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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,361 comments Add your comment
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
2:43 pm
RC, which hand leads to greater bat-speed?
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:45 pm
With Minor in the rotation,we have five pitchers with the same type of stuff. Beachy could throw hitters off, if you mixed him in rotation.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:46 pm
Just a theory! Think about it…..
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
2:46 pm
Maybe I’m misinformed but what does Beachy bring thats different then the others? Minors LH so thats different than all of them and provides a much different approach.
O.J.
December 2nd, 2010
2:47 pm
So glad that the Hinske signing is done, now Frank can just concentrate on what he needs to at the meetings next week.
Chris from the Rock
December 2nd, 2010
2:48 pm
Excellent! Glad to hear that Hinske will return.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
2:48 pm
You are able to give MUCH more resistance to the person pushing the bat if you are holding it in your right hand instead of your left hand.
RC – This converstion has been turned upside so it is hard to tell what’s down and what is up.
RH swing, at point of contact, I am going to be able to resist someone pushing on the bat MORE largely in part to leverage and this being my dominate arm. We did this drill in HS and in college we would often hit off the tee with just our right (or dominate) arm. (if this is what you are saying then refer to my opening statement)
coach
December 2nd, 2010
2:48 pm
Hello Playoffs, Hinske’s back!!!!
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:49 pm
Bay Area Steve,
My personal thought it that it would be the top hand, assuming you are trying to generate the speed with the objective of staying an a realistic hitting plane and hitting the ball. If the objective is simply to create as much speed as possible, regardless of how long the swing gets, then I really am not sure. It’s quite possible that the bottom hand would create more bat-speed in that situation.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
2:49 pm
Really only two more moves to make now. A RP and possibly a back up MIF
McFann O O
December 2nd, 2010
2:50 pm
Yay! Thanks, Chief!
Yippee Ti-yi-yo
December 2nd, 2010
2:50 pm
WELCOME HOME HINSKE !
sorry about caps
Nick 'n Nash
December 2nd, 2010
2:50 pm
there ya go Hinske! Hopefully this season will be the one that puts the braves to the top of the NL! Just need a super utility like Bill Hall now, and a defensive CFer.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:50 pm
Beachy reminds me of Tom Glavine. I like Beachy a lot.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 2nd, 2010
2:51 pm
This was bound to happen eventually!!!!
What a psycho
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
2:51 pm
Good to hear about Hinske – the option year probably tilted it in the Braves favor. Its always good to get into the offseason with a lot of pieces settled.
Nova Scotia Steve
December 2nd, 2010
2:51 pm
I’m SOOOOOO happy about this….thanks DOB.
I knew it couldn’t have been that big of a deal for the Braves to offer an option year on the end of it!!!! And it appears that’s what got the deal done!
Welcome back ERIC HINSKE!
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:51 pm
Ease™ in Sandy Springs,
That’s exactly what I’m saying. And even if the reason for that resistance is leverage, it still contributes significantly to the power of the swing. Much more than a swing with high speed but no leverage.
Yippee Ti-yi-yo
December 2nd, 2010
2:52 pm
Insider rumor has Rockies talking to Bill Hall…
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:52 pm
Hinske returns…. Amen Brothers……..
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
2:53 pm
Often with little to no weight on the backside. Especially on balls away.
It’s all about balance BAS…You can do either, but the goal of the legs/hips is about getting the hands into a hitting position in which to drive the ball. Your talking about flayers, who are all over the place. Because once unbalanced, the first thing to go is the head, and when the head goes, BIG WHIFF! Unless you are Vlad…
GTSteve
December 2nd, 2010
2:53 pm
HITSKE
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
2:53 pm
ward
I like Beachy to but I don’t know that hes any different then any other guys. Minor has drawn comparisons to Glavine often. His MPH was up abnormally when he was in the ML. Normally he is 90-92 with a very good change. He must have been pretty pumped when he was up because he seemed to be throwing 94-95.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 2nd, 2010
2:54 pm
DAMN-IT
What would that be a MCFann or a McEase?
Here’s the right link!!!!
What a psycho
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:54 pm
Nice to have Hinske back. Guess he felt like he hadn’t done his job by not reaching the World Series in Atlanta.
Looks like that leaves room for 2 relief pitchers, a backup SS, and possibly a backup CF if Conrad is not back.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
2:55 pm
RC – then we are in accord.
Beachy reminds me of Tom Glavine. I like Beachy a lot. – ward
So ward, you want Beachy now to be our lefty starter? Then who is going to play CF?
bravesfaninnc
December 2nd, 2010
2:55 pm
Huge move getting Hinske back.Great job Frank able to get him with the braves
Yippee Ti-yi-yo
December 2nd, 2010
2:55 pm
Now hope Braves go after Jon Rauch..
TennesseePaul
December 2nd, 2010
2:56 pm
On a team with Prado and Heyward as corner outfielders.
Hinske is a left handed hitting corner outfielder or first baseman. On a team with a lefty Rookie at first and Prado and Heyward as corner outfielders.
I fully understand the reason for the decision, but would still rather have Diaz back as the fourth outfielder. I don’t know what to expect of Chipper at third. Should he go down, Prado will be moved there and that opens a position in Left Field… Diaz would come in very useful at that point. Plus I’m sure he offers intangibles like club house guy and what not.
…That and he rakes against the Fish.
If he’s not back, I’ll be sad to see him go. I liked that guy.
Piedmont Blues
December 2nd, 2010
2:56 pm
Great news about Hinske. I hope he’s needed mainly as a pinch hitter and occasional starter. Because that will mean the regulars are pulling their weight. This also allows the flexibility to rest Chipper, move Prado to 3B on those days, and put Hinske in LF.
TennesseePaul
December 2nd, 2010
2:56 pm
By the way, was this non-tender deadline during the day or is this one of those 11:59pm dead lines?
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
2:57 pm
What would that be a MCFann or a McEase?
Actually neither…messing up a URL has been undefined up until this point…guess you McCraZied the link.
DAP
December 2nd, 2010
2:57 pm
ease, Bat speed generates power and you know what generates bat speed? Yes, your hips…
hold the bat with your hands and take a swing. now hold it with your hips and take a swing.
which generated more power? clearly your hands, because the other way, the bat is probably laying on the ground.
you know nothing about science.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:57 pm
DOB,
I know that it’s now very likely that Diaz is non-tendered, but is there any chance the Braves non-tender Moylan? I really hope he remains with the Braves, but I have read in a few places that there was a chance he would be non-tendered. Have you heard anything that leads you to believe one way or another?
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:57 pm
P’ Cola Brave: True, they are both good pitchers.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:59 pm
Jon Rauch: I heard of him.Need more info…..
DAP
December 2nd, 2010
3:00 pm
most baseball players i see use both hands to swing. they also usually move and twist their bodies with the swing. its all important, guys! its the irreducible complexity of a baseball swing (or golf swing) that makes it do difficult to do right.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
3:00 pm
DAP – I hope you are trying to be funny.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 2nd, 2010
3:01 pm
So ward, you want Beachy now to be our lefty starter? Then who is going to play CF?
That would be amazing!! He wasn’t that bad as a RH pitcher was he??
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
3:01 pm
guess you McCraZied the link.
I thing it should just be Crazied. The Mc makes it sound like McFann had something do with it.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
3:03 pm
Ward
Here is a link to Rauch. A lot of people, including myself, think he would fit in well for the Braves. He was a Type B FA that wasn’t offered arb.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rauchjo01.shtml
richbrave
December 2nd, 2010
3:04 pm
FALL BALL
MEXICO
CF MATT YOUNG 1-4, 1 R, .375 BA.
DH BARBARO CANIZARES 2-3, 1 SO, .327 BA.
2B JOE THURSTON 1-5, 1 RBI (5), 1 SO, .237 BA.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
3:04 pm
Crazy: I just like Beachy’s stuff.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
3:05 pm
Crazy: Matt young, and Jordan Schafer in center field.
Booby Cox
December 2nd, 2010
3:06 pm
Good signing, if Freeman starts slow or is not ready we can plug E dog in @ 1st, also should start against rightys in LF & move Prado to 1st against rightys, let Diaz walk, not worth 2+ million per, good job FW, Go Bravos
ward
December 2nd, 2010
3:11 pm
I’ll talk to you guy’s later! Got to go to work!!! Fun Talking, and be cool…..Talk later tonight….. peace……
richbrave
December 2nd, 2010
3:11 pm
SWEET, HITSKI in the house!!!! But that’s the last nail in MATTY D’s coffin as far as I’m concerned. He’ll not look pretty in a PHILLIES uni (or any other for that matter) next season however. Thanx for the memories and great hustle MATT. We appreciate it (at least, I do).
DAP
December 2nd, 2010
3:11 pm
i try, ease. am i being “that” guy, now? :- )
Bama Brave
December 2nd, 2010
3:12 pm
whats going on with beachy?
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 2nd, 2010
3:15 pm
Crazy: Matt young, and Jordan Schafer in center field
Heck, I’m still hoping they swing a deal to bring Blanco back. If not Blanco maybe Dewayne Wise??
richbrave
December 2nd, 2010
3:16 pm
ward
December 2nd, 2010
3:05 pm
Crazy: Matt young, and Jordan Schafer in center field.
In all probability, one of those two as fourth OF’er. McLOUTH’s job irrespective of results in ST in my humble opinion. In essence because of the expiring contract in 2011 with the expensive option in 2012, it’s his job to lose in 2011. He will not be around in 2012 unless he has a career year, and I mean a CAREER year.
darrin
December 2nd, 2010
3:16 pm
good to have hinske back now please sign bill hall and let diaz walk bench is done after that
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
3:16 pm
SB – actually McFann was behind it, when she McFanned a post, she retaliated with a McEase and it escalated to a McCB…, etc…
ward, so if Chris Young and Schafer are in CF, you want Beachy in LF or Minor and who will be the lefty starter if Beachy is in LF?
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 2nd, 2010
3:17 pm
whats going on with beachy?
Apparently he’s in intense training to become a LH starter.
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
3:18 pm
Great conversation going here on bat speed…
I’m surprised someone has mentioned the core of power hitting, the legs…
I’ve especially found this to be the case in softball…this past season, I did extensive training on my lower body w/ P90x…ran better, faster, and hit with more gap to gap power…
BEFORE…
I got lazy a couple years ago and didn’t do much at all…
Lets just say there was a noticeable power difference…
Granted I got two bats (Worth Mayhem and Easton Salvo) that I absolutely love to swing, but a big difference is the power I generated through my legs being stronger and from being more explosive at the plate…
Just as part of the discussion though, I already had great bat speed and quick hands to begin with, so the extra was just added through the hips and my legs.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
3:19 pm
Bay Area Steve, Hammy the Brave: Baseball America is correct and Diamond is, indeed, eligible for Rule 5 draft. He doesn’t appear on some lists because most (including me) thought he signed in 2008, his first season in minors. But he actually signed in 2007, which is the only date that matters.
As for why Braves didn’t protect him, well, they obviously value more the guys they did opt to protect on the 40-man roster. I’ll get more later, as to why Diamond wasn’t one of them.
nyyankees are the best
December 2nd, 2010
3:19 pm
well congrads to the braves hes one helluva a player
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
3:19 pm
DAP – just making sure…didn’t want to whip out my credentials unnecessarily
and yes, you were being THAT guy! Totally disrupting an intelligent baseball conversation….
Poorbrave
December 2nd, 2010
3:20 pm
I know we can’t afford Bill Hall but Holy Cow he would be a major part of this team…and slove alot f problems. Fredi would have so many more options 2nd, ss, 3rd, lf,cf,rf,.
Then just sign Jon Rauch all 6′ 11″ 285 lb.of him. Thats it The Team would be set.
My 2 cents worth..now yours.
P’ Cola Brave is right on.
richbrave
December 2nd, 2010
3:22 pm
O.K. somebody hide the keys to the food locker from HITSKI. And it’s the treadmill for you buddy. Bench bat, back-up first base, and left field is going to keep you busy in 2011, so get in shape. BRAVES are gonna’ need and count on you plenty…………especially first, where I think you’ll be playing quite a bit for the first half of the season. I think FREEMAN’s mighty green yet, and will need spelling while he’s being schooled by ML pitchers.
Bigwheel
December 2nd, 2010
3:25 pm
I just saw white sox non tendered big bobby jenks. He would be a great piece to the back end of our bullpen. Having venters and kimbrel as the only closers is a scary thought..
braveslifer
December 2nd, 2010
3:25 pm
White Sox Non-Tender Bobby Jenks!
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
3:25 pm
Got Hinske…
I think the final two pieces are a RH pen arm (hopefully Rauch) and a utility infielder (hopefully a SS) and then go to camp with Young or Schafer in the OF.
Poorbrave
December 2nd, 2010
3:26 pm
Why is some people still so high on Schafer? He’s had 3 good months in 3 years. Put him in a package deal to anywhere else!
RC
December 2nd, 2010
3:27 pm
Poorbrave,
I would love those two additions, but I don’t see any way the Braves can afford both of them.
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
3:27 pm
Jenks won’t go anywhere he’s not given the ball consistenty in the 9th inning…
That I can promise..
I still think Rauch is the best fit.
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
3:30 pm
‘OB:
Thank you.
SoWeGa Fanatic
December 2nd, 2010
3:31 pm
Sadly, the good news on Hitski is bad news for our beloved MattyD. The Phils will love him.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
3:32 pm
I think we all know that a RP will be acquired but what after that? They could look into MIF or OF. Guess whichever fits the budget after SP acquired. Personally I think it should be a MIF.
jeffrey d
December 2nd, 2010
3:33 pm
I think I’d rather have Diaz, simply because if he becomes Ted Williams against lefties
kd
December 2nd, 2010
3:35 pm
Great news about HINSKE!
unbelievable
December 2nd, 2010
3:38 pm
I want Putz or Wheeler before Rauch
Poorbrave
December 2nd, 2010
3:39 pm
RC you are probably right. Wish Wren are management would talk to Liberty for more money.
unbelievable
December 2nd, 2010
3:40 pm
“Why is some people still so high on Schafer? He’s had 3 good months in 3 years. Put him in a package deal to anywhere else! – Poorbrave”
Andy Marte syndrome
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
3:40 pm
unbelievable
Wheeler would be my other option. Putz will be to expensive. Hes going to cost aroung 5 mil. Wheeler and Rauch are probably the best realistic options.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
3:42 pm
I’m going on the record now that IF Diaz does sign with Philly, I really hope the fans in Atlanta will cheer for him in his first AB back at Turner Field. Just think it would be a nice gesture toward a guy who has given the Braves everything he had over the past 5 years.
Bigwheel
December 2nd, 2010
3:42 pm
In regards to your 1021am post. I appreciate your dedication to this blog DOB. Some people just dig for a reason to complain, bunch of knuckleheads..
unbelievable
December 2nd, 2010
3:44 pm
Id also take Uehara before Rauch. Any of the 4 will work
Poorbrave
December 2nd, 2010
3:44 pm
agree P’Cola…Jon are Wheeler
Andy Marte syndome….yes
unbelievable
December 2nd, 2010
3:44 pm
RC, they will
Poorbrave
December 2nd, 2010
3:46 pm
believe it they will
Steve McP
December 2nd, 2010
3:51 pm
If Diaz leaves and ends up at the Phillies, as has been pointed out we do not have a left handed starter (as Hammy does not count Minor) and so he will be the bench guy every time when we play them
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
3:54 pm
Just talked to Hinske, updated the story with his quotes: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2010/12/02/braves-re-sign-veteran-leader-hinske/
Kyle
December 2nd, 2010
4:01 pm
DOB- about Prado, you have stated before prado doesnt care where he plays. do you think that besides playing lf, he will spell freeman at 1b when the braves play leftys or do Wren and company think freeman can hit leftys? that way they can sign another player who can play alot of positons instead of being stuck with a Cantu type because we need a backup 1b
Kyle
December 2nd, 2010
4:02 pm
that prolly happens tho only if we sign diaz back, which i doubt happens
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
4:03 pm
Couple of the Hinske quotes I added to story just now:
“I’m happy. Milwaukee made a big push. I think it kind of boiled down to, they weren’t willing to give me a two-year deal. Neither was Atlanta, but if neither was going to, my heart was in Atlanta.
“I had so much fun there last year, and I think what they’re doing this offseason, bringing in Uggla, and if Chipper stays healthy I think we’ve got a real good shot next year.”
On Uggla: “Right-handed power hitters are few and far between in the game. He’s a difference maker, for sure. He killed us with the Marlins. It’s good to get a guy like that on our side.
“Even if we didn’t’ get him, I still wanted to come back. Now it’s an even better shot for us.”
Jerrad Hardin
December 2nd, 2010
4:16 pm
Long-time Brave fan and Blog-follower here… Thought I would contribute to the Bat Speed discussion. I run a hitting facility near Omaha, Nebraska, and through the years I’ve been fortunate to work with Major League Hitters, U.S. Olympians, and scores of College All-Americans. I do camps, clinics, speaking engagements, and offer one-on-one instruction.
About five years ago, Don Slaught, former MLB Catche and Detroit Tigers hitting coach called me after reading my first book I published. He wanted to talk hitting with me – and it was the single greatest learning experience I’ve ever had in my life. Since then, Don and I have worked numerous camps together and stay in touch regularly.
Don’s software company, Right View Pro, has changed the way we look at and learn about hitting. It brings a mathematical and scientific approach to understanding what the best players in the world actually do in their swings. Through detailed video analysis, where each frame can be broken into 1/60th per second clips, it becomes really clear that the best players in the world do essentially the same things.
*Yes the Atlanta Braves are a client of Right View Pro, as are many other Major League teams.
In generating bat speed, some things to consider: The angle of the bat at the time the toe touches the ground (near a 45) when the hitter strides forward. A forward push from the hitter’s backside (some refer to this as a linear move) accompanied with a strong rotation of the hips – once the hitter has determined speed and location of the pitch. Other facters include how long the hitter holds the angle of the bat allowing the pressure to build in the angle before releasing it into the ball. We might also look at the legs to see how opposing forces are created with a strong push from the backside creating a momentary soft front knee that works back and resists, thus funneling the force from the lower half back into the upper at the time the hitter releases the angle.
I hope this helps – if you have further interest or if you have questions feel free to ask.
Go Braves!
Murph
December 2nd, 2010
4:17 pm
So what’s next? A veteran reliever? Is that the last piece of the puzzle?
If they add someone during the winter meetings, what are we supposed to talk about for the next 2 months? Deer? ward?
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
4:17 pm
THIS JUST IN: As expected, Braves non-tenderd Diaz, and tendered all other unsigned arb-eligibles: Martin Prado, Jair Jurrjens, Peter Moylan, Eric O’Flaherty.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
4:21 pm
Braves non-tendered Diaz, and already speculation is Rays (who drafted him 11 yrs ago) could be interested. Phillies and plenty of others might be, too.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
4:22 pm
I’ll miss Diaz,he just doesnt fit into the plans moving ahead.
DAP
December 2nd, 2010
4:22 pm
man, i still hope they sign diaz.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
4:27 pm
i’d rather have john mayberry jr play CF for Atlanta next year then Diaz. DOB couldnt we just have tendered Diaz then traded him to Philly for someone like Mayberry Jr?
RC
December 2nd, 2010
4:28 pm
As it stands now, it appears that the 12 non-starting roster slots line up as follows:
1. Closer – Kimbrel
2. Set-up – Venters
3. Set-up – Moylan
4. LOOGY – O’Flaherty
5. MR – Proctor
6. MR – __________
7. LR – __________ (possibly Martinez or one of Minor/Beachy)
8. BUC – Ross
9. PH/1b/LF – Hinske
10. OF – Mather (assuming Braves are comforable with him as backup CF)
11. IF – Conrad (possible that he doesn’t make team, but currently seems to fit)
12. SS – _________ (Unsure who fits as a backup SS. Ideally this player would be able to fill in everywhere, like Infante last year.)
Any other ideas/suggestions? It’s also possible that any of the non-roster invitees that the Braves have signed to minor league contracts the past week could take the place of Mather and/or Conrad.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
4:28 pm
i meant play CF rather then Nate.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
4:29 pm
i’d rather have john mayberry jr play CF for Atlanta next year then Diaz. DOB couldnt we just have tendered Diaz then traded him to Philly for someone like Mayberry Jr?
We could have, but odds are we wouldn’t be able to trade Diaz without eating some of the salary he’d likely get through arbitration. Odds are he’ll sign with someone for less than he would have made through the arbitration process.
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
4:29 pm
I will miss Diaz as well…great guy all-around…
He just doesn’t fit in with what we now need…
Hope he lands himself a good gig somewhere (other than Philly and NY)..
I can guarantee he will get a great ovation whenever he comes back to Atlanta as he was well liked by all….just an AWESOME dude!
McFann O O
December 2nd, 2010
4:30 pm
Ease actually McFann was behind it
Aw, you make me feel like a real manager!
McFann O O
December 2nd, 2010
4:31 pm
DOB As expected, Braves non-tenderd Diaz
SoWeGa Fanatic
December 2nd, 2010
4:31 pm
David O’Brien
December 2nd, 2010
4:21 pm
Braves non-tendered Diaz
*************************
$%@#$#&*%$