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Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
407 comments Add your comment
Chaos
December 14th, 2010
12:52 pm
Good point Bob, Pitching which we have, Feilding which killed us and Speed which we didnt have are the areas we need to look at. We only lost the division and in the playoffs because of errors and bad fielding.
Braves73
December 14th, 2010
12:53 pm
It’s really not unbelievable considering how unbalanced Major League Baseball is (in terms of the financial structure). Until the owners decide to implement a hard salary cap (similar to the most successful financial sport in the world-NFL), there will be zero opportunity for smaller budget teams to compete (on a regular basis).
It would also help, if Liberty Media decided to finally see the Braves to a local owner with the financial means and desire to build a championship roster. Until then, it will be a constant battle between the the haves (owners/teams with financial means) and the have nots (teams with little to no financial support).
Vinnny3
December 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
“the truth” you are a complete moron if you actually think your pitching comparison between Phils rotation and Braves is accurate. I mean Braves can compete this year and have a strong rotation, but clearly you’re an idiot.
Dumb Braves Fan
December 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
Do Braves fan remember that the Braves had 25+ last AB wins?
That does not happen every year. If we dont score early we will not win the Wildcard. That is too many wins relying on our last AB
Not Blue
December 14th, 2010
12:55 pm
ramblingman
December 14th, 2010
12:42 pm
richbrave, I understood what you were asking. Try baseball-reference.com. Look up each pitcher then you can look at splits for each year or by career. That will give you their records against Atlanta for last year.
(continuing to ignore the troll puppy that nips at my heels because I embarrassed him thoroughly a few days ago)
____________________________________________________________________
Apparently, you have more than one person here that doesn’t care for you and your all-knowing, obvious stating persona. And by typing that you’re ignoring someone, you’re not really doing it.
Gary
December 14th, 2010
12:57 pm
Dean, you are absolutely right. Lee has been primed and pumped up by the media because of his 09 postseason and 10 postseason against the Yankees. His regular seasons over the last two years have been solid at best. The guy has had one great season followed up by two solid ones. No one remembers that he was sent packing to Triple A in 2007 and almost cut in lieu of……..Paul Byrd.
Plus everyone thinks the Phillies will be unbeatable, but tell me how they are going to score runs? Rollins has fallen off sharply and Werth is no longer there to protect Howard. He and Utley will get pitched around and teams will force Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Carlos Ruiz to beat them.
The Braves will be fine. They won 91 games last year with Troy Glaus as their best power hitter and with Heyward, Prado, and Chipper banged up and missing time. With Uggla in the fold now I like the Braves chances.
GOBRAVOS
December 14th, 2010
12:57 pm
The reason Philly has all of this money is because they sell out every game and they have an owner who cares. We almost fill up Turner Field and Liberty is full of p.o.s that have no passion for the braves and see it merely as an investment. Let’s just pray that Arthur Blank buys the Braves and puts them over the top just like he did the Falcons. (SN: how bout them FALCONS!!!
]) I will be way more willing to go to more games if the Braves find an owner who cares.
ramblingman 2.0
December 14th, 2010
12:57 pm
hi
Tech Sucks
December 14th, 2010
12:58 pm
We can’t compete with the Phils throwing money around like that when our owners won’t do the same. The Phils are becoming the Mets and the Yankees. Just buying the best pitcher every year. It’s why MLB sucks compared to the NFL.
GOBRAVOS
December 14th, 2010
12:58 pm
Sorry bout the double post but… I meant to say that we almost NEVER fill up Turner Field
The truth
December 14th, 2010
1:00 pm
Vinnny3
December 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
“the truth” you are a complete moron if you actually think your pitching comparison between Phils rotation and Braves is accurate. I mean Braves can compete this year and have a strong rotation, but clearly you’re an idiot.
Wow vinny3 many teams will be scared to face the BRAVES BIG 4. Hudson, Lowe, JJ, and Hanson. Thats a scary rotation. How idiotic can you be moron
ramblingman 2.0
December 14th, 2010
1:00 pm
Gary,
Braves won 91 games with 25+ last AB wins. We got lucky. We could have easily lost half those of games
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:01 pm
We need a new lead-off hitter? That’s funny because I thought the one we had last year (.350 OBP and 40 doubles) did a fantastic job. Besides, other than the 1st inning, how many times does he actually lead-off an inning. What we really need is someone in the 3 hole that actually drives in runs! Maybe Freddi will show us he “has a pair” and will let Uggla bat 3rd.
Joey M
December 14th, 2010
1:03 pm
One thing I have noticed is Seattle has an outfielder named Franklin Gutierrez that would be perfect in CF for this team. He doesn’t have a huge bat, but he catches everything that moves. With a large ballpark like The Ted, and having pitchers that make a lot of outs in the air. He’s signed through 2013 and makes roughly 5 million per year. He’ll be 28 on opening day so he’s not a young prospect. With a couple mid tier pitchers involved, I believe this deal could be done quickly.
Low Key
December 14th, 2010
1:04 pm
Does anyone else think it’s a lame move to be the premier free agent on the market and sign with the team that traded you away at the beginning of the season? I dunno, something about that just seems wrong to me.
Jack
December 14th, 2010
1:04 pm
Will, you said it best. The ones that bitch the most probably don’t go to more than 1 or 2 games a year. Fans in Atlanta don’t support the team like the Philly fans do. Shame on you fans in Atlanta.
P. Bull Terrier
December 14th, 2010
1:05 pm
It’s time to sell the Braves to the Yankees or the Red Sox.
Andruw Jones
December 14th, 2010
1:06 pm
Call Me Frank Wren. i want to play in Atlanta
AdirondackDave
December 14th, 2010
1:06 pm
Lexbrave — The MLB players union is not blameless, that’s for sure. They are primarily responsible for their decade-long (at least) obstruction of performance-enhancing drug control. That probably did as much or more to destroy the integrity of modern baseball than payroll inequity. I’ll still primarily blame the Yankees, Steinbrenner, and Selig though for sacrificing a level playing field for the all-might buck.
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:07 pm
To add to my statement……Prado had a .350 OBP and Heyward had a .393 OBP but Chipper Jones only had 46 RBI’s in the 95 games he played in. Basically, every 3rd at bat Chipper had ducks on the pond and failed to produce.
ernesto
December 14th, 2010
1:07 pm
that’s a helluva rotation…the only thing we’ve got going for us is they will get old together. Until then, ouch.
Joey M
December 14th, 2010
1:08 pm
Jack, you don’t have to go to the game to be supportive. If the Braves had more fans watching at home, the revenue generated from marketing campaigns (aka commercials) would increase significantly.
One thing that everyone on here is missing is the Phillies are going to have to trim payroll now. This means several bats are leaving on top of Werth already being in Washington. Howard and Utley are staying put. Outside of that, they will be a much weaker team offensively than they have been in recent years. Newton’s 3rd law will be their Achilles heel.
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:09 pm
Low Key….you’re kidding, right? They traded him to get the Cy Young winner!
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:12 pm
AdirondackDave………they’re to blame but the owners and management ALL knew what was going on. Guys like Brady Anderson don’t suddenly start hitting 50 HRs because they’re eating their Wheaties!
bascogcjs
December 14th, 2010
1:12 pm
Carroll, has any reporter ever asked McLouth about his arm?
I’m serious. Have you all ever asked him why he sometimes flat
refuses to throw the ball with nothing to lose. For ex. with one out and a man on third, I’ve seen him catch a fly several times and not even attempt to throw the ball to the plate. It’s baffling and I’ve never heard Nate questioned about his arm
space monkey
December 14th, 2010
1:13 pm
No Moves. Not much hope.
ben
December 14th, 2010
1:14 pm
Looks like the Braves will be playing for the wild card series.
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:14 pm
The bottom line….without a salary cap this sport won’t be worth watching unless you’re a fan of a big market team.
Larry inSC
December 14th, 2010
1:14 pm
I cannot understand why everyone continues to hope for miracle trades or signing of free agents. The Braves are finished. The table is set, time to prey, then eat. Well…not time to eat but be eaten is probably more like it. I used to hope for big trades, big signings, but no more. I almost fell over when Uggla was traded for. I will be surprised if he signs an extension…
Paul
December 14th, 2010
1:15 pm
Of course. The Yankees started destroying baseball back in the 90s with their ridiculous salaries and now the Phillies will try to finish it off. I can’t stand the Phillies. Since they like to spend money so much they should put them in the AL East and put Tampa Bay in the NL East. So sick of baseball being imbalanced.
don
December 14th, 2010
1:15 pm
Time for a reality check. It doesn’t look good for 2011. It will look worse if Wren panics and makes a Lenny Barker/JD Drew/Mark Teixeira type of trade.
Phillistein
December 14th, 2010
1:16 pm
Low Key
December 14th, 2010
1:04 pm
Does anyone else think it’s a lame move to be the premier free agent on the market and sign with the team that traded you away at the beginning of the season? I dunno, something about that just seems wrong to me.
*************************************************************************************************************
Actually…………………….no
But before I forget, I was going to leave a Happy Holiday best wishes to all my Bravos phans. So please don’t think I’m piling on with the timing of this.
Couple of things………….
There has to be some reason why these players are leaving money on the table to play in Philly. Halladay also signed for less then he could have to come here. Clearly, Lee liked it here.
We’re as surprised as you guys about Lee. A couple of days ago Jayson Stark of ESPN hinted that the Phillies were the “mystery” team that everyone was talking about in the Lee saga. And everyone here accused Stark of smoking crack.
This pitching staff will probably be together one year. Phillies have an option on Oswalt for 2012 with a 2 million buyout. Unless the guy wins the Cy Young don’t know if we’ll keep him (Astros are paying $7 mil towards his salary THIS year – thank you Ed Wade)
So, happy year and, as always – don’t complain – you could be Mets phans
NORRIS
December 14th, 2010
1:18 pm
There is no way we compete with what the phillies have now.
We still have an unknown at 3rd. We supposedly filled the outfield void with Prado but Prado is going to play the majority of the time at 3rd. so once again we have no outfield.
jim
December 14th, 2010
1:20 pm
The royals have the best talent in the high minors of any team in MLB. They have a stud catcher (Will Meyers) coming up next year and have no need for Cervelli as a back up. They also have Hosmer, Moustakas, and others about to arrive in their system, so the francouers and Melkys of the world are just a stop gap that will be dumped when their talent is ready. Greinke has had one stellar year. He has had emotional problems, and he is nearing free agency. He will cost a lot of dollars to keep as well as prospects to get. Given a chance, Teheran or Delgado may be as good or better in the near future.
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:21 pm
Phillistein …….aren’t just a little concerned about the health of some of your everyday ballplayers. Can Rollins return to form? What about Uttly’s hip? Exactly how old is your left fielder?
ramblingman
December 14th, 2010
1:23 pm
Don – very true.
blue, by typing that I am ignoring you and your name changing troll-posts, I could also be baiting you to further show your immaturity by continuing to follow me around, pretending to be several people and attacking me before I even post in a thread. But that’s okay, you keep on, it’s not like you are fooling anyone or making any points. I really hit a sore spot when I embarrassed you, didn’t I?
You will keep posting inane comments, changing names, pretending to be others, and most likely will continue to attack me. It will not affect my posts in any way. Even with responding to a troll, that is the most effective way to ignore them.
JC Boscan III
December 14th, 2010
1:23 pm
While our starters might be competitive against this new Phillies rotation, adding Cliff Lee along Hamels gives the Phillies one more advantage – the Braves are not good against lefties. Potential lineup, and last year’s numbers against lefties:
Prado .275
Heyward .249
Chipper .245
UGGLA .306 (yey!)
McCann .263
Gonzalez .224 (uhoh..)
McLouth .135 (shows need for a RH option in CF)
Freeman (AAA average was OK vs. lefties, but not great).
Only one expected starter hit very well – Uggla. So, it’ll be interesting to see who can earn the open roster spots AND hit lefty pitchers. Otherwise, we may have a huge weakness to be exploited…..
NORRIS
December 14th, 2010
1:24 pm
unknown at 3rd
rookie at first with just a few major league at bats.
Mclouth in center who was optioned to minors.
No quality bench other than hinske.
the only infield back up of any quality is our left fielder so when he moves to third we have no outfield.
Yeah sounds like we are ready for the phillies.
Phillistein
December 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:21 pm
Phillistein …….aren’t just a little concerned about the health of some of your everyday ballplayers. Can Rollins return to form? What about Uttly’s hip? Exactly how old is your left fielder?
**********************************************************************************************************
Tell me about it.
And people forget (we don’t) that this team went into a coma offensively for long stretches of 2010. Part of it was injuries, but another part is……..we just went to sleep.
And now we don’t have Werth.
But, if you’re going to be worried about offense and a team getting older and sicker – pays to have lights out pitching!!!
And we still need a couple of lefties in the pen. Trust me – we ain’t the big red machine
nique
December 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
Lowe was great at the end of last season, and so his value might be at its peak for the rest of his career. Yanks need a pitcher. How about the Bravos trade Lowe now and then go after Grienke? Think I know the answer, but any shot at that?
ramblingman
December 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
Norris, the door to the Phils bandwagon is that way ——->
Or you could jump on any other bandwagon of your choosing. Some of us will remain in the Braves camp.
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:27 pm
JC Boscan III ……..Dude the game is played on the field and from where I’m sitting no one has taken a swing yet in 2011.
BS
December 14th, 2010
1:28 pm
Ramlingman..You do not embarrass us..u are a embarrassment to yourself. Its ok to disagree but don’t try to be a smart ass about it. I respect your opinion etc …..how about respecting ours.
Space Monkey..agree
JonnyVenter'sLeftArm
December 14th, 2010
1:29 pm
How ’bout we get Liberty to pony up, sign Beltre, and tell Chipper he’s going to split time in LF and 1b, backing up Freeman.
gcs
December 14th, 2010
1:30 pm
Maybe we need to call the 2011 edition of the Phillies “Thirtysomething”. They have suddenly gotten really old:
Roy Halladay 33
Roy Oswalt 33
Cliff Lee 32
Joe Blanton 30
Raul Ibanez 38
Placido Polanco 35
Jimmy Rollins 32
Carlos Ruiz 31
Chase Utley 31
Ryan Howard 31
Shane Victorino 30
Brad Lidge 33
Jose Contreras 39
Danys Baez 33
Ryan Madson 30
Brian Schneider 34
Ross Gload 34
Wilson Valdez 32
Seven starters, four starting pitchers, closer, three top set-up men, back-up catcher, back-up first base & top utility man – all over 30.
.
the truth..............
December 14th, 2010
1:30 pm
Some of the newswires are comparing the projected 2011 Phillies starting pitchers to the 1997 Braves team….remember….Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux and Avery ?
Checking the records we (Braves) finished that year with 101 wins……
Seeing as how we just had 91 wins in 2010 despite plenty of arm trouble as in JJ and KK…..and Medlen crashing….Lowe’s struggles…..Hanson underperforming…..
…..and a woeful offense at times….
Well I’m not ready to concede the divisiion to the Phillies just yet….
As Skip always said…..”that’s why they play the games, lady, that’s why they play the games”…….
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:30 pm
Phillistein ….you guys will win plenty of games with pitching alone, but I am glad you recognize The Phillies still have some weak spots. That being said……ya’ll are gonna’ be mighty tuff in 2011
the truth..............
December 14th, 2010
1:31 pm
excuse me….that year was Neagle….Avery was toast by then…..
DKnVA
December 14th, 2010
1:33 pm
Phillistein, thanks for not piling the salt in the wound. I think the Phillies made a great decision and feel sure they wouldn’t have went after Lee unless they felt that he is needed to ensure they stay at the top. I know we have a lot of Braves fans that are frustrated, as we are passionate about the desire to win too, however I believe we will be a force and continue to be very competitive over the next few years. We are a much stronger team than last year too with our off season updates, and the Braves system is so stocked with top notch young pitching its scary. I can’t wait for the season to start.
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:33 pm
Ahhhh Denny Neagle…….the man couldn’t fish! Who can’t fish?!
NORRIS
December 14th, 2010
1:34 pm
Rambling man.
I am a braves fan but a dissapointed one.
I sit here and watch the phillies put together a haus of a pitching staff. While the braves add a bat which was great but still continue to ignore the fact that Chipper is almost 40 and may come back but will not be what he once was. He wont play everyday and Prado will play a lot at third. We never addressed any outfielders at all and say that we can compete for a world series??? We have to have a quality backup for our outfield and we have not even addressed it. while people like Podsednik are out there and we are not even interested.
I dont agree with the philosophy
James
December 14th, 2010
1:35 pm
Braves should trade for Zach Greinke or Edwin Jackson and sign Andruw Jones.
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:36 pm
James get back on your meds!
lexbrave
December 14th, 2010
1:38 pm
don’t be naive, lee didn’t leave any money on the table to come to philly.. over the next 5 years he will actually be making 10 million more in philly than he would have under the yanks best offer. he then hits free agency 2 years sooner so he can sign another free agent deal at whatever ungodly salaries they inflate to by then.
Heisenberg
December 14th, 2010
1:39 pm
While Philly has upgraded an already excellent rotation, let us not forget it was the supposedly weak hitting SF Giants that conquered that rotation and Cliff Lee in route to the WS title. How did they do it? By not standing up there working the count and getting behind. Top notch pitchers go after hitters by throwing strikes and the hitting approach needs to be more towards the aggressive side against guys like this. I thought too many times Braves hitters last year waited until they had 2 strikes before bothering to take bat off their shoulders.
The way to make a good pitcher look great and a great pitcher look untouchable is to always be trying to hit them 0-2 or 1-2. This is not to say go up there swing at everything, but the Giants showed some aggressiveness with just-get-over-the-plate-early-in-the-count-strikes can go a long way.Those are usually the best pitch you are going to see during an at bat.
RoyU
December 14th, 2010
1:40 pm
No, the Braves should not panic. Financially, the Braves and Phillies are playing in two different leagues and the Braves obviously cannot afford to compete in this league! The Braves should continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel and pray for a miracle.
JC Boscan III
December 14th, 2010
1:41 pm
Yes, ppaddy, the game is played on the field. My posting showed how our players hit against lefties in 2010. They weren’t made-up numbers. The point is that our lineup was not good against left-handed pitching, and Uggla is the only upgrade in that area so far. Maybe the new hitting coach will sprinkle magic dust on their bats and all will be well. But, I pointed out a valid issue. If they don’t produce better than 2010, it will be a problem, from where I’m sitting. The Phillies adding Lee just gave them another particularly good advantage vs. the Braves. Sorry for posting too many ACTUAL stats……..
dpelfrey
December 14th, 2010
1:42 pm
JC Boscan III @ 1:23pm
Actually, if you look at the Braves splits last year…
Versus LH starters – .260 avg, .339 obp, 4.55 runs/game
Versus RH starters – .259 avg, .339 obp, 4.56 runs/game
I know their record was worse against lefty starters, but it had nothing to do with offense according to the splits. Just one of those freak things where the matchups didn’t work out.
James
December 14th, 2010
1:43 pm
Braves should re-sign Derrek Lee to play 1B for 1 more year.
Willy
December 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
If all you guys are so upset about the Braves Payroll, get over it. its not gonna change. Unless, you posers start coming to Turner Field and we start selling out every game…….. Idiots!
Good Job DOB!
dpelfrey
December 14th, 2010
1:45 pm
James…and do what with Freeman? I’m not even sure he could comfortably fit in the dugout, so they have to put him out in the field.
ramblingman
December 14th, 2010
1:45 pm
Norris,
It’s okay to be disappointed, but don’t give up when it’s not even Christmas yet. And there is no need to trash the team especially the face of the franchise and leader of the team just because you are not totally happy with the philosophy. Hang in there if you are a true fan. It’s okay.
BS/space monkey/whatever – I respect opinions that are worthy of respect. Simply because someone has an opinion does not make that opinion worthy of respect in of itself. As for trolls, I will not respect their posts.
As for “us”, the one I embarrassed was blue who used multiple names to try and hide his trolling, so if you are not part of his multiple personality set, why would you feel the need to respond? Oh, wait…sorry, never mind…
Heyward22MVP
December 14th, 2010
1:46 pm
Youre also all forgetting…their bullpen….is AWFUL…they had one of the worst bullpens in the National League…..and an aging lineup….relax….love to see how the starters hold up after all having to pitch 7+ innings to help Philly win games.
Heisenberg
December 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
Let us not also forget, Philly is not as strong offensively going into 2011. Still good but there may be a hole or 2 in that lineup now. And good luck finding someone to take the contracts of Blanton & Ibanez. So mark them down as favorites knowing they are a Brad Lidge knee or shoulder away from falling back to the pack.
Dent
December 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
OMG! The sky is falling!
TNScott
December 14th, 2010
1:51 pm
Frank Wren’s comment, “We are limited financially,” tells you all you need to know. The problem is Liberty, who is no lady when it comes Braves fans.
BPNAZ
December 14th, 2010
1:51 pm
LOL, all the Braves fans ever have to argue, is the age of Phillie players. Congrats on that, the Braves SHOULD be younger, because they began their most recent rebuilding process a few years later than the Phillies did. It all goes in cycles. Getting Lee was the best way to counter act the possibility that the offense still isn’t as good as it was in 2008 or 2009. Even at their age, i really doubt Rollins and specifically Utley are any worse than they were in 2010. And Ibanez is GONE after 2011, likely replaced by Singleton or a FA. Keep praying Dom Brown flops, keep calling him a bust. Its the only leg you cowpokes have left to stand on. After all, NO ONE can be as GREAT as that Heyward who won rookie of ye………..oops he didnt. WOWOWO Heyward draws walks , but has no power, and hits .250 , good for him
BS
December 14th, 2010
1:52 pm
Norris, I agree with you.Some people seem to believe Chipper will be great, Nate will return to his past, Schafer will suddenly be the answer to all. I hope that happens but I wouldn’t bet a dime it does. I believe in being prepared but I have insurance.
jc_dawgs
December 14th, 2010
1:52 pm
definitely need more batting ability from our OF now. I don’t see Chipper holding up and that will leave us basically right where we were at the end of last year because Prado will have to play IF. I guess the objective is to win the WC again? Apparently that is good enough for Mr Wren. Start loading up on pain meds Chipper….you will have to play with pain!
Not Blue
December 14th, 2010
1:53 pm
ramblingman
December 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
Norris, the door to the Phils bandwagon is that way ——->
Or you could jump on any other bandwagon of your choosing. Some of us will remain in the Braves camp.
_____________________________________________________________
THANK GOD ramblingman is here to defend all our fandom. He is a true blog hero!!!!!
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
1:54 pm
JC Boscan III…..Boo Hoo and yet the Braves only won 91 games last year
Phillistein
December 14th, 2010
1:57 pm
Heyward. – Your wrong about the pHilly bullpen; last 1/2 -1/3 of the season they were pretty much lights out.
But you’re right – last year the Phillies were the oldest team in MLB.
But this year we’re………(cough) older.
This Phillies team as presently constructed has 2-3 more years……..TOPS!!!
However, since we’ve waited since 1883 to have a team this dominant – we’re not complaining!!!
BS
December 14th, 2010
1:58 pm
Ramlingman, you just don’t get it. Do you have a family problem? You need to get a life man. Your smart remarks reflect on all fans that blog. Thats ok.I just will not read any of your post.
David the Shepherd
December 14th, 2010
2:00 pm
Ah, Phyllis…it seems that you have calmed down quite a bit from your fiery banter during the heat of the season. You must have learned from your overconfidence. That’s good to see…maybe there’s hope for you.
Biff Pocoroba
December 14th, 2010
2:01 pm
In addition to the “biggest questions” facing the 2011 Braves (Chipper’s health and who will play CF), let’s not forget the closer’s role. We know the candidates, but until someone steps into the role and performs consistently, that’s the biggest question that looms.
monty
December 14th, 2010
2:01 pm
Look, we have a very good pitching staff if JJ rounds back into form, but all the attempts to make it seem like our guys are the equal of Halladay,Lee,Hammels is pretty funny-at best. True on any given day a KK can outduel a Halladay. But those are exceptions, certainly nothing you can bank on.You certainly couldn’t expect JJ to outduel cliff Lee in a playoff game. Could it happen? Sure,hust like people can walk away from car wrecks where their car is left unrecognizeable,just not something you can count on.
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
2:02 pm
Geez, Ramlingman……….you sure got plenty of people upset with you. Do you need to take some charm school classes?
ramblingman
December 14th, 2010
2:06 pm
Paddy, it’s the same kid who still has pie on his face from being shown up several days ago. He’s a little peekapoo who thinks he’s a pitbull. It’s okay, I toss him a bone now and then.
ramblingman
December 14th, 2010
2:08 pm
Funny how so many on here are willing to proclaim the Braves a totally lost cause in the offensive side of things. We are hearing that without getting at least one more player and maybe more, the Braves are losers, destined to continue suffering their horrible offensive woes.
Here are a couple of funny items for some of you to chew on. Here are the 2010 NL ranks for Atlanta in some offensive categories.
Runs per game – 5th
Runs – 5th
Hits – 7th
Doubles – 1st
RBI’s – 5th
BB’s – 1st
K’s – 6th fewest
Avg – 6th
OBP – 1st
Slg – 9th (hello Uggla)
OPS – 6th
OPS+ – 3rd
The only offensive categories they did not finish above the league average were 3Bs, HRs, and SBs (not caught stealing, only stolen bases)
Novice Ned
December 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
Braves fans should be less concerned with the names of the players and more concerned that the Phillies have become the “Yankees of the NL” and seemingly can re-stock at will. Sure, some of their players are 2-3 years away from a rocking chair, but as long as the franchise brings in stockpiles of cash in those 2-3 years, they’ll just replace them with the next set of very good-to-exceptional players. Who knows, in 2-3 years, they may look to add guys named Prado, Jurrjens or McCann to Cheesesteak Land.
not bk are blue
December 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
So you the judge of worthy opinions?
Why would you feel the need to respond? Good question ..why do you always respond to everyone?
I’m not as nice as BS , you need mental care.
nelson
December 14th, 2010
2:11 pm
I believe that jordan schafer does nothing in this team of the braves , that wren make any change of impact , already made one with ugla because now we need a CF ? To make any change in boston by Ellsbury and because they do not with KC by Greinke . there to move does not fall asleep and wait for the rookies Bearing all the weight of the equipment
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
2:11 pm
Ramlingman….it’s like I said earlier…….Boo Hoo and yet the Braves only won 91 games last year
SC Ace
December 14th, 2010
2:13 pm
The Braves have much better depth. For better or worse, stuff happens (injuries, etc.). The Braves have the pitching depth in the system to sustain some key losses. Not sure the Phils do.
Glad to see Wren is not hitting the panic button. While I’d love to have an Ellsbury or someone of that ilk, I’d be surprised if it happens. That said… Wren is Mr. Stealth and may yet make a move, his public comments notwithstanding.
Lastly, we’ll see how great that contract looks when they’re on the hook for that kind of money to a 37-year-old pitcher. Might look good. Might look really really bad.
Phillistein
December 14th, 2010
2:13 pm
David the Shepherd
December 14th, 2010
2:00 pm
Ah, Phyllis…it seems that you have calmed down quite a bit from your fiery banter during the heat of the season. You must have learned from your overconfidence. That’s good to see…maybe there’s hope for you.
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Blow me
coo coo bird fan
December 14th, 2010
2:16 pm
Boo Hoo! So what the Phillies got another ace, they still gotta go out there and pitch. Unless I’m wrong they dont spot these guys any wins at the beginning of the season, I see an old team w/ contracts that w/ a injury here or there could put the Phills in a tite spot. Braves had a comparable pitching staff and how many world series did they win? Exactly! We will compete and until someone w/ deep pockets who cares whether we win or not takes over this teams payroll thats all were gonna do. I can live with that, for now.
coo coo bird fan
December 14th, 2010
2:18 pm
Prediction Braves have three 15 game winners next year, JJ, Huddy, and Big Red you heard it here first.
nelson
December 14th, 2010
2:18 pm
The other thing miserable are the braves , barely 120 million to lee and atlanta ? Asleep as always . always the same story that do not have the money and the money and are some blatant in truth, if liberty media do not have the means of support to a major league team to the sold to a owner that a win and win big / They were was crawford and now lee and now to secure come with the same as always with the idea of silly schafer or with mc clouth that is another good for nothing . when we have some landlords to think big is that this team of the braves again to be world series champs
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
2:18 pm
Novice Ned….you have been watching way too much ESPN today. That “Yankees of the NL” was thrown around all morning. The Phillies are a tough team, no doubt. They beat us by 6 games without Lee last year. But I remember we had a 9 game losing streak. A CF that couldn’t hit. Our new 1B didn’t start hitting until May. No production from the 3 hole………need I go on? This year’s team won’t have as many questions, but where to bat Uggla.
DKnVA
December 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
Listed on another blog…. Very interesting
ERA for the Phils and Braves top 4 starters:
Hallady (34) 3.32 Hudson (36) 3.42
Oswalt (33) 3.18 Hanson (24) 3.16
Lee (32) 3.85 Lowe (38) 3.85
Hamels (27) 3.53 JJ (25) 3.52
I think we all can agree that the bullpen edge goes to the Braves… If we can stay healthy, improve our defense its going to be exciting…. thoughts????
Nova Scotia Steve
December 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
Not sure if anyone gives a flying fluck – but this is old Nova Scotia Steve getting his question answered by Mark Bowman on atlantabraves.com in his latest mailbag – I thought it was cool and i’m probably the only one – lol
Who is on the Braves’ radar for their remaining roster spots, specifically a backup center-field option? What kind of dollars does the front office have left to fill their remaining needs?
– Steve M., Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Piedmont Blues
December 14th, 2010
2:24 pm
ramblingman (2:08),
Just goes to show you how easy it is to say “the Braves suck” if you don’t look at the team’s actual performance.
ppaddy123,
If having the biggest payroll guaranteed success then the Yankees or Red Sox would win the WS every year. They don’t. In fact, they don’t even make the LCS every season. I’m sympathetic to a call for a salary floor (making every team spend a minimum amount on their 40-man roster), but given the number of games in a baseball season and the size of the rosters, a salary cap would be a nightmare.
Lost Cause
December 14th, 2010
2:28 pm
At least there is something to talk about today:) Don’t react for the sake of reacting. What can they do as long as Lowe has a $14M for two more years and Chippers whatever amount. Nope, they might as well find that last out right handed center fielder and beat them with we got on hand.
I think the Lee move tells us the Phillies like winning and they had a reason to be scared. Who are they scared of the NL unless it is the Braves or the Giants? The Braves staff is nothing to sneeze at:
Hudson
Hanson
Lowe
Jurrjens
Minor
Throw strikes, be agressive, and CATCH the ball!!!!!! Braves win the Pennant! BRaves wn the Pennant!
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
2:33 pm
Piedmont Blues…..I’m SURE all the people in the small markets would agree with you…..not! But, just for the sake of arguing the idea…….why do all the other “major sports” have salary caps? Are they wrong? All MLB teams have a standard 40 man roster. That would be harder to keep capped than a NFL roster? Stop drinking the Kool-Aid being fed to you by the MLB and the Players Union…the league needs a cap. We need the great franchises of the past in small markets to compete again.
Liberty Media won't sell
December 14th, 2010
2:37 pm
“It really has no impact on the construction of our roster,” Wren said in an e-mail. “We will continue to work to get better, but we are in most regards ready for spring training. We feel our club matches up well with other clubs in our division.”
Blah blah blah. No one believes you Wren.
Novice Ned
December 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
Didn’t the Phillies have an unusual amount of injuries last season? Come on, it’s not like the 2010 Braves exclusively faced adversity last season. If we’re going to assume that Chipper is back, McLouth is better and everything lines up for the Braves, don’t you also have to assume that their key position players are available for 150+ games as well? Or should we expect nothing but the best for the Braves and nothing but the worse for the Phillies? Our rookie 1B is great while their rookie OF sucks. Our rotation (featuring some surgerically repaired arms) stays healthy while their rotation breaks down. Our rookie closers are outstanding while their closer has Dan Kolb-syndrome. Seriously, anyone betting a mortgage payment on those scenarios?
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
I believe you, Wren.
timthebrave
December 14th, 2010
2:43 pm
I guess we can look forward to the days when Oswalt and Lee are 40 and getting 20 million each and sitting on the dl but the Phillies just made a big jump for the next few years
Stanley Crowe
December 14th, 2010
2:45 pm
As I saw on a tweet earlier today — now the Phillies have all the pichers that were beaten by the Giants on the way to the World Series! Seriously, though . . . this IS a big deal, though our pitching, if it stays healthy, is no slouch — and I’ld guess our bullpen is better than the Phils. As good as the Phils’ starters are, they can’t go nine every game . . . Right now, I still think a good-hitting outfielder is more important for us than a pitcher.
ppaddy123
December 14th, 2010
2:45 pm
Novice Ned….the Braves don’t have to win the division……they just need to get into the playoffs. I think this years team (2011) will win about the same number of games as last year (91).