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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6,933 comments Add your comment
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
7:52 am
That was an hour ago, Trey
My Oblique is Killin' Me!
January 2nd, 2012
8:05 am
Is it just me, or was anyone else surprised that all it took was two mediocre minor leaguers to pry Carlos Quintin away from the White Sox?
“The early word from scouts is that Castro and Hernandez don’t have much upside, which indicates that this was a payroll move, tweets ESPN.com’s Buster Olney.”
It’s obvious the Braves aren’t spending any money to upgrade the outfield. Quintin is due to make 5-6 million in arbitration. That ain’t chicken feed but it’s not 12 million either.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
8:10 am
And that’s my cue to exit
Efrim
January 2nd, 2012
8:23 am
It’s obvious the Braves aren’t spending any money to upgrade the outfield.
I agree that he would of been an upgrade, but it’s obvious they never had interest in him, as he is injury prone and a poor defensive outfielder. They could of easily traded for him, but I don’t think money was the main deterrent.
Ray
January 2nd, 2012
8:27 am
Quentin is not an upgrade at all. Poor defense, often injured and his numbers poor. I would rather see the braves not trade JJ or Prado instead of sending one of them away for a weak return. I don’t want to see Cedeno signed. At least Theroit would be an upgrade offensively and would not be bad coming off the bench.
al
January 2nd, 2012
8:47 am
DOB – 68 pages of blog, isn.t it about time for a new one? Maybe you can do a best movies of 2011 since there is not a lot of BRAVES hot stove action. Any thoughts on the possible negative psychological impact on Jurrgens and Prado if one or both are not traded and remain with the BRAVES after being shopped heavily?
PD
January 2nd, 2012
9:07 am
I think both Prado and JJ would be flattered so many teams are asking for them and there is a distinct difference in “Being Shopped” vs “Listening to Offers”. Wren announced, early into tne offseason, to the media he would listen to all offers on every player and I’m sure if he told media he also mentioned that ditty to all GMs. Wren also made it clear he would only consider any trade if it improved the team and obviously none of the offers that have come in have impressed Wren. I for one am not one of the fans that demands a trade, any trade, just make a trade because other teams are making trades.
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2012
9:09 am
Here’s a link to the guestbook to send condolences after the death of Kathy Porter, the wife of Braves trainer Jeff Porter
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=kathy-porter&pid=155301764
Dadgum.....
January 2nd, 2012
9:25 am
If Prado, McCann, and Heyward don’t have solid years and the starting pitching doesn’t stay healthy then it won’t matter who we get. Braves pitching must stay healthy and go deeper into games. That alone was the main reason the Braves failed to make the playoffs. They just aren’t built for the offense to pick up the slack if the pitching isn’t there. Shoring up the middle relief and back end of the pen will help as the innings mount for O’ventrible though.
Bottom line is you can’t plug in a rookie SS alongside an aging veteran and expect to field a winning team without a stalwart and healthy rotation. Unfortunately those questions can’t be answered until the season is under way. NL east is a tough division for trial and error. I put the Braves solidly behind Phillies and Marlins and neck and neck with the Nats. Too many unknowns to place them higher but plenty of time for everything to come together.
Rock on…..oh yeah, Happy New Year and I still haven’t heard of about 5 artists in DOB’s yearly list. I learn every year. Peace out.
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2012
9:35 am
DOB – 68 pages of blog, isn.t it about time for a new one? Maybe you can do a best movies of 2011 since there is not a lot of BRAVES hot stove action. — al
Yes, it is about time for a new one, Al. And since I’m back from vacation now, I’ll write one today, as I’ve explained a couple of times in past two days. I had a week off. Vacation. I know there are a few here who view it as a sin for me to take a week off over the holidays — or any other time, for that matter — but I did. I stopped by multiple times to answer questions and such on the blog during my week off, thinking that might be a cool thing to do. But it’s now clear to me from some responses that I’d be better off just staying away entirely on my next vacation, to underscore the fact that I’m OFF next time.
By the way, there was no Braves personnel news to report since my vacation begin. Not one player move, coaching move or front-office move.
Bat Masterson
January 2nd, 2012
10:07 am
But it’s now clear to me from some responses that I’d be better off just staying away entirely on my next vacation, to underscore the fact that I’m OFF next time.
By the way, there was no Braves personnel news to report since my vacation begin. Not one player move, coaching move or front-office move. _ David O’Brien
Sure, you could do that, David. I can’t imagine any of the reasonable people that come here to read, and comment, would begrudge you that. I would point out that many here appreciate you taking the time to pop in and answer some questions, or post some thoughts, I do.
One might get the idea from al’s comment that he does not even read your comments since you have all ready said that a new blog was forthcoming.
I like it better when you slam the nut jobs, but thats just me.
Felix
January 2nd, 2012
10:14 am
Hey Dave–next time enjoy your vacation and don’t let a bunch of inconsiderate blogging fools spoil your time off. No vacation/time away from the job leads to burn out everytime.
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2012
10:16 am
Bat: and the most predictable (and therefore humorous) responses to the new blog, once I write and post one later today, will be the tough guys who’ll harumph and say, in so many words, “There’s nothing new here, why bother?” Those are the best.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
10:16 am
Ray
You still there? I dont think my phone comment went threw the other night. My mom went to Cradock High as well and lived right across Geo Washington Hwy. Cradock High is now closed and has been for as long as I remember. But the Gym was turned into the Recreation Center. I went to Cradock Middle then to Woodrow Wilson High.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
10:23 am
DOB
Im not sure why people get mad about not having a new blog for a while. Were gonna be talking about the same stuff on a new one. lol I think it would be cool if you did a “If I was GM Blog” tell us how your off season would have went if you were in charge.
Felix
January 2nd, 2012
10:23 am
Just awful news about Jeff Porter’s wife. May God be with him and his family.
Ray
January 2nd, 2012
10:31 am
VABrave, yeah,, I know they are going to tear down the school this year.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
10:36 am
Ray- Dang I didnt even know that lol
Bat Masterson
January 2nd, 2012
10:41 am
Yep,
as certain as an eastern sunrise and western sunset. What the hell, if I can’t laugh with them at least I can laugh at them.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
11:06 am
Ray- what year did you graduate from Cradock High?
Ray
January 2nd, 2012
11:16 am
way back in 79
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
11:19 am
Ray- Did you ever know Debbie Vick? My mom’s sister graduated from there in 80 or 81.
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
11:23 am
DOB … don’t know if you remember the SNL spoof of Citizen Kane from years ago where the editor made the news by shooting passersby from the window of his office. Maybe that’s what you need to do to satisfy the nut jobs who criticize you on a slow news off-season.
Anyway, you do a great job on the blog, and you’re much appreciated. I agree with Bat on your drive-by comments and tweets. I’d rather that in a long blog than a new blog that rehashes no new news.
Ray
January 2nd, 2012
11:27 am
yeah I think I do.. I know we know a lot of the same people..
Kat
January 2nd, 2012
11:30 am
Day off from work and am watching Price is Right.. since when do they give away Harleys and a 1962 Lincoln Continental convertible? Maybe it’s guest star Snoop who is bringing the cool prizes.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
11:30 am
She married David Burke, but divorced now.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
11:31 am
My mom Cynthia Vick said she might have been in 8th grade in Cradock High when you were a senior.
CB
January 2nd, 2012
11:34 am
Kat,sounds more exciting than what is happening in Bravesland.
Ray
January 2nd, 2012
11:36 am
ha… Gotcha.. I think I know David, and your aunt. thats pretty cool.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
11:36 am
Kat
I haven’t watched that show in years! Used to watch it with my grandma all the time when I was younger.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
January 2nd, 2012
11:37 am
Okay, Snoop Dogg on TPIR. Is this a sign of the apocalypse?
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
11:38 am
Ray- very small world haha
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
11:39 am
Ray – Did you know Micael Vick?
Ray
January 2nd, 2012
11:40 am
VaBrave, its still weird for me to look at the Norfolk Tides (used to be the Tidewater Tides) as the O’s AAA team. They were the Mets AAA team forever. A lot of guys came thru there, Ron Washington (rangers mgr), jose oquendo (cards’ 3rd base coach) was the ss. Ron Darling and on and on.
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2012
11:40 am
Milwaukee scribe Tom Haudricourt has learned that Nats have emerged as leaders in Prince Fielder pursuit
Kat
January 2nd, 2012
11:42 am
Va .. yeah I never watch it because I’m always at work, but it’s quite entertaining to see Snoop helping out the contestants. He’s actually doing pretty well them even with Plinko.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
11:42 am
I say we sign Fielder, trade JJ and Prado for Kemp, move Freddie to left, Heyward to short. Vizcaino can be Chipper’s backup. Bam.
Bat Masterson
January 2nd, 2012
11:43 am
So was anyone in Mobile for the New Years Moon-Pie drop?
How about the Beach Ball drop at Pier Park in PCB?
Brava
January 2nd, 2012
11:43 am
DOB, don’t let the ungrateful jerks get to you. There are far more of us who appreciate all you do and enjoy you dropping by to comment while you are taking a well-deserved vacation.
Ray
January 2nd, 2012
11:43 am
If nat’s sign Fielder, their offense will be strong. I think it will benefit Werth the most as he appears to be a strong supporting cast member as opposed to being the top dog.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
11:44 am
If the Nats sign Fielder, we’re in for months of complaining from the doom-and-gloomers
well, you know…more than usual
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
11:45 am
Fielder to the gNats. Let the “Braves in fourth place” talk begin.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
11:45 am
Ray- I’ve seen and met David Wright when he played for the Tides. He played HighSchool baseball with my close friend who was my Youth Pastor. I actually got him to sign the Ticket stub and then a week later the Mets called him up.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
11:45 am
Ray- Is your name Raymond Trollenger by chance? My mom just walked in here and asked.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
11:47 am
Man, with the supporting cast the Nats have built, along with hitting the jackpot with their #1 pics, they’re gonna be a force
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
11:48 am
The NL east is gonna be tough this year. Atleast I’ll enjoy watching the Nationals on TV alot. There gonna be a good team going forward.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
11:48 am
Are you Ray Romano?
Ray
January 2nd, 2012
11:49 am
That tidewater area has produced a lot of major leaguers and just some serious athletes, The Upton boys, Zimmerman with the Nat’s D Wright, Clay Rapada, not to mention the basketball and football players out of that area
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
11:51 am
BTW … based on the off-season moves, I do think the 2012 Braves are a little bit better than the 2011 version.
Proven hitting coach replaces an unknown guy.
Fredi should have learned a little over the year and be a better manager.
Teheran/Minor/Delgado should be better than Lowe.
O’Ventbrel and Beachy have another year under their belts.
Heyward and Freeman have another year under their belts.
The Preacher instead of the Sea Bass ought to be about a wash (although I think it will be a drop).
Shinebroctor replaced by Vizvarlen.
Chipper and Jurrjens another year removed from knee surgery.
Chipper may be a day older and shorter of breath,which could be a drop (not guaranteed though).
I’d say that’s a net positive. Get a bounce-back year from Prado, and things could be a bit better.
CB
January 2nd, 2012
11:52 am
That 11:47 sounded kind of doom ad gloom.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
11:53 am
Doom and gloom would be “The GNats are awesome and the Braves and stoopid frank Wern are going to finish last!”
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
11:54 am
I haven’t closely followed the Phils, but, on the surface, they look a bit worse than last year.
Howard out to start the year.
Blanton (?) replaces Oswalt.
Is Ibanez gone? Polanco? Utley’s a year older. Some shuffles in the ‘pen that look like it will be a bit weaker.
Not a dramatic decline from a very good team.
ncscoots
January 2nd, 2012
11:54 am
If nat’s sign Fielder, their offense will be strong.
Considering that the Nats’ offensive guys so many here adore managed to finish 12th in the league in runs scored last year, I think you might be overvaluing a little. Even with Fielder.
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
11:54 am
jeffrey d … with the Mets in the division, it’s going to be hard for the Braves to finish last.
CB
January 2nd, 2012
11:55 am
Nah,we’ll finish ahead of the Mets. I think.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
11:55 am
I think even with the additions of Gonzalez, Harper, and possibly Fielder the Braves are still a more well-rounded team this year
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2012
11:55 am
Sounds like R. Soriano is the gift that keeps giving for the Yankees. From Buster on Twitter: NYY like Edwin Jackson, but signing of Rafael Soriano last winter has taken up 8-figure part of their budget. Unless budget grows, no room.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2012
11:55 am
Well I wasn’t being serious
Ray
January 2nd, 2012
11:55 am
@va no I grew up with him. I am in ATL,,, Baker
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
11:58 am
If the gNats do sign Princess, I don’t see how they fail to hemorrhage cash in the coming years. No way attendance is up enough to pay for those big contracts. I don’t know much about their ownership situation, but, projecting deficits out as far as the eye can see cannot possibly be worth competing for 1-2 years.
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
11:59 am
jd … I know you weren’t being serious. I just couldn’t pass up a chance to take a dig at the Mets.
ncscoots
January 2nd, 2012
12:00 pm
think even with the additions of Gonzalez, Harper, and possibly Fielder the Braves are still a more well-rounded team this year
If Bryce Harper goes north this year, he’ll be eaten alive by ML pitching. I know Davy Johnson has made some noise about the kid being ready, but I find that to be only propaganda.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:03 pm
The Nationals could easily be better than us, Just like were expecting bounce back seasons from Prado and Heyward, they are expecting the same from Zimmerman and Werth. We can all agree which pair will produce more.
jfp
January 2nd, 2012
12:04 pm
DOB, Carroll and all of the regulars. Thanks for a great 2011 blog. I don’t always have time to contribute, but I read the blog 3 to 4 times daily. I appreciate all of the time and dedication you put into the blog, DOB. For you to contribute while on vacation is just another statement that confirms you take ownership in what you do. Don’t worry about the 10 percenters who would complain even if you did a new blog daily. I’m sure that I speak for the other 90 percent who appreciate what you do. Keep uo the good work and look forward to another great year on the blog. Just have to remember there is a lot of humor in the ignorance of those who try to pretend to be so intelligent.
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
12:04 pm
It’s nice to know that there might be some limit to the mighty Yankee’s cash flow.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:06 pm
What we have going for us is we have the Best Bullpen in baseball, along with the most Starting Pitching Depth.
CB
January 2nd, 2012
12:06 pm
One thing about making a comment here about being concerned about the obvious improvement of the other teams in our division and the lack of by the Braves you are immediately branded as a negative nellie. Why can we not give the other teams credit? Braves are going to have to battle much harder to be elite in our division and be competitive. Yes, I also know there is time for improvement by trade but so far not encouraging.
Brava
January 2nd, 2012
12:06 pm
I disagree, abwright. As we’ve seen in Philly, winning teams bring out fair-weather fans. There are lots of people with money in the DC area and if the Nats start winning championships, Nationals Park will become the cool place to be seen.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:09 pm
Other teams are bringing in players making improvements, we are banking on our current players to improve. Which means our starting pitching and bullpen needs to come close to last years performance plus with the Improved Offense to contenders for the division. IMO
ncscoots
January 2nd, 2012
12:10 pm
We can all agree which pair will produce more.
Hope you’re not basing that on Werth. The guy just isn’t that good, even at his best.
At the same time, you’d have to expect Ramos to be even better than last year, Michael Morse to continue hitting .300, Espinosa and Desmond to become at least average with the bat, and hope someone can actually play CF. Do you find that greater or fewer offensive questions than the Braves?
You guys get blinded by flashy signings and forget to look at the fundamentals, I think.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:12 pm
There are tons of Nats fan in my area, people are real excited about the team and the future. They have a real owner (Actual Person, not a Corporation) that wants to build with developed talent and signing big free agents.
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
12:12 pm
Brava … you may be right. However, after a bump when the gNats moved into a new park, they’ve seen their attendance be pretty mediocre. That’s a lot of fair weather fans they need to bring in.
And, signing Werth and Princess (I forget their other moves), prolly won’t make them good enough to win championships. Just good enough to compete.
Bat Masterson
January 2nd, 2012
12:13 pm
We can all agree which pair will produce more. _ VaBravesFan
Well I would hope so. Heyward and Prado
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
12:14 pm
BTW Brava … on comparing the Phillys and gNats … the Phillies franchise is a very long-running franchise, with ups and downs. They prolly have a deeper pool of proto-fair-weather fans (call them pukers) built up compared to the gNats.
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
12:17 pm
I was actually surprised at how good Werth was with the Phillies. He wasn’t all that with the Dodgers and so far, not with the gNats.
Better hitting coach in Philly? Better binoculars?
Wide Right
January 2nd, 2012
12:17 pm
Thanks for another great year on the Braves/MIB blog guys. Great insight from DOB, great place to hang out online.
Brava
January 2nd, 2012
12:18 pm
LOL, you make some good points, abwright. I do think Princess would draw some fans just on name recognition alone. Guess we’ll see.
Bat Masterson
January 2nd, 2012
12:19 pm
Does anyone have change for a one million dollar bill?
I have to go to Walmart and I hear they don’t take them.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:21 pm
Actually I’d go with Zimmerman/Werth to produce more than Prado/Heyward based on what we know for sure.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:23 pm
But I’d rather have Prado/Heyward based on money and control and such.
Brava
January 2nd, 2012
12:24 pm
Ha, I read about that this morning, Bat. What and idiot.
abwright
January 2nd, 2012
12:25 pm
Brava … I definitely think the gNats will draw more and they are building support. The question is, will it be enough to cover the contracts they are giving out, especially when those guys decline?
ncscoots
January 2nd, 2012
12:26 pm
Actually I’d go with Zimmerman/Werth to produce more than Prado/Heyward based on what we know for sure.
Depends on how you define “produce”, I guess. If you just want to use a generalizing stat like WAR, I probably lean to Prado/Heyward. Zimmermann is a super-fine player, but he can’t carry Werth enough to beat out normal seasons from both Prado and Heyward.
Brava
January 2nd, 2012
12:26 pm
From all accounts I’ve read, Davey Johnson intends to put Harper in his starting lineup out of ST. He also has Rizzo’s blessing on this. Werth will be moved to CF.
Captain Freeman (Doc Holiday)
January 2nd, 2012
12:30 pm
I think its key for the Braves to have a fast start, Im not really sure of what Im about to say, but it seams to me that 8 of the last 10 season the Braves have played too close to .500 or even below.
They need to make an early statement and then get hot in the summer.
Slow starts IMO are really bad for teams performance in the long run because pressure starts building up on hitters, SP, relievers to perform above their capabilities.
Hope this team has a fast start around .600 or better for april.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:30 pm
ncscoots
I’m just going with what we know. Zimmerman and Werth are proven players. If they stay healthy Zimmerman is good for 290/360/480 30 HR Werth is good for 260/360/460 25 HR Prado is good for 300/350/450 15 HR and Heyward is a complete crapshoot.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:33 pm
The Braves are banking that our same offense improves while we sustain our great starting pitching and bullpen production.
ncscoots
January 2nd, 2012
12:33 pm
I’m just going with what we know.
I can see I’m not making any headway here.
cricket
January 2nd, 2012
12:35 pm
NYY like Edwin Jackson, but signing of Rafael Soriano last winter has taken up 8-figure part of their budget. Unless budget grows, no room.
why don’t they just acquire mutts and play 2 teams as AL-NL split squads..
Brava
January 2nd, 2012
12:35 pm
abwright, I agree. Signing Prince long term is a huge gamble, especially for a NL team which doesn’t have the option of DHing him down the road. This is one I’m glad Wren isn’t involved in.
ncscoots
January 2nd, 2012
12:35 pm
The Braves are banking that our same offense improves
Actually, that’s not quite correct. They are banking on key offensive players not having career-worst years two years in a row. That’s quite a bit different from projecting ever-better offensive numbers.
cricket
January 2nd, 2012
12:38 pm
Does anyone have change for a one million dollar bill?
I have to go to Walmart and I hear they don’t take them.
i get my groceries at publix since it is on the right side of the road
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:39 pm
ncscoots
I projected Heyward to produce this in 2012. But could always continue the downhill trend or surprise us and break out with monster numbers.
275/365/465 21 HR 15 SB
cricket
January 2nd, 2012
12:39 pm
They are banking on key offensive players not having career-worst years two years in a row.
what are the odds of those players having career-2nd-worst year followed by career-worst year?
Bat Masterson
January 2nd, 2012
12:41 pm
Maybe Zimmerman hits 30+ homeruns, he did so once, so he could again.
If healthy he should give them 60/65 extra base hits.
If healthy Prado should be good for close to 60 extra base hits.
ncscoots
January 2nd, 2012
12:41 pm
what are the odds of those players having career-2nd-worst year followed by career-worst year?
Powerball. Unless you’re Yuni Betancourt, in which case, it’s even money.
VaBravesFan
January 2nd, 2012
12:41 pm
I’m mainly worried about Chipper missing way more time than expected. Prado would take over at 3rd, and then LF would be a huge hole. That is if we have to run Diaz/Constanza out there for 60+ games.
CB
January 2nd, 2012
12:42 pm
We have a couple of guys here that I would not be surprised they would go to Walmart with a million dollar bill. LOL
Bat Masterson
January 2nd, 2012
12:46 pm
Maybe the guy was angling for a winter on the physic ward.
Bat Masterson
January 2nd, 2012
12:50 pm
or a psych ward