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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,216 comments Add your comment
cricket
January 11th, 2012
1:29 am
Has cab bought her niners tickets yet?
http://sports.yahoo.com/video/player/nfl/27839517#nfl/27839517
Mitchell
January 11th, 2012
1:30 am
I don’t think I meant to put a question mark at the end of that first sentence.
That was bush league.
I’m demoting myself.
DS1
January 11th, 2012
1:47 am
Mitchell
We have a pretty good team. Actually, it could be just an OK team or a very, very good team.
That is what makes this game so great. Each year if your team is pretty good, there is reason for optimism. I realize that you are the sort that is driven that your team needs to be in top form every year. I have loved the good times, and survived the tough times since the mid 60’s.
Ya just gotta focus on the hope of each season, and not get too hung up on a guarantee of a World Series every year.
Look at 6 of the last 11 winners. (I’m not going to list them all, you can look it up). But 6 winners in the past 11 years were NOT the best team in baseball that year, and for the most part not one of the best 5-6 teams for those years. But they got lucky on some issues and they got hot at the right time.
Knowing that my team has the horses to be in the mix is enough for me to enjoy the year. That’s why I stay optimistic even through the tough times. Because I know that we could get hot and win it all. The teams with a boat load more money than we have will qualify more frequently than others. Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies stand out as those teams. I think these teams have won the other 5 series out of the past 11 years.
But look at all the warts the Giants had in 2010 and they won it all. We were heading in that direction, then the sky fell in with injuries and squashed us. As disappointed as I was then (and last year in September), I still enjoyed the ride. In the Cincy game on a Friday evening in 2010 when Brooks Conrad hit the homer to bring us back to victory from the depths of hell, I was driving along southern Utah in the middle of nowhere. I was so pumped, I had to pull over and walk around the truck 2-3 times pumping my fist and yelling “YES!, YES!, YES!”
You just can’t hang all your emotions on winning every year.
Does that make sense?
DS1
January 11th, 2012
1:56 am
We had a darned fun time tonight at the Jazz-Cavalier bball game. Jazz won by 8 points. Our team has a very good mix of good players, with no real super stars. And we have won 5 in a row. And it’s due to 2-3 items. Playing unselfish ball; passing the ball around a LOT. Playing tough defense. And hustling consistently on the court.
Our second year man, Gordan Hayward only scored 5 points, but dished out 8 assists as the small forward. Just a total team game. Lots of fun. Kyrie Irving looks like the real deal, but he seems to be more of a Chris Paul (shoot first) than a John Stockton (pass first) point guard. But the kid does have some serious skills.
Ms DS1 went and one of the friends we took caught a squishy Jazz ball during one of the time outs and gave it to her. She put it out there on her face book. As a dad of 3 sons, it’s so heartwarming to me when my sons and their friends go nuts over everybody’s “mom” at these games. “Mom, you want some nachos?” “Mom, we’re going to get you a souvenier!”
Fun night at the arena four shore.
DS1
January 11th, 2012
1:58 am
and kudo’s to Barry Larkin. One of the real class acts in baseball in my times. Congrats Barry!
DS1
January 11th, 2012
2:03 am
And bad mechanics or not, I still think Hanson is the pitcher that could potentially anchor this rotation for the next 5-10 years. Much more so than Jurrjens. And the jury is still out on the other youngsters, though I love the potential of Beachy.
Damn, I love this game!
DS1
January 11th, 2012
2:05 am
And it would seem that I am talking to myself……………..
Self, how the heck are you?
Well, I’m not so bad tonight. Took two of those good pain pills and I’m bordering on flying high right about now. Heck, I even was nice to my buddy Mitchell!”
Wow, Self, you really ARE feeling good tonight, huh!
You got that one right!
cricket
January 11th, 2012
2:27 am
Ha..DS1 dominating the blog only because Coach is not here..
Ward
January 11th, 2012
2:28 am
Hello everyone! another 2 tears nof Bud S. as commisoner. BS!!!!!!!!!!!Man that really sucks!Found out tonight about that. Missed the post earlier.What a pathetic cancer for baseball. It’s like Baseball robbed us fans.How baseball allowed this is unreal………
Ward
January 11th, 2012
2:30 am
2tears,and 2more sad years of Bud S……….
DS1
January 11th, 2012
2:36 am
Personally, I don’t think the commissioner is worth 20+ million per year. But I also don’t think he has a lot to do with my enjoyment of the game.
How are you folks doing tonight?
Personally, I think the pain pills are not going to allow me to stay up much longer. I’m falling asleep at the keyboard.
Ward
January 11th, 2012
2:42 am
DS1- Just had to throw what feel out there about Bud S. Hasn’t done much to help our ball club with T.V. Actually took TBS away from the Braves.Anyway I’m doing good,and waiting to see what Wren does?
DS1
January 11th, 2012
2:45 am
G’nite folks……………
kenhotlanta
January 11th, 2012
2:53 am
Ward: just a suggestion, OK? Watch MLB Hot Stove Live and listen to their explanation of why Bud Selig has been very good for the game of Baseball. They have a chart showing the changes under his watch and it is very impressive. You might not like the man personally, but he has brought the game to a new level. His only downfall was not doing something about the steroids sooner. Just IMHO.
Bob
January 11th, 2012
2:55 am
Great interview, great comments and not much more I can add other than to confirm I sure don’t want to loose Prado either and will be thankful for Chipper as long as he feels he can contribute, thanks!
Ward
January 11th, 2012
3:08 am
Bud S. Who? Reds sign Ryan Madson to 1 year deal.
Ward
January 11th, 2012
3:19 am
Ryan Madson signed for 8.5 million a lot less then what the Phillies would’ve gave him.
Ward
January 11th, 2012
3:20 am
All have a good one! it’s been cool,and talk tomorrow. Peace……….
Couch Tater
January 11th, 2012
5:42 am
I like the idea, but can we afford it?
A friendly reminder of what a playoff game is worth…
documents indicate home playoff games can be worth in excess of $2 million each.
http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2010/09/27/story1.html?b=1285560000%255e3988401
Couch Tater
January 11th, 2012
6:07 am
yelling “YES!, YES!, YES!”
My comments for this section have been turned “off “.
NickB
January 11th, 2012
6:10 am
Well, they offered him(Selig) a 2 yr extension. Still no word. that he’s accepted it yet… Frankly I don’t think it matters that much.
In other news…. I’m diggin the idea of Izturis and Ross and lets play ball.
Shakey
January 11th, 2012
6:59 am
Thanks, Carroll. You’re absolutely the best.
Couch Tater
January 11th, 2012
7:07 am
Just had to throw what feel out there about Bud S. Hasn’t done much to help our ball club with T.V. Actually took TBS away from the Braves.
Why would anyone in Atlanta agree to dump nationwide coverage of TBS? That’s what built the fan base, right?
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
8:12 am
I need to correct something I posted the other day. I thought I had read that the expanded wild card format would start in 2013 when the Astros move to the AL.
However, I read this morning at ESPN.com that the owners and Bud are meeting today to discuss (among other things) starting the two wild card system this season.
So, sorry for the misinformation I posted.
Jake
January 11th, 2012
8:29 am
Bobby Cox once said that Chipper never made a mental mistake in a ball game and that he knew the game better then any player that he had managed. All a person had to do was read this interview and you can see that Cox was right. There are many great ball players in all sports but they do not know the game. Chipper knows and understands the game.
nolie
January 11th, 2012
8:29 am
unfortunately Tater, they need to have the money to pay the players B4 they get into the playoffs, and of course there is no guarantee that they will even do that.
nolie
January 11th, 2012
8:31 am
laws about what constituted a super station changed IIRC
Ray
January 11th, 2012
8:34 am
Selig is not charismatic by any means. However the things he has done to promote the great game of baseball and the changes he made have been a huge asset. Has he been perfect, by no means. But I will admit when he first introduced the wild card, I was all on board. The benefits were evident. The new addition of the wildcard, I like the idea. We can blame the steroid era on him but not sure if any commissioner would have done anything about it.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
8:39 am
That’s a great deal for the Reds. Madson goes back out on the market next winter with K-Rod being the only other closer option. Both of them should get paid then.
TaylorVol
January 11th, 2012
8:40 am
Chipper aka Hoss, true Braves fans (this one started watching Braves on TBS in the late 70s) will always love and support you as one of the greatest to ever put on a Braves uniform. Think about it, Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Greg Maddox, etc. and only Chipper will retire as a Brave for Life. Awesome stuff from a great player, unbelievable competitor, and born leader. Chipper, let’s go out with a World Series, as the team will rally around you in your potential “last lap” around the majors.
Braveone
January 11th, 2012
8:40 am
From the previous blog which had 4,712 comments, Efrim led the way with 429 posts. There were 322 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Efrim 429
2 nolie 228
3 DS1 220
4 Bat Masterson 197
5 cabravesfan 170
6 Arkansas Transplant 139
7 ChattTownBrian (CTB) 119
8 Ray 119
9 VaBravesFan 115
10 Sopheee 106
11 Ward 96
12 richbrave 85
13 raleighbravefan 81
14 Lew 79
15 Venice Jim 74
16 TennesseePaul 72
17 David O’Brien 69
18 Tom O’Hawke 69
19 brian 66
20 P’cola Brave 64
21 jeffrey d 64
22 uga-brave 63
23 DAP 62
24 keylargo 61
25 PD 52
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
8:40 am
Fielder, Pena, Ross, Kuroda, Jackson, Oswalt, Cordero left on the market. Oh, yeah, and Casey Kotchman too.
flange1
January 11th, 2012
8:41 am
Gotta like what the Reds have done this off season. Adding Marshall, Latos and Madson will surely give them a good shot to win the Central in 2012.
I think the cards will respond by signing Oswalt and trading for a RH set up guy.
Those teams should be fun to watch in 2012.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 11th, 2012
8:41 am
Izturis makes a little over 3 mill. Not convinced they’d pay a backup that much either,nolie. Sounds off for the Braves to do that unless they’d get him to start. Pastornicky is cheaper though. They love cheap. Probably eyeing him to start beginning the season. Annoys the sh** out of me, especially when you’re not even sure this kid can play MLB caliber SS. Whatever, let’s wait some more and see what happens.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
8:47 am
Baseball America: Chicago White Sox Top 10 prospects
1. Addison Reed, rhp
2. Nestor Molina, rhp
3. Simon Castro, rhp
4. Trayce Thompson, of
5. Jake Petricka, rhp
6. Keenyn Walker, of
7. Jhan Marinez, rhp
8. Tyler Saladino, ss
9. Juan Silverio, 3b
10. Ozzie Martinez, ss
We have a winner for the worst farm system in the sport….by far.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 11th, 2012
8:48 am
I think the reason they were maybe fielding offers for Prado this winter was because they wanted a LF who has more thump which would leave Prado as the backup utility guy again. They sure as hell weren’t paying him 5 mill to back players up. Pretty sure they’d love to get a LF who can hit a few more homers AND to keep Martin, but money constraints wouldn’t allow it.
That is really sad if you think about it.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
8:51 am
flange1, I think the Cards end up with Oswalt too. One year deal. With Wainwright coming off TJ surgery, they could use another starter. Lohse and Westbrook aren’t very good either.
Ray
January 11th, 2012
8:56 am
Wonder what the Brewer and the Cardinals fans are saying since the Reds are the ones that are making the biggest moves in their division. Madson signing for 1 yr. IF its true that there was a 3 or 4 yr deal, then Boras overplayed his hand with Madson and had to somewhat settle for a 1 yr deal.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
9:00 am
Scott Proctor signed a contract with the Doosan Bears of the Korean Baseball Organization.
Makes sense.
Fish Bisch
January 11th, 2012
9:03 am
Chipper is a looser. He should retire so we can have Prado at 3rd.
Patio Daddio
January 11th, 2012
9:04 am
Elvis Andrus had error seasons of 32, 31, and 32 in his 3 full seasons in the minors and improved to 22 errors in his rookie season.
Division Titles!
January 11th, 2012
9:05 am
Random- your stats say nothing about “clutch” hitting. Name a few postseason spots where Chipper won a game with a clutch hit or play. That’s the issue at hand. In addition, he has 47 RBIs in 11 seasons reaching the postseason and most of those years included multiple rounds. Not too impressive.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
9:07 am
“Izturis makes a little over 3 mill. Not convinced they’d pay a backup that much either,nolie.”
I wouldn’t count on that. If the Braves had a proven shortstop already in place, then I agree there’s no way they pay a backup $3mm. But I can see them paying a little extra for someone that can handle starting, just in case Pastornicky doesn’t work out. They paid Infante $2.3mm in 2010 to be a backup in a similar role.
I think it’d be a great pickup and I’d even be fine with Izturis starting at shortstop. But honestly, I think Pastornicky is going to surprise everyone.
flange1
January 11th, 2012
9:08 am
Aslo don’t understand why the Mariners are in on Prince. They are WAY far away from contending (even with King Felix and M. Pineda).
Makes much more sense for the Nats, Marlin or Rangers IMHO.
DS1
January 11th, 2012
9:14 am
Does anybody else think that Prince might be hoping that Milwaukee might make him a decent offer?
Nothing personal against Fielder, but for the sake of Scott Boras, I hope most teams show restraint with their offers to him.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
9:14 am
A Fish sighting?
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
9:15 am
Gammons on hot stove tonight discussed the Braves. Says the Braves will probably head to spring w/ team they have. Very unlikely that Prado gets moved, reiterated that teams are weary of Jurrjens knee. Said Braves will have to go into season believing in the strong pitching. If Jurrjens has strong spring he could possibly be moved, though I find this very unlikely.
I think it’s a mix of team’s being weary of Jurrjens knee, and them not happy with the current price of Jair. I think it could change in a day. That said, I’d say it’s pretty likely that he’s on our opening day roster.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
9:16 am
I expected Fielder to sign by now. Pretty surprised he has not inked a deal. Of course, I’m pretty surprised that Kuroda, Oswalt, Jackson and Saunders are still out on the market.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
9:17 am
“which would leave Prado as the backup utility guy again”
Can we please just give up on this idea? Prado is a quality major league player that any team would love to have in their starting lineup. And to be perfectly honest, he already is backup utility guy…and a starter all at the same time. So if you really want to analyze it, he’s doing the work of two roster spots, at a bargain price of about $5mm.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
9:20 am
Fish – I guess you meant “loser”, not looser. I don’t know how loose he is, but anyone who says he is a loser is the real loser…and it pains me to say that, because I like you. Facts are facts.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
9:21 am
I’ve said it before already…….
Teams are extremely reluctant to dole out anything beyond five or six years for Prince Fielder. But as always some idiot GM will sign Prince to an eight or nine year contract, then watch the guy disappear in his mid thirties just like Cecil Fielder.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
9:21 am
A friend of mine is a Detroit Tiger fan. And out of all of the players they have had in the past decade, the one guy he said he never understood why they let him go was Placido Polanco. I think Prado and Polanco are very similar players, and likewise I think Prado is one of those guys you’ll only appreciate after he’s gone.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
9:21 am
Of the names out there, Fielder is the impact player.
I’m guessing either the Marlins or Nats.
If I were him, I’d go back to the Brewers for 2 year contract, then hit the market again. Puljos muddied the water for him. Timing is everything.
Also, has a better chance to win now in Milwaukee.
Ease
January 11th, 2012
9:22 am
raleigh, looser is a blogerism, al la and idiot, maroon, pre-madonna, etc.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
9:24 am
raleighbravefan – That had to be a sarcastic remark from Fish.
Wasn’t it?
Or, is that the real Fish Bisch?
Lew
January 11th, 2012
9:28 am
Lemkes – I already appreciate him and if Chipper’s comments at the top of the blog are to be beleived, so do the Braves’ players.
I think a lot of the action on him this winter has been rumor. I think that what happened – just like at the trade deadline with putting the entire team on waivers to see what offers are made.
Wren found out that there was considerable interest, but never got anywhere close to an equitable deal – (though I’m not comparing the two as players) just like the Red Sox and Ellsbury last winter – everyone thought they could steal him because he was injured the porevious year.
Obviosuly Wren didn’t find anywhere near an equitable deal and pulled him off the market.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
9:30 am
This club is freakin’ solid people. The only area I have any concern about is the infield defense, and that’s mostly because I’ve never seen how Pastornicky handles the glove. They have one of the deepest pitching staffs in baseball, the best collection of power bullpen arms and a lineup with All-Star caliber players 1-7. Not to mention they have some great veteran backups in Ross, Hinske and Diaz. Let’s just get this backup infielder inked and get to it.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
9:35 am
As far as I’m concerned, the only thing Selig has done right is the wild card. I can’t think of another thing that I like. Irealize that I am an old f@rt traditionalist (dinosaur), but I look at interleague play (worst idea ever), handling of allstar games (and rediculous idea of making winner host of WS), max promation of “the long ball” (not really good for the game) which was the reason for ignoring the steroid problem, dismantling of the Braves on TBS to appease Fox (another abomination in itself, the way they cover baseball) and almighty ESPN (as well as some owners), start times for playoff games, which make it impossible for kids (and oldsters) to see the end,and now this new alignment which screws Houston, and will lead to widespread interleague play all season long (see opinion above). I also believe he will push for the DH rule in the NL…worst rule ever, and the reason I hate interleague play. BTW, they talk about the length of games, but have you ever watched an AL game?
Yes, I do realize that he is trying to appeal to the casual fans and increase ovedrall ionterest, but I believe it is creating a shallow following at the expesne of hardcore fans, but then, as I said, I’m an out-of touch old guy, and I’m not part of theirt marketing strategy.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
9:36 am
promation = promotion
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
9:38 am
Ease – Thanks for the clarification. I’ve got to believe it was either dripping with sarcasm, or not the real Fish Bisch.
richbrave
January 11th, 2012
9:39 am
Lemke’s knuckler:
Best possible scenerio there LK. Hope yopu’re right on ttghe money and don’t choke on the kool-aid.
Sopheee
January 11th, 2012
9:40 am
Fish is still devastated about the D-Lowe trade.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
9:40 am
Lew, I agree 100%. Most of the chatter was coming from the Rockies and Orioles people. The rumor mill is fun, but I can only tolerate it for a few weeks.
And I appreciate Prado also and I’m sure plenty of others do as well. I think mostly my comments were aimed at the people that still consider him a backup player. When he’s in his mid-30’s, he’ll be an excellent utility player. But the guy is in his prime and has produced at every level. And on top of that, he’s a perfect fit for this lineup hitting after Bourn. Dude is going to pepper the hole at 2B every time they hit-and-run with Bourn.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
9:41 am
Lew – I agree. The combination of no available viable option in LF + no reasonable offer for Prado means he is probably not being traded.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
9:41 am
Yea, our Braves are solid……..but so are the Nationals and Marlins.
People forget, the Nats finished one game under .500 last year. They have added Gio Gonzalez and Strasburg will anchor their rotation. Ryan Zimmerman had an off year while LaRoche was hurt.
So I’ll break it gently, the Nationals will win in 2012. but the Marlins are also likely to vastly improve upon their 72 wins in 2011. At worst the fish are a .500 baseball team on paper, at best they could be a wild card team.
We have competition folks, for second place and third.
richbrave
January 11th, 2012
9:42 am
raleighbravefan:
I know the family is a lot less intrigued about the pros than we were before the hard slots were instituted in the new CBA. The value of a good college degree just went up a bunch.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
9:42 am
Sopheee – I though it was AT who was mourning the loss of Lowe.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
9:43 am
raleighbravefan @9:35
I sign on too! Especially the DH rule.
My motto: “The National League – Where real men play real baseball!”
STRETCH
January 11th, 2012
9:44 am
raleigh,
I can see how this is a solid team with the addition of a backup SS. But has anyone heard anything else? Wasnt there mention of Macier Izturis?
And also, whats the bench going to look like besides Ross, Hinske and Diaz, anyone know?
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
9:46 am
richbrave – I have not done an indepth study of the new rules, but what I have seen does not impress or excite me. I don’t know that it will actually accomplish any of the desired goals. I think it hurts teams that depend on strong scouting and player developement.
richbrave
January 11th, 2012
9:47 am
Coach:
Whispers around here are that RIZZO is in talks with FIELDER’s agent. Money is keeping them apart. That WERTH contract is the stumbling block. If LaROCHE was exchanged for PRINCE would that change things? Heh!
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
9:47 am
richbrave…”Hope you’re right on the money and don’t choke on the kool-aid”
Yeah, you too. And that expression about choking on the kool-aid really applies to people that don’t understand what they’re talking about and take all the hype from someone else at face value without question. Since I understand the sport and tend to think for myself, I really don’t think that applies to me. But I appreciate the thought anyway.
No offense richbrave, I really like your minor league updates. Just don’t see any problem with being a little optimistic and I’m not a big fan of being lumped into the realm of kool-aid drinkers.
RC
January 11th, 2012
9:48 am
Coach,
I agree with you that the Nationals have improved this offseason, but I’m still really leery of saying that the Marlins improved. They made a lot of big splashes, but I’m not entirely sure that will translate to more wins. Bell’s numbers outside of Petco are not very encouraging, and he’s an extreme flyball pitcher. The odds are that he will be roughly equal to what Nunez was last year. Reyes is a nice addition, but adding him to the lineup essentially removes Bonifacio from it, and based on Bonifacio’s numbers last year I’m not sure that Reyes will be a huge improvement on those numbers (I do think he’s a huge improvement on Bonifacio…just not Bonifacio’s 2011 stats). While they added Burhle, they lose Vazquez, who gave them a great season last year. And they still don’t have a centerfielder. They might be slightly improved, but anyone who says they’ve made huge strides is ignoring what they are losing.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
9:49 am
Coach “Ryan Zimmerman had an off year while LaRoche was hurt.”
How many Brave starters had “off years” or were injuried last year, yet we finished one game out?
Yeah, the Marlins and Nats are better. But if we get just an average year from our starting 8, we will be stronger too. Much stronger.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
9:49 am
Stretch – there will obviously be some moves between now and April 5. Looking more and more like “tweaks” vs big moves. We may not know until the FO sees what we look like in ST.
I would be at least interested in Izturis. At this point, I don’t think anyone outside of Turner Field knows what Wren is going to do.
richbrave
January 11th, 2012
9:51 am
if I had my druthers, both leagues would have the DH or both would be without it. It skews the game enough to create a disparity between the two leagues in terms of results. Just one example: CHIPPER JONES. He could play two maybe three more years and be an effective hitter without having to take the field in the AL.
Sopheee
January 11th, 2012
9:54 am
Ha, raleigh – we’ll have to get Arky some counseling for that.
I think Fish genuinely thought Lowe was a great player so she may have been unhappy about the swap. I remember getting into it with her when I started up my fire D-Lowe club during the season.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
9:55 am
LK – I think there’s good reason for you to be at least a “little optomistic”. Yes, the Phills will be strong with their pitching, the Marlins have improved some, but still need pitching, the Nats have improved a lot, and if healthy, and especially if they land Prince, they will be tough. I believe everyone in the East will be competitive, axcept the Mess, of course. That said, I feel we should be able to compete well with the others. Winners aren’t afraid of the competition.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
9:55 am
It sounds like the extra wild card is almost a guaranteed thing for 2012. Anyone read anything anywhere saying otherwise?
richbrave
January 11th, 2012
9:57 am
Lemke’s Knuckler:
Guess I WAS saying you’re a bit overly optimistic. Nothing wrong with your feeling that way, and you’re right IF the best of circumstances work out. Like I said, I hope they do. Lots of variables there. But every season and every team has them. I’m rootin; for your take myself, and………….no kool-aid.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
9:58 am
RC, ill agree to disagree on the Marlins as Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson are both top of the rotation starters. Vazquez did have a nice season but he wasn’t ace material. So if Buehrle delivers and Johnson is healthy their pitching will be much better.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
10:00 am
LK – I read the only holdup is what network will carry the games.
MLB has to notify the MLBPA by 1 March, if it starts this year.
And I know the owners and Bud are in their Phoenix meetings now.
So, I guess it will be announced in a day or two.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
10:02 am
richbrave – Ideally rule should be the same. Can you imagine the AFC and NFC having different rules in football? That said, the players and the AL will NEVER agree to doing away with the DH, and it scares and saddens me to know that the NL will probably adopt it eventually (soon, if Selig has his way). Many years ago, owners offered to add an additional roster spot (from 24 to 25) for every team, it the AL would give up the DH. Players rejected it. Of couse, they eventually added the 25th man anyway.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
10:03 am
As for needing a back up veteran SS….I’m not worried about it.
The fly in the ointment? Our current 35 man roster. Teams will drop players during spring training and we have the roster flexibility to add man power.
Don
January 11th, 2012
10:03 am
A HUGE ASSUMPTION is being made by everyone — That the Braves Pitching is going to be great – and perhaps it will be. BUT THE FACT IS that 4 of our 5 starters are coming off injuries AND unlike position players, many times Pitchers do not return to being great after injuries. And even though the Braves also have a wealth of additional young pitching talent, this may not make any difference if the situation continues where almost every Braves Starting Pitcher ends up being injured.
Murph
January 11th, 2012
10:04 am
I was really looking forward to facing Scott Proctor at some point… oh well. When I read that he is going to Korea my first thought was that he signed to be a court jester for the North’s new regime. Sadly for the Koreans he’s going to be a pitcher.
Maybe he will love Korea and end up staying, then eventually become the Korean Baseball Czar, overseeing the country’s development of young baseball talent.
We can look forward to hitting lots and lots of homeruns off of Korean pitchers for years to come.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
10:04 am
Poster Boy for the DH – Edgar Martinez.
Gar played in 2,055 games and played the field in 563 games at third, 28 games at first.
I consider him a baseball hitter, not a baseball player.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
10:04 am
I think there’s even more questions on Josh Johnson’s health than on Jurrjens’.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
10:05 am
LK – I thought extra wildcard would happen in 2013, when Houston moves, and we have two 15 team divisions. I’m sure Selig is pushing for 2012, and will probably get it.
David O'Brien
January 11th, 2012
10:07 am
RC, ill agree to disagree on the Marlins as Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson are both top of the rotation starters. Vazquez did have a nice season but he wasn’t ace material. — Coach
Buehrle, who’ll be 33 in March, hasn’t won more than 13 games or recorded as many as 110 strikeouts in the past three seasons, and had a 3.84 ERA in 2009 and 4.28 ERA in 2010, is a “top-of-the-rotation” starter?
Ray
January 11th, 2012
10:07 am
In regards to your comments about Selig and a couple of the things that may or may not be good for the game. One of the main reasons why he put the winner of the all-star game as the home team in the World series is to have the players to take it a bit more serious. Guys were playing their 2 innings, going to the clubhouse, shower and then go. Is it the perfect answer no. I am not big on it but it doesn’t bother me much either. From a business and from an overall fan aspect, inter-league play has been a tremendous success. Look at the numbers even now after all of these years, attendance during interleague play is still up. One thing that is being overlooked and probably most importantly, Selig has been a very important part in the Players Association and Management get along and we don’t have to worry about a strike. And before its said do not blame Selig on the All-Star tie in Milwaukee.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
10:08 am
I see the lunitic fringe has returned at 10:03, and I DON’T mean Coach (although he sometimes live NEAR the fringe
)
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
10:11 am
Their are two remaining free agents who who pique my interests. Jeff Keppinger and Edgar Renteria. Either one would be a nice addition to the bench.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
10:12 am
The Braves, Phils, Marlins and Nats will all beat up on each other. I think the NL East standings will be determined by how those 4 do against the Mets and interleague. Here’s a look at the interleague schedule for each team…
Braves – Yankees (6), Red Sox (3), Orioles (3), Blue Jays (3)
Phillies – Red Sox (3), Orioles (3), Blue Jays (3), Rays (3), Twins (3)
Marlins – Red Sox (6), Rays (6), Blue Jays (3)
Nationals – Red Sox (3), Yankees (3), Blue Jays (3), Orioles (3), Rays (3)
I would say the Marlins have the toughest interleague games.
Don
January 11th, 2012
10:13 am
In his prime, Chipper was a great, great hitter – even far better than his hitting stats indicated – because he hit great agaisnt the best pitchers, hit great in close game situations and game determining situations, and also had a great OBA.
But he is no longer this great hitter, is no longer productive enough to be a good 3hird place hitter in the batting order — and is now a part time player.
And like it or not, he was never a great defensive 3rd baseman. His rang was limited, and playing too shallow in many situations limited this even more. And now, with age and injuies, his defense is even worse.
Point being, the Braves do not need to renew his contract for another year.
bobbymahlon
January 11th, 2012
10:13 am
The reasons I like Jones for JJ and Minor.
1. Minor is and will probably always be a a slightly above average pitcher.
2. JJ is injury prone and if I’m not mistaken has Boros as his agent.
3. Jones is a right handed hitting outfielder with good power who could play left field this year and move to center in 2013.
4. Prado could be a super utility player this year and take over third in 2013.
5. With JJ and Minor gone that gives Delgado,Teheran and Medlin a shot at being starters. I think all three are ready.
Ok go ahead and crucify me but this is my opinion and I’m sticking to it.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
10:14 am
raleigh – You are so right. Because of the DH, 14 players have jobs that might not normally have, if played under traditional baseball rules. The MLBPA would never allow the loss of those jobs.
And I am sorry to say, you are right that the NL will be forced into adding it at some point. Probably in the next CBA, if not before.
Then we will have another group of “players”, who probaly would not be playing baseball otherwise, on MLB rosters.
It changes the whole landscape on baseball. The whole build of your team changes. I dread the day it comes.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
10:14 am
They really should do away with interleague, but I guess that won’t be possible when Houston flips over.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
10:15 am
Mark Buehrle is too be considered better “top of the rotation” material than Derek Lowe ever was, and I’ll leave it at that.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:16 am
He has grit, DOB…..I guess that counts for something?