Braves wait for Hinske, Diaz waits for Braves, etc.
While the Braves wait for Eric Hinske to decide between offers from them and his home-state Brewers, and Matt Diaz waits for the Braves to make a decision about his future, most of us are just waiting for the Hot Stove to heat up.
While the Braves -- courtesy of impatient Marlins -- nabbed their big pursuit early with a trade for Dan Uggla, most teams seem content to wait until next week's Winter Meetings to get the Hot Stove cranking. Deals and even rumors have been sparse so far.
And this is coming from a beat writer whose team made one of the only significant moves so far this winter, trading for second baseman Dan Uggla.
Yes, this offseason has been uncharacteristically short on juicy trade rumors and free-agent negotiations played out publicly. Apparently most teams — exception: Yankees — and agents are more or less abiding by the recent request that they not leak offers and negotiation updates to the media.
Those are the leaks that usually provide much of grist for the offseason rumor mill, and I wonder just how long teams and agents will continue to bite their lips and let so many calls from reporters go to voicemail, and go unreturned.
Or maybe there just are not nearly as many talks happening as we’re used to in late November. Arbitration offer deadlines and the exclusive free-agent negotiation period were shortened and the process sped up this winter, in the hopes that teams and players might begin serious talks earlier and more deals – trades and signings – might happen sooner than in recent years.
But it appears the reverse might actually be happening. Teams found out earlier than in past years which free agents would be offered arbitration by clubs and which would cost draft-pick compensation for signing teams.
Now, most are just sort of sitting on that info, fully digesting it and waiting for a couple more deadlines before formulating strategies for full engagement in talks during the Winter Meetings that start Monday (Dec. 6) in Orlando.
Teams probably figure that with the arb-acceptance deadline so much sooner this year, coming on Tuesday (Nov. 30), and the Dec. 2 deadline looming for teams to tender contracts to unsigned players, there’s really no reason to rush into anything.
Not when they can wait until after the Dec. 2 deadline and know exactly which players are available all over baseball, with those non-tendered players joining the free-agent pool.
This offseason could quickly go from slower-than-usual to something close to frenetic next week in Orlando. And even though the Braves have already made their big move of the winter, landing the big right-handed bat they had sought for at least the past couple of years, they still have moves to make.
They want to strengthen a bench that’s taken some hits this winter, with the loss of Omar Infante in the Uggla trade and lesser players who were dumped, and would also like to add a veteran reliever, preferably with some closing ability.
♣ Waiting for Hinske: Once the Braves get an answer from Hinske, they’ll obviously know much more about their bench needs.
The 33-year-old left fielder/first baseman/pinch-hitter is deciding between an offer from the Braves believed to be worth between $1.2 million and $1.5 million, and a similar offer from Milwaukee.
Hinske’s brother, Ryan, a high school football coach in Wisconsin, last week told the Appleton (Wisc) Post-Crescent that Hinske would like a two-year deal. If either team offers that, you get a sense he’d sign right away.
If it comes down to paying a few hundred thousand bucks more than planned, Eric Hinske would seem to be worth the investment for the Braves, given what he did last season on the field and in the clubhouse.
Understandable, given his age (33) and the year-to-year nature of the job of a veteran utility man/pinch-hitter. Meawwhile, teams prefer not to make more than a one-year commitment to players whose performance can go from really good to bad so rapidly (see: Greg Norton), while the players try to capitalize on a good season for more security.
If all things are reasonably close to equal, offer-wise, I tend to believe Hinske will come back to Atlanta, where he’s comfortable with his teammates and confident that the Braves can make another playoff run (if Bobby Cox was back, I’d be even more confident Hinske would return).
But you just never know about the pull of the hometown, especially for a player who’s nearing the end of his career, and has never gotten to play so close to family members on a regular basis.
And if the Brewers offer the same or a bit more than the Braves, that might be difficult for him to turn down, unless Hinske just doesn’t believe the Brewers have much chance to contend for a playoff berth (he’s been to the playoffs four consecutive years with four different teams, including three World Series trips before last year’s first-round loss to San Francisco).
Hinske hit .256 with 21 doubles, 11 homers and 51 RBIs in 281 at-bats last season, with a .338 OBP and a .456 slugging percentage. When Braves left fielders struggled mightily in the early season, Cox put Hinske out there and he helped spark a resurgence after the nine-game losing skid in late April.
But after he cooled off and began to slump, Cox removed him from the regular left-field job and eventually stopped platooning him with Diaz, too. I never fully understood the reasoning for that, to be honest with you. I thought the Braves were pretty solid with Diaz and Hinske platooning in left field.
Hinske hit .274 (48-for-175) with 14 doubles, six homers, 34 RBIs and an impressive .817 OPS before the All-Star break, compared to .226 (24-for-106) with only 10 extra-base hits, 17 RBIs and a .754 OPS after the break.
Hinske was one of the players often cited by others for the Braves’ improved team chemistry, a leader from the beginning of spring training.
As a pinch-hitter, he hit .298 with three homers and a .985 OPS in 47 at-bats. And in whatever role he was playing, during the late innings of close games Hinske hit .302 with three homers and a 1.009 OPS in 43 at-bats.
Having fellow veterans like Hinske around was a big part in the Braves' improvement in 2010, Chipper Jones (left) has said.
Overall, he hit .314 with a .945 OPS in 99 at-bats after the sixth inning.
Yes, the Braves need him back.
His managers have used Hinske sparingly against lefties in recent years, and he excelled against lefties in very limited exposure to them last season. Hinske went 8-for-21 (.381) with three doubles and two homers against lefties, after batting just .191 (21-for-110) with four doubles and homers against lefties over the 2007-2009 seasons.
But he makes his bones hitting righties, and last season his slugging percentage against righties was .427, down from .457 over the previous three seasons combined.
All that said, the Braves need him. Or, at least in my opinion, they shouldn’t lose him over a few hundred thousand bucks, if it were to come to that. For team chemistry and late-innings production, that seems a small price to pay over what you might have had in mind.
♣ Diaz awaiting decision: After coming to Atlanta five years ago as a 26-year-old minor leaguer in a deal no one noticed, a trade for an obscure pitcher who went on to more obscurity, Matt Diaz’s career blossomed as a Brave.
A .303 average, .353 OBP and .815 OPS. That’s what Diaz has done in five seasons for the Braves.
The amiable outfielder really wants to continue as a Brave. But he’s smart. He looks at moves the Braves have made this offseason, realizes he might be moving on. Or not. He hasn’t talked to a team official since the season ended.
Matt and Leslee Diaz, shown at a Tim Hudson offseason charity event in 2009, are waiting to find out if he'll be playing for the Braves again in 2011. That could also influence the naming of their new baby boy, due Dec. 16. (Elissa Eubanks photo/AJC)
“Just hanging tight for a few more days,” Diaz said from his Central Florida home on Monday, as one of his two small children made a lot of noise in the background.
“That’s what I heard, that you wouldn’t hear anything till the last day [before the non-tender deadline],” he said. “Just try not to worry too much.”
Diaz had a .313 average and career-best .878 OPS in 2009, when he had career-highs of 425 plate appearances, 13 homers and 58 RBIs.
Then he slipped to a .250 average and .739 OPS last season, with seven homers and 31 RBIs in 84 games. Diaz was limited to 244 plate appearances due to a first-half thumb infection that required surgery.
Joe Mather, a versatile corner outfielder/infielder recently claimed off waivers from St. Louis, or someone else-to-be-determined might replace Diaz as a part-time left fielder and right-handed pinch-hitter.
That’s what can happen to a player whose price tag rises through arbitration, to a point where teams weigh his contributions against the cost of others who might offer similar performance for significantly fewer dollars.
Diaz has made it clear he’d skip his final run at arbitration and return for something close to the $2.55 million he made last year, but the Braves haven’t made an offer or indicated any intention to tender a contract.
Loading ...“Not with two kids and one more arriving any week now,” said Diaz, whose wife, Leslee, has a Dec. 16 due date for the couple’s third child. “Is she going to pop? I’m worried, but about a few more important things than that [contract situation].”
There hasn’t been much idle time for him to even think about his next contract.
“No, not with our families,” said Diaz, whose parents and parents-in-law both live nearby. “We have two Thanksgivings and two small kids, so you’re more worried about them not throwing food and stuff like that. That makes it harder to relax at Thanksgiving than [whether or not he'll be tendered a contract].”
If the Braves don’t retain him, the right-handed-hitting Florida native would be a free agent. Philadelphia mananager Charlie Manuel, a neighbor in Winter Haven, has already indicated the Phillies would be interested in Diaz.
“That’s anyone’s first choice, to return to the team you’ve had success with and are comfortable with,” Diaz said. “But I think we’re prepared either way. We’ve done a pretty good idea of keeping our identity away from what I do and the team I play for. You know my priority list.”
It’s God and family first for Diaz.
“It’d be great to be back, but we’ll be fine either way,” he said. “I definitely think I can help. I felt like once I was back last year [from injury], I helped.”
Even in a down year for Diaz, he hit .273 with five homers and a .512 slugging percentage in 112 at-bats against lefties. Jason Heyward (six homers in 173 at-bats) was the only Brave with more homers off lefties, and David Ross (.526) was the only Brave with a better slugging percentage against lefties.
Have we mentioned that Jenny Lewis, as half of the duo Jenny & Johnny, had one of the best CDs of the year? We'll have our Top 50 CDs list in a few weeks. Meantime, good excuse to use this.
Atlanta’s .385 slugging percentage against lefties was fifth-lowest in the NL.
During the 2007-2009 seasons, Diaz hit a blistering .369 against lefties, with 45 extra-base hits (17 homers) and a .975 OPS in 396 at-bats. He hit .265 with a .700 OPS in 468 at-bats against righties during that same three-year stretch.
More than just his future hangs in the balance with next week’s non-tender deadline. There is also the matter of the name for the soon-to-arrive baby boy.
Diaz explained that he and Leslee have several names in mind, but a couple of their favorites are names that teammates recently used for their own children. So they’ll wait to pick a name after they know if Matt will continue playing for the Braves.
How ’bout the name of an actual teammate?
“We had a lady at church who said, ‘I like the name Omar,’” Diaz said, chuckling. “I said, ‘Yes, but if that kid doesn’t speak Spanish, he’ll be shunned.’” (Diaz speaks only limited Spanish.)
Are we going to miss this guy if the Braves don’t bring him back? You better believe it.
Etc. Speaking of Dan Uggla, you may have heard by now that he has 23 homers and a .901 OPS in 89 games against the Braves, and a .354 average with 12 homers, 36 RBIs and a 1.051 OPS in 45 games at Turner Field. But how ’bout this: In his last 25 games against the Braves, Uggla had eight homers, a .364 OBP, and a .615 slugging percentage. It’s as if the Braves finally said “uncle” and traded for their nemesis to stop the pain.
All right, let’s close this thing with a tune from the Drive-By Truckers. It’s “Birthday Boy,” and here’s a live bootleg with surprisingly clean audio. Also, check out this making making-of video about the song, told by band members around another live performance of the tune. Good stuff.
“BIRTHDAY BOY” by Mike Cooley (Drive-By Truckers)
Which one’s the birthday boy?
she said I ain’t got all night
What’d your mama name you?
You can call me what you like
Every skinny mystery gotta make it hard somehow
Sit your narrow ass down hot shot
I’ll solve yours right now
♦
You got a girlfriend don’t you boy?
Nervous hands cant lie
Married men don’t ask how much, single ones ain’t buying
One day you got everything, next day it’s all broke
Let miss Trixie sit up front
Let her wipe your nose
♦
Working for the money like you got eight hands
Flat on your back under a mean old man
just thinking happy thoughts and breathing deep
Between your mama’s drive and daddy’s belt
It don’t take smarts to learn to tune out what hurts more than helps
♦
The pretty girls from the smallest towns
get remembered like storms and droughts
that old men talk about for years to come
I guess that’s why they give us names
So a few old men can say they saw us rain when we were young
♦
Which ones the birthday boy?
she said I aint got all night
What’d your mama name you?
You can call me what you like
4,361 comments Add your comment
unbelievable
November 29th, 2010
10:16 pm
Id much rather bring back Diaz and have the ability to trade him than banking on Mather being a useful contributor
Pameeee
November 29th, 2010
10:20 pm
I bet the Tim Hudson charity was so much fun
Kelly
November 29th, 2010
10:21 pm
If we can use Diaz under $2M I’d take him but over $2, I’ll say NO SIR.
Firsty McElwaney
November 29th, 2010
10:22 pm
1st!!!
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
10:24 pm
I’m Not First, But I’m “On Deck!”
jmart
November 29th, 2010
10:25 pm
DOB, do you believe that Diaz has priced himself out of the Braves price range? If they non tender him and then offered him $1.5 million do you think he would take it? Can the Braves even afford to pay him $1.5 million? A bench that starts with Hinske and Diaz would be pretty stout.
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
10:27 pm
unbelievable
November 29th, 2010
10:16 pm
Id much rather bring back Diaz and have the ability to trade him than banking on Mather being a useful contributor
Co-Sign! If Your Frank Wren, You got to Get Matty-D back and trade him next especially if he has another second half tear, which I was Banking on last year…But Never Happened because Bobby was in Love with The Mocha Melk-Dud and kept starting him
I’m Glad we ‘Old Yellered” the Melk Dud BTW…!
TennesseePaul
November 29th, 2010
10:28 pm
Thanks for the work DOB.
Don’t be shy with The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. It’s a solid movie. You will not walk out on it.
And I’ll certainly miss Diaz if he goes to another team. He’s easily one of the best trades in the last five years.
Bat Masterson
November 29th, 2010
10:30 pm
Nice late evening blog, DOB. Thanks
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
10:30 pm
Come On Wren
“Live Solid, Bank Solid”
Braves Fans Want Matty-D and Hinske Back!
Matty-D was our Secret weapon in the second half from 2007-2009
Hinske was that last year, Now’s Not the Time to Be Cheap!
Our Bench was very overlooked last year…Probably the best bench we have had since maybe 1999? Check Me if I’m Wrong?
Feeanch
November 29th, 2010
10:32 pm
Diaz and hinske both need to get back. Birthday boy was my fave song off last album. Thx dob!
McFann O O
November 29th, 2010
10:32 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!
I love Diaz. Heck to the freaking YES we’d miss him! I’ll be very sad if he goes.
“We have two Thanksgivings and two small kids, so you’re more worried about them not throwing food and stuff like that.” “Yes, but if that kid doesn’t speak Spanish, he’ll be shunned.’”
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
10:33 pm
D.O.B.
No Love For Motorhead, Lenny Kravitz, or Ween?
Ween is Mellow ish, Beavis and Butthead got me onto it….
And I’m suprised you are not a fan of the Chili Peppers?
Saggy McBooberson
November 29th, 2010
10:33 pm
Finally got around to watching “Crazy Heart” the other night. Jeff Bridges was outstanding in the role. His Oscar was very well deserved. Maggie Gyllenhaal was actually pretty decent in it as well. Good to see Robert Duvall too, even in a small role. I’d recommend it to any who haven’t seen it.
Pameeee
November 29th, 2010
10:34 pm
The Braves bench received very much credit. They were the Home Depot winners on many occasions.
NRBQ
November 29th, 2010
10:35 pm
Huge Matty fan.
As the previous years’ number suggest, he’s fine against rightys when given the chance.
Always hustling. Smile on his face. Why roll the dice on some low-priced unknown to replace what he brings to the team?
Injuries this year notwithstanding, I’ve always thought he improves with increased playing time.
JC Boscan III
November 29th, 2010
10:46 pm
Besides the best quotes of Diaz, don’t forget how he helped the Phillies grounds crew clean up that idiot in the spandex who ran onto the field….! Bring back Diaz and Hinske!
NRBQ
November 29th, 2010
10:46 pm
Enter your comments here
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
10:47 pm
Exactly
Matty-D always hustles not to mention during his time here was one of the best baserunners on the team, although that might be saying something
Von Osnabruck
November 29th, 2010
10:47 pm
I’d like to see this as our bench:
Ross C
Hinske 1B/LF/PH
Diaz LF/RF/PH
Conrad PH/2B/3B
‘Utility Player X’ CF/SS/2B
That would give us a great backup catcher, powerful silver bullet pinch hitters against both lefties and righties, a switch hitting pinch hitter who can play infield in a pinch, and a defensive minded utility player aquired most likely by trade who can play both center and shortstop.
The utility player X doesnt really need to be a guy who can play every day of need be because if McLouth continues to struggle or goes down with an injury Heyward can play full time in center and Prado, Hinske and Diaz can play the corners. Conrad and utility player X don’t both need to be counted on to play 1B/2B/3B on a regular basis because Prado can play those spots with Hinske/Diaz filling in for him in LF.
So the versatilty of Prado and Heyward would allow the Braves to invest in two very good bench players who can start together in a platoon role while covering every spot but SS and C defensively. Catcher is obviously covered by Ross but if Gonzalez goes down long term I think we would just call up Hicks, Hernandez or maybe even Pastornicky and hope for the best or prepare for a trade.
I really hope to see both Diaz and Hinske back next year.
Pameeee
November 29th, 2010
10:52 pm
Hell the 49ers playing like they know what they are doing out there.
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
10:52 pm
Yeah, I’m not sold on Mather either…We can’t expect him to be the super sub that Infante was…Thats too much Burden on a player
Brooks Conrad Sings Shinedown Karaoke
November 29th, 2010
10:53 pm
I am starring down the barrell of a .45.
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
10:54 pm
I’m Pretty Sure That Matt Chernoff and Chuck Oliver will be peeping this blog in Da Morning…
If So? Then I will give them A Stoopid Shout-Out!!!
And Matt Did the Chuck Imitation again today…And I want to meet those Intern Chicks that work on 680AMTheFan ….
TS
November 29th, 2010
10:56 pm
Ween is the best live band on the planet. DBT is right up there.
Diaz is the best guy to start your bench with. Hinske is right up there.
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
10:58 pm
My Big Boy Gut tells me that Hinske will take a 2 year deal from Milwaukee by this weekend…”Watch” If Hinske isn’t signed by the end of the week, then I’m gonna be livid for Wren going Cheap! Especially when Hinske had twice the Production of the Melk-Dud and Played in half the games while collecting a fraction of the Money that the Melk Dud got, even if some of that money that the Melk-Dud got was from WhineBrenner….
Roman Gal
November 29th, 2010
11:00 pm
It ain’t my money, so I say spend it all!
Diaz and Hinske!
nolie
November 29th, 2010
11:01 pm
Heyward is not gonna play full time in center
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2010
11:01 pm
DOB
Do you think the Braves could work something out with Diaz for less guaranteed money and more incentive based, based on AB, Games Played, etc.
Harry Nurtz
November 29th, 2010
11:02 pm
A chick is a drive by trucker ? Kinda trashy aint it ?
Braves will be fine with or without Hinske & Diaz but Hinske earned the right to return.
Woho will be in CF ? Don’t tell me McOut either… Braves still need a starting CF,and veteran reliever/potential closer if the the young guys fail.
nolie
November 29th, 2010
11:02 pm
Hinske had four pretty mediocre months to end the season. I can live without him, I sure would not give him two years
nolie
November 29th, 2010
11:03 pm
McNate will be starting in center to begin the season. there i told you anyway
Kat
November 29th, 2010
11:04 pm
Tonight I sat down to go through my mail and in my Binghamton University alumni magazine there was an article on Scott Diamond- currently with Gwinnett. It was a short, but nice unexpected baseball read for the night. Well that is until the new blog was posted, which gave me a much better baseball fix for the week, thanks David. I hope Diaz stays..he seemed like a great guy from the two seconds I met him in Atlanta this summer.
If anyone is interested, here is the Scott Diamond article: http://www.binghamton.edu/magazine/index.php/magazine/b-sports/diamond-engineers-a-plan-for-his-future
ryan c
November 29th, 2010
11:07 pm
unless the braves think that matt diaz can handle CF in a backup role, i dont think there’s any way they can bring him back. there’s only so many left fielders you can put on a team.
Billy
November 29th, 2010
11:07 pm
Mather is someone you must keep an eye on. He is big, fast, right hand hitting 1st, 3rd, LF, RF that is athletic enough not to embarrass with an occasional day in CF. With a halfway decent ST I see him on the roster along with Lucas. Ed Lucas has got a great chance of being the new Omar unless he falls flat in ST.
Mather
Ross
Lucas
Hinske
Schafer or Young
That is my guess, which means it will look nothing like that
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
11:07 pm
Harry Nurtz
Nate-Dawg Starts in CF and will hit leadoff, Bank On It!
He is owed too much money to rot on the bench…
With that said if he is still leading off by May 1st and hitting at the “Mondesi Line” then It will be time to “Old Yeller” the kid and eat his contract…
Kevin
November 29th, 2010
11:08 pm
Matty is great. And by all accounts, Hinske is a terrific teammate. Those two will put up quality ABs all season long. And it’s that type of bench that won us so many come-from-behind victories this last year. With Omar not around, I think it’s imperative to have great options from the left and right sides. I say we factor these two in, aim for a has-been closer and adjust if someone will give us money for KK.
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
11:14 pm
@Kevin
Co-Sign On That Last Post
And Hinske was one of the most Emotional/Hypest Players On the Team…! He Didn’t fall into that Corporate-Business-Mans Persona that so many former Braves players played into…Thats why fans stayed away from games
cabravesfan
November 29th, 2010
11:16 pm
I honestly don’t know what to do…it’s so weird to watch a game where I don’t have at least one moment blinding hopelessness…
kevinnovator
November 29th, 2010
11:16 pm
Wren and Fredi, please sign Matty D. The dude can rake. His thumb suppressed his numbers for last year. He played through. He needed an off season to get comfortable. He sacrificed for the team as long as he could. He is the definition of a gamer. He cares too (do you see the way he reacts to plays). Don’t go with the unknown. Bottom line, Diaz WILL win games for you. Candidly, if I were him, I would want to go to a team where I could play every day so my next contract could be a monster. But, he wants to stay with the Bravos. Loyal, man.
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2010
11:18 pm
T-hawkin
Agree. I think thats what made everyone fall in love with Hinske was his youthfulness. He definitely brought some fire and excitement with him that hasn’t been here the last few years. I would love to have him back.
bravofan
November 29th, 2010
11:20 pm
Nice bloggage I don’t see Diax coming back to be honest. I hate it because I love him I wish and hope he does return.
Harry Nurtz
November 29th, 2010
11:23 pm
I don’t care if you owe Nate $10 trillion bucks he sucks and is not good enough to start as the CF for any team much less the Atlanta Braves trying to win a division title. I bought a tv one time that played well but it stopped playing well so I replaced it. I still had $300 bucks in it as I took it to the landfill…
Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
11:24 pm
I Might Puke If I see Matty-D wearing Philly Red next year during a Game especially at C-Bank-Park…Puking won’t be hard to do during games once I down a 6 Pack of Samuel Jackson Tall Boys…
Chef Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
11:27 pm
@ Harry Nurtz…LOL, Dope Ass Anology
BRING MATT BACK!!!!!
November 29th, 2010
11:27 pm
Sign him now, please! We can always use a good hitter who is a great guy who comes to play everyday! I personally like him and respect him because he is a wonderful Christian man who is a great husband and father! Also, you will not be reading about him getting in trouble with the law, selling drugs, or such nonsense, as that! He is also a good guy in the clubhouse! Plus, he wants to remain an Atlanta Brave!!!
Chef Tomahawkin
November 29th, 2010
11:29 pm
BRB
I got Jalepeno Chicken Bites “On Deck!”
I need to stop Cooking/Eating late…! Because I get Pregnant Pauses from it in the Mornings….
Harry Nurtz
November 29th, 2010
11:31 pm
Chief, I had a dog once with a pedigree and I paid $500 bucks for him as a pup. He tried crossing the road unsuccessfully one day and met his demise. I buried him instead of putting him back in his pen…
AJ in Augusta
November 29th, 2010
11:32 pm
I’ve always liked Matt’s play since he joined the Braves. I’d love to see him back in Atlanta. He’s one of those guys who I fear would be a Brave killer in a Philly uniform.
Harry Nurtz
November 29th, 2010
11:39 pm
Are Drive By Truckers thug people that ride by and shoot pedestrians ? You know like drive by shooters in da hood ?
And Roodge Owns
November 29th, 2010
11:40 pm
“Also, you will not be reading about him getting in trouble with the law, selling drugs, or such nonsense…”
Selling drugs? lol.
P'cola Brave
November 29th, 2010
11:41 pm
A Matt Diaz/ Eric Hinske righty/lefty combo off the bench would be nice in the late innings. I think the braves could make it happen but I don’t know its in the plans.
Harry Nurtz
November 29th, 2010
11:58 pm
Wow ! I think I agree with home skillet. Hard to tell when he’s talking in first,second,and third person…
And Roodge Owns
November 30th, 2010
12:02 am
Good grief, it’s as stupid as ever in here.
Harry Nurtz
November 30th, 2010
12:03 am
You got game and poor grammar dude ! I’m sure they taught you some proper English that you picked up in your 4th try in 4th grade ? Well, maybe not…
Bay Area Steve
November 30th, 2010
12:04 am
JoeBrave,
Stop It.
Home Skillet
November 30th, 2010
12:09 am
Hairy be sides steppin wiff some no sole flips flops on his lil feets. Yo you aints funny. Hah Hah hell.
My cuzin E-Man told me dat Lezly Nelson died today. He be funny in Necked Guns. OJ be da star tho.
Bama Brave
November 30th, 2010
12:10 am
wow!
SF Braves Fan
November 30th, 2010
12:12 am
I think it would also be wise to have a good backup first baseman (Mather is an unkown quantity) in case Freeman gets fatigued, has rookie slumps, or misses time for some other reason– another reason that Hinske is important to bring back.
Harry Nurtz
November 30th, 2010
12:18 am
Can skillet just evaporate ?
I agree SF. But you got to agree with me about Nate in CF.
JD
November 30th, 2010
12:19 am
Damn – missing Infante already. Best lead-off we’ve had in a long while, although I know Prado had the same role early with the Braves. Guess he’ll get at the top of the order again….
Goldenglove002
November 30th, 2010
12:26 am
Seeing Matt Diaz go would be a huge disappointment. Seeing him as a Phillie would be absolutely awful. Unfortunately it makes sense for the Braves to move on, especially if Hinske comes back. With Young and Mather in the fold spending more than 2 million on Diaz would be a mistake in baseball terms.
Russell Bell
November 30th, 2010
12:33 am
Best lead-off [Infante] we’ve had in a long while
I dunno about that. Decent OBP last year (.359), but that was strongly influenced by his BA of .321
His career OBP is .319 – pretty ugly for an everyday lead-off hitter.
Furthermore, while being a good base stealer is not a must-have pre-req. skill for a good leadoff hitter, but Infante stole 7 bags last year, and was caught 6 times.
His career steal numbers: 43 stolen bases, 21 times caught stealing. Ugly.
The Braves sold high on Infante imo. Maybe he builds on his 2010 all-star season, and has an equally good 2011 season, but career number-wise, he is not a good leadoff hitter.
HomeofdaBrave
November 30th, 2010
12:36 am
I hope Diaz is re-signed. He’s better than any other leftover scrub that Wren’s going to try and find on the market.
And I would hate to see him on the Phillies.
shinburger
November 30th, 2010
12:37 am
the braves are always complaining about not having enough rh batters so why let diaz go? just because we got uggla doesnt mean we wont need that rh bat off the bench.Plus the guy plays the game with heart!
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
12:38 am
JD
Martini Is Our Number 2 hitter by default…He is the 2010 version of Placido Polanco in his prime but with more power
The only way Martini Leads off is if Nate Dawg has another garbage April
shinburger
November 30th, 2010
12:39 am
It would be awsome to pick up infante again next year when he becomes a free agent. he is the ultimate utility man in my opinion.
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
12:44 am
Russell Bell
‘
The O-Dawg (Infante) pretty much slumped the last 3 weeks to month of last season, otherwise he might have won the batting title…
Some were saying that slump proved the reason as to why he hasn’t really been known as an everyday starter…but I think on the Contrary…he was only starting everday because Chipper and Martini both went down in sequential order and Nate Dawgs struggles and Stankiel giving us nothing…
We pretty much had no choice but to keep the O-Dawg Out there the last 6 weeks…We had no choice after that Cincy Series when Martini went down with the F’d up hand…
Its a moot debate but few people know that he had seasons similiar to 2010 when he was with Detroit…damn near 10 years ago…
keylargo
November 30th, 2010
12:46 am
Hinske had four pretty mediocre months to end the season.
I can’t keep Hinske’s 2 run HR in the bottom of the 8th in game 3 vs. SF out of my mind. That and Kimbrel blowing the lead and the game in the top of the ninth.
In that one inning, bottom of the 8th and top of the 9th, we went from up 2 – 1 to down 2 – 1 against the World Champion Giants.
They coulda been the Champs!
That said, Hinske won’t make or break the 11 Braves, but Kimbrel, without a veteran closer to fall back on, might.
Russell Bell
November 30th, 2010
12:48 am
I don’t think anyone is going to question Diaz’s heart, grit, and ability to generate a .800+ OPS vs. lefties (yes, lots of grit). But he is a little pricey for a part-time LFer, who can’t play anywhere else on the diamond, and plays a pretty craptastic LF when he is out there.
~$2.5 mill for a platoon OFer with poor defensive abilities and close-to-zero versatility (in terms of playing more than 1 position) is a bit expensive (even if he does rake against lefties). Whether Diaz is tendered a contract is going to depend on Braves’ budget ceiling and whatever other minor pieces they want to add (and their price tags).
With the front office being so tight lipped, its hard to know which way Wren is leaning, but if I had to place a bet on the decision, I wager that Diaz is not tendered a contract.
Russell Bell
November 30th, 2010
12:51 am
Its a moot debate but few people know that he had seasons similiar to 2010 when he was with Detroit…damn near 10 years ago…
Maybe so, but I was looking at his career numbers. They suggest to me that he was having a career year in 2010, and, as Nolie might say (at least I think I’ve seen Nolie write this), he is due for a regression to the mean.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
1:01 am
is Nurtz PL?
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:01 am
Hello! New article, and a nice update! I would rather have Hinske than Diaz, but maybe Diaz will play better if he has to win a spot? My question is????? Do you want Diaz, and Nate back again?
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:02 am
Wren should go get Putz……
nolie
November 30th, 2010
1:09 am
I think Omar moved his mean up some over the last three years, though I also think he would still more likely be a 290/330 hitter than a 320/360 hitter if playing full time.Little pop, mediocre D where ever he played, Wren did indeed trade him at the top of his value.
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:10 am
Sign Hinske! Play the youngsters: (Schafer, and Matt young.)
nolie
November 30th, 2010
1:11 am
Putz would be nice if they are willing to spend what he will likely want, which I am somewhat skeptical about. Wheeler might be nice too.
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:15 am
Nolie: Who is Wheeler? Can you give me some info?
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
1:23 am
This team needs speed………..period.
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
1:27 am
Keylargo
“I can’t keep Hinske’s 2 run HR in the bottom of the 8th in game 3 vs. SF out of my mind. ”
Who You Telling? My Voice is still getting over from losing it after that homer, I can still see the highlight in my head
Time to cool out to some old PM Dawn and go to bed
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
1:27 am
Id love to see schafer back.
bravesfanbob
November 30th, 2010
1:28 am
I think Adam Dunn is a necessity at first base. Freddie Freeman may prove me wrong, and I hope he does, but his hitch in his swing that causes him to upper cut has Nate McLouth written all over it. Re-sign Hinske and Diaz for about 3.7M, sign Dunn for 2 years at $11M per, and with him and Uggla, we can get away with a powerless outfield. (Not discounting Heyward, but he’s still learning). If we sign Dunn, we can get 110 homers out of our infield. (Dunn around 40, Uggla around 30, Gonzalez around 22, and Chipper around 18).
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:29 am
Doc Holiday: I agree! Teams who have a great lead off man. Will make it to the World Series. Thats a fact! Just look at all the teams that won the World Series.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
1:31 am
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wheelda01.shtml
here is a link to Wheeler’s stats page at BaseballReference.com ward.
he has bounced around a good bit. His WHIP has improved the last three years and he has been decent during that time. He would not be one of my highest choices but might be worth a thought.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:32 am
I can sure see us not signing Matty D and that action coming back to haunt us. Can’t say the same about Hinske, but I’d still like to have him back too.
I think you can deal these guys if they don’t fit in. But Matt at 2.5 to 3 million might be a tad bit steep.
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:32 am
I think Wren should trade for Coco Crisp, and play him at center. Then you could put him in lead off roll.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:34 am
bravesfanbob
Hate to break it to ya, but Dunn ain’t coming to Atlanta.
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:34 am
Thanks Nolie!
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:36 am
ward
Wren ain’t trading for another CF’er. He has his power bat in Uggla. Anybody else added with be Hinske/Diaz types. McLouth will get every opportunity to win a job in the spring.
Mark my words! (now, watch FW deal him next Monday for CoCo Crisp and make me look like a dummy!)
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
1:37 am
ward,
Speedy guy win several games for you over the season and more so in the postseason just by driving defense and pitchers out of the comfort zone. Our faster player right now is……..McCann? Chipper? LOL………we can do better than that……….we are so freaking slow. Even Nate is not such a big base stealer.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
1:38 am
there is a difference between speed and a great lead off man ward. The addition on one speedy player is not gonna make all that big an improvement, the problen is lack of speed all up and down the lineup. Frank has been drafting more speed guys that John used to so that might get fixed that way.
Speed is great as long as the player has other baseball skills too. There have been tons of teams that won the WS without a great leadoff guy, and the Braves were more in need of pop than speed. They no longer have the funds to add an impact speed player at this point.
Personally I think they are gonna be looking hard at guys like Mather and Lucas and some of the other additions rather than spend a lot of money on another position player
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:38 am
If not? Go with the Youngsters……..
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:38 am
Got a long day tomorrow. I am going to be in Jacksonville next week while the GM’s are doing their thing in Orlando.
Ya think if I showed up FW would do willing to do lunch w/ a Braves MIB blogger???? Nah, I didn’t think so either!
nolie
November 30th, 2010
1:41 am
just by driving defense and pitchers out of the comfort zone Doc
I don’t buy that much at all. that’s announcer bulloney for the most part.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:42 am
Anybody have any awesome eating dives in the Ponte Vedra Beach area near Jacksonville?
Remember, I am into substance over style!
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:43 am
Remember Kenny Loften, and Otis Nixon, and The World Series.
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:44 am
DS1: See you you can Lobby for alead off guy, and a middle relief pitcher…..
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:45 am
Did Fredi give his speedsters more leeway w/ the Marlins? I am wondering if McLouth will get a few more opportunities to show off his wares? And Heyward too.
Though I don’t think that a lineup full of speed burners is necessarily the answer. I like good hitting on-base guys.
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:45 am
I’m still not sold on Nate being our lead off guy?
nolie
November 30th, 2010
1:45 am
last two years Crawford has stolen 107 bases and has ++speed but has still only scored 206 runs for al of that. Like with everything in baseball there are no more guarantees about speed than about most anything else.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:46 am
ward
We already have our leadoff guys in Prado, McLouth and long shot Schafer. Ain’t gonna be no speedy additions, unless you consider Hinske and Diaz speedy!
nolie
November 30th, 2010
1:47 am
I think he might run a bit more than Bobby did, which is not necessarily a good thing with limited speed guys. Hey and McN might get a few more opportunities.
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:48 am
I Hope it’s Prado in the lead off then.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:48 am
ward
Actually, I’d rather lobby for some outstanding Q or fish tacos or some chile verde!
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:49 am
How ya been nolie? We haven’t talked much lately. Hope your health is getting back on track for ya.
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:49 am
I don’t consider Hinske , and Diaz speedy, and not Mcouth, but would rather have Hinkse.
ward
November 30th, 2010
1:50 am
Florida does have good fish!
bravesfan4ever
November 30th, 2010
1:54 am
I think the we should sign them both.(Hinske,Diaz) What ever it takes to get them on the roster. they both deserve it. If not, it could come back and bite the braves later on. Hinske can help Freeman at 1st. Maybe Diaz can finally get a shot at left field.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:58 am
Just kidding about speedy Hinske and Diaz. McLouth had a good SB percentage with Pittsburgh. That is more important to me than quantity. As nolie states, a SB isn’t all it’s cracked up to be sometimes.
ward
I googled a place called Barbara Jeans that looks interesting. But when they start talking about “upscale” and “fine dining” then I get turned off pretty quick.
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
1:59 am
nolie,
At this point braves dont need anymore pop……….hey……this lineup is really good.
A very good leadoff man would make this team unstoppable.
CF good leadoff hitter with lots of speed
LF Martin
3B Chipper
2B Uggla
C Mc
RF Jason
SS Alex
1B Freeman
Man when your 7th and 8th hitter are Alex and Freeman you know you lineup is good.
I personally think right now Blanco is a better option than McLouth. He has a .358 lifetime OBP. in 836 ABs. Thats not a decade, but thats enough ABs to tell he knows how to get on base.
That lifetime OBP. (Blanco) would have ranked 4th among NL CF last season, behind Gonzales (COL), McCutchen and Rasmus. Thats good enough to me. Just for you to get the idea. Last season Infante had a .359 OBP and Prado had .350. Thats how good Blancos .358 is.
McCanns lifetime OBP is .360.
Furcals lifetime OBP is .351
Otis Nixon .343
Brett Butler .377
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:01 am
DS1: Very… Very…. funny stuff!!!!!
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
2:02 am
DS1,
Nate best SB total is 22. Thats way to low for guy that has speed. A high % with low quantity could mean the runner only runs on pitchers even their grandma´s would steal a base to. I agree % is important, but quantity is as important.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
2:03 am
nolie
Any decent beaches along the gulf in FL that are a decent bargain these days? (in case my ship comes in!)
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
2:04 am
A guy with 20 SB in a season is not going to drive any defense crazy.
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:05 am
Maybe Nate will suprise us? Just a Maybe????
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
2:07 am
Just to let you know, ever Chipper once stole 25 bases. Compare to Nate´s best (22).
And to make Nate look even worse………Terry Pendleton stole 24 in 1986. That should tell you how good of a stealer Nate is.
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:08 am
Prado could steal about 40 base?, If we could find another out fielder who could match that? The Braves could have balance in the out field…..
reckingball
November 30th, 2010
2:09 am
You never fully understood the reasoning as to why Cox stopped platooning Diaz and Hinske in left field.
I never could understand the reasoning for a lot of the moves that Cox made, during his many years with the Braves.
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
2:10 am
ward,
enough surprises from Nate. I couldnt take any more surprises.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
2:10 am
Doc
Gotta disagree with ya on the whole speed thing. We just need hitters at the top of the order who can get on base at a high rate. Chipper, Heyward, Prado (not overly high, but still hits well), etc.
Speed and stolen bases are way overrated in my humble opinion. If you had somebody with those attributes, that would be excellent. But we don’t need to go out and search for one when we have a 6.5 million dollar option for CF on our roster, who WILL get every opportunity to steal his 20-25 bases next year.
We went to the playoffs with 1 guy with over 10 steals, if memory serves me correctly.
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
2:14 am
DS1,
Barely made it, early exit.
Speed is not a must but is sure makes a team more balanced and complete.
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
2:14 am
is= it
Ron Hyatt
November 30th, 2010
2:15 am
Now if we can just be Chipper free by design instead of default, things might go well this year. Retire already, gimpy!
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
2:17 am
Going to bed
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:19 am
I agree with Doc! The Braves need speed.I will talk to you tomrrow!!! I got a couple of Play Station 3 games I bought! Infamous, and Red Dead Redemption. I’m going to play them in a few minutes. “Go!!! Braves!!!.”
DS1
November 30th, 2010
2:19 am
There were 26 players in all of major league baseball last year who stole over 25 bases. 17 players stole over 30 bases.
The Braves had Heyward with 11, and 3 players with 7 each. Two are gone. McLouth was the third one.
We don’t need Brett Gardner or CoCo Crisp. We got our masher. Let’s let the hand play out next year.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
2:23 am
Doc
Barely made it (injuries down the stretch kept us from winning more convincingly). Early exit: can you say Prado, Conrad and Wagner?
If Prado doesn’t go down, Conrad doesn’t start at second base. Glaus doesn’t play at third. Wagner probably doesn’t strain his oblique trying to avoid Glaus.
Now, we’d have probably got our azzes kicked against the Phillies, but who knows???
Speed didn’t hurt us this year like a lack of pop and injuries did.
I’m off to bed too. Later folks.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
3:11 am
At this point braves dont need anymore pop……….hey……this lineup is really good. DOC
I said the pressing need was pop, I agree that with Uggly trade that is not so much needed now. but he ain’t gonna spend for a starting CFer most likely. So he more or less says and so I believe. If they do pick up another OFer then I agree that speed would be pleasant, but a speedy CFer with a decent enough OBP to be a satisfactory leadoff hitter would almost certainly cost more than Wren is gonna have available. I simply fail to see a lot of sense in insisting that they should get something that they are unlikely to be able to afford. Davis might have been a good addition but he is gone. The combination of speed, good OBP and decent defense is not usually a cheap commodity.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
3:28 am
all that speed scares the defenders is an old wive’s tale. If it were true teams that lead the league in steals would also lead the league in runs scored, and that does not usually happen. It’s nice to have if the other skills are there in a player too, but the speedy ones who are cheap enough to pick up now are usually lacking in other skills , often the ability to get on base enough to make the speed a real asset. I’ll take a guy with a good OBP over a speedy guy who can’t get on very much every time at leadoff and second both.
mowreck
November 30th, 2010
3:41 am
TennesseePaul: “The Girl that kicked the Hornets Nest” doesn’t come out on video until January 25. I have the other two DVDs, “dragon tatoo” and “played with fire”. I have the “Hornets Nest” BOOK. But don’t know how you could have seen that movie. I have it on order from Amazon.
mowreck
November 30th, 2010
3:42 am
Anybody that hasn’t seen those movies, they will make the hair stand up on your neck. Great!
Jake
November 30th, 2010
5:38 am
I say we stay with A GREAT young rookie named Cody Johnson or Try out Jordan Schafer again?Anybody Agree?
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
6:26 am
I think Adam Dunn is a necessity at first base.– bravesfanbob
Well, it ain’t happening.
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
6:31 am
Martini Is Our Number 2 hitter by default…He is the 2010 version of Placido Polanco in his prime but with more power
The only way Martini Leads off is if Nate Dawg has another garbage April — Chef Tomahawkin
That’s not how Fredi G. viewed it as of a couple weeks ago. He said after the Uggla signing that most of his lineups had Prado hitting leadoff and McLouth batting second. That’s if McLouth is hitting, of course. If he had a terrible spring, I’m fairly certain the lineup would look different at the top.
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
6:35 am
Are Drive By Truckers thug people that ride by and shoot pedestrians ? You know like drive by shooters in da hood ? — Harry Nurtz
In your cerebral analogy, wouldn’t Drive-By Truckers run over pedestrians, or otherwise “truck” them?
ChrisInPittsburgh
November 30th, 2010
6:53 am
I don’t know about anyone else, but I think Ryan Theriot makes a lot of sense as a utility infielder, replacing Omar.
Thoughts?
steve whitmire
November 30th, 2010
7:03 am
Wren gets to get it together and sign Diaz and Hinske, these two guys can hit a ton, what’s the hangup, break out the checkbook cheapskate!
Russell Bell
November 30th, 2010
7:49 am
Its not like Wren’s spending his own money. He has a budget to maintain that is funded by someone else. He can’t just ‘open the checkbook.’ That’s what owners do, not GMs.
ajj
November 30th, 2010
7:57 am
DOB what ever happened to Willy Taveras? Didn’t we sign him to a minor league deal this June/July?
Aaron
November 30th, 2010
8:00 am
Any idea if the Braves are one of the 8 teams that have inquired about Bill Hall? Seems like he would fit in quite well in Atlanta. Also could we see Martin take some reps at short in case of emergency?
Eric from MO
November 30th, 2010
8:21 am
Stealing a base is probably one of the most exciting things in baseball to watch, right up there with walk-off homerun and a base-loaded save, however other than that not much there. I think fans think it wins alot of games because they are exciting. The player either moves up without a ball put in play, or he is thrown out without the ball put in play. Its fast, which is rare in baseball unlike basketball and football where there are many bang-bang plays. However with all that said stolen bases has very little to do with winning. I will take a high OBP guy over a guy with stolen base potential. I also will take a doubles hitter over a stolen base guy. You see far more guys getting thrown out trying to steal a base than trying to get a double. Also a double hitter has a better chance to drive in baserunners than a single hitter who can steal bases. But then again a stolen base is more exciting than a double.
Bama Brave
November 30th, 2010
8:34 am
If this is all we added was UGGLA is good BUT we didnt do nothing for our outfield.
ncscoots
November 30th, 2010
8:35 am
However with all that said stolen bases has very little to do with winning.
Or scoring. In only one offensive scenario per inning does a stolen base to put a runner in scoring position actually affect the inning’s offensive outcome: when the stealing baserunner is the only run to score in the inning. In all other offensive scenarios for the inning, the stolen base is moot (the runner did not score or would have scored without the stolen base). Balance that against the risk of both removing a baserunner AND giving up an out (the combination of which drastically reduces the run expectancy of the inning), and one can see that stealing just ain’t all that important to creating runs.
Doesn’t mean that there aren’t situations in which the risk isn’t worth the candle, at all. There are, just as there situations in which a bunt, or a hit-and-run, or some of the other blog faves, is a valid tactic. Just can’t confuse the use of a tactic with actual offensive startegy, that’s all. The “need for speed” is a purely bloggian creation.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:42 am
ERIC IN RENSSELAER, N.Y.
To answer from previous post…….Not been to a squirrels game to date, but I suppose I’ll quit holding my breath and relent this season.
coachx
November 30th, 2010
9:10 am
LOVE the DBT reference ! Good ole’ Southern Rock with Patterson Hood and the boys. Cooley rocks !
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
9:10 am
ChrisInPittsburgh
November 30th, 2010
6:53 am
Must have read my post yesterday? I totally agree with Theriot as someone off the bench.
Jake
November 30th, 2010
5:38 am
Sorry Jake, but there is no Cody here.
DaveFromDallas(NC)
November 30th, 2010
9:11 am
Thanks DOB for correcting posters on where Nate McLouth is going to be positioned in the batting order. I thought I remembered Fredi Gonzalez saying he’d hit second. Of course, I don’t know which is worse: McLouth being the table setter at the top of the order or McLouth trying to advance a runner when he can’t make contact a lot of the time. Either way, McLouth has got to get back to the pre-2010 McLouth or Frank Wren will have to address that without it being another Rick Ankiel.
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
9:12 am
And as much as a pipe dream this may be, I’d like to see either Jacoby Ellsbury or Cody Rasmus in CF.
DAP
November 30th, 2010
9:14 am
Hey Matt Diaz….”Find A Clue!!”
ncscoots
November 30th, 2010
9:15 am
McLouth trying to advance a runner when he can’t make contact a lot of the time.
McLouth has never struck out 100 times in a season.
(though he might well have last year, given enough appearances, LOL)
VOR
November 30th, 2010
9:16 am
Bama Brave, November 30th, 2010, 8:34 am, If this is all we added was UGGLA is good BUT we didnt do nothing for our outfield.
Uh… how about we added a LF who hit .307, drove in 65 and scored 85 runs while making his first All-Star appearance, and was the undisputed catalyst for his team who made the playoffs for the first time in 5 years?
DaveFromDallas(NC)
November 30th, 2010
9:16 am
Arkansas, I would love Ellsbury more than Rasmus. That’s just my preference because I like some of the tools he has. As much as I would love it, I don’t see it happening. My big thing continues to be that Frank Wren knows he won in the Dan Uggla trade. He didn’t give up premium prospects to get the big bat he needed. He won’t give them up for CF either.
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
9:21 am
Diaz: Amiable? God first? Give me a break. Not sure which god this “amiable” character is worshipping, but he lost a fan for life when he blew off my 10-year old son in pre-game last season. The guy is a plague. The problem with you beat writers (or whatever you are, amateur musician, hard to tell) is that you get emotionally invested in these losers. Diaz was a BACKUP IN KC! He’s a nobody. He’s a platoon OF of which there are dozens and dozens. His stats are only as good (mediocre) as they are because he faces mostly lefties. We don’t need him, and furthermore, we don’t want him. Furthermore, his outfield defense is worse than Jeff Burroughs. CUT HIM LOOSE.
NOBreggie4Dogs
November 30th, 2010
9:22 am
nolie – where do YOU hit JHey this season ?
NOBreggie4Dogs
November 30th, 2010
9:27 am
scoots – unless baserunner has extremely high % SB then statistically it tips point in favor of said speed in analogous lineup
Heisenberg
November 30th, 2010
9:27 am
I wish the guys at Wikileaks would do something useful and post hot-stove documents.
Diaz has been listed before as the 3rd emergency catcher and has filled in occasionally at 1B. So he could have value in those roles, especially as a right-handed occasional 1B to spell FF against tough lefties. With the signing of Mather & moving Prado to LF the outfield gets a bit crowded. But if Chipper has problems and misses time which moves Prado to 3B, then he is needed for OF depth (at the right price).
Nick 'n Nash
November 30th, 2010
9:28 am
I know it’s happened before, so I really hope it happens again. Nate will rebound and have a good-great season and the Braves will tender his 2012 option. Bank on it. Well….at least hope for it..
NOBreggie4Dogs
November 30th, 2010
9:29 am
BAMA Brave – our OF gota lot better because an 850 OPS guy (Prado) is playing LF and is getting stronger at the dish each year, plus a full year of a healthy Heyward and hopefully a SEP ‘10 version of Nate and we look much better…. 3B/1B production is the ??
JeanE
November 30th, 2010
9:35 am
Thanks for mentioning MattE D, DOB (hey, a rhyme!). I am in the minority that want MattE back over Hinske. I’m praying Hinkse signs with his hometown team. I am sick at the idea of Diaz as a Philly but I will root for him wherever, he is such a great guy! It makes me sick that we might lose him, Frank Wren is a bonehead. This guy can still be vital to this team, in LF or pinching, wherever. Bring MattE back!!!!!!!!!!
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
9:37 am
?
Is there really any way that the Braves get both Hinske AND Diaz back?
I don’t see the money there, but if possible, that would be a luxury.
ncscoots
November 30th, 2010
9:38 am
But if Chipper has problems and misses time which moves Prado to 3B
I know I’ve said this before, but, I really, really hope that there’s a bench acquisition who can handle 1B and 3B. I’m not in favor of juggling Prado back and forth, at all. Some here think that going to LF is a piece of cake, but that’s dangerous thinking. Moving a player around irregularly from IF to OF just isn’t a great idea, if it can be helped.
Buckeye Brave
November 30th, 2010
9:39 am
How would Dexter Fowler look in center? Sounds like Diamondbacks on the market in exchange for a pitcher. Might solve our speed and centerfield issue.Only downside is he’s a Boras client.
Frank Ren
November 30th, 2010
9:40 am
We need someone that can play 3rd too. Do we only have Chipper and Prado?
bambooman
November 30th, 2010
9:42 am
Mike Cooley is to the left of Patterson Hood.
Frank Stimpy
November 30th, 2010
9:44 am
3B has lacked depth, and continues to do so. Nothing much past Chipper and Martin…
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
9:45 am
Diaz has been listed before as the 3rd emergency catcher and has filled in occasionally at 1B. — Heisenberg
Entering the offseason I thought about Diaz as a backup 1B, too. But Braves officials haven’t mentioned him as a possibility, which tells me they probably don’t think much of his ability at the position. Diaz has only played 1B twice in games, for a total of 2-2/3 innings, and that was in 2007. They’ve had ample situations where they needed a pinch 1B since then, and haven’t turned to him once. So again, tells me he’s not viewed as much of an option there. As for emergency catching, teams have to use one so rarely — not even once in most seasons — that it just doesn’t seem like a big consideration in personnel decisions.
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
9:48 am
Chipper hasn’t played 3B (adequately), well, ever. Still remember the Rockies game at the end of the season around ‘00 or ‘01 where he let one go through his legs to blow the game and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Among many other errors. Are his 55 errors at SS in one season at Richmond still the all-time record? Talk about a one-dimensional player, and now, zero-dimensional. I would rather see Junior Moore or Pat Rockett at 3B.
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
9:48 am
Or Sugar Bear Blanks.
JeanE
November 30th, 2010
9:49 am
Oh and excuse me, MattE D only made 2 errors in LF last year, that is not craptastic by any definition of the word. So there!!!
Hillbilly
November 30th, 2010
9:49 am
Season finale of Sons of Anarchy tonight. Looks like the “rat” storyline might be the main topic of interest leading into season 4. Ought to be an intersting night.
DAP
November 30th, 2010
9:52 am
tomahawkin Our Bench was very overlooked last year…Probably the best bench we have had since maybe 1999? Check Me if I’m Wrong?
yes we had a good bench, but no, they were not overlooked. we had an all-star over there.
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
9:55 am
Don’t forget The Walking Dead season finale.
Heisenberg
November 30th, 2010
9:57 am
Thanx DOB. If that is the case then there is not room for Diaz. In addition to Phully, my guess is Marlins or Rays would also be a good fit.
FWIW Dextor Fowler, Chirs Young, Matt Kemp would be better options than Nate for CF. Then again me winning the lottery would be a better option than going to work every day. Which is more likely?
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
10:01 am
If this is all we added was UGGLA is good BUT we didnt do nothing for our outfield — Bama Brave
You added a 30-homer, 95-RBI man to the middle of the batting order, and he plays second base. So you move to left field the guy who was probably the team MVP in 2010, Martin Prado, a very versatile guy who has played solid outfield defense in winter ball in the past, say those who’ve seen him there.
So what’s the difference than if the Braves had traded for a 30-homer, 95-RBI outfielder this winter and kept Prado at 2B? Offensively, at least, the move would have been exactly the same. Right?
So it comes down to defense, and we’ll just have to wait to see if the Braves are better, worse or similar to last year. My guess is they’ll be better defensively (and obviously better offensively) in left field than they have been for a few years, and not as good defensively at 2B than they were with Prado, but better than they were there with Kelly Johnson.
Also, consider how many 30-homer, 95-RBI outfielders were available, outfielders with the consistent offensive production Uggla’s had in his five major league seasons? If there were any, chances are they’d have cost a helluva lot more in a trade — multiple young players and/or prospects — than what the Braves gave up for Uggla. And the scant free-agent outfielders available with anywhere close to that level of production, would have cost far more in long-term contracts than the Braves would spend.
DAP
November 30th, 2010
10:02 am
bamabrave If this is all we added was UGGLA is good BUT we didnt do nothing for our outfield.
im not sure if you quite understand what happend.
because of the uggla trade, we not have two allstars in the outfield. one of them was an all star 2ndbaseman, but still, an all star.
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
10:03 am
It was 56 errors at A-ball Macon. But Chipper’s defense has improved a lot over his career. He’s no Rolen, but he’s no Sandoval either.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
10:05 am
DOB, I know that the Braves have had their eyes set on Mather for a couple of years now. However, whats their plan if he has a very poor spring. Dude’s got potential sure, but he hasnt really proven anything yet. Maybe he’ll be the next Ludwick, but outside of his 2007/2008 MILB stats he hasnt impressed at all. He did follow up those two seasons with a .573OPS in the minors in 2009, was he injured? Seems like a bad idea to let Diaz walk when he’ll stick around for $2 mil and just take a chance with this guy.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
10:07 am
” we didnt do nothing for our outfield.” – bamabrave
does that mean we did something?
ajj
November 30th, 2010
10:09 am
What happens when are All star LF’er is playing 3rd base most of the season?
CB
November 30th, 2010
10:10 am
I think the idea of getting Dexter Fowler is not bad,give you a few more options of how to use the lineup.Platoon option wirh Nate,better defensively with a decent OBP and still young enough to get better.
DAP
November 30th, 2010
10:11 am
i think there may be room for both diaz and hinske, but i dont know if the braves view it the way i do.
to me, if hinske is signed, he takes brooks conrad’s spot. lefty pop off the bench. i know conrad switch hits and plays infield, but he isnt much of an infielder and does most of his damage lefthanded.
so, if you sign hinske, and leave off conrad, you have ross, hinkse, and three question marks. it leaves room for your middle infield utility (3rd, SS, 2nd) a defensive outfielder who can play all three spots, and lefty killer matt diaz.
i dont know if the money available will allow it, but you could have ross, hinske, diaz, mather, and henandez, and let conrad get the first call if someone goes down.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
10:12 am
DAP, can Mather play CF effectively?
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
10:14 am
And Derek Jeter also had 56 errors in A-ball. I think he’s won a few gold gloves since.
Career minor league fielding percentage at shortstops:
Chipper Jones – .931
Rafael Furcal – .933
Derek Jeter – .934
Edgar Renteria – .942
Elvis Andrus – .943
Lew
November 30th, 2010
10:14 am
It wasn’t speed that kept us from winnuing 100 games last year – it was not hitting a single with runners in scoring position or the bases loaded.
Wouldn’t mind jhaving Hinske back, but wouldn’t be overly yuoset if he’s a Brewer, either. Like someone said earlier – he won’t make or break this team.
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
10:15 am
ajj: Mather is an option. Hinske will be, if signed. Diaz could be a part-time option, if they tender him. Moving McLouth to LF is an option, if the Braves have another CF (Schafer? Young? A winter pickup?). But it’s still so early, and so many things can happen. The Braves obviously need to strengthen their bench, and have said as much. Wren lists bench and bullpen as the remaining needs.
We haven’t even had the Winter Meetings yet; it’s not like there isn’t ample time to add another backup outfielder. How many other significant moves have even been made in baseball so far this winter, other than the Uggla trade?
Lew
November 30th, 2010
10:16 am
dpelfrey- I’d bet that the infield at Luther Williams Field in Macon had something to do with Chipper and Fokkie’s lousy Fldg% in the minors. It was notoriously terrible.
Nova Scotia Steve
November 30th, 2010
10:19 am
I think we may need to get the people at Wikileaks to “investigate” baseball’s 2010/2011 Hot Stove – that’ll get some juicy gossip churning.
Or at least expose a rumor or two I’m sure….:D
DAP
November 30th, 2010
10:20 am
unbelieveable, could be wrong, but from what i understand, mather plays all three outfield spots, 1st and 3rd.
ajj
November 30th, 2010
10:26 am
I’m not being critical of the the Ugla trade at all or being critical of the lack of any other significant move being that it is early in the off season, I’m just saying to assume that our outfield is going to consist of Prado for the majority of the season is the Best Case Scenario and not the most Likely one.
Jacoby Ellsbury
November 30th, 2010
10:26 am
I want to play centerfield as an Atlanta Brave !
Nick 'n Nash
November 30th, 2010
10:26 am
buckeye braves fan – not sure if you know this or not, but dexter fowler plays for the rockies, and with his upside it would cost a lot to get him….so doubtful
DaveFromDallas(NC)
November 30th, 2010
10:27 am
Dexter Fowler? Diamondbacks? Did I miss something?
Not a Hall of Fame without Dale Murphy
November 30th, 2010
10:27 am
Dave what is your take on the Uggla trade? It seems like the Marlins got held up at gun point. Was there that little interest in 30 HR 2nd baseman that they could not get anyone to better the Braves offer? The two draft picks after next season are close in value to Omar and Dunn. I thought for certain any trade would have to be for at least 3 players, one of whom is a top prospect. Please share your insight especially since you used to cover the Marlins.
dingo ate my baby
November 30th, 2010
10:28 am
DOB
NYE – who you going to see?
Lew
November 30th, 2010
10:32 am
Jacoby – Good for you. Try playig a season without injury first and maybe they might consider it. Need to find out if your injuries are chronic or you’re just a wimp. Tiom Glavine pitched games with broken ribs and didnt miss 143 games.
DaveFromDallas(NC)
November 30th, 2010
10:34 am
I have a deal proposal: Trade one of the Braves’ young prospect pitchers; Receive: CF who hits .260, 6 HR, 36 RBI, 13 SB. What do you think? That’s what you would get if you dealt for Dexter Fowler. Somewhat resembles what we already have or could get from Matt Young or Jordan Schafer, doesn’t it?
Redneck Ricks
November 30th, 2010
10:38 am
Okay DOB. That all sounds pretty good. But what about CF ? I mean Nate is a liability out there. What team has a .186 hitting starting CF ? Not even the lowly Pirates,Royals,or Astros. Who cares if Nate is owed $6 million this year ? Just consider it a bad move just like the KK signing and move on. Relying on Nate to return to Pirates form is not good enough. The Pirates must have knew something by trading his sorry azza ?
Lew
November 30th, 2010
10:38 am
Not a HOF without Dale – I heard an analysis of what the Marlins did so far this winter and looking at it from that point, it makes sense.
The Marlins needed someone to play second – they traded for an All Star who hit over .300. They needed another starter – they ot Javy Vazquez, who they wouldn’t have had the $$$ for with Uggla on the team.
The Marlins needed relief pitching – Dunn gave upo runs in (I believe) one game last year and showed much promise, especially if he tones down the walks – anyway, a definite improvement to their pen.
The Marlins needed catching – They signed JOhn BUck and would not have had the $$$$ to do so with Uggla on the team, eating their paltry salary.
So for Uggla and a loss of some power, offset a fair amount with Omar;s versatility and offense, they got an All Star, an up and coming relief pitcher, a #4 starter with the potential to have another 09-like season and a good catcher.
Not bad, actually.
RC
November 30th, 2010
10:39 am
DaveFromDallas(NC),
Don’t forget phenomenal defense with Fowler. I don’t think there is much chance of Colorado trading him though…having a guy with his speed is a necessity with the size of their OF.
WatchEmEveryNight_Fans
November 30th, 2010
10:40 am
DOB: Who is playing Winter Ball and where?
We hope we can keep Eric AND Mattie for 2011.
RC
November 30th, 2010
10:41 am
Okay DOB. That all sounds pretty good. But what about CF ? I mean Nate is a liability out there. What team has a .186 hitting starting CF ?
I think it’s safe to say that if Nate continues to hit .186 he won’t continue to be the starting CF. There are lots of reasons to expect him to be better than last year…the Braves have very litte to lose by finding out if he can be.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
10:43 am
I have a feeling, and this is just my gut talking to me, that Schafer is going to come in to spring training completely under the radar and really make a race out of the CF job. I don’t know why, I just think he’s going to capitalize on the CF question marks and make the opening day roster. Maybe not as a starter, but he’ll at least be a part of the equation.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
10:44 am
lew
learn how to type did tom change his name to tiom
DaveFromDallas(NC)
November 30th, 2010
10:45 am
Murph, it would really be under the radar. He didn’t even play well in the minors last season.
Travis
November 30th, 2010
10:45 am
One thing being overlooked on this blog is the potential impact of our new first baseman. Freddie Freeman is an unknown commodity that could have a huge impact at the bottom of this lineup. Even if we are looking at a slightly lower production than Heyward this kid could bring consistency that the Braves have lacked at first base since Tex was here. The Braves really don’t know what they have for run production until the season starts. We keep talking about the limited run production from McLouth and forget about the fact that until Lee showed up, first base was a black hole for a good bit of the season after Glaus got hurt. This starting lineup is scary good. Freeman could be the piece we forget about.
BillSnv
November 30th, 2010
10:45 am
DOB Diaz has a nice ring to it.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
10:47 am
NY Yankees- Never claimed to be able to type as well as I paint and I just had my eyes dilated at the Opthalmologist. Get over it.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
10:48 am
i love it braves fans begging for utility players because they dont have the money to get starting players
RC
November 30th, 2010
10:48 am
Murph,
That’s certainly a possibility with Schafer, but I really think it would take an injury for him to have any chance at making the opening day roster. The fact is that he just hasn’t had very much success over the single-A level, and the Braves want to see him have that before putting him into a big league lineup everyday. It’s possible that he can have a good enough spring to warrant a bench spot, but I expect he will not get that in order to allow him to play every day and get better in the minor leagues.
Of course, if Chipper isn’t ready to start the season, then there’s a very legit chance he’s the opening day CF (Schafer in CF, Nate in LF, Prado at 3b).
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
10:50 am
WatchEmEveryNight, here’s a link to stats for all the Braves playing winter ball: http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/org.jsp?id=atl
There are dozens of Braves, about 30 in all, who are playing or have played fall or winter ball this year. Most are minor leaguers you’ve never heard of. With Prado recovering from injury and not playing winter ball this year, the most prominent Brave in a fall or winter league was Freddie Freeman, who only lasted a week before he got hurt in Arizona. Matt Young’s playing down in Mexico, where he’s been a star for the second year in a row.
richbrave has been providing an update almost daily on the previous night’s performances by all Braves playing winter ball. He does a great job with it. Search the comments for his name to see an update on the previous night.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
10:51 am
Yankees fans coming here giving us grief? What’s wrong? Get tired of talking to each other about howmany biions you’ve got to spend on all those Free Agents so you can go home and watch the series on the TV with 27 other teams?
Go sign your SS.
VOR
November 30th, 2010
10:51 am
Not a HOF…
Uggla will likely make over $10MM in his last year of arb. Immediately after trading him, they signed C John Buck for 3yr/$18MM ($4.5Mm in 2011) and have just reached agreement with Javy Vazquez for $7MM for 2011. Neither of those signings would have been possible if they had not moved Uggla’s salary from their books. The immediacy of the deal was necessitated by the desire to get the Buck deal done as he was being pursued by numerous teams. So in reality, the Marlins received a replacement 2B (and an All-Star at that), a young and cheap LHRP, an All-Star catcher, and a pretty good starter that has proven success in the NL East. (Not to mention that this is the year for Javy to have his good season, His career is defined by the bad year/good year pattern.)
Not a bad couple of weeks for the Marlins all in all…
Travis
November 30th, 2010
10:52 am
Would have been nice to have Freeman get a little work in this winter but with the overly long ST schedule he has time to get his timing.
rammerjammer
November 30th, 2010
10:53 am
One more compelling reason to sign Hinske is insurance against Freeman. I absolutely trust Frank & Co.’s confidence, but you’re still talking about a rookie. Would be smart to have a LH backup, just in case.
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
10:57 am
Careful DOB…
You may catch a whole lot of flack from some throwing Kelly under the bus like that…
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
10:58 am
Lew, I completely agree. The Marlins looked like morons when this trade went down, but they basically traded Uggla for Infante, Dunn, Vazquez and Buck. Not bad at all. That rotation could be scary if Vazquez reverts to 2009 form. And that offense should still be potent with Coughlan, Morrison, Ramirez, Sanchez and Stanton. I think Stanton’s going to be one of the premier power hitters in the league for the next decade.
reagan
November 30th, 2010
10:58 am
DOB…(or anyone)….I know you can go to mlb.com and see “splits” for what a player did last year…BUT….where can I find a players splits for his career?
RC
November 30th, 2010
10:58 am
rammerjammer,
I agree that it’s a good idea to have a backup for Freeman, but is it necessary for the backup to be LH? It seems like with Heyward, McCann, and possibly a resurgent McLouth in the lineup batting LH it’s not that important to add another LH bat to the lineup.
Travis
November 30th, 2010
10:59 am
If you add all the additions and subtractions on the Marlins did they get better? Two of the additions won’t play every day like Uggla and their catcher is just one of many backstops that wouldn’t be guaranteed starters if the catcher market weren’t so terrible. Losing Uggla’s production in an already mediocre offense will cost them more games than they win with the new guys. The ten mil they spent for three players won’t replace Uggla.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
11:00 am
Yankee fans are funny. They spent, what, 3x what the Braves did last year and barely made a series of it in the first round. They’ll spend another 4x what the Braves do this offseason and I can guarantee you they won’t win the WS next year. One new pitcher does not a championship rotation make.
I’d rather be worrying about who our utility guy will be than worrying about how many 10’s of millions of dollars our over the hill, washed up, 2nd rate shortstop will cost us. Good luck next year Yankees fan. You’re going to need it more than us.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
11:01 am
reagan – ESPN, MLB, Fangraphs, Baseball Reference, or Yahoo. Click on splits and then career. They should all show them
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:01 am
lew
when the last time yall tasted a world series
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
11:01 am
I just noticed that Jose Constanza, one of the six-year minor league free agents the Braves signed and invited to spring training Monday, is hitting .413 (31-for-75) with thre triples and eight steals in 14 games in the Dominican Winter League.
He’s a 27-year-old center fielder who hit .319 with a .373 OBP, eight triples and 34 steals last season for the Indians’ Triple-A Columbus affiliate, and made the midseason and postseason IL All-Star teams in what was his first year in Triple-A.
Constanza had a .378 OBP and 49 steals in 2009 in Double-A, with 46 RBIs and 98 runs scored.
Could be an interesting signing for the Braves. Even after you get past the Seinfeld references (there’s an extra “n” in there, Jerry.)
RC
November 30th, 2010
11:02 am
Travis,
I think the Marlins will get better with their new additions, simply because they had more holes to fill than the Braves. The Braves had one major hole on their team, and Uggla was a great fit for that hole. The Marlins had at least 3, so by downgrading slightly at 2b they were able to improve at the other 3 positions.
Nothing wrong with both teams getting better as a result of the trade. That’s actually kind of the goal.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
11:02 am
reagan – an example for you
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7184/splits;_ylt=AoSa79aTzJFPVEew.MLjvv6FCLcF?year=career&type=Batting
simply search whoever you are looking for
Travis
November 30th, 2010
11:02 am
Oops, forgot Infante at second. That does make them a bit better. Just hate to admit it. Lets just hope that utility players that don’t play a full 162 games every year will run out of gas when they become starters.
Hillbilly
November 30th, 2010
11:03 am
reagan,
baseball-reference.com is the place to go.
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
11:03 am
Travis, how do you figure the Marlins have a mediocre offense without Uggla. Coughlan, Morrison, Ramirez, Sanchez and Stanton sound like a pretty good core to me. They scored plenty of runs last year, just couldn’t get consistent pitching, especially from their bullpen.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:03 am
murph
One new pitcher does not a championship rotation make.
what kind of grammar is that
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
11:04 am
nyyankees, when was the last time the Yanks didnt buy their rings? Seriously you want to compare teams with an $80 mil payroll and a $200+ payroll. Go away
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
11:04 am
DOB, it’s Constanza, which is much more awkward to pronounce.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:05 am
braves fans enjoy uggla for 1 year cant wait to see him in pin stripes
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
11:07 am
Weird, I could have sworn it said Costanza first time I read it. Either you edit fast, or I have Seinfeld on the brain.
rammerjammer
November 30th, 2010
11:07 am
RC,
Yeah, actually, I do think the backup should be a lefty because we need LH sock off the bench, too. Signing Hinske gives us 1B insurance AND the LH pinch-hitter.
Not saying the first baseman has to hit lefthanded. Just saying Hinske fills our needs on several levels.
Heisenberg
November 30th, 2010
11:07 am
What happens when independent Jose meets relationship Jose?
Murph
November 30th, 2010
11:07 am
what kind of grammar is that
Proper grammar, dingleberry. Proper grammar.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
11:08 am
nyyanks, you going to move Cano, Jeter, or Arod in order to play Uggla?
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:08 am
Yankees-Well, at least we’re not stupid enough to spit on the Wives of Players we hope to sign as a Free Agent.
Even the Mets’ fans aren’t that freaking dumb.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:09 am
unbelievable
cant wait i guess when we buy another say this coming up year when will the braves be lucky enough to even see one maybe 5 10 20 never
VOR
November 30th, 2010
11:10 am
what kind of grammar is that
It’s better than no capitalization and no punctuation.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:10 am
Too bad all that money can’t buy brains or class for their fans.
Nova Scotia Steve
November 30th, 2010
11:10 am
I’m reading Troy Glaus is attracting interest from a few different teams…Very happy to hear this…
Murph
November 30th, 2010
11:11 am
braves fans enjoy uggla for 1 year cant wait to see him in pin stripes
How’s that going to work with Cano? Wouldn’t matter, the Yankees could have Uggla and all the best free agents that money can buy and they still won’t win the WS.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:12 am
what kind of grammar is that
Proper grammar, dingleberry. Proper grammar.
hillbilly 5th grade grammar i guess
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:13 am
Over a billion bucks spent in a recent five year stretch and the Yankees couldn’t even make the playoffs all five of those years.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
11:14 am
hillbilly 5th grade grammar i guess
Whatever you say, dingleberry.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:15 am
That Hillbilly fifth grade education is still three years longer than most New Yorkers attend. .
Heisenberg
November 30th, 2010
11:15 am
Cano has a very strong arm and his defense has improved a lot over the years. Maybe he could move to SS and Jeter to OF. But who cares about Yanks. This is a Braves blog & I like our chances to extend Uggla.
RC
November 30th, 2010
11:15 am
Nova Scotia Steve,
I can’t remember where I read it (Buster Onley maybe?) but I saw some speculation that Glaus could sign with Colorado and work in a platoon situation with Todd Helton. He could do really well in that park I think.
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
11:15 am
Even Wikipedia knows Chipper sucks at 3B: “In 2009 Jones led all major league third basemen in errors, with 22, and had the lowest fielding percentage of any starting major league third baseman (.930).”
Awesome. And he can’t hit a lick, either. Let’s give him $10mm.
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
11:16 am
And those league-leading 22 errors were from a part-time player! Sheesh. He’s terrible.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:17 am
Guess I’ll just go paint. Don’t need to attend a meeting of Douchebags Anonymous, Yankees Chapter..
Later Denizens.
Booby's Blunders
November 30th, 2010
11:18 am
Like it or not, the cold hard facts are that the Braves still have only 4 major leage quality, healthy, regular position players (2nd base, catcher, right field, and left field (Prado). The problem in center field is obvious; the shortstop is not a qualty player either offensively or defenisvely, the first baseman is an unproven rookie; and at 3rd, they have 14 million tied up in a player who has been a great, great hitter but has not produced effectively in two years and is poor defenisvely – and is now a year older and may be worse. Even worse, what could have been a great young pitching staff is now question marks after Hudson and Hanson — Medlin is out for the year and JJ has not been dependable after his Shoulder injury – who knows if either will ever really be effective again. Lowe is a year older and who knows. They have youg pitchers with talent but are unproven.
MaconBraves (RIP)
November 30th, 2010
11:20 am
Why are you guys feeding the Troll?
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
11:20 am
Booby’s Blunders: Sounds like you’re braced for a tough year. Maybe you and Richard Dawson should join a reading club instead?
But seriously, Mr. Dawson: After careful consideration, you have shown you are deserving of our Most Bitter/Negative Blogger award, without question. Congrats. It’s in the mail.
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
11:20 am
You say Chipper made so many errors because Macon’s field was bad? How about the 43 errors at Richmond in ‘93? He did improve from .919 to .931. The guy couldn’t cut it at SS, and never really cut it at 3B, but that’s where you stick a one-dimensional hitter. Or LF. Where he was so bad, they had to bring him back to the infield. Chipper was born to be a DH. He never cared about defense. One-dimensional. Prima donna. Goodbye.
Hillbilly
November 30th, 2010
11:21 am
Grammar? WGAF about my grammar?
RC
November 30th, 2010
11:21 am
Even Wikipedia knows Chipper sucks at 3B: “In 2009 Jones led all major league third basemen in errors, with 22, and had the lowest fielding percentage of any starting major league third baseman (.930).”
Awesome. And he can’t hit a lick, either. Let’s give him $10mm.
Wow. So many things wrong with that post I am not sure where to start. Let’s begin by saying that Wikipedia isn’t exact a rock solid source of information. The quote above is probably correct, but I would cross check it to another source before relying on it. Next, there’s the comment “he can’t hit a lick, either.” To that comment I’ll simply point here http://capitolavenueclub.com/?p=3286 , since the writer of that article does a better job of proving you are wrong than I could. Third, the comment “Let’s give him $10 mm.” It’s $13 million, and it’s contractually obligated.
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
11:24 am
Booby’s Blunders, A playoff team just signed a power hitting second baseman….We are doomed I say…
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:25 am
murph
since the braves started the so called wonderful streak in 91 how many world series did they win and since 91 how many have the yankees won
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
11:25 am
nolie,
Are you still out there?
raleighbravefan
November 30th, 2010
11:27 am
Yankees may need uggla – I heard that Jeter may sign with SF.
nyyankees – What will you give us in return for Uggla next year, after we sign him to an extension?
Boy you Yankee fans are an arrogant bunch, aren’t you. How much would you guys suck if you couldn’t spend 3X what everyone else does? Will your rotation still suck next year if you can’t buy Cliff Lee?
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
11:27 am
timthebrave: Absolutely. It could get ugly, coming back from a 91-win season with starting rotation intact and a 30-homer, 95-RBI hitter added to the lineup. Braves are doomed, Gulliver. Break out the big bowls of sad. Richard Dawson and Booby’s Blunders are ready to pass them around for a season-long bitching, moaning, groaning and whining session.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:29 am
raleighbraves-They’ll jut go out and spend another $60 million on the A.J. Burnett Du Jour.
TennesseePaul
November 30th, 2010
11:30 am
Other major moves?
The Dodgers signed a player. A player who should otherwise have been tossed in with the “minor moves” crowd, but the Dodgers gave him “major move” money.
Mr. Uribe: “Of course I’ll sign that contract… brought my own pen…. there you go, all signed and dotted.”
Russell Bell
November 30th, 2010
11:31 am
Hey look, a NY troll with no life, come to bug ATL fans during the offseason.
Middle finger + scroll wheel.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:32 am
Yen Paul – I would have used a Sharpie to sign that contract so there’d be no doubt I’d signed.
TennesseePaul
November 30th, 2010
11:32 am
Let’s give him $10mm
Ten dollar millimeters?
TennesseePaul
November 30th, 2010
11:34 am
Lew, I would have made John Hancock blush… And I believe George Herman is rolling over in his grave.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
11:35 am
Richard Dawson, quit using erros and fld% to base your argument off of. Errors are judgement calls. Half of those in 2009 may or may not have been errors. Its up to someone sitting in a box somewhere to decide. Check out this site.
http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=3b&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=300&type=8&season=2010&month=0
Look at FLD/UZR #’s for all of last year. You’d be surprised where Chipper was in 2010.
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
11:36 am
RC – thanks for validating my points re: Chipper. You admit Wikipedia is probably right (it is), and you reference some analysis on Chipper’s hitting. Check out the last 2 seasons. Mediocrity from the 3B position. And fading fast. And then you note we have to pay him $13mm instead of $10mm. Which makes it even worse. But you are wrong in saying it’s “contractually owed.” It’s not contractually owed if he retires. Which he has hinted at for over a year. Which would be the right thing for this franchise. Think how we could spend $13mm.
extremus
November 30th, 2010
11:36 am
I have to say I strongly approve of Matt Diaz’s priority order, with God and family first. Kudos; that’s exactly what so many folks are missing these days regardless of their income level or circumstances. The guy doesn’t have the greatest innate talent in the world by a longshot, but he plays his heart out and gives 110 percent effort on the field. He’s the closest thing the Braves have to a “Rudy”-type player.
Hinske too is a hard-nosed, effort-giving baseball player who is also a leader. He had his slumps last year, but he also had stretches where he really carried the team at times.
Both of these guys deserve to be resigned; the Braves might be able to do better on paper in some areas, but I guarantee they could also do much worse.
Nova Scotia Steve
November 30th, 2010
11:36 am
Personally I can’t wait to see the Braves hit the field.
I would love to see them add Putz or Wood to the BP and Hinske to the bench…think we’re going to be pretty darn solid.
But this whole Kawakami situation is really going to hamper what we have left to spend. I don’t blame KK for wanting another chance to prove he can pitch in North America.
I mean at the end of the day the Braves offered and signed the contract with him – but it’s really coming back to bite us a little…that’s extra $2 or $3 million we could potentially free up by eating some of his salary could prove to be important dollars in the end (either accumulated or lost)
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:37 am
russell bug
i know i love it best part of my day funny as he** seeing braves fans crying and begging the gm to sign a utility player
Murph
November 30th, 2010
11:37 am
Funny thing is, even after the Yankees make Lee the highest paid pitcher in history, their rotation is still 2nd-tier at best. Sabathia, Lee, and… and… help me out here.
Like I said before, it doesn’t matter who the Yankees go out and buy this offseason. They won’t be a factor come playoff time. Guaranteed.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 30th, 2010
11:37 am
Booby’s Blunders @ 11:18 am
Look .Don-key is back!!!~
Murph
November 30th, 2010
11:38 am
i know i love it best part of my day funny as he** seeing braves fans crying and begging the gm to sign a utility player
Jeter is a utility player at this point in his career. Maybe the Braves should sign him to back up AGon and Uggla in the infield.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:40 am
Nova Scotia Steve
thats about all they will do is hit the field except for heyward, prado, mccann and uggla slow wore out and washed up
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 30th, 2010
11:40 am
what could have been a great young pitching staff is now question marks after Hudson and Hanson — Medlin is out for the year and JJ has not been dependable after his Shoulder injury – who knows if either will ever really be effective again.– Booby’s Blunders
Follow me off the cliff – Oh wait, you already jumped.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:43 am
people on here crying for a leadoff hitter i think we have one yall would like i think his name is gardner but just keep dreaming people
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:44 am
Ten Paul – Imagine how many hot dogs The Babe could afford these days.
McFann O O
November 30th, 2010
11:45 am
10Paul Ten dollar millimeters?
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:45 am
Let’s see now – pour Leadoff hitter hit well over .300 last year, was in the top ten hitting in the league and made the All STar team.
Yeah, we need an unproven rookie.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
11:46 am
nyyankees are the best is coach. Only coach would bring up Gardner because everyone else knows he sucks.
McFann O O
November 30th, 2010
11:48 am
Looks like we’ve got a real family feud on the Blog…Aye-yi-yi…
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
11:49 am
DOB-
You sure he beat out .Don and Robert for the award?
I am certain they are yearly finalists…
Buckeye Brave
November 30th, 2010
11:50 am
Braves fans, sounds like the mighty Yankees are starting to fear the Braves.
reagan
November 30th, 2010
11:50 am
Unbelievable…..Thanks and COL (chuckling out loud)…..I was exactly was I was looking for —-Diaz! Thanks also Hillbilly…..will look at that sight as well. PS….Are you from Tennessee?
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
11:51 am
unbelievable, check out Jones in ‘09 on the site you referenced. Terrible. You can use fielding %, errors, range factor, zone factor, FLD/UZR, or any other metric. There is no universally-agreed way to measure fielding, and often subjective factors are needed. Further, one has to account for the team’s pitchers. I’ve also used personal observation significantly for the past 15+ years in the case of Chipper. Any way you cut it, Chipper sucks at fielding.
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
11:51 am
hey Dick Dawson, Have you thought about supporting another team? oh yeah, I doubt you attend any games now and I’m sure your son just loves your negativity. Way to be a roll model!
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
11:52 am
DOB, you had the chance to speak with Larry Parrish much? Wondering his philosophy on hitting. Is he going to put an emphasis on being very aggressive like TP or is he going to have more of an emphasis on working the count and striving for OBP. Do you feel that TP will be able to sit back and keep his ideas away from the cage now?
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:53 am
murph
who is coach
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
11:53 am
nyyankees are the best
Did I miss something? Was the yanks in the WS? What exactly are you bragging about again?
Lew
November 30th, 2010
11:54 am
unbelievable – Re: TP – many here already thought he kept his ideas away from the batting cage
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
11:54 am
Richard, who cares about 09? That was two years ago
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
11:55 am
nyyankees are the best……at overspending
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
11:55 am
Ark Transplant, both of my sons adore me. Thanks for asking. I attended 2 more Braves games than I should have last year, not to mention the Brooks Suckrad highlight show against the Giants on that special Sunday. What a joke that an MLB team would be dumb enough to send him out there at any position given his record late in the season and in the first playoff games. That was an atrocity. I have been a Braves fan for 35 years, and I don’t drink the cool-aid like you. I demand excellence. It is fun to watch folks like you react with your vitriol when one of your prima donnas gets criticized. Are you related to Chipper?
And it’s “role model”, not “roll model.” But you’re from Arkansas.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:55 am
Buckeye Brave
starting to fear what im more afraid of the pirates braves are garbage and thats all they can afford is garbage just like osu is garbage
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
11:55 am
Only the Yankees could spend $250 million and still not have a good pitching rotation
Murph
November 30th, 2010
11:56 am
Chipper isn’t a gold glove third baseman??? Oh no, what will we do? We’re screwed! Might as well just give up! Throw in the towel! What do you mean they cut the power? They’re animals, man!
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
11:57 am
nyyankees are the best
But their blogs obviously aren’t. Either that, or you don’t have anything to add to the conversation there or just don’t get enough attention, so you come beating your chest like a kid to a blog that’s focused on the Braves, a team in the other league. And then insult the fans of that team, in the other league. Makes sense to me.
And for the record, the Yankees were the best one time in the past decade. They won one World Series in that span, while outspending all other teams by ridiculous margins.
In that 10-year span, the Boston Red Sox won two World Series, so they probably have more of a claim to being the best of the most recent decade.
The Yankees have won the same number of World Series titles in 10 years as the Marlins, Angels, White Sox, Phillies, Diamondbacks, Cardinals and Giants.
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
11:58 am
DOB-
Do you think there’s a figure out there that adds up how much more the Yankees have spent in that last 10 years while winning 1 World Series?
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
11:58 am
Arkansas Transplant
when was the last time we won a world series and when was the last time yall tasted one
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
11:59 am
“I demand excellence” – Richard Dawson
laughable, just laughable. Are you the best at what you do? Im guessing that you are not.
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
11:59 am
The Yankees could afford a good rotation but they will have to really overpay because the pitchers wives have to put up with classless fans spitting on them
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
11:59 am
DOB-
Can you just block this guy’s IP…?
Eventually its just going to be more annoying than anything…
Too bad this isn’t like a regular board and we can individually block people…there are two or three that would be on my list.
Hillbilly
November 30th, 2010
12:00 pm
Are you from Tennessee?
No, reagan, I hail from the oil fields of South Arkansas.
raleighbravefan
November 30th, 2010
12:00 pm
B Blunders and .Don are the same person. (by the way, Don who is Medlin? Do you mean Medlen?)
R Dawson – Chipper is under contract for 2 more years ( I thought $14M per) If he retires, there will be some sort of buyout of that contract, which will still cost the Braves significant $$, although not considered part of payroll. Merits vs problems with this situation have been debated ad nausium. Wishing it different won’t make it so. I think he deserves it, but it doesn’t matter what either of us think. This isn’t the NFL. MLB players have a real union. You might as well deal with it.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
12:00 pm
The Yankees are going with a 2 man rotation this year. Sabathia might get under 400lbs with that work load.
Braveheart
November 30th, 2010
12:00 pm
But seriously, Mr. Dawson: After careful consideration, you have shown you are deserving of our Most Bitter/Negative Blogger award, without question. Congrats. It’s in the mail.
This is DOB’s way of saying:
I be tossin’, enforcin’, my style is awesome
I’m causin’ more Family Feuds than Richard Dawson
And the survey said — ya dead
Fatal Flying Guillotine chops off your friggin’ head
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvY6DU-uEiw
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
12:01 pm
Well Dick, keep telling yourself that. Actually keep telling us that too, that line of yours, “I demand excellence” cracked me up. You might want to get that chip off your shoulder and drop that grudge. What a sorry miserable life you must live that a ball player not taking the time to stop and give an autograph has caused you this much remorse and hardship.
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
12:01 pm
nyyankees are the best…..at treating women poorly at a baseball game
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
12:02 pm
What a joke that an MLB team would be dumb enough to send him out there at any position given his record late in the season and in the first playoff games. That was an atrocity. I have been a Braves fan for 35 years, and I don’t drink the cool-aid like you. I demand excellence. — Richard Dawson.
Yeah. Dammit.
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
12:03 pm
nyyankees are the best
When exactly did you play on the team? or is that a collective us ?
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
12:04 pm
nyyankees are the best….at blowing a 3 game lead to their rival
GTSteve
November 30th, 2010
12:05 pm
Can someone tell me why Jamie Moyer is having Tommy John surgery tomorrow??
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
12:05 pm
nyyankees are the best….at having a team win their first playoff series against them
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
12:05 pm
Speaking of cool-aid, I need mix me another pitcher.
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
12:06 pm
nyyankees are the best drama queens of MLB.
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
12:07 pm
I have been a Braves fan for 35 years, and I don’t drink the cool-aid like you. I demand excellence. _ Richard Dawson
This guy does not come close to filling Mitchell’s clown shoes. yawn
Murph
November 30th, 2010
12:07 pm
Can someone tell me why Jamie Moyer is having Tommy John surgery tomorrow??
Shuffleboard
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
12:07 pm
You sure he beat out .Don and Robert for the award? — P-Town Brave
Oh, I’m sure. This is a whole different level of bitterness this guy is bringing to the table.
I went back and checked out all his posts over the past year. Wow. Let’s just say, there weren’t any commending anything about the Braves when they had the best record in the league or led the division for a long stretch of the season.
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
12:09 pm
nyyankees are the best….at getting steroids from a cousin
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 30th, 2010
12:09 pm
P-Town Brave ©
I’m about 95% sure Booby’s Blunder is .Don!!!
His concern about the rotation was word for ward exactly what .Don use to say DAILY!!! Apparently .Don is finally out of the hospital. Next time maybe he’ll pick a higher bridge to jump off of!!!
Follow me off the cliff – Oh wait, you already jumped.
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
12:09 pm
DOB, is Dick Dawson the same person as .Don and Robert maybe?
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
12:10 pm
Braveheart at noon: Now that was funny.
gcs
November 30th, 2010
12:10 pm
More 2010 stats on Matt Diaz for you:
Before DL: .178, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 3 2B, 1 3B, .246 Slugging, 73 AB
After DL: .285, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 14 2B, 1 3B, .576 Slugging, 151 AB
.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
12:10 pm
braves suck they really really suck
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
12:10 pm
Arkansas Transplant: No, he’s not.
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
12:12 pm
nyyankees are the best…..at talking like 5 year old kids
Michael from Macon
November 30th, 2010
12:12 pm
must resign EH noncommital on MD
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
12:14 pm
nyyankees are the best
That was original. How long did it take you to come up with that?
Murph
November 30th, 2010
12:16 pm
The Yankee fan is now pulling lines from “The Waterboy” and making them about the Braves. That’s awesome.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
12:16 pm
Richard Dawson sounds a tad bit like Christopher Chance…
Booby’s Blunders, if not Dot-Donkey, has a similar copy paste/spelling style.
And CraZy – LOL
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
12:20 pm
nyyankees are the best….at making Scott Boras a rich rich man
D.J.
November 30th, 2010
12:21 pm
This is the Ultimate Yankees Fan: http://www.myyesnetwork.com/fanoftheyear/go/video/view?vid_id=1273268 (Thanks to Deadspin for bringing this up multiple times this season)
I’m pretty sure that’s the guy commenting on here today. He has the same superb command of the English language.
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
12:22 pm
nyyankees are the best………….are we talking about the same yankees that we pounded by the rangers? Im confused.
Arent the Giants the best in baseball right now?
Murph
November 30th, 2010
12:23 pm
Some interesting numbers about the player we Braves fans are “crying for our gm to sign” vs. the player that Yankee fans are crying for their GM to sign:
Jeter: 739 PA, 10 HR, 67 RBI, $22.6mil
Hinske: 320 PA, 11 HR, 51 RBI, $1mil
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
12:27 pm
i love reading hillbilly imbread comments
gcs
November 30th, 2010
12:29 pm
Something has got to be said for the kind of players Hinske and Diaz are beyond the stats. If you look at the 2010 Giants, they were basically a bunch of blue-collar veterans, journeymen and “cast-offs” with no real superstar beyond Tim Lincecum (and he is not your average superstar) and a break-out rookie in Posey. Sounds kinda familiar, huh?
Hinske and Diaz are bargains compared to some prima donnas the Braves have had in the past who had great numbers but no chemistry (Kenny Lofton, Gary Sheffield, JD Drew to name a few).
As for adding a veteran reliever, he’s 43 and did not have a good 2010 campaign but what about Trevor Hoffman?
.
bravofan
November 30th, 2010
12:30 pm
DOB: your 11:57 high five!!!
So what does everyone think about the Rockies signing Troy Tulowitzki to a 7 year $134million deal? I think they will regret that maybe not I dont know.
So Javy Vasquez going to the Marlins??
VOR
November 30th, 2010
12:30 pm
imbread
gcs
November 30th, 2010
12:30 pm
“imbread”?
.
Hillbilly
November 30th, 2010
12:30 pm
i love reading hillbilly imbread comments
……nevermind.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
12:30 pm
What is imbread?
bravofan
November 30th, 2010
12:30 pm
timethebrave: Nice one!!
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
12:33 pm
nyyankees are the best….imbread? You can’t make this stuff up. When your parents told you not to drop out of the 8th grade you should have listened
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
12:33 pm
Ease-
i sure hope he’s the same guy…
Anyone taking tips from .Don would have to be mentally deficient in many ways…
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
12:34 pm
?
What kind of bread are you…? Wheat? White? Honey Oat?
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
12:35 pm
i love reading hillbilly imbread comments _ nyyankees are the best
In the sixties we put a man on the moon. Today we produce people that are functionally illiterate and damn proud of it.
Nova Scotia Steve
November 30th, 2010
12:35 pm
Someone need to calm “nyyankees are the best” down – and really there’s only one way to do it…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0GW0Vnr9Yc&feature=related
In honor of Leslie Nielsen and one of the funniest movies ever made…and fitting for this situation…
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
12:37 pm
Hey, if you picture Richard Dawson as Charles Barkley, he’s not that annoying.
Terrible…that’s just terrible. I love to use the word terrible…ain’t that just terrible.
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
12:37 pm
Geez, did I just steal a bit from Frank Caliendo. I’m embarrassed.
RC
November 30th, 2010
12:38 pm
Wow, I come back from lunch and find that Richard has somehow twisted my post to say I was “making his points for him”? And yes Richard, Chipper’s $13 million IS contractually owed to him. He has stated that he doesn’t plan to retire, and that’s completely within his rights. Please go back on wikipedia and look up the definition of the term “contract”.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
12:38 pm
The prefix “im” means “not” when it’s followed by the letters b, m, or p.
imbread = not bread
Makes perfect sense to me. Immature. Imbalanced. Imbread.
Doug
November 30th, 2010
12:39 pm
It should read “inbred hillbilly”…so not only can you not spell…you do not know how to constuct a sentence. What level of frustration must you have when year after year your teams mind numbing spending spees yield such paltry fruit???
RC
November 30th, 2010
12:39 pm
In the sixties we put a man on the moon. Today we produce people that are functionally illiterate and damn proud of it.
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
12:40 pm
nyyankees are the best
You do realize, ignorance is bliss, right? You might want to just keep your comments to yourself. Your giving away all too much!!
Murph
November 30th, 2010
12:41 pm
I love a good grammar fight. Spending spees? You had him against the ropes and then whacked yourself in the nuts.
Smitty
November 30th, 2010
12:41 pm
I really think if McLouth doesn’t perform, Matt Young and Jose Costanzo really need to be given a legit shot. Both are killing it in Winter Ball
RC
November 30th, 2010
12:43 pm
I really think if McLouth doesn’t perform, Matt Young and Jose Costanzo really need to be given a legit shot. Both are killing it in Winter Ball
I’m sure they will be, primarily due to lack of other options. However, the ideal plan is that McLouth actually plays well.
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
12:45 pm
Easy there Smitty, more than likely you never heard of Jose Constanza before today. Let’s see him in spring training first.
TommyP
November 30th, 2010
12:47 pm
Interesting the characters we’ve seen over the years on the blog.
I basically become an offseason poster on the blog ’cause the regular season primarily consists of bashing every move Cox made or didn’t make. I just don’t see the point. With football, it’s a bit more enjoyable to debate things a coach should or shouldn’t have done. With baseball, there’s a game daily. You’ll go crazy if you fixate on daily moves/non-moves.
I think the Javy signing by the Marlins was a great move.
I also like Hinske coming back on a 1 year deal with maybe a slight raise but not two years. For reasons DOB already stated, just not wise to give those types of players multi-year deals at this age.
While I love Diaz, I think you can find that type of player for less money. Aaron Cunningham of SD is a non-tender candidate and he seems to be a younger, cheaper version of Matty D. The $ saved there could be used on either a MI utility guy or veteran reliever.
So far, love what Wren has done. (that’s a far cry from my tone last offseason….gotta give credit when it’s due)
Doc Holiday
November 30th, 2010
12:49 pm
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
12:27 pm
i love reading hillbilly imbread comments
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Im not from the south, not even from the USA, but if I were you, I would try to think (even if it is hard for you) about what Im saying. And try to show a little class (even if it is hard for you). I understand you are from the north and a yankee fan……….but you can be better than “I love reading hillbilly imbread comments”. Trust me, it just shows what you are made of.
wide right
November 30th, 2010
12:51 pm
Could Smoltz come back and close? Or setup guy to Kimbrel? I anticipate your wrath, fellow MIB blog denizens. But i ask…is it that crazy? Okay…its pretty crazy. He is retired. But this is my hero we are talking about. I am at my desk staring at this little shrine i have built to him and just thinking about it. And i didn’t like the way things ended. I bet he’d be a top 10-15 closer, would take little money. Cheaper than JJ Putz at least and just as effective i bet. a few nostaligists on this blog keep pining for Andruw to come back. I never see anything about Smoltz. This is the most popular Braves blog in America. We could at least put the thought in his head.
Matt Diaz = class act and while i would hate to see him in a division rival’s uniform i would get over him being a Philly simply because the fans would welcome him after his attack of Spiderman.
DOB, I heard a CD recently from a band called Gaslight Anthem. It rocks – if i have any sense of your taste from years on this blog i can tell you’d like it.
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
12:51 pm
This is the Ultimate Yankees Fan: _ D.J.
The self esteem generation: You’re special little Johnny just for being you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA6YXuagiuU
Skeeterleg
November 30th, 2010
12:56 pm
Of course Boobys Blunders is .Don. He has been posting that diatribe about the Braves having only four quality major league players and one dependable pitcher over and over since the season ended. He didn’t even bother to make it five after the Uggla trade. Just keeps posting the same mess to see if someone will believe him.
GeorgetownKid
November 30th, 2010
12:59 pm
It has been quite a while since I last posted here, but I always read the entire blog. Some of the comments today are hilarious (for different reasons).
Someone should compile a top-10 list of DOB’s funny retorts to stupid comments. That would be awesome!
For my 2 cents on the topic of this blog – I very much hope the Braves keep Diaz and Hinske. I don’t see how Mather adds any more value on the field than Diaz (how many 3rd-string corner infielders do we need).
Diaz and Hinske are big reasons why the Braves are such a fun team to cheer for. Great guys who play the game the right way.
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
12:59 pm
One of the guys I’m intrigued by this year is Scott Proctor. The Braves need a been-there-done-that guy at the back end of the pen, and I think Proctor could be a quality contributor now that he’s 2 years removed from TJ surgery. I was glad to see they resigned him earlier this month.
Creepy Tom O'Hawke
November 30th, 2010
1:00 pm
If you want beef, then bring the ruckus…
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
1:00 pm
wide right: Gaslight Anthem’s CD The ‘59 Sound from a couple of years ago, or this year’s American Slang? I loved the former and liked the latter a lot, just not as much.
wide right
November 30th, 2010
1:03 pm
American Slang…brother bought it for me last week and I’d never heard of them before. I need to check out ‘59 Sound.
VOR
November 30th, 2010
1:04 pm
a few nostaligists on this blog keep pining for Andruw to come back. I never see anything about Smoltz
Smoltzie is one of my all time faves, but his right arm is basically held in place by a handful of staples, a half roll of duct tape, and a couple of pieces of Bazooka bubble gum. While I do love me some Bazooka Joe – how did he lose that eye, anyway? – it would appear that Johnny has found his post-MLB niche in broadcasting.
ncscoots
November 30th, 2010
1:07 pm
While I do love me some Bazooka Joe – how did he lose that eye, anyway?
Played next to Melky in the OF, is my guess.
TnBrian
November 30th, 2010
1:07 pm
To say the Braves suck means you don’t know much of anything about baseball. I’m not saying that because this is my team or whatever, I just think it’s true. What team since ‘91 – 2010 has had as much or more success than the Braves? The Yankees and …….?? And even the Yankees have humiliated themselves, imo, the last decade outspending all other teams and still having only one world title. So don’t come on here talking shi* about things you don’t know. I seriously see now what they mean when they say the best teams don’t always win it all. SF is the most recent example. So much luck is involved and I can remember in some of those World Series/playoff games where a ball missed by a foot or less going fair or we win the game and maybe that series. Luck.
Crockett
November 30th, 2010
1:08 pm
Am I missing something? Troy Tulo had a great month of September and is a solid player by all means, but to essentially give him a 10yr $160 million contract with $20 million plus paid in each of the last 5yrs is crazy. Especially when he was not a free agent for 3-4 more years. This for a guy who has hit more than 28hrs once and has never driven in 100 runs…. BETTER SIGN UGGLA QUICK if that is the going rate for middle infielders.
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
1:10 pm
Don’t worry…
Constanza will be in your head by the end of the season…
Its like “By Mennen”
Also, maybe he’ll do something to help the team be more comfortable on the field…maybe all cotton unis
TnBrian
November 30th, 2010
1:12 pm
I seriously don’t want to think I roam this blog with such stupid people like ???? (you know who they are). I’d like to think they’re only trying to get a rise out of us as their hobby. I also don’t know why some of you fight with them over and over. You only feed their need. Stop, ignore them. It doesn’t mean shi* anyways what they think. We know the truth. The Braves have flaws like every other team in baseball has.
MaconBraves (RIP)
November 30th, 2010
1:13 pm
Richard Dawson— It’s “kool-aid”, not “cool-aid”….. but you’re from wherever the heck your from.
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
1:13 pm
Smoltz is one of my all time favorites but at this time he can contribute more from giving us insight into what pitchers are thinking from the booth
TnBrian
November 30th, 2010
1:15 pm
Crockett, Uggla might not want to sign anything right now. I wouldn’t either if I’m him to be honest.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
1:16 pm
just trying to stoop down to yalls iq and typing skills idiots all of you
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
1:17 pm
just wait till heyward is in the pin stripes gonna look so good
DS1
November 30th, 2010
1:18 pm
Too bad I am now Da Sensitive blogger, as the field is ripe for the pickin’ today!
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
1:19 pm
nyyankees are the best…..you get funnier and funnier…You should have stopped while you were behind
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
1:21 pm
just trying to stoop down to yalls iq and typing skills idiots all of you
nick
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
1:21 pm
nyyankees are the best….at butchering the english language
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
1:22 pm
Shoot, Wayne…Release the Hounds…
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
1:22 pm
TnBrian-
Thus why I stated how nice it would be if this were a regular message board so there would be an ignore button…
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
1:24 pm
Istanbul was Constanzanople
Now it’s Istanbul, not Constanzanople
Been a long time gone, Constanzanople
Now it’s Turkish delight on a moonlit night
MaconBraves (RIP)
November 30th, 2010
1:24 pm
nyyankees are the best…..at being Trolls and underachieving.
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
1:26 pm
but you can be better than “I love reading hillbilly imbread comments”
Yeah, I doubt it. I’m thinking Yankee boy fraud peaked in pre-school.
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
1:27 pm
Ease_
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4phHwSSing
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
1:28 pm
“nyyankees are the best, just trying to stoop down to yalls iq and typing skills idiots all of you”
“just wait till heyward is in the pin stripes gonna look so good”
Fix half the grammar in that sentence before the blog hits page 12 and we might believe you. This might end up being the first productive day for you in a long time
Buckeye Brave
November 30th, 2010
1:32 pm
NYYankee if you can’t hold an intelligent conversation here consider going back to your yankee blog.At least Anders has something to contribute when he comeson.Never thought I’d compliment a Mets fan. FYI Ohio State has been in how many national Championship games in the last 10 years.Name a New York college that has been in one in the last 30 years.There are none!! And if it wasn’t for Syracuse you wouldn’t have been in any in basketball in the last 10 years. Oh that’s right, New Yorkers don’t consider Syracuse part of NY.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
1:35 pm
Bat – Saw that “live” and was pretty friggin’ hilarious…I am smiling now…
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
1:36 pm
I think it’s pretty obvious by the name, grammar, and retorts (”just trying to stoop down to yalls iq and typing skills idiots all of you”) that he’s just a kid
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
1:36 pm
nyyankees are the best I think has a crush for men in pinstrips.
Travis
November 30th, 2010
1:36 pm
nyyankee fan…Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt”
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
1:37 pm
So he’s not really “stoopin” then?
Murph
November 30th, 2010
1:38 pm
The Yankee guy is coach, not a kid. Coach hasn’t been a kid since the 1920’s.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
1:39 pm
I’m sure there are some dumb Braves fans going on other blogs and doing the same thing
McFann O O
November 30th, 2010
1:40 pm
Hey, Ease! How’s it goin’? I got something for ya:
“But Seriously, Forks…”
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
1:43 pm
So…
Any further word on whether Uggla is taking Chipper up on changing to a single digit #?
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
1:44 pm
Just adds fun to the grammaticaness of the conversation!
Mozelle's
November 30th, 2010
1:45 pm
It makes me glad when DOB burns dumb commentators.
Doug
November 30th, 2010
1:46 pm
Murph: Actually not correct, i.e. A “spree” refers to a period of “uncontrolled self indulgence”. “Spees” has often been used to refer to multiple occurances of the same or similar events. However there is simply no word “imbread” nor is it appropriate to use a noun to “describe” an adjective…thus there was no self flagellation that occured especially in the groin area.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
1:47 pm
I dont see how you can compare what Tulo just received to what Uggla will get. Tulo is probably the best defensive SS in baseball. He’s also 26 and has put up an .930 OPS or higher the last two years. A top 5 offensive player and one of the best defensive players is a lethal combo.
Uggla is 4 years older. While he is a great offensive bat, he’s never reached an OPS higher than .877 and he’s brutal in the field. Im glad to have him, but he’s not at Tulo’s level
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
1:48 pm
jeffrey d…”I’m sure there are some dumb Braves fans going on other blogs and doing the same thing”
No, that phenomenon is isolated to northeast sports fans. The only exception is dumbass Cowboy fans.
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
1:51 pm
unbelievable, I agree with your point about Tulo’s fielding but the high OPS might have something to do with playing in Denver
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
1:53 pm
Hinske sure is buying his time. Can’t wait for Thursday so we know who all will be FA and who is retained. Hopefully the hot stove picks up after that. Tired of this quiet offseason outside of the Jeter saga.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
1:55 pm
Murph: Actually not correct, i.e. A “spree” refers to a period of “uncontrolled self indulgence”. “Spees” has often been used to refer to multiple occurances of the same or similar events.
Show me where this has been used outside of this blog and I will apologize. I’ve never heard or seen the word “spee” used. It doesn’t appear in the dictionary either.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
1:58 pm
Urban Dictionary has a definition for “spee”, but I don’t think that’s what you were referring to when you used it.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:02 pm
PL was a Cowboys fan
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
2:06 pm
jeffrey – remember when he called that game? The exact score?
McFann O O
November 30th, 2010
2:07 pm
Ease—
grammaticaness
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
2:08 pm
timthebrave – I understand your point on his OPS in denver. He’s still putting up very solid numbers on the road. His splits arent off the charts like Carlos Gonzalez. Either way, he’s a better overall player than Uggla and will get paid alot more for it.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:09 pm
jeffrey – remember when he called that game? The exact score?
….no. But then again, I don’t remember CB calling the Uggla trade either
beekay
November 30th, 2010
2:11 pm
DOB
Saw the movie Sugar on HBO..have you seen this? Must have been rough for guys like Yunel and others that couldn’t speak English adapting to life in the states, especially the ones that were sent out to the midwest where the Spanish language is almost never used. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth checking out
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:12 pm
Must have been rough for guys like Yunel and others that couldn’t speak English adapting to life in the states
Hey, let’s talk about Yunel some more!
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
2:13 pm
Buckeye Brave
who said i was a fan of any college in ny see your ingnorant and how many national championships have osu won that they have been in just like the rest just plain stupid
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
2:14 pm
jeffrey – It was like Cowgirls/Eagles or Giants…And they won, he called the score and spent weeks shouting for props and calling people MOR****…Eh, guess it was just a typically crime shame PL day.
McFann – I know we talked about Blue Oyster Cult and “Don’t Fear the Reaper”, but maybe that was because we were playing the Phils, and you were getting upset (enraged).
grammatica ness
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
2:16 pm
Hey, let’s talk about Yunel some more!
Ok…Braves used to have a SS named Yunel…but no more.
Mitchie-san
November 30th, 2010
2:18 pm
I remeber PL calling that score. Just when you thought he couldnt get more annoying….
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
2:19 pm
so how are yall doing today sure is nice and rainy here in the wonderful state of georgia
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
2:20 pm
unbelievable, I agree that he is a really good player…Not sure I would have paid him and extension for 7 years for $134 million when he was already signed for 3 or 4 more years
GTSteve
November 30th, 2010
2:21 pm
grammatica ness
Wasn’t he a kicker
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
2:21 pm
a ward sighting?
BravePack
November 30th, 2010
2:22 pm
I’d like to see what fellow bloggers think are the chances Uggla gets an extension with the Braves before the season? Seeing as Wren only has maybe a bullpen arm and 1 or 2 bench players to sign or re-sign I think it should be a priority for him to get this done. He could be the veteran leadership the young Braves need when Chipper is gone. Not to mention the power bat we needed from the right side for how many years now.
Tomas
November 30th, 2010
2:22 pm
I’d like Diaz back for 2 million. And I hope he works on his defense so he can play some CF. But he really needs to work on defense.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
2:23 pm
timthebrave
you just upset that the braves will never have they money to give a player a 100 million dollar contract
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
2:23 pm
Ok…Braves used to have a SS named Yunel…but no more. _ Ease
Any idea why they traded him?
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
2:24 pm
BravePack
not a chance in he** he will be in pin stripes next year sorry
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:26 pm
Sign Hinske, Cristian Guzman, and Jon Rauch and call it an offseason
beekay
November 30th, 2010
2:26 pm
ok…we can use Omar instead of Yunel or even Prado if Yuni is off limits….makes me look at these young kids in a different way…… many can’t speak English and are under incredible amounts of pressure from home to make it to the show. The family rely on these kids to send home money and get them out of the slums. 18 years old with almost no education and no English language living with some family in the middle of farm land, homesick etc….lots of pressure on a young man
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
2:27 pm
Any idea why they traded him?
Traded? No, had no idea he was traded…Was he any good? Yunel…sounds Cuban.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
2:27 pm
why does the braves always have to choose from the trash nobody else wants could someone please answer that
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:27 pm
Hello every one! Nate is not a lead off hitter to slow, and doesn’t have a good eye at the plate. Did Pittsburge put Nate in the lead off? Putting Nate in the lead off is another disaster waiting to happen.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:29 pm
Yankee Dumba$$
Because we can’t buy the league like the Yanks. Sad thing is, ya’ll have a team full of allstars and overpayed juice heads and made it as far as the Braves. So can you tell me why that is?
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:31 pm
Ward
Nate actually batted leadoff a lot. He has more at bats at leadoff than any other spot. Here is his career line at leadoff.
.255/ .342/ .449/ .791
Besides the average he has really good numbers there. He may not be the worst leadoff assuming he could return to that line which is around his career norm.
Churchy
November 30th, 2010
2:31 pm
As I recall, Nate hit some lead off when on the Pirates. At that point, it was a dilemna for them as he was one of their better bats. They ended up hitting him some in the middle of the lineup as well.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:31 pm
ward – Nate isn’t super fast, but he’s not slow either. He’s also good for 60-70 walks a year if he’s full time
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:33 pm
If we don’t make it to the post season? It is because Wren didn’t go out, and get a lead off man with speed. Speed never goes into a slump.
dpelfrey
November 30th, 2010
2:33 pm
I think Tulo is going to be one of the best players in baseball for the next decade, but I wouldn’t offer anyone a 10-year contract. If you go back and look at the longest and biggest contracts in recent memory.
Jason Giambi – 7/120
Carlos Beltran – 7/119
Ken Griffey – 9/117
Mike Hampton – 8/121
Vernon Wells – 7/126
Barry Zito – 7/126
Alfonso Soriano – 8/136
Todd Helton – 8/117
Miguel Cabrera – 8/152
Manny Ramirez – 8/160
CC Sabathia – 7/161
Mark Teixeira – 8/180
Derek Jeter – 10/189
Alex Rodriguez – 10/275
Excluding the Yankee contracts, since they don’t exist in the real world, who can afford to pay $20 million per year for just about anybody, the only contracts out of those that probably aren’t regrettable were Manny and Helton. And even those deals extended so far that the last few years weren’t up to their previous production. And I think the Rockies end up paying Helton through 2024 or something ridiculous like that.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:33 pm
Speed never goes into a slump.
But Gregor Blanco does
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:33 pm
Nate has struggled and swings at some terrible pitches but hes overall a patient hitter. His career OBP is nearly 80 pts higher than his BA. Even with a terrible avg this year his OBP was just under .300. The guy takes his walks. If he can return even to the career norm he will be a valuable assett.
DAP
November 30th, 2010
2:34 pm
i dont think giving tulowitski a 10 year contract is that bad of an idea. dude is going to compete for MVPs and be the face of that franchise, and they dont have to worry about him running off to new york or boston in his prime.
obvioulsy, there is alot of risk involved, but i dont think that was a bad idea. they did the same thing with helton, though they signed him long-term at a little bit of an older age…i think his big extension with them started when he was 29.
i hope the braves sign jason heyward to a 10 year deal in 2 or 3 years.
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:34 pm
Sorry i’m not convinced with Nate.Bad…bad… move……
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:34 pm
Speed may not go into a slump but it can be hampered by injury and is no good if not on base.
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:37 pm
So can legs cramps with power hitters.
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
2:37 pm
Traded? No, had no idea he was traded…Was he any good? Yunel…sounds Cuban.
Yeah, he was pretty good for awhile, kinda fell off some though. Cuban, nicknamed Smiley
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:38 pm
Stolen bases are nice but like it was posted here before, they don’t guarantee runs. Getting caught stealing can run you out of an inning just as quick. I think stolen bases are overhyped. Solid at bats and timely hits along with good baserunning is what produces runs.
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:39 pm
Colorado signed way to much money for Tulowitski. It will cost them in the long run.
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
Speed helps against good pitching.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
And when it comes to speedy OF’s, we have a couple in the minors. One will be given a shot at the team this year in Matt Young. We don’t need a 70 SB guy. This team is built off high OBP. We will have plenty of chances to score. We just need guys that can score from 2nd on a single.
beekay
November 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
Surprised Schafer’s name still comes up as a possible CF option. The guy has been dreadful the past 2 years. The wrist was an excuse for a while but my bet is Young beats him out easily for a back up role.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
Getting caught stealing can run you out of an inning just as quick
Too bad we can’t have McCann catch when we’re batting
DAP
November 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
dpelfry, the reason i think the tulo extension is different from the ones you mentioned is because of how young he is. most if not all of the guys you named were in their late 20s at least before those big deals. tulowitski is 26.
Buckeye Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:41 pm
NYYankee “starting to fear what im more afraid of the pirates braves are garbage and thats all they can afford is garbage just like osu is garbage.”
When you make garbage statements be prepared to backup your garbage statements. The only garbage being slung around here is yours. You obviously can’t have an intelligent conversation on this blog so I and I hope everyone else, will no longer respond to your ignorant comments. Yes I do know how to spell ignorant,unlike you.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:41 pm
beekay
Took him a long time to come back from injury. This will be the deciding year on Schafer. IF he doesn’t produce in the minors I would imagine he has no future in ATL.
McFann O O
November 30th, 2010
2:42 pm
Ease I know we talked about Blue Oyster Cult and “Don’t Fear the Reaper”, but maybe that was because we were playing the Phils, and you were getting upset (enraged).
Yeah, that was part of it, true…but there’s a FarSide, too—as soon as I find it, I’ll upload it to PhotoBucket. I had it the other day, but lost the page.
grammatica ness
Ah! Much better.
McFann O O
November 30th, 2010
2:43 pm
jeffery d Too bad we can’t have McCann catch when we’re batting
Don’t make me come over there…
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
2:43 pm
nyyankees are the best….Why can’t you type in complete sentences that make sense? Can you please answer that?
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:44 pm
jeffrey d
McCann was better this year. IF he’d just bring that throw in to the bag a little more he’d have a higher success rate. To many balls soared into right center this year. Its all in his mechanics. Hopefully he will spend a little time correcting that this year.
Nova Scotia Steve
November 30th, 2010
2:44 pm
Why are the Braves and Zach Grienke being mentioned in the same sentence let alone breath on Twitter….
I know there aren’t many rumors floating around the hot stove – but – this is a little much?????
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:45 pm
I love McCann…it was really just poking fun at him/McFann
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:46 pm
People are to afraid to steal any more. Who goes by the books any way. Thats all part of stealing bases to get into scoring position, and to put presure on the pitcher.It worked for San Fran.
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:48 pm
I believe speed opens up your offense.Congradjulations to the 49rs fans out there.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:49 pm
People are to afraid to steal any more
Tip of the cap to our nation’s finest
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
2:49 pm
I’d like to see the braves steal a little more but there were numerous times where we should have bunted or hit an ran. I’d like to see them do more of that and steal on certain occasions.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
2:49 pm
Speed never goes into a slump.
So we can just assign an automatic runner every time McCann gets on base?
cricket
November 30th, 2010
2:50 pm
“I demand excellence” – Richard Dawson
laughable, just laughable. Are you the best at what you do? Im guessing that you are not.
He’s definitely got the best and biggest bowl of sad..
Murph
November 30th, 2010
2:52 pm
ward’s in the house. Hey ward, some Yankee fan came on here and was basically saying you don’t know what you’re talking about. He said “hey, whos the leader of this here blog” (he doesn’t use punctuation) and we all said “ward is” and he said “that ward is imbread” and we said “that doesn’t make any sense”.
I can’t believe you missed it.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
2:52 pm
If we don’t make it to the post season? It is because Wren didn’t go out, and get a lead off man with speed. Speed never goes into a slump. – Ward
OBP is far more important that speed. One fast player isnt going to make or break your playoff chances. A number of things could go wrong that would keep the Braves from making the playoffs.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:52 pm
Whoa, Richard Dawson was on here?
jwilli120
November 30th, 2010
2:52 pm
@ds1 try jenkins bbq the best in j-ville
DAP
November 30th, 2010
2:52 pm
p’cola brave We just need guys that can score from 2nd on a single.
not to many major leaguers who cant do that. i bet 95% of players can score from 2nd on about 90% of singles. probably another 5% of those singles wouldnt score any player.
TennesseePaul
November 30th, 2010
2:53 pm
i dont think giving tulowitski a 10 year contract is that bad of an idea
Not a bad move at all. The kid will be 36 when it is finished. The deal is not back loaded, which won’t cripple the team like Helton’s contract. And, he’s friggin good. He’s a Dirtbag. No reason not to lock that guy up if you can.
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:53 pm
Just an old saying about speed. When you don’t hit, you can walk, and get on.Steal some bases. Bunt to get on bases,slap the ball passed the third baseman or first baseman. Speed creates a lot of weapons.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
2:54 pm
Who would win in a fight… Richard Dawson or Chuck Woolery? If they were both in their prime…
I’d put my money on Richard Dawson. I bet he bites… he looks like a biter.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
2:56 pm
What I don’t get about the Tulo deal is that he was already signed for 4 more years
ward
November 30th, 2010
2:58 pm
Speaking of fights! Evander Holyfield is fighting agian.
McFann O O
November 30th, 2010
3:00 pm
jeffrey d it was really just poking fun at him/McFann
Oh, well, that makes a difference…
Whoa, Richard Dawson was on here?
Yeah, but he won’t last long around here—not with those Joe Mauer sideburns.
Murph I’d put my money on Richard Dawson. I bet he bites… he looks like a biter.
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
3:00 pm
Speed creates a lot of weapons. _ ward
Speed kills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyG6NIgpzBM
cricket
November 30th, 2010
3:01 pm
People are to afraid to steal any more
That explains lower shoplifting rates
ward
November 30th, 2010
3:02 pm
Murph Yankee fans can be full of crap too! After all they buy their way in. A small little joke!
ward
November 30th, 2010
3:05 pm
Nolie: Is our man guy on the blog, and quit the expert.
Efrim
November 30th, 2010
3:06 pm
Wow. Seems like everyone is declining arbitration. That supplemental round in the draft next year will be over 30 selections. Insane.
ward
November 30th, 2010
3:06 pm
Nolie: is our Main expert . He knows way more than I
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
3:06 pm
nolie knows way more than a lot of us. He’s a guru
Skeezix
November 30th, 2010
3:07 pm
We want Hinske!
ncscoots
November 30th, 2010
3:08 pm
Speed doesn’t kill, it merely wounds.
Worse than a paper cut, but not much.
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
3:08 pm
P’Cola-
Hey, I’d rather see them do anything other than pitching a tent and securing it to the 1b bag
Clarence
November 30th, 2010
3:09 pm
Is this the girls’ field hockey blog?
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
3:09 pm
nolie is no ward who knows bestest about baseball !
Murph
November 30th, 2010
3:09 pm
Well, if nolie is our leader, then ward, you are our mascot.
Bobby Hill
November 30th, 2010
3:09 pm
You know, a lot of what Blunders has said is true. There are question marks up and down the Braves roster. You could put a question mark next to Seabass, Freeman, Chipper, McLouth, Diaz, Jurrjens, Minor, Breachy, Lowe, Venters, and Moylan. Most of those guys are unproven, are coming off down years, or were over worked last year. There really no way to know what to expect from these guys in 2011. The most likely scenario is that a few a them will sink even lower, a few will bounce back, and most will tread water.
That being said, that isn’t exactly a reason to write off the Braves at this point. All teams have question marks. Particularly at this time of year. Plus, the Braves were able to reach the playoffs with minimal contributions from several of the higher paid players on the team last year. With the addition of Uggla there’s no reason to believe that this team won’t be improved over last year.
On the other hand, this team will still probably enter the season picked to finish second behind the Phillies. I’m not sure I can take finishing second to the Phillies again.
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
3:10 pm
beekay: Saw that movie (Sugar) recently. That’s the most realistic portrayal I’ve seen of the experience that so many of those Latin kids go through. Judging from all I’ve been told over the years, and what I’ve seen myself, it was accurate.
ward
November 30th, 2010
3:10 pm
You guy’s all have a good one! Got to go to work! Slap some Yankees in the head for me!!! Yakees suck!!!! Peace…… Go!!! Braves!!!.”
ward
November 30th, 2010
3:12 pm
I spelled the Yankees wrong, but who care thier the Yankees!!! Peace……
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 30th, 2010
3:14 pm
Murph with his vast knowledge of the English language maybe ward should be the spokesman.
coach
November 30th, 2010
3:15 pm
Braves trade Brandon Beachy and Randall Delgado to Royals for Zach Grienke
Snarky
November 30th, 2010
3:16 pm
Enter your comments here
cricket
November 30th, 2010
3:18 pm
I spelled the Yankees wrong
Don’t kill yourself if you spelled it as METS
ncscoots
November 30th, 2010
3:18 pm
There really no way to know what to expect from these guys in 2011.
You don’t know what to expect from ANY player, for that matter. You just have differing levels of uncertainty. A player who’s hit .300 for 7 of his 9 years in the bigs? Good chance he’ll hit .300 in the coming year and you’d feel relatively safe in assuming it. Then again, he might hit .250 if he puts on too much hair dye (Ha!) or goes through a divorce or suddenly can’t find a recurring flaw in his swing or just plain damn has an off year, LOL.
I think the Braves actually have fewer question marks than most, if you assume the players follow form. They all won’t, of course, but nobody is going to pick the outliers correctly in December. But that’s for a different conversation.
ward
November 30th, 2010
3:18 pm
Before i leave is that true coach?
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
3:19 pm
Is Grienke that good of a CF to give up those guys?
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
3:20 pm
ward Grienke is really fast and good steal a bunch of bunts and really get on base .
Snarky
November 30th, 2010
3:21 pm
Did we get Blanco back in the deal? If not all is lost!!!!!!
Follow me off the cliff – Oh wait, you already jumped.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
November 30th, 2010
3:22 pm
Snarky sounds a little bit crazy
ward
November 30th, 2010
3:22 pm
I don’t know about that trade? I have to give it some thought. Grienke is a good pitcher.Talk to guy’s tonight!!!! “Go!!! Braves!!!.”
DAP
November 30th, 2010
3:22 pm
jeffery d What I don’t get about the Tulo deal is that he was already signed for 4 more years
at which point he would be in his prime at 30 years old getting a massive pay day…probably with a different team.
rockies locked up the face of their franchise throughout his prime years mostly likely without having to suffer a sharp decline during the contract.
cricket
November 30th, 2010
3:22 pm
Is Grienke that good of a CF to give up those guys?
I hear he’s got lead off hitter’s speed
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
3:23 pm
Snarky-
I believe they also begged us to take back Chavez…
For 1k coupons for free tacos at Taco Bell (expiration date 11/1/10)
DS1
November 30th, 2010
3:30 pm
nolie, an expert? Nah, he’s just an old blow hard!
MaconBraves (RIP)
November 30th, 2010
3:32 pm
Fakely announcing trades is worse than Trolling.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 30th, 2010
3:35 pm
Ease
Don’t know what happened????? Must have changed it by accident??
MaconBraves (RIP)
November 30th, 2010
3:35 pm
Hmmm, maybe “fakely” wasn’t a word……but you get my drift.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
3:38 pm
Just wanted to check in here over a late lunch to chew the fact w/ my fellow Braves fans!
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
3:42 pm
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2010
11:20 am
You say Chipper made so many errors because Macon’s field was bad? How about the 43 errors at Richmond in ‘93? He did improve from .919 to .931. The guy couldn’t cut it at SS, and never really cut it at 3B, but that’s where you stick a one-dimensional hitter. Or LF. Where he was so bad, they had to bring him back to the infield. Chipper was born to be a DH. He never cared about defense. One-dimensional. Prima donna. Goodbye.
O.K. RICHARD, you’re obviously not of the planet earthn so who are you, or should I say WHAT are you?
As I remember CHIPPER tore up his knee which robbed him of his lateral quickness, and upon recovery was moved to 3rd base. Same thing happened to my grandson except his was football related.
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
3:49 pm
so whats new today oh i forgot nothing on this blog its the braves
nyyankees are the best
November 30th, 2010
3:52 pm
MaconBraves (RIP)
dont get tore up just some idiot trying to have fun that trade would never happen
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
3:52 pm
beekay
November 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
Surprised Schafer’s name still comes up as a possible CF option. The guy has been dreadful the past 2 years. The wrist was an excuse for a while but my bet is Young beats him out easily for a back up role.
Well, whoever wins out, it’s nice to have the luxery of having two home-grown guys contending for the slot.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
3:53 pm
richbrave
Don’t go confusing us with facts, ok!
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
3:54 pm
JAVY VASQUEZ to the MARLINS. Know imusta’ be true ’cause I see’d it on da T.V.!!!!
atlbraves are the best
November 30th, 2010
3:55 pm
hey yall is my name better now
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
3:55 pm
DAP, After 4 years they are going to be paying him 20 million per year
Murph
November 30th, 2010
3:55 pm
ward is a wordsmith, that much is certain. He could very easily be our spokesman.
He’d need to borrow one of his dad’s clip on ties and remember to take off his hairnet after work, but I think you’re on to something here Crazy.
“We now take you to breaking news outside the Burger King in Little Rock…”
“Hello. I have called this press conference to announce the Braves are in need of a speedy guy who can steal bunts and get on the bases. He should hit a bunch of the balls and remember the old rules about stealing towards 2nd when you’re down by a few runners. I will now answer your questions……. ok, thank you very much. Go!!! Braves”
DS1
November 30th, 2010
3:56 pm
Now, if I weren’t so sensitive to others’ feelings, I might be inclined to say that to call yourself “nyyankees are the best” might be a stretch of grammatical rules.
beekay
November 30th, 2010
3:58 pm
How much would Johnny Damon cost? I know he is left handed and a hundred years old but wouldn’t he be a better option than Schafer, Young or McScrub? He made 8MM last year and the Tigers don’t want him back….how about 1 year 4MM. If Hinskie goes to the Brewers he can be our lefty off the bench.
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
3:59 pm
I just think they took a risk on Tulowitzki that they didn’t need to. You have him locked up through 2014 at which time you could offer him less than 20 million per year and still lock him up
MaconBraves (RIP)
November 30th, 2010
4:04 pm
nyyankees are the best–don’t get tore up, the Yanks will buy another World Series sometime in the next decade or so.
@WreckBuZZ
November 30th, 2010
4:04 pm
I think the problem is not so much that Diaz is too expensive, as it is about his position. With the addition of Dan Uggla at 2B and the shift of Martin Prado to LF, the question is where would Diaz play regularly? It’d be great if Diaz played CF, because he’s definitely a better offensive option than McLouth, but he’s too slow and limited to play CF.
One option might be to let Diaz play some 1B as a relief for Freddie Freeman against tough lefties. I know they signed Joe Mather as a utility corner IF/OF but I don’t know squat about him but I know what Diaz can do against lefties. I think if Eric Hinske goes to Milwaukee, Frank Wren might retain Diaz for his pinch hit abilities and personality. I think losing both Hinske AND Diaz might upset some chemistry, although they’ll still have David Ross.
TennesseePaul
November 30th, 2010
4:04 pm
at which time you could offer him less than 20 million per year and still lock him up
Very doubtful unless there is a major, major collapse in the price of players. Tulo is a very, very good player. He plays a high demand position. He would be a free agent coming off his prime seasons playing in a hitters environment and still relatively young. He’d easily cost a minimum of $20M, easily. Hell, Juan friggin Uribe just got $7M a year for three years… he’s terrible compared to Tulo. Just awful. And that’s in today’s money. Add in inflation of the dollar, inflation of player salaries, and a perennial MVP threat and you have considerably more.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
4:04 pm
Johnny Damon? We have Prado for left field. Damon in CF would be an adventure. With us having a 6.5 million dollar man penciled in for CF, I kinda doubt JD will be in the equation.
Personally, I am not sure he hits any better than McLouth in 2011.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
4:07 pm
So if it’s chemistry we are looking for, let’s get Ryan Freel talked out of retirement. With Farney, we get two for the price of one!
DAP
November 30th, 2010
4:08 pm
timthebrave You have him locked up through 2014 at which time you could offer him less than 20 million per year and still lock him up
doubt it.
TennesseePaul
November 30th, 2010
4:09 pm
the question is where would Diaz play regularly?
Regularly? He’d be a bench guy. And more than likely would get a decent amount of at bats with older players resting, platoon situations and potential injuries. If Chipper goes down or needs time off or is unavailable for any reason, Prado moves to third. LF is open.
Personally I think the Braves front office sees Prado more as a long term solution at third base than left field. Chipper only has two years left. Or from another angle, Prado is an infield solution/contingency for 2B if Uggla can’t be locked up, or 3B post Chipper. Maybe I’m way wrong on this, but I see his move to LF as largely temporary and a means to keep him in the line up until an infield spot is opened.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
November 30th, 2010
4:10 pm
DS1
It’s OK to be Da Sensitive 1 but, sometimes you gotta let out DaEvil1. If you hold it all in you’re gonna explode man!!!!!!
Treat everyone the same………..until you find out they’re and idiot. Then it’s fair game!!!
JeanE
November 30th, 2010
4:11 pm
The Braves (Frank) are just being cheap: they could afford MattE and Hinske and find places to play them both. I love Chipper but the guy is, shall we say, “Injury prone” at his age???? Martin is going to be getting alot of playing time at 3rd and I loved the platoon of MattE and Hinske in LF. Plus, MattE plays a fine RF, too. (as he did when Jeffy Weffy left). Bring them both back, Frank!!!!
Mitchie-san
November 30th, 2010
4:20 pm
There goes Theriot….
ncscoots
November 30th, 2010
4:21 pm
Into the Delorean for a trip, I guess.
Johnny. Bleeping. Damon.
Have mercy.
beekay
November 30th, 2010
4:23 pm
DS1
Damon hit 100 points higher than Mcscrub last year…they both are terrible fielders with bad arms. Damon would bring a vet leader that goes hard every day. Mcscrub will get every chance in the world because ofh his salary but if has a spring like last year, we need someone. My thinking is if we lose Hinske and could get Damon at 3-4 mill it would be worth it
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
4:28 pm
Just FYI, Adam Dunn’s agent says the bidding for his guy starts at four years, $60 mill. (Not that the Braves are or were ever going to get involved; just letting some of Big Donkey’s fans here know.)
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
4:33 pm
too bad about ryan theriot unless this is a precursor to us trading for both theriot and rasmus.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
4:34 pm
Tomas – Matt Diaz in center? Are you on drugs?
Even if he had been working intensely on his defense throughout the winter (he didn’t – he’s playing with his kids like he should), he wouldn’t be good enough to even spell someone for an inning or two in center.
I like Matt and would love to see him back as a PH, but if he’s our option for CF? Dude, Richard Dawson might have a minor point, cause we’re one step closer to doom.
Arkansas Transplant
November 30th, 2010
4:35 pm
what’s next, berkman to the cards? what’s this world coming too? another precursor maybe?
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
4:35 pm
My thinking is if we lose Hinske and could get Damon at 3-4 mill it would be worth it — beekay
So you think that’s the best use of probably most of the Braves’ available funds, to spend $4 mill on Damon, who can’t really play CF anymore on any sort of regular basis? So then you’d bench McLouth and the $7.75 mill he’s owed (including buyout of 2012 option), play who-knows in CF, and have almost nothing left to spend on bench (Damon can’t play any position except outfield) or bullpen?
Lew
November 30th, 2010
4:36 pm
Damon has a bad arm, but at least is willing to throw the ball to the cutoff man.
MattyRoss
November 30th, 2010
4:39 pm
Will now really be rooting for Constanza to make the squad. Every time he comes in the game “Can’t STANDYA!!!” Dammit, that would be great.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
4:45 pm
Crazy
Sorry, but I have taken a vow of civility! No can do, my friend.
What happened w/ Theriot? Did the Cards pick him up? He’s a good little ballplayer.
timthebrave
November 30th, 2010
4:45 pm
The best solution for center is McClouth to start hitting
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
November 30th, 2010
4:47 pm
Hey, I was believing that Grienke crap..
Summa y’all need your mommas to whoop that butt.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
November 30th, 2010
4:50 pm
The best solution for center is McLouth joining the French Foreign Legion.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
4:56 pm
Center goes to McLouth by default with the hope that Matt Young or maybe even remotely possibly Schafer battling with him for the starting role or some playing time. That’s my thinkin’.
Willy
November 30th, 2010
4:59 pm
the bench is gonna be……
Mather
Ross
Ed Lucas
Hinske
Schafer or Young
Still Very Good!!!!!!!!!!
Wren just needs to get a veteran releiver and a great outfielder at the deadline (Ellsbury, B.Upton, Chris Young, Angel Pagan)
Willy
November 30th, 2010
5:00 pm
Seriously, why havent I heard Angel Pagan more often. This guy can rake, swipe a bag, and play gold glove caliber D
DS1
November 30th, 2010
5:01 pm
Put me in coach. I’m ready to play today. Look at me, gotta be centerfield!
beekay
November 30th, 2010
5:02 pm
DOB…people were on here last year rooting for us to sign Damon for much more money before we knew J-Hey was ready. If Mcclouth is as bad as last year than he will need to be benched or cut ala Kawakami. My point is if Hinske goes to Brewers and Matty D is not resigned, that’s almost 4 mm off the books to pay Damon. We can’t start him just because of his salary if we wan’t to pass the Phils. The defensive drop from Mcclouth to Damon is not steep. We can use a late inning defensive replacement as needed.
DirtyYuni
November 30th, 2010
5:04 pm
That Tulo deal is reeeeeeeediculous.
Bat Masterson
November 30th, 2010
5:07 pm
I say we send Johnny Damon deer hunting and end this BS.
RC
November 30th, 2010
5:07 pm
Seriously, why havent I heard Angel Pagan more often. This guy can rake, swipe a bag, and play gold glove caliber D
You haven’t heard him mentioned as a trade option because he can rake, swipe a bag, and play gold glove caliber D. Those type of guys with 5 years of team control aren’t exactly on the market.
RC
November 30th, 2010
5:08 pm
So much for Theriot replacing Omar…acquired by the Cardinals.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
5:10 pm
beekay
McLouth will not be as bad as he was last year. (not a stretch to say that)
If he returns to his career norms, he will be as good as JD. McLouth is not terrible on defense. He for some reason was reluctant to throw the ball last year. Not sure why, but his D is at worst average.
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
5:17 pm
DS1-
Maybe it was the fact that he saw 3 of everything, including Heyward continuously making him crap his pants everytime he came within 50 ft of him.
code blue
November 30th, 2010
5:18 pm
Go with Young over Diaz..Diaz is a….. one trick pony…..and not worth 2.45 million . Hinske is worth more than Diaz. Let Diaz go! Wren can find better.
Sign Hinske for 2 million are forget it.
What about Felipe Lopez for utility player?
Go after Jon Rauch for rp.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
5:19 pm
Not so suure Heyward was an issue with Nate banging off the left field wall like a pinball. No matter what anyone says about Melky, he was a suitable buffer.
mr baseball
November 30th, 2010
5:20 pm
Wren will have a tough job putting together a viable bench unless he can locate someone with Infante’s versatility.
The decision he makes on Hinske will likely determine the fates of both Diaz & Conrad, especially Conrad. Since Conrad can’t play SS (can he really play defense anywhere?), one of the 4 non-catcher bench players will have to be able to play SS.
Braves also need a RH hitter who can play CF, which probably rules out Diaz if Hinske re-signs. The fact that the Cards just dumped Mather does not speak well of him, since they are not exactly blessed with depth at the positions he plays.
One good thing about having Gonzalez as manager is that he will likely be more open to utilizing players at different positions. If I was Prado, I’d plan on bringing a bunch of gloves to ST. He probably won’t need his 2B glove much, but will need ones for 3B and 1B, where he is first in line to spell Freeman against LH pitchers.
Another factor Wren has to consider is the worst case scenario that could require a whole bunch of personnel decisions. What if Chipper can’t cut it any more? Prado can play 3B, but that leaves gaping holes in the OF, especially if McLouth can’t regain his past form.
Because neither Hinske nor Diaz can play CF, the Braves have no Plan B on their current roster for the position if the McLouth of 2010 is the McLouth of 2011.
And what happens in the unlikely eventuality that the Braves overestimated Freeman’s ability and he isn’t ready yet? That’s more reason to re-sign Hinske, who can at least fill in until an adequate replacement is found.
The 2 players best suited to filling multiple holes are Bill Hall & Melvin Mora, although Mora doesn’t play SS or CF. Hall will probably be pricier than the Braves would prefer, but would certainly provide the maximum flexibilty and allow the Braves to keep the rest of their bench intact.
That would be a heck of an offensive bench — Hall, Hinske, Diaz, Conrad & Ross. It may or may not make up for the obvious defensive deficiencies, but no matter what lineup Gonzalez fills out, it will have offensive threats from 1 to 8,
Assuming, of course, McLouth can hit higher than .190.
Bill
November 30th, 2010
5:23 pm
Big Donkeys fans…now that was funny!
RC
November 30th, 2010
5:27 pm
mr baseball,
While I agree with a lot of your 5:20 post, I do have to argue this statement:
“The fact that the Cards just dumped Mather does not speak well of him, since they are not exactly blessed with depth at the positions he plays.”
The Cardinals have Holliday, Rasmus, Jay, Craig, and Stavinoha in their OF, not to mention the fact that Skip Schumaker was an OF until a couple of seasons ago. They have a ton of OF depth, which is why they didn’t keep Mather around.
CB
November 30th, 2010
5:36 pm
Lew,did you say Melky was a suitable buffer or buffeter? My hearing is not as good as it used to be.
P-Town Brave ©
November 30th, 2010
5:36 pm
The Cards don’t have GREAT depth though.
Jay was considered good which was why they dumped Ludwick, but now they’ve already soured on him a bit with his 2nd half of the season AFTER they traded Ludwick.
Craig is an unproven now and they are not certain he could perform if given adequate playing time (similar to Mather) and Stavinoha is nothing more than a 4th OF and that is already known very early in his career…
Mather was let go because he was out of options.
Code Blue-
Felipe Lopez? Do you really think the Braves would bring on that head case if they let ***** go at SS last year?!
NOT gonna happen!
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
November 30th, 2010
5:37 pm
Diaz has a little expericence at 1B. Do you suppose he could be coached-up enough to be the RH backup to Freeman?
Bill
November 30th, 2010
5:41 pm
Mr Baseball you have some good points. I agree Bill Hall could make the biggest diffence in this team making the play-off because of his ability to play 6 position above average and hit for power. The only problem is Braves can’t afford him..per some ajc sports people .
Its just how much the Braves management wants to win…………Go Braves.
Thanks DOB for all up-dates.
Josh
November 30th, 2010
5:43 pm
everybody safe down in Georgia after the storm?
Lew
November 30th, 2010
5:46 pm
CB – But wouldn’t a suitable buffeter be a suitable buffer, too?
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
5:46 pm
FALL BALL:
In case any of you are interested, over his past 10 games, MATT YOUNG has gone 15 for 33 for a .455 BA, 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR and slugged .727. He’s stolen a base, drawn 10 walks against four strikeouts for a .578 OBP, and a 1.305 OPS. Oh, and he currently leads the MEXICAN LEAGUE in hitting with an overall .382 BA. in 144 AB’s. I mean…………damn, as in MEN IN BLACK 1, WIL SMITH, “get a decorator in here” damn!!!!!
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
5:47 pm
P-Town Brave: technically, it’s misleading to say Mather was “let go.” Cards thought they could sneak him through waivers, or at least hoped to. They didn’t want to use a 40-man roster spot on him this winter as they put together their team, figured they’d wait and let him compete for spot in spring if healthy.
Lew
November 30th, 2010
5:47 pm
Not so sure that teaching a player who is sub par at his usual position how to play a new position on the fly is such a great move.
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
5:48 pm
RC, well said at 5:07 p.m., regarding Angel Pagan.
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
5:51 pm
Bing!
“Get Out The WAYYY! (Boom) Pretty Boy Coming Through! Me And My Crew! We Swaggin In The Room!”
Whats Up All?
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
November 30th, 2010
5:52 pm
Well Lew, Diaz can still bend his knees, at least. Its more than Troy Glaus can say.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
5:54 pm
and to put presure on the pitcher.It worked for San Fran. ward
what do you mean it worked for SF? They stole fewer bases during the season than any team in the NL. Mets led the league, lotsa good that did them huh?
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
5:54 pm
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
November 30th, 2010
5:37 pm
Diaz has a little expericence at 1B. Do you suppose he could be coached-up enough to be the RH backup to Freeman?
Two games and a total of 2.2 innings played at first. NO is the answer…… to my mind at any rate although I’m sure he would be perfectly willing to try. No, I think the issue is 2.55 Mill, and what you get from DIAZ vs. what you can get with someone else for less money and their individual abilities.
I mean it’s not my money. It’s JOHN MALONE’s and LIBERTY’s money. I’m sure they would be willing if the org wanted it that way.
code blue
November 30th, 2010
5:55 pm
P-town brave
You never know with a new chief in town..I was waiting for that. It could work?
mr baseball
November 30th, 2010
5:55 pm
Bill:
If the Braves don’t have to spend much to fill out the last 2 spots in the bullpen, there should be money available for Hall. Uggla will make about what it cost for Wagner & Saito, and Hall won’t cost more than Glaus & Cabrera combined, if that.
With Hall and 2 modestly priced relievers, I’m guessing the team’s total salary will be no more than last year, maybe less if they can unload a good chunk of KK’s salary.
Signing Hall answers a whole lot of questions, not the least of which is a potential stop-gap starter in CF if McLouth is as lousy as he was last year. And it lets the team keep all 3 of its quality hitters off the bench, which will not happen if the Braves don’t sign/trade for someone with Hall’s versatility.
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
5:55 pm
beekay, you can’t afford to have such a limited positional player on the bench making $4 mill or whatever Damon will command, and you can’t just sign him assuming McLouth will stink. Barring a horrid spring, McLouth is starting. Maybe even if he has a horrid spring, he’s starting. It’d probably take a good month of struggling to begin the season before he’d be benched.
So there just doesn’t seem like there’s any room for Damon, as things currently stand. He’s going to sign somewhere to play, and not to be a fourth outfielder. And the Braves can’t really afford to pay McLouth and Damon a combined $11 mill or so, when Prado is penciled in for LF and Heyward is in RF. That’s why they’re hoping Schafer or Young will be ready, unless they add another player with CF ability this winter.
Oh, and you needn’t remind me of the Damon/Braves prior dalliance — if you recall, I was the one who suggested early last fall that Damon would be a good fit for the Braves, long before they made that mid-winter offer for him.
That was then. Situation is very different. Heyward is obviously no longer a question mark (a year ago there was still some question), and Prado is penciled in for LF and McLouth for CF.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
5:57 pm
Tomahawkin:
You off that gangsta’ rap yet?
nolie
November 30th, 2010
5:57 pm
but there were numerous times where we should have bunted or hit an ran. P’Cola
I’ll agree on the hit and run,
If you mean sacrifice bunts by other than a pitcher or on a VERY limited late inning sitution, i will not agree with that. There is a reason that the say “If they wanna give up an out, we’ll take it”
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
5:57 pm
From Last Nite…? Damn D.O.B. u were up that early?
David O’Brien
November 30th, 2010
6:31 am
[Martini Is Our Number 2 hitter by default…He is the 2010 version of Placido Polanco in his prime but with more power
The only way Martini Leads off is if Nate Dawg has another garbage April — Chef Tomahawkin]
“That’s not how Fredi G. viewed it as of a couple weeks ago. He said after the Uggla signing that most of his lineups had Prado hitting leadoff and McLouth batting second. That’s if McLouth is hitting, of course. If he had a terrible spring, I’m fairly certain the lineup would look different at the top.”
I had to agree with Matt Chernoff a few weeks ago on that I still see Nate Nawg as our leadoff hitter by Default since he possess the speed to be a threat on the bases…
If he struggles the first month then either move him to 8th or “Old Yeller” the kid?
And what happened to his Gold Glove Caliber Defense that a lot of people (not you) said he possessed? He reminds me of Schafer out there with his beat arm and the way he Judges fly balls
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
6:01 pm
Chef Tomahawkin: As Nas said, “sleep is the cousin of death.”
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
November 30th, 2010
6:02 pm
If (and I recognize its a very big if) Diaz could play a serviceable 1B, then you have a right-handed PH who can back-up at 2 positions. I don’t think the Braves, or anybody else, will pay 2.5 million for that. Diaz is going to have to readjust his expectations I think.
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
6:02 pm
richbrave
“Tomahawkin:
You off that gangsta’ rap yet?”
I’m glad you asked that my man…And ugghhh No…I listen to 97.1 The River (old rock) the river all day at work when I’m not listening to Matt and Chernoff on 680AM
and with that in mind its time to bump that old Warren J, “This DJ” Biz Markie, and some old Dawg Pound. That stuff still goes Hard!
Then I will switch it up later to some old New Jack Swing Genre of music…
Bill
November 30th, 2010
6:04 pm
Agree Mr. Baseball…I hope Hall is signed..it would also free Prado( to stay in lf) in case something happen to Chipper..so many advantage for Fredi with Bill Hall on board..
CB
November 30th, 2010
6:04 pm
I struggle with anyone suggesting we bat Nate anywhere but in lower part of batting order,the top five hitters in lineup should be Prado,Chipper,Heyward,Uggla and McCann in some mixed order. Any other suggestions is ludicrous.
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
6:04 pm
If the Braves don’t have to spend much to fill out the last 2 spots in the bullpen, there should be money available for Hall. Uggla will make about what it cost for Wagner & Saito, and Hall won’t cost more than Glaus & Cabrera combined, if that. — mr baseball
You’re going to drive yourself crazy trying to figure payroll that way. It doesn’t work. You’re not taking into account the arbitration raises for guys like Prado, Jurrjens and Moylan, the multi-year contract raises for McLouth and McCann (about $4 mill for those two guys, including McLouth’s buyout), plus small raises for all the second- and third-year guys.
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
6:07 pm
I’m not even going to talk about adding any more players til Hinske Leaves…
With that said I can Taste Kevin Gregg Wearing a braves uni in a few weeks…
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
6:08 pm
Not to Mention 9 more weeks til my Athlon Sports Baseball Magazine Comes Out…That is usually the signal of baseball…
Bill
November 30th, 2010
6:09 pm
Matt Young is looking better everyday!
ryan c
November 30th, 2010
6:13 pm
“With that said I can Taste Kevin Gregg Wearing a braves uni in a few weeks…”
kinda like sucking on a turd, dont ya think? kevin gregg is not that good…
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
6:16 pm
ryan c
[“With that said I can Taste Kevin Gregg Wearing a braves uni in a few weeks…”]
“kinda like sucking on a turd, dont ya think? kevin gregg is not that good…”
OUCH!
All we need is a cheap veteran arm in the pen since we are already stacked…
What Do you want us to do? Go out and make a stupid offer to MFIKY?
Chef Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
6:17 pm
And You Probably don’t know who MFIKY is but I was talking about Rafael Soriano…
That was his nickname on the blog when he was here, and no I didn’t make that name up…
Bill
November 30th, 2010
6:18 pm
Enter your comments here
nolie
November 30th, 2010
6:18 pm
Putz or Wheeler in that order
Tomas
November 30th, 2010
6:21 pm
Lew, I said he realllllllly needs to work on defense for him to play some CF.
Look the Braves are potentially looking at 12 pitchers, 13 position players, standard.
13 position players:
1. LF Martin Prado
2. CF Nate Mclouth
3. 3B Chipper Jones
4. 2B Dan Uggla
5. C Brian McCann
6. RF Jason Heyward
7. SS Alex Gonzalez
8. 1B Freddy Freeman
Bench:
9. C David Ross
10. UTIL Joe Mather
11. “2B/3B” Brooks Conrad
Assuming this is true the Braves have two roster spots open for bench players. I know Joe Mather is a great athlete who can play all three outfield positions, 1B, and 3B. Brooks Conrad can play “2B/3B”, and Ross is the backup catcher.
One of the 2 spots to be filled needs to be able to play SS. And the other needs to be able to play the outfield.
Now if the Braves sign Hinske you can say sayonara to Diaz. If they don’t sign Hinske, Matty’s chances increase.
I assume the backup SS is gonna be Diory Hernandez, making the bench overly right handed, and that’s why Braves first choice is Hinske. Second choice has to be Matty, because of team chemistry, and how productive he has been as a platoon guy and pinch hitter.
If the Braves keep Diaz I expect him to get the occasional start in LF, move Prado to 3B, and rest Chipper. It would be nice Diaz learned to play some 1B to occasional sub Freeman, and Mather can play CF in some sort of a platoon depending on how Mclouth fares next year vs lefties, and some RF to give Heyward rest.
That would improve the left handedness of the bench, keep everyone fresh, and good team chemistry.
Steve McP
November 30th, 2010
6:21 pm
Bill Hall would be great as an uber utility guy, but he was paid $8 mill last season and you to think he is looking for a multi year contract in the $5mill per range.
Cannot see the Braves shelling that sort of money out when they have other needs to also fill
nolie
November 30th, 2010
6:22 pm
DOB have you ever watched The Good Wife ? It’s a pretty darn good show
Justafan
November 30th, 2010
6:28 pm
Joe Mathers is great? Give me a break.
Tomas
November 30th, 2010
6:32 pm
The bullpen worry’s me more than the bench since Billy, Saito, and Dunn are leaving.
They need to sign a quality veteran reliever, ideally it would be Kerry Wood because he could be the closure and give Kimbrel a couple of years of MLB experience before jumping in as the closer.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
6:32 pm
Actually, Ryan Freel is great! Joe Mather is pretty good.
spinelli
November 30th, 2010
6:33 pm
To re[lace Infante FW needs to look into aquiring Willi Bloomquist from the Reds. He spent the last few years in KC and can play everywhere. He is a .260 carrer hitter. Not as good as Infante but would be someone to consider
DS1
November 30th, 2010
6:35 pm
We are getting closer to our closure concerning our closer.
Justafan
November 30th, 2010
6:36 pm
DSI :
Keep talking……….
Eric from MO
November 30th, 2010
6:36 pm
Tomas Venters will probably be the closer and if you dont think he is ready after last year, you are nuts. The bullpen is fine. Dunn was in the minors most the year, Saito was hurt quite a bit, and Venters and Kimbrel can easily replace Wagner. With Venters, Kimbrel, and Moylan the bullpen already have their 7, 8, and 9 innings guys. Thats more than most teams. EOF vision hopefully will be fixed by then. The bullpen is still stacked.
atlwolf
November 30th, 2010
6:37 pm
DOB, the Phillies are the FORMER NL Champs. The Giants are now NL Champs.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
6:43 pm
not so sure I agree with your premise that the pen will automatically be fine Eric.
Losing Wagner who had arguably the best year of an all-star laden career is not gonna be all that easy to replace, and Venters and Kimbrel are very young and could easily regress some. In fact I’d be willing to bet that neither are quite as effective next year.
There is such a thing as too much youth especially in pivotal positions. I would really like to see a decent RHer brought, just as insurance if nothing else.Movinf V & K up to replace W & S means moving the next layer up a notch higher and that I’m not as comfortable with.
Joker
November 30th, 2010
6:44 pm
Personally, Nothing would thrill me more than seeing the Melk-Dud Wearing a Phillies Uniform…
But with that Said They’d sign him for a 1 year 1 million deal and he’d hit 15 homers in that ballpark
Thats why we need to keep Matty-D because If he leaves Then My Big Boy Gut tells me that he signs with the Phillies once Werth Walks…That would not be good….! And that is On The Real!
Joker AKA Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
6:45 pm
I couldn’t resist the name change after watching clips of Next Friday on Youtube…
DS1
November 30th, 2010
6:45 pm
Sometimes I look down at the bottom of the blog where the pages are listed and see the “Show All” box and think, “No way you pervert!”
Joker AKA Tomahawkin
November 30th, 2010
6:47 pm
My 6:44 post is filled up with straight up nasty Irony…?
Did AnyOne Catch Chuck and Matt Today on 680AM?
Especially the Part about Vince Young and Text Messaging is the purest for of self-centeredness/rudeness/lazyness, etc?
I was pretty much Co-Signing on just about everything they said about people who text as a way of life…?
DS1
November 30th, 2010
6:48 pm
Joker
per Diaz, EXACTLY!
nolie
November 30th, 2010
6:51 pm
what is with the proliferation of Tomahawks on the blog lately? Imposters, adoring imitators…or split personality??
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
6:59 pm
I still think Jon Rauch is a good option for this pen. Hinske makes the most sense of the bench. Seems like a lot think that Mather will have a spot on the 25 man and I don’t believe thats so. Hes never stayed up a whole season before and spent very little time up this year. I personally believe he will have to win his spot on the 25 man and could possibly battle out with Conrad for it.
Tomas
November 30th, 2010
7:00 pm
Eric from MO, I prefer Kimbrel to Venters………I’m not saying that they’re not ready, but the Braves would be smart to get somebody else with more experience.
Out of seven possible relievers the Braves have 4 quality guys in Kimbrel, Venters, Moylan, and O’flaherty.
What about the other 3? Marek I hope is one of them……..Who else? Martinez, Proctor, Brandon Beachy.
Beachy should be the long reliever, and I’m comfortable with Marek as a middle reliever. So there’s one spot open, are you really counting on Proctor or Martinez? Those guys suck, they need to sign a quality veteran reliever.
The bench doesn’t matter as much as the bullpen.
Matt Young who by the way is left handed, plays all three outfield positions and can run, could fit perfectly on the bench. While Diory Hernandez is the other bench guy.
The team relied heavily on clutch hits, pinch hitting, etc, because the team kept games close with great pitching. With the addition of Uggla the Braves will have some offense finally, and if they keep the great pitching they had which included one of the best bullpens in the MLB, they’ll be able to win the East and hopefully the WS.
Thats why bullpen is more important than pinch hitters, who are horrible defendors and can’t steal bases.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
November 30th, 2010
7:04 pm
What’s the latest on Schafer?
Did his wrist ever completely heal?
Still believe he’ll be a really good MLer one day.
I know it was a tiny sample size, but his play before the injury was all-world.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:20 pm
I think tiny sample size describes it well, which = meaningless sample
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
7:20 pm
Putz please
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
7:23 pm
Putz will probably be to expensive. Wheeler wouldn’t be a bad idea. Him or Rauch would fit well.
DS1
November 30th, 2010
7:26 pm
nolie
Yes, but there’s something nostalgic about pulling for a skinny, big ear’d baseball player!
You know you want him to pull for him!
Murph
November 30th, 2010
7:27 pm
Shouldn’t Schafer be playing winter ball someplace? Or is he on some sort of rehab program or something? You’d think a guy who got demoted from AAA to his local little league would be motivated to prove something
Jeff R
November 30th, 2010
7:30 pm
I like Diaz. I think he’s been a generally solid contributor. I also think, free of injuries, Diaz will rebound in 2011.
And I hope Wren retains Hinske. Good bench guys are hard to find.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
7:31 pm
Schafer hasnt played a full season since 2007. Id be surprised if he sees the majors at all in 2010.
unbelievable
November 30th, 2010
7:31 pm
2011 I mean
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:31 pm
Hey I just thought of something Eric, didn’t we have somethhang going about 96 wins last spring? Weren’t we s’posed to fess up concerning 96 wins over/under?
Joker
November 30th, 2010
7:33 pm
nolie
“I think tiny sample size describes it well, which = meaningless sample”
Co-Sign! Why are people still sold on Schafer…? He’s in the same boat as Rick Ankiel, another player who hasn’t produced after getting busted for HGH
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:34 pm
oh I’m rooting for him DS1, no doubt about it. I’m just saying that you caint judge the extent of his ability from one ST and a few games. I’ll be awful surprised in he makes the bigs this year though. If he does we likely will be in deep doodoo.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:37 pm
JOKER
I agree that the odds are very long, but there is still some hope…we just shouldn’t count on it at this point
Murph
November 30th, 2010
7:44 pm
Schafer’s chances of producing at the MLB level aren’t that far behind McLouth’s at this point, which I guess would make Matt Young the front runner for a CF that can hit over .200.
Eric from MO
November 30th, 2010
7:46 pm
Nolie yes, and you b!tched out and said you wouldnt do it. I would of done it if you had some balls but you didnt.
Tomas you are talking about the 7th spot in the pen. How often does the 7th reliever pitch in games that arent blow outs?
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:46 pm
don’t agree with that at all Murph.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
7:47 pm
Here’s 30 fake Jeter baseball cards if he played for other teams. I think my favorite is “Strasburg Who?” for the Nats
http://blogbeckett.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/totally-fake-baseball-cards-29-derek-jeters-you-wont-see-in-2011-and-one-you-just-might/
Eric from MO
November 30th, 2010
7:47 pm
So Nolie your answer is NO!
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
7:47 pm
nolie
November 30th, 2010
6:18 pm
Putz or Wheeler in that order
We can’t put PUT – Z in the pen, we won’t be able to tell the JJ’s apart without an explanation. LOL.
Actually, PUTZ might do the trick. I like it.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:48 pm
aha I bitched out huh? whatever you say Eric, I don’t remember it being exactly that way, But anyway I was right and you were wrong, even if I have to be the one to say it instead of you
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:49 pm
poooor loooser
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:49 pm
no class at all
Eric from MO
November 30th, 2010
7:50 pm
Nolie I am getting ready to go to work but I will go back to that blog tomorrow and show where you said you wouldnt do it.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
7:50 pm
Murph
November 30th, 2010
7:44 pm
Schafer’s chances of producing at the MLB level aren’t that far behind McLouth’s at this point, which I guess would make Matt Young the front runner for a CF that can hit over .200.
Well, hitting over .200 at the ML level for MY is yet to be proven. But hitting .300 over a season at GWINNETT, and .382 in MEXICO is a good indication of the potential at least.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:50 pm
still the anger issues, huh?
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:51 pm
I might not have agreed but there would have been a reason. I was still right
Joker
November 30th, 2010
7:52 pm
David O’Brien
“November 30th, 2010
6:01 pm
Chef Tomahawkin: As Nas said, “sleep is the cousin of death.””
I’ll Co-Sign On That!
nolie
November 30th, 2010
7:55 pm
when you do that Eric, post a link to it ok?
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2010
7:57 pm
Is Joker Tomahawkin?
Eric from MO
November 30th, 2010
7:58 pm
Will do Nolie. It was from the blog from the weekend right before the season started with the cubs. I believe it was the Saturday.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
7:58 pm
There’s only one way to find out, nolie, and that’s to let them battle it out in ST and hope that whoever comes out on top actually does something during the regular season.
McLouth was about as bad as bad can be last season, Schafer is worse, and Matt Young is unproven. We’ll see what happens, I just hope Fredi has plan D somewhere in case they all suck.
Murph
November 30th, 2010
7:59 pm
So far Matt Young hasn’t proven he can hit above .200, but then again, the other 2 have proven they are capable of hitting below .200, so there ya go.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:00 pm
There’s only one way to find out, nolie, and that’s to let them battle it out in ST and hope that whoever comes out on top actually does something during the regular season.
no matter what Schafer does in ST the odds of his starting the season in Atlanta are astronomical
Joker
November 30th, 2010
8:02 pm
D.O.B.
Check Out some old Souls of Mischief “93 Til Infinity….”This is how we chill from 93 til”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5BZom3vY0g
Very Slept On Track back in 93-94 but that song was Soooo Good Dick Wolf Had to Put it on old New York Undercover
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:03 pm
Tomas
I gave MATT YOUNG’s MEXICAN stats earlier. BTW, DIORY HERNANDEZ hit .319 in GWINNETT in 116 AB’s and is currently has a .337 BA in 86 AB’s MEXICO, but hasn’t played in a week.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:04 pm
Nate has 3000 or so at bats in the bigs, most of which were just fine. Schafer ended up in A ball last year after failing in two higher stops. There is a big difference in the odds at this point no matter which way it turns out.
Like i said earlier i really hope Schafer comes back, but your statement was a real stretch IMO,
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:06 pm
Diory has hit well the last few years, at least for average(he hit 319 the year B4 too IIRC). Much better than his limited production in the bigs would indicate.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:07 pm
oops, that was a typo on Nate. should have been 2000 at bats. sorry
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:07 pm
Also, HERNANDEZ had 4 E in 30 G.
Frankie Wren
November 30th, 2010
8:09 pm
Diory had all of 9 at bats last season being called up the first week of August. Still don’t understand why Bobby didn’t give this guy a occasional start to rest Gonzalez. Not one start. Gonzalez had close to 600 at bats and hadn’t reached that many AB’s in over 5 years. Pretty obvious the guy was tired in September and it showed. Hopefully Fredi doesn’t make the same mistake.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:13 pm
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:06 pm
Diory has hit well the last few years, at least for average(he hit 319 the year B4 too IIRC). Much better than his limited production in the bigs would indicate.
Correct nolie. He also hit .319 in 204 AB’s in 2009 in GWINNETT and .287 in ‘08 split between AA and AAA. He also had 536 AB’s that year (2008).
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:14 pm
Maybe because Gonzo is a much better defensive shortstop than Diory is Frankie?
That and the fact Diory didn’t look good the year b4 in a callup are the only reasons I can think of.
Still a bit surprising that it never happened at all I guess
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:15 pm
Frankie Wren
November 30th, 2010
8:09 pm
Diory had all of 9 at bats last season being called up the first week of August. Still don’t understand why Bobby didn’t give this guy a occasional start to rest Gonzalez. Not one start. Gonzalez had close to 600 at bats and hadn’t reached that many AB’s in over 5 years. Pretty obvious the guy was tired in September and it showed. Hopefully Fredi doesn’t make the same mistake.
Agreed. It really showed.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:17 pm
I’m not sure it was tired, just possibly regressing to his mean at bat. His Atlanta totqals were very close to his career A%s. or do y’all mean in the field?
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:18 pm
FYI:
DIORY has been playing 3B exclusively in fall ball this year.
Frankie Wren
November 30th, 2010
8:19 pm
Gonzo was a hack in September but IMO he was a little gassed. With leg injuries hampering him the last couple of previous years it probably was a lot to ask him to play as much as he did at 33. Diory was pretty brutal when called up the previous year, still he should see more time PT this year off the bench.
Frankie Wren
November 30th, 2010
8:22 pm
Nolie, I know his totals were close to his career avg’s but he did hit pretty well in August and had some clutch hits. He was absymal in September. If he could duplicate what he did in August he will be fine. Again, not having played nearly as much the past 5 years caught up to him I think.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:22 pm
he’s an OK 2nd baseman, a bit less at third, much less at SS. or at least he was when I was watching him come up.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:23 pm
DIORY has gone 15 for 38 over his last ten games in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC for a .395 BA, 2 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, for a .605 slugging percent, but only 1 BB with 7 SO lowering his OBP to .410 and 1.016 OPS.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
8:23 pm
FW
I agree. Once Omar went into an everday role the occasional day off for Gonzo was history. He looked a little worn down and that may have had something to do with it.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:24 pm
yeah you are likely right about that Frankie. I’m not sure he is gonna duplicate August over a full year here though it would be nice. I just hate that BA/OBP
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:25 pm
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:17 pm
I’m not sure it was tired, just possibly regressing to his mean at bat. His Atlanta totqals were very close to his career A%s. or do y’all mean in the field?
Field, at least in my case.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
8:25 pm
Diory may not win the job. From the looks of the things the Lucas kid out of the Royals org. might rival him.
Frankie Wren
November 30th, 2010
8:27 pm
Nolie,
I realize his OBP is poor. All I asked for the guy when he came over is too play solid(didn’t expect great) defense and get some occasional big hits. I think he did that last year. Outside of the cluster of errors he made early I thought he played solid D. He also had some big hits(some were pretty ugly but big nonetheless). Keep him down in the lineup(8th preferrably) and he can be a asset.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:31 pm
Frankieyeah he is solid defensively no doubt. I’m just such a believer in OBP
P’C You’re right. actually they picked up about three interesting guys, though the odds are a little long on all of them. One or two might provide a pleasant surprise.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:34 pm
Speaking of ED LUCAS, anybody hear of vhim playing fall or weinter ball anywhere? He hasn’t showed up on my radar, or SHAWN MET either.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:38 pm
MiLB shows him as a Gwinnett Brave and no winter ball rich
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
8:40 pm
nolie: Agree entirely about The Good Wife. One of my favorite shows. Just started watching at end of last season, and haven’t missed an episode.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:40 pm
I doubt Lucas is a legitimate 800+ hitter especially in the show
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
8:41 pm
Nolie
Yea most of them seem like longshots. The only one I thought could rival for a spot on the 25 man this year was Lucas. Considering our need for an IF who can play all over. Diory has struggled so far and this guy may have finally found a place to break through. I’m not sold on him but to me out of all of them he has the best chance.
NORRIS
November 30th, 2010
8:41 pm
Even before Chipper got hurt last year he was not playing all the time and was not playing that well. So, here we are again…
When Chipper is out and Prado goes to third we once again are left with Mclouth in center and WHO in right. Either way, it is not good.
Mclouth was horrible last year and mather is worse than him.
How stupid can a person be to think that this is going to work. geez
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:42 pm
good DOB, if anything I think it got a bit better this year than last.
NORRIS
November 30th, 2010
8:42 pm
oops that should have been WHO in left
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:43 pm
Mclouth in center and WHO in right Norris
I assume you mean who in left, cause Hey will be in right. at that point it will likely be a platoon in LF
Frankie Wren
November 30th, 2010
8:44 pm
Wow. Berkman thought to get 7M for one year. Still think the guy has at least one pretty good year offensively but lot of cabbage for a guy his age. What’s D Lee going to get?
Frankie Wren
November 30th, 2010
8:45 pm
P Brave- Did we get Lucas with the Ankiel deal? Not familiar with him.
Efrim
November 30th, 2010
8:47 pm
So….like everyone declined arbitration….
Some poor organizations are going to waste a first round draft pick on Scott Downs and Grant Balfour. Maybe Jason Frasor as well, if he decides to decline.
If you’ve already signed a Type A that has erased your first rounder, than I guess it makes sense, but certainly not for a team that hasn’t gone that route.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:49 pm
FALL BALL:
C WILKIN CASTILLO is performing adequately in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC averaging .269 in 31 games (104 AB) with 6 doubles and 2 HR’s. .306 OBP, .385 SLG, .691 OPS. He appears to be a work in progress. He hit .256 for the BATS last season in 317 AB’s, .287 OBP, .417 SLG, .697 OPS but at 26, he’ll have to step it up considerably over the next couple of years to have much chance of playing any extended period in the majors. Pretty much now or never for him. I think the BRAVES see some power in his bat. I see a pretty poor BB-SO ratio (12 BB-50 SO) vaguely along the lines of CODY JOHNSON. He’s doing much better in fall ball in that regard; now 6 BB – 13 SO. He’s also playing tonight, so far he not been up. I’ll get back to you on that.
Frankie Wren
November 30th, 2010
8:50 pm
What contract is worse, Colorado and Tulo or GT and Paul Hewitt? GT is a sorry basketball team. Looks like Northwestern might make their first ever appearance to the Big Dance in March. They are pretty good basketball team.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:51 pm
no they signed him to a minor league deal after he was cut by KC I believe. They also signed a couple of other players with pretty decent AAA numbers who fot what they are looking for. Long odds, but hey…..
Efrim
November 30th, 2010
8:54 pm
What contract is worse, Colorado and Tulo or GT and Paul Hewitt?
Philly and Ryan Howard and/or Chicago and Alphonso Soriano.
Wait….that wasn’t apart of the question, was it….
Kat
November 30th, 2010
8:54 pm
David and anyone else on here, http://www.casttv.com/shows is a good site to watch streaming episodes to catch up on a series if you miss an episode or season. Or like me, your DVR screws up and doesn’t record correctly
Frankie Wren
November 30th, 2010
8:55 pm
Yeah those are pretty bad. Soriano has what, 4 more years? That team is going to be really bad this year. Maybe Sandberg caught a big break not getting the job for the Northsiders.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
8:56 pm
I don’t think the Tulo contract is bad at all Frankie , 8 years would have been better though
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
8:57 pm
FW
No he was a minor league FA signing. DOB just did an article on all the guys who were signed. Has good career minor league numbers. Seems suited for a guy to compete for backup role.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
8:58 pm
FALL BALL:
One game in – PUERTO RICO. CAROLINA’s catcher ORLANDO MERCADO has a hitless game (0-4) as his average falls to .259, but there’s free baseball as the two teams are tied going into the bottom of the 10th. MERCADO might get another shot at a hit tonight.
Justafan
November 30th, 2010
9:19 pm
Fire Paul Hewitt. Oh! $7 million..I own that school, thank you.
scsecchamps
November 30th, 2010
9:20 pm
francoer broke his hip – oops frankgore
Danga
November 30th, 2010
9:24 pm
Generally not a fan of of long contracts, but Tulo is exactly the kind of player you would want to use one on though. He is 26 and does everything well at a premium position. Not sure why now with him already being under contract through 2014, but I guess they figured the risk of this contract coming back to bite them in the arse in 10 years is less than the risk of losing him in 4.
Braveheart
November 30th, 2010
9:28 pm
Not a big fan of that Tulo contract. Imagine if you’d given Andruw a 10 year contract when he was 25? You would’ve gotten 4 good years, and 6 bad years. Tulo’s really not special enough of a player to warrant a 10 year contract.
That being said, what if the Braves offered Heyward a 15 year contract that kept him in Atlanta through the age of 35? What if they assumed that he’d be on average worth 6 WAR a season during that time, and that the $ spent per WAR would increase by 5% every year?
They would have to offer Heyward a 15 year, $460 million contract once you adjust for the league minimum and arbitration years. If you assumed the more aggressive 10% annual inflation rate, they’d have to offer something like 15 years, $710 million.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
9:30 pm
Eric
I remember now. You said 99 wins or so and I said 90-92 and no way more than 96. You’re wager was that if I lost I had to say that you knew more about baseball than I do. Since just about every time we have disagreed I turned out to be correct, I just couldn’t bring myself to tell such a big fib, so I “bitched” out if that’s how you need to see it. I was right again though
Braveheart
November 30th, 2010
9:33 pm
Oh, this argument is starting to remind me of that argument that went on with Random for like a week last offseason trying to settle the terms of whatever that bet was
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
9:34 pm
Another option for posible INF guy could be Jose Lopez. Been categorized as a non tender guy.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
9:35 pm
Nvm. LOpez in another Gonzo.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
9:36 pm
BH , I think it is a decent gamble though a bit of a risk of course. He is a very good all-around player at a premium position who also hits well away from Coors. If he has 4 more years anything like his last few and using your aggressive inflation rate he would cost around 20 mil to start with at that time.
Sure it could bite at the end and long ones like that usually do, but he will only be 36 when it ends and the odds are pretty good that it should work out ok. Plus I guess they were fairly pleased with that long Helton one.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
9:37 pm
FALL BALL:
MERCADO does not get up again, and his team falls to the opposition 1-0, but not because of ORLANDO.
Joker
November 30th, 2010
9:37 pm
Like In the NFL
Contracts over 5 years Never last w/o the player wither getting traded/released (while the team eats the contract) or the player restructuring his contract
I thought the Rockies learned that lesson with Denny Neagle and Mike Hampton?
And now Turdowitzki…? Stupid Rockies F.O.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
9:37 pm
nah it ain’t gonna go any longer than now. It takes two to argue
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
9:38 pm
Braveheart
November 30th, 2010
9:33 pm
Oh, this argument is starting to remind me of that argument that went on with Random for like a week last offseason trying to settle the terms of whatever that bet was
Yeah, I remember the contention, but not the details.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
9:40 pm
Huge difference between those two pitchers who had no proven production record at Coors and were attempting to pitch in a great hitter’s park and Tulo who is much more like the Helton deal.
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2010
9:42 pm
I don’t like that Tulo deal. For him its great. 10 years of security. I think they could of held off a year or so. The guy was still under contract for a few years. Now they just got to hope he remains healthy over the course of the next 10 years. Risky gamble.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
9:42 pm
FALL BALL:
DOMINICAN
C WILKIN CASTILLO has not yet been up and the ‘in progress’ report has been frozen in the bottom of the 1st for an hour and a half. Must be raining, or the update tech fell asleep.
David O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
9:48 pm
Justafan: it’s a real bad spot the Jackets are in with Hewitt, no doubt. I mean, Northwestern shot 65 percent from the field tonight and beat Tech by 20, and that was coasting for the second half. How does a team shoot 65 percent against an ACC team with the level of talent Tech has recruited?
nolie
November 30th, 2010
9:50 pm
if he does stay healthy then it’s a good deal for the Rox, though I agree it’s kinda funny they did it this early.
Joker
November 30th, 2010
9:58 pm
Just Imagine if we had Signed Jeff Francoeur to a ‘Lifetime Deal” back in 2008? This Blog would still be Off The Chain…!
Thats just how much as I am opposed to those hustle deals
Joker
November 30th, 2010
9:59 pm
BRB in 15, Got to hook up some Big Boy Fajitas and watch some old Dubya C Dubya Rasslin
Dadgum.....
November 30th, 2010
10:03 pm
Let me say that Hinske ain’t passing on the Braves no matter how good the home cookn is. I mean is this Little League all of a sudden! Stop it with the crap already. Hinske is of the ilk that plays for championships. It can happen easier in the ATL than brew city. Hinske is a winner and understands another World Series can happen next year easier in Atlanta. Can’t see the yeast rising in Milwaukee. Just can’t.
Rock on…. Really hated to see Vazquez sign with the Marlins. Hope that doesn’t come back to bite the Braves in the butt. I’m calling 15 wins 200+ innings and a sub 4 era right now. Any takers?
Mitchie-san
November 30th, 2010
10:04 pm
Man, that Tulo deal makes me nervous about the Braves ability to re-sign Uggla. I think his eyes just turned to dollar signs…
Joker
November 30th, 2010
10:05 pm
And as much as I moan about our owners being cheap at least they shy away from deals longer than 4 years in other words are penny wise…
With that said Regarding Hinske…Now is not the time to be Cheap…! W/O him last year we don’t make the Playoffs…
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:06 pm
I agree it is a risk, I said so last night when we started talking about it, and the long ones do usually bite at the end. I also think with Tulo’s age and history and position and hitting both at home AND away from Coors that it could work and if it does it will end up saving them some bread. It’s their decision
Joker
November 30th, 2010
10:06 pm
Dadgum…..
“Rock on…. Really hated to see Vazquez sign with the Marlins. Hope that doesn’t come back to bite the Braves in the butt. I’m calling 15 wins 200+ innings and a sub 4 era right now. Any takers?”
Are You Willing To “Bank On It?”
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:08 pm
W/O him last year we don’t make the Playoffs Joker
caint agree with that one. maybe not, maybe so. after the first two and a half months last year he was pretty mediocre. His OPS the last 4 months were not very good at all. I would like him back, but I do not see it as all that important
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:10 pm
I’m sorry Joker , I misread your post. I somehow passed over the “last year” and was thinking about this coming one. You might be right about that, he was important sometimes.
Glord1
November 30th, 2010
10:11 pm
I think Vazquez goes 13-11 with 170 innings and 4.20 era at best. I also think he could go 10-14 with a 4.80 era. I will go with our guys thanks.
dap01
November 30th, 2010
10:14 pm
Ga Tech must be run by idiots or Hewitt relatives. How could anyone have such a horrible contract. I smell corruption.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:15 pm
Did Javi get his fastball back at the end of the season, anybody hear?
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
10:17 pm
Hey, DADGUM:
Whad’ dup dude? Hope your Turkey Day was filling.
Snotboogie
November 30th, 2010
10:18 pm
FYI: DIORY has been playing 3B exclusively in fall ball this year.
Quite the nugget from richbrave. This says a bit about Diory’s bench job.
Glord1
November 30th, 2010
10:18 pm
Javy was throwing about 87 mph when the season ended.
Bravefaninok
November 30th, 2010
10:19 pm
The dodgers are signing everybody ……http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/11/dodgers-looking-to-sign-relievers.html
Dodgers GM Ned Colletti has locked up Ted Lilly, Hiroki Kuroda, Jon Garland, Juan Uribe, Jay Gibbons and Dana Eveland since the regular season ended. Los Angeles also acquired Blake Hawksworth for Ryan Theriot today.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
10:19 pm
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:15 pm
Did Javi get his fastball back at the end of the season, anybody hear?
Dunno. Haven’t read anything much along those lines. I listened to the MLBN hot stove this morning, and there was some mention of his velocity picking up in the last few games of the season. That’s about it as far as I know.
Churchy
November 30th, 2010
10:22 pm
Javy bounces back and has a solid year like he did with the Braves.
Then after next season, the Yankees take yet another chance with him and sign him to a long term contract. That’s how stupid the Yankees are sometimes.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:27 pm
even his velocity loss might hsve been due to tigntening up from nervousness. One of his problems is lack of confidence and he already had a history of failing in NY and i t was pretty obvious from the getgo he did not want to be back there. He started talking retiring right after he got there, and that has not been mentioned this winter
MikeInFl
November 30th, 2010
10:30 pm
His velocity has been declining for about 4 years, but last year was the biggest drop.
Pretty good article at fangraphs, on Vazquez. This writer doesn’t paint too rosy a picture, as far as him returning to pre-2010 form. Here’s the conclusion:
Vazquez has thrown over 42,000 pitches in his big league career, throwing 200 or more innings every year from 2000 to 2009 with the exception of 2004, when he threw 198 innings. He might only be 34 years old, but he has the mileage of a pitcher nearing 40. Given his career workload, I wouldn’t bet on Vazquez’s fastball ever coming back. And if it doesn’t, well, the Marlins just risked $7 million in the hopes that he can teach himself how to pitch without his main weapon. That’s a pretty substantial risk for a team that isn’t exactly rolling in money.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:34 pm
well I wish him luck…except against us of course. Not sure what to think about his chances this year. when we got him I predicted a great year in Atlanta, and most of us predicted a poor one in NY. Hafta wait and see this year, I kinda think he will have a decent year if his FB comes back at all. but not sure about it.
Nick
November 30th, 2010
10:41 pm
The Braves are gonna suck this year. I’m saying 82-80.
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
10:44 pm
FALL BALL:
DOMINICAN
C WILKIN CASTILLO goes 2-4, 2 RBI (14), 1 SO, .278 BA.
1B/PH MAURO ‘45′ GOMEZ is quite the pistolero tonight going 1-1 with his third double of the fall season.
CF JOSE CONSTANZA goes 1-4 tonight with 1 SO.
MEXICO
CF MATT YOUNG is 0-2 so far tonight, .377 BA. Game in progress bottom of the fourth.
2B JOE THURSTON having a great night through four, 2-2, .255 BA.
DH BARBARO CANIZARES not so much 0-2, .315. He cold as a stone right now.
VENEZUELA
Only game delayed.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:44 pm
yeah right Nick, you have such a great track record in that department
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
10:45 pm
Nick
November 30th, 2010
10:41 pm
The Braves are gonna suck this year. I’m saying 82-80.
Great NICK. We’ll take that under advisement.
Joker
November 30th, 2010
10:46 pm
Works both ways With Vazquez…Keep in Mind he will not recieve no where near the amout of run support he received when he was Pitching in The Rotten Apple
Joker
November 30th, 2010
10:47 pm
@Nick
I know You seriously Don’t Mean That…?
Didn’t I see you at The ChopHouse hanging with the “Thanks Bobby” Crew…Right behind the railing in Right Center-Field?
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
10:49 pm
Churchy
November 30th, 2010
10:22 pm
Javy bounces back and has a solid year like he did with the Braves.
Then after next season, the Yankees take yet another chance with him and sign him to a long term contract. That’s how stupid the Yankees are sometimes.
RYAN, is that you? Well I guess you would know having been a MET for 1+ years.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:50 pm
So KK put the kibosh on getting sold back to J@p@n ??
richbrave
November 30th, 2010
10:50 pm
NYTOL
nolie
November 30th, 2010
10:51 pm
night rich
monty
November 30th, 2010
10:56 pm
MikeInFl
November 30th, 2010
10:30 pm
His velocity has been declining for about 4 years, but last year was the biggest drop.
Dang,,4 years ago he musta been hitting 100. Last season he was 93 pretty consistently with occassional 95!
monty
November 30th, 2010
11:00 pm
Miami is about as far away from NY as you can get pressure wise. If he gets back over 90 with his fastball,he’s an easy .500 pitcher for them.
Salt life
November 30th, 2010
11:00 pm
Nick
November 30th, 2010
10:41 pm
The Braves are gonna suck this year. I’m saying 82-80.
jesus Nick!!!!…..Did your dog die?………..Dude, we just got better……….Infante was a +……Conrad was a + until he had to be out there every day………Even without Chip, Prado, and Wagner we still almost took down the series winners…..the galss is half full, bro…
DS1………you are going to be within 40 miles of me…….yet……when I went driving all over Utah, you didn’t come find me!………..all good….stay away from Barbara Jeans…..Sticky fingers is where you will eat every day you are in jax….good stuff!!
Russell Bell
November 30th, 2010
11:03 pm
nolie – I hope not. I mean, is KK really goin’ to be cool with starting the year in AA? I guess he gets paid no matter what, so maybe he can swallow his pride. Would still think going back to the mother country is better for his career than wallowing in the minors for half a season, hoping for a bus ride back to the Bigs.
Salt life
November 30th, 2010
11:06 pm
Oh…….and there is a guy that may get non-tendered by Toronto….Dustin McGowan is from Ludowici GA…..he had shoulder problems last year (he told my brother he was good though)….he’s a damn good pitcher, but a bad golfer……..I beat him!!…(no I didnt but he and I did play)…..if he’s healthy, he’s filthy………..he’s a starter but if available he may go to the pen for the home team.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
11:14 pm
Russell from yesterdays Bowman article
The Braves felt like they had a match with a J@panese club that was willing to provide close to $3 million in return for Kawakami. But the 34-year-old pitcher has said that he wants to remain in the United States to take advantage of at least one last chance to prove he can be effective in the Majors.
When Kawakami was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett for the month of August, he was able to continue living in his suburban Atlanta mansion, which is located just a few minutes from Gwinnett’s stadium. This luxury might not be present if he returns to the Braves next year.
Once Kawakami passed through waivers earlier this month, Atlanta optioned him to its Double-A Mississippi roster
Salt life
November 30th, 2010
11:20 pm
I am not watchting the season finale of “Sons” until tomorrow night so please dont give anything away…I do have to read the blog everyday…….the only thing good about my workday.
abwright
November 30th, 2010
11:20 pm
The need for speed … I think every possible angle on “speed” has been covered in this blog. But, as a blogger used to comment when McCann, Hinske, Glaus, and Chipper were clogging up the basepaths, those tractor-trailers only moved one base at a time.
Adding one speed guy to the Braves isn’t going to make much difference when everyone else is going station-to-station. If the guy gets on base at a .333 clip, it would mean less than a run every three days in the first inning.
The 2010 Braves may have been the slowest team I have ever seen.
Glord1
November 30th, 2010
11:20 pm
Prediction -
Red Sox sign Werth
Sign Derek Lee
Trade for A Gonzalez
Lee plays some first while AG recovers and then DHs against LH pitching.
Russell Bell
November 30th, 2010
11:23 pm
Great, just great.
I can’t think of anything nice to say about him right now (in light of this Bowman update)… I just hope he contributes something next year, other than burning ML dollars in the minors.
I suddenly feel the need to go refresh my glass.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
11:24 pm
Ab, I think Wren is trying to address that in the draft. He seems to be adding a bit more speed that John S often did.
Salt life
November 30th, 2010
11:25 pm
I won $12 more than my bar tab at poker tonight and I am sufficiently drunken…..I must lay my head down now…..BAS, have a couple for me tonight…..I rode my motorcycle through “The Streets of San Francisco” and over the Golden Gate Bridge…….fun town.
Glord1
November 30th, 2010
11:25 pm
Can they option Kawakami to Danville for costing them 3 mil? I wonder how much he would like renting a house there (there are no mansions) and playing on that American Legion field.
abwright
November 30th, 2010
11:26 pm
Diory prolly didn’t get playing time at the end of 2010 because the Braves already had a M*A*S*H unit on the field. Backup 3B, 2B, and a new 1B. You going to replace your SS too? Even for a game? When every game counted (Braves got into the playoffs by one game if everyone remembers)?
nolie
November 30th, 2010
11:26 pm
yeah unless I am mis-comprehending that article it looks like we are back stuck with his 6.7 mil again. I wonder if DOB might have some input on that?
abwright
November 30th, 2010
11:32 pm
On KK back to J@p@n … he can’t refuse a trade, can he? If he starts at AA, surely it’s because the Braves couldn’t trade him, not that he didn’t want to be traded.
I actually think that the Braves would be wise to hold onto KK if they cannot get a decent salary relief in a trade. When he was locked into a slot on the 25 man (or even the 40 man) that really hurt the Braves’s flexibility. Now that he’s off the 25 man, someone else can hold that spot and maybe actually get into a game.
If KK gets his stuff together at AA and Minor, Beachy, et al suck it up, Braves have some MLB pitching experience in the minors.
Scuba Steve
November 30th, 2010
11:40 pm
Just watched the SOA season finale…awesome ending!!! I loved it! Did you watch it DOB?
Kenny Powers
November 30th, 2010
11:41 pm
Anyone seen the new show “The Walking Dead”? Thoughts?
nolie
November 30th, 2010
11:42 pm
it wouldn’t really be a trade Ab, it would be more of a sale, but I have no idea what the rules are. It certainly sounds like he vetoed it not that they couldn’t find a willing team. The rules are likely different since it involves an a J-Asian league. Not sure if players can be sold there without their permission even if they are originally from there.
joedirt
November 30th, 2010
11:43 pm
is it safe to say dob. that braves will only get two more players. one bench player and one bullpen player?
Scuba Steve
November 30th, 2010
11:43 pm
I love the walking dead…zombies scare the crap out of me!
nolie
November 30th, 2010
11:44 pm
I think it’s pretty good. Many critics are hailing it as the best new show of the season. It has already been renewed for a longer run next season, I tyhink perhaps 13 episodes or so.
abwright
November 30th, 2010
11:47 pm
nolie … thanks. based on the article, it did sound like a refusal. I thought that the advantage (to the team) of a contract is that the team can trade the contract (barring service time, no trade clauses, …).
But, surely the Braves could still trade KK to another MLB team if there were a taker. Since they got him through waivers, I’m guessing that no one wanted to pick him up.
So bizarre.
Bay Area Steve
November 30th, 2010
11:48 pm
Salt,
done.
abwright
November 30th, 2010
11:52 pm
I haven’t seen the Walking Dead (yet), but it’s hard to resist a good zombie flick.
I swear I’m not going to watch, then … several hours of shambling zombies eating brains later …
Some of my favorite takes on the zombie theme …
Dawn of the Dead
Weekend at Bernies (2)
Shaun of the Dead
Dead Alive (from Peter Jackson)
Russell Bell
November 30th, 2010
11:53 pm
Well, this puts a damper on whatever budget space is left. I gotta think KK’s zombie paycheck in the minors makes internal options for the 4th OFer spot more likely. Hopefully there is enough cash left for a vet. reliever, and a little stored away for the trade deadline.
abwright
November 30th, 2010
11:53 pm
And with that … I’m out or I’ll be a zombie tomorrow.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
11:54 pm
yes I believe they can trade him to another MLB team….IF they could find a willing partner.
It is kinda bizarre cause though his W/L record is bad, for the most part he has not pitched poorly enough that it should be all that hard to find a team who would pay 3 or 4 mil for his not all that bad ERA. There are certainly worse pitchers being paid more money I think.
nolie
November 30th, 2010
11:55 pm
night guys
Russell Bell
November 30th, 2010
11:58 pm
In the 90’s it was vampires, now zombies are enjoying a period of cultural elevation above horror-flick-schtick. I work at a university, and it seems like most of the undergrads are obsessed with zombies. Maybe its video game influence?
Of course, the Twilight tweens (and True Blood fans) would beg to differ regarding my vampire’s being a 90’s-trivia-piece comment.
one-eyed mac
December 1st, 2010
12:00 am
Braves can’t trade KK back overseas without his permission. They could trade him to another MLB team (unless he has a no trade clause which I don’t think he does). The problem is I don’t think there’s a MLB team that wants him.
unbelievable
December 1st, 2010
12:00 am
getting through waivers just means that no one wanted him for that full contract. Surely some team would trade for KK if the Braves would pay 4-5 mil of that remaining $7 mil. He’s not awful and a lot of pitchers with worse numbers are getting paid more.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
12:05 am
I keep thinking Baltimore might have some interest in KK. Hes definitely not a bad pitcher for 2-3 mil a year which is probably what he would be paid with the Braves picking up the rest.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
12:12 am
Or possibly Seattle. Both teams could use SP and depending on how much the Braves would eat might make him affordable for other clubs.
jed
December 1st, 2010
12:14 am
one eyed mac: you’re right that teams aren’t showing much interest in KK, but at 3 million, the guy’s a steal. he’s gotten a bum rap in atlanta.
Russell Bell
December 1st, 2010
12:18 am
I wouldn’t exactly call KK a steal at $3 mill, but Wren might find a team willing to take a risk on him. Personally, I wouldn’t pay him the ML minimum to pitch if I was a GM.
P’Brave – Seattle I could see, but Baltimore? KK would be eaten alive in the AL east.
jed
December 1st, 2010
12:28 am
stringer! you wouldnt pay him the minimum? that’s craziness. no wonder you had bodie kill wallace! KK got no run support last year. then they banished him to siberia midseason at a point where his ERA was only slightly worse than lowe’s. certainly not a great year from him but he didnt get a shot to redeem himself like lowe did. dont forget that in 2009, he posted a 3.8 era and ate 156 innings.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
12:29 am
KK is a formidable SP for 2-3 mil. He struggled this year but had an ERA under 4 in ‘09. I’m sure he can contribute to some ML team. But theres not many teams lining up for a pitcher whose ERA was over 5 and a W-L of 1-10
jed
December 1st, 2010
12:30 am
when you get no run support in your starts, the old won-lost figures tell you nothing.
Russell Bell
December 1st, 2010
12:37 am
Not too concerned with his W/L record (although it is a lesser factor). I just rarely liked what I saw when KK pitched last year. He looked supremely hittable most of the time.
Not saying he ain’t worth the risk for some team, but if I was a GM, I’d have zero interest, and would be busy looking under different rocks for starting options.
jed
December 1st, 2010
12:39 am
fine. but did you have to have wallace killed? that was COLD, man!
ward
December 1st, 2010
12:47 am
Hello every one! I thought that was a false trade afterwards. Nice try coach.
ward
December 1st, 2010
12:54 am
Back to the speed issue: It did work for San Fran, and i think you should steal a bases when you think you have a chance too.Down by two runs, I say go for it! Baseball is getting to be station to station, and I think you should take a chance on stealing bases.Throw the book out the window…..Speed wins you the tight ball games….
Russell Bell
December 1st, 2010
12:55 am
Just bidness.
ward
December 1st, 2010
12:59 am
Lead off hitters with speed are good, and Mclouth wlll be terrible.Trade for a center fielder with speed or sign one. Play Schafer or Matt Young! Anybody would be better than Mclouth.
bob
December 1st, 2010
1:00 am
fine. but did you have to have wallace killed? that was COLD, man!
yea
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:03 am
Tonight’s episode of Sons of Anarchy was just about as good as scripted television can possibly get. Superb finale to a terrific season. Wow. What a show.
nolie
December 1st, 2010
1:09 am
It did work for San Fran, ward
c’mon ward they stole less bases than any other team. it was a meaningless part of their offense during the season. steals and wins do not correspond all that highly. The Mets led the league and they stunk.
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:10 am
DOB: Are you sold on Nate Mclouth, as our center Fielder?
nolie
December 1st, 2010
1:10 am
you should pass up the silly disproven baseball folk lore
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:12 am
Speed distracts the defense, and it worke for San Fran.Nolie I know people don’t agree with me, but look at all the teams that won the World Series.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:13 am
ward, it doesn’t matter whether you or I are “sold” on McLouth as the center fielder. Once more: He’s lowed more than $7.5 mill, and they’re not going to get another center fielder and go into spring training with McLouth pegged for bench duty. They’ll get another CF if they have to at a later date, if he stinks and they don’t have another suitable replacement.
nolie
December 1st, 2010
1:15 am
ward I do not know how else to say this – the team that won the world series is one of the slower teams in baseball and was dead last in stolen bases.
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:16 am
I just don’t see Nate as a lead off guy, and he struggled in the lead off roll. Nate is more of a 6th or 7th hitter.Look at his stats closely. Thats if he bounces back?
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:17 am
Nolie:Speed came to life in the play offs for San Fran.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:20 am
Russell Bell, others: Braves still have plenty of time to trade Kawakami, whether it’s this winter or during the spring, when some team gets desperate like the Braves were a few years ago when they signed Mark Redmond during spring training out of his basement (he’d been pitching off a mound he set up there at his Oklahoma house).
They’ll probably end up eating most of the$6.7 million that Kawakami is owed, unless he changes his mind about going back to Japan. But I really believe they’ll trade him, one way or another.
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:21 am
Nolie: I’m not trying to pick an arguement.I’m just think the Braves need to get a lead off hitter who can bunt, steal bases,hit for average as well.Nate is not the lead off type.
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:24 am
I’m not mad at the guy’s for their views. I just think speed will win you ball games.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:26 am
Ward, have you missed all the times I’ve written that Fredi Gonzalez plans to have Prado bat leadoff and McLouth hit second? That is, if McLouth’s hitting well. If not, he’d likely be down in the order. But Fredi G. had Prado as the leadoff guy in most of the various lineups he has drawn up since the Uggla trade.
nolie
December 1st, 2010
1:27 am
Nate has most of the tools of a decent leadoff hitter ward. He has a decent OBP and a good stolen Base success %. If he bounces back he will be fine at leadoff though Fredi seems to think of him as hitting second which I disagree with.
He stunk last year no doubt and he might not come back, but if he does he will be fine up there and if he doesn’t they will eventually replace him, but it’s highly unlikely to happer within the first coupla months.
all these posts about Nate having always stunk are total overreaction to last years decline.
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:30 am
DOB: I think i did missed that! I just don’t see Mclouth our center fielder.
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:32 am
I wish i could believe Mclouth will bounce back?
nolie
December 1st, 2010
1:37 am
I’m not saying he will. He may not, but with all the salary considerations they are almost certain to give him the chance to. all we can do is hope.
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:39 am
I just think we could do better than Nate, and have somebody else with speed in the 2nd spot.Then you have two guy’s with speed at the top of the order.
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:47 am
If Nate has a great year, and makes the All Star team. I’ll buy his jersey, but right now i’m just not sold on him.
nolie
December 1st, 2010
1:48 am
I seriously doubt he is gonna make the all star team
ward
December 1st, 2010
1:54 am
Speaking of The Walking Dead: I saw all the T.V Series, and very impressed. I’m looking forward to see the season final.
jed
December 1st, 2010
1:56 am
i doubt he’s gonna make it to july.
BravesAC
December 1st, 2010
2:00 am
The Walking Dead….it’s like a Son of Sam Peckinpah(sp?) movie. Man is it gory. The episode where the zombies break into the camp and the daughter gets it was too much gore for me…and I’ve saw Andres Thomas play ss for years so I have a tolerance for gore.
nolie
December 1st, 2010
2:00 am
could be right
ward
December 1st, 2010
2:02 am
Check out Narnia Prince Caspian, and The Dawn Treader. It’s coming out this week or next week in the theaters. I heard it’s going to be good.
ward
December 1st, 2010
2:04 am
How about when they all made it to the laboratory, and all the dead bodies were lying on the ground.That was gory too.
ward
December 1st, 2010
2:06 am
I hope some time I can buy the first season of The Walking Dead.
jed
December 1st, 2010
2:07 am
nolie, what’s your guess on the cause of nate’s precipitate decline?
ward
December 1st, 2010
2:38 am
I’ll talk to you guy’s tomorrow. Always good talking….. Nite every one!!! Be cool !!! and “Go!!! Braves!!!.”
ward
December 1st, 2010
2:48 am
Breaking news…… and this is true! Rangers are on the verge of offering Cliff Lee a 5 year deal.
ward
December 1st, 2010
2:49 am
Nite all, and be cool……
Kyle
December 1st, 2010
3:50 am
DOB – Do the Braves still think high enough of Schafer to make him the long term answer in CF? I saw you typed earlier about the chances he could be the 4th OF and was wondering if they have cooled on him as most fans have.
Couch Tater
December 1st, 2010
7:33 am
In case you missed it, a fun interview of Jon Sciambi by Jonah Keri…
http://jonahkeri.com/2010/11/23/podcast-episode-8/
DOB –
FYI. In the interview, Boog said he would be calling Thursday’s UCLA/Kansas game.
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
8:21 am
If he bounces back he will be fine at leadoff though Fredi seems to think of him as hitting second which I disagree with.
Fredo might be sucked in by the LH-hits-2 syndrome, LOL. Or think that McLouth has more pop in his bat and should hit behind Prado. Or something. I guess.
I tend to lean towards McLouth hitting 1 and Prado 2, my own self. Long time until lineup cards, though, so I’m not holding Fredo’s feet to the fire on virtual lineups in December, LOL.
Tyler
December 1st, 2010
8:29 am
How long does Henski have to decide on Braves/Brewers offer?
How long do the Braves have to decide whether or not to tender or non-tender Matt Diaz?
Zumaya? Could come under or around $1 mil. Anyone know if he’d “fit in” the clubhouse?
Justafan
December 1st, 2010
8:32 am
No time limit…but both teams wish to know asp……
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
8:32 am
Who is this Henski guy?
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
8:33 am
I kinda think [Vazquez] will have a decent year if his FB comes back at all. but not sure about it.
Saw some film on him from MLBN, and he was really getting under the ball. Seems to me that’s more a mechanics thing than loss of ability, but he does have a lot of innings on that arm. Hard to call on his bounce-back.
Justafan
December 1st, 2010
8:34 am
He’s alittle 5′5″ guy from Mars……………
Justafan
December 1st, 2010
8:36 am
He’s a guy with a lot of ink!
McFann O O
December 1st, 2010
8:48 am
DOB Superb finale to a terrific season.
Wait…a show is ending its season already? I thought stuff was just getting started now…
Tyler
December 1st, 2010
8:55 am
Hinski. How long does he have to decide? What about Diaz? When do the Braves have to either tender him or contract or non-tender?
E-6
December 1st, 2010
9:04 am
Gotta love the Rockies. First Hampton then Helton now their shortstop who they had locked up for another three years and while a good shortstop manages to come up withan injury every year. Hard to understand the logic out there.
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
9:04 am
Non tender deadline is tomorrow.
McFann O O
December 1st, 2010
9:07 am
Happy anniversary, BMac and Ashley!
VaBravesFan
December 1st, 2010
9:10 am
I think McLouth will bounce back and be somewhat solid. At this point we shouold lower our expectations and just hope he contributes in his final year. Cause we still owe him over 7 million and noone is gonna trade for him as well. I’d be happy if Nate put up a 240-250 avg with a 330 obp. between 10-15 homers and 15-20 sb, with good defense. That would be a huge improvement from last season. Still a chance he could be even better.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:16 am
Even if Mclouth bounces back to be somewhat of a decent hitter, his weeny arm in CF is still a liability. So forget about all the talk about his hitting alone, he has other areas of concern as well. This is one guy that has completely handicapped this team.
bbspell22
December 1st, 2010
9:17 am
If Mclouth gets back to what got him in the league in the first place, he will be fine. If Im not mistaken, the Braves needed OF run production when they traded for him, and thats not really what Mclouth is about. Hopefully with the addition of Uggla, the pressure of driving in runs will be diverted from Mclouth and he will get back to his old self…or Im talking out my butt and he hits .190 again. We shall see.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:20 am
money pit = Mclouth
Travis
December 1st, 2010
9:20 am
Nate better enjoy his last year with this kind of salary becasue a 250 average with a noodle for an arm won’t get him backup honors with anyone. One of his best assets was the ability to steal bases,. Hard to do that when you can’t get on. No real need for a pitcher to pick at the corners and walk him when he can’t hit it down the middle. The Braves have farm players that have a greater upside. Trade Nate and eat half his salary if someone is stupid enough to go that route. The fans would have a lot less to talk about but at least it would be done once and for all.
Tyler
December 1st, 2010
9:22 am
Someone please explain how Dale Murphy keeps getting overlooked for HOF. .265 average? Never won a WS? Guy played solid Gold Glove OF, has a closet full of Silver Sluggers and back to back MVP’s. Don’t quite see it. I believe this is his last year. I hope he gets in this time around.
So, if the non-tender deadline is tomorrow..should we here about Hinski today? I’d hate to lose Matty D to Phillie.
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
9:26 am
So what exactly is meant by Salt Life ? You love eating a lot of salt ? You carry a salt shaker around and put it everything you eat ? If its referring to living by the ocean it should be Ocean Life…
NoBreggie4Dogs
December 1st, 2010
9:27 am
Andrelton Simmons – anyone seen this kid, I am told he is mlb ready as far as defense goes and is as good as Fooky as a kid (and even has a better arm, if that is possible)
scoots – re Vazquez, spot on, his mechanics and those of AJ Burned’em and Joba have been effed up all 2010, maybe why the stinkees finally got rid of said piss poor picthing coach… me thinks AJ and co will be a whole lot better in 2011
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
9:28 am
Trade Nate and eat half his salary if someone is stupid enough to go that route.
Leaving the team with what option in CF? Is it your contention that a viable ML CF can be had for half of McLouth’s salary? What about the cost in prospects for a trade?
NoBreggie4Dogs
December 1st, 2010
9:29 am
McFann O O – I would ask you about the multiple
oh doesnt matter
Fred
December 1st, 2010
9:29 am
Hope Diaz is gone..one tick pony.. Sign Henski.
Dale was to nice..why do good guy always go last?
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
9:29 am
Its amazing the the Braves have McOut shecduled to start in CF with his .190 BA,misjudgment of fly balls, and popcorn arm. I’d release Nate and just realize I wasted $7 million. Heck, I also wated $25 million on KK. Go get what you need in CF and let’s win it all baby ! Don’t let McOut hold us back…
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:31 am
NoBreggie4Dogs,
Haven’t heard of Andrelton Simmons. Where on the farm is he?
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
9:32 am
HinskE is a free agent, so he can take as long as he wants to decided where to sign, no rush for him.
Fred
December 1st, 2010
9:32 am
Nate is like my x-wife she got the money and I still had to put up with her crap till the kids got 18………
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
9:32 am
McOut was allowed to start in CF hit .186 then was sent to the minors,returned and still sucked. It’s over for him. Why can’t the Braves see that ?
Steve McP
December 1st, 2010
9:33 am
The guys name is Hinske
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
9:33 am
Exactly Fred. He’s like a house you financed for $7 million and it burned down but you didn’t have insurance…
Fred
December 1st, 2010
9:34 am
Sorry about that ( i ) ..O.J.
Fred
December 1st, 2010
9:35 am
Thanks steve..u so nice.
NoBreggie4Dogs
December 1st, 2010
9:35 am
ARK Tran – Danville Braves
BTW can anyone tell me who made the “dirty birds” name/dance popular for the Falcons ??? (trying to clear up an argument)
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
9:35 am
Sorry about all me typos, I’m Irish !
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
9:36 am
Jamaal Anderson !
Travis
December 1st, 2010
9:37 am
Leaving the team with what option in CF? Is it your contention that a viable ML CF can be had for half of McLouth’s salary? What about the cost in prospects for a trade? I swear to god that Andruw Jones would be a better option right now with a league minimum salary. Damon at 2 mil would be better. Nate just plain stinks and won’t get any better. We don’t have a CF now. A .190 average? Come on.
NoBreggie4Dogs
December 1st, 2010
9:38 am
Was Jamaal really 1st or just the one who made it famous because of that great NFC playoff game
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
9:39 am
I’d let Schafer,Andruw,and McOut battle it out for CF in ST. If Nate beats them, give him the spot. But don’t give it to him without competition. Trade for Michael Bourn of the Astros. They need pitching badly.
Maybe
December 1st, 2010
9:39 am
Whiteshoes and Sanders
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
9:41 am
I remember Billy White Shoes Johnson doing a dance but was it the Dirty Bird ? I thought he did a knee knocking dance like Fred Sanford ?
Bill
December 1st, 2010
9:43 am
Astos would ask for 2 banks for Bourn,but u never know Bro Wren.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:44 am
How about Mclouth, Beachy, Marek and Mauro Gomez plus 4mil for Colby Rasmus?
McFann O O
December 1st, 2010
9:44 am
NoBreggie4Dogs—
Huh?
bbspell22
December 1st, 2010
9:44 am
Shamrock Lucky
still sucked when he was recalled? Sure, if you call a slash line of .275/.345/.549 with an OPS of .894 sucking. By the way, he also should have had 5HR for Sept, 2 of which were taken away by ridiculous defensive plays.
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
9:46 am
Arkansas Transplant, really???
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:48 am
I’d be willing to add Delgado to that list if it meant getting Rasmus in return.
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
9:49 am
Arkansas Transplant, again, really?
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:50 am
Actually maybe replace Marek with Delgado. I think it would get it done. Plus it would free up about 3mil on our payroll.
NoBreggie4Dogs
December 1st, 2010
9:50 am
McFann O O – you really do NOT want to know
re dirty birds – I always thought it was Neon Deion that did it 1st
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:50 am
Yes really
Travis
December 1st, 2010
9:51 am
McLouth and 4 mil, DelGado and Beachy for Hunter Pence.
NoBreggie4Dogs
December 1st, 2010
9:52 am
BTW Nate looked very good when he came back (at the plate), shows what a little practise and coaching can do
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:52 am
I’d rather have Rasmus, less expensive and under control for a while at a very team friend salary.
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
9:53 am
Wow, some people never give up, do they? I mean, I love your tenacity and all, but suggesting trades for Rasmus after Cards have said repeatedly that they are not trading him is just plain pointless.
Steve McP
December 1st, 2010
9:53 am
Sorry Fred, it was not just you, but Mr Hinske has been the recipient of some bad spelling for a while and it is one of my pet peeves. At least people seem to have got the hang of Schafer and McLouth for the moment.
I think we will have to all get used to McLouth as the Braves are not going to spend $7.25 Million on him and not give him a chance to see if he has still got the abilities that got him the contract in the first place.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:55 am
If they aren’t trading him, then why is it that we keep hearing that the cards are still in discussions? And by the way, I think that’s a very fair trade and might actually turn out to be in the cards favor more.
Bill
December 1st, 2010
9:55 am
Yes.Neon Deon was the dirty little bird also for Braves. Loved the Water bath in locker room.( You the man Deon) that was funny.
Travis
December 1st, 2010
10:01 am
Replacing McLouth is just wishful thinking on my part. The kid is trying. He went down to the minors without a beef and didn’t blame his troubles on anyone but himself. That’s commendable but doesn’t help the outfield. Ankiel is a better defender and Melky (can’t believe I’m saying this) a better hitter and those guys can’t get a job! The Braves have and abundance of pitching and teams like Houston need it. Pence might be a good move.
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
10:03 am
Arkansas Transplant, where do you keep hearing that the Cards are in discussions to trade him? I read that they would only trade him if they were blown away with an offer, and what you offered wouldnt blow anyone away.
timthebrave
December 1st, 2010
10:04 am
Just saw season 1 of eastbound and down about a washed up baseball player…That is one funny show
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 1st, 2010
10:05 am
The “Dirty Birds” was the characterization of the 98′ Falcons in general. But Jamal Anderson came up with the “Dirty Bird” dance” in the endzone…Sort like Icky Woods from the Bengals, the “Icky Shuffle”
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
10:08 am
Pence’s salary last year alone was 3.5mil, he’ll make more this year, compared to Rasmus’s 418k. That’s a huge difference. Plus Atlanta would like to add a veteran reliever to the pen. The wouldn’t be able to afford doing so with adding Pence. You add Rasmus and it allows you another 3.5mil of payroll space. With the possibility of bringing in an above arm with that amount.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
10:10 am
O.J.
If you don’t think a trade including both Beachy and Delgado wouldn’t at least cause pause on their end, then your completely off base.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
10:12 am
Morning everyone. For those that didn’t see it what a way to wrap up Sons of Anarchy last night for the season. Great show.
Yippee Ti-yi-yo
December 1st, 2010
10:12 am
But Rasmus would cost you more to start with….you can’t give away the farm for one player.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
10:14 am
Rasmus isn’t going anywhere. Hes cheap and under control for a while. And for a team that is about to tap out its resources to sign Pujols they need all the young, cheap talent they can get. And what if Pujols doesn’t resign. DOn’t you think the Cards know this is a possibility and would like to have Rasmus there still in case. If they trade Rasmus and Pujols walks your talking about taking around 70-75 HRs and near 200 RBIs out of that lineup. Ain’t happening.
GTSteve
December 1st, 2010
10:14 am
@SteveMcp..I prefer to spell his name Hitske
Burling3
December 1st, 2010
10:16 am
Really hope Hinske re-signs, he was so great off the bench this year. If ya’ll are interested, check out this review of the Braves’ season: http://bit.ly/fHK6th
LTBF
December 1st, 2010
10:17 am
Good morning all
DOB 1:13 am
If we must have Nate in CF all year he must hit 8th if not 9th like Stl does, Nate is just not a major league ballplayer anymore.
Fleming
December 1st, 2010
10:19 am
Neon Deion didn’t invent the Dirty Bird. He invented the Dirty Duck as he so often did whenever a running back came his way.
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
10:20 am
Arkansas Transplant, Beachy isnt even a top rated prospect
This is what you are offering: Mclouth, Beachy, Delgado and Mauro Gomez.
You honestly think Beachy and Delgado would give them cause to pause, then you apparently are way off base.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
10:23 am
I don’t agree on the Nate stuff. Even when Nate first got here if you go pull his stats. He produced his career norms with us. He struggled off the charts last year yes, everyone knows that. But at the end of the year he began to show a little life.
This is his Sept./Oct. line.
.273/ .359/ .527/ .887
He still has the ability to produce. We are not talking about a .300 hitter here. Were talking about a guy whose going to hit between .245-.260. Even in a year in which he struggled he had a .100 point difference in his BA and OBP. He may not be the Nate we all envisioned but theres reason to believe this guy can rebound to a career norm year.
McFann O O
December 1st, 2010
10:25 am
NoBrekky4Dogs you really do NOT want to know
Fair enough.
Ease—
Here’s the FarSide comic that gave me Victorino’s nickname:
The Reaper
Yippee Ti-yi-yo
December 1st, 2010
10:25 am
Fleming be nice–now!
P’Cola Brave–tend to agree with you.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
10:26 am
guys, mclouth is going to be fine. he will play most of the year in CF and perform fine at the plate.
i think he needs to be batting 8th, though. i have a hunch freddie and i arent going to agree on a batting lineup this season.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
10:28 am
And really Nate was just terrible away from Turner field. I don’t know what would cause such a drastic difference in numbers but there is.
Home: .259/ .377/ .481/ .858
Away: .134/ .230/ .194/ .424
Even as bad as that road split is he still had an OBP difference of .100 pts. The guy still has the ability. Just a matter of getting consistent again.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 1st, 2010
10:29 am
Got it McFann!!!
Figured it had something to do with the collision…
Stuck at school
December 1st, 2010
10:30 am
When is the non-tender deadline?
Yippee Ti-yi-yo
December 1st, 2010
10:30 am
McFann____like the Reaper. How true.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
10:31 am
i have a hunch freddie and i arent going to agree on a batting lineup this season
I’m certain many, many complaints will be arising from this… but then, there is nothing new under the sun. As long as the team is winning, I’ll be fine.
I wasn’t all that surprised to hear Fredi lining Freeman up 8th. Rookie that he is, I doubted he would crack the top two thirds of the line up. But, looking at his minor league numbers, he appears to possess the ability hit he way up the line up.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
10:32 am
Stuck
I believe it is tomorrow.
Yippee Ti-yi-yo
December 1st, 2010
10:32 am
New hitting Coach could help..better than TP.
Yippee Ti-yi-yo
December 1st, 2010
10:33 am
yes…tomorrow is deadline.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
10:33 am
P’cola Braves: He may not be the Nate we all envisioned but theres reason to believe this guy can rebound to a career norm year.
Some people will continue to bash him even if he were winning the triple crown.
Spinelli
December 1st, 2010
10:34 am
does anyone have an opinion on Willie Bloomquist on being the super sub. He can play just about every where. A .260 hitter with decent speed. I believe he is under contract with the Reds but may be a FA. Wouldn’t cost too much
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
10:35 am
I just have no faith at all with Nate. He has shown that he is a can of corn fly ball & strikeout hitter 90 % of the time. I wish him well but if he doesn’t show it in ST then Braves need to start a different guy in CF.
Shamrock Lucky
December 1st, 2010
10:37 am
Nate’s lack of performance might be as a result of coming off steroids. I know he was never a 40 homerun guy but the roids might have speeded up his bat ?
Lew
December 1st, 2010
10:39 am
PCola-Nate’s late season numbers are not all they seem. Yes, he did have a hot streak when he got back, but it was short lived. In his final 32 AB’s, he had six hits for the same old – a .190 Batting Average – exactly what he ebnded with for the year.
Lew
December 1st, 2010
10:40 am
Shamrock – Nate’s best season was one in which they had been tresting for roids for a couple years.
I’ll give the Little Dude grief for his performance, but let’s not get carried away – it wasn’t because of steroid use.
McFann O O
December 1st, 2010
10:41 am
Ease—
Yeah, might be some slight insensitivity on my part, but I like having nicknames for some guys I don’t like…but either way, that fits him like a glove—even though he hasn’t been as good against the Braves since he ran over BMac.
Yippee Ti-yi-yo—
Thanks!
Spinelli
December 1st, 2010
10:42 am
Nate’s problem is trying to pull every thing. When FW traded for him he was going to be the power we were missing. BC put him in the 3 hole from day 1 with CJ in the 4 spot. Nate was pressing to hit the ball out of the park every time up. He needs to hit the ball the other way and stop trying to elevate everything. maybe bunt some more. he will come back this season. He may not come all the way back as he was in Pittsburgh but if he could hit .260-.280 and steal some bases it would be good enough to help this team win.
bbspell22
December 1st, 2010
10:43 am
Roids?!?! You gotta be kidding me…
Lew
December 1st, 2010
10:44 am
McFann- I’m painting a Horror piece right now for a tribute exhibition which features a haunted mansion and a reaper. Might have to paint Victorino’s face in that hood.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
10:48 am
LTBF: With McLouth, this is not an all-season or nothing-at-all proposition you’re making it out to be. It’s not an either/or situation. Not that simple. If he doesn’t perform, I think we’ve made it pretty clear the Braves would look for a replacement for McLouth. But we’ve also made it clear they’re going to give him every chance to perform as the starter before moving on to that potential. to-be-determined Plan B. They have to, because of his salary and the fact he’s not tradeable right now.
bbspell22
December 1st, 2010
10:48 am
thats what Ive been saying all along Spinelli.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
10:50 am
shamrock lucky He has shown that he is a can of corn fly ball & strikeout hitter 90 % of the time.
even in his worst year his OBP was .298. so if he never hit a ground ball, the worst he could be is a strikeout, flyball 70% of the time.
my point is, what nate has shown us in his career, is that he is a low average, high OBP, outfielder with good power and speed. one bad season doesnt erase all he has done in his career. he was good for long enough (3 seasons) to know that it wasnt a complete fluke.
i dont know this, but my gut says its a confidence thing with nate. a little bit of success, and he will be back.
McFann O O
December 1st, 2010
10:51 am
Lew—
Hey! That’d be great!
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
10:52 am
McFann: FX, AMC, HBO, Showtime (in other words, the networks with most of the best, edgiest shows) don’t follow the traditional fall-schedule format that the old networks do. They start their seasons whenever they are ready, and end them whenever.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
10:54 am
DOB – Do the Braves still think high enough of Schafer to make him the long term answer in CF? I saw you typed earlier about the chances he could be the 4th OF and was wondering if they have cooled on him as most fans have. — Kyle
Easy answer to this one: Schafer has to prove it. If he plays well, shows he’s back (finally) from the wrist injury and can be the kind of player he was when he won a starting job in spring training 2009, the Braves would certainly consider him as a long-term answer. But that’s a big “if.” If he plays like that, he’s not a long-term fourth outfielder, he’s a starter. But again, big “if.”
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
10:55 am
He needs to hit the ball the other way and stop trying to elevate everything.
Actually, if you look at his underlying stats from last year, one of his problems stemmed from an increased ground-ball percentage. So, in fact, he needs to do just the opposite of what you suggest.
Elevate more, not less.
I’d worry less about the placement on his hit chart and more about solid contact consistency. If he gets the latter, it won’t matter much about where they land.
McFann O O
December 1st, 2010
10:56 am
DOB—
Gotcha! Guess I’m still stuck in the 1960’s.
Lew
December 1st, 2010
10:56 am
I really don’t know what anyone expects to see from Nate, since it has become apparent that his 08 season was (at least to this point) an anomaly.
He’s played full time for five years. In that time, he’s hit over .258 one time. He’s never had a SLG% of .500 and only approached it once (.497 in 08) 2 of the five seasons, he had a sub .300 OBP.
In Pittsburgh, (with no pressure or expectations) he stole 71 bases and weas caught stealing 5 times compared to 19 SB and 8 CS since coming to the Braves (yeah, I know BC didn’t run much, but nonetheless).
I think it’s time to face some facts here. Nate will likely hit better than he did last year – he really can’t do much worse – but you’re not going to see the guy they thought they traded for on the basis of his one unequaled season.
Any improvement would be just that – an improvement – but I’m doubting you’ll see much more than career averages (if that). If he hits .235 he’ll be better. Not asking for much, but not sure we’ll see it, either.
Braves and Brewers wait on decisions from Eric Hinske | PRO Rumors
December 1st, 2010
10:59 am
[...] 33-year-old Eric Hinske is reportedly sitting on offers from both the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. Both offers are supposedly in the $1.2 to $1.5 million range for one year, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitutions’ David O’Brien. [...]
Braves and Brewers wait on decisions from Eric Hinske | PRO Rumors
December 1st, 2010
10:59 am
[...] 33-year-old Eric Hinske is reportedly sitting on offers from both the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. Both offers are supposedly in the $1.2 to $1.5 million range for one year, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitutions’ David O’Brien. [...]
RC
December 1st, 2010
11:00 am
ncscoots,
I agree with you about Nate’s groundball tendencies last year, but I think a big reason for that was that he was attempting to pull outside pitches. When a batter attempts to pull a pitch that is on the outside part of the plate, they usually roll over the pitch, causing a weak grounder to the pull side of the field. Nate did that a LOT last season.
GTSteve
December 1st, 2010
11:03 am
I think Hinske deserves a 2 year deal
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
11:05 am
Easy answer to this one: Schafer has to prove it.
And he just recently got cleared to hit, didn’t he? So, no winter league action, just his batting cage and that machine he bought to simulate pitchers.
After all the time that has elapsed, heck, the bat probably feels like a foreign object to him.
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:06 am
DAP – A career .330 something OBP is NOT a HIGH OBP. It’s dead average at best.
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
11:13 am
RC, true that, re your 11:00AM. I’d call that as much a recognition problem as a swing problem, though, no?
There’s a tendency for some posters to think everybody should have a spray chart colored equally from foul line to foul line, LOL. Me, I don’t have a problem with pull hitters at all. You hit the way you hit, and trying to change that just to hit a couple more to the opposite field usually just hinks up your swing.
atlbraves are the best
December 1st, 2010
11:16 am
well its sure is a nice day glad to see the braves are making big splashes in the baseball headlines today so yall of you can have something to talk about oh im sorry i forgot you people still begging
atlbraves are the best
December 1st, 2010
11:19 am
oops should have changed my name back sorry to nyyankees are the best
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:22 am
A douchebag by any other name……
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:23 am
Is still a Yankees’ fan.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
11:24 am
ncscoots: Yes, but there’s a lot of time between now and opening day, including four weeks of games in the spring. That was more than enough time for Schafer to win an opening-day job in 2008, when almost no one thought he’d even make the 40-man roster entering camp.
Spinelli
December 1st, 2010
11:24 am
can somebody tell me who was the GM before Bobby Cox
nolie
December 1st, 2010
11:26 am
. Don’t quite see it. I believe this is his last year. I hope he gets in this time around.
he won’t. that BA doesn’t help nor does his precipitous early decline.
I’d like to see it happen too. maybe some day by the old timers committee
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:26 am
More power to Schafer. I’m not expecting him to come back and make the team out of spring Training, but he does have speed, defense and the potential to be a good outfielder. AND he throws the ball back to the infield and sometimes even tries to throw runners out.
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
11:32 am
David, I’m a big fan of the kid, but even I would want to see him get 300 ABs at AAA. Even a monster ST would still leave me with some lingering skepticism, I’m afraid.
Stranger things have happened, though, admittedly.
Bat Masterson
December 1st, 2010
11:32 am
John Mullen ‘79 to ‘85
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
11:33 am
ncscoots, I have doubts for same reasons you do. I was just pointing out, there’s plenty of time for him to show he’s ready, if he is.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
11:34 am
lew 2 of the five seasons, he had a sub .300 OBP.
its a misleading stat. both of those 2 seasons, he didnt play full time. of course, last year, that was because he was struggling, mostly, but ‘06 it was because he wasnt a full time player yet. 3 seasons when he has been basically a full time player, he OBPed .351, .356, .352.
2008 was an anomaly only in the slg% category.
of course you and i have had this convo alot, so….i know what i say here means nothing to you.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
11:37 am
lew A career .330 something OBP is NOT a HIGH OBP. It’s dead average at best.
thats true, but im counting what he did as a starter, not including what he did as a minor league call up.
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
11:37 am
I was just pointing out, there’s plenty of time for him to show he’s ready, if he is.
True. Found money, if he is.
Frankie Wren
December 1st, 2010
11:37 am
Any chance of picking up Fontenot? Nice fill in at 2b or 3b.
Nova Scotia Steve
December 1st, 2010
11:38 am
Does anything think the length of time its taking for Hinske to sign means he’s waiting to see if other teams jump into the market for his services???
Or is he hoping someone ups the anti and offers a second year (IE Brewers/Braves)…Or it could be both I guess. He’s made it quite clear he wants two years.
I don’t see why the Braves wouldn’t add a second year (make it a team option)….Is it really that big of a deal???
VaBravesFan
December 1st, 2010
11:40 am
I think Schafer will atleast be a 4th OFer type in his career. He can be better. Top Prospects are very hit and miss. Schafer has all the tools to be a everyday player. But could be a valuble major leaguer off the bench.
Mixxo
December 1st, 2010
11:41 am
Haaa! lol
http://blogbeckett.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/jetercardbraves.jpg
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:47 am
DAP – The only thing misleading is that you refuse to acknowledge that Nate has had some pretty sucky seasons and you concentrate soley on his ONE good season. So, it’s not that what you say has no meaning, just that you steadfastly refuse to see that the one season is an anomaly and his career averages speak for themselves – average at best with some power in a HR hitter’s park and apparently unable to adjust after the pitchers (obviously) adjusted to him.
You also refuse to see that his career averages at Turner Field are average (at best) to bad – .231, .339, .407.
If we were contemplating acquiring an outfielder with those numbers at the field he’ll play half of his games, would you advocate his acquisition? Hell – 90% of the blog would be having conniptions and stroking out.
I fully realize we’re stuck with him and when we got him I was as happy as anyone, thinking he had hit his stride. But he’s pretty well stunk since coming to Atlanta and I have a hard time understanding why you can’t see this.
And he wasn’t a minor league call up last year and still had a sub .300 OBP. Why can’t you see that, either?
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
11:47 am
Lew: Nate’s late season numbers are not all they seem. Yes, he did have a hot streak when he got back, but it was short lived. In his final 32 AB’s, he had six hits for the same old – a .190 Batting Average – exactly what he ebnded with for the year.
By that measure, here is another Braves player finishing off the season (Final 79 plate appearances): .190/.354/.270/.624
Guess he wasn’t what he seemed either…
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:49 am
NSS-No, it’s likely not that big a deal, but, then again, I’m not so sure Hinske is, either. We’re talking a part time player and pinch hitter – not someone who will come in, hit .300 in 155 games with 20 HR’s. He’s a bit player. Lots of them all over MLB and many available.
Be nice to have Eric back, but if not? Oh well…..
monty
December 1st, 2010
11:50 am
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
9:16 am
“Even if Mclouth bounces back to be somewhat of a decent hitter, his weeny arm in CF is still a liability..”
Never were more truer words spoken. Get used to runners going from 1st-3rd. And scoring from 2nd without a throw from CF. Joe Simpson could never figure out why he didn’t just throw the dang ball.
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:51 am
Ten Paul – I don’t know – did the player you’re talking about hit .190 for the season as well as his final 79 AB like Nate did?
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
11:52 am
The only thing misleading is that you refuse to acknowledge that Nate has had some pretty sucky seasons and you concentrate soley on his ONE good season
Patently false.
Nate McLouth has had three season where he played in 129 games or more. All three of those seasons were above league average (ie Good Seasons). Thus there have been 3 good seasons.
Nate McLouth has had three other seasons in the majors. One of them he was slightly below average (96% of average), leaving only two seasons which were truly bad.
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:53 am
One thing having a slump for a few plate appearances – yet another to have a small hot streak for the same time period.
Not even apples and oranges here. Maybe apples and kumquats. No comparison at all.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
11:53 am
That other player was streaky and injured. So like Nate, I’d say it’s hard to tell exactly what he will bring to the table. I will continue to hope for the best and I think there is a strong chance both players will do well next year.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
11:53 am
Hinske’s probably waiting because there’s no real risk in not waiting, especially if he thinks there’s a chance one team might add a second year, or a third team might get involved, etc.
If Braves haven’t given him a deadline, more or less, then he probably realizes they’re not going to sign anyone else right away and pull their offer to him off the table.
As for whether a second year is that big a deal: While I’d probably do it if I were the GM, imagine if Braves had given Greg Norton a two-year deal after he hit .262 with a .373 OBP and .811 OPS in 2008, with seven homers and 33 walks in 187 plate appearances.
He hit .145 with no homers and a .501 OPS in 2009, and that was it. Playing career over.
Not saying Hinske is Norton, since Hinske is a few years younger and has value as a position player and not just a pinch-hitter. But I’m just saying there are reasons teams are reluctant to give multi-year contracts to veteran bench players/pinch-hitters. Because it can go fast.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
11:54 am
One thing having a slump for a few plate appearances
Slumps and Streaks are generally more than “a few plate appearances”… typically they go by games, which consist of more than 3 (a few) plate appearances.
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:54 am
Wow- I stand corrected. Only three seasons with two beiing bad. How could I be so wrong?
Lew
December 1st, 2010
11:57 am
Ten Paul – WTF IS your point? Nate sucked all last year – from Spring Training til the end of the season – excepting a small hot streak that lasted about 30AB. In addition, he only hit .222 at Turner Field after coming to the Braves last year.
I’m thrilled you and DAP are so confident in Nate’s inNate ability to come back – to whatever. I’m going to take some convincing – from Nate – in the form of a couple months of decent perfromance. Ain’t seen it yet.
richbrave
December 1st, 2010
11:58 am
FALL BALL
DOMINICAN
CF JOSE CONSTANZA ends up 1-4, 2 SO, .405 BA.
1B MAURO GOMEZ 1-1, 1 2B (3), .309 BA.
C WILKIN CASTILLO 2-4, 1 SO, .278 BA.
MEXICO
CF MATT YOUNG 1-4, 1 RBI (21), 1 SO, .378 BA.
2B JOE THURSTON 2-5, 1 SO, .241 BA.
DH BARBARO CANIZARES 1-4, .318 BA.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
12:00 pm
ncscoots: I don’t have a problem with pull hitters at all. You hit the way you hit
This can be career suicide if the hitter clings to this as biblical truth. A hitter dead set on pulling everything is fine so long as he doesn’t set about opening gargantuan holes in his swing or expanding the zone unnecessarily.
I guess the distinction is, pulling every hit, or attempting to pull every single stinking pitch.
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
12:02 pm
guess the distinction is, pulling every hit, or attempting to pull every single stinking pitch.
I should have clarified, LOL. Yes, what you said.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
12:03 pm
nova scotia I don’t see why the Braves wouldn’t add a second year (make it a team option)….Is it really that big of a deal???
hinske isnt the type of player you usually sign to a multiyear deal, though he has been pretty consistent in his role.
i really dont know where i stand on the hinske thing. its a tuffy.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
12:06 pm
Only three seasons with two beiing bad. How could I be so wrong?
That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out…
Year__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS_OPS+
2005 .257 .305 .450 .755 _96
2006 .233 .293 .385 .678 _74
2007 .258 .351 .459 .810 110
2008 .276 .356 .497 .853 125
2009 .256 .352 .436 .788 108
2010 .190 .298 .322 .620 _69
Career: .252/.337/.438/.775/104
Murph
December 1st, 2010
12:06 pm
DOB, do you know what Schafer is up to this winter? Is he doing anything other than watching Oprah and eating bon bons? I’d expect to hear something about him working with the new hitting coach or playing some organized ball someplace, but so far, nada.
Lew
December 1st, 2010
12:11 pm
Ten Paul- I don’t give a flying F**^ what his numbers in Pittsburgh were. We have not seen that player since being in Atlanta.
Really amazed at how many times we have to listen to “IF he can come back to what he was”. He hasn’t to tjhis poiunt and quoting all those “ancient history” stats won’t change the fact he hit .190 with a sub .300 OBP last year, played poor defense and did NOT throw the damned ball.
Come talk to me when the “Old” Nate returns. Until then, I’m not optimistic of anything other than he can’t possibly be as bad this year. And I’ll continue to hold this point of view until I see different.
.231, .339, .407 career at Turner Field may fill you with warm and fuzzy feelings – to me it just says your expectations are lowered.
Travis
December 1st, 2010
12:12 pm
Have the feeling that Nate will get a lot of at bats in ST. The time to find out if he regressed even further will be sooner rather than later. Might be some big surprises in the outfield preseason. Too bad Nate didn’t play winter ball so the Braves could get a better handle on his progress. Anyone know if Nate has been working with anyone in the off-season? He should be living with the new hitting coach.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
12:16 pm
lew you concentrate soley on his ONE good season.
thats a lie. youre better than that. i am very clear on what i “concentrate” on.
2007, 2008, and 2009 as a starter were good year for mclouth, with a high slg% in 2008 his only real outlier. thats always what i say, and im very clear about it. dont make me sound like i wear nate blinders, like you do.
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
12:19 pm
Murph,
I bet Schafer has been deer hunting.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
12:21 pm
Hitting isn’t the only issue with Nate, he may come back and hit 40 points higher than he did last year, which really isn’t saying much, but still… he’s a HUGE liability in other aspects as well. Quite dwelling only on the hitting. Did he have some arm transplant I don’t know about or has he learned to run the bases more efficient lately?
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
12:25 pm
Nate may or may not bounce back. I think he showed some of us late in the season there is a glimmer of hope. I’m not going to sit here and say he will definitely come back because thats unknown. I wouldn’t be suprised if it went either way. Personally I don’t think he’ll be as bad as last year but still not sure he will reach his career norms.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
12:26 pm
Blinders come into account when your only concentrating on one aspect of his game. You have to look at the whole body of work… hitting, fielding, baserunning… etc, etc…
He’s lacking in more than one of those categories too.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
12:29 pm
Personally when it comes to Nate, I’d prefer some other organization to take the risk on him. Maybe package Mclouth with Beachy, Delgado, Gomez and about 4mil for someone like Rasmus.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
12:30 pm
Ark. Trans.
Dude you gotta get off Rasmus. Not happening. Nate will be our CF going forward into ST. May as well come to grips with it.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
12:32 pm
Murph: We’ve answered the Schafer question several times, including in the past couple of days. He was just cleared to begin hitting, so no, can’t play winter ball. For the first time in a long time, he’s told team officials the wrist feels healthy, without the twinges and jolts he was feeling in the nerves last season when he initially came back from wrist surgery. I’m going to talk to him today or tomorrow for a story.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
12:32 pm
There’s a lot of things in this blog thats not going to happen but that shouldn’t stop us from dreaming.. right?
Lew
December 1st, 2010
12:34 pm
DAP-I wear blinders when it comes to Nate? Damn – wish I could – his 2010 performance was worthy of blindness if anything ever was.
Seems to me that I’m the one being realistic here. He sucked last year. Plain freaking sucked. No way to spin it and no getting around it. Take those 30 AB late in the season as hope if you will, but I’m waiting til it’s a couple months or more of that type of production before I believe it.
Several years ago, Andrwu hit 51 HR – ain’t holding my breath on it happening again. Chipper won a Batting Championship – ain’t counting on that happening again. Age aside, it means little when a player has done something ONE time and has yet to repeat it.
Lots of players had one good year early in their careers -way too may to ennumerate – and then never did it again. Been two years since 08 and that Nate has been nowhere to be seen. You go on holding your breath and telling us how he really wasn’t as bad as we saw and how we’re delusional.
Even with (about to be) 24 retinal procedures on my right eye, it’s still clear to me. Just who is wearing those blinders? Really.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
12:35 pm
Too bad Nate didn’t play winter ball so the Braves could get a better handle on his progress. — Travis
Travis, you won’t find 28-year-old major league players with multi-year contracts playing winter ball, unless they are Latin guys playing in their home countries.
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
12:40 pm
Lew
2008 was an anomally for Nate from the way it seems but ‘09 was in line with his career averages. Isn’t it possible that ‘10 is an anomally as well. Players have returned from bad seasons before.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
12:41 pm
Personally when it comes to Nate, I’d prefer some other organization to take the risk on him. — Arkansas Transplant
Let me guess, you would also prefer that some other organization pay Kawakami’s $6.7 mill salary, right? And that the Brewers would withdraw their offer to Hinske? (smile)
Travis
December 1st, 2010
12:42 pm
DOB… yeah why is that? I guess the latin guys feel like they have to work harder to stay in the majors. Must be all the competition in their countries to live the dream.
bbspell22
December 1st, 2010
12:43 pm
you could just look at Sept stats for Nate’s progress.
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
12:43 pm
Arkansas Transplant, dude, when you keep having the same dream and it keeps getting examined by Freud as not going to happen. Why keep telling everyone your dream?
Bartman
December 1st, 2010
12:44 pm
I don’t think you can go wrong resigning Diaz. Last years totals were not his norm. He is a hitter! An average outfielder glove wise, but better than some of the other guys that have passed through. Another great clubhouse guy.
Just wondering if anyone knows how much Lance Berkman would cost? He is a National Leaguer. He still has decent power and can be the 3rd outfilder and the righthanded first baseman if or when that is needed. he’s probably still to expensive…but I wasn’t sure…..oh, nad he is another good clubhouse guy.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
12:47 pm
On KK, sure. I’d be happy if they’d only pay half of that. On Hinske however I’m undecided.
Murph
December 1st, 2010
12:47 pm
Thanks DOB, must have missed that news. I look forward to the story.
When players are cleared to do things in the offseason, do they usually do so under team supervision? Will Schafer be working out in team facilities or is he on his own until ST? Or do I need to wait for the story to find out?
P'cola Brave
December 1st, 2010
12:48 pm
I didn’t know Schafer was having wrist injuries again.
bravesgrl4life
December 1st, 2010
12:49 pm
For the love of God, please do NOT trade MattE to the stinkin’ Philthies!!!!!!
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
12:52 pm
Way to open that can of worms Bartman.
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
12:52 pm
bravesgrl4life, we couldnt trade MattE unless we tendered him a contract THEN traded him
sean
December 1st, 2010
12:53 pm
Chone Figgins is owed 27 million. KK and McClouth about 14 million. If Seattle will take them and kick in 5 million then you have your speed and versatility galore – including ability to play CF …
Lew
December 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
P’Cola- Yeah, and I’ve said I fully expect him to be better this year (what was it the Beatles said? Can’t get much worse). But to sit there an refuse to acknowledge poor performance or performances not repeated, I’ll take the most recent sample size and go with that. Just like I tried telling people who wanted to trade for Upton from Tampa Bay – don’t tell me how good he did a few years ago when the past two he hasn’t done well. I’m much more likely to believe what I’ve seen recently.
Yeah, Nate should improve, but let’s get real here – Dude had a really terible season (for whatever reason) and failure to acknowledge that fact in favor of what he once did is on par with hoping unicorns run through the streets of Atlanta. I’ll believe it when I see it.
And I’m considered unrealistic? Sheesh.
keylargo
December 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
Nate McLouth’s career -
2003 (High A Ball) .300 .386 .411 .797
2004 (Double A) .322 .384 .462 .846
2005 (Triple A) .297 .364 .401 .765
2005 (Pitts MLB) .257 .305 .450 .755
2006 (Pitts MLB) .233 .293 .385 .678
2007 (Pitts MLB) .258 .351 .459 .810
2008 (Pitts MLB) .276 .356 .497 .853
2009 (Atl/Pitts) .256 .352 .436 .788
2010 (Atl MLB) .190 .298 .322 .620
There you have Nate’s eight years in pro baseball. Remarkable in the consistancy except for 2010. Do you really think he’s done? That there wasn’t a problem? Like maybe his vision for example? I think Nate goes back to what he’s done since 2003 and that’s be an above average player.
I just refuse to believe Nate did not have an undisclosed problem last year. Personally, I am guessing it was a problem adjusting to contact lenses for the first time in his life. I’ve worn them before LASIK and at first they can be real trouble.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
Berkman…now there is a name that I’ve not read about in some time.
AT
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
DOB,
If the Braves decide to cut their ties with Diaz is there any chance they would be able to get anything via trade from a team before the deadline tomorrow? Or would teams just take their chances getting him after he is non tendered?
Lew
December 1st, 2010
12:58 pm
Yeah, undisclosing problems is a very smart way to play it. Dude swore he could see fine.
Why are yu’;all trying to rationalize a BS performance. Yeah, hope he comes back, but quiot trying to tell me what I saw was an acid flashback or something. Dude flat out sucked and while I hope he performs to his average career norms (still not worth $6 mil, but….), I ain’t holding my breath or trying to convince anyone we have an undiscovered pot of gold in CF, either.
The A Bomb
December 1st, 2010
1:00 pm
Much more worried about McLouth’s decision-making in the outfield…. e.g. loopy throws, holding the ball… than I am about the offense. CF is a defensive-based position and the guy gets the “yips” out there a lot. If he sucks offensively he’s done anyway, but in the meantime he doesn’t steal outs which to me is a big problem out there.
Also…. no one’s talking about the need to replace Dunn for those lefty-lefty matchups…. How about Randy Choate? Lefties batted a shade over .200 against him last year. EOF and Venters are not one-out guys for the most part, so with all those lefties in the NL East we better find someone decent to replace Dunn.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
1:00 pm
failure to acknowledge that fact in favor of what he once did is on par with hoping unicorns run through the streets of Atlanta. I’ll believe it when I see it
So you feel that way about Chipper and Jurrjens as well?
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
1:01 pm
still not worth $6 mil, but….
Uribe might argue otherwise…
Bartman
December 1st, 2010
1:07 pm
Arkansas Transplant.
I’m guessing I said something wrong? It wasn’t intentional. Can you explain? Thanks/
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:09 pm
Bringing up Berkman. I did that last year when we were looking for someone and let’s just say it wasn’t a welcomed option.
Bartman
December 1st, 2010
1:14 pm
Gotcha AT. Sorry about that.
I just thought if his price was lower now… Of course if the price was right, I’m sure Wren & Co. would be all over it. I’m just curious. Seems like an easy fit. Thanks
P-Town Brave ©
December 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
ARK-
As it shouldn’t be…
Where would you play him?
DAP
December 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
lew it means little when a player has done something ONE time and has yet to repeat it.
i agree. youve never read me say he will slug .500 again, ever. ive said that isnt who he really is.
but he did OBP .350 three years in a row, so he could probably do that again.
Lots of players had one good year early in their careers -way too may to ennumerate – and then never did it again. Been two years since 08 and that Nate has been nowhere to be seen.
except nate had a pretty good year in 07, and 09 too, not not only was 2008 not the FIRST time he played well, it wasnt the last time.
the truth is, 2010 was more of an anomaly for nate than 2008 was.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
Presently the way the roster is built, there’s really not a spot for him. Which is why I haven’t mentioned him this offseason.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
last year however, I would have taken a chance on him in LF.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:20 pm
So with this Cam Newton ruling, NCAA’s saying that parents can shop their kids, long as they don’t tell ‘em? Wow. I’m a bit stunned by that.
And if dad gets paid, what, just don’t tell the kid? Just keep it to yourself, maybe give the kid a cut of the quarter-mill a few years later, long as the NCAA doesn’t find out?
So what’s the deterrent for shrewd parent-agents in future cases? Get the money if you can, just don’t tell junior while you’re discreetly nudging him toward the school that gave you the check.
nolie
December 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
and you concentrate soley on his ONE good season. LEW
huh? he has been talking about the THREE seasons that Nate started, not just the one best year.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
1:23 pm
DOB, youre right, this is a bad idea. no matter what they do, though its bound to be a system that is always teetering on under the table dealings and dishonestly.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
1:24 pm
Like maybe his vision for example
His concussion might have hampered him as well. The guy has been hit by Mike Hampton syndrome since joining the Braves, Hamstring, Blindness, Concussions…
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:25 pm
If the Braves decide to cut their ties with Diaz is there any chance they would be able to get anything via trade from a team before the deadline tomorrow? Or would teams just take their chances getting him after he is non tendered? — BravoMan
Probably not, but that’s precisely why teams wait till close to the deadline if they’re non-tendering, just in case a team comes forward with an offer.
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
1:29 pm
Gotcha. Thanks DOB.
Also I wanted to ask if youre going to be missing lovely Indianapolis weather for this year’s winter meetings? I just wanted you to know here on December 1st there is indeed snow on the ground here in Indy…
P-Town Brave ©
December 1st, 2010
1:30 pm
The NCAA is an absolute JOKE!
As long as you belong to a BCS school making the association money hand over fist, they don’t care…
IF this were done at a Boise State or a mid level school, the kid would’ve been out on his *ss!
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:30 pm
BravoMan: As much as I dislike Disney, I’ll gladly take five days of Orlando weather over Indy in December.
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
1:32 pm
So what’s the deterrent for shrewd parent-agents in future cases?
As I read it, you don’t even need “shrewd”. You merely have to be devoid of integrity.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
NCAA is a joke anyways, I think they make the rules up as they go. They’ve handed down more sactions for less to other schools.
I wanted Auburn to win anyways so Arkansas will get an at large SEC bid for a BCS bowl.
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
1:34 pm
“As much as I dislike Disney, I’ll gladly take five days of Orlando weather over Indy in December.”
Agreed. But let’s not dislike all of Disney. There is the Braves Spring Training complex there. Terrific place to visit.
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
And yes I truly hate the cold more than anything
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:36 pm
BravoMan, spend seven weeks there and then talk to me. And I’m guessing you were at Disney with your family? Subtract them from equation, too.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
ncscoots: good point (1:32 p.m.)
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
1:38 pm
“BravoMan, spend seven weeks there and then talk to me.”
Haha my record is two weeks and I’ll leave it at that.
Thanks for the input on Diaz. Looking forward to hearing your coverage next week.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:40 pm
TennesseePaul: McLouth was in a dreadful slump before the concussion. At the time of his collision with Heyward, McLouth was batting .176 (second-lowest among National league regulars) with three homers, 14 RBIs and 46 strikeouts in 170 at-bats. He was 5-for-50 in his past 18 games before that collision and concussion put him on the DL.
MikeInFl
December 1st, 2010
1:43 pm
He was pretty much in a slump from day one of spring training on, right? Oh-for-about-30, or something like that?
BravesFanInKy
December 1st, 2010
1:43 pm
I’m hoping the Braves retain Diaz. He’s a good, solid hitter. Even clutch at times. Plus he’s a good human being. This is business, but I believe he has sufficient talent and character to be an asset, I’ve always liked his bat and the way he hits the ball to all fields. And a Godly man may help the Braves in a tough spot.
ryan c
December 1st, 2010
1:46 pm
DOB, i guess if a father rents his 10-year old son out for hard labor and gets caught, the son should be punished,right?
if cam had no idea this was going on (which, in my opinion is highly unlikely) then he should be eligible. the ncaa got this one right.
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
1:49 pm
There’s a big difference between a 10 year old and Cam Newton who was…what, 20 when this happened?
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:50 pm
ryan c
Your not an Auburn fan are you?
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
1:50 pm
And how could he have no idea that this was going on? Cecil’s a minister, right? They don’t make a ton of money. All of a sudden Cecil’s rolling around with $100,000? There’s no way Cam didn’t know what was going on…and like he’s going to blindly let his dad pick his college
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
1:51 pm
“Oh, you picked Auburn dad? Okay I’ll go there.”
Fish Bisch
December 1st, 2010
1:54 pm
Good article about dynasties that never came to fruition http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/the_bonus/12/01/failed.dynasties/index.html?eref=sihp
The Braves were #4 on this list; I think they should have been #1
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
1:55 pm
DOB: McLouth was in a dreadful slump before the concussion
Yes. Yes he was. But I’d imagine bruising the brain didn’t really improve his situation either.
Lollygagger
December 1st, 2010
1:57 pm
maybe we’ve all got it wrong. Maybe Cam is the wrongdoer all along, and now he’s rolling his dad under the bus. Or at least letting him take all the blame. The one thing that backs up the claim that Cam knew nothing is that he chose Auburn. If his dad was paid to bring him to Miss. State, well that surely didn’t work did it? If Cam had known about some money involved, he probably would have picked MSU, wouldn’t he?
Bigwheel
December 1st, 2010
2:00 pm
Hey Dave, Thanks for the bloggage.. What did you think about the arizona journalist calling out derek anderson monday night? He did word it in the correct context, but he was def. Asking to be chewed out for asking. Its sort of like andruw after he struck out for the third time and had his smirky grin on his face…D A’s asian lineman was just trying to cheer him up.
ed
December 1st, 2010
2:01 pm
is it possible for the braves to bring back smoltz to pitch the seventh or eighth inning this yr?
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
2:02 pm
Why are yu’;all trying to rationalize a BS performance
I don’t see anyone on here rationalizing a BS performance. Some simply point out the results. Others add more detail to those results going from simply “yeah he stunk” to “yeah he stunk and he bruised his brain”. Not one person has actually claimed 2010 was a great season for McLouth. The guy had a terrible season. But the three years prior to that, he had good seasons. And, as many have pointed out, it is reasonable and probable that last year, his 2010 suckathon, was the statistical outlier. The dude could be toast. He could be just as finished and useless as Jordan Schafer. Next year will be more revealing to that end. In the mean time some on here have fairly pointed to faint silver linings in the tail end of McLouths 2010 suckathon as reason for hope.
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
2:03 pm
About the Reggie Bush situation – wasn’t the main problem that his mom landed privileges because of his son’s status. The only difference is because Bush knew and Newton didnt ? I dont get it.
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
ed – I really think that because of Smoltz’ age, all of his surgeries, and the fact that he hasn’t pitched in a year, he’s done as a pitcher.
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:06 pm
The only difference is because Bush knew and Newton didnt ? I dont get it.
I don’t get how Newton would have no idea about this
ryan c
December 1st, 2010
2:19 pm
once again, if cam knew about the money, he should be ineligbile. however, there has been no evidence to suggest that he did know (which, again, is highly unlikely). how is the ncaa supposed to punish cam for his father’s wrongdoings?
it doesnt make sense…
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:20 pm
Snotboogie -
No- not what happened with Reggie…in fact, the school had nothing to do with the actual incident. They got in trouble because they apparently were supposed to know that Reggie’s parents were living in a house owned by an agent and not paying rent. (Among other things, yes, but the school was not accused of actually doing anything illegal-just letting it happen)
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:22 pm
it doesnt make sense…
You know what doesn’t make sense? This conversation
Cam: Dad, I really think I want to transfer to Mississippi State
Cecil: No, you’re going to Auburn.
Cam: Oh…okay. Hey, where’d you get that new Mercedes?
Cecil: Uh….internet.
Cam: Works for me!
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
2:24 pm
cab
So for that (among other things) Reggie vacated his Heisman. Did they prove that he knew what his parents were up to? I mean how could he know who owned the house or how the parents managed it. Ridiculous!
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:27 pm
Snot-
Reggie had contact with the guy too- I didn’t mean to make it sound like he was not involved- just that the school got hit (way too hard in my totally unbiased opinion
) because they didn’t do anything about it, even though most of the contact was between Reggie’s dad and the agents, with some contact with Reggie, mostly in San Diego…not sure how schools are supposed to know what their player’s parents do 200 miles away…
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
2:30 pm
Braves haven’t added a second year to offer for Hinske because they probably don’t think they need to. And they’re probably right — I think if the offers are equal, he’s coming back to Atlanta. He liked it hear a lot, and the team looks much more competitive than Brewers, and at this stage of his career, after four straight trips to postseason, that’s important to Hinske.
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
2:30 pm
cab
Ah okay! Actually I was only comparing the players and their eligibility. I actually wasnt worried about the sanctions against USC. I dont mind that part.
beekay
December 1st, 2010
2:34 pm
How about Willie Harris for the bench? Would come cheap and can play all outfield and most infield positions. Good PH, late inning D and pinc runner off the bench
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:35 pm
Snot-
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:35 pm
I can’t believe Hinske only hit .256 and .246 against righties….didn’t it seem like he fared a lot better last year?
dap01
December 1st, 2010
2:41 pm
How did Auburn admit someone with Cam’s background? Do they have ANY standards?
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
2:42 pm
So DOB, is Frank waiting to see what Hinske does before looking elsewhere?
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
2:44 pm
ryan c: so it’s perfectly fine for a parent who thinks kids should be paid for playing NCAA football, to ask for top dollar and see what comes up? I mean, you never know, someone might offer a cool million. But if the offers aren’t what you’re looking for, then don’t nudge your kid in any direction. Meantime, certainly don’t tell him anything. That way, not a thing the NCAA can do if no money’s ever exchanged. And if it is exchanged, well, just be careful covering your tracks.
Nice precedent set today, in making it clear that there will be no punishment if a parent merely pimps his kid without telling him, long as he doesn’t take money that we’re aware of.
(And I should make it clear, there’s no reason to think Auburn did anything wrong here. I’m saying the dad’s alleged behavior was beyond the pale, and there has to be some punishment, some deterrent to keep parents from doing the same thing.)
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
2:47 pm
O.J., Wren is waiting, like other GMs in similar positions, to see what the next wave of free agents looks like after the non-tender deadline tomorrow. Why would you sign today a player whose ability and/or price you’re not too enthusiastic about, when better, cheaper ones might be available after being non-tendered tomorrow?
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
2:47 pm
cabravesfan,
If it would make you feel any better, y’all can take Broderick Green back. I’ll even make the drive up to Fayetville and help him pack his bags.
Kyle
December 1st, 2010
2:48 pm
DOB- i am a diehard auburn fan and this makes the NCAA look dumb. I wonder if Auburn wasnt in the national title chase and Cam the favorite for the Heisman if things would be different. As a Auburn fan this news makes me happy but college sports in general are starting to get out of control.
Kyle
December 1st, 2010
2:50 pm
and again this news makes me real happy as a auburn fan but this has to lead to some type of rule change or something or we will have this type of situation every year
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
Hillbilly -
Nope. You can keep him
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
DOB,
Man you struck gold with this Whitey Morgan and the 78s recommendation.
Back to Back (from their other album) has emerged as a front-runner on my list.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6oRcpw00SY&feature=related
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
Kyle, agreed. And I respect that you can look at it objectively, instead of merely as a fan of the team he’s playing for. Pretty cool of you.
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
If schools were bidding for Newton, it makes you wonder how often this happens
Kyle
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
im not saying cam is guilty of anything but with this ruling its only a matter of time before someone else takes it to a new level. i think its time to start paying the players besides tuition. im not saying pay them alot, just give them a small chunk of the cash they help all these schools bring in
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
Cool, thanks DOB, guess that makes total sense.
ward
December 1st, 2010
2:55 pm
How is every one? Coach: Thanks for the false trade report. I just about bought into it.Good thing i checked when i got home,before i said anything else.I just about thought it was true. It’s o.k. i’m still laughing about it.
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
2:55 pm
Nope. You can keep him
You sure? He and Mustain would make a dynamic duo, no? Going once, going twice….
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:56 pm
Hillbilly-
I’m sure…in fact, I can offer you Mustain if you want that dynamic duo together!
Omar
December 1st, 2010
2:59 pm
What the H_ _ _ happened? I’m a Fish??!!
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:00 pm
I’ve been very negative on Mclouth too.It would be painful just to see him bat.
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
3:00 pm
I’m sure…in fact, I can offer you Mustain if you want that dynamic duo together!
Weeeeellll, When you put it that way, it doesn’t sound quite as tantalizing. No deal.
Skeezix
December 1st, 2010
3:02 pm
Hinske will be a Brave next year. Why? Would you rather be in brewtown?
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
3:03 pm
I am sure this happens elsewhere too. In fact someone should look into that Terrell Pryor deal. It’s the most recent deal where the QB just waited and waited before making his signing a national spectacle. It’s almost like a free agent signing waiting for top money. (All this could also be construed as the anti-Ohio State bias.)
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:03 pm
Painful to see Diaz come back too.Hinske please sign with the Braves!!!!
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:05 pm
I think McClouth deserves another chance. Short leash, definitelty, but this past season was drastically different than his previous seasons. He deserves a chance to prove it was a fluke. Also, unlike brats like Frenchy and Yunel, McClouth took full responsibility for his struggles. Guys with winning attitudes like that often find their way back.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:07 pm
Simple! Matt Young and Shcafer in center field. Middle relief Kris Melden.All we do is sign Putz……and two bats for the bench.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
3:09 pm
Ward, Medlen won’t return until at least late August. He’s recovering from T.J. surgery.
And what are you proposing the Braves do with McLouth, if you’re saying the should get two more bats for bench?
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:11 pm
I can all but guarantee that Schafer would be worse in CF this season than McClouth.
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
3:13 pm
Hillbilly-
How about if I throw in our field goal kicker who’s name escapes me? Then will you take Mustain back?
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:13 pm
Ward
I think you need to study up on the money involved with some of these moves. I doubt right now that we can afford Putz and two more worthwhile bats. They aren’t going to pay McClouth 6.5M to do nothing.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:14 pm
Use Beachy for middle relief or Minor. DOB forgot about Melden not coming back until August.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:15 pm
Owl Hunter: I think Wren could afford Putz….
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:16 pm
DOB
What’s your take on the fall of McLouth last year? Is there some inside story that can’t be told! (if there is, just give us the hi-sign!)
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
3:16 pm
I am sure this happens elsewhere too.
And, in fact, kids do still get paid to come to school. It’s not as flagrant as it was once, but, don’t kid yourself. It’s probably hypocritical of me, but I find that less distasteful than the thought of a parent making a profit by selling his son’s future. Bubba, that just ain’t right.
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:17 pm
Ward
He probably can affort Putz, but not Putz AND two bench bats.
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:17 pm
If my uranium mine stock keeps going up, heck I’ll buy Putz for the Braves!
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:17 pm
All these are just some ideas that I came up with.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
3:17 pm
David O’Brien
December 1st, 2010
3:09 pm
That’s what I was wondering.
Murph
December 1st, 2010
3:18 pm
ward’s in the hizzouse.
What’s up ward? What’s your take on the Hinske situation? Heard anything you can share about his offers from Milwaukee or Atlanta? Have you talked to him? Which way is he leaning? Didn’t you say you used to go fishing with a guy who was a big Hinske fan? What’s his take on all of this?
Tell us something.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:18 pm
DS1: Putz has a great fast ball…..
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:19 pm
scoots
This whole pay for play thing in college sports is one of the reasons I can’t get too excited about any college athletic program.
I’ll stick with my Braves and Jazz.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:20 pm
Murph: I’m doing quit well. Wating for Wren to make his next move. Have to go to work in 10 minutes though.
Dead Horse
December 1st, 2010
3:20 pm
Quit beating me….McLouth is not going anywhere
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:21 pm
Putz is a good idea at the right price. Remember that Wren doesn’t usually spend all the money available in the offseason. He holds on to a couple mil if he needs to makee another move during the season.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 1st, 2010
3:21 pm
ward – ever been deer hunting?
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:23 pm
It seems like Hinske has all the offers on the table. Wonder what he’s waiting for to make a decision? Maybe he hopes one team blinks and offers a second year???
C’mon Eric, can’t you feel the love man!!! Sign the contract brother!
nyyankees are the best
December 1st, 2010
3:23 pm
all still talking about stupid stuff on a baseball blog dont have nothing better to talk about than football i forgot this is a braves blog no money to spend sorry
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:24 pm
Murph: Every thing is quiet all through the house. Not a creature is moving all ththrough the house.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
3:24 pm
DS1 This whole pay for play thing in college sports is one of the reasons I can’t get too excited about any college athletic program.
plus you live in utah. around here, its much easier to get excited about college sports, especially football.
Murph
December 1st, 2010
3:25 pm
ward kills deer with his bare hands, Ease. Twist, snap, venison jerky for months… that’s just how ward rolls.
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:25 pm
ward
How’d ya do on those new video games? (btw, I think those video games (xbox and all the others) are such a anvil around the neck of the young folks of this great country!
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
3:25 pm
cab,
No ma’am, I’ll pass. We’ve got a decent kicker and his name is unforgettable….Zach Hocker. How could we ever think of replacing a guy who’s surived this long with a name like that?
Murph
December 1st, 2010
3:26 pm
all still talking about stupid stuff on a baseball blog dont have nothing better to talk about than football i forgot this is a braves blog no money to spend sorry
’sup coach? How’s it going? Any news on the Gardner front?
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
3:26 pm
yankee: does neither the period key nor the comma key function on your computer? (obviously spellcheck doesn’t, so I won’t even ask that.)
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:27 pm
DAP
Hey, I know about college athletics. Spent a lot of time in the south. But the big money aspects of it temper my enthusiasm.
In pro sports at least you know that everybody is getting paid.
Speaking of getting paid, every time I look at the Miami Heat’s W/L record, I smile inside!
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
3:28 pm
It seems like Hinske has all the offers on the table. Wonder what he’s waiting for to make a decision? — DS1
I’m guessing because spring training isn’t for another 10 or so weeks and he’d like to try to get at least a slightly better offer.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:28 pm
DS1: Red Dead Redemption is fun, and i made it through the 3 rd stage. I’m going to try Infamous tonight. I’ve been playing Jericho too.Talk to you guy’s tonight. Be cool……
nyyankees are the best
December 1st, 2010
3:29 pm
DOB
nyyankees are the best
December 1st, 2010
3:31 pm
DOB
you are to funny ………… ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, best response ive had in awhile
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
3:31 pm
This whole pay for play thing in college sports is one of the reasons I can’t get too excited about any college athletic program.
Man, that’s a whole different conversation, Wayne.
A university’s ROI for a major college, major sport scholarship is through the roof. You and I wish our businesses could get that kind of action.
Think a pre-arb All-Star such as Prado is underpaid? Tell it to the college QB who generates revenue from 70000 in the stands six times a year and ten times that amount from boosters and alumni. Now, THAT kid is underpaid!
While it may pain me that young men and women might need more incentive to attend Clemson than just the fact that I’m an alumnus
, and that those athletes might want more than just the thrill of competition and the rustle of a sheepskin as compensation, I can’t say that I really blame them all that much for it.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:31 pm
Before I go! I don’t like hunting or shooting dear. It’s just not my thing. Be Cool Every One…….
Kyle
December 1st, 2010
3:34 pm
I hate to say it, but if Nate is right and swinging the bat well, he is the perfect fit for our offense. we dont need to add another OF, we need Nate to get his groove back
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
3:34 pm
Hillbilly-
We used to have a Buehler, who now plays for the cowboys…he sucked too. We had a decent kicker once, but he fell off a cliff…
Murph
December 1st, 2010
3:35 pm
ward is tired of all the killing. He’s lost his taste for it. He’s killed more animals in more ways than any human on Earth.
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:36 pm
scoots
Hey, if I’m in that situation I would be tempted to take the cash!
Same as the steroid thingy. Who’s to say I wouldn’t have juiced if I thought it would increase my chances to get on a big league club or if I thought the guys I was up against were juicing. I think if the truth were know, the borderline players were probably abusing steroids moreso than the stars. (maybe some exceptions of Bonds and Brady Anderson??)
ryan c
December 1st, 2010
3:37 pm
DOB, I’m not disagreeing that there shouldn’t be some sort of punishment, but punishing Cam for his Father’s poor taste in judgment and illegal activity is downright unconstitutional.
What Cam Newton’s father did should be against the law just like soliciting sex is against the law. Soliciting your child is no different, but Cam shouldn’t be part of the hammer brought down upon his Papa, IF (big if) he knew nothing about the money…
Murph
December 1st, 2010
3:38 pm
Regarding Nate, put all your hope in one hand and sh*t in the other and see which fills up faster.
In other words, I don’t see him doing much this year. My prediction is that he’ll last the month of April as the starter before being pushed to the bench and eventually off the team in one way or another.
Murph
December 1st, 2010
3:38 pm
What I just said makes no sense. Nevermind.
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:38 pm
Kyle
Unless there is something wrong with Nate, I’d agree.
If we had the 2008 or even the 2009 version of Nate in CF………….
Bravissimo
December 1st, 2010
3:39 pm
DOB Any news on how Medlens coming along?
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:40 pm
Sure, sure. Cam didn’t know ANYTHING about what his dad was up to! (wink, wink)
I ain’t buying that load folks!
The A Bomb
December 1st, 2010
3:40 pm
Hinske is one of those rare cases — we should give him the second year. His history is MUCH different than Norton.
Hinske has the IT factor when it comes to the bench. Don’t see the guy going 1 for 49. Plus, he can give you spot defense as well.
He is our version of Mickey Hatcher/Matt Stairs, and we need to do whatever it takes to keep him. Championship teams always have guys like that — 11 homers in his role was amazing.
Wren: kick in that 2nd year and get him back. Can’t believe it’s even a question.
Drive By Blogger
December 1st, 2010
3:40 pm
ward is tired of all the killing. He’s lost his taste for it.
So he’s gone to play Red Dead Redemption… funny…
Murph
December 1st, 2010
3:42 pm
ward went to work. Where he cooks dead animals all afternoon and evening. He doesn’t kill them. And he plays Red Dead because the horses are pretty.
Travis
December 1st, 2010
3:44 pm
I get the impression that Cam’s dad was a high roller wanna be…those kinda folks tell everyone when they pull the scam…hence the Mercedes. Cam knew…count on it.
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
3:44 pm
Ahh, Wayne, we all like to think we would take the morally defensible position, don’t we, LOL? But anyone who says they would always take the right fork in the path hasn’t walked enough hard road yet, is what I’m saying.
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:44 pm
For anybody that follows the markets, check out ticker DNN. I bought a thousand shares at 1.65 a few months back. Wishing I had bought 5x now!
Frank, you need some help signing Hinske? Give me a call.
Bat Masterson
December 1st, 2010
3:46 pm
I thought Cam Daddy spent the money on his Church.
coach
December 1st, 2010
3:46 pm
Murph – Lowe to Yankees for Gardner
P-Town Brave ©
December 1st, 2010
3:47 pm
HEY!
There’s nothing wrong with Red Dead Redemption…
DS1-
Did you say uranium? I got a real nice deal on plutonium from some Libyans
Also, whats wrong w/ video games?!
Travis
December 1st, 2010
3:49 pm
Murph- Coach to the Met’s blog for Anders.
Bat Masterson
December 1st, 2010
3:52 pm
Wow Wayne, I guess you do. Of course I wish I had bought more the 70K shares of siri I bought between .12 and .50
UKUGA
December 1st, 2010
3:55 pm
Cam Newton: Meet Enes Kanter
Murph
December 1st, 2010
3:58 pm
Travis – SOLD!
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
4:00 pm
nyyankees are the best
So, your not out today looking for your next man in pinstripe pants?
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 1st, 2010
4:00 pm
P-TownAlso, whats wrong w/ video games?!
It turns kids into brain dead killing machines!! Kids going around stealing cars and raping women.
These problems didn’t happen before video games!!! It’s not even safe to leave the house anymore. Dam_ kids!!!!!!
coach
December 1st, 2010
4:05 pm
1.Gardner CF
2.Prado LF
3.Heyward RF
4.Uggla 2B
5.McCann C
6.Jones 3B
7.Freeman 1B
8.Gonzalous SS
MFin04
December 1st, 2010
4:08 pm
Play Grand Theft Auto 4 enough and it will alter your driving style and your reality a bit.
Suddenly new lanes open up all around you that you’ve never seen before. Cops generally call them sidewalks.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 1st, 2010
4:11 pm
High speed chases on the news at night——— Need for Speed
Street racing——- Gran Turismo
Grand theft——- Grand theft auto
Gang violence——Grand theft auto
Rape——–Grand theft Auto
Domestic violence—— The Sims
Killing——– Call of Duty/Medal of honor/Socom……..ect……ect……..
Animal cruelty——-Cabella’s Dangerous hunts
The youth today are SCREWED!!!!!!! I know because I grew up playing video games and I’m completely efffffed up in the head!!!!
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
4:12 pm
Also, whats wrong w/ video games?!
If you have time for them, you just haven’t bought a big enough house and yard yet.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
4:13 pm
NY writer Anthony McCarron just wrote this on Twitter: Yanks’ Brett Gardner will have surgery Dec. 7 for right wrist tendinitis and expected ready for spring training, club sez
(Not that Braves were pursuing him or anything, but I know several people here on the blog have suggested it.)
nolie
December 1st, 2010
4:15 pm
Gardner? a 726 career hitter in Yankee stadium? Did not Melk Dud teach y’all anything? 726 in Yankee Stadium most likely = 680 in Atlanta.
coach
December 1st, 2010
4:15 pm
Yanks’ Brett Gardner will have surgery Dec. 7 for right wrist tendinitis
Good, now we can get him for next to nothing.
coach
December 1st, 2010
4:16 pm
Yanks’ Brett Gardner will have surgery Dec. 7 for right wrist tendinitis
I hope that doesn’t mean he’ll throw like McClouth now.
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
4:17 pm
nolie
726 OPS?
raleighbravefan
December 1st, 2010
4:17 pm
Looking forward to the Winter meetings. Things are pretty slow right now. Not much to do except argue with Trolls.
Guess I’ll sign off for the day, and go celebrate my (37th) anniversery. Still don’t know why she puts up with me.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
4:17 pm
nolie 726 in Yankee Stadium most likely = 680 in Atlanta.
nope, 680 is where the games come on. i love jim and don…
nolie
December 1st, 2010
4:20 pm
you’re right DAP. and 680 is prolly too high anyway
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
4:21 pm
Good, now we can get [Gardner] for next to nothing.
Ahhh. One of those value-for-value trades, eh?
MFin04
December 1st, 2010
4:21 pm
I think the problem with McLouth last year is that he was an all around bad player. He didn’t steal that often (mostly because he couldn’t get on base to save his life), he didn’t field the ball very well, and he didn’t throw the ball very well if at all.
It is one thing to hit around .150 to .200 the whole year, but to field and throw terribly as well just makes him useless as a player.
coach
December 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
I didn’t know Gardner batted .726 in Yankee Stadium but I will settle for him batting .680 in Atlanta
nolie
December 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
37 years? Props to you two. you obviously picked a keeper
nolie
December 1st, 2010
4:23 pm
yeah cause 680 is sooo great right?
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
4:24 pm
Killing——– Call of Duty/Medal of honor/Socom
Talking about Call of Duty, have you seen the latest ad with all sorts of people including Kobe and Jimmy Kimmel in it? It shows what appears to be a bunch of kids with high powered guns/rifles shooting their way through a door. Like they needed to glamorize it any more.
raleighbravefan
December 1st, 2010
4:24 pm
nolie – Thanks, man. Been pretty lucky!
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
4:25 pm
It is one thing to hit around .150 to .200 the whole year, but to field and throw terribly as well just makes him useless as a player.
Well, he had a useless year, anyway. As bad as he went at the plate, the more shocking thing would have been if he DIDN’T take his hitting struggles into the field.
nolie
December 1st, 2010
4:25 pm
SB…we have a Russell Bell now too. don’t y’all start no corner wars
old man
December 1st, 2010
4:26 pm
Remind me, who is our backup SS going to be next year?
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 1st, 2010
4:27 pm
If you have time for them, you just haven’t bought a big enough house and yard yet. nscoots
What about the people who have time to spend all day and night chatting on this blog??
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
4:29 pm
nolie
I noticed. But I am not supposed to know him – remember I was just a low-level punk stealing from the sidewalk. Not in the same league.
MFin04
December 1st, 2010
4:29 pm
McLouth could be one of the most productive outfielders in MLB in 2010. (Guess they missed that one.)
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7167713
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
4:29 pm
What about the people who have time to spend all day and night chatting on this blog??
We have maids and gardeners.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
4:31 pm
coach thinks youre talking about batting average, not OPS.
Travis
December 1st, 2010
4:31 pm
old man
December 1st, 2010
4:26 pm
Remind me, who is our backup SS going to be next year?
Diory Hernandez
raleighbravefan
December 1st, 2010
4:31 pm
old man-Since this is only Dec 1, we don’t know yet, and may not know for sure until around April 1.
Too soon to know about CF as well, although they will (and should) give Nate every chance. Also, Schaeffer, new guys, and anyone we pick up before March. I know we all want the team set right now, but you have to give it at least a little time.