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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,717 comments Add your comment
Bigwheel
January 3rd, 2012
1:14 pm
TommyP : The location deteriorated significantly since the Olympics left, lets be real here. There is nothing around the stadium that is appealing except the sight of law enforcement, the smell of ball park food and beer.
b
January 3rd, 2012
1:18 pm
I’m sick of the Prado rumors.
Oh boy, as usual going after smith because of lower contract. Makes me sick.
Again, I’ll ask, Dave what do the braves have against Prado and Constanza?
jim
January 3rd, 2012
1:19 pm
Don,
The Braves pitchers who suffered arm injuries or saw their careers shortened by arm problems during the Leo era included:
Mike Stanton, Steve Avery, Pedro Borbon Jr., Juan Berrenguer, Mark Wohlers, John Smoltz, (the kid who gave up the grand-slam single to Robin Ventura in ‘99), and several others
The good health of Maddux and Glavine distorts a more typical picture of injury rate to pitchers (particularly young pitchers)
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
1:20 pm
Therefore, even if the Braves increased payroll to $110 mil, there is no guarantee that they would win anything.
Agreed. However, every little bit helps.
My Oblique is Killin' Me!
January 3rd, 2012
1:24 pm
Perhaps Dan Connelly’s notes are written on the back of a cocktail napkin he brought back from a night of drinking with the clubhouse guy.
I can just hear the clubhouse guy saying, “ya know….. we’re really intrigued by that Hanson kid in Atlanta. He looks like he’s throwing darts when he pitches. His mechanics are terrible. And on top of it all, he has shoulder problems and they can’t quite figure out what is causing the problems. We need to get that guy!”
Agreeing with many others here. Connelly must be bored and just stirring the pot.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 3rd, 2012
1:25 pm
Art, you would trade Tommy Hanson for a guy who probably won’t put up all that much better stats in ‘12 than Cody Ross? And you don’t have to trade a thing for him.
Travis
January 3rd, 2012
1:29 pm
The Braves are in a precarious position right now with the fans. After the September collapse and lack of activity to improve the team beyond a hitting coach and salary dump trade attendance might decline unless some excitement is generated out of spring training. Heyward and Freeman were solid rookies and gave the fans something to cheer about. Kimbrel was an added bonus. That spark isn’t there right now. The only solid superstar on the team over the last several years was Chipper. Gonna be hard to replace that. We’ll see.
TennesseePaul
January 3rd, 2012
1:29 pm
Some see true musical genius, others just see some hobo-looking guy with boozy, gravelly voice
I’m looking forward to this album. The bits I’ve heard I like. I’m eager to hear the whole album.
I ended up getting 12 albums with gift cards and they are en route to my door right now. Many of the albums were selected by reviewing your top 50. Some were friends recommendations. Many over laps in that full selection which was fortunate. I felt obliged to buy at least one album from each friends list; some of those lists where not as deep as others thus the salvation of the overlaps helping me to avoid explicitly saying “your list sucks” to the friend.
Of the handful of albums I picked up which weren’t on your 2011* list DOB, I’m curious if you have heard them or not, and if so, what you thought.
*not on your 2011 list since some are older, but the questions still stand
Mikal Cronin – Mikal Cronin (2011)
Santogold – Santogold (2008)
Aloe Blacc – Good Things (2010)
tony austin
January 3rd, 2012
1:31 pm
Per Hanson’s numbers last year, he gave up nearly a HR per start. Injuries limited him to only 130 IP, and with that pitching style of his, I think injuries are going to continue to plaque him. I would have no problem moving him for the right package even if his value is not as high as it could be.
Travis
January 3rd, 2012
1:33 pm
Turner field sits in a somewhat rough part of town. Not much to stay in the area for before or after the game. If that whole area were more fun friendly it would make a big difference.
DAP
January 3rd, 2012
1:34 pm
tommyp The Braves just don’t have a guy that excites the masses
you know who really got the braves fans excited and coming out to the park? jeff francouer. terrible luck that he didnt work out here.
bigwheel For example, I think we brought an organist back a couple of years ago which added true originality to the game, I thought.
gotcha. yeah the organist is a nice touch. i think the experience at turner field is really nice. before i found my current parking lot, getting to the game was always a hassle, and it stressed me out. so, i can see transit being a problem for some people. if the stadium was on the north side of atlanta instead of farther south, i think it wold make a big difference, but i dont think youll find any braves’ folks regretting the circumstances that brought them to turner field. it worked out really well for the organization.
TennesseePaul
January 3rd, 2012
1:38 pm
even if the Braves increased payroll to $110 mil, there is no guarantee that they would win anything
The Braves did increase payroll to $110M this off-season. Wren has intimated that figure explicitly at a press event Nov 26. I remember it distinctly, Wren had a turkey leg in one hand and kept chomping off mouth fulls as DOB was asking questions. Chewed up bits of turkey were going everywhere.
He said, and I quote: “Oh, (yum), yes payroll is (mmmm, good stuff) going up to $110 million for 2012. And, (mmmm more) with the money we freed up from moving Lowe coupled with the (where’s the dipping sauce? oh, damn that’s good stuff) money we will be saving from dumping Prado and Jurrjens, this team will be a winner in 2012. I must also point out that we don’t see a single free agent player that could make an impact on any team, and specifically this team. I’m outta here. (off-camera: mmm stuffing sandwich, gotta love Thanksgiving left-overs).”
So no moves were made and the net effect is a payroll lower than the 2011 team.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
1:39 pm
I would have no problem moving him for the right package even if his value is not as high as it could be.
I think he is our most talented pitcher, so the right package would have to be a huge haul of prospects. Given his shoulder concerns, I don’t think they have ever realistically entertained it.
TommyP
January 3rd, 2012
1:41 pm
I think back to the players that were exciting to watch over the years….
Ron Gant. One of my all-time favorites as a Braves player ’cause he played with great passion, power and speed were a part of his game…
Otis Nixon/Deion Sanders: You’ll notice a trend of speed with my all-time favorites. Both could create runs by themselves and Deion had the flash as well. Don’t forget the acrobatic defense that Otis gave us.
McCann: Honestly, I think the fact that you can see he LOVES to play baseball is exciting (plus how many catchers are that good in the first place?).
Smoltz: Not only were the strikeouts exciting but the extreme passion after he punched someone out added to it.
I guess you could say passion has been missing for awhile with the Braves and speed. At least Wren is trying to add the speed element back to the team. I am truly hoping Pastornicky can handle SS this year.
brian
January 3rd, 2012
1:42 pm
I want the Braves to keep Tommy Hanson long term. I still don’t think he has reached his peak and he can be a special pitcher.
That being said, if the Braves do not see Tommy Hanson as a long term Brave, then they should consider dealing him before the injury worries become even more troubling. I agree with the posts above that I would not deal him for Adam Jones (what a waste). I would still go to KC and try to get Alex Gordon, Cain and Escobar, or Cain and Myers (they would not trade him for Jurrjens, how about Hanson).
DAP
January 3rd, 2012
1:46 pm
travis Not much to stay in the area for before or after the game.
gotta figure most ballparks are like this, no? i mean, i dont know from experience, but it seems like anyplace where 40,000 come to is going to have mostly parking around it, right? other than some of the older parks that are sitting right in neighborhoods or whatever, and a place like a ball park where most people arent there doing other things. everything they want is there. people, food, drink, entertainment.
when y’all go to a game, do you really have time to go…i dont know throw darts or something for a little while first, and then when the game and fireworks are over at around 11pm, you feel like going and drinking some more? honestly, i dont think most people take in games that way. i could be totally wrong.
Mark (another one)
January 3rd, 2012
1:47 pm
Wren will spend the money when it makes sense. See Uggla last year. However, when it doesn’t make sense, he doesn’t do a trade just to make news. His job isn’t to sell newspapers in January.
For 2012, the Braves have a regular lineup except a SS. They will use Prado to cover injuries at 3rd or 2nd, and use either Diaz or Hinske to backfill left. They can also use either at 1st in a pinch.
Wren needs a solution at SS and to fill out his bullpen. He would like to add some power (who wouldn’t) and he would like to do some planning for post 2012 (center, 3rd, etc.). That’s not as urgent.
DAP
January 3rd, 2012
1:48 pm
tommyp, uggla really got the fans going this season with his hitting streak. its too bad the end of it didnt cover more home games, honestly. there really was a buzz at the field and there were alot of excited people there.
j
January 3rd, 2012
1:52 pm
Someone call the Nationals and see if we can borrow their paper bags. We are going to be horrible this year. Couldn’t hit last year and sure as hell won’t this year. Even the Nationals will be better than us. F’n A!
Ease
January 3rd, 2012
1:54 pm
Otis Nixon/Deion Sanders: You’ll notice a trend of speed with my all-time favorites….
McCann:…
Felt like this needed re-posting…
Travis
January 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
I think some of the downtown parks that have been there forever have the local pubs and the like to attract the fan base but those venues are few and far between. Anyone know what the atmosphere around the Cubs and Phillies type parks is like. These are old school ballparks and have quite a history I guess. Fenway might be the same. Attendance seems to be pretty good in the older parks. More of a lifestyle for them.
McFann O O o
January 3rd, 2012
2:05 pm
DawgDad McCann’s health has not been established
I’m sure he’s fine by now…
Ease—
Henry Aaron's Ghost
January 3rd, 2012
2:10 pm
The Braves will battle the Mets for last place. Nats sign Fielder and the Braves are no better just the Mutts. They will not compete. I don’t care HOW many young arms you have. If you cannnot score runs any better than the bums they have now, they ARE TOAST. Period.
Chris from the Rock
January 3rd, 2012
2:14 pm
Bummer, Carlos Silva is off the board. Sox just picked him up. He would have been the perfect replacement for KK in the Mississippi rotation.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
2:15 pm
Bourn, Jones, McCann, Uggla, Freeman, Prado, Heyward, Pastornicky is a damn good lineup and they will score plenty runs.
Dusty
January 3rd, 2012
2:16 pm
DOB,
Do you post your HOF ballot?
Chris from the Rock
January 3rd, 2012
2:20 pm
DOB doesn’t have a HOF ballot. The AJC doesn’t allow their writers to vote.
Nova Scotia Steve
January 3rd, 2012
2:21 pm
Early predictions with or without Fielder in Washington.
NL East:
Phillies
Nationals
Marlins or Braves
Mets
Braves will hopefully be fighting for that final Wild Card spot – for the simple reason – we struggle with teams in our division.
I DO NOT see this trend changing in 2012. I don’t see how it can realistically.
Fredi's Fu Manchu
January 3rd, 2012
2:22 pm
Seen Omar Vizquel plenty last few yrs in Chicago. Can fill in at SS and 3rd, known as a good teammate, brings energy and most importantly is CHEAP. Not Omar of 15 yrs ago, but sure seems he could fill some needs (esp if Prado is dealt for LF).
RC
January 3rd, 2012
2:22 pm
DOB,
Do you post your HOF ballot?
DOB doesn’t vote for the HOF, since it’s AJC policy that beat writers are not allowed to vote on player awards.
I personally think it’s a really dumb policy, and would like DOB to be allowed to participate in at least the HOF voting. But it’s the decision of his bosses, and nobody can blame him for valuing his job more than his vote.
O.J.
January 3rd, 2012
2:23 pm
This tweet recently, not sure how accurate it is.
Source: #Orioles and #Braves are making progress on an Adam Jones deal. Hearing Jurrjens is involved. This could mean Crisp to Baltimore.
Retweeted by Bill Shanks
Jimmy
January 3rd, 2012
2:23 pm
NSS – the wild card expands in 2013, right? When the Astros go to the AL? I think that is right.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
2:23 pm
As of right now, the Red Sox #4 and #5 starters are Daniel Bard and Andrew Miller. Silva might actually be of use to that team……only half joking.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
2:25 pm
Retweeted by Bill Shanks
That’s the part that makes me laugh. Bogus rumor retweeted by the worse of the worst.
And Roch Kubato or whatever his name is for the Orioles should check his sources prior to printing something to cause a stir this morning.
raleighbravefan
January 3rd, 2012
2:26 pm
DawgDad @1:08 – The 2 most obvious solutions are 1) get over it and move on, or 2) support a team that will never disappoint you (doesn’t exist). Many of us feel that September was an aberration that is unlikely to be repeated.
Nova Scotia Steve
January 3rd, 2012
2:28 pm
Whoops.
Jimmy – you are correct – we’re screwed.
Jimmy
January 3rd, 2012
2:33 pm
Dusty – DOB voted for Tom Waits…see page one.
Look, we go into this offseason with a pretty good ball club. I know what happened in September, but prior to the last 30 games or so, we were winning despite:
-Heyward not hitting
-McCann slumping
-horrible RISP average
-Prado hurt
-little production from SS
-not much production from the bench.
I just feel that the right signing, or trade takes time to make. And we have a solid team we are adding to, not building (Nats/Marlins).
David O'Brien
January 3rd, 2012
2:35 pm
Nine of Prince Fielder’s 17 hits at Turner Field have been home runs. The big load has a .191 batting average but a .528 slugging percentage in 89 at-bats (24 games) at the ballpark.
He has eight homers and 12 RBIs in his past 14 games at Turner Field, including a pair of two-homer games.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 3rd, 2012
2:36 pm
OMG that guy can’t take a walk to save his life. Talking about Adam Jones here. His BA is fine, but such low amounts of walks kill his OBP.
beekay
January 3rd, 2012
2:37 pm
DOB…when does your top ten movie list for 2011 come out?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 3rd, 2012
2:39 pm
DOB, so what you’re saying is to probably get ready for Fielder within our division here soon?
Yeah, I didn’t buy their GM claiming LaRoche as their opening day 1st baseman. Just BS talk knowing they’re going all out for jelly belly.
74bravesjersey
January 3rd, 2012
2:42 pm
What did the padres give for carlos quinten?(good threat smacker at the plate)2 pitchers; were they both middle row pitchers or top tier? I was kinda hoping that wren would get us one more big bomber for left field to shape-up the line-up,to stay up w/the rest of the division,but instead we digress for mediocrity,in hoping our boys will come out a gunz-a-blazin’fired up from the meltdown. Uh, that might be kinda hard since we struggled some against the Nats,(stronger)marlins,(stronger),phils(they slap us around like a silly stick)were pretty much easy pickins for the rest of the division. But wren is goin’ by we were doin’ pretty well up to Aug.26th, Oh wow,were ready to shake em’ up now!
Leebo
January 3rd, 2012
2:43 pm
Braves need to dump Wren and Scherholtz … and while they are at it get rid of Freddy that is if they want to win again. Too much nepotism there.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
2:43 pm
Be interesting to see if they can afford paying Fielder, Werth and Zimmerman big dollars. Fielder/Werth each making 20 million+ per year. I know Lerner is the richest owner in baseball, but that Werth deal and Rendon’s presence in the minors may lead them to letting Zimmerman walk. Not saying that should happen or will happen, but it could be a possibility.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
2:46 pm
Zimmerman is a career .288/.355/.479, 120 OPS+ hitter in 3,668 plate appearances – Free agent after the 2013 season and will be 29 years old on opening day 2014.
Just sayin….
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
2:48 pm
And in his last three years, he’s hit .296/.370/.499, 132 OPS+ in over 1,700 plate appearances.
TB
January 3rd, 2012
2:49 pm
Just saw the deal the Padres made on Quentin? Why in the world didn’t the Braves do this deal? and for pratically nothing?
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
2:51 pm
Ken Rosenthal on twitter trying to find out if a rumor is bogus or not: Toronto sends Travis Snider, Kyle Drabek and 3 prospects to Seattle for Felix Hernandez or for Michael Pineda.
TB
January 3rd, 2012
2:54 pm
I do, however, believe the Braves have already improved merely by subtraction (Lowe, McLouth, et al.)
Couch Tater
January 3rd, 2012
2:55 pm
In the Braves’ first four seasons at Turner Field 1997-2000, they ranked in the top 20 percent in baseball in both attendance and payroll, drawing more than 3 million fans annually. But that balance shifted in 2001, when attendance began to slide.
Pretty much fits Andrew Zimbalist’s answer here…
A new stadium gives the owner an opportunity to get more revenue out of his players, and if his players generate more revenue they should be paid more. And so the smart owner says, I’m going to take advantage of my new stadium by increasing my payroll and putting a better team on the field, and getting my fans really excited. If the owner does that you can get a honeymoon effect that lasts five, six, seven, eight years
http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=35
I think the Marlins are doing that, too. Next up, San Jose.
PD
January 3rd, 2012
3:08 pm
This guy is fast becoming one of my favorite tweeters. His info proves out more often than not unlike that hack Connolley in Baltimore. I also like how he lists the signings and trade he broke
Tweeted today
Scott Swaim
@MLBInsideNews
Multiple connections in the MLB. Broke the news of Albert Pujols signing with the Angels, Cuddyer/Rockies, Furcal/Cardinals, Beltran/Cardinals
Source: #Orioles and #Braves are making progress on an Adam Jones deal. Hearing Jurrjens is involved.
74bravesjersey
January 3rd, 2012
3:10 pm
If still dealing w/da ‘O’s go after Luke Scott; past years good numbers, Big bomber we need in left.
Ward
January 3rd, 2012
3:10 pm
Hello everyone! See the rumors are flying all over the place.
David O'Brien
January 3rd, 2012
3:11 pm
Just saw the deal the Padres made on Quentin? Why in the world didn’t the Braves do this deal? and for pratically nothing? — TB
Not about what was given up in the deal; Braves probably don’t have $7 mill available right now to spend for one player, and if they did it wouldn’t be for a player who’s missed 40-some games on average over the past three seasons. They’ve got enough health issues with current players.
Ward
January 3rd, 2012
3:14 pm
The way I see it,Wren will stick to his guns,because he’s not going to get a player like K.K. or Lowe again,so we will have to be patience. Like some one said, ” All You Need Is A Little Patience……..”
AFAN
January 3rd, 2012
3:14 pm
I think Adam Jones would be a great addition. The braves need someone who can hit for average. They also need something to excite the fans. Currently the braves need something to show that they want to win.
and sitting on no moves in the off season doesnt excite fans.
TommyP
January 3rd, 2012
3:15 pm
Luke Scott was let go by Baltimore, wasn’t he?
Also…his arb numbers will be big. Seems he’s too old for arbitration but that’s where he is since he started later than usual.
Ward
January 3rd, 2012
3:17 pm
If Wren,doesn’t get the package. I’m going to say no deal.
74bravesjersey
January 3rd, 2012
3:17 pm
Tired of hearing sometimes no-moves are the best moves; but yet no-moves are the worst moves,(when done right)so we’re the snooze-to-loose team. I want my team my city to dabble in the milk & honey w/the other big boys,c’mon wren give us a shot,ask the ‘o’s about luke scott or is he a fa?
VaBravesFan
January 3rd, 2012
3:18 pm
DOB so are these continued rumors about the orioles legit at all. Would the braves ever consider trading hanson? We would have to get a monster return to even consider it IMO.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 3rd, 2012
3:18 pm
Well maybe we get Jones and Bell in a deal.
MFin04
January 3rd, 2012
3:18 pm
“sitting on no moves in the off season doesnt excite fans.”
Epic collapses, however, do excite fans. So, perhaps they are banking on another one of those this year to excite the fans?
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
3:18 pm
I like Quentin, however he’s pretty bad defensively and has had trouble staying on the field.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
3:20 pm
Well maybe we get Jones and Bell in a deal.
Josh Bell doesn’t look like much at this point. I’d bet they’d try to pawn him off as some sort of valued piece.
Steve
January 3rd, 2012
3:21 pm
If Prince Fielder signs with Washington, the Braves are looking at finishing fourth in the division. They have pitching, but not enough offense. Way to go Fumbling Frank Wren.
Lefty
January 3rd, 2012
3:23 pm
The upside of all this NL East activity is that the Mets are probably going to be really bad this year! Hey, I’ll take what I can get.
PD
January 3rd, 2012
3:25 pm
BALTIMORE — As expected, the Orioles have non-tendered Luke Scott on Monday, opting against offering a contract to the outfielder — who is coming off season-ending surgery — but not completely closing the book on his return.
The 33-year-old Scott, who would have been eligible for free agency after the 2012 season, instead immediately becomes a free agent.
“He’s had some good years for the club,” executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said of Scott, who was the team’s MVP in 2010. “We’d like to see what the market is for him. We would like to keep the door open on that.”
Scott, who has said that he would like to remain in Baltimore, underwent surgery in late July to repair SLAP and posterior tears in his right shoulder. The procedure, combined with the fact that he made $6.4 million last season, made him a prime candidate to be non-tendered, thus Monday’s December 13 announcement is hardly a shock.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 3rd, 2012
3:26 pm
Steve, well I think they do sign Fielder. They apparantly have the money and the need, though LaRoche isn’t all that bad a player either. Plus, I don’t believe the market is as big as Boras claims for PF and WSH has a better chance than the Orioles or M’s of winning, so he’d probably rather go there.
74bravesjersey
January 3rd, 2012
3:27 pm
Who in the world doesn’t have health issues? the last I check we had enough of our own always hits everyone, yet, mabey a change of scenery might make them healthier. quentin still put up some pretty descent power #’s. Realizing mabey the avg. is middle what 250’s but hey he jusgt might hit 280,smashing 25-30hrs. would bring xtra bombing threat in the line-up. Ok to disagree, then what’s luke scott’s status if no adam jones, can we check out Luke scott? too much for atl also? Dang,lest we be content to regress?
jeffrey d
January 3rd, 2012
3:29 pm
If Prince Fielder signs with Washington, the Braves are looking at finishing fourth in the division. They have pitching, but not enough offense. Way to go Fumbling Frank Wren.
The Marlins signed 3 players. One of them plays every 5 games and another every 2-3. I don’t think that’s going to make them automatic Wild Card contenders. The Nats are improving, but still have some holes, even with Fielder.
And I’ll say this once more: last year’s Braves won 89 games. This year’s Braves is essentially the same, only minus Lowe, minus A-Gon, minus McLouth, and minus Proctor.
I know we like to mope and make scapegoats, but the Braves have a good foundation.
jjj
January 3rd, 2012
3:29 pm
Coco Crisp changed his twitter picture to him in a Orioles Jersey in Little League?
willie g
January 3rd, 2012
3:33 pm
the braves will finish in 4th place.in th e east , this team needs to move to vegas get a rich owner and win the ws. THE LAS VEGAS BRAVES
DAP
January 3rd, 2012
3:36 pm
If still dealing w/da ‘O’s go after Luke Scott
good idea, but scott is a free agent. no need to deal with the O’s on that one.
Ward
January 3rd, 2012
3:39 pm
That rumor is true on Cody Ross,but couldn’t get the details. Braves are interested.
PD
January 3rd, 2012
3:40 pm
jeffrey d I agree. As I said once before. The chances of the Braves collapsing like they did ever again are about the same chance DOB gets hit by a meteor walking inside a Mall during a Braves game. Uts true the team is better right now because of subtraction of the players you listed. Don’t forget Lugo and Conrad they were not very good either. With Bourn, and yes I mean the baseball player Bourn, not the movie character Bourne, getting to start the year with the team it is mighty improved
PD
January 3rd, 2012
3:40 pm
jeffrey d I agree. As I said once before. The chances of the Braves collapsing like they did ever again are about the same chance DOB gets hit by a meteor walking inside a Mall during a Braves game. Uts true the team is better right now because of subtraction of the players you listed. Don’t forget Lugo and Conrad they were not very good either. With Bourn, and yes I mean the baseball player Bourn, not the movie character Bourne, getting to start the year with the team it is mighty improved
PD
January 3rd, 2012
3:40 pm
jeffrey d I agree. As I said once before. The chances of the Braves collapsing like they did ever again are about the same chance DOB gets hit by a meteor walking inside a Mall during a Braves game. Uts true the team is better right now because of subtraction of the players you listed. Don’t forget Lugo and Conrad they were not very good either. With Bourn, and yes I mean the baseball player Bourn, not the movie character Bourne, getting to start the year with the team it is mighty improved
PD
January 3rd, 2012
3:41 pm
Lmao wow touching submit button
David O'Brien
January 3rd, 2012
3:42 pm
beekay: I was waiting to see Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and A Dangerous Method before doing the list. Want to be thorough, and those look like they could make the list, certainly Dragon Tattoo could. I’ll do it sometime next week, probably.
Arkansas Transplant
January 3rd, 2012
3:42 pm
Play it again, Sam.
74bravesjersey
January 3rd, 2012
3:43 pm
$7 mil. too much for the braves to deal w/ for one player? Teams that make things happen are pretty crafty to afford it. We got a owner who is a huge land owner now, mabey some acres for sale might help differ some of it. O’ I forgot,the braves are handling the baseball business themselves. Other teams(who make things happen) ownerships are involved in baseball dealings. But the braves ownership group won’t because they can give a rats tail about the baseball team. Someone out there(S.O.S) rescue the atl baseball before we ho-hum the season into last place.
Bat Masterson
January 3rd, 2012
3:43 pm
Ok to disagree, then what’s luke scott’s status if no adam jones, can we check out Luke scott? too much for atl also? _ 74bravesjersey
Scott, who has said that he would like to remain in Baltimore, underwent surgery in late July to repair SLAP and posterior tears in his right shoulder. The procedure, combined with the fact that he made $6.4 million last season, made him a prime candidate to be non-tendered,
Looks like his status is: damaged goods.
Buster Olney
January 3rd, 2012
3:43 pm
HEARD THIS: DOB just got hit by a meteor walking inside a Mall.
PMC
January 3rd, 2012
3:44 pm
Well, I mean I’m pretty excited about having Michael Bourn for a full season. Also I’m hoping that Heyward rebounds and if that’s the case, I’d much rather have Martin Prado hopefully healthy who is an excellent bat when healthy and not being screwed around with than Seth Smith.
Martin Prado is an infielder no doubt. He’s a 2nd basement honestly, but the Braves did that to themselves. Don’t throw a way an opportunity to save money with Seth freaking Smith.
Prado is much more valuable than a money saving chunk and a maybe outfielder.
With Prado you have much more of a chance.
Not worried about Fielder in Washington really. It will take him time to adjust anyway. I bet the Braves Ticket Office is doing flips though.
David O'Brien
January 3rd, 2012
3:45 pm
RC, thank you (2:22 p.m.)
Ward
January 3rd, 2012
3:46 pm
DOB-The Grey is coming out with Liam Neeson. Looks like that would be a good one too.
Arkansas Transplant
January 3rd, 2012
3:46 pm
Buster Olney, yes but the Braves aren’t playing.
David O'Brien
January 3rd, 2012
3:46 pm
DOB doesn’t have a HOF ballot. The AJC doesn’t allow their writers to vote. — Chris from the Rock
Actually, I have a ballot. It’s sitting right here in front of me on my desk, in fact. Eighth year I’ve received one. But you’re correct, we (AJC beat writers) are not permitted to vote.
David O'Brien
January 3rd, 2012
3:48 pm
TennesseePaul: Love that Santogold album; it was on my list in 2009. Don’t have the other two you mentioned, nor have I heard them.
ncscoots
January 3rd, 2012
3:49 pm
They have pitching, but not enough offense.
And as putrid on offense as the Braves might have been last year, they still scored more runs than either of the blog’s current darlings, Nats and Marlins. But tons of head-hangers here are ready to believe that all will go right with those teams while nothing will go right with the team for which they ostensibly cheer, hence Braves are doomed to failure. Go figure.
There are many more question marks on the two teams that so many posters here are ready to anoint than are on the Braves. Unless, of course, you view everything through the grey-colored glasses of the “realists” who so cower in abject fear of being thought a “homer” that they couldn’t see reality if it came up and made acquaintance with their jawlines.
Beautiful day in Miami, making me a little feisty, I guess.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
3:49 pm
DOB, saw that you retweeted this link from the Nats reporter: http://www.natsinsider.com/2012/01/looking-at-future-payrolls.html
Exactly why I was saying before that while the Braves may have in excess of $40 million to spend next year, doesn’t mean they will dump it all on free agents. They have plenty of core, young players that will need to be locked up or paid through arbitration. Nats will go through the same thing, as many teams with multiple talented young players have to go through.
74bravesjersey
January 3rd, 2012
3:52 pm
Yeah, I’m frantic, sorry fella’s my medicine driving me nuts. I’ll go to a happy place & calm downZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
PD
January 3rd, 2012
3:52 pm
ncscoots love the “head hangers” label and how fitting for the “We Are Doomed Crowd”
Hillbilly
January 3rd, 2012
3:53 pm
Welcome back scoots. Nevermind the fact that the Marlins finished 30 games back last year and the Nats were 21.5 out. It’s not like they were one or two pieces away from a pennant. They’ll both be better, no doubt, but damn…those CBIs are humming like Stevie Ray Vaughn’s amplifier.
ncscoots
January 3rd, 2012
3:53 pm
PD, those are the guys who never ask out the girl, because they’re always afraid she’ll say “no”.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
3:53 pm
However, I do see the Braves getting one key free agent next offseason.
Efrim
January 3rd, 2012
3:55 pm
The Nats could sign Fielder and I’d still think our Braves were beating them out in 2012. Marlins too. It’s the following years that scare me.
RC
January 3rd, 2012
3:55 pm
DOB, not sure you are even allowed to express your opinion on it, but if you can tell us, who would you vote for on the HOF ballot this year?
Jimmy
January 3rd, 2012
3:56 pm
DOB, well that’s like not having one..if you can’t use it. Like the Dawgs running game.
But, if that is the AJC policy.
LawDawg
January 3rd, 2012
3:57 pm
I will go on record as saying that if the owner of the team raised the payroll to $130 million, I would even accept a genocidal warlord as team owner. I would rather have Idi Amin as owner than Liberty f-in Media.