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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,809 comments Add your comment
Couch Tater
October 7th, 2011
5:54 am
DOB –
Thanks for the new blog. I’ve never been one to give much credit or blame to the hitting coach. That being said, did you notice any drastic differences between the approach of Terry Pendleton and Larry Parrish? Or, for that matter, any of the hitting coaches during your stint as the Marlins beatwriter?
Also, I would have to assume the way the team struggled offensively, Terry would have been used as a resource for his opinion. So, do you think the name of a hitting coach really matters at this level?
Couch Tater
October 7th, 2011
6:14 am
…Alex Rodriguez strikes out three times! FIRE Kevin Long!!!
scbravefan
October 7th, 2011
6:28 am
how fun was see yanks loose already go tigers. yep now phils loos e 2nite oh that be great. now for braves i sit laugh as nothing suprised me how they ended season. wren wake up and go after t.f. from boston or you will regret it. if you bye pass the chance to get him then braves will not be number one for long time. stop taking former braves players to work for you. lowe has got go bull pen or leave. jj is also to pen. let the rookies come back that you had. they deserve chance. kimbel was great but yes he tired in sept as was not use to pitching so much. he needs couple more yrs to stay great but over work his arm and he will be out with problems. give pete m. chance be a starter or set up man like j.v. so have 3 there work with in end. chipper will not be 100% next season either he needs realize its time retire after 20012.
have nice winter all see in spring
LivinInAL
October 7th, 2011
7:11 am
Situational hitting has been a weakness of the Braves for some time. They have failed a multitude of times to sac bunt, move a runner over, or drive in a runner in scoring poition with no outs.
I hope the new hitting coach can change the hitting mentality and cut down on strikeouts.
Couch Tater
October 7th, 2011
7:28 am
Now that the Rays have been eliminated, I’m sure the executives at Fox are pulling for an Arizona/Texas World Series.
…and Bud Selig would look forward to seeing Ryan Roberts’ neck tattoo, every night.
Soloman
October 7th, 2011
7:36 am
The Yankees operate under the theory that bigger payroll, bigger player names, and biggest fan base guarantees that you will win it all has been debunked again. Theory does not always lead to fact. That pleases me.
jerry
October 7th, 2011
7:39 am
About the only two players attempting to protect the plate when they had two strikes on them were Bourn and Constansa. The rest were usually swinging from the heels, sometimes at balls a foot outside and in the dirt.
Willy
October 7th, 2011
7:44 am
It hurts more to get bounced out of the playoffs that it does to never make it.
Larry
October 7th, 2011
7:49 am
Dave,
Good work!
The drop off in terms of vocabulary and sophisticated communication from Wren to Gonzalez is most substantial.
I’ll leave you with a simple quote from a noted authority on optimal management and impactful leadership:
“The very best managers and leaders get the very best from those they lead and manage.”
Can you hear what I’m thinking?
wjones
October 7th, 2011
7:51 am
“Hilltopper
October 7th, 2011
12:03 am
It seems the rosey glasses are still on. Chipper should be sent to an AL team where he can be a DH ans stay healthy(ier?) Lowe should be sent home. Saving $28 M on these two could surely buy a hitter or two. As for pitching, why not turn back the clock and let starters go as long as they can instead of automatically taking them out after 6? Remember the old refrain: “Spahn, Sain and a day of rain.” Yeah, I know it dates me but if you got 4 good starters let go every fourth day. It was done for many a year with good results.”
OK, you are not the first person to write this in some form, but I have really had it with this statement. “Lowe should be sent home….saving $28m”. PLEASE GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS!!!! SENDING LOWE HOME, RELEASING LOWE, OR KILLING LOWE WILL NOT SAVE THIS TEAM A RED CENT!!!!!!!! WE OWE HIM $15 MILLION NEXT YEAR, AND THE ABSOLUTE ONLY THING THAT WILL CHANGE THAT WILL BE IF WE TRADE HIM TO A TEAM THAT AGREES TO TAKE ON SOME OF THAT SALARY. HOW DIFFICULT IS THIS TO COMPREHEND, PEOPLE???? WISHING FOR HIS SALARY TO GO AWAY WILL NOT HAPPEN. LOCKING HIM IN HIS LOCKER AND TELLING PEOPLE HE RAN AWAY WILL NOT WORK!!!! GET IT? GOOD!!
That felt better. Now, as for Chipper, HE HAS SAID, REPEATEDLY, HE IS COMING BACK NEXT YEAR!!!! WHICH MEANS, PER HIS CONTRACT, THAT IT IS HIS CHOICE AND WE HAVE TO PAY HIM!!!! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO SAY HE IS NOT A NUMBER 3 HITTER ANYMORE, AND HE SHOULD BE TRADED TO THE AL TO DH, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU???? IF HE ISN’T A NUMBER 3 HITTER ANYMORE, WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT HIM AS A DH???? AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, CHIPPER HAS TO APPROVE A TRADE, AND HE HAS NO DESIRE TO DO SO!!!! PLEASE GET SOME UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS AND SAVE YOURSELF THE EMBARRASSMENT OF PUBLICLY POSTING THIS CRAP!!!!
OK, sorry to be so stern. And I am not naive enough to think that I have eliminated these idiotic posts by my rant, but I just had to say something. Thank you for your indulgence.
Really?
October 7th, 2011
8:01 am
well written@wjones…
You forgot the ‘package (fill in the players names here who suck) and trade them for (fill in the blank here for a player who is flirting with the triple crown each year, has to approve a trade and has a long term contract). Reall!
Really?
October 7th, 2011
8:04 am
Sorry, forgot a few more… send player X down to Gwinnett (disregarding the number of times a player can go back and forth or the contract clauses forbidding such a move) and bench player X (as if not playing will make someone struggling be better). The latter is exemplified by the readers who play golf and are doing poorly. Just don’t play for a month and you will solve you problem right? Wrong. Really.
bill
October 7th, 2011
8:07 am
Fans are weird they criticise the Braves management for the way they treated Smoltz and Glavine. Both guys were unrealistic in their demands considering both were two years past playing major league baseball. Both forced the braves to cut them and each whined like they were little children. Now some fans want a loyal long term Brave who has moved from an allstar position at third to the outfield and took a restructered contract all to help the team to be traded or released and he still is the best offensive weapon the Braves have. He isn’t what he was but who do you want up needing a big hit?. What did Smoltz and Glavine ever do like that?
dap01
October 7th, 2011
8:10 am
This team severely under performed and under acheived. Freddie needs to pick it up. The hitting coach was horrible.
Now Frank, get the Braves an additional athletic player or two. Get a dynamic outfielder. Prado can fill in as a super sub.
flange1
October 7th, 2011
8:12 am
Thanks for the new blog DOB!
dap01
October 7th, 2011
8:13 am
What about a Brett Gardner for JJ swap?
jimmya
October 7th, 2011
8:25 am
wren doesnt know talent fire him now
richbrave
October 7th, 2011
8:36 am
Interesting take on BOURNE and whether he’ll be signed here or not. At this point I’m thinking, “would I want to be part of this?” I mean being new to the organization and all. I’m not sure the answer to that would be “Yes.”
richbrave
October 7th, 2011
8:41 am
And by wjones.
You tell the idiot’s guy. Take off the ray-bans and smell the coffee, talking about dating yourself.
richbrave
October 7th, 2011
8:42 am
Time for the’ procedure,’ later.
South Georgia Boy
October 7th, 2011
8:48 am
If you judge Freddi G.’s intelligence by the “content” of his comments, we have one ignorant dude on our hands. Its absolute mumbo jumbo, double talk, namby pamby always positive gibberish. He said he doesn’t read blogs. Can he read? He would make a good speech writer for Obama.
Bravestoldourwarchant
October 7th, 2011
8:50 am
melden needs to be a starter…he’s one of the better pitchers on the roster imo
STRETCH
October 7th, 2011
8:53 am
THAAAAAAAAAAAAA YANKEES LOSE!!!
phil
October 7th, 2011
8:55 am
Nice job, DOB…
Everything they said, however, is just empty talk until FG is fired…
Can’t wait for more of the same next year, only difference being I won’t be sitting there watching any of it live.
Mid Town Joe
October 7th, 2011
8:56 am
I’d rather not make the playoffs than lose like the Yankees did.
phil
October 7th, 2011
8:58 am
Larry
October 7th, 2011
7:49 am
Dave,
Good work!
The drop off in terms of vocabulary and sophisticated communication from Wren to Gonzalez is most substantial.
I’ll leave you with a simple quote from a noted authority on optimal management and impactful leadership:
“The very best managers and leaders get the very best from those they lead and manage.”
Can you hear what I’m thinking?
*************************
Yes.
And a lot of what I hear them saying is that injuries were essentially at the root of it all….
Bull.
Efrim
October 7th, 2011
8:59 am
The Yankees need another arm to pair with CC, but Jurrjens ain’t that guy, imo. I think they’ll either sign C.J. Wilson or make a trade. I heard Felix on the radio the other day and I see no reason why the Mariners would trade him while he is under contract for three more seasons. It doesn’t make sense.
phil
October 7th, 2011
8:59 am
Mid Town Joe
October 7th, 2011
8:56 am
I’d rather not make the playoffs than lose like the Yankees did.
*********************
Welcome, Yankees, to our postseason world for most of the last 12 years. I can assure all Yankee lovers that I couldn’t care less that you lost or how you lost….just glad you did, and glad it happened at home in a decisive game…..a ha ha ha
Efrim
October 7th, 2011
9:00 am
Sabathia, _____, Nova, Burnett, and one of Hughes, Betances, Banuelos.
jjGator
October 7th, 2011
9:02 am
Very open and candid interviews–thanks. My thoughts–Put the entire team on p90x in offseason and for some individuals, require a certain amount of muscle gain and weight requirement when entering spring training. Hire Don Baylor as 2nd in command and hitting coach. Play Constanza more. Play Ross every 5th game-give Brian more rest. Trade Derek. Possible improvements are 1 outfielder and shortstop. Let Conrad and Brooks go and bring in some young blood for those positions. Good luck next year–Braves will have a great team!
Lew
October 7th, 2011
9:04 am
Efrim – I thought Nova left the game in the second yesterday with forearm stiffness. Sounds like Tommy John surgery in his future to me.
Efrim
October 7th, 2011
9:05 am
So I think the organizational meetings are w/o 10/17. So that probably means a new blog isn’t needed until perhaps Thursday, 10/20? At the earliest?
Dull days in Bravesland.
Efrim
October 7th, 2011
9:06 am
I thought Nova left the game in the second yesterday with forearm stiffness. Sounds like Tommy John surgery in his future to me.
Wow, okay. That’s about the biggest leap I’ve ever seen, but okay. TJ it is.
Lew
October 7th, 2011
9:17 am
Efrim – Not a leap in the least. MIke Hampton had forearm stiffness, so did Medlen and Hudson. It is quite frequently indicative of coming TJ. Not hard and fast rule, or anything, but I’d bet the Yankees’ brass are thinking the same thing right now.
Not a Yankee or Phillie fan
October 7th, 2011
9:18 am
Just want to take a break for a moment from bashing the Braves and reflect on the teams that made the post season. The Yankees, in spite of spending more than all of the other teams in baseball have been eliminated. I wonder if the Yankees fans are bloging in New York as we speak about how their GM and manager need to be run out of town. And I can honestly say it will do my heart good if the same thing happens to the Phillies!
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
9:27 am
Here’s what your great manager Fredi done wrong Mr. Wren :
1)Started Derek Lowe for his last 10 starts. Should have went with Julio Teheran.
2)Started Jason Heyward in RF. With a season long slump why ? This guy should have been at Triple AAA Gwinnett playing until he proved he belonged back in the major leagues !
3)Not playing David Ross the last 12 to 15 games. McCann was in a horrible slump but Fredi kept starting him.
4)Venters and Kimbrel lost control of the strike zone. Both were very wild and walked a lot of hitters. Then when they grooved a pitch down the middle it got hit for a home run !
5)Not firing Larry Parrish earlier in the season. Just like with Lowe & Heyward you stuck with him and he failed you.
Efrim
October 7th, 2011
9:28 am
Not a leap in the least. MIke Hampton had forearm stiffness, so did Medlen and Hudson. It is quite frequently indicative of coming TJ. Not hard and fast rule, or anything, but I’d bet the Yankees’ brass are thinking the same thing right now.
Lew, Arodys Vizcaino had a slight UCL tear a year ago and pitched fine this past year and didn’t require Tommy John surgery. Your words were that you see “TJ in his future” because he left a start with forearm tightness. That’s incredibly dramatic to me given that he hasn’t had an MRI yet. How about we wait for those results? It’s amazing, had Brandon Beachy left his start with forearm tightness would you be saying the same thing? Or are you just trying to justify trade scenarios witht he Yankees for Jurrjens?
Efrim
October 7th, 2011
9:31 am
I mean, you actually think me saying “that’s a leap” about your statement 12 hours after he was pulled is “not a leap in the least”.
Please, send me your crystal ball. I need it this afternoon when playing “Lucky for Life” lotto.
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
9:32 am
Wren has got to get a credible hitting coach. Someone like Tony Gwynn,Paul Molitor,Wade Boggs,Dave Winfield,Robin Yount. You know, guys that can walk the walk and talk the talk because they were great hitters !
Lew
October 7th, 2011
9:32 am
Efrim – You really need to tone down your drama quotient, Dude. It was a freaking offhand remark based solely on the fact that many who eventually have TJ surgery, start by noting forearm stiffness or soreness. You’re acting like I purchased a voodoo doll of the kid and am sticking pins in his elbow.
Lew
October 7th, 2011
9:34 am
Maybe I’ll just leave for today. I really don’t need this crap again today. Later.
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
9:34 am
Stick the pins in his arse !
John A.
October 7th, 2011
9:35 am
I for one am sick and tired of all these excuses. “We had three days off and it destroyed our momentum’. BS….this is where management should have stepped in and demanded more.
Leo Dorocher only made one statement that ever madde any sense which was “Nice Guys Finish Last”. Fredi and Larry can be considered “Nice Guys”, but they are losers. Fredi doesn’t have the management tools necessary to be successful, and Larry while being about average minor league manager is not a hitting instructor.
Roger McDowell should be taken to task for his lack of leadership also. How many of our pitchers had arm problems? With a proper conditioning program these problems are non-existant. With JJ, somebody needs to take his butt behind the woodshed and work him over…..two years and ending in the same fashion….what’s in store for the coming season? How did he hurt his knee? What was he doing? There should be a clause in his contract about staying healthy as a condition of employment. Employment….YES….IT’S HIS JOB!!!!!
Prado….how did he get a staff infection? What was he doing when he hurt his leg? Don’t the Braves have a medical staff? What were they doing early on?
McCann….I understand how he was injured, but again it’s conditioning!!!!
Chipper….while he is still of value at a couple of standpoints….he needs to lead more by example than vocally. If he’s too old for the game either offer him a contract for coaching or bid him farewell. Everybody gets over the hill, but to linger on and destory what you’ve built over the years just doesn’t make sense. TAKE TO HIM JOHN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
9:36 am
I sure hope Pastornicky is the SS next year and not Alex Gonzalez. Alex is an awful hitter.
Don
October 7th, 2011
9:39 am
Is everyone BRAIN DEAD. The name of the game is still PITCHING. NOTHING ELSE will matter – will make any difference – the Braves will never be consistant and be competitive and win – UNTIL – they stop having the SIGNIFICANT, HUGE number of STARTING PITCHERS INJURED year, after year after year.
Mr. OBRIEN, WILL YOU PLEASE ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:
(1) In each of the 6 or 7 seasons since McDowell has become the Pitching Coach, list the number of Starting Pitchers who have been injured each year – list this season by season – List all pitchers whose injures caused them to miss more than two or three turns in the rotaton (If a pitcher had an injury that lasted a part of two seasons, count him in each season).
(2) List the total number of Starting Pitchers that McDowell has had during those 6 or 7 years, and list how many (if any) have not been injured at some point. (Count only those pitchers who where in the rotation for a reasonable length of time.)
NO ONE SEEMS TO BE WILLING TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS — WILL YOU?????
Efrim
October 7th, 2011
9:39 am
You really need to tone down your drama quotient, Dude. It was a freaking offhand remark based solely on the fact that many who eventually have TJ surgery, start by noting forearm stiffness or soreness.
Seemed to me that you were being dramatic by saying that you see Tommy John in his future prior to knowing anything more than him leaving from forearm tightness. Just a bit early to say, 12 hours after he left his start because of it. Then you followed up my post after it with “Not a leap in the least” – which means you probably felt strongly about it. Or you’re just trying to pick a fight.
I don’t think you’d say that if Brandon Beachy left with forearm tightness. In fact, knowing you, I think you’d slam anyone making that leap in this forum.
Maybe I’ll just leave for today. I really don’t need this crap again today. Later.
That’s fine, Lew. You’ll be back here in a couple hours, I’m sure. No need to get heated because I responded to your 9:17am with some realistic thoughts.
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
9:42 am
Chipper is coming back for the $14 million only. He knows he will play in only about 75 games and hit .270 10 40. You could have Jimmy Rollins at SS hitting .315 20 100 (runs scored) 75 rbi’s 45 (stolen bases) & superb defense for $14 million.
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
9:45 am
Chipper should end his current contract, resign at $3 million for his final part-time year.
Arkansas Transplant
October 7th, 2011
9:46 am
We don’t need to trade JJ to the Yankees, they don’t have anything we need in return… certainly not Gardner.
flange1
October 7th, 2011
9:46 am
Don,
SInce you know so much about injuries, why don’t you get off your stupid rear end and do the grunt work you want DOB to do.
Go ahead. Then do the same for Leo. You will see that the injury level has NOT increased.
You will also learn that the conditioning program that you think was so great under Leo was created by Bobby Cox and it IS STILL IN USE TODAY.
Go ahead, do some work instead of spewing the same babble for years and years.
Shaun
October 7th, 2011
9:46 am
This is good stuff. I’ve had my disagreements with DOB and I can’t say I don’t love the back-and-forth. What other writer would take the time to mix it up with the fans? I just have to say this is one of the best things I’ve read from a beat writer. Very informative and interesting.
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
9:46 am
Hey DOB, ask Wren is Chipper worth $14 million as a part-time player ?
Random
October 7th, 2011
9:46 am
scbravefan (October 7th, 2011 6:28 am): “now for braves i sit laugh as nothing suprised me how they ended season. wren wake up and go after t.f. from boston or you will regret it. if you bye pass the chance to get him then braves will not be number one for long time. “
Okay, you illiterate barsteward, let’s put it this way:
RedSox record thru 31 Aug: 83-52
RedSox record in Sep: 7-20
Braves record thru 31 Aug: 80-55
Braves record in Sep: 9-18
Say again how that makes Terry Francona a better manager than Fredi Gonzalez.
Arkansas Transplant
October 7th, 2011
9:47 am
Jimmy Rollins at SS hitting .315 20 100 (runs scored) 75 rbi’s 45 (stolen bases) & superb defense for $14 million.
Are you talking about the Rollins that plays for the Phillies? .315? 20?
dap01
October 7th, 2011
9:49 am
DOB: You do a great job. Can you also do the Hawks also?
kent
October 7th, 2011
9:50 am
The Braves went for a Bobby Cox clone and got something not even close. The organization needs a manager who will bring a different life and strategy to the time. Nothing daring occurs, no hit and run, aside from Bourne, no base stealing. So what impact did FG have on this team? A good communicator? What the hell does that mean?
Kentavo
October 7th, 2011
9:54 am
I think Wren had some astute observations; Fredi, not so much.
Please Wren, find another manager, soon…
Also, I’d like to know if how they intend to fix the offense is by instilling the new philosophy (battling at the plate) or if they’re going to remake the roster with guys that already practice this approach?
I would like to see them go after some guys with post-season success – instead of going after the crappy teams’ good players (Bourne, Uggla, McClouth) who don’t know how to perform in a pennant race and with expetactions of winning.
Luke Warm
October 7th, 2011
9:55 am
Being a Braves fan for a million years, I have to say I think perhaps the organization may be serious as to their intention to improve the club for next season. Seems like the Braves have been a team that has been satisfied just treading water, where close is good enough, since Ted Turner left.
What have I heard that I liked since the season ended for the Braves? Mostly, I have heard Wren say the team sucked in September. The collapse was not acceptable. Our offense sucked. Don’t lay it on the kids because many who sucked were the vets. Our situational hitting is non-existent. He also seemed to indicate he’s tired of watching the starting 8 swing for the fence on every pitch and then sit down or hitting a weak dribbler or pop up. He didn’t say those exact words but it is obvious that Wren noticed and he isn’t happy about it. I also appreciate the fact that Wren said what I have been saying all along about Heyward, Francouer and any number of young hype machine players, and that is that potential is nice but production is what is needed. Potential does not guarantee production. Heyward doesn’t have a guaranteed starting spot next year and Lowe isn’t in the rotation. Both good things
Now all those words coming from a GM who in large part helped put this team together may seem predictable, but the clincher for me was the letter the Braves sent out to the season ticket holders where they actually said, “we sucked. It is unacceptable to suck. We are going to work over the winter to make sure this doesn’t happen again and we’re gonna suck less!”
This is a major departure from what I have seen from the organization for many years. In the past, no matter how sorry the team’s performance, the organization has put on a happy face and gave it the “gosh darn, it was bad luck and great effort,” face. It was refreshing to see the organization say to one and all on the field, players, coaches and manager alike……”you guys sucked and by gosh that ain’t good enough!”
It’s good to have a positive approach at times, but sometimes just using a positive approach can give you a team full of guys who aren’t getting it done but they continue NOT to get it done by performing the same way….. because no one wants to say, “what you are doing ain’t working! You don’t know it all! Swallow your pride and try to put the damn ball in play and quit swinging so hard you are screwing yourself into the ground on every pitch!”
I like this new Braves organizational approach. I hate that the results of September was responsible for it but if it actually changes the Country Club attitude of this franchise then we may look back years from now and say September 2011 was the best thing that ever happened to the Braves.
DAP
October 7th, 2011
9:55 am
DOB, thanks a bunch or the new blog. lots of good stuff, especially from wren on the parrish situation.
Kentavo
October 7th, 2011
9:56 am
yeah, I don’t get the folks clamoring for Francona; why do you want the guy that oversaw the same type of collapse that the braves had?
Random
October 7th, 2011
10:00 am
@ bill (October 7th, 2011 8:07 am) –
Well said — I concur/endorse.
Efrim (October 7th, 2011 9:06 am): ” [Lew:]: ‘I thought Nova left the game in the second yesterday with forearm stiffness. Sounds like Tommy John surgery in his future to me.’
“Wow, okay. That’s about the biggest leap I’ve ever seen, but okay. TJ it is.”
To tell the truth, I had the exact same thought last night when I heard the same news about Nova’s forearm stiffness.
You can castigate me too now, I guess.
wjones
October 7th, 2011
10:02 am
“Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
9:45 am
Chipper should end his current contract, resign at $3 million for his final part-time year.”
OK, I’m now going to leave for awhile to find a comfortable wall to bang my head against. AGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shaun
October 7th, 2011
10:04 am
Don, pitchers are always an injury risk. You are mistaken if you think pitching and run prevention is what caused the Braves to miss the playoffs or to not win something closer to 95 games. The Braves’ run prevention was top three in the NL.
It was all about their run production. Their offense was below average. Early in the season the big right-handed bat, Dan Uggla, was horrible. Prado struggled especially after the infection. Heyward had the shoulder issue all season and may have suffered from unreasonable expectations from the team and all of us, at 21-22-years-young, and never got it going. Centerfield was a black hole for most of the season, even slightly worse than we thought it would be. Alex Gonzalez, no great hitter to begin with, was even worse than expected. Freeman and McCann faded down the stretch after they were relied upon for most of the season. At times when one or two of these players seemed to get going, the rest of them struggled. So no 3-4 players were healthy and productive for stretches at the same time.
Delbert D.
October 7th, 2011
10:05 am
Quote from the NYTimes today: “For all of the success of the Jeter/Mariano Rivera/Jorge Posada era, the Yankees have lost in the first round more often than they have won the World Series. ”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/sports/baseball/memories-of-yankees-past-just-not-very-fond-ones.html?_r=1&ref=baseball
Barry
October 7th, 2011
10:05 am
Fantastic stuff, DOB. Thanks for the long form blog. I thought it was particularly interesting that Wren and Gonzalez had a meeting with Parrish at the end of the season to discuss the Braves’ future, and that it magnified the differences in Parrish’s philosophy and what the Braves want. I think the Braves are in good hands with Wren and Gonzalez. Wren, especially, seems to have a good sense of where the Braves are and realistically what they can accomplish next year, and Gonzalez is a good, positive manager, but with an understanding of things that need to improve. Thanks again for a great season of reporting and opining, DOB.
DAP
October 7th, 2011
10:06 am
efrim I thought Nova left the game in the second yesterday with forearm stiffness. Sounds like Tommy John surgery in his future to me.
Wow, okay. That’s about the biggest leap I’ve ever seen, but okay.
not really, efrim. thats a pretty big hint that he will need tommy john.
had Brandon Beachy left his start with forearm tightness would you be saying the same thing?
i would.
reckingball
October 7th, 2011
10:10 am
I think that the Braves have the foundation to put a very solid team on the field next year.
I will be surprised if they don’t go all the way to the WS, and win it.
I am looking forward to next season, and I plan on attending as many games as possible.
DAP
October 7th, 2011
10:11 am
efrim, ill add that just like random and lew, last night when they mentioned forearm tightness for nova, i immediately thought of tim hudson that night in florida when he had to leave the game.
weve seen it up close with several braves, thats why we “jumped” to the tommy john conclusion. maybe he wont need it, but its not really a leap for braves fans.
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
10:12 am
I think Chipper wanted to go hunting instead of play baseball in October. Just a HUNTCH !
DAP
October 7th, 2011
10:13 am
shaun Heyward had the shoulder issue all season
no he didnt.
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
10:13 am
wjones, sometimes the truth hurts man….
Snotboogie
October 7th, 2011
10:15 am
This is good stuff. I’ve had my disagreements with DOB and I can’t say I don’t love the back-and-forth. What other writer would take the time to mix it up with the fans? I just have to say this is one of the best things I’ve read from a beat writer. Very informative and interesting.
I’ve seen you say this more than once. Why do you feel the need to add such qualifiers to your any compliment you give? It’s almost like backhanding it.
Eze-Flow CCD
October 7th, 2011
10:15 am
Dem Brave need too gets dem a hit croach. Lary Pearish hit like 235. Why dey team gets payd millions 2 hits dat bad ?
Bat Masterson
October 7th, 2011
10:16 am
Luke Warm__
I’m not going back to read that letter again but I don’t think they “actually” used the words “suck” or “sucked”
Eze-Flow CCD
October 7th, 2011
10:19 am
Luke, yous gots dat books you write in spiral or hardbacks man ?
Random
October 7th, 2011
10:20 am
Weak Braves (October 7th, 2011 9:42 am): “Chipper is coming back for the $14 million only. He knows he will play in only about 75 games and hit .270 10 40. You could have Jimmy Rollins at SS hitting .315 20 100 (runs scored) 75 rbi’s 45 (stolen bases) & superb defense for $14 million.”
Jimmy Rollins has never hit .315 in his life — closest he’s come was in 2007 with a .296. He was 28 then — he’ll be 33 next year. Hitting .315 ain’t gonna happen for him. Ever. His career average (the career of which he is currently on the downside) is .272. He’ll probably never hit even .272 again.
Nor will he ever again steal as many as 25 bases or hit as many as 15 HRs.
Forget about Rollins..
Jason Heyward
October 7th, 2011
10:22 am
When I hit the ball (1 out of every 400 at bats) out of the park it sounds just like when Hank Aaron used to hit ‘em !
Weak Braves
October 7th, 2011
10:24 am
Jimmy Rollins is one of the main reasons the Phillies are good. By signing him you would fix two problems. You would have a good # 2 hitter behind Bourn and get Alex’ bat out of the line-up !
McFann O O o
October 7th, 2011
10:24 am
Weak Braves Not playing David Ross the last 12 to 15 games. McCann was in a horrible slump but Fredi kept starting him.
Come on, man…Ross started 2 of the last 15 games…
P-Town Brave ©
October 7th, 2011
10:26 am
AT-
If Rollins could bat 2nd, hit .270 and still steal 35 bases and score 100+ runs, he’d be better than anything we could have at SS or in that spot….
There’s a lot a guy like JRoll can add to the team….he also is pretty damn good defensively.
What can I say….I am another guy who likes adding more speed to a club that desperately needs it.
McFann O O o
October 7th, 2011
10:27 am
I still remember that comment Fredi made the day BMac came off the DL (and went 0-4)—”He’s the Brian McCann of old.”
As it turned out, he never was for the rest of the season…
P-Town Brave ©
October 7th, 2011
10:29 am
Random-
You do realize Rollins has stolen 30+ bases for 9 of the last 11 years right? And last year he still stole 17 w/ a bum wheel…
Think before speaking….
Think before speaking….
Think before speaking…
bvillebaron
October 7th, 2011
10:30 am
dap01:
I am sure the Yankees would be only too glad to swap Gardner for JJ. Did it ever occur to you that (1) Gardner is terribly overrated; and (2) Bourn is a far superior OF and lead off hitter (he did lead the major leagues in steals, hit close to .300 and drive in 50 runs as a lead off hitter). This team’s offensive woes are due to the fact that it was one of the worst situational hitting teams I have ever seen (seems like every batter was trying to hit a 5 run homer every at bat in September).
While Wren claims that he doesn’t want Parrish to be viewed as the scapegoat, he certainly deserves large share of the blame for this. It also appears that even if Parrish knew what needed to be done, he either isn’t a very good communicator generally or his method of communicating didn’t work with this team. Wren’s comments about being concerned that Parrish did not seem to have a plan for trying to improve the performances of some players speaks volumes.
Much of the blame also goes to the veteran hitters on the team (e.g. I remember one game in particular where the first two hitters are retired on 3 pitches and what does Chipper do, promptly swing at the first pitch and fly out–even my wife who is only a casual fan asked what was up with that?).
IMHO Wren should also spend less time trying to “motivate” 22 year old Heyward by publicly stating his job isn’t safe (how many should be after this epic collapse?) and claiming he has no health issues (where exactly did you get your MD degree Frank?) and more time (1) trying to “motivate” the veterans who choked miserably in September by publicly naming them as well rather than either simply saying anonymously that some of the veterans didn’t perform or making excuses for them by claiming that their performances suffered because of injury and (2) finding someone who can play shortstop and also advance baserunners and actually run to first base at least once a month.
ncscoots
October 7th, 2011
10:32 am
Jimmy Rollins is toast. But somebody will give him a lot of years, thinking he’s still the whole breakfast buffet. Luckily, it won’t be the Braves.
Couch Tater
October 7th, 2011
10:33 am
particularly interesting that Wren and Gonzalez had a meeting with Parrish
Patsy Cline – “A Church, A Courtroom and Then Goodbye”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMkTiI-DOrA&feature=related
timboy6
October 7th, 2011
10:34 am
Dave, just want to take a minute to thank you for all your info this year. Let’s go get em in 12!
P-Town Brave ©
October 7th, 2011
10:35 am
Yes…a guy hitting over .500 in the PLAYOFFS and whole still stole 30 of 38 this year and scored more runs than ANYONE on the Braves team minus Michael Bourn….yeah, that guy is done….
But oh….Chipper has plenty left in the tank (yawn)
Shaun
October 7th, 2011
10:36 am
DAP, seems to have affected him all season; affected his mechanics, if nothing else.
P-Town, I’m with Random. Rollins wouldn’t be a wise move unless he’s going to take significantly less that we think he probably wants.
Even in his best seasons, he wasn’t a great on-base guy. The problem is he’s likely to be a solid enough player to get a fairly big deal from some team. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for some teams to spend on a player like Rollins. But I think for most teams, the Braves included, it would set their franchises back.
Arkansas Transplant
October 7th, 2011
10:36 am
P-T, I’m not against adding speed. As far as Rollins goes, my stance for him will go as his asking price goes. It would all depend on what he’s asking in way of a contract. He’s also one of those guys that’s hard to figure out.. low OBP but doesn’t K much. I wouldn’t mind seeing Pastor given a shot at ST to take the SS position if he’s capable.
ncscoots
October 7th, 2011
10:37 am
But oh….Chipper has plenty left in the tank (yawn)
What does that have to do with Jimmy Rollins’ decline?
PMC
October 7th, 2011
10:40 am
Really good stuff Mr. O’Brien. I know my opinion is fairly useless, but you do a great job.
Bat Masterson
October 7th, 2011
10:43 am
Bunts, more hit and run plays……….
I appreciate a successful bunt when needed and a hit and run when it works is exciting
That said I remember at the begginning of the season man, bunt, bunt, bunt
Oh yeah I seem to recall the braves leading the league by a huge margin in caught stealing for quite some time
Yep the old swing and a miss, caught srealing, failed hit and run
Don
October 7th, 2011
10:44 am
flange 1, the injures to Starting Pitchers under Leo was not even remotely close to those under McDowell. You must be kidding to say that they were.
Leo was never one to take credit, but I seriously doubt that the major elements of his conditioning program were created by Bobby Cox or that McDowell is using exactly the same program.
Shaun, not saying that offensive production was not the major problem this year- a couple of the Starting Pitcher injuries came late in the season. We are facing next season and the future with JJ, Hanson, and Medlin all having been injured and the question as to whether they will come back and really be effective next season or in the future. My point is that we can not expect to be competitive when we are having TWO or THREE or even FOUR Starting Pitchers out injured every season.
Shaun
October 7th, 2011
10:44 am
P-Town, the playoffs have been all of 4 games. Please cite something more than stolen bases in the regular season.
Rollins has a career OPS+ of 97. His 101 OPS+ this season was his first over 100 OPS+ season since 2008. His OPS+ in 2009 was 87. In 2010 it was 85. In his best season, his MVP season, his OPS+ was 119. Oh, and he’ll be 33 in November. We’ve likely seen the best of Jimmy Rollins.
That’s not to say he won’t be a solid player throughout his next contract. He’s probably still capable of an OPS+ in the mid-to-high 80’s to the 100’s for a few more seasons. I’m guessing he’ll want in the $10-$12M-a-season range for 3-4 years, minimum. Wouldn’t be bad for some teams to actually do that. But I don’t think the Braves are one of those teams.
Braves fan
October 7th, 2011
10:45 am
Fange1..wrong my friend, that condition program was Leo’s. I was working there at the time.
MR
October 7th, 2011
10:46 am
It takes more than positive thinking and a hand-holding clubhouse to win ballgames Frank. If you can’t afford the players, get a manager that will kick the players in the pants to get them motivated. If that doesn’t work FIRE the manager, if the manager won’t inspire the players FIRE the manager. Dumping all this on poor under qualified Larry Parrish is a cop-out on a team that has a history of copping-out. Spare me the public relations, spare me the positive pep talks to the local media and just do whatever it takes to win. BTW Frank, If it were my team I never would have hired a loser like yourself, unfortunately I’m stuck with you and your loser mentality. I’m one of the fans who watched this team let a hall-of-fame starting staff whither on the vine with only one WS to show for it because corporate ownership wouldn’t get them the bat they needed going into the post seasons year after year, and I had to listen to John Schuerholz blow sunshine up my tail after every post season fail. You don’t trash the opportunity’s the Braves had with Smoltz, Maddux, and Glavine for all those years and not expect serious backlash.
DAP
October 7th, 2011
10:48 am
bvillebaron Did it ever occur to you that (1) Gardner is terribly overrated;
overratted by whom? i dont think he is. he is a very good player who gets on base, runs very well and plays good defense.
he is a better hitter than bourn, though not a better outfielder.
DAP
October 7th, 2011
10:49 am
shaun DAP, seems to have affected him all season; affected his mechanics, if nothing else.
no doubt.
scoots, rollins may never be what he once was, but he aint toast. hes got some good years left.
Pogo
October 7th, 2011
10:50 am
McFann – The same logic was used that put Prado back batting second and left him there. He did the worst job of situational hitting possible, but still was there every day. The definition of insanity.
ncscoots
October 7th, 2011
10:52 am
We might have different definitions of “good”, DAP.
I really doubt that he has any 8-figures-worth years left.