at home and eat Big Macs instead of hiking through the woods.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
10:10 am
P’cola
I looked at some Royal prospect analysis and there is a belief that AAA might be that guy’s ceiling. I dont know anything about scouting and how they came to that conclusion, but it’s odd seeing that he didnt even get a september call-up. Supposedly the fans had a campaign going to get him called up. The Royals seem notoriously slow to give their prospects a taste of the big leagues – same case with that Hawaiian dude and a couple of others. Let’s hope they made a mistake here.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:12 am
Snot
Well they were wrong on Diaz lets hope they’re wrong here.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
10:13 am
Of course, he COULD just sit at home and eat Big Macs instead of hiking through the woods.
Which is what possibly a lot of folks do in the offseason – cant begrudge them some “unwind time”, considering the rigorous regular season routine grind they go through. Yet, some supposed fans, who have no idea what it takes, are ready to vilify players for the smallest things. How about giving a veteran player like Chipper the benefit of doubt – I think he has done enough to deserve that.
Lew
November 23rd, 2010
10:16 am
Snotboogie – People just like to bitch. They complained when he ate fast food during the offseason and they complain when he rehabs and hikes the woods. No win situation ith some people. You’d think his career .300 Batting Average and career OBP of over .400 would indicate he’s stayed in pretty good shape over his 15 year career.
rainman34
November 23rd, 2010
10:24 am
Minor league stats
obp sb
412 10
381 22
361 14
384 30
414 43
380 39
you would think a team needing a leadoff hitter and center fielder would have gave this guy a chance. Not the bravos not for MATT YOUNG. I dont care how big a guy is these numbers are unreal. Hope he gets a real shot to show what he can do. I also hope he is our forth outfielder because Nate comes back and has a big year.
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
10:33 am
njbraves Great move getting Uggla, but let’s be honeast here, the Braves still aren’t as good as the Phillies.
dont you think its too soon to tell?
phillies are likely losing werth, replacing him with a rookie, while the braves are adding dan uggla. that bring them down a notch and us up.
our bullpen is already better, our starting pitching is at least even.
we dont know if chipper will be back and healthy…i think if he is, the braves may be alot closer to the phillies than you think.
besides, its november, there is alot of team constructing to do…so its too soon to tell.
MaconBraves (RIP)
November 23rd, 2010
10:33 am
I hope the lineup is:
1. Prado
2. Chipper
3. Heyward
4. Uggla
5. McCann
6. Gonzalez
7. McLouth
8. Freeman
richbrave
November 23rd, 2010
10:34 am
Very interesting article yesterday on SCOTT BORAS’ alleged financial involvement with our very own EDWARD SALCEDO. Loans, and houses, then demanding repayment when the youngster switched agents. If true, BORAS might be banned from representing players by the MLPA. It sounds pretty egregious on the surface. Too bad the BRAVES have any attachment to this in any way, but they appear clean in the mess. Maybe that’s what effected SALCEDO’’s play this past season, and not the juice scandel thingy.
richbrave
November 23rd, 2010
10:37 am
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
10:33 am
njbraves Great move getting Uggla, but let’s be honeast here, the Braves still aren’t as good as the Phillies.
dont you think its too soon to tell?
phillies are likely losing werth, replacing him with a rookie, while the braves are adding dan uggla. that bring them down a notch and us up.
our bullpen is already better, our starting pitching is at least even.
Agreed on the UGGLA-WERTH swap, but how are we better in the pen with WAGS and SAITO gone. We need a solid proven back-end of the pen guy to team with the rooks.
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
10:39 am
It was funny to read Boras in that article chastising shady football agents for doing the very same things he’s allegedly doing.
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
10:39 am
Not the bravos not for MATT YOUNG.
Got to keep in mind that much of his damage was done when repeating a level or levels, and that he’s played old for many of those levels. It’s not that I’m trying to diminish his outlook, but those circumstances probably have some bearing on the fact that he hasn’t had a shot previously.
Could be that he just matured later, since he was 22 when he started. Definitely had a decent year in his first full year at AAA.
richbrave
November 23rd, 2010
10:39 am
Rodney Derrick
November 23rd, 2010
7:00 am
Big story in this morning’s NY Times about Braves prospect Edward Salcedo and Scott Boras–
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/sports/baseball/23boras.html?_r=1&ref=sports
This was the link to the story on BORAS-SALCEDO
LTBF
November 23rd, 2010
10:41 am
Steve 12:07am
I think Freeman may start season slow then get much better as season wears on. Thats what he did last year with G Braves.
CraZyTraDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
10:41 am
richbrave do you have a link for that article?
CraZyTraDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
10:42 am
never mind!!! thanks
Braves Fan since '56
November 23rd, 2010
10:42 am
Enter your comments here
StinkyFISH
November 23rd, 2010
10:42 am
Enter your comments here
Travis
November 23rd, 2010
10:45 am
Chipper just happens to be one of those athletes that has foot problems. He has had all his career. Hard to compare him to a player that has the genetic makeup to be in there every day like Jeter. I think he has a pretty good grasp of what his body can do after all these years. Can’t blame the guy for wanting to continue to do what he loves. Hunting, baseball and making money. He is my idol!
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
10:46 am
I don’t think the Braves measure themselves up to the Phillies, as if we need to catch the Phillies. I think the Braves just try to field the most competitive and entertaining team their resources allow them, and if that’s good enough, it’s good enough. Trying to keep up with the Joneses often seems like a fool’s errand. You just gotta be the best you yourself can be.
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
10:46 am
Braveheart at 9:17am…
The world needs more people with your attitude about finances. I’m the same way, if I borrow something, I pay it back. All I was saying is the Salcedo’s borrowed that money with a string attached that they use Boras as an agent. They may have weighed their options and decided it was better to sign with Boras rather than pay back the $70 grand. I didn’t intend to get into any type of social commentary. As far as I’m concerned, people make the choices and they have to live with those choices, no one to blame but themselves. And for the banks or Boras’s of the world that take advantage of people that obviously don’t know what they’re getting into, I would say they’re to blame, but they’re still a-holes void of any moral character.
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
10:47 am
Sorry, revise that last sentence to say “And for the banks or Boras’s of the world that take advantage of people that obviously don’t know what they’re getting into, I would say they’re not to blame, but they’re still a-holes void of any moral character.”
Braves Fan since '56
November 23rd, 2010
10:48 am
I still hope they keep Diaz, somehow. His right-handed bat off the bench against lefties will be hard to replace. Plus, his hustle and attitude make him my all time favorite Brave. (Even ahead of boyhood favorite Joe Adcock.)
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
10:49 am
think Freeman may start season slow then get much better as season wears on.
That’s been my initial thought, too, but I wonder. His history has been that he’s aggressive in the zone, and it could be that the better pitching at the ML level might be to his liking, always being around the plate and such.
But, you’re right that the more logical outcome is that it takes him a while to get used to watching pitches nip the black, instead of being three inches outside.
Jeff R
November 23rd, 2010
10:49 am
Braveheart: “This ain’t 1985 anymore where if you blow out your ACL, your career is over. Chipper will be fine.”
None us can be anywhere near 100% certain that Chipper’s knee will be fine. Yes, indeed, the state of the art in all surgeries and rehabs have progressed markedly since 1985, as you cited, Braveheart. But an athlete’s repaired knee is going to take more wear and tear than an accountant’s repaired knee, generally speaking.
And Chipper’s knee isn’t 25 years old anymore; it’s 39 years old (as of next April). Older knees – like older bodies – aren’t quite as resilient.
Having said that, I certainly hope Chipper rebounds. As someone wrote earlier, Chipper giving the Braves 140 games, 20/80/.270 of thereabouts would be wonderful.
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
10:51 am
Travis, you have to keep in mind Chipper weighs a lot more than Jeter. That extra weight takes a toll on the spine/muscles/legs/feet.
That’s one thing I worry about Heyward. The way his right leg hyperextends during his swing, he might have problems with that leg as he continues to mature and add on weight.
Travis
November 23rd, 2010
10:53 am
There is no way that Boras takes a fall for this debacle. A slap on the hand from the same power brokers that run the MLB players Assoc. It’s all about the money folks.
Nova Scotia Steve
November 23rd, 2010
10:54 am
I don’t see Freeman having a great year either. Maybe he’s a guy who need to play regularly to be effective – because he didn’t snow me much in limited action last season.
Those that argue can blow your horn about hitting a home run off Roy Halliday all you want – other than that and maybe a double or two Freeman didn’t impress me from an offensive stand point one bit.
He looked phenomenal on defense but I think we may have to be patient for his bat to come around at the major league level. I think it was great to bring him up and get some at-bats in the heat of a play-off race – good experience for the guy but time will tell how he handles an every-day job.
I’m certainly willing (and going to be forced) to give him a chance. But what’s our back-up plan at 1B if Hinske walks????
Prado can certainly play 1B but he’s not a first baseman.
(I know no one has asked yet – but I am also aware of the offensive numbers Freemen complied at AAA. The majors is not AAA.)
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
10:57 am
richbrave but how are we better in the pen with WAGS and SAITO gone. We need a solid proven back-end of the pen guy to team with the rooks.
phillies bullpen is not too good. the braves pen has a long way to go to fall to that level. wags and saito are gone, and that does hurt, but i still think the braves have the edge in the pen, with improvements to come.
Jeff R
November 23rd, 2010
10:58 am
If Freeman tracks in the majors this coming season like he did in AAA last season, it means he starts slowly offensively and picks up steam as the summer progresses. Have no clue if that will be the case, but that was Freeman’s track at Gwinnett.
LTBF
November 23rd, 2010
10:58 am
The hate on this blog for Chipper bothers me, he has been our franize player for years. He could have made much more money elseware as a FA. Would the NY fans treat thier fadeing franize player Jeter like we treat Chipper? I THINK NOT
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
10:58 am
because he didn’t snow me much in limited action last season.
Well, he had about a week’s worth of ABs in September. Players much better than Freddie Freeman have had a .167 week, so I don’t know if that’s much to go on.
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
11:00 am
No, dpelfrey, you made good points. And you’re right. Boras is a scumbag, especially if he was doing this.
It kinda reminds me of the Reggie Bush situation at USC. If Bush hadn’t been selfish and greedy and just paid back that dirty agent when he got the NFL money, he could have avoided a ton of problems for himself and his university. Salcedo doesn’t have to worry about tarnishing the image of a school.
But how stupid is Boras? He’s gonna let a $70,000 loan to a 16 year old, which should be chump change to him by now, potentially destroy him? Dumb. Very dumb.
On the other hand, maybe it’s a good sign that Boras is willing to risk it all for Salcedo. Maybe it indicates Salcedo is every bit as talented as the hype.
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
11:03 am
A little late, but thanks for the new blog, Carroll!
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
11:06 am
^^ So basically Freddie Freeman IS Adam LaRoche