There’s a lot on the line for Braves CF McLouth
Even if Nate McLouth weren’t owed $7.75 million in the final year of his contract, if the amount were significantly less, he would go to spring training with a good chance to be the Braves’ opening-day center fielder.
So says Braves GM Frank Wren, who doesn’t seem nearly as concerned about the team’s projected center fielder as many Braves fans are.
The Braves don't want to put added pressure on McLouth by saying they're counting heavily on him. But...
Team decision-makers believe McLouth can bounce back from a concussed, career-worst 2010 season, when he hit an anemic .190 with 12 doubles, six homers, a .298 on-base percentage and a .620 OPS in 85 games (242 at-bats).
“We think he can do it,” Wren said. “I think we saw enough in September, and we’ve seen enough in his career. He’s a good player. I believe, and I think most people around here believe, that what we saw for that first year he was with us was an aberration. That’s not Nate McLouth. I mean, he’s too good a player, there’s too many teams that would love to have him. And he brings some things to the table that we don’t have.
“I feel real good about where he is now, both physically and mentally, to get the job done this year.”
So does McLouth, 29.
He’s gone from being a 2008 All-Star and Gold Glove winner with Pittsburgh – he had a league-high 46 doubles, 26 homers and 94 RBIs that year – to being a bust so far since a June 2009 trade to Atlanta. But the ever-optimistic Michigan native says he’s ready to get his career back on track.
“Last year when I went through such a tough year, your confidence does take a hit,” McLouth said this week by phone from his home in Grand Rapids, Mich. “But I’ve done it. I’ve gotten my strength back and my swing feels good this offseason. I’m as confident as ever.
“I’m not going to pretend like last year didn’t happen, but I think I can take positives form it, and hopefully when struggles come along, that can help me get through it.”
McLouth missed six weeks with a concussion from a June 9 outfield collision with right fielder Jason Heyward. But even before the collision and DL stint, he was batting only .176 with three homers, 14 RBIs and a .577 OPS in 57 games.
Still, Wren says it’s not the money that McLouth is guaranteed — $6.5 million salary in 2011, and a $10.65 million option for 2012 with a $1.25 million buyout – that stopped the Braves from acquiring another starting center fielder.
“No. The money never was in the equation,” Wren said this week. “The talent is what makes those decisions and drives those decisions. And Nate has talent.”
McLouth is probably tired of seeing this photo, but he had that kind of season.
After struggling for a week in his return from the DL in late July, McLouth was sent back to Triple-A to try to rebuild his confidence and his swing. He impressed teammates and Braves officials by how he responded to that demotion.
(Say this for the guy: teammates in Pittsburgh and Atlanta have always described him as a terrific teammate, a team-first guy.)
McLouth said the time he spent at Triple-A was productive.
“It absolutely was,” he said. “It couldn’t have been handled by the organization, by Bobby [Cox] and Frank, in a better way. I appreciated how they handled it. I tried to handle it as professionally and as well as I could, and to use my time in the minors as a positive, not be upset and bitter about it.”
After five weeks at Triple-A, McLouth was recalled Aug. 31, and in his fourth game back he began a 10-game tear that saw him go 11-for-30 (.367) with three doubles, a triple, three homers and 10 RBIs, and have two other would-be homers taken away by catches above the center-field fence, once with bases loaded.
“When he plays like he’s capable – and we saw it in September – he has an impact on the game,” Wren said. “He can drive a ball out of the park, he can run, he can do a lot of things on the field to help you win.”
The Pirates thought so when they signed him to a three-year, $15.75 million on Feb. 17, 2009, buying out his first three years of arbitration eligibility. They traded him four months later in what the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called a “stunning move.” McLouth had been one of the most popular Pirates in years, both in the community and in the clubhouse.
“I know how it’s going to be received back home,” Pirates general manager Neal Huntington told the Post-Gazette after the deal was announced. “Believe me, it was the most difficult move I’ve made, but we believe it was the right baseball move, and we believe it firmly.”
The Braves gave up three prospects in that trade, pitchers Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke and center-field prospect Gorkys Hernandez. Locke still hasn’t pitched above the Double-A level; Hernandez hit .266 with 11 doubles, two homers and a .668 OPS in Double-A last season, and Morton is 7-21 with a 5.91 ERA in 35 major-league starts for the Pirates.
So it’s not as if anyone the Braves gave up is threatening to haunt them for the next decade.
But that doesn’t change the fact that the Braves haven’t gotten anything close to what they expected from McLouth when they got him in June 2009 to replace their skidding, injured opening-day center fielder Jordan Schafer.
The Pirates immediately replaced McLouth with their top prospect, multi-talented Andrew McCutchen. That’s worked out well for them, to say the least.
In two seasons, McCutchen has hit .286 with 103 extra-base hits (14 triples, 28 homers) in 262 games, with 168 runs, 110 RBIs, 55 stolen bases in 70 attempts, and a .365 on-base percentage and .459 slugging percentage (.824 OPS). In 2010, he had 35 doubles, 16 homers and 33 steals in his first full season.
McLouth was one of the most popular and productive Pirates before the 2008 All-Star was traded to the Braves in June 2009.
Pirates center fielders led the NL in average (.286) and OBP (.359) in 2010, and were fourth in slugging (.450). Braves center fielders? Well, they were last in the NL in average (.232), 14th in slugging (.339), eighth in OBP (.329).
Ouch.
The Braves have paid about $9 million to McLouth already, and in 169 games for the Braves he’s hit .229 (133-for-581) with 32 doubles, 17 homers, 60 RBIs and 89 runs, with a .330 OBP and .379 slugging percentage (.709 OPS).
That’s quite a contrast from his last season-and-a-half with the Pirates, when McLouth hit .269 (205-for-761) with 52 doubles, 34 homers, 137 runs and 123 RBIs, with a .352 OBP and .482 slugging percentage (.834 OPS).
And get this: In his last 169 games for the Pirates, McLouth was successful in 28 of 28 stolen-base attempts. In 169 games for the Braves, he’s been caught eight times in 27 attempts.
Nor has his defense been up to its Pittsburgh levels. In fact, it’s been mediocre or worse at times with the Braves. His throws — or lack thereof — have been particularly baffling. McLouth doesn’t have a particularly strong arm, but too many times he’s opted not to throw at all when it appeared there might be a chance to throw out a runner.
After his encouraging 10-game surge in September, McLouth went 4-for-24 in his last 10 regular-season games, with seven strikeouts, no extra-base hits and no RBIs. He went 1-for-2 with a single in his only postseason plate appearances.
“Even at the end when I tailed off a little bit, I felt like I was hitting the ball hard,” he said. “The whole time I was back [from Triple-A] I felt like I played well.”
That said, McLouth realized he had a lot of work to do after he got home to Michigan and began his offseason workouts.
“One thing I really noticed — it kind of took me till end of year to notice – that in the time I missed due to the concussion I really lost a ton of strength. Because I couldn’t do anything after that concussion, as far as my normal weight workout. And when I got back from the DL I didn’t want to lift and go through that initial soreness you get when you come back from a layoff. I didn’t want to go through that soreness during the season, so I held off on the weights.
“When I got back in the gym after the season, I noticed how much explosiveness and core strength I had lost. That’s one thing that’s been encouraging this winter. It took a while to come back, but I’ve gotten most of my strength back. I feel good.”
He laughed and said, “I will not use the phrase, ‘I’m in the best shape of my life.’ I promise I won’t use that, because everybody uses that.”
But the implication was that he’s in his best shape, or at least getting there. And that’s important for the Braves and for McLouth, who realizes that, for all intents and purposes, the 2011 season is a like a free-agent walk year.
Barring some unexpected turn of events, the Braves will pay the $1.25 million buyout rather than pick up the $10.65 million option for 2012.
For this season, at least, they’re counting on him. If he struggles, next in line is Schafer, who finally seems healthy after missing much of the past two seasons recovering from surgery to repair a fractured bone near his wrist.
If they have to, the Braves could make another emergency trade like the one that brought McLouth, or could pursue another center fielder between now and opening day. But for now, the job is McLouth’s to lose.
He agreed about it being like a free-agent walk year, and called it exciting.
“I haven’t thought about it much, but it’s reality,” he said. “It’s an important year…. I’m back in the right frame of mind, confident and just ready to have a good season and get back to the playoffs.”
Former Cubs and Phillies manager Lee Elia, perhaps most famous for his postgame tirade about drunken Cubs fans, will serve as a special assistant to Wren. Elia will work as an instructor in the majors and minors, and will likely work plenty with McLouth.
McLouth traveled to Atlanta a week before Christmas to meet Larry Parrish and work with the Braves’ new hitting coach. The Braves also plan to have McLouth work a lot with Lee Elia, the former major league manager hired this winter as a Braves special assistant to the GM.
“I haven’t had a chance to meet with [Elia]. But I came to Atlanta in December and worked with Larry, got to work with him and just chat. I liked that, he’s an old-school guy who likes to work. I came down to meet him, talk a little bit. That was the first time I hit this winter.
“I’ve actually cut back a little bit on my hitting this winter, as far as volume. Because I’m going down to Florida on February 1st, and I’ll wait till then to really crank it up. You get more swings in spring training than you can handle, so I’m just hitting two or three times a week right now.”
Elia will serve as an instructor in the majors and minors, focusing on hitting.
“The whole thought in adding guys like Larry and Lee to the staff is, hitting is hard,” Wren said. “It’s one of the hardest things in all of sports to do. And having veteran guys that have seen everything and been around good hitters and helped make good hitters better hitters, can only help us organizationally.”
♣The up-and-comers: In case you missed it, I mentioned in the comments section of the blog yesterday what an impressive group of young prospects the Braves have assembled for their inaugural five-day rookie development camp at Turner Field. I went down to check out a few of the players drafted last June, particularly the batch of college players that could reach the majors sooner than the younger players the Braves traditionally draft or sign as international free agents.
Wren said the Braves recognized a year ago that they had a lot of top young talent in the low minors and elite prospects in the high minors such as Jason Heyward, Mike Minor, Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters and Freddie Freeman.
But in the middle of the organization, they were light on prospects. So they targeted a lot of college players in the draft, guys who are 19, 20, 21 years old and could get to the majors in a year or two.
“That’s why we went out and got the Cunninghams [outfielder Todd Cunningham, second-round pick from Jacksonville State] and the Gosselins [second baseman Phil Gosselin, second-round pick from Virginia] and the Leonards [third baseman Joe Leonard, third-round pick from Pitt], and guys like that, who could jump into the middle.
“And now we’re back to where we have a good, consistent flow of talent again [throughout the organization]. But that was the strategy last year, to do that. Strategically we were trying to fill the middle gap, and it worked out.”
A couple of dozen players or more have filled the clubhouse each morning this week, and it’s odd seeing all these fresh-faced kids using the Braves’ lockers, lounging on the couches, hanging out between workouts and meetings, just cutting up and watching the overhead big-screen TVs.
The first thing I noticed was how comfortable they all seemed with each other and with team employees and media members. It was a great idea to do this thing, to give these guys a chance to experience some of this environment at the same time as so many of their peers, rather than as an isolated rookie called up from the minors and thrust into the major-league atmosphere in the midst of a regular season.
That's Lipka going up to make a catch as a high-school receiver in Texas, where he made the Dallas Morning News' 24-man all-area prospects team in football.
A lot of these guys are shy about being interviewed when they’re called up to the majors during the season, which, if you think about it, seems a natural reaction given that they are surrounded by veteran players in that situation. Many young guys are worried about saying the wrong thing in that atmosphere, or just being at the center of so much attention when others have been on the major league team since opening day, many of them slogging away without getting much attention.
Another thing I noticed: Julio Teheran’s not skinny like he was a couple years ago. The Braves’ uber-prospect pitcher, who’ll be 20 on Jan. 27, is wiry strong these days, and I can see where Wren is coming from when Wren says he reminds him physically of a young Pedro Martinez. (Although I don’t remember Pedro having biceps as big as Teheran’s.)
Shortstop prospect Edward Salcedo and Teheran are two of the youngest guys in the room, but both are confident guys, not shy about interviews at all. Both have swagger, particularly Salcedo, who’s still only 18 but acts like he was born to do this. Which, of course, he was.
You’ve gotta love the guy’s firm shake, and how he looks you in the eye when he’s answering a question, and that smile. He just always looks like he’s enjoying himself. Which is even more noteworthy considering he hit just .225 with three homers and a .307 OBP in 304 plate appearances in his first season of pro ball in 2010, including .197 with a .239 OBP in 209 PAs (54 games) for low-A Rome after being brought over from the Dominican Summer League.
That performance kept him out of Baseball America’s Braves Top-10 prospects list, but it did nothing to diminish the expectations of team officials. The rangy Dominican bonus baby is projected as a future major league standout, either at shortstop or third base.
“He’s young, and it was his first time competing at this level,” Wren said. “You can’t play on an emotional high every day. You’ve got to just play the game. He would have days where he played brilliantly, and then he would have days where he wasn’t as good. That’s the norm for an 18-year-old kid.
“He gets it. You don’t have to talk to him very long to understand that he’s pretty advanced. He knows what he wants to do. He knows exactly where he wants to go, what he wants to do. That’s pretty good.”
The Braves have a bit of a glut of shortstops in their minor league system, and Mycal Jones, who hit .262 with 31 doubles, 15 homers, a .327 OBP and 22 stolen bases last season at three levels in the minors, mostly high-A Myrtle Beach.
Wren said Jones would play a lot of center field this season at Double-A.
“We’re going to start transitioning him,” Wren said. “He’s played some second base in the instructional league. I think the next phase is to look at him some in center field, because he’s a really good athlete, he has explosive speed, and he’s always hit.”
Salcedo (left) has the best raw talent among several shortstop prospects in the Braves organization.
The Braves aren’t moving a few other shortstop prospects to new positions, at least not for the time being. First-round draft pick Matt Lipka could eventually move to the outfield.
“Matt’s a great athlete,” Wren said of the former Texas high school All-State wide receiver. “We don’t predetermine those things coming out of rookie ball, where they’re going to play five years from now when they get to the big leagues. For now, we like his skills at short and we want to keep watching him play there.”
The Braves are also high Tyler Pastornicky, 21, the shortstop prospect they got from Toronto along with veteran shortstop Alex Gonzalez in the trade that sent shortstop Yunel Escobar north of the border.
Pastornicky hit .257 with a .343 OBP, eight homers, 50 RBIs and 35 steals in 115 games last season in high-A and Double-A, and also played some second base.
The Braves drafted shortstop Andrelton Simmons in the second round out of an Oklahoma junior college, and Baseball America rated him the best defensive shortstop in the entire draft. He also had a 97-98 mph fastball as a juco pitcher, which would be an option if he doesn’t make it as a position player.
“We’ve got a lot of good young shortstops,” Wren said. “That’s a good problem to have.”
♣ Cordier has elbow ’scoped: Right-hander Erik Cordier will be at least a few weeks behind other Braves pitchers at spring training after having arthroscopic elbow surgery on Wednesday.
Dr. James Andrews removed a floating particle that Wren said was possible calcified scar tissue that had broken away, a remnant of “Tommy John” elbow surgery that Cordier had three years ago.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound rookie had at least an outside shot at one of the final two spot in the Braves’ bullpen, after going 12-8 with a 3.82 ERA in 2010, including 25 games (23 starts) at Double-A Mississippi and two Triple-A starts. He allowed only 123 hits and three homers in 143-2/3 innings, with 117 strikeouts and 76 walks.
Wren said Cordier, 25, wouldn’t be too far behind other pitchers.
“Dr. Andrews found a little piece, either scar tissue or a small floater in the joint, and they just felt it was best to go in there and arthroscopically pluck it out,” Wren said. “He should be ready to start throwing when we get to spring training. So he’ll probably be a little behind. But it should eliminate having any further discomfort.”
♣ Wren on Chipper: The Braves GM insists he wasn’t worried about Chipper Jones‘ recovery from August knee surgery, even before January when he saw the veteran third baseman go through his first hitting sessions since his ACL surgery.
“I’ve seen Chipper hit three times, I think.” Wren said. “He looks great. That was always my expectation, that he was going to be fine. From the time I watched him get introduced in the playoffs, when he jumped up out of the dugout and ran out on the field, I thought he was doing well and would do well.”
When pressed, Wren did allow that he felt even better after seeing Jones hit.
Only about three weeks to go, folks....
“When I saw him him hit for the first time two weeks ago and really drive the ball, that was great,” Wren said. “That was great to see.”
♣ Braves Caravan: Here’s the rundown from press release about the metro Atlanta area stops on Braves Caravan:
(Participant schedules are subject to change & additional participants will be announced for some dates)
Thursday, January 27
Scheduled to participate: Brian McCann, Jonny Venters, David Ross, and Nate McLouth; and coach Eddie Perez
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Meet and Greet with patients and staff at the Shepherd Center
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Autograph Signing – Peachtree City, Publix Super Market at Wilshire Pavilion, 1200 Highway 74 South
Friday, January 28
Scheduled to participate: Brian McCann, David Ross, Brandon Beachy; pitching coach Roger McDowell, and GM Frank Wren
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Meet and Greet with students and teachers at Creekland Middle School in Canton
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Autograph signing at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Athens, 3505 Atlanta Highway (at Timothy Rd.)
Monday, January 31
Scheduled to participate: Chipper Jones, Peter Moylan, and Jordan Schafer; manager Fredi Gonzalez, GM Frank Wren, and Braves president John Schuerholz
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Meet and Greet with baseball and softball teams from several Atlanta Public High Schools at The New Schools at Carver, 55 McDonough Blvd, Atlanta
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Surprise lunch stop at local restaurant
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Surprise visit with customers and employees at a local business
Wednesday, February 2
Scheduled to participate: Jason Heyward, Mike Minor, Stephen Marek, and Scott Proctor; manager Fredi Gonzalez, and Braves president John Schuerholz
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Autograph Signing – Roswell, Publix Super Market at 4401 Shallowford Road
Friday, February 4
Scheduled to participate: Martin Prado, George Sherrill, Craig Kimbrel, and Eric O’Flaherty, and bench coach Carlos Tosca
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Meet and Greet with patients and staff at Piedmont Hospital
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Autograph Signing – Lawrenceville, Publix Super Market at Old Peachtree, 2380 Buford Drive (Hwy 20)
♣ Etc. Three Braves spring training games will be shown on ESPN: vs. Tigers on March 3, vs. Boston March 16, and vs. Philly on March 25. The Braves, Yankees and Red Sox are tied for the most scheduled appearances among ESPN’s 10 spring games. (Yes, it probably helps when a team plays its home Grapefruit League games at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.)
OK, that’s it for baseball news. Stop here if you dislike reading about music and non-baseball matters….
I”m officially digging the upcoming Drive-By Truckers album Go-Go Boots, set for release Feb. 15. A friend had a hookup, and I’ve been listening to it a lot lately. It grows on you after an initial surprise at the direction the band has gone on this one. It’s got a lot more country and R&B flavor than their usual wall-of-squal guitar sound, and they do it well. (After all, they are based in soulful Muscle Shoals, in addition to Athens.) Steel guitar, retro organ … We like. A lot.
And speaking of likes, if you haven’t seen Fred Eaglesmith live and ever get a chance to, you must. He’s a brilliant singer-songwriter and also one helluva pure entertainer, great stage banter and funny stories between his songs. And with the Fabulous Ginn Sisters as his opening act, then doubling as his band and backup singers, it was a memorable show Wednesday at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. Quite a lineup coming at Eddie’s, by the way, with two of my favorites coming soon – Alejandro Escovedo Jan. 30-31 and James McMurtry in March.
Let’s close with one of Fred’s gems, “49 Tons,” and here’s a video of him doing it live.
“49 TONS” by Fred Eaglesmith
There were seventeen cars out in my back yard,
The boys in blue are calling my name,
Semi-automatic up on the rooftop,
They just to want to talk to me,
I told them what they wanted to hear,
The only thing that I knew:
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn’t drag me back to you.
Everywhere you look, there’s a train wreck, baby,
Everywhere you look, there’s a runaway train,
Play my heart like a bottleneck, baby,
Running up and down and pulling it’s strings.
Everywhere you go, everybody knows,
You’re looking for someone to do.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn’t drag me back to you.
If I was a switchman, if I was a brakeman,
If I was an engineer,
I’d point that train on down the track
And clear on out of here.
If I was the man swinging the lantern,
I’d swing it ’til it was blue.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn’t drag me back to you.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn’t drag me back to you.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn’t drag me back to you.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn’t drag me back to you.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn’t drag me back to you.
By David O’Brien, Braves blog
3,390 comments Add your comment
fleming
January 20th, 2011
3:51 pm
Thanks DOB
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
3:53 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!
Turtsnap
January 20th, 2011
4:00 pm
Wow, tons of info in this blog. Fantastic!!! Man I can’t wait to head to the Ted!
Pierson Brave
January 20th, 2011
4:09 pm
Whew, great post O’great1. Lots to digest.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
4:11 pm
Good article, DOB. I am kind of scared about McLouth next season, but I think he is worth giving another chance. I don’t believe he can be any worse than last season. I could be wrong, but I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and just hope he finds his groove this upcoming season.
2 hot scott
January 20th, 2011
4:15 pm
DOB, 4 questions.
1. Has Wags filed his retirement papers yet or shall we read between the lines?
2. Has KK been told not to come to Orlando when the pitchers report?
3. Do you feel the team is set barring injury or injury setback?
4. Lastly, did you talk to Larry about my suggestions on correcting his swing?
Shake Tiller
January 20th, 2011
4:16 pm
Heck of a blog. With the good Nate this the could be really good.
TennesseePaul
January 20th, 2011
4:16 pm
Thanks for the work DOB
rr
January 20th, 2011
4:16 pm
Is Posendick not an option at all?
David O'Brien
January 20th, 2011
4:17 pm
1. Has Wags filed his retirement papers yet or shall we read between the lines?
2. Has KK been told not to come to Orlando when the pitchers report?
3. Do you feel the team is set barring injury or injury setback?
4. Lastly, did you talk to Larry about my suggestions on correcting his swing? — 2 hot scott
1. Yes
2. No
3. Probably
4. No
Snotboogie
January 20th, 2011
4:18 pm
Good stuff, DOB.
bruce
January 20th, 2011
4:19 pm
Thanks for the Nate update!! Dave
I am really hoping the best for Nate and Jordan…it will be a great improvment for them to be productive lead-off hitters this season. It will also be nice to see Freddie make the case for batting something other than 8th or 7th… real nice line-up “problems” to have. Gonna be fun.
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
4:20 pm
Hi, bruce! How’ve you been?
MZ
January 20th, 2011
4:22 pm
DOB —–
You see the Jazz Fest lineup yet? Holy crap!!! Ain’t nothin keepin me from the Big Easy that weekend!!
b
January 20th, 2011
4:22 pm
And Dave, still not a word about Nate the carnival act’s throwing arm.
Why in the h— will someone not bring up Nate’s defense?
His poor year wasn’t only about offense.
I mean he practically became a psycho at times in the ouutfield.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
4:23 pm
I can’t wait to see how Robert will react next season when he has to bash someone else other than Cox.
ColoradoBravesFan
January 20th, 2011
4:24 pm
It’s really cold here in Colorado and I can’t wait for P&Cs to report. Man, if Nate can rebound it will go a long way in making our offense better an making our line-up deeper. I still am worried about the bullpen, losing Wagner and Saito will be hard to replace.
GO BRAVES
Josh
January 20th, 2011
4:24 pm
DOB, what would your lineup be for this season?
foultip
January 20th, 2011
4:25 pm
Oh, how many players have had their best year when it’s contract time.
Have that fantastic year, then sign a multi year big money contract and hit the tank again. The contracts are our form our winning the lotto. I always thought it would be a good idea to have a team full of players playing in the last year of their contract. Production would be outstanding and the possiblities of winning the World Series excellent.
bruce
January 20th, 2011
4:25 pm
or even more pertinent… will Nate get 13 back? Maybe he just was not cut out to be 24… even though is he a fan of that show.
Wyoming
January 20th, 2011
4:26 pm
Good stuff. Nice work.
fleming
January 20th, 2011
4:28 pm
Josh
Too early in the new Blog to do lineup discussions. Wait a couple days.
Nova Scotia Steve
January 20th, 2011
4:28 pm
Nice read. Great update on McLouth DOB. He sounds confident and that’s a positive – one of the first big steps in baseball is to head to the plate with confidence.
If you don’t believe in yourself who will.
ChillyMutt
January 20th, 2011
4:28 pm
Oh in that collision with right fielder Jason Heyward, McLouth made no attempt to call off the right fielder. I don’t know how he ever won a Gold Glove. I’ve seen just miss and easy soft liner in the gap and take bad angles on balls multiple times. If all these other teams want him, I say let them have him.
the real Old Gold
January 20th, 2011
4:29 pm
Too much information at once. Overload.
Lew
January 20th, 2011
4:29 pm
I’ve pretty uch said all I need to about Nate. I truly hope he has a huge bounce back season.
Good to hear about Teheran and Salcedo’s confidence. I always liked Teheran ever since he was signed and I’m sure that he will be fine and hope Salcedo’s development continues in a more positive manor this year.
Sounds like Wren and the scouting department drafted some real athletes with the potential to diversify defensively. That’s always a good thing. Looks like Lipka can take a hit.
braves4ever
January 20th, 2011
4:29 pm
DOB, good stuff thanks
DAP
January 20th, 2011
4:30 pm
how many cunninghams, gosselins, and leonards did we draft?
bruce
January 20th, 2011
4:30 pm
Hey McFann — I’m doing pretty well… thanks for asking…. not working for Cuccinelli anymore, he has all the resources he needs as AG. Have a snow blower now after the depths of last winter, and will be perfectly happy to not use it… looking forward to opening day (and PCR for that matter).
Piedmont Blues
January 20th, 2011
4:33 pm
Thanks, DOB. Great to hear about all those shortstops!
DAP
January 20th, 2011
4:34 pm
I’ve pretty uch said all I need to about Nate.
you have some opinions on mclouth, lew? do tell. :- )
cheshire
January 20th, 2011
4:34 pm
Obviously all Braves fans hope McLouth comes back and has a great year, but I don’t really see where Wren’s optimism is coming from here.
40yrBravesFan
January 20th, 2011
4:36 pm
Thanks DOB. Good to hear about the youngsters. Spring CANNOT get here fast enough.
GO BRAVES!!
Trey
January 20th, 2011
4:40 pm
40yrBravesFan, yeah I am ready for the boys of summer to get back on the field where they belong. Speaking of Boys of Summer, does anyone know where I could find that old Braves “song/commercial”, Here come the boys of summer rollin on back in town, tomahawks will be choppin now, pitchers gonna shut ‘em down?
David O'Brien
January 20th, 2011
4:41 pm
Three Braves spring training games will be on ESPN: vs. Tigers on March 3, vs. Boston March 16, and vs. Philly on March 25
Chip's Caray
January 20th, 2011
4:41 pm
I personally ragged on Nate a lot last season for… well, sucking. But he does seem like a nice guy that deserves another chance to succeed again in 2011. I think he can do it.
Chip's Caray
January 20th, 2011
4:43 pm
I’m still wondering who’s going to be calling the Peachtree TV games this season. I figure Joe Simpson will be one of the announcers.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
4:44 pm
Yup. I’ve seen Polar bears, caribou, wolves, foxes, moose, seals – you name it basically. Problem is many communities actually is climate is warming and polar bears are beginning to roaming the street in search of food NSSteve
hah, shades of Northern Exposure, a great series IMO….well maybe not the last season
Hillbilly
January 20th, 2011
4:45 pm
He laughed and said, “I will not use the phrase, ‘I’m in the best shape of my life.’ I promise I won’t use that, because everybody uses that.”
He reads the blog comments. There’s no doubt about it.
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
4:46 pm
bruce not working for Cuccinelli anymore, he has all the resources he needs as AG.
Oh, I’m sorry! Every time I’ve seen him on TV, I’ve thought of you.
Have a snow blower now after the depths of last winter, and will be perfectly happy to not use it…
Ha! Yeah…we had a big snow/ice storm (by our standards, anyway) last week. It’s weird to think that this time a week ago we were venturing outside for the first time since it all fell, and there was still ice and snow all over the place, and now today it’s in the 40’s…craziness…
looking forward to opening day (and PCR for that matter).
Me, TOO!
January always drags on forever. Just under 4 weeks, though, and catchers and pitchers will be reporting! Can’t wait…once they report it won’t be long till the games start up! Spring Training games are fun to follow, I think.
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
4:47 pm
Three Braves spring training games will be on ESPN: vs. Tigers on March 3, vs. Boston March 16, and vs. Philly on March 25
YAY! Thanks, Chief!!
Eeerrrg…I’m gonna make it…I’m gonna make it…!
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
4:49 pm
February 26th is the first game!!
Chris from the Rock
January 20th, 2011
4:49 pm
I’m smelling another Braves dynasty. The decade is ours, my friends!
K.C. Frenchy
January 20th, 2011
4:51 pm
26 homers & 94 rbi, WOW anything close to those numbers, what would that do for the Bravos chances??? Lets go Nate, we NEED you to come thru! Going to be a interesting year huh DOB?
David O'Brien
January 20th, 2011
4:51 pm
Braves games are on ESPN three times in spring training, tied with Yankees and Red Sox for most appearances. (Helps when you play home games at “ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.”)
Snotboogie
January 20th, 2011
4:52 pm
Obviously all Braves fans hope McLouth comes back and has a great year, but I don’t really see where Wren’s optimism is coming from here.
If it helps, you can go ahead and imagine him disheveled, bug-eyed and chewing out his fingernails.
MFin04
January 20th, 2011
4:53 pm
McLouth deserves another shot next year, but Frank Wren is out of his mind if he thinks this decision didn’t have a lot to do with money. It certainly had a lot more to do with money than McLouth’s supposed talent.
The guy was one of the worst CFs both offensively and defensively last year and he is going to make almost 8 million bucks this year.
And the reason they didn’t go out and get another CF is purely based on money. They couldn’t afford to go out and get another CF. Especially not when they were paying 8 million for McLouth to then sit the bench to be a very expensive pinch runner.
Snotboogie
January 20th, 2011
4:53 pm
He reads the blog comments. There’s no doubt about it.
Uh oh! That cant be good for his confidence, can it?
nolie
January 20th, 2011
4:56 pm
like watching someone order Filet Mignon in restaurant cooked well done, then smother it in Ketchup Snot
tell me about it. while in college I worked part time running a pool hall, an older student I was friends with was a pretty fine pool player. we would play straight pool to 150 for dinner. Every time we went no matter who paid that was exactly what he did, ordered a filet mignon well done and put ketchup on it. Since he usually won more often that I did at that time, I found it even more depressing to have to watch him do that. wasn’t bad enough that I had lost I had to pay for that mess too
.
O-me
January 20th, 2011
4:56 pm
Play my heart like a bottleneck, baby.
Everyone knows your looking for some one to do!
49 tons…………Well said.
Lew
January 20th, 2011
4:58 pm
Trey – You’re assuming that the Cox bashing ever stopped.
Joey
January 20th, 2011
4:59 pm
Nate,
I watched you with the Pirates and know what you can do. A player just doesn’t lose the ability that you have.
You just put up your career averages, and the Braves will be in the thick of the pennant race this season.
Go Braves!
bschro3000
January 20th, 2011
5:01 pm
Damn thats a long post. Great job DOB.
Also – i second your reviews of the new DBT. It’s great. Very mellow. I think the songwriting takes center stage on this album – and from all three songwriters. This is an album where they miss a few old band mates . . . their sound would have been great here.
Jason Isbell would stand out on this album.
cricket
January 20th, 2011
5:04 pm
Stankees signing Andruw – one-year deal worth $2 million plus $1.2 million in performance bonuses
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
5:06 pm
DOB Helps when you play home games at “ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.”
Ha! For sure…
Of course those other two didn’t need any help, though.
N8
January 20th, 2011
5:06 pm
“Heck of a blog. With the good Nate this the could be really good.”
That’s what is kind of intriguing about this team. On one hand you have 3 “mysteries” (4 if you’re concerned about Prado adjusting to LF). They are as follows:
1) How will Freeman handle the everyday role?
2) Will Chipper remain healthy enough to contribute?
2A) If Chipper can’t go, who plays LF when Prado moves to 3B?
3) How will Nate rebound?
My on Freeman is simple. I think he’ll hit and produce close to what LaRoche did his 1st full season in 2005 (140 games, 20 HR, 78 RBI). Worst case scenario, he’s a great glove and Hinske can spel him if needed.
My take on Chipper is a bit more sketchy. If he’s healthy, it will be a big boost. I’d still like to have another veteran infielder to spell him so when he needs a day off, Prado can stay in LF. And perhaps even if he’s injured for an extended period of time, Prado could remain out there as well. Either way, Wren needs to find a reliable 4th OF (could be Hinske if Freeman is fine at 1B?), or another utility type guy for this purpose. Doing so would also solidify the bench in the event they aren’t needed to start too many games.
Then there’s Nate. Too many people dooming and glooming the fact that he’s still out there. I say hogwash. Our LF/CF combination was so bas last year, half of that is now taken care of with Prado in LF. While not a prototypical power corner outfielder, he’ll provide a great improvement over what we had in LF last year. Add to that, adding Uggla at 2B now solidifies some more power in the lineup.
To me it doesn’t matter where the guys play and provide the power. If it makes you feel better, pretend Prado is still at 2B and Wren adding Uggla essentially gives us a 30+ power guy in “LF”. The end result on the lineup is the same.
Back to Nate… what nobody is really talking about is the fact tha if for some reason, Nate does rebound to his 2008 (or even 2009), form? This lineup will actually be pretty damn good. With no real weak links anywhere.
We have 4 of the 8 guys that are REALLY good hitters. Uggla, Mac, Prado and Heyward. All have been All-Stars. Uggla was the 2010 silver slugger award.
Then we have two guys that likely will at the very least provide decent production in Freeman and Gonzo. Leaving Chipper, who if healthy should give us 15-20 HR and 75-80 RBI. Not what he once was, but no slouch at the plate, especially with all his walks.
Again, leaving Nate. So what if he doesn’t rebound to 2009 form. If he doesn’t it leaves one weak link in the lineup. Perhaps Schafer takes over at some point. Perhaps Wren finds another option for CF (Mather?). Perhaps even Andruw or somebody like him is picked up to even platoon with Nate in CF (or play LF if Prado is needed at 3B).
Lot of “ifs” on this team. But really when you look at it, there is fewer question marks for the lineup going into 2011, than there was going into 2010.
Those questions were:
1) How would Glaus rebound and handle 1B?
2) How would Prado respond given the full time 2B job?
3) How would young Heyward handle ML pitching?
4) Could Escobar take the next step?
5) Could Diaz handle everyday duties in LF?
The pitching is a whole other matter, with “different” questions (but similar ones) that we had going into 2010.
Bottom line from my angle is that this team should be good enough to win around 88-91 games even if some of the question marks don’t pan out. And possibly more if guys like Nate, Chipper and Freeman produce.
Enough to catch the Phillies or keep up with them? Likely not. But certainly enough to be in the running for the wild card again.
Anybody assuming we’ll win the East is being optimistic. Anybody assuming this team has no shot at the wild card is being pessimistic and not realistically looking at things.
The 2011 Braves will be a good, competitive team. For right now, that’s good enough, and enough reason to be excited for the upcoming season.
cricket
January 20th, 2011
5:08 pm
McLouth deserves another shot next year, but Frank Wren is out of his mind if he thinks this decision didn’t have a lot to do with money.
He’s not out of his mind. Given the situation, you just can’t expect him to come out and say that this decision has a lot to do with money – even if it is.
Soph
January 20th, 2011
5:08 pm
Dammit Andruw, anyone but the Yankees.
cricket
January 20th, 2011
5:10 pm
Damn thats a long post. Great job DOB.
That’s not a post buddy, that’s the blog. Long posts always belong to Nye8.
Lew
January 20th, 2011
5:11 pm
The Good Nathan finally showed up. I agree pretty much with that assessment.
N8
January 20th, 2011
5:12 pm
Well, I guess that takes Andruw off the platoon/4th OF list, huh?
NY is a good fit for him actually. He can play all 3 OF spots and DH if they need him to. Good RH bat off the bench for Girardi.
I’m really suprised Wren didn’t think harder about that one. Then again, not really.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
5:13 pm
Lew, nooo, I just want to see who will get blamed for the loses next season.
justafan
January 20th, 2011
5:13 pm
hate long blogs..we are excited..take a breath N8……play ball!
N8
January 20th, 2011
5:14 pm
“The Good Nathan finally showed up. I agree pretty much with that assessment.”
LOL! I never went away. Just because you don’t agree with me on a topic, doesn’t make me “bad”. I just figured the Bobby banter had run it’s course. I actually had calmed down and started chatting in a civil manner with nolie late last night. Too many take my rants as angry rants. My BP didn’t rise once last night while discussing Bobby. Just got a little long winded with it.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
5:15 pm
I’m not too surprised either N8.
NY is a homer park which is what Druw has specialized in the last few years. Prolly a good idea since that’s about all he can do any more as a hitter.
Skeezix
January 20th, 2011
5:15 pm
While wishing we still had Wagner…………Why Wren, oh why? Why did you lock us in at big dollars for so long with KK and McLouth? Is there anybody in this whole wide world who can make sense out of those two trades?
Oh well, what’s done is done, we are we we are, etc. I hope for the best for Nate.
But please, Frank/Fredi–no more K.K.
Tim B.
January 20th, 2011
5:16 pm
I hate this time of year. Basketball sucks. Football is winding down. And we are still a few weeks away from spring training. HS baseball starts the week after next and the colleges are already going. So it should be spring, right? Bring on the 70 degree temps. and some spring training baseball to warm us all up and get excited about the season ahead. Thanks DOB for getting us thinking a few weeks ahead. Can’t wait to ready your blogs from spring training.
Travis
January 20th, 2011
5:16 pm
DOB, you put some serious time and effort into that blog!! Very much appreciated. Sounds like you enjoyed that meet and get to know em at the Ted as much as the kids did.
Abwright
January 20th, 2011
5:16 pm
Nolie … NE season six was actually pretty good. When the actor who played Fleischman left, they had to make some midseason corrections which weakened the end of the season. But some of the series best eps occur in the last year.
N8
January 20th, 2011
5:16 pm
“Lew, nooo, I just want to see who will get blamed for the loses next season.”
Trey, there are 27 options on any given night. The 25 players on the active roster. Fredi and of course Wren if the guys he give Fredi to go to battle with don’t produce, while other options he could have had do for other teams.
For instance, if a guy like Andruw tears it up against LHP pitching for the Yanks, and Nate fails miserably again? Wren will take the brunt of that “choice”.
But I’m an equal opportunity griper. Nobody is off limits to being blamed for a loss.
Abwright
January 20th, 2011
5:18 pm
I’m going to blame Robert for everything that goes wrong in 2011. Makes as much sense as blaming the manager.
Clarence
January 20th, 2011
5:20 pm
Where can I go to buy World Series tickets?
Murph
January 20th, 2011
5:21 pm
McLouth should have quite a year… if you look at him from the right perspective:
- He’s lowered expectations enough to where hitting above .215 would be a big deal
- He’s going to be a free agent after the season and he’s playing for his career. Another sub .200 season and he’s off to the Royals to join Melky in 2012
- There’s not a single qualified prospect who can come up and take his spot, so he’s your starting CF on opening day no matter what
I expect big things from Nate this season. My prediction: .235, 11HR, 62RBI
7-11
January 20th, 2011
5:22 pm
Go to the City Of Brotherly love…….clarence
Paul Hewitt
January 20th, 2011
5:23 pm
Did all you negative bloggers and carping ajc sportswriters see me crush that mighty Wake Forest team?
Trey
January 20th, 2011
5:23 pm
“But I’m an equal opportunity griper. Nobody is off limits to being blamed for a loss.”
Well, at least you are fair with your blame on players and coaches! I’d probably blame the worst person on the team, heh.
Clarence
January 20th, 2011
5:24 pm
Oh, okay, thanks…..
Quicherbichin
January 20th, 2011
5:24 pm
Trey.. I’d figure that Robert, better known as Donkey in the blog, probably has an edited copy.. I thought that commercial had Bobby in it as well and we all know that Robert couldn’t have that in his stall.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
5:25 pm
Abwright, I will blame this fortune teller down the street. She told me the Braves would win the World Series in 2011. Got my entire fortune riding on that.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
5:28 pm
“Trey.. I’d figure that Robert, better known as Donkey in the blog, probably has an edited copy.. I thought that commercial had Bobby in it as well and we all know that Robert couldn’t have that in his stall.
Oh, that was just a seperate comment of the comment of Robert. I was just trying to find where I could find it. I haven’t seen it in years and that song was in my head.
Abwright
January 20th, 2011
5:29 pm
Trey … Did you give the FT any money on that bet?
Trey
January 20th, 2011
5:31 pm
Abwright, she told me it would be in my best interests to and to trust her.
Mitchie-san
January 20th, 2011
5:31 pm
I like the smell of a new blog in the morning. Smells like victory.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
5:32 pm
Nah, there aren’t any fortune tellers around here. Well that I know, at least. You got these roadside fortune tellers like Miss Violet that I don’t trust. I really don’t know why anyone trusts them.
Lew
January 20th, 2011
5:33 pm
Nathan – Nah, you’ve got little angels and demons that look like the Guitarist from Stryper and Keith Richards that whisper all sorts of crap in your ears.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
5:36 pm
Mitchie-san, finally got things situated with my detailer.
"Chef" Tim Dix
January 20th, 2011
5:39 pm
The pic of Lee Elia looks like it was drawn by a MAD Magazine artist.
Just saying.
Abwright
January 20th, 2011
5:40 pm
There’s an ad on the top of the page that says “snoring is the silent killer.”
That’s just wrong. The missus isn’t silent as she blows your head off … You couldn’t hear her coming over all that dayum snoring.
Skeezix
January 20th, 2011
5:41 pm
Thanks DOB:
Right now this MLB fan lives in a vacuum. I find the NFL boring. The NBA drives me nutty cause so many players get away with walking, the foul calling makes no sense from game to game, and the season never ends. Then my wife hears me complaining so she takes the remote away and the next thing I know–she’s turned to one of those syrupy Hallmark movies. I enjoy NCAA basketball, but it’s still not the Braves.
So, your Braves updates are all I got to hang onto and help me survive the sucking action of this “MLB/Braves” vacuum.
Curse of the Flat Billed Cap
January 20th, 2011
5:44 pm
“No. The money never was in the equation,” Wren said this week. “The talent is what makes those decisions and drives those decisions. And Nate has talent.”
Yeah and Wren has some fine Florida Swampland he will sell to you for a song!
Murph
January 20th, 2011
5:47 pm
I like the smell of a new blog in the morning.
Hey, that’s my new blog line.
Pete*
January 20th, 2011
5:47 pm
May already be posted, but A. Jones signed with Yankees.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/andruw-jones-tries-to-810349.html
Farnsworthy
January 20th, 2011
5:47 pm
At least Andruw didn’t turn traitor and go to the Mets.
Navigator
January 20th, 2011
5:50 pm
I’m astonished the management keeps saying this, are they this far from reality or the owners told them to make it work or lose their own jobs. The guy was a cancer to the lineup, automatic out, bigger hole than the pitcher.
Mitchie-san
January 20th, 2011
5:52 pm
Sorry, Murp. Didnt mean to steal it.
Mitchie-san
January 20th, 2011
5:53 pm
Oh yeah, Trey? What did you decide?
Trey
January 20th, 2011
5:54 pm
Charlotte, NC.
Mitchie-san
January 20th, 2011
5:55 pm
FT. Bragg??
nolie
January 20th, 2011
5:56 pm
automatic out, bigger hole than the pitcher Navigator
exaggeration is always interesting
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
5:58 pm
Thanks for the new blog, DOB.
Good stuff on Nate, beyond the obvious benefit to the team, he’s easy to pull for. Interesting bit on the kids too, let’s hope a handful pan out.
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
6:01 pm
When someone says”it’s not about the money,” at least in my experience, it’s the money.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
6:04 pm
Thanks for the blog, DOB…good stuff as always.
Lew
January 20th, 2011
6:05 pm
Did anyone truly believe that Wren was going to come out and announce to everyone “Yeah, we know Nate sucks and we’re not at all confident he can ever hit another baseball, but we owe him so much money that we have no choice but to play him and hope he doesn’t suck even worse.”?
LowCountry XPlant
January 20th, 2011
6:05 pm
Good column DOB. Making me anxious for spring training.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
6:06 pm
so if you say she ain’t your girlfriend for the sex……?
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
6:07 pm
Not me, Lew.
Just Saying...
January 20th, 2011
6:08 pm
All hail Alejandro Escovedo!
Lew
January 20th, 2011
6:08 pm
I’ve still got my health care program.
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
6:08 pm
Take it to the Fox blog, Ed.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
6:09 pm
so if you say she ain’t your girlfriend for the sex……?
I haven’t read the first page of comments, but Tomahawkin must be on.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
6:10 pm
caint believe y’all have so little faith in Smilin’ Frank’s trustworthiness. shocking !
nolie
January 20th, 2011
6:11 pm
nah jeffrey Bat’s comment at the top of the page.
Fredi's Fu Manchu
January 20th, 2011
6:13 pm
Nate has a good arm.
Fredi's Fu Manchu
January 20th, 2011
6:13 pm
But he throws w/ the other one.
Lollygagger
January 20th, 2011
6:15 pm
Reading his comments on his situation and seeing what teammates say about him, McLouth is is a hard character to not pull for. Seems like a good dude who has simply hit a rough patch with confidence. Hope he gets it back to form for the season… for HIS sake just as much for Braves’ sake. Hate to see good guys get beat up so badly.
Lew
January 20th, 2011
6:15 pm
Nate has a good arm? OK. When will he start using it?
T for Texas
January 20th, 2011
6:15 pm
Take it to the Fox blog, Ed.
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
6:15 pm
nolie_
It’s like when a woman asks,’do these pants make my butt look big’? No matter what you might think to yourself, the only acceptable answer is no.
7-11
January 20th, 2011
6:17 pm
Nate has a good arm?..Lew that was really funny!
bobbymahlon
January 20th, 2011
6:18 pm
I just hope out of McLouth,Schafer and Young one of these guys steps up and becomes the center fielder we need. From what I have heard and seen Schafer has the best tools to become a really good center fielder much more so than the other two.
I do not think Hinske playing every day at first would be as good as Freeman hitting .250 because Fredi looks to be a much better fielder digging out throws in the dirt than Eric. When Eric plays every day he does not look as good as he does filling in and pinch hitting.
Has any thought been given to bringing back Glaus to fill in at first and third if he gets into shape, don’t everybody jump on me all at once but is just a thought on my part.
Rock
January 20th, 2011
6:19 pm
My wife looks great in everything she wears. Happy wife,happy life.
Snotboogie
January 20th, 2011
6:19 pm
No matter what you might think to yourself, the only acceptable answer is no.
Think?
Who’s got time for that.You dont think, you dont look.
Bam! No.
Walk away.
Bigwheel
January 20th, 2011
6:20 pm
@ Bat, does this fat make my pants look as$?
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
6:22 pm
Do you guys think this is our Nick?
An Oakland A’s fan has started a website entitled iwannafightbrianwilson.com and hopes to set up a charity boxing match against the eccentric San Francisco Giants closer.
According to this challenger named “Nick,” Wilson initially proposed a fight between the two last May at Oakland Coliseum. With the A’s up in the weekend series 2-0, Nick said he asked Wilson to sign a broom. Wilson didn’t take kindly to the suggestion — again, this account is from Nick — and invited the A’s fan down on the field to fight….
“If Brian Wilson is a real “tuff guy” like he tries to promote himself to be, and wants to challenge me to fight in a situation where i would get arrested, then I’m sure he is tuff enough to take on this challenge and get into a ring with me and have a legal boxing match! The ball is in his court now!
And just for those who think Im trying to gain anything from this, If Wilson does man up and we have a boxing match, I will donate half of all proceeds to a local childrens charity and the other half Wilson can do what he wants with. He can donate to his favorite charity if he wants( The Tool Academy).”
Rock
January 20th, 2011
6:24 pm
How about,does my fat a** make these pants look better?
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
6:25 pm
SB_
Bigwheel_
Post a photo bucket link, you’ll get some replies.
Murph
January 20th, 2011
6:25 pm
Politics? Politics??? You son of a…
Chopper, sick balls.
Lollygagger
January 20th, 2011
6:27 pm
My wife looks great in everything she wears. Happy wife,happy life.
Clearly you get it, my friend. Spoken like a true veteran- bet you weren’t married yesterday, were you?
Quicherbichin
January 20th, 2011
6:28 pm
Actually’ Trey.. It was that combined the two… personally.. I’d like to see Fredi take the year off and let Robert manage the first 81 games of the year and Mitchell the last 81… then they could see how good their ideas are and get bashed by the bloggers here.. i know I’d be first in line for that
&
Curse of the Flat Billed Cap
January 20th, 2011
6:28 pm
“Did anyone truly believe that Wren was going to come out and announce to everyone “Yeah, we know Nate sucks and we’re not at all confident he can ever hit another baseball, but we owe him so much money that we have no choice but to play him and hope he doesn’t suck even worse.”?”
Ahh no… but I don’t expect the GM to pizz down everyone’s back and swear that it’s rain! Believe it or not, there are a number of baseball GM’s who will diplomatically skirt the issue of an underperforming player before they will shout from the rooftops that their underperformer is going to come back and be a real contributor to the lineup. No matter what Wren says about a guy, everyone else in the game has their book on Nate. Wren saying he’s poised to come back isn’t going to sway the opinion of a single GM or organization. If he says Nate sucks, it isn’t going to sway the opinion of a single GM or organization.
Wren’s sole purpose for the Nate sale job is for the edification of the fans. Nate knows where he stands not matter what Wren says. As a fan, I don’t appreciate being told that Nate’s contract wasn’t a factor in deciding if the team would go out and find another CF’er. For all practical purposes, Nate has an untradeable contract. Braves are stuck with him.
Rock
January 20th, 2011
6:30 pm
Quite a few years,Lollygagger.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
6:31 pm
Mitchie-san, no.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
6:41 pm
Way to go, Trey.
Timbo
January 20th, 2011
6:41 pm
Now that’s a blog…. Thx!
Fredi's Fu Manchu
January 20th, 2011
6:45 pm
Defensively we are avg at SS and C and suck at 2B. Need to play some D in CF. Don’t hate the tats – Schafer is needed – on Day 1.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
6:48 pm
damn that blog was long. are we sure that N8 didn’t sneak in somehow and write it?
enjoyable read DOB, thanx again.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
6:50 pm
Defensively we are avg at SS Fredi’s
then why was Gonzo ranked in top 7 by most metrics and the Fielding Bible vote by 10 extremely knowledgeable baseball folks? all them folks is dummies huh?
Trey
January 20th, 2011
6:51 pm
Jeffrey, why way to go? What’d I do?
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
6:52 pm
Ahh no… but I don’t expect the GM to pizz down everyone’s back and swear that it’s rain!……. Wren’s sole purpose for the Nate sale job is for the edification of the fans. _ Curse of the Flat Billed Cap
While I do not believe reading Wren’s comments will make me a better man, I was somewhat uplifted by them. Now I just feel dirty.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
6:57 pm
SUCKA !
Prime Time
January 20th, 2011
7:08 pm
Where McCarver at?
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:15 pm
Nolie, who you talking to?
Soph
January 20th, 2011
7:24 pm
I haven’t read the first page of comments, but Tomahawkin must be on.
Is it bad that I thought the same thing after reading that?
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:27 pm
I feel a “Bing!” coming on soon….
LTBF
January 20th, 2011
7:30 pm
The best thing we could do with Nate is trade him for whatever little and I do mean little we can get for him, maybe a batboy?
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
7:30 pm
Trey_
nolie was probably talking about me being somewhat edified by Wren’s comments.
Brave4life- We almost had it
January 20th, 2011
7:30 pm
I loved this guy when he was on the Prates. I remember wishing he would join the braves but now I can care less about him. I am rooting for him but that tomahawk swing needs to change. He barely hits to the opposite field. When he does he seems confused about how it ended up there.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
7:31 pm
I was responding to Bat’s post about feeling uplifted by Wren’s comments Trey
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:32 pm
Bat, there is no telling with Nolie. You can’t ever up with Nolie.
DK
January 20th, 2011
7:33 pm
May have been posted several days, but Braves Com. sent me list of Braves attending the stops on the Braves Caravan.
LTBF
January 20th, 2011
7:35 pm
With Nate or Jordan out there all year our CFers won’t hit in the low .230s but even lower this year.
Ted M
January 20th, 2011
7:37 pm
Holy Cow…F Wren is drinking his own kool-aid. McLouth, in addition, to his miserable season went something like 3 for 45 in spring training. That 10 game streak was inconsequential and he was “robbed” of those homers because he’s a really small guy (that’s gonna happen) not because he was hot and actually got robbed.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:38 pm
Way to stay optimistic, LTBF.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
7:38 pm
I’m sure someone here knows which site charts the distribution of a hitter to different fields??
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:39 pm
I think some people would’ve been happier if Wren had said “Yeah, Nate sucks. But he sucks too much and costs too much for us to trade or dump him, so he’s sticking around.”
That’s the way you run a club.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:41 pm
LTBF, well damn, remain a little hopeful. I have seen more optimism from Nick.
LTBF
January 20th, 2011
7:41 pm
Jeffrey d did you watch Nate last year? He has a lot of B—s to even show up for ST.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:41 pm
I know it’s nothing to brag about, but Nate’s career average is in the .250s.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
7:42 pm
right jd who cares how the player feels as long as the fans hear what they want to.
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
7:43 pm
And if I have to explain how my comment was a play on the definition of the word, edification, I’ll be sorely disappointed.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:44 pm
UGA just landed a big recruit!
The announcement was made from a buffet, though
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:45 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/files/2011/01/recruitpic1.jpg
Soph
January 20th, 2011
7:45 pm
Yeah, he shoulda just ballgamed! himself and called it a year. Why bother?
nolie
January 20th, 2011
7:45 pm
prolly won’t have to Bat since likely only you and Moe know what it even means
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:46 pm
And to answer AJC’s headline
“Is accelerated math too tough for Ga.?”
YES! Holy cow….
nolie
January 20th, 2011
7:46 pm
nobody on hitter distribution charts?
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:47 pm
“Yeah, he shoulda just ballgamed! himself and called it a year. Why bother?”
After all, the Phillies do have the “best” rotation and we are stuck with McLouth.
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
7:47 pm
I’ve always been a believer in keeping a dictionary handy, nolie.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:47 pm
Yeah, he shoulda just ballgamed! himself and called it a year
It would make my decade if the GM of a rebuilding club called a press conference, cleared his throat as he approached the mic, then said “Ballgame!” and walked off.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:50 pm
“And to answer AJC’s headline
“Is accelerated math too tough for Ga.?”
YES! Holy cow….”
So is reading and spelling. The main problems from school that I had have been learning punctuations and math.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:51 pm
You know, if we lost every game that Nick ball gamed last season we would have been the first team to go 0-162.
Soph
January 20th, 2011
7:52 pm
Sorry Natey Nate, you’re banned from Dark Star. The folks on DOB’s blog not only ballgamed! you – they Season’d! you too. Have a nice life.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:52 pm
Nick’s pessimism is intentional to get a rise out of people.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:52 pm
Have a nice life.
….ho
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:53 pm
We still woulda gone 0-162 if he was right.
Soph
January 20th, 2011
7:54 pm
You’re right. If it’s our people telling him, then it’ll be HO SIT DOWN!
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
7:55 pm
Was nick on the blog for every game last year? Damned dedicated basher if so.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:55 pm
Bat, even if not every real game it still woulda been in spirit.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:56 pm
Let me rephrase that. If he was not on here every game he still woulda been somewhere saying it.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
7:56 pm
Mitchell was and he’s worse than Nick IMO
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
7:57 pm
Nick’s a fan, I think. But people keep getting upset at the stupid stuff he says, so he keeps throwing out the bait.
Don and Robert though…they can’t even see the bright side of a three day weekend.
Soph
January 20th, 2011
7:59 pm
Chop Chop better make an appearance on here soon. He cracks me up.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
7:59 pm
Jeffrey, well they must notta been bad enough to have their names be banned like a cuss word.
Sam I Am
January 20th, 2011
8:00 pm
I haven’t even read past the first paragraph, but wanted to point something out. McLouth started hitting when Chipper got hurt. He stopped listening to Terry Pendleton and took pointers from Chipper. McLouth can hit. Hitters need a coach to steer them back in the right direction sometimes. As we all saw from the Braves offense, the only people who could hit the past few years couldn’t understand English enough to pay attention to Pendleton. No offense to Pendleton because I still remember what he helped this franchise do, but he is not a good hitting coach. McLouth will be fine.
Soph
January 20th, 2011
8:01 pm
http://www.ajc.com/news/cobb/school-days-will-be-810207.html
I know you have to make up the days but I would not be a happy camper as an employee or student.
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
8:02 pm
nolie_
Probably because Mitchell is real and nick is a caricature of a basher. Or so it seems to me.
urban redneck
January 20th, 2011
8:08 pm
CF should avg at least .250-I’m not worried. I’m pulling for both of them, especially JS.
Bigger question is how long Larry holds up this year.
jambee3
January 20th, 2011
8:19 pm
Excellent work Dave. I love the in-depth analysis that you provide. And here’s to the DBT. Can’t wait to hear the new album.
Braveheart
January 20th, 2011
8:20 pm
Wren should’ve acted like a putz like Cashman and blamed his owners for McLouth still being here.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
8:20 pm
Soph, wasn’t he bozo’d?
Bat Masterson
January 20th, 2011
8:21 pm
Chop Chop, bozo’d? No way.
tbravefan
January 20th, 2011
8:22 pm
Seriously? They have Nate working with everyone but the one person who actually helped him… btw – this is the same person who Joey Votto (remember that MVP thing) said he missed when he was promoted up to the Reds and who is the now the hitting coach for Barbaro Canizares – the IL batting title for 2010. Of course I am referring to Jamie Dismuke…who should have been the new hitting coach for Atlanta. But I’m not bitter or anything……
YAD
January 20th, 2011
8:22 pm
Aside from the fact that it’s been hugely mean-spirited with mildly sinister undertones, I’d say the vibe of the blog has been pretty good so far, wouldn’t you?
Which one of you guys is T.J. Simers?
Trey
January 20th, 2011
8:23 pm
Bat, I don’t know I saw the DOB fan page and he said he was chop chop and later he said “It’s 2 a.m. and I’m bozo’d”.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
8:24 pm
I don’t know. That was 2009.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
8:25 pm
I just saw the date said 2009, so probably not.
Soph
January 20th, 2011
8:28 pm
I think he was making fun of someone with that comment.
Couch Tater
January 20th, 2011
8:29 pm
nOLIE – http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_player_hitting_chart.jsp?c_id=atl&playerID=434661&statType=1&print=true
Lew
January 20th, 2011
8:31 pm
And why should Wren try to convince any other organization that Nate’s all right? That’s absurd. Did it perhaps occur to your flat billed self that maybe he did it so Nate might retain a bit of confidence? What is accomplished by proclaiming anything else than what he did?
If your back feels pissed on, maybe it’s your plumbing that needs the attention.
Lew
January 20th, 2011
8:34 pm
And I’m sure now that Wren knows you don’t appreciate it, he’ll issue a retraction so you feel better about it.
pfunkatl2
January 20th, 2011
8:37 pm
LOL…GREAT reference YAD!
stew
January 20th, 2011
8:45 pm
1. Nate sucks but not just for his bat. He hasn’t displayed any ability to throw out anybody. He doesn’t even try to make throws. Is something wrong with his arm? Can we really afford to have a centerfielder with no arm whatsoever?
2. Andruw’s 19 homers last year were 2 more than Jason’s 17 (in his great rookie season). Jason at times looked terrible misplaying balls in right. Why we couldn’t afford Andruw at 2 million per is beyond me. We can afford to pay Sherill 1.2 and he got rocked every time he pitched last year. Andruw playing every day in center seems to me a better option than McLoser or Schafer. I know he’s not the same player at 34 that he was at 27.
3. We have no other option in center. So we can’t really improve on the circus (McLoser, Melkman, and Ankiel) out there last year. If as Wren said a lot of teams would like to have McLoser, why doesn’t he trade him? We’re going for the buyout in 2012. Why should we keep a lame duck centerfielder?
4. At this point, I’d rather see Schafer than McLoser with an eye toward 2012 since McLoser won’t be here. Are we developing McLoser for another team?
nolie
January 20th, 2011
8:50 pm
aha another and idiot heard from
nolie
January 20th, 2011
8:51 pm
or should that be and other idiot? Gee now I feel like and idiot
Lew
January 20th, 2011
8:52 pm
nolie – I’d say they only come out at night, but we both know that’s not true – they’re omnipresent.
MIBravesFan
January 20th, 2011
8:53 pm
Thanks for the new blog, DOB. Very interesting read about Nate and some of the prospects. I’m among those who hope Nate has a strong rebound season, and think he’s capable of it. And it was great to see the info on the Braves Spring Training games on ESPN – another sure sign that we’re getting closer and closer to pitchers and catchers reporting!
Kyle
January 20th, 2011
8:57 pm
DOB – Are any of the SS prospects major league ready? Isnt Alex’s contract up after this upcoming season? thanks for the great blog as always
David O'Brien
January 20th, 2011
9:07 pm
Here’s link to list of participants on Braves Carvan stops from the team website: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/community/caravan.jsp?loc=schedule
David O'Brien
January 20th, 2011
9:09 pm
Kyle: Yes, Alex Gonzalez’s contract is up after this season. There aren’t any majors-ready everyday replacements right now, but Braves believe Pastornicky is getting close, and one or more of the others could be by the end of the year, too.
Ed Bonner
January 20th, 2011
9:10 pm
This post is somewhat late……didn’t bother to read any others as well
Bravos missed a chance with Andruw Jones
McLouth has had a season and 1/2 of dissapointment time to cut bait and find another retread
sure Dale Murphy can still swing a bat and cover as much ground
sad to say no ticket renewal for this fan
David O'Brien
January 20th, 2011
9:11 pm
Stew, regarding your 8:45 p.m. comment … oh, nevermind.
David O'Brien
January 20th, 2011
9:15 pm
jeffrey d, I’m going back reading comments in last few hours, and you’re cracking me up, man.
Lollygagger
January 20th, 2011
9:15 pm
Interesting to see Braves getting Mycal Jones some time in CF… how far off is this kid? Could we be looking at SS Lipka, 3B Salcedo and CF Jones in three or four years? Sounds like another good wave coming in a few years.
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
9:17 pm
Been reading…….not posting………sorry, got inspired by GermanBravesFan yesterday…..havent seen him in a while
poor ol N8…..nolie you were tough on him…..he may have deserved it, but I only read two paragraphs of his posts (go Chiefs)…..so I dont know……noticed BAS out early in the day…(dude, you can drink at lunch?….wish I had your job, bro)
P'cola Brave
January 20th, 2011
9:18 pm
With Lipka and Salcedo probably a few years off. I’m wondering what the future of Prado will be. Do we leave him in LF for the forseeable future since Uggla is locked in the next 5 years? I’d hate to have to bring him into third just to slide him back to LF. Of course this is assuming that Prado is in the long term plans.
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
9:21 pm
jeffrey d………saw you were attributed to a birthday and your real birthday is the same as mine….albeit 20 years after the fact……youre a funny dude…..you have a sense of humor.
OldTimer
January 20th, 2011
9:33 pm
This dude is a loser, if I’m looking for somebody to root for, I’ll pop Bambi into the VCR.
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
9:34 pm
btw….Joe Pesci’s as well……..and today, Dolly turned 65……good for you, Dolly….I still…nevermind
tiger297
January 20th, 2011
9:34 pm
McFann – I see DOB beat me to giving you the news but your boy is coming down to Peachtree City to see us. Aren’t you jealous? We will really be going to see Jonny & Eddie but the bonus of Brian will be nice.
tiger297
January 20th, 2011
9:35 pm
so my youngest shares a birthday with Dolly Parton…
Lollygagger
January 20th, 2011
9:35 pm
Sounds like it’s past OldTimer’s bedtime…
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
9:40 pm
haha, thanks Salt life. Glad you, me, Vlad Guerrero, and the great Todd Pratt are all birthday buddies.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
9:40 pm
And I think one of the big pitching prospects for the Braves too
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
9:43 pm
tiger297—
I’m totally jealous.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
9:44 pm
jeffrey d, I’m going back reading comments in last few hours, and you’re cracking me up, man. DOB
Alright, that’s it for me! Goodnight everybody!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpUyb37CFT4
cabravesfan
January 20th, 2011
9:45 pm
Hey- Johan Santana and I are the exact same age!
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
9:45 pm
Hey, I share my birthday with Diory Hernandez (differ’nt years, though), so there!
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
9:46 pm
…And Juan Abreu…
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
9:46 pm
jeffrey d………Cool!!…………we’re Aquaria……wait, maybe we’re not
Trey
January 20th, 2011
9:46 pm
McFann, well Jeffrey said he was born 11 days before McCann, so there!
cabravesfan
January 20th, 2011
9:46 pm
McFann-
A friend asked me today if I wanted to go with her to see Jonny, Eddie and Mac at that stop…I was bitter
gcs
January 20th, 2011
9:47 pm
McLouth is an All-Star when it comes to good attitudes (probably cuz he is making $7.75M) but that does not always translate to on the field performance.
.
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
9:48 pm
Trey—
Yeah, yeah yeah…jeffrey, jeffrey jeffrey…
cabravesfan—
Oh! That’s mean!
She didn’t ask if you wanted to see Medlen in Alabama?
cabravesfan
January 20th, 2011
9:49 pm
McFann-
Well, she likes Jonny and she knows how much I like Mac- I did say the only thing missing that would have made that one perfect was if Meds was there
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
9:50 pm
cabravesfan
January 20th, 2011
9:45 pm
Hey- Johan Santana and I are the exact same age
Now you’re just rubbing salt in the wound……you already live out there in Malibu….next door to Charlie…..I enjoy reading you, VJ, soph, and Tom…..good stuff
cabravesfan
January 20th, 2011
9:54 pm
Salt life -
Thanks- always nice to know that I can provide decent commentary every now and then
Not quite Malibu, but close enough…
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
9:56 pm
I know that I am totally whiffing on this, cause it was weeks ago for the discussion…….True Grit….I NEVER would have said that the new was better than the old, but I watched the old after the new……new is way better!!!…..and it hurts my feelings to disavow John Wayne
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
9:57 pm
cabravesfan………..MEN!!!!!
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
9:59 pm
cabravesfan she knows how much I like Mac
That’s one thing that can’t stay hidden for very long.
I did say the only thing missing that would have made that one perfect was if Meds was there
Yeah! Kick David out and bring in Kris!
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
9:59 pm
Charlie who?
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
10:01 pm
Brown.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
10:02 pm
Salt – nah, we’re still Aquaria
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
10:02 pm
we had a movie filmed here a couple of months ago…..”Eye of the Hurricane”….it starrs Melanie Lynsky….(Rose, in two and a half men)….I did get the chance to meet her….I got pictures on my iphone, but it is the three not the four with the flash so they are very dark….if I wasn’t so stupid I could find a way to upload them…….anyway, what a sweet, wonderful woman she is……and I was “that guy”……I tried to talk to her and I stayed until I became wieird…..I’M SORRY!!!
Trey
January 20th, 2011
10:03 pm
salt life, I have never seen the old one but the new True Grit was really good.
Soph
January 20th, 2011
10:03 pm
Marteeeeen’s going to be in Lawrenceville!
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
10:03 pm
I know…I invited him over for darts.
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
10:04 pm
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
9:59 pm
Charlie who?
Harper………..you should never watch “Two and a Half Men”
Soph
January 20th, 2011
10:05 pm
You stay away from him, you KJ lover.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:06 pm
Salt It’s not as bad as it might sound when N8 and i go at it, we’ve been doin’ that for years…
I do however hate you forever now for disavowing the Duke….
Soph
January 20th, 2011
10:07 pm
Ahh, who came up with these times? 4-5:30 on a Friday? That ain’t happening.
cabravesfan
January 20th, 2011
10:08 pm
McFann-
Well, she likes Rossy too…we were thinking exchange Nate for Meds (no offense to Nate
)
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
10:08 pm
Trey
January 20th, 2011
10:03 pm
salt life, I have never seen the old one but the new True Grit was really good.
John Wayne won the Oscar for best actor in that role………..if Bridges doesn’t win …it’ll be a damn shame…..he was very good!
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
10:08 pm
KJ’s last week
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:10 pm
Kelly’s last week at what?
Soph
January 20th, 2011
10:10 pm
Hoover, AL – y’all say hello to Hey & Krissy for me. That should be a good one too.
yogi2
January 20th, 2011
10:10 pm
The braves have better options for center field, Jose Contanza and Matt Young have proven that they are ready.They have had great year in AAA ballTHe only reason Mlouth wwas an allstar is because each team has to be represented.The Pirates were the worst team in baseball that year. An appointed allstar is not an allstar
Jordan Scafer has proen that he cannot hit AAA or AA pithng. HE needs towork his way back to being a prospect. My personal feelins is that he will never make it back Check it out before you respond
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
10:10 pm
He’s old news. Last week.
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
10:10 pm
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:06 pm
Salt It’s not as bad as it might sound when N8 and i go at it, we’ve been doin’ that for years…
I do however hate you forever now for disavowing the Duke
I’m sorry, brother…..nothing beats him in “Rooster Cogburn and the Lady”…….except maybe “Big Jake”………or Clint in “The OUtlaw Josey Wales”
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
10:11 pm
Ahh, who came up with these times? 4-5:30 on a Friday? That ain’t happening.
He needs to hurry out so he can make it to darts.
Soph
January 20th, 2011
10:12 pm
I should take precedence over darts. He knows that.
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
10:12 pm
jeffrey d Brown.
Salt Life—
Hahahaha! Don’t worry…
cabravesfan—
Oh, I getcha…Well, my Sister likes McLouth, so I was “forced” to drop David…
Soph
January 20th, 2011
10:14 pm
Are you guys trading players for your respective stops? McFann, you got Marteeeen. What could be better than that?
Mitchie-san
January 20th, 2011
10:15 pm
Add “Scafer” the Blog Schafer Spelling Thesarus.
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
10:15 pm
What could be better than that?
McCann handing out free Skittles and bird seed
jeffrey d
January 20th, 2011
10:16 pm
Good eye, Mitchie
Soph
January 20th, 2011
10:18 pm
Marteeeen’s gonna hand out meal worms and turtles.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:19 pm
who is Contanza? I looked it up and nobody ever heard of him.
If you meant Constanza, yeah he shows more promise than most pickup most years, but he is also 26 and never made the show, even with their MLB CFer hurtin’ the last coupla years.
I think he’s interesting but short of being able to be counted on yet.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:22 pm
My favorite Wayne movies are The Searchers,Red River,Stagecoach,The Shootist, True Grit,Rio Bravo and well too many more to list now that i think of it
Trey
January 20th, 2011
10:24 pm
Salt Life, I will have to check out the one with John Wayne, then. The actors in the new one were amazing.
Venice Jim
January 20th, 2011
10:26 pm
nolie – for me it’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and She wore a Yellow Ribbon…
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:28 pm
He also had noticeably worse numbers in the minors that Nate Dog had in the majors avant l’holocauste (2010)
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
10:28 pm
cabravesfan
January 20th, 2011
10:08 pm
McFann-
Well, she likes Rossy too…we were thinking exchange Nate for Meds (no offense to Nate )
cab……….back when the Royals came to town in June, I was on the field watching batting practice…..he came over and signed a ball for me (so did Ned Yost)…I told him he was the reason Sportsouth took the microphone further from the dugout….he said and I quote “I dont know what you mean” (with a big smile on his fae)….”Cause KK went to pinch hit and struck out and (knowing that KK was short on English) you said ‘Kenny, what the eff!!!’”……..he laughed….he denied it, but I heard it.
yogi2
January 20th, 2011
10:29 pm
Constanza hard to remember the spelling . The stats never change. maybe your ignorance will improve Stupid
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:29 pm
Like them both very much too Jim
kashi
January 20th, 2011
10:31 pm
Why can’t a damn Braves sign Andrew Jones for $2M? He is worthy, he can play all outfields where we desperately need some backup. He has pop on bat as a bench player. I know you are going to say we already have Hinsky but he can be first base backup. O and if chipper need rest we could move Prado to third base and Andrew in LF. We just missed another playoff there.
Pameee
January 20th, 2011
10:31 pm
McLouth my least favorite Brave that’s of no interest, ho hum.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:33 pm
I’m the stupid one? Look in the mirror doodoo if you think Constanza is a lock to start in the bigs.Might, might not but neither one of us know for sure.
If you’re gonna talk about a player it makes a much better impression on readers if you actually know who the hell he is.
Venice Jim
January 20th, 2011
10:35 pm
Interesting folk out and about tonight…
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
10:35 pm
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:22 pm
My favorite Wayne movies are The Searchers,Red River,Stagecoach,The Shootist, True Grit,Rio Bravo and well too many more to list now that i think of it
nol……….cannot deny any of those…….”Big Jake” “Rooster Cogburn and the Lady”….my favs……any movie with the Duke, Deano, and Ricky……good stuff.
“you can call me jake, you can call me jacob, you can call me father, you can call me a dirty sob…..but if you ever call me daddy, i’m gonna finish this fight……….the Duke was not to be trifled with.
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:36 pm
is that like the Chinese definition of “interesting” Jim?
as in May you live in interesting times?
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
10:40 pm
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:29 pm
Like them both very much too Jim
Venice Jim
January 20th, 2011
10:26 pm
nolie – for me it’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and She wore a Yellow Ribbon
John Wayne movies = which of your children is your favorite…..”Well….pardon me all to hell”
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:43 pm
I think the original is s’posed to be May you live in interesting times and come to the attention of important people
actually I think it originated in a sci-fi book and isn’t really Chinese at all…..
richbrave
January 20th, 2011
10:43 pm
WINTER BALL
AUSTRALIA
1B MATT KENNELLY 2-3, 1 SO, .297 BA. Average climbing like a rocket after a most moribund start.
DOMINICAN
Championship series, best of nine. TOROS lead 1-0 and 3-1 bottom of the ninth. Will have to post BRAVES info in the a.m.
MEXICO
Championship series, best of seven begins tomorrow.
VENEZUELA
No BRAVES played tonight.
richbrave
January 20th, 2011
10:46 pm
Hey nolie, didn’t MORRISON say one time, ‘THE SEARCHERS’ was his favorite of all time?
boog
January 20th, 2011
10:47 pm
You do a fantastic job. When you report it is almost like a website strictly devoted to the Braves. I am so use to getting such superficial informations. The depth that you reveal is most appreciated.
Venice Jim
January 20th, 2011
10:47 pm
nolie – I was reprimanded for attacking someone directly last night, so trying a more subtle approach…
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:51 pm
It IS a website devoted to the Braves.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
10:52 pm
VJ, what did you do mister?
nolie
January 20th, 2011
10:52 pm
I don’t know rich. If he did i missed it
richbrave
January 20th, 2011
10:53 pm
Who is HOWARD WAYNE MORRISON?
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
10:54 pm
Trey
January 20th, 2011
10:24 pm
Salt Life, I will have to check out the one with John Wayne, then. The actors in the new one were amazing
I wholeheartedly concur
Venice Jim
January 20th, 2011
10:56 pm
Trey
January 20th, 2011
10:52 pm
VJ, what did you do mister?
Not sure how to answer – as little as possible is an option, cook and clean is another, pass on mathematical knowledge in a variety of forms would be yet another…
keylargo
January 20th, 2011
10:56 pm
Don’t forget about Yasser Gomez, the Cuban teammate of Yunnel Escobar that the Braves signed last year. Nolie looked up his stats and he doesn’t have any power but supposedly plays good D and hits for average. He’s about 30 and might come on next year.
keylargo
January 20th, 2011
10:57 pm
I meant to give Richbrave a prop for his help on finding some info on Yasser Gomez.
NO MORE BOBBY
January 20th, 2011
10:57 pm
And little kids believe in the Easter Bunny.
McFann O O
January 20th, 2011
10:57 pm
Soph you got Marteeeen. What could be better than that?
I wish you wouldn’t force me to make that decision.
jeffrey d McCann handing out free Skittles and bird seed
Oh…now, that’s adorable! I’ll be first in line if that ever happens!
Soph Marteeeen’s gonna hand out meal worms and turtles.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a Go!)
January 20th, 2011
10:58 pm
O’Brien wrote:
Kyle: Yes, Alex Gonzalez’s contract is up after this season. There aren’t any majors-ready everyday replacements right now, but Braves believe Pastornicky is getting close, and one or more of the others could be by the end of the year, too.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Alex Gonzalez doesn’t even have a capable major league back up SS right now. Omar Infante is gone and if anyone thinks that Diory Hernandez, Brandon Hicks or Ed Lucas (quad A cannon fodder) can fill his shoes…..ya’ll are all gonna be catching up to me in about three to four months with the same gripe.
Sick’em nolie, fetch it boy
Venice Jim
January 20th, 2011
10:59 pm
I know that Marion Mitchell Morrison is John Wayne…
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
11:00 pm
Bay Area Steve……….if the two women I met in 07 when I rode my motorcycle through your town are indicitive of all the women in your town, I MUST go back there…..
and in words that I have said to you a couple of times….”Have one for me”…..
day is done, gone to sun, time to run, we’ve had our fun…
brian
January 20th, 2011
11:00 pm
Been too long since I have been on here. I can’t wait for spring training, the regular season and beyond. Besides as a Wake Forest fan, not exactly much for me to cheer for now.
All I can look forward to is the Braves and the beach.
As Zac Brown says-
Knee deep in the water somewhere. Blue skies, cool breeze in my hair. My only worry is if the tide will reach my chair.
Must be the life
brian
January 20th, 2011
11:01 pm
soph is out in force tonight!
richbrave
January 20th, 2011
11:01 pm
keylargo
January 20th, 2011
10:57 pm
I meant to give Richbrave a prop for his help on finding some info on Yasser Gomez.
Thanx, but no need. Gld to oblige
Trey
January 20th, 2011
11:03 pm
VJ, oh.
richbrave
January 20th, 2011
11:04 pm
Later ‘taters. Catch you in the a.m.
Salt life
January 20th, 2011
11:05 pm
brian
January 20th, 2011
11:00 pm
Been too long since I have been on here. I can’t wait for spring training, the regular season and beyond. Besides as a Wake Forest fan, not exactly much for me to cheer for now.
All I can look forward to is the Braves and the beach.
As Zac Brown says-
Knee deep in the water somewhere. Blue skies, cool breeze in my hair. My only worry is if the tide will reach my chair.
brian…………that is my only worry as well
Kyle
January 20th, 2011
11:07 pm
Thanks DOB. It is hard to say right now if this is the last season for Alex but i would think they would consider bringing him back on a short one year deal if none of these guys are ready
Kyle
January 20th, 2011
11:07 pm
heck yes Heyward is coming to Hoover!!!!!!
nolie
January 20th, 2011
11:08 pm
Sick’em nolie, fetch it boy coach
whatever the hell that means….
nolie
January 20th, 2011
11:11 pm
makes about as much sense as everything else coach pontificates about.
BTW When we catch you in a few weeks dude it will be to lap you…
Venice Jim
January 20th, 2011
11:12 pm
Trey – other options – I alternate between being totally innocuous on the blog and making fun of morons…I hit a high percentage of baskets when the opportunity to shoot hoops arises…I get hit in the head for rooting for a tennis player from Manhattan Beach, where we formerly resided…
nolie
January 20th, 2011
11:12 pm
well maybe not Mitchell and Robert
Trey
January 20th, 2011
11:12 pm
If this person gets famous with music I definitely have a chance in the music business. I am going to pursue my dreams as a singer or a rap artist. Folks have little taste in music today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6QE1Qcm-IE
keylargo
January 20th, 2011
11:18 pm
I forgot the link to Yasser Gomez.
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100527&content_id=10504746¬ebook_id=10506424&vkey=notebook_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
JRW7
January 20th, 2011
11:23 pm
Last season, MCLOUTH looked like he had a sore throwing arm! Anybody know????
Fredi's Fu Manchu
January 20th, 2011
11:25 pm
His arm felt great.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
11:25 pm
VJ, you win some and you lose some.
Trey
January 20th, 2011
11:43 pm
Kidding about my 11:12 post. To each their own on music.
Tdawg in Stockbridge
January 20th, 2011
11:44 pm
What’s the definition of insanity?
nolie
January 20th, 2011
11:53 pm
the definition of insanity is thinking that Einstein’s definition that deals with the sciences has any meaning at all when applied to baseball.
uga-brave
January 20th, 2011
11:59 pm
BAS, you are right i am three night guy, but the dawgs just landed two of the countries best recruits.
jay rome, and mitchell. both guys that were leaning toward bama.
just committed to georgia.
huge deal in my world.
nolie
January 21st, 2011
12:01 am
I know what a three dog night is, but I’m not sure what a three night guys is. Sounds kinda kinky though….
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:02 am
oh by the way, you can color me in on the bobby cox side.
never understood how we, or us can criticize a manager that always had us in contention every year over 162.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:08 am
everyone pulls out one play, or one move. ever considered the other 1000 moves that worked over 162?
managers manage. get their team to the point.
MR. BASEBALL, does not get that.
he cries about the game in houston.
guess what our closer gave up a bomb to brad ausmus. yeah that was bobb’s fault.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:13 am
though i have to agree with mr. baseball about being lefthanded.
macc, freeman, heyward, mclouth, all lh hitters.
makes us vulnerable against great lh’s late.
we have zero off the bench rh wise.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:14 am
andruw made too much sense. he lit up lh’s last year.
mather better hit.
Venice Jim
January 21st, 2011
12:19 am
Isn’t it too early for the uga-brave show? (no offense intended, uga-brave)…
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:23 am
venice, got to show my support for #6.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:26 am
well then again, grits are always better with runny eggs, toast and butter.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:28 am
the waffle house has a new dish. the matty melt.
served in the postseason with five turnovered eggs.
Venice Jim
January 21st, 2011
12:31 am
and, after a brief word from our sponsor, we return you to uga-brave…
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:35 am
dvrd the office. either you get it or you dont.
Mike10
January 21st, 2011
12:40 am
While the Braves still believes in Mclouth I don’t.If he was on any other winning team his ass would’nt see the the field and they would trade him,but the braves a team who penny pinches want’s to hang on to whatever little hope he has.Go out and get a damn replacement, I’m so tired of this cheap organization.
N8
January 21st, 2011
12:40 am
“Salt It’s not as bad as it might sound when N8 and i go at it, we’ve been doin’ that for years…”
Glad you feel that way as well. Two sarcastic old guys (one considerably older than the other
), giving each other grief in a remotely civil manner.
Pretty much what this place is all about to me. If I wanted “one on one” friendly chit chat, I’d email.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:45 am
venice, your alternative could be worse.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
12:49 am
count down the minutes til the double nought spy appears.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
1:00 am
Here’s the rundown from press release about first stops on Braves Caravan:
METRO ATLANTA AREA STOPS
(Participant schedules are subject to change & additional participants will be announced for some dates)
Thursday, January 27
Scheduled to participate: Brian McCann, Jonny Venters, David Ross, and Nate McLouth; and coach Eddie Perez
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Meet and Greet with patients and staff at the Shepherd Center
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Autograph Signing – Peachtree City
Publix Super Market at Wilshire Pavilion
1200 Highway 74 South
Friday, January 28
Scheduled to participate: Brian McCann, David Ross, Brandon Beachy; pitching coach Roger McDowell, and GM Frank Wren
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Meet and Greet with students and teachers at Creekland Middle School in Canton
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Autograph signing at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Athens
3505 Atlanta Highway (at Timothy Rd.)
Monday, January 31
Scheduled to participate: Chipper Jones, Peter Moylan, and Jordan Schafer; manager Fredi Gonzalez, GM Frank Wren, and Braves president John Schuerholz
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Meet and Greet with baseball and softball teams from several Atlanta Public High Schools
The New Schools at Carver, 55 McDonough Blvd, Atlanta
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Surprise lunch stop at local restaurant
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Surprise visit with customers and employees at a local business
Wednesday, February 2
Scheduled to participate: Jason Heyward, Mike Minor, Stephen Marek, and Scott Proctor; manager Fredi Gonzalez, and Braves president John Schuerholz
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Autograph Signing – Roswell, Publix Super Market at 4401 Shallowford Road
Friday, February 4
Scheduled to participate: Martin Prado, George Sherrill, Craig Kimbrel, and Eric O’Flaherty, and bench coach Carlos Tosca
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Meet and Greet with patients and staff at Piedmont Hospital
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Autograph Signing – Lawrenceville, Publix Super Market at Old Peachtree, 2380 Buford Drive (Hwy 20)
nolie
January 21st, 2011
1:10 am
I think P-Town wanted the skinny on the Tennessee caravan so he could drive 7 hours one way to stand in line to say hi to a Braves player. Seriously.
nolie
January 21st, 2011
1:12 am
yeah N8, too much make nice puts my blood sugar up
tiger297
January 21st, 2011
1:13 am
doesn’t look like any of them come down to florida…thats where you are right?
nolie
January 21st, 2011
1:18 am
prolly cause ST is down here tiger I’d guess. Besides I don’t stand in line for anything anymore
nolie
January 21st, 2011
1:20 am
ok, well maybe for a date with Zeta-Jones or Halle Berry….
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
1:21 am
nolie, i pretty much go every year to daytona.
people watching right.
feb 20th.
tiger297
January 21st, 2011
1:23 am
yeah prolly…I hear you on the waiting in line thing I’m still not sure I will go after some of the stories I heard. Last year they did some for season ticket holders so there were alot fewer people.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
1:26 am
nolie, i dont dont know if you know the east coast at all.
the family has a place at new smyrna beach.
not a race fan but we have tickets.
it is a sight. been too indy. but when they drop the flag and you see those guys running side by side it is a sight.
ward
January 21st, 2011
1:31 am
Hello every one! Nice blog by D.O.B. Answered my questions……..I’m going to make a bolder prediction on Nate……. 285 average, 32 homers, 90RBI’s,and 25 stolen bases. Nate is back…….Write it down if you would like………
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
1:37 am
ward, if nate hits 32 dingers i will buy you a steak at chops every weekend.
no lie. i will sit next to you and buy you their bone in filet.
ward
January 21st, 2011
1:38 am
Pirates Of The Carribbean 4 Is comming out May 20th…..I’ts going to be awsome.Black Beard The Pirate is going to be in it…….
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
1:38 am
write it down ward. if nate hits 32 dingers you have a steak for free all season.
keylargo
January 21st, 2011
1:39 am
uga-brave
I spent some time last fall at the Canaveral National Seashore. It was a beautiful National Park North of Cape Kennedy and south of New Smyrna Beach. I went up there to see a little of what fall was like again as we don’t have one in the Keys. I’ll probably go back again – had a great time.
ward
January 21st, 2011
1:40 am
uga-brave: I have a good feeling about Nate this year. ……If he dosen’t have a good year, I’ll say I’m wrong at the end of the year…….
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
1:43 am
keylargo, new smyrna beach is somewhat a art town.
i agree. the town has done something cool. no hotels.
if any of you ever get the chance, go with keylargo’s opinion.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
1:48 am
ward, steak for free. if nate jacks 32, you eat for free all year.
it is a no lose situation.
plus i can educate you the difference between a malbec, a cab, and a pinot.
ward
January 21st, 2011
1:49 am
I saw The pirate Of he Caribbean 4 trailer on Yahoo,and it looks better than the other ones…..
nolie
January 21st, 2011
1:50 am
I don’t know if the new show that premiered last night Fairly Legal will be any good, but I do have on it’s star Sarah Shahi. Hated that they took Life off the air a few years ago
nolie
January 21st, 2011
1:51 am
that’s have a crush on
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
1:51 am
ward, if nate jacks 32. i have no problem buying you dinner all season.
only on the weekends though.
ward
January 21st, 2011
1:52 am
uga- brave: I just like making preditctions….. Adam Dunn hit 40, and how old is he. My point is Nate can do it again…….
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
1:54 am
nolie, liked this thing fx has called lights out.
it aint justified but it has potential.
keylargo
January 21st, 2011
1:55 am
uga – Have you ever been to the National Park? 8 miles of completely undeveloped land along the beach except for four or five parking areas to access the beach.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
1:57 am
how about this ward:
if dunn hits forty in chicago. you have to take me to mortons in chicago.
if nate hits 30, discount of two. i will pay for your dinner on weekends all year.
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:00 am
uga -brave: There’s no need to do that.A healthy talk is good enough……
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:00 am
keylargo i grew up there i know that area well. the canerval area is awesome.
go north to the jetty, and new smyna beach as the best break on the east coast.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:03 am
keylargo, there is this place down there called jb’s fish camp.
all alone. blue crabs. the best eatin place on the east coast.
keylargo
January 21st, 2011
2:04 am
I stayed up on Old Mission Rd, but went down to the beach every day. I’m an avid bicycler and kayaker. Would load both up in my truck, take a picnic lunch and cooler, and go down to the National Park. Was riding in the am and kayaking in the afternoon. Did that for almost a month.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:05 am
ward, call it even. let us hope nate hits 32 dingers. bet is off.
i am with you.
keylargo
January 21st, 2011
2:05 am
Even “Old Mission Road” sounds kind of artsy now that I think of it.
keylargo
January 21st, 2011
2:06 am
I went to JB’s. Right across the road from the ocean right before you get to the entrance to the park, right?
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:07 am
Tom Brady played with a Fractured foot last Sunday, and had sugery on it earlier today.Are the Jets really good or did they get lucky. Steelers will beat the Jets on Sunday…..Thats my prediction…….
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:08 am
keylargo. pretty cool place. only one way in. only one way out.
when you go all the way down there it is a pretty neat place.
keylargo
January 21st, 2011
2:08 am
JB’s backs up to Mosquito Lagoon if I’m not mistaken.
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:09 am
I think Jets overated as always…..
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:11 am
keylargo, 100% correct. mosquito lagoon.
they have large manatees that come right up to the bar.
they love fresh water.
Bay Area Steve
January 21st, 2011
2:12 am
Not a fan of the bone-in steak…
I know the purists say the bone helps the flavor, but if it does, it ain’t significant. Certainly not worth the pain in the ass of cutting around it. My boneless rib-eyes the other night were awesome. Thank you to the guys who rec’d the chimney starter. Why is this not more popular? That thing works incredibly well. So easy, a Nick could do it, is what I’m sayin’.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:15 am
bas, for cryin out loud the meat next to the bone is always better.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:17 am
keylargo, love the fact you know the place.
Bay Area Steve
January 21st, 2011
2:18 am
But I’m lazy, uga. And, cuttin’ around that thing sucks. Though, I base that entirely on a NY strip. Never eaten a rib-eye or a filet with the bone…
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:21 am
BAS, you left coast guy and niners fan right?
how does it feel you drafted alex smith.
the guy in your backyard aaron rodgers lasted till when in the draft.
rodgers did go to cal right?
the cal guys goes 23rd the utah guy is picked #1.
keylargo
January 21st, 2011
2:22 am
Between the National Park and the vast acreage that NASA has that can’t be developed, it is a sportsman paradise. I bought a yearly pass to the National Park because I knew I would be coming back up there again. I took my motorcycle too and there are just vast undeveloped areas around Cape Kennedy (or Canaveral) without much traffic to ride. It was so funny the looks I would get when people asked where I was from. I’d just tell them you have to get out of the Keys every now and then or you’ll go crazy.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:24 am
bas, try it one time. bone in ribeye, or a bone in filet. you will not be done wrong.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:26 am
keylargo, it aint the keys, but it is totally not developed.
like i said one way in one way out.
no bridges nothing but great beaches.
Bay Area Steve
January 21st, 2011
2:27 am
Easy to say it’s wrong now, uga. But the rest of the league didn’t see it either. Plus, I think a bunch of Tedford products have sucked as professionals. If Alex Smith had the bench time that Rogers did, I think he’s as good or better. He’s never recovered from those first two years of getting hit in the mouth. And, I don’t think anyone can say Rogers would’ve had success in the Niner’s situation.
keylargo
January 21st, 2011
2:28 am
uga – I’m going to bed but will get some more information out of you soon about places in NSB.. Night.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:30 am
maybe not steve, but rodgers has that marino quick thing with his arm.
hard to predict, tons of other teams past on him.
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:32 am
Niners have great talent! Just don’t have a QB.Let Alex Smith go, and Troy Smith, and start over,because Niners will have the same type of year if they keep them both…..
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:34 am
bas, gotta agree on the cal running backs most failed.
never know. all the so called scouts were on smith.
gotta qb in athens that reminds me of rodgers. aaron murray.
strong arm not big enough.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:37 am
bas, really. he sat behind farve. do you really think that made him bettter.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:38 am
he took how many snaps in the nfl backing up farvre.
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:40 am
I’ll have to say Rgers had talent comming up, and picked up a few things from Favre,but mostly it’s all Rogers talent…..
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:42 am
ward, it is the fact he has a frickin gun on the run.
agree on the talent. cant coach that.
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:42 am
Rogers always had a great arm. He finally got his chance……
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:44 am
I wish Eli would learn how to move around the pocket like Rogers can…..
N8
January 21st, 2011
2:44 am
Sounds like you guys actually get pretty good Braves caravans in down there. The Twins caravan just rolled through last week and the only guy even remotely worth going to see was Ron Gardenhire.
No Joe Mauer. No Justin Morneau. Nobody. Gardenhire. The hitting coach and a couple of rookies I hadn’t heard of.
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:47 am
Cutler has a good arm too,but he needs to learn where he’s at, and he needs to make better decisions. If Cutler plays mistake free football,( The Bears will win……)
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:48 am
falcons had nine chances unabated against him and he was sacked once.
the packers looked like the dome team. the team that played in a controlled atmospere.
playing in chicago on that turf might change things.
plus the packers have been on the road all postseason.
they have had to win what? four in a row on the the road just to qualify.
daniel buck
January 21st, 2011
2:51 am
DOB.. Check out my 2 tweets at 2:45 am and tell me what you think… Wildbravesfan79 Twitter name
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
2:52 am
give me the bears, dont know the number. just got a hunch the road team will finally run out of gas.
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:54 am
It’s going to be cold in Chicago too, and home field advatage. We could see snow falling during the game, and that could have an affect on Rogers. Cutler has played good in the snow, and he knows the Field real well.Packers have Clay Mathews,and defense is good too. tough game to call. Though I’m going with Chicago.
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:58 am
It should be a great game…. Grab some Pizza, and Pepsi, and have a great time watching that game. Steelers, and Jets is going to be a good one too…..Steelers, and Bears in Super Bowl…….I want to see a defensive battle……
ward
January 21st, 2011
2:59 am
Watching the Ausralian Open……Talk tomorrow, and peace………
Jay212033
January 21st, 2011
3:55 am
Two of the biggest recruits in the nation, from my hometown VALDOSTA, GA, are headed to the Dawgs this does wonders for UGA recruiting wise! Now Ray Drew, DE and Isaiah Crowell, RB(#1 RB in the nation) need to commit as well.
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
5:26 am
So now you’re celebrating keeping Bama’s hands off of two Valdosta boys? As the Chris Rock joke would’ve said, “Some people want credit for stuff they are supposed to do. Valdosta boys are supposed to attend UGA.”
nolie
January 21st, 2011
5:54 am
exactly BH. It’s not like Fla where there are three state schools fighting to sign state recruits. In Ga it’s just UGA. They should be able to hang on to all the local prospects they want.
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
6:07 am
This can be a cruel game. From the next Hank Aaron to the next Marcus Thames in a decade and a half:
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=6042276
Fifteen years after he put on an eye-popping October show in the first game he ever played in Yankee Stadium, outfielder Andruw Jones agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Yankees on Thursday, sources confirmed to ESPN.com. Fifteen years ago, at age 19, Jones crushed two homers in Game 1 of the 1996 World Series, making him just the second visiting player (along with Johnny Bench) to hit two home runs in a World Series game at Yankee Stadium. After that game, his general manager, John Schuerholz, compared Jones to a young Hank Aaron. But a decade and a half later, the Yankees are just looking for him to be this year’s Marcus Thames.
MikeInFl
January 21st, 2011
6:27 am
In Ga it’s just UGA. They should be able to hang on to all the local prospects they want.
I wouldn’t say that. South Georgia is heavily recruited by Florida, West Georgia by Auburn, North and East by Tennessee and South Carolina (some years the Carolina roster seems to have more Georgia players than the UGA roster does). UGA does pretty much own metro Atlanta, which is a good starting point.
Anyway, good to see another top 10 recruiting class developing, but it’s tempered a bit for me… we’ve had at least top 10 classes every year for the last 10. CMR needs to turn that promise into results.
Ozzy
January 21st, 2011
6:28 am
Cut Ffrenchy loose so why not this loser? Braves are cheapskates and will never win anything again!!
Bravesfan60
January 21st, 2011
7:15 am
Does anyone really believe that a 160 hitter with 6+ years of MLB service would be invited back to training camp. It’s the $7.5 mil that the Braves can’t dump that is being invited to training camp. If they were invited to trining camp, then McLouth and any other player would last maybe a week.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
7:16 am
DOB.. Check out my 2 tweets at 2:45 am and tell me what you think… Wildbravesfan79 Twitter name — daniel buck
I don’t see them. What did you say (it’s only 140 or fewer characters, please repeat them here)
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
7:20 am
Cut Ffrenchy loose so why not this loser? Braves are cheapskates and will never win anything again!! — Ozzy
The Braves didn’t “cut Frenchy loose,” they traded him — for another right fielder. No team is going to trade the Braves a major league center fielder while also taking on McLouth’s salary. That’s not difficult to understand.
jeffrey d
January 21st, 2011
7:38 am
In case anybody was wondering what Anders looks like, he’s a big guy with an afro. Plays football for Nick Saban.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/files/2011/01/secchamp.1206+bs33.JPG
jeffrey d
January 21st, 2011
7:44 am
Why can’t a damn Braves sign Andrew Jones for $2M? He is worthy, he can play all outfields where we desperately need some backup. He has pop on bat as a bench player. I know you are going to say we already have Hinsky but he can be first base backup. O and if chipper need rest we could move Prado to third base and Andrew in LF. We just missed another playoff there. kashi
I’m sorry I missed this one just after I went to bed last night. I think my 2 favorite things about it are 1) He’s named after a high-fiber breakfast brand, and 2) the quote “We just missed another playoff there.”
jeffrey d
January 21st, 2011
7:45 am
uh oh, gotta go….big line forming at the ferris wheel. Talk to you cats later.
Rock
January 21st, 2011
7:52 am
Ferris wheel? I thought you were the bearded fat lady.
Couch Tater
January 21st, 2011
7:54 am
Check out my 2 tweets at 2:45 am and tell me what you think Daniel
What did you say DOB
“Call mom. I need bail money.”
jeffrey d
January 21st, 2011
7:55 am
No, I accidentally took her sandwich. And you just added “fat.” She’s surprisingly in shape.
Rob from SC
January 21st, 2011
8:18 am
DOB
Are the Braves not coming to Columbia Sc for the Caravan?
TennesseePaul
January 21st, 2011
8:32 am
Are the Braves not coming to Columbia Sc for the Caravan?
The “Country Caravan”? I thought the pick up trucks were headed that way. I know they don’t get up to Raleigh. This is disputed territory.
Double Zero Eight
January 21st, 2011
8:45 am
Andruw Jones will have a better year than Nate.
I would love to be wrong!
rich
January 21st, 2011
8:46 am
If Mclouzy was owed 1 Mil for this coming year, he would have been gone already.
CB
January 21st, 2011
8:50 am
Hey guys. I just wanted to stop in and say hello. I have not been able to follow the blog for the last few months hardly at all due to some major health issues for my wife. She appears to have turned the corner and is doing better, keep us both in your thoughts as we deal with what the future holds. Hi to everybody.
Hillbilly
January 21st, 2011
8:55 am
Good to see you back, CB. I hope everything turns out well for y’all. You had a host of friends here asking about you a few days ago.
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
9:12 am
CB – you hokie! Well do, hope she continues her improvement!
Lew
January 21st, 2011
9:13 am
CB – Hope everything is getting better, We wondered where you’d been, but I lost your email – please send it again for future reference. Lewhartman@comcast.net
Couch Tater
January 21st, 2011
9:22 am
CB – Brief overview.
McLouth stinks. Chipper’s a cripple. Schafer is on peds. Bobby’s still a donk. Fredi is Bobby’s boy. McCann is fat. Liberty is cheap. McGuirk is a yes man. Too much for Tex. Too little for Soriano.
Welcome back!
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
9:24 am
CB—
Good to see you again! Sorry to read that about your wife! You both will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
9:25 am
McFann – You’ve got mail.
ken
January 21st, 2011
9:27 am
Here is my problem with the Braves continuing to give McClouth chances to turn things around. Can someone explain to me why they did not bring back Andrew Jones as starter or back up. This man gaves the Braves many great years and had a couple down years and the Braves have written him off. On the flip side I see them bring back certain other players and give them chance after chance. I know money is always a motivating factor in these decisions but I have my suspicions that there are underlying reasons that are never talked about. What is the real reason the Braves never seriously considered Andrew Jones to help fill their desperate need for right handed power hitting outfielder ?
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
9:31 am
Well, what’s a blog to do with HAIRSTON and JONES off the board. The time for wishin’ and hopin’ in the outfield is almost gone sports fans. Looks like we start with what brung us here.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
9:32 am
ken:
Lose the “C” in McLOUTH, son. There is none.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
9:34 am
Couch Tater
January 21st, 2011
9:22 am
CB – Brief overview.
McLouth stinks. Chipper’s a cripple. Schafer is on peds. Bobby’s still a donk. Fredi is Bobby’s boy. McCann is fat. Liberty is cheap. McGuirk is a yes man. Too much for Tex. Too little for Soriano.
Welcome back!
Yeah CB it’s boring. I’d leave for a breather too if this wasn’t all I had.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
9:35 am
ken – First of all – Andruw hasn’t had a substantially good season since leaving Atlanta (not to mention a couple of sub par seasons here). He is not the player he once was and it is doubtful (at least has been qquestioned by experts) whether or not he can even play a decent CF anymore. He DID hit 19 HR last year, but it was at Chicago in a hitters park and not a pitcher’s park like Atlanta.
Yes, he did give us some great years and played an incredible CF. That was then and this is a completely new day. He’s not the player you remember.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
9:38 am
The past two seasons, Andruw has played a total of 17 games in CF – he played most of his games in RF or as DH last year.
nique
January 21st, 2011
9:39 am
Nice post, DOB – chalk full of goodness, like my breakfast
roseman
January 21st, 2011
9:40 am
DOB
Another great blog my man. Saw pics of the rookie camp, great event for the young studs, especially with Bobby dropping in to pump them up. As far as Nate goes, I hope Freddi does bat him in the #2 hole as hinted. He can bunt, and has speed to stay out of the double play. If Nate will play fundamentals, move runners over, etc, play within himself, then the extra base hits will come, including the long ball. He does need to be more aggresive with his throwing defense, and make other teams respect his arm. We could end up having one of the revered outfields in the league, if Nate produces. I say there’s a good chance he will. Have a good weekend in Carolina and keep the commentary coming…good stuff.
Soph
January 21st, 2011
9:41 am
CB appearance! Good to hear from you, buddy. Wishing your wife a speedy recovery!
Lew
January 21st, 2011
9:42 am
nique – Why are you eating chalk? Calcium deficiency?
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
9:44 am
WINTER BALL
DOMINICAN
CF JOSE CONSTANZA 1-3, 1 R, 2 SO, .255 BA.
VENEZUELA
C OSMAN MARVAL 1-2, .444 BA.
PH/1B ERNESTO MEJIA 0-1, .378 BA.
RHR
January 21st, 2011
9:45 am
Brief overview.
McLouth stinks. Chipper’s a cripple. Schafer is on peds. Bobby’s still a donk. Fredi is Bobby’s boy. McCann is fat. Liberty is cheap. McGuirk is a yes man. Too much for Tex. Too little for Soriano
Just like The Young and The Restless. You watch an episode on a sick day in 1995 and don’t see another episode until a snow day in 2011 and you’re like ‘holy crap, that guy is still alive!?’
Godspeed, CB.
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
9:45 am
Wish I had a breakfast taco lady ’bout now…
Lew
January 21st, 2011
9:47 am
Did anyone see that a Fox News anchor was attacked by a kinkajou? Where did them left wingers even find a kinkajou?
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
9:48 am
Lew
January 21st, 2011
9:42 am
nique – Why are you eating chalk? Calcium deficiency?
He’s a K-State fan? Rock, chalk, Jayhawk???
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
9:49 am
Lew
January 21st, 2011
9:47 am
Did anyone see that a Fox News anchor was attacked by a kinkajou? Where did them left wingers even find a kinkajou?
Some one on FOX “news” was attacked? Not surprising.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
9:51 am
CB
January 21st, 2011
8:50 am
Hey guys. I just wanted to stop in and say hello. I have not been able to follow the blog for the last few months hardly at all due to some major health issues for my wife. She appears to have turned the corner and is doing better, keep us both in your thoughts as we deal with what the future holds. Hi to everybody.
Just saw your post CB. God be with you both.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
9:54 am
I see Comcast is taking over control of CNBC with a 51% share of the stock. Next week. It behooves us all to understand who’s manipulating the “news” folks.
Don
January 21st, 2011
10:01 am
Hope they are right about McLouth. But what is the basis for thinking that he is going to, all of a sudden, be good next season when he has only really had one good season in his entire career and that was three or four years ago. For at least the last two seasons, his production has not even been close to being acceptable. There are also questions about whether there will be acceptable performance (either offensively or defensively) at both Shortstop and Third Base – and who knows what the offensive production will be for the rookie first baseman. Even more significantly, past Hudson and Hanson, there are significant questions relating to the starting pitching — Medlin is out for the season. JJ has not really been dependable/effective since the Shoulder injury. Lowe will be a year older, and who knows? There is young talent, but it is unproven.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:01 am
richbrave – Doesn’t really matter who gives you the news when you’re skeptical about anyone reporting it and the message they’re bringing.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:03 am
Speaking of disregarded messages and messengers – and don appears.
charlotte observer
January 21st, 2011
10:05 am
RHR .. 9:45AM
.. thanks for the chuckle..
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
10:06 am
Still struggling to find out who Medlin is… scoured roster after roster and can’t seem to find him anywhere.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:10 am
And of course don glosses over the fact that between June 30 (after he returned from his shoulder issue) Jair pitched 10 games, all of which were 6 to 7IP each and in which he gave up two or less Earned runs in 6 of them and 3 Earned Runs in two more when he injured himself again.
Yeah, he does have some proving to do, but he wasn’t hopeless, ineffective pitcher for the entire year. He came back from the more serious injury and pitched well. You think he won’t be back from a strained hamstring?
Soph
January 21st, 2011
10:11 am
cab can tell you who Chris Medlin is, Ease.
Don
January 21st, 2011
10:12 am
Have never understood the concept – that just because a player is owed big bucks, you play him, even if he is not producing.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:13 am
Sunday temps here are high of 4 degrees and low of 18 below and Monday’s are high of 2 degrees and low of 14 below. Think I’d best wear a sweater.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:14 am
don – When it comes to baseball, there are plenty concepts you’ve never understood.
Phillistein
January 21st, 2011
10:15 am
Lew
January 21st, 2011
9:47 am
Did anyone see that a Fox News anchor was attacked by a kinkajou? Where did them left wingers even find a kinkajou?
*******************************************************************************************************
You know you’re in trouble when outrage to your claims of being “fair & balanced” has reached rainforest mammals.
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
10:15 am
Thanks Soph!
When she wakes up (errr…I mean gets to work, uh, well I get one in the same), I will be sure to ask!
Carroll Rogers
January 21st, 2011
10:15 am
in case you missed it, I did a story updated a handful of the rookies at the development week….
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-prospect-updates-teheran-809576.html
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:16 am
Phillstein – Dude, THAT was funny.
LTBF
January 21st, 2011
10:20 am
Good morning all
I know money is a problem with the Braves with Liberty Media, but how could we not offer Rick Ankiel a contract? He did not do much but he can field and throw. He is much better then the two guys When wants to play in CF this year. Nate is done and Jordan can’t even hit AA pitching. Something must be done to improve CF. A Jones is not the answer.
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
10:21 am
Sarah Barracuda meets Sarah Kinkajou
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:23 am
LTBF – I’ve got a strong feeling that Nate will bounce back (at least better than last year – really can’t be much worse cause he’ll be at Gwinnett if he is) and Schafer is ready sooner rather than later. Don’t disregard Matt Young, either. We’ll be fine.
Arkansas Transplant
January 21st, 2011
10:24 am
Just in case anyone missed it, but Berkman was asked about returning to the outfield and stated he felt that it would be easier on his knees out there than trying to do to much at first. He said he’s totally healthy and ready to prove it.
I had to post this update,,, I’m sure those of you understand.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:25 am
Braveheart- But the real question is should The Barracuda hunt Kinkajou in a helicopter?
Arkansas Transplant
January 21st, 2011
10:25 am
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:23 am
Not to mention, he’s in a contract year as well.
Efrim
January 21st, 2011
10:25 am
Great blog, DOB. Regarding Wren’s point about the Braves not moving any of the SS prospects(other than Mycal Jones) off of their current positions: Wouldn’t that cause a logjam in Rome? I have to imagine Salcedo, Lipka and Simmons would start there given where they finished last year. Wouldn’t they want all of them to get as much time as possible at the position? I suppose Andrelton Simmons could skip Rome seeing that is 21 years old(not old, but not young for the level either). Not really sure how other orgs do it when they have multiple prospects around the same age at the same position.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:25 am
Transplant – We wish him well.
DAP
January 21st, 2011
10:26 am
ken What is the real reason the Braves never seriously considered Andrew Jones to help fill their desperate need for right handed power hitting outfielder ?
we will have to reject your premise, since we dont really know if andruw was considered or not.
my guess is that he was considered, and was decided against, because bringing back a guy who used to be a star for you to play a bench role might be a little weird.
i would have liked to have him back, though.
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
10:26 am
AT – Thanks for the update…I know you had your haters out there when you were proposing we trade for him
LTBF
January 21st, 2011
10:27 am
As always I respect your opinon Lew, guess we will just have to wait and see.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
10:27 am
Efrim – Maybe they rotate them around the infield? Don’t all of them play at least two infield positions?
Phillistein
January 21st, 2011
10:27 am
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
9:54 am
I see Comcast is taking over control of CNBC with a 51% share of the stock. Next week. It behooves us all to understand who’s manipulating the “news” folks.
*************************************************************************************************************
Actually, Comcast is taking over ALL of NBC. As Comcast is a Philadelphia based company it’s my understanding that Charlie Manuel is going to replace Brian Williams on the nightly news’
“Well, you know unintelligible garble that there’s a unintelligible problem unintelligible in Agharna, uh unintelligible Afghnastarn unintelligible unintelligible uh telebabies, uh unintelligible Towelbans, unintelligible unintelligible garble, you know.”
Chollie is to the Enlish language what Brooks Conrad is to the Gold Glove.
Snackwell
January 21st, 2011
10:30 am
Why does DOB refer to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex as Dark Star?
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
10:31 am
Phillistein is on a role today
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
10:32 am
New York City: A World Champion When It Comes to Losing
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/sports/21loserville.html?_r=1&hp
It has been 42 years since the Jets won a championship — four decades of failure and fiasco that, with any luck, might come to an end with a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday and another in the Super Bowl in Arlington, Tex., on Feb. 6. But the fortunes of the Jets, if sad, are not exactly distinctive.
Painful as it may be for the proud and loud New York sports fan, consider this sobering rap sheet of sports disappointments for the city’s teams. The Knicks were founding members of the N.B.A. They play in Madison Square Garden — the world’s most famous arena, or so the slogan goes. But their record goes like this: two titles in 64 seasons, the last in 1973. So much for the Knicks as the embodiment of the sport known as the city game. The Mets have won exactly two World Series in half a century, their last a tidy 25 years back. When the Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994, it had been an epochal 54 years since their last one. Now, they are 16 years and counting into a new losing streak.
Yes, yes, there are the Yankees. But in New York, a city of self-styled sports sophisticates and billion-dollar franchises, they are the exception. Quite an exception to be sure — 27 World Series titles — but an exception all the same. O.K., Giants fans, we hear you. We will concede: your team is not an epic loser. The Giants have won seven N.F.L. championships, three in the 45-season Super Bowl era, the last one in stunning fashion over the 18-0 New England Patriots in 2008. Not bad. The Jets would take it. But there is this fact to face: The Giants started playing during the Calvin Coolidge presidency in 1925. Shall we talk about college sports? Fordham? Columbia? St. John’s? How about City College? It was the last local team to win the N.C.A.A. men’s basketball championship. That was 61 years ago, in 1950. Sixty years ago, seven of that team’s players were arrested in a point-shaving scandal.
Arkansas Transplant
January 21st, 2011
10:33 am
Anyone have the countdown until pitchers and catchers report?
Venice Jim
January 21st, 2011
10:37 am
I see that the February 2 Caravan stop is at the Publix in the shopping center where I tutored for several years – wish they had done it three years ago…
Phillistein
January 21st, 2011
10:38 am
The sad thing?
Philly would take NY’s sports record in a ……….a…………NY minute.
Steelers should handle the Jets. Number one defense against the run so they’re going to force Sanchez to throw.
17-9 Steelers
Jreeves
January 21st, 2011
10:40 am
GREAT facebook page to follow the Braves guys…..updates right on your phone, look at the salary commitments this dude put together. Great source:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100001934718305
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
10:44 am
Yeah, I just put that up for future reference as ammo when the condescending New Yorkers make their appearance on the blog
charlotte observer
January 21st, 2011
10:45 am
I’ve got a countdown gizmo that I snagged off of “iGoogle” … sitting on my desktop …. Pitchers and Catchers report … 022(days):21(hours):15(minutes):23(seconds) ..
Arkansas Transplant
January 21st, 2011
10:52 am
I knew someone had to come through with one of those. Thanks Charlotte observer.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
10:59 am
Why does DOB refer to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex as Dark Star? — Snackwell
So that he’ll be asked that question numerous times each year.
RHR
January 21st, 2011
11:00 am
I’ve got a countdown gizmo that I snagged off of “iGoogle”
Thats awesome. Thanks.
monty
January 21st, 2011
11:07 am
Hopefully Nate can also work on his throwing before season starts.I could put up with his putting the ball in his pocket-if he hits. If he doesn’t hit,then he’d better be willing to cut it loose. No hit,no throw,equal-negative fan reaction. If it’s really not just about the money-heehee! And Nate doesn’t hit, then there are better throw and catch options.Nate’s strong suite is his hitting when he is on, take that away and he is just a slightly above avg. fielder with a below avg. arm.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
11:09 am
LTBF, the Braves never expressed interest in Andruw Jones; some of their fans did. And he’s a Yankee now anyway, so the point is moot.
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
11:10 am
Wouldn’t that cause a logjam in Rome?
Well, Simmons did hit at least a little bit, so maybe he does go to Lynchburg, at that. Lipka or Salcedo has to get some more time at Danville, I think. One or the other.
T for Texas
January 21st, 2011
11:12 am
That’s some funny bloggin’ this morning folks. Special thanks to RHR for the Y&R/AJ, jeffreyd for continued fair-isms, and yeah even you Phillistein for rain forest mammals….as much as I hate to say it.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
11:13 am
Hope they are right about McLouth. But what is the basis for thinking that he is going to, all of a sudden, be good next season when he has only really had one good season in his entire career and that was three or four years ago. For at least the last two seasons, his production has not even been close to being acceptable. There are also questions about whether there will be acceptable performance (either offensively or defensively) at both Shortstop and Third Base – and who knows what the offensive production will be for the rookie first baseman. Even more significantly, past Hudson and Hanson, there are significant questions relating to the starting pitching — Medlin is out for the season. JJ has not really been dependable/effective since the Shoulder injury. Lowe will be a year older, and who knows? There is young talent, but it is unproven. — Don
And your point is?
Couch Tater
January 21st, 2011
11:13 am
The announcement of the new 24-hour, every-day-of-the-year network that pays Texas $300 million over the next 20 years comes at a steep cost to the rest of the Big 12 Conference.
How long does the countdown gizmo have until UT becomes an independent?
Moe Berg
January 21st, 2011
11:14 am
“Wouldn’t that cause a logjam in Rome?”
I am picturing the Pope dancing a tango with a Cardinal causing a giant traffic jam.
Snackwell
January 21st, 2011
11:16 am
Dark Star reminds me of Death Star yet the Braves aren’t the Evil Empire, that’s the New York Yankees. The Braves are more like the rebels from Star Wars so I propose referring to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex as Tatooine or Mos Eisley. Oh, does that make Bobby Cox Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Lew
January 21st, 2011
11:20 am
Snackwell- Let’s not overthink this. The Dark Star is Disney. Let’s leave it at that.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
11:21 am
CB_
Sorry to hear of your wife’s health problems, but good to know things are looking up. You’ve been missed, best wishes, thoughts and prayers, for you and your family.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
11:21 am
The announcement of the new 24-hour, every-day-of-the-year network that pays Texas $300 million over the next 20 years comes at a steep cost to the rest of the Big 12 Conference.
How long does the countdown gizmo have until UT becomes an independent? – Couch Tater
Couch Tater, why would they become an independent when they’ve got the absolute best of both worlds, membership in a BCS conference that includes its in-state rivals and its Red River rival (OU), along with permission from the conference to negotiate its own huge TV contract in addition to the conference TV money it already gets?
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
11:22 am
Have no fear. If the young boys Salcedo, Likpa and Simmons have to endure a logjam in Rome, the Pope will reassign the guilty priests to another parish.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
11:25 am
ncscoots, Salcedo won’t go back down to Danville after spending much of the 2010 season at Rome. They wouldn’t do that do him. I can see Lipka at short-season Danville, and agree with you that Simmons could be at Lynchburg. I didn’t ask, but will try to remember to soon.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
11:26 am
Lew, thank you (11:20 a.m.). Correct.
Daniel
January 21st, 2011
11:26 am
Thanks for the blog. Always warms the soul to read about ST during the Winter doldrums.
I like the sound of the new DBT’s. I felt like they were getting into kinda of a rut, personally. Can’t wait to hear the new stuff.
Escevado at Eddies?!- I’m so there.
Couple of quick suggestions:
Smith Westerns- Dye it Blonde
Bare Wires- I love you tonight (garage rock)
Ducktails- Arcade III, hard to describe listen to “Killing the Vibe (with Noah Lennox)
Also, you may have this one, but I kinda missed it from last year. Phosphorescent’s Here’s to taking it Easy.
Keep up the good work.
T for Texas
January 21st, 2011
11:28 am
All the angst over how Freddie Freeman projects to MLB is a bit laughable. Not that anything is guaranteed, but the young man was the Int’l League Player of the Year. If I am correct the last Braves to do that were the Jones boys, Chipper and Andruw. Maybe I am a doe-eyed Pollyanna, but I am excited about the kid, and not the least bit anxious.
Voice of Harold
January 21st, 2011
11:29 am
Snackwell, before I attempt to answer your “Dark Star” question, I’ve got a couple for you:
1) How do you feel about neon?
2) Do you enjoy malls?
3) Does the idea of a Disney-themed hotel room give you chills of excitement?
4) Do you find $8 to be about the right price for a double quarter pounder with cheese from Mickey D’s?
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
11:29 am
No, I accidentally took her sandwich. And you just added “fat.” She’s surprisingly in shape. _ jeffery d
Would not surprise me to hear the bearded lady was juicing with deer antler velvet.
Venice Jim
January 21st, 2011
11:31 am
DOB – just noticed that Hayes Carll is scheduled to be on Leno tonight – I seem to remember that you appreciate his penchant for clever lyrics…
Lew
January 21st, 2011
11:32 am
Texas- Another thing that mystifies me is why people think Freeman’s unproven defensively. Seems to me that’s one thing that would remain constant from minors to majors and something that shouldn’t require an adjustment. Isn’t the base placed at pretty much the same location in both leagues?
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
11:37 am
Salcedo won’t go back down to Danville after spending much of the 2010 season at Rome.
Yeah, I forgot that. Righto.
Voice of Harold
January 21st, 2011
11:38 am
Gotta say I appreciate what I’m hearing off of R.E.M.’s Collapse Into Now. Anyone else heard Discoverer or Mine Smell Like Honey?
Snackwell
January 21st, 2011
11:40 am
I wasn’t aware, until 3 minutes ago, how much Andruw Jones COMPLETLY DOMINATES all active MLB players for defensive WAR. He’s half again better than the #2 active player, Ivan Rodriguez. He’s #2 all time in the history of the game ahead of Roberto Clemente and Ozzie Smith. I’m floored. I guess he made it look too easy with that grin.
Snackwell
January 21st, 2011
11:41 am
http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_def_career.shtml
Voice of Harold
January 21st, 2011
11:42 am
By the by, Lew, I completely agree with you on our CF situation. McLouth will not (cannot) be as bad as last year. I think Schafer turns it around big time this year, also. I don’t know much about Young beyond what I saw at ST last year in a few games. The word “small” immediately jumps in my head when I see his name. But, the stats don’t lie, and his indicate he’s pretty close.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
11:46 am
Harold – They’re bringing in too many options for none of them to work. Soemone and maybe two someones will step up. IMO, anyway.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
11:47 am
I’d say that McLouth, Schafer and Young (probably Mather, too) are highly motivated. That could make a major difference.
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
11:47 am
But, the stats don’t lie [about Young]
ah, but they can be disingenuous, LOL. Late-starter, old for each level, most of his success came in his second trip at each level, and so forth. I’ll agree that he’s probably as ready as he’ll ever be; I just don’t know how ready that actually is.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
11:49 am
Well, one thing is certain – should Nate, Logan or Matt be ready for Prime Time, it will give us a speedy base stealing type towards the top of the order.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
11:50 am
What would you say about a player who has hit .212 (284-for-1340) in the past four seasons with 65 homers, 199 RBI, 187 walks, 359 strikeouts, a .312 OBP and a .412 slugging percentage?
To repeat, a player who has hit .212 with a .312 OBP and .724 OPS during the 2007-2010 seasons, while averaging about 16 homers and 50 RBI?
Oh, and he hit .197 (125-for-632) with runners on base during that four-year span, including .217 (81-for-373) with runners in scoring position.
That player is Andruw Jones.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
11:54 am
Venice Jim: Thanks for the heads-up. Yes, Hayes is a good one. I got one of his earlier CDs, Little Rock, the other day at the Paste moving sale. It’s strong. Not quite as good as Trouble in Mind, but close.
D.J.
January 21st, 2011
11:55 am
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/01/20/glicksman.breakout/index.html?eref=sihp
This writer has his list of 10 potential breakout players this year and includes Martin Prado.
Wouldn’t most of you say 2009 was Prado’s breakout year and 2010 was just confirmation of his consistency? I don’t really know how an All-Star can have a breakout season after he’s been an All-Star. (Omar Infante is exempt from that last statement, just in case he gets better this year)
Voice of Harold
January 21st, 2011
11:55 am
Well, there’s been a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth from some who think we should have signed Andruw. I would not be opposed to it, but it makes perfect sense that we didn’t. I think the guys we have will produce without the “weight” of Andruw’s presence. I don’t mean his body mass, but his history. And it’s not that I think he’s a clubhouse distraction. I’m at a loss for words, but suffice to say I think he’s the past, when we need to look to the future.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
11:56 am
Harold – Pretty much how I see it,. too. I wouldn’t have minded having him as fourth outfielder, but have no problem with him being a Yankee, either.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
11:59 am
College student files suit for $1.8M saying Las Vegas hooker didn’t spend enough time with him
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/01/21/2011-01-21_college_student_files_suit_for_18m_after_he_says_las_vegas_hooker_didnt_spend_en.html
Kids say the darnedest things.
Voice of Harold
January 21st, 2011
11:59 am
ncscoots, you’re right. Stats can be skewed. I have no problem with late/slow bloomers though.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
12:00 pm
Daniel, that Phosphorescent CD was one of my favorites from last year. If you don’t have it, get his To Willie album from a few years back, a tribute to Willie Nelson. Great stuff….
Voice of Harold, you should see this R.E.M. book I got at Powell’s Books in Portland. it’s called R.E.M. Inside Out, The Stories Behind Every Song. And it’s just that — stories about every song they’ve recorded. Great inside stuff, so much I’ve never read or heard. And terrific pictures, most of which I’d never seen.
By the way, our Jeff Schultz is friends with the band’s longtime guitar tech, and after the UGA-Kentucky basketball game Jeff got a tour of R.E.M.’s rehearsal space in Athens. I was envious when he told me about it later.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
12:02 pm
Bat – Yet another And Idiot is heard from. Kind of reminds me of HS – smoking cigarettes was about the worst thing you could get caught doing (different time, apparently). One of my classmates went to the powers that be and told them someone stole his cigarettes.
Murph
January 21st, 2011
12:02 pm
McLouth will not (cannot) be as bad as last year.
He certainly could be… he could even be worse than he was last year. There’s no telling until he gets up to the plate.
McLouth obviously has the physical ability to hit. He showed it earlier in his career, he showed little glimpses of it at the end of last year. That makes me think his horrible season is a result of his head, not his hands.
Look at what’s been going on with Salty… can’t get the ball back to the pitcher. He’s worked hard to overcome the issue, but there’s no guarantee it won’t happen again. The demons could get back in Nate’s head and, next thing you know, he’s hitting .150 again and it’s time to trade one of the starters for some OF help.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
12:03 pm
Matt Young wasn’t drafted, either. Maybe that had something to do with his lack of accelerated progress through the minors.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
12:04 pm
What would you say about a player who has hit DOB
Best of luck in your future endeavors, whatever and where-ever they may be?
GTSteve
January 21st, 2011
12:04 pm
@Charlotte Observer, I have the same thing
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
12:04 pm
charlotte observer – If you read this post, could you tell me specifically where you found the countdown gizmo and which one you are using? I have been searching for one for quite a bit…Thanks!
Lew
January 21st, 2011
12:05 pm
Murph = Pretty hard to do much worse than a .190 season with a concussion in the middle. Besides – if he starts out hitting like he did last spring, he’ll be in Gwinnett and won’t get a chance to be worse than 2010.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
12:05 pm
Lew_
People are funny creatures. I love the people that go to the cops because they got ripped off in a drug deal.
Snackwell
January 21st, 2011
12:06 pm
hey, I wasn’t trying to bring Andruw back. I was simply stating how completely oblivious I was to his staggering defensive career numbers. Although Nate’s improbable early season game winning home run against the Phillies last year counts for a lot… I wish we had snagged McCutchen and not McClouth (hindsight 20/20 and all).
GTSteve
January 21st, 2011
12:07 pm
Do you have Igoogle Ease
704_Brave
January 21st, 2011
12:08 pm
DOB – 2 questions:
1) When/where/who regarding Braves caravan in Charlotte?
2) What Disney area bars do you recommend for my trip Mar 9-13?
Lew
January 21st, 2011
12:10 pm
Bat- My so used to be a Sheriff’s Deputy in Seminole Co., Fl. Down there, every contractor that does work on the courthouse, jail, etc. is vetted for prior offenses. There was a time when they had a guy working on the roof of the jail and it turned out he had an outstanding warrant. They just walked up the ladder to the roof and hauled him down in cuffs.
Lew
January 21st, 2011
12:10 pm
Obviously I meant my son was a Deputy.
GTSteve
January 21st, 2011
12:11 pm
@Ease
http://www.labpixies.com/gadget_page.php?id=58&platform_id=0
Voice of Harold
January 21st, 2011
12:11 pm
DOB,
Oh, my! I wonder if Decatur CD would have that book. They have a small stash of music related stuff.
Damn that Jeff Schultz and his connections! I’m acquaintances with Bertis Downs’ brother’s family, but that’s not quite the same, is it? geez
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
12:16 pm
GTSteve – Thanks a bunch man! Yeah, switched to Chrome only recently and am only recently getting the hang of it. The NES emulator gadget occupies much (too) of my time,
DawgDad
January 21st, 2011
12:16 pm
It would be a huge lift for the team if Nate can rebound in 2011; unless he was steroid-enhanced there is clearly talent under wrap. I would interpret his hesitancy to uncork throws as being protective of a sore arm or shoulder, like a rotator cuff issue. Outfielders by nature come up throwing and slam on the brakes if the play isn’t there. Since that’s something the player and organization would be hesitant to discuss we may never know for sure what was bugging him, but something was.
Voice of Harold
January 21st, 2011
12:16 pm
Snackwell, didn’t mean to suggest you were the one going on about Andruw. I understood what you were getting at with the defensive stats. I was referring more to the folks from earlier in the blog. That high-fiber guy, kashi, and others.
GTSteve
January 21st, 2011
12:17 pm
Glad I could help
ryan c
January 21st, 2011
12:19 pm
On Prado breaking out…
Prado is stepping into his prime years. He’s 27 years old and didn’t really start finding his HR power until the age of 25. I could seriously see Prado hitting 20-25 home runs this year. Aside from Heyward, Prado parks the ball deeper in batting practice than any other Brave. He’s seriously strong and he stays fit and limber in the offseason with his p90x routine (the trainer in the videos is annoying as hell, but the results, especially the added flexibility, can’t be denied). Hopefully, the defensive adjustment will not play a factor in his offensive numbers. Martin finished with 40 doubles last year and probably would have pushed for the league lead in that category if it weren’t for his injuries. With added strength and years, I think more of thosee doubles will become HRs. I’ll make my prediction for Prado:
22hr 73rbi 103 runs .311ba .373obp .858ops
Aggressive, i know, but I believe Martin’s gonna bring it this year.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
12:19 pm
Lew _
Yeah, don’t get shortchanged on crazy here in Florida.
Voice of Harold
January 21st, 2011
12:20 pm
Murph, I understand that it’s a possibility. By suggesting McLouth “will not/cannot” have a year as bad as last, I’m just saying what I think is going to happen. I think he’s too talented, and I like his makeup as a player. I think he’ll figure it out. As long as he’s not injured, I believe he’ll have a productive year.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
12:21 pm
we don’t get
bigchieeeeeeeeeeeeefrg
January 21st, 2011
12:23 pm
I just got tix to see Arcade Fire and The National at UIC in Chicago on April 25th. Never been to chicago. Definitely goin to Wrigley. Anyone have any other “Chicago Have to”s?
zenman
January 21st, 2011
12:24 pm
DOB-DBT’ers tonight, Del Castillo Sat. night. Packers win Sunday. Spring traing will be a good time for you to see some great music in the Tampa, Orlando area. I’ll enlighten you.
abwright
January 21st, 2011
12:25 pm
Bat … so now prostitutes are going to have to get clients to read and agree to a EULA before plying their trade. Some clause such as “… if the client completes the transaction before the predesignated time has expired or if the time has expired before the transaction is completed …”
GTSteve
January 21st, 2011
12:28 pm
“Anyone have any other “Chicago Have to”s?”
DEEEEEP DISH PIZZA
abwright
January 21st, 2011
12:28 pm
I loved watching Andruw play the game when he was with the Braves. In his prime, he was one of the most outstanding CFs of all time and certainly the best of “our generation.”
I still root for Andruw to do well whenever I see him play.
But, the Andruw of the 90’s is not going to come again. I don’t think I would want to see him sitting on the bench night in and night out as the 4th OF.
It would not quite be a “bowl of sad” … maybe just an “after-dinner mint of sad.”
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
12:30 pm
abwright _
More business for the lawyers.
The guy should have known the hookers in Las Vegas are a crapshoot anyway.
abwright
January 21st, 2011
12:32 pm
I’m not convinced that McLouth cannot be worse than he was in 2010, except that he would probably not play a full season if his performance dropped further.
However, vision problems, concussion, confidence … the guy had a lot to over-come in 2010.
I’m also not sold on Schafer until he shows a little more performance. His plunge through the minors was shocking. If he’s healthy and the guy who started 2009 is the real Logan Schafer, then the Braves will be fine in 2011.
abwright
January 21st, 2011
12:33 pm
Bat … pretty soon the lobbyists and lawyers are going to oust every other profession.
It’ll be fun watching the lawyers sue the lawyers because no one else has any money left.
Daniel
January 21st, 2011
12:36 pm
DOB: Thanks for the heads up on the To Willie. I had a little of his stuff before and found it to be a little to insular for my taste, but that Here’s to Taking it Easy actually had quite the groove. So I will check out the Willie album.
BTW: My Morning Jacket are recording their next album back in the grain silo and gym of the original The Kentucky Fire/At Dawn era.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
12:38 pm
Man, that Pulte Homes pop up ad is irritating.
abwright
January 21st, 2011
12:38 pm
The one time I stayed in Chicago, I saw a great museum, walked by Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. It was winter, so no Cubs game to see. Also saw the Sears Tower (at the time the tallest building in the world). I think I ate in a restaurant at the top that revolved and showed you a view of the city.
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
12:40 pm
I happen to live in a Pulte Home…That in itself is very irritating.
Fred
January 21st, 2011
12:43 pm
bigchieeeeeeeeeeeeefrg, I highly recommend having lunch at Lawry’s on Ontario Street in Chicago. They hand carve the meat of your choice (roast beef, turkey, and sometimes corned beef) and serve it on your choice of bread. Their topping bar has everything you need, including side items like pasta salad. They also have homemade potato chips on all of the tables. They don’t charge much for lunch and it’s really good. If you want a steak house, Gibson’s on Rush st. is the best. They are a little pricey but it’s worth every penny. You can also eat lunch there to save some $$$.
Murph
January 21st, 2011
12:44 pm
I also believe Nate will have a decent (above .215) year… sad that, for him, that’s the standard of decent.
I just worry that, since the issue is in his head, it could come back again. A few games of going 0-4 and he’ll start worrying, and next thing you know he’s sub .200 and right back where he was last season.
Sure, he had a concussion last year that cost him 6 weeks, but he was hitting .175 or something before running into JHey. He was horrible before, horrible after, and it wasn’t until the season was almost over that he started getting some hits.
I’d love nothing more than to see Nate turn it around and put together an awesome year and go out and get a nice FA contract somewhere other than Atlanta. He’ll help the team win, and then he’ll go away, and everybody wins.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
12:45 pm
I bet, Ease.
When I lived in Ga the big builders held all the cards. Hard to hold those guys accountable.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
12:50 pm
zenman, we have one of the better live-music scenes in the country here in Atlanta, more great bands than anyone can possibly see. I love it. But I’m lucky if two or three bands I really want to see play in the Orlando area any spring during the entire 6-7 weeks I’m down there. Pretty barren music market, at least for the stuff I like. Fortunately, it doesn’t matter much since the spring-training lifestyle is not really conducive to seeing bands or doing anything else late at night. Up at about 6 a.m. every day — which is only 2-3 hours after I typically go to bed for the rest of the year.
Moe Berg
January 21st, 2011
12:51 pm
“Anyone have any other “Chicago Have to”s?”
I agree with GT Steve. Get some deep dish pizza–probably Lou Malnatti’s. Go to the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. Some nice jazz–was once owned by a member of Al Capone’s gang. Take a walk through Grant Park and along the lake. If you like art, go see the Art Institute of Chicago. They have a quite good collection. If you are going to Wrigley, there is a really good Iranian kebab place–Reza’s–a couple of el stops north of Addison (the Wrigley stop).
Bobby Hill
January 21st, 2011
12:54 pm
From the article, Wren sounds really positive and upbeat. And he has good reason to be. His team made the playoffs last year. His job seems secure at least for a few more years. The team didn’t lose any major pieces going into 2011, and his farm system, while not exactly balanced, it full of promising players. As now constituted he’s probably got about a 92 win team and the inside track to the wildacrd slot.
Still, you have to wonder how much of what he’s saying is posturing? He HAS to sound positive going into spring training. Its his job. He’s supposed to hype up the team.
I really find it hard to believe that he’s comfortable with Diory as the only player capable of playing SS other than Seabass. Especially after Seabass put up a .240/.291/.386/.676 line with Atlanta last year to go along with his mediocre defense. That slash line is slightly below his career numbers, but for a shortstop set to turn 34 before the season starts you can’t expect too much from the guy.
The Braves have a lot riding on McLouth. He could easily be the difference between the team dog fighting for the wild card slot or the team contending with the Phillies and having a real shot at advancing beyond the first round. McLouth has a .233/.308/.369/.677 slash line for his career against lefties. Even with the most optimistic projections he’s going to need a right handed platoon partner. That’s not Jordan Schafer or Matt Young.
Wren obviously knows this stuff too, but he can’t come out and say that he’s not comfortable with the guys he’s got. That would be sending the wrong message to the fans and to the guys currently on the team.
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
12:57 pm
just worry that, since the issue is in his head, it could come back again. A few games of going 0-4 and he’ll start worrying, and next thing you know he’s sub .200 and right back where he was last season.
That would make him so weak-willed as to be unrecognizable as a major-league player. Those guys just aren’t like that; they have an almost limitless self-confidence.
If that were not true, then McLouth would have just retired at the end of 2010, LOL. Seasons such as he had last year eat the weak; the rest just spit on it as it goes by, and limber up for the next year.
The guy might still crash and burn next year, for any number of reasons. But I doubt that such a thing will occur because he starts thinking about the putridness of a previous season.
P-Town Brave ©
January 21st, 2011
12:58 pm
Giordano’s Pizza is better…
T for Texas
January 21st, 2011
1:04 pm
Lew–Questioing Freeman’s defense I would say is downright stupid. The kid is smooth, agile, and awfully quick in a limited radius. Just the small sample we have seen of him with the big club has been tremendously impressive–Derrek Lee type defense. Wouldn’t surprise me to see him win a Gold Glove at some point if he can, the way that voting goes, hit enough.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
1:10 pm
bigchief: Go get some baby-back ribs at Carson’s on Wells, only a few blocks off the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave.) Terrific ribs in what looks from outside like a bit of a dive. It’s old school, the place where every visiting celebrity and ballplayer went for dinner throughout the 80s. But since it’s not on Rush St. and isn’t all trendy or post-modern or anything else — it’s dark inside, with autographed photos of stars who’ve eaten there, tall-back leather booths, all that — it’s not the hip place anymore. But that only makes it better, man. The food kicks arse. Great ribs. You’ll waddle out of there, so stuffed you’ll feel the desire to walk it off.
Gibson’s on Rush lives up the hype. Great steaks. But it’s way crowded and pricey.
You can get some good cajun food at Heaven on Seven (I know, you probably don’t think cajun when you think Chicago, but that town has great food, period. Every kind of ethnic food, in addition to at least a half-dozen of the best steakhouses in the country.
Oh, and try the burger at Rosebud’s, a block away from the Drake and the Westin on Michigan Ave. (restaurant is a couple blocks off Michigan)
T for Texas
January 21st, 2011
1:13 pm
“Anyone have any other “Chicago Have to”s?”
All of Moe Berg’s suggestions were right on. Also, try the top floor of the Hancock building for cocktails at sunset. And for lunch Chicago has one of the best Southern food restaurants I’ve ever eaten at called Wishbone by Harpo studios (if from South, probably not a must) But should check out Club Lucky in Bucktown neighborhood on W. Wabansia Street (1800 block or so) for family style Italian cuisine–not too expensive and great.
T for Texas
January 21st, 2011
1:14 pm
co-sign on Heaven on Seven as well.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
1:14 pm
T for Texas: Agreed on Freeman’s defense — anyone who’s seen the kid play much at all will tell you that he’s exceptional. Doesn’t matter the level, he’s a smooth, slick-fielding first baseman. Period. It might take him a while to adjust to hitting in the bigs, but defense isn’t an issue.
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
1:16 pm
kid is smooth, agile, and awfully quick in a limited radius.
I know we kid Freeman about his speed (quick feet but slow legs, LOL), but he actually is about average first-to-third. He’s still lanky and hasn’t fully grown into his body yet, so there’s at least the possibility that his burst will improve. Right now, his “first step” is more “molasses” than “burst”, admittedly.
abwright
January 21st, 2011
1:17 pm
David O’Brien, January 21st, 2011, 12:50 pm … “Orlando … Pretty barren music market, at least for the stuff I like. ”
You mean endless repetitions of “It’s a small world, after all. It’s a small world, after all.” aren’t to your taste?
Murph
January 21st, 2011
1:19 pm
That would make him so weak-willed as to be unrecognizable as a major-league player. Those guys just aren’t like that; they have an almost limitless self-confidence.
Was Nate recognizable as an MLB player last season? Outside of the uniform, not really.
I have a hard time believing he’s put last season behind him. How could he? He put together one of the worst seasons by an MLB starter in recent memory. I seriously doubt that his confidence is so strong that a week of 0-25 won’t make him throw up his hands and think to himself “here we go again”.
If he was that good/confident a player he would have played more to his potential last season. Instead he played like someone who had zero confidence and, worse, looked like he had zero clue as to what to do while at the plate. I didn’t see every game, but I saw enough to see how broken he was.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
1:21 pm
I seem to be hung up on game of chance references. Double-down or fold?
Maybe something to eat……. get back on topic……. Denny’s Grand-slam Breakfast or the Grand-Slam sandwich?
coin-flip
Arkansas Transplant
January 21st, 2011
1:30 pm
abwright
Did you say your in Little Rock yesterday?
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
1:32 pm
If he was that good/confident a player he would have played more to his potential last season
Surely you don’t believe that confidence is all it takes? If that were the case, I’d have been in the HOF already.
No, I’m only saying that an oh-fer week doesn’t make these guys break down and cry; they’ve been through that before (and worse) and lived to see success again. My guess is that McLouth came to the ballpark every day last year thinking that would be the day he would come out of it, and any slump he sees in the coming year will probably be thought of in the same way. Not as precursor to last year’s futility.
You go bad, you go good, just a matter of degree both ways. You do work in the cage and try to bring it in to the game; sometimes you can, sometimes you can’t. Sometimes, no matter what you do or how hard you work or how confident you are, you just have a crappy year. That’s baseball.
But players know what’s done is done, got another game today. Might get three hits. Let’s play.
gotigers72
January 21st, 2011
1:35 pm
“Too many teams that would love to have him.” Are you effing kiddin’ me. Who are those teams with GMs that have IQs above single digits. I take it that Nate is going to quit swinging at pitches above his eyeballs or in the dirt, start making bullet throws to the right base, without hesitation, taking accurate routes on fly balls over his head, being a heads-up baserunner and all of the other things that add up to being a ML ballplayer. Just an average ML player that plays with the correct fundamentals.
Lee Elia better bring his lunch if he is going to help make Nate an above mediocre baseball player!
jeffrey d
January 21st, 2011
1:38 pm
Good to hear from you CB! We were worried about you. Prayers are with you and your wife.
T for Texas
January 21st, 2011
1:39 pm
David–Do you think you could use your connections with the KU Athletic Dept. to maybe have your Jayhawks take it a little easy on my Longhorns this weekend? After the debacle that was the UT football season us alumni need a little something positive to fall back on, and beating Kansas in basketball might just be the ticket.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 21st, 2011
1:42 pm
Mayo on mlb.com just ranked Teheran as his #2 overall righty pitching prospect and ranked Minor #4 overall lefty pitching prospect. He goes out of his way to say Braves fans should be happy about the future with Hanson, Minor & Teheran. Can’t argue with him, but I would add Medlen to the mix and say I’m VERY happy!
The potential is there for a very good run this decade. And to think the Braves have done this without a lot of high draft picks.
Ralph
January 21st, 2011
1:42 pm
Even if McOut could hit 300 with 15 homers which he won’t he still can’t throw the ball to second base much less home plate in fact most time he doesn’t even try also he miss judges many fly balls that most center fielders handle quite routinely. If we go into the season with the idea that if he doesn’t improve by mid-season then we’ll make a move, remember the first game of the season is just as important as the last game and the braves have made that same mistake the past two seasons with Nate last year and Jordan the year before.
Smitty
January 21st, 2011
1:42 pm
T for Texas: C’mon man have faith! I am also a very big Longhorns fan, and honestly they have a legit shot. They are more of a team this year than they were last year.
jeffrey d
January 21st, 2011
1:42 pm
What would you say about a player who has hit DOB Bat
I’d say that’s a pretty rude player. We just missed another playoff there!
Pameeee
January 21st, 2011
1:47 pm
bigchieeeeeeeeeeeeefrg
January 21st, 2011
12:23 pm
I just got tix to see Arcade Fire and The National at UIC in Chicago on April 25th. Never been to chicago. Definitely goin to Wrigley. Anyone have any other “Chicago Have to”s?
Ah man, that’s what I remember and miss, travelling to concerts around the country. Have some fun for me…
Shaun
January 21st, 2011
1:49 pm
ncscoots, I agree. I think McLouth never got over early injuries last season.
McLouth has always been “eh” for me. For all the talk about how great he was in Pittsburgh, he had one very good season and a few okay-but-not-overly-impressive seasons. That said, the Braves did fine in trading for him and he’s a good option going into this season.
Robert
January 21st, 2011
1:50 pm
Just how tough are Phillies fans?
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/video/dome-extra-sick-little-girl-fulfills-dream-of-heck,18831/
Dome Extra: Sick Little Girl Fulfills Dream Of Heckling David Wright The Wish Zone helps 9-year-old Phillies fan Allison Pencey scream offensive slurs at Mets third baseman David Wright. Featuring online bonus footage of even more of Allison’s vulgar ranting
Murph
January 21st, 2011
1:51 pm
Surely you don’t believe that confidence is all it takes?
No, not at all… it takes skill. Nate has shown in the past he has the skill, so obviously something was wrong last season that kept him from hitting the ball.
To be in a slump is one thing… guys have 0-25 streaks all the time. To have one that lasts an entire season, though, that’s not a slump. That’s a player who shouldn’t be in the MLB.
I’m sure he had a few days where he thought “this is the day”… then after that first K or weak grounder thought “I can’t believe this is happening”. It’s human nature. Nobody is above frustration or getting their confidence shaken, not even an MLB ballplayer.
T for Texas
January 21st, 2011
1:52 pm
Smitty–I’ve got some faith, but the inability to close out UConn at home spoke to me of Longhorn basketball past, which is the ability to be real good but not take that next step to being great. All in all I will take our Athletic Department as a whole over anyone in the country.
Crow
January 21st, 2011
1:53 pm
I saw Nate play in the minors when he was pushed down for a few weeks…. He was the worst one on the field there too! I can’t believe they’re giving him another shot. Looks like we’re going to lose a few more that could’ve been won, had MeLouth not been the last at bat… or the last one to attempt a routine fielding play… this is NOT a smart move at all.
Snotboogie
January 21st, 2011
1:54 pm
Whoosh!
Shaun
January 21st, 2011
1:55 pm
Murph, I’m sure McLouth’s confidence was shaken. The question is did that cause his struggles? I suspect that most of the time a vast majority of pro athletes overcome shaken confidence so it becomes a non issue. They push through. I suspect there are some exceptions to this but for the most part, if an athlete is not performing and he is still young enough to perform up to previous standards, it’s most likely because of injury.
cabravesfan
January 21st, 2011
1:56 pm
cab can tell you who Chris Medlin is, Ease.-Soph
When she wakes up (errr…I mean gets to work, uh, well I get one in the same), I will be sure to ask! Ease® in Woodstock
Soph-
Sorry- no idea who Chris Medlin is
I know whomever it was could not have possibily meant Kris Medlen could he? I mean, it’s not that hard to spell…
Ease- When I get up/get to work??? Hey, just because my commute is less than 30 feet and I am still in my pajamas doesn’t mean it’s not tough to get up and get ready…
Lemke's Knuckler
January 21st, 2011
1:57 pm
The #1 thing I’m looking for this year is for Tommy Hanson to assert himself as the ace of this staff and one of the dominant pitchers in the NL. If he improves on his slow starts he should do that. His splits were ridiculous (.260 avg innings 1-3, .230 inning 4-6 and .145 innings 7-9). If he can come out challenging hitters in the first few innings, teams will be lucky to get a run off of him and he’ll also keep his pitch count down which should allow him to go deeper into games. Last year, he only pitched 8 innings twice. Part of his 10-11 record was bad luck and no run support, but part of it was what I described above.
So if he improves in that area, I’m saying he wins 18+ games and attains ace status.
Murph
January 21st, 2011
1:58 pm
ncscoots, I agree. I think McLouth never got over early injuries last season.
What early injuries? As far as I know, the concussion was the only thing that kept him from playing… and he was hitting .176 before that happened.
He went 9-57 in April. He went 1-35 in ST before that (not sure if that’s the complete spring stats, but that’s all I could find). His stink didn’t have much to do with injuries as far as I know.
Smitty
January 21st, 2011
2:01 pm
T for Texas – I agree, we constantly put up winning programs year in and year out…UConn is very good, and I think we win that game if Kemba Walker doesn’t make his prayer of a shot or it gets called for shot clock violation which it truly was….but I suppose thats the human error side of sports…we are still in very good position for a deep tournament run not to mention a very good 2011 recruiting class that Rick Barnes has put together.
Nick's nickers!
January 21st, 2011
2:02 pm
Ease® in Woodstock
January 21st, 2011
10:31 am
Phillistein is on a role today
That would be anchor at Comedy Central ?
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
2:03 pm
Man, even for The Onion, that was a bit much.
Murph
January 21st, 2011
2:04 pm
Nevermind, just found that he started last year with a hamstring issue. Still, he wasn’t injured for most of Spring Training when he went 1-35…
He never went on the DL for the hamstring, so it wasn’t bad enough to keep him from playing… so in my mind, it’s wasn’t bad enough to cause a .176 average prior to his concussion.
banjobrave
January 21st, 2011
2:05 pm
DOB hey got the Drive By’s suggestion you made and stumbled on a band that my daughter told me about. Not sure if you have mentioned them but what do you think about the Band Of Horses? I’m in my 50’s and they rocked my world. I’ll be at Dark Star 3rd week in March and the House of Blues schedule is pretty good there’s a band that is booked there-The Scott Holt Band, that is as good as it gets. He is from Columbia Tennessee (like Uggla) and has opened for Johnny Winter, Clapton, and he was in Buddy Guy’s band for a long time. So that may give you a live music shot for your jones if your schedule works out. FWIW Great Bloggage
Nick's nickers!
January 21st, 2011
2:05 pm
Crow
January 21st, 2011
1:53 pm
I saw Nate play in the minors when he was pushed down for a few weeks…. He was the worst one on the field there too! ..this is NOT a smart move at all.
They’re just not going to eat kk’s salary and McOut’s both at the same time. Ain’t gonna’ happen.
problematic
January 21st, 2011
2:08 pm
Braves are set for their season. Let’s go.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 21st, 2011
2:09 pm
Most of you guys don’t understand hitting very well. It’s as much mental as it is physical. If Nate had a hammy problem in spring training, he was probably compensating for it with his swing and once his swing was messed up, it was messed up in his head and not his body. This kind of stuff happens to hitters all the time. Not trying to blow sunshine up my own you know what, but McLouth’s a good ballplayer and I say it’s a 50/50 shot he’ll be productive. If he is productive, this lineup will be dynamic, there’s no arguing that.
Robert
January 21st, 2011
2:13 pm
There’s no question McClouth had a terrible year last year.
The questions are
1) How much, if any, rebound can we reasonably expect?
2) Why did anyone ever think the guy was that good to begin with?
Take a look at Nate McClouth’s career stats. He’s now 29 years old. He has hit above .270 ONCE in his big league career. He hit a passel of doubles once. Got to 90rbi once
Now, after you’ve pored over his career for a while, go look up Jeff Blauser
You know, the Braves shortstop who was sometimes pretty good but other times pretty Blausey
McClouth steals a few more bases – or, stated more precisely, when he wasnt playing for Bobby Cox, McClouth stole more bases than Blauser did during his days with the Braves
Other than that – career adjusted OPS 104 to 102 McClouth, career OBP .354 to .337 Blause, McClouth has a little more power (extra base hit in 9% of plate appearances vs 7% for Blauser
But when it comes down to producing runs for their team – for their careers, McClouth and Blauser are pretty darn similar
That aint a player to be getting any kind of sxcited about
Shaun
January 21st, 2011
2:16 pm
Murph, I suspect the injury in spring training was a bigger deal than we realize. Just because a guy doesn’t go on the DL doesn’t automatically mean the guy doesn’t have an injury that greatly affects performance. How often do you hear of a superstar playing at 70 or 80 percent because the team thinks it needs his “presence” in the lineup? And when you are a pro athlete but aren’t a superstar type, you have even more of an incentive to stay in the lineup and avoid losing your job.
zenman
January 21st, 2011
2:20 pm
DOB-Would you put Atlanta with Austin & Seattle, music wise? Also what radio station in Atlanta would be similiar to WMNF 88.5 in Tampa? Thank you for responding.
Murph
January 21st, 2011
2:22 pm
It’s not like he was hitting .300 before the injury… look at his 2nd half numbers from 2009, then look at his 2010 ST numbers, and then at his 2010 regular season numbers.
The guy has trended downwards ever since coming to Atlanta. I understand that injuries affect performance, but this guy’s performance has been terrible, healthy or not.
If his performance was due to an early hammy injury, then how do you explain the rest of his Atlanta stats?
All I’m saying is that Nate has been 100% awful since coming to ATL, and to expect some sort of miracle rebirth where he plays at a high level despite last season and a career of mediocre seasons is expecting a lot from a guy who has shown Braves fans nothing, nada, zero, zip since becoming a Brave.
Robert
January 21st, 2011
2:25 pm
“The Braves have a lot riding on McLouth. He could easily be the difference between the team dog fighting for the wild card slot or the team contending with the Phillies and having a real shot at advancing beyond the first round”
I disagree. The guy just isnt good enough to be that kind of a difference maker.
The only way he could be that dramatic of a difference maker would be in the negative – and if he is allowed to play long enough to be that big a negative, then it isnt his fault
Jeff Blauser isnt the reason your team makes it or doesnt in the playoffs
Shaun
January 21st, 2011
2:28 pm
How much, if any, rebound can we reasonably expect?
Robert, for his career, McLouth’s at .252/.337/.438. Given that he’s 29 (in the midst of peak age for a baseball player), if healthy, we should expect him to be at least a little better than that. I think a good indicator to look out for is whether he is running a lot when he gets on base. He and Carlos Beltran are among the better percentage basestealers of the past 4-5 years. What he does on the basepaths should give us an idea of his health early on.
Why did anyone ever think the guy was that good to begin with?
Well, he was always a solid player. But I agree many overrated him. I think players with some pop and speed are always a little overrated. Many are a little too impressed by homers and steals and don’t look at things like how often a player gets on base and what he slugs as much as they should when it’s overshadowed by homers and steals.
That said, McLouth’s on-base and slugging were respectable in his best seasons in Pittsburgh. He even had one season in which he was pretty darn good at both. So it’s not like we should expect him to be a terrible or mediocre player, if healthy. He’ll still be a solid offensive centerfielder, if healthy. But I think health is the big key.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 21st, 2011
2:35 pm
“All I’m saying is that Nate has been 100% awful since coming to ATL”
His 89 games in 2009 projected over a full season would have been about 105 runs, 36 doubles, 19 homers, 64 RBI and 21 stolen bases with a .354 OBP. I don’t think his 2008 season is where we should have ever expected him to be. But what he did in 2009 is probably what he’s capable of and we would all be very happy with the numbers I just listed.
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
2:37 pm
All I’m saying is that Nate has been 100% awful since coming to ATL, and to expect some sort of miracle rebirth where he plays at a high level
I guess it depends on your definition of “high level”. He’s a .260/.350 guy over his norms, and really only his slugging was down in Atlanta his first year. I agree that folks expecting him to hit .280 with 25 dingers is a little unrealistic.
But this team as currently constructed only needs him to be…him. Get on base, hit 15 dingers and 30 doubles, play adequate defense. I just don’t find it unreasonable to expect him to once again hit the way he did for 2000 plate appearances prior to last year. I mean, that seems logical to me, but maybe not…
daniel buck
January 21st, 2011
2:49 pm
Here are the tweets from last night DOB…. Tell me what you think Daniel Buck
wildbravesfan79 Daniel Buck
Ok so the #Braves didn’t get Wags back.. Is that really a surprise?? REALLY!!!!.. We can get a real good 4th outfielder… Maybe even…
Cameron or Rasmus trade… Sign Pods cheap… Andruw with the Yanks will be for the best… Who knows I am hearing Michael Young???? Hmmm
MJ
January 21st, 2011
2:50 pm
Nate will rebound and have a great year. Three reasons – 1. he’s healthy 2. NO PENDLETON as a hitting coach 3. It’s a contract year, and he wants the big bucks going forward. He’ll be fine. He has speed, great range in center field, and gets along well with his team mates. I’m looking forward to watching the kid play center field.
Thrillhouse44
January 21st, 2011
2:51 pm
Funny how players seem to put it together for a contract year. I think Nate will be fine.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 21st, 2011
2:52 pm
daniel buck, you have all the makings of a great beat writer…Hmmmm
daniel buck
January 21st, 2011
2:54 pm
And DOB if you have heard any rumors on the team… Even something small could you give us the inside scoop…. The not knowing is drivin me nuts…. Like it or not we are missing a bat
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
2:55 pm
So, is it required by Twitter that you be rambling and incoherent, or is that just optional?
daniel buck
January 21st, 2011
2:55 pm
Was that some sarcasm Lemke’s Knuckler
Robert
January 21st, 2011
2:57 pm
“Robert, for his career, McLouth’s at .252/.337/.438. Given that he’s 29 (in the midst of peak age for a baseball player)”
29 is late in the peak of a hitter
So I would think it would be pushing it to EXPECT that he is going to be any better than he ever was
You could hope for him to return to form
But .252/.337/.438 – I just am not that excited about that player
Whoop tee doo if there’s a decent chance that Jeff Blauser might perform up to his career averages this year
That aint the difference between the playoffs and the second division
daniel buck
January 21st, 2011
2:59 pm
you should know about being incoherent… You actually think Mclout!! is going to be good for Atlanta… Give me a break ncscoots… R u drinkin???
Loaf on a blackberry
January 21st, 2011
3:01 pm
Like it or not we are missing a bat
Have Frankie give my agent a call. I’m available…..and professional, you know.
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
3:01 pm
daniel, your middle name wouldn’t be ward, would it?
Robert
January 21st, 2011
3:02 pm
“That said, McLouth’s on-base and slugging were respectable in his best seasons in Pittsburgh. He even had one season in which he was pretty darn good at both.”
Very true – at his absolute best, he was marginally all-star caliber
Thinking that that player is going to come back and have a huge year and be the spark that gets you to the promised land is ludicrous
Now, has it ever happened before. Oh yes. In Atlanta no less. Guy named Terry Pendleton – who as 1990 became 1991 had had a career about as stimulating as McClouth’s, including a horrid year at age 29 –
But basing our hopes on this happening again is not sound
Shaun
January 21st, 2011
3:05 pm
Robert, there is not a set-in-stone peak. It can depend on skill set. Some studies have indicated ate 26-27 are peak ages, some indicate peak is a year or two later. Generally it’s late 20’s. So the general idea is that McLouth should be a little better than his career numbers at that age.
I’m not expecting him to be better than he ever was. I’m expecting him to be a little worse than he was during his best 2-3 seasons. But better than his career numbers. We shouldn’t expect a player, if healthy, even if he’s a year or two past his peak, to completely drop below his career norms.
N8
January 21st, 2011
3:05 pm
DOB, your 11:50 post about Andruw is dead on. Can’t really argue with the numbers. Over the past 4 seasons he’s been a dreadful everyday player.
But none of that takes away from the fact that in 102 PA against LHP pitching last year, he went:
.256/.373/.558/.931 with 8 HR and 23 RBI
The guy would have been a perfect fit as a 4th OF, RH PH off the bench, and possible platoon partner in CF with Nate if he struggles. Sure Andruw’s defense isn’t what it once was. But can it really be worse than Nate’s?
Chipper went .265/.381/.426/.806 with 10 HR and 46 RBI in 381 PA last year, and he’s 38 years old, and likely to be given the 3-hole slot again.
Surely adding a guy like Andruw to fill a minor role off the bench with those numbers against LHP last year isn’t as absurd as counting on Chipper to be anything like the Chipper of old in the 3-hole, is it?
Oh well. Andruw is a Yankee and that’s that. Hopefully Nate, Schafer and Mather can make it not matter once things get rolling.
daniel buck
January 21st, 2011
3:05 pm
Yours would not happen to be clueless would it…. Apparently you don’t have a clue about the Braves or you are just a Mets fan…
john kieffer
January 21st, 2011
3:05 pm
Frank Wren is full of it.
Shaun
January 21st, 2011
3:07 pm
Robert, who is saying McLouth is going to have a “huge” year or be the “spark” that gets the Braves to the “promised land”?
I can’t speak for others, but I’m saying it’s reasonable to expect he’ll be at least slightly above a league average hitter. No, that’s nothing very special. It’s just a decent hitter that would fill the void in center. If McCann, Prado, Heyward, Uggla and a couple of other players play to expectations and McLouth does that, the Braves will be fine. By fine, I mean they should be the favorites for the wild card.
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
3:09 pm
Yours would not happen to be clueless would it…. Apparently you don’t have a clue about the Braves or you are just a Mets fan…
I foresee an entire generation doomed to thoughts of no more than 140 characters, devoid of punctuation other than misplaced ellipses.
Doomed, Gulliver. Doomed.
Shaun
January 21st, 2011
3:11 pm
N8, Andruw is no better than much cheaper, much younger 4th outfielders with higher upsides. So why bother messing with him? A guy like Matt Young would likely provide at least as much value as Andruw at this point.
Hillbilly
January 21st, 2011
3:13 pm
Caught between a generation dying from it’s habits and another thinking rock and roll is knew.
Hillbilly
January 21st, 2011
3:13 pm
yes I said “knew”
Bobby Hill
January 21st, 2011
3:14 pm
McLouth had a .267/.366/.502/.868 line after the all-star break in 2007, when he became a starter. in 2008 he hit .276/.356/.497/.853 for the whole year. Prior to the 2009 trade he was hitting .256/.349/.470/.819. That’s a little off his 2008 pace, but still productive. He managed a line of .257/.354/.419/.773 in Atlanta in 2009. So with Atlanta in 2009 he was getting on base but he lost his power stroke. That may have been a product of where he was hitting in the batting order. Then he fell off the map in 2010.
The impression I get from looking at the stats, especially the lefty/righty splits is that there is no reason to believe he can’t bounce back to somewhere near .260/.350/.450/.800. That’s pretty close to his career numbers, and they aren’t all-star numbers, but they’re still productive. The thing is that he’s never hit lefties well. It would only make sense to play him against lefties if he were an elite defender, which he’s not. Unfortunately Matt Young and Jordan Schafer both bat left handed. Joe Mather, despite the fact that he’s a righty, has a worse line against lefties than McLouth, albeit in less than 100 AB’s.
Hillbilly
January 21st, 2011
3:17 pm
And the young ‘uns all turn to karaoke, hanging all their wishes up on disregarded stars.
Robert
January 21st, 2011
3:23 pm
“Robert, there is not a set-in-stone peak. It can depend on skill set. Some studies have indicated ate 26-27 are peak ages, some indicate peak is a year or two later. Generally it’s late 20’s”
In general, offensive players will peak 26-29
Pitchers 30-33
More marginal players tend to peak earlier – and often fade fast on the wrong side of 30
It is POSSIBLE that McClouth might still have yet to see his peak season
But it would make him an outlier
Show me ten Nate McClouths, and one or two of them might be yet to peak
For the rest, 2008 will be the best it ever was
abwright
January 21st, 2011
3:26 pm
Arkansas Transplant, January 21st, 2011, 1:30 pm … “abwright, Did you say your in Little Rock yesterday?”
Yep. I’ve been here for about 15 years.
Robert
January 21st, 2011
3:26 pm
Shaun – you’re saying too different things
You times you say that McClouth might well bounce back and be signifciantly better than he has ever been
That’s possible, but highly unlikely
Then you temper your enthusiasm and say that he McClouth might well bounce back to something near his career numbers –
My response to that that I agree but whoopteedo
A mediocre ballplayer who has a decent chance to bounce back to his previous levelof mediocrity –
thats a big who cares
Lemke's Knuckler
January 21st, 2011
3:30 pm
daniel buck,
If you keep posting, you should garner A LOT of responses. No sarcasm in that statement.
DAP
January 21st, 2011
3:34 pm
robert at his absolute best, he was marginally all-star caliber
its so weird how our view of a player can be changed after a really bad season.
in nate’s best season, he OPSed .853. thats about the same as ryan howard and alex rodreguez OPSed last season. thats not marginally all-star caliber, especially for a CF.
some people try to rewrite nate’s entire career because they are mad at him.
Shaun
January 21st, 2011
3:36 pm
Robert, who is saying 2011 is going to be McLouth’s best season or it’s going to match his 2008? If he’s better than his career averages (AVG/OBP/SLG) does that mean it’s a peak season? Of course not. That’s all I’m arguing, that we should expect him to be a little better than his career average, not that he will be better than he was in his best, his second-best or his third-best seasons.
charlotte observer
January 21st, 2011
3:39 pm
Ease® in Woodstock .. and anyone else interested …
You will need to log into “iGoogle”. From the “iGoogle page” .. click on the “add stuff” button .. this takes you to the add stuff page where you can add games .. gadgets and an assortment of gizmo’s. There is a search for gadgets window. The name of the gizmo/gadget is “Countdown”. Do a search for “Countdown”. When you see it … click on “add to homepage” .. or something like that. Countdown is not specifically a Pitchers and Catchers Report … clock … I set it up to be a Pitchers and Catchers Report. You can set it up to be any sort of countdown. I named mine … Pitchers and Catchers Report .. the first day I saw a date for the start of practice. I think DOB told up the exact date and time for the first meeting .. on the first day … so I set my clock to start counting down. I think that was five or six months ago. I’ve been watching it for a while. What’s so great is .. it won’t be long now. I hope it works for you. You have to be logged into “iGoogle” for you to see it though.
Bobby Hill
January 21st, 2011
3:39 pm
I don’t think some you realize how rare slugging centefielders are. If you look at true centerfielders, only Josh Hamilton, CarGo, Colby Rasmus, Vernon Wells, Andres Torres, Tori Hunter, and Andrew McCutchen had an OPS over .800 last year. That’s only seven people. If McLouth can put up a .800 OPS this year its a pretty safe bet that he’d be in the top third of all centerfielders.
Voice of Harold
January 21st, 2011
3:41 pm
Good stat, Bobby Hill.
DAP
January 21st, 2011
3:41 pm
re: my 3:34, not that it matters much what nate did in 2008, but lets not act like he wasnt a very good player that year.
fleming
January 21st, 2011
3:42 pm
Robert – Are you forgetting the additional 100 points OPS Nate gets because Cox isn’t here anymore
Frank from KS(now livin in CO)
January 21st, 2011
3:43 pm
BravePack
January 21st, 2011
3:44 pm
DOB
Who you pickin to go to the Bowl?
Frank from KS(now livin in CO)
January 21st, 2011
3:45 pm
Oh and one more thing….I’m sooo sick of the griping, biItching and moaning about McClouth………there are other things we ALL could gripe about….
why does it have to be McClouth? eh?
abwright
January 21st, 2011
3:46 pm
On the other hand, if Nate hits .250, that’s about 50 points higher than he hit last season, when the Braves won the wild card.
P-Town Brave ©
January 21st, 2011
3:50 pm
Its McLouth!!
There is no 2nd “C”
Thrillhouse44
January 21st, 2011
3:51 pm
I’m going to order Nate some deer antler spray.
fleming
January 21st, 2011
3:53 pm
abwright
After listening to Robert last year, I think Bobby cost Nate about 75 points OBP and 25 points SLG last year and that caused the 10-15 games that Cox caused the Braves to lose. Without that we beat out the Phillies.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
3:54 pm
Like it or not we are missing a bat
Said the Principal to my parents. Often
Danga
January 21st, 2011
3:55 pm
A mediocre ballplayer who has a decent chance to bounce back to his previous levelof mediocrity –
thats a big who cares
I bet the Braves care. There is a big difference between his career averages and what he did last season. If he contributes at his career average this season, it would be a very good thing for the Braves.
Hillbilly
January 21st, 2011
4:02 pm
After reading several articles about the massive mafia bust in the northeast yesterday, I have come to a conclusion that we need La Cosa Nosta to infiltrate Major League Baseball and start dishing out nicknames. No more of this ARod/JRoll/JHey crap. These guys know how to handle a nickname.
-Meatball
-Vinny Carwash
-Jonny Bandana
-Hootie
-Junior Lollipops
You gotta love it.
Efrim
January 21st, 2011
4:03 pm
How many innings did CarGo log at center? Doesn’t Fowler play there quite a bit?
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
4:06 pm
daniel, your middle name wouldn’t be ward, would it? _ ncscoots
Yours would not happen to be clueless would it…. Apparently you don’t have a clue about the Braves or you are just a Mets fan… _ daniel buck
ward would have gone with Phillies fan.
cabravesfan
January 21st, 2011
4:06 pm
Efrim-
In his career, CarGo has played 170 games in center, 110 in left & 84 in right field
cabravesfan
January 21st, 2011
4:07 pm
1291.0, 766.2, & 489.0 innings respectively…
Danga
January 21st, 2011
4:08 pm
Wasn’t Fowler sent back down for a decent part of last season?
Bobby Hill
January 21st, 2011
4:08 pm
CarGo played all over the outfield last year. Looks like he logged 55 starts and 452 innings at centerfield. I have no idea where he’ll be playing this year.
Danga
January 21st, 2011
4:09 pm
I foresee an entire generation doomed to thoughts of no more than 140 characters, devoid of punctuation other than misplaced ellipses.
Don’t you put that voodoo on me, Scoots!
ray k.
January 21st, 2011
4:10 pm
It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that McClouth will not be the center fielder in June. Anyone with a familiarity with the rhythms of the Braves over the past 10 years knows that he’ll likely see some AAA again and will ultimately be relegated to base stealing duties or outright traded–but not before he plays horribly all through the spring and beginning of the summer and commits some blooper reel errors that have the fan base up in arms.
I understand that there is no point in messing with his head now; to destroy his confidence by even hinting at a competition in CF would be futile. I’m glad the franchise is very professional–usually, at least–when dealing with such matters and don’t get overly emotional or impetuous. Yes, they have to at least TRY to salvage something from the investment, but, sadly, we’ve seen these maneuvers before, where the Braves are stubbornly devoted to players who are hurting the team.
I hope I’m wrong; the reemergence of the McClouth of 2008 would be a dazzling development.
abwright
January 21st, 2011
4:14 pm
Vinny Carwash … gotta love it.
You have to wonder if this came from the Mafia’s version of Clue …
Answer: Vinny with a screwdriver in the carwash.
Danga
January 21st, 2011
4:16 pm
I think folks underestimate the value of not having someone awful (Melky) play a meaningful role on your team. Nate was awful last year. It seems to me adding an average player over an awful player would be similar in value to adding an all star player over an average player. There are some very good baseball players on this team. The rest of the guys just need to not be terrible.
Efrim
January 21st, 2011
4:16 pm
cabravesfan, thanks. I’d bet that number gets even lower this year. He’s a corner outfielder, long term.
ncscoots
January 21st, 2011
4:18 pm
Danga, I’ve read your stuff here. I think you have a natural immunity to that possible disease, LOL.
Maybe it will be called “Twitter Syndrome” or named after the founders (those names I have forgotten), and will make it into the PDR as a medically-recognized condition.
I’ll probably be dead by then, though, and will get no recognition for my far-sighted prediction.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
4:22 pm
Marilyn Monroe & Elizabeth Taylor Used To Shave Their Faces: Report
Today in factoids: some of Hollywood’s most famous faces used to shave. Female faces, we mean.
Style.com talked to aesthetician to the stars Kate Somerville who named names:
On good authority (that being Elizabeth Taylor’s personal cosmetic dermatologist, whom Somerville used to assist), the greats (those being Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe) shaved their faces for completely bare skin and an added dose of exfoliation.
And for those of you who want to try this at home, Somerville also says that “it’s a total myth” that hairs will grown in darker and thicker. The more you know!
What do you think?
Don’t give up on the bearded lady just yet, jeffery d.
Venice Jim
January 21st, 2011
4:26 pm
Just heard a local sports update in which noted Augustan Charles Howell III was misidentified as “Thurston Howell III”…
CB
January 21st, 2011
4:36 pm
Thanks to everybody for kind words – I really appreciate it.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
4:49 pm
So still got folks here saying ‘DRUW was due for a comeback, and we missed the boat? I mean……….really?
O.K. Was he available for a million, or two? One-year?
O.K., did anybody ask him if HE wanted to be in ATLANTA again?
O.K., can anybody see spending a mill, and having McOUT’s millions coming off the bench?
Ah-h, at last, a solid and doubly valid point.
We’re committed to NATE-dog’s money, and his fragile psyche for the next nine months…..better or worse.
And to SCHAFER’s return to try again.
Next season, AJ’s 35. If he has a solid year as a back-up YANKEE then that’s two years in a row of decent back-up production.
So maybe in 2012 for OF depth provided SCHAFER, McLOUTH, YOUNG or CONSTANZA don’t dazzle? We’ll need two of the four to prove out this season.
Just Pat
January 21st, 2011
4:50 pm
CB
Thought you had gone but hope you take thoughts and prayers with you.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
4:52 pm
Hang in CB, we’re hoping for a speedy and excellent recovery for your other half.
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
5:13 pm
What would you say about a player who has hit …….. .212 with a .312 OBP and .724 OPS during the 2007-2010 seasons ……… That player is ……..
Alex Gonzalez?!?!?!?
Gonzalez, 2007-2010: .253/.299/.427/.726
TennBravesFan
January 21st, 2011
5:15 pm
Somebody was mentioning that McLouth doesn’t hit lefties very well. Fot the record Scott Podsednik hits lefties at a .270 clip and righties at a .283 for his career. I would like to see this guy on the Braves team.
P-Town Brave ©
January 21st, 2011
5:17 pm
Braveheart-
Either Andruw or Frenchy?
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:17 pm
Here is a good reason why you should never piss off a journalist or any sort of writer!
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/01/21/pearlman.online.civility/index.html?hpt=T2
nolie
January 21st, 2011
5:21 pm
I have no problem with late/slow bloomers though. VOH
you should have at least some worries, guys who put up impressive numbers when they are years older than their minor league competition seldom perform nearly as well in the bigs and if the do have a few good years they often do not last long.
Obviously there are some exceptions to the rule, but the large majority are not. Shouldn’t completely write such players off, but a healthy skepticism is advisable.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
5:28 pm
BravePack: Steelers and Packers
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
5:29 pm
Is there a website that lets you look up past Spring Training stats? Thanks!
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:33 pm
McFann, Google should be able to help if there is.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:34 pm
Here you go McFann.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/springStats/_/team/det/year/2005
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:34 pm
It goes from 2002 to 2010.
nolie
January 21st, 2011
5:35 pm
Prado 22hr 73rbi 103 runs .311ba .373obp .858ops ryan c
I was pushing Prado here when nobody else was but I think that’s a bit on the high side. so far he has been kinduva an every other month hitter during his career. He would need to improve that a bit. Hope you are right obviously
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
5:36 pm
Thanks, Trey!
I should prob’ly bookmark this…
Google should be able to help if there is.
Why don’t I ever think of those things?
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:37 pm
McFann, yeah I just googled that.
It gave me the D Tigers, but you can change the teams and years you want to look up on there.
billmaier
January 21st, 2011
5:39 pm
IM SORRY BUT DOES WREN BELIVE WE ARE STUPID? Anyone else that played as bad as mclouth would have been released or traded, without the bif salary. Look how well blanco played and he was traded. Mclouth would have been gone in a heartbeat if he had a smaller salary. How many players have we keep that batted under 200????????????????????????????????
P-Town Brave ©
January 21st, 2011
5:42 pm
DOB–
I hope you’re wrong about that…
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
5:42 pm
Trey but you can change the teams and years you want to look up on there.
Yeah, this is perfect…I forgot about ESPN. I went through the Braves’ ESPN page and found where to click to get the Spring stats, so now I know how to get there—but I went ahead and bookmarked it.
P-Town Brave ©
January 21st, 2011
5:43 pm
McFann-
Can I ask ya to do me a favor?
Pull out a Rally Turtle for Sunday’s Bears game would ya
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:43 pm
“IM SORRY BUT DOES WREN BELIVE WE ARE STUPID? Anyone else that played as bad as mclouth would have been released or traded, without the bif salary. Look how well blanco played and he was traded. Mclouth would have been gone in a heartbeat if he had a smaller salary. How many players have we keep that batted under 200????????????????????????????????”
People actually liked Blanco. No one wants to trade for McLouth. Who do you honestly think we can get for McLouth, especially with his salary? McLouth was horrible last year and no one would give us anything in value for him. This is the easiest way for the Braves to go about it and just hope he pulls through this upcoming season. Really, if you were running a team and Wren offered you McLouth for another player would you take him? I doubt it.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:44 pm
Yeah, now you know McFann!
Couch Tater
January 21st, 2011
5:46 pm
Watching the Bob Hope. When showing former Bear, Willie Gault from Griffin GA, they mentioned he set the World Record for 100 meters for 45 year olds. 10.72 seconds. Wow. Go get’m guys…
http://world-masters-athletics.org/records/outdoor-men
billmaier
January 21st, 2011
5:47 pm
Trey thats my point, it is all about the salary. Wren is lying. Mclouth would not be here if he did not have the big salary
BravePack
January 21st, 2011
5:48 pm
Smart man DOB good choices and I think that would make the best for viewing too.
Sorry P-Town I hope he’s exactly right and McFann don’t do anything because the bears have been lucky enough this year.
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
5:48 pm
P-Town—
OK! But first tell me—who are they playing? Not that it matters to me a whole lot…but if they’re playing NY, I may put out both Turtles!
Trey—
Yeah! I really do stink at Googling for whatever reason…
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:55 pm
billmair, he is also here because we can’t find someone decent for him. Wren was probably being considerate of McLouth’s feelings. Anyway, you just need to have faith that he can bounce back next season.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:55 pm
billmaier, sorry misspelled your name.
Danga
January 21st, 2011
5:56 pm
Honestly, what did you expect Wren to say? “Well if McLouth didn’t have that guaranteed money he would probably be working on a minor league contract from the Royals right now, but since we owe him all of this money we are going to give him one more at it here in Atlanta.”
Trey
January 21st, 2011
5:57 pm
Danga, he also had to choose his words carefully to not hurt McLouth’s feelings.
nolie
January 21st, 2011
5:57 pm
I don’t think some you realize how rare slugging centefielders are. If you look at true centerfielders, only Josh Hamilton, CarGo, Colby Rasmus, Vernon Wells, Andres Torres, Tori Hunter, and Andrew McCutchen had an OPS over .800 last year. Bobby Hill
and several of them are not really full time CFers. Josh was LFer last season 2/3 of the time and Cargo split the season pretty evenly between all three positions,
Lew
January 21st, 2011
6:00 pm
Are we still lamenting the loss of Gregor Blanco? Seriously?
P-Town Brave ©
January 21st, 2011
6:02 pm
McFann-
Playing Green Bay
Jets play the Pittsburgh Steelers…
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
6:14 pm
P-Town Brave—
Ah, OK!
BravesPack McFann don’t do anything because the bears have been lucky enough this year.
[gulp]…d-don’t pressure me!
BravesFanChris26
January 21st, 2011
6:23 pm
Are Mets trying to steal the Nats and Royals MO in signing former Braves players?
Mets have agreed to sign Blaine Boyer to a minor league deal.
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
6:25 pm
Here is a good reason why you should never piss off a journalist or any sort of writer!
That’s just that Pearlman punk doing his attention seeking gotcha crap again. He’s the same douche that took down Rocker in SI. Maybe he should do what DOB and other successful bloggers do and engage with the commenters and create a blog community in the comments section of his blog. That requires work and dedication though. Also takes some humility and a love of what you write and the people or sport you write about and a love of and respect for the fans who follow the sport and your writing work. It was a bad article by Pearlman. An article like that would have been much more meaningful if written by someone like DOB, discussing how he keeps his blog in check within his own blog without acting like a stalker getting the phone numbers of commenters and calling them. Call the commenters out on the blog and you rarely would have to call them at home.
This article by Craig Calcaterra is much better than Pearlman’s:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/21/jeff-pearlman-online-haters-and-the-art-of-internet-self-defense/
BravesFanChris26
January 21st, 2011
6:37 pm
Angels are sending Mike Napoli to Blue Jays for Vernon Wells.
LTBF
January 21st, 2011
6:49 pm
Green Bay vs Pittsburgh Super Bowl. Bank on it
Trey
January 21st, 2011
6:55 pm
LTBF, that is what I picked last week when talking to Ward.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
6:58 pm
McFann, this may spark your interest.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41196025#41196025
BravesFanChris26
January 21st, 2011
7:05 pm
Juan Rivera could be headed to Blue Jays too.
njbraves
January 21st, 2011
7:22 pm
Braveheart…can you post a comment that kisses DOB’s azz more than that one?
Trey
January 21st, 2011
7:23 pm
“Braveheart…can you post a comment that kisses DOB’s azz more than that one?”
Damn, I wish I thought of this.
Vote Now
January 21st, 2011
7:23 pm
Vote now for your favorite Nate nickname or nominate your own:
1} McOut
2) McLousy
3) McSlouch
Bay Area Steve
January 21st, 2011
7:27 pm
Trey,
A lot of us wish you’d think of some stuff. But, try somewhere other than Braveheart. He’s as good as this board gets.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
7:28 pm
BAS, go piss off. I was responding to njbraves.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
7:28 pm
BAS, you are worthless, go to AA.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
7:35 pm
So, BAS, why don’t you take your s*** somewhere else and try to lay off me for a while? It’s getting really old and irritating.
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
7:35 pm
Braveheart…can you post a comment that kisses DOB’s azz more than that one?
LMAO, had that one coming.
Braveheart
January 21st, 2011
7:43 pm
One of those comments that would’ve caused Grinch to say something like, “Braveheart, you look like you dove headfirst into a vat of chocolate pudding.”
Trey
January 21st, 2011
7:45 pm
“One of those comments that would’ve caused Grinch to say something like, “Braveheart, you look like you dove headfirst into a vat of chocolate pudding.””
Why’s it gotta be chocolate pudding?
Soph
January 21st, 2011
7:53 pm
Pull out a Rally Turtle for Sunday’s Bears game would ya
No, no, no. No rally turtles for any of the football teams left in the playoffs. I don’t like any of ‘em.
Yes, I’m still bitter.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
7:56 pm
Quiet nights in anticipation of spring training. 24 days and counting.
Bay Area Steve
January 21st, 2011
7:56 pm
Hard to, Trey, when you take three posts to respond to the same thing, and then don’t understand why it’s chocolate pudding. You’re makin’ it awful tough, is what I’m sayin’.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
7:56 pm
“No, no, no. No rally turtles for any of the football teams left in the playoffs. I don’t like any of ‘em.
Yes, I’m still bitter”
I am pretty bitter at the moment.
BamaDude @ CowCollege AL
January 21st, 2011
7:57 pm
great blog DOB …as usual …i’m pumped for the 2011 campaign …Go Baraves !!! …
p.s. thanks for the DBT update
Trey
January 21st, 2011
7:59 pm
“Hard to, Trey, when you take three posts to respond to the same thing, and then don’t understand why it’s chocolate pudding. You’re makin’ it awful tough, is what I’m sayin’.”
First, I was kidding with the chocolate pudding comment, hence the damn smiley face. Second, you do nothing but talk your ‘ish, as you like to friggin’ say and you are what, middle aged? Third, if you honestly don’t like my s***, get over it and get help for your alcohol problem.
Mixxo
January 21st, 2011
8:03 pm
Good blog.
Yeah, it’s taken me longer than I expected to warm to the DBT’s latest. Still on the fence as to the new direction. Still listening to it.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:14 pm
“great blog DOB …as usual …i’m pumped for the 2011 campaign …Go Baraves !!! …”
You can say that again. I am excited about seeing Uggla in a Braves uniform this season and looking forward to seeing McLouth get on track. It will be a great year and I can easily see the Braves and Phillies going at it again.
The Nats will probably end up regretting the signing of Jayson Werth for as much as they did, but ya never know, of course they got rid of Adam Dunn.
VaBravesFan
January 21st, 2011
8:18 pm
I’m surprised about the Wells trade.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
8:18 pm
I’m amazed every time I see the Subaru Forester commercial with the hocky mom driving her kids around and the Pogues’ classic “If I Should Fall From Grace With God” playing. Who’d have thunk it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0QemF5GAQ4
Nick
January 21st, 2011
8:19 pm
Rays sign Damon AND Manny.
VaBravesFan
January 21st, 2011
8:19 pm
Rays just signed Damon and Manny.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:20 pm
The Rays look like they will be in the fight again, as they agreed to terms with Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez.
VaBravesFan, I didn’t hear about the Wells trade.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:21 pm
VAB, if I waited just a minute longer I coulda seen that you posted it, too.
David O'Brien
January 21st, 2011
8:22 pm
Not a coincidence that Manny and Damon are both Boras clients. Package deal, folks.
Amazing. What a clubhouse that’ll be. Buckle in. Manny in sleepy St. Pete.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:23 pm
Mets signed Blaine Boyer. At least it’s nice to see that not all our players end up in LA.
Lollygagger
January 21st, 2011
8:23 pm
I wonder who the Rays will be signing tonight? Sure wish I knew
VaBravesFan
January 21st, 2011
8:24 pm
Looks like the Angels are gonna go after Scott Posednik to be there lead off man and play LF and moving Bobby Abreu to DH. Wells in CF Hunter in RF.
nolie
January 21st, 2011
8:30 pm
I thought they all ended up in KC
Nick
January 21st, 2011
8:32 pm
Pods will go on to lead in AL in batting avg. and you all will be pissed the Braves didn’t sign him.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:33 pm
Nick, I’m happy we got Uggla?
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:34 pm
That was meant with a period.
nolie
January 21st, 2011
8:35 pm
Pods has never really come close to his first full year. Showed a lot of promise then but hasn’t lived up to it
Nick
January 21st, 2011
8:36 pm
Trey – no doubt, me too but he isn’t enough to turn these pretenders into WS contenders.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:37 pm
Nick, we had less last year and we still finished with 91 wins.
Nick
January 21st, 2011
8:38 pm
Trey – too many holes..SS, 1B, CF, BP, Bench.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:39 pm
Nick, no matter how great of a team you have there will always be a hole or something that can be improved.
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
8:41 pm
Trey—
Int’resting video link…poor babies. I mean, I’m not a huge Starling fan (they’re pests), but that’s still sad…
Soph No, no, no. No rally turtles for any of the football teams left in the playoffs. I don’t like any of ‘em.
Well, neither do I…but then again I really have not pro-football convictions. Maybe Rally will just poke his head out (if he remembers)…though he generally likes to hold in until at least Spring Training…
Efrim
January 21st, 2011
8:42 pm
I mean, he hasn’t been in charge too long, but I haven’t been overly impressed with Tony Reagins. Vernon Wells? That contract is terrible. Oh well. Maybe Moreno was pushing for something to happen. Good for the Jays. Lots of payroll flexibility, now.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:42 pm
“Int’resting video link…poor babies. I mean, I’m not a huge Starling fan (they’re pests), but that’s still sad…”
Birds are birds. They all do the same thing, learn to eat, learn to fly, find clean cars as their bathrooms, lay eggs, and repeat.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:43 pm
The “learn to eat” should have been just eat.
Chris
January 21st, 2011
8:44 pm
Dave,
Thanks for the heads up on Just Look them Straight in the Eyes. Got it in the mail yesterday and its an absolutely amazing set.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
8:44 pm
Oh come. Being moderated again, what’s up with that?
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
8:45 pm
Trey They all do the same thing
Au contraire, mon ami!
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
8:46 pm
Bat M—
Yeah, why’s it pickin’ on you when there are so many more candidates to choose from…?
nolie
January 21st, 2011
8:46 pm
so Nick, how many wins this year? Care to give us a prediction again? 72? 75?
nolie
January 21st, 2011
8:47 pm
Bad Bat
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
8:47 pm
This article by Craig Calcaterra is much better than Pearlman’s: _ Braveheart
I agree Braveheart, the guy makes some good points about treating his blog as a community and engaging the commenters. He has some rules too, although I don’t know about this one_ Fight hard for your points but don’t attack others. Does that mean it’s not okay to call someone, and idiot or suggest they have been infected with, the stupid? That would seem a bit much. Nothing about no politics or religion, oh well I read some good commentary there.
I gotta say a guy over there has you beat hands down is the azz kissing department though. He doubled down on the humility and threw in extremely intelligent.
Love the humility, but there’s tons of other reasons as well. You write well, you are extremely intelligent yet humble at the same time. You don’t act like you are better than others, you are willing to listen/see other people’s sides. Etc _ churchoftheperpetuallyoutraged – Jan 21, 2011 at 3:13 PM
tiger297
January 21st, 2011
8:48 pm
nolie – I’m saying the braves win 80 this year
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
8:49 pm
Okay, I got it. Don’t spell ass with $ signs.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
8:49 pm
Just spell ass, ass.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
8:50 pm
McFann_
Thanks, I think.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
8:51 pm
Can’t help myself these days, nolie.
Matt from MN
January 21st, 2011
8:53 pm
Frank Wren is the text book definition of “seriously deluded” if he’s not concerned about going into the season with McLousy as his center fielder. “Atlanta, where center fielders come to die”
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:53 pm
Nolie, you know the more I see from certain bloggers on here the more I respect Nick even though he says what he says to piss people off.
Nick
January 21st, 2011
8:55 pm
nolie – 80-82 wins.
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
8:55 pm
Bound to McFann it when posting twice.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
8:57 pm
Nick, a few days ago you said it was going to be 75 wins.
Nick
January 21st, 2011
8:58 pm
Trey – I keep going back and forth between the 75 win range to 80 win range. I’m leaning more towards 80 tonight.
Nick
January 21st, 2011
9:00 pm
Even though I think they will suck this season, I’m still excited to see how the young guys perform.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
9:01 pm
Nick, I think they will have over 90 wins this year. They did last year and this year we will have our players back.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
9:01 pm
We will also have the addition of Dan Uggla.
Soph
January 21st, 2011
9:09 pm
I wish the Hawks would give Teague and Crawford #2 more playing time. How are they going to develop if they don’t see the court?
TimeForTeheran
January 21st, 2011
9:10 pm
Great blog. I enjoy reading about Wren’s thoughts on young players. Bring on some of the youngsters to mix in with the vets and this team has a bright future.
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
9:11 pm
Bat M Thanks, I think.
Playoffs!!!!
January 21st, 2011
9:16 pm
I think Nate McClouth has to decide what kind of hitter he wants to be.
Does he want to try to hit 20+ HRs a year and hit .220-ish or worse OR does he want to be more of a contact hitter, used his speed to his advantage, walk more, steal bases and hit .280 or so.
For me, it’s obvious he should chose the latter.
Soph
January 21st, 2011
9:16 pm
J-Hey sighting at the Hawks game!
Bat Masterson
January 21st, 2011
9:17 pm
Well okay then, McFann. Thanks period.
BravesFanChris26
January 21st, 2011
9:17 pm
The Jays/Angels trade will NOT and I repeat NOT involve cash. It’s a straight 2 for 1 deal. Kudos to Jay’s GM.
Also Rays have agreed to terms with BOTH Johnny Damon & Manny Ramirez.
Soph
January 21st, 2011
9:19 pm
Too bad he picked a horrendous game to go to.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
9:24 pm
“Too bad he picked a horrendous game to go to.”
Do the Hawks even have good games anymore?
Mixxo
January 21st, 2011
9:25 pm
Hawks…..wassup y’all?
Gettin’ spanked!
Mixxo
January 21st, 2011
9:26 pm
Trey -
Yeah, great game against the Heat the other night. A win in OT. In Miami!!
Trey
January 21st, 2011
9:27 pm
“Yeah, great game against the Heat the other night. A win in OT. In Miami!!”
Oh, really? I guess they can’t be too bad for being 28-15. It just seems like when I hear about their games they have been losing.
keylargo
January 21st, 2011
9:32 pm
Playoffs, I agree with that about Nate. The same thing can be said about Chipper moving to the 2 hole to relieve him of the pressure to hit 25 or 30 dingers. I would love to see him hit .320 and have a .440 OBP with an approach like 2008 when he went .364 /.470 /.574 /1.044. Chipper can still make contact with the very best, but I think his bat speed has declined slightly and it has affected his power.
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
9:45 pm
Bat M.—
No prob!
I cann think of a billion bloggers that should get moderated before you…
Trey
January 21st, 2011
9:50 pm
“No prob! I cann think of a billion bloggers that should get moderated before you…”
Really, McFann? A billion?
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
9:56 pm
Trey—
Well, I think that one guy counts as a million-and-a-half annoying bloggers all by his-self…
Trey
January 21st, 2011
9:57 pm
Lol, who is the other half?
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
10:02 pm
The other half? Mmm…that’s made up of a few different bloggers, but I will not say them name because I spotted a couple of them on this page.
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
10:03 pm
But actually…the million-and-a-half guy does always get banned, so maybe he shouldn’t count in this case…
Trey
January 21st, 2011
10:04 pm
“The other half? Mmm…that’s made up of a few different bloggers, but I will not say them name because I spotted a couple of them on this page.”
Ouch! There are a few of ‘em and one is with whom I always argue.
nolie
January 21st, 2011
10:09 pm
let me guess McF – Soph and Bat and me.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
10:14 pm
Nolie, no one could ever say that about you, you are just a piece of work! You are by far the opposite. Now, Sophie, she always rags on McFann!
reagan
January 21st, 2011
10:14 pm
Going to Chicago? If you like Italain, go to Carmine’s on Rush st. VERY good Italian.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
10:17 pm
reagan, if you want good Italian go to New York.
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
10:20 pm
Trey There are a few of ‘em and one is with whom I always argue.
Me, too…but it could be two differ’nt dudes…
Now, Sophie, she always rags on McFann!
Yeah, like non-stop! It’s kinda frightening, actually…
nolie let me guess McF – Soph and Bat and me.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
10:21 pm
McFann, you think you argue with the same guy I do?
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
10:30 pm
Trey—
No…I think we’re talking about two different guys.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
10:31 pm
Yeah. Well, Spring training is one day closer.
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
10:39 pm
Trey Well, Spring training is one day closer.
[gasp!] You’re right!
braveslifer
January 21st, 2011
10:40 pm
Blog is kinda dead. Anyone want to take a guess at how much money the Jays are sending to the Angels? My guess is $45M.
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
10:44 pm
braveslifer Blog is kinda dead.
Yeah, what the heck?
January…
Trey
January 21st, 2011
10:49 pm
All the denizens are hibernating for spring training to arrive.
McFann O O
January 21st, 2011
10:54 pm
Trey—
Yeah…actually doesn’t sound like a bad idea…
Zzzzzzzzzzz…
Trey
January 21st, 2011
10:54 pm
Yeah, but folks will be showing up in late February to early March.
BravesFanChris26
January 21st, 2011
11:10 pm
Actually there is NO money switching hands in the deal >_>
It’s a 2 for 1 swap. Wells for Napoli/Rivera.
BravesFanChris26
January 21st, 2011
11:13 pm
Jay’s GM is a Jedi I say >_>
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:29 pm
Yep, has anyone seen “The Dilemma?
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:30 pm
The Dilemma was not what I expected with Kevin James, but it was still a pretty good movie.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
11:32 pm
billmaier
January 21st, 2011
5:39 pm
“…… Mclouth would have been gone in a heartbeat if he had a smaller salary. How many players have we keep that batted under 200????????????????????????????????…….”
Quiz, right? Answer: All of them?
MIBravesFan
January 21st, 2011
11:33 pm
“BravesFanChris26
January 21st, 2011
9:17 pm
The Jays/Angels trade will NOT and I repeat NOT involve cash. It’s a straight 2 for 1 deal. Kudos to Jay’s GM.
Also Rays have agreed to terms with BOTH Johnny Damon & Manny Ramirez.”
Not paying that much attention lately, but that sentence about the Rays signing both Damon and Manny has me lol – and not because I don’t believe it.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:33 pm
Well, good evening, richbrave!
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
11:38 pm
DOB, your boy schultz wrote a fine artical today about team pinochio (atlanta spirit group) probably the worst colletion on wannabe owners in all of professional sports.
been a half game season ticket holder of the thrashers for four years.
to say they have incurred what 130 million in operating losses is a blatant lie.
that said i do give the trashers season ticket department huge ups.
they get it. we have been invited twice by our season ticket rep to sit in suites that were not being used.
they never once tried to sell us anything more. very nice personal touch.
everyhting is set up great in that areana for hockey except for the second lowest payroll in hockey.
MIBravesFan
January 21st, 2011
11:40 pm
“Trey
January 21st, 2011
10:49 pm
All the denizens are hibernating for spring training to arrive.”
Hibernating?! More like thawing!
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:40 pm
uga-brave, how do you feel that the Thrashers will finish this year?
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:40 pm
MIBravesFans, that’s because some of the ones that aren’t hibernating are able to get me heated and the heat coming from me is thawing ‘em out.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
11:41 pm
watching maher on HBO, rachel maddow looks like millhouse from the simpsons.
MIBravesFan
January 21st, 2011
11:42 pm
Trey –
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
11:45 pm
trey, they are holding on to the eighth spot right now, but they are really sliding.
got the rangers sat. and
tampa on sunday. they really need a way to get 3 points out of this.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:45 pm
MIBravesFan, yep!
nolie
January 21st, 2011
11:46 pm
you gotta toughen up Trey. you’re a military man you know you caint allow the enemy to get to you.
MIBravesFan
January 21st, 2011
11:46 pm
I’m going back to “Darkness on the Edge of Town” and some other Boss music for a while.
nolie
January 21st, 2011
11:46 pm
when you get mad
things go bad
nolie
January 21st, 2011
11:47 pm
nite MIBF
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
11:50 pm
WINTER BALL
AUSSIE-LAND
1B MATT KENNELLY on fire 203, 1 R, 1 HR (2), 3 RBI (24), 1 BB, .305 BA.
DOMINICAN
TOROS lead the STARS 2-0 best of nine. Tonight TOROS win 2-1 to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the Championship series.
CF JOSE CONSTANZA 1-2, 1 R, 1 BB, .264 BA.
RH/RP JAIRO ASENCIO gets his third hold with 2.0 innings of spotless relief and a SO, 1.86 ERA.
MEXICO
First game in the best of seven Championship series. Thanks to CANIZARES’ timely triple, the OBREGON YAQUIS take the opening game 7-1, lead series 1-0.
DH BARBARO “THE FLAILING CUBAN’ CANIZARES 1-3, 1 R, 1 3B (1), 3 RBI (7), 1 SO, .200 BA.
VENEZUELA
No BRAVES in action.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:52 pm
uga-brave, yeah, it has been pretty difficult for me to follow them much being in VA. I have noticed on the sports that it looks like they have been sliding down the standings. If they get at least one win that is two points right there and a tie is one point. Unless they are horrible the next two games, I believe they will win at least one of the two games.
It will be nice to come away with four points against the Rangers and Lightning. I can see it happening, but the Thrashers just need to focus.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
11:52 pm
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:33 pm
Well, good evening, richbrave!
‘Sup, TREY? Holding down the ‘fort’ tonight?
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:52 pm
“you gotta toughen up Trey. you’re a military man you know you caint allow the enemy to get to you.”
Not that, just have sorts of anger issues.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:53 pm
Nolie, I just don’t have time for some folks bulls*** is more like it.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:53 pm
richbrave, doin’ it every night.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
11:55 pm
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
11:41 pm
watching maher on HBO, rachel maddow looks like millhouse from the simpsons.
Enjoy that vicious attack on FOX announcer? Not a JON STEWART follower I gather.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:55 pm
nolie, if you were referring to my 11:40 post I was actually joking about that. He said thawing out and I thought that was kind of a good line.
uga-brave
January 21st, 2011
11:55 pm
DOB, serious question for you. roger mcdowell zip, zero, never a peep.
for a guy that was considered probably one of the biggest pranksters of his era, he never speaks.
no mcdowell on the gravely knoll?
too bad. he really has done a fine job as the pitching coach.
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
11:55 pm
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:53 pm
richbrave, doin’ it every night.
You da’ man TREY.
Trey
January 21st, 2011
11:56 pm
richbrave, daman right!
richbrave
January 21st, 2011
11:58 pm
TREY:
Who’s gonna’ take over CF after spring training this season; NATE-dog, JORDAN, THE BEAV, MATTY Y, or JOSE?
nolie
January 21st, 2011
11:58 pm
just kidding around a bit Trey nothing specific just sayin’ you should try to just let it slide off.
nolie
January 21st, 2011
11:59 pm
Nate dog
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:00 am
rich brave, i could care less. just think she looks like millhouse.
richbrave
January 22nd, 2011
12:00 am
I vote for NATE, his 7.75 mill is just too shiny an object, and the brass have to be blinded by it, at least, to start with.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:00 am
richbrave, I believe it will be Nate. I don’t know about Schafer, as I don’t think he has much of a future. There is just something about Schafer that makes me see a bust. That’s what Nick calls it these days, right? The last three, I know nothing about.
richbrave
January 22nd, 2011
12:01 am
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:00 am
rich brave, i could care less. just think she looks like millhouse
you’re reaching uga-brave. I’ve got tip for you. Stay away from politics and keep on baseball. You’re believable in that venue.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:02 am
Nolie, I know you are. I just get tired of the same ol’ bull**** after a while.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:03 am
richbrave, I think he is talking about Milhouse from the Simpsons, not ol’ Nixon.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:04 am
richbrave, once again no politics. just thinks she looks like millhouse.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:05 am
trey is correct. never thought of the nixon reference.
richbrave
January 22nd, 2011
12:06 am
TREY:
Pretty sure MATHER makes the team as a back-up.
YOUNG tore up AAA last season, but I expect this is his one shot, he’s fast, a solid fielder, but a singles hitter primarily.
CONSTANZA is a recent acquisition, and his numbers fell off percipitately in fall ball once he became a BRAVE.
Fredi's Fu Manchu
January 22nd, 2011
12:06 am
Schafer – Need to have someone who can defend up the middle.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:08 am
Well, how is Mather’s defense and hitting?
richbrave
January 22nd, 2011
12:08 am
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:03 am
richbrave, I think he is talking about Milhouse from the Simpsons, not ol’ Nixon.
Ah yes, not the crook that soured me on Republican politics forever. Apologies uga-brave, had to be said since TREY brought NIXON up.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:10 am
“had to be said since TREY brought NIXON up.”
Actually, I thought he was whom you were mentioning and I was just saying that was not the Milhouse that uga-brave meant.
Fredi's Fu Manchu
January 22nd, 2011
12:10 am
Not good enough to be a 4th OF in St. Louis. They didn’t dump him for $$$$ reasons.
richbrave
January 22nd, 2011
12:12 am
MATHER……..if I remember his stats correctly, versitility first, glove second, bat third. He can play all three outfield slots and 2B, or so the scuttle-butt goes. An old navy slang expression. Still in use TREY?
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:13 am
“Not good enough to be a 4th OF in St. Louis. They didn’t dump him for $$$$ reasons.”
I will just wait until Spring Training before I see who will become a good fit. I don’t have much confidence in Schafer from his last season in Atlanta. You know he will be rusty.
richbrave
January 22nd, 2011
12:13 am
TREY:
Well, let’s bury RICHARD-head for the evening.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:13 am
scuttle-butt is still a Navy term. It is either a rumor or a water fountain on a ship.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:14 am
bas, big fan of the wines from paso robles. the grenache-syrah is especially fine.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:14 am
So to answer your question, rich. It sure is.
richbrave
January 22nd, 2011
12:15 am
NYTOL gang. TREY, keep standing watch, and thank you my man.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:16 am
Have a good night, rich.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:16 am
trey, speaking of navy men, did you ever see “men of honor?”
movie was decent but i thought deniro was real good.
Fredi's Fu Manchu
January 22nd, 2011
12:17 am
Defense rarely slumps. This team needs Schafer’s D, not his bat. Up the middle w/ McCann, Uggla, AGon, and Nate? That’s brutal, but only reasonable place to improve is w/ JS over Nate.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:18 am
Hello Braves fans!
Long time, no post. Been kinda busy, plus not much to talk about really.
DOB: I really enjoyed the writeup on Nate and the youngsters.
You heard it here first: (well, maybe not first, but you get the point) Logan Schafer will have a break out season in 2011. Will start to realize his potential. Will eventually make it hard to play McLouth full time.
(can you tell, I am a serious homer??)
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:18 am
uga-brave, no I don’t think I did. I have heard of it, though.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:19 am
Hello, DS1! I hope Schafer has a good season, but I don’t think he will.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:20 am
trey, movie about navy deep sea divers. it is worth a watch.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:22 am
uga-brave, was that about the first black Navy diver? I stand corrected as I did see it after all.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:22 am
wayne, you will know by mid may on both schaffer and nate.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:22 am
Yes, DS1, especially since you call him Logan Schafer
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:23 am
trey, correct.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:23 am
Trey,
Do you remember before he was hurt back 2 years ago? He started off like gangbusters.
I really don’t understand the sentiment that he won’t do well? Dude was injured. And a bad hand might be one of the worst things for a hitter.
Granted, it might take him a half a year to get it going, but…..
How ya doing?
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:25 am
wayne, if healthy.
tennpaul, whose opininion on this blog i respect is convinced he is done.
the ped thing with him is a major concern.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:25 am
MIBraves Fan
Are you in on the “Logan Schafer” joke? It’s an obsure one for some.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:26 am
Nolie – I didn’t say I was leaving for the night, I was just retreating for a while. I can actually play my music and blog at the same time if I feel like it.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:27 am
Yes, DS1. I also know you’re Wayne.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:29 am
uga
I never bought in on the ped thing w/ Schafer. Smelled like a set up to me. Besides, he excelled AFTER the PED missed time in the fall of 2008 and spring of 2009.
The kid might never amount to anything. It’s really hard to say; he must prove it on the field. But I am puzzled by the quickness of some to write him off.
Now Barry Bonds, the PED was clear as the head on his shoulders.
I guess we won’t have to wait too long to see……
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:30 am
Who’s Wayne?
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:30 am
DS1, I know he was hurt, but I just don’t have high expectations for him. I can’t, I don’t want to have high expectations for someone or something and get disappointed with a bust. I just rather wait to see how he will play before I get high hopes on the guy. I hope he does well, I really do, but I don’t expect much.
To me, Schafer seems more like the player that fans love to talk about and think he is going to be some sort of star and he ends up as your average fielder and hitter. However, this is just my opinion and I do not share the same views with a majority of other Braves fans with high hopes and expectations of him. He seems kind of like a player who can’t spend the good portion of his career on one team.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:32 am
wayne, the giles brothers, brady anderson, sometimes the bump makes a somewhat average player, a ubbber prospect.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:33 am
The trial starts on what, March 21? Great timing. . . .
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
12:34 am
this guy from utah that likes the braves, the jazz, and burritos.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:36 am
Jordan Schafer seems like one of those players that fans will eventually forget.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:36 am
“DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:30 am
Who’s Wayne?”
Silly me – Da Sensitive One!
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:37 am
I thought it was Da Sarcastic One!
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:38 am
“Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:36 am
Jordan Schafer seems like one of those players that fans will eventually forget.”
I think he might one of those players that makes you want to forget that you said that about him. We’ll see.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:40 am
MIBravesFan, nah, in about a week I will forget I said that about him. I am willing to let him prove himself before I get excited.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:44 am
Trey,
I understand what you’re saying. I agree. But just because I am more positive about what I think the kid will do, doesn’t mean my world will come crashing down if he doesn’t. I flat out LOVE the Braves, but my life is not defined by my expectations of how they do from year to year. Does that make sense?
I just choose to be positive about things. I think Nate, KK, Schafer, Chipper, Venters, and all others will have very good to great years. But if they don’t……well just say I ain’t turning into a Mitchell type over it.
uga
The PED was HGH, and though I am not an expert, I am guessing it didn’t stay in his system for ever. After getting suspended in the spring of 2008, he came back and had a killer AFL in fall of 2008. Then a great spring in 2009. Would the HGH have helped him that far out? I really don’t think so.
And through it all, it would have been easy for him to say “Hey, I used, I was caught, and I won’t do it again!” He was busted anyway. Why not fess up? But he never did? There was just a lot of alluding to the fact that maybe he was in the wrong place at the wrong time?
To be honest, I really don’t care. It’s history. Besides, if I had to be real money on guys like Chipper, Smoltz, etc being clean from the ped era, I wouldn’t. I think we all might be disappointed by some of the names on the A-Rod/Manny list.
Burritos are definitely great, but a chile relleno is hard to beat!
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:48 am
Besides him being a Braves high level prospect, Schafer just looks like a ballplayer. Except for that dumazz flat bill ballcap. To me, that looks flat out stoopid!
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:49 am
It doesn’t look stupid on Kris!
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:50 am
So Trey, are you excited about Teheran, Freeman, Kimbrel, Delgado, etc?
I am high on all our prospects. But if they don’t make it, I ain’t going to jump off a cliff or anything.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:55 am
Switched to U2’s “All That You Can’t Believe Behind” CD
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:55 am
DS1, you do make sense in your views. I just don’t want to have high hopes in someone who has yet to be proven to be at least an average player.
I actually looked forward to Kawakami when he came to the Braves, because he seemed like such a positive person. I gave him the benefit of the doubt for having a little less than average first season, which was to be expected, just to come back in the next season not doing so hot. Granted, some of it was due to low run support but good pitchers can usually hold the opposing team to fewer runs than he gave up. I lost all confidence in Kawakami and I am glad he got sent down and we probably won’t have to see him next season.
I still have much faith in Chipper Jones, as he has always been great. He struggled the season after getting the batting title, and a little bit last year. He seemed to have found his groove before getting hurt. I think his hitting over 20 home runs in a season are pretty much over, but I have a feeling he can still hit close to .300.
Venters is young and he showed a lot of promise last year considering how much he pitched.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:56 am
Leave – major typo!
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:56 am
“So Trey, are you excited about Teheran, Freeman, Kimbrel, Delgado, etc?
I am high on all our prospects. But if they don’t make it, I ain’t going to jump off a cliff or anything.”
I look at them as trade bait from our front office.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
12:58 am
Trey – Teheran, Freeman, Kimbrel are not trade bait! Do you read DOB’s comments?!
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:58 am
Well, Freeman I think may stay with us for a while. I couldn’t tell you how he will play next season. He did well in the minors but he struggled in the big league. However, he only played a few games and didn’t really get to prove much to his critics. He may hit .250 next season.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:59 am
MIBravesFan, I said that is how I see them. I didn’t say they were.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:59 am
Why the hell not? We traded Wainwright.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
1:01 am
MIBF, remember I don’t share the same views as DOB or the front office. My opinions mean squat. I don’t know what they will do with them.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
1:02 am
MI
Some would say I am “Da Senile One”……….
Guys, gonna run get a glass of milk and head off to bed. It’s been a very long week, and my honey do list for tomorrow is significant!
Later friends………
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
1:02 am
Have a good night, Wayne.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
1:04 am
“Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:59 am
Why the hell not? We traded Wainwright.”
I think it’s time to let go of that. A lot has changed since then. The situation is much different.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
1:04 am
Freeman, Schafer and Kimbrel sample sizes are all too small.
Besides, it we look at Kimbrel’s number for last year, he is hands down the BEST relief pitcher in all of baseball. (and I dang sure hope it stays that way!)
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
1:05 am
Good night, Wayne
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
1:06 am
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
1:04 am
“Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:59 am
Why the hell not? We traded Wainwright.”
I think it’s time to let go of that. A lot has changed since then. The situation is much different.
Agreed! Frank Wren is NOT John Schuerholz. Frank is more of a prospect hugger than John ever was.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
1:06 am
MIBravesFan, I’m not saying they will be, but I could easily see them as trade bait.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
1:08 am
Eh forget it. I don’t know what they plan on doing with them. I just feel they can be used as trade bait. Not saying they will.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
1:09 am
Anyway, DS1, if they do remain in the Braves organization for years to come I think they have a good chance to become very successful.
keylargo
January 22nd, 2011
1:25 am
Keith Olbermann out at MSNBC.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
1:40 am
wayne, the fact that schaffer rolled into his first major league camp in a oversized hummer.
then when i heard of that i remember the stories of chipper of chipper rolling into macon t-tops and all.
different place different time.
i just hope we all remember, that #10 is the best offensive player that the atlanta braves have ever had……
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
1:44 am
keylargo, if you look at their ratings, besides maher, maddow, yomamma, and pelosi, who else watches that network?
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
1:48 am
i will leave with this. why do you guys dislike espn (DOB not included)
thawkin, hope you did not die from your cough, but espn is a media network
i sure hope you understand they have to sell add space.
boston and new york sells more.
hence the rub, where did fandom cross intelligence and discerning?
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
1:53 am
dob, nailed it with texas, TEXAS just got 30 million from the four letter network.
not the big 12. just texas.
DOB, rock hawk jayhawk and all, but that sheet aint right. you should of let texas go to the pac frickin ten.
TennBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
2:16 am
I see that the Rays have added Manny and Damon and the O’s are about to get Vlad. Honestly I think that Manny and Damon will about balance out losing Crawford and Pena. The signing of those two makes the Matt Garza trade puzzling to me. Anyways I think the AL east looks as strong as ever. So here is my prediction: Sox, Rays, O’s, Yanks (gonna be a bad year in the Bronx), and Blue Jays.
ward
January 22nd, 2011
2:16 am
Hello every one:No more Kieth on MSNBC…….. Thank God………..
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
2:23 am
ward there was a time that keith was a anchor for espn.
TennBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
2:25 am
Ok its 2:15 in the morning and I cant sleep because I have been on night shift. So lets give my early predictions for 2011.
First the AL: Boston in the east, Chicago in the Central, Oakland in the West (yep Oakland), and Minnesota as WC. Adrian Gonzalez as MVP and that kid from Oakland whose name escapes me as Cy Young
In the NL: Philly in the East, Reds in Central, Colorado in the West, and Atlanta. MVP Troy Tulowiski, Cy Young will be Jair Jurrgens
TennBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
2:31 am
Trevor Cahill is the Oakland pitcher
ward
January 22nd, 2011
2:32 am
I read some post on Nate a few minutes ago, and here is the thing.My favorite player Dale Murphy had an off year hitting some mager home runs, and crushing the ball. Nate has an off year, and most every one wants to brand him or throw him to the curb. All good players have an off year, so are you going to hold every one guilty…….Like all good players Nate will bounce back. It happens to all the great players……Let’s all be patient, and see what Nate can do. I think he’s going to have a great year…….
ward
January 22nd, 2011
2:33 am
uga-brave: Yes, and he had to leave too, and Thank God for that!!!!!!
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
2:35 am
Tigers in the AL Central, TennBravesFan.
ward
January 22nd, 2011
2:35 am
After Dale Murphy hit mager home runs he had some off years thats what I meant to say in my post……
ward
January 22nd, 2011
2:37 am
My point is Dale Murphy bounced back, and so will Nate…..
mr baseball
January 22nd, 2011
2:43 am
Ward:
Haven’t read much of your posts, but enough to know that your knowledge of baseball runs the gamut from A to B. That’s evidently the case in lots of areas.
Olbermann was talented, passionate, pretentious and honest. The guys at Fox News, who I’m guessing you admire, are dishonest, hypocritical, uninformed shills for their side.
He may have been overwrought at times, but he spoke the truth from his point of view. The guys on the right wing network are nothing more than huckster propagandists who wouldn’t recognize the truth if it bit them on their collective rear ends.
At least we still have Jon Stewart to mock the idiocy that passes for news on GOP TV.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
2:44 am
We traded Wainwright Trey
which looks a lot worse now with hindsight than it did then
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
2:46 am
Some would say I am “Da Senile One”…… DS1
you tryin’ to steal my place dude??
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
2:47 am
comparing dale to nate. really at least they are both white.
that said when murph was done he was done. the dude never touched a weight.
never understood the push for him into the hall.
crimedog deserves it more.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
2:48 am
that #10 is the best offensive player that the atlanta braves have ever had… Uga
better than Aaron? no way
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
2:48 am
Hey, Nolie! Hindsight is always 20/20, isn’t it?
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
2:49 am
Honestly I think that Manny and Damon will about balance out losing Crawford and Pena. TBF
I hope to hell you are kidding….
ward
January 22nd, 2011
2:50 am
mr. baseball: Let’s talk sports not Kieth what’s his name?????
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
2:52 am
yup it is but I give it no credence MIBF and in fact I gotta admit that I sometimes get annoyed reading it
ward
January 22nd, 2011
2:53 am
Alll players will have a bad season after a good one. It’s a fact, and Nate can be a great player. He no Murphy yet, but he can become a great out fielder, and I think he should be backed up……
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
2:53 am
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
2:54 am
mr. baseball, your political believes have always been evident. no problems there.
they are your opinions and i respect them.
though if you think old keith is not somewaht leaned on one side, i fear for you.
he aint neutral friend.
this from a guy that thinks maher is really funny.
ward
January 22nd, 2011
2:54 am
After all most every one liked Diaz…….
ward
January 22nd, 2011
2:56 am
mr. baseball: Respect your political views, but would like to keep talking sports…..A way better topic…..
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
2:57 am
nolie, for two large, cant believe i am going to say this, only because we dont have any right handed hitters, would it be worth the rub?
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
2:58 am
Alll players will have a bad season after a good one ward
well no, not really
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
2:59 am
I’m sorry Uga, I didn’t really understand that last comment about the rub??
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:00 am
so if chipper is a no go. who plays left?
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:00 am
Look at some of the stats on some players, and you guy’s will get my point.After all Nolie you liked Diaz……
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:01 am
A small joke for you Nolie……
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:01 am
“nolie
January 22nd, 2011
2:52 am
yup it is but I give it no credence MIBF and in fact I gotta admit that I sometimes get annoyed reading it.”
It isn’t easy reading, is it?!
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:02 am
nolie, damon got 5 million. manny got 2.
so for two million would you if signed manny?
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:04 am
uga-brave: I bet Jordan Schafer if he has a good spring……..
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:04 am
“The Rising” – Bruce Springsteen
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:05 am
After all Nolie you liked Diaz Uga
yeah I did as a platoon player. how could I not? He was a good one
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:05 am
Hinske can play left too…..
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:06 am
hell no I wouldn’t sign him
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:06 am
nollie, we dont have one quality rh hitter off the bench.
well other then gritts and conrad.
i do like gritts with runny eggs and toast.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:07 am
not all that well ward and when he started playing more regularly last year his numbers slipped a lot. plus he’s another lefthanded hitter
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:08 am
then go eat that, uga-brave
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:08 am
miabraves, thunder road.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:08 am
if thy could afford 2mil for that asswipe they coulda kept Matty
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:12 am
nolie, in atlanta. #10 is the best offensive player ever in atlanta.
hank aint atlanta.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:12 am
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – J. Cash
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:12 am
grits are gritty ugh
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:14 am
Chipper might be the best offensive player developed in Atlanta but you simply said in Atlanta and Hank was in Atlanta…. I’m sure i remember that….
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:15 am
I believe we have a way better out field than last year, and deep in prospects too. For the First time I,m confident in our out field. Don’t forget about Matt Young too, and if Tobert does well in the minors you could see him, and if not we have good young prospects…..We have geat young pitching, and a strong bull pen for the first time…..No worries for me…….
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:15 am
nolie, i know you liked diaz. clubhouse wise he was plus plus.
one out player at third, and if he falls behind in the count he is done.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:17 am
“September When It Comes”
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:17 am
diaz, is was a hacker. bad ball hitter. heart of a champ, skill set of a chimp.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:21 am
for as much as everyone roasted conrad, i always thought his approach in late innings at the plate dwarfed diaz.
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:23 am
Nolie: I’m just tired of platoon players, and thats why we lost in the play offs,because of these platoon players Bobby had. Bobby’s weakness was platoon players. He had too many…..
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:23 am
nobody who hits 300 for a career even as a platoon player should be disrespected as much as you do Diaz. Got news fot you Uga, that takes skill no matter how unorthodox it looks
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:24 am
“Moon River”
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:27 am
nolie, franchise wise in atlanta chipper jones is the best player to ever wear a atlanta braves jersey in the history of the atlanta braves.
the other guy that could be included is glavine.
smoltz, andruw are right behind.
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:27 am
“A Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash….Awsome song…….
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:27 am
pretty simplistic ward, we lost for a lot of reasons, even what I guess you are referring was more about subs not platooners.
and over the years plenty of platoon players have played important parts on winning teams. I’d sure as hell rather have a platoon that watch some guy hit 220 or 230 with little power against pitchers who throw from the same side and that happens a lot.
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:28 am
Don’t forget the great Dale Murphy…….
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:29 am
pretty sure you’d have a hard time getting many to agree with that view about players Uga.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:29 am
I may be the only person in the world with a CD with Johnny Cash and Audrey Hepburn on it
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:29 am
Murph was not nearly as good a hitter as Chipper ward
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:30 am
My point is Bobby fell in love, and used platoon players too much, and that hurt the Braves……
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:30 am
nolie, we dont agree on diaz, leave it at that. i wish he was a better outfielder. wish, when he had his chance he could of hit right handers.
better check out his splits against rh’s.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:31 am
interinst MIBF, but what does Hepburn do?
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:31 am
“nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:29 am
Murph was not nearly as good a hitter as Chipper”
No, he wasn’t.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:32 am
better check out his splits against rh’s.
why in the H would I care about his splits against RHers Uga? I’ve said over and over again that he was a platoon player.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:34 am
“nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:31 am
interinst MIBF, but what does Hepburn do?”
sing – they tried to cut it from the movie, but she won the argument
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:34 am
I think both Chipper, and Murph were great Braves……..
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:35 am
I’m well aware of his splits, it he had great numbers against righties I wouldn’t be calling him a platoon player would I?
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:35 am
better start looking at macc’s power numbers against lh’s.
13 extra base hits against lefthanders all year.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:35 am
Enter your comments here
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:37 am
“Choices” – George Jones
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:39 am
nolie, in late game situations you dont want a frickin platoon player.
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:39 am
Should Dave Justice be in The hall Of Fame?He was a favorite player of mine too.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:39 am
Ray Price . . . .
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:39 am
I believe they cut her voice from My Fair lady, didn’t they?
Andrews got robbed of that part IMO
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:41 am
It’s going to be tough for him, but It’s possible Dave Justice could get in……..
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:41 am
whatever dude. I’ve never talked to so many fans with such a grudge against platoon players as here. Good ones are damn valuable and teams know that.
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:42 am
Waylon Jennings ……..Is cool………
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:43 am
Justice? In the HOH? no way. even without being tied to PEDS he wouldn’t even be close
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:43 am
HOF not HOH
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:44 am
Nolie – I was talking about “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”; I think we’re talking about different movies.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:44 am
yeah ol’ Waylon made good use of them extra years he was lucky enough to get
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:45 am
Any one going to check out the New Pirate Of Carribbean 4 Black Beard The Pirate is going to be in it, and the Movie starts May 20th……
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:46 am
“ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:42 am
Waylon Jennings ……..Is cool………”
Well that’s a post no one will argue with!
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:46 am
yeah I know MiBF, just sayin’ that I don’t think of her as a singer no matter the movie, in fact I’m not all that much a fan of hers at all
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:46 am
Watch The new Pirates Of Caribbean 4 trailer on Yahoo! It’s really good…..
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:47 am
“nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:44 am
yeah ol’ Waylon made good use of them extra years he was lucky enough to get”
Is that story really true? Did he lose a coin toss with Valens? Really?
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:49 am
we are gonna have serious matchup problems late in games against lh’s.
sure hope hanson can go deeper then he did last season.
one complete game all season. and it was rain shorted.
that said if he devolps a off speed pitch he has a great chance of being a stud.
ward
January 22nd, 2011
3:49 am
Talk tomorrow! Nite , and peace my friends…….
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:51 am
Nolie – you don’t like Audrey Hepburn? Were a fan of Kate or you just don’t like either?
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:52 am
“When September Ends” – Green Day
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:54 am
MiBF This is from Wiki and is pretty much how I remember hearing that it happened.
Flight arrangements were made with Roger Peterson, a 21-year-old local pilot who worked for Dwyer Flying Service in Mason City, Iowa. A fee of $36 per passenger was charged for the single-engined 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza 35 (V-tail), registration N3794N (later reassigned). The Bonanza could seat three in addition to the pilot.
Richardson had developed a case of flu during the tour and asked Waylon Jennings, one of Holly’s bandmates, for his seat on the plane and Jennings agreed to give up his seat. When Holly learned that Jennings wasn’t going to fly, he said in jest, “Well, I hope your ol’ bus freezes up” and Jennings responded, also in jest, “Well, I hope your ol’ plane crashes”. This exchange of words would haunt Jennings for the rest of his life.[5][6]
Ritchie Valens had never flown in a small plane before, and asked Holly’s remaining bandmate on the plane, Tommy Allsup, for his seat. Tommy said “I’ll flip ya for the remaining seat”. Contrary to what is seen in biographical movies, the coin toss did not happen at the airport shortly before takeoff, nor did Buddy Holly toss it. Bob Hale, a DJ with KRIB-AM, was working the concert that night and flipped the coin at the ballroom shortly before the musicians departed for the airport. Valens won the coin toss, and with it a seat on the flight.[5]
Dion DiMucci of Dion and the Belmonts was approached to join the flight, although it is unclear exactly when he was asked. Dion decided that, since the $36 cost of the flight was the same as the monthly rent his parents paid for his childhood apartment, he couldn’t justify the indulgence
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:54 am
nolie, one thing i think we both can agree on is we both wish wags was coming back.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:56 am
Loved Kate. Audrey was a good actress but she played a lot of roles that I didn’t care all that much for I guess. Guess I didn’t think she was quite as special as she was touted to be. Purely personal opinion.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
3:57 am
kimbrell late from the right, and venters on the left side. with wags finishing.
kimbrell’s controll is somewhat scary.
too use venters as a closer negates what is real ability was last season. getting us to the ninth.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
3:57 am
Thank you, Nolie.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
3:58 am
yup Uga I sure do. actually we often agree more than disagree on many things
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
4:01 am
And as to the Hepburns, well the Audrey one did a lot for children in dire straits around the world, having been one herself during WWII, so let’s just say they were both great women.
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
4:03 am
“Midnight In Montgomery” ! Hank, Hank, Hank . . . .
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
4:04 am
yeah I know she did, and she was in a number of movies I liked, just wasn’t one of my favorites, and I’ll gladly agree that she was a great lady
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
4:06 am
Angel From Montgomery
Midnight at the Oasis
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
4:06 am
nolie, at least you and i are not the woman that fell into the fountain while texting. right or wrong damn the mall for putting in that fountain.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
4:09 am
fall in a fountain in the middle of the mall and sue the mall for putting a fountain in the way of her texting.
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
4:10 am
so now she says nobody came to her aide. kinda like spilling hot coffee.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
4:13 am
even worse that the one who sued McDonalds about the hot coffee. Everybody jumps at a chance for some bucks nowdays over things that we would have been too embarrassed about in my day to even mention…
uga-brave
January 22nd, 2011
4:16 am
nolie, love the banter. till tmmrw.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
4:18 am
the way the courts are now days they will likely try to buy her off rather than tell he to take a long walk off a short pier. Just so weird to an old f@rt like me. Guy breaks into your house and hurts himself doing it and sues and wins. A friend of mine had an expensive Appaloosa stud, some guys tried to steal it one night and the horse kicked him while he was trying to load it in a trailer and broke his hip. Sued and won a settlement. (shakes head despondently)
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
4:18 am
nite UGA. hava goodun
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
4:21 am
guess it’s that time. G’nite anybody who is left
Frank from KS(now livin in CO)
January 22nd, 2011
4:23 am
mr baseball
The only few things to watch on Fox News are the babes…Alysin Camerota, Megyn Kelly (mmmmmmm)…to name a couple….
Frank from KS(now livin in CO)
January 22nd, 2011
4:24 am
Oh thanks Nolie…..(hahahahaha), I just got here (hahahahaha)
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
4:25 am
“Kentucky Rain”
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
4:26 am
“With the rain in my shoes, searching for you . . . .”
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
4:27 am
“There must be lights . . .
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
4:29 am
“While I can dream”
MLB News and Notes: January 21 | Ultimate Team Sports News
January 22nd, 2011
4:30 am
[...] what we saw for that first year he was with us, was an aberration,” said GM Frank Wren to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “That’s not Nate McLouth. I mean, he’s too good a player…” Even with [...]
MIBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
4:36 am
We all need to have pitchers and catchers report.
There’s nothing wrong with caring about music and the artists who have made it. It would be great if we all focused on those things we all share.
Braveheart
January 22nd, 2011
8:36 am
Watching soccer on ESPN. Isn’t it freezing in England this time of year? The crowd and the coaches are all bundled up, but the players are running around in shorts and tees, and don’t look fazed by it. Meanwhile, we’re forced to endure 5 months without baseball.
richbrave
January 22nd, 2011
8:46 am
Braveheart
January 22nd, 2011
8:36 am
Watching soccer on ESPN. Isn’t it freezing in England this time of year? The crowd and the coaches are all bundled up, but the players are running around in shorts and tees, and don’t look fazed by it. Meanwhile, we’re forced to endure 5 months without baseball.
Writ’ like a true baseball fan.
Trojan
January 22nd, 2011
8:53 am
I am glad Oberman is off the air. At ESPN and at NBC, he thought that he was the show, not the news that he was reporting.
What happened to journalism?
McFann O O
January 22nd, 2011
8:56 am
Uga-brave better start looking at macc’s power numbers against lh’s. 13 extra base hits against lefthanders all year.
Oh, heaven help us…
That was LAST year…this year’s gonna be better, I know it is.
Jeff R
January 22nd, 2011
8:59 am
Nice write-up about McLouth by DOB. McLouth has really stunk, for the most part, in his time with the Braves. But I do hope he bounces back this season. If not, Wren having to make an “emergency” trade to upgrade CF might mean giving up talent the Braves would otherwise rather not surrender.
And, of course, McLouth knows he’s got a ton on the line this season. Something of a make or break for his career. He’s got every incentive to bust his tail and perform.
Neek the Greek
January 22nd, 2011
9:00 am
Trojan
January 22nd, 2011
8:53 am
I am glad Oberman is off the air. At ESPN and at NBC, he thought that he was the show, not the news that he was reporting.
What happened to journalism?
It just left. Now it’s time for DOB to replace him.
richbrave
January 22nd, 2011
9:01 am
Jeff R
January 22nd, 2011
8:59 am
Nice write-up about McLouth by DOB. McLouth has really stunk, for the most part, in his time with the Braves. But I do hope he bounces back this season. If not, Wren having to make an “emergency” trade to upgrade CF might mean giving up talent the Braves would otherwise rather not surrender.
Well said.
bobbymahlon
January 22nd, 2011
9:25 am
How quickly ones forgets the all time great Braves players like Aaron,Matthews and Maddux and others.
Carroll Rogers
January 22nd, 2011
9:29 am
Braveheart, c’mon down to Florida. Don’t have to wait five months, my friend….the soccer shorts are for the ladies…..
bobbymahlon
January 22nd, 2011
9:30 am
I along with many others have asked but got no answers as has Nate got arm problems or was he always like that and we didn’t notice it. So once more DOB does he have an injury or can’t he throw the ball beyond a cut off man ?
Jeff R
January 22nd, 2011
9:49 am
richbrave… Thanks.
Tomas
January 22nd, 2011
10:24 am
DOB, please tell Bowman that Panama and Colombia are two different countries, and Teheran is from Colombia
dpelfrey
January 22nd, 2011
10:41 am
Not that I’m looking past 2011, but Wren has really done an outstanding job of setting up this franchise for success over the next 5+ years. Here’s a list of things I’m excited about over the next 5 years…
1) Young starting pitching: Barring injury, I really like the way things look. The Braves have Hudson and Lowe through 2012. The Braves can trade Jurrjens this offseason for some positional depth and feel pretty confident that the group of Minor, Medlen and Teheran can adequately fill in behind Lowe, Hudson and Hanson in 2012. By the time 2013 rolls around, Hanson should be established as the team ace and at least a few of the other guys should have established themselves as legitimate middle-rotation guys. Getting the $24 mil off the books from Lowe and Hudson should allow the Braves to lock up some of these young pitchers long-term.
2) Venters and Kimbrel: Again, barring injury, having the back end of the bullpen anchored by two guys throwing filth makes it easy to build an effective bullpen each season.
3) 2010 Draft: The Braves did a smart thing drafting a bunch of positional college players. I think there could be a gem or two out of the group of Cunningham, Leonard and Gosselin that won’t take 5 years to develop.
4) Uggla acquisition and the domino effect it caused: There’s a lot of reasons this trade was a positive for the Braves. First is that it gives them a power righty to break up Heyward, Freeman and McCann for the foreseeable future. It also frees up Prado to fill that void of who can take over for Chipper at third when he finally decides to hang it up. And with viable options at first, second and third for the next few years, that only leaves one infield position in question for the future, shortstop. And what position is the farm loaded with…yep…shortstops (Pastornicky, Lipka, Simmons, Salcedo).
The only blaring weakness in this organization is viable outfield depth. Heyward isn’t a question, but unless Schafer asserts himself, the Braves will be lacking in the outfield for the next few years. I like the idea of moving Mycal Jones to center this year and I think they will eventually move Lipka to the outfield, so the Braves could have some good options, but those guys are a few years away at least.
But what I like the most is the payroll flexibility. Assuming Chipper’s option for 2013 never happens, the Braves have no significant financial commitments past 2012, other than Uggla. It’ll be a perfect opportunity to extend McCann and lock up a handful of these youngsters, especially Hanson and Heyward.
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
11:12 am
Well Juan Rivera is off the Market, Thank Gawd! I got sick and tired of hearing his name on here…Nowhere near as much as I hated hearing Rasmus name on here but still
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
11:30 am
T-Hawkins Stat Predictions for the Starting 8 along with Ski Rossy and Mather…I will need to remind myself to save this so that I can match it up at seasons end
Not to mention I’m gonna post up My All Star Lineup as If I were calling the shots,I will not post SB predictions because we have been known to be one of the slowest teams on the basepaths for years…Other than J-Hey or Nate Dawg…I don’t see anyone on the team stealing more than 15 bases
Lets Keep it real folks
1) Martini .310 16-60
Fab-5-Freddie .273 13-55 (I see him splitting time with Ski at 1st especially later on in the season…I will be happy if Fab 5 Freddie does anything similiar to Adam LaRoche’s Rookie Season in 2004)
2) Hoss .290 22-84 (Chipper will be playing with a Chip on his shoulder after being thought of as an afterthought after hearing the names mentioned in the radio prom not include his name)
3)J-hey .287 27-94
4) UGG .271 33-111
5) B-Macc .288 27-95 (138 Games)
6) Gonzo .269 14-65
7) Nate-Dawg .278 17-66(My Big Boy Gut Tells Me that Nate-Dawg Clowns this year…Not homerwise but he will return to more of a doubles hitter if he shortens his swing and stop swinging for the fences)
Bench
A) Our Rubberband Man, Ski (Hinske) .284 12-48…I see him platooning at first and LF (not many games in LF however
B) Rossy .268 7-23…Any offense you get from this cat is a Plus…We have the best catching tandem in the league, nuff said
C) Mather .270 4-22…If Wren turns this addition into another Omar Infante then that will be huge…I haven’t seen much of Mather to make a verdict…He can’t have no worse a year than Dorky Miller or Greg Norton
The RBI Numbers are inflated in the 1-5 slots because The Braves Last year I think did a very stellar job at taking walks and making pitchers work…We need to carry that over into this year and lastly if this team is gonna make it deep into October they need to stop playing “Bobby-Ball” in close games against tough pitching
raleighbravefan
January 22nd, 2011
11:47 am
Trojan – “what happened to journalism” – Ask Rush, Hannity, Fox, et al. (They don’t have a clue about journalism).
BTW – Oberman NEVER claimed to be a journalist. He presented his point of view. I will greatly miss him.
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
11:49 am
And I think the Real lineup will be like this, BLAH!
Nate-Dawg
Martini
Hoss
Ugg
B-Macc
J-Hey
1-6 I haven’t liked hitting Chipper 3rd since 2009…That needs to change
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:07 pm
Been takin notes on who likes Olberman so I know who to invite to my dinner parties! Wouldn’t want to spice things up now, would we….
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
12:08 pm
I think I will do my projected numbers for the rotation tomorrow before I hit up the Hookah Bar
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:09 pm
“even worse that the one who sued McDonalds about the hot coffee. Everybody jumps at a chance for some bucks nowdays over things that we would have been too embarrassed about in my day to even mention…”
Nolie, I know this comment is from early in the morning, but did you hear about the McDonald’s worker in Brasil, I believe, and he is suing McDonald’s because he claims it got him fat. He said he felt forced to eat the food, because they have to test it first.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:10 pm
I would like to say that I will miss Keith O, but I could never stomach more than about 30 seconds of his banter anyway.
T’hawkin
Fredi’s going to have some interesting decisions concerning the lineup order, especially if Nate Dawg hits like we hope he does, and everybody else comes out of the spring unscathed. What nice problems to have, huh.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:13 pm
Atlanta Residents: Was thinking about trying to get to the old ballyard on one of the games between Jun 14th and June 17th (Mets in mid week and the Rangers on Friday night). I will be in SC then.
Maybe we could have a little pre-game hookup in one of the common areas??
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:14 pm
Honey-do lists awaits, I will check in periodically today…
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
12:22 pm
Where in tarnation is everyone?
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:25 pm
Tomahawkin, no need to fear, Trey is here.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:26 pm
They are all hibernating until spring.
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
12:26 pm
DS1
Holla At us when you get to the “A”
Problem is that I only plan on going to games in April And May…The Rest of my summer weekends (until after labor day) are Spent at the Lake, getting my Swerve on…!
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:27 pm
Tomahawkin, I plan on going to more Braves games this next season since I will be three and a half hours away from Atlanta.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
12:43 pm
T’hawkin and Trey,
I am actually going to be 3 hours from Atlanta in SC. And the games I am looking at are Tuesday through Friday (June 14th thru 17th).
Maybe we can work something out?
I was also planning to go to all 4 games in Colorado again in July, but my company has called a big meeting in SF that week…….. sucks being me sometimes.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
12:52 pm
DS1, in March I am going to be getting transferred to Charlotte, NC, so I will be right above SC. We can definitely work something out.
Fourbee
January 22nd, 2011
1:07 pm
raleighbravefan
January 22nd, 2011
11:47 am
Trojan – “what happened to journalism” – Ask Rush, Hannity, Fox, et al. (They don’t have a clue about journalism).
BTW – Oberman NEVER claimed to be a journalist. He presented his point of view. I will greatly miss him.
In case you didn’t know, Hannity and Limbaugh have opinion shows as well. As for Fox News, have you ever watched their news shows? They air when most news is broken–during business hours (8AM to 5PM). Don’t show your prejudice and label it opinion.
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
1:14 pm
As a matter of fact, it still looks like the Braves shuttle from games will be put to an end…F MARTA
Irony
January 22nd, 2011
1:15 pm
In case you didn’t know, Hannity and Limbaugh have opinion shows as well. ……………. Don’t show your prejudice and label it opinion.
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
1:29 pm
Time to watch some old Married With Children, brb
Bat Masterson
January 22nd, 2011
1:39 pm
There’s nothing wrong with caring about music and the artists who have made it. It would be great if we all focused on those things we all share. _ MIBravesFan
MIBF_
I agree, thanks for sharing.
Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford(notes) had surgery on his throwing shoulder Friday, and the Lions say they expect the former No. 1 draft pick to be back in time for training camp after playing only three games last season. _ AP
I hope this works out for Stafford and the Lions. Just so you know, my concern is not altruistic, he is a Ga Bulldog after all.
Robert
January 22nd, 2011
1:40 pm
So I read about the Rays signing Manny and Damon.
Now, in a vacuum, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with paying Manny Ramiez $2 million for the 2011 season. Or with paying Johnny Damon $5 million and change.
In a vacuum
But paying Johnny Damon two and a half times what you pay Manny Ramirez – that just makes zero sense
Meanwhile Andruw Jones gets $2 million from the Yankees
Adjusted OPS numbers -
Andruw – 2010 – 199 career 111
Damon 2010 – 106 career 104
Manny 2010 – 138 career 155
No sense whatsoever
Perhaps the most shocking thing is to realize that last year’s .230 season was a significant bump above his career average for Andruw
Robert
January 22nd, 2011
1:46 pm
“http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2011/01/21/woman-falls-fountain-texting/”
God I wish I could be the judge to get this suit petition -
Go sue yourself for being stupid. It is not the responsibility of mall security to protect you from yourself. Have a nice day. Oh excuse me, by the way, could I see your green card
Bat Masterson
January 22nd, 2011
1:47 pm
Bat M.—
No prob! I cann think of a billion bloggers that should get moderated before you… _ McFann O O
It’s comforting when someone as fierce as McFann has your back.
keylargo
January 22nd, 2011
1:50 pm
I heard this last night and it may not be exact because it was on the radio and I could not verify it but this is what I got:
Andruw Jones is the only outfielder EVER to have over 200 ab’s in 4 consecutive years and hit .230 or less all four years.
Bat Masterson
January 22nd, 2011
2:11 pm
Hello every one:No more Kieth on MSNBC…….. Thank God……….. _ ward
ward there was a time that keith was a anchor for espn. _ uga-brave
uga-brave: Yes, and he had to leave too, and Thank God for that!!!!!! _ ward
mr. baseball: Let’s talk sports not Kieth what’s his name????? _ ward
ward_
If you are going to stick your nose out and dare someone to poke you in it don’t complain when they do, it’s unseemly. Stick to baseball crazy, it’s more entertaining and you’re good at it.
Snotboogie
January 22nd, 2011
2:16 pm
Andruw Jones is the only outfielder EVER to have over 200 ab’s in 4 consecutive years and hit .230 or less all four years.
Do you think Frenchie will stay in baseball long enough to achieve these rarified levels?
jeffrey d
January 22nd, 2011
2:22 pm
Francoeur’s never hit under .230
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
2:23 pm
SB, possibly. Probably become the strike out king, eventually.
Snotboogie
January 22nd, 2011
2:26 pm
Why so serious jeffrey!
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
2:32 pm
Does anyone know of any good tattoo parlors in or around Charlotte?
jeffrey d
January 22nd, 2011
2:36 pm
You know we don’t.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
2:37 pm
jeffrey, not really! Some might. It’s okay, I just googled it though.
T for Texas
January 22nd, 2011
2:38 pm
Adjusted OPS numbers -
Andruw – 2010 – 199 career 111
Perhaps the most shocking thing is to realize that last year’s .230 season was a significant bump above his career average for Andruw.
AJ’s OPS+ was 119 last year, not 199. Also, his career average over 15 seasons is .256, from which .230 is not a bump above. Misinformation is the Devil’s wet/dry vacuum–one of his favorite tools.
Braveheart
January 22nd, 2011
2:45 pm
Bored and wandering aimlessly through baseball-reference.
You know who has the third highest strikeout rate in major league history for pitchers born in the state of Georgia who’ve made 50 or more starts? Chuck James. He’s also got by far the worst home run rate, but, oh well …..
Also, according to rWAR, the Braves presently have on their roster 2 of the 4 best catchers ever born in the state of Georgia. Brian McCann, Jody Davis, Ivey Wingo, David Ross. I think Michael Barrett should probably be higher than Ross, but rWAR really seems to hate Barrett’s defense.
Bat Masterson
January 22nd, 2011
2:46 pm
Jeff did hit .237 in 124 games for the Mets last year so he’s getting there. He does hold some impressive records for sustained futility. Maybe they will do a lefty platoon with him this year, might help.
Rock
January 22nd, 2011
2:48 pm
Braveheart,ever thought about a girlfriend?
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
2:51 pm
I can’t wait to see how Andruw does in New York. The New York Yankee fans are ruthless and he hasn’t got much room for error. I really hope Andruw is more successful up in NY than Francoeur was.
Braveheart
January 22nd, 2011
3:00 pm
Got one, Rock, but she’s prepping for a deposition right now unfortunately
Bat Masterson
January 22nd, 2011
3:00 pm
Trey_
Why don’t you try to get on Kat Von D’s show? Maybe get your tat for free, become famous, or infamous even.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
3:01 pm
Bat, it may help, but Francoeur needs to stop being so stubborn at the plate. Also, I don’t know how well he will react to being a platoon player since he cries when he can’t get to play daily and wants to get traded. I think his stubborn behavior and hurt feelings for not playing daily will be the downfall of him.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
3:02 pm
Bat, never been one to care about becoming famous. Well, maybe if they do sleeves.
Carroll Rogers
January 22nd, 2011
3:19 pm
FYI, story out of KC via the NY Daily News….Francoeur calls Citi Field a “damn joke”
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2011/01/22/2011-01-22_francoeur_unloads_on_citi_field.html
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
3:22 pm
Carroll, that is pretty funny when last season he was talking about how excited he was to play up there and start over.
sidslidkid
January 22nd, 2011
3:24 pm
DOB, here a very good read about a sports journalist (Jeff Pealman of si.com) confronting his online “haters”. Though you might get a chuckle out of it…
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/01/21/pearlman.online.civility/index.html?hpt=C2
BravesFanChris26
January 22nd, 2011
3:28 pm
I got me a new computer
It has a touch screen and all.
Kyle
January 22nd, 2011
3:39 pm
Man, glad im not a Angels fan
McFann O O
January 22nd, 2011
3:52 pm
Bat M. It’s comforting when someone as fierce as McFann has your back.
Haha, thanks, Bat!
McFann O O
January 22nd, 2011
3:55 pm
Tomahawkin 5) B-Macc .288 27-95 (138 Games)
I’ll buy that!
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
3:56 pm
The thing that probably makes me dislike Francoeur most is the fact that he thinks he is entitled to play every day no matter how badly he struggles. He also knows that he is stubborn and then he has the audacity to get upset when a team benches him.
At least McLouth was understanding when he got demoted for his struggles, but not Francouer.
McFann O O
January 22nd, 2011
3:58 pm
The Mets got Blaine Boyer? Oh my…
McFann O O
January 22nd, 2011
4:01 pm
Trey @ 3:56—
I agree.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
4:06 pm
For those who bash Chipper should realize how lucky we are to have gotten him in the first place. Chipper wasn’t even considered by the Braves since they wanted Todd Van Poppel. Todd Van Poppel didn’t want to play for the Braves and pretty much told the Braves to f*** off, since he did not believe they had any sort of chance to win.
Joke was on him after 1991 and we went to the WS for the first time in Atlanta and kept the beautiful run of 14 straight years. I am glad Van Poppel never came to Atlanta since it gave way to Jones who has had much more of a successful career than Van Poppel.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
4:07 pm
McFann, I agree with your 4:01.
MiaBchBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
4:13 pm
REBUTTAL! Citi Field responds to Jeffy’s remarks. Calls Francoeur a “pathetic excuse”.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
4:16 pm
MiaBchBravesFan, he is just upset that he is no longer the center of attention that he was back in Parkview and it is really tearing at him. He is more than a pathetic excuse, but I can’t say on the blog or I’d get banned. He is pompous, spoiled, and everything else you want to call him. His arrogance and stubborn attitude are definitely his downfalls.
MiaBchBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
4:18 pm
Trey: Jeffy reminds me of JD Drew – without the talent. They’re all about the money, and do not mind being gypsies – as long as they get paid. Granted, Jeffy is way noisier than Drew, but when Jeffy does not hit, he whines like a little sissy-b!tch – which is quite often.
What’s he gonna do in KC, blame the BBQ?
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
4:25 pm
MiaBchBravesFan, well they all care more about the money. Jeff F always finds a reason to complain, even when he is the one at fault. He knows he is stubborn and he always tries to blame everyone else.
I think if he starts listening to others when they try to help him then he won’t have the problem of getting traded or striking out as much, but he just doesn’t like being told what to do. He does have power, but he is also too impatient at the plate. He is like one of those little kids you see at the store when their mommy won’t get them what they want and they start throwing their temper tantrum in the middle of the aisle until they get it. He is an oversized baby, no doubt.
I have no idea about him in Kansas, but he won’t have to worry about stress of getting into the World Series, nor will he have to worry about New York fans anymore breathing down his neck.
Shamwow !
January 22nd, 2011
4:45 pm
I think Nate’s done. He can’t hit or field and its shocking to read Nate say “I actually haven’t been hitting much this off-season”. Yeah you hit .190 and you don’t need much work Nate… What a waste of money.
I hope Schafer plays well in spring to claim CF and Nate gets sent to Rome…
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
5:02 pm
Shamwow !-
You might want to go back and read what Nate actually said- he said he’s hitting two to three times a week right now, not that he hasn’t been hitting much (he phrased it as he’s cut back on it right now- and noted that he is headed to Florida 2 weeks early to “really be ready to crank it up”)
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
5:05 pm
here is the actual quote from Nate:
“I’ve actually cut back a little bit on my hitting this winter, as far as volume. Because I’m going down to Florida on February 1st, and I’ll wait till then to really crank it up. You get more swings in spring training than you can handle, so I’m just hitting two or three times a week right now.”
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
5:06 pm
Nate-Dawg .278 17-66(My Big Boy Gut Tells Me that Nate-Dawg Clowns this year T’h
if Nate hits that well this year he won’t be batting 7th
Shamwow !
January 22nd, 2011
5:11 pm
Nice blog though.
Shamwow !
January 22nd, 2011
5:12 pm
.190 hitters don’t need to cut back on hitting. They need to hit all the time.
Shamwow !
January 22nd, 2011
5:14 pm
Wren “A lot of teams want Nate”. BS Mr. Wren. They might want him to sell popcorn in the stands at games…
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
5:15 pm
OMG they’re letting lawyers breed with each other now. The world is doomed!!
Prince of Alabama
January 22nd, 2011
5:23 pm
This is the reason that Atlanta teams are all LOSERS!
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
5:31 pm
care to be a bit more specific Prince ol’ pal? You’re post doesn’t convey much as it stands
Bravefaninok
January 22nd, 2011
5:32 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/576780-mlb-predictions-10-aging-stars-who-will-have-huge-seasons#page/3
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
5:36 pm
Ok, that guy must be an idiot. Chipper was never an above average fielding third baseman in his prime. Fraid that kills his cred for me,
Bravefaninok
January 22nd, 2011
5:41 pm
I like this one the best.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/576780-mlb-predictions-10-aging-stars-who-will-have-huge-seasons#page/10
TennBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
5:49 pm
What about Jorge Cantu to back up Chipper at 3rd and Freddie at 1st. Solid player who would be excellent off the bench. This would allow Prado to play LF all year. I like my good hitters to stay in one position all of the time. Anyways I think Cantu would sign cheap and he would be a good addition to this team. The bench would then be Hinske, Ross, Cantu, Hernandez, and Maither (Schaffer needs AAA).
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
5:57 pm
considering what many other players have gotten this year, Cantu might cost more than they are willing to pay a RHed hitting sub. I’m not a Cantu fan but he might fit if cheap enough, but it kinda looks like they are gonna pin that roll on the Beav.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
6:09 pm
Yeah, I’m not a big Cantu fan either. Not that I’d complain much if we signed him, but I think we have guys that can do what he would do.
I think Marteen is Chipper’s insurance. Mather or Hinske would probably be Freeman’s backup plan. The big question marks are going to be in the outfield.
If Chipper can play 125+ games, then it becomes a lot easier to figure.
It’s going to be a fun spring, fo sho.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
6:11 pm
It’s going to be interesting trying to figure out Fredi’s plan. We have all gotten so used to the way Bobby did things, that it’ll be interesting to see how Fredi builds his staff/pen/lineup/bench/team.
LTBF
January 22nd, 2011
6:15 pm
Yeah Duke wins another one and thank goodness Dick Vitale did not do game.
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
6:18 pm
Looks like DOB’s boys luck finally ran out- KU’s home win streak just got snapped
Soph
January 22nd, 2011
6:18 pm
There goes another undefeated.
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
6:19 pm
VJ will be happy (about Duke I mean…)
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
6:25 pm
condolences David, all great streaks have to end but that doesn’t make it easy to handle when it does
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
6:26 pm
VJ will be happy (about Duke I mean…) CAB
as will Carroll.
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
6:29 pm
nolie-
This is true…always forget she’s a Blue Devil gal
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
6:33 pm
she’s a lil’ devil alright
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
6:33 pm
Everyone Remembers Todd Van Poppel as well as Mike Kelly, Brad Woodall and Terrell Wade
Bill M.
January 22nd, 2011
6:39 pm
How about this trade!!!!!!!!!!
Angels get, JJ & McClouth, plus 4mil
Braves get, Peter Bourjos, Brandon Wood & Mike Trout
Don’t know when Trout was drafted but if it was last year, can’t be traded.
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
6:41 pm
Angels don’t need another outfielder
njbraves
January 22nd, 2011
6:42 pm
Bill M….You’re kidding , right?? Do you have any idea how highly valued Trout is right now?? They would never trade him in any deal involving Nate.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
6:42 pm
why ion the world would we want Brandon Wood? Guy has been a total bust in the bigs.
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
6:42 pm
and not sure the Braves would want any of those guys
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
6:43 pm
I was just going to correct myself and say “except Trout, but just looking at his numbers, there is no way on earth the Angels trade him”
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
6:44 pm
Wood’s 2010 season made Nate look like Ted Williams
njbraves
January 22nd, 2011
6:44 pm
I think Frank Wren has done a pretty good job as GM, but I wish he wouldn’t lie all the time. Does he really expect people to believe that he is comfortable with Nate at over $7 million this year? Saying it isn’t about the money just makes him look bad. This is the same guy who said that the Braves front office set their working budget, and aren’t influenced by ownership….sure Frank…whatever you say.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
6:50 pm
sorry njbraves but I find it hard to figure out where folks who say stuff like that heads are at. .no GM is gonna say something that will offend and insult his own player. what good do y’all think it would do if he did that?
and you don’t even know it was a lie. he was not specific about details, there might very well be several teams that would like him if they could get him cheaper that the Braves are willing to go
Bill M.
January 22nd, 2011
6:51 pm
cabravesfan–
Would you not want Mike Trout????
Bat Masterson
January 22nd, 2011
6:52 pm
njbraves _
Say you’re Wren for today,lay it out for me. I’m interested in how you sell it.
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
6:52 pm
Bill-
read my next comment…
David O'Brien
January 22nd, 2011
6:58 pm
cabravesfan: Yes, it had to end at some point. But after KU got off to an 18-3 lead today, I sure didn’t think this would be the game they lost. They nearly made it to four years without losing at home (two weeks shy). But Kansas just couldn’t hit a shot in the second half, and Texas couldn’t miss. When that dude hit the three-pointer with a bank shot off the top of the square, from about 28 feet as the shot clock expired, well, that’s when it officially felt like the Longhorns’ day.
bobbymahlon: No, McLouth has not had any arm injury. Doesn’t have a great arm, in my opinion. But you’re acting like it’s as bad as Johnny Damon’s arm, or Juan Pierre’s. It’s not. It’s just not great, and last year he made several questionable decisions not to throw when it looked to most of us like he might have at least a chance to make a play.
Tomahawkin
January 22nd, 2011
6:58 pm
Ok you guys, brb
Gotta Hook up some Coconut Shrimp…
Lew
January 22nd, 2011
6:59 pm
Well Denizens – Here’s some food for thought. Just got back from a Question and Answer/ book signing with Buster Olney here in his hometown – He sends his regards to the blog (and DOB) and is predicting the Braves to win the NLEast this year.
The barrage may now being.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
7:02 pm
no team is gonna trade for JJ until he proves he is back. throwing in Nate after a terrible year is no added incentive. They would be foolish to trade Trout in that situation
cabravesfan
January 22nd, 2011
7:06 pm
nolie-
just looking at his numbers, the Angels would be foolish to trade Trout for anyone
Marshall
January 22nd, 2011
7:09 pm
@SBerthiaumeESPN Jeff Francoeur tells KC Star’s baseball blog, “Citi Field is a damn joke.” Says he could be 20 HR, 40 doubles guy now w/Royals.
Poor Frenchy…externalizing his failures.
DS1
January 22nd, 2011
7:13 pm
How about this trade? We trade KK, McLouth, and Chipper to the ………
Ah, never mind.
Lollygagger
January 22nd, 2011
7:19 pm
KK will be a Pirate next week…
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
7:26 pm
Lew, we just have to wait and see! It will be a tight race for another season and it will go down to the wire, and hopefully the Braves can overcome this year.
jeffrey d
January 22nd, 2011
7:29 pm
We just missed another playoff there!
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
7:29 pm
DS1, I’d be estatic if I found out the Braves found someone to take Kawakami and McLouth.
Coach (2011 and Fredi G. a GO!)
January 22nd, 2011
7:30 pm
Jordan Schafer is gonna hand McLouth his ass while winning the starting job in CF. Leaving Nate as a 6.5 million dollar back up outfielder. That said, here is too hoping they both have great spring training debuts and maybe Wren can trade McLouth’s contract.
Kyle
January 22nd, 2011
7:30 pm
DOB – Since all is quiet on the KK trade front, does that mean the Braves are considering naming him the 5th starter to try and help his trade value? it would make some since as it would give minor and beachy (sp?) some time in the minors and help limit their innings count some. Is this something that is being considered or am I just nuts?
PS if it makes you feel any better Texas lost a 5 star OL to my Auburn Tigers so at least they lost something today
Kyle
January 22nd, 2011
7:31 pm
pretty sure my grandmoms arm is better than damon or pierre
T for Texas
January 22nd, 2011
7:34 pm
I think Frank Wren has done a pretty good job as GM, but I wish he wouldn’t lie all the time.
Having worked with/for/been the boss of people that destroy confidence in the people around them, and having worked with/for/been the boss of people that restore confidence in the people around them, I will take the latter group over the former group every single time.
jeffrey d
January 22nd, 2011
7:36 pm
pretty sure my grandmoms arm is better than damon or pierre
But can she hit a slider?
jeffrey d
January 22nd, 2011
7:38 pm
Not me. I wish Wren would’ve said:
“Nate sucks, alright? You have no idea how mad it makes me that we’re wasting $6 million for this garbage. #&^@ it, this press conference is over.”
VaBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
7:38 pm
we should be rooting for Nate to bounce back, lets see how spring training goes.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
7:41 pm
jeffrey, I wish Wren woulda said “Today, we traded McLouth for a bag of baseballs and some Big League Chew, and we think the trade will go well for both parties involved”.
Snotboogie
January 22nd, 2011
7:42 pm
Jordan Schafer is gonna hand McLouth his ass while winning the starting job in CF.
Oh boy, oh boy. You are going to be so wrong on this (of course that wouldnt be a first for you..) Schafer hasnt player competitive ball since August or so and will need time to get used to live pitching. Yet you think this. :facepalm:
jeffrey d
January 22nd, 2011
7:45 pm
Schafer hasnt played competitive ball since August or so
Yes, but you’re forgetting that when he was playing in August, he was tearing up the ball with a .201 average and .524 OPS.
Reality Check
January 22nd, 2011
7:46 pm
Chipper Jones, Kenshin Kawakami and Nate McLouth will make a combined 24.8 million this season. which accounts for approximately twenty-three percent of the projected 90 million team payroll. Somehow it’s doubtful they will contribute to twenty-three percent of the Braves win total in 2011.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
7:47 pm
can Pierre?
VaBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
7:48 pm
When WREN said SCHAFER would be our 4th OFer right now it makes me scratch my head. I dont see why we would have him in the big leagues unless he’s getting alot of playing time. If he’s not getting a good amount of AB’s in Atlanta he should be starting in AAA playing everyday.
Nate would have to have a repeat Spring and Jordan would have to impress to earn the job.
VaBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
7:50 pm
Pierre has a horrible arm, in all seriousness I have a better arm than him. lol
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
7:50 pm
you’re right SB, it won’t be the first time he’d be wrong. he’s running at about 15% success rate over the years. and that’s prolly a blind pig thingy
Shamwow !
January 22nd, 2011
7:51 pm
Wren wanted to say “Bobby wanted McOut so I traded for him buy Bobby’s gone now and I’M stuck with him. Liberty Media told me to play him since he’s owed $7.5 million. I’m paying for Bobby’s mistake…”
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
7:52 pm
did Wren say he was the 4th OFer of that he was the second choice at CF? There is a difference and I’m pretty sure he said CF, but I won’t swear to it
VaBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
7:52 pm
I been doing some long toss and such getting ready for the Wooden Bat league i’m joining. From dead Centerfield I was 1 hopping throws to the plate. Feels good to be playing again.
jeffrey d
January 22nd, 2011
7:52 pm
That’s right, everything’s Bobby’s fault. It all ties back to Bobby.
nolie
January 22nd, 2011
7:53 pm
just how do you know that shamu? you a fly on the dugout wall?
Kyle
January 22nd, 2011
7:54 pm
jeffrey d
January 22nd, 2011
7:36 pm
pretty sure my grandmoms arm is better than damon or pierre
But can she hit a slider?
no and she cant hit a curveball either
Shamwow !
January 22nd, 2011
7:55 pm
Wren also wanted to say “Bobby’s sexy in that managers uniform. Although he doesn’t play, he dresses up in the uniform to sit in the dugout. I hope he doesn’t become a football coach because he will be on the sideline in pads & a jersey…”
VaBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
7:55 pm
Well atleast none of the prospects we gave up for Nate have panned out. Only negaitve is the money McLouth is owed but I think he can bounce back and be average. I dont see him doing that bad again. He had the vision problems and a concussion. He should have improved numbers.
T for Texas
January 22nd, 2011
7:56 pm
PS if it makes you feel any better Texas lost a 5 star OL to my Auburn Tigers so at least they lost something today
We’re trying to have a good day over here, man. Why you gotta mitigate my happiness?
Shamwow !
January 22nd, 2011
7:56 pm
Yep, me & jeffrey d. are flies !
Snotboogie
January 22nd, 2011
7:59 pm
Having worked with/for/been the boss of people that destroy confidence in the people around them, and having worked with/for/been the boss of people that restore confidence in the people around them, I will take the latter group over the former group every single time.
Agreed. Isnt that what Bobby was so famous for? And people were picking up apart every word he said in post-game interviews and complaining that he was ineffective. I’m going out on a limb and claim that almost everybody complaining about these methods would be bad managers of people.
T for Texas
January 22nd, 2011
7:59 pm
Chipper Jones, Kenshin Kawakami and Nate McLouth
To quote the off-camera singers from Sesame Street: “One of these things does not belong here…”
Coach (2011 and Fredi G. a GO!)
January 22nd, 2011
8:00 pm
Snotboogie, I’m only right 90% of the time. For example, I correctly predicted that Tim Hudson would be the Braves Ace. I also said he would be the come back player of the year. Again, I predicted the 2010 Braves to win 85-90 games (they won 91). I predicted that Chipper would get hurt again but not that it would be season ending. I said that 2010 would be Escobar’s make or break season ( it was, he got traded). Predicting the Phillies winning the division was a no-brainer. But they didn’t win the WS (missed that one but who was picking the Giants?)
So put up or shut up my friend because more often than not , I’m accurate. But again,this is a Braves blog where everybody thinks they’re at the head of the class.
Bravito199
January 22nd, 2011
8:02 pm
I don’t know about you guys but I’m excited to see how well Jose Constanza performs in spring training, he’s been playing really well in the Dominican winter league and looks like he can be the dynamic leadoff hitter the Braves have been lacking since Furcal.
Snotboogie
January 22nd, 2011
8:03 pm
Predicting the Phillies winning the division was a no-brainer.
I can see why you got that right then.
VaBravesFan
January 22nd, 2011
8:04 pm
Bravito199
What position does Jose Canstanza play? I’ve never heard his name before.
Trey
January 22nd, 2011
8:04 pm
Now SB and Coach go at it.
Shamwow !
January 22nd, 2011
8:06 pm
I’d like Wren to say “Nate right now is the starting cf going into ST but if another player like Schafer out performs Nate then the Braves will start that player in cf based on ability shown.
T for Texas
January 22nd, 2011
8:07 pm
Agreed. Isnt that what Bobby was so famous for?
It always surprised me that he got so much criticism for that. Everybody wants, or even demands, that other people treat them, themselves, personally with respect. Yet, few people treat others that way and most people speak of people that do as if they are oblivious to facts or afflicted with a weakness.
jeffrey d
January 22nd, 2011
8:09 pm