Chipper on knee rehab, Uggla, his new manager and…CMT?
(Staff writer Carroll Rogers is filling in for David O’Brien.)
Hello strangers! Been a while, a long while. Time to dust off the keyboard (and the last of the sheetrock dust from my hair) and see if I remember how to blog.
DOB is getting some well-needed time off this week, which I had some of myself last week. Let’s hope he makes better decisions on what to do with his off time than one I made last week, “hey, let’s paint the living and dining room. Won’t that be fun?”
Let’s just say that between trim painting and blogging, you guys are looking awfully good right now. So let’s get started.
With the Braves having already made their biggest move of the offseason without me – welcome Mr. Dan Uggla – where do we go? This week we just have the Tuesday deadline to offer arbitration to top notch free agents, which the Braves probably won’t offer to Derrek Lee, their only candidate (more on that later).
While we wait to see if Eric Hinske accepts the Braves contract offer for one year, and somewhere around $1-1.5 million, let’s go to our old standby, whose locker we’ve been visiting with some regularity for the better part of oh, 15 years….U Kno Who. Chipper Jones.
Jones waxes eloquent on the latest with the Braves
Jones on the knee: First order of business with Jones is the rehab on his surgically repaired left knee. Chipper says it’s going well. He’s actually played golf on it a few times and it’s felt solid. He’s done some running and the strength feels “pretty good.”
He’s been cleared to start swinging a bat, having passed the three-month mark since surgery, but it’s something he said he’ll wait a few more weeks to do. That’s not because he’s hearing any alarm bells, as much as taking a more veteran approach perhaps. He called it the “Bobby Cox approach,” having learned that when you think you’re ready, take another day.
“I’m ready to hit right now, but I’m going to give it another week or two of weights and rest and hopefully getting that much more strong before I step in and start doing it every day because once I start doing it every day, it’s going to take it’s toll at the beginning,” Jones said. “I just want to be as in shape as possible when I start.”
He normally starts hitting at the first of the year. This time he plans to start a little before Christmas.
Jones did confess 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 happened.”
He’s been able to “climb trees and walk miles upon miles of rough terrain” on these hunting trips, if you’re looking for a good sign.
Jones on the Uggla trade: Big thumbs up on the deal that brings Uggla from the Marlins for Omar Infante and reliever Mike Dunn.
“That’s one of the best deals you’re ever going to see a general manager pull off,” Jones said. “We need right-handed sock. We’ve been looking for it out of the outfield spot and it was right there under our nose at the second base spot.”
Jones plans to lobby his new teammate Uggla to sign longterm
Course it wouldn’t have worked without the versatility and unselfishness of Martin Prado, Jones pointed out. And from one guy who’s made a move to left field for the good of the team to another, Jones thinks Prado will be fine with the move.
“Listen, Martin loves the game of baseball,” Jones said. “As long as he has an every day job, he doesn’t care where he plays. I would imagine at some point in his career that will change because we all want to settle in and play one spot. But Martin loves this game, loves this organization and will play anywhere to help us.”
Jones also said he completely understands the need to have Prado in place to play third if Chipper can’t go, or to give him days off in his comeback. He knows there are going to be questions, and ones nobody can answer until spring training.
“When spring training comes around, mentally I’m going to be ready,” Jones said. “Just hoping that physically, the knee follows suit. But we’re not going to know until we get down there…and start doing baseball activities on a day-in and day-out basis.”
As for Uggla, Jones has known him for years, and said the two have kidded about “how good he’d look in the red, white and blue of a Braves uniform.” Now that it’s a reality, Jones said he is going to make it part of his mission this season to encourage Uggla to sign with the Braves long-term and be a “cornerstone for years to come.”
He makes a pretty good sales pitch. Here’s a preview of what Uggla is apparently going to hear quite a bit of from Chipper this season;
“Bottom line is he’s got an opportunity here to play in a competitive market on a competitive team year in and year out with a salary structure almost double what he’s used to playing on,” Jones said. “Plus (it’s near) his hometown (of Nashville). What better situation could you find yourself in?”
Jones on Gonzalez: He said Fredi Gonzalez was his one and only pick, if he’d had one, to become only the second big league manager he has ever played for. (Looky there, I just ended a sentence with a preposition. Let’s see an editor come in my blog and fix it.)
“He’s got a lot of Bobby’s qualities,” Jones said. “And he’s got a lot of other really, really good qualities. He’s a really good people person. He’s good at reading people. He’s good at delegating responsibility. I think everybody in our clubhouse knows and loves him and respects him.”
Jones was curious though, after playing his entire career for Bobby Cox, if spring training was going to become more boot camp-ish. And he called Fredi to ask about it. He wanted to know how much of a culture shock he and the team might be facing. And as a team leader, he wanted to know if he or his teammates needed to prepare differently for spring training.
Jones has talked with his new manager
“I think guys were scared to death that we were going to have to show up in spring training and have to run a six-minute mile or a 30-second shuttle run, things like that,” Jones said. “We’re used to playing ourselves into shape throughout the course of a six-week spring training. The new-age managers like for guys to come into camp ready to play nine innings and 162 games first day of spring training, and that’s just not the way it’s been done here.”
Jones said Gonzalez assured him he wouldn’t be turning things upside down, that he would bring his own flavor here and there but not make wholesale changes.
Jones on CMT?: Yes, believe it, it’s to happen.
Jones’ new hunting buddy Jason Aldean has asked Jones to present him at CMT’s Artist of the Year Awards. Aldean was selected to be honored on a show to air Dec. 3 along with Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band. The taping is in Nashville on Nov. 30.
“I’m trying to figure out whether I should take (wife) Sharon or not, if Carrie Underwood is going to be there,” Jones said laughing.
Aldean has become a good friend of his by way of his friendship with LaRoche. Jones said Aldean, who’s from Macon, told him he bat-boyed some when Jones was with the Macon Braves in 1991.
Aldean, former Macon Braves batboy turned country music star
Jones attended the Aldean and Luke Bryan concert Saturday night at the Gwinnett Arena, along with current and former Braves Brian McCann, Tim Hudson, David Ross, Andruw Jones, Jeff Francoeur and Kelly Johnson. He said Bobby Cox and his wife Pam sat in the front row, right next to Fredi Gonzalez.
“Right in the middle of the concert they did a tribute to Bobby, made him stand up, wave to everybody,” Jones said. “Dude, it was awesome.”
OK onto other things, like a Youth movement
Matt Young continues to make his case for a backup outfielder’s job, by tearing it up in winter ball.
He’s hitting .379 (47-for-124) in 34 games for Mayos de Navojoa in the Mexican League, with five doubles, one triple, four homers and 18 RBIs. He went 3-for-4 Sunday with a double, a homer and three RBIs.
He hit an even .300 last year for Gwinnett, and could be the answer as a backup center fielder behind Nate McLouth. He’s only 5-foot-8 (in his spikes?) but the Braves like him.
Tuesday deadline for offering arbitration
Tuesday is the deadline teams have to offer arbitration to their Type A or B free agents in order to get draft pick compensation if those free agents sign with other teams. The only Braves player that would fit that bill is Lee (Billy Wagner is retiring and Takashi Saito had a stipulation in his contract that he be released.)
The Braves are not expected to offer arbitration to Lee, because it would be a big gamble to make for a guy who is coming off thumb surgery and would command at least $10 million in arbitration, while they have Freddie Freeman ready to step in at first base. He wouldn’t be as easy as say, Rafael Soriano, to trade on the fly if he accepts arbitration.
OK, whoa that was plenty long. Don’t want to have you guys sick of me already in my first day back in a while. Comment away.
3,373 comments Add your comment
Murph
November 22nd, 2010
2:21 pm
New blog!
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
2:21 pm
Finally someone actually doing some work!!!
Just kidding
Thanks Carroll
David (Athens, Al)
November 22nd, 2010
2:24 pm
thanks Carroll … nice to see ex- Braves are still around … hope AJ comes back to be in running for backup OF position
HTF
November 22nd, 2010
2:27 pm
Chipper needs to talk Andruw into coming back.
MikeInFl
November 22nd, 2010
2:28 pm
He’s hitting .379 (47-for-124) in 34 games for Mayos de Navojoa in the Mexican League, with five doubles, one triple, four homers and 18 RBIs. He went 3-for-4 Sunday with a double, a homer and three RBIs.
If that was Jordan Schafer in 2009, not Matt Young in 2010, we’d be hailing the next Grady Sizemore. Not to say that Young is destined for stardom, but he sure has earned the benefit of the doubt going into spring, when it comes to the 4th OF spot.
bill
November 22nd, 2010
2:29 pm
Great info Caroll. Thanks!! By the way, I can’t imagine there’s a better duo covering a team than we have in you and DOB.
MikeInFl
November 22nd, 2010
2:30 pm
Martin Prado 9th in the NL MVP voting. Not bad!
RD
November 22nd, 2010
2:30 pm
Caroll, any chance that Matt Diaz could be Freeman’s backup at 1st base?
BRAVOS FOR LIFE
November 22nd, 2010
2:31 pm
Andruw Jones likes Country Music? AJ must want to come back to Atlanta if he still hangs out here
nique
November 22nd, 2010
2:31 pm
Chipper works out?
jarvis
November 22nd, 2010
2:32 pm
Backup to Nate? Put the kid in there, and see what he can do.
He can’t do much worse than what we had in CF last year.
Joey
November 22nd, 2010
2:32 pm
Dang, I always thought it was just a little joke that Bobby let his players come to spring training out of shape.
No wonder players called Bobby a “player’s manager.”
Please Retire, Chipper!
November 22nd, 2010
2:34 pm
If Chipper wants to go hunting instead of preparing for the baseball season, then PLEASE JUST RETIRE NOW! WE COULD USE THE $13 MILLION ON SOMETHING MORE VALUABLE THAN A 39 YEAR OLD WHO HAS NO MORE POWER.
jarvis
November 22nd, 2010
2:37 pm
Am I the only one that believes if Chipper retires, that money isn’t going anywhere except to the bank?
bruce
November 22nd, 2010
2:38 pm
thanks Carroll… glad to have you bloggin for us this week… hope you are doing well.
jarvis
November 22nd, 2010
2:39 pm
Also, bring back Melky. The beer man in sction 113 is typically scarce and on a good day very slow.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
2:42 pm
Bravos for Life, Andruw lives here.
Hillbilly
November 22nd, 2010
2:42 pm
Carrie Underwood…stunning beauty and class.
BUT, she’d never fit in with an outdoor guy like Chipper (or me.) She’s a vegetarian PETA freak. What a waste.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
2:44 pm
RD, that’s not out of the realm of possibility, but Diaz doesn’t have much experience at first at all. I remember him grabbing a glove to take a few groundballs over there a few years ago – i looked it up, actually, he played two games there in 2007 – but nothing really, since then.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
2:45 pm
Thanks Bill.
RC
November 22nd, 2010
2:45 pm
AJ must want to come back to Atlanta if he still hangs out here
Well, that and the fact he has a huge mansion up at Sugarloaf. I’d say it’s another pretty good reason to hang out in the area.
Hillbilly
November 22nd, 2010
2:46 pm
Andruw Jones likes Country Music? AJ must want to come back to Atlanta if he still hangs out here -BRAVOS 4 LIFE
Don’t let them fool you, B4L. Aldean’s and Bryan’s music aren’t country at all.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
2:46 pm
that’s funny Hillbilly, you’ll have to tell that to Chipper’s wife when she’s making a case of why she should go with him to Nashville.
Fish Bisch
November 22nd, 2010
2:48 pm
Sign Jacob Ellisberry!
Chris
November 22nd, 2010
2:48 pm
Don’t look now, but the Braves go into next season with four hitters who received MVP votes this year, and that’s not even counting Mr. Jones.
Lee in S GA
November 22nd, 2010
2:48 pm
Any guess to why Andruw Jones looks a lot fitter these days!
rainman
November 22nd, 2010
2:49 pm
I have to agree with ya Carroll — talkin’ about the Braves would have to be a vacation after that painting stuff.
Do you have any idea how much the Braves could spend, at this point, for a quality outfielder. If Chipper doesn’t last & Prado has to play 3rd – then what? Are they prepared to go with McClouth in center no matter what???
PDOG
November 22nd, 2010
2:54 pm
While I really respect Chipper his comments about not having to come into spring training in shape shock me. He should look at the amount of injuries that the Braves had last year and figure that maybe some of the injuries could have been avoided if the players came into camp in better shape.
Hey Chip maybe your goal should be to get in shape so you can play 150 games and not worry about if the working out is taking time away from your hunting season.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
2:56 pm
Dang, I always thought it was just a little joke that Bobby let his players come to spring training out of shape.
No wonder players called Bobby a “player’s manager.”— Joey
Yeah, Now we know why they always came in last place!!!
TnBrian
November 22nd, 2010
2:56 pm
Chipper loves his huntin’. Damn the surgically repaired knee he should probably be rehabbing while preparring for a 162 game season. Or, in CJ’s case, a 100 game season.
Kiddin. Love Chipper!
Lew
November 22nd, 2010
2:56 pm
Carroll- The fun you have painting depends entirely on what you’re painting.
Please Retire – What’s wrong with Chipper hunting. If he hurts himself and has to retire, then you’re happy and if he doesn’t, it’s really good exercise to strengthen his knee before he starts baseball acivities. Would you rather he sits around the house watching DVDs of old hunting trips and eating Big Macs?
ward
November 22nd, 2010
2:57 pm
All looks good to me! Wren also said , he plans on picking up a relief pitcher, but if they can’t? He will go with what he has? The Braves have 8.8 million left.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
2:58 pm
Sign Jacob Ellisberry!
There’s this little thing called a contract with the Red Sox that would prevent that!!!!!
RC
November 22nd, 2010
2:59 pm
PDOG,
Regarding your comments about Chipper not coming to camp in shape, I think he’s being a little bit tongue in cheek with his comments. While you might have a point about not being in shape if players were getting injured the first week or two of real games, injuries like the one he sustained late in the season last year would have in no way been prevented by being in playing shape an extra two weeks earlier. If anything it seems that a gradual approach to playing full speed games would help prevent injuries…kind of the point of spring training to start with.
Lew
November 22nd, 2010
2:59 pm
PDOG – Yeah, those injuries to Chipper and Prado could have been avoided if only they’d been in better shape, right? Did you even see how they happened?
raleighbravefan
November 22nd, 2010
2:59 pm
Carroll – Good to have you around. I have done a fair amount of that painting stuff, and I know why many painters are alcoholics! I can see that even listening to us is a good break for you.
Lew
November 22nd, 2010
3:01 pm
And better conditioning could defiitely have kept Troy Glaus’ knees from finally deteriorating, Medlen from haviung his elbow fall aprt or Jurrjens getting hurt before Spring Trainig ever started, but why let facts get in the way of a good dig?
Lew
November 22nd, 2010
3:02 pm
Or kept O’Flaherty from getting Mono.
cj
November 22nd, 2010
3:02 pm
chris- that is a good point. at the end of the season. we two guys wih mvp votes, with one of them that had a busted thumb and half of his bat speed gone. the key is to stay healthy this year. if they dp, they are right up there with the phils.
@fauxfrankwren
November 22nd, 2010
3:03 pm
I approve of this new bloggage….even though there is no BBQ mentions.
AceUnderwood
November 22nd, 2010
3:04 pm
Hillbilly, she married a hunter. Granted, he’s Canadian, but it still should count. Not that Mrs. Jones has much to worry about.
Oh, and maybe his buddy Jason Aldean can introduce Chipper to Kelly Clarkson. That Daytona story was hilarious!
Deanna
November 22nd, 2010
3:04 pm
Who cares if Matt Young is only 5′8″? This is baseball!
raleighbravefan
November 22nd, 2010
3:05 pm
ward – Just because you have some money to spend, doesn’t mean you have to spend it now! It makes sense to me (unless an offer he can’t refuse comes along) to have some resources to call upon when the need becomes appearant, at end of Spring, or even at the trade deadline.
ward
November 22nd, 2010
3:05 pm
I don’t care who the Braves pick up as long as we get a good middle relief pitcher who is a left hander. Once again I’ll make the case for Cory Patterson. he would be a great bench player, but might not be cheap.
Joey
November 22nd, 2010
3:06 pm
“Yeah, Now we know why they always came in last place!!!”
*********************************
No last place finishes, but only one 1st place finish!!!
PDOG
November 22nd, 2010
3:06 pm
Hey I am not talking about blowing out a knee but how many times over the last three years has chipper pulled muscles. I am sorry when you are being paid 13 million a year to play baseball it should be a full time job not 8 months a year.
Hey Lew did you see JJ last year he came into camp at least 10 to 15 pounds overweight and you can’t tell me that didn’t effect him in terms of injuries during the year.
ryan c
November 22nd, 2010
3:07 pm
regarding matt young:
i want to see matt young on the big club. he does a lot of things well that the braves need in a 4th outfielder. his sb% has increased yearly and was up to a 77% success rate last year (39sb to 7cs). plus, his lifetime obp of .390 and his ability to play all 3 outfield positions make him a valauble asset to a team that’s one injury away from having the same outfield issues as last year.
regarding eric hinske: if joe mather makes the team, having eric hinske coming off the bench will be a bit of an overkill. with the braves taking the obvious downgrade on defense in the acquisition of uggla, they need a player that can play some solid defense…in center field. this brings me to my next point: i would also love to see andruw come back to atlanta to provide some bench pop and maybe even a platoon partner with nate. many people say that andruw can’t play cf anymore, but i’d be willing to bet that he can still play average out there, especially for only 30-40 games per year.
backup ss: omar infante II: we seriously need the braves to find that ever elusive super utility player that can play ss, 3b, 2b, and outfield. there are a handful of players that fit the bill, but cannot provide the offense that omar infante provided. i dont have a real solution, but some of the players the braves could target…
via free agency:
1. cristian guzman- if healthy, could provide an omar infante-esque performance for cheap.
2. edgar renteria- will not come cheap, but could play a plethora of positions
3. jerry hairston, jr- has really only had 1 good offensive season, but is valuable with the glove
4. bill hall- had a much-needed good year to rejuvenate his career, but he might cost 3-4 million on the open market.
via trade: (neither of these options are doable unless the braves can get some $ back for kawakami)
1. ben zobrist- i havent heard that the rays are shopping him, but with a down season, he could be. the braves would have to give up a young pitcher for sure, but with chipper’s uncertainty, he could be worth looking into.
2. marco scutaro- with jed lowrie having a breakout year, the sox will be looking to shop scutaro.
Billy Sample
November 22nd, 2010
3:08 pm
How’s the bullpen shaping up (thinking about contract status and vacancies…). Assuming Venters & Kimbrel as closers/set-up…Moylan and O’Flattery also givens…am I missing anyone? Farnsworth is gone, right? Please say it’s so…
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
3:09 pm
The Braves have 8.8 million left.—ward
Ok so 8.8 million of Liberty Medias money when converted into real money comes out to about 5.9 million left to spend. Now that’s only if we’ve already paid the premium on all the insurance policies. If not then the amount left is a totally different number. The mathematical calculation would be way over my pay grade?!?!?!?
ward
November 22nd, 2010
3:10 pm
I would like to see Matt young as our center fielder, and Nate as the back up!
Bama Brave
November 22nd, 2010
3:11 pm
I got a trade. lets trade jj prodo and nate to the dbacks for juston upton and there third baseman? what do you all think? maybe throw a prospect.
rainman
November 22nd, 2010
3:11 pm
I guess I’m saying — if we can’t buy a top FA outright & have to trade for an outfielder — how does the salary swap figure in the deal? Uggla will cost 10-11 mil. and Fla. only pays Infante 2.5 mil. & Dunn chumpchange. One reason Liberty OK’ed that deal was that Wagner dropped-off 6.5 or more.
We could use a guy like Upton who still has upside & could give us some speed at the leadoff, plus good D in CF. McClouth could play left – can’t he? Or maybe he should be our fourth outfielder.
ward
November 22nd, 2010
3:13 pm
I think Putz would be a great for the Braves.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
3:14 pm
ward
2 LHRP (Venters and O’Flar) are plenty enough for a bullpen adding a third would be only a luxury. I’d base my bullpen wants on getting the best pitcher we can for the money who cares if he’s a lefty or a righty.
I'm with Braves (Whatever & Wherever)
November 22nd, 2010
3:15 pm
Hi Friends!
After following all blogs it appears we may not get big free agent OF. We may have to adjust for B grade outfielder. The roster appears to include the following position players.
C: Mccann
1stB: Freeman
2ndB: Uggla
SS: Gonzalez
3rdB: Jones
LF: Prado
CF: ???(May be Podsednik)
RF: Heyward
Remaining 5 roster spots for position players:
1. Ross C
2. Hinske LF/1B
3. McLouth CF/LF
4. Mather/Diaz OF (Mather is better because Less Salary, More Positions)
5. Hernandez SS/2B
Any other thoughts??
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
3:15 pm
edgar renteria- will not come cheap, but could play a plethora of positions
He has only ever played SS in the majors. Played an inning or so at 1B in 2001 (most likely an emergency). He could play 2B. Hardly what anyone would call a “plethora”. Besides his range has gone down so much in recent years combined with the injuries, I’d rather give Diory a chance.
DawgDad
November 22nd, 2010
3:16 pm
Sounds like Chipper is admitting the Braves could use a little boot camp. It’s obvious to all Chipper doesn’t play in peak condition any more, and the Braves starters were on life support at the end of last season. But no, let’s all go in for the country club atmosphere. A little Haynesworth treatment could potentially save the Braves ownership about $15 million this year.
Hillbilly
November 22nd, 2010
3:17 pm
Hillbilly, she married a hunter. Granted, he’s Canadian, but it still should count.
That’s good to know. She’s long been at the very tip-top of my beautiful women list . Glad to know I wouldn’t have to give up hunting after our wedding in Fantasy World.
Oh, and maybe his buddy Jason Aldean can introduce Chipper to Kelly Clarkson. That Daytona story was hilarious!
I must have missed this one.
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
3:19 pm
Sounds like Chipper is admitting the Braves could use a little boot camp.
Ummm! Where?
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
3:22 pm
We may have to adjust for B grade outfielder
I wouldn’t get my hopes up we just added the 9th place vote getter in the MVP award to LF. That’s your OF addition. Nate’s going to be the CF and if there’s another OF’er added it want be a B grade player it’ll likely be a minor leaguer or another Eric Hinski / Matt Diaz type player.
jimmymack
November 22nd, 2010
3:23 pm
think and pray for a c.f who hit’s 300 , steals 30 basea and bat’s lead off
Maria
November 22nd, 2010
3:23 pm
Fish Bisch, as far as I’m concerned, there’s no Jacoby Ellisberry to sign. Whoops.
raleighbravefan
November 22nd, 2010
3:23 pm
ward – Tjhey demoted McL to AAA They will sit him on the bench if Young clearly beats him out. Everyone hopes he makes a comeback.
Bama Brave – This is a joke, right. BTW, until Chipper shows he can’t play anymore, we have a 3rd baseman. Prado is our LF.
ward
November 22nd, 2010
3:24 pm
Crazy: I agree too. I read the article What Happens Now. Go to ESPN World leader In Sports. Click on Braves, and you should see the article.I WILL See you Later! Work….. Peace…..
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
3:25 pm
Votto won MVP? What a joke. That’s almost as bad as Jeter winning a gold glove.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
3:26 pm
Screw Bobby’s Country Club atmosphere lets beat the hell out of em at spring training so they’re able to play 162 games!?!??!?!?! It really mkes perfect sense if you stop and think about it.
DAP
November 22nd, 2010
3:28 pm
joey No last place finishes, but only one 1st place finish!!!
actually there were 23 first place finishes. 1 wildcard 14 division, 5 NL, 1 world.
they earned a “championship” in each instance.
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
3:29 pm
Votto won MVP? What a joke.
Who is your choice then and why?
DAP
November 22nd, 2010
3:29 pm
i know its all in the past, but if im chipper’s wife, that carrie underwood comment might not be something to joke about.
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
3:30 pm
DAP
That’s what I was thinking too.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
3:30 pm
pray for a c.f who hit’s 300 , steals 30 basea and bat’s lead off — jimmymack
Perfect description of MATT YOUNG
gadawgs
November 22nd, 2010
3:32 pm
Hillbilly..Carrie Underwood may have married a hunter but she is totally in bed with PETA as she donated $100,000 to the anti’s this year. Wonder how she explained that one to her huntin’ hubby!
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
3:33 pm
Perfect description of MATT YOUNG
@ AAA, though.
Conyers Braves Fan
November 22nd, 2010
3:33 pm
The Braves need a strong bat (30 hr/100rbi) that can play cf. If they do not get one they will not be any better in 2011.
BravePack
November 22nd, 2010
3:35 pm
I know there has to be some Falcons fans on here so I just wanted to say good luck this upcoming week. I think my Packers will give you a tough hard fought game with the Pack pulling out a win. We are playing really well right now with the offense starting to get it rolling and our defense has been very tough for like a month now. Like I said it will be a good game but I see the Packers coming out of the dome with a W.
Joey
November 22nd, 2010
3:38 pm
“…actually there were 23 first place finishes. 1 wildcard 14 division, 5 NL, 1 world.”
******************************
Um, DAP, I’m pretty sure there is only one MLB champion every year. You can roll out the red carpet for a division champ, but MLB doesn’t even award a pennant for division winners.
That tell you anything?
I love the Braves, but they have one World Series Championship . . . so far. Here’s hoping for another one soon.
gadawgs
November 22nd, 2010
3:38 pm
BravePack..Not so fast my friend. Think you will be leaving the ATL with a “L”. If the game was in GB maybe you guys would win but not here. Falcons will win.
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
3:38 pm
I’d choose Cargo or Pujols over Votto. Cargo is an excellent defender as well. But Votta and Cargo both play in jokes of parks.
So let me get this straight Pujols won best hitting 1st baseman (Silver Slugger) and best defensive 1st baseman (Gold Glove), but doesn’t win MVP? That seems kinda silly. Especially since Votta is a 1st baseman as well.
I think Pujols gets penalized for being so good. The award should be named most value player who isn’t named Pujols.
ncscoots
November 22nd, 2010
3:40 pm
While I really respect Chipper his comments about not having to come into spring training in shape shock me.
Big difference in “being in shape” and “being in game shape”. If you equate the two, then nobody in MLB is ready at the beginning of ST. Nobody.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
3:41 pm
@ AAA, though.
They all had to play down there at some point some more than others. Give the
kidyoung man a shot!Mrs. Jones
November 22nd, 2010
3:43 pm
Chipper will be sleeping on the couch tonight. He never learns.
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
3:45 pm
So let me get this straight Pujols won best hitting 1st baseman (Silver Slugger) and best defensive 1st baseman (Gold Glove), but doesn’t win MVP? That seems kinda silly. Especially since Votta is a 1st baseman as well.
MFin04
You are missing an important point here – the point is not whether Votto was the best 1B defensively or offensively but was of the most value to his team in his league – the guy without whom the team would’ve struggled to do anything of note. So its not exactly based on numbers, but more subjective. Notice how Prado received MVP votes when he didnt have the highest average, RBIs or HRs for the Braves – it shows how important he was without the numbers.
Willy
November 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
Sign Hinske, Posednik, and Gregg. Then buy an easy button.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
The Braves need a strong bat (30 hr/100rbi) that can play cf. If they do not get one they will not be any better in 2011.
Some people won’t be happy untill there’s an all-star at every position!
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
3:48 pm
Crazy
I am all for giving him a shot. Just might not get those out of him in the majors – at least not initially.
PDOG
November 22nd, 2010
3:49 pm
ncscoots
Jeter comes into the spring in game shape every year. He sets an example for the other Yankees.
ncscoots
November 22nd, 2010
3:50 pm
Some people won’t be happy untill there’s an all-star at every position!
Aim for the stars, LOL. I wouldn’t mind such a lineup, my own self. Suckers would be fun to watch, no doubt.
Willy
November 22nd, 2010
3:50 pm
Prediction: The Braves trade McLouth to the Bad News Bears for cash. Matt Young hits .287 with 35 SB in first year
ncscoots
November 22nd, 2010
3:51 pm
Jeter comes into the spring in game shape every year. He sets an example for the other Yankees.
Horse-bleep. Nine-innings-every-night-six-days-a-week shape? Please.
Fleming
November 22nd, 2010
3:51 pm
Crazy
They already have 7 allstar position players plus Hudson
Lew
November 22nd, 2010
3:54 pm
PDOG- Ever pull an oblique muscle? They come back again really easily and hurt like an SOB.
As for Jurrjens – No he didn’t come to ST in that shape (I know – I was there when they reported). He wasinjured in a pick up game in Curacao and being on the DL later for a severe hamstring strain, he gained weight from inactivity.
Yeah, maybe conditioning played a part inasmuch as he didn’t get a full Spring Traiuning in because of shoulder issues, but nt because he supposedly dogged it in the offseason.
And even granting you that much, the major portion of all injuries to the brevs last year were circustantial and had nothing whatsoever to do with poor conditioning.
PDOG
November 22nd, 2010
3:55 pm
You tell me why when they are almost the same age does Jeter play 150 games a year over the last three years and chipper can barely play 130?
DAP
November 22nd, 2010
3:55 pm
joey I’m pretty sure there is only one MLB champion every year.
yeah thats right, and there are 2 wild card champs, 6 divison champs, and 2 league champs. each one requires that you finish 1st and each on is a heck of an accomplishment.
i dont usually make a big deal over 23 first place finishes, but i also dont make a big deal over only 1 world championship. i think folks tend to overlook and ignore a huge historic unrepeatable accomplishment, when they only look at one world championship.
BravePack
November 22nd, 2010
3:58 pm
gadawgs BravePack..Not so fast my friend. Think you will be leaving the ATL with a “L”. If the game was in GB maybe you guys would win but not here. Falcons will win.
Packers have been playing really well for like a month now. Opposition barely even scoring and even though you guys are at home the Packers might even be more dangerous on turf. If Clay “the Beast” Matthews wasn’t playing I would say you guys have a chance to win but just watch him play this week…dude is a great player. Rodgers is starting to turn it up to being the elite QB we know he is. I don’t know I think I feel pretty good about our chances against the dirty birds.
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
3:58 pm
Snotboogie – You could argue that Pujols was on a far worse offensive team. The Reds were clearly the best offensive team in baseball, thus Votto was more the product of being on a team that plays in a hitters park and scored more runs than any other NL team. Reds had almost the best AVG, On base, and Slugging % of any team in the NL.
DAP
November 22nd, 2010
3:58 pm
So let me get this straight Pujols won best hitting 1st baseman (Silver Slugger) and best defensive 1st baseman (Gold Glove), but doesn’t win MVP? That seems kinda silly. Especially since Votta is a 1st baseman as well.
like it or not, voters factor in importance to the team, and where the team finishes. maybe votto won because he lead his team to the playoffs?
GTSteve
November 22nd, 2010
3:59 pm
If you sign Gregg, you will need that easy button
Lew
November 22nd, 2010
4:01 pm
PDOG-Who knows why someone’s body holds up better than another’s? Genetics?
Chipper’s here whether or not you like it and unless he decides to retire, you’re stuck with him. Maybe it’s time to quit beating your head into a wall and accept reality. All you’re accomplishing is a rise in your blood pressure.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
4:01 pm
yeah, what snotboogie said. (about MVP)
704_Brave
November 22nd, 2010
4:01 pm
Spring Training is “training” is it not? These guys get pounded on for 162 games…I’m fine with them getting into “game” shape down there but I am assuming for all the investment in these guys that the Braves have them in an individualized off-season conditioning program?
Think, people. I’m sure Chipper has been doing his rehab and as long as he’s not on a Harley in the offseason I could care less if he’s hunting or not.
Point is that these guys do make a lot of money, but the offseason is just that: offseason.
I still don’t think the Braves are done though…can see them adding another OF. CF is still a gaping hole until proven otherwise…
RC
November 22nd, 2010
4:01 pm
You tell me why when they are almost the same age does Jeter play 150 games a year over the last three years and chipper can barely play 130?
Genetics? Previous injury history? Height? Luck?
Pick one. I’m the same age as Yunel Escobar, but with a lifetime of working out I’d never be able to play SS as well as he does. People are different, even ballplayers.
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
4:02 pm
You tell me why when they are almost the same age does Jeter play 150 games a year over the last three years and chipper can barely play 130?
So your assumption is that if players are of the same age, physically they should be identical in terms of wear and tear, injuries etc. They aren’t clones you know.
Chipper Jones has been cleared to swing a bat | HardballTalk
November 22nd, 2010
4:04 pm
[...] who I would have bet a good deal had his career ended with that torn ACL last summer — appears to be healing just fine: he’s been cleared to swing a bat and will likely be ready to go full speed once spring [...]
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
4:06 pm
raleighbravesfan, i think maybe the alcohol is to sooth the neck from staring up at moldings….or even ceilings – yes i am thorough, too thorough!
rainman, if Chipper doesn’t make it back, and Prado is there every day, then they’d have to make a move at that time – in spring training, early in the year whenever it is.
Fleming
November 22nd, 2010
4:07 pm
Too many people listening to Brian Jordan on fitness. I seem to remember he was injured a lot when he played also.
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
4:08 pm
So Votta win MVP because he leads his team to the playoffs and the AL Cy Young goes to a guy on a team that was…61-101 worst in AL.
Pujols played on a worse offensive team, played better defense and was a better hitter. The guy that was most valuable to his team was Pujols. His team didn’t make the playoffs, but its not like that diminishes his value. That’s on the other guys that sucked it up.
RC
November 22nd, 2010
4:09 pm
Too many people listening to Brian Jordan on fitness. I seem to remember he was injured a lot when he played also.
Yeah, Jordan was never in shape, that’s why he played in both MLB AND the NFL.
I’d say Jordan’s injuries had much more to due with the beating a body takes from football than any lack of work ethic.
704_Brave
November 22nd, 2010
4:10 pm
The MVP is the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER and should always go to a division winner (since the award is voted upon prior to the playoffs). The question always has to be: Could (Player’s Team) finish in (whatever) place without (certain player)? The Cards could have finished out of the playoffs without Pujols, the Reds could NOT have won the division without Votto.
I loved Andre Dawson but in 1987 he had NO business winning the MVP. The Cubs could have finished in last without his 49 HRs.
Votto deserved it and I’m glad to see it was won convincingly…
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
4:11 pm
MFin04
You could argue that and then I could argue the effects of lineup and who was protecting Pujols vs who was protecting Votto.We could argue all day long without coming to a conclusion because in the end it is subjective. Which is why they poll so many writers – 2 per city. And then you hope with the differing points of view a consensus can be reached. Nobody is saying it is perfect, but when 31 writers think Votto is the MVP probably it is not quite the joke you think it is.
Frank Wren
November 22nd, 2010
4:13 pm
The doctor did a brain MRI the other day and he said that the radiologist told him he didn’t see anything but empty space.
Tyler
November 22nd, 2010
4:13 pm
Carroll,
Where does Hinske call home during the offseason? I’ve read that the Brewers are interested in Hinske. From what I’ve gathered he grew up just north of Milwaukee. I wonder if that would play a big factor. Seems like he may get more playing time with Braves with Chipper/Freeman.
gadawgs
November 22nd, 2010
4:14 pm
BravePack..Guess we will have to agree to disagree. Our defense is pretty stout and our offense is very stout as well. Have you seen Lofton play, Weatherspoon? The only way you have a chance is if Abraham can’t go because of his groin. But if he is in there Mr. Rodgers will be on his back looking up at the Dome ceiling alot on Sunday.
704_Brave
November 22nd, 2010
4:14 pm
MFin04:
The Cy Young is a completely different award. The Cy Young goes to the BEST pitcher that year…not the Most Valuable Pitcher. That’s why a pitcher can also win the MVP.
King Felix won the award because it’s an INDIVIDUAL award. He was the best pitcher…hands down. WINS are a TEAM effort which is why they should not come into play when considering an INDIVIDUAL award. If Hernandez is on the Yankees he wins 25 games at least…
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
4:16 pm
Cy Young has nothing to do with MVP. I’m glad Cy Young awards are not based on W-L or the team’s record. Else Greinke and Felix would not have won it.
AceUnderwood
November 22nd, 2010
4:18 pm
Hillbilly, here’s the story (http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2008/07/08/chipper-jones-strikes-out-with-kelly-clarkson/
KM: Do you get recognized everywhere you go by now?
CJ: Funny story about that. Last year I was at the Daytona 500 with a friend and Richard Childress. Kelly Clarkson, who had sung before the race, came into the room. She walked my way, looking at me like she knew who I was, so I started to put out my hand. Then she pulls out a camera and asks me to take a photo of her and her friends. My buddy lost it. I’m from Daytona, so everybody knows me there. I was so embarrassed that I just wanted to go get a beer. Boy, was I put out.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
4:18 pm
Tyler, Hinske is from Wisconsin yes. Big Packers fan. I’m betting geography would not make as much of a difference to him as the length of the contract, getting that security. If the Brewers offered him two years, then they’re onto something. If not, I’d think he’d still take being back in the Braves clubhouse. But that’s a good point you raise.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
4:19 pm
You tell me why when they are almost the same age does Jeter play 150 games a year over the last three years and chipper can barely play 130?
It’s quite simple Joe Torre was a hard A__ ! He made Jeter do wind sprints and jog 10 miles every morning then made him play not just one game but then he also made him play in the split squad game and if there was a simulated game going on he also had to attend these. Bobby’s country club atmosphere was the culprit to all Chippers short comings. Chipper should hire a lawyer and sue the dog sh– out of Bobby!!
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
4:19 pm
They’ve got Silver Slugger for the best hitter and gold glove for the best defender. Cy Young for the best pitcher…..MVP is a different deal. A pitcher can win MVP you know.
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
4:21 pm
How does one measure the MVP? I mean its the same argument. Votta helped lead his team to more wins than Pujols. Which is absolutely not quantifiable.
So rather than the MVP perhaps they should change it to best position player. Because there you could actually compare players better without penalizing a guy for not making the playoffs.
Pujols played in a worse park offensively and had better numbers. And if you need to you can compare the two players defensively as well, which apparently Albert is better according to the Gold Glove voters.
There is no real way to tell how valuable a guy was to his team, so the term MVP seems a little absurd.
RC
November 22nd, 2010
4:22 pm
Assuming only one of Minor or Beachy is on the 25-man roster to start the season (not a sure thing at all), it looks like the Braves have the following bullpen and bench players locked in for their 12 non-starting slots:
1. Kimbrel
2. Venters
3. Moylan (possibly non-tendered, but very unlikely)
4. O’Flaherty (see Moylan)
5. Ross
By my count that leaves 3 bullpen slots and 4 bench spots that are still up in the air. Among the 4 bench spots the Braves will need at least one player who can back up SS, and ideally a backup CF.
For the bullpen slots Scott Proctor seems very likely to get one of them, and it’s very possible that Brandon Beachy claims one of these spots as well.
For the 4 bench slots, it sounds like there is a very good chance that Hinske re-signs, and until proven otherwise I’m going to assume that Conrad makes the opening day roster. Mather or Young seems the likely backup CF, with Mather getting a slight advantage due to MLB experience and the ability to play multiple positions. Diaz could be offered a contract, but if the Braves are able to re-sign Hinske I’d say there is very little chance Diaz is back.
All that really leaves is a backup SS. Diory is the only in-house option, so maybe the Braves will go out and get someone else.
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
4:23 pm
Not to mention the Cardinals killed the Reds 12-6 in the season series.
justin1
November 22nd, 2010
4:24 pm
WOW LOL
Three things there, starting with the latter. I dont think Chipper should be joking about cheating on his wife again lol.
2nd thing is maybe if they did have to run 6 min miles and do things the “new age” way, we wouldnt be plagued with injuries like we always are. And lastly, I dont like hearing that Chipper is out walking miles of rough terrain. Youre a professional baseball player who is very important to the success of the Braves. Not to mention in his last years of being able to play the game. I think he should be a little bit more responsible. Brian Jordan nailed it last year. He shouldnt have had to appologize.
ncscoots
November 22nd, 2010
4:25 pm
Votta helped lead his team to more wins than Pujols. Which is absolutely not quantifiable.
What about WPA and WAR? Now, you might quibble on the methodology used to produce those numbers, granted, but, otherwise, that’s exactly what they attempt to quantify.
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
4:26 pm
Carroll Rogers – If a pitcher can win MVP then why don’t they? It’s because the award is biased towards hitters. That Halladay guy was a pretty darn good pitcher and should have won the award over Votto. I think he threw some kind of no-hitter or something against Votto’s team in the playoffs.
So saying that a pitcher can win MVP is not exactly true. He CAN, but it is highly unlikely. With all the injuries the Phillies had this year, the major constant to this team and especially down the stretch was Hallday.
RC
November 22nd, 2010
4:27 pm
AceUnderwood,
That story about Chipper and Kelly Clarkson is hilarious. It reminds me of a story from my back in my college days when some friends of mine ran into Peyton and Eli Manning at a bar in Buckhead. Soon after they walked in a co-ed walked up to Peyton with a camera in hand and asked him if he minded taking a picture. He replied “Sure”, but was suprised when the girl handed him the camera and posed with her friends. One of my buddies was waiting in line for the bathroom next to him a few minutes later and asked about him about it….Peyton thought it was the funniest thing ever.
Kashi
November 22nd, 2010
4:28 pm
A what? You come to spring trainning not ready to play and out of shape? No wonder why Braves get hurt all the time when real games are played.
justin1
November 22nd, 2010
4:29 pm
………..But it looks like everybody and their neighbors have already stated my points. wow you ppl are fast.
Joey
November 22nd, 2010
4:30 pm
Ohhhhhh. Okay.
CraZyTRaDeMaN = Pamela Cox
Yeah, you better defend Bobby . . .
Herschel Talker
November 22nd, 2010
4:30 pm
Carol:
Assuming they don’t offer Derrek Lee arbitration, any chance that they’ll want to sign him on the cheap if they don’t offer him arbitration and if he doesn’t get offered a multi-year deal elsewhere?
HT
ncscoots
November 22nd, 2010
4:31 pm
maybe if they did have to run 6 min miles and do things the “new age” way, we wouldnt be plagued with injuries like we always are.
Yes, we could just get them all out of the way in March. Might make it a little tough to field a squad WHEN THE GAMES ACTUALLY BLEEPIN’ COUNT, but, other than that…
And lastly, I dont like hearing that Chipper is out walking miles of rough terrain.
How is that any different from doing squats, or leglifts, or anything else, LOL? He’s working the knee, and it’s holding up. He could blow the sumbee out in the weight room just as easily as walking to his deer blind.
ncscoots
November 22nd, 2010
4:31 pm
McEased that mutha, LOL.
larry
November 22nd, 2010
4:32 pm
Jones on Gonzalez: He said Fredi Gonzalez was his one and only pick, if he’d had one, to become only the second big league manager he has ever played for. Carrol “only the second big league manager for whom he has played”
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
4:33 pm
You do realize that there were 2 St.Louis writers who had a vote and yet Pujols got only 1 first place vote right. You know what that means right?
Even if you dont want to embrace those advanced stats, as I said it need not be quantifiable for writers to vote on. You think if you asked DOB or Carroll to tell you who was the Braves MVP, they would scurry to a sabermetric matrix and give you their idea based on a number. Heck no – it can be subjective and most often is.
BravePack
November 22nd, 2010
4:34 pm
Carroll
You wrote in the blog that Chipper said he was going to try and convince Uggla to stay for more years thoughout the season. By that do you get the impression the Braves will wait until after the season to try and extend Uggla? In my eyes that would be a big mistake to try and outbid other teams when he becomes a free agent. It seems both parties are happy to get something worked out long term so why not get it done soon instead of waiting. Braves have long needed a right hand power bat and Uggla wants to contend, get paid, and be close to home which the Braves can offer. Seems pretty easy to me.
raleighbravefan
November 22nd, 2010
4:35 pm
MFin04 – I can’t quite figure out why you are so worked up about this. Did Votto kick your dog or insult your sister? Do you have some kind of crush on King Albert? I personally think until a Brave gets disrespected, that it’s not worth geting upset about it one way or the other.
To the Chipper haters – Get over it! And the Jeter is in better shape than Chipper argument may be the dumbest thing ever said on this blog (not by Don).
ncscoots
November 22nd, 2010
4:35 pm
You think if you asked DOB or Carroll to tell you who was the Braves MVP, they would scurry to a sabermetric matrix and give you their idea based on a number.
Nah. Shaun’s just a phone call away, if you want that little nugget.
John Tucker
November 22nd, 2010
4:36 pm
Matt Young is everything the Braves wanted McClouth to be and not much shorter. Play Young and sit McClouth. The team will score many more runs than last year with McClouth on the bench and with Young as starting CF and leadoff.
Dick Doss
November 22nd, 2010
4:36 pm
what about picking up David Eckstein “the X factor”
he is hard nose player who can play ss and 2nd we could use him
704_Brave
November 22nd, 2010
4:37 pm
MFin04:
I agree to an extent about pitchers but they have an award tailored specifically to them that position players cannot win. For a pitcher to win the MVP he has to have a pretty special season all around and NOT ONLY be the best pitcher in the league, but also be the Most Valuable Player in the entire league.
There is no doubt that Votto (31 of 32 1st place votes) is the Most Valuable to his team this year. It’s not the player of the year award…
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
4:38 pm
Braves MVP was Prado……Not that you asked. (smile)
HT, Lee wants to play every day. Don’t see it happening here.
MFin04, I’m just saying MVP is not an award simply based on one particular skill. And you made my point for me by saying Halladay shoulda won it then.
RC
November 22nd, 2010
4:39 pm
what about picking up David Eckstein “the X factor”
he is hard nose player who can play ss and 2nd we could use him
No, no, please no. David Eckstein is Brooks Conrad minus the power.
Hillbilly
November 22nd, 2010
4:40 pm
AceUnderwood.
Thanks for that Clarkson/Jones story. I love it. Hella-funny!
MiamiBrave
November 22nd, 2010
4:40 pm
I love Chipper, but we all know he’s not going to make it to the all star break without getting injured. If you think his bat speed slowed down last year, I seriously doubt that a bad knee is going to help any next year. Don’t make the same mistake we made last offseason counting on an often injured Glaus. Hurry up and sign another outfielder while we still have a chance instead of waiting until we have to and the best guy we can get is another Ankiel type. Ordonez should be the guy or maybe Jorge Cantu who can play either 3rd or 1st base in case of a Chipper injury or Freeman doesn’t pan out. Gonzalez has managed him before and the guy played great in Florida for the last couple of years before getting traded to Texas.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 22nd, 2010
4:41 pm
Didn’t it say in the blog that Chipper always starts to work out around Christmas and this year plans to start earlier?
CB
November 22nd, 2010
4:41 pm
Ah,yes,David Eckstein is a must.
RC
November 22nd, 2010
4:42 pm
John Tucker,
Young might end up being better than McLouth, but it’d be irresponsible to go into a season projecting that to happen. And to be honest neither he nor McLouth needs to be leadoff…in face, I wouldn’t begin the season with either of them in anything higher than the #7 spot. To me, the first 3 in the lineup need to be Prado, Heyward, Jones. Add some combination of Uggla and McCann after that, then Freeman/Gonzalez/McLouth(or Young).
ncscoots
November 22nd, 2010
4:42 pm
CB the trouble-maker. Allllways stirring the pot, LOL.
704_Brave
November 22nd, 2010
4:44 pm
I like Uggla’s bat, but I really think it’s going to hurt us defensively. Does it fill a need? Yes. But what about defense?
We really stunk up the joint defensively last year and it bit us just when it counted the most. Just not sure what they are going to do about the gaping hole in CF also. I like Nate and I want him to be successful, but how much confidence can they have in the guy?
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
4:44 pm
Allllways stirring the pot, LOL.
Probably he volunteers at a local soup kitchen.
DaveFromDallas(NC)
November 22nd, 2010
4:46 pm
Love the new blog. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the roster shakes down. I know Frank Wren will likely give Nate McOut another shot but that’s a big mistkake. Contractually, you can’t just eat his contract but that position hindered Atlanta all season last year. I hope he bounces back and resembles the player he was his first several years in the bigs. If he does, the Braves are onto something. Eric Hinske and Joe Mather on the bench would not be overkill. I like the idea of Matt Young being a backup outfielder with Hinske able to play out there as well. One man who could play of 2B, 3B and SS would be great on the bench. The bullpen just needs one solid closer and we’re there. Who will be the man on the back end? Will Wren trust Craig Kimbrel?
Dick Doss
November 22nd, 2010
4:47 pm
David Eckstein is pretty damn good with the glove.
Sam
November 22nd, 2010
4:47 pm
Chipper Jones with Jason Aldean is an unstoppable force
MARKET THIS WREN!!!!!!!!!
704_Brave
November 22nd, 2010
4:47 pm
Miami – Ordonez doesn’t fit the bill defensively and I can’t understand why folks on here are clamoring for us to get older (he’s 37), slower and more one dimensional.
And Cantu barely sniffed it when he joined the Rangers and they figured out that he couldn’t play…
Skeebo
November 22nd, 2010
4:49 pm
“For” is not a preposition….did you go to Auburn ?
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
4:49 pm
Ok, I’ll move off of the MVP.
What the heck is Chipper doing running around hunting with a recently repaired ACL?
704_Brave
November 22nd, 2010
4:49 pm
Dave from Dallas –
Pretty much committed to Kimbrell now that Billy Wags in on the farm…I believe he can handle it. Hope I’m right
Speedy Gonzalez
November 22nd, 2010
4:50 pm
Jacoby Ellsbury should be Frank Wren’s primary objective this off season
Alex in DC
November 22nd, 2010
4:50 pm
I heard they just signed Mark Wohlers to a 1 year deal. He’ll be closing for us in 2011.
raleighbravefan
November 22nd, 2010
4:50 pm
Miami – NO ONE, including you knows that Chipper is “not going to make it to the all star break without getting injured”. He may not, but I wouldn’t place a bet either way. Don’t you at least want to see what Chipper, Young, McLouth, and others in the family can do during ST before making a bunch of unfounded assumptions? Of course, we can always rush out and get an OF and/or 3rd baseman that we don’t need, because someone steps up, and then AG, Mac, Uggla gets hurt, and we have no more money to spend. This is only November people. Chill a little.
Bravissimo
November 22nd, 2010
4:51 pm
Carroll…Did you try one of those paints that has the primer added to it?…
Dick Doss
November 22nd, 2010
4:52 pm
David Eckstein in the pass two years he has played in over 2000 innings and has only made 2 errors that dont sound like conrad to me
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
4:53 pm
Maybe we should have a poll to see how many people think it is a great idea for Chipper to be hunting after tearing his 15 million dollar ACL.
Surely the Braves management don’t think that’s the greatest idea in the world.
AceUnderwood
November 22nd, 2010
4:53 pm
RC, love the Manning Bros story. Priceless.
Hillbilly, indeed it is. I sure got a laugh!
Who is liberty media anyway?
November 22nd, 2010
4:54 pm
Wren needs to look into Grady Sizemore…under the radar…great OF… and Indians may be willing to part with yet another great player
Joey
November 22nd, 2010
4:57 pm
Hope Chipper doesn’t get Aldean’s two earring look. He looks like a sissy . . .
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
4:57 pm
Talking of bar stories, does anyone remember the one where one of our blog denizens thought Kris Medlen was Kelly Johnson and got him to show his ID to prove he wasnt? Can you imagine what Medlen thought about that one.
RC
November 22nd, 2010
4:59 pm
Wren needs to look into Grady Sizemore…under the radar…great OF… and Indians may be willing to part with yet another great player
Check Sizemore’s numbers the past few seasons to McLouth’s. They are really, really similar. Add to that the fact that Sizemore is trying to recover from microfracture surgery on his knee, and that the Braves already have McLouth, and I don’t think this move makes a lot of sense.
RC
November 22nd, 2010
5:01 pm
Talking of bar stories, does anyone remember the one where one of our blog denizens thought Kris Medlen was Kelly Johnson and got him to show his ID to prove he wasnt? Can you imagine what Medlen thought about that one.
He probably thought “Sweet! Someone thinks I’m as old as Kelly Johnson, instead of a 14-year-old skater punk like I usually am mistaken for!”
Lollygagger
November 22nd, 2010
5:02 pm
“For” is not a preposition….did you go to Auburn?
I think the better question is where did you go to school?
JeanE
November 22nd, 2010
5:03 pm
Bring back MattE D!!!!!! I can’t believe Chipper or other players wouldn’t make a case for bringing him back, but then I’m still having trouble adjusting to the player I’ve always hated, Uggly (cracked me up that someone in the AJC vent wrote “I thought Uggla was the UGA mascot.” Hilarious. I guess I’m the only one who’s going to miss Omar, too. I’m not all about winning if I can’t root for the actual players that are on the team. MattE is worth the 2.5 million, no doubt. They’re just trying to go cheaper with guys like Mather or Young. Mistake. But then, a guy like Renteria win’s World Series MVP and then dumped. Diaz is a guy you need on this team, no matter what people say, he will rebound and he is a team 1st guy all the way. Bring him back!!@!!
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
November 22nd, 2010
5:06 pm
Whats the deal with chipper comments about no training for spring training? Is he showing up with a Grab Bag of Funyuns and a Big Gulp? Is that why Brian Jordan made a comment about his shape for his age??
cabravesfan
November 22nd, 2010
5:06 pm
having done both with a bad knee, walking through mountainous terrain is a lot less stress then swinging a bat…besides, what is Chipper supposed to do? Some of you seem to think he should be doing nothing but working out and laying in bed with an ice pack…
And I think his comment about not coming to camp “in shape” meant that most guys (I think it’s more common for teams then not) come to camp with the idea that they will work themselves into “playing shape” by the time camp ends- that is the point of camp. Not to be ready to play 162 games right away.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
November 22nd, 2010
5:07 pm
The braves need to get Matt Damon for CF!
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
5:09 pm
I think we havent heard it all till Rob from SC gives his opinion on Chippy being out of shape.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
November 22nd, 2010
5:11 pm
MFin04
November 22nd, 2010
4:53 pm
Maybe we should have a poll to see how many people think it is a great idea for Chipper to be hunting after tearing his 15 million dollar ACL.
Surely the Braves management don’t think that’s the greatest idea in the world.
Amen brotha! Just ask Ron Gant!
stew
November 22nd, 2010
5:11 pm
Anybody for bringing back Andruw? Can he still play center? What did he hit 19 homers last year? in how many at bats? He was the greatest centerfielder ever until he fell off the planet. Why is there such animosity towards him. Only 2 outfielders in history have more gold gloves. Alright, he doesn’t hit for average and Ks alot. If he gets to 500 homers, doesn’t he get into the Hall with his 10 gold gloves? Why are Atlantans so down on the second face of the franchise. If he’s in shape, ain’t he better than McLoser (who I don’t recall seeing any assists from in 2010). In fact, on several occasions McLoser had a throw to make and he punked out for some reason. Is his arm hurt?
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
5:13 pm
Matty D is a nice player! he fits the braves club well… with that said i think turnover in a ballclub can be a really good thing i think if you can bring someone up or cut payroll or replace a few players in order to make the team look different than the year before can be a really good thing for a clubhouse. matt seems like a guy who overachieved in his first few years and i think that roll on the team (players who overachieve) is no longer something matt is cut out for. i love matt im a big fan of him and i hate to see him go but i dont think the braves should or will bring him back.
704_Brave
November 22nd, 2010
5:14 pm
JeanE – why is Diaz so valuable? He’s a free swinger who can’t hit righties and plays bad defense. I think he’s a great guy who is good in the clubhouse, but he’ll be 33 in Spring Training…bye bye Matty.
Lollygagger
November 22nd, 2010
5:17 pm
stew-
Andruw could be brought to maybe — MAYBE — platoon in LF… and then probably only if Prado has to move to 3B full-time. He fits the bill of a part-time player at this point in his career- and if he’s willing to accept that role, then he could be a fit because of his past in ATL and the fact that this is still his home. Then again, that could lead to complacency, too.
704_Brave
November 22nd, 2010
5:19 pm
Andruw, seriously Stew? He’s 34 and can’t play CF anymore…he’s right where he belongs…role player on an AL team…either that or retired…
JonnyVenter'sLeftArm
November 22nd, 2010
5:19 pm
Here ya’ go Chipper, here’s how to get away with the Carrie Underwood remark; say that you MEANT, your wife is a huge Carrie Underwood fan, so if Carrie Underwood is performing, then your wife will surely want to go.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
5:19 pm
Andruw… nice to know you… i said it then ill say it again
not much different than francoeur
keylargo
November 22nd, 2010
5:20 pm
Carrie Underwood may have married a hunter but she is totally in bed with PETA as she donated $100,000 to the anti’s this year. Wonder how she explained that one to her huntin’ hubby!
It probably went something like this. “Honey, I want my money to do the Maximum amount of good, so I’m deducting this $100,000 from your allowance.”
Danga
November 22nd, 2010
5:21 pm
Pujols played in a worse park offensively and had better numbers.
Votto did hit for a better average, get on base more, and slug a little heavier. Votto’s park adjusted weighted on base average is better. WAR is split on the two as fangraphs like Votto a little more and baseball-reference likes Pujols a little more. Votto did win fairly handily in Win Probability Added by 6.85 to Pujols’ 5.38 which takes into account both negative and positive plays. Votto has a good case.
Now, I can’t imagine many voters looked at all of this info. I think Pujols most likely suffers the most not because he wasn’t great, but because he wasn’t as great as he usually is. Lowest average of his career and 2nd lowest OBP and SLG.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
November 22nd, 2010
5:21 pm
@stew, his defense was never a question. His offense was the question.
Victor
November 22nd, 2010
5:21 pm
Here’s hoping Chip’s wheels heal up so he’ll be back on the 2011 team.
OTOH I hope we don’t bring AJ back, in any role. I never liked his little smirks whenever he struck out (and there were lots of smirks).
Danga
November 22nd, 2010
5:25 pm
not much different than francoeur
Andruw has been and always will be better than Frenchy in nearly every facet of the game.
GTSteve
November 22nd, 2010
5:26 pm
@RC…Is Medlen old enough to be in a bar?
Larry wayne
November 22nd, 2010
5:31 pm
Funyuns and a big gulp???..thats good stuff, I dont care who you are.
Billy
November 22nd, 2010
5:31 pm
Jeter is 35 Chipper is 39. Close maybe at a bar, but not close in sports.
hAL
November 22nd, 2010
5:39 pm
we btter ask the marlins if we can trade mateen to the dback for jerk offf upton
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
5:42 pm
Any guess to why Andruw Jones looks a lot fitter these days! _ Lee in S GA
Diet….. exercise ……… self respect …… pride …… knee surgery …… demanding wife … mistress …. Who knows, maybe someone should ask him.
cabravesfan
November 22nd, 2010
5:46 pm
GTSteve -
Meds just turned 25
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
5:46 pm
The Braves need a strong bat (30 hr/100rbi) that can play cf. If they do not get one they will not be any better in 2011. Conyerrs
guess they are SOL then, Got any idea how mant CFers hit 30 homers last season?
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
5:47 pm
I have done a fair amount of that painting stuff, and I know why many painters are alcoholics! _ raleighbravefan
Are they alcoholics because they are painters, or are they painters because they are alcoholics?
GTSteve
November 22nd, 2010
5:47 pm
I know CAB, he just looks so much younger
Cheesehead
November 22nd, 2010
5:47 pm
The Brewers will offer a 2 year contract for Hinske! Left hand bench player they need! If the Braves want him, 2 Years!
Philco
November 22nd, 2010
5:48 pm
Chipper’s day has come and gone. I enjoyed watching him and appreciated what he has done for the Braves. The last 2 years he has been a shadow of himself, both at the plate and in the field. He has NO range and the best play me made all year was the play where he got hurt. If he comes back it is for greed and not the ability to help this club. The money saved from his and KK’s contract could really help the Braves become a better team.
GTSteve
November 22nd, 2010
5:51 pm
Phil, his OBP is too high to ignore though
Danga
November 22nd, 2010
5:51 pm
Got any idea how mant CFers hit 30 homers last season?
I’m guessing 2. Hamilton and Wells.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
5:52 pm
the “is shape” comments are pretty silly. The guy is walking all over mountains in tough terrain. You need to be in pretty good shape to do that .
P-Town Brave ©
November 22nd, 2010
5:52 pm
Nolie-
Hmm…
Were there any this past season?
I know Granderson had quite a few but I didn’t think he hit 30 and he’s not available or wanted anyways.
Danga
November 22nd, 2010
5:53 pm
Damn. Forgot about Cargo.
P-Town Brave ©
November 22nd, 2010
5:53 pm
Ahh…
Forgot about Josh Hamilton…
Man, feels like baseball has been done for MUCH longer than a month (Braves baseball at least)
perk
November 22nd, 2010
5:54 pm
Chipper mentioned the Jason Aldean concert Saturday – he is right. The tribute to Bobby Cox was the coolest thing I’ve seen in a while. Everybody went nuts. If the Braves get 100 games out of Chipper in 2011 – it is a win/win. Let him come back slow.
Denny
November 22nd, 2010
5:56 pm
why aren’t we looking at jeff f for an outfield spot since i’m sure the braves could afford him and even though he’s not the super star he is still a heck of a defensive player.
Danga
November 22nd, 2010
5:56 pm
He has NO range and the best play me made all year was the play where he got hurt.
Plus/minus actually like Chipper last year and has for 3/4 of his most recent seasons. UZR was right next to neutral. I don’t think he is as bad as most make him out to be, and I think that was pretty apparent as soon as we had to start playing someone else regularly at 3b.
Sgt. Pepper
November 22nd, 2010
5:58 pm
Carroll,
In the words of William Zinsser: “A preposition is a perfectly fine thing to end a sentence with.”
Thanks for the great blog. Good to hear Chipper’s thoughts on the events of the offseason and his progress with rehab.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
5:58 pm
listening to Brian Jordan on fitness. I seem to remember he was injured a lot when he played also.
just about every year. by the time he was in his mid 30s he played about 60 games a year
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
6:02 pm
He has only ever played SS in the majors. Played an inning or so at 1B in 2001 (most likely an emergency). He could play 2B. Hardly what anyone would call a “plethora” _ Snotboogie
What, are you one of those definition snobs? Would you rob the world of its Don Kings? Is his hairness still with us?
Branch Rickey
November 22nd, 2010
6:03 pm
Chipper:
Please retire so Frank Wren can use that $13 million salary on some premier talent, and not on some washed-up, oft-injured thirdbaseman with diminishing skills at the plate & in the field !
That career average of yours will be under .300 if you continue to play and embarrass yourself.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
6:04 pm
AceUnderwood, funny stuff re: Chipper and Kelly Clarkson. Just got back to reading it….
Jupiter
November 22nd, 2010
6:06 pm
There ya go! Chipper answered every question I’ve ever had about why our guys get injured so much. I don’t care how good you people think Cox was, you do NOT play yourself into shape. When you call the new manager to find out if Spring training will be “Boot-Camp-ish” because that’s not the way they’ve been doing things then that indicates the team has been lazy. Additionally, Chipper Jones is not worth the paper his contract is printed on. It’s great that he can play golf and hunt (which we all know is why he gets injured around the same time every year) but why can’t you play baseball? You can walk MILES and MILES across the flats of Kansas but you can swing a bat? I don’t think so. Chipper, you are a lazy piece of work. Gonzo needs to make that culture change ASAP… and get rid of Chipper “the slug” Jones.
Philco
November 22nd, 2010
6:11 pm
GT I hate to disagree, but his OBP is far out weighed by his liabilities. Has there every been a 39/40 year old 3rd baseman that was able to really contribute. It would be one thing if he had, and does keep himself “in shape”. Unfortunate, but sooo true, the body of an athlete begins to slow down and break down in his late 30s, even more so if you don’t take care of yourself. All factors considered….poor defense, no home run power, low RBI production, slow bat speed, no foot speed, time out of the lineup (just a matter of how many days he will miss) and his salary…..the Braves would be better off going in a different direction
Tomas
November 22nd, 2010
6:11 pm
Anybody want to see how far Uggla can hit it…..
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=3378369
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
6:13 pm
WElls was the only full time CFer to hit 30 dingers. Hamilton played much more in LF and that is where he is listed
cabravesfan
November 22nd, 2010
6:13 pm
It amazes me how many people seem to gloss over the part of Carroll’s blog that says Chipper usually starts hitting around the first of the year but plans on starting earlier this year. I imagine this is something he has done for his entire career and it doesn’t seem like it’s hurt him all that much…and nowhere did Chipper say he comes to camp out of shape. He said most guys come to camp not ready to play 162 games on day one. I don’t think it’s going out on a limb to say that there are not many players in MLB that come to camp ready for the season to begin…
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
6:14 pm
aha another Chipper hater in Philco…or just another name on one of the old standbys?
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
6:14 pm
Hillbilly..Carrie Underwood may have married a hunter but she is totally in bed with PETA as she donated $100,000 to the anti’s this year. Wonder how she explained that one to her huntin’ hubby! _ gadawgs
Naked?
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
6:15 pm
hi Bat, where ya been?
Danga
November 22nd, 2010
6:16 pm
Even if the Braves did decide to go in a different direction, they would still be responsible for his contract.
Matt the Brave
November 22nd, 2010
6:17 pm
If Chipper wants Uggs here for a long time, why not increase the revenue from other than the Braves? Re-do that contract where he’s making $1m/yr and give that money to O Danny Boy.
Jbailz23
November 22nd, 2010
6:18 pm
raleighbravefan – It’s November, but it is the end of November. Just wait until nothing else happens through December. Half the guys/girls on here are going to be going APEsh*t
CB
November 22nd, 2010
6:19 pm
nolie,he is one of those five bloggers we have.
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
6:21 pm
Some people won’t be happy untill there’s an all-star at every position! _CraZyTRaDeMaN
Maybe Freeman will pull a Heyward this year and the Braves will have an All Star at every position.
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
6:23 pm
Hi Nolie_ Just been trying to work through some of the silliness going on around me these days.
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
6:25 pm
“……….Let’s just say that between trim painting and blogging, you guys are looking awfully good right now. So let’s get started………….” CARROLL RODGERS
Nice CARROLL. Good luck with that Holiday Bonus from the AJC.
Philco
November 22nd, 2010
6:27 pm
LOL…nolie. I am pretty much a virgin here, not a recycled hater. I have loved Chipper thru the years, and appreciate what his has accomplished….but his time has come. I just think the Braves could better use the $13 mill.
Fred
November 22nd, 2010
6:28 pm
That was an extra fine blog Carrol. Full of info yet an easy read. It might have been your first in a while, but I enjoyed it. I don’t think I’ve read anything of yours before, but that’s to my detriment, you are obviously a fine writer. There are so few nowadays………..
Thanks.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
6:29 pm
well you came to another silly spot so far today BAT. hope all gets better
Fred
November 22nd, 2010
6:31 pm
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
6:14 pm
Naked?
+++++++++++++
LOL, that was hilarious. I believe that tactic would work like a charm. Would YOU give her a pass under those circumstances lol?
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
6:34 pm
ryan c
November 22nd, 2010
3:07 pm
regarding matt young:
i want to see matt young on the big club. he does a lot of things well that the braves need in a 4th outfielder. his sb% has increased yearly and was up to a 77% success rate last year (39sb to 7cs). plus, his lifetime obp of .390 and his ability to play all 3 outfield positions make him a valauble asset to a team that’s one injury away from having the same outfield issues as last year.
regarding eric hinske: if joe mather makes the team, having eric hinske coming off the bench will be a bit of an overkill. with the braves taking the obvious downgrade on defense in the acquisition of uggla, they need a player that can play some solid defense…in center field. this brings me to my next point: i would also love to see andruw come back to atlanta to provide some bench pop and maybe even a platoon partner with nate. many people say that andruw can’t play cf anymore, but i’d be willing to bet that he can still play average out there, especially for only 30-40 games per year.
I hear ya’ ryan, but from what I understand, AJ has lost a step………or two depending. Still, He should break well on the ball, but I still want YOUNG in there as the fourth OF’er more for the fact that he’s our guy already and won’t cost more than the league minimum.
Andrew in PA
November 22nd, 2010
6:34 pm
Braves still tinkering?
3:39
PM ETAtlanta Braves TopEmailShare The Atlanta Braves, having acquired Dan Uggla last week, may be done making impact moves, but as MLB.com’s Mark Bowman writes Monday, GM Frank Wren could be in the market for some bench help.
Bowman notes that a backup infielder capable of playing shortstop could become a priority, as well as adding an outfielder, likely capable of playing center field.
Among those that could become infield options include Cristian Guzman, Jerry Hairston, Jr. and perhaps Cesar Izturis. Outfielder that may fit the bill include Corey Patterson, Rocco Baldelli, Austin Kearns and Randy Winn.
The Braves could always go the trade route, too. Stay tuned on that front.
RaleighDawg
November 22nd, 2010
6:34 pm
Years ago, when the Braves drafted Chipper #1 the AJC (it came printed on paper then and it was delivered to your home or newstand) ran a story complete with photo. I’ve never forgotten a co-worker remarking about the photo “look at what a punk the Braves drafted”. After reading today’s blog it’s good to know that almost 20 years later no truer words were ever spoken….here’s to you Mike P !
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
6:36 pm
nolie_ I have and it will. This one is much more fun.
Fred
November 22nd, 2010
6:38 pm
RaleighDawg
November 22nd, 2010
6:34 pm
Years ago, when the Braves drafted Chipper #1 the AJC (it came printed on paper then and it was delivered to your home or newstand) ran a story complete with photo. I’ve never forgotten a co-worker remarking about the photo “look at what a punk the Braves drafted”. After reading today’s blog it’s good to know that almost 20 years later no truer words were ever spoken….here’s to you Mike P !
+++++++++++++
I don’t think I understand. One of the BEST third basemen in the history of baseball yet you say he’s a “punk?”
Or did I get you wrong?
Andrew in PA
November 22nd, 2010
6:41 pm
Fred yeah you got that all wrong
Dave
November 22nd, 2010
6:42 pm
I don’t want to say this, but I’m going to do it. I didn’t like Chipper in the old glory days. I thought he was way too much full of himself. I think he grew up (maybe I did). He deserves deference for all he’s done for the team. Here’s the part I don’t want to say. Chipper could do one more thing for the team – retire, sooner rather than later. Soon enough to free up his salary to provide money for someone that is going to be a contributor for the mid and long run.
Would I do what I’m asking of him if I had whatever his seven figure salary is? Quite probably not, though I don’t have what he has in the bank. I’m OK with him giving it a shot, I wish him well; but, I don’t think he will earn what he is going to be paid other than as back money for what he’s done in the past.
Sorry Chipper but that’s what I’m thinking and one last thing, I really hope I’m wrong and you have a blow out year.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
November 22nd, 2010
6:42 pm
Philco
November 22nd, 2010
6:11 pm
GT I hate to disagree, but his OBP is far out weighed by his liabilities. Has there every been a 39/40 year old 3rd baseman that was able to really contribute. It would be one thing if he had, and does keep himself “in shape”. Unfortunate, but sooo true, the body of an athlete begins to slow down and break down in his late 30s, even more so if you don’t take care of yourself. All factors considered….poor defense, no home run power, low RBI production, slow bat speed, no foot speed, time out of the lineup (just a matter of how many days he will miss) and his salary…..the Braves would be better off going in a different direction
Philco, i disagree with you. If chipper has a high OBP? What does it matter? If your on base, potentionally you can score.
RC in the ATL
November 22nd, 2010
6:43 pm
Great blog, Carroll. And as far as the dangling preposition goes, when you are covering (and ths, constantly quoting professional athletes), that kind of grammatical faux pau is nominal, at the most!
One of my favorite butcherings of the English language that used to come out of Bobby Cox’s mouth very often was his use of “an awful lot.” It is my understanding (from elementary English class) that the saying “a lot” is two seperate words, having one meaning. Inserting a modifier in the middle of a word…that’s just downright hard-nosed! My late grandfather used to say “Guaran-dang-tee you” (except didn’t use dang) all the time.
And of course, subject-verb agreement is not always observed in the world of professional sports either. EX: “Chipper play great at third base.”
At any rate, not making these comments to pick on anyone, just passing the time on the ‘ole baseball blog in mid-November. And to point out that you can appreciate the ‘liberties’ people take with the English language without coming across as “the grammar troll.”
Here’s hoping you and the rest of the Braves nation have a great Thanksgiving!
menlobrave
November 22nd, 2010
6:44 pm
Re: Kelly Clarkson and PETA. Saw a bumper sticker this weekend on a jeep: PeopleEatingTastyAnimals. Out here (northern California), it takes a lot of courage to put that bumper sticker on your car. I saw the driver-he was large. His other bumper sticker said “could you drive better with that cell phone up your ***”. I believe he was not to be trifled with.
Fred
November 22nd, 2010
6:44 pm
OK Andrew, if you say so. The way it was written it came across to me that RaleighDawg was agreeing with his friend who said, “look at what a punk the Braves drafted.”
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
6:46 pm
yeah the metrics like Chipper a little better the second time around at third than they originally did.
I remember reading a few years ago that some changes were made but I don’t remember what they were, but the commentator mentioned specifically that it made Chipper look better.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
6:47 pm
I like both those stickers,.They would fit in better down here in Fla no doubt
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
6:48 pm
5,066 hits and 51 pages on the old blog. I never remember the old blog format at 10,000. In fact didn’t the new format come about because the old one would crash and burn around 3,000? That’s what I remember anyway. Thanx for the new one CARROLL.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
November 22nd, 2010
6:50 pm
@ nolie: the metrics??? Matrix? Maybe we can put chipper on a segway? If his knee is not better by spring training.
Braveheart
November 22nd, 2010
6:50 pm
And lastly, I dont like hearing that Chipper is out walking miles of rough terrain.
It’s Chipper’s form of Rocky IV. Drago was hitting the weights and treadmill, while Rocky was training naturally. Meanwhile, your little b!tch arse sounds like Adrian, screaming at Rocky, “You can’t win, Rock! It’s suicide!”
sbllump
November 22nd, 2010
6:50 pm
Chipper – My wife and I work out 3 times a week. How much are pressing? How much do you have on your leg extensions? What weights are your dumb bells for arm curls? How many pushups? How is your running, 2 miles a day? Are doing half squats or deep squats. We are using 45 lbs on our presses and 55 on our leg extensions, but we weigh less than 160. We hope you are doing about 20 reps on at least 3 rotations. dumb bells only 15 lbs. I’m hoping your using at least 30 pounders. Oh yes, I forgot to mention, we are 82 and 80 years old.
Tomahawkin
November 22nd, 2010
6:50 pm
“In fact didn’t the new format come about because the old one would crash and burn around 3,000? That’s what I remember anyway.”
Yeah, I forgot about that, but I believe that was the reasoning …
Fred
November 22nd, 2010
6:51 pm
Dave
November 22nd, 2010
6:42 pm
++++++++++++
That was a very good post Dave. Although unlike you, I’ve always kinda liked Chipper, I agree with your sentiments. You expressed that very well.
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
6:51 pm
Thanks Fred, and yeah I would give her a pass.
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
6:51 pm
menlobrave
November 22nd, 2010
6:44 pm
Re: Kelly Clarkson and PETA. Saw a bumper sticker this weekend on a jeep: PeopleEatingTastyAnimals. Out here (northern California), it takes a lot of courage to put that bumper sticker on your car. I saw the driver-he was large. His other bumper sticker said “could you drive better with that cell phone up your ***”. I believe he was not to be trifled with.
Sounds like my kind of guy. Always been into “feasting on dead animals” as I put it. My kids would cringe. Got to get me one of those cell-phone stickers. No wait, I’m probably not large enough for that.
Braveheart
November 22nd, 2010
6:52 pm
Maybe we can put chipper on a segway?
That doesn’t sound like a good idea. Didn’t the creator of that stupid contraption fall off a cliff while using it?
Fred
November 22nd, 2010
6:56 pm
sbllump
November 22nd, 2010
6:50 pm
+++++++++++
Who gives a crap lumpy? Were you a professional athlete putting all that wear and tear on your body for the first 40 years of your life or are you just a chairborne ranger sneering at those whom you could NEVER emulate?
Your age is thanks to the genes your fore-bearers gave you and have nothing to do with your crappy little work outs.
menlobrave
November 22nd, 2010
6:57 pm
Braveheart…yes, the Segway guy did a faceplant off a cliff-not great advertising.
Dave
November 22nd, 2010
7:01 pm
Thanks Fred. And the good thing, I’ve often been wrong in my opinions of athletes – Michael Vick being a recent example, another guy to whom I wish the best now.
Lollygagger
November 22nd, 2010
7:02 pm
sbllump-
nobody likes a show-off.
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
7:03 pm
FALL BALL
‘ZONA
No games once again this afternoon.
AUSTRALIA
Again no games today.
DOMINICAN
No games…………WTF!
MEXICO
No games. Must be ALL-STAR time or somethin’.
PUERTO RICO
Finally a game in the top of the second. C ORLANDO MERCADO 0-1 so far.
VENEZUELA
No games scheduled, so it appears MERCADO will be the only BRAVE in action today. Gee, a day off almost…………….hate it!
cabravesfan
November 22nd, 2010
7:06 pm
My favorite bumper sticker:
Meat is murder. Tasty, tasty murder!
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
7:08 pm
No surprise with Votto today. He was the favorite just about everywhere. He was a triple crown leader from the 7th inning on, led the league in both OBP % Sl% for a team that went to the playoffs. No brainer IMO
menlobrave
November 22nd, 2010
7:11 pm
cabravesfan, that bumper sticker would be equally unacceptable in Venice or Palo Alto. I love it!
anonymous
November 22nd, 2010
7:13 pm
chipper should definetely play
even if he isnt batting .300 he is a leader on this team and he recognizes that
McFann O O
November 22nd, 2010
7:15 pm
Wow…bizzarre how things work, eh? BMac came in 21st in the MVP voting this year, but got like, no consideration in 2006, 2008, or any of his other years…
Heck, but I’m not complaining about this year, it’s just a shame no one voted for him at least once during any of his much better years.
cabravesfan
November 22nd, 2010
7:15 pm
menlobrave -
I really would consider getting one, but I’d fear for the safety of my car
(being an SUV, I do sometimes wonder if I will come back to find someone has key’d it- or worse…)
anonymous
November 22nd, 2010
7:16 pm
branch rickey,he is a leader on the team and has won a batting title
players look up to him and he often comes through even if he doesnt bat .300 every year
he is not washed up at all
reagan
November 22nd, 2010
7:24 pm
cabravesfan………my favorite……seen on the back window of a pickup truck……………….”My kid did it!…He beat the hell out of the kid who is an honor student”
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
7:26 pm
stew
November 22nd, 2010
5:11 pm
Anybody for bringing back Andruw? Some have advocated for him, I think of that as getting back together with an ex girlfriend. Most likely leads to heartache.
Can he still play center? Probably not well or for long
What did he hit 19 homers last year? yes
in how many at bats? 278 ( 328 PA’s)
He was the greatest centerfielder ever until he fell off the planet. I don’t think he defied the laws of gravity, more like he succumbed to them.
Why is there such animosity towards him. Are you confusing a lack of interest in bringing him back with animosity? Maybe some people felt he did not live up to expectations. I, for one, don’t have any animosity towards Andruw.
Only 2 outfielders in history have more gold gloves. okay
Alright, he doesn’t hit for average and Ks alot. yep
If he gets to 500 homers, doesn’t he get into the Hall with his 10 gold gloves? I would hope so. Still 93 homeruns is a lot considering his age and lack of performance.
Why are Atlantans so down on the second face of the franchise. Why do so many people hate Chipper? Why do some people embrace myths and ignore facts? Why am I trying to answer all these questions? God only knows
If he’s in shape, ain’t he better than McLoser (who I don’t recall seeing any assists from in 2010). I haven’t noticed Andruw taking anyones starting job lately. Lets hope ” McLoser” becomes McNotsobad.
In fact, on several occasions McLoser had a throw to make and he punked out for some reason. Is his arm hurt? Maybe DOB could ask him. I’m afraid if I did he might find my incredulous tone insulting.
David O'Brien
November 22nd, 2010
7:26 pm
Wow…bizzarre how things work, eh? BMac came in 21st in the MVP voting this year, but got like, no consideration in 2006, 2008, or any of his other years — McFann
Easy answer for this one: Because the Braves led division for much of the season and were headed to the postseason when guys voted, writers wanted to vote for a Brave, to acknowledge someone on their team. That’s how it goes when you get past the obvious handful of guys atop the voting — writers like to vote for someone from playoff teams, if they don’t have someone from that team in the easy handful or so players at the top of their 10-person MVP ballot.
By the same token, a lot of players who put up good numbers for non-contenders get overlooked, because some voters figure, well, how valuable could he have been? Particularly in years when there are players on contending teams with similar numbers.
I probably had seven or eight writers ask me in the last month of the season who I thought was the Braves MVP. And it was tough to answer, because the Braves had a different MVP for different segments of the season. For six weeks, Glaus was the team MVP. Until Prado got hurt, I thought he was MVP (and maybe he still was). At the end of May, I’d have said Heyward was MVP. For a while, Jonny Venters looked like he might actually be MVP….
Anyway, that’s why McCann got votes — a lot of writers wanted to award someone on the Braves’ team, since they made the playoffs. And it was clearly tough for plenty of them to decide whom to vote for, because in that last month plenty of them came to us (Bowman and I) asking our opinion.
Brave New World
November 22nd, 2010
7:31 pm
Matt Young as a back up outfielder? His 4 homers and 18 RBI’s are a full season’s production for most of our (non-Heyward) outfielders.
Danga
November 22nd, 2010
7:33 pm
Excellent work, Bat.
Danga
November 22nd, 2010
7:35 pm
To be fair, Young’s .385 career slugging percentage probably indicates he couldn’t maintain that kind of power.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
7:36 pm
I like the old standby Gun Control is hitting what you aim at
Put me in Coach
November 22nd, 2010
7:38 pm
Play Young in CF and sign Bill Hall best utility player in baseball. Then sign (ONE OF THE THREE) Scott Downs, Brian Fuentes are Grant Balfour ..also Henski and lets play ball.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
7:40 pm
Sign Hinske, Felipe Lopez, and Jon Rauch. Promote Young and lets play
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
7:40 pm
Prolly not Danga, though Prado hit for more power after getting to the bigs…but you could see that slowly coming in his last AAA season. His numbers weren’t all that great yet but his pregame hits were getting more powerful. But he was younger than Matt who is probably as strong as he is gonna get.
If we have a hitter or two with pop off the bench Ross and a Hinske type, I am happier with the ability to get on base and keep an inning going out of out sub CFer.
Andrew in PA
November 22nd, 2010
7:41 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_lemire/11/22/new.managers/index.html
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
7:41 pm
P’C , I noticed somebody backed you up on that this AN .you da gu ru
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
7:43 pm
AM
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
7:43 pm
To be honest I figured I’d catch some flack on Lopez.
Put me in Coach
November 22nd, 2010
7:47 pm
Nolie.Hall hit 18 homers 56 rbi’s in 129 games & played 7 positions good . Even pitched 1 inning..no hits no runs era 0.00. He could probably make the biggest difference in this team winning are losing. Get it done Wren
Bama Brave
November 22nd, 2010
7:47 pm
If this matt young is so good then Why was he not Up here last year insted of milkdud!
Bat Masterson
November 22nd, 2010
7:48 pm
Muchas gracias Danga.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
7:50 pm
Bill Hall will command to much. He made 8.5 last year and really didn’t do anything to drop himself into our payroll. He would be nice but I think hes ultimately to expensive considering other holes needing to be filled.
LTBF
November 22nd, 2010
7:51 pm
Good to hear from you again Carroll, nice blog lot of INFO.
Snotboogie
November 22nd, 2010
7:54 pm
Bat –
I’m all for creative exaggeration, but the use of plethora when even plural didnt apply seemed too much for me to bite my tongue.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
7:57 pm
yeah P’C Hall will not fit our payroll, plus he is still just a 750 hitter for his career.
VaBravesFan
November 22nd, 2010
8:01 pm
Wren should just add a offer to Hinske to 2 years at 1 mil each season. While keeping the 1 yr 1.5 mil deal on the table to.
Efrim
November 22nd, 2010
8:01 pm
To be honest I figured I’d catch some flack on Lopez.
Lopez is actually a pretty good idea. Christian Guzman is someone to think about for that back up infielder role as well. I’d prefer the Braves go outside for that instead of giving it to Diory or Conrad or Hicks. I also kinda hope they go get a reliever outside of the org. instead of going with Kimbrel, Venters, O’Flaherty, Moylan, Proctor, Marek and Martinez – although that’s a bit unfair since it’s so early for those last few spots. Nevertheless, it’d be great if they got another arm for the pen. RH or LH, wouldn’t matter to me now that Dunn is gone. I’d like Hinske back too, although I’m not sure I’d go two years to get him. Even still, 2 years/3 – 3.5 million isn’t going to break the bank. For fourth outfielder, I’d like it if they got a glove first guy. I’d be okay with Matt Young. Always could get someone around Spring Training too.
D.J.
November 22nd, 2010
8:02 pm
Andrew in PA- Did you or anyone else read the segment on Clint Hurdle? I’m just confused why Lemire didn’t mention Andrew McCutchen on that list of young up-and-comers. I’d probably be equally pleased with McCutchen as Mike Stanton, and given Strasburg’s Tommy John adventure, I’d probably prefer McCutchen. Did I miss something and grossly overestimate McCutchen’s potential? He looks every bit the above-average-to-great player the Pirates thought he’d be when they ditched McLouth.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:02 pm
I think Lopez is a better fit for this team. Financially and all. He plays all infield positions and hits switch. We already have some guys who could back up the OF. Plus Hall really isn’t that great of a defensive player in the infield.
VaBravesFan
November 22nd, 2010
8:07 pm
I mentioned Felipe Lopez about a week ago. He would cost 1 mil or less. He did have a down year tho.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:07 pm
Efrim
My thoughts exactly. The bullpen arm to me needs to be RH. At least from what I’m reading they want a guy who can setup. I figure Venters will be in the set up role. I’ve seen Fuentes linked to the Braves several times this offseason but can’t really make a connection how that would work with two lefty set ups unless they went closer by committee.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
8:07 pm
at one time Hall looked poised to become an important player. and then his BA just fell off a cliff
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:09 pm
VaBF
Yea Lopez is an up and down kind of guy. Probably why hes so cheap. His ‘08 and ‘09 were solid though. For the money I think hes the best pickup. Guzman wouldn’t be bad to look into as well.
o-me
November 22nd, 2010
8:10 pm
Didn’t Henski make 2.5 million last year…
lets see we can’t afford, Crawford, Werth, Upton, are Bill Hall…yet we give Nate, KK and couple others $$$ Millions more than they were worth..Lowe it sounds fishy to me!
Re- run and waiver wire has product nothing. Now we depending on Mathers? Whats next Frenchy, and A jones…what a damn joke.
Rich W
November 22nd, 2010
8:10 pm
On Matt Young — watched him closely in Az Fall Leg. last year (’09) and I loved his hustle, griddiness, and ability to make contact. He could be a good choice at back up OF. I seriously doubt he’d be productive playing 150 games, but as a back up, with speed and game sense and bat smarts, yes, he should absolutely get a full Spring Train. shot.
VaBravesFan
November 22nd, 2010
8:11 pm
Its either we add a free agent or let Diory and Hicks fight for the job. Matt Young plays alot of 2B also. I’m sure he could play a few games at SS if needed but I dont think he should be the 2nd option at SS.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:12 pm
o-me
We didn’t give Nate his contract. Just took over the contract. We’re not a top market team. You don’t need the biggest names in baseball to be WS champions. Just a solid team. Ask the SF Giants.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:14 pm
I think I’d offer Hinske a 2 year 2.5. Sacrifice money for security. His contract won’t break the bank. I know he struggled late but I’m sure some overexposure didn’t help matters when everyone started getting hurt.
VaBravesFan
November 22nd, 2010
8:14 pm
Hinske signed a 1 year 1 mil contract last season.
VaBravesFan
November 22nd, 2010
8:16 pm
I see Eric Hinske being the next Matt Stairs type of player. Always have a ML job.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
8:18 pm
yes Matt has played some second though he is nothing special there.SS? very unlikely, toughest position and needs the most tools. he has never played an inning there. So far Diory is the BU SS and he is not all that good there, but way better than Connie.I hate to think of Hicks making the team
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
8:19 pm
From all reports and stats I’ve seem Hall is above average playing 2nd and 3rd and average at ss. above average in OF…Just saying it a matter of opinion P’Cola Brave. Olney said he was best utility FA available.
Don’t matter if we can’t afford him.
the real Old Gold
November 22nd, 2010
8:21 pm
Please retire Chipper!
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:23 pm
Poorbrave.
Just looking at his Fld % over career. He wasn’t very good at SS last year. Hard to argue hes the best utility guy available. I’d have to agree there. I just don’t think he fits this team as good as other options when money is taken into consideration.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
8:26 pm
not sure how it doesn’t matter that we can’t afford him since we are talking about improving the Braves
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:26 pm
My worry with Bill Hall being the backup SS is if A-Gon was to get hurt for an extended period of time is Bill Hall the guy we’d want there. Defensively I think hes a question mark there.
rrosson3
November 22nd, 2010
8:27 pm
you people asking chipper to retire are ridiculous..check the braves record without him last year. even if hes struggling he still has a presence in the lineup that can not be matched. pitchers look at the lineup differently. face it chipper is still the man and will produce. HE AINT GOING ANYWHERE!
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
8:28 pm
Hall is a 220 hitter over the last three years, He’s drawing too much pay based on his production 4 years ago and more.
Greg Mendel
November 22nd, 2010
8:33 pm
A friend of mine once said about baseball: “They could probably do it sitting down.” As another poster said on this blog: “These aren’t athletes, they’re baseball players.”
If they tried to play soccer, they’d die. After being injured trying to tie their shoelaces.
McFann O O
November 22nd, 2010
8:34 pm
Thanks, Chief. I shoulda figgered that one out quicker, I s’pose.
As Richard Widmark said to Ricky Ricardo, “That sorta makes sense…in a crazy, mixed-up way.” 
Nah, I get it…but I was still miffed in 2008 when, ah-heh heh, McLouth got an MVP vote and BMac didn’t. 
DaveFromDallas(NC)
November 22nd, 2010
8:35 pm
I think Bowman may be right about the Braves being done with impact moves. Of course, no one had the Braves trading for Dan Uggla, did they? I still say that if the Atlanta team is banking its center field on Nate McLouth, they come up a bit short against the Phillies this season. I know Jason Werth is likely gone, but they have a couple decent bats waiting in the wings. I like Atlanta’s lineup except for center field. Jacoby Elsbury and Grady Sizemore are the most intriguing names I have heard mentioned.
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
8:40 pm
He could back up Chipper so Prado could stay in LF.He’s average last year was 249..not great but 18 homer ! Just how many Braves had 18 are more homers?
Yes, it does matter because Braves are making money and should put up the “best” money can buy. I’m tired of 2nd class players because they’re cheap.Thats not the way to win.
BravoMan
November 22nd, 2010
8:41 pm
“no one had the Braves trading for Dan Uggla, did they?”
I did
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:42 pm
DaveFromDallas
Neither guy you mentioned (Ellsbury or Sizemore) has much trade worth right now. They both need to prove they are healthy. Their teams know their ability and worth and won’t let them go for less than they should.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
8:44 pm
Sizemore will make 7.5mil this year. Since they got Uggly it’s very unlikely they will spend that on one player, especially one with his history over the last two years.
Boston keeps saying that Ellsbury will not be traded, and like Lew I am a bit worried about the two separate incidences of broken ribs last year
Russell Bell
November 22nd, 2010
8:45 pm
I dunno about upgrading CF at this point. Bring in a bench bat or 2, pick up a couple of relievers and play ball.
If Nate looks bad next season, or if Chipper is unable to play, then Wren can try and make a move and add an OF bat early in 2011 or during ST. I know the Braves have young pitching depth from which they can trade, but why deplete pitching depth when there isn’t a burning need (with Uggla now in the fold)?
You can never have enough starting pitching – even if some of the coveted young arms don’t see the ML’s next year, they have a good shot of making it to the Bigs eventually. Better they do it in a Braves uniform. A good argument can still be made for trading the organization’s young pitching for an OF bat, but it would have to be for a stud, which doesn’t include Ellsbury and his injured ribs.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:45 pm
Poorbrave.
Okay if we sign Hall then we literally have no more money to fill any other holes. Your talking about a back up player here. You have to fill all your holes with the money you have.
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
8:45 pm
P’Cola whats your take on BJ and his brother?
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
8:47 pm
no matter PoorBrave, it is what it is and they will spend what they want not what we want them to..
249 this year, 201 the year B4, 225 the year B4 that. No way is he worth 8.5 mil even if the Braves were willing to spend the money
If he had never had those few good seasons years ago, he would be making half of what he is. which would be more in line with his actual worth
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
8:48 pm
Whats the biggest hole we have got to fill? Who’s your answer for that hole?
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:48 pm
Justin Upton- Young, talented could be a huge star but suffered a sophomore slump. Has a backloaded guaranteed contract that worries me. Overall, very talented guy w/ superstar potential.
BJ- All the raw talent in the world, if he could put it together he’d be great. He just needs to figure out what ball player he wants to be.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:51 pm
Poorbrave
Biggest question mark is CF obviously but he will be given every oppurtunity to rebound. I think we have a great in house option for 4th OF in Matt Young. Our bench is terribly weak as it stands right now. We need a BU 1B that can change a game in a PH situation and a backup MIF that has some ML experience and could fill a hole long term if needed. Plus a veteran guy for the pen. We need one legit relief arm to solidify the loss of Wagner.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
8:51 pm
coupla head cases
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
8:51 pm
nolie…I agree 8.5 is to much but I’d kick the tires with his agent to make sure he wouldn’t take less.
Ok lets move on.
Kat
November 22nd, 2010
8:51 pm
Carroll thanks for the nice blog post, welcome back!
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
8:53 pm
whats up kat?
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
8:54 pm
Plus who knows how Bill Halls power would translate to Turner Field.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
8:54 pm
that would be a good idea Poor, never hurts to check with the agent.
I’m pretty sure more of that goes on with Wren than we are ever aware of.
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
nolie:
Do you like LARRY CARLTON? Got a piece of his I like that I’m listening to on PANDORA “Sunrise.” Smooth.
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:01 pm
Nolie hope At 8:54 you’re not being funny..I know Wren and all GM’s do that more than we know. I also know because a fan like a player don’t mean the GM does.
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:06 pm
P’Cola. I like JB and would like to see him playing with Braves but he would have to get over his head case. Young might be the best..no trade.
iopbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:06 pm
Chipper and Frreeman are no certain things so we also need someone that can step in at first or third
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:06 pm
I was humorously agreeing with you Poor. Sorry if it offended you
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:07 pm
yeah rich, I like Carlton a lot . have about a dozen of his CDs on my music hard drive. Great player.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:08 pm
PoorBrave
I wouldn’t be opposed to a BJ trade but It seems were done making any moves to starting lineup and I read that the Rays are unlikely to move him now.
David O'Brien
November 22nd, 2010
9:11 pm
I think Bowman may be right about the Braves being done with impact moves. — DaveFromDallas(NC)
Dave, it’s no secret. That’s what I wrote last week after the Uggla trade, when Wren made it clear (to us who were there) that Uggla was their big move and that the Braves would now focus on smaller stuff, namely strengthening the bullpen and bench. Those are not big-salary additions they’ll make to fill those needs, but depth moves. And Wren has said repeatedly that they are confident in McLouth after seeing improvement he made in minors last season.
Whether that confidence is well-founded remains to be seen, but they’ve made it clear it’s his job going to spring training, and that if they add a CF it’ll be a backup CF, not a starter.
So folks can speculate all they want — certainly no harm there — but I can tell you the Braves aren’t looking to acquire Rasmus, Ellsbury, either Upton, or anyone else that has a significant salary and/or costs a lot of young talent in a trade.
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:13 pm
Danga
November 22nd, 2010
7:35 pm
To be fair, Young’s .385 career slugging percentage probably indicates he couldn’t maintain that kind of power.
Young has become a student of hitting, and it shows with his results over the past two seasons and this year in fall ball. I do think he’s arrived as far as he’s going to go. I’m not sure he’s going to become a MARTEEEEEEN at 28 +, or start blasting away in the power department. Never having seen him except when he was on MLBN this July, I can’t say he’s going to hold his own if allowed to fill a roster spot, but I do say his shot is now or never. And I understand he can play all three OF slots and 2B. I think DOB mentioned something about that. He does possess a solid glove in the outfield, and he’s been raking at a CANIZARES clip in fall ball..
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:14 pm
I guess it’s just hard to give up the dream for a lot of fans DOB.
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:15 pm
I like YOUNG and it shows. Of course, I like CHARLIE MORTON too, and look how that’s going.
Efrim
November 22nd, 2010
9:17 pm
The Braves next “impact” move will be mid-season 2011, if a need presents itself. Ain’t happening this offseason. They already made themselves a lot stronger with the Uggla move.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:17 pm
hey Charlie had some good outings late in the season IIRC rich. He has taent, just a bit of a head case.He might continue to gain confidence.
David O'Brien
November 22nd, 2010
9:17 pm
nolie: yep, understood. Like I said, no harm in speculating (and, as you say, dreaming).
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:17 pm
I think its hard for some to come to grips with the fact were not the Braves of the Ted Turner days. Plus when salaries started spiking it didn’t do us any favors.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:18 pm
DOB arnt you on vacation? go enjoy yourself!
Efrim
November 22nd, 2010
9:20 pm
And I’d bet Wren pays close attention to that non tender date on 12/2/10. There should be some bench players/bullpen arms that become available at that time.
TnBrian
November 22nd, 2010
9:20 pm
Enter your comments here
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:21 pm
Efrim
Agreed. You never know who will be tendered or not. It could open up a whole new set of names to the discussion.
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:22 pm
P’cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:17 pm
I think its hard for some to come to grips with the fact were not the Braves of the Ted Turner days. Plus when salaries started spiking it didn’t do us any favors.
Well, now that their fearless leader has passed, maybe the STANKEES will back off a bit and cut MLB some slack.
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:23 pm
Who you gone get cheap to fill bullpen?
Nolie you cool. Yes its hard to give up the dream . If you can’t dream you don’t have anything left.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:24 pm
I wonder if the will non-tender-is that the same as tough?-Phat Albert?
It would be shorter to type “I think they will tough that guy”
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:24 pm
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:17 pm
hey Charlie had some good outings late in the season IIRC rich. He has taent, just a bit of a head case.He might continue to gain confidence.
Yeah, well he better get a clue quick, he was 26 when he passed through here headed to ATLANTA.
TnBrian
November 22nd, 2010
9:24 pm
I see the Brewers are giving us a little competition for Hinske early on, but I can see Wren upping the offer a little in dollars and he stays on a one year deal. I really like this guy and think it’s important to keep him around.
canadianbravesfan
November 22nd, 2010
9:24 pm
you folks expecting another major move or wanting Chipper to retire are just plain RETARDED
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:26 pm
Yeah, DAVE everybody needs a break. Speaking of breaks………did the old blog set any records with 51 pages and 5,066 hits, or does the AJC not keep tabs on such trivia?
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:27 pm
Poorbrave
I think theres several options. No great difference maker options though. I think Jon Rauch is the perfect addition to the pen. Of course thats just my opinion.
TnBrian
November 22nd, 2010
9:27 pm
Nice to see Chipper focusing most of his energy on rehabbing his knee and getting into shape for the upcoming season instead of all that silly buck huntin’. I mean, that is what he doing, or did I just misread the blog title?
Willy
November 22nd, 2010
9:27 pm
Ive heard no one say this, not even on talking chop. What if McLouth hits say…. .267, 21HR, 78 RBI, 20 SB. We all feel like idiots. Chances of that happening are slim though. Gotta have some OPTIMISM!!!!!!!!!!!
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:28 pm
TnBrian
November 22nd, 2010
9:24 pm
I see the Brewers are giving us a little competition for Hinske early on, but I can see Wren upping the offer a little in dollars and he stays on a one year deal. I really like this guy and think it’s important to keep him around.
Well, at least tey’ve offered. Does the offer then fall to DIAZ by default if HINSKE leaves?
canadianbravesfan
November 22nd, 2010
9:29 pm
how do kick to the curb the leader of this team the last 10 plus years who has redone his contract to free up money for the team. Even if he retires they will pay him something
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:30 pm
rich we have had 10,00 hits a coupla times on the blog.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:30 pm
2 things have to happen before any new players join the braves (aside from hinsky) all the free agents need to be not offered arb and Kawakami needs to be “traded or sold” how ever u want to look at it… then the full scope of players for wren and the gang to look at will be ready to be brought aboard. till then Uggla was a nice move!
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:30 pm
Retarded, retarded, retarded…………the edgy verbosity resounds about the blog like a hollow echo.
Rick_Matula_Tics
November 22nd, 2010
9:31 pm
We should let Bob Horner’s hairdresser play 3d or perhaps Ric Flair’s salon owner. The lack of peroxide or curls has been glaring for years.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:31 pm
I just have very small faith in Nate Mclouth, his hitting mechanics are totally off.
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:32 pm
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:30 pm
rich we have had 10,00 hits a coupla times on the blog.
Since the new format…………..I know the old one would have collapsed.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:32 pm
Eric in Albany NY
Hey I live in Albany, NY too.
Willy
November 22nd, 2010
9:32 pm
Nate McLouth: MVP 2011
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:33 pm
Ive heard no one say this, not even on talking chop. What if McLouth hits say…. .267, 21HR, 78 RBI, 20 SB. Willy
those are the type of numbers he used to put up most years (well a little lower BA) so it is not impossible by any means and some here have admitted it. If he hits 250/350/430 or so I will be very happy. Just can’t figure out what hit him.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:33 pm
Willy
keep dreaming buddy, He should set his sights on Come Back Players On the Year.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:34 pm
i sure do! where are you in albany?
Willy
November 22nd, 2010
9:34 pm
thank you, cant understand all the hate. No one has tried harder than him to rebound. Gotta love the tenacity.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:35 pm
Eric in Albany
Colonie, You???
Willy
November 22nd, 2010
9:35 pm
True, it was a joke.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:36 pm
Nolie
Whats a realistic power number for nate though. Somewhere between 10-15?
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:36 pm
lol grew up in e.greenbush but live in “the beautiful city of” rensselaer rofl
Bigwheel
November 22nd, 2010
9:37 pm
Would picking up ben revere be a splash type move?
Willy
November 22nd, 2010
9:38 pm
I would honestly be sayified if Nate hit .260, 15HR, 68 RBI,…..I think that is truly realistic
glord1
November 22nd, 2010
9:38 pm
Here is what I hope. I hope Chipper is not satisfied that he has 5 or 6 soft tissue injuries a year and comes to camp in tremendous shape.
Unfortunately I do not believe that will happen. My prediction is Chipper will come to camp in “decent shape” (not fat by any means) but will not dedicate himself to being is the best possible condition. He will hunt and go to the CMT awards. If he does not make that dedication this off season it will be the Braves undoing.
Chipper has not taken his conditioning serious for a long time. The days of him coming to camp to play into shape and still be successful have been over for years. This team needs him healthy to be successful because he represents 16% of the teams budget this year. He has been a great player for a very long time but those days have passed. Now he should work to earn his money because he has not earned it the last two years. If he gets hurt again this year I only hope he will have done everything in his power to prevent it.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:39 pm
Eric In Albany N.Y.
Finally a die hard Braves fan in the Albany area
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:39 pm
Brave4life do u know KAT she is from guilderland from what i hear
richbrave
November 22nd, 2010
9:39 pm
25 year-old ORLANDO MERCADO, catcher for MISSISSIPPI/GWINNETT has an 0-3 night with one strike out, .326 BA. So much for fall ball this night.
Bravefaninok
November 22nd, 2010
9:41 pm
canadianbravesfan
November 22nd, 2010
9:29 pm
how do kick to the curb the leader of this team the last 10 plus years who has redone his contract to free up money for the team. Even if he retires they will pay him something
Some people have selective memory about Hoss,Like pointing out his injuries and his current contract wich is actually way less than he should be getting paid when compared to other SUPERSTAR players.
The man earned his contract.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:41 pm
Brave4life u dont know the half of it… i plan my vacations years in advance to see the braves to see the braves. SF was this yr Seattle Next yr… Miami 2012!
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:41 pm
ERIC
Really?? I lived and went to Guilderland high school and moved to Colonie in the middle 9th grade.
2011 25-man roster
November 22nd, 2010
9:42 pm
C McCann
1B Freeman
2B Uggla
SS Gonzalez
3B Jones
LF Prado
CF McLouth
RF Heyward
UTL Ross
UTL Mather
UTL 4TH outfielder
UTL Backup INF
UTL Pinch Hitter/1st base
SP Hudson
SP Hanson
SP Lowe
SP Jurrjens
SP Minor
CL Kimbrel
RP Venters
RP O’Flaherty
RP Moylan
RP RH reliever
RP Proctor
RP Long man/Martinez/Beachy?
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:42 pm
just depends on how/if he bounces back. I guess thats about the highest odds though P’.
in 400 PAs in Atlanta in 09 he hit 11 homers and 257/354/419. Add 20 steals to that hitting % and I’m ecstatic.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:44 pm
Chippers rehab will probably force him to come to camp in better condition. I really don’t see anything wrong with him hunting or going to the CMT Awards. These guys do have lifes outside baseball.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:44 pm
Eric In Albany N.Y.
Man you are lucky, I dont miss a game on TV and the only games i have been are at shea or Citi field. I was planning to fly up to Atlanta for the playoffs but…………I didnt
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:45 pm
I really hope Lowe comes back as strong as he ended .
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:45 pm
Brave4life check out this site i got pics up there scroll down and check em out! http://www.ballparkchasers.com/profile/BravesFanInAlbanyNY
Moe Berg
November 22nd, 2010
9:45 pm
Starting to be queries about Boras violating rules of MLB Players Association in his dealings with poor Dominican players. Salcedo is mentioned in the NYT article on it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/sports/baseball/23boras.html?hp
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:46 pm
nolie
Yea I think Fredi will turn him lose a little more and we may finally get to see the speed side of Nate we all looked forward to when acquiring him. I have to say that is one of the things that irked me the most about Bobby’s coaching style was the lack of running.
Efrim
November 22nd, 2010
9:47 pm
It isn’t a big deal, but I still don’t get the Proctor signing. I know, it’s only 750 K. But he certainly didn’t warrant that contract based on last season’s performance, and if it really is guaranteed, well, that’s just puzzling. I’m all for bullpen depth, but that one is kind of a head scratcher….oh well.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:47 pm
yup rich the old one collapsed around 1000
You gotta just know that david and carroll appreciate the difference huh?
Poor ol’ folks hadta write something new about every day back th
That had to tax the old creativity bone ’specially during the doldrums.
Playoffs!!!!
November 22nd, 2010
9:47 pm
Matt Young. Lefty or righty hitter?? Anyone?
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:47 pm
Brave4life i got to go to the last 2 games of the season they were awesome esp when they kicked the phillys butts and ended up in the playoffs i had to be there for the last game of bobbys career
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:49 pm
I think David said he thought it was a split minors/majors contract Efrim though i don’t remember hearing anything else about it.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:49 pm
Eric
Sweet pics
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:49 pm
Playoffs
Lefty
Bravefaninok
November 22nd, 2010
9:50 pm
TnBrian
November 22nd, 2010
9:27 pm
Nice to see Chipper focusing most of his energy on rehabbing his knee and getting into shape for the upcoming season instead of all that silly buck huntin’. I mean, that is what he doing, or did I just misread the blog title?
Unless I misread the blog story,He is doing both.I don’t see the problem
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:50 pm
brave4life how old are ya how did u become a fan?
Efrim
November 22nd, 2010
9:52 pm
I think David said he thought it was a split minors/majors contract Efrim though i don’t remember hearing anything else about it.
Ah, yes. You’re right, nolie. Forgot about that. I sure hope it’s split. Be a little bizarre to guarantee a spot in the pen to someone who wasn’t even that great at his peak with the Yanks…
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:52 pm
leftyPO
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
9:52 pm
Eric
ahh man you are lucky. Most of buddies are all Mets or Yankees fans. They would never fly down to Atlanta to watch a Braves game. They think there is nothing else to do there I kinda agree
willy
November 22nd, 2010
9:54 pm
The Red Sox signed former Reds outfielder Drew Sutton, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America (on Twitter). The 27-year old has a .229/.302/.381 line in 118 major league plate appearances, but he did hit 20 homers at Double-A two seasons ago.
The Braves have signed four players, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America (Twitter links). Outfielder Jose Constanza, 27, batted .319/.373/.394 at Triple-A for the Indians; 28-year-old infielder Ed Lucas hit .307/.398/.480 at Triple-A for the Royals; utilityman Wilkin Castillo can catch and play in the infield and outfield, but hasn’t hit Triple-A pitching and Shawn Bowman, 25, hit 22 homers at Double-A.
Frank Wren has something in Monday as all those played positions are holes on the big league club. Go Braves
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
9:56 pm
there really isnt much to do down there if u dont have friends there… i made friends with some guys from the atlanta area when i was in spring training about 6 yrs ago… we go down there same time every yr since… its a great time in orlando we tend to have more fun there than in atlanta itself… ive been down to the ATL 3 times to see games every time was better than the last! my buddy gets great seats!
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
9:58 pm
thanx willy , possible IF backups, which we have been kicking around
Buckeye Brave
November 22nd, 2010
9:59 pm
Everyone forgets that while Chipper is on the team he is helping to educate our young guns on the finer points of hitting in the bigs. It’s like having two hitting coaches. Just ask Mac. I’m sure Wren will pick up some good relievers and back ups. I still think he’s hoping that Schafer will come around and he doesn’t want to blockhis path with an Upton or Ellsbery. It’s the cheapest solution and requires us not to lose some of our pitching prosects. Schafer is at best a year away from returning to form. If Wrens right the lastyear of McLouth buys him that time.
Playoffs!!!!
November 22nd, 2010
10:00 pm
Ok, guys, thank you! Too bad, though, it would be better for us if he were a right-handed hitter.
From what I’ve heard of him, I have more confidence in him than Nate McClouth.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:00 pm
Eric In Albany N.Y.
I am 19, and its a sad story of how I became a braves fan and never really shared it. I guess i will tell you. My brother who was 20 was a huge Braves fan and I hated baseball. He then was diagnosed with cancer. Istarted to get into Braves just to talk to him about baseball cause it made him really happy and kept his mind off of “other” things. Unfortunately he passed away in 2005. I have been a fan since. Its a sad but true story. I honestly couldnt stand a baseball game, but now i am addicted. I even played all throughout high school and alot of football too for Guilderland high school team
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:00 pm
Eric
How did you become a fan
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:01 pm
I think the one who interests me the most is the 28 yr old infielder from Royals. He almost had a .900 OPS.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
10:02 pm
Everyone forgets that while Chipper is on the team he is helping to educate our young guns on the finer points of hitting in the bigs. It’s like having two hitting coaches. Just ask Mac. I’m sure Wren will pick up some good relievers and back ups. I still think he’s hoping that Schafer will come around and he doesn’t want to blockhis path with an Upton or Ellsbery. It’s the cheapest solution and requires us not to lose some of our pitching prosects. Schafer is at best a year away from returning to form. If Wrens right the lastyear of McLouth buys him that time.
Everyone also forgets that even though chipper isnt hitting he is also walking a lot… and with Uggla and Mccann behind him it gives him a chance to score a lot… ill take a poor BA. from a guy whos on twice a ballgame from a walk than a guy who K’s if he isnt hitting
glord1
November 22nd, 2010
10:03 pm
“We’re used to playing ourselves into shape throughout the course of a six-week spring training. The new-age managers like for guys to come into camp ready to play nine innings and 162 games first day of spring training, and that’s just not the way it’s been done here.”
If no one else is concerned about that coming from a soon to be 39 year old position player with the highest salary I will be surprised.
McFann O O
November 22nd, 2010
10:04 pm
Brave4life—
Wow…that’s quite a story. So sorry your brother passed away…that was a very sweet thing you did for him.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:05 pm
Mcfann
thanks, I have never talked about it. I try not to but the truth is thats how i really became a braves fan.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:05 pm
That Ed Lucas guy is intriguing. 36 gms at SS, 23 at 3B and 26 at 2B this year. Seems to always have a good OBP. If we don’t add another MIF seems like he could compete with Diory.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:06 pm
gotta be sumthang rong for a team as pathetic as the Royals to let a 900 hitter go.
gee he plays just about every position on the field and it looks like he is at least average at most all of them
Scott Anderson
November 22nd, 2010
10:07 pm
Chipper approach
If it feels ok to play today
Take another month off.
Taking chances playing golf and hunting. Sounds about right for Larry dumb arrss
Skeeterleg
November 22nd, 2010
10:07 pm
Arthur Rhodes…make it happen.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
10:08 pm
Braves made another under-the-radar move to add some depth in the middle infield, at least on the minor league level. They’ve signed minor league free agent SS Ed Lucas, a former eighth round pick of the Royals who hit .307 with 20 doubles, 13 HRs and 50 RBIs in 99 games last year for Triple-A Omaha. He’s 28 and a Dartmouth grad. Haven’t had one of those around the Braves clubhouse since Mike Remlinger.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:09 pm
Skeeterleg
old guy, high risk
I just dont see it happening. He had a “career” year, and will try his best to get a multi year deal. Thats the last thing the Braves want.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:10 pm
one of the ESPN guys was ripping Rhodes as a pickup the other day I think
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
10:10 pm
Matt Young bats lefty
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:10 pm
The Royals have a stacked farm considering they let go of Ed Lucas
Playoffs!!!!
November 22nd, 2010
10:11 pm
Just some thoughts–I’d like to see Chipper bat second in the lineup with his high OBP. But, then who would bat third? Prado is probably our best pure hitter. But then, who would lead off? McClouth, no I don’t think so. I don’t see him making a major comeback.
It would be nice if Heyward stepped it up a little, and could bat third, and then we could go Prado, Chipper, Heyward, Uggla, McCann..
What do you think…?
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:12 pm
Nolie
Its weird the Royals would let this guy walk. Seems to be a consistent guy. Maybe to old for their youth movement but from his stats he seems to be very solid. Actually plays a little OF to.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:12 pm
not sure I’d call that his career year, he has had some very very good seasons over his career, but he is getting long in the tooth no doubt
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:13 pm
Playoffs\
I would like to see Heyward bat 3rd
Prado
Chipper
Heyward
Uggla
McCann
Gonzalez
Freeman
Mclouth
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:13 pm
PO
Thats the way I’d like to see it. Prado, Chip, Heyward, Uggla and McCann 1-5. Not many lineups that can boast a top 5 like that.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:13 pm
yup kinda intriguing P’C, I’m interested in seeing how he does.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
10:15 pm
BravePack, think you were taking me too literally on what Chipper said about trying to convince Uggla all year. That’s not to say the Braves would wait all year to do it.
Bravissimo, I’m old school. If i use primer, I prime. Then paint.
Skeeterleg
November 22nd, 2010
10:15 pm
Brave4Life….Surely hes not that delusional…or cant find a GM that stupid. He would fit in great for a year and under 2m though.
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:16 pm
Carroll Rogers
When do you believe extension talks will begin with uggla??? before or after the season
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:17 pm
Well I guess throw Lucas in the ring for potential backup INF.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
10:17 pm
My story wasnt as impressive… mine is barely cute… in 1991 in 5th grade i used to draw all the teams logos and my teacher let me put them on the board in the front of the class room.. i put up all the the standings in cut out sheets of paper…
mind you i wore an a’s cap cus they had jose and marc mac… i wasnt a fan i just liked the hat and they were popular and playing well at the time… as a small child my mother was a huge mets fan and i still remember going to shea for the first time and seeing how green the grass was and being very excited at only about 8 or 9 years old… the mets were the team i grew up on… strawman and HoJo and mooky were all my guys.. still to this day i find myself liking those guys…. even though i hate the current mets more than anything today…
anyway when i was doing the standings in 5th grade my teacher asked me… who is your fav team? i told her well im not sure i really have one… i dont like the yankees i dont like the mets cus my mom likes the mets and a kid in 5th grade shouldnt like the team his mom loves… i told her i wear the A’s cap but im not a fan and never watch any games… so ms Scott told me to go home and turn on TBS and watch the braves … she said they are on tv and you can watch all the games… she said they are a good team too… so i went home turned them on and never turned them off…
on a side note… a guy who lived up the road from me who was friends with my parents saw me change my hat to a braves hat and asked me if thats my team… i said yes… he asked me every time he saw the hat… i always said yes… he told me your team will win and they will lose but stick with them no matter what… and that was a big lesson for a kid who loved baseball all his life and who chose his own team. im glad he got it into my head and it stuck!
now that i bored you with that… ill talk about the 2011 braves…
Playoffs!!!!
November 22nd, 2010
10:20 pm
Brave4Life/P’Cola Brave—Great minds think alike.
And Brave4Life–What you did for your brother is probably the most wonderful thing I’ve heard in a long, long time. Thank you for sharing that.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:20 pm
I hope you send Ms Scott a card every year Eric
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
10:23 pm
Ms scott sent me the paper when the braves won the series… i was in a different school and she tracked down one of my teachers and gave me the paper!
Kat
November 22nd, 2010
10:24 pm
Brave4life and Eric In Albany, NY … yep it’s nice to see a third Capital Region person on here. This season we made it out to 2 games in Atlanta (first home games we’ve been to), 2 games in Pittsburgh and 1 game at Citi Field. For 2011 thinking Chicago and some Atlanta games….
There are Braves fans here…just not a ton.
Carroll Rogers
November 22nd, 2010
10:24 pm
Brave4life, not sure how I’m supposed to know that, but I’m just saying if the Braves decide they want him, which I bet they will, they won’t wait until he can shop around in free agency after next season to do it.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:24 pm
kewl
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
10:25 pm
P”Cola I agree 6″ 10″ 290 lbs of Jon Rauch would be ok…Whats his price?
Royal’s farm team is rated one of the Best in Baseball per Insider.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
10:26 pm
Kat U married?
Hummon
November 22nd, 2010
10:26 pm
This may be apocryphal, but I understand that Winston Churchill said of the preposition restriction, “That is a rule up with which we should not put.”
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
10:29 pm
i got to go to lakeland fla orlando fla san fran city field and atlanta to see the braves this yr… and went with cousins to see the yankees like we do every yr blah
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:29 pm
Poorbrave
Haven’t heard anyone linked to Rauch. I would imagine he will be around 3 mil. Had a good year. Could fit well in our pen. The guy has experience closing, setting up and straight relief. Fits the bill.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:30 pm
if it was apocryphal how do we even know about it?
McFann O O
November 22nd, 2010
10:31 pm
Brave4life—
Oh, I understand—that would be a very hard thing to talk about. I’ve been blessed to never have been through anything like that, but I know it must be extremely hard. Take care! I’ll remember you and your brother and family in my prayers tonight!
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:32 pm
Carroll
Do the minor league guys acquired today have to be placed on the 40 man to be protected from the Rule 5 or are they safe as new acquisations?
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:32 pm
Mcfann/Playoffs
Thanks
Buckeye Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:32 pm
The last Royals minor league cast off we got was Matt Diaz. Gee I guess they missed on his potential too.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
10:32 pm
braves went from having 3 closers in the early 2000’s to a righty and lefty closer to none =)
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:34 pm
I wonder who becomes our fulltime closer next year Kimbrel or Venters
Venters has nasty stuff and experience
KImbrel has nasty stuff but very limited experience
Kat
November 22nd, 2010
10:35 pm
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
10:26 pm
Kat U married?
—————————-
Haha. In a relationship, but no not married.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
10:35 pm
Mcfann Agreed!
Braves4life truly great story… thanks for sharing… youre in for many memories with the braves that will always remind you of your bro… pluss the braves are a class act as im sure ur brother was too!
Brave4life
November 22nd, 2010
10:36 pm
Thanks everyone
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 22nd, 2010
10:36 pm
KAT well whats taking him so long? how old are ya if u dont mind me askin hehe
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:36 pm
Brave4life
Venters has ML experience. Kimbrel has experience in closer situations. I believe Venters was a SP before this year. I think the job is Kimbrel’s to lose w/ Venters setting up.
Poorbrave
November 22nd, 2010
10:36 pm
P’Cola, I agree..Thanks to you and Nolie for your in-put..got to work awhile. Catch ya’ll later.
McFann O O
November 22nd, 2010
10:37 pm
Brave4life—
You’re welcome!
Jim
November 22nd, 2010
10:37 pm
Lucas is very interesting. Has played seven positions in minors. Big guy. Perhaps more potential and flexibility than Diory – although I still remember the HR Diory hit last year, and my saying, “where did that come from.” It was bombed. Dartmouth alums are good. I’m married to a distaff one.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:37 pm
I think whomever exhibits the best control early gets the job,
willy
November 22nd, 2010
10:39 pm
I want Venters to start…
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:40 pm
Jim
I had the same reaction. When Diory hit it I had to double check it was him. Caught me off guard.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:43 pm
Diory has hot pretty well in the high minors the last few years. Not sure why he has has as much problem hitting in Atlanta as he has had
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:44 pm
Venters likely ain’t gonna start unless there is an injury to someone
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:44 pm
Some guys are just have trouble with the transition. Been tons of top prospects who endure the same problem.
Andrew in PA
November 22nd, 2010
10:45 pm
What about CF Carlos Gomez of the brew crew. Not much of a hitter so far but he is righty and his defense is outstanding with great speed. Seems like a good platoon with Nate.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:46 pm
Bringing in Fuentes would be nice. I’d be ok with Venters and Kimbrel setting up. Having a LH as closer was nice last year. Especially with the big LH bats in Philly.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:47 pm
Andrew
Don’t think Gomez makes much sense. Young probably brings you more hes just not RH.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
10:48 pm
Nevermind. Just looked at Fuentes last contract. Not going to happen.
Andrew in PA
November 22nd, 2010
10:56 pm
We can’t afford Fuentes
Andrew in PA
November 22nd, 2010
10:57 pm
My bad Pcola didn’t see ur last post, it rough using the iPod on here sometimes
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
10:58 pm
no I doubt Fuentes is in the cards.
Putz got 3mil and had a decent year
Kat
November 22nd, 2010
10:58 pm
26
AdirondackDave
November 22nd, 2010
10:59 pm
Braves4Life — Have to say, you are quite a young man. To be that sensitive at 14 and go through your brother’s experience with him was wonderful of you. I’m glad you shared that story with us.
Speaking of Braves baseball, the strong consensus is that Frank Wren is done with “impact” acquisitions with just a bit of fine tuning here and there. I’m not sure I agree with that.
FW sold “high” when he let Infante and Dunn go, they were at their peak value. A smart move to put it mildly. Well, it seems to me that Lowe is now at his peak value since joining the Braves. The guy has won 31 games in the first two years of his 4 year contract with a significantly lower e.r.a. this year and a superb season/post-season finish. What contender without serious budget restrictions (Yanks, Red Sox, and a few others) wouldn’t want a very likely 15 game winner on a 2-year contract? Who has won more games than Lowe in the last 9 years? I don’t know the answer but it can’t be many.
So I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Lowe get traded for a quality CF that gets on base, runs well, and plays good defense. I know FW has said “that’s it” for impact players, and I would say that too if I were him, but that could just be a good “we’re not desperate” strategy. And, in fact, the Braves are by no means desperate. I’d be satisfied with a couple cheap “fine tuning” acquisitions going into spring training.
What still amazes me is that with a single brilliant move (Uggla), the Braves only essential need, power, has been met without giving up a single every-day player or premium prospect… just amazing.
‘Night, all.
jmart
November 22nd, 2010
11:00 pm
It sounds like FW has given the CF job to McClouth. Sometimes it is hard to give a player that is an older Minor Leaguer a chance in the Majors but sometimes players are late to mature. I believe that M Young will give McClouth more than a run for his money in ST. Young is faster, makes better contact, is better defensively and has a better arm (how could it be worse). Someone hitting in the 8th spot needs to be a contact hitter that can hit for average in order to turn the lineup over.
It would be a waste for FW to trade away good minor league talent for a CF without giving both McClouth and Young a shot in ST. I hope that one difference in Gonzales and Cox is that if Young hits .330 in ST and McClouth hits .215 that Gonzales will start Young. Cox would always start the veteran. If Young is a defensive upgrade and hits for average he should start over McClouth.
fred
November 22nd, 2010
11:01 pm
What about Arthur Rhodes are Scoot Downs both LH.
Andrew in PA
November 22nd, 2010
11:02 pm
Maybe the rangers will take a flyer on d Lowe
Andrew in PA
November 22nd, 2010
11:04 pm
Fred, Rhodes seems like a great fit, nice call.
Russell Bell
November 22nd, 2010
11:05 pm
I don’t see Young beating out Nate for the starting gig in CF unless Nate basically goes 0 for ST. If Young makes the team, he’s coming off the bench (ast least to begin the season).
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
11:06 pm
Nolie
Did Putz sign somewhere or was that his previous contract?
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
11:07 pm
I don’t see Rhodes as a fit. We already have the situational lefty in EOF and then we have Venters. Don’t really see where Rhodes fits in there.
Russell Bell
November 22nd, 2010
11:07 pm
Andrew – why would the Braves trade Lowe? Who replaces him in the rotation? Would they get enough back to make it worthwhile? Or do you want them to trade him to make budget space to sign a different, over-priced FA?
AdirondackDave
November 22nd, 2010
11:09 pm
Jmart — I agree with you on that. Cox was loyal to a fault with his vets, literally. If Matt Young earns the CF job in spring training, start the season with him in center and let McLouth ride the pine until/unless Young falters.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
11:09 pm
I thought that was his 2010 contract with CWS P’C, but I might be misremembering.
jmart
November 22nd, 2010
11:10 pm
One reason not to trade any of the Braves young pitching right now. Teams that are short on pitching tend to get even shorter on pitching in ST and April. Waiting until those teams have the reality of pitching problems rather than the perception of pitching problems makes them a little more willing to trade decent talent in return.
Optimism runs rampant during the Winter, even for GMs and Managers. Let reality set in for them and at the same time gauge what the Braves really have in CF in ST and April.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
11:10 pm
I don’t see Rhodes as a fit either
RichieRich86
November 22nd, 2010
11:12 pm
Guys yal are taking Chippers comment on not coming to spring training in shape the wrong way. They are in shape. Believe me I’m there a few times a week. It’s funny their spring traning is just the same as the Phillies. They do a few things different but nothing like bootcamp wise. I live 10mins from the Phillies Complex and their camp is pretty boring if you ask me. The Braves work a lot harder I think than the Phillies do. All he’s saying is that in spring training they don’t do a lot of like running I guess you would say. Example like a football work out. A lot of managers run their players to death.
Russell Bell
November 22nd, 2010
11:14 pm
Yeah, Rhodes is likely too expensive. I think Wren should ‘bargain shop’ to fix up the bullpen. Braves seem to have a good track record of finding decent RPs on the cheap.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
11:16 pm
Nates been productive in the past. And was productive when he first arrived. Hes not going to carry this team if thats what everyone is expecting. Nate is in his prime years, his issue is probably just in his swing. New hitting coach with new take on hitting could certainly help. Not unrealistic for him to bounce back.
Andrew in PA
November 22nd, 2010
11:18 pm
Mr bell, it could be there only chance to get out of the contract. They could sign javy for less then ten.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
11:18 pm
I don’t know that I’d bargain shop. Rhodes problem isn’t his price its that he just doesn’t fit in the bullpen spot we need. I don’t think we need one of the expensive top guys just a guy with a good track record.
glord1
November 22nd, 2010
11:19 pm
I think the Braves are pretty much done this offseason. Chipper and Nate make to much money to replace so you have to see how they come back from injury(Chipper) and a poor year(Nate). Need a back up Corner infielder and another back up outfielder.
Rotation set -
Lowe
Hudson
Jurrjens
Hanson
Minor/Beachy
Bullpen
Kimbrel
Venters
Moylan
OFlarety
Baachy/Minor
?
I would save any money for another OF next summer to Repace Chipper(moving Matin to third) or Nate in CF.
nolie
November 22nd, 2010
11:19 pm
they lost some real payroll in the pen, I would like to see them get one proven reliever. I think the pen could be more trouble than most here apparently do, with all the younguns in important slots.
Russell Bell
November 22nd, 2010
11:20 pm
Andrew, I just don’t see it happening. Not sure the Braves would get enough back for Lowe to make it worth their while.
P'cola Brave
November 22nd, 2010
11:21 pm
Nolie
Who do you like in the reliever department?
Russell Bell
November 22nd, 2010
11:23 pm
No doubt Nolie, the bullpen is the area of the team that needs the most fixing up before the season starts. While I’m advocating a ‘bargin shopping’ approach to filling RP spots, this approach includes signing proven guys for 1.5 – 2.5 mill on 1 year deals. No multi-year contracts or high-priced guys is what I should have emphasized.
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
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
11:07 am
And Freeman starting out slow…
That seems to mesh well with this team…
Hopefully Uggla isn’t a slow starter too.
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
11:08 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?
Okay, at first I thought it was just a typo, but then you said franize twice
rocky
November 23rd, 2010
11:09 am
The braves need to go after Colby Rasmus or BJ Upton at centerfield. We got a steal in the trade for Uggla only giving up two players….a good utility player(utility being the key word) and a relief pitcher. Here’s a thought bring back Jeff Francoeur. It will give us another right handed bat to add to our bench with some pop. I am not confident Chipper will finish the season and prado will eventually playing third by seasons end. Jeff is a more than capable outfielder. I also wouldn’t mind giving Jordan Shafer another look at centerfield.
LTBF
November 23rd, 2010
11:09 am
P- town:
Freemans stats last year show that.
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
11:10 am
But a lot of the hate for Chipper is based on 1) his large paycheck, 2) his injury history, and 3) his declining production. Which is understandable….if you’re making $15 millionish (I forget the exact amount) people expect you to produce and stay healthy.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
11:10 am
LTBF
well with Bobby gone they can’t hate on him. Now all blame will go to Chipper.
rocky
November 23rd, 2010
11:12 am
We need to sign Chipper Jones as our hitting coach but we need to be realistic…he is on the decline and we need to groom Martin Prado as our future third baseman.
JoeFan
November 23rd, 2010
11:12 am
The Braves are on the hook to Chipper for the next two seasons at $14 million per year. If Chipper truly wants to help the Braves he can (1) renegotiate the contract, spreading the payments out over multiple years and thus freeing up salary with which to improve the team or (2) request a trade to the AL where he can serve as a DH and freeing up salary for the Braves. Otherwise, the Braves are are restricted in who they persue until 2013. Under these circumstances and lets not forget Lowe’s contract, it’s going to be interesting watching them try and be competitive while trying to fill potential holes at 3B, SS, LF and CF and maybe 1B. It will truly be a game of musical chairs.
Nova Scotia Steve
November 23rd, 2010
11:15 am
Totally get what some are saying about Freeman – He really didn’t get enough AB’s for us to give a proper assessment.
I just lacking some confidence in the guy. As stated in my post on the last page – I’m more than willing to give the guy a chance….and maybe he is a slow starter at the play like a LaRoche…I know he absolutely tore it up for 2/3 of the AAA season.
I truly wish we could somehow keep Derek Lee tho – maybe that’s me just being greedy. But don’t you think that would be awesome.
Wow.
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
11:15 am
See what I mean?
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
11:16 am
And Freeman starting out slow…That seems to mesh well with this team…
Hopefully Uggla isn’t a slow starter too.
Making some reckless November assumptions about Chipper’s health and Nate’s swing, it shouldn’t matter quite as much in 2011 if a player or two start slowly, or even go bad at the same time. For the first time in who knows when, there is some offensive depth to the lineup. That at least gives the team some offensive margin for error.
You get five guys in that projected lineup going good, pretty much regardless of the order, they are going to score some big-time runs. Something slightly less effective than that, and they are still going to score enough most nights to back the pitching. You couldn’t say that in previous years; the major parts of the lineup all had to be going good, all the time, just about.
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
November 23rd, 2010
11:17 am
Braveheart,
On a personal aside, would you borrow all that money to go to law school today? Would you do it the same way? The reason I ask is I have a junior at UGA who is wrestling with that very question right now.
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
11:17 am
Once again I will point out that if Chipper is overpaid now (not my premis), then he was certainly a bargain for all those other years, and the Braves owe him back pay (restructuring his contract twice, giving the team a hometown discount instead of going FA, playing LF for the team, etc.). This debate is getting real tiresome.
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
11:21 am
Honestly, I understand the Chipper criticism…I don’t agree with it, but I understand it.
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
11:22 am
nova scotia Freeman didn’t impress me from an offensive stand point one bit.
sorry he didnt impress you in his 24 plate appearances. maybe you should check out what he did in his previous 500.
ya’ll, he absolutley destoyed AAA as a 20 year old. nothing he did in atlanta at the plate should finalize your thoughts about freddie freeman.
the kid has a kevin youkilis type hack and he is going to provide some exciting moments for braves fans in 2011.
BravePack
November 23rd, 2010
11:24 am
Carroll
Do the Braves usually keep contract talks quiet or will there be some rumblings that the media will hear of when they are talking with Uggla’s agent about an extension? Basically what I’m asking is if you will know when talks are going on or can it just come out that he signed an extension?
Chuck
November 23rd, 2010
11:24 am
Hey Carrol! What does it mean to a player when they are put on the 40-man roster? Do they have any perks other than being protected against the rule 5 draft?
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
11:27 am
Chuck, I believe they are also guaranteed the major league minimum, but I could be wrong.
CB
November 23rd, 2010
11:31 am
DAP,good comparison between Youkilis and Freeman. We can hope he has a Youkilis-type career.
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
11:36 am
The Braves could conceivably have four straight top-10 prospects debuting from 2010-2013. Heyward last year, Freeman this year, Teheran next year and Salcedo in 2013.
I know projecting Salcedo this far ahead might be silly, but I’ve seen some video of this kid and he looks like Alfonso Soriano, wiry with a lot of bat speed. I’m hoping last years .239 OBP and 28 errors in 52 games at Rome was some debut jitters. I think this kid will climb the charts this year. Keep in mind Teheran’s first few attempts at the lower levels didn’t go so well either, but he arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball. I think these latin kids take some time to get used to life in the states.
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
11:38 am
CB, i sat here trying to think of someone who’s swing looks as violent through the zone as freeman’s. yook came to mind. those guys swing hard.
i dont really expect freeman to OBP the way youkilis does, but i wouldnt be surprised with similar power numbers. ill take 60-70 extrabase hits per year.
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
11:38 am
It took Youkilis 5 years to have what I would consider an above-average season. Except for OBP
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
11:40 am
Forget what I said…I just noticed all his doubles. McFann would have a field day
dpelfrey
November 23rd, 2010
11:41 am
Oh, make that 5 straight years, forgot about Tommy in 2009.
Husker Tony
November 23rd, 2010
11:41 am
Lets trade for Albert Pujols shouldn’t be too hard to get from the Cards I wouldn’t think.
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
11:45 am
i dont really expect freeman to OBP the way youkilis does, but i wouldnt be surprised with similar power numbers.
Put Freeman in perspective. Probably a dozen or so players in his league last year with an OPS over .800, only three of them under age 25, and Freeman’s OPS dwarfed the other two youngsters (Alonso and Montero). Against players five to ten years older.
Even a casual glance at his performance catches your eye, but put it in perspective against his competition, and it’s nearly jaw-dropping.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
11:46 am
DAP
This might make you feel bad about Freeman but if you watch Freeman’s batting stance and swing then watch Rick Ankiel’s batting stance and swing they’re pretty close!! I’m sure that’s not the comparison you wanted.
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
11:46 am
What about Kawakami and McLouth for Pujols? Might not be enough….we might have to sign Melky first and then throw him in too.
Carroll Rogers
November 23rd, 2010
11:48 am
BravePack, we usually don’t hear rumblings until they are close to something like that. …
Chuck, that’s a good question. Rule 5 draft is the biggee. Not sure beyond that.
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
11:49 am
Jeffery d
I think you need to ask for Rasmus back also if they get Nate and KK
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
11:52 am
Freeman has a wider base but the shoulders, bat angle and violence of the swing are quite similar but the outcome is normally quite different. Freeman = contact/power Ankiel = Breeze
Freeman knows how to use the bat period. I’m pretty confident he can play above replacement level in his 1st year and be a star in the years to come.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
11:53 am
Ok…
First I hear bring back Andruw Jones…
Then I hear bring back Jeff Francoeur…
Someone just go ahead and finish the trifecta and ask to bring back Kelly…
I KNOW YOU WANT TO
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
11:58 am
P-Town Brave
Sounds goog. Kelly can be the utility IF we looking for
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
11:58 am
goog = good
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
12:03 pm
You think Kelly could play CF?
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
12:17 pm
crazytrademan,This might make you feel bad about Freeman but if you watch Freeman’s batting stance and swing then watch Rick Ankiel’s batting stance and swing they’re pretty close!! I’m sure that’s not the comparison you wanted.
yeah that doesnt inspire confidence, but it does make me wonder…why is rick ankiel swinging as if he is 6′5” 230?
its ok to swing hard when you dont swing at everything and your head doesnt pull off like home plate smells bad or something, like ankiel does.
Andrew in PA
November 23rd, 2010
12:19 pm
i would take kelly back in a minute,i think he could start the game in center then nate could finish. Kelly could also fill in at left and second.
Carroll Rogers
November 23rd, 2010
12:23 pm
As expected Braves will not offer Derrek Lee salary arbitration. Braves GM Frank Wren confirmed.
Marie Williams
November 23rd, 2010
12:44 pm
Wow! Chipper even joking about another woman (Carrie Underwood) is sick…Knew there is a reason why my opinion of him as not changes since he went to Hooters. Love my Braves, but not Larry.
GTSteve
November 23rd, 2010
12:46 pm
This is why Ankiel swings like he is 6′5″ 230
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDMitWXKaB0&feature=related
Ahia Braves Fan
November 23rd, 2010
12:58 pm
Carroll Rogers can you take over this blog full time? It is so much more enjoyable and informative to say the least when you fill in. I think you should just take this over completely. No disrespect meant to DOB, but there is no comparison between your blog and his. Great Job!
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
1:05 pm
We could sign Kelly to play LF and put Prado back on the bench as a utility player where he belongs. Don’t know why Cox ever benched Kelly for Prado to begin with. All Prado did was get hurt and loaf around when we needed him the most. We would have been WS champs with Kelly at second last year.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
November 23rd, 2010
1:06 pm
Hey Carroll, what canyou tell us by the newest minor league signings that happened within the last 24 hours:
Via MLBTR
Outfielder Jose Constanza, 27, batted .319/.373/.394 at Triple-A for the Indians;
28-year-old infielder Ed Lucas hit .307/.398/.480 at Triple-A for the Royals;
Utilityman Wilkin Castillo can catch and play in the infield and outfield, but hasn’t hit Triple-A pitching
Shawn Bowman, 25, hit 22 homers at Double-A.
Nick
November 23rd, 2010
1:11 pm
Heyman reporting Hinske has signed with Brewers.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
November 23rd, 2010
1:16 pm
Low balling Hinske, and now he is headed to Milwaukee. Now i think you have to sign Matty Diaz
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
1:16 pm
Wow – Aubrey Huff went from a 1 yr 3M deal earlier this year to a 2 Yr 22 M deal today. Good work by the agent.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
1:21 pm
We would have been WS champs with Kelly at second last year.
Yeah now we have to waste our money on Dan freakin Uggla this year!!! We could’ve made a deal for a new LF and left Kelly at 2B for the 2011 season. Then we would’ve had the best bench in baseball next year (Prado and Infante) and as we all know a great bench is the most important thing when trying to win a championship!!!!
If only Bobby and Frank knew what they were doing.
↑↑↑↑ oozing of sarcasm ↑↑↑↑
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
1:24 pm
Low balling Hinske, and now he is headed to Milwaukee
I don’t really think the Braves really really wanted Hinski!! We really need a RH back up at 1B not another LH.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:25 pm
Crazy-
You I get…(too well sometimes
)
Fleming, I’m not so sure he IS joking…
cj
November 23rd, 2010
1:25 pm
hinske is reportedly going to sign with the brewers. i just dont get it, where did the braves payroll money go? you got about $5 million to spend and you spend only $1 million on hisnke? where you gonna get a bat off the bench like hinske????
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:25 pm
Crazy-
Who could we get that is THAT solid at THAT cost?!
Nova Scotia Steve
November 23rd, 2010
1:27 pm
We need to offer Hinske two-years – the market seems like it’s widening up for this guy.
If Matt Diaz can earn $2.5 million for hitting lefties well and acting as a part-time player – I think Hinske is deserving at at least $2 million per -season.
Offer him $3.5 million over two-years with incentives that give him the opportunity to earn more…
CB
November 23rd, 2010
1:28 pm
Where are we seeing Hinske has signed?
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
1:29 pm
P-Town
Who’s joking. You know as well as I do that Prodo has utility written all over him and Kelly would have been an All Star if Bobby would have let him play
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
1:30 pm
No disrespect meant to DOB
Yeah, no disrespect, DOB. Your blog’s just a lot better when someone else writes it (SARCASM, btw)
Travis
November 23rd, 2010
1:31 pm
Not seeing anything that suggests Hinske signed with the Brewers.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:31 pm
Um…
Fleming…
Its ————-> way to the looney bin
Nova Scotia Steve
November 23rd, 2010
1:31 pm
CB – He hasn’t signed but it seems the Brewers are pushing for him. GM Doug Melvin confirmed they made him an offer.
I don’t think he has signed or anything is imminent – from what I’ve seen through twitter and mlbtraderumors
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
1:32 pm
Where are we seeing Hinske has signed?
So far nowhere except the blog troll’s post. So nowhere of importance really.
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
1:32 pm
i cant decide what i think about hinske….i think i would stick to a one year deal with him…not sure though.
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
1:33 pm
Um….
P-Town
Went there and they said they were saving the only bed available for someone named P-Town Brave.
Gone Viral
November 23rd, 2010
1:34 pm
I cannot wait for Liberty to sell the team. John Malone is worth $2.5 billion and they’re still nickel-and-diming the Braves all over the place.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:35 pm
Yikes!
I knew I probably shouldn’t have brought it up earlier and left the door open for the Kelly Johnson *ss kissing fan club…
CB
November 23rd, 2010
1:35 pm
SB,I knew who posted it- just trying to nip it in the bud. Nip it,I said nip it in the bud.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
1:35 pm
P-Town
Not saying I wouldn’t want him I’d love to have Hinski back. But, if other teams are making multiyear contracts and the Braves are only giving him a 1 year deal it could be a sign to how much the Braves really want him. He is a great pinch hitter and emergency 1B/LF but I do think we need someone to back-up 1B that is RH. I guess Mather is that guy right now!?!?!
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:36 pm
GV-
Yeah, that guy’s more frugal than Matlock.
Travis
November 23rd, 2010
1:36 pm
He isn’t much worse than Anderson as far as range in LF and he has played a decent first base but he has a sweet compact swing that produces hits when they are needed. Proffessional back up type player. He’s far better than Norton and Ankiel off the bench but less than Infante. By quite a bit.
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
1:36 pm
P-Town
Don’t you just love it when someone makes a post that is so obviously sarcasm and some people just can’t seem to understand.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
1:37 pm
By the way Hinski hasn’t signed with anyone yet and Heyman hasn’t said jack. Ignore nick the dick!!
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
1:38 pm
Who’s joking. You know as well as I do that Prodo has utility written all over him
Sounds just like the guy we need…Who is he anyway and where exactly does he play? Or he just a hobbit with a cousin named Frodo?
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:39 pm
Crazy-
Yeah, I guess he is…
Flem-
Yeah, well, its hard to see sarcasm online…
Thus why I’d like to invent something and make millions to show sarcasm…
Anyways, there’s that and well, you can never tell because there are still Kelly lovers out there…I mean like I said in my 1st post, there are ppl suggesting that we bring back AJ and Frenchy…
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
November 23rd, 2010
1:39 pm
I liked KJ but the goal was to get more right handed, KJ hits the ball hard and fielded his position well but was not better than Prado. Would not be suprised to see him back after Chipper retires, playing the OF though
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
1:40 pm
I guess Mather is that guy right now!?!?!
Apparently it is this fella name Prodo…Any info on him?
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
1:40 pm
P-Town
Maybe calling Prado Prodo would be a clue
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
1:41 pm
CB
I was trying to be subtle about it but looks like Crazy took care of that emphatically.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
1:41 pm
Ease
(clears throat)
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
1:42 pm
Prodo is a mix between an infielder and a hobbit
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
1:43 pm
Jeffrey
Yeah and he has this magic ring.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:43 pm
Yeah, Heyman has said nothing of the sort…
His last Tweet was about going on 98.5 in Boston and the one before that was about going to his 6 yr old daughters Thanksgiving play…
Carroll Rogers
November 23rd, 2010
1:44 pm
By the way, I asked Wren about Wagner still being on the 40-man roster. He said that’s the case because Wagner’s option automatically vested. He won’t come off the 40-man until he files his retirement paperwork. When I asked if he had any reason to think that won’t happen, Wren said no. So it’s just paper pushing.
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
1:44 pm
I say a 2 year 2 million plus incentives would get HInske.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
1:44 pm
Ease,
Now if people think Matt Young is too short what makes you think this (Prodo) cousin of a hobbit will be better?
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:45 pm
Hey, don’t get short with me Mr. Prodo
Yeah, good one Flem…no I apparently overlooked that…
Then again, after the constant use of these names:
-McClouth
-Shafer
-Schaefer
-Ankeel
-Medlin
-Hinski (sorry Crazy)
I tend to overlook name misspellings…
MaconBraves (RIP)
November 23rd, 2010
1:45 pm
Really hope that Wren gets Hinske back, even if it takes offering a two year deal. The guy brings a lot to the team coming off the bench and brings immeasurable positives in the clubhouse.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
1:46 pm
Cliff Lee apparently offered 6 yrs and wants 7. He’s 32 and wants a guaranteed contract worth over 20M at age 39. If it comes down to that the Rangers would probably be better off not signing him. That way we can all laugh at the Yankees when they trot a bunch of underperforming old and expensive stars in 4-5 years time.
Carroll Rogers
November 23rd, 2010
1:46 pm
Brooklyn Braves Brawler i can tell you Frank says they’re a good group and are the kind of guys they think “have the ability to help us at the major league level at some point.”
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
1:47 pm
A Prodo looks something like this
http://busleagues.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/img_9282.jpg
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
1:48 pm
Is Marcus Thames a free agent???
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:48 pm
The Brooklyn Brawler huh…
Who are you jobbing to next buddy?
Nice to see you on Old School Raw last week jobbing once again and gettin massacred by Zeke.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
1:49 pm
P Twon
It’s OK!! I’ll pay more attention to name spellings!!
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
1:49 pm
Prodo is probably somewhere between Young and Nate…they are both from The Shire too I believe…
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:49 pm
7 years?!
I’m not sure I would give Pujols 7 years
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
1:50 pm
GET MARCUS THAMES
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
1:50 pm
Crazy-
Thanks bruther!
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
1:52 pm
P-Town – besides, Fleming is not THAT guy! Gotta know who the troublemakers are…
just occured to me
November 23rd, 2010
1:53 pm
call me crazy, but bringing Andruw back to Atlanta may not be such a bad idea, especially if Hinske doesnt work out. Andruw wouldnt have to be the everyday guy, but he would provide some insurance in CF and a bit of outfield power, perhaps at a reasonable price
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
1:53 pm
Oh and I don’t mean the good kind of trouble like CraZy, myself, jeffrey, etc. like to make…
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
1:53 pm
Lefty on mound
Prado CF
Heyward RF
Thames LF
Righty on Mound
Heyward RF
Malouth CF
Prado LF
MFin04
November 23rd, 2010
1:54 pm
Snotboogie – We may be laughing at the Yankees during the last 2 years of the contract, but when they win 2 or 3 world series in the first 5 years they might be a little bit giggly.
It is the same situation we are going through with Derek Lowe and Chipper. We needed them the first two years of the contract, but in order to keep them we had to overpay them the last 2 years. That’s just the nature of long term contracts. Cliff Lee is definitely worth the first five years at that price, so you just suck it up for the last year or two. Plus for the Yankees it is a completely different animal with the amount of money they spend.
The Chipper signing is actually probably worse since it handicapped the Braves this year and possibly next year. It doesn’t really handicap the Yankees that much.
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
1:54 pm
Thames crushes lefties in also is a right hand bat that give Freeman some rest if he has difficulty hitting lefties
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
1:55 pm
Ease
(clears throat)
Gotta a cold Snot?
Efrim
November 23rd, 2010
1:58 pm
Prado in center field? Yikes.
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
2:00 pm
xavier nady, fernando tatis and ty wigginton are also free agents and could backup 1st and OF. garret atkins is available and can do 1st and 3rd for you… all these guys are also right handed. plus the braves have joe mather in the fold.
i think that if the braves decide to pony up and pay hinske, they are showing they value him alot. if they do, thats fine with me.
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
2:02 pm
i just have a hard time thinking they need hinske’s spot to be taken by a lefthander, unless they view his role much different than i do….thats very possible.
i consider conrad to be the lefthanded pop off the bench, and hinske to be a part time player with pinch hitting being a side note…i just dont know…
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
2:02 pm
DAP
I think this is a lefty plagued bench with Matt Young, and Hinske
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
2:03 pm
DAP
I’ve mentioned Nady before and people usually hate the idea. But as a backup 1B and OF I think he’d be a great pickup.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
2:03 pm
MFin04
I am referring not just to Cliff Lee but to the other long term deals as well. A-Rod, possibly Jeter with a 4 yr deal, Tex and I am really not sure Lee can maintain his standard even for the next 5 years. The only good contract they might have by 2014 is Cano and possibly CC.
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
2:04 pm
Lots of sarcasm today. So outragious, it’s hard to believe some don’t recognize it as such.
Hinske wants 2, Braves want 1. It’s a judgement call, and I am okay either way.
Careful what you wish for. Lots of owners, individual and corporate, are not willing to spend what Liberty is, including Time-Warner.
MFin04 – You cannot acurately predict wheather Chipper and Lowe will be “worth” what we will pay them next year in November. For example, I think the Braves were pretty happy with Lowe overall this year. It’s funny that the same people that want to pay FA’s big $$$ on longterm contracts, are the first to complain about the money after the first year or two. Go figure.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
2:04 pm
DAP
If your talking RH that can play 1B and 3B throw Cantu in that mix. I just don’t know his price comes down low enough.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
2:06 pm
Gotta a cold Snot?
You have been waiting to say that – admit it.
I was just making sure you realized he was kidding before the “Prodo” train gained steam.
CB
November 23rd, 2010
2:06 pm
I would prefer to have Ty Wiggington in Hinske’s role,but is more likely out of our price range.
Divisional Recourse: The Digestion of Change | That Balls Outta Here | A Philadelphia Phillies Blog
November 23rd, 2010
2:07 pm
[...] lbs. of fresh Uggla are on the more positive end of their deal, says me and most people involved. Leather Jacket Guy is reporting that Chipper Jones is up and moving around, which is terrible news. If there’s [...]
Efrim
November 23rd, 2010
2:09 pm
The 2011 draft class is anticipated to be very strong, and it may be the last in which the Sox will be able to employ their very successful strategy of paying above slot in later rounds for premium talent that dropped because of contract demands. With the collective bargaining agreement due to expire next November, the draft is expected to undergo extensive revisions as part of negotiations.
An interesting paragraph from Gordon Edes article on ESPN.com about V-Mart signing with the Tigers. In addition to hard slots for draft picks, there is a decent chance that draft pick compensation is eliminated all together, therefore the Braves would have no return from Dan Uggla, should he sign elsewhere. Not sure if this is apart of the draft reconstruction which will happen for 2012, but it’s a possibility…
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
2:12 pm
…..Leather Jacket Guy is reporting that…….
That linked post from above had this curious line in it.
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
2:15 pm
p’cola and CB,
i think both wigginton and cantu are to “big” for the role the braves need filled. before uggla was traded for, they were more of a possibility, because any back up would be looked at to fill a big roll, and get lots of ABs, but at this point, if everything goes to plan, the guy were talking about wont see much action, so cantu and wigginton probably wont be interested. i think both of them will look to be signed as semi-starters…guys who start at least most of the time.
Gone Viral
November 23rd, 2010
2:18 pm
“Lots of owners, individual and corporate, are not willing to spend what Liberty is, including Time-Warner.”
With a payroll of $84.4 million, we were 15th out of 30 teams in payroll this past year, besting the Rockies for $200k for a spot on the upper half of the list. This was down from $96.7 million in 2009, a number that does have some insurance considerations but not enough to counteract the $12 million difference. That is in spite of the fact that management swore we were not cutting payroll in 2010.
I’ll gladly roll the dice that the next owners who come actually take pride in the organization more than Liberty has. We saw it with Ted Turner and we see it with Arthur Blank. It’s an abomination that the baseball team of the entire south is treated as a ledger sheet item by Liberty.
MFin04
November 23rd, 2010
2:20 pm
raleighbravefan – Chipper will not be worth what we pay him, that’s a guarantee. This is the same guy that is hurt every single year and is going to come into Spring Training out of shape and have some variety of hunting injuries. Derek Lowe has already shown he wasn’t worth what we have already paid him, but I don’t disagree with the signing. They had to sign someone and they overpaid to do so. But that is what you do in the free agent market. You overpay.
It is kinda ironic that they will overpay Chipper and Lowe, but squabble over a million dollars to Hinske and Diaz. Just pay those guys and be on your way. Don’t low ball them and make them feel unwanted and they leave and go somewhere else. I don’t think they’ve done that to Diaz, but they sure have done so with Hinske and it could cost them one of the best pinch hitters in all of baseball last year. Not to mention he probably should have been starting games in LF for the Braves.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:24 pm
Hello: I think Matt Young will be great! Remember Otis Nixon he was very short, and made one of the greatest catches ever in center field. He caught the ball….. He caught the ball….Matt young will have more power.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
2:26 pm
This is the same guy that is hurt every single year and is going to come into Spring Training out of shape and have some variety of hunting injuries.
Has he come in to ST out of shape and with hunting injuries before? I dont remember reading about this.
Do you know they are indeed low-balling Hinske? There is a tweet on the sidebar saying that it is not known whether it is a 1 yr or 2 yr offer – the earlier offer was 1 yr 1.5 M (according to Bowman). We dont know what negotiations are happening and teams dont always give what players and their agents ask for initially – it is a negotiation. Doesnt mean he isnt respected or wanted. Can we at least not pull out information from thin air before it’s all settled.
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
2:27 pm
raleighbravefan
Don’t tell me you already forgot MFin04 has a crystal ball.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:32 pm
Chipper has no love here.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:33 pm
Lee just got dumped by the braves. no arbritration is going to be offered.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
2:33 pm
If 6′2″ is short, then I must be related to Prodo too…
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
2:33 pm
ward
Otis Nixon was 6′ 2″. You think of him as short because he was so skinny from all the cocaine.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
2:35 pm
Dang-it Ease….
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:36 pm
I think Chipper could hit 2.80. 20 homers 80RBI, and 8 stolen bases. Taht would be a solid year, and i would be happy with that.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:39 pm
Crazy; It dosn’t matter how tall Otis is! I was making a piont: Matt young will be better.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
2:39 pm
Uh-oh, ward has don-key disease…he already repeated that…
How awesome would it be if he could 2.80!!!!!!!!!????
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
2:40 pm
Chipper has no love here.
It’s ok Chipper gets plenty of love at hΘΘters.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
2:40 pm
Sorry CraZy, guess I’m quicker on the refresh today!!!
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:42 pm
Crazy: I believe Chipper will pay well, and you guy’s will still complain.
MFin04
November 23rd, 2010
2:43 pm
No one on the team hit .280 with 20 homers and 80 rbi this year. So if Chipper did hit that, we should be ecstatic. Of course if he hits .260 to .270 with 10 homers and 46 rbis this year like he did last year, I’m sure all of us on here will be cheering that we paid him 15 million to do so. And we will encourage his off-season hunting work-out program.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:43 pm
Chipper will play well. I think he’s going to work hard at it.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
2:43 pm
ward
All I said was Otis Nixon was 6′2″ didn’t say 1 thing about Matt!? You were the one making the comparison.
Murph
November 23rd, 2010
2:45 pm
I see ward is in the house, bringing his usual amazing ward perspective to the blog.
ward – “Matt Young is short, but look at Otis Nixon, he was short too but made an amazing catch”
Crazy – “Otis Nixon wasn’t short”
ward – “That’s not the point I was trying make. I was saying the Matt Young will be better than Otis”
everyone – “huh?”
ward – “do you guys think the Braves will trade for Uggla?”
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:46 pm
MFin04: That wouldn’t be bad for Chipper either.What Chipper does in his off time is none of our buisness.
DAP
November 23rd, 2010
2:46 pm
ease How awesome would it be if he could 2.80!!!!!!!!!????
i think chipper could do it if it werent mathematically impossible. he would have to get almost 3 hits per AB. in the history of baseball, no one has ever gotten more than 1 hit per AB.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:47 pm
Murph: Chipper been getting hammered.
Murph
November 23rd, 2010
2:48 pm
Good point ward. Matt Young will be better than Otis Nixon because Chipper has been getting hammered on the blog.
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
2:48 pm
If Chipper payes well the only ones complaining will be the ones not getting paid
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:48 pm
If Chipper stays healthy he could be come back player of the year! Hudson won it this year.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:50 pm
Murph: The more i hear about Matt Young the more i like him.We could have another rookie of the year ?
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
2:52 pm
We could have another rookie of the year ?
Possibly but his name would be Freeman.
Hillbilly
November 23rd, 2010
2:52 pm
Oh no! According to his blog, Peter Moylan went snorkling last week. Sharks! Jellyfish! Sting Rays! Steve Irwin! What the hell is he thinking? Get on the treadmill and cut it out with all the fun stuff, you bum.
Christ, this is ridiculous, this senseless bashing.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:53 pm
Maybe two challenging the spot?
Murph
November 23rd, 2010
2:53 pm
ward, without a doubt. I’m worried that Matt Young’s short stature doesn’t bode will for him, though. When all the rookies stand up on the stage to be voted on at the end of the year I’m betting that the judges will be height biased. Simon Cowell has shown a propensity to vote for taller candidates in the past.
TennesseePaul
November 23rd, 2010
2:54 pm
Chipper will not be worth what we pay him, that’s a guarantee.
This guarantee… is this baseball related, as in, game performance, or business related?
I think it would be rather myopic to only view this from an on-field value level. Chipper will bring in the money even if he isn’t playing up to his 1999 MVP standards. He’s a very important part of the team.
From a purely game related view point, Chipper may not be worth $14M next year. It’s impossible to say right now as that depends largely on his recovery. If he can recover then it should be noted though that Chipper had turned his 2010 season around prior to the injury.
Preceding the injury he had hit:
.296/.384/.487/.870 in the 55 games preceding
.302/.382/.531 /.913 in the 29 games preceding
.333/.411/.556/.967 in the 18 games preceding.
Those numbers would be worth $14M. For reference:
Only 12 players in the NL had an OPS over .870 last season.
Only 7 players in the NL had an OPS over .900 last season.
Only 3 players in the NL had an OPS over .950 last season.
Only 11 players in the NL had an OBP over .380 last season.
Only 18 players in the NL hit over .290 last season with only 11 over .300
So, yeah, if he returns healthy, he could very well be worth $14M. But no one will know until he gets out there and plays. The odds are not easily in his favor, but Hall of Fame players typically defy the odds. So let’s just wait and see.
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
2:54 pm
Maybe two challenging the spot?
Yes. You could possibly add Craig Kimbrel as candidate
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
2:55 pm
DAP – BUT wouldn’t that be so cool? Too have something done that was mathematically impossible by none other than Chipper Jones? I mean a hammered Chipper Jones at that! I’ll bet he could even win Rookie of the Year with stats like that!
ward
November 23rd, 2010
2:56 pm
I was once hammering Chipper, and i realized you shouldn’t hammer your best player on the team, and one of the best Braves players in Braves history.
shinburger
November 23rd, 2010
2:56 pm
wow it’s nasty weather here in idaho, most of the state is shut down.What better to do than check in on the blog?
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
2:57 pm
Ease – I’ll bet he could even win Rookie of the Year with stats like that!
Naw. Matt’s got that sewed up.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
2:57 pm
I was once hammering Chipper, and i realized you shouldn’t hammer your best player on the team,
Did anyone tell Werth that?
Murph
November 23rd, 2010
2:57 pm
Ease, I don’t know that Chipper will have enough B.A.R.S. to qualify as a rookie again. He has to get at least 215 and I don’t know that the knee will allow him to be in the lineup long enough to get them. Maybe, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
2:58 pm
Fleming – Chipper’s way taller than Matt…I can just feel it.
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
2:59 pm
Bat –
I’m all for creative exaggeration, but the use of plethora when even plural didnt apply seemed too much for me to bite my tongue. _ Snotboogie
Rightfully so, I would say. This blog would be a mundane place this time of year without the good natured digs. Well done.
Murph
November 23rd, 2010
2:59 pm
ward, don’t worry, I once hammered Glenn Hubbard, but when he won 1BCoY I was very protracted in my filibustering. What can I say, I am indubious.
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
3:00 pm
But Ease
He might burn wear his legs down hitting 2.80 and be shorter than Matt
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
3:01 pm
Do we even know what plethora means?
Murph
November 23rd, 2010
3:01 pm
Ease, did you calculate Chippers SWART when looking at the height difference? I don’t believe he’ll have the numbers.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
3:02 pm
Fleming – But if he is hammered and still batting 2.80, maybe he will at least seem taller?
MFin04
November 23rd, 2010
3:02 pm
TennesseePaul – I think the problem with using averages is Chipper only played in 100 games. Which is one reason his average numbers are inflated. But, yeh it is possible that Chipper comes back and plays well. But will he play in enough games to make it worth it? That remains to be seen. Not to mention his defense has been sharply declining over the past few seasons, and injuries to an ACL surely can’t help his range.
Although, his ACL injury could be a blessing in disguise for the rest of his body which got a lot of extra rest this season. So here is to hoping that Chipper comes back rejuvenated. He could without a doubt help this team.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
3:04 pm
Murph: My point is to give Chipper a chance, and if i’m wrong i’ll come on here, and say i’m wrong. It’s really cold in Montana too.Snow up to the door steps.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
3:04 pm
Murph – just taking UZI and WARP into account…
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
3:07 pm
Obviously, there can be no consisis on the value/cost of Chipper.Is he getting more now than his numbers justify – sure. Is it fair? It is when you view how baseball works (we have a bunch of young guys who are not making nearly what their numbers would justify). Chipper allowed himself to be underpaid most of his career, mainly because he wanted to remain a Brave, live in Atlanta, and play for Bobby Cox. When he signed his final contract (following winning a NL batting title, I might add), he was finally rewarded for his loyalty and service over a cereer. MF04 (and others) don’t like or respect that. They have their opinion and I have mine. That’s fine, except it has become a tiresome broken record (IMO). The fact is that Chipper is under contract to be paid about $14M for the next 2 years. Only thing to change that is if he is hurt and cannot play (he will get paid, but I assume that insurance will cover a significant part of that), or he decides to retire, which would probably include some sort of buyout agreement. This isn’t football, and you must honor the contract wheather you like it or not. I, for one, believe that when you consider the career, leadership, service, and loyalty that Chipper has given the Braves, that he deserves every penny.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
3:10 pm
Dream big, and the the Braves should have success! I got to go to work, but will chat later tonight when i get back. Peace…. Friends!!!…..”Go!!! Braves!!!.”
Murph
November 23rd, 2010
3:11 pm
ward, the eagle has landed. Boris has 2 red shoes.
You know what to do.
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
3:12 pm
and one of the best Braves players in Braves history. _ ward
I wonder what became of the redundancy office guy.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
3:13 pm
Chipper …. 2.80
I think it’s vertually impossible for a 38 year old all-star 3B to change positions to pitcher and be able to achive a 2.80. No way!!!!!
Murph
November 23rd, 2010
3:15 pm
I believe ward is an Al Qaeda operative using this blog to send out instructions to his cohorts in oddly worded messages. I can’t prove it, but there is definitely something going on.
Is it a coincidence that he posted yesterday and North Korea somehow just decided to shell South Korea for no reason at all? ward, who are you talking to??? What is your mission?
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
3:15 pm
Now I’m really confused. Does Chipper need more rest during the offseason, or does he need more workouts? Its a puzzlement.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
3:15 pm
***virtually***
***achieve***
Sorry P- Twon more misspelling for you.
Fleming
November 23rd, 2010
3:18 pm
Crazy
If he did do that would that mean that since he is no longer a 3B but a pitcher he would be able to win Rookie of Year.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
3:18 pm
raleighbravefan
If Chipper’s going to have a 2.80 he can’t be resting and taking it ease he better start working on his curve ball.
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
3:18 pm
It’s really cold in Montana too.Snow up to the door steps. _ ward
I wonder if they do slab on grade foundations in Montana? We could be talking about drifts up to six inches here.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
3:19 pm
Fleming
His knee may be eligible.
ward
November 23rd, 2010
3:20 pm
Murph: that was very good. My mission is to be optimistic, and to stand up for my team.loyalty is what being a Braves fan is all about. Every one be cool! “Go!!! Braves!!!.”
Travis
November 23rd, 2010
3:22 pm
The “worth” of a lifetime franchise player like CHipper goes beyond on field production. It’s all we fans really care about but his involvement in the community, (and I don’t mean at Hooters)player mentoring and his appeal to the fan base mean money in the bank too. He’s the last guy standing from the old Braves and some fans appreciate his tenure.
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
3:23 pm
Be nice guys
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 23rd, 2010
3:23 pm
ward=whoosh?
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
3:27 pm
Chipper can’t get ROY, even though he got cheated out of the one he should have gotten, but maybe he can get both come-back player and Cy Young. With 2.80 as a pitcher, it’s possible. With 2.80 as a hitteer, he would be the greatest hitter of all time. By a mile. (Ty Cobb = .367) Plus, he would have done the impossible.
jeffrey d
November 23rd, 2010
3:30 pm
If you’re going to pick on a guy for misplacing a decimal, maybe you shouldn’t say “hitteer”
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
3:31 pm
Travis – Well said. I find that our opinion is mostly an “old guy” position, and that the young guys view it differently. I predict that one day many of them will change their viewpoint, as well.
Andrew in PA
November 23rd, 2010
3:31 pm
I cant see Ski signing with the Brewers. He is a winner and the Brewers are not. Unless they offer like 2/5 i just cant see it. I would have no problem offering him 2 years at 3mill.
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
3:32 pm
jeffrey d – Fair enough. I appologize. It’s all in good fun, at least on my end. BTW, I readily admit to being the world’s worst speller, and the problem is magnified when it involves typing.
Andrew in PA
November 23rd, 2010
3:37 pm
OVER OR UNDER
Heyward adds 15 pounds of muscle this offseason (hopefully hes working out with Freeman)
Travis
November 23rd, 2010
3:39 pm
It seems that Hinske has dedicate himself to playing for every team in MLB. Strange way to see the world. He could have just joined the Navy.
RC
November 23rd, 2010
3:41 pm
Heyward adds 15 pounds of muscle this offseason (hopefully hes working out with Freeman)
I’d be happy if he just came to camp in shape and healthy. Remember when Francouer added 15 pounds of muscle over the offseason? It’s not always a good thing for a baseball player.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
3:42 pm
jeffery d
I think everyone was just having a little fun I like the extreme optimism ward brings I don’t think anyone really dislikes him except for murph!!!
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
3:45 pm
Heyward adds 15 pounds of muscle this offseason (hopefully hes working out with Freeman)
Heyward and Freeman adding muscle?OMG. I cant believe it. Why do they always have to come to ST out of shape! Looks like they care less about being fit for the season and more about the gym in the offseason. Why cant they just sit at home, eat cereal bars and play Xbox or something.
coach joe
November 23rd, 2010
3:47 pm
Travis: Funny
Travis
November 23rd, 2010
3:47 pm
This could be an interesting season if Freeman, Uggla and Heyward start hitting some bombs. Sure will take the pressure off of the pitching staff. Still would like to see make a surprise move in CF but not really as pressing as before. I’d rather have a good 3rd base backup like Hall than be moving Prado all the time. Time will tell.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
3:50 pm
Heyward adds 15 pounds of muscle this offseason (hopefully hes working out with Freeman)
Obviously Heyward and Freeman would have no time for hunting if this was true!!
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
3:51 pm
I think Chipper could hit 2.80. 20 homers 80RBI, and 8 stolen bases. ward
Well ward has posted this exact comment more than once, he could have fixed it if he cared to. Maybe he just copies and pastes to save time.
MikeInFl
November 23rd, 2010
3:53 pm
Yeah, Heyward was clearly a little overmatched on that 476-foot HR on opening day. I expect at least 490 on opening day next year.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
3:54 pm
Maybe he just copies and pastes to save time
ward = .Don’s son?
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
November 23rd, 2010
3:58 pm
Nate is short. CUT HIM!
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
4:00 pm
Nate is short. CUT HIM!
That isnt going to help. He’d get even shorter.
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
4:01 pm
maybe ward = .Don (or whatever he is calling himself these days). Haven’t really heard much out of him lately (I’m NOT complaining).
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
November 23rd, 2010
4:03 pm
Travis
It seems that Hinske has dedicate himself to playing for every team in MLB. Strange way to see the world. He could have just joined the Navy.”
I the Navy paid MLB-type wages, I’d have opened this post with “Ahoy There Mateys!”
cj
November 23rd, 2010
4:10 pm
heyward adding another 15 pounds? i dont think so. hes as good of shape as he can phyiscally be. being 6′5 and 240 is the best a guy like that be. he didnt slow down later in the season because he was tired, but because he slid head first oto 3rd base….
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
4:11 pm
Mr. TG Jeans – Very funny!
BTW, I have always wondered if you were related to Mr. (plain) Green Jeans, of Caprain Kangaroo fame.
Moe Berg
November 23rd, 2010
4:11 pm
“It seems that Hinske has dedicate himself to playing for every team in MLB. Strange way to see the world. He could have just joined the Navy.”
The Muppets perform ‘In the Navy’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTwq1_9VH68
The Village People perform ‘In the Navy’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBXu-iY7cw
Efrim
November 23rd, 2010
4:15 pm
I was a little surprised Kerry Wood was offered arbitration. I have to imagine he will accept it.
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
4:18 pm
Moe Berg – My wife was in the Enloe High School ensemble with Randy Jones, the cowboy in the Village People. He’s actually a very nice guy, and he invested his money very well, without squandering it. Of course he is not as big of a celebrity from Raleigh as Josh Hamilton (or Clay Aken, amoung others, for that matter).
My biggest claim to fame, however, is that I was on the receiving end of a middle-finger salute by Rod Stewart in 1986, but that’s another story.
CB
November 23rd, 2010
4:26 pm
raleigh,not many of us on the blog can lay claim to that.
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
4:30 pm
CB – Let’s just say he didn’t like the way I was driving, and let it go at that!
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
4:33 pm
Many would ask:
who the hell is Rod Stewart and what position did he play???
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
4:34 pm
.if you’re making $15 millionish (I forget the exact amount) people expect you to produce and stay healthy. jeffrey
at age 39? He already produces more than most players his age even when hurt.
They are just haters, there is no logic for haters, just excuses to hate.
Haters are all emotion and no logic. It a personality need for them.Whether it’s Chipper or Cox or some political or other sports figure, it’s really about the hater not the individual that he chooses to direct his hate at.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
4:36 pm
I guess if Rod Stewart played a position it would be catcher right??
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
4:37 pm
^^
Don’t you know Crazy…he came in on a downtown train with Maggie May…
He will always be known as forever young and you’ll always be in his heart…
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
4:37 pm
CraZy – His stats aren’t as good as some, but he’s still playing at age 65. I personally think that he has improved quite a bit with age.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
4:39 pm
Raleigh-
Thats because he’s forever young
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
4:40 pm
True, but I have no opinion on wheather or not he is sexy.
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
4:41 pm
.if you’re making $15 millionish (I forget the exact amount) people expect you to produce and stay healthy.
what dose Malone’s personal fortune have to do with what LM spends? It ain’t his money being spent, and he made that from a company where the Braves are a drop in the bucket.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
4:42 pm
Nolie-
Because at some point it is a red or green line on his company letterhead, and maybe he just cares about being in the bright bright green.
Lou Vales
November 23rd, 2010
4:44 pm
I trust someone will save these comments to hurl back at me if I’m mistaken. I wish to describe Daniel Uggla to his new fans.
He plays all out with great effort. When he fails in a clutch situation heappears not to care but I came to understand that blank stare on the walk back to the dugout is a defense mechanism. The man DOES care.
Dan probably has the worst range of ANY MLB 2b. Even routine throws to first on balls hit right at him can be an adventure. He has absolutely no range going back for pop ups.He will infuriate you with his turn on the double play and some of the worst turns will come in the most crucial situations.
Dan must be watched over the course of a full 162 game season to realize just how over valued he is. People with far more time on their hands than myself will be able to document his paucity of hits in “game situations” 7th inning and later. If you are one down, tied or 1 up, you don’t want Daniel Uggla of Columbia, Tennessee at the dish.
He is the epitome of streak hitter, however, he has finally started to develop some patience at the plate increasing his OBP. What you will come to question themost is how he will persistently take the hanging breaking ball or hittable fastball at the belt early in counts ONLY to chase breaking balls 6 inches off the plate with a 2 strike count.
Daniel Uggla will have you infuriated bu the end of the year and you will look back at the 31, 32, 33 or 34 HR’s and try to recall the ones that turned games as opposed to the ones popping up in 9-2 lappers. Also remember Daniel is a pull hitter and even though many of his HR’s would go out anywhere,realize that Landshark,Pro Player Dolpin Stadium or whatever they are now calling it, has a very short porch in left field. In fact more than 90 feet off the line, the distance is no more than 360 feet.Daniel will not take the ball the opposite way and his CF power will be challenged in Turner as it was South Florida.
For the kicker, Daniel is an “old” 30, ask baseball men how fast guys go with Uggla type body types.
Many people think the Braves stole Uggla, I sincerely believe that after 1 year you will see this as a nothing deal that got 10 million off the books of the penurious Marlins.
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
4:46 pm
I detest haters. Every one of them should have both their hands chopped off and their tongues ripped out so we don’t have to put up with their venom.Oh and cut off their toes too, so they caint learn to write with a paint brush either.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
November 23rd, 2010
4:47 pm
raleighbravefan “BTW, I have always wondered if you were related to Mr. (plain) Green Jeans, of Captain Kangaroo fame.”
Yep, but he was the black sheep of the family, and far from plain. He and the captain ran pirate ships up the Hudson between tapings, guns and knives bloating the pockets of his green overalls. Mr. (plain) Green Jeans wore bling like Deion away from the Kangaroo set. Sad to say, but MGJ was off-the-charts diabolical.
coach joe
November 23rd, 2010
4:48 pm
Lou: Ugggla must have burned you big time in your fantasy league..
hope you’re wrong.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
4:48 pm
nolie
In 2009 Chipper had a .818 OPS that was considered one of his worst years of his career. Dan Uggla had a .813 OPS in 2009 his year was considered great!?!? I’m not hating on Dan just pointing out that even in Chipper’s worst years he’s still a productive player. Haters will hate he’s still a productive player!!
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
4:48 pm
Lou, how’s your health holding up?
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
4:48 pm
Apparently it is this fella name Prodo…Any info on him? Ease
ain’t he a hobbit?
Lou Vales
November 23rd, 2010
4:48 pm
By the way, by all accounts and all sightings at games, Daniel Uggla appears to be a great guy and someone you would want to date your daughter, and especially since he’smaking 10 million.
Lou Vales
November 23rd, 2010
4:50 pm
Bat,health is better than ever. Nobody could “hate” Dan Uggla. I hate fantasy leagues.
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
4:51 pm
Glad to hear it Lou.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
4:52 pm
All this hater talk gots me in da mood fo some Rap muzic on my ride back to da crib!!! Youze know what im sayin!!!
raleighbravefan
November 23rd, 2010
4:55 pm
Lou – Why don’t you tell us how you really feel.
Carroll Rogers
November 23rd, 2010
4:57 pm
Lou Vales, Couldn’t tell which way you were going with that. Uggla plays with great effort, and he doesn’t seem to care, but yet he does. then you have nothing but bad things to say after that. hard to follow, my friend. or maybe i need some Starbucks or something.
cj
November 23rd, 2010
4:57 pm
lou vales. too bad i’m only 22 years or i would date him haha
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
4:57 pm
seems to me that a lot of folks are forgetting how mediocre Hinske was the last 4 months averaging to about a 700 hitter. Not sure a two year contract is all that appropriate
BravePack
November 23rd, 2010
4:58 pm
Lou
I don’t know that grand slam I keep seeing over and over against the Phillies seems pretty clutch to me. Seeing him tear apart the Braves for so many years does to. Being a great hitter at Turner may also refute some of what you said and I believe he also puts up big numbers against the Phillies as well. Seeing as the Phillies and Braves will be the only 2 teams fighting for the division again next year I think it bodes well for the Bravos. Oh yeah I’m pretty sure Phillies stadium has even a shorter porch than Marlins…that’ll work to. Nice try though.
Lou Vales
November 23rd, 2010
4:58 pm
By the way, Here’s a heads up on Fredo. Hope nobody ever has to be disciplined. And if you have a pitcher being squeezed, don’t expect Michael and Sonny’s younger brother to argue too much with the arbiter.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
4:58 pm
I’m real confused with some around here…
Uggla hasn’t played a game and yet many are already piling on…
Would you people rather have another year of Melky out in LF?!
Efrim
November 23rd, 2010
4:59 pm
Daniel Uggla will have you infuriated bu the end of the year and you will look back at the 31, 32, 33 or 34 HR’s and try to recall the ones that turned games as opposed to the ones popping up in 9-2 lappers.
Sigh. The clutch factor.
Many people think the Braves stole Uggla, I sincerely believe that after 1 year you will see this as a nothing deal that got 10 million off the books of the penurious Marlins.
I’m not sure what “stealing” a player is in your mind. I can’t think of a more lopsided trade in recent years. Bedard to Seattle? That’s probably a bit strong, but I don’t believe the Braves will miss Omar Infante and Mike Dunn when Uggla is pounding 30 homers.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 23rd, 2010
5:01 pm
look back at the 31, 32, 33 or 34 HR’s and try to recall the ones that turned games as opposed to the ones popping up in 9-2 lappers.
He played for the Marlins not many opportunities to turn games there!!
BravePack
November 23rd, 2010
5:01 pm
Arguing balls and strikes never really did much for Bobby but get him thrown out of games so not a big deal Lou. Anything else you want to rip on the Braves about? I know its hard when your team gets fleeced.
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
5:02 pm
Yeah, Uggla’s not very clutch: .282/.951 with 2-out RISP, .294/.874 late-and-close, .279/.798 in high-leverage spots last year.
Yeah. Big choker. Right.
Efrim
November 23rd, 2010
5:02 pm
And if you have a pitcher being squeezed, don’t expect Michael and Sonny’s younger brother to argue too much with the arbiter.
I’ve seen this written about him before. I don’t really mind too much if my manager isn’t yelling at the ump. I will say that I am very interested to see what certain bloggers think of Fredi 20-30 games in.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
5:03 pm
Scoots-
Looks quite a bit better than when people were discussing Tex in ATL in clutch situations.
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
5:03 pm
Oh yeah: .307/.913 from the 7th on.
Not that that matters, of course.
Lou Vales
November 23rd, 2010
5:03 pm
Carroll, You have not seen players who appear disinterested but really aren’t?????? I’m saying that he NEVER changes facial expressions but he still cares more than 98%.I’m shocked you have not seen that in other players.
As I said the game situations with Daniel’s performances are readily available. Check for yourself. And also take a look at the fielding range. He makes Jeter look like Aparicio.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
5:05 pm
Efrim-
Depends…
Does everyone think its going to be all ho-hum?
Or do we feel as though aspects of the game will change with Fredi at the helm?
THAT is what I will base my feelings on.
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
5:07 pm
Lou the tool is back folks, rantin’ and snortin’ as ever
Lou Vales
November 23rd, 2010
5:10 pm
Crazy, See I came in peace and I get ripped.
One FACT—-The penniless, fanless, still stadiumless, basically ownerless and who wplay in front of MAYBE 7,000 a night STILL have won more World Series in last 14 years as the Atlanta/Milwaukee Braves have won in last 53 years.In fact the Forlorn Fish have won more World CHAMPIONSHIPS in last 14 years as the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Flames/Thrashers have won COMBINED since 1966.
Those are Clevelandesque numbers in their chilling reality.
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
5:10 pm
scoots
Don’t go confusing us with facts, OK!
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
5:11 pm
he does lack range, but he hangs tough in the DP. that makes him scrappy which is a blog fetish
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
5:12 pm
Lou, you never came in peace in your live. You always have an agenda and you always rip someone or something…or both
CB
November 23rd, 2010
5:14 pm
Uggla does appear to be fairly clutch hitter,but is he as clutch as David Eckstein? I think not.
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
5:15 pm
OH boy…
Another Eckstein citing…
MikeInFl
November 23rd, 2010
5:16 pm
The gears were grinding in my car once, CB, and the mechanic said I needed a new Eckstein.
richbrave
November 23rd, 2010
5:17 pm
LOPU VALES:
Pal. Long time no read. Wha’ dup?
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
5:20 pm
Yeah, Uggla’s not very clutch: .282/.951 with 2-out RISP, .294/.874 late-and-close, .279/.798 in high-leverage spots last year.
Yeah. Big choker. Right.
Dun Dun.
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
5:21 pm
Scrappy! Now that’s what I like, a scrappy player.
How’s everybody? Getting ready to have our first big winter blizzard out my way. I can see the mountain out my office window, but that could change within the hour.
Hope you’re all nice and warm wherever you are……
Buckeye Brave
November 23rd, 2010
5:21 pm
Lou,
I think I’d rather have a team like the Braves who are almost always in the playoffs and playing for the ring vs.the fish who are in the playoffs every five or six years if they’re lucky. If we’ve learned anything about the playoffs it’s that it takes a little luck to win or an umpire’s strike zone. By the way, I grew up an Indians fan, who has also won multiple titles.It’sstill more fun to have a team like the Braves.
Chuck
November 23rd, 2010
5:24 pm
Hey Lou! Nice to hear your comments. It’s ok to have an opinion that hasn’t drank the kool-aid. We’ll see. I remember Dale Murphy did most of his hitting when the Braves were up or down by 7, which was probably most of his at-bats. It’s just an opinion. By the way, I’m stretching my memory, but seems like I remember our managing improving considerably when Bobby got thrown out and Fredi took over.
Good point about the Marlins’ world championships. Too bad the general attitude about the Marlins is a crappy franchise and a crappy place to play. But that’s how their support is, I guess. Chicken, egg… opinion?
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
5:28 pm
my opinion is that the Chuck who sprang up out of nowhere all of a sudden is really another of Lou’s avatars. just an opinion like you say
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
5:28 pm
Chuck-
Doesn’t that constitute Murph’s career with the Braves considered they sucked 9/10 of the time he was in Atlanta?!
Somehow 30/100 seems good to me whenever it is, ya know, considering 23/76 led our ENTIRE team last season!
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
5:33 pm
i say the chicken.. no egg… witch one is the bad ownersip and what one is the fans? im confused i need some turkey!
richbrave
November 23rd, 2010
5:33 pm
FALL BALL
ARIZONA
No games. I’m guessing the season is over.
AUSTRALIA
No games scheduled until TURKEY DAY.
DOMINICAN
Full slate, start times 7:30 EST.
MEXICAN
Late starts for all games. Full slate. CF MATT YOUNG has taken over ther BA lead (.379) in the MEXICAN FALL LEAGUE
PUERTO RICO
Two games on tap tonight. Due to start at 6:00 p.m. AST. Should be underway in the first. No info yet.
VENEZUELA
Full slate 7:30 p.m. starts.
richbrave
November 23rd, 2010
5:34 pm
Off to see my grandson in his first basket-ball scrimmage game against a non-district rival. Later.
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
5:35 pm
Murph hit better in high leverage (important) situations than in medium or low leverage, though it was pretty even across the board. But hey, what are a few facts when compared to a good rip huh?
P-Town Brave ©
November 23rd, 2010
5:37 pm
Nolie-
I am a bit young to recall watching all of Murph’s games, but if I recall correctly, wasn’t he only on ONE winning team in Atlanta, thus making his argument pointless anyways?
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
5:48 pm
Isn’t selective memory a beautiful thing!
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
5:53 pm
casey sterm and jim bowden are having callers call in and tell who was the biggest turkey in the majors in 2010… someone called up and said it was brooks conrad
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
5:54 pm
oh thats on mlb radio on xm for anyone who cares
bravesfaninnc
November 23rd, 2010
5:54 pm
Hi everyone i just posted a youtube video talking about why it time for MLB have a salary cap .Please watch the video it 6 Min long and let me know if you agree with me or not
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnvrXCz8kBs
Lew
November 23rd, 2010
5:59 pm
Hell- If nothing else, he beat the Braves 4-5 times every year.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
6:07 pm
bravesfaninnc
i just watched it… i want that 6 min of my life back the guy made no point there are so many more levels to that topic and that guy just spouted off very small points to the entire topic. i think the game needs to consider ways to make the level of the playing field = instead of trying to make cash hand over fist the easy way and with new playoff and allstar game rules… go back to basics and make the game better and you can be sure the small market ballparks will fill up again… anyway it was a very bad video sorry man
colbrave
November 23rd, 2010
6:11 pm
bravesfaninnc
Dude, I’m speechless……………
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
6:11 pm
Eric
I think he made the video himself.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
6:13 pm
well thats why i dont make a video… cus i know how bad my posts are and how bad my points are here…. why would i make a video?
and why did he?
Bay Area Steve
November 23rd, 2010
6:16 pm
I’ll try to stay in line with the whole ‘if you’ve got nothing nice to say’ deal…
Lemme just say: Eric, if you got past the first 30 seconds, I’m not sure if that makes you patient, or an idiot.
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
6:22 pm
27 seconds was all it took for me to return back to my normal boring life.
And I say nothing more because I am Da Sensitive One!
bravesfaninnc
November 23rd, 2010
6:22 pm
I think if you can get past my accent the point that i made in the video are not bad point
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
6:22 pm
yeah in 82P-Town , but it wasn’t pointless to those of us watching and hoping for a win, far from it.
He made my day many an evening with a winning hit. Not to sound pompous but there are a lot of folks who are baseball fans whether the teams has a winning season or not. That’s one of the things that drive me crazy about this board, if they ain’t blowing the other team away then it’s all a big waste to some.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
6:24 pm
Anyone see the comments by Brian Cashman about Jeter’s contract talks? I say get the popcorn. The fun’s just started.
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November 23rd, 2010
6:25 pm
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Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
6:25 pm
Lets put all price tags aside…
GM’s In almost every other sport have to worry about the rules that every other team has to deal with they have to deal with how they did last year in where they place in the draft and they have to deal with who is on their team and what they need to make that team better. they also have the advantage of being favored when they have a guy become a free agent.
GM’s In baseball have to deal with bad farm systems bad rosters a dissadvantage when the players on their team comes up for free agentcy one or two teams setting the market price on basically all free agents. they also have farm systems that cause the teams future to take longer than other sports. im not sure about you guys out there but if u put yourself in any GM possition in sports would you rather be an NBA GM (not the lakers)… NFL GM (not the Patriots) & NHL any team… Or an MLB GM (not yankees or redsox)?
Sorry Guys Id Rather Be The NFL, NHL, NBA Guy, Cus all you have to do is a really good job!
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
6:26 pm
I’ll try to stay in line with the whole ‘if you’ve got nothing nice to say’ deal…
Uh, me too. 45 seconds, stunned is my excuse.
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
6:27 pm
Yanks are making themselves look bad IMO considering all the money they waste every year on pickups.
I’m not a huge fan of Jeter but from a PR standpoint it looks kinda churlish of the Yanks.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
6:27 pm
Bay Area Steve
it makes me an idiot!
bravesfaninnc
November 23rd, 2010
6:27 pm
Bay Area Steve again if you guys can get past my accent and just listen to what i said in the video not thinking omg what kind of a accent i have.But focus on what I said in the video .Which was not stupid thing or anything like that.If you focus on what the video was about.I think 99.9% would agree with what i said in my video
Project Time Management Knowledge Area | eTime Management Course
November 23rd, 2010
6:28 pm
[...] the activities are conducted by the project manager, sometimes complete with a department Buying or manager level. As a project manager, what management activities has made acquisitions in the past? If the [...]
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
6:32 pm
bravesfaninnc _
Transcribe it here, I’ll read it. Hell I bet it would not be more words than a moderate N8 post.
bravesfaninnc
November 23rd, 2010
6:33 pm
So ok i take it you guys HATE the video that i just posted in here Was the reason for disliking my video A due to my Accent or B you guys disagrees with everything i said in the Video ??
Russell Bell
November 23rd, 2010
6:33 pm
Eric – I have no idea where you’re going with your last post. I don’t think I (or most other bloggerites) could even attempt to answer your question given my lack of knowledge concerning the business side of baseball – let alone the other sports you mention. The bad grammar and sentence structure of your post don’t help your cause either.
CB
November 23rd, 2010
6:33 pm
Anybody ever link on these guys like the dude at 6:28 ? I mean,really?
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
6:35 pm
people expect the yankees to spend money and its their fault this is true…
1) they owe jeter nothing… he has made lots of money (see also john smoltz)
2) the yankees tried last year to do some spending cuts if you want to call it that… they do have a limit and people dont understand that… they dont want to spend much more than $200M
3) bad contracts like Jorge and others have actually made it hard for the yankees to stay @ about $200M again this year
4) jeter is looking behind the plate and to his right and thinking.. “these guys are making good money into their 40’s” they are fan favs and so am i…. infact im more so a fan fav” and he is looking to get what the team made standard procedure.
i see both sides and i know why jeter wants to try to get as much as he can. but i think for the better of baseball i think the yankees need to pay him as reasonable as possible. pay him if u want him back but keep it reasonable… if jeter gets payed too much… believe it or not it will actually handcuff the team financially. as strange as that sounds.
bravesfaninnc
November 23rd, 2010
6:37 pm
So i take it you guys don’t want a salary cap in Baseball.Because if they was a salary cap in baseball we would have have able to get a top FA just like everyone else in baseball .It would not have been just the Yankees Mets Rod Sex White Sox Cubs Angels Dodgers Philles Who are able to get who ever they want to
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
6:38 pm
they owe jeter nothing… he has made lots of money (see also john smoltz)
they owe their fans and the vast majority want Jeets back. , beside whatever bad press they get is really their own fault
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
6:39 pm
i’d say most do not want a salary cap
CB
November 23rd, 2010
6:40 pm
Was that a Freudian slip?
Russell Bell
November 23rd, 2010
6:42 pm
Was that a Freudian slip?
Rod Sex
Almost too funny to be a real mistake?
bravesfaninnc
November 23rd, 2010
6:43 pm
nolie you can put in the People who would want salary cap .Asap for the reason that I listed in my video
bravesfaninnc
November 23rd, 2010
6:47 pm
So nolie you are saying most don’t do not want a salary cap.But the Question is why?????
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
6:47 pm
the fact that the team listens to the fans who are crying about wanting to keep their players says they are not running the club the way they should…
they DO NOT OWE JETER A DIME… his contract is up…. was he under paid? NO!
Was he over paid? Who am i to judge? But the fact that the yankees/Jeter contract is up… means no they do not owe him anything!
Its not the end of the world if jeter goes away… bernie williams and many others have gone away before their time was up… some people didnt like it but the game went on… hell even ruth went to boston to play with our braves… and the yankees went on… there are other ways to win!
god forbid the spoiled yankee fans feel the effects of adversity… its bad enough they overpaid for a ballpark that looks the same as the 80 pluss year old ballpark they moved from cus their autistic fans dont like new enviornments… pardon me for that classless comment but its very true
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
6:48 pm
…rod sex,,,,,ooooh somebody is into S&M
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
6:50 pm
they are still making themselves look petty considering the way in which they normally conduct their business, I did not say that they would be better with Jeter.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
6:52 pm
I agree with nolie about the fact that airing out their dirty laundry will come back to bite the NYY. I think the fans would rather side with Jeter than the organization. I am not sure Jeter will get a higher value elsewhere, so he will go back to the Yankees for something slightly higher than the current offer. Or the Yankees will sign Cliff Lee and make everyone happy.
Steve McP
November 23rd, 2010
6:57 pm
What benefit is a salary cap? Of the top 10 teams in salary in 2010 only the Yankees, Phillies and Giants (who were 10th) made the play offs, it is not all about buying success.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
6:58 pm
liberty JS and Wren dont listen to us…. hell if they did who knows what the team would look like… we would be looking at the 2nd yr of Griffy and prolly be begging for smoltz back in the pen…
the team runs on its fans but it doesnt make its team due to what the fans think… if they did they would be sold back to ted and would likely have Mark T holding our payroll down.
people love coke products but the CEO doesnt care what you think of who he hires and what he does…
yankee fans may not like it if jeter moves on or is disrespected but they will not care once they start the 162. yankee fans will still show up and jeter would just be a blip on the radar.
they really dont have to listen to fans… look where it got the mets
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
7:01 pm
Not to sound pompous but there are a lot of folks who are baseball fans whether the teams has a winning season or not.
Yeah, but it’s the squeaky wheel here, nolie. Between screaming bandwagoners and droning stats-is-The-Holy-Grail-ers, it might seem that actual, real baseball fans are in the minority…but I don’t believe it. Not really.
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
7:01 pm
found this blog just now. love all the braves talk…go braves! =)
Ease® in Woodstock
November 23rd, 2010
7:05 pm
I feel like I have been Rick Rolled…minus the good song…
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
7:05 pm
found this blog just now. love all the braves talk…go braves!
Yeah, but will you still love us when we talk about barbecue and banana pudding?
CB
November 23rd, 2010
7:06 pm
braveschick,welcome. Always room for more.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:06 pm
in business do you think people care if they are petty?
jeter has his heart in this contract… the yankees have money in it
i dont think hal or hank really care if they look petty. they have a job to do. they have to do the best job they can if it means they are called petty or not… i dont think they care… jeter is great but… isnt it the yankee way of thinking “it doesnt matter we’ll just buy a better one anyway”?
jeter is more expendable than everyone thinks
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
7:11 pm
people love coke products but the CEO doesnt care what you think of who he hires and what he does…
Huge problem with this analogy. Jeter is part of the product, he is in fact one of the products. He is not an executive working in the 10th floor of the Coke office that you dont think about when drinking a can of coke. So fans do and will care about it if he is thrown overboard because they would rather overpay for some new guy.
Ease® in Woodstock
November 23rd, 2010
7:12 pm
Between screaming bandwagoners and droning stats-is-The-Holy-Grail-ers, it might seem that actual, real baseball fans are in the minority
scoots – kinda agree…I played baseball first a) cause I was good at it, b) because I loved the game. And this was in spite of growing up in the 80’s and watching some pretty bad Braves teams, whom I grew to love…Now that I can no longer play, and I don’t get to see the Braves as often as I like, it’s still baseball, whether Pirates, Royals, etc, etc…and yes, even Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies or Mets. There is more to a game than the colors a person wears…
Efrim
November 23rd, 2010
7:13 pm
Yeah, Cashman is taking a hard stance with Jeter. I understand he has regressed and isn’t even worth what they had offered him, but what is the point? Yankees could spend 300 million on their players without breaking a sweat. It’s not like Jeter is “just another guy”. Not to mention they gave Burnett 82.5 million over five years. If they aren’t willing to go four years, then fine, I understand that. But just go ahead and give him 18 per through 2013 and call it a day. After that, go back the truck up for Tulo….
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:14 pm
Not to beat a dead hores… but if jeter wants respect… he is lucky he even got an offer… the fact that he was offered a contract by his old team should mean something to the guy… there are about 26 other teams that wouldnt have even made him a contract offer… he should feel lucky he ever played in the bronx.
its business not grade school.
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
7:15 pm
thank you CB. not sure how many 22 year old girls you got in this blog. but i do have knowledge of the braves
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
7:16 pm
i dont think hal or hank really care if they look petty.
Then, that would make them either uncaring of their franchise’s history or perhaps just simply obtuse. If they believe in the legacy of the franchise (and their father, by the way), then they shouldn’t appear parsimonious with a Yankee captain. Certainly, working a slimy backdoor campaign in the press is beneath their (ostensible) image.
Hard to claim the high ground of The Universe’s Greatest Sports Franchise when you’re acting like Jeffrey Loria, is what I’m sayin’.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:18 pm
Huge problem with this analogy. Jeter is part of the product, he is in fact one of the products. He is not an executive working in the 10th floor of the Coke office that you dont think about when drinking a can of coke. So fans do and will care about it if he is thrown overboard because they would rather overpay for some new guy.
not true… look at bernie williams… the game goes on… jeter is a nice lable on coke but the people still buy coke if the lable has santa on it or the easter bunny… jeter doesn change the attendance the merch. the people who show up to see them outside of ny it doesnt change the yankee brand in any way… it honestly doesnt change anything and the fans get over things fast! like the very next game!
Efrim
November 23rd, 2010
7:18 pm
Few random arbitration thoughts:
Brewers offer Hoffman arbitration?!?! http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/110243579.html
D-Backs offering LaRoche arbitration was a surprise, although I don’t really think they have anyone to play first next year and Adam may just end up accepting.
Rockies offering arbitration to Dotel was something I didn’t expect.
Red Sox offering arbitration to Felipe Lopez….(I wish our org. philosophy was like there’s. Draft picks are so important to them…..I wish I could say the same for the Braves)
It’s been a little crazy this year. Poor Braves second rounder won’t be until 100 at this rate.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
7:20 pm
Eric
huh? Why – he is 35. He had one bad season and he still plays good defense. Why would you think 26 others teams wont make him an offer? This is very similar to the Chipper situation – you think Chipper would’ve walked away happily with a 3 yr – 18M offer instead of the one he got?
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
7:21 pm
There is more to a game than the colors a person wears
“Baseball, Ray.”
Not “The Braves, Ray”, or “The Red Sox, Ray”. Ease is on the money, as usual.
Ahh, don’t get me started on this, LOL. I’m liable to go all Ring Lardner on you guys and wax poetic, then have to beat up ten guys who think I’m sissified for doing it.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:22 pm
yankees wont lose fans just cus jeter left to play for houston … see also roger and andy! life goes on they dont miss a beat and i would think they make more money than the last year cus thats what the yankees do… so why is jeter so important to this club other than a couple fans being sad… its baseball fans of 29 teams get very sad once a year… and if you were the lucky one not to get sad on any given year… wait till next year… youll be crying
Steve McP
November 23rd, 2010
7:22 pm
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
7:15 pm
thank you CB. not sure how many 22 year old girls you got in this blog. but i do have knowledge of the braves
+++++++
Well that puts you ahead of the curve versus a lot people on here
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:24 pm
huh? Why – he is 35. He had one bad season and he still plays good defense. Why would you think 26 others teams wont make him an offer? This is very similar to the Chipper situation – you think Chipper would’ve walked away happily with a 3 yr – 18M offer instead of the one he got?
i mean if he was on about 26 other teams, when he came up for free agentcy he wouldnt have been offered a contract by the team he was on… he is lucky he is a yankee so he can be offered a contract,
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
7:24 pm
Dude you are no longer beating a dead horse – you’ve missed the target by a bit and it’s the friendly dog that is lying dead.
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
7:26 pm
Vales ruined the Fredo thing for me (BTW, Vales, Fredo was not the younger brother of Michael). Now I can’t use that anymore. It’s kind of like the time I turned on the radio while driving to lunch and I heard Colin Cowherd going on and on and on about how Animal House was outdated and hadn’t held up. He was stealing my material, and I didn’t like that it was coming from Cowherd. So I changed my mind, and now believe Animal House to be a hilarious classic that has aged like fine wine.
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
7:26 pm
lol thanks Steve McP. my whole family are braves fan, so thats how i got my advantage
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:28 pm
Dude you are no longer beating a dead horse – you’ve missed the target by a bit and it’s the friendly dog that is lying dead.
sorry i get a little worked up about the evil empire of the empire state… i have to battle them day in and day out up here… anyway fans up here agree with my stance and dont want to over pay him…
so um … how bout them braves… uggla gunna finally hit 40 this year? b macc 30? that would be nice!
CB
November 23rd, 2010
7:30 pm
braveschick,there are some good young ladies on this blog who fit right in with the conversations. Main thing is don’t be offended by the dummies who know nothing,like me.
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
7:31 pm
sorry i get a little worked up about the evil empire of the empire state… i have to battle them day in and day out up here… anyway fans up here agree with my stance and dont want to over pay him…
Very understandable. I dont live anywhere close by and still dislike them a lot. Cant really explain why. Must be quite bad being a Braves fan in enemy territory for you.
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
7:31 pm
haha oh ok, thanks for the heads up CB =)
Snotboogie
November 23rd, 2010
7:32 pm
Main thing is don’t be offended by the dummies who know nothing,like me.
And watch out for people who sandbag you.
ncscoots
November 23rd, 2010
7:34 pm
Vales ruined the Fredo thing for me
Aww, man, don’t be that way, LOL. I was looking forward to some more of that.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:36 pm
Very understandable. I dont live anywhere close by and still dislike them a lot. Cant really explain why. Must be quite bad being a Braves fan in enemy territory for you.
Ummm i think my hate started in 1996… and got bigger in 1999… im a bigger braves fan up here than about 90% of yankee fans ive ever met… see also november 23 on the braves blog on the AJC. its pretty bad when you wake up on september 15th as early as you can… (before the braves advertize it) and check out the next yr schedule to see what day im going to see the braves in seattle in 2011… yeah i love this blog cus there are countless #’s of me posting pluss insiders!
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
7:38 pm
Lou ruins a lot of stuff
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:39 pm
i mean countless #’s of fans like me
Murph
November 23rd, 2010
7:39 pm
Bah, Lou didn’t ruin anything other than his wife’s birthday and his kid’s future. He has no affect on the blog unless you let him. Just ignore him and move on.
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
7:41 pm
I honestly have gained so much respect for the Yankees after finding out there approach towards Derek Jeter. They gave him an offer and said if dont like it try to go fond a better one on the market.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Jeter’s position in the negotiations is essentially “I am Derek Jeter, pay me.”
3 year 45 million is a blessing from the Yankees. TAKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
7:43 pm
Eric
We gotta meet up sometime during the season. Its tough to find die hard braves fan in the same city especially in New York.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:43 pm
Joel Sherman ugh!!! … the only 2 people i cant stand more are tim mccarver and CB Bucknor
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
7:44 pm
they are likely just gonna take what they keep from Jeter and spend it on more free agents which denigrates home grown talent & exalts mercenaries. Kinda surprised y’all think that is cool since so many complain about the cost of free agents and how poorly home grown heroes are treated. But hey, whatever; just don’t see a lot of consistency in the stance
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:45 pm
We gotta meet up sometime during the season. Its tough to find die hard braves fan in the same city especially in New York.
Im Down!!!
saw some guy in the price chopper by X-gates mall on saturday… i didnt say anything cus a lot of people up here just like the hat… =)
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:49 pm
NOLIE… sometimes we like to play GM… sometimes we like to piss and moan about the system… i think a lot of my stance has to do with paying chipper jones another 2 years. i think im taking my anger out on jeter now cus i would never say a bad word about my chipper. =)
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
7:49 pm
yea i like how the yanks are playing hard ball with jeter. wouldnt it be something if he was on another team?
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
7:50 pm
Eric
I notice that a lot too, i just think to myself that even if they dont like the Braves at least they contributed to there payroll in someway. Keep buying the hats.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:50 pm
not that i even think chipper ripped the club off… i know he has saved the club lots of money… but i guess he is under playing his contract right now… its all just a sad thing that im taking my chipper frustrations out on jeter ,,, but hey its the yankees so F Him!
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
7:51 pm
Wow, you guys were on a roll today.
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
7:52 pm
, but hey its the yankees so F Him! Eric
hey, I’ll go along with that !
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
7:53 pm
Eric
Chipper has been underpaid his WHOLE career. I honestly dont mind if we give him some extra loot the past couple years.
Derek Jeter got paid 22.6 MILLION this year. Thats not including the hundreds of endorsements he has.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:53 pm
Brave4life
Do you have XM or the MLB Package On timewarner? keep coming to the ajc even if u dont post you can get all your inside stuff faster than all your friends!!! believe it or not i tell my friends in atlanta what the braves do b4 they hear it most of the time.
CB
November 23rd, 2010
7:54 pm
I would love to see the Red Sox get involved with Jeter – wouldn’t that be a spit in the eye?
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
7:54 pm
Chipper will not be worth what we pay him, that’s a guarantee.
This guarantee… is this baseball related, as in, game performance, or business related? I think it would be rather myopic to only view this from an on-field value level. Chipper will bring in the money even if he isn’t playing up to his 1999 MVP standards. He’s a very important part of the team.
Good point, 10Paul. If I walked around my office building, and asked every person in the building to name me some Braves, I guarantee there will only be two that each can name: Chipper Jones and Jason Heyward. What the value of that is to the franchise, I ain’t sure.
For alot of them, I’ll hear the names of Justice and Gant and McGriff and Smoltz and and Maddux and Glavine mentioned more than the names of McLouth and Prado and Freeman and Lowe and Hanson and Hudson. It is what it is.
I mean, for crying out loud, there’s one retarded janitor in my building who loves to talk my ear off about the career of Marvin Freeman, but he can’t name one reliever presently pitching for the Braves. Those almost daily conversations with that guy are always 5 minutes of my life I’ll never get back.
Danga
November 23rd, 2010
7:54 pm
I think it would be a crime for Jeter to finish his career elsewhere.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:55 pm
Brave4life…. this was my post to correct my comment
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:50 pm
not that i even think chipper ripped the club off… i know he has saved the club lots of money… but i guess he is under playing his contract right now… its all just a sad thing that im taking my chipper frustrations out on jeter ,,, but hey its the yankees so F Him!
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
7:55 pm
lol if jeter played for the redsox, he would have to wear and play in a bullet proof vest when they go visit yankee stadium
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
7:56 pm
Eric In Albany N.Y.
I have MLB extra innings package. I also had ESPN insider which was WORTHLESS last year. I just go to MLB trade Rumors from now on. I have been on this blog since the beginning of the 2010 season. Nick is by far my favorite blogger,
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:56 pm
Danga
November 23rd, 2010
7:54 pm
I think it would be a crime for Jeter to finish his career elsewhere.
Call the cops when it happens see where it gets ya
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
7:58 pm
I Have XM and I Get MLB,tv its easier for me cus im not home a lot in the summer… i can watch them whenever and hear them when i cant watch
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
7:59 pm
NO ONE WILL PAY JETER close to 45 million over 3 years
as fellow blogger tomahawkin would say, BANK ON IT
Efrim
November 23rd, 2010
7:59 pm
These back door agreements with teams and Type B free agents really tick me off. The system sucks and I hope draft pick compensation is eliminated at some point…..
I could just be saying that because the Braves never take advantage and I’m jealous, but hey, just sayin….
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:00 pm
i think it would be hard to find a team to even go the 3rd year much less 2 and an opt.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:00 pm
and im not even putting a $ amount on it
McFann O O
November 23rd, 2010
8:00 pm
Eric b macc 30? that would be nice!
Yeah, it would…but y’all know my stance on that:
[Everybody!] I’d gladly take around (even slightly less than) 20 homers if it came with 40+ Doubles!
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
8:01 pm
Eric
I cant watch the Braves game on my laptop. too small of a screen. I got my basement with the whole theater system going on. It was awesome during the playoffs when Ankiel hit that bomb. It was a different story with brooks conrad………………………a good dude (as DOBwould say)
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
8:01 pm
Brave4life- if the yankees cant get a deal done with jeter, i’m sure other teams might reconsider on giving jeter a good 4 year deal
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
8:02 pm
The talking heads on XM’s baseball channel were saying today theYanks should pay Jeter more because of the 5 rings he won them. I wonder what happened the other 24 guys. If Jeter doesn’t take 3 yrs for $45 mill, he is a fool.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:02 pm
McFann O O
IM A BIG DOUBLES GUY!!! I REMEMBER WHEN THE BRAVES USED TO CIRCLE THE BASES WITH DOUBLE AFTER DOUBLE AFTER DOUBLE… Chipper used to hit them like it was his job… oh wait… it was!
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
8:03 pm
Mcfann
I feel bad for McCann right now, because i have a feeling Posey is going to beat him out for the allstar game next year. McCann has been snubbed for too many years.
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
8:03 pm
Nobody outside of NY would give Jeter 4 years. That puts him at 42 and he is already in decline.
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
8:04 pm
“Bing!”
“Get Out The WAYYY
Boom!, Pretty Boy Coming Through! Me And My Crew! We Swaggin In The Room!”
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
8:04 pm
found this blog just now. love all the braves talk…go braves! =) _ braveschick
Just what this blog needs, more braveschick’s. Welcome aboard
CB
November 23rd, 2010
8:04 pm
braveschick,McFann is one of our lovely blog ladies. She is lovely until you say something bad about Brian McCann,then you better duck!
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
8:05 pm
braveschick
you have to remember the Yankees offer iis 3 years 45 million
If teams went 4 years they would go TOPS 40 million. Brian Cashman obviously knows the market now considering that he directly told Jeter to test the market.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:06 pm
if the team that jeter played for his whole career wont give him 4 years (and they know him better than any one and any scout)… another team isnt giving him 4… if another team goes for him and gets their chance it will end up like andruw, manny, and damon, 2 years tops and expect the chances to be pretty high that 2nd year is an opt and maybe a player opt
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
8:06 pm
haha mccann is awesome. best hitting catcher in the national league, as long as buster posey doesnt go nuts hahahaha =)
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
8:06 pm
Brave4life
“NO ONE WILL PAY JETER close to 45 million over 3 years
as fellow blogger tomahawkin would say, BANK ON IT”
That Phrase That pays is starting to get plagarized on here, but Its so much sweeter when T-Hawkin says it…
I don’t really have no bold predictions to make at this time…
One of these days I’m going to make one of those posts on 680AM the Fan…
I really like the Chuck and Matt Show…
Tomas
November 23rd, 2010
8:07 pm
Totally agree with Cashman on the Jeter situation they offered him the best possible deal by far of what he could get in the market.
I could see the Giants offering 3 yrs 42 million though. Maybe he is tired of all the bu11sh1t that New York brings to the table and whats a change of scenery. Good I want to see Yankee fans suffer.
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
8:07 pm
Derek Jeter is 36 years old. He will not keep that bat speed up for another 4 years.
Tomas
November 23rd, 2010
8:08 pm
wants not whats in my last comment
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
8:08 pm
Bat Masterson
“found this blog just now. love all the braves talk…go braves! =) _ braveschick”
Just what this blog needs, more braveschick’s. Welcome aboard
Co-Sign, Braveschick, Welcome To the Dogg-House! I will take you under my wing
SEC chicks that go all out for them Braves Kick Ass!
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
8:09 pm
Tomas
If i were the Giants i would just go after Jerry Hairston. cheaper, and almost as productive
Carroll Rogers
November 23rd, 2010
8:10 pm
Just saw that my good friend Dan Connelly of the Baltimore Sun is tweeting that the Royals are interested in Kevin Millwood….yet another former Brave of interest to the former Braves scouting director Dayton Moore…..And wait, Millwood is 35? How’d that happen so fast?
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
8:10 pm
brave4life- jeter is still productive and will also sell ALOT of merchandise to whatever team he plays for. i dont think any team would go well beyond 3 years 45 million, but i think some teams would consider a 4 year 60 million contract
Ease® in Woodstock
November 23rd, 2010
8:10 pm
If Jeter ends up playing for the Red Sox, then we can say…He got the Smoltz treatment….
My personal opinion…Icons are of days past, and yet are still invaluable to a franchise, because not many teams left have them, and when they lose them, the franchise takes a hit. I mean players will always be associated with the team that they spent the majority of their career with, but to what does degree that respect flow, toward the player, or toward the franchise?
In most cases, it is not the player, but the franchise who take the tumble…
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
8:10 pm
ooops, I thought Jeter was 38.
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
8:11 pm
CB
“braveschick,McFann is one of our lovely blog ladies. She is lovely until you say something bad about Brian McCann,then you better duck!”
You Bring up a good point…
Wayyy back in the blogs early days D.O.B. used to post what bloggers on here were like in real life. ya know the blogs early days before it Blew up on facebook and Twitter
And BTW am I the only one who doesn’t use Twitter?
Not To mention its almost time for the 2nd Annula D.O.B. blog awards…
Carroll Rogers
November 23rd, 2010
8:12 pm
Lou, I’m not disagreeing with what you describe, I’m just saying that you were all over the place in the point you were trying to make. Like maybe you shouldn’t quit your day job kinda thing. Just poking fun a little. Striking a nerve instead.
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
8:12 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic
38, thats our ole’ friend Chippppppa Joneees
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
8:12 pm
braveschick, you’re wrong…but, I’m glad you’re here. (Someone throw a smiley face in for me.)
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
8:13 pm
alright im out guys, have fun blogging and venting
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
8:13 pm
I could care Less about Jeter…
I detest Greedy men like him and his agent in this tough economy more and more with all the BS he does to make his pockets fatter…
I’m just checking on what that team in Philly as well as the Rotten Apple do this offseason…
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
8:14 pm
Brave4life
November 23rd, 2010
8:12 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic
38, thats our ole’ friend Chippppppa Joneees
************
Yeah, I know, but didn’t want to think about that. Thanks a lot.
Ease® in Woodstock
November 23rd, 2010
8:14 pm
Co-Sign, Braveschick, Welcome To the Dogg-House! I will take you under my wing
there are better wings to fly under….
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:15 pm
My personal opinion…Icons are of days past, and yet are still invaluable to a franchise, because not many teams left have them, and when they lose them, the franchise takes a hit. I mean players will always be associated with the team that they spent the majority of their career with, but to what does degree that respect flow, toward the player, or toward the franchise?
In most cases, it is not the player, but the franchise who take the tumble…
i find it hard to believe the yankees would lose any money over the loss of jeter and i find it hard to believe the yankees would take a tumble if jeter didnt end up back with them… lets be real here people… yankees will be fine without him
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
8:15 pm
sowega fanatic- derek lowe has a 4 year 60 million dollar contract jeter>lowe….maybe?
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
8:15 pm
Philly fans are in a stoic mode on the philly.com/phils forum…
Since the Red Faux lost V-Mart to the tigers that means the Red Faux will go hard after Jason Werth…
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
8:18 pm
Ease® in Woodstock
[Co-Sign, Braveschick, Welcome To the Dogg-House! I will take you under my wing]
“there are better wings to fly under….”
OUCH…And On The Other hand are you going out to NE Arkansas? for T-Day?
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
8:20 pm
I heard the Mets’ new GM on XM today, and he sounds a lot smarter than their last guy. Mets’ payroll after next year drops to $60 mill, giving them a lot of leverage considering it’s $140 mill now. With the new manager, who has always won, the Mutts may be shaping up in a few years.
Ease® in Woodstock
November 23rd, 2010
8:20 pm
My point was general…the fact that his is a Yankee is a moo point…
How are the icons in your lifetime (if you want to argue the point)?
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:21 pm
sowega fanatic- derek lowe has a 4 year 60 million dollar contract jeter>lowe….maybe?
Lowe was an innings eater up to that point… still is… he also was the cornerstone to change the perception of the braves to other players who didnt think of the braves as a contender… he was in a way more valuable to the braves…. and their future than jeter would be to the future of a ballclub who may pick him up as a rent a player for 4 years. pitchers are more of an impact player than a SS with declining ability,… The Braves are could have ended up with AJ but they got D Lowe!… good signing!
Ease® in Woodstock
November 23rd, 2010
8:23 pm
T-hawkin’ – HELL NO…I am a GA boy…no roots in ARK besides what I married…Just givin’ grief,,,,!
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
8:23 pm
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
8:15 pm
sowega fanatic- derek lowe has a 4 year 60 million dollar contract jeter>lowe….maybe?
***********
We were desperate for pitching in a sound economy. I wouldn’t have given Lowe the 4th year either. Of course, then he would have been in New York.
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
8:24 pm
And BTW am I the only one who doesn’t use Twitter? _ Tomahawkin
Hardly
CB
November 23rd, 2010
8:25 pm
Those thinking Javy Vazquez might sign 1yr-4mil,Jayson Stark says he has turned down a 2yr –20mil offer. Hard to believe that one,though.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:26 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
8:20 pm
I heard the Mets’ new GM on XM today, and he sounds a lot smarter than their last guy. Mets’ payroll after next year drops to $60 mill, giving them a lot of leverage considering it’s $140 mill now. With the new manager, who has always won, the Mutts may be shaping up in a few years.
the mets have 4 question mark players on the payroll for 2011 that add up to over 62 million bux!
i agree they have a chance to be better but not for a while… you can only sign so many free agents they wont all go to the mets in 2012… they have money to spend but dont expect the payroll to go up as high as it once was for a while… i think they should trade wright and reyes now while they arnt going to win and stock the hell out of their farm system and add pitchers worth watching !!! but they would never do that cus they are the mets!
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
8:26 pm
well how much did victor martinez sign for the tigers today? 4 years and 50 million. i’m not saying that jeter wont get more than 3 years 45 million, just saying it’s possible because of his name
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:29 pm
ok im with you on your last comment braveschick… you sold me! good job =)
braveschick
November 23rd, 2010
8:32 pm
lol thanks Eric In Albany N.Y.
Mikeyc588
November 23rd, 2010
8:34 pm
I would be absolutely amazed if Javier Vasquez DIDN’T sign for the Marlins within a week. Hasn’t he always made a big deal about being on the east coast and close to his native Puerto Rico? I can’t think of a better scenario than to get him back into the National League on a one year deal to try to re-establish some value.
Danga
November 23rd, 2010
8:36 pm
yankees will be fine without him
They could even be better on the field. Not so sure off the field. Jeter is the face of the franchise. I think his presence in the clubhouse probably takes a little pressure off of everyone else there. If that counts for anything anywhere, it would be in the Yankees clubouse. AND he is so close to 3,000 hits. 2011 should be a celebration of that at Yankee Stadium. Yanks should be generous here. Ain’t like they are hurting for the money.
Tomas
November 23rd, 2010
8:37 pm
Can’t believe the offers Vazquez is getting…….DOB and Bowman were actually right on this one……
The max I’d offer Vazquez is a 1 yr deal worth 5 million and he got an offer of 2 yrs 20 million he got offered arbitration and agree’d to turn it down. Don’t understand, how he can bounce back after what I saw this season. I know he played in a bang box in tougher league to pitch, and the toughest division in baseball, but his problems go beyond that.
His fastball lost 5 miles per hour he is throwing 88mph now. And his control was brutal. His k/9, BB/9, and k/BB all indicate a serious decline. He wasn’t even on the postseason roster for the Yankees.
For him to be successful he practically needs to reinvent himself, and he is getting huge offers……WTF
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
8:37 pm
I would be absolutely amazed if Javier Vasquez DIDN’T sign for the Marlins within a week.
Can’t see that happening Mikey.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:38 pm
im going to write the commish…
bud,
you suck, if you would like to suck less please but all west cost games Vs east coast teams on b4 4pm local time on mondays thru thursdays! i cant stand waiting up all night to see what happens in LA when it doesnt even start till my bedtime. please please please do this for me so i can hate you less for a couple days per year!
Efrim
November 23rd, 2010
8:39 pm
Johnson, Vazquez, Nolasco, Sanchez and Volstad is pretty darn good, imo.
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
8:40 pm
Had to step away for awhile I was prepping cajun shrimp whil bumping some old Ice Cube, Simply Red and some old Queen Latifah…
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:42 pm
Danga Dont look now robinson cano is becoming the next “face of the yankees” he will wear the C in no time… the yankees are no worse without DJ! they wont win fewer games or lose any money if they lose jeter! the fans may cry but thats it again the game goes on!
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
8:43 pm
I’m just saying that you were all over the place in the point you were trying to make. Like maybe you shouldn’t quit your day job kinda thing. Just poking fun a little. Striking a nerve instead.
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
8:43 pm
Eric In Albany N.Y., Alderson(?) said today no one was untradeable, but did say Wright, Davis, Bay would take a lot. Heck, when he parts with Perez, Salazar, and a couple others, he improves the team dramatically.
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
8:45 pm
Efrim
“Johnson, Vazquez, Nolasco, Sanchez and Volstad is pretty darn good, imo.”
That rotation would be Sick if and only if Vazquez pitches like he did in 2009 for the Marlins…But I don’t think he goes there…
Not to mention their rotation gives us fits even w/o Vazquez and especially when we face them down in Ft Liquordale…
Mikeyc588
November 23rd, 2010
8:47 pm
Bat –
Why not? They saved a pretty big chunk by trading Uggla and his $10mm through arbitration to us and he would clearly be better served to come back to the NL.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
November 23rd, 2010
8:49 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic i heard the intervier… he sounded to me like it was not the dream job and it sounded like he didnt feel like the team was his yet… i think the first thing he should do is try his hardest to trade the only value on his team… i would keep davis cus he is the only guy that is young enough to build off of for the next 3-4 years
Danga
November 23rd, 2010
8:51 pm
Pagan would be a nice piece for this team to try to pry away from Alderson. Plays solid D at all 3 OF positions, and his bat ain’t bad even if he did play a bit over his head last season.
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
8:53 pm
I really like the Chuck and Matt Show…
Me too. Best sports radio show in town. Really like their chemistry.
Bat Masterson
November 23rd, 2010
8:53 pm
Mikey_
Just an off the top of my head opinion. Mostly because it’s the Marlins and I think Javy will get a multi-year deal somewhere.
Danga
November 23rd, 2010
8:58 pm
I don’t see any reason for the Mets to go nuts and start trading away all their talent. I would certainly be looking to build around guys like Wright, Reyes, and Davis rather than shipping them off. It isn’t like they’re the Pirates and need to unload talent for prospects just to stay solvent.
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
9:02 pm
Braveheart
[I really like the Chuck and Matt Show…]
“Me too. Best sports radio show in town. Really like their chemistry.”
You Damn Right Playa! I know those two read the blog because Matt Chernoff read the blog on the air today…And If they are reading this, Then I give them a stoopid Shout Out…! Rock On!
And I love it when Matt imitates Chuck’s Voice…Or tries to keep Chuck up on the Lingo…
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
9:02 pm
Danja
I want Jose Reyes as our next SS around 2013ish…
SoWeGa Fanatic
November 23rd, 2010
9:08 pm
The Mutts would have to trade low on Bay. Wright, Pagon, and Davis ain’t going anywhere. Pitcher dude whose name I can’t call right now is still hurting.
Tom O'Hawke
November 23rd, 2010
9:28 pm
Hello, everyone …
Many people think the Braves stole Uggla, I sincerely believe that after 1 year you will see this as a nothing deal that got 10 million off the books of the penurious Marlins. (Lou Vales)
One must wonder, then, why the penurious Marlins offered Uggla a 4-year, $50 million deal.
… and good by, everyone.
(Who was that guy?)
cabravesfan
November 23rd, 2010
9:33 pm
Tom-
You aren’t leaving are you? You just got here!
Lou Vales
November 23rd, 2010
9:38 pm
I really did come in peace. I really do believe Uggla is one of the good guys in the game.I also believe if you watch 90% of the Braves’ games–which many of you seem to do–you will have a very similiar opinion to Dan as the opinion I have.I would say the most similiar feelings we will have about Uggla by end of the season is Why??? does he chase so many bad pitches late in counts after watching so many good pitches early in counts. You will also grow infuriated numerous times by the “helicopter” swing with bat winding above the top of his head–watch for it–and the swing that winds up with a near genuflection on his left knee.
Dan always reminded me of Rocky Colavito when I first started following baseball. Would sneak out to an afternoon game in Tiger Stadium and see him pop out in the 7th with go ahead runner on 3rd, ground into a DP with runners on 1st and 3rd in bottom of 9th and then hit a majestic solo homer in the bottom of 11th after Yanks has scored 6 in top of the frame.
IF you follow close attention you will really like Dan Uggla as a human being but you certainly will be lined up against Bravesoffering him 60 million for 4 years.
Just give it a chance.
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
9:39 pm
Now we have a “braveschick” on the board. Maybe I should be come “bravesdude” instead of Da Sensitive One???
How ya been cab and folk?
Lotsa snow out this way this afternoon/evening.
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
9:40 pm
definitely a glass half empty sorta guy, ain’t he………
cabravesfan
November 23rd, 2010
9:42 pm
DS1-
Hey! We’re good (VJ’s at work)- how you been?
cabravesfan
November 23rd, 2010
9:42 pm
It’s been freezing here…no snow though
Lou Vales
November 23rd, 2010
9:46 pm
Tom, The Marlins were put in a position where they had to offer the man 48 million. I know the concept of “having to offer the man 48 million” sounds silly but just look at the Yankees who have to offer an aging SS who had worse offensive numbers than Johnny Damon and has so little range that newcomers to baseball actually believe his first name is “Justoutofthereachofadiving” 45million.
It’s a crazy world. A study shows 53% of American couples between 50 and 60 only have 33,000 in equity and that 63%of Americans in that age bracket will be living SOLELY on social security by the time they are 70 and YET they will agonize over Derek getting his 60 million. Wow!!
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
9:47 pm
temps down in the low 20’s and heading lower, wind howling. Little bit of snow right now, but not like 2 hrs ago! Hey, it’s winter.
Can’t tell you folks how excited I was for the Braves to pick up a legit power threat. Now it’s all tweeking from here on out.
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
9:49 pm
Derek can have his millions……….I just initiated my “burrito” pension from career number 1. Who’s jealous of who, Derek???
cabravesfan
November 23rd, 2010
9:50 pm
DS1-
It’s all the way down to 55 right now- the low for the week is actually 39(!) on Wednesday night
b-rabbit
November 23rd, 2010
9:55 pm
Who let Kelly Johnson in the door?
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
9:55 pm
cab
Hey, I’d normally go into tease mode here, but it’s all relative. When I lived in Houston, we would die when it would get down below 50! Not such a big deal now.
Baseball names to throw out for discussion: Fontenot or Theriot. Ex-Cubbies. If they are non-tendered, whaddya think they’ll cost some club? Would one of them be a good fit on the Braves?
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
9:57 pm
I also think we need an established arm for the pen. I think counting on the young guys for the entire year might be a recipe for disaster. I suspect we are really going to miss Medlen next year (and Infante!).
cabravesfan
November 23rd, 2010
9:57 pm
DS1-
VJ laughs at me when I say 60 is chilly, then asks where all the warm weather I promised him is
Fontenot and Theriot are mainly 2nd/SS aren’t they? (I honestly can’t remember…) If so, not sure how either would work…
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:04 pm
Theriot would be the best backup available. I would gladly take him. He may get a starting job however.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:05 pm
Not sure how much SS experience Fontenot has if any. Really only seen him at 2nd and 3rd.
cabravesfan
November 23rd, 2010
10:09 pm
P’cola Brave-
Ah, yes- you would be correct about Fontenot…still not sure if it would be the best fit. More interested in pen help and outfield backup
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:11 pm
Not really worried about the OF backup. I really like Young and if Hinske is signed we should be ok there until trade deadline. I’m not comfortable with Diory as a backup MIF. Its definitely not top priority. Signing a BU 1B/OF/PH is front of the list, followed by relief help, then MIF help.
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
10:11 pm
We really need someone who can play a decent SS and can pinch hit. Both of those guys can play second and third (I know Fontenot has played third in SF this year).
I just don’t think we can hang our hats on Diory Hernandez yet.
There might be some others I am not thinking of right now. Those two were on the potential non-tender list.
Prado is the big backup for third and second. Conrad will be the backup to the backup and the PH’er. We need someone who can spell A-Gon for 10-15 games next year and who can hit a bit off the bench.
While I would love to see Matty D come back to form, I have my doubts the Braves are going to talk to him much. Anybody else we get will have their own issues (like Diaz does).
Who are the potential relievers who could close if needed, or set up? I still am holding out hope that Saito will be signed to an incentive contract. When he is on, he is electric! A good manager would not have any major issues with limiting his work.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:14 pm
DS1
My pick for the pen is Jon Rauch. Theriot would be amazing. Guy who can play 2B/3B/SS and hit off the bench. Afraid he’ll end up outta our price range though. I don’t know that Fontenot fits if he can’t play SS.
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
10:14 pm
P’cola
I suspect Hinske will take the two year deal if Milwaukee offers it. I don’t think you risk a 2nd year on a guy who had a hot 1/3 of a year, and a fairly inconsistent 2/3 of the rest of the season.
I wonder if the X-man Nady would sign for 1-2 million? I’d love to have that guys’ bat off the bench and to backup first base. He really picked it up in the last couple of months of the season.
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
10:16 pm
Rauch would be a good sign. Maybe Kelvim Escobar if he is healthy?
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:18 pm
DS1
Did Escobar ever get healthy last year? If Hinske goes to Milwaukee, I think hands down you got to go for Nady. Fits the role.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:22 pm
Another name I find interesting for the pen is Chad Qualls. I know he played terrible in ‘10 but he was otherwise solid his whole career.
cabravesfan
November 23rd, 2010
10:23 pm
P’cola Brave -
What you said about a back-up 1B/OF/PH is what I meant…well, emphasis on OF/PH. I hate the idea of losing Hinske, but I just have a feeling he’s going to the Brewers. A 2 year deal combined with being able to play at home might be too much to resist.
I think that a back up SS/3B is at the bottom of the list of needs (keep in mind my list is only about 3 spots long)
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:26 pm
Did Milawaukee offer two years? If so he may be gone. Like I said to DS1, I’d take Nady for a 4/5th OF. He’d fill a lot of our voids. Matt Young fills your defense and speed plus a pretty solid avg. and OBP.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:29 pm
Plus Nady plays 1B
cabravesfan
November 23rd, 2010
10:29 pm
I’m going to say a big NO on Kelvim Escobar. Guy’s been hurt for the last 3 years and I don’t think he’s worth even taking a flyer on (He’s pitched in one game since 2008)
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
10:35 pm
Why Does the name Kelvim Escobar remind me of Jorge Sosa?
glord1
November 23rd, 2010
10:41 pm
Assuming Uggla gets about 10 mil this year what does that leave let over?
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
10:42 pm
“As much as we want to keep everybody, we’ve already made these guys very, very rich, and I don’t feel we owe anybody anything monetarily,” Hank Steinbrenner said Tuesday. “Some of these players are wealthier than their bosses.”
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2010/11/23/hank-weve-already-made-these-guys-very-very-rich/
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
10:53 pm
Sign
1.) Hinske/ Nady
2.) Rauch/ Qualls
3.) Theriot/ Felipe Lopez
And we should be set.
Braveheart
November 23rd, 2010
10:57 pm
My pick for the pen is Jon Rauch.
Rauch doesn’t seem to fit the Wren/McDowell profile. They tend to value strikeouts, groundballs, and lefties. Rauch does seem to be really good at inducing infield fly balls though, which suppresses his HR9 rates, and he’s got good walk rates.
Tomahawkin
November 23rd, 2010
10:59 pm
I’d rather us dumpster-dive for a veteran reliever…especially since we are stacked with up and coming young arms that can help in the Pen when needed
BB FAN
November 23rd, 2010
11:02 pm
It’s been a while since I have posted, but I started reading some of this tonight. I love the Uggla trade. I just hope he will resign for a reasonable amount. I actually though Florida offered a very good deal and was surprised Uggla declined it. We’ll see if it’s just Florida that he was tired of.
Anyway, I hope Hinske comes back. I think his bat off the bench and his clubhouse attitude is worth a 2 year, 2.5-3.0 million deal. If he wants two years, let him have it. It’s not like we are talking about 10 mill a year.
I also think the Braves need to add more power to the bench too. And Andruw Jones would be a great one to get. He won’t hit for a high average but he hits homeruns, drives in key runs and draws a decent amount of walks to keep his OBP respectable. I saw him play the outfield for the White Sox last year a few times and he did well. I know he’s not the Gold Glove centerfielder he once was, but I think he would be a great 4th outfielder. He signed for like 1.5 mill early last offseason. I doubt he would want much more seeing how he had almost the same year he had in Texas in 09.
The Braves probably also need to replace Infante. Jerry Hairston Jr would be great. I think he made around 2 mill last year.
A good bullpen arm would be Jon Rauch. I think he made less than 3 mill last season.
The sad part is even though those four players would only make a combined 8 or 9 mill for next year, the Braves probably can’t afford them. I hope they make a splash with their bench to solidify it again. And bring Andruw home would just be great.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
11:03 pm
Chad Qualls may be your dumpster dive. He made 4 mil last year but with a terrible year this year I could see him slipping to around 2 mil.
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
11:13 pm
if we need a guy coming off a terrible year why not just use Proctor. he can stink it up too and will be cheaper
DS1
November 23rd, 2010
11:19 pm
nolie
Didn’t Proctor have a couple of decent outings near the end of the season? Maybe he is ready to rebound next year. Won’t cost much to try.
I suspect we might pick up 2-3 more like him and see what sticks.
Or go for Mo Rivera………….
nolie
November 23rd, 2010
11:24 pm
I think we should sneak in there and sign Jeets. They say he led all those 90s Yanks teams to WS wins, Even though he seems to have forgotten how tp lead like that through the last decade, maybe he could discover the magic again and would lead us to a few this decade. Dounds like he can be gotten cheap for such an amazing clubhouse presence.
P'cola Brave
November 23rd, 2010
11:24 pm
Qualls had an abnormal year which I think will cause his value to fall. Before this year his ERA has always been in the mid to lower 3’s. Hes worth a shot if the price is right. If not you move on to other targets. I would still see what Rauch is asking for first.
Tomas
November 23rd, 2010
11:28 pm
Harold Reynolds says Uggla deserves the same as Utley or close to it. Defense is the difference between the two, and Utley is more of an average hitter than Uggla, but Uggla has more pop
McFann O O
November 23rd, 2010
11:34 pm
Eric IM A BIG DOUBLES GUY!!!
Doubles are the greatest…RBI Doubles are my favorite kind of hit, but that’s not much in the way of “news”.
Brave4life I feel bad for McCann right now
Me, too…
McCann has been snubbed for too many years.
Ja.
But at least the players and coaches have known enough to pick him! And he showed everybody this past All-Star Game what he’s made of! 
CB She is lovely until you say something bad about Brian McCann,then you better duck!
nolie
November 24th, 2010
12:02 am
but who would EVER say anything bad about McCann?
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
12:13 am
bravey, your boy josh smith is about to go jeff francoeur. just thought i told you so.
zero fundamentals. has got zero bettter, but he can jump high.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
12:15 am
nolie, i will.
unless he learns to hit it again the other way he will struggle.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
12:17 am
he aint good enough to hit it over the shift.
that is reserved for guys like thome, howard, dunn, and fielder.
unless macc muscles up and hits forty, he hits rigth into that shift.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
12:24 am
DOB, you got me hooked on SOA. this season has been good. not great like breaking bad or rubicon but real good.
nolie
November 24th, 2010
12:36 am
I would not rate Rubicon in quite the same league with either of those others myself
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
1:03 am
nolie, loved the first season of rubicon. find the SOA somewaht out there.
ward
November 24th, 2010
1:27 am
Hello every one: Nolie it’s good to have the salary cap. It keeps baseball honest. Other wise the Yankees would buy The World Series.Sorry about my spelling again. I just realized to post .280 batting average for Chipper Jones a correction.
ward
November 24th, 2010
1:32 am
What about Cory Patterson? He would be a great bench player, and a great forth out fielder. He could be a little high though.
ward
November 24th, 2010
1:38 am
Wren did say he wanted to give Joran Shcafer a shot at center field as well. i would like to see Shcafer, and Matt Young at Center, and I still have my doubts about Nate.
ward
November 24th, 2010
1:41 am
I think Jordan Shcafer will do great too.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
1:47 am
vidication is great. humility better. let us s see how much adulation treats michael vick.
good for him. he definetely paid his due.
sometimes adulation is harder.
ward
November 24th, 2010
1:56 am
Hinske: Has been declined now too. No Hinske. Glaus, and Lee. Braves want Freeman as First baseman.
nolie
November 24th, 2010
2:12 am
Uga, you know they cancelled Rubicon, right?
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:19 am
nolie, really. that stinks.
nolie
November 24th, 2010
2:21 am
yep it does, I was hoping it would come back
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:24 am
nolie, never got into mad men. but i really liked that show. really disapointed to hear that.
wish amc would of given it a better chance.
kinda like friday night lights.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:25 am
nolie, it had serious potential. but like they say some like checkers, some like chesss.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:27 am
so correct me if i am wrong, hinske turned down the current contract offered?
nolie
November 24th, 2010
2:28 am
I do not like Mad Men at all, liked Rubicon, Breaking bad is awesome and i like The walking dead pretty good so far. It has already been renewed and for more episodes next year
nolie
November 24th, 2010
2:30 am
I don’t know Uga, did he? Someone said that tonight but I’m not sure if it really happened or not. Won’t surprise me if it is just a one year offer.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:32 am
i know you are a diaz fan, but i dont see it as a part time player.
he is not a good pinch hitter. not a good situational hitter.
swings at just about everything.
not a guy i want hitting with runners at 2nd and 3rd with one out.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:36 am
either way that wont make the braves season.
jjj, is the key to the rotation. if he bounces back and loses some weight, that is the key.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:38 am
gotta have that third guy after hudson and lowe. still not sold on hanson.
dont know why i say that just a hunch. still waiting on hanson to develop that killer changeup.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:41 am
if hanson ever develops some type of off speed thing he will be dangerous.
right now he he fastball and slider.
gotta get hitters off the same type of speed.
ward
November 24th, 2010
2:44 am
I’ll be suprised if Diaz is still around? He will be the odd man out.
ward
November 24th, 2010
2:46 am
What do you guy’s think about Cory Patterson? He might be high priced, but a good bench player with speed.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:46 am
a great changeup defines pitchers.
most lh’ers like hammels and santana live by it.
rh’s not so much. a cutter or a off speed slider.
either way gotta change speeds.
when hanson can throw that pitch without tipping it he will be money.
ward
November 24th, 2010
2:47 am
I think he did, because the Braves declined him 6 hours ago.
ward
November 24th, 2010
2:50 am
Hanson learns to keep his change up down, and away, he’ll do just fine. J.J. should be the 3rd pitcher in the rotation.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:51 am
saw games last year ie. the white sox when it looked like the hitters knew what was coming. same thing when the cardinals got him.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:54 am
aint about keeping it down and away, it is about having a out pitch.
hanson, threw way to many pitches last year, early.
he needs a consistent out pitch. no foul balls.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
2:59 am
he needs a strikeout pitch early in the count. he gets ahead.
how many compete games did he throw? well other then the rain shortened game against the mets, zero.
how many did halladay, lincecum, santanna, and hammels throw?
15 more.
ward
November 24th, 2010
3:00 am
What pitches does Hanson have besides fast ball and change up?Maybe develope cutting fastball, or slider.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
3:02 am
we need a horse that can throw nine. hudson cant do it. we need that guy in the middle that can go nine. that guy is hanson. please develop a change.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
3:04 am
ward, all he throws is a fastball and a slider. sometimes a off speed curveball. he has to develop that off speed thing.
ward
November 24th, 2010
3:11 am
uga-brave, If Hanson could develope a change up. That would throw off hitters,because he would have a curveball.He would have Maddox type stuff.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
3:21 am
ward, that would put him in high cotton. dont think maddux ever threw as hard as hanson.
maddux however could throw a baseball through a tea cup.
spotting your pitches sometimes make all the difference.
uga-brave
November 24th, 2010
3:21 am
till tmmrw.
nolie
November 24th, 2010
3:22 am
What do you guy’s think about Cory Patterson? He might be high priced, but a good bench player with speed. ward
I try to think of him as little as possible. He is one of the worst hitting outfielders in baseball. Shoot him in the head and put him out of his misery.
nolie
November 24th, 2010
3:23 am
throwing nine is a thing of the past Uga. actually messes up mosy managr’s game plans anymore.
ward
November 24th, 2010
3:25 am
Nolie, i’ll put him far away now. No more on mentioning him.Cory patterson gone……..
ward
November 24th, 2010
3:27 am
Hanson with a Breaking ball would be a nice pitch selection?
ward
November 24th, 2010
3:35 am
Nolie, I agree with you on the pitchers throwing nine. It sure would be nice to see that happen again. Baseball has changed.
ward
November 24th, 2010
3:43 am
Nolie, be cool, and nite to you! Have a great one….Talk tomorrow…..Go!!! Braves!!!.”
D.J.
November 24th, 2010
4:45 am
No more ward and uga-brave conversations please… I couldn’t read through the awkward punctuation and stream-of-consciousness.
That said, Corey Patterson is perpetually blacklisted due to him being awful the one season I legitimately played fantasy baseball and ruining my team. I think it was his rookie/second season so it probably wasn’t a good chance of succeeding, but he woefully underperformed.
While I’ve had my doubts about Tommy Hanson as well, it’s really necessary to look at his splits from last year before you start writing him off. He had 3 months with a sub-3.00 ERA, and another one with a 3.05. The other 2 months he had ERAs of 5.09 and 6.31, but those were skewed due to single awful outings where he gave up 8 and 9 ERs, respectively. For the season he only had 5 starts with 5+ ERs, and only 3 with 6+. He was dominant for the last month or so of the season, and something about the way he acted during that stretch makes me think that will carry over to next season. He seemed to develop more confidence in what he was throwing and not worry about it as much.
And any comparisons of Hanson to Maddux are verging on insanity… they’re not at all similar other than the fact that they both were/are right-handers pitching for the Braves. Hanson-Smoltz I could see, but absolutely not Maddux.
If anyone needs more mid-night novels, I’d be happy to oblige.
JasonInFL
November 24th, 2010
6:54 am
Lance Berkman
DaveFromDallas(NC)
November 24th, 2010
7:03 am
I don’t know how Lance Berkman will fit. His best position is first base. He’s subpar defensively in the outfield and his batting average and production doesn’t warrant playing every day on a playoff team at this point. He looks like a bench player but I would be wiling to be Lance Berkman wouldn’t accept that at this point.
Horner's Corner
November 24th, 2010
7:32 am
A re-post from the weaker blog…
Xavier Nady should be the next off-season acquisition. He’s a right handed bat with power that can play both corner outfield positions and 1B. Not great at first, but good enough to start 25-30 games a year which will allow the Braves to rest Freeman versus some left-handers.
Braveheart
November 24th, 2010
7:43 am
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/24/why-are-we-suddenly-hearing-about-the-boras-salcedo-loan-story/
while such loans have the potential to be abused, and while union rules certainly should be followed in these matters — and if Boras didn’t follow them he should be punished — I’m struggling to see the problem in this instance.
I suspect that it’s no accident that we’re seeing a series in the Times about potential exploitation of Dominican players right now. Indeed, I think we’ll see more of them between now and the end of the 2011 season.
Why? Because there is an interest on the part of Major League Baseball and perhaps some others to present the Dominican Republic as a wild west in need of taming. Because if things can be portrayed as sufficiently chaotic and dangerous down there — drugs, loans, buscones, etc. — it will be much easier to sell people on the notion that more regulation is needed. Regulation that will, inevitably, lead to things that will put a lid on signing bonuses and possibly lay the groundwork for that international draft that Selig and the owners desperately want. The time to lay that groundwork is now, in the run-up to the new collective bargaining agreement being negotiated next year.
To be clear: I’m not saying that there aren’t some ugly aspects in talent development in the Dominican. There are.* But the examples we’re hearing about aren’t exactly new and aren’t exactly egregious. I likewise believe that it’s important to ask why we’re seeing these stories now and to think about whose interest they benefit. Scott Boras has long been a useful villain for those who oppose free agency and I would not be at all shocked if he is again being used in that role with a greater agenda in mind.
richbrave
November 24th, 2010
7:50 am
FALL BALL
‘ZONA
No games
AUSSIE_LAND
No games
DOMINICAN
3B DIORY HERNANDEZ continues to fatten his average. Last night, he went 1-2, .337 BA.
1B MAURO GOMEZ shoots blanks yesterday as he goes 0-2 with a walk and a whiff, .312 BA.
RH/RP JAIRO ASENCIO picks up his fifth save, and closes out the game with an inning of perfection, 2 SO, 3.38 ERA.
RH/RP JUAN ABREU gets a second hold in his fourth outing of the fall ball session lowering his………oh wait, how low can you go? It’s still a perfect 0.00 ERA for the young prospect.
MEXICO
PH BARBARO CANIZARES gets in as a pinch-hitterr and draws a walk retaining his .360 BA.
2B JOE THURSTON has an 0-4 night with a whiff, lowering his BA to .257.
PUERTO RICO
C ORLANDO MERCADO is 1-3 at the plate yesterday evening with a walk, .326 BA.
VENEZUELA
The ‘LIBERATOR’ (BOLIVAR) plays third last night and goes 0-3, .250 BA.
Braveheart
November 24th, 2010
7:53 am
Boras responds to the Salcedo situation:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ti-borascolumn112310
“This,” he said, “is a goodwill story.” “We did something we’re proud of. We have a young man who’s playing baseball who otherwise wouldn’t be.”
Signed as a Boras client in 2006, Salcedo agreed in 2008 to sign with the Cleveland Indians for $2.9 million, but had that contract voided due to visa issues brought about by suspicions he was older than his claimed 16. Two years later, following various identity checks and bureaucratic entanglements, Salcedo signed with the Atlanta Braves for $1.6 million. In between, Boras said, his agency loaned Salcedo and his family $70,000, which he said was administered for living and legal expenses and within union regulations, and would be repaid by Salcedo with “nominal” interest. “This poor kid,” Boras said, “his career was on the line.”
Major League Baseball and the union fear such loans could be manipulated to retain clients against their will. Salcedo told the Associated Press on Tuesday that his situation was different. “We asked as a favor, my mother and I, if they could help us,” he said. “They never offered me and money. Never. We asked for it because I was going to sign in about four months. We thought, ‘If they give us that money, we can pay it [back] in four months.”
Boras argued Salcedo was already his client at the time of the loans, which initially he believed the loans would be repaid from the Cleveland bonus, and when that fell through he felt obliged to help the family pay the fees of attorneys sorting through Salcedo’s identity issues. In that manner, he said, he saved Salcedo from the usual Dominican “corruption issues” of Buscones, loan sharks and bonus skimmers. “I believed him,” Boras said. “I believed in the kid. And we were right.”
To date, Boras said, he has not been repaid the loan – which he said the family requested a year after it hired Boras – and has not collected his usual percentage of the signing bonus. “We’re here helping somebody revive his career,” Boras said, “and doing so legally and appropriately pursuant to the MLB rules.”
McFann O O
November 24th, 2010
8:48 am
nolie but who would EVER say anything bad about McCann?
Would you like me to make a list?
Efrim
November 24th, 2010
8:57 am
Regulation that will, inevitably, lead to things that will put a lid on signing bonuses and possibly lay the groundwork for that international draft that Selig and the owners desperately want. The time to lay that groundwork is now, in the run-up to the new collective bargaining agreement being negotiated next year.
Certainly going to be different if there is a international draft with hard slotting bonuses. I’m probably for the international draft, but I’m still undecided on hard slots.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 24th, 2010
9:07 am
Would an international draft be a separate event or be part of the Rule 4 draft?
ncscoots
November 24th, 2010
9:13 am
I’m probably for the international draft, but I’m still undecided on hard slots.
But wouldn’t hard slots for the amateur drafts at least knock out the “signability” issues? Seems to me that sort of thing clarifies the draft for both the teams and the kid. The kid can decide if the money is appropriate or attend college or wait a year or whatever. Teams can draft a kid with some reasonable expectation of budgets and can draft the kid based on ability alone.
I’m normally not a fan of anything that impinges on free enterprise and market forces, but I lean toward hard slots nevertheless. Go figure, LOL.
Lew
November 24th, 2010
9:13 am
What are any consequences undr International Law? Seems to me that some country could decide that their citizens were being unfairly treated (not making as much money) and refuse to go along with what MLB comes up with.
Not so sure that MLB has the juice to just institute what they decide is the way it will be.
P-Town Brave ©
November 24th, 2010
9:14 am
Nolie-
To answer back to what you said end of afternoon yesterday…
I would be a Braves fan if they won 50 last year…my point was that Murph only had 1 winning season with the Braves and many blowout losses because of poor pitching, therefore, he wouldn’t have as many chances in pressure situations…and yeah, I do recall even then he did fairly well…
Murph was always one of my favs because compared to the guys today, he may not have looked like he had all the talent in the world, but when he connected with a baseball, something special happened…great guy too!
If the guys today gave it what he did day in and day out, we’d never have a complaint, whether they win or lose…thats why so many love Matt Diaz and Martin Prado…they play the same way, and thats why I think many will love Dan Uggla.
Lew
November 24th, 2010
9:15 am
I’m lso not sure that a hard slotting system is enforcebale. Teams don’t pay much attention to it right now if they really want the player badly enough.
Couch Tater
November 24th, 2010
9:28 am
Here’s another article for you, Braveheart.
This is not a simple issue, as it involves international law, a multi-national corporation, an impoverished nation and a sport that elicits a great deal of passion by both players and critics.
http://www.law.northwestern.edu/journals/jihr/v4/n2/6/
Lew
November 24th, 2010
9:39 am
In the end, money talks and a. The Players won’t like it so it won’t be part of the CBA and b. The Richer Owners will do what they want anyway and Bud won’t try to buck them.
I’m betting that with those points and international issues, along with wanting to get a new CBA signed with as little BS as possible, the status quo will remain when the CBA is signed.
Efrim
November 24th, 2010
9:50 am
I’m normally not a fan of anything that impinges on free enterprise and market forces, but I lean toward hard slots nevertheless. Go figure, LOL.
Yeah, that’s why I’m leaning “nay” on a hard slotting system. But, a little part of me wants the Red Sox to pay for their incredible intelligence and domination of the thing.
Would an international draft be a separate event or be part of the Rule 4 draft?
It would all be the same…..and make for an interesting event.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 24th, 2010
9:54 am
NBA drafts players from all over and uses a slot type signing system. I don’t think other countries will have a problem with MLB doing the same.
Braveheart
November 24th, 2010
10:01 am
Maybe I’m getting this entirely wrong, but the players might like a hard slot because that would mean more money for the players who are part of the union. As we saw with Schafer’s HGH thing, the minor leaguers aren’t afforded the protection of the union. Less money being spent on kids and minor leaguers who aren’t a part of the union will presumably mean major league teams would have more money available to spend on the majors leaguers who are a part of the union, and who also happen to have already enjoyed their draft and signing bonuses.
Lew
November 24th, 2010
10:05 am
I’m doubting that the Players go along with any policy that restricts whatever their higher paid options might be. And those minor league draftees signing for the major bucks are going to be Union Memebers eventually, anyway.
ncscoots
November 24th, 2010
10:10 am
Maybe MLBPA actually is in favor of hard slotting, but asks for a giveback to agree with the owners on it. Maybe a higher percentage of Super Two to allow more players with less service time a quicker route to bigger paydays. Something like that would at least give a hard-slotted draftee some earlier recompense for fewer signing dollars.
Labor negotiations. Sheesh and yikes.
Carroll Rogers
November 24th, 2010
10:18 am
Bout to hit the road for Charlotte to visit the fam for Thanksgiving. I’ll check in if news comes up, but otherwise hope everybody has a great Thanksgiving!
P-Town Brave ©
November 24th, 2010
10:21 am
You too Carroll…
Thank you for getting such a great blog together for the week…
And that goes for all my blog friends out there…you and your families have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Lou Vales
November 24th, 2010
10:33 am
Efrim ,You probably realize enough is enough and after a certain amount of time it’s just about ego even more than greed.When you have accumulated enough money that next 10 generations of relatives can sit on their collecive butts–Well, that should be enough. Funny how the really rich guys who appear to be approachable–Buffet, Gates–they end up really passing it out.
I have found the professionals–surgeons, lawyers, CPA’s, economists–who have really made it don’t agonize over whether their “favorite”team is going to offer a guy, who would otherwise be working at a bait shop in Houma, Louisiana, 35 million for 3 years.It tends to be the dudes(and dudettes) with the underwater mortgage and the 16,000 in assets who live vicariously through the accumulated wealth of people who may or may not call 911 if they spotted them unconscious on a street corner.
unbelievable
November 24th, 2010
10:41 am
Corey Patterson is a terrible baseball player. Even as a bench player, he would make this team worse
LTBF
November 24th, 2010
10:41 am
Happy Thanksgiving Carroll
raleighbravefan
November 24th, 2010
10:42 am
In NBA, the veterans liked the idea of limiting the up-front and early mon ey paid to draftees. Problem with union would be anything that restricts earnings of veterans.
Have a great Thanksgiveing and a good vacation, Carroll. (You too, DAB) This blog is great. We appreciate all you do.
I’ll also take this chance to wish everyone a good holiday. I love the discussion, even with those with whom I regularly disagree. (notice: no dangling participle). I have always felt that you cannot learn anything new from only those who always agree with you.
McFann O O
November 24th, 2010
10:49 am
Happy Thanksgiving, Ms. Rogers!!
DAP
November 24th, 2010
10:52 am
raleighbravesfan I have always felt that you cannot learn anything new from only those who always agree with you.
you can only try to educate the rest. :- ) happy thanksgiving guys.
dont worry, corey patterson isnt coming here. the floor for a bench outfielder is matt young the guy wren brings in has to be better than matt young. i really think this team is pretty good as is, to be honest with you. what we get from here is just icing.
Gary O
November 24th, 2010
10:55 am
Just to weigh on the Jeter situation, the guy is 36 years old, and coming off one of the worst offensive seasons of his career.
And he has lost a step defensively (dont be fooled by a gold glove).
Why would anyone offer him a 4 year deal (unless it’s a bad team trying to increase attendance)? And why would anyone (except the Yankees) offer $15 mil per?
At least when we gave Chipper 3 years $42 mil, he was on his way to a batting title.
P-Town Brave ©
November 24th, 2010
10:55 am
DAP-
Your thoughts on Jon Rauch for the ‘pen…
He was just declined arbitration by the Twins so we wouldn’t have to forfeit any draft choices.
DAP
November 24th, 2010
11:02 am
ptown, i really think rauch is the guy…though i dont know anything about what he is like with teammates, which will be big with the role he will have.
but i think many of the guys available might not jump at the role we have for them, which is bullpen mentor, middle relief, backup 8th inning guy and backup closer. bullpen arms that have done it all at age 32 arent that plentiful.
P'cola Brave
November 24th, 2010
11:07 am
DAP
I think Rauch fits our position fine. He really never closed until Nathan went down. I think a set up gig with a chance to close occasionally could be perfect for him.
Efrim
November 24th, 2010
11:11 am
He was just declined arbitration by the Twins so we wouldn’t have to forfeit any draft choices.
We wouldn’t of had to anyway because he was Type B
But anyway, I like Rauch. I definitely think Wren needs to get another arm in here. Balfour, Francisco, Frasor and Downs should be off limits now that they were offered arb. and are Type A free agents. Braves first rounder is #28 and their next pick may not be until the 80’s given the length of the supplemental round in 2011. End this ridiculous system, please……
P'cola Brave
November 24th, 2010
11:13 am
So Rosenthal reports Hinske is getting close to deciding. Wonder if Wren upped the ante any to land him. We shall see in the coming days hopefully. Hopefully by the end of the weekend.
DAP
November 24th, 2010
11:29 am
p’cola I think Rauch fits our position fine. He really never closed until Nathan went down.
he was mostly a 8th inning guy, but he had 18 saves in 2008, when he played for two horrible teams, so did a little 9th inning work.
he isnt a huge strikeout guy, either. he has a pretty unique resume, so it will be interesting to see what he gets.