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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,215 comments Add your comment
kenhotlanta
January 16th, 2012
12:14 am
BAS:
Your squeeze Charlize looked amazingly hot on the Golden Globes tonight, and she was showing her golden globes!
Efrim:
Isn’t Jessica Alba your girl? She looked very hot, too.
MIBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
12:18 am
So what is this “Midnight in Paris” movie about? It sort of looked like someone time travelled back to 20s’ Paris when some very good American writers were there after WWI.
MIBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
12:29 am
I’m not being snarky – I didn’t know. Clearly I don’t read the blog as much as I should. That is a movie I would love to see.
keylargo
January 16th, 2012
12:43 am
So what is this “Midnight in Paris” movie about? It sort of looked like someone time travelled back to 20s’
I love it when someone mentions a good movie I’ve never seen and I look it up on Netflix and can add it to my queue. I like it even better when I can stream it instantly.
Thank MIBravesFan
jeffrey doo doo
January 16th, 2012
12:51 am
The blog movie?
jeffrey doo doo
January 16th, 2012
12:52 am
Starring Brad Pitt as Jeffrey D
MIBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
12:55 am
The artist formerly known as The Lion King?
Come on Jeffrey, you’re better than that!
TennBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
12:57 am
Venice Jim, Thanks for posting that Bruce clip. I am really looking forward to his new album. I hear Willie Nile (who is in the clip you posted) is providing backing vocals on the first single.
kenhotlanta
January 16th, 2012
1:06 am
Wow, Willie Nile. Haven’t heard his name in years, will have to check that out.
kenhotlanta
January 16th, 2012
1:09 am
Re Golden Globes:
I would have to take Sofia Vergara home tonight. Just sayin’.
MIBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
2:05 am
I’m letting that stand as the last post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22eIJDtKho
MIBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
2:07 am
not
MIBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
2:37 am
And then there is this –
http://music.yahoo.com/videos/BruceSpringsteenTheEStreetBand/The-Ghost-Of-Tom-Joad–184521875
MIBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
2:38 am
Come on Wayne, where are you?
MIBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
2:45 am
Geesh, I’ve become Ward . . . .
MIBravesFan
January 16th, 2012
2:51 am
Well since I have a platform – I’m thrilled we have kept Martin and JJ. I think both will have great seasons for the Braves! Trade JJ after 2012, by all means, but don’t trade him on the cheap now. And I don’t want to see Martin traded, ever.
Mitchie-sand
January 16th, 2012
5:04 am
Worst. Offseason. Ever.
Boring…
interested bystanderss
January 16th, 2012
7:56 am
Is the blog asleep
interested bystanderss
January 16th, 2012
7:58 am
Must be
old man
January 16th, 2012
8:00 am
I’m here.
Efrim
January 16th, 2012
8:00 am
I’m not so sure about next winter having all that many Braves transactions Efrim, we’ll see I guess.
nolie, I don’t think there will be more than one big free agent signing. But there has to be some movement given that there is only 34 million in guaranteed contracts. Not to mention our entire bench will be free agents. I think there will be a lot of player movement for us, but that doesn’t mean that we will be adding 2-3 major free agents. They won’t do that. Not with McCann’s extension looming and lots of young players scheduled to make money through arbitration.
CB
January 16th, 2012
8:21 am
If I see another Jennifer Hudson commercial….
old man
January 16th, 2012
8:32 am
I just ran a little spreadsheet on our current “starting seven”–not counting SS because we have a new player there, and putting Prado in LF. I used fangraphs projections, showing Fan projections, and then looking separately at “Other Fans,” which I presume is fans identifying themselves as fans of other teams, not the Braves. I compared these to actual 2011 numbers for these players, and used only WAR, which I know can be misleading as to any single player, but when you look at a group I think tends to be more accurate.
For 2011, the combined WAR of these 7 was 17.3. The overall Fan projection for 2012 is 25.7. The 2012 projection by non-Braves fans is 24.0.
This last number, in particular, give some cause for optimism. Only time will tell.
old man
January 16th, 2012
8:37 am
I don’t see James, Marcel, Zips, or RotoChamps WAR projections, and maybe they just don’t do WAR projections, or they are not on fangraphs. If anyone has access to other 2012 WAR projections for these 7, pass them on, and I will add to the spreadsheet.
But the fan consensus seems to be some across the board offensive improvement. The only decrease was with Bourn, from 4.2 to 3.9 and 3.6.
Couch Tater
January 16th, 2012
8:53 am
If I see another Jennifer Hudson commercial….
1. …I will tell her to call Tommy Lasorda to get the long-term results of fad dieting.
2. …I will remind her, she still isn’t as skinny as her brother Tim.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 16th, 2012
8:54 am
Braves 2013 Offseason To-Do List
Free Agents
1. Bourn
2. Diaz
3. Ross
4. Hinske
Options
1. Chipper, $7mm vesting option (probably closer to $9mm with incentives)
2. McCann, $12mm team option (definitely picked up)
3. Hudson, $9mm team option (likely to be declined)
Arbitrations
1. Jair Jurrjens (3rd time)…trade likely
2. Martin Prado (3rd time)…extension candidate at $6-8mm/year
3. Eric O’Flaherty (3rd time)…extension candidate at $3-5mm/year
4. Tommy Hanson (1st time)…extension candidate at $8-10mm/year
5. Jason Heyward (1st time)…extension candidate at $6-8mm/year
6. Jonny Venters (1st time) …extension candidate at $5-7mm/year
7. Kris Medlen (1st time)…extension candidate at $2-4mm/year
That’s about $20mm in options and $30-42mm in potential extension/arbitration commitments, along with the other $13mm for Uggla’s contract. That’s a total of about $63-75mm, not including pre-arbitration contracts (you can probably anticipate about 10-12 at $0.5mm for those, or $5-6mm. So we’re talking about $70-80mm, without a bench or center fielder. Unless they increase payroll or somehow can free up another $10mm somewhere by declining options or trading players, I don’t see the Braves dabbling in the big-time free agents asking in the $20mm/year range, i.e. Hamilton or similar. It will be a busy offseason for the Braves, but focused mainly on decisions regarding players already on the roster.
JRW
January 16th, 2012
8:59 am
In 2006 the Giants lost to an unbeaten N.E. in the regular season 38-35 and then beat them in the post season.
In 2011 the Giants lost to an unbeaten G.B. in the regular season 38-35 and then beat them in the post season.
Coincidence or destiny?
interested bystanderss
January 16th, 2012
9:00 am
Two men shot at applebees for cheering for the 49ers by an irate saints fan.
Lew
January 16th, 2012
9:01 am
Lemkes -Seems doubtful to me that they will extend anyone who is first time arbitration eligible.
Ray
January 16th, 2012
9:02 am
Unless I am missing something. I don’t see a lot of money available next year for FA’s. I see maybe around 12-16m being available. I just don’t see the 20-30m that some are projecting as being available.
interested bystanderss
January 16th, 2012
9:03 am
The falcons pick up help fr
Lew
January 16th, 2012
9:04 am
In fact, I’d cut off at least $11-12 mil from your projections of Hanson, Heyward, Venters and Medlen – if not a few million more. If they only can get $2-3 mil as first time arb eligible, the Braves will NOT extend them at as much as $6 – $8 mil each.
JRW
January 16th, 2012
9:04 am
Moe Berg – Okay, favorite Meryl Streep role? I think that ‘Death Becomes Her’ has to be my least favorite. Probably ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ or ‘Out of Africa’ would be towards my top. But she really is just exquisite in almost everything.
——————————————————————————————————
I agree with the worst roll. But I think her best rolls would be Silkwood and Sophie’s Choice.
Lew
January 16th, 2012
9:08 am
Ray – We no longer pay the $10 mil we pay Lowe. Chipper likely either retires or his option is at $7 mil – that’s a $7- 14 mil savings. Bourn will make $7 mil this year – that’s $24 – 31 mil in savings right there. Another $9 if Hudson’s option is declined.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 16th, 2012
9:21 am
Lew…”Lemkes -Seems doubtful to me that they will extend anyone who is first time arbitration eligible.”
I know, what I meant with that is either extensions or one-year deal, either way the dollar amounts should be reasonable to get all those players under contract.
Lew
January 16th, 2012
9:26 am
Lemkes – I don’t know about that. I’d say that in first year eligible arb, Heyward makes around $3 mil, Venters make $1.5, Hanson makes $3 and Medlen $2 mil. – that’s a total of $9.5 mil (maybe boost it another 1-2 mil) – far cry from $5-8 mil
DAP
January 16th, 2012
9:26 am
coach David Ross, Eric Hinske and Jack Wilson are penciled into the Braves bench. Two bench spots are still open.
make that one. Matt Diaz has a bench spot.
Lew
January 16th, 2012
9:26 am
Excuse me – $5-8 mil EACH.
Ray
January 16th, 2012
9:30 am
Lew, thanks. Braves will need to spend for a bench. Some of those may be filled from the guys that are in the minors this year. Just don’t expect the Braves to sign a FA to a 5+ yr contract. 3-4 yrs yes but not to a long term deal.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 16th, 2012
9:32 am
DAP , nah. I wouldn’t count Diaz just yet.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 16th, 2012
9:38 am
Tim Hudson is going to be the Braves “ACE” this season, and you heard from yours truly first
Lew
January 16th, 2012
9:55 am
Ray – I don’t knwo about that. I’m betting – like Efrim has said – that they will spend and get one big pirece, probably an outfielder. Aside from bench and the like, that’s all we will really need – especially if Heyward and Prado return to form.
DAP
January 16th, 2012
9:55 am
lemke’s knuckler 3. Hudson, $9mm team option (likely to be declined)
what makes you say this? if i had to guess, id say it gets picked up.
DAP
January 16th, 2012
9:58 am
coach, you think diaz is getting released or traded?
Ray
January 16th, 2012
9:59 am
I think IF Hudson has a healthy and typical Hudson performance, his option will be picked up. If he struggles or has a few set backs due to injuries and a couple of the young arms show they are ready then I don’t see it picked up.
DAP
January 16th, 2012
10:08 am
have we already talked about the gio gonzalez extension? what do y’all think? good/great move for the nats?
personally, i think they are looking like a very solid team at the moment.
Murph
January 16th, 2012
10:19 am
The 3 year old is officially the 4 year old today! She woke up and 6:30am and was done opening her presents by 7:00am.
Her one question to me as she lay in a sea of torn wrapping paper with tape stuck in her hair… “Daddy, now that I’m 4… can I kick people harder than when I was 3?”
Ray
January 16th, 2012
10:33 am
DAP, I think its a slight gamble. My biggest thought is he is a nice pitcher, not a dominate pitcher. His walks have been troublesome as he has more walks over the last 2 seasons than anyone. I am thinking a middle to back end of a rotation type guy. The thing on his side though, he is young.
BravePack
January 16th, 2012
10:39 am
Alright Rodgers didn’t refuse to lose and did, I guess too many discount double-check commercials. Too long of a layoff and it showed to go along with a bad defense and all these factors were exactly what I was afraid of. Oh well they’ll be back next year hungrier than ever. Congrats to Giants and their fans as they played well and are rolling.
Back to Braves news…I saw DOB post a twitter link for the new jersey and didn’t see too many comments. I personally really like the jersey and if that truely is the new alternate I will definitely be getting one…maybe a Fab 5 Freddie. I like the old classic look and how they made it an off-white color. Thoughts?
I saw Ward post a rumor about Cody Ross…considering it’s Ward I naturally have doubts. Any truth to this?
keylargo
January 16th, 2012
10:41 am
Arbitrations
1. Jair Jurrjens (3rd time)…trade likely
2. Martin Prado (3rd time)…extension candidate at $6-8mm/year
3. Eric O’Flaherty (3rd time)…extension candidate at $3-5mm/year
4. Tommy Hanson (1st time)…extension candidate at $8-10mm/year
5. Jason Heyward (1st time)…extension candidate at $6-8mm/yearArbitrations
1. Jair Jurrjens (3rd time)…trade likely
2. Martin Prado (3rd time)…extension candidate at $6-8mm/year
3. Eric O’Flaherty (3rd time)…extension candidate at $3-5mm/year
4. Tommy Hanson (1st time)…extension candidate at $8-10mm/year
5. Jason Heyward (1st time)…extension candidate at $6-8mm/year
Every time I see Jason H and Tommy H grouped together in service time, I wonder why we had to rush Heyward to the Majors instead of starting him at Gwinnett like they did with Hanson. Both will be 1st year Arb Eligible in 2013 only Hanson has almost 4 years of time and Heyward 3 years.
This is going to hurt the Braves team before it’s over.
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2012
10:43 am
lemke’s knuckler: Hudson, $9mm team option (likely to be declined)
what makes you say this? if i had to guess, id say it gets picked up. — DAP
I agree with DAP. I can’t see Braves declining a $9 mill option on Hudson if he’s healthy. He’s consistent at 215-plus innings, 32-35 starts, 15-17 wins. For a veteran pitcher and clubhouse leader who produces those kinds of numbers, $9 mill is a relative bargain in today’s game.
Ray
January 16th, 2012
10:46 am
no truths to it. Yes I like the new jersey with the cream color. Old old school.
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2012
10:49 am
Ray – We no longer pay the $10 mil we pay Lowe. Chipper likely either retires or his option is at $7 mil. — Lew
Chipper’s 2013 option vests at $9 million with 123 games played in ‘12, and increases by $1 million each for 128, 133, 138 and 140 games played. In other words, if he plays, say, 133 games, the option would be guaranteed at $11 million.
Venice Jim
January 16th, 2012
10:49 am
Thanks, BravePack! Sorry your guys had such a rough day…
Lew
January 16th, 2012
10:53 am
DOB – I was going on the figures Lemke’s Knucler posted.
Yes, that could make a difference, but although he’s been my favorite player for a decade and a half, I’m thinking this may well be Chipper’s last year. He really looked like he was in extreme pain th end of last season and from the interview, it sounds like he’s going to have a hard time making the qualifiers.
Been wrong before though and nothing would please me more than for him to win the Comeback Player of the Year and come back aain in 2013.
keylargo
January 16th, 2012
10:53 am
Chipper’s 2013 option vests at $9 million with 123 games played in ‘12, and increases by $1 million each for 128, 133, 138 and 140 games played
I don’t care how many millions you’ve made, $200,000 a game could make you forget a lot of aches and pains.
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
10:55 am
Matt Ryan known as “Matty Ice”, because in the post season he freezes.
DAP
January 16th, 2012
10:55 am
the new alternate jersey is ok, not great. i dont like it as much as the navy or the red jerseys. i wouldnt mind seeing a similar style, but on grey, like these:
http://www.brave-jerseys.com/images/new-products/Atlanta%20%20Braves%2030%20grey%20jerseys.jpg
DAM
January 16th, 2012
10:57 am
I like the new cream-colored unis, but I wish they were not going to be used as an alternate to the white unis. It would be best if they could/would use those as the road alternate instead of the navy blue. I can’t stand the navy blue ones; the simple gray road unis are so much better.
Now I’m afraid that they’ll wind up wearing the cream-colored unis at home and the blue unis on the road way too much, and we’ll never get to see the white and gray ones.
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
10:59 am
I haven’t seen the new uniforms. Can someone post a link, if not already posted? I will go back on previous pages to see if it was.
DAP
January 16th, 2012
11:01 am
here it is joe: http://www.sportslogos.net/blog/2012/01/15/braves-new-2012-throwback-alt-leaked/
DAM
January 16th, 2012
11:02 am
http://www.sportslogos.net/blog/2012/01/15/braves-new-2012-throwback-alt-leaked/
Murph
January 16th, 2012
11:02 am
If the new alternate jersey pants are high socks/cuffed and kinda baggy, now that’ll be cool. A true throwback uni.
I have a couple of copies of this great baseball uniform book that I picked up while creating jerseys for our game a long time ago (http://www.amazon.com/Baseball-uniforms-20th-century-official/dp/0806984902). I have one that I used and the other is brand new… I could probably sell the brand new one for $300 on ebay, but I’m going to as it’s so freakin’ awesome that I can’t part with it.
DAM
January 16th, 2012
11:03 am
Our screen names, or whatever you want to call them, are really similar, DAP. Sorry if that ever causes confusion.
interested bystanderss
January 16th, 2012
11:04 am
Jacksonville. What. Jacksonville. U joking
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
11:12 am
Thanks DAP and DAM. They need the screaming Indian on the sleeve instead of the tomahawks, though.
BravePack
January 16th, 2012
11:16 am
I agree Joe I would’ve liked to see the Indian head on the sleeve as well but the tomahawks are pretty cool to though…something different.
Murph
January 16th, 2012
11:17 am
I’m pretty sure the screaming indian is not PC enough for use in a modern-day uniform.
Lollygagger
January 16th, 2012
11:17 am
not a huge fan of new alt uni. It’s a little plain and I wish they had kept the tomahawk on front. Never been a fan of script lettering, either. Oh well, I know I’m in the minority with that thinking on new alts, though. Also, I wish they’d do a “modernization” of the 74 home unis the Braves wore during Hank Aaron’s record-breaking season. Love those, the white chest with blue sleeves is a nice look. At least I think so.
Efrim
January 16th, 2012
11:18 am
I don’t care how many millions you’ve made, $200,000 a game could make you forget a lot of aches and pains.
Agreed. Despite the interview that was posted, I think Chipper could end up playing in around 130 games – pinch hitting is a game appearance. And if his option is guaranteed at 11 million, that has to add some extra incentive to give it one more go. The guy is only human and I wouldn’t fault him for those extra dollars swaying him a bit. Obviously if he plays in 123 games, he had to of remained relatively healthy.
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
11:18 am
The old Boston Brave Indian was pretty cool, with the feathers, as well. I guess our logo was considered offensive by some, even though there are teams that I see as more offensive than the Braves logos.
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
11:20 am
But the Indians logo is, Murph!
DAP
January 16th, 2012
11:21 am
joe They need the screaming Indian on the sleeve instead of the tomahawks, though.
yup.
Ray
January 16th, 2012
11:22 am
I don’t care how many millions you’ve made, $200,000 a game could make you forget a lot of aches and pains.
you are correct. However as a baseball player, the injuries/aches and pains to the feet, knees, and hands make it very difficult to perform at a high level.
Murph
January 16th, 2012
11:22 am
My favorite Braves’ unis are the baby blues with the enlarged lower-case A… those were great.
DAP
January 16th, 2012
11:23 am
lollygagger Love those, the white chest with blue sleeves is a nice look. At least I think so.
yes, i like those.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 16th, 2012
11:24 am
I was hoping we would get Black home unis…I’m not a fan of the new Alternative uni….
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
11:24 am
The ones that looked like soft ball unis, Murph? I wasn’t too fond of those, but they were better looking than our current Sunday reds or our road blues.
Murph
January 16th, 2012
11:26 am
Yeah, I know Jim… but that’s their primary logo, and it was introduced a while ago. If the Braves were to introduce a screaming indian logo to their unis again after this much time without one I can guarantee there would be some uproar. Probably not enough to really get much attention, but enough to make the Braves public relations team cringe.
Murph
January 16th, 2012
11:27 am
Sorry, I meant Joe, not Jim.
I guess it’s nostalgia, but I’ve always been a fan of the baby blues.
DAM
January 16th, 2012
11:29 am
Agreed, the baby blues are great, but the current road navy blue alternates are terrible, IMO.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 16th, 2012
11:31 am
They Should make the new Alt uni’s Sleeveless…
I wasn’t a Fan of the Road Blue Unis until I saw them in Person at Dicks Sporting goods, Those Blue Uni’s are Clean!
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
11:31 am
No problem, Murph! I think most real Braves fans like the ol’ Screaming Indian or the Indian with the head dress. Ours was actually respect to the Natives, making them look like Warriors, unlike Cleveland, making them look like a cartoon character. If I were ever lucky enough to get a job as the Braves uniform person, I’d bring back the Indian.
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
11:32 am
or at the very least, attempt.
Murph
January 16th, 2012
11:36 am
If I were in charge of uniforms then I’d make the new alternates out of real buffalo hide and the Braves logo would be crafted from turquoise beads. And I’d add a scalp to the tomahawk.
A little subliminal intimidation never hurt.
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2012
11:38 am
I was hoping we would get Black home unis… — Tomahawkin
Yes, because there’s nothing more practical than a black uniform in the blinding sun on an oppressively hot, humid day at Turner Field.
Lollygagger
January 16th, 2012
11:43 am
DOB
Maybe the black unis could be a “night game alt uni” ???
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
11:44 am
Black wool uniforms.
David O'Brien
January 16th, 2012
11:53 am
I think they’ll officially unveil the new uniforms sometime next week, in conjunction with the start of the Braves caravan.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 16th, 2012
11:54 am
@D.O.B.
Good Point…I didn’t even think of how hot those things would be in the middle of the heat and humidity especially on the Concrete in the Summer…
I can’t stand it when Its Hot as balls outside If I’m not at the Lake…Hence the reason as to why I normally Don’t go to games After Memorial day….
DS1
January 16th, 2012
11:59 am
In the middle of the summer, when it’s hot and humid, why don’t the teams flip a coin for shirts and skins?
Lew
January 16th, 2012
12:08 pm
Just got a message from our good Buddy Gil in Mechanicsville – He has had an un-enviable experience – a 2 hr. operation turned into seven hours and a thirty day stay in the hospital. Lots of work ahead of him to recover from what should have been routine back surgery.
Just goes to show that you never know and anything simple can turn complex at the whim of fate.
flange1
January 16th, 2012
12:10 pm
Lew,
Thanks for the heads up!
Best wishes to Gil in Mechanicsville! Get better SOON!
Lew
January 16th, 2012
12:10 pm
Shirts and skins? In that case, I really hope the Nats don’t get Prince Fielder. Think of how THAT could affect attendance.
Moe Berg
January 16th, 2012
12:11 pm
In the middle of the summer, when it’s hot and humid, why don’t the teams flip a coin for shirts and skins?
I think there is the seldom-invoked ‘Terry Forster Rule’ that prohibits such shedding of tops.
Hillbilly
January 16th, 2012
12:14 pm
Lew, tell that old goat, Gil, that Hillbilly’s pulling for him.
DOB, on the topic of alternate uniforms: When are they planning on using them? Road games per the starting pitcher’s choice like the Blues were? If the one you linked to is in fact it, I’d love to see those in place of the road blues.
Hillbilly
January 16th, 2012
12:15 pm
Nevermind, I see that it’s the home Alt-uniform.
Lollygagger
January 16th, 2012
12:16 pm
How about a new tank top and gym shorts alt uni for those shot summer days?
Joe (Skyrim fan)
January 16th, 2012
12:18 pm
I’m kind of excited about the new uniforms, minus the Tomahawks on the sleeve.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 16th, 2012
12:20 pm
Those Navy Blue Road Uni’s are Clean! If they weren’t so expensive I’d Buy more of them…