Updates on Chipper, Prado, Kawakami

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Fredi's Fu Manchu

January 7th, 2011
10:30 am

yogi2 – Your post is contradictory, isn’t it? Juiced and 39 HR’s in 6 yrs. Always been @ 200lbs. Never has anyone said what a difference in body type from one season to the next. I think he was guilty of something and he’s said/inferred as much, but also saying he never used. Logical inference is he was around people who were using. And maybe he should have spoken up and named names. But maybe naming those names would have made his future exponentially more difficult in MLB than a 50 game suspension. Like it or not, there is a code of silence – especially in male dominated fields – cops, military, athletes. You do not want to be known as the nark. Ask Larry Bigbie how that worked out for him?

bvillebaron

January 7th, 2011
10:35 am

yogi2:

Schafer wasn’t juiced up when he hit that homerun on opening day in 2009. Besides, no one ever projected him to hit 20 homeruns. No one knows whether he can get back to how he looked in the spring of 2009, but you and his other critics conveniently overlook the fact that he had a serious wrist injury which required surgery and has a long recovery time. It is ridiculous to bury a kid who flashed that kind of talent (after he was no longer on HGH) and is still only 24 years old.

yogi2

January 7th, 2011
10:37 am

Schafer stats speak volumes about him. Braves have other minor league player with better stats. I believe they just signed a triple A fielder that was an all-star. Check it out dummy

TheTruthHurts

January 7th, 2011
10:41 am

I shouldn’t have asked for the Quadraphonic Blaupunkt for Christmas. A Chipper retirement and a Mark Richt termination would have done just fine.

Chipper will go down in history as the laziest great player of all time. He’s good for at least two pulled hammy’s a year – not to mention all the other nagging injuries that will crop up – but could be avoided if he would just get off his lazy, rich butt. If this doesn’t sum it up nothing does…”He had a setback earlier in the winter when he was away for a week — I think he was actually on a hunting trip – and he was not doing the [leg] lifts. But as soon as he got back on his weights, he was fine.”

Stay in the woods, Chipper.

[...] in the final year of his contract and does not have a spot in the Braves’ rotation plans. Wren said that two or three major league teams have offered to pay more than$2 million of what Kawa…, but the Braves are not willing to trade him just to dump whatever part of his salary they can. [...]

Rico Brogna

January 7th, 2011
10:44 am

Trade for Michael Young! He can play 3rd base, 2nd base, and the corner outfield spots.

atlwolf

January 7th, 2011
10:44 am

Your sign Andruw campaign would only have one member: yourself. He’s gone, crybabies, and he ain’t coming back. Deal with it.

Jeff

January 7th, 2011
10:47 am

I rather have Matt Young, he’s better in center-field than Schafer, IMO. Schafer is really overrated defensively, he’s not as bad as McLouth though. Plus, Schafer needs to play in the minors a bit before serious consideration.

Yogi

January 7th, 2011
10:50 am

I’ll be surprise is Chipper can play 75 games in 2011.I’m pulling for him but he has been struggling for 2 years.I don’t see him hitting over 250 this year…We still need his power at the plate..to be more consistant.
Where did Glaus and Derrick Lee go. Did any team pick them up..?

Jeff

January 7th, 2011
10:51 am

Micheal Young isn’t good defensively, that’s why Texas is replacing him at third. He also makes too much for someone who’s better as DH than in the field. If the Braves were an American League team I’d be fine with him. I’d also consider him if we didn’t have Freeman at 1st, etc.

LTBF

January 7th, 2011
10:59 am

Don’t know how you folks and the Braves front office think we will be ok with either Jordan or nate in CF, please not another year of our CFers hitting in the .230s, that being said it is our only weak position. I think the Braves have a good chance to win division.

Lemke's Knuckleball

January 7th, 2011
11:01 am

Based on what I saw from Schafer in 2009 before the wrist injury, I think he’s a legitimate major league talent capable of being a consistent .280 hitter good for 30+ doubles, 10-15 homers, 20+ stolen bases and well above-average defense in center. Kind of reminds me of Kelly Johnson offensively, but again I must point out the well above-average defense in center. I admit he must prove himself, but the tools are there folks.

Ted M

January 7th, 2011
11:05 am

I wish the Braves had Edgar Renteria instead Alex Gonzalez. I just don’t like Gonzo.

Fred Ketchum

January 7th, 2011
11:08 am

We still need backups at the infield and outfield positions. Everything else seems ready to go. I hope Uggla is as good as they think he will be. Good luck to the Braves for 2011.

Ted M

January 7th, 2011
11:16 am

It is much easier to hit a home run at Turner field then at the Marlins park (Sun Life).

Uggla is going to work out great for the Braves.

The Braves could have gotten Renteria too. One of the best post season hitter of all time.

Smitty

January 7th, 2011
11:21 am

Has Andruw spoiled us forever?!!
A CF/leadoff man does not need to hit home runs.
He needs to play good defense, get on base often and put pressure on pitchers as a good base runner…period!
Whoever does that best will be what the Braves need.

J T Ellenwood

January 7th, 2011
11:23 am

atlwolf there would be two people bring Andruw back

Ted M

January 7th, 2011
11:28 am

3 people…Offer Andruw a minor league contract, tell him to report to spring training no heavier the 210 lbs and compete for a roster spot.

tdmorgan

January 7th, 2011
11:39 am

for all those bashing Chipper, don’t forget the numbers after the all-star break and the fact that before the all-star break he was still getting on base at a high percentage because pitchers still know how dangerous of a hitter he is. Sure, he is out of shape right now…he just had major surgery and I am pretty sure every single one of you would be wheezing after just starting to run again after a few months of non running exercise.

sportsmandh

January 7th, 2011
11:42 am

I still think he has a lot of upside, but I’m not super confident in Schaefer. I saw him play in August, towards the end of the year in AA. He looked terrible. I know he was still recovering, readjusting after the wrist injury, whatever. I also saw him in AA several years ago, before his original suspension. Both times I’ve seen him in person, I was underwhelmed about him compared to his hype. His batspeed looked just as slow last year as it did over two years ago, and that was against AA pitching. Couple that with the high strikeout total he had during his stint in the bigs (wrist injury or not), that is what causes me concern about him. In the plus department, I will say he looked really good defensively, he is definately a plus outfielder. That coupled with his good speed would make him a good bench player. But that doesn’t mean he will ever live up to what some people may think he is going to be.

Sweet Old Buck

January 7th, 2011
11:42 am

PREDICTION! Chipper will come to Spring training fully intending to play. After a short evaluation period, Frank and Ferdi will realize the old geezer just can’t cut it anymore. Moreover, any of the bencg types will not meet the call. Therefore, a trade will take place to get a legitimate left fielder, which will cost us a top line prospect or Jurrjens. Remember! You read it here, first

cARnACK The Magnificent

January 7th, 2011
11:44 am

Jordan Schafer smokes pot with Tim Lincecum

ryan c

January 7th, 2011
11:48 am

how about we take a chance on a rebound candidate that put up this offensive line in 2009:
20HR 70RBI 86Runs 19SB .788OPS

he’s a CF.

Ted M

January 7th, 2011
11:50 am

Jordan Schafer smokes pitches from Tim Lincecum.

Coach13

January 7th, 2011
11:51 am

WHEW!!!! I sure am glad to hear that Chipper will be ready to contribute his .260/15/50 over a 100 game span to the tune of 14 mil a year!!! WHEW!!! What would this lineup do without those kind of impact numbers?!?!

TB

January 7th, 2011
11:54 am

Hey, NORRIS. What part of Schafer’s been injured since his opening day start did you not understand. Do you ever actually read some of the in-depth stories?

Wow....

January 7th, 2011
11:57 am

“You mean like he “bombed” the last time he was healthy in spring training, in 2009? When he was arguably the best player in camp and went from non-roster invitee to opening day center fielder?”

Yeah because producing in ST automatically means future superstar.

I’m guessing when he falls on his face again, the excuse is going to be “oh, he’s still not 100%! Give him a chance!1!!”

Like I said, mark it down.

Kelly's Johnson

January 7th, 2011
12:02 pm

Schafer hit a whopping .201 with three different Braves’ minor league teams last season. He stunk it up in 2009.

McLouth hit .190 for the Atlanta Braves in 2010.

I think its time Frank Wren does some serious upgrading in CF which has been a disaster since Andruw Jones left.

Coach13

January 7th, 2011
12:05 pm

Kelly’s Johnson- Upgrading like going and getting Ellsbury, Upton, or Rasmus?? Maybe giving up some of the young unproven pitching prospects we have in order to get this talent. As long as we were able to lock any one of these players up for 4-5 years it would be worth it. The Braves always draft quality pitching but for some reason drafting a stud bat just isn’t their thing.

Jordan Schafer's Mama

January 7th, 2011
12:06 pm

Leave poor Jordie alone !

He’s finally healthy for once, and steroid-free !

Terry Pendleton has been working with him on his swing. Even Bobby Cox said he’s looked good in the simulated games.

He’ll be the AllStar centerfielder that Frank Wren & the AJC Braves’ beat writers have been predicting all along !

Kelly's Johnson

January 7th, 2011
12:10 pm

I prefer a righthanded hitting Lorenzo Cain, who will be the Royals’ 4th outfielder in 2011. KC needs young pitching & the Braves’ farm system is loaded. With Dayton Moore running the Royals, they would seem to be a natural trade partner. Everybody has a price and nobody is untouchable.

Jacoby Ellsbury would be nice as well, but would cost us more than Cain, as would Rasmus.

David O'Brien

January 7th, 2011
12:22 pm

DOB- Outside of Disney, what other stadium would you suggest to add? — Tyler

Lakeland’s Tigertown is only 45-55 minutes away and a great old-school spring ballpark. Great atmoshphere, and you MUST get a sausage with grilled onions. And if you can do it, the strawberry shortcake there is legendary, tool.

Phillies’ ballpark in Clearwater is the best new ballpark, because it feels old-school but with all the modern amenities. Love that ballpark, just hate the drive most times through Tampa traffic. But once you get to the causeway on other side of downtown, the drive over the bay is beautiful into Clearwater.

yogi2

January 7th, 2011
12:23 pm

Check out our new centerfielder in Gwinnett. Jose Constanza. he hit .
.319 last year at triple A Columbus. He stole 34 bases. look at how good Matt Young has done in Gwinnett. Schafer could play minor league forever and will not be as good. These two deserve a shot much sooner than Schafers

Harpie

January 7th, 2011
12:25 pm

Andruw is a talented idiot – just like Josh Smith.

Mark (another one)

January 7th, 2011
12:30 pm

Which pitcher from the farm system would you suggest trading? Remember, this needs to be a quality pitcher to get a quality position player. Also, get ready to see them every five days for the next 15 years.

Wren has a good team, and he has plans for the future. If Shafer is back, I could see him pushing McLouth to the bench. If he needs more time, put him in AAA. He is a phone call away if there is an injury. Don’t let him sit on the bench.

Shafer CF
Prado LF
Heyward RF
McCann C
Uggla 2nd
Chipper 3rd
Freeman 1st
Gonzales SS

With Mathers, Heinske, McLouth and Ross backing up is a pretty good start for a roster.

I keep coming back to needing a backup at SS and Chipper’s health as the two major concerns. Wren is tracking Chipper but it remains to be seen.

Those of you concerned about his hunting trip need to lighten up. Chipper has always come into spring training in shape and ready to play. Rehab is a grind and a one week break is not going to make any difference in his prep.

Kelly's Johnson

January 7th, 2011
12:31 pm

If Costanza could hit .250 and swipe some bases, he’d be a HUGE upgrade over McLouth & Schafer.

DOB, can you enlighten us about Mr. Costanza ?

David O'Brien

January 7th, 2011
12:33 pm

“Schafer’s going to bomb in spring training. Mark it down.” — Wow…. at 3:12 a.m.

You mean like he “bombed” the last time he was healthy in spring training, in 2009? When he was arguably the best player in camp and went from non-roster invitee to opening day center fielder? — me (DOB) at 6:57 a.m.

“Yeah because producing in ST automatically means future superstar.”– Wow…. at 11:57 a.m.

No further comment necessary.

eric the elder

January 7th, 2011
12:43 pm

This is normally the time of year when I actually start thinking about baseball. I think I should find something else to do.

So if Chipper can’t go, then Prado comes in to 3rd and is replaced by Joe Mather or the fleet-footed Hinske.

And how about Nate in center, ably backed up by a guy who hasn’t played in a couple of years.

And a first baseman who is completely untested, a second baseman who is notoriously poor defensively, and back ups Diory Hernandez, the sure-handed Brooks Conrad, and some guy named Ed from Kansas City.

But as Franks says, “We’re fine where we are. No need to do anything.” Giggle test failure.

Peter

January 7th, 2011
12:44 pm

Where is the SPEED ?

Cool Dude

January 7th, 2011
12:45 pm

All of you people posting lineups with Ryan Braun in them are stupid and annoying. NOT GONNA HAPPEN!

David O'Brien

January 7th, 2011
12:47 pm

Kelly’s Johnson: It’s actually Constanza with two n’s, not Costanza.

He’s a speedy former Indians prospect, 27 years old, hit .319 with eight triples, a .373 on-base percentage and 34 stolen bases in 2010 for their Triple-A Columbus affiliate. He has a .365 OBP and 210 stolen bases in 657 minor league games over six seasons.

Dumbo

January 7th, 2011
12:48 pm

I hope the Braves figure out something between now and the end of Spring Training about what happens when Chumper can’t go. His stats are down, RBI’s down for what the last 3 years, Homer’s down for like 5 years and Batting down last 2 years. With his shaky knee, every team they play is gonna bunt on him and bunt on him to death. I’m sorry folks, but I saw Mantle at the end of his career and it was ugly. I hope this isn’t Chipper.

cs95

January 7th, 2011
12:49 pm

so if schafer has another spring like he did in 09 and mclouth has a average ST (better than last year). what do the braves do? let schafer prove himself at AAA and give mclouth til the all-star break before releasing/trading him?

David O'Brien

January 7th, 2011
12:51 pm

Where is the SPEED ? — Peter

I’d recommend strong coffee. It’s safer.

Chipper Jones

January 7th, 2011
12:52 pm

Offseason is for hunting on the ranch in Texas.

Spring training is for fishing in Florida.

See ya Opening Day – on the disabled list cashing those big paychecks !

SUCKAS !

bravesfan

January 7th, 2011
12:52 pm

Cubs get Garza from Rays..great move for cubs….

ryan c

January 7th, 2011
12:58 pm

they traded their #3,#4, #8, and #15 prospect for Garza. Not a great move…

bravesfan

January 7th, 2011
12:59 pm

Just saying..if Schafer makes team I’ll still pull for team but I have no love for Schafer..I’m pulling for Young are anyone but JS. I really hope Nate has his sh*# together.

Dumbo

January 7th, 2011
1:00 pm

ryan c…..it’s the goats curse, not bad GM’s & silly trades

bravesfan

January 7th, 2011
1:01 pm

ryan c..u may be right and u may be wrong.

Frank Wren

January 7th, 2011
1:20 pm

Having a healthy Chipper Jones is the equivalent of us acquiring an All Star thirdbaseman, a batting champion !

(That should keep the fandom stimulated for awhile, until they finally realize Chipper is strictly part-time and no better than .265)

bravesfaninNashville

January 7th, 2011
1:35 pm

Coach 13…… (The Braves always draft quality pitching but for some reason drafting a stud bat just isn’t their thing)………… Let’s see the Braves traded for both Smoltz and Jurrjens from Detroit. Signed Maddux as a Free Agent away from the Cubs….. But Andruw and Chipper are both minor league products as well as, Klesko, Javy Lopez, Gant, Justice and now McCann, Heyward, Prado and Freeman are minor league developments. I think when 5 or your starting eight besides the pitcher are homegrown and 4 of them have already been all-stars and the 5th one your rookie 1B is a very solid prospect your farm system is doing pretty well. On top of that we STILL have all of the minor league pitching retained after we traded for Uggla. I think the Braves are set up for a long run of success and that has a great deal to do with the fact the we didn’t have to sign all-star players like McCann, Heyward and Prado as free agents and we have them under control for very modest salaries. It’s easy to see the glaring need we have in the outfield and say the Braves farm system can’t draft bats but where would we be without Heyward, McCann, Prado , Freeman and Chipper? Not to mention 60% of our very talented starting rotation and most of our stud bullpen is pitching for the league minimum.

Wow....

January 7th, 2011
1:36 pm

Schafer’s garbage, O’Brien. It’s going to become clear pretty soon.

bravesfaninNashville

January 7th, 2011
1:46 pm

Wow…… Disagree my friend.. Shafer is very talented but has been hurt. A players game shuts down pretty quickly when they have a severe wrist injury. They just can swing a bat without pain or with any authority. Remember he had to have bone grafted and replaced in his wrist. That’s pretty severe if a doctor at the level that Braves retain feel that’s the best way to get him back to playability. If he’s healthy and that remains as a question I think we’ll finally be able to see his true talents on display and I believe he’ll be a great addition to this team..

sportsmandh

January 7th, 2011
1:50 pm

DOB,
Wren eluded in your interview that they get calls daily, I’m assuming regarding utility or backup outfielder discussions. Have you heard rumors of any actual names? Do you know if there has been any mention of Bill Hall? I’m not sure Hall’s status, but he’d be the type backup utility guy that I could see very good for the Braves. We have no good right handed bats off the bench, and Hall can play pretty much any position. He’d be similar to Infante type skills, with lower average and a little more power.

okiebravo

January 7th, 2011
1:58 pm

I love how the so called braves fans bash their own players before anything ever happens. Some of you need to let them play a game or two before you say they’re done. But if you still think you can predict the future, why not play the lottery instead of being the great blog gm’s of the ajc.

Zing

January 7th, 2011
2:03 pm

DOB:

That post around 12:30 was hilarious, man. Kudos to you for taking the time to piece together those inconsistent blog posts!

So, any thoughts on how the organization views Constanza? Like a better Gregor Blanco? I.e., a better backup plan to McLouth/Schafer? If he could maintain that OBP with that speed at the ML level… boy, that would fill a serious need for the Braves. I’m guessing his defense is good, too, which would be nice to see in CF. McLouth seemed to lose his confidence a bit the last year or so in the field.

gcs

January 7th, 2011
2:07 pm

How can Joe Mather be an option? he has 90 MLB games to his credit and has not hit a home run since 2008.

Come on, Pittsburgh. You know you want Kawakami. Pull the trigger.

.

Matt

January 7th, 2011
3:08 pm

Ryan C.- please tell me that the Cubs didn’t really give up that much for Matt Garza!!!! Somebody please tell me they aren’t that stupid!!!

J

January 7th, 2011
4:09 pm

hey dob:

my family and i are going to dark star/spring training. should we buy tickets now or wait til closer to time? thanks!

John

January 7th, 2011
4:47 pm

I cant wait for Jordan to walk into spring training and show all of you haters what he is capable of. McOUT will NOT be our starting center fielder anymore! I dont see Fredi being like Cox and sticking by veterans when they suck. Mark my words Jordan will be the man to beat!

John

January 7th, 2011
4:53 pm

Oh and for all of you Jordan haters, go break your hand and then see how well you swing a damn bat! You idiots obviously dont put yourselves in others shoes. The kid broke his hand, hid it from trainers and others (stupid yes but he didnt want to lose his job….dont tell me you wouldnt do the same!) and then suffered through a very difficult injury and subsequent recovery. The hands are vital to any athlete especially one who swings a damn bat. Jordan HAS the talent and I watched it that opening series against the Phillie’s and so did the Braves team!

hAL

January 7th, 2011
4:59 pm

nope the overg hyped piece of trash plays right field well errr attempts to play right field lol

David O'Brien

January 7th, 2011
6:25 pm

my family and i are going to dark star/spring training. should we buy tickets now or wait til closer to time? thanks! — J

Depends on which game(s) you’re going to. Some sell out early, others don’t come close to selling out.

buckhead willie

January 7th, 2011
7:51 pm

Will anybody EVER be able to convince Chipper to retire? RETIRE already!

David O'Brien

January 7th, 2011
8:00 pm

Will anybody EVER be able to convince Chipper to retire? RETIRE already! — buckhead willie

Let’s see, on one hand Chipper has “buckhead willie” saying “RETIRE already!” And on the other hand, Chipper has two years remaining on a three-year contract and is owed another $28 million, all of which he would sacrifice if he retired (unless he were physically unable to play after attempting his comeback).

He’s also seven doubles from 500, nine RBI from 1,500, 14 homers from 450…. But again, there are some fans who want him to retire. So the scales are pretty even, really. Right? $28 million and the chance to continue adding to a Hall of Fame resume on the one hand, and some fans whose desire is for him to retire on the other.

Nick P.

January 7th, 2011
8:14 pm

I love Chipper, but I wish he would go ahead and retire so we could get a younger version of him with his old pop in the lineup, right now Chipper is worth about 10-12 HR and would probably drive in about 50-60RBIs but i just cant see anything more than that, also, third base is called the hot corner for a reason, and I just cant see his knee holding up after two serious injuries playing that position, Atlanta has to get used to the idea that Chipper will be long and the more we delay this innevitible the less of a chance to make playoffs or to go deep in the playoffs, once again remember I am a huge Chipper fan, but it also happens that I am a realist, and see this thing happening a mile away!

Nick P.

January 7th, 2011
8:18 pm

Hey Dave, I hope you are not saying that Chipper should stay just to bolster his numbers, why? he is already a hall of famer, what does he have to prove anymore, I am sure he does not want to retire and live the rest of life with a permanent limp if his knee for some reason would require a third surgery, and being a Braves lifer, he would want to see the Braves replace him with a younger version of himself, he would root for whoever took his place as long as the ultimate goal is to win another championship, BTW Dave, he has millions of dollars and so I dont see money as a motivating factor anymore!

David O'Brien

January 7th, 2011
9:10 pm

BTW Dave, he has millions of dollars and so I dont see money as a motivating factor anymore! — Nick P.

Amazing how easy it is for someone to suggest that a person should give up $28 million that is owed in a contract, not to mention suggesting that someone should give up his or her chosen profession because, well, this individual with nothing to do with the situation has decided it’s time.

wjones

January 7th, 2011
11:33 pm

You know, Aaron didn’t finish his career as a Brave. Neither did Spahn, Mathews, Niekro, Murphy, Maddux, Glavine (ok he did, but he left for a while), Andruw, or Smoltz. Just once, in Chipper’s case, it would be nice for a Braves star to retire as a Brave. That’s only my opinion. Chipper deserves his salary like few have, especially in light of the many times he has renegotiated to help bring in more players.

Old Man

January 8th, 2011
5:07 am

I am excited about the upcoming season. Fredi will give a fresh prespective. Freddie is will be ROY canidate, and starting pitching should be good. The bullpen will miss Wagoner,however it should be okay.

Just one thing , PLEASE don’t make us fans suffer through Chip Carey. He ain’t skip and makes watching a game like going to the dentist.

Roja

January 8th, 2011
11:54 am

Yep, Kawakami is NOT a bad pitcher. There are a lot of teams out there who have starting pitchers on their Single A affiliates’ rosters that have 8-22 records and are making $8 million a year . There’s the Braves and then there’s ………………………….

BBUA

January 9th, 2011
11:16 am

To those of you that mentioned moving Chipper to left field, it won’t happen. The braves tried that a few years ago and it didn’t work out. He was playing OF when his all of those nagging injuries started. He has made it clear he doesn’t want to return to the OF and why should he. He is a HOF at 3 rd base.

WTF

January 10th, 2011
4:56 am

Chipper in LF makes me laugh. Some of you fools don’t understand his past injuries do you? He is not fit to play the OF what so ever. Strictly 3B.

hAL

January 10th, 2011
12:15 pm

at least sheafers injury was documented unlike the contrived haystack thing that tp dremed up as an excuse for him being late on any decent fastball on the inner half lol

dwaynerice

January 10th, 2011
2:43 pm

Matt Diaz

January 7th, 2011
8:17 am
With the Phillies adding another stud lefthanded pitcher, you should have never traded me. I am a better LF than Hinske and Mather and can hit lefties better than anyone. Just Dumb.

You weren’t traded, Matt..we just didn’t tender you a contract (unfortunately) and got nothing for you. Asleep at the switch.

Sgt. Pepper

January 10th, 2011
10:27 pm

DOB -

I read the article Carroll wrote about the prospects of the Braves’ big 3 being inducted into the Hall of Fame. I was shocked at the end of the article when it was suggested Chipper was not a lock for Cooperstown. Do you see this as simply the opinion of one reporter (which, if memory serves me correctly, is all that Carroll quoted for that particular opinion), or do you think Chipper will be a close call for enshrinement?

jason

January 11th, 2011
3:22 pm

justin1 our lineup now is better than that

G Braves Fan

January 11th, 2011
6:58 pm

Diaz,

Have you ever in your life, taken a level swing?????????????????????

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