Bout time? Q and A with Braves third baseman Chipper Jones
(Staff writer Carroll Rogers is filling in for David O’Brien.)
It’s a little less than six weeks from when Braves pitchers and catchers report for spring training on Feb. 19, and I haven’t bugged Chipper Jones all offseason. What’s up with that?
Well let’s say that’s remedied here in a wide-ranging conversation with the veteran third baseman, who just got back from a hunting trip to New Mexico and plans to start into his usual routine of hitting at Turner Field next week.
Chipper taking in a Hawks game Dec. 28
Candid as ever, Jones shared his thoughts on everything from when he might make a decision on retirement and how the game is more difficult for him now, to the state of the team, how he’ll feel if the Braves go into spring training with this roster largely as is and his impressions of new hitting coach Greg Walker.
Without further adieu, excerpts from that interview:
Q. How are your knees?
A. Everything is pretty good. I’ve been working out for a month, month and a half. I played in (Brian McCann) Mac’s charity softball game about six weeks ago. I was really worried coming out of that because my right knee was killing me. I had been away from playing for a month and really had seen no improvement. But now I’ve been taking – not live swings, but swings with aggression – here at the house. Six weeks ago I couldn’t put any weight on my right knee at all, as far as swinging right-handed. Now I’m swinging basically as hard as I can. I’m able to sit back on my backside, which is something I couldn’t do at the end of the year last year. I feel strong. I’ve lost some weight, which hopefully will relieve some pressure.
Q. How much did you lose?
A. I’m 8-10 pounds lighter than normal. Usually I’m coming into spring training in low 230s. The last time I weighted myself I was 223, 224. I’ve tried to eat a little better this offseason, and I think it’s paying off.
Q. All things considered, were you pretty happy with your season individually last year?
A. I was pretty pleased, not satisfied. I felt like I could have put together a pretty good season at 39 years of age, had I not missed 24 games (following surgery). After I came back from surgery, the last two months of the season, doing it when I needed to made me feel good.
Q. And then there was the last month from a team standpoint.
A. What happened at end of the season still burns. But I still walk away from it thinking that we played as hard as we could. Nobody was dogging it, I made sure of that, and we showed up to play every day. For whatever reason, it just didn’t happen for us. But when I look at last year’s team and the players on it, everybody worries about our offense and rightly so. They should have after the year that we had last year. The questions are warranted. But I sit back and I say to myself well, is Jason Heyward going to hit .220 this year? And I think, “Most certainly not.” Is Dan Uggla going to hit .230? And I think to myself, “No he’s not.” Is BMac going to hit under. 200 the last two months of the season? That’s a “most certainly not.” Is Martin Prado going to hit .260? Never in a million years will he hit .260 two years in a row. The saying around a major league batting cage is when you’re in a slump, the hitting coach always tells you “At some point, somebody is going to pay,” and I think that we’ve got a lot of guys in that clubhouse offensively that are thinking to themselves “Somebody’s got to pay.” So I’m hoping everybody has that attitude coming into spring training because there have been a lot of teams that have upgraded their ball clubs in our division. And we’re going to have to play well all year.
Chipper and Fredi will be chatting it up soon
Q. Are you disappointed you guys haven’t made trades to upgrade?
A. Well, you’d always like to see your ball club get better, but looking at our ballclub coming into this offseason, I think each and every guy would tell you that there’s not a whole lot of places to make any adjustments. Certainly Martin Prado is one of our better players. He’s been rumored to be going somewhere in a trade. I think we all don’t want that to happen. The guy is a good player, and he’s awesome in the clubhouse, and we all love him to death. I really thought coming in if we made any moves, it would be with the pitching staff. Obviously everybody knew they were going to try to do something with D(erek) Lowe; they did that. That opens up a spot for one of the young kids. You always have to have an eye on the future, and if you can get an outfield piece for the future with giving up one of your starters, and having our depth in the minor leagues at starting pitching, that would have been maybe the one move that I could have seen being made. But in this day and age, some of these GMS are used car salesmen, and they’re just trying to absolutely rape your farm system. To Frank (Wren’s) credit, he has stood fast. I guess really the only deal I’ve heard of all offseason was Adam Jones (whom the Orioles reportedly wanted to package for Prado, Jair Jurrjens and two premium prospects), and that was just flat out ridiculous, what they were asking for him.
Q. If Jurrjens ends up being traded, is it a scary proposition with such a young crop behind him?
A. This is where I think the injuries to JJ and (Tommy) Hanson - while it may have prevented us from going to the playoffs, them being out six weeks – it may have given us a peek into the future to see which of these we want to keep, which one of these guys, if any, may at one point be on the block. We had an extensive look at (Mike) Minor, who was great. We got an extensive look at (Randall) Delgado, who was I thought outstanding. And we got a good look at (Julio) Teheran, and while he got off to kind of a slow start, his best outings were right there at the end of the year. I thought he threw extremely well. So the future is bright, and if you get a chance to maybe take one of those established guys and say “Let’s go get us a piece for our lineup,” it’s young guys like that (who) can afford you that ability.
Q. If the club stands pat, do you think the team’s mindset will be good going into spring training?
A. Yeah I think so. Pretty much everybody in that clubhouse knew that our starting lineup was going to be exactly the same as the way the year ended. And I don’t think anybody would have had a problem with it. Everybody knows what they’re capable of and if we go out and have our prototypical years, the offense will take care of itself. You can never count on all eight position players having typical years. Somebody is going to struggle during the course of the year. But you just don’t expect four or five guys to really struggle the way they did. I’m hoping that (new hitting coach) Greg Walker has that kind of influence on the guys. He seems like a real positive guy. I love the fact that we have another set of eyes as well with (assistant hitting coach Scott) Fletcher there. The more eyes that you can have on people, the more different points of view you have, the better. I feel like – I do this from time to time, usually on the road – if you can get four or five guys in the cage just watching each other and then have a little pow-wow session about things, you solve more problems that way because you’ve got different guys giving different opinions. When you do that, sometimes something will click for somebody. They’ll try it and they’ll get instant results out of it.
Q. Have you met Walker yet?
A. I’ve gotten a chance to talk to him on the phone a couple times. He’s asked me a lot of questions about guys on the team, how things work here, and he seems very open-minded. He seems like a good communicator even though I haven’t seen him in action yet.
Q. Did you know much about him through White Sox players?
A. Guys like (Paul) Konerko and Adam Dunn - they love him. (They say) he’s very accessible, always one of the first guys at the park, last one to leave. You also want a hitting coach that is not going to turn somebody into his prototypical-style hitter. You’ve got to be able to watch film and recognize what guys are doing when they’re successful and recognize what they’re doing when they’re not. Each guy’s swing is going to be different, so you can’t teach everybody to hit the same way. And it seems like he’s got the philosophy of (treating) every hitter singularly.
Q. Looking ahead, do you worry you’re in for another tough year physically?
A. I know this year is going to be tough physically. But I signed up to play, and my teammates want me out there, and I want to be out there as much as I can. I’m going to be 40 years old, and I know it. I’m reminded of it every time I pick up the paper or turn on my computer, but the fact of the matter is, I can still go out and contribute and be productive and that’s what I’m going to shoot to accomplish this year. Wherever I hit, whenever I play, I want to help this team win. That’s always been my goal, and it doesn’t change just because I’m turning 40 this year.
Q. Have you given much thought to 2013?
A. I’ve given some thought to it, and it’s too early to talk about ‘13. I go through stretches during the season every year where I feel like I don’t want to play anymore. Then I go through stretches where I think I can play five more years (laughs). Obviously when you’re in the middle of a 10 or 15-game hitting streak and you’ve hit a couple homers, and the game is slowing down for you, you feel like you can play forever. Then there’s those 3-for-25s where your team loses five out of seven games, and you’re like “What the heck am I doing?” You lose focus a little bit. I’ve got to not make a decision whenever I’m in one of those streaks. I’ll try to wait until I’m going good to make a decision to make sure I’m in the right frame of mind.
Grounders don't come quite as easy for the 39-year old
Q. How’s your frame of mind in general?
A. The game is getting harder for me. When you first come to big leagues the game is so fast. It takes a while to adjust to it. When you’re in your prime, the game slows down almost to a slow-pitch softball. As you get older, the game starts to speed up again. I’d be lying if I said the game wasn’t really, really fast for me right now. It seems like everybody is throwing 100 mph. The pitchers’ mound gets closer to home plate whenever you’re hitting, and third base gets farther away from first base. I can remember thinking to myself a couple times running down to first base last year, I’d put my head down and I’d run. When I was 25, when I’d look up the base would be a step and a half away. Now I put my head down and I look up, I’m not even halfway there. And it’s a little deflating and a little depressing. That’s just part of it. You’re playing a game of adjustments, and you better make some adjustments or else the game is going to pass you by.
4,215 comments Add your comment
Scoop
January 10th, 2012
12:40 am
Enter your comments here
Thrasher Fan
January 10th, 2012
12:41 am
CHIPPER! He’s gonna go out a world series champion babyyyy!
Go braves!
Smack65
January 10th, 2012
12:42 am
Nice work! Thanks Carroll!
matt
January 10th, 2012
12:42 am
lets do it this year boys, just for chipper!!!!
Jimmy Dugan
January 10th, 2012
12:42 am
Not sure how a true braves fan could have an issue with chipper. He is a true ball player, and one hell of an honest guy.
Scoop
January 10th, 2012
12:44 am
Yep, you have to make adjustments-Chipper will be a coach someday when he finally decides to hang em up. Hopefully that’s not too soon…..I don’t care how slow the man gets, he can still hit and he still has that high IQ and leadership intangibility.
GIVE ME CHIPPER JONES IN THE HOT CORNER ANY GAME ANY TIME!!!!!!!!!
Chipper, if you’re out there, don’t listen to anybody that tells you that you can’t play. Go bring home another world series title to Braves Nation!!!!!!!!!
justin
January 10th, 2012
12:45 am
Wow. True honestly from a professional player. This is why Chipper Jones will always be one if my fav players
ATLDale
January 10th, 2012
12:50 am
Great interview. Candid indeed. Sounds like Chipper would be happy to play in 100+ games. Need to keep Prado around as he will be playing a fair amount of 3rd.
Mike S
January 10th, 2012
12:51 am
Thanks for the late night bloggage CR! Always love hearing from Hoss. What a sad day it’ll be for you and DOB when he hangs em up. Definitely will make your jobs more difficult…
Carroll Rogers
January 10th, 2012
12:52 am
Scoop, I took care of the comment in question and I’ll take off the ones that continue the confusion….I’ll leave the real deal.
Carroll Rogers
January 10th, 2012
12:53 am
You said it, Mike S…..
Couch Tater
January 10th, 2012
1:08 am
Thanks, Carroll.
Always fun to read a Chipper interview. Especially, in the offseason.
Chop Chop
January 10th, 2012
1:11 am
Good to see that Adam Dunn loved Greg Walker. He sure hit like he loved Walker.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
1:11 am
Great interview Carroll. I second Mike S and your comments about how sad it will be for most Braves fans when Chipper finally hangs em up.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
1:13 am
Chop Chop
When a player falls off so far and so fast, like Dunn this past year, you wonder what he quit doing to fail so badly.
I find it hard to blame a hitting coach for a vet’s failure like that.
And to think that folks wanted us to pick him up a year or two ago.
ohhhYEAH
January 10th, 2012
1:25 am
Chipper, the fans who think you should retire and the fans that can’t stand you, they’re a vast minority! True Braves fans love you, and if it were realistic we would LOVE for you to be playing 5 years from now. Unfortunately, we know your window is closing, and its bittersweet. At least we were lucky enough to watch you every summer! Go get em this year man! Do your thing and leave it all out there!
ohhhYEAH
January 10th, 2012
1:27 am
Chop Chop
Yeah….because we all know Adam Dunn is certainly a career .300 hitter and has never struck out 100 times a season…right? ome on man. Dude has been in the league too long to blame a hitting coach, and he’s never been an average guy anyway. Thats just a dumb argument
DS1
January 10th, 2012
1:50 am
Looks like the blog night crew haven’t found their way over to the new blog yet.
Stealing a line from my buddy tiger, “when it’s sleepy time out west”…………
Columbus
January 10th, 2012
1:59 am
Chipper, the truth is everyone is throwing 100 now! I just turned 44, watched baseball since I was 7 and played until I was 40 and still would be if I had time, but unfortunately I must work more than before!
Anyway, I have NEVER witnessed as many pitchers throwing 95 miles an hour. Not to mention ones hitting 97 and above! EVERY team has a closer that throws over 95 too it seems like! I have NEVER seen it like I seen it last year!
You have a LOT left in the tank Chipper. A LOT! People that say otherwise are young and/or baseball ignorant, including and PRIMARILY the media, which like to overblow it and create hype. I hated to see you hurt youe knee year before last. Man, you had just gotten your swing back. It was authorative and sweet! You still got it brother and with the guys around you hitting better, you are going to benefit and have a great season. Heck you were hot before the all-star break and leading the team in rbi’s and I tell you the truth, you work as many walks as ANYONE. Your OBP is great even when you were slumping. The team NEEDS you brother in MANY ways.
Thanks for coming back. We love you and we want you for as long as you want to play. Seriously. Even as a PH or part-time player when your 44 or older. You are an asset and if i was a manager, I would take you on my team any day and as my starter for 110-120 games and want you on my bench as a player/coach. Seriously…
Columbus
January 10th, 2012
2:09 am
Hey Carroll, I see a lot of support on here for Chipper that you dont often see because a lot of ignorant and hateful people post during the season. If you would, consider getting a copy of these comments to him somehow so he will know that there is a lot of support and love for him. I know that he probaby knows that allready, but it would have to be good for his soul and mentality to see it for himself first-hand in black and white coming from several fans and it being, whats the word…uncooerced? Thanks.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
2:16 am
Hello everyone! Nice Article on Chipper Carroll. That explains why Wren,wont trade Prado,because of Chippers knees.Hope Chipper keeps playing,as long as he can.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
2:27 am
Chipper is a legend,and should play as long as he wants too. Chipper has earned that right too.He’s a favorite of mine too.
cricket
January 10th, 2012
2:33 am
Thrasher Fan
I thought this species went extinct..
kenhotlanta
January 10th, 2012
2:37 am
Thanks for the new blog, Carroll…good stuff with Chipper. When he does finally hang it up, I hope he stays in the game, I think he would make a phenomenal hitting coach, and maybe even a manager. He just seems to see things clearly and bypasses the BS.
kenhotlanta
January 10th, 2012
2:40 am
In other news, Jordan Jenkins, a bigtime defensive end, commits to UGA over Alabama…a huge plus for the Dawgs.
AndrewW
January 10th, 2012
2:47 am
It’s refreshing in this day and age to get a candid interview from someone you WANT to hear from. Usually the honesty comes from a disgruntled player airing dirty laundry with the lies coming from the superstars… Chipper has bucked that trend before and did again here. Love hearing about the struggles players have as well as the confidence they have. Even though everyone in the NL East seemed to go out and improve immensely besides us, Braves fans should still be confident. This is a team that battled all last season and Chip’s right, there’s no way that Mac, Uggla, Prado, and Heyward all struggle the same way they did last year. Plus we’ll have Bourn for an entire season, and while I loved the workhorse/blue collar attitude of Derek Lowe, it just didn’t work out last year and we really needed an extra “W” down the stretch from him…
I’m not down on this Braves team yet… As long as we got great leadership (like we do) and a couple spark plugs, we’ll be fine…
Ward
January 10th, 2012
2:52 am
Carroll-Do anything about Arthur Blank maybe being iterested in the Braves?Read an article on Talk Chop,and it seems to be speculation,but is there anything to it?
Ward
January 10th, 2012
2:55 am
Meant to say dou you no anything? It was an interesting article.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
2:59 am
My spelling was not cool there. Just wondering if you knew anything to that,or was it just a rumor on Arthur Blank,being interested in the Braves?
Ward
January 10th, 2012
3:09 am
All have a good one! It’s been cool,and peace……..
ncgary
January 10th, 2012
4:01 am
go braves go chipper.best organization and best true hitter for them
Tim
January 10th, 2012
4:24 am
I love Chipper’s honesty. So many of these guys put themselves up on a pedestal. Chipper just tells it like it is. Makes for a good, refreshing interview. Well done.
ABravesFan
January 10th, 2012
4:30 am
Love Chipper’s candidness. I think Chipper will bounce back in a big way but deciding to retire when the Braves do pull a Cardinals (being the best in the playoffs without being the most dominant in the regular season). With the 2nd wild card spot, the Braves should make it to the playoffs with the team as it is and then it’s really a crapshoot and the Braves will have as good of a chance as anyone else to win it all.
Stinger2
January 10th, 2012
5:24 am
Chipper`s comments about his knees are not reassuring.
However, I agree with most that he does tell it like he sees it.
I still believe the Braves need a corner outfielder that can hit .280 with 25-30 hrs and 90-100 rbi.
Graham
January 10th, 2012
6:01 am
Stinger2…. I think most of the league would like a guy like that
JC Brave
January 10th, 2012
6:18 am
Barry Larkin getting elected into the HOF on his third try is a damn big joke. He isn’t even HOF material. Chipper better get elected on his first or second try.
Those voters should be taken to a backyard and be buried alive.
K.Conway
January 10th, 2012
6:55 am
Do the Braves a favor and retire! The Braves can’t afford to pay a part-time player what they pay Chipper! That’s why there are no deals made and why the Braves will finish this season in last place!!
longtimefan
January 10th, 2012
6:59 am
Chipper Jones is a player’s player. First ballot 2018.
chipfrumatl
January 10th, 2012
7:12 am
Yeah, his age is going to be a huge factor this year, he admits that. I still feel he will contribute, either on the field or fro mthe bench on his off days. He IS the clubhouse guy, no doubt about it.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
7:27 am
I think he’s coming back in 2013.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
7:32 am
“I’ve lost some weight, which hopefully will relieve some pressure [on Chipper's knees].”
Let’s hope. But knees are tricky creatures, once damaged.
“I felt like I could have put together a pretty good season at 39 years of age, had I not missed 24 games (following surgery).”
The problem with Chipper, lo these many years now, isn’t his stats (in his time played), but the number of games he’s missed.
“Certainly Martin Prado is one of our better players. He’s been rumored to be going somewhere in a trade. I think we all don’t want that to happen.”
Chipper’s right. He might of mentioned that barring other better alternatives, Prado is key if Chipper goes down for any length of time.
” I know this year is going to be tough physically. But I signed up to play, and my teammates want me out there, and I want to be out there as much as I can.”
“As much as I can” are the operative words. Keep Prado barring a better alternative, as mentioned above.
“…it’s too early to talk about ‘13.”
Don’t go Willie Mays on us, Chipper, playing well past your time. Mays did that, and it was unfortunate watching a once great talent falter badly.
” You’re playing a game of adjustments, and you better make some adjustments or else the game is going to pass you by.”
Chipper’s always been superb at making adjustments and having discipline. Let’s hope he squeezes a little more out of his 40-year-old body and plays more than he sits.
BraveDan
January 10th, 2012
7:34 am
Barry Larkin is most definately worthy of the Hall of Fame, always wanted him on the Braves.
Larry
January 10th, 2012
7:36 am
“I know this year is going to be tough physically.”
“The game is getting harder for me.”
“I’d be lying if I said the game wasn’t really, really fast for me right now. It seems like everybody is throwing 100 mph. The pitchers’ mound gets closer to home plate whenever you’re hitting, and third base gets farther away from first base.”
Well, the excuses are already in place and some you think this man is a real leader and management material. LOL!
Never in a million years would have Pete Rose, Hank Aaron or Ted Williams at 39 years old declare in advance “I know this year is going to be tough physically” and then selfishly cripple the chances of their teams by cashing $15,000,000.00 worth of checks from February to September.
I don’t “hate” Chipper Jones, but he’s had his moments and opportunities. Now it’s time to give others that same opportunity and “pass it forward.”
Larry
January 10th, 2012
7:37 am
“…it’s too early to talk about ‘13.”
It’s too late to talk about ‘12!
Jimbo Jones
January 10th, 2012
7:43 am
Better not trade Prado if Chipper’s knees are giving him fits before the season even starts….
JRW
January 10th, 2012
7:48 am
K.Conway – That’s why there are no deals made and why the Braves will finish this season in last place!!
__________________________________________________________________
Last place is reserved for the Mets.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
8:03 am
Good article. WOW. @Larry.You rip for being wide open, letting his guard down. IF he would have said all of the cliche’s then you would have ripped him for that. Every athlete,no matter what when they are perfectly honest will tell you there are times the game is difficult. No matter what sport. That doesn’t mean they cannot produce. Pete Rose was too arrogant to say anything, including the TRUTH. Chipper will be productive. And if you want to bring up money. In his prime, Chipper has deferred money several times and backloaded so the Braves could sign or re-sign players.
alanfalcon
January 10th, 2012
8:09 am
I guess Frank has all the answers and we value our trade peices alot more than the other teams in both leagues. It’s good to know that we are set to wind the NLDS and move forward to the World Series with the players we have in hand and that we really don’t need any help
CONGRADULATIONS FOR AN ABSOLUTELY BORING OFF SEASON AND A DISMAL 2012 SEASON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bill
January 10th, 2012
8:25 am
Chipper is working on his manager skills and hopefully will go out on a high this year. His comments on getting older were honest and clear, Thanks for the article
Joey
January 10th, 2012
8:26 am
If Chippers knees are giving him fits sitting in a deer stand . . .
Don’t think the Braves will get their money’s worth this year.
Just think, if Chipper had retired after ‘11, we’d have Prado at 3rd, and and Frank would have $15M in hand to get a great OF.
Dang . . .
Joey
January 10th, 2012
8:32 am
Man, if this happens, the Braves are gonna be butting heads with the Mets for last place?
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cecil_fielder_talks_to_prince_thinks_hes_going_to_dc/9219232
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
8:32 am
Thanks for the blog, Carroll. Good read. I think Chipper could be coming back for 2013. If that surgery doesn’t happen, he plays in like 140 games last year. He just has to get into 123 this year, and I think if he OPS’s around .800, why not come back for 9-10 million?
robdawg08
January 10th, 2012
8:35 am
My favorite all time player. I hope Chipper can contribute this year a lot. I hate to see a Braves team without him but whenever the time comes when Chipper knows that another player could put up better numbers than him at 3B I think he will retire.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
8:36 am
For all of the naysayers that have all of the answers and you already know that the braves will finish last place, then why even bother? Since you have all of the answers and already KNOW the outcome of this season, find someone you know that disagrees with you and make that bet. It would be easy money for you. You got the braves in last place and they have the braves finishing above that. Since you have all of the answers, it would be the easiest money you could possibly make.
Matthew 20:16
January 10th, 2012
8:36 am
Great interview. I appreciate Chipper’s honesty and candor. He’s a man among men.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
8:44 am
2013 option guaranteed at $9M with: 123 games in 2012, or average of 127 games in 2011-12
2013 option price increases by $1M each for: 128, 133, 138, 140 games in 2012, or averages of 132, 137, 138, 140 games in 2011-12
I think he plays 130 games and his option sets in for 10 million in 2013.
tp
January 10th, 2012
8:51 am
I was thinking the EXACT same thing, Matthew 20:16. He’s definitely one of the game’s all-time greats.
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ & Shrimp
January 10th, 2012
8:53 am
Fine article. Great to hear things from his perspective. Feels like spring training in buckhead today.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 10th, 2012
8:55 am
Wouldn’t it be nice if Chipper’s career ended up as a World Series sandwich. Won one his first full major league season and win one his last major league season. And a fantastic career in between.
Chipper will be the hitting coach in Atlanta one day. And for those of you that think Heyward is another Francoeur, you can read Chipper’s comments about Heyward and know that won’t be the case. I remember reading comments back in ‘08 when Francoeur was scuffling, and Chipper said he wasn’t sure when Francoeur would turn it around because Jeff couldn’t feel what he was doing wrong. Chipper knows hitting, and you can tell from his comments he has confidence that Heyward won’t repeat his 2011 season again. That’s encouraging.
And I agree 100% that Prado will have a huge season and won’t hit .260 again.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
8:57 am
Uggla – 13.2
McCann – 12
Jones – 10
Hudson – 9
Prado – 7
O’Flaherty – 3.5
Heyward – 3
Hanson – 3
Venters – 2.5
Medlen – 1.5
10 players for 2013 – 64.7 million
15 players for 2013 at avg. minimum salary – 7.8 million
Total of 72.5 million – we’d still have quite a bit of cash to improve the team even if Chipper comes back and Prado is tendered a contract.
Robert
January 10th, 2012
8:58 am
I sure hope there is some way we can get Jones without giving up Prado. I’m hoping the O’s will accept JJ and one of our top young arms in return. We are gonna need Prado to play a lot of positions for us next year, but mainly at 3rd for not IF, but WHEN Chipper gets hurt!
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
8:59 am
Maholm signed a one-year, $4.25MM deal, tweets Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago. There is a $6.5MM club option for 2013 with a $500K buyout.
That has to signal a Garza deal at some point soon.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
9:00 am
Robert, you;d give up Jurrjens + one of our top young arms for Adam Jones? I would not go near that sort of a trade.
flange1
January 10th, 2012
9:00 am
Great interview CR! Thanks for the new blog.
I agree with Efrim, I think ol’ Hoss will be back in 2013.
Jefferson
January 10th, 2012
9:02 am
Efrim, totally agree. Chipper will make that option and come back around 10million in 2013.
Agree with chipper that one of the young guys needs to be traded for a bat, if possible. Barring price, player, years, etc.
Another option that i like for now is trading a mid level piece(s) for someone cheap.
Look at chicago eating the salary of zambrano. Maybe HOU could do the same and eat 15 million thats owed to Carlos Lee and atlanta has a RH bat for LF. He is still a good power hitter and only one year left. Prado could spell Lee in LF and chipper @ 3B.
Mike Purcell
January 10th, 2012
9:03 am
Chip; Get your 2 cents in with Fredi and the brass. Clubhouse cohesion is underrated and they need to place a higher premium on guys like Prado. He does it all and as you said, ‘the guys absolutely love him.’ In my business if its not a line item on a balance sheet or an income statement, the consultants ‘don’t get it or value it.’ They don’t think about loyalty, integrity, passion and all of the other intangibles because its not on a piece of paper. Hopefully Wren ‘gets it’ and values a guy like Prado accordingly.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
9:04 am
Chipper played in 126 games in ‘11, not 140 games. Since ‘04, when Chipper’s long run of injuries began impacting his playing time, he’s averaged 123 games played per season.
In the last two seasons, Chipper’s averaged 111 games played after averaging 135 games played 07-09. A significant drop off.
Chipper’s forty with bad knees; you simply can’t underestimate that twin reality. As Chipper admits, his skills are eroding with age, and his health is all the more a factor. But for 2012, I’m more concerned about Chipper’s health than his ability.
Jimmy
January 10th, 2012
9:05 am
No, I see it as this is his last year. That’s how I take is comments on that question. He kind of dance around a direct “yes” or “no”. I understand what he is saying, but I get the feeling that this is it.
Random
January 10th, 2012
9:11 am
Larry (January 10th, 2012 7:36 am): “Never in a million years would have Pete Rose, Hank Aaron or Ted Williams at 39 years old declare in advance “I know this year is going to be tough physically” “
No, Pete Rose said stuff like this:
“During the times I gambled as a manager, I never took an unfair advantage, … I never bet more or less based on injuries or inside information. I never allowed my wagers to influence my baseball decisions. So in my mind, I wasn’t corrupt.”
Rose is your HERO, I take it? More to be looked up to and respected than Chipper Jones?
Y.A.I.
Division Titles!
January 10th, 2012
9:12 am
Come on Chipper, we all know the obvious reason you’re back- MONEY. If you really cared about the team you’d be gone. Your salary could support 2-5 new players that could help this team to rebuild. Instead, you’ll be injured half the year while cashing those big checks.
Most disappointing is that Chipper had so few clutch playoff performances duringnthe 15 year run. As I talk to people in Atlanta, this is the resounding frustration I get when bringing up Chipper in the conversation. His numbers may be worthy of the HOF but his playoff performance would land him squarely in the land of mediocrity.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
9:15 am
Look it up AT, pretty good control and the change are what most scouts are high about. course what do they know, right? – nolie
I did eactly that, I’ve yet to find one report that states he has a plus plus change up. On multiple reports they have stated slightly above average or average to plus but nothing along the lines of plus plus. It has been stated on most or all reports that he relys on commanding his fastball to set up other pitches which happens to be along the lines of what I was saying. I simply stated that he needed to improve his accuracy and develop an exceptional change up, which just happens not to be a far cry from most if not all reports I read. Maybe your reading other reports or something but I’ve been unsuccessful in finding what you were talking about. Not to mention, most of the reports stated his curve had pretty good bite and was a pretty decent pitch. So I’m not sure of what reports your speaking of or reading from.
Jimmy
January 10th, 2012
9:15 am
Oh, and Thanks Carroll for the fresh bloggage.
Good interview. Asked the direct questions most of us would have asked.
Robert
January 10th, 2012
9:16 am
It’s nice to have a stable of arms, but you can only use so many. If we gave up JJ and say Minor for Jones, we still have Teharen and DelGado and the lefty they took at number one last year, not to mention Medlen back. We need to score some runs!
Lew
January 10th, 2012
9:16 am
Nice interview Carroll, thanks.
Larry – Excuses? Sounded more to me like he was being absolutely honest.
I wish he could keep going, but it was painful to watch him grimacing with every step last year. Hope he’s able to play without so much pain this time around, but I wouldn’t imagine it will happen. Glad we have Martin toback him up.
jay
January 10th, 2012
9:19 am
I love Chipper, but his salary is killing our team.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
9:19 am
keylargo McCann should never bat third with his speed. He did hit there a couple of games….
A COUPLE games? Man he friggin’ lived in the 3rd spot for what felt like half the season!…Drove me insane ’cause that spot has for whatever reason never been good to his AVG or anything…
I will always remember a game where McCann hit third and was on first. The four hitter hit a ball in the outfield gap all the way to the wall in right and was headed for third when he looked up and saw McCann at third – stopped. He really had to scramble back to second he had gone around so far.
Which game was that, BTW?…
He does however need to be working his [butt] off to improve his speed.
Dude…seriously…it’s enough, already. He was born not fast…he’s been a catcher since he started high-school (or thereabouts)…he’s not a fast person, I’m sorry. This isn’t a knock on him on my part by any means. And really—if you say something to the effect of the above one more time, I’m gonna tell tiger297 to fly down there, sit you in a white room, lock the door, and MAKE you watch the Exorcist all the way through!!!
Thanks, Choppinmama! You rock!!
Rufio
January 10th, 2012
9:19 am
I believe this interview was edited by DOB.
Does DOB really expected us to believe Chipper went through an entire interview without saying Ummmmmmmm or awwwwww or mmmmmmm?
Rufio
I hope Chipper does not become Brett Favre of Baseball in regards of staying too long. I do believe Chipper will retire a Brave though.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
9:19 am
Chipper played in 126 games in ‘11, not 140 games
If he doesn’t have surgery to repair a torn meniscus, he plays in 140 games, imo. Just saying that the surgery knocked him out, but overall he was healthy and playing quite a bit – productive too.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
9:19 am
In fairness to Larry, he was talking about Rose (and the others) as athletes, not men. I neither agree or disagree with Lawrence.
As a man, Pete Rose is of low character. He’s never owned up to his unethical and illegal conduct.
As a kid, I was privileged to watch Rose play (along with his Red Machine cohorts). He was one talented, hard working ballplayer (if the guy ever dogged it, I’d like to know).
But Rose ain’t no role model, that’s for sure.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
9:25 am
Sure the surgery knocked Chipper out… like oblique injuries have knocked him out and a long list of other injuries. Had Chipper not had those injuries in other seasons he would have played in more games.
But the facts are that injuries have been a huge factor in Chipper’s career since ‘04 (unfortunately). Chipper is candidly admitting that his knees are giving him trouble in the off-season (or had been giving him trouble). Painful knees and he’s not playing. This should concern fans – it seems to concern Chipper.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
9:26 am
I sure hope there is some way we can get Jones without giving up Prado. I’m hoping the O’s will accept JJ and one of our top young arms in return. _ Robert
Is this the Bobby Cox hating Robert, or another Robert?
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
9:27 am
I mean, of course we have to see how the season goes for him to see if he can continue playing. But his production in 2011 was still really strong for a 3rd baseman. If he can play in 130 games, and OPS around .800, I’m not sure why he wouldn’t come back…..oh, and an extra 10 million dollars will help.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
9:31 am
” If he [Chipper] can play in 130 games, and OPS around .800, I’m not sure why he wouldn’t come back…..oh, and an extra 10 million dollars will help.”
Agreed. But the key word is “if.” A healthy and productive Chipper is always a boon to the Braves’ fortunes. Every Braves’ fan needs to pull for Chipper to play all 162 games, if that were even possible.
Grammar Girl
January 10th, 2012
9:31 am
“Without further ado…” Just in case you ever want to use that phrase again.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
9:31 am
From Buster Olney’s blog this morning:
Chipper Jones did a Q & A with Carroll Rogers, and within that he addresses the question of what his frame of mind is, at age 39, and Jones puts into words — as well as any older player I can remember — how the game changes for an aging player:
The game is getting harder for me. When you first come to big leagues the game is so fast. It takes a while to adjust to it. When you’re in your prime, the game slows down almost to a slow-pitch softball. As you get older, the game starts to speed up again. I’d be lying if I said the game wasn’t really, really fast for me right now. It seems like everybody is throwing 100 mph. The pitchers’ mound gets closer to home plate whenever you’re hitting, and third base gets farther away from first base. I can remember thinking to myself a couple times running down to first base last year, I’d put my head down and I’d run. When I was 25, when I’d look up the base would be a step and a half away. Now I put my head down and I look up, I’m not even halfway there. And it’s a little deflating and a little depressing. That’s just part of it. You’re playing a game of adjustments, and you better make some adjustments or else the game is going to pass you by.
After reading this article, I seriously doubt Chipper will play in 2013; the Braves hold a $7 million option for ‘13, after he makes $13 million this year.
Bravo
January 10th, 2012
9:33 am
Time for Chipper to hang it up so his salary can be used to bring in premier talent that can play 162 games.
He’ll be on the DL by May 15.
We usually get these touchy feely feel-good stories from Chipper this time of the year to generate some ticket sales.
The bottomline is the Braves will be competing with the Mets to stay out of last place while the re-tooled Phillies, Marlins & Nationals compete for the NL East crown. If the Nats get Prince Fielder …
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
9:33 am
Interesting interview, Carroll. Thanks
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
9:34 am
Here come the Chipper haters. My question is this…how many Braves had a better year than Chipper in 2011? If he’s older, but in better shape, with a sounder knee, why would you ASSUME he will be less productive in 2012?
As far as his contract, get over it. He deseres it, and he’s earned it. And it is NOT killing the team to pay him what he is owed. Again, GET OVER IT.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
9:36 am
I’m also doubting he can come back in 2013. He’s been one of favorite players since he came into the league, but age is catching up. He’ll likely be able to hit when he’s 50, but the rest of the game is going to be getting harder and harder with those knees getting weaker and weaker.
I think it was pretty amazing how well he did lasyt year all things considered, but one more knee injury could well do him in and stamppaid to a great HOF career, IMO.
But I’ll be glad to send him deer painting number three when he’s inducted.
Robert
January 10th, 2012
9:36 am
Not the Bobby Cox hating………..but I was never a big fan of the long time skipper either.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
9:37 am
Bay Area Steve man alive, the McCann fat jokes are played out. Four years of the same stuff,…
Amen to that!…
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
9:37 am
Bravo – Competing for last place with the Mets?…Well, that’s your opinion. I believe we will still be in the top 2 in the division. Time will tell who’s right. (and by the way, you don’t even know who will be on the roster when the season starts)
phil
January 10th, 2012
9:37 am
Chipper Jones can play 5 more years as far as i’m concerned.
The reasons are obvious.
Play on, CJ!
Jimmy
January 10th, 2012
9:37 am
Efrim – To me, he was laying the ground work to not coming back in 2013. You know, by saying how hard this year will be and as the older he gets, the game gets quicker, etc.
The problem is that we are talking about Chipper – the last remnant of our glory years. If the subject was Tejda or Beltran and their age/knee issues, it would be a different tone.
I’m concerned. But if we retain Prado, I will be more at ease.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
9:37 am
Maybe you should change your name to (The Not Obsessive) Robert.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
9:39 am
Lew – No doubt he’s one injury (probably knee) away from retirement…but then, isn’t everyone? Granted that his odds are worse than most.
phil
January 10th, 2012
9:40 am
I’m glad to hear he’s dropped 8-10 pounds.
That will certainly help him.
Dropping another 5 would be even better.
Memo to McCann…..consider doing the same thing.
dap01
January 10th, 2012
9:41 am
Chipper has been a GREAT Atlanta Brave. I hope that FG gives him every 4th game off so that Chipper can stay fresh and healthier.
Chipper is the least of the Braves worry’s. Everyone should stop focusing on the 30 games missed each year and enjoy what is still one of the best 3rd basemen in baseball.
FW: Get a real bat to help out and the Braves have a chance. I with that was the focus, instead FW has to focus on cutting payroll.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
9:41 am
Jimmy, that’s fair. And I could just be looking at it from a production standpoint and his comments about if he’s still producing and feeling good(playing in 123 games+), then he’ll come back. But I do understand he is turning 40 years old this year. We’ll see.
And I think Prado is sticking around for 2012. I expect a bounce back year. Already pumped for baseball to begin and it’s January 10th.
Division Titles!
January 10th, 2012
9:43 am
Chipper as a coach or manager? I don’t think so. Read the part of the interview reflecting on the last year’s meltdown to see what Chipper would bring. Sounded just like Cox: the guys gave it their all and never dogged it. We need accountability in this town not more coddling over poor results.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
9:43 am
Well, raleighbravefan, I hope I don’t qualify as a Chipper hater!
You wrote: “If he’s older, but in better shape, with a sounder knee, why would you ASSUME he will be less productive in 2012?”
From Carroll’s interview, Chipper states that his knee has been giving him worrisome trouble this off-season. Chipper brought up his age and the erosion that occurs with older players and the need to adjust. Chipper’s forty, injury prone, and will play on bad knees. Just facts. Having said that, I’ll reiterate what I wrote above: Let’s hope Chipper is healthy and productive. The Braves are better offensively when Chipper’s in the the lineup.
phil
January 10th, 2012
9:44 am
I hope we have a really good, playoff type season this year. I still don’t think Heyward will contribute much to any success we have, but if some of the others emerge from their hitting comas, maybe we’ll see good things. The rest of the division has improved itself a lot on paper, and that’s a big concern though.
Maybe we’ll at least put up a fight this go around.
phil
January 10th, 2012
9:45 am
Fire FG
Travis
January 10th, 2012
9:45 am
I have several vivd memories of Chipper’s great career with the Braves. The one that stands out the most is more about his love of the game and team chemistry. McCann belly flopping into third and Chipper’s reaction in the dugout is priceless…Sorry McFann but it was funny! I just tried to find it but MLB advance media has claimed ownership.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
9:46 am
raleighbraves – It will indeed be a sad day when he retires, but those knees have to be killing him with each step – certainly looked that way in September. One more time landing the wrong way on a fielded ball and that could be it.
I’m really, really glad we still have Martin.
As for his salary as someone mentioned – it’s not what’s killing our salary structure, it’s LM’s refusal to boost it even in a minor fashion that’s forcing Wren to play the game he’s had to play almost every year since he took over for Schuerholz. There’s always going to be a veteran that some feel is making too much for their level of production. People have to realize that that’s just the way things work in the world – even for companies like IBM. The entry level personnel always make the lower end of the pay scale and those with more experience and a history of performance make much more. There usually does come a point where age declines performance to varying extents, but that’s the way the system works.
AND, the younger ones always think they’re worth more and want the older ones gone. Prbably has somethint to do with a species wide fear of getting older and facing declining skills – not to mention our obsession with youth.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
9:46 am
“And I think Prado is sticking around for 2012. I expect a bounce back year. Already pumped for baseball to begin and it’s January 10th.”
Amen.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
9:47 am
Those that want chipper to retire so we can get a 3rd baseman that can play 162 games. How many 3rd baseman played 162 games last year? How many played 155 and put up better numbers than Chipper last year? I don’t know off top of my head, just asking? I would bet its not too many. And finally out of those that did, how many are available? I would guess none.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
9:49 am
“I’m really, really glad we still have Martin.”
–Lew
Double amen (let’s hope Wren agrees).
Robert
January 10th, 2012
9:49 am
Why the hate Lew? Just because I would like to see some offense! How may World Series winners has all of the abundance of pitching gotten the Atlanta Braves? In case you’ve forgotten one! We don’t have the payroll backing to got out and get free agents, so we have to go by the trade route. Andre Eithier would be another nice get for some of our prospects, but he’s another lefty. I like the idea of Jones because he’s right-handed and could move to center next year, because you know the Braves are NOT gonna resign Bourne.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
9:51 am
Still four starting pitchers out there in free agency, Jackson, Kuroda, Oswalt, and Saunders. Could effect the market for Jair Jurrjens. If Detroit completes the Garza deal, that’d leave New York(AL), Boston, Toronto, and Colorado as teams still looking for starting pitching.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
9:52 am
Hate? Where did you see that? What I said was that if you weren’t the ” I Hate Boby Cox Because I’m totally Obsessive) then you should change your name.
However, now we see that’s exactly who we’re dealing with after all.
Ease
January 10th, 2012
9:53 am
In other news…
Atlanta offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey is interviewing with the Jaguars on Tuesday, sources said, and he is in favor of retaining Tucker as his defensive coordinator. Numerous sources with the Falcons believe Mularkey has a strong shot to win the Jacksonville job and Atlanta’s front office is ready to prepare contingency plans to replace the coordinator.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 10th, 2012
9:54 am
Chipper is entertaining as always and his knowledge of the game is incredible. That said, I think 2012 is going to be a trying time for both the players and fans alike. Which will affect Chipper’s decision to retire or continue playing. Although last season was a welcome improvement from our resident Hall of Fame third baseman, I’m not holding my breath this year.
Our Braves can’t get any better at 3rd base and they can’t get any worse either. Dude can flat out hit, but his defense and range at 3B isn’t improving with age. Nor has Chipper’s wheels, even with surgery. So I’m hoping against hope that Larry Wayne .Jr has another productive season in 2012 but I wouldn’t bet money on an aging race horse.
Best of Luck Chipper, I’ll be rooting for you no matter what!
bravesgirlnc
January 10th, 2012
9:54 am
Thanks CR! I love any interview with Chipper…he does not placate. He tells it as it is. I am just so proud he has been a Brave for his whole career. He definitely does not get the credit from the national media that he deserves.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
9:55 am
In response to the comments about BMac’s weight…
Here ya go
Jimmy
January 10th, 2012
9:55 am
The article stated that Chipper starts his regular off-season hitting program next week. Let’s see how that goes.
Though, I’d guess fielding and pivoting would be more taxing.
I want him coming to ST healthy with little/no pain.
That’s my hope anyway.
Brave New World
January 10th, 2012
9:55 am
Great interview! Chipper’s honest comments made for an enjoyable read. It’s obvious that Chipper believes in this team, as do most Braves’ fans. GO BRAVES!
DS1
January 10th, 2012
9:57 am
Was at the game last year on Monday, September the 12th. The folks that sat in front of us got one of those packages that allowed them down behind the batting cages before the game. Chipper came by (along with a lot of other players) and talked with them for a couple of minutes.
He told them that he was really feeling his age and he didn’t know how much longer his knees would hold up. Again, second hand info, but this is basically what he has been saying all along, if you read between the lines.
I hope he has a great year, provided he gets his weekly rest day or two. And I truly hope his is healthy enough to play effectively in 2013. But I do have my doubts that he will be able to.
Thanks for the memories Chipper.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
10:00 am
Robert
What you don’t understand is we have another infrequent blogger who hates Bobby Cox. Lew was probably suggesting you change your blog name to something like “Bob from Decatur” or something that will distinguish you as NOT the other Robert..
Or maybe “Not the other Robert”. I like that one too!
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
10:01 am
WINTER BALL
AUSTRALIA
PERTH HEAT
Next scheduled game January 12
DOMINICA
No BRAVES played.
VENEZUELA
ZULIA EAGLES
1B ERNESTO MEJIA [,273 BA] 0-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SO.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 10th, 2012
10:01 am
Two things which all fans should be aware of……
1. Our Braves have definitely been trying to unload Jair Jurrjens. Mainly because they have so much young pitching and to alleviate some of their payroll debt.
2. Atlanta hasn’t been shopping Martin Prado, teams have been inquiring as to his availability. Nothing is outside the realm of possibility as far as trades go, but Prado can’t be replaced because the dude plays 3B, 2B, LF and even 1B in a pinch if needed.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
10:01 am
Fielder, Pena and Ross still out there.
Kirk
January 10th, 2012
10:02 am
Thanks Carroll, great interview of a future HOF player. I think that Chipper will take himself out if he feels like he can’t do it.
Jimmy
January 10th, 2012
10:02 am
I wasn’t old enough to know at the time, but from what I’ve read, isn’t this real similar to the spring of 1968 and a player named Mickey?
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
10:02 am
Okay Robert, you value Adam Jones much higher than I do.
Brava
January 10th, 2012
10:03 am
Carroll, great work as usual. Thank you. It’s really enjoyable to read a candid interview devoid of all the canned cliches normally employed by MLB players. Chipper is one of a kind and will be sorely missed by this fan once he hangs it up, as I’m sure he will be by you and DOB, as well.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
10:03 am
I haven’t seen a mention of it here so I’ll comment.
It’s about time Ron Santo made it tothe HOF and it’s a total shame it will be a posthumous induction. The Dude was the best third baseman in the NL during the 60’s and the fact he played as an insulin dependent diabetic back in the time when insulin was much more unstable (pre recombinant DNA – they got it from cattle and pigs) and the fact so much less was known about how to control the disease and the difficulties of maintaining control with major exercise makes it truly incredible what he accomplished.
After his playing career, you never saw a bigger fan of the game or a more knowledgeable one in the booth for all those years.
Just hope that somehow, somewhere, Ron’s aaware of the honor that’s finally come his way. He would be thrilled.
TennesseePaul
January 10th, 2012
10:03 am
CR, thanks for the work. Loved the Interview.
GO CHIPPER!
DS1
January 10th, 2012
10:04 am
Efrim
Is Baltimore still in the market for a starting pitcher?
bruce
January 10th, 2012
10:04 am
Always get a bit discouraged when Chipper is hurt or out of the lineup and a bit less positive when he is playing while hurt. This interview has a touch of a great baseball novel or movie to it, providing insights with depth of perspective not usually shared. Thanks Chipper and Thanks Carroll.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
10:05 am
Lew
Amen!
Lemke's Knuckler
January 10th, 2012
10:05 am
Division Titles!…”We need accountability in this town not more coddling over poor results.”
You mean like Ozzie Guillen and the dumpster fire he left behind in Chicago?
Lew
January 10th, 2012
10:06 am
Robert – Yep, what DS1 said.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
10:07 am
GO CHIPPER!
Hell yeah!
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
10:08 am
Ease, thanks for the post.. looks like great news from the Falcons front.
Bayou Brave
January 10th, 2012
10:09 am
Great interview, Carol.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
10:09 am
Jeff R – Fair enough, RE your points concerning Chipper. I agree with Lew, and many others, that I hope we keep Martin as a back-up. I’m comfortable with that. And, no, I don’t consider you a hater. I was referring to those who act like Murph’s 3 year old…and have no appreciation for what Chipper has done, and continues to do, on the field, and in the clubhouse. Then there are those who have no appreciation or understanding for the ecconomics of baseball, and how player incomes are structured over thier careers.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
10:09 am
It would be nice to see Chipper play in 140 games this year.
Ease
January 10th, 2012
10:09 am
Sure thing AT…I am on top of it…
ghostwriter
January 10th, 2012
10:10 am
That was a great interview.
Chipper is so honest. Can’t wait to see him out there this year.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
10:10 am
Is Baltimore still in the market for a starting pitcher?
I can’t imagine they would be after signing Wei-Yin Chen. They also have the following as options for the rotation: Jeremy Guthrie, Tsuyoshi Wada, Brad Bergeson, Tommy Hunter, Dana Eveland, Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, Zach Britton, and Jake Arrieta.
Trading for Jurrjens just doesn’t make sense for them anymore.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
10:11 am
@ raleigh: Then there are those who have no appreciation or understanding for the ecconomics of baseball, and how player incomes are structured over thier careers.
There should be some sort of a law about those folks being given a computer and access to the internet…………
PMC
January 10th, 2012
10:11 am
I appreciate that Chipper always answers the tough questions as honestly as possible. That’s rare.
I’ve just got to see them do it (hit and produce) before I’ll believe they can.
Robert
January 10th, 2012
10:11 am
Sorry Lew. I mis-read your quote. Did not know there was another Robert. I’m a long time Braves fan, from Chicago. Catch them every time they are here to play the Cubs or White Sox. But I still look for offensive improvement. I love Chipper, but his time is near. Don’t want to lose Prado, but we need some offensive help, and our pitching depth seems to be the only way to get it!
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
10:13 am
Future Shock
New York Mets Top 11 Prospects
by Kevin Goldstein
System In 20 Words Or Less: With improvement coming via all three areas—draft, trades, international—the Mets are finally moving in the right direction.
Five-Star Prospects
1. Matt Harvey, RHP
2. Zack Wheeler, RHP
Four-Star Prospects
3. Jeurys Familia, RHP
Three-Star Prospects
4. Brandon Nimmo, OF
5. Juan Lagares, OF
6. Jordany Valdespin, 2B
7. Jenrry Mejia, RHP
8. Reese Havens, 2B
9. Cesar Puello, OF
10. Michael Fulmer, RHP
11. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, OF
DS1
January 10th, 2012
10:14 am
Efrim
Hey look at that laundry list of starting pitchers the O’s have………. Kind of a long list like ours.
But I don’t think I’d trade em though.
Some of those names were supposed to be pretty good pitching prospects a few years back.
b
January 10th, 2012
10:14 am
And for all those that think Prado won’t hit, just listen to Chipper.
I think he knows more than you do.
Please don’t trade Martin!
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
10:14 am
Travis Sorry McFann but it was funny!
Don’t apologize! That was the greatest thing in the history of baseball!
bruce
January 10th, 2012
10:14 am
McFann – great cartoon reference @ 9:55 am, very funny.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
10:15 am
Robert – Glad you understand – I can definitely be bitchy as all get out, but when we saw your post with no referenes to nose picking or donkeys in the dugout, we figured it wasn’t the “Real” Robert, who hates Cox with a passion – and did not mean anything nasty towards you with my comment.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
10:16 am
“Robert from the Windy City” maybe?
or “RWC”
DS1
January 10th, 2012
10:17 am
Lew
You, bitchy? Nah………..
That’d be like me being confrontational. And we KNOW that just ain’t so.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
10:17 am
I think it’s funny that so many fans think that if the Nats get Fielder that the Braves will be competing for last place with the Mets. I would like Wren to get a true LF’er for maybe 2 pitchers…JJ and a Minor just because we all know Chipper will miss some games and Prado will have to take over at 3B and we need someone other than Diaz to man LF when that happens. Even if Wren doesn’t come through with getting said LF’er this line-up is still stacked from top to bottom other than SS and that remains to be seen what we get out of that position. I think what happened at the end of last season will only make this team stronger and hungrier after leaving a bad taste in their mouths to end the season. Let’s look at the competition… Marlins will be a circus all year long with the pieces they added, Phillies will be there obviously but even they are getting older and their injuires will add up with Howard starting out the season injured. Nats while improved even if they sign Fielder are still a question mark what they will get from their pitching. Braves had some bad seasons from most of their key players and were in the top 4 in the league up until the end…this will not happen again this year.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
10:18 am
CR
It’s time to get Chipper on the blog some evening. Make it so sister. Obviously our everyman don’t have the pull to make it happen.
DAP
January 10th, 2012
10:19 am
among qualifiers at 3rd base, Chipper Jones had the 5th best OPS, and played more games than 2 of the players ahead of him. heres the list, player, games played, and OPS.
1. Adrian Beltre 120 .892
2. Aramis Ramierz 149 .871
3. Evan Longoria 133 .850
4. Kevin Youkilis 120 .833
5. Chipper Jones 126 .814
6. Mark Reynolds 155 .806
none of the other qualifiers OPSed over .800.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
10:19 am
I would have liked to have gotten Chipper’s take on Pastornicky and the loss of Gonzo, but I guess you can’t have everything, huh.
DAP
January 10th, 2012
10:20 am
my apologies, beltre played in 124 games.
beekay
January 10th, 2012
10:20 am
Bottom line is if J-Hey, Uggs and B-Mac play like they are capable of then Prado’s lack of power does not come into play. He can back up Chip and platoon in Left. Sign a vet shortstop as half year bridge and the team is solid offensively. If Prado hits .310 with 15 hr’s and 80 rbi’s playing 2 positions, I’m happy. Question is would Huddy have more trade value now then JJ ? Although it would be risky a rotation of 1.Hanson,2.Beachy,3.Minor, 4.JJ, and either Delgado/Tehran or Meds/Viz is a gamble but yo still have 4 capabale pitchers in case JJ or Hanson go down. I would think Huddy would bring in more than JJ because of durability. We could trade JJ mid-season or next year if needed.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
10:23 am
Efrim – Yeah, the Mets finally have a guy who knows what he’s doing as a GM. However, man, do they have a long way to go. I can see a day, soon, that all teams in the east will be really tough.
Braves Fan
January 10th, 2012
10:24 am
I hope all Braves fan truly appreciate Chipper Jones. We are watching the final years of one of the greatest 3Bs to play the game. I have come to appreciate him more and more as he has gotten older. He respects the game and plays it the way its supposed to be played. I’ll never forget how he handled Zambrano throwing at him last year and the way he plays day in and day out when he is on the field. Thanks Chipper. I hope you have a great season in 2012.
Frank Wren
January 10th, 2012
10:25 am
Our championship-caliber roster is set, spring training is just weeks away and Chipper feels like he 25 again !
Buy some tickets !
Play ball !
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
10:28 am
Bottom line is if J-Hey, Uggs and B-Mac play like they are capable of then Prado’s lack of power does not come into play.
Prado’s “lack of power” doesn’t come into play, in any event. If Uggla were in LF and Prado at 2B, there wouldn’t be a discussion of getting a thumper to play 2B, would there? Prado’s offensive position profile is irrelevant on this particular ball club.
There are already five guys in the nominal lineup with 20+ HR power, which is one more than you’d have if you had four corner players who profiled for their positions. So, there’s plenty of sock on the club, if they’ll quit making so dang many outs.
RedandBlack
January 10th, 2012
10:29 am
Chipper Jones is a Ball Player, folks. He is a future Baseball Hall of Fame inductee. He is what the Atlanta Braves are all about right now and they are all about having Chipper be their leader. Enjoy the good times for Chipper this year. There will be some good ones coming as usual.
Chipper has a lot of miles on him right now, but he has a lot of good miles left. Thank you, Chipper!! Go Braves!! Go Dogs!!
Random
January 10th, 2012
10:29 am
Jeff R (January 10th, 2012 9:19 am): “In fairness to Larry, he was talking about Rose (and the others) as athletes, not men.”
“Fairness”, you say?
Was Larry talking about Chipper Jones “as an athlete, not a man” when he asserted the following?
“the excuses are already in place and some you think this man is a real leader and management material.”
Or this?
“[Chipper will] selfishly cripple the chances of the team by cashing $15,000,000.00 worth of checks from February to September.”
I think not.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
10:33 am
The difference between our pitching prospects and the O’s pitching prospects, ours have a good chance of making a positive impact. The O’s not so good. They just do not have a good rotation. Lots of bodies with limited potential. Their farm system is somewhat of a mess as well. JJ would definitely be one of their top 3 pitchers. Probably their #2 pitcher. But don’t see it happening.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
10:33 am
I think most Braves fans appreciate Chipper. Most of em……
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
10:34 am
beekay – Do we have to go over this again? YOU CANNOT TRADE HUDDY. He is a 10/5 guy (look it up). He isn’t about to waive that right…He gave us a big hometown discount just ot stay in Atlanta. (Same with Chipper, by the way).
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
10:34 am
Every morning I wake up to see if the Braves made a trade and every morning it’s the same no news sh**.
I don’t care about no Chipper interview … I want some trade action or at least some juicy news, or something.
Was a good interview though.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
10:36 am
There is a growing trend that most of the O’s pitching prospects lose velocity when they reach the higher levels and the bigs. If this happens with Dylan Bundy, then they must seriously look at how they are working with these kids. No one organization can have this many failed pitching prospects with the exact same issue – just a plain and simple loss of velocity.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
10:37 am
Hudson isn’t being traded. He will play out his option in 2013. He’ll be 38 years old on opening day 2014, turning 39 in July of that year. So we’ll see if he even continues pitching past his current deal.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
10:37 am
Efrim, Chipper has never done a thing to have one Braves fan not appreciate what he has done for so long. If they don’t appreciate him than they really aren’t fans. That simple.
Travis
January 10th, 2012
10:39 am
Not too many five tool players out there like Chipper in his prime. He was a gem for this team. Might take three players to fill his shoes. Go back to the Braves of the 1990’s and look at what they had. Maddox, Glavine, Smoltz, Javy Lopez, Big Cat, JD Drew, Crime Dog, Justice, Andruw, Chipper Lemk, Furcal, Brian Jordan. It took a top five payroll to bankroll that kind of lineup. Just go throught the league and it might be tough to find that many good players at any price these days.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
10:40 am
Random – One thing that Chipper is NOT, is selfish. He has always given the Braves a “hometown discount” when he could have gone FA, and made a lot more. He restructured his contract, so we could persue free agents whith the extra money. He moved to LF, to the detriment of his career, and his health, so we could sign Vinnie Castilla to play 3rd. Selfish??? I won’t call you names, but I will say that you are just wrong.
Ease
January 10th, 2012
10:41 am
No one organization can have this many failed pitching prospects with the exact same issue
Well, can this be traced back to Mazzone’s time there. He left here and all of the sudden a rash of injuries occurred…I have this on credible sources…
Ray
January 10th, 2012
10:42 am
CTB, The braves are signing Fielder to a 15 yr 300m deal. The Braves also traded their top 4 pitching prospects for Bryce Harper. I hope that satisfies you at least until tomorrow.
Bill
January 10th, 2012
10:42 am
Great Job Carroll..6 weeks and everyhing will get hot again..Chipper on trades was very cool…maybe Chipper will be a good GM one day. Thanks again Carroll & Go Braves!
Travis
January 10th, 2012
10:43 am
Pretty tough to not give a first ballot induction to Chipper when he becomes eligable.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
10:44 am
Ease – Since when has Don EVER been considered a “credible source”?
Lew
January 10th, 2012
10:47 am
raleighbraves – Random was quoting someone else there. I think he agrees with you.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
10:48 am
raleighbravefan, I didn’t think you did.
Those who bark about Chipper’s contract need to forget it. Business is business. The Braves elected to offer Chipper the contract he has… they could have elected not to offer Chipper a lucrative, long term deal. What was Chipper supposed to do, say, “No, thanks.” Come on.
As to the payroll, Lew said it best earlier (I think it was Lew). The Braves would be better off raising payroll – expanding the pie – rather than trying to cut more slices from a fixed pie. There’s reasons right now why that’s a not happening, unfortunately.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
10:49 am
Random, you got me on that one, buddy.
Ease
January 10th, 2012
10:51 am
Since when has Don EVER been considered a “credible source”?
I defer to Don when it comes to protecting the sheep from coyotes…
Ray
January 10th, 2012
10:54 am
The O’s problem with their pitching starts with their drafting. The scouts have not done a very good job. Now the kid Bundy, let’s see what he develops in to as a major leaguer.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
10:56 am
Random – Sorry if I misjudged your comment.
Jeff R – They could have let Chipper walk…but remember, he had just won the batting title when they resigned him…AND, he is the “face of the franchise”. Tough to give him anything less than he deserved.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
10:56 am
I would like to see Wren sign someone like Ross for cheap to play LF for when Prado moves to 3B amd Chipper rests or sits with an injury. The longer he is on the market the cheaper his price gets and being a month and change away from ST makes it a possibility.
CC
January 10th, 2012
11:00 am
Seems we have conflicts of interest here.
Some people simply want to see Chipper play, and cheer him on all the way. Those are the game/player fans. But they just may be cheering him on to blown out knees and an embarrassing and forced exit. That’s fine — we love our players.
Others would like the team to produce at maximum output in order to reach at least the playoffs — which requires using top producing players, or those who can still bounce back to top form.
Unfortunately, those views cancel each other out. Those who’d like to get to the next Series are not Chipper haters. They just have a goal in mind.
I’d hoped Chipper was going to be different than Glavine and Smoltz, and hang up the spikes before it becomes embarrassingly clear that he’s past due retirement. So — for all his candor and insight, he’s just a good-natured, aww shucks self-promoter who will not admit he is becoming a liability to the team both physically and financially.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
11:00 am
raleighbravefan… right. My point being is that it was all a voluntary, free market transaction. The Braves offered and Chipper accepted. A-okay in my book.
Zing
January 10th, 2012
11:01 am
Man, I’m going to miss that guy. One of the rare athletes who tells it like it is.
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
11:04 am
The Braves slot for backup reserve players is around the $2M area. The Braves just will not pay more than that for someone to sit on the bench until they are needed. Diaz, Ross and Hinske fall into that slot
Murph
January 10th, 2012
11:07 am
My question is this…how many Braves had a better year than Chipper in 2011?
I’m not a Chipper hater… I like the guy. But the fact that he was one of the better performers on the team speaks more to how lackluster his teammates were rather than to how great he was. There were a few guys who I’d expect to outdo the 40 year old 3B, and the problem was that they didn’t.
I hope Chipper goes out, has a monster year, and then hangs ‘em up on a good note.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
11:10 am
Jeff R – Understood.
CC – Who would be better than Chipper in 2011? Would you havew signed him to 1 year contracts? (he would have walked). Would you have let him walked, following a year that he won the batting title? Who would be the “top producing player” that you would have signed afteer the 2008 season, and what would he have cost? Do you even think about what you are saying???
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
11:14 am
Murph – Valid point about players not named Chipper in 2011. Different question…what NL 3rd basemen had a better year in 2011, compared to Chipper? How many (out of the 15 others) would you have rather had in the year 2011?
David O'Brien
January 10th, 2012
11:14 am
Lew, Robert: Sorry, but I feel same way — every time I see Robert’s blog handle, I’m initially thrown off when there’s not a farm animal reference. Or actually when there’s a reference to anything relevant since Cox retired.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
11:16 am
Hooter’s – Yeah, that’s funny…Let me ask you. What percentage of ballplayers have had a more stable marriage over a long period of time, compared to Chipper’s 2nd marriage?
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
11:18 am
DOB – Yeah, some people just don’t want to let it go. Others, like Don, find something else to obsess about.
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
11:19 am
I think Chipper and Prado in tandem give the Braves a good situation at third in 2012. I think it was Efrim the other day who listed all the solid third base prospects other clubs are developing. Wish the Braves had a 3B prospect as well regarded as some of those in other systems.
But AC (After Chipper), there’s Prado, who would be a capable full time third baseman (if he’s still with the Braves, that is). Wren could sign a free agent 3B (who’s available after 2012 or 2013, and budget is a factor). Perhaps Wren could trade for a younger, talented third baseman or land a solid prospect in a deal. We’ll see.
DAP
January 10th, 2012
11:24 am
there was one third baseman in the NL last year who had a better year than chipper. Aramis Ramierez.
Ease
January 10th, 2012
11:26 am
Keith Law news…
keithlaw keithlaw
I have chosen to stay with ESPN. It was a difficult decision, and I’m very grateful to the Astros for the opportunity.
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
11:26 am
The better question is how many 3rd baseman had a better year than Chipper and it was noted earlier that only 3 third baseman played more games that Chipper that had better numbers. I think there are just posters who dislike Chipper and want to get their shots in on him. Fans from other teams come here a lot. I think some of the negative talk about Chipper is from them posing as Braves fans
Catchers rarely play more games than Chipper does. Catchers have a player that backs them up, right? Those are called backup Catchers. The Braves backup Catcher is David Ross and how many fans bitch and moan when Mac is rested or sits and Ross fills in. Does the reason really matter.
Chipper has a backup named Prado. When Chipper rests or is hurt Prado fills in and like Ross is very good at it. Why should Chipper be viewed any differently than McCann? I’m pretty sure some worry themselves with issues in their life at home the same as they stress and worry here. Some need to get a grip and realize we are not doomed.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
11:27 am
bruce great cartoon reference @ 9:55 am, very funny.
Haha, thanks! Read that last week or sometime and immediately thought of the Blog…
rayk
January 10th, 2012
11:27 am
excellent interview. of course, Chipper can’t say negative things about management.
the issue remains why Adam Jones is the only available OF that could help the Braves. Cinn. gave 4 good players to SD for Latos and we were offerring Jurgens, but couldn’t get 2 good players ?
the end result is that we’ll end up with nothing for Jurgens when he walks as a free agent.
Beane got 4 players for Gonzlez, but the Braves can’t find a reasonable offer for Jurgens ?
when most of the NL east improves and we sit still, we are relatively weaker. the same Braves team will bring less wins in 2012 than 2011, and we need more rather than less.
Random
January 10th, 2012
11:28 am
@raleighbravefan (January 10th, 2012 10:40 am) — Like Lew surmised (and Dubya would say), you misconscrewed my 10:29 am. I do agree with you on Chipper Jones — especially your 9:34 am and 10:40 am.
@Lew — Thanks for helping clear that up.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
11:28 am
DAP – My point exactly. If your complaint is his income, then you would have to get rid of just about everyone past their first 6 years. In fact, some of the arb years can get pretty expensive. You can be in a constant state of rebuilding, like Oakland, for example.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
11:29 am
keithlaw keithlaw
I have chosen to stay with ESPN. It was a difficult decision, and I’m very grateful to the Astros for the opportunity.
Selfishly, this makes me happy. He offers an unbiased opinion on baseball that I don’t believe ESPN would be able to replace. I think he is actually an underrated baseball person, and has become even better over the last few years in accepting the human aspect of the game. It would of been cool if he had gone to the Astros in a premiere role, to see if they began to draft better. I believe he just moved to Arizona, and also has a young daughter. Anyway, I’m excited to see his prospect rankings come out in a couple weeks.
Random
January 10th, 2012
11:29 am
Division Titles! (January 10th, 2012 9:12 am): “Most disappointing is that Chipper had so few clutch playoff performances duringnthe 15 year run. As I talk to people in Atlanta, this is the resounding frustration I get when bringing up Chipper in the conversation. His numbers may be worthy of the HOF but his playoff performance would land him squarely in the land of mediocrity.”
Which “people in Atlanta” have you been talking to — Tomahawkin and MFin04, etc?
In 16 WS games (55 ABs), Chipper OPS’d .827 with 15 hits, 2 2Bs and a HR.
In 34 NLCS games (127 ABs), Chipper OPS’d .866 with 40 hits, 7 2Bs and 3 HRs.
In 42 NLDS games (151 ABs), Chipper OPS’d .890 with 41 hits, 5 2Bs and 9 HRs.
Not exactly “sqarely in the land of mediocrity”, if you ask me.
DAP
January 10th, 2012
11:30 am
patio daddio it was noted earlier that only 3 third baseman played more games that Chipper that had better numbers.
actually, only two. chipper was 5th in OPS, and 2 of the 4 players ahead of him played in fewer games than he did.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
11:30 am
PS—brace, how’s it going? Good to see you around these parts again…
Robert ( chi-town)
January 10th, 2012
11:31 am
Come on DOB, I’ve even complimented you on keeping us up on the hot stove and winter meetings, even though unfortunately there was nothing coming out of thos winter meetings! LOL. I’m an old Braves fan. Lived through the great Aaron/Mathews years in Milwaukee, and followed them down to Atlanta. I just get frustrated when the older teams in the NL East seem to get stronger, while we stand pat! Is my new handle better?
Abnerish
January 10th, 2012
11:31 am
I wish all athletes (and politicians for that matter) would be as frank and honest as Chipper is in this interview. Very cool.
David O'Brien
January 10th, 2012
11:32 am
Robert (chi-town): Yes, much better. Thank ya, sir.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
11:36 am
rayk – I believe JJ’s value will actually rise, as he proves that his knee is OK. I assume Wren is aware of his prognosis, and has taken that into account.
Bigwheel
January 10th, 2012
11:36 am
Thanks for the great piece, C. Rogers. Always love Chip’s interview. Dude is def. down to earth and aware of his perception. I personally enjoyed his play last year; There isnt a single guy in the big leagues that could match his play at 39. Here’s to a successful campaign in ‘12!!
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
11:37 am
His numbers may be worthy of the HOF but his playoff performance would land him squarely in the land of mediocrity.
Where did this come from? I can’t say I agree with this statement at all.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
11:38 am
just get frustrated when the older teams in the NL East seem to get stronger, while we stand pat
Does Microsoft care if Linux doubles or even triples its customer base? Huh-uh.
Other teams have improved from being awful; doesn’t mean they have improved to being contenders. Big difference.
Puma
January 10th, 2012
11:39 am
It will be interesting to see how Fredi does his batting order this year, who will be hitting 3rd? And where he will hit Jason and Freeman? Hard to believe this will be Heywards third season
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
11:39 am
DAP thanks for correcting me and it is very important that “sky is falling” crowd realize there is very little out there producing more than Chipper and the ones (2) are not available to ever replace Chipper. I have been reading fans, I use that term loosely, calling for Chipper to retire or be traded for 6 years now. They will cite any reason to bash him. Some use a restaurant. Some his age. Some his injuries. Others use no excuse to bash him
mpimentel
January 10th, 2012
11:40 am
well I saw luis polonia hitting the ball to the gaps at 44 years old in the D.R. winter league, chipper could also do it for sure…but he cannot be our 3rd bat in the lineup this up coming season…I think a 6th or 7th spot in the lineup take out pressure of his daily basis and knees as well…and talking about winter leagues, jose constanza is playing injured (yes INJURED), mauro gomez (1st and 3rd baseman from AAA) is heating with the bat, arodys vizcaino didn’t pitch in the tournament…see you and I will keep you all informed…
Ease
January 10th, 2012
11:41 am
Other teams have improved from being awful; doesn’t mean they have improved to being contenders.
Just like Clem…oops West Virginia just scored again.
Puma
January 10th, 2012
11:42 am
This is absolutely the worst time of year sports wise, since Falcons lost and I am not a basketball fan.
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
11:44 am
Hmmmmmm? Can we read fans? Just a little shot at myself for being toopid.
Bigwheel
January 10th, 2012
11:45 am
I think the big thing with Heyward is, can Walker make him a consistent hitter? It’l be his third hitting coach in three years- can someone please teach him how to dougie?
cricket
January 10th, 2012
11:46 am
Sounded just like Cox: the guys gave it their all and never dogged it
Since this is not football, how the heck does one know that players dogged it if they are not drinking beer in the dugout? I was as frustrated as anyone in last month but can’t really say that the players lacked in effort. If you are in a funk and not able to buy a hit, you are not going to get a hit no matter how hard you are on yourself. Based on reports after historical collapses, BoSox clubhouse had turned somewhat toxic while that of braves was just tragic.
The Truth
January 10th, 2012
11:46 am
I’ve been in Atlanta my entire life and this guy is by far the greatest sports figure we’ve had. Period! And although he’ll never be recognized or appreciated for half of the contributions he makes daily to this organization he will be remembered as the best player ever to wear our uniform. No offense to Dominique, The Murph, or any of the big 3 pitching staff (Maddux, Glavine, & Smoltz) but Chipper has absolutely carried us from games to stretches and even seasons some years. He’s one of the best switch hitters in MLB history. He’s a World Series Champion. He’s an MLB MVP. He has a batting title. All these accomplishments and he has to wake up daily and read some schmuck who has to lean sideways to get out of his armchair while he’s watching the game to grab his next brew before sounding off on Chipper being hurt again. It’s beyond ignorant. These same guys are going to be worshiping Chipper in 10, 15, 20 years telling everyone they see about how they got to see him play and how great he was. So go critics, say what you want about Chipper but careful of who is listening…….you’ll be singing different tunes in just a few years.
Bigwheel
January 10th, 2012
11:46 am
I mean hit .330/.520/.850
cricket
January 10th, 2012
11:48 am
This is absolutely the worst time of year sports wise, since Falcons lost and I am not a basketball fan.
Yep. Even worse for me since India is getting absolutely humiliated by Australia in test cricket.
cricket
January 10th, 2012
11:49 am
So, KLaw is already fired from his new job?
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
11:50 am
So, if Prado has a pre-2011 career average year in 2012: .307/.356/.454, 115 OPS+, I wonder if the Braves will offer an extension similar to what Howie Kendrick just received from the Angels. Prado will be 29 years old on opening day 2013. A four year contract that includes his last arbitration eligible season would take him through his age 32 year old season. I’m sure much of the decision making will include what Chipper’s plans are for the future, but it’ll be interesting to see how the Braves value Prado, after listening on him this winter.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
11:52 am
So, KLaw is already fired from his new job?
I think he said that some of the Astros prospects weren’t going to be Hall of Famers, so the fan base was outraged and petitioned for him to not get the job………………………….
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
11:52 am
With DOB mentioning Izturis the other day from the Angels in a rumor what about a JJ for Izturis and that Bourjos kid?
Largo
January 10th, 2012
11:53 am
I sure hope Chipper doesn’t read these comments. He’ll probably sign another 12M extension even if he has to play third using a cane. MONEY! That’s what has kept him around and will keep him around no matter that he isn’t worth much anymore. The only thing he has accomplished is to prevent the braves from improving their offense in the outfield. ” Retire Chipper, quit being so damn selfish.”
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
11:53 am
A big key for Jurrjens is conditioning. As I recall, Braves’ management wasn’t pleased with Jurrjens sporadic conditioning. Jurrjens went into spring training last season in good shape, and then as the season advanced, there was the suspicion that he wasn’t sticking to a regimen.
But Jurrjens has everything to lose if he keeps coming up injured. To the extent that conditioning will help minimize the chances of another disrupted season, I hope he sticks to a program. Helps him and the Braves (assuming Jurrjens is twirling for the Bravos).
CB
January 10th, 2012
11:53 am
Efrim,you need to ask Mark Bowman. The man is a genius.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
11:54 am
Amen to The Truth! Well said.
Therut
January 10th, 2012
11:56 am
I would love to see Chipper stay around, take a lesser role, less pay, and move right into the managers’s job in a couple of years because there will be an opening on the braves.
Seattle Braves
January 10th, 2012
11:57 am
This was the Q&A I was waiting for. This tells us how the club house feels at this point. Chipper being a leader type and speaks the truth and holds nothing back. This is what this Q&A really revelaed.
1. Larry Parrish didnt do a great job.
2. Derek Lowe needed to be traded
3. Tommy Hanson and JJ should be traded for another Bat.
4. Prado is not being traded because of Chippers Knees
5. Four to Five guys slumping shows that we need help. (another Bat)
6. This will be Chippers Last year. The game is getting to fast again.
7. Chipper is still one of the best options for 3B on any team.
8. Chipper would be an amazing coach one day. Hitting Perferbly!
9. Chipper flat out told the front office to make a move, we need it.
10. Chipper will put it all out on the line this year.
Thank You Chipper for speaking up and for being the Man you are.
cricket
January 10th, 2012
11:58 am
I think he said that some of the Astros prospects weren’t going to be Hall of Famers, so the fan base was outraged and petitioned for him to not get the job………………………….
man, why can’t braves learn about accountability from astros?
Seattle Braves
January 10th, 2012
11:59 am
Number 3 is Tommy OR JJ
David O'Brien
January 10th, 2012
12:00 pm
Peter Moylan, when I asked him via text if his surgically repaired arm felt good when he began throwing last week: “Yeah mate, rolled the arm over a little bit. Felt great.”
CB
January 10th, 2012
12:00 pm
Ease, I can’t believe scoots let you get away with that one. He must still be drinking.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
12:02 pm
Nice article CARROLL.
40 days’ till P&C report!
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
12:03 pm
I mean hit .330/.520/.850 _ Bigwheel
So what are we looking at here, Bigwheel?
Is that obp, slg & ops …………… if so, I think Heyward will get on base much better than .330
or ba, obp & slg? Cause if its the latter, well damn…………….
Seattle Braves
January 10th, 2012
12:04 pm
I believe you will see a MVP from the Braves this year. Guess Who?
Jeff R
January 10th, 2012
12:04 pm
Largo, I highly doubt money is the only thing that keeps Chipper around. He’s spent the better part of his life (I mean, since he was a kid) playing baseball. The game is an integral part of who Chipper is. And playing a major league sport has to be a thrill with few to match (how many of us would trade desk jobs to play a pro sport?).
And the money… you’d easily walk away from $13 or $14 million annually – or whatever Chipper’s being paid? Sounds nice in theory, but very few of us would even come close to knowing what it’s like to command that much compensation. And at forty, Chipper might be an old athlete, but in life, he’s a younger man. The guy has a long life ahead of him (I’m sure he hopes). He’s had a chance as a young man to cash out. Why shouldn’t he? He’s got kids and other obligations. Why wouldn’t Chipper want to max his earnings?
Ease
January 10th, 2012
12:07 pm
CB, he has been rather silent…oops, Clemson just scored again.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
12:08 pm
Largo – Moron
Lew
January 10th, 2012
12:09 pm
MOylan a bit later in the season would give us an extraordinarily deep pen – which is already deep as it stands without him. He could be an immense help later in the year keeping our others fresh – which if they are not overused gives the Braves an excellent edge over the rest of the division – at least in THAT area.
What I get from Chipper’s intefview is that the players are far from happy with the end of the 2011 season and will be highly motivated to turn it around. I believe that’s exactly what will happen. This team WILL surprise many detractors.
bobbymahlon
January 10th, 2012
12:10 pm
JJ and Minor for Jones I like that one. By all means keep Prado, don’t give up on him because of one bad year as he was beset with injuries. With that team we could be very competitive and with a few breaks could go all the way.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
12:13 pm
When it gets a bit closer to ST, anywone who will be attending and wants art to get signed, let me know – I can send jpegs if you have a good printer, or hard copies if not. All I ask is you get one signed for me to help replace my collection I sold for my son’s bills.
I’ll also be adding a couple new pieces – likely a Prado, an O’Ventbrel and an Uggla – in addition to all that exist on my website. Just contact me at the usual Lewhartman@comcast.net and I’ll take care of all requests.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
12:13 pm
No one liked my JJ for Izturis and Bourjos trade proposal? I think it could be a possibility as he is a great CF’er and has speed and has put up decent numbers so far in the Bigs. Angels have Trout waiting in the wings along with Wells and Hunter to go in the OF so they might trade Bourjos.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
12:15 pm
Murph – I WILL have your Wurlitzer soon, as well. Really. I promise. Don’t send the 3 Year Old for retribution. Please.
richbrave – Haven’t made it to the P.O. yet – yours will come along later in the Spring.
Robert ( chi-town)
January 10th, 2012
12:15 pm
I like it too Bobby. I think it’s worth the risk. Wondering too why here in Chicago the rumors are swirling about the Cubs getting top prospects for Garza from the Tigers. Guess everyone is a little concerned about JJ’s knee and maybe want to see how he looks in spring training before making a deal. Because I thought JJ had a much better year last year than Garza did.
washed up
January 10th, 2012
12:16 pm
c jones is washed and needs to retire–he’s hurt all the time and doesn’t show up in big games.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
12:18 pm
Yet another uninformed idiot heard from. They are omnipresent.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
12:20 pm
JJ and Minor for Jones I like that one. By all means keep Prado, _ bobbymahlon
Why in the world would the Braves trade 40% of their starting rotation for Jones, just to sit a better hitter (Prado) on the bench.
Carroll Rogers
January 10th, 2012
12:21 pm
Columbus, Chipper does find his way onto the blog from time to time, and I imagine he will probably see a few of the comments.
Sopheee
January 10th, 2012
12:24 pm
Thanks for the Q&A, Carroll.
Definitely will be a sad day when #10 hangs ‘em up. Part of my childhood right there.
Seattle Braves
January 10th, 2012
12:26 pm
@Carroll Rogers
If thats true, I would like to thank Chipper for his support during my 1995 Heart Surgery. He gave a sign phot of himself and to this day it reminds me of how speacial he is to me and my family. Thank You Chipper
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
12:26 pm
“Lew, Robert: Sorry, but I feel same way — every time I see Robert’s blog handle, I’m initially thrown off when there’s not a farm animal reference. Or actually when there’s a reference to anything relevant since Cox retired.”
Robert still goes on about Bobby? You gotta be kidding me. Hasnt a whole season gone by?
Lew
January 10th, 2012
12:29 pm
Mitchie – It’s so bad that he sponsers Bobby Cox’s BaseballReference.com’s Bobby Cox page and heads it with an insult to BC.
phil
January 10th, 2012
12:29 pm
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
9:55 am
In response to the comments about BMac’s weight…
Here ya go
******
Lol! Now that i’m done grinning, however, i’m not a major league catcher who WOULD benefit from getting his butt in tip top shape. Period. Along with the rest of these guys.
That said, i’m personally in decent shape and run 5ks, 10ks and a HM once in a blue moon. I practice what i preach. Sort of!
cricket
January 10th, 2012
12:30 pm
c jones is washed
no argument there, i think he’s also shampooed
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
12:32 pm
Lew, any idea how much that sponsorship has cost him? I wonder if we did any damage last year.
cricket
January 10th, 2012
12:32 pm
Why in the world would the Braves trade 40% of their starting rotation for Jones, just to sit a better hitter (Prado) on the bench.
ok, ok, will 60% get it done?
Lew
January 10th, 2012
12:33 pm
Transplant – No idea at all though I think they specify how much it will cost per hit, etc. on the site. I hope he padi dearly, myself. Couldn’t happen to an un-nicer guy.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
12:36 pm
The Boston Red Sox appear to be closing in on a short-term deal with right-hander Hiroki Kuroda.. – Jim Bowden
AdirondackDave
January 10th, 2012
12:36 pm
Great interview, Carroll. ST can’t start fast enough!
TennesseePaul
January 10th, 2012
12:37 pm
He offers an unbiased opinion on baseball
keithlaw keithlaw
I have chosen to stay with ESPN. It was a difficult decision, and I’m very grateful to the Astros for the opportunity. The Braves still suck.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
12:38 pm
Lew, any idea how much that sponsorship has cost him? I wonder if we did any damage last year. _ Arkansas Transplant
Not much, but if he had not locked in the price we would have bankrupted him with page hits.
I would have run a 5 second page refresh 24/7.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
12:39 pm
Adirondack Dave – How’s life treating y’all over there?
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
12:42 pm
The Braves still suck.
IBKL
Chipper Jones
January 10th, 2012
12:42 pm
My knees feel great, and this team is going to open some eyes in 2012. The Phillies and Marlins had better take note.
Between myself, Heyward, Uggly, & McCann, this lineup will be a force to be reckoned with.
Duh.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
12:42 pm
ok, ok, will 60% get it done? _ cricket
I doubt the O’s would go for it, maybe throw in Bethancourt & Andrelton Simmons.
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
12:45 pm
“Chipper does find his way onto the blog from time to time, and I imagine he will probably see a few of the comments.” – DOB
Chipper is Ward!!!!!!
cricket
January 10th, 2012
12:45 pm
I doubt the O’s would go for it, maybe throw in Bethancourt & Andrelton Simmons.
Considering that they are the mighty O’s, it is actually conceivable that they may not go for it..
Carroll Rogers
January 10th, 2012
12:46 pm
This was announced a while back, but in case you missed…the Negros Leagues Museum included some Braves in its Legacy Awards Class of 2011…and how many guys can say they won the “Cool Papa?” Congratulations Michael Bourn.
James “Cool Papa” Bell Award-presented to the AL and NL “STOLEN BASE” leaders
2011 Recipients: Coco Crisp, Oakland Athletics; Brett Gardner, New York Yankees & Michael Bourn, Atlanta Braves
Larry Doby Award-presented to the AL and NL “ROOKIES OF THE YEAR”
2011 Recipients: Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals & Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Hilton Smith Award-presented to the AL and NL “RELIEVERS OF THE YEAR”
2011 Recipients: Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers & Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves; John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
12:47 pm
keithlaw keithlaw
Planning on a week in Orlando to see some HS kids, UF, and Atlanta/Houston. RT @AGirlintheSouth: are you to be in Fl during ST at all?
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
12:49 pm
http://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/coxbo01.shtml
Robert B sponsor(s) this page.
Watching him manage a baseball team is like watching a chimp trying to perform brain surgery – It can be fascinating in a macabre sort of way, but you feel for the patient and their family
I wonder what the B stands for: Blowhard, Bozo…….
phil
January 10th, 2012
12:49 pm
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
10:17 am
I think it’s funny that so many fans think that if the Nats get Fielder that the Braves will be competing for last place with the Mets. I would like Wren to get a true LF’er for maybe 2 pitchers…JJ and a Minor just because we all know Chipper will miss some games and Prado will have to take over at 3B and we need someone other than Diaz to man LF when that happens. Even if Wren doesn’t come through with getting said LF’er this line-up is still stacked from top to bottom other than SS and that remains to be seen what we get out of that position. I think what happened at the end of last season will only make this team stronger and hungrier after leaving a bad taste in their mouths to end the season. Let’s look at the competition… Marlins will be a circus all year long with the pieces they added, Phillies will be there obviously but even they are getting older and their injuires will add up with Howard starting out the season injured. Nats while improved even if they sign Fielder are still a question mark what they will get from their pitching. Braves had some bad seasons from most of their key players and were in the top 4 in the league up until the end…this will not happen again this year.
*******
Hungry like the Falcons were this past season after the epic humiliation at the hands of GB a year ago?
We don’t need that kind of hunger for sure.
We either have the talent or we don’t. It wasn’t exactly on display in September with the likes of Heyward and others swinging wildly at anything lobbed up there.
I’m hopeful but as always am realistic too.
CB
January 10th, 2012
12:50 pm
Law will be the guy in an Astro cap screaming Braves Suck!
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
12:52 pm
Mitchie-sand – Real Ward, or Fake Ward?
Murph
January 10th, 2012
12:55 pm
Lew, that’s awesome! Are you sending two so I can get one signed and send it back to you?
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
12:55 pm
Hmmm.. raleign. Im inclined to say the real one. What a brilliant cover that would be. Just messing with us all.
Sopheee
January 10th, 2012
12:55 pm
I wonder what the B stands for: Blowhard, Bozo…….
buttface
Ease
January 10th, 2012
12:59 pm
Bobby
DawgDad
January 10th, 2012
1:05 pm
Enter your comments here
Petey Palms Rose
January 10th, 2012
1:07 pm
Pete Rose stayed around forever to break the all-time hits record of Ty Cobb. He even was player/manager for the Reds for 2 years (part-time player). Some of you people shouldn’t divulge your ignorance by blogging here…
phil
January 10th, 2012
1:08 pm
DOB is Chipper…
phil
January 10th, 2012
1:10 pm
Yes, the gambler did indeed hang around…
He also had to actually hit the ball to accomplish what he did.
The guy is a bum but he could churn em out.
Bobby Hill
January 10th, 2012
1:11 pm
Great interview. I don’t think we as Braves fans appreciate Chipper quite as much as we should. He’s obviously not the ballplayer he once was, but he’s still got a lot to contribute.
I think if you kind of read between the lines, Chipper seems worried about the 2012 team just like some of us are.
I think a pretty good argument can be made that that the odds of the team making the playoffs this year seem lower right now than it did a year ago at this same point in the off season. (Assuming the playoff format stays the same.)
Ease
January 10th, 2012
1:12 pm
He even was player/manager for the Reds for 2 years
You can do that?
Frenchy Tickler
January 10th, 2012
1:14 pm
I bet (pun intended) it was fun for Pete Rose to bet against the Reds then mismanage the game to guarantee a loss. What a loser !
Steve from OH
January 10th, 2012
1:14 pm
It’ll be a sad day when Chipper retires. I’m not gonna go to the standard “he sacrificed so much!” line because he still makes a crap load of money, but he has left
somea lot of cash on the table and I respect him for that, at least.Plus, it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch him play the game the right way these last 18(!) seasons. And that’s the best compliment I think he can get, and it’s one that he deserves.
Steve from OH
January 10th, 2012
1:16 pm
Bat–did he really sponsor Bobby’s B-R page?
That dude has some serious issues…
Frenchy Tickler
January 10th, 2012
1:17 pm
Pete Rose to booky “Gimme $5,000 against the Reds today.”
RC
January 10th, 2012
1:17 pm
Pretty fair article about Atlanta sports fans. While I’d say most on here are slightly more invested, the general conclusion holds up pretty well.
http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/13613/standing-up-for-atlanta-sports-fans#more
DawgDad
January 10th, 2012
1:17 pm
Nice interview. This team has no shortstop, it’s going nowhere in a big hurry.
Chipper pretty well summed it up speaking of himself, Uggla, McCann, Heyward, and Prado. The veteran hitters on this team are all huge question marks, all underperformed expectations last year, and all but Uggla had trouble staying in the lineup, while Uggla somehow managed to disappear for months at a time while IN the lineup. The infield defense figures to be horrific except at first base, the outfield is weak, the starting pitching banged up or unproven or incapable of getting past the fifth inning. If everyone has a career year (which Chipper won’t) and Pastornicky plays like Tulowitzki then maybe they can complete for a wild card.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
1:18 pm
Murph, are you heading down to ST this year?
Jim - An avid Braves Fan
January 10th, 2012
1:18 pm
I just wish we had some LF Power.
As far as Chipper goes, I’m with all of you supporters. He’s not the Chipper of the past, but like someone said, I’ll take Chipper at 3B anytiome. He’s not only earned it but deserves it.
I’d really like to Prado stay and if healthy, JJ too. Just not sold on Hanson and JJ’s health. If we keep both and they’re healthy, we’re in it to stay.
Lollygagger
January 10th, 2012
1:22 pm
Robert IS Bobby Cox. It’s all a front…
Mark's for the Braves
January 10th, 2012
1:24 pm
Would really like to see Chipper be able to retire a WS winner. He deserves it!
Ray
January 10th, 2012
1:24 pm
Pete Rose, says he never bet against his team. That May have been the one honest thing he said. He didn’t bet against them. Now he did bet for them at times. So if you are a bookie, and the manager bets for the team on this day and the next day would not place a bet and then the following day would place a bet, there is a definite trend there. Easy to see when to bet against the reds.
Lollygagger
January 10th, 2012
1:25 pm
Jim-
We do have LF power. His name is Dan Uggla. In your mind, focus on Uggla in LF and Prado at 2B. Now, do we still need LF power? Prado provides average pop for a 2B, and Uggla provides great power for LFer. Power is not this team’s problem. Getting runners on ahead of boppers and team OBP is real issue.
tony austin
January 10th, 2012
1:26 pm
I have a question, and I apologize if this has been answered before:
Let’s say a team’s 40 man is full. That team signs a player to a contract and that player has to be added to the 40 man. For that to happen, that team has to rid themselves of someone off that 40 man roster. How long after the contract is signed does a team have to remove someone so the new player can be added?
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
1:27 pm
Bat–did he really sponsor Bobby’s B-R page?
That dude has some serious issues… _ Steve from OH
Yep, thats him. We had some fun here, when we first found it, figuring out what each page hit would cost and how we could drive them up if we teamed up and ran auto-refresh programs. Unfortunately it would only apply to a renewal fee.
Don’t they still do electroshock therapy? Perhaps you could use your contacts to fix him with some.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
1:32 pm
If everyone has a career year (which Chipper won’t) and Pastornicky plays like Tulowitzki then maybe they can complete for a wild card. _ DawgDad
Oh yeah, sure. If it takes around 110 wins to get one.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
1:40 pm
I’m guessing that Chipper gets on the blog and bashes himself to get some of us folks riled up.
I’d do it if I were him…………
bringbackknockahoma
January 10th, 2012
1:42 pm
Chipper needs to learn how to run out a ground ball. Every kid is taught that before little league!!!!! Why can’t a professional hustle down the line?
George
January 10th, 2012
1:42 pm
Good job by Carroll, interesting stuff from Chipper, hope he has a fine year. Hopw I am not asking for to much, I would like to see .300 BA 20 HR 80 RBI. But whatever we get from him, he is the greatest BRAVE position player all time. It was and is a pleasure watching him play/
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
1:44 pm
Division Titles! (January 10th, 2012 9:12 am): “Most disappointing is that Chipper had so few clutch playoff performances duringnthe 15 year run. As I talk to people in Atlanta, this is the resounding frustration I get when bringing up Chipper in the conversation. His numbers may be worthy of the HOF but his playoff performance would land him squarely in the land of mediocrity.”
Chipper Jones has been the greatest Braves player to have played all his career in Atlanta. It’s that simple. How could you criticize him while he is still producing regardless of what his salary is? In all these years and all those playoff games he was there in the post season because he played so well during the regular season.
During the years the Braves made the playoff – 1995 to 2005, Chipper had this line BA .303/ OBP.401 / SLG .538/ OPS .939/ OPS+ 140. DO YOU THINK HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A MAJOR REASON THEY MADE THE PLAYOFFS 11 STRAIGHT YEARS?
And during the Post Season his line was BA .288/ OBP.411./ SLG.459/ OPS.871 in 92 games and 412 AB’s.
This is when the best teams are trying to play their best baseball and are pitching their best pitchers and you describe his playoff baseball as ” his playoff performance would land him squarely in the land of mediocrity.”
Random
January 10th, 2012
1:45 pm
Murph (January 10th, 2012 11:07 am): “I hope Chipper goes out, has a monster year, and then hangs ‘em up on a good note.”
If you’re “hoping”, why not hope that “Chipper goes out, has a monster year,” comes back in 2013 and “goes out, has another monster year,” and only THEN “hangs ‘em up on a good note.”
Your “hopes” betray your true underlying bias.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
1:46 pm
Has another team been more quiet than the Braves this offseason? Damn, FW won’t even get a backup IF. We really need a SS who you know will actually play MLB type defense there. Now that is one thing I’m worried about. Better have some solid D there or else.
Whut ?
January 10th, 2012
1:47 pm
AJC Sports Headline : “Son of Packers coordinator found in river”. Well, was he found swimming in the river ? Was he found floating on a raft in the river ? Was he found injured in the river ? Was he found dead in the river ?
How does a reporter leave out the condition of someone found in a river ?
Couch Tater
January 10th, 2012
1:47 pm
When Chipper played for AA Greenville, I went to a couple of games.
…I wanted to see Mike Mordecai. lol
Ease
January 10th, 2012
1:47 pm
George, you want that kind of production all the while patrolling the ground in between where a third baseman normally plays and where second base is (since we, of course, have no shortstop)? Man, that is like asking for the moon…
DS1
January 10th, 2012
1:47 pm
Random
Is it OK for me to hope that Chipper plays until he’s 50?
Murph
January 10th, 2012
1:48 pm
Your “hopes” betray your true underlying bias.
So, when I hope that you get run over by a bus, but recover… is that a bad thing?
Whut ?
January 10th, 2012
1:48 pm
Ray, its good to know that you know if Pete Rose bet on his team or not. I’m sure MLB would love to talk to yore country azz.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
1:49 pm
Patience Brian……..
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
1:49 pm
I’m really dumb to come on this blog expecting anything other than football talk, or talk of what other teams are doing or have done this winter. Read all I want to read about Prado and JJ and what we “could” or “should” get for them in a trade.
Yep, me stupid sometimes.
George
January 10th, 2012
1:50 pm
A reporter should in his story answer these questions Who, what, why, When, How.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
1:50 pm
Personally, I hope Chipper has a good/better/best year in 2012, and does what his heart tells him to do from that point forward.
Timmy Crider
January 10th, 2012
1:51 pm
I seriously see the Braves finishing in 4th place this year behind the Phillies,Marlins,and Nationals. Carol shoulda asked Chipper where he thought they’d finish in the division ?
George
January 10th, 2012
1:51 pm
and where.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
1:51 pm
Ease, I can’t believe scoots let you get away with that one. He must still be drinking
I just considered the source.
Besides, I think West Virginia actually did just score again. Yeesh.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
1:52 pm
LEW:
Got the 12:15 p.m. note. Suggest you use the two pix I mailed. Forgotten how old the other pic you have is. Both of these were taken this past fall.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
1:52 pm
Murph – I’ve got too much lined up to do two, so I’ll send aprint along with your Wurlitzer and you can get him to sign the print for me.
I really appreciate you doing that.
kreedham
January 10th, 2012
1:52 pm
I wouldn’t have a problem with Chipper returning in 2013…would hope he says: I’ll sign for 5 milion, you start Martin 2/3 of the games and I’ll start the rest and be your #1 PH.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
1:52 pm
Murph, I think that could be construed a bad thing if your only reason for recovery is so they would be run over again.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
1:52 pm
I seriously see the Braves finishing in 4th place this year
Yellow Pages, under “Optometry”.
Lollygagger
January 10th, 2012
1:54 pm
Reporters don’t write headlines. Editors do that.
Whut ?
January 10th, 2012
1:55 pm
Title should have read “Son of Packers coordinator found dead in river”.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
1:55 pm
DS1, it’s like a little kid expecting a present under the tree only to see other kids open there’s. And then your parents tell you “we got you a present … we got rid of that old rusty bike (Derek Lowe) that you didn’t want. It took up all that space”. It’s like “SHUTUP”
Ease
January 10th, 2012
1:56 pm
scoots, classy…I tip my cap to you.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
1:56 pm
richbrave – No problem. May not get them until Saturday, but they are what I will use if that’s what you want me to do.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
1:56 pm
Would love to see CHIPPER crack the 20 HR barrier once again in 2012, and come back in 2013. he didn’t miss by much in 2011 at 18. if he hadn’t lost those games to the balky knee, he would have.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
1:57 pm
richbrave
When you get a chance, send Gil my best hopes for a full recovery. Looks like it’s not going to be a speedy one.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
1:57 pm
scoots – Nah, that’s definitelya case for an Opthalmalogist.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
1:57 pm
AT
What do think of a trade between the Angels and Braves sending Izturis(who DOB mentioned in a rumor) and Bourjos for JJ? He seems like a white version of Jackson with great speed and defense and hit pretty well last season. No one else seems to have an opinion but seems like it could be a fit.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
1:58 pm
That last one of mine sounded like a spoiled fan, but whatever.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
1:58 pm
LEW:
Yes please. Thanx.
Whut ?
January 10th, 2012
1:58 pm
Why does Bud Selig get an extension as commissioner ? He sat by and let Sammy Sosa,Mark McGwire,Jose Canseco,Roger Clemens,Rafael Palmeiro (read my lips) and 900 other players make a mockery of the game and use steroids. Most tested positive for steroids but Selig didn’t punish any them.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
1:59 pm
But they were replacing that old rusty bike for a shiny new one (Teheran or Delgado).
That’s the way you have to look at it to keep your sanity.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
2:00 pm
DS!:
Sure will. As your current nom de plume, or the former one?
Manny
January 10th, 2012
2:00 pm
I agree Tim. The Braves have let other teams get better than they are now. scoots likes to see the Proctologist daily for some unknown reason I hear…
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
2:01 pm
phil—
OK, great…but BMac does plenty of working out in the off-season. All these people on here telling him what to do has gotten so old and moldy…I don’t even really feel the need to address it anymore…
Sopheee I wonder what the B stands for: Blowhard, Bozo…….
buttface
Man! That’s what I was gonna say…
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
2:01 pm
Im going to earn a Wurlitzer one day. I have faith.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
2:01 pm
Can we trade Chip Caray? Joe is alright sometimes, I could live with him. Just with him and Chip together they get annoying.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
2:02 pm
BravePack
With the questions behind Jurrjens health, I really don’t see the Angels dealing Bourjos and Izturis for Jurrjens. Maybe for Trumbo and Izturis. Or add a piece and go for your deal.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
2:03 pm
@whut, IF you look at the reports and the statements,I believe Pete Rose said he never bet against his team. I see you have to express your limited intelligence by name calling etc. Great intelligent response there.
David O'Brien
January 10th, 2012
2:03 pm
So much for Selig retiring — he’s getting a two-year extension this week. Guess that $20-22 million annual salary is too difficult to walk away from. Yes, $20-22 mill per year.
Chipper Bones
January 10th, 2012
2:03 pm
Baseball is HARD, guys….
Loser.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
2:03 pm
Manny
January 10th, 2012
2:00 pm
I agree Tim. The Braves have let other teams get better than they are now. scoots likes to see the Proctologist daily for some unknown reason I hear…
Why is seeing SCOTT PROCTOR go important?
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
2:04 pm
He sat by and let Sammy Sosa,Mark McGwire,Jose Canseco,Roger Clemens,Rafael Palmeiro (read my lips) and 900 other players make a mockery of the game and use steroids
After the strike and WS cancellation, Sosa and McGwire might have personally rescued baseball with their HR derby. Maybe Selig held that thought and turned a blind eye, who knows?
Baseball has survived worse “mockeries” than steroid use.
Timmy Crider
January 10th, 2012
2:04 pm
Scoots got da pootz ?
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:04 pm
BattingStanceG Batting Stance Guy
Moneyball released on DVD. No word if deleted scenes feature Mulder Hudson Zito as lynchpin to A’s success.
That’s pretty funny.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
2:05 pm
BravePack, Izturis could be used a valuable defender off the bench but wouldn’t be much with the bat. Bourjos could be a solid addition going forward and could fill the void in cf if Bourn walks. I’d probably want a least one more solid prospect in return, someone like Cowart. But I could see something like that working.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
2:05 pm
You can tell him Wayne wishes him the best, since I’m not sure if he knows of my conversion.
But just so you know, Wayne is dead to me………….
Timmy Crider
January 10th, 2012
2:05 pm
Yeah, let’s reward the man than ignored steroids for 20 years a 2 year extension. Brilliant !
Whut ?
January 10th, 2012
2:07 pm
Ray, nobody believes anything Pete Rose says. He said he never bet on baseball then in court admitted he did. But you seem to know Pete Rose personally living in a trailer in S.W. Ga. ? LMAO.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
2:07 pm
Heck, I’d do the commish job for 4-5 million easy…………….
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
2:07 pm
He does however need to be working his [butt] off to improve his speed. keylargo
“Dude…seriously…it’s enough, already. He was born not fast…he’s been a catcher since he started high-school (or thereabouts)…he’s not a fast person, I’m sorry. ” McFann
I’m a little preturbed with you too. Despite all your protestations there is something McCann can do about his speed. He is a professional athlete and is being paid $13M this year and I think he owes it to the team to be the best player he can be.
If that means working with a coach to improve his speed he should. After he retires he has about 50 years to do nothing and spend the $100,000,000+ he will make in his career. But in the mean time he could and should try to improve upon his “one of the worst speed” in MLB baseball. If he is the worst then he also has the most room for improvement and everybody can get better with practice. World class sprinters work harder than you would believe to improve a tenth of a second. Brian McCann with a coach and hard work during the off season could improve his time home to second maybe up to a second. That would mean 10 extra doubles in 2012.
And your constant challenge that he can’t do any better is, well, just wrong. Do weightlifters get better with training? Do students get better grades with lots of studying? Do drivers get better by driving? Do cooks who go to school prepare better meals?
I’ll never understand why you don’t want your favorite player to be his best? Would you really encourage him to stop training with a speed coach during the offseason? Or is it some silly infatuation that all things McCann does are the way the world should revolve?
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
2:09 pm
Heck, I’d do the commish job for 4-5 million easy
Wayne, I think you’d be a good one, too. Except for that rule that says the commish isn’t allowed to watch Fox News or listen to Rush.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
2:11 pm
Bourjos is under team control for 5 more years. It’d take more than Jurrjens to get him alone, I’d think.
But maybe I am undervaluing our All Star who can seem to stay healthy?
Mister Frisky
January 10th, 2012
2:12 pm
Great article.Braves still a 4th place team.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
2:13 pm
scoots
I don’t listen to Rush………… much. I’m hooked on MLB on XM.
But could I watch Fox News at night? The Five on late night and Red Eye would be enough……..
DS1
January 10th, 2012
2:13 pm
How about Triple D?
DS1
January 10th, 2012
2:15 pm
Mister Frisky needs to be neutered. Then he wouldn’t be so frisky……….
Jwmann2
January 10th, 2012
2:16 pm
At third base, I think he has two more years left in him. Maybe not as an everyday player but his veteran leadership is important to this team. Not up to date with the Braves minor league system but do they have an infielder that could split time with him at 3rd?
http://www.fromthisseat.com
Mister Frisky
January 10th, 2012
2:18 pm
DS1,good one.I prefer the term gelded.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:24 pm
Just pre-ordered the 2012 Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
It’s going to be a good day today.
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
2:25 pm
Timmy Crider Wives, Girlfriends, Neighbors, Relatives, Players Agents, Players Association, Coaches, Team Mates, Clubhouse Personnel, Piggly Wiggly Produce Manager, Team Medical Staff, Private Physician, Dentist, Bartenders, Waitresses, Tee Starter, Friends in Baseball and Anyone Else that may have had knowledge of steroid use gets a free pass while it is all dumped on one mans head (Selig) because of his title. Brilliant Timmy
Ray
January 10th, 2012
2:27 pm
whut, yeah in my trailer, me and petey rose hang out and laugh at all of the bets. And in the meantime we know how to spell 1 syllable words.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:28 pm
We would not get a major league player like Bourjos for 5 seasons in exchange for Jair Jurrjens.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
2:28 pm
Did I miss something? Is the season getting ready to start? Do any of you numnnutz think there will be no moves made between now and April 5? Really???
monty
January 10th, 2012
2:30 pm
Selig making big boy money. Great gig if you can get it.
Chipper Jones
January 10th, 2012
2:30 pm
Soon it’ll be fishing & golf in beautiful Orlando.
Man, I love spring training.
Get into shape? Only when I run to the bank on payday & cash those big checks with John Schuerholz’s signature on them.
Suckas !
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:32 pm
I think the thing that is keeping me from believing Jair is going to get traded is the assumption that Wren would not trade Jurrjens for just prospects. I just don’t think a team is going to be willing to forfeit a young player with major league experience for Jair. Just my two cents on that.
Carroll Rogers
January 10th, 2012
2:32 pm
for the serious buffs….former Braves scout Bill Clark is being named one of the Legends in Scouting by the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation Saturday in LA. He was international supervisor for the Braves when they signed Andruw Jones, Rafael Furcal, and Bruce Chen.
Here’s a link to a story I found about him:
http://blog.lovemyteam.com/2011/10/12/the-amazingly-versatile-bill-clark/
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
2:33 pm
I could probably live with a trade that would send JJ to the Angels for Bourjos and Izturis.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:34 pm
Do any of you numnnutz think there will be no moves made between now and April 5?
I know you weren’t talking to me, but I’d bet no significant move(trade) occurs between mid-February and mid-June.
AdirondackDave
January 10th, 2012
2:34 pm
Hey LEW — We’re are doing just fine and I hope you and your family are as well. Not spending as much time on the ol’ blog as I used to but maybe Chipper’s article will reel me back in.
Came down to Florida early this year to avoid the winter that I guess still hasn’t arrived up north yet. Dropped off the baseball goodies in Atlanta on the way down and the stash is in good hands. Soon plan to run up to Jupiter to get tickets for the Braves 2 games there against the Cards and Marlins. Always a good day at Roger Dean Stadium there.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:35 pm
I could probably live with a trade that would send JJ to the Angels for Bourjos and Izturis.
That’s not going to happen, AT.
Ease
January 10th, 2012
2:36 pm
Wonder if there was some way to pry Nick Castellanos and maybe Austin Jackson from the Tigers.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
2:36 pm
Is Bourjos that highly regarded around the league that the Angels would ask for more than JJ? I know he has great speed and defense but I don’t know how much offense is projected out of him going forward. He did hit around .270 with almost as many triples as doubles and 12 HR’s but did strike out 124 times. Stole 22 bases as well which would be a nice 1-2 punch with Bourn.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
2:38 pm
Ease, is it your main goal to heckle me?
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
keylargo Or is it some silly infatuation that all things McCann does are the way the world should revolve?
No, dangit!! But I don’t like how you sometimes act as though he doesn’t do anything to improve himself. He’s always trying to get better. Reason we don’t hear about it all is ’cause he’s not that kind of guy.
But whatever. I’m getting burned out on this subject…maybe I should just go into “cyber-hibernation” until Spring Training…
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
Is Bourjos that highly regarded around the league that the Angels would ask for more than JJ?
Well, he does a lot of the things that Bourn does in center field, and he is controlled for another 5 seasons. Why would the Angels, a team that has four frontline starters like Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and C.J. Wilson, trade a young, controllable, great defensive outfielder like Bourjos for Jurrjens, so that he could be their 5th starter? That’s not the best way to manage a roster, imo. Not to mention, they have a bunch of older players and guys coming off of injuries. Bourjos and Trout are the two guys they are excited about and are expected to patrol the outfield for them for many years.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:43 pm
Wonder if there was some way to pry Nick Castellanos and maybe Austin Jackson from the Tigers.
Sounds like they are close on Garza and will end up keeping the both of them.
Ease
January 10th, 2012
2:43 pm
For the moment…
But, I haven’t said about your LAA thoughts…
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
2:43 pm
Efrim
Why is that so hard to believe? Bourjos isn’t some kind of superstar, in fact I’m pretty sure not many people other than Angels fans have heard of him and the Angels have a plenty of OF’s to spare.
DAP
January 10th, 2012
2:45 pm
keylargo If that means working with a coach to improve his speed he should.
do you know why catchers are usually the slowest people on the field?
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
2:46 pm
Those weren’t my thoughts, just answering a question posed to me.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
2:48 pm
DAP @ 2:45—
I know, right??? Lord have mercy…
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
2:48 pm
I should say, that wasn’t my proposed trade. I was simply answering a question as to whether I would be willing to part with JJ for the likes of Bourjos and Izturis.
Ease
January 10th, 2012
2:49 pm
OK, so I am just picking at you AT, but only because you are funny in your persistence…
DAP
January 10th, 2012
2:50 pm
keylargo, also wondering, of all the things a major league catcher at mccann’s caliber needs to work on, in order to maintain and improve performance, why are you concerned with how fast he runs?
Ease
January 10th, 2012
2:50 pm
do you know why catchers are usually the slowest people on the field?
I know! I know!
Is it, “Over One Billion Sold?”
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
2:50 pm
The team must have some major super stars if our biggest topic is how can McCann improve.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:51 pm
Why is that so hard to believe? Bourjos isn’t some kind of superstar, in fact I’m pretty sure not many people other than Angels fans have heard of him and the Angels have a plenty of OF’s to spare.
So because people haven’t heard of him means that they should trade him to us? Plenty of outfielders? Yeah, Vernon Wells and Torri Hunter equals plenty of outfielders….
I get that the Angels have somewhat of a logjam, but Morales is a huge question mark, and there is really no reason for the Angels to worry about their 5th starter spot when they have 4 #1 starters(or close to it) lined up.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
2:51 pm
DS1
January 10th, 2012
2:05 pm
You can tell him Wayne wishes him the best, since I’m not sure if he knows of my conversion.
But just so you know, Wayne is dead to me………….
I know, you told me. FYI, I’ll try DS1 first.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
2:51 pm
Efrim – I would never put you in numnnutz category. We obviously will find a SS, and probably a corner outfielder, if nothing else. They may be of the “backup” ilk. Time will tell. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a fairly significant trade or signing during ST.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
2:52 pm
Ease, I’m only persistent because of the funny responses I receive.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
2:54 pm
raliegh, no prob. I know you wouldn’t lump me in with those other numnnutz.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see a fairly significant trade or signing during ST.
If Jurrjens is still on the team, then I guess I could see it.
Ease
January 10th, 2012
2:55 pm
AT, then it is chasing tails I guess…funny either way!
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
2:56 pm
raleighbravefan, You should post your top 10 numnnutz, now that could be fun and entertaining.
Couch Tater
January 10th, 2012
3:11 pm
I would never put you in the numnnutz category.
Yeah, that’s what Hank Steinbrenner said to Bud Selig when he gave him that contract extention.
Nasty Dawg
January 10th, 2012
3:11 pm
I agree with Timmy. Selig gets paid $22 million to oversee the league. He should have mandated weekly testing of ALL the players. Any player caught should have been banned for 1 year. Same player caught a second time banned forever. Bud Selig makes $21,999,000 too much IMO.
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
3:13 pm
Fine Timmy
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
3:13 pm
DAP of all the things a major league catcher at mccann’s caliber needs to work on, in order to maintain and improve performance, why are you concerned with how fast he runs?
BOOM!
AT The team must have some major super stars if our biggest topic is how can McCann improve.
For real…
Nasty Dawg
January 10th, 2012
3:15 pm
Watching Selig’s face as congress drilled him in court about his ineptness was hilarious. MLB & Selig only care about the money. Honesty,non-steroid use,character,accountabilty doesn’t matter.
It only matters when a player gets caught. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:16 pm
When proposing a trade, please follow these official blog guidelines:
1) Take a look at the other teams’ roster and needs
2) Do not hand-picking only the players off their team that you want
3) Consider the players on our team that they might want.
4) Please run all trade proposals by Efrim for his approval before submittal.
This will save you much embarrassment in the future……..
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:17 pm
If McCann can’t outrun me, then he needs to get in some running practice. I think he’s safe for now.
Lew
January 10th, 2012
3:19 pm
Adirondack Dave – Enjoy the sunshine down there. Glad the hoard has a good family to appreciate it.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
3:19 pm
Efrim
I really think while Bourjos is a good player you are overvaluing him. He’ll never be a superstar, just a good baseball player. No that’s not what I meant by that statement but I knew that’s where you would take it so I’ll respond by saying that if you think JJ can’t even land a good player, not superstar, then what can JJ possibly land us in your eyes? I never said the Angels needed JJ but if an offer presents itself to improve your team however that may be I think any GM would be stupid not to take it. I’m sure the Angels need something, maybe bullpen help, another small piece to throw in. However I highly doubt trading Bourjos would impact that Angels team as much as you making it out to be.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:20 pm
Olney listed the available FA starters left that have a shot at a major league contract. I think I prefer our rookies to all of those guys, considering costs to acquire.
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
3:24 pm
5) Remember, this isnt a video game.
Jimmy
January 10th, 2012
3:24 pm
McCann’s speed isn’t an issue – not a legit one. Now, regaining his swing is. Anyway, why aren’t we hearing the whinning about Heyward? Seems Brian is the whipping boy right now.
I may be alone at this, but I’m ready for the season right now. 40 days right?
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
3:25 pm
AT – Post a list? Let’s see…so many numnnutz, so few slots…tough job. You definitely would not qualify.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
3:26 pm
Jimmy Seems Brian is the whipping boy right now.
He almost always is…every now and then there’s a lull, though…
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:27 pm
BravePack
The Angels are NOT going to trade Bourgos for Jurrjens. Not gonna happen. Their current OF candidates are: Bourjos, Trout (still very, very young), Hunter (huge contract and diminishing skills), Vernon Well (ditto), Bobby Abreu (ditto) and possibly Kendry Morales (plays mostly first base) and Mark Trumbo (another first baseman).
So Bourjos is their CF’er. Now, if somebody knocked their socks off for an elite reliever, maybe they’d consider it. But then Hunter would have to play CF, and he is not a spring chicken anymore.
Earlier I stated in jest the rules for submitting trades. But really, take a look at what the other team has before just assuming that they’d want to trade an important piece for a player that they really don’t need.
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
3:27 pm
also wondering, of all the things a major league catcher at mccann’s caliber needs to work on, in order to maintain and improve performance, why are you concerned with how fast he runs?
Singles, doubles, runs scored (like when you’re fast enough to score from second on a single), Braves wins, Division titles, National League titles, World Series
Just the little things DAP.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
3:28 pm
DS1 – Let’s see…I can probably outrun nolie and Lew…that may be about it…I’d say McCann is pretty safe, if he’s racing me.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:28 pm
Thanks Mitchie. I forgot that one………
raleigh
Can I be on the numbnuts list???? Can I please???
Ray
January 10th, 2012
3:30 pm
DS1, that is actually funny. Plus it would eliminate the crazy crazy talk. What you don’t think the angels would trade us Big Albert for Prado and JJ and Martinez? Whats wrong with Wren, How come he cannot pull the trigger on that trade. I guess the good news is it would keep the blog pages down to about 40 instead of reaching into the 60’s.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:31 pm
raleigh
Let’s invite richbrave and ncscoots too. We could have an old farts sprint race!
Who else am I forgetting? Heck, I’d probably be in the top of the pack.
“In lane #5, weighing in at 232 lbs, we have the spunky and spry 56 year old, DS1!!”
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
3:32 pm
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:16 pm
When proposing a trade, please follow these official blog guidelines:
1) Take a look at the other teams’ roster and needs
2) Do not hand-picking only the players off their team that you want
3) Consider the players on our team that they might want.
4) Please run all trade proposals by Efrim for his approval before submittal.
This will save you much embarrassment in the future……..
Yeah I don’t think those guidelines concern me much at all and considering how many riveting posts and conversations were being discussed earlier about absolutely nothing I was asking AT a question as we have been discussing trades. I could care less what Efrim thinks the Angels need or would do in a proposed trade situation as his opinion has no bearing on anything. DOB stated a rumor about Izturis maybe as a potential SS Braves could be looking at so I know they have plenty of OF’s so I propsed adding Bourjos and Efrim thinks this guy is the next untouchable gamechanger.
Jimmy
January 10th, 2012
3:32 pm
McFann – you know I sometimes get on him about his defense, but his speed??? He needs to work on his speed??
And, did someone state he was the slowest runner in the game? Prince Fielder isn’t exactly a threat to lay down a drag bunt.
Some folks just post to get a flare up. “Flaming” I believe it’s called.
Bat – Nasty afternoon down there, huh? It’ll be here tonight.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:33 pm
3.5) Do not pick all the losers on our team that nobody else wants.
(Constanza, Conrad, and Linebrink for Bourjos and Izturis………….. and then throw in Acensio for good measure)
thanks Ray……….
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
3:34 pm
keylargo like when you’re fast enough to score from second on a single
Oh………m’gosh…
Not everybody cann be Pete Orr.
CB
January 10th, 2012
3:35 pm
DS1,what would a numbnuts list be without you?
Jimmy
January 10th, 2012
3:36 pm
Numbnutz – Seems Murph had a problem with that last year. No, that was a “tingle” issue.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
3:36 pm
Jimmy—
That’s the truth. And if that’s all there is to rag him about, that’s pretty dang good…
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:37 pm
BravePack
Trying very hard not to hurt your feelings here. Just saying you should study out what the other team needs and wants before making ridiculous trade suggestions. You have to look at how many years of control a team has over a decent player. And the contract situation (how much $$ would a team send over with a bad contract guy).
More than just picking out who on their team you want.
Just sayin…………
Lew
January 10th, 2012
3:38 pm
Hell – I don’t even run. Too much weight, too little bone density and I’m just plain lazy. I’ll drive, thank you.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:38 pm
Thanks CB. “They like me, they really like me…………….”
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:40 pm
Lew, if you give us a head start, you could use a golf cart maybe?
(just trying to get enough older guys in the race to guarantee that I won’t lose)
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:40 pm
Burrito time…………
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:41 pm
Lew
It’s actually a disservice to running to call what I do “running”
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
3:42 pm
raleighbravefan, You might have to break it down into categories like, No Brain Numnnutz, No Grammar Numnutz, I Hate Bobby Numnutz..etc, etc.
I think I’d definitely make the “No Grammar Numnutz”, at least on occasion.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
3:43 pm
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:27 pm
BravePack
The Angels are NOT going to trade Bourgos for Jurrjens. Not gonna happen. Their current OF candidates are: Bourjos, Trout (still very, very young), Hunter (huge contract and diminishing skills), Vernon Well (ditto), Bobby Abreu (ditto) and possibly Kendry Morales (plays mostly first base) and Mark Trumbo (another first baseman).
So Bourjos is their CF’er. Now, if somebody knocked their socks off for an elite reliever, maybe they’d consider it. But then Hunter would have to play CF, and he is not a spring chicken anymore.
Earlier I stated in jest the rules for submitting trades. But really, take a look at what the other team has before just assuming that they’d want to trade an important piece for a player that they really don’t need.
Dude you realize you just listed 7 OF’s for the Angels right? Go look at their roster and see they have 4 of them listed as LF/CF/RF which means they are interchangable out there. Now obviously Bourjos is the best defensively out there but if the right trade offer comes along to improve your team how could you not take it. Trout is a potential superstar in the making according to many scouts so if the Braves offer another all-star pitcher who is only 25 years old for a decent/good OF’er who will probably not be much more than that you wouldn’t do it? As they always say a team cannot have too much pitching.
Ray
Yeah my trade proposal is so far-fetched and crazy talk as Big Albert for JJ and Prado and Martinez…great analogy buddy…so funny and clever…good job you got me.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
3:44 pm
DS1 – None of you guys come close to making the list, and there’s not much point of having an old f@rt race.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
3:44 pm
DS1, I don’t necessarily think BravePack was indicating this team or that team would pull the trigger on this trade or that trade as much as he was just getting a feel for value versus value.
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
3:47 pm
McFann – you never answered whether or not you would be against him working in the off season with a running coach. I just don’t know why people don’t WANT to be as good as they can (cann?). It’s like he’s a good hitter so let’s ignore that he was thrown out at first 10 times that he would not have been, had he been a tenth of a second faster. Or we really don’t need a run in the 5th because McCann was too slow to score from 2nd on a single – we’ve got four more innings.
Yes you’ve got a real good 3 tool player that doesn’t care if he’s only a 3 because he does them pretty good. To hell with running and throwing.
How many of these do you really think he excels in? Notice there is an “excels” in there.
a five-tool player is one who excels at hitting for average, hitting for power, baserunning skills and speed, throwing ability, and fielding abilities. . ..
Ray
January 10th, 2012
3:47 pm
Bravepack, I forgot to include AGon and Conrad in that deal too. It doesn’t matter they are with the Brewers now. So what if I leave out minor details.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
3:48 pm
raleighbravefan, better yet… have a daily “Numnutz top 10″. And give a little description beside each selection. Now that would definitely be entertaining, much like the Braveone blog top poster list.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
3:48 pm
AT @3:42 – Now you’re on to something. That would mke the lists more managable.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
3:49 pm
BravePack, whatever dude. I never said he was an untouchable gamechanger. You’re not looking at service time at all, and it doesn’t hurt that Bourjos just posted a .271/.327/.438, 115 OPS+ line as a 24 year old while playing great defense in CF. For comparison, Michael Bourn’s highest OPS+ in a season is this year at 104(.294/.349/.386). If I’m the Angels, I’m not trading 5 years of Peter Bourjos for 2 years of Jair Jurrjens, especially when starting pitching depth is not any sort of problem.
Bill
January 10th, 2012
3:49 pm
I liked the stopry. Wonder how he feels about his shortstop not coming back ? Is our rookie
going to fill the bill ?
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
3:50 pm
Anyway, why aren’t we hearing the whinning about Heyward?
phil has been on vacation?
We could have an old farts sprint race!
come on, buddy, no contest. I win that one running backwards, prolly. I still got the speed, but my knees will only let me run one race a month.
Then they start barking like an ex-girlfriend’s chihuahua.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
3:52 pm
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:37 pm
BravePack
Trying very hard not to hurt your feelings here. Just saying you should study out what the other team needs and wants before making ridiculous trade suggestions. You have to look at how many years of control a team has over a decent player. And the contract situation (how much $$ would a team send over with a bad contract guy).
More than just picking out who on their team you want.
Just sayin…………
Hurt away buddy but it will take much more than words on a Braves blog. So you and Efrim have inside connections for the Angels and know exactly what their team needs are I guess? You know how to read and realize the Angels have 7 potential OF’s and 2 of which will be impossible to move in Hunter and Wells. Teams can never have too much pitching and a true superstar in the making by many scouts in Trout yet you two think the next Willie Mays lies in Peter Bourjos.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
3:53 pm
AT @3:48 – Daily…I don’t know….It would be entertaining, but it sounds like too much work. Maybe all non-numnutzers could take turns…except first, we would have to categorize everyone…there’s that “too much work” thing again. Maybe Shaun could help…except, of course, he’s a stat numnutz.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
3:54 pm
Now obviously Bourjos is the best defensively out there but if the right trade offer comes along to improve your team how could you not take it.
Wells isn’t a CF. Hunter can no longer play CF. Trout’s future is in a corner outfield spot. What the hell are you talking about?
Trout is a potential superstar in the making according to many scouts so if the Braves offer another all-star pitcher who is only 25 years old for a decent/good OF’er who will probably not be much more than that you wouldn’t do it?
You’re completely disregarding Bourjos is coming off a very, very good season and is under club control for the next five seasons, and the next two at nothing. Jurrjens has two more years left and had to end the last two seasons on the disabled list. Why in the world would the Angels, who have more major league starting pitching than perhaps any team, trade for Jair Jurrjens?
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
3:54 pm
keylargo, I guess you’d have to give him at least a 4. If he’s as slow as you say he is, he must have pretty good skills on the basepaths to be successful on 74 percent of his attempts with that speed handicap.
Question
January 10th, 2012
3:54 pm
People say Chipper is a HOF’er. He will not have 500 HR’s or 3000 hits.. And always played shaddy defense.. How is he a HOF’er?
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
3:55 pm
So you and Efrim have inside connections for the Angels and know exactly what their team needs are I guess?
No, we just simply looked at their roster.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
3:56 pm
raleighbravefan, it might be more managable if it were done per blog maybe?
DS1
January 10th, 2012
3:56 pm
AT
To be brutally honest, I don’t think he has a clue…………..
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
3:56 pm
Ray
January 10th, 2012
3:47 pm
Bravepack, I forgot to include AGon and Conrad in that deal too. It doesn’t matter they are with the Brewers now. So what if I leave out minor details
Ray based on your comments I kind of see you as Ward’s long lost cousin except that at least Ward at times can be comical…you not so much…sorry buddy…and I mean that with all due respect.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
3:57 pm
AT – I just identified a candidate for my list…Question @3:54.
TDC
January 10th, 2012
3:57 pm
So if you want Chipper to retire you are not a true Braves fan? BS!
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
3:58 pm
Awright, be some feistiness on up in heah, LOL.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
3:59 pm
DS1 @3:56 – Me or Efrim? Or someone else…Well I guess I DON’T have a clue, HUH?
flange1
January 10th, 2012
3:59 pm
If you want to offer A-Viz and JJ for Bourjos and Izturus you might be getting closer to a deal the Angels MIGHT consider.
They need relief pitching badly. AV might be their closer for years.
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
4:00 pm
Yes, but what would the category be? Trolling Numnutz?
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
4:00 pm
scoots – Everyones just a little edgy waiting for some real news…A little “stir-crazy” as it were.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:01 pm
Not you guys…………..somebody else.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
4:01 pm
keylargo you never answered whether or not you would be against him working in the off season with a running coach.
What kind of a question is that, anyway? And it’s not like I didn’t once spend ten minutes typing a post that nobody even read…Sure, go ahead! Work with a dang running coach—put this sorry conversation to rest once and for all. Let’s see how it comes out…
Yes you’ve got a real good 3 tool player that doesn’t care if he’s only a 3 because he does them pretty good.
He cares!! Good GOSH, man!! Enough, already…
And he has base-running skills. Like AT said, a guy without much speed doesn’t steal at a success-rate of 74% because the pitchers took bathroom breaks…
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
4:02 pm
AT – I don’t know….Either “clueless”, or “trouble making”.
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
4:02 pm
AT – that’s the dumbest post I’ve ever seen you make. Just really, really stupid.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
4:03 pm
“you never answered whether or not you would be against him working in the off season with a running coach”
Let me try. I’m against it. There are so many hours in the day, so many hours before training fatigue becomes an issue, and the benefits of off-season rest are lost.
I want every player to try and get better during the off-season. I assume most do, though I’m sure some work more diligently than others. I’ve no idea what McCann’s off-season work consists of; neither do you. I also don’t know why you continuously (dozens of times, now) force this same rant upon us about McCann. Why single him out over the rest? Why not rant on Heyward’s bat-control, or Uggla’s range, or Hanson’s mechanics? Is not every player in the same boat as McCann?
As to the specific issue of running; heck no do I want McCann working on speed. If he has any hours left in the day, I want him working on bat-speed, bat-control, sliders v. LHP, ball-blocking, foot-work while throwing, etc. I’ve no doubt I could come up with 50 things dude oughta focus on before he worries about straight-line speed. But, regardless, dude, we’ve heard it, we know what you’re saying. We know where you stand. How ’bout trying something else?
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:03 pm
flange1
I was thinking more along the lines of two relievers for Bourgos and Izturs. But one would have to be of the Venters/Vizcaino quality.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:03 pm
Hello everyone! Did anyone read Talking Chop Last night,and what would you feel a bout Arthur Blanks buying the Braves if interested?
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
4:03 pm
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
3:55 pm
So you and Efrim have inside connections for the Angels and know exactly what their team needs are I guess?
No, we just simply looked at their roster.
Yeah with 7 OF’s. Hey you guys are right the Angels are the most complete team in baseball and have no potential needs. I would never want another all-star pitcher for something a team has plenty of. You guys have never heard a team can never have too much pitching huh?
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
4:04 pm
Do you mean AT’s 3:54 was stupid? Why is it stupid?
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
4:04 pm
McFann – see above for my previous post. I know you’re not stupid so quit acting like it.
DAP
January 10th, 2012
4:04 pm
keylargo Singles, doubles, runs scored (like when you’re fast enough to score from second on a single),Braves wins, Division titles, National League titles, World Series
you think mccann running faster will accomplish that? not sure what to say…
by the way, mccann doesnt have a problem hitting singles, doubles, or scoring from 2nd on a single. his homerun trot is pretty good too.
A Place for Facts
January 10th, 2012
4:04 pm
I’m just really sad that he was caught in public in an Affliction t-shirt.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
4:05 pm
Bat – Nasty afternoon down there, huh? It’ll be here tonight. _ Jimmy
Gloomy and drizzling. No heavy rain, yet. Blah weather
Arkansas Transplant
January 10th, 2012
4:05 pm
keylargo, which one? I’ve made a few today.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:05 pm
Glad Prado wasn’t traded. Had a bad feeling about Chippers knee,but I’m rooting for Chipper to play,as long,as he can. Good luck buddy……..
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
4:06 pm
Bay Area Steve—
Danke schoen. Couldn’t have said it better myself…
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:07 pm
what would you feel a bout Arthur Blanks buying the Braves if interested?
Blanks is merely wealthy. Posters here want an owner with silly money, so he can throw cash around as they wish.
Nobody ever cares if the owner ends up sleeping under a bridge, not as long as the guy at the end of the bench is making $6MM, LOL.
..An inmate at a correctional facility
January 10th, 2012
4:07 pm
Top ten reasons why we’re going to finish in 4th place in 2012:
1. Overweight, injury prone catcher hitting cleanup.
2. A rookie shortstop who makes Pete Orr look like The Bambino.
3. A broken down, way past his prime 40 year old hitting 3rd.
4. A broken down, injury prone, cant hit an inside fastball, terrible at going back at balls hit directly over his head right fielder.
5. A left fielder who is more suited to a utility role, than playing a position (LF) what is traditionally a power hitting position.
6. A number 1 starter who has back issues.
7. Both number 2 and 3 starters are injury prone.
8. The number 4,5 and 6 starters are all young, very hittable pitchers.
9. Because of overuse in 2011, our best bullpen guys are susceptible to breaking down in 2012.
10. Fredi Gonzalez is a clone of the Bobby Cox school of blaming the proverbial blog favored “the ball was hit right at them, they hit our really good pitches, the ball had eyes and fell in, injuries hurt us, etc.” BS excuses.
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
4:09 pm
BAS – perhaps you should read what a 5 tool player is. Those are pretty much what makes a player and it doesn’t say to pick out 3 and work on them. In fact you should be working the hardest on your weakest ones.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:09 pm
Personally, I don’t think you can do much to improve a person’s running skills. You can improve their endurance. Maybe help them get a better jump.
My reference being this: When I was overweight (6′1″ and 225lbs) back when I was 40, I could outrun about 95% of the people on the face of the earth. I was real quick. But I was no faster when I was the same person 10 years earlier and only 200 lbs.
Some folks are just not very fast.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
4:09 pm
Time to chill with the personal attacks, I think…this is a Blog, not a campaign trail…
I just asked—I wasn’t acting stupid. How was I supposed to know what post you were talking about? Yikes…
Anyway, I really do think I’m done. This is obnoxious, and I’m not in the mood. See y’all…sometime…
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:10 pm
An Inmate-One word Chill………………………………………………
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:11 pm
Let me guess…inmate is Dentz, am I right? What an idiot, LOL.
Needs to read Baseball For Dummies to improve to merely clueless.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
4:12 pm
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:03 pm
flange1
I was thinking more along the lines of two relievers for Bourgos and Izturs. But one would have to be of the Venters/Vizcaino quality.
Holy sh!+! This is what you come up with to add? You want to trade The Vulture AND Vizcaino or someone of equal quality for Peter f’n Bourjos? A 10th round draft pick who hit .204 the year before in limited playing time. Man I sure am glad you are not the Braves GM.
P'cola Brave
January 10th, 2012
4:13 pm
Wish we knew if the Braves and Angels were talking. We have some nice BP arms that are under control and they have an INF who is capable of playing SS everyday that fits our need. Izturis for BP arms. What a nice addition that would be.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:13 pm
I think we could see Drew Sutton be the starting SS,and 3rd base as well. Look for Richardson to back up Bourn,and Durango,and Josh Wilson could battle for the bench spots left?
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:13 pm
Oh hell, Dense is back.
BravePack
The more you push your point, the more you show that you don’t understand much about baseball. Everybody else is thinking it, but I’ll say it: “Get off it buddy!”
Just sayin……..
DAP
January 10th, 2012
4:14 pm
keylargo he was thrown out at first 10 times that he would not have been, had he been a tenth of a second faster.
how can you possibly know that? im calling BS on that one, or anything that sounds like it.
keylargo, you are acting like everyone could be a 5 tool player if they worked with the right coaches. i guess YOU dont know what a 5 tool player is.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
4:14 pm
Bravepack, no offense taken. It was all meant tongue in cheek.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:14 pm
I see no trade now.
P'cola Brave
January 10th, 2012
4:14 pm
Inmate
Now go through and give us the top 10 reasons the Phillies, Nats and Marlins are better and have no issues of their own and everything will go perfect for them while the Braves are all doom and gloom.
urban redneck
January 10th, 2012
4:14 pm
Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarry!!!
We’re gonna miss you buddy.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:15 pm
and your reading comprehension sucks too. I said Venters OR Vizcaino…………
Geez……….
CB
January 10th, 2012
4:16 pm
DS1,the only way you could outrun 95% is if they put a burrito in front of you.
P'cola Brave
January 10th, 2012
4:16 pm
Everyone talks about the Braves IF’s like no other team in the division has any problems of their own. If I recall correctly to we were going to be terrible last year because of our 2010 issues and their was no way this team would win 80 games. Well they won 89 with half the offense putting up near career lows. Obviously the IF’s this year will doom us again.
DAP
January 10th, 2012
4:16 pm
BAS . If he has any hours left in the day, I want him working on bat-speed, bat-control, sliders v. LHP, ball-blocking, foot-work while throwing, etc. I’ve no doubt I could come up with 50 things dude oughta focus on before he worries about straight-line speed.
yes. except, if youre keylargo, you think mccann being faster will lead to division, NL and maybe even world titles. forget those 50 other things.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:17 pm
Durango,has really good speed,and can get on base if you like scrappy hitters?He has a high on base percentage too. I see Wren taking a chance with this guy here.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
4:17 pm
Key,
Way to not address a single issue with my post. Well done. I think I know what a five-tool player is, but thanks for the teach. How many successful (not just skills, but results) five-tool players are on the Braves? Or in the league? How many five-tool catchers have there ever been? All three are awfully short lists, brother; it shouldn’t take you too long. Or, as I’m sure you’ll do, you’ll ignore these points as well.
And, if you think anybody can make themselves a five-tool player, you need to be careful throwin’ around that stupid line. Pot/kettle, and all that. If one could just train themselves to do it, don’t you think there’d be more of ‘em?
scoots, a favor. I need you to rehash your post about time spent working strengths versus weaknesses. If you don’t mind; I obviously understand, otherwise.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:17 pm
Inmate…Now go through and give us the top 10 reasons the Phillies, Nats and Marlins are better
Better hope he’s quick about it, LOL. Some tech guy is already looking for the nuke button on ole Paulie, I bet.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:18 pm
Our pitching will carry us through. Good pitching will beat good hitting.
TennesseePaul
January 10th, 2012
4:18 pm
Jurrjens has two more years left and had to end the last two seasons on the disabled list
Word from the medical staff is that JJ hasn’t even come out of coma yet.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:19 pm
Ward
I think we’ll see some movement between now and opening day. Not sure what, but FW is too darned hard to figure out for me.
Patience is required to be a Braves fan and Hot Stove fan.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
4:19 pm
Inmate – Top 5 reasons you’re an idiot:
1) You’re an idiot.
2) You’re an idiot.
3) You’re an idiot.
4) You’re an idiot
5) You’re an idiot.
..An inmate at a correctional facility
January 10th, 2012
4:20 pm
Top 10 original thoughts that have occurred on this blog:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Hillbilly
January 10th, 2012
4:20 pm
Just because you’re paranoid don’t mean they’re not after you.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
4:21 pm
DAP,
I missed that tenth of a second line. I’m trying to recall close plays with McCann at first base. I’m having a really hard time. All I can remember is hard-hit balls in the gaps, or through the shift. Bang-bang at first = never. Maybe if he was two seconds faster…
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:21 pm
BAS, I’ll think about the post in question, see I can remember the gist of it (maybe Random can do some archive-extraction). But not today.
Today, I think I might just mess with Dentz while he’s here, LOL.
Jesse Ton
January 10th, 2012
4:22 pm
To hell with the Braves. Do they expect everyone to simply forget about last year now? They should be hanging their heads in shame. They deserve to play in front of empty stands on opening day. I’m taking 2012 off from this bunch of no good losers.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:22 pm
Just because you’re paranoid don’t mean they’re not after you.
Exactly.
Barry
January 10th, 2012
4:22 pm
I would like to see the Braves get a good shortstop. I haven’t seen Pastornicky play, but all that I have read, I wonder if he can fit what we need to push the teams in our divsion.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
4:23 pm
Jesse Ton – Good idea. Why don’t you take a year off from this blog, as well?
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:23 pm
DS1- Wren, is hard to figure out for sure,and That’s what I’ve been thinking,and maybe he’s waiting to see where Princes ends up too.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
4:23 pm
“Top 10 original thoughts that have occurred on this blog:”
This isn’t fair. Just the other day, I thought about ten-year-old kool-aid. Original! (And, optimal, if I can bring back Ef’s favorite word.)
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
4:23 pm
..An inmate at a correctional facility
Well Gawd Damn! Pick a new team then!!!!!!!!
How much can one person piss and moan!
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:23 pm
CB
How do you think I went from 200 to 245? In my races, they use a burrito instead of a rabbit. Wouldn’t you think those grayhounds would figure that out after 3-4 races? “Hey, nobody’s gettting the damned rabbit, huh?”
DAP
January 10th, 2012
4:24 pm
inmate at a correctional facility
reasons the braves will win the east:
1. best bullpen in the majors
2. young, deep starting rotation
3. perrenial all star catcher
4. rookie of the year runner ups at 1st and RF
5. majors leading base stealer and top defensive CF
6. hall of fame 3rd baseman
7. one of the top right handed power hitters in the league
see? we can do it the other way too.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
4:24 pm
I have 5 tools….or at least, a Swiss Army Knife.
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:25 pm
Everyone pretty much counts the Braves out every year,and every year the Braves are in it,so I’m looking forward to another year of Braves baseball,so let it begin.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
4:26 pm
Fair enough, scoots. Might I suggest an anti-Dallas Cowboy opening?
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:26 pm
(And, optimal, if I can bring back Ef’s favorite word.)
In Webster’s, under “sub-optimal”: picture of Dentz.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
4:26 pm
DS1 & CB – I’m usually jet propelled AFTER I eat the burrito.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:27 pm
Mitchie
Do you realize that “an inmate” is the dick head previously known as PL?
Time to engage the auto scroll for him.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:28 pm
Might I suggest an anti-Dallas Cowboy opening?
“TOO easy, Drill Sergeant!”
That would not exercise my wit enough, thus, I would not be entertained. And why would I spend any time on Dentz if I am not going to be entertained?
Ward
January 10th, 2012
4:28 pm
All have a good one!May the Force be with You………Talk tonight,and peace my friends……
DAP
January 10th, 2012
4:28 pm
BAS I missed that tenth of a second line. I’m trying to recall close plays with McCann at first base. I’m having a really hard time
not to mention, even if keylargo had these plays charted out, which im sure he does not….infielders know who is running. just because the throw beat him by a step doesnt mean he would beat the throw being a step faster. the infielder could just get rid of it quicker.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:29 pm
raleigh
The term “burrito” means “go get something to eat”. Today, it was a bologna/ham and cheese sandwich. So no extra propulsion for me today………
CB
January 10th, 2012
4:29 pm
raleigh,that is a different kind of runs. lol
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
4:30 pm
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:13 pm
Oh hell, Dense is back.
BravePack
The more you push your point, the more you show that you don’t understand much about baseball. Everybody else is thinking it, but I’ll say it: “Get off it buddy!”
Just sayin……..
Great comeback buddy…that one really hurts. And let’s not go to the ole’ who knows baseball and who doesn’t arguement to go along with I am almighty blogmaster and speak for everyone on here because I am the only one with any balls to write what everyone else is thinking. Believe me I know just as much about baseball as you and I’d bet probably more but I don’t need to get into it with a guy on a keyboard.
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
4:30 pm
Oh, I do Wayne. Its cool.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:30 pm
Take care Ward.
Jimmy
January 10th, 2012
4:31 pm
You know, if Sid Bream had worked on his running, that play wouldn’t have been so close.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
4:32 pm
I didn’t know Webster’s and dictionary.com were different. Mine says:
Optimal – adj. optimum
…
antonym – Dentz
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
4:32 pm
Some on the blog feeling a little touchy and PL showing up. Excellent fireworks potential …….
Hot damn, give me a minute to get some popcorn, okay.
Hillbilly
January 10th, 2012
4:33 pm
Today, I think I might just mess with Dentz while he’s here, LOL.
Proceed with caution, my man. True story: One time in my wilder days, a buddy and I were suprisingly sober on a Saturday night. A friend called and informed us of a road block on Blah Blah Blah road. We decided it would be fun to go through the road block and prove the cops wrong…although we looked like hoodlums, never judge a book, and all that…we were perfectly legal and all, so what would it hurt?
First thing the cop asked when I rolled down my window, smiling and confident — “Why aren’t you wearing your seatbelt?” Baaaaahhhhhhh!!!! Ticket. Playing with fire. Damn it!
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:33 pm
BravesPack
Fine. No problem here. I’ll call you if I have any questions……….
Sheeesh…………
Here’s the deal. Most of the time, I try to be sensitive to others. When some keeps pushing a losing point, most of the time I try to let it slide (well sometimes). But today, you are showing everybody how little you know about baseball. They are just a helluva lot nicer than I am about telling you what a numbnutz you are.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
4:34 pm
Uh oh. First major I-pad test: greasy, popcorn fingers. We need slippage, and from-the-phone-like posts…
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:36 pm
antonym – Dentz
dictionary.com is high-class; Webster’s is for us low-tech dinosaurs who still actually open a book, LOL.
I’m getting a little tech-antsy, to tell you the truth. Even my older brother is using a Kindle these days; when I pull out my old phone in public, I get looks of pity; and like that.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
4:36 pm
Great stuff, hillbilly. More stories out of you, man…
Ray
January 10th, 2012
4:36 pm
DS1, I will have to disagree with you on the not being able to train to get faster. I work with hs and some college athletes on speed, agility and quickness. No you can’t take someone that runs a 7.0 in a 60 and turn him into a 6.2 runner. But you can with improving technique, explosion, strength, you can shave off a few tenths of a second. Instead of 7.0 you can knock them down to a 6.8/6.9 and if someone has horrible technique, you can knock off a few more.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:36 pm
Hillbilly
Now THAT’s funny!
Bat
Let us know when you take your seat again, so we can start.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
4:38 pm
scoots,
You’ve never been one to follow the herd. Please don’t start now. While everybody’s head’s in a device, they’re missing the world.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:39 pm
We need slippage, and from-the-phone-like posts…
Need a grocery-store trip, too, assuming some of the same scenery.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:39 pm
Ray
I stand corrected. My primary point was that being heavier didn’t make me any slower in the 50 yard dash. Now, I will give you that a person could shave a bit of time off his/her running speed.
But you can’t take a slow guy and make him fast, or anything very close to it.
Dorothy Davis
January 10th, 2012
4:40 pm
Chipper is one of those players that will always be loved for his contributions to the Team that brought him to the majors and never had to regret it. He will always be known as “Mr. Atlanta Braves”, and rightfully so. I hope he has a good 2012 and I also hope he retires next year and not stay past his ability to help the team. (aka Bobby Cox) I look forward to a great year from my Braves and will always love them, even if they don’t make the Series. Meanwhile I will be one of the bloggers that cuss them out for a stupid loss. I’m a BRAVES FAN.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:41 pm
Ray
If I’m Mac’s dad, I think I’m telling him to try to eat as healthy as he can within reason, and to try to get some extra weight off in the winter, so as to not tax his knees and lower back any more than he has to.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:42 pm
when does doo doo get out of school?
beone
January 10th, 2012
4:42 pm
Only one concern with the comments. He should decide about retirement when looking at the entire body of work for the year, not during a slump OR during a hot streak. Neither of those represents his true contribution.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
4:43 pm
DS, you are correct. you are not going to take b mac and turn him into bourn or anything close.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
4:44 pm
I think I’m telling him to try to eat as healthy as he can within reason, and to try to get some extra weight off in the winter
McCann is what, six-two and 230 or so? That’s not all that bad. Dude will chunk a good portion of that during a game. I don’t want him coming into camp (or leaving camp, for that matter) as some svelte dude. He’ll burn up at catcher, if he comes in light.
raleighbravefan
January 10th, 2012
4:45 pm
DS1 – When he passes.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
4:46 pm
Ds, yeah. getting stronger, reducing body fat and turning more of it into muscle is going to help him.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
4:46 pm
Okay, I’m ready.
Probably just a flippin’ drive by by that SOB PL.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
4:48 pm
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:33 pm
BravesPack
Fine. No problem here. I’ll call you if I have any questions……….
Sheeesh…………
Here’s the deal. Most of the time, I try to be sensitive to others. When some keeps pushing a losing point, most of the time I try to let it slide (well sometimes). But today, you are showing everybody how little you know about baseball. They are just a helluva lot nicer than I am about telling you what a numbnutz you are.
A losing point because you and a couple others say so? And what makes you the almighty blogmaster who decides that? Listen I know YOU THINK you know so much about baseball YOU think you should be a GM somewhere and would already have a World Series Championship under your belt but maybe it is you who is showing how little you know about baseball? Read what you have written…a potential All-Star pitcher and throw in a good reliever, not great, good for a 10th round pick with good to great defense and a back-up SS or mediocre starter and you wouldn’t do it even though you have 4 starting pitchers? Any one of those pitchers could go down with 1 pitch thus the saying “you can never have too much pitching” especially in the AL with the likes of Boston, Texas, and Yankees as your competition. I still can’t get over the fact we are arguing over Peter f’n Bourjos like he is the next great untouchable OF’er. Dude your talent level perception is really messed up.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:49 pm
scoots
I was thinking along the lines of 10-12 lbs or so. But I agree he is not all that overweight.
But being in that predicament myself, I know that any extra weight you carry around (above a reasonable amount) can play havoc with your knees and back.
Living that dream right now………..
I’d love to see him at around 215-220.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
4:50 pm
DS1
By the way I’m not going to go down to your level with name calling…I’m better than that.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:51 pm
I give up. Would someone else like to take the baton? Please!
And yes, I am the smartest person in the world. My mama told me so, and mama don’t lie.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
4:53 pm
Good news today out this way. The 3 police officers who are still hospitalized in Ogden from the shooting last week are now all upgraded from critical to fair condition. Looks like they might all make it.
ColoradoBravesFan
January 10th, 2012
4:54 pm
Larry
January 10th, 20127:36 am
Never in a million years would have Pete Rose, Hank Aaron or Ted Williams at 39 years old declare in advance “I know this year is going to be tough physically” and then selfishly cripple the chances of their teams by cashing $15,000,000.00 worth of checks from February to September.
Bull spit… Ted Williams frozen head would play Cf for $15 Million dollars and that $15 Milion would go a long way to pay off Pete Rose’s gambleing debts….
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
4:56 pm
I had a grocery store experience recently but is more horror than titillating.
I’ve kind of blocked it, but it I recall it was a chilling day and there was a really short snake-skinned dress. The thing is I had no idea they made them in that size, and really, even if they can sell them, they shouldn’t.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
4:57 pm
Funny story, Hillbilly.
Atlanta Braves Offseason News: Chipper Jones Discusses Bad Knees, Trade Rumors … | blacxbox.com
January 10th, 2012
4:58 pm
[...] never been shy about discussing various aspects of the club with the media and he recent gave an extensive interview to the AJC on a wide variety of topics. Here are a few of the [...]
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
5:02 pm
Well chilly, chilling too
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
5:02 pm
McCann is just big-boned.
Probably has a great personality and makes his own clothes, too.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
5:03 pm
a potential All-Star pitcher and throw in a good reliever, not great, good for a 10th round pick with good to great defense and a back-up SS or mediocre starter and you wouldn’t do it even though you have 4 starting pitchers?
You don’t get it dude. You’re now using where he was drafted to bring him down. You’re lost. You haven’t used any data to support your point. Just crap about Jurrjens being an All-Star pitcher and Bourjos being “good, not great” – certainly haven’t discussed the other teams needs in any of this. You haven’t used service time or contractual status in your argument which are factors that are important in valuing players. All you keep doing is thumping the 7 outfielders thing, which matters not if 5 of them suck or are injured or can’t play the outfield well anymore. You’re being laughed at because your opinion is flawed to the max.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
5:05 pm
Heap is listed at 6-3, 230
Ray
January 10th, 2012
5:06 pm
Bless his heart
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
5:09 pm
Angels best two outfielders are Peter Bourjos and Mike Trout. Hunter is gone next year and Wells shouldn’t be on the field, period. Abreu can’t play the outfield. Where are you even getting this 7 outfielder thing? Bourjos is better than pretty much every outfielder they have now except Trout.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
5:09 pm
Bless his pea-pickin heart………..
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
5:11 pm
I’ve been doing something else for awhile and just got back to read the blog. I’m not going to argue with anyone anymore about this except to say that there is nothing you don’t do better by being in good condition or at the very least you will not do worse.
And I will admit I made a typo, with the tenth of a second with McCann and singles. I was typing a response and did not proofread it, but it was meant to be a half of a second which would go along with the post I made a half hour earlier that said McCann could “improve maybe up to a second home to second base” by working with a running coach during the offseason. Put that in and the 10 extra singles are probable and many singles will be turned into doubles.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
5:11 pm
Efrim
I included Trumbo and Morales as first basemen that might be tried in the outfield. That’s where he’s getting that from.
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
5:12 pm
“a potential All-Star pitcher and throw in a good reliever, not great, good for a 10th round pick ”
Sorry to jump in, but draft picks count about as much as a “football bat” does.
Myers
January 10th, 2012
5:17 pm
I think Chipper has been a “good” not “great” player in his career, but I think he will not be in the starting lineup on opening day, injured!
Heisenberg
January 10th, 2012
5:19 pm
I believe Chipper has an option in his contact for 2013 that is automatically guaranteed if he plays somewhere around 125 or so games in 2012. He appeared in less than 130 games in 2011 so that 2013 option becoming guaranteed is 50-50. It would be interesting if he plays in less than 120 games in 2012 but wants to play in 2013. Braves could then bring him back but not at 14mil or say it is time to move on.
I am not hating on Chipper. I want him on this team as long as he is healthy and productive. But I could see a business decision that will need to be made by Braves that is almost as hard as the one the Colts have to make in early March.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
5:19 pm
Where Bourjos was drafted is absolutely irrelevant at this stage of the game.
Guy. Is. Lost.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
5:20 pm
Laughed at by 2 bloggers who think they know everything about GM’ing and think they know everything there is to know about the game, but truely know very little. So according to you two the only trades that happen are for players with equal service time left. I’m not going to sit here and say Bourjos should fetch more than JJ and a good reliever like you 2 simply because they don’t need pitching. The reason I bring up where he was drafted is to make you two realize potential skill level and the fact he hit .204 in limited time the year prior. Basically I’m trying to make you 2 realize you are overrating this guy while underrating JJ. I understand they have a lot of starting pitchers but they also have a lot of OF’s and I bet if you ask many GM’s out there which they would rather have more of it would be pitching. Thus I proposed Izturis and Bourjos for JJ and a good reliever, not Venters or Vizcaino. There is nothing wrong with having 5 good to great starters last time I checked in baseball. In fact I think that is what most GM’s would covet in making a Championship team even at the thought of losing a superstar like Peter Bourjos.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
5:23 pm
They really need to pass a law that any Braves “fan” that disrespects Chipper should be punished by having their butt hairs plucked one by one with somebody spraying them in the eyes with pepper spray.
When he’s gone is when many will sit back and realize how great he really was. Most people do now, Thank God.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
5:26 pm
13:$7M club option
2013 option guaranteed at $9M with:
123 games in 2012, or
average of 127 games in 2011-12
2013 option price increases by $1M each for:
128, 133, 138, 140 games in 2012, or
averages of 132, 137, 138, 140 games in 2011-12
Heisenberg
January 10th, 2012
5:29 pm
Thx for the deets Bat. I was going off the top of my head.
Hesalive
January 10th, 2012
5:30 pm
I really like the Braves this year. As always there are a lot of “ifs” but really, the lineup is good enough to win the East. Lots of pitching, good if not great power in the middle. If Heyward breaks out look out for this team.
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
5:31 pm
Yeah Hunter hit 23 hr’s while playing in 156 games…done. And Trumbo hit 29 hr’s and led the team with 87 RBI’s and sure as hell isn’t playing 1B on a regular basis so to the OF he goes. Then you have Wells who hit 25 Hr’s who is 33 not that old guys. And you still have ROY candidate in Trout. Sounds like plenty to me still even if you give up the legendary, future hall of famer Bourjos for another good/great starter and good reliever.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
5:36 pm
Sure thing, Heisenberg
Heisenberg
January 10th, 2012
5:36 pm
The Nats can make this a 3 team race if the get Prince Feilder. But then they have a problem of what to do with Mike Morse. No room in OF with Harper & Werth at the corners. And Werth is not a full-time CF. So if Nats get Fielder, I would hope Wren would make a call. Sure they are gonna want pitching. And I would give them JJ in a package for Morse and a minor leager.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
5:36 pm
The reason I bring up where he was drafted is to make you two realize potential skill level and the fact he hit .204 in limited time the year prior.
So you pointed to his batting average from last year to justify that he isn’t that great of a player? That’s ridiculous. He’s coming off of a .271/.327/.438, 115 OPS+ year with great defense in CF. Bourn’s never even posted an OPS+ near that until this year. Why can Bourjos not potentially become a great asset like Bourn? His offensive game seems to have a higher ceiling, and most analysts would tell you he;’s one of the better defenders in CF there is. You just keep posting batting averages and referencing that a team cou;d use 5 starting pitchers. It doesn;t make sense for the Angels and you should know that. Your opinion is laughable.
The reason I bring up where he was drafted is to make you two realize potential skill level and the fact he hit .204 in limited time the year prior.
That’s the dumbest thing I’ver ever seen. Tons of prospects and young players were drafted very late and still become stars and even shake their draft position after one or two years in the minors. Why in the world should his 10th round status matter at this point when he has showed star level defense in CF and plenty of offensive potential.
I understand they have a lot of starting pitchers but they also have a lot of OF’s and I bet if you ask many GM’s out there which they would rather have more of it would be pitching.
They don;t have a lot of good, or healthy outfielders. That;’s the friggin point, dude. Bourjos and Trout are their best options in the outfield. Morales is coming off major injuries and is a question mark despite them tendering him a contract. Trumbo has serious questions about his OBP ability and wil;l most likely DH with Bobby Abreu who also can;t play the field. Hunter is a free agent after this year, in his late thirties, and regressing. The point is, why trade Bourjos when your starting pitching is already VERY good and your outfield isn’t. Just because they have players that CAN play there, doesn;t mean they should. You’re off base and looking really foolish.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
5:39 pm
Yeah Hunter hit 23 hr’s while playing in 156 games…done. And Trumbo hit 29 hr’s and led the team with 87 RBI’s and sure as hell isn’t playing 1B on a regular basis so to the OF he goes.
Well, there is your answer. Not digging deep enough. Relying on context dependant stats like RBI’s to prove your point. Hunter is in the last year of his contract, why are you bringing him up? Bourjos is controlled for 5 more years. Wells is terrible and Trumbo posted a .297 OBP. Bourjos is much more valuable than all of the above. You’re forcing the trade when not looking at the other side. Put yourself in their shoes. How is that a wise move?
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 10th, 2012
5:40 pm
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
“They really need to pass a law that any Braves “fan” that disrespects Chipper should be punished by having their butt hairs plucked one by one with somebody spraying them in the eyes with pepper spray. ”
OUCH
..An inmate at a correctional facility
January 10th, 2012
5:43 pm
I was a Braves fan before Chipper Jones was drafted. I’m going to be a Braves fan long after Chipper Jones is gone.
The Braves team is bigger than Chipper Jones.
Many of you, if you had to absolutely pick only one between 1. Chipper Jones having a monster year/Braves having a losing record..OR….2. Chipper Jones having a terrible year/Braves winning the World Series…..would pick 1 over 2.
I’m a Braves fan. I want to see the Braves win. I could care less what happen in 1999 or 1995. What matters is what one is doing today.
I find it ironic that many on here are against “handouts” being given to the general public..yet are all for a has been, injury prone, no range playing third baseman being given a huge salary, as long as he wants…..just because of what he did in the past.
Matt the Brave
January 10th, 2012
5:43 pm
God forbid it we have prototypical kinds of hitters, Chipper. I’m much more happy with .240, less than .900 OBP in the lineup every night.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
5:44 pm
Brian
Now that would hurt a LOT more for some folks than others………………
Just sayin
gd from nz
January 10th, 2012
5:45 pm
Not sure if its been discussed or not (last blog 50 or so pages, haven’t got to time to go through all of that) , but what does everyone think of the discussion going on at mlb.com about 2013 hall of fame consideration for Clemens and Bonds?
Surely MLB is not going to put cheats in the Hall of Fame are they? Some of the analysts are saying it’s ok to cheat a little bit later in your career, can still consider them because of their earlier performance? What? What kind of logic is that?
DOB/Carol, would you vote for them?
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
5:45 pm
“would pick 1 over 2.”
He actually believes this stuff…
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
5:46 pm
If you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin’…
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
5:47 pm
That’s dumb even for you, Paul.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
5:47 pm
I vote for the World Series and Chipper have any kind of a year. But until you can find me a better third baseman on the roster, you point is useless Dense.
Chipper IS our third baseman for 2012.
How can one smart person be so damned stupid amazes me.
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
5:49 pm
Not into hijacking topics
DS1
January 10th, 2012
5:49 pm
I think the “Occupy” folks have come to the blog………………..
DS1
January 10th, 2012
5:50 pm
Patio
That’s the beauty of the blog. You can jump in anywhere you want to…………
DS1
January 10th, 2012
5:52 pm
Does anybody have the dates of the arb hearings?
KYBravos' fan
January 10th, 2012
5:53 pm
That Chipper–he’s a BALLPLAYER !
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
5:54 pm
Easy there, Wayne.
I’m locked and loaded, with an itchy trigger finger today.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
5:56 pm
Bat
I knew I’d getcha with that one………………
BravePack
January 10th, 2012
5:57 pm
Your comparing Bourjos skillset to Bourn after 1 decent year? Bourjos struck out 124 times last year and isn’t even close to stealing as many bases as Bourn. They only thing comprable to each other’s game is defense and look what the Braves gave up for Bourn…nothing. Granted he only had 1-1/2 years before FA but still what makes you think Bourjos has more upside in his offensive game than Bourn and where did you read that scouting report?
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
5:59 pm
“what makes you think Bourjos has more upside in his offensive game”
This is a tough one. I don’t know if I should try, but I’m gonna step out onto this mighty long limb…
Uh, I’ll go with: he had a better offensive year last year. Do I win?
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:02 pm
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
BAS, YOUR THE WINNER! Please report to the AJC anytime between 8 and 5 tomorrow to get your prize please……………
Does the image of a brick wall come to mind on this discussion???
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
6:04 pm
DS1 cool that’s what I love about blogs and ending sentences with a preposition, so let’s talk about nudist colonies
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
6:04 pm
Okay, Wayne. I’m better about it these days( I think ) but I can still rise to the bait.
Bay Area Steve
January 10th, 2012
6:05 pm
“Does the image of a brick wall come to mind”
Sort of. (Though, I’ve come to like brick walls. Reminds me of Soph, and cab, and RG.) My favorite part would be dude not addressing the Venters and Vizcaino thing. He sure was adamant about that…
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:05 pm
I was reading that Mark Teahen was released today by the Blue Jays. In 2010 he dropped off a bit from his earlier years, but really tanked in 2011. He’s only 30 years old.
I wonder what happened? Would he be interested in a minor league contract with a ST invite? Correct me if I am wrong, but I think we were looking at him a few years back.
Mitchell
January 10th, 2012
6:06 pm
Chipper! Yay!
Hall of Famer baby.
Hey, not just anybody can lose a ground ball in the pale brick background at Target Stadium or the “infield lights” in Miami.
It only happens to the best of ‘em. Well, except maybe Barry Larkin.
But nobody’s perfect.
New Mexico Lee
January 10th, 2012
6:06 pm
How about a dead horse!
Mitchell
January 10th, 2012
6:10 pm
And we thought Victorino was our mortal enemy.
Michael Martinez, why did you have to catch that ball in left center.
Fredi Gonzalez, why did you not walk Hunter Pence to pitch to Michael Martinez?
Little better with the old glove than the bat.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:11 pm
Patio
True story, I swear. About 25 years ago, I was in charge of a staff of computer techs in the Bay Area. One of my guys was a mid 20’s single guy, that went on some of those 3 day weekends to a nudist camp in Nor Cal somewhere.
When he returned on a Monday morning he told me of an encounter that he had on the weekend. Said he was having a nice conversation with a young lady he met there, and while talking a bee decided to interrupt their conversation by stinging him on a very tender part of his anatomy. Obviously this hurt and he could not hide what happened. Needless to say, that particular body part started to swell up from the bee sting.
Kinda ruined his whole weekend………………….
True story, I swear.
KBB
January 10th, 2012
6:12 pm
Dear Chipper,
You have been a great Brave, but do whats best for the team and PLEASE retire.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:12 pm
New Mexico
Amen!
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:13 pm
Mitchell
Most folks have gotten over September. Life goes on buddy.
Seattle Braves
January 10th, 2012
6:14 pm
Why are we not talking about this issue?
Q: Trades and Moves
A: And I Quote “You always have to have an eye on the future, and if you can get an outfield piece for the future with giving up one of your starters, and having our depth in the minor leagues at starting pitching, that would have been maybe the one move that I could have seen being made.”
Is this Chipper telling us that the Braves organzization drop the ball on getting much needed LF help? It could be that Chipper knows of trade’s that fell flat? Him going on to say that Adam Jones was the only deal he has heard of, and called it a joke? which it is.
Fact is that he knows that the Braves didnt want to give up its 8 man starting rotation to fix a major problem now. And this is his way of calling them out on it.
Good for you Chip
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
6:16 pm
DS1 great ammo for me next time I unexpectedly begin to swell I can put a bee keepers hat on and say I was that guy.
Steve
January 10th, 2012
6:18 pm
There once was a GM named Frank;
Who twiddled his thumbs and stank;
While others made trades;
and improved in spades;
He claimed he had no bank.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
6:18 pm
Alright.. for KBB and the others that wants Chipper to retire. Lets say he does. Who do you suggest that the braves get to play third. IF you say Prado, then who do we get to play LF. I know its semi old news, but apparently the Prince has a big offer from the Mariners but has not made up his mind if he wants to go out there and disappear while he plays for them.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:19 pm
Seattle Brave
I think you might be trying to read too much into his statement. I read it as him asking the question that most of us have asked. Why not deal from your strength to address a future need in the outfield or at third base?
And I really don’t think Chipper is privy to the potential trades being discussed in the Braves org. I could be wrong, but I really don’t see him being in on any of those talks.
Also, the off season isn’t over yet.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
6:19 pm
True story, I swear.
:shiver:
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:21 pm
Patio
The guy was a very good friend of mine. He was a bit embarrassed to tell me, so I knew it had to be true from his demeanor.
steve
A poet and he doesn’t know it………………..
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:22 pm
Bat
Is that you John???
But I know he moved to KC……………….
Patio Daddio
January 10th, 2012
6:24 pm
DS1 Next time I have a date I’m still using that if anything unexpectedly develops lmao. Tears are running down my face I am laughing so hard at the images in my head
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
6:28 pm
Just empathizing, I’ve been stung by a hornet and well…………
Seattle Braves
January 10th, 2012
6:31 pm
@DS1
Im not looking too deep into what he said. But given that response shows he is either A) not happy with the current situation of not having a everyday LF. or B) he thinks the organization is going to improve at some point. (remember the justice & Grissom deal for Lofton during spring training). or C) He knew about some trades that didnt come to pass and he is beside himself, but still has to watch what he say’s. or D) He dosent know what the plan is, but figures like us fans that a move would have been made by now.
Think of all the outfielder’s that has been on the FA Market or in Trade Talks that have signed with other teams. Tell me who is left out there that the Braves can benefit from via FA or Trade? I know how this works, and it seems to me he is waiting for other teams to break during spring training to go after SP. Thats when I believe Frank Wren will pull the trigger.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:32 pm
Heading out tonight to see the Jazz and the Cavaliers. Will be fun to watch the new kid, Kyrie Irving in person. Jazz have won 4 in a row.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:37 pm
Seattle Braves
You could be right. FW could be waiting out the market. My guess is that he is more interested in a trade than paying full price for a free agent.
Think about this: If Cody Ross doesn’t sign soon, his price tag is probably going to go down. He’d be a decent pickup. But my guess is that FW is looking at someone else. We know he likes Seth Smith. I half way expect us to get Smith before it’s all said and done. But I really would be super surprised if we deal Prado for him.
And since we know he was inquiring on Adam Jones, we know that he is making inquiries to other clubs.
I appreciate why FW isn’t leaking out rumors of whom he is interested. It really doesn’t help your position for other teams to know who you are talking to/about.
My guess is Chipper is in the same boat that we are all in. Impatient a bit about nothing being done so far, but realizing that things can come together between now and opening day.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
6:39 pm
I really think the Braves are hoping that Diaz will return to form in 2012. If he did, then he’d be an incredibly good platoon with a guy like Seth Smith in LF when Prado is playing third.
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
6:42 pm
There once was a GM named Frank
They said his offense did stank
he made a trade or two, surprised me and you
and then the kool-ade is all that we drank.
kenhotlanta
January 10th, 2012
6:45 pm
Gammons on MLB saying the FA market for the ones still out there (like Prince, Madsen, Oswalt, etc.) has dried up to a certain extent and many of them may have to reduce their expectations and take reduced years and/or money. This might help the Braves with someone like Ross.
He also said Prince doesn’t like Seattle, would prefer the Nats or someone else.
New Mexico Lee
January 10th, 2012
6:48 pm
Is Prince waiting to make a decision until the Braun issue is resolved?
Seattle Braves
January 10th, 2012
6:51 pm
@DS1
Does it make you sick that the game plan is to possibly platoon LF?
Ross I could do with. He has played for Freddi and with Uggla. He seems like the go to guy.
I still think Adam Jones is still a possibility. For the simple fact, that the Braves couldnt be the Braves without someone named Jones on the team.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
6:52 pm
Apparently Prince has a big offer from Seattle. There has been rumors in that regards. But he simply does not want to play there.
New Mexico Lee
January 10th, 2012
6:55 pm
Braun wins his appeal, Prince goes back to the Brewers, Braun losses and gets booted for 50 games, Prince goes to the Nats?
Ray
January 10th, 2012
6:56 pm
Its rumored that Reds are in serious talks with Madson
smoltz29
January 10th, 2012
6:58 pm
Chipper’s always been a class act, and a true spokesman of our club. He tells it like it is, with no sugarcoating of any situation. Still as good a hitter at 40, as most players are at 25!
kenhotlanta
January 10th, 2012
6:58 pm
gd from nz:
The analysts on MLB were saying Bonds and Clemens might get in sometime because they would have been HOFers without the benefit of juicing and just based on their pre-steriods numbers. But is that not the same thing as saying Shoeless Joe and Pete Rose should be in based on the numbers they put up before taking money and betting on your own team?
DS1
January 10th, 2012
7:01 pm
There once was a GM named Frank
Whose team in September did tank
His trio he kept, to which the blog wept
And October play next year you can bank!
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
7:02 pm
but still what makes you think Bourjos has more upside in his offensive game than Bourn and where did you read that scouting report?
Im pretty tired with this argument and you’ve made some pretty ridiculous points. He posted a 115 OPS+ with a similar BB rate and more power – much more power. He’s five years younger than Bourn and Bourn’s highest OPS+ was this year at 104. Looks like he’s shown quite a bit of offensive potential if he surpassed Bourn’s best year at 23 years of age. How is this not making sense to you? Oh, that’s right….You’re probably looking at strikeouts, stolen bases and RBI’s. Good bye.
Jerry
January 10th, 2012
7:03 pm
Here’s my two cents in regards to what I’d like to see happen for the upcoming season. I understand that the front office feels that a deal probably has to get done for Jurrjens because he is due a raise, and because there is no chance of keeping him long term because of that scumbag Boras. But, to be honest, I’d rather get rid of Hanson instead because of his own injury issues. We might get more for Hanson now before he completely blows his shoulder apart.
As for Prado, I’m with Chipper on this one. Keep him! He is a valuable guy. And Wren better not get taken by the Orioles. We can get by without Adam Jones. Geez, they make it sound like he’s the second coming. I think if I were serious about making a trade, I would look into one like Jurrjens(or Hanson) and Bourn for Andrew McCutchen.
At any rate, if we can’t make a trade without getting taken to the cleaners, then I say stand pat until the season starts and see what transpires. I personally don’t see us going anywhere anyway, whether we trade or not, unless everyone does a complete 360 from last year.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
7:04 pm
@Seattle Braves Does it make you sick that the game plan is to possibly platoon LF?
Not really. Sometimes a platoon is the best way to get production out of a position. But those were easier when pitchers went longer into the games and teams had 9-10 person pitching staffs.
nolie
January 10th, 2012
7:07 pm
man this place is getting old
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
7:08 pm
180
Mister Frisky
January 10th, 2012
7:11 pm
DS1,A nudist camp in No Cal?I’m gonna sit that one out.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
7:11 pm
How ya been Jerry? A couple of thoughts. I’m thinking that Hanson, being controllable for another 4 years will not be dealt until we get a true logjam on our staff. With Jurrjens only having 2 more years of control, I’m guessing that’s why he’s being talked up.
Agreed on Prado.
I like McCutchen, but the Pirates will definitely want 3-4 prospects. They won’t be interested in Jurrjens. Maybe Hanson, but his injury situation might scare them off.
Anything we do is a gamble, as any of these pitchers could have issues.
As for how the team will do next year, who the heck knows. We could be anywhere from very good to anemic; depending on some luck, some pitching and our hitters getting closer to their career means (Uggla, Prado, Mac).
I think Jason Heyward will be key.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
7:12 pm
Old as in stale?
P'cola Brave
January 10th, 2012
7:12 pm
If I’m Wren I’m making a move for Maicer Izturis and signing Cody Ross if it fits the budget. Those two moves really would solidify the team.
Seattle Braves
January 10th, 2012
7:13 pm
@DS1
Funny cause that what we have a 9-10 person rotation
Alaska Braves Fan
January 10th, 2012
7:16 pm
Chipper is a HOF guy, and even at this point in his career, the Braves are much better of with him than they would be without him. What a class guy. Honest.
ABF
DS1
January 10th, 2012
7:23 pm
9-10 man staff, not rotation. Now we have roughly a 12 man staff. At times 13.
DS1
January 10th, 2012
7:23 pm
Bball time. Later folks.
Olde Fan
January 10th, 2012
7:25 pm
Love Chipper. I’m glad he is coming back another year. Take note: He is the most loyal player I’ve ever heard/read about. In all these years, he has never said an unkind word about the Braves. Or MLB, for that matter. As for what fans think about him: Next time you see him walk to the plate to bat, take note of the audience applause. Folks pay to see him. They are seldom disappointed.
Seattle Braves
January 10th, 2012
7:25 pm
Keys to 2012
1. Heyward returns
2. No sophmore slump for Kimbrel or Freeman
3. No sloooooow start by Uggla
4. Pitching staff holds up with young guns
5. Chipper playing 120+ games
6. Prado bounces back
7. win division match ups
8. resign Peter Moylan
9. Dont over work the Bull Pen
10. No Injuries
Murph
January 10th, 2012
7:26 pm
I think the “Occupy” folks have come to the blog
That’s just what we need. A bunch of unemployed hippies with cold sores and yin yang tattoos stinking up the joint. Get a haircut and get a job if you want to change things you bums!
Murph
January 10th, 2012
7:28 pm
1. Heyward returns
2. No sophmore slump for Kimbrel or Freeman
3. No sloooooow start by Uggla
4. Pitching staff holds up with young guns
5. Chipper playing 120+ games
6. Prado bounces back
7. win division match ups
8. resign Peter Moylan
9. Dont over work the Bull Pen
10. No Injuries
1. Maybe
2. Possibly
3. Doubtful
4. Promising
5. HAHAHA
6. Probable
7. Fish and Nats own us
8. Depends on rehab
9. Depends on all of the above
10. Ain’t gonna happen
Steve from OH
January 10th, 2012
7:30 pm
Get a haircut and get a job if you want to change things you bums!
Haha, yeah. “I wanna be lazy and smoke weed all day, so I’ll inspire change by…being lazy and smoking weed all day!”
nolie
January 10th, 2012
7:32 pm
mostly I am just getting tired of all the constant negative same ol’ same ol’.
gobravos
January 10th, 2012
7:39 pm
I don’t want to bad mouth Chipper, but it is time for retirement. I would have rather seen him become our hitting coach, than a everyday player. Since, Liberty media will not allow a higher team salary and it is apparent no one is going to trade with us, it’s hard to improve. It is really sad that we are not even hearing good rumors about players we are trying to obtain. Before the Angles signed Cantu we might have traded Prado to them for say Trumbo who can play the outfield. We might have had to sweeten the deal, but Prado can play third and the Angles were looking for a third baseman. With the other teams improving in our division and we are standing pat, it’s not looking good for the Braves.
I hope we can find some lighting in the bottle somewhere.
nolie
January 10th, 2012
7:41 pm
usually the winter gives a break from all the emotion laden stupidity, but I guess because of the collapse and no deals, it just keeps on keepin’ on this year
P'cola Brave
January 10th, 2012
7:43 pm
Crazy to see all the names still available on FA this offseason. This has got to be seen as a terrible offseason for the Boras camp. Focusing all his time on Fielder and his other guys getting left out to dry w/ out clubs to. May be time for him to give some ground and get some deals done.
bustersonly
January 10th, 2012
7:44 pm
A LIST OF IF’s:
1. Wayward returns as Heyward.
2. Praro”s average teturns to normal.
3. Chipper’s knees hold up through April.
4. Uggla finds his swing before August.
5. McCann gets back to his old self.
6. Freeman doesn’t pull a Heyward.
7. Hanson doesn’t throw his sholder or elbo away.
8. JJ’s knee is ok.
9. Hudson’s back is ok.
10. We find a shortstop
You can bet your sweet ass that half of these if’s will be bad news, thats why the Braves will do no better than 4th place thats why they should write this season off and go with a total youth movement then they will be ready to compete in 2013. Lots of money coming available in 2013 with Chipper gone and Hudson 15 mil.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
7:46 pm
I bought in at .27,then went to jail in 2009 18 minutes ago
I got out before the holidays and sold some shares.should i sell the rest of it ?I own almost 60,000 shares.
Rating :
(No ratings)
Rate it:
doggyteeth
Stock message boards can be almost as much fun as this one.
beekay
January 10th, 2012
7:47 pm
The Rikers Island inmates usually join the OWS people when they get out because of the free gourmet meals, the ease of theft (most of these hippies have nice technology like laptops, iphones etc) and the ability to rape without anyone pressing charges. The rape tents are there to make sure that the women or I guess some men can be taken care of after rape witout going to the police as the group doen’t want negative publicity….and our former speaker praises these people??
beekay
January 10th, 2012
7:49 pm
oh, I left out the serious amounts of drugs these hippies have is a big attraction as well.
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
7:50 pm
1. Heyward returns 1. Optimistic
2. No sophmore slump for Kimbrel or Freeman 2. Wow, if they can repeat
3. No sloooooow start by Uggla 3. Start preparing sooner?
4. Pitching staff holds up with young guns 4. Great staff
5. Chipper playing 120+ games 5. Yes
6. Prado bounces back 6. Yes, better this year
7. win division match ups 7. Fish and Nats, yes. Phils?
8. resign Peter Moylan 8. No money
9. Dont over work the Bull Pen 9. Sure, roll another one.
10. No Injuries 10. Not enough to believe that.
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
7:52 pm
It’s so funny the way nice neat columns down in the box go to hell when you post them.
Mitchie-sand
January 10th, 2012
7:54 pm
There once was a man named Wren
who’s team we watnted to win
He was the boss
Well..him and The Hoss
The problems? Where do I begin?
nolie
January 10th, 2012
7:55 pm
gotta space them with dashes or periods to keep them separated most times
Mike Berry
January 10th, 2012
7:55 pm
Chipper’s done folks. I don’t necessarily want to see it happen…but if you read anything into that interview…he’ll be lucky to play half a 162 game season.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
7:58 pm
Hippies? Really
Make love not war! Give peace a chance!
Hey, Hey, LBJ, how man kids…………….
Jerry
January 10th, 2012
7:58 pm
Hi Wayne, how’s life been treating you? As for why Jurrjens is being shopped instead of Hanson, I totally agree with you on that point. I think I would rather have Jurrjens for those two years instead of Hanson, for two reasons. One, I think if we keep him for a couple more years, his arm will be shot because of that ridiculous delivery of his, and two, when someone gets on base, it’s just in invitation to run on him. Oh, and he is a ginger. Couldn’t forget that one.
And I don’t know how much it would take for Andrew McCutchen, but giving them a top flight leadoff man who plays good defense, plus a front line starter has to count for something with a team like the Pirates.
Ralph
January 10th, 2012
8:03 pm
Chipper will not retire as long as those big bucks are there for the taking, WOULD YOU??????
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
8:04 pm
I don’t much care for seeing people steal on Hanson either, for one thing it upsets McFann, but really what difference does it make if they are stranded on first or second.
josh
January 10th, 2012
8:05 pm
Chipper doesn’t need the money.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
8:05 pm
If you’re making a top ten list, what do you do when there are only, oh, say, eight things that really should make it? Is it better to just go with the eight or say, fluffit, I’m adding a couple of stinkers to even it out? I ask because there seems to be a preponderance of lists here today, and, most of them, I’ve gotten a little squinty-eyed around numbers 6 or 7 or so.
Think I’ll have a cocktail and ponder. You guys make some more lists.
Ralph
January 10th, 2012
8:08 pm
Chipper doesn’t need the money
Josh, have you ever seen anyone that had enough money that they didn’t want any more?????
Ray
January 10th, 2012
8:08 pm
So you are saying Chipper will be lucky to play 81 games? Really? When was the last time his total was that bad. With the slow market, it could end up being to Wren’s benefit. There are a few that are out there as their price drops it could be good for the Braves.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
8:09 pm
I mean, Dentz making a top ten list, I understand. For him, counting to ten is showing off.
Jerry
January 10th, 2012
8:09 pm
You are right Bat. If they are stranded at first, it’s all good. But, and that’s a really big butt, Hanson is not Greg Maddux. Maddux could strand those runners, and he did. But I don’t think Hanson is anywhere close to being able to do that on a regular basis.
ncscoots
January 10th, 2012
8:14 pm
But I don’t think Hanson is anywhere close to being able to do that on a regular basis.
Kinda hard to explain his career ERA with that concept, is it not?
Stolen bases, for the most part, are wasted effort. Only when the SB leads directly to the only run in an inning scoring, does one matter. In all other scoring scenarios, the runner would have scored without stealing the base. It’s one of the reasons that such a high success percentage is necessary to make SBs worthwhile.
Hanson has the right idea: the guy who can hurt you is the guy with the stick.
jeffrey doo doo
January 10th, 2012
8:15 pm
Cliff Lee, when he signed with the Phillies even though the Yankees offered him more money.
jeffrey doo doo
January 10th, 2012
8:16 pm
, and that’s a really big butt
hee hee
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
8:19 pm
No Hanson is not Maddux. I’m a little surprised he has been so good right out of the gate. But he is, or at least has been, damned good.
Ray
January 10th, 2012
8:21 pm
Efrim, YOU have a lot more patience than I do.
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
8:31 pm
TIVO Alert
Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison — The original footage of Cash recording at Folsom with the prisoners as audience. Directv Ch 274 (Ovation TV) 12 am Monday morning.
phil
January 10th, 2012
8:33 pm
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
keylargo Or is it some silly infatuation that all things McCann does are the way the world should revolve?
No, dangit!! But I don’t like how you sometimes act as though he doesn’t do anything to improve himself. He’s always trying to get better. Reason we don’t hear about it all is ’cause he’s not that kind of guy.
But whatever. I’m getting burned out on this subject…maybe I should just go into “cyber-hibernation” until Spring Training…
*****
No need to respond and i know you don’t like the subject, but i fully expect Brian to show at ST as out of shape as always. I don’t mean weak and wasted but typically bloated and fat. It’s no wonder he needs a day off every 2 or 3 games and that he’s wearing out now by august. He’s only hurting his longevity in the game and in life and i don’t like it, whether he cares personally or not.
I hope i’m wrong.
phil
January 10th, 2012
8:36 pm
Wonder if this will be the yr Uggla shows up and hits from day 1?
jeffrey doo doo
January 10th, 2012
8:43 pm
So we’re all just ignoring the “big butt” comment? Clearly everybody’s more mature than me
Sopheee
January 10th, 2012
8:44 pm
Not positive but doesn’t Mac usually show up at Spring Training in shape? I’m pretty sure I remember him saying the wear of the season is when it hits him from eating bad on the road and stuff. I know he showed up lighter than usual either last season or the year before.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
8:45 pm
“man this place is getting old”
Not really, nolie. He’s had this blog aaround since, what, ‘05 or ‘06? Shoot, I got underwear that old, and I bet you got underwear twice as old. So come … old?
jeffrey doo doo
January 10th, 2012
8:48 pm
I’ve never used underwear as a gauge of time
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
8:54 pm
Ugh, and just think … we’re still well over a month before pitchers and catchers even report.
My God this offseason has blown. I mean it would’ve probably been more interesting if our team wasn’t as top secret as the CIA, but you can that previous agents and FA of the past for this mess. Wren has his butt cheeks so tightly held together regarding ANYTHING even remotely leaking out.
Guarantee we’ll find stuff out that went on this offseason that nobody even suspected.
nolie
January 10th, 2012
8:54 pm
what is “underwear” ?
nolie
January 10th, 2012
8:56 pm
so far it has gone pretty much as some have expected it to go
kenhotlanta
January 10th, 2012
8:58 pm
murph and beekay: “That’s just what we need. A bunch of unemployed hippies with cold sores and yin yang tattoos stinking up the joint. Get a haircut and get a job if you want to change things you bums!”.
You guys either still live in your mom’s basement or are oblivious to what has happened to a lot of those folks in the past few years. Many (but not I all, I will add) were living what they thought was the American Dream: they had a job with benefits and retirement, a nice savings for that retirement, they paid their bills and mortgage every month, and provided for their family like they were raised to do.
Then around 2008 or 2009, the whole world changed. Their company downsized or was sold and they were replaced with someone younger and cheaper, they went through their savings while looking for a job and still paying the bills, they finally lost their house because the banks wouldn’t use the money they were given to help people modify or refinance their loans, and their marriage broke up due to the stress. All of a sudden they were 40 to 60 years old without a job or a decent job, living with relatives or friends, lost their wife or girlfriend and estranged from the kids, and with no money to do much of anything with and little hope for it getting any better.
If this didn’t happen to you or anyone you know, then say a thank you to whatever god you pray to every night, because millions of Americans who spent there life trying to do the right thing are in this position today.
beekay
January 10th, 2012
9:09 pm
kenhotlanta
You have no clue what types of people are in these camps…one of 10 is what you described the other are a bunch of spoiled punks who want handouts and have never worked hard in their life. Do some research and quit watching MSNBC before you make such a stupid comment . These 40-60 year olds arent the majority. The majority at these occupy events are between 20-25 yrs old and are useless. Go to Zuccotti park and go downtown DC and check for yourself
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
9:10 pm
Why is there never anything good on TV at this time of night??
brian
January 10th, 2012
9:12 pm
Efrim – agree with you on Bourjos
brian
January 10th, 2012
9:13 pm
UNC basketball is on cabravesfan
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
9:14 pm
brian-
I did say “good”
(ducks and covers, fearing the wrath of Sopheee. IT WAS A JOKE, SOPH!!)
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
9:15 pm
Besides, it’s not on here
nolie
January 10th, 2012
9:17 pm
NCIS LA is worth watching IMO though not great
Flashpoint and Body of Proof at 10 are pretty good, especially Flashpoint
Henry Aaron's Ghost
January 10th, 2012
9:28 pm
DUNN!!!! Oh, yeah, right. He REALLY helped Dunn get out of that oh for the summer slump. Yup, great work. Hire the Mariners hitting coach. They hit like .086 for the year. Another improvement. Yup.
kenhotlanta
January 10th, 2012
9:30 pm
beekay: If I answer your reply, I will be getting into politics and that is a no-no on this blog. I was referring to the specific group of people that you and murph referred to as “hippies”. The hippie movement was in the 60s and 70s, and what is happening to a lot of those folks in the past few years is what I was describing and what ’some’ of the people and ’some’ of the occupy movement is about, but certainly not all and I made that clear. I totally agree with you about “spoiled punks, etc.”
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
9:32 pm
You’re really going to use a career .242 hitter that strikes out an average of 187 times a year to claim a hitting coach is doing a poor job? Perhaps you should use a different tactic.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
9:33 pm
Beekay_
Maybe a bunch of them are people that bought into what they were taught. That we are all equal under the law and then looked around realized its just not so. Maybe they…….. Ah hell, never mind
Hippies
kenhotlanta
January 10th, 2012
9:36 pm
Yeah, what Bat said! Thanks
Robertson hunting for a good cause, plus some notes and links | The Lohud Yankees Blog
January 10th, 2012
9:40 pm
[...] I linked to Olney’s notebook earlier today, and that notebook included a link to this Q & A with Chipper Jones, who addresses the impact of becoming an older player in baseball. It’s pretty good stuff from [...]
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
9:43 pm
You bet, Ken.
Sopheee
January 10th, 2012
9:45 pm
Sing it with me, cab.
UNC for you and me
Tarheel blue for me and you
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
9:46 pm
Soph-
I don’t sing
(Besides, VJ would leave me if he caught me singing that song…)
Sopheee
January 10th, 2012
9:47 pm
So ready for March.
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
9:48 pm
Wait…what’s wrong with March??
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
9:49 pm
Sorry- I have no idea why I thought that said “so much for March”
I am so ready for March too. It’s a good month. Probably my favorite
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
9:50 pm
Sopheee:
Can’t believe my grandson scored 21 with 11 boards last night. Didn’t go to the game because of icey rain. Dang! His best game to date in b-ball.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
9:51 pm
H.S. Baseball in less that a month away. hard to believe.
brian
January 10th, 2012
9:52 pm
keep teaching Sopheee. Hopefully Atlanta will see the Heels take the ACC championship there in March with Carroll in attendence!
brian
January 10th, 2012
9:54 pm
I did give you a softball there cabravesfan. Unfortunately there are 3 ACC teams that are entertaining to watch – UNC, Duke, and UVA. Although I am not a Cavalier fan, I love their coach. He can outcoach anybody – fun to watch his game preparations and the in-game adjustments
brian
January 10th, 2012
9:55 pm
great game richbrave – same grandson who plays baseball?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
9:55 pm
Early spring mornings are the best. Especially after a long, cold winter. I used to work at a rec park and there was nothing better than being in that pretty place on a early April morning.
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
9:57 pm
brian-
That you did
But UNC really isn’t on here. We get Ohio State/ Illinois on ESPN…
I don’t really mind UNC, but I have always enjoyed watching Duke more- no real reason behind it…
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
9:58 pm
CTB-
I imagine that would be lovely. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), our early spring days are a lot like our “long, cold winters,” which is to say, warm and sunny…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
9:59 pm
I’m watching a show called Shipping Wars on A&E. Damn there’s some weird people out there.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
cab, yeah, birds chirping, 70 degrees with a cool breeze. Also it’s so quiet there.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
WINTER BALL
DOMINICA
ESCOGIDO LIONS
C JOSE YEPEZ [.176 BA] 0-3, 1 PB [1], 2 E [2, 2 throwing], 3 SB against [ many ].
LICEY TIGERS
No BRAVES played.
VENEZUELA
ZULIA EAGLES
1B ERNESTO MEJIA [.240 BA] 0-3, hat trick! This guy needs some time off.
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
10:05 pm
brian
January 10th, 2012
9:55 pm
great game richbrave – same grandson who plays baseball?
Yes. half-way through his junior year, his game is really starting to kick in.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 10th, 2012
10:07 pm
Oh and there’s a lake surrounding you. Now I’ll stop with that talk …
richbrave
January 10th, 2012
10:10 pm
brian:
Maybe he can walk on and play some in practice, but no way he can play SF in the ACC at a short 6′ 2″ 190. When he grows a bit more, he might be effective at a D III school like HAMPDEN-SYDNEY or RANDOLPH-MACON.
McFann O O o
January 10th, 2012
10:13 pm
Spring is the greatest season ever Created—except for the storms/possibility of tornadoes…
Sopheee
January 10th, 2012
10:24 pm
rich – double double for your grandson. That’s awesome. Sorry you missed it.
Sopheee
January 10th, 2012
10:25 pm
More dreams coming true.
Peace out, Mularkey.
AussieBrave
January 10th, 2012
10:26 pm
To Effrin and D1. Right-o. Couple of things… I may not agree with all that BravePack says but it’s sort of, well, arrogant and typical bull behaviour to imply that your point is valid and his is ignorant and baseless. I would imagine that none of us on this blog are professional players or administrators of the game so we’re all in it for the fun of the ‘what ifs’ and stats.
Now – lastly – I’m pretty sure since the movie Moneyball made it all the way to little ole Australia that you lot have watched it and along with a few good franches racked up on MLB The Show now have all the knowledge one can accumulate on the game, trades and potentials – but let me make an point here as well… for all the kurumphing you lot do about those bloody, pesky little things called AVG, RBIs and SOs, the other stats you all quote so often to look so bright would be nothing. I may be “ignorant” but I believe if your batting average is low you are rarely hitting with any regularity; and if your RBIs are low you are rarely driving in runs and are either very unlucky to always come up with no one on base or never show up in the clutch; and if you strike out every fourth or fifth at bat that probably doesn’t make you the hope of the side either. I guess I’m old school and all that, but I’ll go with the HoF and let those pitiful players stay in the Hall who hit .400 and drove in heaps of runs while making contact with the bat. “Just sayin’…”
AussieBrave
January 10th, 2012
10:27 pm
Bloody helll – “bully” and “franchises”…
beekay
January 10th, 2012
10:36 pm
Ken
No offense, I do feel bad for the hard working people that have lost jobs due to corporate greed. The people that we see on TV unfortunatley are not a good representation of the ones that work hard and were victims of the economy and the wall street big wigs. Let’s hope everyone can enjoy the upcoming season which begins in just 6 weeks.
Efrim
January 10th, 2012
10:38 pm
To Effrin
You lost me here. You’re typing, not pronouncing it. There is no reason really to shoot an air ball on the spelling of my name. In and out, or a rim shot, hell even hitting the back board. Two f’s? An n? I did not read the remainder of your post. I’ll go to bed, and hopefully I’ll feel up to it tomorrow. But you lost me at “Effrin”. Good day, mate.
Steve
January 10th, 2012
10:51 pm
The Kool-Aid I would drink
If Wren would only think
The fans want a winner
Not left-over dinner
Why leave the team on the brink?
Fred
January 10th, 2012
10:52 pm
K.Conway- You are 100% right, the Braves need to move on without Chipper. I can see another fifth or sixth place finish. The money they keep paying him could make for a nice line-up on the field for us this year. I will give him his props, but now it’s time for him to move on. This was one of the most boring team to watch last season. I could not see spending money to watch them play at all last year. It would be nice to see an owner who care about team like some of the other owners. Let’s start with a new GM, and Manager. They both have to go, we need to start rebuilding a team like we had back in the early nineties.
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
10:55 pm
How do you propose the Braves “move on without Chipper”? If you cut him, you still have to pay him…
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
10:59 pm
Also, it would be very hard to finish 6th in a division with only 5 teams…
AussieBrave
January 10th, 2012
10:59 pm
Sorry Efrim, I have to admit laziness at not wanting to scroll around and get the proper spelling, but I had enough faith in you that you could figure out who I was writing to. I was not rude to you and was really only trying to make a point about AVG, RBIs and SOs… It’s a shame that you got no further than your name, but I do understand the temptation to be solely concentrated on self. I will in the future endeavour to be as good as you in all things – baseball and typing. Good night to you too bubba.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
11:00 pm
Paying Chipper to move on might be better than finishing sixth in a five team division.
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
11:02 pm
Bat-
But if the reasoning is that you could use that money to improve the team this year, well, that’s just not going to happen.
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
11:02 pm
It’s about as likely we will finish 6th…
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
11:06 pm
Really excederine, whats in a name. Bubba
Sopheee
January 10th, 2012
11:07 pm
I’d say Kool Aid deserves a bingo slot this year. doo doo, make note.
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
11:07 pm
SOPHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
brian
January 10th, 2012
11:09 pm
cool rich – there is also the JV at UNC that is a cool program and there are always some juniors and seniors that get to walk on varsity after good jv play
Blog Monitor
January 10th, 2012
11:10 pm
Fred
January 10th, 2012
10:52 pm
K.Conway- You are 100% right, the Braves need to move on without Chipper. I can see another fifth or sixth place finish.
Fred, you just lost whatever credibility you might have had with that statement…
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
11:10 pm
TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
11:11 pm
TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
NoWay
January 10th, 2012
11:11 pm
Fred had cred? no way
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
11:11 pm
cab_
Don’t try to muddy the water with all that 2+2=4 BS. Sixth place! We can’t have that
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
11:12 pm
Bat-
No. No we can’t. Literally. It’s impossible. Actually, really, legitimately impossible.
Sopheee
January 10th, 2012
11:12 pm
cabaliciousssssss
Promise me if y’all win you’ll find an arrogant saints fan and chant who dat 764 times in their face.
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
11:13 pm
Sopheee-
I don’t know any arrogant Saints fans. Or any humble ones. Not many out this way. But I promise you I will bask in the greatness of the moment if we do win
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
11:14 pm
And probably be forced to apologize to many, many people who will be forced to listen to me scream at the TV for 3 hours…
AussieBrave
January 10th, 2012
11:15 pm
Nothing wrong with Bubba, I find it a compliment. My father is from Alabama.
Bat Masterson
January 10th, 2012
11:19 pm
Never said there was matte.
nolie
January 10th, 2012
11:23 pm
Bowden on Barry Larkin ESPN Insider
I spent 14 seasons in the front office of the Cincinnati Reds from 1990 to 2003, the final 11 as the team’s vice president and general manager, and was blessed to watch Barry Larkin roam the left side of the diamond as the Reds’ regular shortstop during my entire tenure. It was an honor not only because Larkin was a future Hall of Famer, but because he represented everything on and off the field that was right about baseball. A man of high character, Larkin was a leader, teacher, motivator, big brother and most of all, a winner. All of those qualities were rewarded today with the news that Larkin has been inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame.
On the field, he won National League MVP in 1995, participated in 12 All-Star Games, won nine Silver Slugger Awards and four Gold Glove Awards. In 1996, Larkin became the first shortstop in baseball history to hit at least 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a single season, and just two other shortstops in history have played in more All-Star Games — Cal Ripken Jr. and Ozzie Smith.
The Cincinnati Reds drafted him with the seventh overall pick of the 1985 draft out of the University of Michigan. The signing scout was Gene Bennett, who referred to him as a “seven-tool” player, as opposed to the typical “five-tool” scouting nomenclature. This was because Larkin was above average in the following categories: running, hitting, hitting for power, throwing and fielding, as well as in makeup and leadership. Indeed, Larkin was the full package of athleticism, body control, range, first-step quickness, sweet-spot contact, rhythm, path to the ball, baseball intellect and instincts.
Despite today’s advanced statistical analysis and sabermetrics, there still are some elements to the game that simply cannot be clearly defined without watching the games. With a runner on second and nobody out and Larkin at the plate, I could always go get a cup of coffee in my GM suite, knowing that if Larkin couldn’t get a hit he could be relied on to at least get the runner over to third with a grounder to the right side.
His selflessness was evident in the clubhouse as well. Larkin was a mentor to practically every young player during his tenure, from Aaron Boone to Sean Casey to Mike Cameron to Dmitri Young, among others. He knew when to give a teammate a kick in the butt, a pat on the back, a motivational lecture, a lesson on work ethic or a tip on how to improve his fielding, hitting, throwing mechanics or base running. He was such a leader I named him team captain.
He took the captainship seriously and led by example. But he could be vociferous when needed. And when he felt another voice was needed, teammate Lenny Harris did the talking for him in some clubhouse meetings. When a young player didn’t know how to dress, Larkin would take him to the mall while on a road trip and buy him a new wardrobe. When a player didn’t know how carry himself as a professional, Larkin taught him. When a player needed to work on his leads and breaks, Larkin was out early to work with him. As Casey once put it to me: Larkin was like having an extra coach and teacher on the field; it was always team first, Larkin second.
As his GM, Larkin helped me in many ways. The franchise always was financially challenged and to compete we had to sign inexpensive free agents. Thus, he helped recruit free agents such as Ron Gant, Tony Fernandez, Benito Santiago and many more to sign with the Reds.
I also consulted with him on some player moves over the years, because I always wanted to make sure that players I was thinking about bringing in would fit in the clubhouse, as well as basic player evaluations. I remember an instance early in my GM career in which we debated a particular young player’s value because we had an opportunity to make a trade, but I didn’t want to put that player in the deal. Larkin said he agreed with my initial assessment that the player was an above-average defender who was capable of 25 home runs and 100 RBIs a year.
However, he told me to watch the player carefully in the eighth and ninth innings of one-run games to see what the player would do both defensively and offensively, suggesting to me the player wasn’t able to get it done with the game on the line. I watched that player carefully for two months after our conversation and eventually traded that player. The deal helped our club significantly, thanks to Larkin’s wisdom and advice.
Loyalty counts
Larkin signed a five-year, $25 million extension with the Reds during the prime of his career even though he knew his market value was closer to $30 million. He preferred to let the team put the difference toward other players to give the Reds a better chance to win. The Reds’ world championship in 1990, and first-place finishes in 1994, 1995 and 1999 wouldn’t have happened if it were not for Larkin’s selflessness.
He kept his cool and remained loyal to the team, taking the high road in 1993, when team owner Marge Schott made racially insensitive remarks. Schott was suspended for those comments, and Larkin, an African-American, was pulled in many different directions by organizations such as the NAACP and Major League Baseball and the fans and media.
Of the 206 former major league players inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame, just 47 of them spent their entire careers with one team and just two of them with the Cincinnati Reds, Johnny Bench and Bid McPhee. On two occasions I tried to get him to wear a different uniform. Toward the end of his career, with the Reds going nowhere in the standings, the team’s COO asked me to trade Larkin. I orchestrated a deal with the New York Mets and left the decision up to Larkin. He loved New York; he even named one of his children after Shea Stadium. After careful thought, he rejected the deal because of his loyalty to Cincinnati. He graduated from Moeller High School, which was just 20 minutes from Riverfront Stadium.
When I joined the Washington Nationals in 2004 as their GM, I came to Larkin and offered him the chance to finish his career at shortstop in the nation’s capital. Again, after serious consideration, he declined, instead joining me as a special assistant to the general manager, a position he held until he moved over to the TV side of things, first at the MLB Network and now at ESPN. I’m glad he declined both times; he deserves to go into the Hall of Fame with one jersey, one hat and one legacy from one team.
cabravesfan
January 10th, 2012
11:28 pm
nolie-
that pretty much says everything you need to know about Barry Larkin. Good man…
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
11:32 pm
Barry Larking looks, talks and acts a lot more like a front office type than a ball player. He really impressed me with the MLB Network. He is as polished as an announcer as he was playing SS for Cincinnati.
danny charles
January 10th, 2012
11:35 pm
i would love to see chipper play another five years. when i watch a braves game on tv it’s because i want to see chipper, first and foremost. he definitely is a sure fire hall of famer, i really hope he gets his 3,000 and 500. keep playing chipper as long as you enjoy the game. you are the BEST!!!!
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
11:35 pm
Barry Larking – Drop the “G”. I better correct it before someone else does.
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
11:37 pm
Danny Charles – I think CJ will play in hopes of hitting 500 HR’s unless his average is in danger of dropping below .300.
nolie
January 10th, 2012
11:40 pm
do you?
I think it’s out of reach and he will quit B4 2014 no matter how many homers he has,
just a feelin’
AussieBrave
January 10th, 2012
11:41 pm
Bat – I hate it when people do tit for tat, and at the extreme risk of doing just that, I feel… ‘compelled’. I wasn’t implying that you did say there was something wrong with it. In fact, I didn’t actually understand your email and didn’t get the reference to ‘excederine” – It was just a comment in case you (or anyone else) had thought I was using the word Bubba as an insult. A rather juvenile and “won’t you all please like me, I have southern roots, please accept me” attempt at not getting people offsides since I rarely post on here. But honestly – people do tend to take things pretty seriously sometimes.
nolie
January 10th, 2012
11:43 pm
always was a huge Larkin fan
kenhotlanta
January 10th, 2012
11:43 pm
beekay:
thanks and agreed…looking forward to Spring Training, one of the best times of the year.
keylargo
January 10th, 2012
11:44 pm
454 Nolie. I don’t think he could do it until 2014. But I would not like seeing him looking like Willie Mays did for the Mets..211 .303 .344 .647 in Mays’ last season.
P'cola Brave
January 10th, 2012
11:46 pm
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.
brian
January 10th, 2012
11:52 pm
I would agree that I think the Braves will head into spring training with the team they have with the addition of someone like Izturis for Martinez type trade. I still would like to see them sign Cody Ross. If the BRaves find they have way too much healthy starting pitching and Teheran/Delgado prove they need to be in the majors, they can always make a deal in June/July for a needed player and prospects
brian
January 10th, 2012
11:56 pm
reading MLB traderumors, the Orioles will likely have one of the weakest rotations in baseball. Why they got so greedy with Jones, I don’t know. Jurrjens would have been their #1/#2 starter assuming he is healthy.
P'cola Brave
January 10th, 2012
11:57 pm
brian
Keeping my fingers crossed on Izturis. Been wanting that to happens since early in the offseason. I worry that adding Izturis may push Ross out of price range and I think hes a really good fit for this team. Adding Ross and Izturis would make this a very deep, talented team.
nolie
January 11th, 2012
12:10 am
Adding Ross and Izturis would make this a very deep, talented team….P’c
I like the idea, but can we afford it?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 11th, 2012
12:11 am
I wouldn’t fool with Jurrjens either. Damn, look at how bad his velo dropped within one year. I’m sure him hiring Boras doesn’t help either.
P'cola Brave
January 11th, 2012
12:16 am
nolie
Thats why I stated adding Izturis may push Ross out of consideration. I know its been debated on how much we actually have to spend this year so at the top of the speculation we could probably afford both which would add somewhere in the 8-10 mil range. If we are to believe the low end of the speculation then we could probably only afford one.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 11th, 2012
12:17 am
Is Izturis a good defensive SS, or better suited for 2nd base?
P'cola Brave
January 11th, 2012
12:19 am
CTB
Using UZR hes considered a plus defender at SS but he plays 2nd and 3rd also and I believe is a plus defender at all three.
Fred
January 11th, 2012
12:20 am
So I made a mistake haha, but I still stand by my word. It’s time for Chipper to go, i’m not going to change my mind about that. Let him go to an american league team, and become a DH. The one thing different between the Braves and the Falcons, at least the Falcons get you all pumped up and then let you down, but the Braves are boring from the beginning to the end. I’m not a Cardinals fan, but I was praying that they overtake the Braves.
TomahawkChoppin'
January 11th, 2012
12:22 am
Chipper is a class act. Great candid interview with the Legend himself. Give me Chipper at third until he doesn’t want to play anymore.
nolie
January 11th, 2012
12:24 am
Fielding Bible says about average, but he has not really played short all that much. he would likely be back up and that is why I doubt they get him. 3.8mil is more than they want to pay starters.
actually I don’t see him or Ross in our future……
nolie
January 11th, 2012
12:26 am
sure let him go so we can pay 14million dollars and get absolutely nothing from it . sigh
P'cola Brave
January 11th, 2012
12:26 am
nolie
I sure hope your wrong. I think they need to add at least one of Ross or Izturis or someone of their nature. Why the starting lineup doesn’t present many holes the bench is quite weak and the Braves are a team that will rely on the bench heavily.
nolie
January 11th, 2012
12:29 am
hope i’m wrong too
Venice Jim
January 11th, 2012
12:31 am
Fred – you are clearly an expert on baseball – what kind of fool would disagree with you when clearly you know so much more than these people who recognize that Chipper is still one of the best third basemen in the league…
nolie
January 11th, 2012
12:31 am
unfortunately what i have bees saying about jj all along seems to be coming true. i have also been skeptical about them adding a decent bat
nolie
January 11th, 2012
12:41 am
TTFN y’all
cricket
January 11th, 2012
1:05 am
I’m not a Cardinals fan, but I was praying that they overtake the Braves.
you are clearly not a braves’ fan either, no fan prays for the demise of the team they support.
so what do you think of this braves blog? cool, right? does your baseball team have such a blog?
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
1:06 am
Aussie, sorry if I was a bit over the top there. Hope there is no hard feelings.
Fred
January 11th, 2012
1:10 am
Dream on Venice Jim, Dream on, and no i’m not an expert. Just because you like someone, you still have to know when to say it’s over. He will be lucky to make through half the season. Everyone one have there on opinion, he was a good third baseman ,but not anymore.
nolie
January 11th, 2012
1:12 am
Fred the genius
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
1:15 am
A baseball source has confirmed to MLB.com that the Reds have agreed to terms late Tuesday on a one-year, $10 million contract with free agent closer Ryan Madson.
That’s a very good team in Cincy……
LF Heisey, CF Stubbs, RF Bruce
3B Rolen/Frazier, SS Cozart, 2B Phillips, 1B Votto, C Mesoraco/Hanigan
SP Latos, Cueto, Leake, Bailey, Arroyo, Chapman
RP Madson, Marshall, Bray, LeCure, Masset, Arrendondo, Ondrusek
Deep roster and I’d say they are really close to the Cardinals, if not surpassing them.
I still think my rankings are…..
NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Nationals, Mets
NL Central: Cardinals, Reds, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates, Astros
NL West: D-Backs, Giants, Dodgers, Rockies, Padres
Mets, Cubs, Pirates and Astros with no shot.
Rockies and Padres with slightly more of a shot.
Brewers(w/o Braun for 50 games), Dodgers, Marlins, and Nationals on the cusp.
Braves, Giants and Reds battling it out for the Wild Card till the end.
Phillies, Cards, and D-Backs as division winners.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
1:23 am
Reds payroll figures to be around 85 million. Braves slightly more if they do nothing.
I gotta say, I’ll be pretty heated if the Braves don’t make ANY additions prior to spring training. And if they take the same team to Turner Field with Jose Constanza as the 4th outfielder and Drew Sutton as the backup SS, I’ll be pretty frustrated. Trying to stay positive. Still think Wren has something up his sleeve……other than trading Jurrjens for a nice prospect package……
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
1:26 am
And for anyone that followed mlbtraderumors this evening, one thing you can bank on in the rumor mill is Jon Heyman knowing Scott Boras clients. He is keyed in with Boras and will probably break Fielder, Pena and E-Jax signings…..
…and I do believe him on his Jurrjens stuff too, another Boras client.
Mitchell
January 11th, 2012
1:28 am
I really wish there was some reason to believe that the Braves 2012 season won’t end pretty much the same way 2011 did? Any reason.
I mean, unless you’re just one of countless pathologically optimistic Braves fan blind to reality and recent history.
No really, don’t you wish you could just flash forward to September to find out if we make the playoffs or not?
If somebody was able to tell me right now that we don’t make the playoffs, that would be such a relief.
Wouldn’t that save everybody so much trouble? I think so.
There’s nothing worse that watching a team with the best rookie first baseman in the National League, the best base stealer in the major leagues, the best offensive catcher in baseball, a 2010 All Star Game starting utility infielder/outfielder, Hall of Fame third baseman, best rookie closer in the game and possibly the best closer period and of course an elite pitching staff and constantly being made to believe you’re rooting for one of the have-not’s in the game.
As if we shouldn’t expect them to make the playoffs because they’re not in the top five in payroll.
Meanwhile, the Rays are in the post-season for the third time in four years.
Incidentally, I’d trade managers with them if they’re interested. Just a thought.
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?
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
10:17 am
Ray – I can’t disagree with anything you said ( and I NEVER blamed him for the allstar game tie). My point is, that as an old guy traditionalist dinosaur, I hate nearly everything he has done. As someone whose agenda is to increase interest in BB amoung casual fans, and 20-30 something year olds, he has done a terrific job. Good for the bottom line of MLB and at least some teams, but very bad for MY enjoyment of the game. (selfish position, I know).
Ironically, the old guy fans who grew up with hockey hate some of the current NHL rules. As a guy who only became a fan in the last 10 years, and after many rule changes, I like it the way it is now. Just goes to show…
Lew
January 11th, 2012
10:17 am
Don – Don’t you realize that it’s no longer a matter of “renewing” his contract, that the contract is already signed and if he plays enough games that the option for next year automatically kicks in? If it does, just like this year, they will owe him the money even if they let him go.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:20 am
Buerhle screams #3 starter, imo – even in the NL.
However, Anibal Sanchez is underrated. I like their rotation as Johnson, Sanchez, Buerhle, Nolasco and Zambrano. But if Josh Johnson is hurt, all bets are off for that team. He is the key. Much like Hanson is the key if Jurrjens is dealt away.
bravesfansince1982
January 11th, 2012
10:20 am
Hopefully once the leagues are even, they can go to a balanced interleague schedule
NL East vs AL East
NL Central vs AL Central
NL West vs AL West
That’s all we really need. That way you still have the rivalry series (NYM-NYY, Chi Cubs-Chi WS, KC-StL, LAA-LAD, SF-OAK, etc.) and you avoid the ones that no one really cares about (Atl-KC, Phil-Oak, Det-Mia, etc.)
richbrave
January 11th, 2012
10:21 am
Coach:
A reprise for RENTS? I love EDGAR but would he be as effective at the plate as our go-to option in event the PASTOR is hurt, or in the event he should crash and burn. Would he be better than JACK WILSON, JOSH WILSON or DREW SUTTON?
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
10:21 am
Lew – Don, as usual, is showing his emense ignorance. However, I refuse to respond to his rants, hoping that if everyone ignores him, he will go away, or find someone who will listen somewhere else.
RC
January 11th, 2012
10:22 am
Coach,
I’ve got no problem viewing Burhle as better than Vazquez…I think that he is a better pitcher. However, I don’t know that he’ll be better than the stat line Vazquez put up in 2011. Burhle gives you consistency, which has a lot of value. But it’s unlikely he’ll have the random “peak” type year that Vazquez had in 2011.
As for Johnson, I agree that he’s great when healthy. However, with his history I’ve very skeptical that he’ll stay healthy.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
10:22 am
Efrim – I agree with you on that. Johnson is maybe the best pitcher in the NL when he’s healthy, but missing all but nine starts last year and the final five starts in 2010 is not conducive to optimism if you’re a Marlin’s fan.
KInd of a shame, though in one regard – love watching Johnson pick apart the rest of the NL East.
RC
January 11th, 2012
10:24 am
Efrim,
Agree than Anibal Sanchez is underrated, but he’s more likely to repeat last year than improve on it. Which doesn’t add up to an improvement by the Marlins.
My contention is they made a lot of noise, but once the dust settled they didn’t make that many improvements over the team that had last year.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:24 am
Sounds like Cole Hamels and the Phillies are just working on a one year deal – no long term extension on the horizon. Hamels is in the Bronx, wearing pinstripes on opening day 2013, imo.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
10:25 am
richbrave – On the money. I love Renteria, but his time has passed. Can you imagin the blog rantings over “another old hasbeen” added to the team?
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
10:25 am
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:20 am
Buerhle screams #3 starter, imo – even in the NL.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
No sir, not accurate at all. Buehrle is a two or three starter dependent on run support. Anybody who can nail down twenty quality starts, throw two hundred plus innings and give their team the chance to win twenty of their starts is top of the rotation material.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:29 am
Cliff Lee was average in the AL but dominated the NL. Same will happen for Buehrle.
Anybody seen the movie Bunraku ? Ron Perlman,Woody Harrelson,& Demi Moore star. Great action and cinematography.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:30 am
Cole Hamels, Matt Cain, Zack Greinke, Anibal Sanchez, Shaun Marcum, Francisco Liriano, Colby Lewis, Brandon McCarthy, Jake Peavy, Jonathan Sanchez, Fausto Carmona – doesn’t get much more loaded than that for next winters starting pitching free agent class. Little bit of everything there.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:31 am
Buehrle is a lefty. Lefties dominate in the NL. Heck, he has had 2 no-hitters in the AL.
RC
January 11th, 2012
10:31 am
No sir, not accurate at all. Buehrle is a two or three starter dependent on run support. Anybody who can nail down twenty quality starts, throw two hundred plus innings and give their team the chance to win twenty of their starts is top of the rotation material. – Coach
You just described Derek Lowe the season prior to signing with the Braves….
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:33 am
Anybody who can nail down twenty quality starts, throw two hundred plus innings and give their team the chance to win twenty of their starts is top of the rotation material.
I think he’s a #3 starter because he doesn;t miss enough bats and relies on his defense to make plays behind him because the ball is in play alot. He’s a good pitcher, strong #3, perhaps a #2. I guess I just don’t consider him a “top of the rotation” starter.
RC
January 11th, 2012
10:34 am
Cliff Lee won the Cy Young in the AL, and he was “average” in the AL?
Cliff Lee is a great pitcher no matter which league he’s in.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:35 am
Cliff Lee was average in the AL but dominated the NL. Same will happen for Buehrle.
Buerhle never had Cliff Lee’s strikeout rates. Lee is an ace. Buerhle is not.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:35 am
My worries….
Can Chipper stay healthy and play 120+ games ?
Can Prado rebound into a .290 hitter or is he truly a .240 or .250 hitter ?
Can Heyward become the star player he was hyped up to be or is he a Michael Tucker ?
Can McCann get his eyes fixed so he can be the .300 hitter he should be ?
These are the days of our lives…
DAP
January 11th, 2012
10:36 am
coach We have competition folks, for second place and third.
i think youre right, but we are still better than those guys.
burhle is a pretty good pitcher, and durable…so is vazquez. i think those two guys are a wash, honestly.
RC, dont you think bonifacio will the the marlins CFer?
RC
January 11th, 2012
10:37 am
Anybody who can nail down twenty quality starts, throw two hundred plus innings and give their team the chance to win twenty of their starts is top of the rotation material.
Derek Lowe in 2008 w/ the Dodgers:
211 innings pitched; 20 quality starts
Derek Lowe in 2009 w/ the Braves:
194.6 innings pitched; 21 quality starts
Lew
January 11th, 2012
10:38 am
In last six seasons, one season under 3.60 ERA (3.59)
Medicocre WHIP – 1.3 or higher
221 or more hits per season in all but one season since 02.
One season with more than 115 K’s since 06.
1 season with less than 20 HR given up since 2000 (17)
Where would you slot this pitcher in a MLB rotation that expects to contend?
RC
January 11th, 2012
10:38 am
DAP,
I think Bonifacio might start in CF for the Marlins, but I don’t think he’ll be very good at it defensively, and I don’t think he’ll come close to repeating his batting performance from last year.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
10:39 am
Derek Lowe was a good top of the rotation start. The problem was….
Lowe was 35 when he joined the Braves and had almost two thousand innings of wear and tear already. That’s not to say that Lowe didn’t have two good years in Atlanta because he did. It’s just that Lowe got old and wasn’t the “Ace” pitcher described by Frank Wren. Nor was Lowe worth what was paid.
coldwork
January 11th, 2012
10:40 am
I don’t think McCann’s issues at the end of the season had anything to do with his eyes. He was obviously favoring his oblique and I think that lead to him compensating for it and creating bad habits.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:42 am
Efrim, Buehrle was the White Sox ace. He was as good as or better than Cliff Lee in the AL.
Cliff Lee’s career stats : 119-69 3.65 era
Mark Buehrle’s career stats : 161-119 3.83 era
Buerhle has a no hitter in 2007 and a perfect game in 2009.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:43 am
I know it’s kind of silly, but I think there is a difference between a #1 starter and an ace. Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, King Felix, Justin Verlander, C.C. Sabathia are aces, whereas a pitcher like Tommy Hanson has a #1 starter ceiling…..if that makes any sense at all.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
10:43 am
Is Prado a .240 or .250 hitter? Seriously? Since he’s played more than 30 games in a season, he’s hit over .300 three times and hit .260 last year despite a debilitating injury. What makes you think he might even possibly be a .240-.250 hitter?
RC
January 11th, 2012
10:43 am
Lowe was 35 when he joined the Braves and had almost two thousand innings of wear and tear already.
Buhrle is 33 and has almost 2,500 innings of wear and tear already. They are way more similar than you’d like to admit.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:44 am
Cliff Lee’s career stats : 119-69 3.65 era
Mark Buehrle’s career stats : 161-119 3.83 era
W/L record and ERA just isn’t enough data. I’m sorry. Got to dig a bit deeper, imo.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:44 am
McCann had had eye problems since 2008.
DAP
January 11th, 2012
10:45 am
ray 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.
bingo. while the NFL and NBA are having their squabbles, the MLB labor agreement was civil and got signed with very little hoopla. i like that. MLB, under bud selig, has become the model for labor relations in professional sports. he has done alot of good things, and while i think hes kind of annoying, i trust him to do good things. i think interest in MLB could be better, but its second only to NFL in professional sports. not bad.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:45 am
Strikeouts mean nothing. Era is the measuring stick for any pitcher. An out is an out. Runs allowed are what matter.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:46 am
Well Lew, Prado hit under .200 in August & September. Maybe that is what worries me…
Lew
January 11th, 2012
10:47 am
No, actually he hasn’t had eye problems since he gave up caffeine a couple years ago. Hd injured his oblique last year while in the middle of a career year type performance and came back too soon. Do you even pay attention to what really happens?
mpimentel
January 11th, 2012
10:48 am
yaeh yeah…meanwhile jose constanza is injured rith now…he was running to 1st base when he suffered a strain in his left leg…what a way to start the pre season with your 4th outfield injured
Lew
January 11th, 2012
10:48 am
Gee Dude, you think that maybe his strength was drained from an injury where he was completely bedridden for two weeks? Not to mention a pretty damned small sample size. Do you truly have a clue? Doubtful.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:49 am
Strikeouts mean nothing. Era is the measuring stick for any pitcher. An out is an out. Runs allowed are what matter.
That’s ridiculous. ERA does not take into account team defense, and therefore isn’t looking at the big picture. Pitchers that limit the ball in play and still get outs via the K are much better than pitchers like Mark Buerhle.
Murph
January 11th, 2012
10:50 am
I’m hoping that teams will be so busy chasing those starting pitchers and spending money on them next offseason that the Braves can sneak in and grab an OF or two before anyone notices.
The Yankees will look around after they just spent a month on Greinke and Hamels and say “What happened to Josh Hamilton? Has anyone seen Josh Hamilton?” just as Frank Wren drives by in his convertible VW bug with his arm around Hamilton, smiling and waving.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:50 am
You’re right Lew, he just squints and rubs his eyes continuously while hitting. He has no eye problems. My eyes are deceiving me seeing him rubbing and squinting 24/7…
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
10:50 am
mlbbowman Mark Bowman
#Braves release times and locations for autograph sessions during 2012 Caravan http://atmlb.com/eCkzvK
cricket
January 11th, 2012
10:51 am
Cliff Lee’s career stats : 119-69 63.2 winning % ERA better by .18 3.65 era
Mark Buehrle’s career stats : 161-11957.5 winning % 3.83 era
trying to understand, how do these numbers prove Buehrle is better than Lee?
Lollygagger
January 11th, 2012
10:51 am
yeah, using a pitcher’s win-loss record and his ERA to judge his value is like carving the Thanksgiving turkey with a dull plastic knife…it’ll do the trick, but it ain’t gonna be very accurate.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
10:52 am
Hey, neither Derek Lowe nor Mark Buehrle can be described as an “Ace” type starter.
It’s just that difference between being a top of the rotation starter (two or three starter) isn’t 20 quality starts or two hundred plus innings. It’s run support and defense. Their in lies the rub. Five runs or more per game of run support and you’re likely to win fifteen or more. Four and a half runs and you’re just as likely to win less than fifteen. Which is why I’m always preaching: Pitching and defense, along with offense and the running game.
Team which pitch, play defense, hit for power and run the bases better? The difference between 85-90 wins compared to 90-95 wins or more.
cricket
January 11th, 2012
10:53 am
a pitcher like Tommy Hanson has a #1 starter ceiling
disagree there, i think if he stays healthy, tommy will break that ceiling and be an ace
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:54 am
Actually ground ball pitchers are better than strikeout pitchers. Strikeout pitchers also give up many more home runs than ground ball pitchers. I’ll take Maddux over ANY strikeout pitcher any day.
cricket
January 11th, 2012
10:54 am
i think Buehrle will top 19 QS this year
coldwork
January 11th, 2012
10:55 am
So Nasty Dawgy, why was McCann having a career year up until he hurt his oblique? Did his eyes go bad again at the same time?
Lew
January 11th, 2012
10:55 am
I’m not at all certain what your eyes see, but you’re seemingly less visuall7y acute than Mac is.
He was injured on August 16 last year, at which time he was hitting .306, .375, .514, .889. Honestly, I’m also not certain how you can come up with vision problems when he’s putting up those numbers.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
10:55 am
Cricket “trying to understand, how do these numbers prove Buehrle is better than Lee?”
Buehrle has won 161 games, Lee only 119.
“Matthew…don’t cha see, don’t cha see” – Festus.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
10:55 am
In all fairness, the ability to come to an agreement with the MLBPA has been largely due to the fact that the owners have pretty much agreed to give the players everything they want.
NFL problem is that the owners wanted to keep a HUGH portion of their HUGH revenue. NBA problems are that they gave the players too much, and wanted to take some back….and, well, they are the NBA.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
10:56 am
Excuse me – August 26.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:57 am
Not better than Lee but just as good is my argument.
You comparing Buerhle to Derek Lowe is laughable. Every team in MLB wanted Buehrle. Braves had to pay the Indians to take Lowe. Same style pitchers but Buerhle doesn’t walk near as many hitters or sweat like a mule by the 3rd inning. Apples and oranges dude…
TennesseePaul
January 11th, 2012
10:57 am
Where would you slot this pitcher in a MLB rotation that expects to contend?
I’d first want a frame of reference. What league were those numbers accumulated in? What league is he now pitching in? Who else is on that staff?
Bland rotation teams can compete in any season. Especially if they have a strong offense to help them.
As to Buerhle being on the Marlins, I think he helps that club. Should give depth to that rotation. But with Josh Johnson already being on that team, there’s no way I’d say Buerhle is the ace.
Now on to this…
Buerhle screams #3 starter, imo – even in the NL.
No sir, not accurate at all. Buehrle is a two or three starter…
“Buerhle is a #3 starter” is refuted by “Not accurate at all. Buerhle is a … three starter.”
Is it because the number is spelled out in letters which makes it accurate?
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
10:58 am
RC
January 11th, 2012
10:43 am
Lowe was 35 when he joined the Braves and had almost two thousand innings of wear and tear already.
Buhrle is 33 and has almost 2,500 innings of wear and tear already. They are way more similar than you’d like to admit.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>….
Agreed and excellent point. Buehrle has one or two good years left, maybe three three. Then he’s gonna be making 18-19 million and not worth the investment.
cricket
January 11th, 2012
10:58 am
My eyes are deceiving me seeing him rubbing and squinting 24/7…
24/7? uh ohh..we may have a McStalker..alert McFann – time for McBatSignal –
Mac is fat..Mac is fat..Mac is fat..
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
10:59 am
El stupido’s, Buerhle will be the Marlins opening day starter and ace.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
11:00 am
Nasty Dawg @ 10:45 – Shaun’s head just exploded.
Do you try to say outrageous things, or does it just come out of your mouth without thinking?
bobbymahlon
January 11th, 2012
11:01 am
Contrary to what some of you people are saying Greg Maddix always said he did not judge his pitching on wins and losses but on his ERA.
mpimentel
January 11th, 2012
11:02 am
we have a batting coach even an assistant coach for our batting coach….BUT GUESS WHAT FRANK…the won’t have batters to coach…diaz?, ss?, HEYWARD?, lf?, bench?r…oh by the way…WHO NEED 7 STARTING PITCHER YOU MORRON, AND , WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR TO FIND SOMEBODY WHO CAN H.I.T. IN THE OUTFIELD……….. GEEZZZZ…..it is so dificult to understand for you?
cricket
January 11th, 2012
11:03 am
Buehrle has won 161 games, Lee only 119.
thank you sir. hiding those distracting pesky loss numbers does make the point very clear
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
11:03 am
No way Josh Johnson coming off injury gets opening day start.
Plus some teams have more than one ace like the Phillies with Halladay & Lee.
So J.Johnson & Buerhle can both be aces. Braves had 3 aces (Smoltz,Maddux,Glavine). But just like the Phillies only one can start opening day.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
11:03 am
a pitcher like Tommy Hanson has a #1 starter ceiling
>>>>>>>>>>>>..
Yes he does. Tommy also has horrific pitching mechanics which prevent him from reaching his potential, and will likely end his career early unless drastic changes are made.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:04 am
disagree there, i think if he stays healthy, tommy will break that ceiling and be an ace
Yes, I agree. Ace status develops over time. Hanson has the mentality and arsenal to become an ace, but it’s hard to pinpoint the #1 starter ceiling types that will mature enough and stay healthy enough to become an ace, if that makes sense.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
11:04 am
N Dog @10:57 – He was comparing Buerhle now to Lowe in 2008. Apples to apples, Dude.
cricket
January 11th, 2012
11:05 am
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR TO FIND SOMEBODY WHO CAN H.I.T. IN THE OUTFIELD
i think he’s waiting to find someone who can hit and man the outfield
TennesseePaul
January 11th, 2012
11:05 am
Pitchers that limit the ball in play and still get outs via the K are much better than pitchers like Mark Buerhle.
I get the point of assessing outs = outs. But there is a double standard when it comes to strikeouts. On the one hand a hitter shouldn’t care one wit if he strikes out, but the pitcher should be ecstatic to get a lot of strikeouts. It’s like bragging about a Snapple Cap collection you picked out of the trashcan. Sure, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, but this strikeout juxtaposition seems counter intuitive.
Is it truly a measure of greatness to amass a lot something everyone is now taught to freely toss away as meaningless?
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:07 am
The perception that the AL is a hitters’ league and the NL a pitcher’s league just isn’t born out by the stats. Here are some numbers for both leagues.
ERA – AL, 4.08, NL, 3.81
BAA – AL, .257, NL, .253
IP – AL, 1449, NL, 1453
Shut Outs – AL, 11, NL, 11
K- AL, 1118, NL, 1177
BB- AL, 496, NL 504
Just not that big a difference folks. Sorry.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
11:08 am
Caffeine & eye problems are bullsheet. His eye problems were contacts and dry eyes.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:09 am
Some of those are average team numbers for each league – but I’m doubting that shutouts are.
Random
January 11th, 2012
11:09 am
bringbackknockahoma (January 10th, 2012 1:42 pm):
“Chipper needs to learn how to run out a ground ball. Every kid is taught
that before little league!!!!! Why can’t a professional hustle down the
line?”
Chipper Jones had 9 infield hits in 2011, 7 in 2010 and 12 in 2009.
Jones had double-digit infield hits each year from 1995 thru 2001, averaging 16 per season (35 in 1998!!!).
From 2002 thru 2011, Jones has averaged about 8 infield hits per season.
NOBODY needs to teach Jones “how to run out a ground ball” — EVERYBODY needs to understand certain limitations imposed by aging.
“Running out ground balls” is perhaps the LEAST important facet of ANY hitter’s game, regardless of age.
cricket
January 11th, 2012
11:09 am
Tommy also has horrific pitching mechanics which prevent him from reaching his potential, and will likely end his career early unless drastic changes are made.
Or those changes could turn him into an ordinary pitcher and end his career early…only time will tell. Hope he has a long successful career either way.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
11:10 am
Lew, the AL has the DH and the NL pitchers hit. Any pitcher in the AL SHOULD have better numbers in the NL. It doesn’t always happen but should by having an automatic out in the line up.
Arkansas Transplant
January 11th, 2012
11:11 am
Okay, did we really have to bring Lowe’s name up again? That does nothing for my recovery.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:12 am
Headline to a Carrol Rogers article in the AJC on JUne 18, 2010-
“McCann’s Vision Has Improved Since He Cut Out Caffeine.
cricket
January 11th, 2012
11:12 am
He was comparing Buerhle now to Lowe in 2008. Apples to apples, Dude.
Lowe in 2008 – Apple
Lowe in 2011 – Lemon
mpimentel
January 11th, 2012
11:12 am
…and man the outfield….I DON’T CARE IF THE ONE WHO CAN H.I.T. WILL GAY THE OUTFIELD…we needs runs
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
11:13 am
Who cares about 2008 ? Buerhle in 201 is an ace and Derek Lowe in 2012 is a mess.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:14 am
Is it truly a measure of greatness to amass a lot something everyone is now taught to freely toss away as meaningless?
I often think about this too. I have tried to pose this question on fangraphs and other sites during chats but never not a response. Somewhere, there is a great answer as to why it’s more important for the pitcher and less important for the hitter. Somewhere……
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:14 am
Headline to a June 18, 2010 article in the AJC by Carroll Rogers –
“McCann’s Vision Has Improved Since He Cut Out Caffeine”
And as to the AL’s num,bers being worse – did you even look at what I posted? The difference is marginal, at best.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
11:15 am
My uncle drinks 27 cups of caffeined coffee a day and has Hawk vision.
DAP
January 11th, 2012
11:16 am
nasty dawggy Strikeouts mean nothing. Era is the measuring stick for any pitcher. An out is an out. Runs allowed are what matter.
K’s dont mean ANYTHING? you sure? also, ERA is a good measure for a pitcher, but can be influenced by alot of things, other than the pitchers ability. you are about as wrong as you can possibly be.
Jimmy
January 11th, 2012
11:16 am
The 11:12 post by mpimentel makes me realize I need a break from here. I don’t understand any of it.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:16 am
Sorry for the double on Mac’s caffeiene reduction. But the point stands.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
11:17 am
So tell me why McCann still rubs his eyes and squints ? No other player does that.
cricket
January 11th, 2012
11:17 am
If you consume too much caffeine, a ‘scintillating scotoma’ can occur causing the muscles in your eye start to spasm. It’s a temporary condition that lasts until your body metabolizes the caffeine.
http://youreyesite.net/2010/05/10/caffeine-and-vision-what-the-research-says/
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
11:19 am
Strikeouts mean nothing as far as winning goes. I remember a game where a pitcher struck out 17 hitters and lost 2-0.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:19 am
But can your Uncle catch and hit for power and average? Has he made the All Star team every full year he’s been in the NL? Has he won 5 Silver Sluggr Awards?
We really aren’t cocerned with how good your uncles’ vision is. For that matter, I’ve had over 30 retinal procedures and still draw/paint photo rrealistic artwork. Doesn’t mean that I could do what Mac does or that – were I sensitive to caffeine that it would mess up my vision.
McFann O O o
January 11th, 2012
11:19 am
Nasty Dawgy McCann had had eye problems since 2008
Actually, his eyes were quite good in 2008…the issues were a 2009-2010 thing…
That squinting thing, eh, he’s pretty much always done that…it’s like adjusting your batting-gloves’ straps or straightening your helmet—prolly just a between-pitches habit…
His eye problems were contacts and dry eyes.
Actually, he hasn’t worn contacts since 2007 (they couldn’t fit his eyes after the lasik), and the dry eyes were partly due to too much caffeine…
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
11:20 am
Tommy Glavine won twenty games five times and never struck out 200. But he did throw strikes, didn’t walk batters, pitched to contact and let his defense do the rest.
A good friend of mine used to say, “This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains.” Crash Davis in Bull Durham.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
11:20 am
McCann STILL has eye problems. Copeche ?
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:21 am
Dude – You have no clue. You’re embarrassing yourself. You really should stop.
Bat Masterson
January 11th, 2012
11:21 am
Which is why I’m always preaching: Pitching and defense, along with offense and the running game.
Team which pitch, play defense, hit for power and run the bases better? The difference between 85-90 wins compared to 90-95 wins or more. _ Coach (2012 Fredi’s beisbol fandango)
I have no idea what this means.
Nasty Dawgy
January 11th, 2012
11:22 am
The point is the argument was caffeine caused his eye problems but after quitting caffeine he STILL has eye problems. And I know 1,000’s of caffeinaholics with 20/20 vision. I’m one of them.
Sopheee
January 11th, 2012
11:22 am
This is quite humorous.
DAP
January 11th, 2012
11:23 am
nasty dawggy I’ll take Maddux over ANY strikeout pitcher any day.
actually, maddux was a pretty good strikeout pitcher. about 7 per 9 innings when he was dealing.
coldwork
January 11th, 2012
11:24 am
Thanks for your expert opinion Nasty Dawgy…all that useful info you provided to back up the statement that McCann still has eye problems was extremely enlightening. You still haven’t come up with a reason why he was on track to have a career year before he hurt his oblique. If he had an eye problem, how would that be feasible?
Sopheee
January 11th, 2012
11:24 am
Hi McFann, don’t bother.
MFin04
January 11th, 2012
11:25 am
“Scott Proctor Signs In Korea”
In the long run this is only going to hurt the Braves. Some Korean prodigy power hitter is going to end up with the Braves because he beefs up his slugging totals off of Proctor.
CB
January 11th, 2012
11:25 am
Lew was probably drinking coffee when he fell down the steps- that explains it now.
McFann O O o
January 11th, 2012
11:26 am
Nasty Dawgy McCann STILL has eye problems.
What, are you a personal friend of this man? Seriously, how do you know that? None of us know, but odds are, if it was still an issue, it would have come out somehow…doesn’t seem like a thing like that could remain hidden for very long…
Sure, it got brought up a few times during the season—heck, I almost-panicked about it a time or two, of course, but really…
Hi, Sopheee! Yeah, I’m done…
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
11:26 am
Greg Maddux……the ultimate contact pitcher
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:26 am
Nasty Dawgy and BravePack seem a lot alike.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:27 am
CB – I Don’t drink coffee – I have one Snapple diet tea daily and that’s it for caffeine. It keeps me awake. I like sleep.
cricket
January 11th, 2012
11:28 am
My uncle drinks 27 cups of caffeined coffee a day and has Hawk vision.
Thank you for that scientific proof. That should save some research money.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:28 am
Jason Beck of MLB.com was told by a source that “there’s nothing going on” with the Tigers in regard to a trade for the Cubs’ Matt Garza.
http://beck.mlblogs.com/2012/01/10/nothing-going-with-tigers-on-garza/
Gammons doesn’t think it’s happening either.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
January 11th, 2012
11:28 am
Greg Maddux response when asked his idea of the perfect game……..
27 pitches.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:30 am
The Chronically Uninformed strike yet again.
Murph
January 11th, 2012
11:30 am
Remember when McCann went on that mad tear last summer? You know, the one when he hit all those HR’s and was about as dialed in at the plate as any Braves player has been in recent memory?
I guess he was using someone else’s eyes during stretch.
mpimentel
January 11th, 2012
11:30 am
jimmy if you want to break out (leave) from here…do it, who cares, my post was a joke, an answer to someboddy who wrote that FW is expecting to find someone with offense capacity and could MAN the outfield…and made a joke from it, saying that I don’t care if that player gay the outfield… we just need runs…as I said, it was a joke but if you didn’t understand it sorry…and if your comment was because I can’t write well enough to your eyes, well, GET LOST…
McFann O O o
January 11th, 2012
11:32 am
Murph I guess he was using someone else’s eyes during stretch.
I think they were his Brother’s…
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:33 am
mpimental – Dude, it was a basically incomprehensible post that made no sense, much less contained any humor.
Venice Jim
January 11th, 2012
11:33 am
Golf Now on the Golf Channel did a show on golf vacations in Vegas which premiered yesterday, which features Greg Maddux playing on the new Winn course – only a couple of minutes of Greg right near the beginning, but fun to catch when it repeats…
DAP
January 11th, 2012
11:33 am
even tom glavine struck out healthy numbers in his best years.
TennesseePaul
January 11th, 2012
11:33 am
Somewhere, there is a great answer as to why it’s more important for the pitcher and less important for the hitter. Somewhere……
There isn’t one. Ignoring walks in this discussion because they are measured equally from both sides (bad for the pitcher to give up, good for the hitter to get)… There is one simple fact. Just as it is important for a pitcher to strike a guy out/miss bats/keep the ball out of play, it is important for a hitter to put the ball in play. Once in play, nearly anything can happen. Run the numbers on it, you’ll find that a batted ball has a much higher probability of a positive offensive result than a strikeout.
Bat Masterson
January 11th, 2012
11:35 am
It keeps me awake. I like sleep.
I like sleep, too. I didn’t get any last night. I was thinking, as bad as last seasons collapse was, how much worse finishing sixth in a five team division is going to be this year. I don’t see how anyone could sleep, especially Chipper Jones, since its gonna be his fault.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
11:35 am
N Dawg – I see you ascribe to the same theory as many politicians…”If you repeat something often enough, it becomes a fact.” Only “proof” you have is that you believe you have observed McCann “rubbing his eyes and squinting”…Dude, you don’t hit over .300 with bad vision.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:39 am
Run the numbers on it, you’ll find that a batted ball has a much higher probability of a positive offensive result than a strikeout.
I can’t argue against what you’re saying. I’m just not sure of the answer. I’ll try to get it though. I know I’ve seen Law or Goldstein or Cameron explain it. Missing bats is an important part of projecting a pitchers ceiling.
raleighbravefan
January 11th, 2012
11:40 am
Bat @11:35 – I assume this is totally of the “tongue-in-cheek” humor variety. If not, you may need help.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:41 am
TenneseePaul, do you dismiss K rate when analyzing a pitcher’s ceiling/floor then?
TennesseePaul
January 11th, 2012
11:44 am
Missing bats is an important part of projecting a pitchers ceiling.
I get it. You want a guy to strike out a lot of batters. I have no problem with this. I look for pitchers with K’s. Especially after watching a bulk of the 2000’s Braves when they had largely non-K pitchers and a lot of post season bounces. Get guys with low WHIPS and amazing K/BB rates and it’s a start in the right direction.
TennesseePaul
January 11th, 2012
11:45 am
do you dismiss K rate when analyzing a pitcher’s ceiling/floor then?
Hell no. I only dismiss this absurd assertion that K’s are meaningless on the one hand but very important on the other. The game is complex. And that simplistic delusion attempts to calculate over that complexity.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:46 am
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/19843/nl-east-showdown
Pretty cool article.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:47 am
Bat – Damn. Now I’LL be up all night tonight worry about a sixth place finish. Had to go there, didn’t you?
Steve from OH
January 11th, 2012
11:48 am
Ironically, the old guy fans who grew up with hockey hate some of the current NHL rules. As a guy who only became a fan in the last 10 years, and after many rule changes, I like it the way it is now. Just goes to show
Not a big fan of the trapezoid, but I think the NHL is doing a good job trying to limit concussions. Best of any sport, IMO. I would like to see more fighting and more regulation on shoulder/elbow pads, however. Some of those pads are weapons.
Rob from SC
January 11th, 2012
11:50 am
I understand how bad September was. It was the first time I can remember actually being mad at baseball. However… if we are healthy we still have the second best team in the national league. Yes… the Marlins, Reds, Cardinals and Diamondbacks are good but we are still better.
We lost last year because Gonzalez screwed the bullpen in April and May, and McCann, Heyward, and Prado rushed back from injury. Also Parrish was a horrible hire.
Rob from SC
January 11th, 2012
11:51 am
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:47 am
Bat – Damn. Now I’LL be up all night tonight worry about a sixth place finish. Had to go there, didn’t you?
HOW CAN WE FINISH IN 6TH PLACE?
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:51 am
I only dismiss this absurd assertion that K’s are meaningless on the one hand but very important on the other.
Yeah, I think I’d certainly rather the hitter put the ball in play. I’d also like to see a pitcher keep the ball on the ground and in the ballpark – as well as strike guys out.
Bat Masterson
January 11th, 2012
11:52 am
raleighbravefan_
See
Fred
January 10th, 2012
10:52 pm
Sorry Lew, Fred’s fault.
Lew
January 11th, 2012
11:52 am
Rob – Riffing on a post by some numbnutz last night who claimed we’d come in sixth place this year.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:53 am
No. 2 starter
1. Cliff Lee, Phillies
2. Gio Gonzalez, Nationals
3. Mark Buehrle, Marlins
4. Tommy Hanson, Braves
5. R.A. Dickey, Mets
This is a terrific group of No. 2 starters, as even the knuckleballer Dickey posted a 3.28 ERA in 2011 (and 3.08 ERA over the past two seasons). Hanson has Cy Young ability, but his own shoulder issues from late last season raise a red flag.
That is the only reason, cuz he certainly is above #2 and #3.
BravePack
January 11th, 2012
11:54 am
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:26 am
Nasty Dawgy and BravePack seem a lot alike
Dude get off your high horse and stop trying to put people down to make yourself feel better. We have different opinions on matters but you make yourself look like an a-hole by the way you go about things in a discussion or friendly arguement. AussieBrave tried to explain that to you last night and you went off a little on him as well. I could care less what you think about my opinions as far as trades and players worth in baseball are or what you and many others go by as far as all these stats you live by. I’ve played baseball all my life(through college) and now coach kids to play. I love baseball, it’s my favorite sport, and watch all 162 games of the Braves every season by paying for Extra Innings and many other teams as well. I come down to ATL every season from Illinois to Turner Field to support my favorite team in person. Basically what I’m saying is I evaluate talent by what I see in front of my eyes, not numbers on paper or computer screen. I never have, never will. Like I said yesterday I’m not going to go down to your level…I’m better than that.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:55 am
Ben_Duronio Ben Duronio
@ @dandretti114 I’d stretch that to 1-5. Would not be surprised at all to see Minor or Beachy be the most productive pitcher on the team.
I would be utterly shocked if Mike Minor was the most productive pitcher on the team. And if he is, “we’re in deep, deep sh!t” – to quote Samir from Office Space.
DAP
January 11th, 2012
11:55 am
coach Greg Maddux……the ultimate contact pitcher
with over 3300 career Ks.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:57 am
Basically what I’m saying is I evaluate talent by what I see in front of my eyes, not numbers on paper or computer screen. I never have, never will.
Yup. That about sums it up.
MFin04
January 11th, 2012
11:58 am
Interesting article on the NL East showdown. A decent way to quantify the decision. Looks like collectively we’re a 2nd place team in the division.
Rob from SC
January 11th, 2012
12:00 pm
Phillies – Halladay, Lee, Hamels, Worley, Blanton
Braves – Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Beachy, Minor (Medlen) makes us even better.
Marlins – Johnson, Buehrle, Sanchez, Nolasco, Zambrano
Nationals – Strasburg, Gonzalez, Zimmerman, Wang, Detwiler/Lannan
Mets – Santana, Dickey, Niese, Pelfrey, Gee
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
12:00 pm
Greg Maddux……the ultimate contact pitcher
I thought Joe Saunders is the ultimate contact pitcher…..
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 11th, 2012
12:00 pm
All these “Fielding Bibles” and things alike seem to make some feel invincible to ever being wrong. They apparantly live and die by stats.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
12:01 pm
No. 3 starter
1. Cole Hamels, Phillies
2. Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals
3. Anibal Sanchez, Marlins
4. Jair Jurrjens, Braves
5. Mike Pelfrey, Mets
Zimmermann is the sleeping giant in the Nationals rotation. His strikeout/walk ratio of 4.0 ranked 11th-best among starters in 2011 and another year beyond his own TJ surgery should help him develop the stamina to improve on his second-half numbers (2.66 ERA before the All-Star break, 4.47 after). I’m not a big Jurrjens fan; he’s a good pitcher, but he’s now battled injuries two seasons in a row and his strikeout rate took a big dip last season.
I think the only big Jurrjens fans are on this blog……
Rob from SC
January 11th, 2012
12:02 pm
IF Heyward is healthy and bounces back…we could win our division. He truly is the X factor.
Bat Masterson
January 11th, 2012
12:04 pm
AussieBrave tried to explain that to you last night and you went off a little on him as well. _ BravePack
AussieBrave is Lou Vales, AKA the Pee Guy. Not exactly the best ally
ncscoots
January 11th, 2012
12:04 pm
I would be utterly shocked if Mike Minor was the most productive pitcher on the team. And if he is, “we’re in deep, deep sh!t” – to quote Samir from Office Space.
I’m beginning to think that Duronio has recently discovered mescaline.
Sopheee
January 11th, 2012
12:05 pm
Whaaaa? TPG is back? How did I miss that?
MFin04
January 11th, 2012
12:09 pm
“I think the only big Jurrjens fans are on this blog……”
I wasn’t going to bring up that list, but since you did. It’s absurd. The guy was a top 5 pitcher in the NL last year before he got hurt. If he is healthy he is an Ace. So to say he’s 4th on a list of 3rd starters is ridiculous, even with his injury history.
I think people look at numbers/stats and don’t actually watch the guy pitch. No he doesn’t strike out guys and yes he allows guys to get on base. But he CONSISTENTLY pitches that way and still has a low ERA. The guy is a phenomenal pitcher.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
12:09 pm
Not exactly the best ally
He’s lost.
abwright
January 11th, 2012
12:09 pm
Random, January 11th, 2012, 11:09 am … ““Running out ground balls” is perhaps the LEAST important facet of ANY hitter’s game, regardless of age.”
Hmmm. And here I thought it was the entirety of Jose Constanza’s game.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
12:13 pm
No he doesn’t strike out guys and yes he allows guys to get on base. But he CONSISTENTLY pitches that way and still has a low ERA.
Yeah, he outperforms his peripherals often. And it’s been so often that you have to wonder if this is who he is. Kinda like Matt Cain, who never posts crazy good peripherals, get guys just can’t score off of him. I think Jurrjens circa 2009 is a strong #2 starter type. Just not sure if he is that guy anymore after two injury plagued seasons.
abwright
January 11th, 2012
12:14 pm
Nasty Dawgy, January 11th, 2012, 11:17 am … “So tell me why McCann still rubs his eyes and squints ? No other player does that.”
McCann sweats into his eyes, which is where much of his squinting comes from. Did you watch him take his helmet off and wipe around his forehead on his sleeve right after?
Other players do this too, but perhaps not as much as McCann.
Lemke's Knuckler
January 11th, 2012
12:15 pm
Why don’t we all just admit that the Phillies, Braves, Nats and Marlins all have solid pitching staffs and the best team staff will probably be determined by who stays the healthiest. I can tell you, if injuries bite all of the teams, the Braves have a significant advantage with their depth.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 11th, 2012
12:16 pm
Somebody here, I will not mention his/her name, wrote on here a few months ago that “according to (?? one of the Fielding Bible handbooks ??) Alex Gonzalez was actually only a slightly above average defender in ‘11. My ass he was. That’s when diving so deep into one’s numbers can skew reality. That guy was well above average at SS and I saw this because I watched every game and damn near every play this guy made in 2011.
Random
January 11th, 2012
12:17 pm
abwright (January 11th, 2012 12:09 pm): ” Random, January 11th, 2012, 11:09 am … ““Running out ground balls” is perhaps the LEAST important facet of ANY hitter’s game, regardless of age.”
“Hmmm. And here I thought it was the entirety of Jose Constanza’s game.”
Hmmm, And since when was Constanza considered a hitter, and not just a slappy batter?
McFann O O o
January 11th, 2012
12:17 pm
abwright—
True that. BMac does sweat quite a bit…some people are like that, especially those of us with fair skin…
DAP
January 11th, 2012
12:17 pm
MFin04 If he is healthy he is an Ace. So to say he’s 4th on a list of 3rd starters is ridiculous, even with his injury history.
i agree with you, but really, on this list:
1. Cole Hamels, Phillies
2. Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals
3. Anibal Sanchez, Marlins
4. Jair Jurrjens, Braves
5. Mike Pelfrey, Mets
i am only annoyed that he is behind sanchez. he is better than sanchez, but the zimmermann thing is at least debatable, so that doesnt bother me too much.
Bat Masterson
January 11th, 2012
12:18 pm
Whaaaa? TPG is back? How did I miss that?
I don’t think he ever leaves for long, Soph. Just changes his name
It was a funny bit, but if that dude is Australian, well………… well nothing, he’s not
BravePack
January 11th, 2012
12:19 pm
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
11:57 am
Basically what I’m saying is I evaluate talent by what I see in front of my eyes, not numbers on paper or computer screen. I never have, never will.
Yup. That about sums it up.
How did I know that is what you would respond with. You know the history of this game and how it got to be so great right? Before all these useless stats came along and how many of the legendary great Hall of Fame players were evaluated…by watching them on the field. Stats have always been around the game but now there is way too many and a lot of them I could care less about. I kind of see you as one of those trivia type poindexters who lives by numbers and stats to evaluate everything he knows about the game. Tried to play the game because he likes the game but just didn’t have any talent. Never really saw time on the field so all you understand is numbers and stats. I bet I’m pretty spot on with this evaluation of talent.
BravePack
January 11th, 2012
12:21 pm
MFIN04
I think people look at numbers/stats and don’t actually watch the guy pitch. No he doesn’t strike out guys and yes he allows guys to get on base. But he CONSISTENTLY pitches that way and still has a low ERA. The guy is a phenomenal pitcher.
Wait! What? People actually watch a guy pitch and not just look at his stats? According to Efrim that is crazy talk in baseball.
Patio Daddio
January 11th, 2012
12:26 pm
There is a lot to debate Espinosa over Uggla. Espinosa had 14 errors and Uggla 15 errors and he picks Espinosa over Uggla because of his defense and when you dig deep into the defensive numbers they are similar players. He then points to Espinosa improving his horrid offense improving that pushes Espinosa over Uggla which I don’t see. I don’t see Uggla being as bad as he was early on in the season in 2011, especially after I witnessed one of the greatest hitting displays and streaks ever when Uggla finally clicked and then put on a hitting clinic of humongous, gigantic proportion.
I put Utley first with some hesitation: His OPS totals since 2007 read .976, .915, .905, .832 and .769. Still, that .769 figure is better than Uggla or Espinosa produced in 2011, and Utley still carries a good glove. It’s defense and predicted second-season improvement that pushes Espinosa over Uggla. Murphy doesn’t hit many home runs or draw many walks, so most of his offensive value resides in his batting average. If he hits .320 again, he’s a good player. If he hits .290, then he’s still better than Infante.
abwright
January 11th, 2012
12:26 pm
I’m hoping that Jurrjens’s knee injury was the cause of his problems in 2010 and 2011. And, that it’s healed. We should know shortly out of the gate in Spring Training.
He was a pretty good pitcher with reduced velocity to start 2011. So, if he’s healthy, I wouldn’t write him off.
DAP
January 11th, 2012
12:27 pm
i also dont like this one:
1. Chase Utley, Phillies
2. Danny Espinosa, Nationals
3. Dan Uggla, Braves
4. Daniel Murphy, Mets
5. Omar Infante, Marlins
uggla out performed espinosa in the worst season of his career. uggla has to be at least #2, and given utley’s decline, maybe even #1.
cant argue with the other stuff, but his final tally has the braves only 2 points behind the phillies:
The final tally
1. Phillies, 58 points
2. Braves, 56 points
3. Marlins, 49 points
4. Nationals, 48 points
5. Mets, 29 points
correct the mistakes, and braves tie, or maybe even jump ahead of the phillies (depending on if you rank uggla 2nd or 1st)
abwright
January 11th, 2012
12:28 pm
Random, January 11th, 2012, 12:17 pm … “Hmmm, And since when was Constanza considered a hitter, ..?”
All those folks on the blog who were indignant that Heyward was put back into the line-up over “George?”
Seattle Braves
January 11th, 2012
12:29 pm
Top 10 outlook for 2012, in no particular order
1. braves stay healthy and no major injuries
2. no slooow start by anyone (looking at you Uggla)
3. bullpen overload. hope itsnot needed as much
4. starting rotation goes all year with young guns.
5. chipper plays 120+ games healthy
6. no sophmore slumps for freeman or kimbrel
7. heyward bounces back
8. prado continues what prado does
9. win divisional matchups (hopefully a winning record vs the east)
10. Eventually get the OF in order
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
12:30 pm
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
“Somebody here, I will not mention his/her name, wrote on here a few months ago that “according to (?? one of the Fielding Bible handbooks ??) Alex Gonzalez was actually only a slightly above average defender in ‘11. My ass he was. That’s when diving so deep into one’s numbers can skew reality. That guy was well above average at SS and I saw this because I watched every game and damn near every play this guy made in 2011.”
Agreed and at the same time he prolly had the most wasted atbats on the team…I will miss his defense a lot but I think T-Pass will play adaquate defense and have more productive at bats, thats all I can ask for
Random
January 11th, 2012
12:34 pm
Division Titles! (January 11th, 2012 9:05 am): “your stats say nothing about “clutch” hitting.”
MY stats “say nothing about” this or that?
Meanwhile, YOU have no stats.
Go to hell, dumbass.
David O'Brien
January 11th, 2012
12:34 pm
He has grit, DOB…..I guess that counts for something? — Efrim
Remind me of whom we are talking about?
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
12:34 pm
Seattle Braves
“Top 10 outlook for 2012, in no particular order
1. braves stay healthy and no major injuries
2. no slooow start by anyone (looking at you Uggla)
3. bullpen overload. hope itsnot needed as much
4. starting rotation goes all year with young guns.
5. chipper plays 120+ games healthy
6. no sophmore slumps for freeman or kimbrel
7. heyward bounces back
8. prado continues what prado does
9. win divisional matchups (hopefully a winning record vs the east)
10. Eventually get the OF in order”
I will have to co-sign on all those points…but I think Our lineup will be better as well as our Defense in the OF with The Bourne Identity Patrolling CF and leading off all season…
We Missed having a leadoff hitter BAD the 1st 3 months of the Season…Many for get that its gonna be a boost have the Bourne Identity in a braves uni all season…
\
And Having Little Big Man MEDS Back all season Helps the Pen A lot Especially in Preventing those “Implosion Time!” 6th Innings!
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
12:35 pm
Random
January 11th, 2012
12:34 pm
Division Titles! (January 11th, 2012 9:05 am): “your stats say nothing about “clutch” hitting.”
[MY stats “say nothing about” this or that?
Meanwhile, YOU have no stats.]
“Go to hell, dumbass.”
Ouch
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
12:36 pm
Only Thing Time will tell is if Little Big Man MEDS is gonna Be Slotted as the 6th inning man or will he be a Spot Starter or Both….I guess that will be decided in S. Training…?
TennesseePaul
January 11th, 2012
12:40 pm
I think the only big Jurrjens fans are on this blog…
That and the IC unit that is working around the clock to resuscitate him. Poor guy. Why do they always die so young?
DS1
January 11th, 2012
12:40 pm
It is becoming painfully obvious that I am not nearly as knowledgeable about baseball as most bloggers, as I definitely do NOT watch 162 games per year. XM does not count.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
12:40 pm
Remind me of whom we are talking about?
Buerhle….and why he isn’t a top of the rotation starter, and more of a mid rotation/#3 starter type.
DS1
January 11th, 2012
12:42 pm
I have been wondering what is happening with Kawakami? Did he get picked up by one of the Japanese clubs?
I wish him the best. He wasn’t quite as bad as he was purported to be, and from what I could tell he seemed like a genuinely nice person.
MFin04
January 11th, 2012
12:43 pm
“McCann sweats into his eyes, which is where much of his squinting comes from.”
Sounds like a good marketing ploy for Braves headbands.
McCann’s Headbands – keep the sweat out of your eyes!
Murph
January 11th, 2012
12:43 pm
Seattle, didn’t you post the exact same “Top 10″ list yesterday, just in a different order?
Patio Daddio
January 11th, 2012
12:43 pm
On the Fourth of July, Uggla was hitting .173/.241/.327. Over the remainder of the season, he hit .301/.386/.596 with 24 HR Uggla’s massive hot streak, highlighted by a 33-game hitting streak
Seattle Braves
January 11th, 2012
12:45 pm
Not same list. few changes after talking with all you peeps on the chat line. Revised List, i gues you can say.
DS1
January 11th, 2012
12:45 pm
Efrim
Somebody actually thinks Buehrle is a top of the rotation guy? Good mid rotation guy. Consistent 33 starts, 205-210 innings guy.
And I do think he is a gritty dude. That counts for something, right?
Murph
January 11th, 2012
12:47 pm
I used to watch every game, when the Braves were televised daily on TBS, before I had a job, a wife, 2 kids, a pile of bills, grass to cut, things to fix, naps to take, things to read, people to kill, etc.
Now I’m lucky if I get in 10 games a year. Bought the internet package through MLB last year and it turned into a big waste o’ money.
I’ll get the iPhone MLB app again this year, listen to the games on my way home, and that’ll be about it for me other than the odd game that’s on cable TV.
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
12:48 pm
Tried to play the game because he likes the game but just didn’t have any talent.
Actually, I played Lacrosse for like ten years. Not sure why I didn’t play Baseball past little league. Perhaps the area I grew up in.
I bet I’m pretty spot on with this evaluation of talent.
You keep making yourself look stupid the more you post. I’m glad you can figure out which players are better just by looking at them.
Stats have always been around the game but now there is way too many and a lot of them I could care less about.
OBP and SLG%. You could use those instead of just batting average and RBI. And to be honest, the discussion was regarding your ridiculous trade proposal and why another team should give the Braves a former 10th round draft choice. You made enough silly comments for pretty much everypne here to know you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.
Patio Daddio
January 11th, 2012
12:48 pm
My ex girlfriend was gritty
DS1
January 11th, 2012
12:48 pm
260/350/500
That would be an average year for Uggla (or pretty darned close). What an incredibly horrible/fantastic 1/2 year in 2011.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
12:49 pm
I honestly Find It Impossible to watch everygame inning after inning…I think most people who claim that are exaggerating…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 11th, 2012
12:49 pm
Brave Pack, we’re barking up the wrong tree here, pal. This place is packed full of stats geeks. It’s so many against us that it is almost pointless to argue with them about it. Even DOB can get on a few from time to time about them evaluating the context of their own turds with a calculator and a pad.
Random
January 11th, 2012
12:50 pm
Coach (January 11th, 2012 9:41 am): “Yea, our Braves are solid……..but so are the Nationals and Marlins.
We have competition folks, for second place and third.”
Perhaps you meant to say that the FILLIES “have competition for second place and third”?
Now THAT sentiment I could get behind.
Go Braves!
DS1
January 11th, 2012
12:50 pm
Patio
Too much time on the beach?
BravePack
January 11th, 2012
12:51 pm
DS1
January 11th, 2012
12:42 pm
I have been wondering what is happening with Kawakami? Did he get picked up by one of the Japanese clubs?
I wish him the best. He wasn’t quite as bad as he was purported to be, and from what I could tell he seemed like a genuinely nice person.
The stolen millions he fleeced from the Braves for all those years probably added to his happiness. I think his interpreter earned more of that money than he did.
Patio Daddio
January 11th, 2012
12:52 pm
DS1 Ladies night tonight and need to get some vitamins or geritol in me
MFin04
January 11th, 2012
12:54 pm
Murph – MLBTV always puzzles me. You’d think after a few years of operating MLBTV, you’d just be able to turn on the game and use all the features without any problems.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
12:54 pm
@ChattTownBrian (CTB)
Co-Sign! On The 12:49 post
BravePack
January 11th, 2012
12:55 pm
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
January 11th, 2012
12:49 pm
Brave Pack, we’re barking up the wrong tree here, pal. This place is packed full of stats geeks. It’s so many against us that it is almost pointless to argue with them about it. Even DOB can get on a few from time to time about them evaluating the context of their own turds with a calculator and a pad.
Well said buddy and that last sentence will be the post of the day in my opinion…funny because it’s true…good stuff and agree 100%.
Random
January 11th, 2012
12:56 pm
abwright (January 11th, 2012 12:28 pm): Random, January 11th, 2012, 12:17 pm … “Hmmm, And since when was Constanza considered a hitter, ..?”
“All those folks on the blog who were indignant that Heyward was put back into the line-up over “George?””
No, I think they were simply content to resign themselves to be happy with a slappy batter. No one considered him to be a bona fide “hitter”, just a guy who could get on base.
Ie, a “slappy batter”.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
12:56 pm
I think after The Kawakami Fiasco I say Stay The Hell Away from Trades or Free Agents from Japan unless its Ichiro
DS1
January 11th, 2012
12:58 pm
I am not a stat geek. But stats (and some of the fielding measures) will tell you a lot about what’s going on with a team/player.
I try to keep things as simple as I can when analyzing players. I love RBI’s. But I realize that an RBI can be an arbitrary stat that probably doesn’t tell you the whole story. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember the last time I looked at a guys RBI’s to determine what sort of a clutch or power hitter he was.
Now it’s OPS and OPS+. I will also pay a lot of attention to the gap between a guys BA and OBP to see how good he is at taking a walk.
I’ll leave all the Babip’s and WAR’s to some of my more knowledgeable blog friends and world leaders.
But anybody that dismisses some of the advanced metrics out of hand is no more than a casual baseball fan, or not a very knowledgeable one.
Sorry Brian and BravePack. But you two please carry on. You’re such a sweet couple.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
12:58 pm
I guess I will take a Look at our April Schedule and see what knid of stats I can play with against our 2012 competition…And Spend a little time on the Phillies Forum and see whats hot up there…
BRB
DS1
January 11th, 2012
1:01 pm
So Kawakami stole those many millions (21 roughly, as I remember)?
For all those (3) years.
Well, now if you’re saying he wasn’t worth what he was paid, I’d have to agree with you. But I don’t think a police report was registered.
You are consistently defining yourself. You have aligned with Brian. That tells me a lot.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
1:02 pm
Wow?
We Begin The Season in “The Rotten Apple” (New York)
and start 3 out of the first 4 series against both The NY Mess And The DiAstros?
Nice, I good a Good Feeling about April
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 11th, 2012
1:05 pm
And we end the month of April with a 4 game series with the Pirates…
Only Tough teams we face in April will be The Brewers, D-Bags, And The Dodgers at Chivez Ravine?
I have a good feeling about April…Its a Pretty Cake Schedule in the Month of April, That can be either a good or bad thing…?
BravePack
January 11th, 2012
1:05 pm
Efrim
January 11th, 2012
12:48 pm
Tried to play the game because he likes the game but just didn’t have any talent.
Actually, I played Lacrosse for like ten years. Not sure why I didn’t play Baseball past little league. Perhaps the area I grew up in.
Yup that about sums it up using one of your lines. I have nothing left to argue with you about…a lacrosse player talking baseball. I’m so happy I was right on this one because I knew almost for a fact that you never played the game because you couldn’t. You’re just another one of these numbers guys who thinks he knows the game by what he sees on a piece of paper or computer screen. I’ve played the game all my life and still do at 36 years old and teach kids including my son who probably has more talent at 8 then I had and you could only dream of having. Go back to holding your lacrosse stick in hand and looking at your computer generated stats to evaluate talent and we can talk when you pick up a real bat and actually learn how to play the game so you can evaluate talent the right way.
Bat Masterson
January 11th, 2012
1:06 pm
Even DOB can get on a few from time to time about them evaluating the context of their own turds with a calculator and a pad. _ CBT
Well said buddy and that last sentence will be the post of the day in my o