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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,462 comments Add your comment
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:01 am
brian
“great point Murph – the Braves need to be concerned with the Braves, not the opposition”.
Co-Sign! They Did too much of that Last Year, Relying on those Garbage Teams in The Loser NL Central to Take Care of the Cardinals when The team should’ve been focused on taking care of their own business…
RC
January 27th, 2012
10:01 am
Yeah and he will prolly have a coming out party when he faces us… Former Braves have a knack for killing us…Case in point was Rick Stankiel from last year…He tore us up last year despite not hitting against anyone else
Ankiel was kind of a mixed bag against the Braves last year…he did hit twice as many HR vs. the Braves (4) as he did vs. any other team, and the Braves tied with the Mets for teams against which Ankiel had the most RBI. However, he also K’d 15 times, 2nd only to his total of 16 against the Phillies, and had his second lowest OBP against the Braves of any team he faced at .196 (he posted a .130 against Arizona).
His line against the Braves was .159/.196/.455. The slugging is the only number there that’s not terrible, and he did better against many other teams. The average and OBP are significantly below his season totals.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:03 am
VaBravesFan
Efrim
“Well looking at the 1st month we should easily be able to win every series and have a record of 17-7.”
Don’t You think you are drinking the kool aid my man…? For the Braves to come out smoking like that they have to hit a hella lot better in April than they did last year…
bravesfansince1982
January 27th, 2012
10:04 am
VaBravesFan,
The Braves typically get out of the gates slow, but they still should be able to end April with a winning record if they play decent ball. 14-10 is probably more like it.
But like an earlier poster said, April is going to be more important for the guys who need to rebound (Prado, Heyward) and the guys coming off of injury (Huddy, Hanson). I think Uggla needs to get off to a good start as well. Hopefully playing against some of the second tier teams will allow them all to get off to fast starts.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:05 am
Didn’t we start out 24-12 in 2007? and still didn’t get into the playoffs if memory serves me right?
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:06 am
I want to see Heyward Homer at Bailout Ballpark on opening day…I don’t think 3 opening day homers in 3 straight years has evern been done…Unless Griffey or Barroid Bonds did it???
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:06 am
Oh Yeah, Bailout Ballpark is Known as Citi Field
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
10:08 am
Didn’t we start out 24-12 in 2007? and still didn’t get into the playoffs if memory serves me right?
Was that the Mothers Day massacre Anthony Lerew start vs. the Pirates when we lost by like 10 runs? That was a start of the decline that year – if that was the year.
Ease® in Sandy Springs
January 27th, 2012
10:08 am
Barroid Bonds did it???
Sounds like HOF material right there.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:09 am
“OOOOHHHHH!!!!
BARRICUDA!!!!!!!!!”
Disgusted
January 27th, 2012
10:10 am
“Liberty is not going to be able to sell this team for a reasonable price because of the lousy TV deal. We are stuck with absentee ownership for the next two decades.”
@Space Monkey
I don’t know if they will want to hold the team for 20 more yrs, but unless they sell to a sugar daddy type of owner with deep deep pockets who does not care about losing 10 or 15 mil a yr once in a while, things are going to be about the same and maybe worse as time goes on regardless of who owns the team.
I doubt another corporation would be interested, at least I hope not. The capital appreciation of sports franchises has to have a limit at some point. Why would some one pay say, a billion dollars for this? Don;t know.
What is a low 90’s million payroll going to be by say, 2020? With the trend of more TV deals for other teams, its a near given the Braves will be in the bottom third in payroll because of that lousy TV deal
Ted Turner just fell asleep at the wheel when his late 90’s wheeling and dealing were done. Guess he never thought he would lose his boardroom battles with the shirts at AOL/Time Warner.
Just to be half competitive, it puts inordinate pressure on the farm system and when its time for Freddie and Tommy H to get paid, watch them walk.
Just wait until the Mets get their house in order, and that is comming down the line.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:11 am
Was that the Mothers Day massacre Anthony Lerew start vs. the Pirates when we lost by like 10 runs? That was a start of the decline that year – if that was the year.
OUCH! I didn’t see that many games that year since I Lived West of the Mississippi and that was the year that Total BS (TBS) really reduced the Number of Braves games they showed for the fact that they wanted o be Like FOX!
BAD BAD MOVE TBS!
Disgusted
January 27th, 2012
10:15 am
“Didn’t we start out 24-12 in 2007? and still didn’t get into the playoffs if memory serves me right?”
Yes. And the nice start was a mirage. Also note that in 2005, when the Braves last won the division tey had a poor September and in 10, they were not exactly stellar in September and almost got chased down by the Padres.
This has become a poor September team, and since 2005, the Braves HAVE been at a level at mediocrity.
Will Wren consider extending some of the young vets through their arb yrs???? Some teams might but doubt if Wren can at this point.
I would not be surprised to see attendance fall to 1.8 and you know that means prolly more cutting.
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
10:16 am
Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reports that the Phillies are in “serious discussions” with free agent outfielder Juan Pierre regarding a minor league contract.
That’s a Ruben move if I’ve ever seen one.
Disgusted
January 27th, 2012
10:16 am
TBS’ programming this day in time stinks. Its unwatchable and so is most of Peachtree TV except for the Braves.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:19 am
@Disgusted
How Many Games Do You plan on going to this year?
@D.O.B.
Do you know If The Braves and MARTA Plan on jeeping the Shuttle This Year???
Inquiring minds wanna know???
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:20 am
Disgusted
“TBS’ programming this day in time sucks. Its unwatchable and so is most of Peachtree TV except for the Braves.”
Co-Sign! I have probably have watched 20 hours total (All Playoff games) on TBS the last 4 years and Counting
brian
January 27th, 2012
10:21 am
1. Braves will make the post-season
2. New alternate uni does not replace the Sunday red
RC
January 27th, 2012
10:22 am
Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reports that the Phillies are in “serious discussions” with free agent outfielder Juan Pierre regarding a minor league contract.
That’s a Ruben move if I’ve ever seen one.
No, a Ruben move would be signing Pierre, and then trading Shane Victorino for a relief prospect because you need to “bolster your minor league system”.
And then signing Cepedes to a $100 million deal.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:28 am
Where is Fish Bisch?
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
10:28 am
RC, haha! Nice.
DAP
January 27th, 2012
10:33 am
coach Win? Yes.
Compete? Again, yes.
Playoffs? flip a coin.
i think youre pretty much right, though our chances at the playoffs are a little better than 50/50.
to me, this year the braves biggest competition, are the phillies, nationals, marlins, cardinals, brewers, reds, diamondbacks and giants.
these teams, along with the braves, are the NL contenders.
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
10:34 am
Buster Olney’s blog this morning has questions for all 30 teams. He also did it in order of pre-spring training power rankings. He ranked the Braves 16th out of 30 teams in baseball, 8th out of 16 teams in the National League. The NL rankings were Phillies, D-Backs, Cardinals, Giants, Nationals, Reds, Rockies, Braves, Marlins, Brewers, Dodgers, Padres, Pirates, Cubs, Mets, and Astros.
16. Atlanta Braves: Can Tyler Pastornicky be a serviceable major-league shortstop? How many starts will Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson make, and are the young stud pitchers ready to step in and produce? Can Jason Heyward bounce back from a rough 2011? How many games can Chipper Jones play?
My take: Putting the Rockies and Nationals ahead of the Braves is foolish. A real head scratcher. I can understand being grouped with the Reds, Giants, Cardinals, D-Backs.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:35 am
Ease® in Sandy Springs
“Barroid Bonds did it???
Sounds like HOF material right there.”
lol, I expect to hear some Breaking Glass as Shaun enters the Room, lol
Lew
January 27th, 2012
10:36 am
DAP – I’m doubting that the Brewers and the Marlins contend.
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
10:36 am
And I guess I’m more focused on the Rockies. That doesn’t make any sense with their starting pitching. He must have very little confidence in Jurrjens and Hanson being healthy – that’s really the only explanation.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:36 am
I refuse to lister to Busta Olney…He’s as Full of It as well as those Clowns on BSPN…
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
10:40 am
I’d tier the NL like this:
Tier One: Phillies
Tier Two: Cardinals, Giants, Braves, D-Backs, Reds
Tier Three: Marlins, Nationals, Brewers, Dodgers
Tier Four: Rockies, Padres
Tier Five: Cubs, Pirates, Mets
Tier Six: Astros
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:41 am
OMFG
They are plaing that song “Love Hurts” Crap on 97.1 The River
Talk abt a Gawd Awful Song Full of Whining! Its bad for one’s ears to listen too…EEEWWWW
Braves Buff
January 27th, 2012
10:44 am
I dont understand this: After the collapse Wren states, there WILL be changes on this club; too many batters on this team do not take productive swings….Then last week, he says, I think this team, if healthy, doesnt need any changes to be made and is ready for spring training…..I dont get it
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
10:45 am
I think the Braves should jump in on Juan Pierre if a minor league deal all it takes. He’s a proven major league player who is comparable to Constanza and Durango but its safe to say Pierre would be a better option.
But i’m really rooting for Durango to make the team.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:46 am
I might have to change it to Colin Cowherd…They are playing Journey now, Bleh…
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
10:47 am
Braves Buff
“I dont understand this: After the collapse Wren states, there WILL be changes on this club; too many batters on this team do not take productive swings….Then last week, he says, I think this team, if healthy, doesnt need any changes to be made and is ready for spring training…..I dont get it”
That was on the Hitting Coach Parrish! They Ol Yellered him, 2 months too late
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
10:49 am
I hope the bench (if no other additions are made) ends up being. Ross, Hinske, Wilson, Diaz, Durango.
DAP
January 27th, 2012
10:50 am
lew I’m doubting that the Brewers and the Marlins contend.
i have questions about them too, but pre season, im giving them the benefit of the doubt.
the brewers still have some pitching, and if josh johnson is healthy, the marlins are a pretty good team, overall.
Murph
January 27th, 2012
10:50 am
I’m gonna miss the Astros in 2013.
I hope they at least ditch the Astros name and pick something cool. Something… Texan.
The Houston Vaqueros (cowboys)… black and silver logo… ditch the train for a guy on a horse shooting his pistolas up in the air.
Lew
January 27th, 2012
10:53 am
They started out as the Houston Colt .45’s
RC
January 27th, 2012
10:54 am
I’m gonna miss the Astros in 2013.
I hope they at least ditch the Astros name and pick something cool. Something… Texan.
Really? I think Houston is one of the few towns that has a real identity with it’s sports teams, since Mission Control is located there. You’ve got the Astros, the Rockets, the…well, Texans is lame. Oilers was cool though. So was the Colt .45’s.
David O'Brien
January 27th, 2012
11:03 am
The Braves had built so much shortstop depth that by last summer they were making decisions about how to better utilize that stable of talented players, moving a couple of them to new positions. Edward Salcedo, 20, a prized international free-agent signee two years ago, was moved from shortstop to third base at midseason in Rome, and 2010 first-round draft pick Matt Lipka was switched from shortstop to center field last fall at the Braves’ instructional league in Florida. Lipka will play center field this year, likely at high-A Lynchburg.
That still left four shortstops in the minor league system whom the Braves consider promising: Tyler Pastornicky, who’s penciled in for the major league job in 2012, top prospect Andrelton Simmons, and highly regarded youngsters Nick Ahmed and Elmer Reyes .
Here is what Braves assistant GM Bruce Manno had to say earlier this offseason when I asked him about the team’s assortment of shortstops (and, now, former shortstops):
“Salcedo alternated with Lipka at shortstop [at Class-A Rome] early,” Manno said, then we decided to move [Salcedo] permanently to third base. We thought he looked comfortable there and was more consistent offensively when he played on the corner. He played down there for the entire instructional league and made good progress defensively. We’re real happy with the improvement he’s made…. A lot of it is the setup and feet, and that’s correctible with repetition. They get a lot of that in instructional league….”
On Simmons: “Very impressive player. Really a good defensive shortstop. His skills – arm, hands, everything works extremely well. And offensively, one of the areas we concentrated on was strength. He concentrated more on the strength program [during instructional league] than playing in games. We decided this year in instructional league that we were going to have a group of players where it wasn’t going to be about innings and at-bats as much as getting stronger in the strength program. They did the baseball skills parts in workouts and everything, other than playing in the game, when they’d go ahead and concentrate on strength and conditioning….
“Simmons and Pastornicky are different types of shortstops. Pastornicky is kind of a live-body, quick-twitch [muscle] guy, can steal a base… He’s someone who plays shortstop with a little bit of urgency almost, where Simmons is more a natural, smooth-action type of infielder — he’s the kind of guy who can field the ball in the hole and make a good strong throw and still get a good runner out. Simmons has got a lot of one-motion actions defensively — field and transfer and throw, where everything is in one motion. Pastornicky is not that type of guy. Both are good players. We’re really pleased with Simmons’ progress…
“And we have another shortstop out of [the University of] Connecticut, Nick Ahmed – a lot of fluid motion, good strong arm action… He’s got real good actions at shortstop. We think he’s going to be an above-average shortstop as well. With Pastornicky, Simmons, Ahmed that ‘s a pretty good lineup at shortstop for us. And then we have a young player, Reyes, that we like. He’s flip-fllopped between second and shortstop. He’s from Nicaragua, started last year at Rome and struggled, went back to Danville. But he’s good actions. We hope he can settle in at shortstops.
“We’re pretty excited [about the shortstop position]. It’s good to have that depth.”
abwright
January 27th, 2012
11:06 am
bravesfansince1982, January 27th, 2012, 10:04 am … “The Braves typically get out of the gates slow, …
Am I the only one who finds this post incredibly ironic?
Braves started 13-0 in 1982.
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
11:16 am
Keith Law said in his chat yesterday that Simmons could easily be a starter in the big’s right now just based on how good his defense is.
RC
January 27th, 2012
11:16 am
Simmons has got a lot of one-motion actions defensively — field and transfer and throw, where everything is in one motion.
That’s a great description of Simmons’s defense. His movements just seem completely fluid and natural….he’s really impressive to watch.
David O'Brien
January 27th, 2012
11:19 am
Juan Pierre minor-league deal with Philly, Kenny R. reports.
ncscoots
January 27th, 2012
11:20 am
I’m looking forward to seeing Lipka play a little CF this year. As I remember, he played receiver as a HS football player, so that might help him with his routes. I want to say his 60 speed was low-6, but don’t quote me on that; I might be thinking of somebody else. He’s got some quicks, I know that, so coverage ought not to be a problem for him. Long as he knows where the ball’s going, LOL.
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
11:20 am
Top tier starting pitching, shortstop, and relief pitcher is the Braves strength in the farm system. Interesting to hear that they will move Lipka to High-A Lynchburg to start the year. Thought he’d have to repeat Low-A Rome based on his rough 2011. However he did improve with the bat as time went on, perhaps only a bit, but it was still progress. Seems like it makes sense to have Nick Ahmed start in Lynchburg as well given his college pedigree and age. That means we’ll have C Christain Bethancourt, 3B Edward Salcedo, SS Nick Ahmed, CF Matt Lipka, and 2B Tommy La Stella all in the High-A Lynchburg lineup for 2012. Provided Bethancourt starts there…..I could see them pushing him to Mississippi to start the year…I wouldn’t, but they may feel he is ready for it.
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
11:21 am
Hopefully Simmons improves at the plate tho, cause right now a good comparison is Rey Ordonez who was a great defender, but owned a 246/289/310 batting line. But I think Simmons will be better than that with the Bat.
bravesfansince1982
January 27th, 2012
11:21 am
“I might have to change it to Colin Cowherd…They are playing Journey now, Bleh…”
Personally, I’ll take 80’s music over the crap they play today
bravesfansince1982
January 27th, 2012
11:22 am
Good point, abwright. I guess I meant the Braves of recent years.
However, I would not be against a 13-0 start in 2012!
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
11:26 am
bravesfansince1982
“I might have to change it to Colin Cowherd…They are playing Journey now, Bleh…”
[Personally, I’ll take 80’s music over the crap they play today]
Me Too, except Journey, and Billy Joel
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
11:26 am
SS stinks in the majors. Simmons could be an average regular with his defense, therefore he’s an asset. If he improves with the bat, then the ceiling goes up. I think Pastornicky is probably better with the stick.
DAP
January 27th, 2012
11:29 am
that juan pierre signing for the phils is a pretty good move. id like to see the braves try and get some deep depth with ML free agents. there are still a TON of guys on the free agent list.
ryan theriot, bill hall, rick ankiel, felipe lopez, xavier nady, kosuke eff dome, even some pitchers like brandon webb, jon garland, juan cruz or mike gonzalez might be good candidates for minor league deals. i mean, they still dont have jobs and its almost february. these are relatively young players, and its unlikely they will just retire if they dont get a major league deal.
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
11:29 am
Efrim
How’s Simmons speed and SB ability?
Jimmy
January 27th, 2012
11:32 am
Efrim – Wouldn’t you say 3rd base is a positive in the minors? Salcedo, Terd, Drury?
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
11:37 am
Jimmy
Salcedo has struggled so far, only producing a 240/312/374 batting line in 870 Minor League PA’s. Still only 19 years old, but needs to take a step up this year. Just alot of hype around Terdo, alot see him as a bench guy. Including Keith Law.
Lew
January 27th, 2012
11:38 am
As for third base – Wouldn’t give up on Joe Leonard yet, either – though he really hasn’t progressed like they’d hoped.
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
11:39 am
Breakdown of BA Top 30 by position:
SP – Teheran, Vizcaino, Delgado, Gilmartin, Spruill, D. Delgado, C. Perez
RP – Hoover, Graham, Hale, Martin, Moore, Bullock, Cordier, Gearrin
SS – Simmons, Pastornicky, Ahmed
2B – La Stella, Gosselin
3B – Salcedo, Drury, Terdoslavich, Kubitza
CF – Lipka, Cunningham, My. Jones
OF – Milligan
C – Bethancourt, Gattis
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
11:40 am
“ryan theriot, bill hall, rick ankiel, felipe lopez, xavier nady”
I’m Lusting for either Bill Hall or The X-Man (Xavier Nady)!
Do It NOW! While either can be had for cheap…
ncscoots
January 27th, 2012
11:44 am
Still only 19 years old, but needs to take a step up this year.
As you said, he’s still very young. He needs to shows progress, true, but he deosn’t have to go .300/30/100 or anything. This isn’t make-or-break for the kid.
You guys have seen the Braves bring up too many 21-year-olds, LOL. Now, you think every prospect has to be legit at that age.
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
11:46 am
You’d figure the Braves would add a few veterans on minor league deals for competition for bench spots.
Lew
January 27th, 2012
11:51 am
Not so sure Nady’s even worthy of a bench spot. Since 09 when he only played in 9 games, he’s put up the following –
2010 – .256, .306, .353
2011- .248, .287, .359
Though he did play 119 games in 10 and 82 games last year. Still……not much left there, IMO.
DAP
January 27th, 2012
11:53 am
scoots he deosn’t have to go .300/30/100 or anything. This isn’t make-or-break for the kid.
i do think he needs to start showing some of the power that was promised. i dont care if he hits for average, or puts up homers and RBI, but id like to see the OBP in the .340s and the slg% comfortably in the .400s. if there is something there, he ought to be able to do that at low-A, right?
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
11:54 am
I’d kick the tires on JD Drew.
raleighbravefan
January 27th, 2012
11:54 am
I’d rather listen to anything other than Cowherd….EXCEPT JIM ROME, of course.
Murph
January 27th, 2012
11:57 am
I’d like to believe that, if Salcedo is as skilled as people say he is, he’ll put it all together eventually. I wouldn’t start looking cross eyed at the kid for at least 2-3 more years. If he hasn’t started to show some glimpses of reaching his potential by then… well, give him another year or two. Still nothing? Then give up on him.
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
11:58 am
Offer Drew a minor league deal with spring invite. If he makes the team he gets a 1 mil salary with 500k in PA incentives. He can opt of contract if he doesn’t make the team becoming a free agent.
Shaun
January 27th, 2012
12:00 pm
I could get behind Nady to a minor-league deal as a possible bat against LHP. He had Tommy John surgery in 2009 so there is a chance he’s never recovered, or maybe he can finally bounce back. He’s still not all that old.
DAP
January 27th, 2012
12:01 pm
vabravesfan I’d kick the tires on JD Drew.
thats one guy i think is unlikely to accept a minor league deal.
Shaun
January 27th, 2012
12:05 pm
I’d love to see JD Drew back, for the right price. The fact that he hasn’t signed with anyone may be an indication his asking price is too high.
But as recently as 2010, Drew had a .341 OBP, .452 SLG season. Some of that was certainly Fenway but with Drew, you are going to get a good approach at the plate. Though he’s not the player he once was, he may still provide something when Prado moves to the infield or needs rest.
Last year was really his first poor season in the majors.
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
12:06 pm
If Jack Wilson has a horrible spring and we decide to cut him, will have to pay him the 1 million still right? Cause its a major league deal. But how does it work if you cut a veteran who’s on a minor league deal? For example say the Phillies ax Juan Pierre after the spring.
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
12:09 pm
You guys have seen the Braves bring up too many 21-year-olds, LOL. Now, you think every prospect has to be legit at that age.
Bethancourt and to a lesser extent, Salcedo, will play the majority of the upcoming minor league season as 20 year olds. Both are very, very young. Matt Lipka turns 20 this April. Also, extremely young. Brandon Drury will play at Low-A Rome as a 19 year old.
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
Ryan Theriot signs with Giants 1 year deal 1.25 million with 750k incentives.
Ease® in Sandy Springs
January 27th, 2012
12:13 pm
There have been rumblings about Drew retiring all offseason. Probably has nothing to do with asking price, but more of a desire to continue playing (through injuries)…
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
12:15 pm
I guess the guy I’m really interested to see play is 3B prospect Kyle Kubitza. Interested to see him play a full season. Texas State college guy that many thought was drafted way too high by the Braves(3rd round, many thought 7th round or later). Intrigued by him though.
richbrave
January 27th, 2012
12:16 pm
scoots:
Right. I like EVAN GATTIS who at 25 started at C in ROME and really raked at the plate [.322 BA, .386 OBP, .601 SLG.] 22 HR, 2 3B, 24 2B. 25 BB/53 SO – excellent ratio. 2 SB – 4 CS slow afoot. Right-hander who tore up leftys in 79 AB’s [.430 BA, 1.390 OPS] Basically a power-hitting MATTY D.
On defense 414 chances – .976 percent [10 E, 15 PB, .23% CS] Overall adequate.
richbrave
January 27th, 2012
12:18 pm
Why isn’t GATTIS more highly regarded?
Age and defensive abilities.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
January 27th, 2012
12:21 pm
J. D. Drew is 36, and had an OPS+ last year of 68. Sounds like a combination that would deter most teams.
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
12:23 pm
Yeah, I believe Gattis is turning 26 this year and faced Low-A pitching last year. He’s probably a first baseman long term – but maybe he can go on a fast track if he keeps raking.
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
12:24 pm
26 year old in A ball?
Shaun
January 27th, 2012
12:27 pm
richbrave, I had never heard of Gattis, but my guess is he’s not highly regarded because he’s old for his levels, so the organization probably sees something they don’t like or else they’d probably played him at higher levels.
Patrick
January 27th, 2012
12:27 pm
DOB,
When it comes to payroll. Wo do you think is the real reason for the teams’ cheapness?
Is it Liberty media?
Or, is McGuirk acutally being honest when he says that Liberty allows him the freedom to set the teams’ payroll?
And if that is true, then what the hell is McGurik doing? He’s a cheap bastard.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
12:28 pm
VaBravesFan
“I’d kick the tires on JD Drew.”
JD Screw Is Retiring dude!
Good Riddance, He was the Most Overrated Bust over My Generation…De-Generation X
Scouts Called him “The Next Mickey Mantle”
The Next Mickey Mantle, My Yellow Arse!
MFin04
January 27th, 2012
12:28 pm
“The Braves typically get out of the gates slow…”
“Am I the only one who finds this post incredibly ironic?”
Not really, they’ve been under .500 5 of the past 6 Aprils, so the statement is more true than false. 13-0 in 1982 doesn’t really count for much. Except that Chipper was on that team
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
12:29 pm
I still don’t get the Lovefest on here for JD Screw?
He gets more Valetines cards on here than A. Jones did his whole career here???
David O'Brien
January 27th, 2012
12:29 pm
SS stinks in the majors. Simmons could be an average regular with his defense, therefore he’s an asset. If he improves with the bat, then the ceiling goes up. — Efrim
Simmons is not average in any way defensively. He’s a plus defensive player right now. Plus-plus arm.
We’ll see offensively, but he made huge strides last year and won the Carolina League batting title by more than 20 points at .311. But he’s got to draw more walks, especially since he doesn’t hit for power. He’s got decent speed (six triples and 26 steals).
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
Shaun
“I could get behind Nady to a minor-league deal as a possible bat against LHP. He had Tommy John surgery in 2009 so there is a chance he’s never recovered, or maybe he can finally bounce back. He’s still not all that old.”
Co-Sign!
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
12:32 pm
@MFIN04?
“Not really, they’ve been under .500 5 of the past 6 Aprils, so the statement is more true than false. 13-0 in 1982 doesn’t really count for much. Except that Chipper was on that team”
Correct me if I’m wrong? But didn’t the Braves come out Clowning in 1994…?
During that April Mercker threw the last braves no hitter…I could’ve sworn that we Clowned in April of 1994 starting that season on a West Coast Swing…?
Disgusted
January 27th, 2012
12:33 pm
Tomahawkin:
I plan on going to about six to eight games. That is what I can afford, try to go once a month.
Might go to an extra game or two with the Thrashers not in town anymore. And some games I will get the expensive seats, others will sit in the cheap seats.
Not going on a ticket plan because I like to sit in different parts of the stadium and do not always know my schedule so I sort of go spontaneously.
As long as I can make the walk to the GA State station I will support the team, in spite of how I feel about ownership.
And looking at the TV deal, its not one hundred percent Liberty’s fault.
DAP
January 27th, 2012
12:33 pm
patrick When it comes to payroll. Wo do you think is the real reason for the teams’ cheapness?
the team isnt cheap. what are you talking about? we have a $90mil payroll. we have several very well paid players. they are running the team at basically zero profitability. what do you want?
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
Tomahawkin
JD Drew career batting line in 6,154 PAs 278/384/489/873 Yeah that’s overrated and considered bust numbers……I think we’d all be pretty happy if Heyward produces around the same numbers.
Shaun
January 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
J. D. Drew is 36, and had an OPS+ last year of 68. Sounds like a combination that would deter most teams.
I think it depends on the price. Drew is not that far removed from being a really good hitter. For the right price, even for a team with limited resources like the Braves, it would probably be worth the risk. The problem is there are probably organizations with resources that appreciate his skills perhaps more than others, so they may be willing to offer slightly more. Although, I do agree that given his age and all the other signals, I don’t think any team is going to offer all that much.
Homer the Brave
January 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
I heard that Kenshin Kawakami has received several offers from Japanese teams but he (or his agent) has turned them all down because he actually thinks that a MLB team will sign him.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
@Disgusted
I only go to Saturday games…because the SEC Rowdy crowds are there/tailgating…Thats how go out!
Ease® in Sandy Springs
January 27th, 2012
12:36 pm
He was the Most Overrated Bust over My Generation…De-Generation X
So ten-year olds are claiming that this is “their generation” already? And why would they look-up to JD Drew? Wouldn’t he be the “previous generation’s” bust (which I am not sure he is could even be considered a bust)?
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
12:36 pm
Simmons is not average in any way defensively. He’s a plus defensive player right now. Plus-plus arm.
I know that. You misunderstood my statement. He can be an average regular at the SS position with his defense. Because he lacks the offensive value, he won’t be an above average regular at the position unless he improves there, with his power, walk rate, etc. as you suggested.
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
12:37 pm
DOB
I think Efrim meant that Simmons would be a average regular shortstop even if he doesn’t improve with the bat. Showing how great his defense is.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
January 27th, 2012
12:37 pm
VaBravesFan
JD Screw got Twice as much Press/Hype from the media as opposed to Pujols…
JD Screw got the Strasturd hype even way back in 1997-1998…
VaBravesFan
January 27th, 2012
12:38 pm
Efrim
abwright
January 27th, 2012
12:38 pm
MFin04, January 27th, 2012, 12:28 pm … “13-0 in 1982 doesn’t really count for much.”
All-time record for start to a season. Kick-started the TBS TV empire that eventually gave the Braves a revenue stream that got them to a World Serious. Contributed to the building of a nationwide fan base that persists today.
No, that 13-0 start didn’t really count for much. <g>
Disgusted
January 27th, 2012
12:38 pm
Tomahawin:
The Braves were up and down during 1994 and they finished 6 games behind the Expos in the season that did not count.
I think they started something like 11 or 12 and 0, but were up and down most of the yr before the lockout. It was disappointing by the level of expectation, but they still would have been a WC team.
Poor Montreal fans, they never recoverred and that city lost interest in the team after the lockout. Contrary to popular perception, MTL was not a bad drawing franchise in the late 70’s and 80’s.
There are a numberr of reasons why interest in that team went down, from the English speakers who were behind baseball leaving Quebec for other provinces, lousy product after the lockout, too much history in one post.
Will always be a Canadiens town.
Efrim
January 27th, 2012
12:38 pm
Shaun is just trying to bait someone to knock J.D. Drew as a ballplayer so he can have hours and hours of debate regarding that type of players value.