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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,707 comments Add your comment
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
8:39 pm
He’s still got some responsibility.
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:40 pm
Hey now, I am pulling to keep Mac,why the devil horns at me.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
8:40 pm
jeffrey d—
You want to fight??…
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
8:41 pm
You want to fight??…
I got $20 on McFann
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
8:41 pm
Don’t get me wrong, I love McCann and he’s one of my favorite Braves. But you can’t ignore the number of guys that have stolen on his watch. And it’s been like this for years.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
8:42 pm
JoeBrave—
Oh, the devil horns weren’t directed at you!…They were just symbolic of my wrath…
P'cola Brave
November 30th, 2011
8:42 pm
The Rockies remain hopeful of obtaining Martin Prado from the Braves, Troy Renck of the Denver Post writes.
The Rockies have offered Seth Smith to the Braves, but they don’t have interest in packaging him with Tim Wheeler or Charlie Blackmon.
Give me a break. Seth Smith straight up for Prado is ridiculous. Guess they better look into Kelly Johnson because Smith ain’t going to get it done. Better package someone with him.
garynpOH
November 30th, 2011
8:42 pm
there is so much discussion about the new outfielder we may get, but iti should not be forgotten that it is crucial we have a strong middle relief corp. the season is just too long to have Venters and Kimbrel go out and pitch 2 innings. FG rode them into the ground and it showed at the end of the season.
yes we need offense and it is to exciting to anticipate the possibilities, hopefully a more potent offense will limit the one run games and overuse of our most valued asset.
but i am concerned.
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:43 pm
jeffery d, when he is not given one ounce of a chance how is it his responsibility? Hanson..err OOOMBOP should learn how to hold runners on! that is 65% of the battle. and that goofy slow delivery to the plate leaves a lot to be desired as well, anyone needs to go it’s Hanson! Keep JJ, and Trade the Red Headed Strangler!
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:44 pm
reeeowwww catfight! LOL!
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
8:45 pm
But you can’t ignore the number of guys that have stolen on his watch. And it’s been like this for years.
And you can’t ignore how bad our pitchers have always been at holding runners on. They have been for years…
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
8:45 pm
Over the past 5 years, McCann has been at, or near the bottom of the pack in the Majors in CSB. How is it that the Braves always end up with pitchers with a slow delivery or who don’t hold runners?
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
8:45 pm
cabravesfan—
In these times, 20 bucks is a big deal! I’ll take it…
jeffrey d And it’s been like this for years.
Nobody’s perfect…he makes up for it in other areas—haters’ hate be danged, he really improved in blocking pitches this year…and he calls a good game.
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:47 pm
garyP, I wouldn’t worry too much about overuse of the pen this year, Medlin,Varvarro,Martinez,Wren(Renyel Pinto please), O Flaherty, Venters, Kimbrell, Vizcaino. should be sufficient!
on the other hand, Starting pitching is a bit over-rated here, JJ, Hanson, need to stay healthy, and go deeper, Beachy needs to finish the 6th and go 7, and Minor needs to go away as quickly as possible!
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
8:47 pm
jeffrey-
It’s not just being slow to the plate- control, sinker balls, not looking runners back, all that affects base stealing. And there is much more to catcher’s defense than stolen bases…
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
8:47 pm
jeffrey d Over the past 5 years, McCann has been at, or near the bottom of the pack in the Majors in CSB.
Actually, he led the NL in runners caught in 2010 (31).
How is it that the Braves always end up with pitchers with a slow delivery or who don’t hold runners?
Dunno…maybe it cann be traced to McDowell…
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:49 pm
Hanson should be renamed Moses Methuselah Molasses!
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
8:49 pm
In 2009 and 2008, he was 3rd in the NL in runners caught…
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:50 pm
Hey now McFann, there ya go backdatin again…lmbo
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:51 pm
McDowell, is a pretty good PC, but even he can’t teach BRAINS!
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:52 pm
Still peeved at Leo, for ruining Steve Avery’s arm.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
8:52 pm
JoeBrave there ya go backdatin again
Yeah, one of my worst faults…
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:53 pm
I can tolerate the stolen base from time to time, but another anemic bat will make me an Astros fan!
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
8:55 pm
I was cutting a rug
Down at a place called Jug
With a girl named Linda Lu
When in walked a man
With a gun in his hand
And he was looking for you know who
He said, “Hey fat fellow
With the hair colored yellow
Watcha tryin’ to prove?
‘Cause that’s my woman there
And I’m a man who cares
And this might be all for you”
I said, “Excuse”
I was scared and fearing for my life
I was shakin’ like a leaf on a tree
‘Cause he was lean, mean
Big and bad, Lord
Pointin’ that gun at me
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
8:57 pm
Apples to Apples…same pitchers since 2009
McCann – .252% CS
Ross – .376% CS
ncgary
November 30th, 2011
9:01 pm
i agree lets get beltran, shoot i will even pitch in a few bucks
MiaBchBravesFan
November 30th, 2011
9:01 pm
For all of you McCutcheon fans, I have one question:
Who will drive him in?
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
9:01 pm
I guess it someone else’s turn to hatorade tonite, But McCann? really? I don’t see it. 6 time All-Star,Silver Slugger multiple times, no gold glove yet but wow! I tell ya jeffery d, if you think Mac is bad, just wait til you see the Rook!
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:01 pm
Hey, I never claimed BMac had Ross’ arm—that’s Ross’ specialty…a lot of players have those. BMac’s is offense, calling a game…besides, BMac catches for Hanson a lot more than Ross does…
And BMac’s throwing went downhill after he got hurt…throwing’s even what hurt him…
Apples to Apples
Fun game, BTW…
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
9:02 pm
I’m just saying…you have to understand where people not happy with McCann’s defense are coming from. Granted they’ll exaggurate, but his 104 CSB last year (in 118 games started) was pretty bad.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:02 pm
jeffrey doesn’t think BMac is bad, he’s just being picky tonight…
MiaBchBravesFan
November 30th, 2011
9:03 pm
I am sure Beltran is going to want three years minimum. Do we want to pay for that stretch of time?
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:03 pm
jeffrey-
again- there is much more to catcher’s defense than stolen bases. And the baseball people rank him pretty high. So maybe he’s not as bad as some people want him to be.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:03 pm
OK! It was bad!! Happy now?? Gyah…
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:04 pm
He’s still mad about the ketchup…
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
9:04 pm
MiaBch, didn’t you hear? Pastornicky the Great, and Constanza will get a ton of RBI with McCutcheon n the LO spot, dang I thought everyone knew that. and let’s not forget, Terdyslabitch, and Mycal Jones, and well get the picture here.
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
9:04 pm
again- there is much more to catcher’s defense than stolen bases
I’m not saying there isn’t! I’m just saying that one area of his defense is bad, and I can understand where those people are coming from. That was the argument.
benchwarmer
November 30th, 2011
9:05 pm
I can’t believe that there are still some who think bringing back Andru Jones is a good idea. No never in a thousand years. The guy has no legs left and was always a project that never lived up to expectations. Besides I can’t stand his stupid smile!
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
9:06 pm
jeffrey doesn’t think BMac is bad, he’s just being picky tonight…
Devil’s advocate, if you will
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:07 pm
cabravesfan—
Uh-oh…what ketchup…?
ncgary
November 30th, 2011
9:07 pm
2 years would be nice, but you’re probably right
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:08 pm
McFann-
You’d know if you were on facebook
ncgary
November 30th, 2011
9:08 pm
and apples to apples is a fun game mcfann
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
9:09 pm
Devil’s advocate again
The guy has no legs left
He’d just be a backup
was always a project that never lived up to expectations
He was runner up in MVP and is 5th all time in Braves homeruns
Besides I can’t stand his stupid smile!
The world doesn’t need fewer smiles
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:09 pm
I’m hungry…guess I’ll pour some wine.
Bay Area Steve
November 30th, 2011
9:10 pm
Devil’s advocate needs to clean up his spelling and punctuation lest some drunk deem him a hypocrite…
There. Their? They’re?
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:11 pm
jeffrey d—
There ya go…
cabravesfan—
Ah, nobody ever tells me nuthin around here…
ncgary—
Yeah—it cann get totally crazy at times, too!…
benchwarmer
November 30th, 2011
9:11 pm
If your hungry beer is better. More carbs.
Columbus
November 30th, 2011
9:11 pm
No brainer. McCann is signed to a long time contract as he and the fans deserve.
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
9:14 pm
This should be Andruw Jones entry music!!!
Hey man, them ain’t high heel sneakers,
And they sure don’t look like cowboy boots.
And that ain’t rock and roll you’re playin’
And it sure ain’t country or rhythm and blues.
You’re singing a song about making love to your drummer,
Well, FAT guitar pickers don’t turn me on.
And we don’t all get into Donna Summer,
Do you happen to know any old Hank Williams songs?
‘Cause you see I’m a dinosaur,
I should have died out a long time before.
Have pity on a dinosaur.
Hand me my hat.
Excuse me man, but where’s the door?
It used to be I had a lot of fun in this old hang-out.
We’d get stoned at the jukebox and stay out of fights.
Now and then, we’d light a little smoke in the truck out back,
Then a little old Jim Beam and we’d get right.
And you know these flashing lights sure make me dizzy
And this disco’s very strange to my ears.
It looks like they’ve turned the Longhorn into a spaceship,
And I’ll be leaving just as soon as I finish this beer.
‘Cause you see I’m a dinosaur,
Should have died out a long time before.
There’s a whole lot of dinosaurs,
So give us our hats.
Excuse me man, but where’s the door?
Get us our hats.
Excuse me man, but where’s the door?
jeffrey d
November 30th, 2011
9:14 pm
What was wrong with my spelling and punctuation?
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:14 pm
“How many shots of ketchup do you get? I usually get three, but if I’ve had a bad day, I’ll get five…”
Bama Brave
November 30th, 2011
9:15 pm
I think All this MacCan talk is A Smoke Screen? Who Agrees?
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:15 pm
benchwarmer-
Got In-N-Out headed my way as soon as VJ gets off work…don’t need more carbs in my drink
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:16 pm
Not a ketchup fan…
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
9:16 pm
No Mustard ….BLECH!
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:17 pm
cabravesfan—
Weirdo…
Nah, too much is beyond gross, but I do like me some ketchup on certain things (apples and green beans no longer included)…
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
9:17 pm
Mayonnaise is better! especially cracked peppercorn Mayo!
keyLargo
November 30th, 2011
9:17 pm
I simply think that McCann’s best year was 2008 and he will never approach it again. He’s declined, even though it’s not a tremendous amount. Just the stats and nothing more.
Top 5 tools for MLB players (1 to 5)
Running Speed (1) May be the slowest player in MLB
Arm Strength (2) Inaccurate in addition to slightly below average in strength How many throws went into CF?
Hitting for Average (3) .273 the last 3 years; career 282
Hitting for Power (3) 22 average the last 3 years; career high 24.
Fielding (2) Not quick enough to block curves in the dirt or to get out and field 10 to 15 foot bunts
2008 may have been his best year. He has declined every year since, not a tremendous ammount but still a decline.
Games – 2008 – 145 has played less every year since
PA – 2008 – 573 has played less every year since
AB – 2008 509 has had fewer every year since
Runs – 2008 68 has had less every year since
Hits – 2008 153 has had less every year since
2B – 2008 42 has had less every year since
3B – 2008/2009 tied had one a year in 08 and 09
HR – 24 2011/23 2008
RBI – 87 2008/94 2009
SO – 64 in 2008/ More in every other year
BA – 301 in 88/up to 32 points lower every year since
OBP – .373 in 08/ .375 in 10 – other years lower
SLG – .523 in 08/lower every year since including .453 in 10
OPS+ – 135 in 08/ Lower every year since including 119 in 2009
Bay Area Steve
November 30th, 2011
9:17 pm
You’re not a big fan of periods. And, exaggerate with a ‘u.’
Apologies for being an ass, but calling out others for grammar is like nails-on-a-chalkboard, to me. You might even call me a hypocrite for even bringing it up…
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:18 pm
JoeBrave—
Yes. Mustard is icky…
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:18 pm
McFann-
Ummm, apples? Really??? That’s just…
JoeBrave
November 30th, 2011
9:18 pm
White Cheddar Popcorn, and Strawberry Ice Cream! the best!
nolie
November 30th, 2011
9:19 pm
But you can’t ignore the number of guys that have stolen on his watch. Jeffrey
nothing wrong with 30%. nobody could throw out many with a couple of our pitchers
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:20 pm
keylargo career 282
.286, but who’s counting?…
Not quick enough to block curves in the dirt or to get out and field 10 to 15 foot bunts
What? BMac’s great at fielding bunts! You have to give him credit in that area at least…
May be the slowest player in MLB
I doubt it.
BB FAN
November 30th, 2011
9:21 pm
benchwarmer ,
As a platoon guy or 4th OFer, Andruw Jones is exactly what the Braves need and have needed for 3 years…He’s a righty who kills lefty pitching, he can play the corner OF spots and even center if needed, he’s inexpensive. I watched a lot of Yankee games this past year and his defense at a corner OF is above average. Now, he likely could only play 70-100 games, but that’s all a platoon player/4th OFer plays anyway.
As far as expectations go…who’s expectations are you talking about? Yours? Some experts? Is it really fair to say a 19 year old should hit 600 HRs over the next 20 years and be as good as Willie Mays? That’s the one thing I can’t stand about all the “experts” who predict players’ careers when they are 19 or 20. They make fans have all these expectations. And besides, I mean Andruw Jones has hit 420 HRs and driven in 1300 and won 10 GGs in centerfield (a premium defensive position) and is almost always considered as good defensively as Mays. I would say he has had a great career. If the Braves get that from Heyward, I would be thrilled.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:21 pm
cabravesfan—
This was a long time ago!!…
But I cann still taste it…and the green beans…BLEGTH!!!
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:23 pm
McFann-
Green beans with a little garlic and bacon. Everything is better with bacon!
Bay Area Steve
November 30th, 2011
9:23 pm
nolie,
You remember where to find those blocked-ball stats from a while back? That was you, right?
nolie
November 30th, 2011
9:23 pm
too bad that damn Baseball America has no idea how to judge defensive play. They obviously need to hire some of the blog “experts”……
nolie
November 30th, 2011
9:25 pm
I think someone else found the blocked ball stats, BAS
Bay Area Steve
November 30th, 2011
9:26 pm
Andruw Jones might be my favorite Brave. But, dude went .700/.500 back to back for $30 million. Let’s not act like folks don’t have a reason to hold a grudge.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:27 pm
cabravesfan—
KFC has the greatest green beans in the Universe…
Everything is better with bacon!
Well, I might could come up with a few things that wouldn’t be…
nolie
November 30th, 2011
9:29 pm
even sex is better with bacon………..
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:30 pm
McFann-
What could possibly not be made better with bacon?
Ben
November 30th, 2011
9:30 pm
Hello Braves fans. Looks like the Braves and Pirates are in some serious talks according to a friend who writes columns for a sports paper in Pittsburgh. He is also close to a few big wigs in the Pirates organization. What names are being discussed is something he doesn’t know for certain, but he did say their young outfielder Mccutchen is being dangled, it would however have to be for a substantial return. He also tossed the name Teheran of Atlanta around as a potential target. Hope I spelled the kids name correctly. We both believe this is very possible as both teams are in need for what the other is in plenty of supply of.
You all have a great night and I will come back if I find out any more news.
keyLargo
November 30th, 2011
9:31 pm
OK, McFann. Give me a list and I’ll get out the SunDial.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:34 pm
cabravesfan—
Ice cream, cookies, Chicken Pot Pie…
keylargo—
…A list of what…?
uga-brave
November 30th, 2011
9:34 pm
just had antico pizza for the second time. hands down the best pizza in atlanta.
nolie
November 30th, 2011
9:34 pm
wouldn’t McCutchen just tank it too in a more pressurized situation just like ol’ whatshisname did?
Jb
November 30th, 2011
9:37 pm
I love McCann but…If Wren could get a return value that would put us in the WS I all for it..This is a business. I sure wouldn’t give him a 5 yr 100 million deal. Three years at most.
BB FAN
November 30th, 2011
9:38 pm
So because the Dodgers paid him and outrageous amount of money when even I could tell he was headed down hill (and obviously the braves could tell too), we should have a grudge against him?. Why? Maybe the Dodgers owner and GM.
I mean after 11 years of crashing into walls, diving for balls, a person’s body is going to break down. It happened to Griffey too. In fact at about the same age (30). Griffey hit 30 HRs or more only twice after age 30. He did hang on to finish with 600 HRs. Griffey was a better hitter but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Andruw Jones reach 500 HRs. He said he wants to play 5 more years. But my point is he has had an unbelievable career. 400 HRs and 10 GGs in centerfield. I can only think of two others to do that…Mays and Griffey. That’s some pretty damn good company. I may be forgetting somebody but you get the idea.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:39 pm
Jb I love McCann but…
Oh gosh, no! He’s gonna turn it on again!!…
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:40 pm
McFann-
It would be fine in ice cream and chicken pot pie! and they make bacon cupcakes, why not bacon cookies??
Jb-
There is not a player that would guarantee a trip to the world series and losing Mac’s bat would be hard to replace. It is a business. And the best business move right now is to keep and lock him up in a new deal
Gone Viral
November 30th, 2011
9:40 pm
The thought I have is that all this discussion with the Rockies may be leading to a Dexter Fowler/Martin Prado trade. If it does, we probably try to get back prospects by flipping Bourn. Fowler is a Super 2 but Bourn is looking at a lot more money in arbitration. That would be an interesting (and surprising) way to get more capital freed up.
Alternately, the idea of Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward and Michael Bourn in the same outfield would be the stuff of myth and legend on defense. I don’t think getting Fowler and keeping Bourn makes as much sense, though.
As for the McCutchen rumor, I looooove him as a player, but I wouldn’t pay that rumored price tag for Evan Longoria or Ryan Braun.
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
9:41 pm
cabravesfan re the bacon—
To each her own…
I LOVE Chicken Pot Pie as it is…
Jb
November 30th, 2011
9:42 pm
to each is own…Ben ..lol!
cabravesfan
November 30th, 2011
9:42 pm
McFann-
I love chicken pot pie too. But that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be even better with BACON!
nolie
November 30th, 2011
9:44 pm
they pretty much swear that Fowler is not available GV
keyLargo
November 30th, 2011
9:46 pm
McFann – a list of potential people who are slower than McCann. And Bobby Dews can’t be on the list. He already outran McCann last spring training.
nolie
November 30th, 2011
9:49 pm
Freeman is slower than Mac
Gone Viral
November 30th, 2011
9:50 pm
Nolie, that was what I thought as well, but today’s Denver Post article includes:
“The issue is whether the Braves would deal Prado without receiving a center fielder in return. Or will the Rockies blink and include the previously off-limits Dexter Fowler?” This is later followed by “General manager Dan O’Dowd has said repeatedly this winter he will not trade Fowler, who had a strong second half.”
I read from the “blink” part that Fowler is who the Braves want and the Rockies don’t want to do it but know that the other packages they’re offering are nowhere near enough. We’re negotiating through the media.
Kat
November 30th, 2011
9:50 pm
How dare my crazy work week get in the way of me catching up on my news…It’s been some days since I’ve caught up on the DOB blog and just noticed a new blog entry, cool.
Great tune choice David.
nolie
November 30th, 2011
9:51 pm
my 93 YO mother is slower than Mac….but not by much
nolie
November 30th, 2011
9:56 pm
I’m not all THAT sold on Fowler anyway he hasn’t hit 800 yet even with half his games in Coors and has a career 95 OPS+. Not sure he will be all that much better than Bourn of whom I am also not all that great a fan of, though he would be under contract three years I guess.
nolie
November 30th, 2011
10:00 pm
my how the offenses have wound down around baseball when an OPS of 796 is a 105 OPS+ in a Rox player
McFann O O o
November 30th, 2011
10:02 pm
cabravesfan—
Well, you’re entitled to your own taste…I shouldn’t pick on you, though, as I did USED to put ketchup on apples and fresh green beans…
keylargo—
Benjie Molina…Livan Hernandez…don’t think Johnny Estrada was very speedy…
But I really don’t like to pick on people for things they can’t help…
nolie
November 30th, 2011
10:04 pm
Estrada was molasses in the arctic
Gone Viral
November 30th, 2011
10:08 pm
I love Fowler’s career OBP although I know there is a 50 home/road split. His career OBP is almost identical to Bourn’s and he’d come a lot cheaper. Plus, we’d get the prospects and the money for Bourn if he isn’t interested in a contract extension. I’m not saying he will be better than Bourn in isolation, but I understand why the totality of the move makes a lot of sense, depending on what we can get to replace Martin Prado, a valuable asset to a team.
glord1
November 30th, 2011
10:08 pm
I would offer Mac 5 years for 80 mil after this season. Lowe and probably Chipper will be off the books and you dont find a hitter like Mac at the catcher position every day. I also feel he does not get the credit he deserves calling games. This guy is the Braves best all around player AND he is a catcher. Lock him up.
I think Prado is going to get moved to Colorado soon. To much smoke. He is worth alot more to the Rockies as a second baseman than he is to the Braves as a LF. Going to be some serious whinning on the blog when he goes .310 20 hr and 85 RBI in the thin air of Denver. The Braves have to get Fowler for him.
The guy I want at SS is Jed Lowrie. Average at best defender but he could go .280 12 HR and 75 RBI in Atlanta. Lots of doubles and does not strike out much. If Pastrinicky does well you can move Lowrie to a super utility role.
I hope Frank holds onto his pitching. Jurrjens is selling low right now. If he wins 6 games by the end of May you can name your price for him. The bullpen is loaded with a full year of Vizcaino and Medlin in it. No burn out this year. Medlin will be worth his weight in gold this year.
Go Bravos.