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Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,335 comments Add your comment
TennesseePaul
July 1st, 2011
12:07 pm
Good for Diaz. Glad to see that guy is back to hitting like he can, after his slow April.
Mixxo
July 1st, 2011
12:07 pm
whoooooosh – Soph
Is that the sound your toilet makes? ♥
George
July 1st, 2011
12:07 pm
Busters naMe should be BLUSTER, because that is all he does on ESPN.
CB
July 1st, 2011
12:08 pm
Mixxo,not enough for JoJo.
DAP
July 1st, 2011
12:08 pm
tomas Maybe Diaz legs were a little high in the second slide, but Escobar punched him in the ribs. The first slide was very professional.
no, diaz was complety right on both slides. had escobar been trying to make a play instead of making a point, it wouldnt have looked like that. diaz plows into him because escobar stands there. not a thing diaz should have done differently.
Bat Masterson
July 1st, 2011
12:08 pm
‘13 is an option year—but if he gets a new deal, will that option be moot or whatever?
McFann _
I would not think so, just extend him beyond 2013. That said, if I’m Heap and I have a good 2012, I don’t know that I would sign an extension.
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:08 pm
Mixxo, George is actually older than you…
David O'Brien
July 1st, 2011
12:09 pm
Tonight’s game is mainly for scouts only. JJJ should be on top of his game to prove to other teams he is a legit ace. According to DOB and Buster Onley, a trade is imminent. — Fisch Bisch
I’m going to assume this comment was a joke, right? Neither Buster nor I ever said a trade was even probable, much less “imminent.” I wrote the exact opposite, in fact. Said I can’t see the Braves trading Jurrjens during the season.
nolee
July 1st, 2011
12:10 pm
You could always count on the Mets to suck it up in that department, but Alderson changed their ways …Efrim
you had to think that he would. He is one of the all time great GMs.
and I too have been moaning about the high floor low ceiling drafts the past two years.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 1st, 2011
12:10 pm
Bat M. That said, if I’m Heap and I have a good 2012, I don’t know that I would sign an extension.
For the sake of holiness, WHY NOT??
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:11 pm
George and bluster go well together…
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 1st, 2011
12:11 pm
Ease George is actually older than you…
Earl Williams
July 1st, 2011
12:13 pm
I think I’m beginning to understand this. We are more concerned about the independent contractors, who for some reason were granted union status by their employers in an act of lunacy,even though they don’t really need much backing and we are not as supportive of all the other unions because they are comprised of millions of individuals who are not as “talented” as the multi millionaire union members who play sports.
For all of you who have fathers and/or grandfathers still alive, who were union members, ask them how they feel about independent contractors with agents who negotiate independent deals and do not support other unions in work stoppages that often times have had ties to stadiums where they play?
I really don’t believe pro athletes are not free to seek employment elsewhere if they could not have free agency. There are openings for engineers, CPA’s and a whole myriad of professions and even trades that don’t require a degree. I’m sure most of these guys would easily move into the job force. just look at the “positions” some of these football players have taken in anticipation of there not being a season. I find especially hilarious these guys who have been in the league for a couple of years who obviously have not utilized economic skills acquired in college and are now borrowing money at Loan Shark rates of up to 36%.
Soph
July 1st, 2011
12:16 pm
Mixxo, yes and anymore of those trade proposals and you’ll be in it.
jeffrey d
July 1st, 2011
12:17 pm
Mixxo, yes and anymore of those trade proposals and you’ll be in it.
Don’t encourage him…
Bat Masterson
July 1st, 2011
12:18 pm
McFann_
Well it all depends on how things are going. If Heap continues his pace in 2012 and 13, the best catcher in the game, on a HOF path, his next season would be his 30 years old one. I would think, I have 5 more good years, somebody needs to pony up 100 million plus. But I’m not Heap
nolee
July 1st, 2011
12:20 pm
It’s great that the first at bat of the game, Schafer does well. Unfortunately he only gets one of those a game and the rest of the game he stinks. He’s atrocious…. 10P
amen. and anybody who thinks he is gonna continue to hit 380 or even 280 leading off the game is a dreamer too.
Fargo
July 1st, 2011
12:21 pm
is heap’s mom still his agent?
she is a shrewd woman when it comes to money. have y’all heard the story about his first contract after being drafted?
George
July 1st, 2011
12:22 pm
I am going to list my favorete bloggers. these bloggers do not always agree, but state thier opinions well and do not attack other boggers but do defend themsleves when nessisary. Names are not in any sort of order, hope I have not forgotten anyone. Lew, McFann. cab, VJ, Sophee, jeffery d, richbrave, Moe Berg, nolee, Ward for humor.
CB
July 1st, 2011
12:22 pm
I heard Clint Hurdle has his eye out for McCann.
Bat Masterson
July 1st, 2011
12:23 pm
George is dead to me
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:24 pm
Congrats jeffrey & Soph…you made the list!
DAP
July 1st, 2011
12:25 pm
george you forgot me.
CB
July 1st, 2011
12:26 pm
Bat,you are one of my favorites. Don’t let George bother you.
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:26 pm
Bat, now he is just going to say he forgot about you. You know the mind is the first to go.
jeffrey d
July 1st, 2011
12:26 pm
What list?
Earl Williams
July 1st, 2011
12:26 pm
When you have the chance talk to a partner of a large firm, a surgeon in any specialty,Hell, talk to any person who has really achieved and ask them if they worry about a pro team not spending enough money to acquire a player.Also when you get a chance check out the radio sports shows where you can get an idea of how well a person is doing economically and also if you ever have the chance talk to that guy working like a dog and with not a commode to urinate in and he will be worried about his team allowing the starting left fielder to walk at end of year.
Don’t know if it was Lenin or Marx who said “Religion is the opiate of the masses”, actually sports are the “opiate” of the masses. Take away the ability of people to not live vicariously through the abilities of others and you will see unrest and fraustration.Would almost need government intervention if there were no basketball or football seasons.People would go crazy.Maritial strife would increase.Alcoholism would be out of control and there may even be civil insurrection. If many don’t have that sliver of escapism, it is only a small step to depression.
George
July 1st, 2011
12:27 pm
Oh Bat, you are on my list also bravesgrl4life.
CB
July 1st, 2011
12:27 pm
Is this like a worst dressed list?
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:27 pm
here is my list of favorite bloggers:
1)Ease
2)TBD
jeffrey d
July 1st, 2011
12:27 pm
Bat – if I may offer you some advice –
Y’t
Bat Masterson
July 1st, 2011
12:29 pm
CB, thanks, right back at you.
Ease, right you are
George, I was just kidding
CB
July 1st, 2011
12:30 pm
I didn’t mind not being on George’s list but darn,Ease.
Bat Masterson
July 1st, 2011
12:31 pm
yet?
N8
July 1st, 2011
12:32 pm
Here’s my take on Schafer nolie….
If (BIG IF), Prado is healthy and in the 2-hole, Chipper is healthy, Uggla actually hits, Mac continues what he’s doing, Freeman contines to progress (and keeps up the good work with the leather) and Heyward does what is expected of him….
This team can certainly survive and possibly even thrive with Schafer playing his part, which is playing decent CF defense and stealing bases when on base.
Whether he belongs in the leadoff spot (or even in the lineup) over Nate is certainly debatable. However, with everybody struggling to stay healthy and produce (other than Mac and Freeman), Schafer looks like he doesn’t belong. He’s a victim of his very early success in 2009 and all of the hype.
I’m not sure he’ll ever be the superstar some tabbed him to be. But he can certainly be the CF on a winning club that has other hitters doing their job and the pitching staff that we have. I like him in CF defensively over Nate. Not sure why, but I do. Maybe because he’s not afraid to throw the ball.
But at this point, if healthy, Nate is probably the bigger offensive weapon.
So in closing my take is as follows. If the offense continues to struggle, play Nate, with Schafer being called on for late inning defense, and likely getting plenty of playing time when Prado moves to the infield and also being the 4th OF to give Nate and Heyward days off.
But if the guys being paid the big bucks to produce offense start coming around, I like Schafer in CF and Nate can fill that 4th OF spot.
But I’m beginning to think that once Prado comes back, he should be put back in the leadoff spot with Heyward batting 2nd. Leaving either Nate or Schafer to man the 8-hole of the lineup. Or bat them 7th and bat Gonzo 8th.
jeffrey d
July 1st, 2011
12:32 pm
You should always do your best.
…I was in a hurry
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:32 pm
Huh?
brian
July 1st, 2011
12:33 pm
although Adam Jones is the Oriole that gets most of the attention on this blog, has there been any whispers of JJ Hardy joining the Braves at SS? Definitely would be an offensive upgrade
Bat Masterson
July 1st, 2011
12:34 pm
jeffrey_
Come on, man. Letters okay, but several words? No chance
BravePack
July 1st, 2011
12:34 pm
I can guarantee you that McCann isn’t going anywhere. He will be the next Chipper in a time where almost no one stays with a team their entire career. Even when he’s older I can see them making room for him somewhere on the field. McCann is a home-town kid who is living out his dream by playing baseball for his favorite team growing up…the Braves and hopefully leads them to another WS Championship. Dude is a lifer and both he and the Braves know it.
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:36 pm
has there been any whispers of JJ Hardy joining the Braves at SS?
none…on this page.
George
July 1st, 2011
12:37 pm
Brave Pack 12:34
CO-SIGN!
Bat Masterson
July 1st, 2011
12:37 pm
I’ve gotta split.
McFann is going to blast me for the Heap comment.
Peace y’all
George
July 1st, 2011
12:39 pm
Outta here, hope to be back before gamestart. Have a good one or two this afternoon y’ll.
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:40 pm
Bye George! Have a great holiday!
Efrim
July 1st, 2011
12:42 pm
you had to think that he would. He is one of the all time great GMs.
and I too have been moaning about the high floor low ceiling drafts the past two years.
It’s going to come back and bite us at some point. Still can’t really believe they went with Gilmartin and took more college relievers with Top 10 round picks. It’s hard to identify any potential above average position players in our farm. A lot of question marks with Lipka, Salcedo and Bethancourt – which may be considered our upside talents.
N8
July 1st, 2011
12:42 pm
The bat that I would like to see the Braves go after is Michael Cuddyer. He would only “cost” about 5 million the rest of the season and likely wouldn’t take much to get in a trade, unless the Twins fully expect to re-sign him.
But the downside is that he doesn’t play CF which is our most obvious area to improve once Prado comes back. Unless Fredi would be willing to play Heyward in CF, which it doesn’t seem like he has any interst to do.
But Cuddyer is a really decent hitter, he’s RH and he can play the corner infield spots, along with playing a bit at 2B too.
Not your typical Omar Infante type of utility player, but very similar to Prado from what I’ve seen watching plenty of the Twins game.
I’m thinking semi-short-term help with his stick, but then also a very nice backup plan if Wren would be interested in extending his stay with the Braves to play LF when Chipper eventually retires and Prado moves to 3B.
He’s not a hot dog and likely isn’t going to command 20 million per year to sign long-term.
Thoughts?
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:45 pm
N8, it does merit some thought, but word is Twins love him. But you are actually closer to the action up there, what do you hear from a Twins fan perspective?
Lew
July 1st, 2011
12:46 pm
Nathan – Denard Span instead of Cudyer. He’s a lead off guy, plays center and is locked up through 2015
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:46 pm
I do think this team misses a plug and play type guy.
jeffrey d
July 1st, 2011
12:49 pm
Ease – what list am I on?
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:50 pm
Oh, George’s favorite blogger list.
Snotboogie
July 1st, 2011
12:51 pm
Just saw the video on the Diaz-Esco thing. All I can say is that Esco should be glad it’s only Diaz – one of the most mild mannered guys. Someone else might’ve knocked out Esco for that cheapo stunt he pulled. If he can resort to this kind of petulance on the field in full view of everyone, wonder how much more he tried inside the clubhouse.
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:52 pm
Lew, how about both? Twins need…well help. I think they are also very thin at SP and we might have some spares.
blo
July 1st, 2011
12:54 pm
jj hardy is interesting maybe in the off season sigining though
RC
July 1st, 2011
12:54 pm
Lew,
I’d love for the Braves to acquire Denard Span, but with a very affordable contract locked up for a long time, why would the Twins be willing to trade him? He’s the kind of guy that can be part of their core in the future.
N8
July 1st, 2011
12:54 pm
Ease, you’re dead on. Twins (and their fans) love him. Just not sure they’ll pony up the money to keep him.
But with Mauer and Morneau being the injury freaks that they are, it’s that age-old question of whether they can “afford” to let Cuddyer go.
But for my money, he was their MVP last year when Morneau went down. He stepped up big time.
Lew, Span would fit the bill nicely. But he’d take a helluva lot more to get in a trade since he is tied up for a few more years.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 1st, 2011
12:55 pm
Bat M.—
COWARD!!
BMac’s not going anywhere—He’s gonna be a Brave for always!
Fargo she is a shrewd woman when it comes to money. have y’all heard the story about his first contract after being drafted?
Yes!
CB I heard Clint Hurdle has his eye out for McCann.
Ha! He’s still not sure who BMac is!
Lew
July 1st, 2011
12:56 pm
Ease – Might take a huge package to get them both. I wouldn’t mind having them, but a trade deadline deal is always a bit more than it might be at other times.
Guess it depends on who they wanted in return. It might take two of our pitching surplus.
MikeInFl
July 1st, 2011
12:56 pm
When is Span expected to play again, N8? He’s not going thru a Morneau-type thing with the concussion, is he?
Lew
July 1st, 2011
12:57 pm
RC – For a stud pitching prospect?
keylargo
July 1st, 2011
12:58 pm
For all of you who have fathers and/or grandfathers still alive, who were union members, ask them how they feel about independent contractors with agents who negotiate independent deals and do not support other unions in work stoppages that often times have had ties to stadiums where they play?
Yeah, go ask. You can start in Detroit. Or Cleveland
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
12:59 pm
Lew, it would fit along the lines of Efrim’s “all in” theory. And yes, probably some pitching, but by far one of the more [cough, cough] reasonable ideas…
phil
July 1st, 2011
12:59 pm
Apparently George missed the night Sopheee went nuts cussing me over nothing….lol! A real sweetheart, that one!
What time is the game?
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
1:00 pm
7:30
RC
July 1st, 2011
1:01 pm
Lew,
Possibly. But considering that they liked Span enough to lock him up to a long term deal after just 2 years in the majors, I think it would probably take a much better prospect that we are willing to give to get him.
phil
July 1st, 2011
1:02 pm
Escobar – a good riddance…
phil
July 1st, 2011
1:03 pm
We need to lock Uggly up until age 44 and pay him 10 million per until he’s 50…
jeffrey d
July 1st, 2011
1:04 pm
What’d you say, phil?
timthebrave
July 1st, 2011
1:05 pm
Here is a list of my favorite bloggers in particular order
1. timthebrave
2. everyone else
phil
July 1st, 2011
1:07 pm
Sign Uggly basically for life….he’s proven…
Lew
July 1st, 2011
1:08 pm
Nathan – I have no illusions on how much Span would cost, but he has much to recommend him to the Braves – contract, speed, premium position, good bat and OBP – yeah, he’ll cost, but he would fix a lot of the Braves’ issues.
timthebrave
July 1st, 2011
1:09 pm
Just saw the vidoe on the Diaz slide and Yunel attempt at a punch to look like a throw. Glad we got rid of him.
Lew
July 1st, 2011
1:10 pm
RC – NO doubt, but I bet Wren could work out something along the lines of maybe Delgado or Minor, Oberholtzer or Quentin Hoover and Schafer as a throw in(got to do something with him).
Don’t know if that would do it, but it might be somewhat realistic
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
1:10 pm
tim, I like your list
timthebrave
July 1st, 2011
1:12 pm
Yunel is a little b***
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110701&content_id=21238304&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit
rob from sc
July 1st, 2011
1:14 pm
DOB
2 quick questions
who is the CF when Prado returns
which one of the five starters do you see being traded in the off season
rob from sc
July 1st, 2011
1:16 pm
It is just a matter of time before somebody drills Escobar or blows him up at second base
rob from sc
July 1st, 2011
1:17 pm
I just wanted to say I missed you guys. I just graduated from the University of South Carolina in May, and now have a producing job for the 11 o’clock news.
I really miss the in game blogging with you.
RC
July 1st, 2011
1:18 pm
Lew,
That might do it, but that’s a lot to give up for a guy that is simply a nice addition, and not an “answer” so to speak.
I think Span would make the Braves better, but I don’t know that he would make them enough better to justify that type of expense. The only guys I see out there that are likely to do that are Reyes or Kemp, and I really, really doubt that the Braves will acquire either of them.
timthebrave
July 1st, 2011
1:18 pm
congrats rob
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
1:19 pm
Well congrats…welcome to our world
rob from sc
July 1st, 2011
1:20 pm
thanks guys.
I listen to the games on mlb radio…just not the same as watching on TV.
Got to adjust to grown up life I guess.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 1st, 2011
1:21 pm
Congrats, rob! That’s really cool!
rob from sc
July 1st, 2011
1:23 pm
DOB
could the Braves trade for Willingham and move Heyward to center field
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
1:23 pm
Now if we could get McFann outta school…
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
1:23 pm
Ooops, shoulda refreshed first.
rob from sc
July 1st, 2011
1:24 pm
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
Thanks. I am so tired from last nights show, I decided to skip the championship parade.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 1st, 2011
1:27 pm
Ease—
rob from sc—
That was prob’ly a good idea…gotta get some rest sometimes!
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 1st, 2011
1:27 pm
I don’t think I would enjoy seeing Heyward’s defense transferred to CF.
TennesseePaul
July 1st, 2011
1:28 pm
“I think the message with this acquisition of a veteran, proven major league player is there’s no scholarship program here,” Rockies manager Jim Tracy said after a 6-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox in 10 innings Thursday.
“This is not a feel-good situation, where you try really hard and if you’re failing or doing this or that, then it’s going to be tolerated. This is not the Atlanta Braves and Jordan Schafer. We actually expect results.” he said.
MikeInFl
July 1st, 2011
1:30 pm
TP – wow!
Ease®
July 1st, 2011
1:30 pm
Whoa!
rob from sc
July 1st, 2011
1:31 pm
TennesseePaul
Tracy said that.
Yet they are looking up at us in the standings…Maybe he should look at his own struggling CF in Dexter Fowler
Fish Bisch
July 1st, 2011
1:32 pm
I call BS TP.
Where’s the link to said story?
Lew
July 1st, 2011
1:32 pm
RC – Dude can run, hits around .290 with an OBP of .365 and plays all outfield positions – can steal bases. He’s actually one of very few in that category for CFers and is locked up through 2015 – will still only be 31 in his final year. He makes $6.5 mil in 2014 and has an option for 2015 for $9 mil with a $500,000 buyout.
MikeInFl
July 1st, 2011
1:34 pm
Aside from just the shock value of that comment, pretty unprofessional for a MLB manager to be taking public shots at young ballplayers on other teams.
Lew
July 1st, 2011
1:34 pm
rob – Good deal. Congratulations.
rob from sc
July 1st, 2011
1:34 pm
Has Jim Tracy won anything??????????????
MikeInFl
July 1st, 2011
1:35 pm
Lew, is there any indication, anywhere, that Span is on the trade block? Because I can’t imagine why the Twins would trade a young CF under contract for 4 more years.