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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,326 comments Add your comment
Me
February 11th, 2012
1:41 pm
First?
Jcook
February 11th, 2012
1:43 pm
Ahhh….Nothing like the sunny sky of Florida and smell of fresh grass to distract the Wintry Blast we are currently in.
McFann O O o
February 11th, 2012
1:44 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! That opening section was a beautiful piece of writing—you completely nailed it. Your pre-Spring Training Blogs and welcome-to-Spring-Training Blogs are always some of my most favorites…
BRING IT ON!!!
George
February 11th, 2012
1:44 pm
Thank Goodness HANSON got rid of that herky-jerky delivery.
nyc_brave
February 11th, 2012
1:46 pm
FIRST?! DOB, it’s baseball season! Ahhh!!! Thanks for the blog.
chc4
February 11th, 2012
1:49 pm
Hanson worries me. Shoulders rarely get better on their own and we need Hanson to have a shot this year. Between Tommy and Hudson’s offseason back surgery, we have some serious question marks at the front of the rotation. And we all know how anemic the lineup is. Geez, I’m getting more depressed as I write this. Time for a Fat Tire to liven things up!
Aris
February 11th, 2012
1:49 pm
DOB
Anyway we could get some video of Tommy’s new delivery? Maybe whip out the camera the next time you see him throwing? Thanks.
Red Wolf
February 11th, 2012
1:51 pm
Pitchers are in for a long season of good outings only to leave behind in the score after 6-7 innings while the paltry offense makes the league’s mediocre pitchers look like Nolan Ryan clones. Wren and management didn’t do anything to improve this team that fell apart in September and in several ways opened even bigger holes. Unless something changes soon this is a last place team going nowhere wasting a multitude of quality starts by it pitching staff. Seems like ownership has gone on the cheap taking a page out of Loria’s book.
David O'Brien
February 11th, 2012
1:52 pm
McFann, thank ya.
Me
February 11th, 2012
1:52 pm
But anytime you lose your legs, for me it’s going to help, because those are the strongest muscles in our body.” ???
BravesFan in DC
February 11th, 2012
1:53 pm
Glad to see Hanson working on that hitch. It sure looked like it put stress on his arm. If he can keep the velocity and movement on his pitches with the new delivery, I’m all for it.
jaybob
February 11th, 2012
1:55 pm
Can’t wait to see Tommy’s new delivery.
Hey DOB, did you mean…”But anytime you USE your legs, for me it’s going to help” when quoting Roger? I’m confused.
GO BRAVES!!
David O'Brien
February 11th, 2012
1:57 pm
jaybob: Thanks for the catch. Yes, “use.” Typo fixed now.
jed
February 11th, 2012
2:07 pm
what team/manager was it who said the pitching staff was so awful they were gonna get slaughtered?
abeeewright
February 11th, 2012
2:08 pm
Spring Training inches closer. Thanks for this blog on Hanson’s modified mechanics and the other piece on Chipper’s reflection on his first Spring.
Question marks there are, but the answers will start to manifest soon.
McFann O O o
February 11th, 2012
2:11 pm
DOB—
You’re welcome!
abeeewright
February 11th, 2012
2:13 pm
The only way the Braves offense is as putrid as it was in 2011 is if Bourn pulls a McNate impression, and both Prado and Heyward prove to be busts.
abeeewright
February 11th, 2012
2:15 pm
and if McCann’s oblique is permanently damaged.
abeeewright
February 11th, 2012
2:15 pm
count down to McFann’s response in 3…2…1
kenhotlanta
February 11th, 2012
2:19 pm
DOB: Thanks for the new blog and the interview with Chipper…where has the time gone since he was a Rookie?
kenhotlanta
February 11th, 2012
2:20 pm
McFann: Thanks for sharing those pictures, I really enjoyed looking at them.
Patio Daddio
February 11th, 2012
2:21 pm
1998 Florida Marlins
Uniform Numbers
#1 Luis Castillo
#2 Josh Booty
#3 Ryan Jackson
#4 Randy Knorr
#4 Mark Kotsay
#7 Mark Kotsay
#8 Jim Eisenreich
#8 Preston Wilson
#9 Gregg Zaun
#10 Gary Sheffield
#13 Dave Berg
#14 John Wehner
#15 Cliff Floyd
#16 Edgar Renteria
#17 Todd Dunwoody
#18 Kevin Millar
#19 John Roskos
#20 Vic Darensbourg
#20 Brian Edmondson
#21 Jesus Sanchez
#22 Alex Gonzalez
#23 Charles Johnson
#24 Kirt Ojala
#25 Bobby Bonilla
#25 Derrek Lee
#25 Todd Zeile
#27 Derrek Lee
#27 Kevin Orie
#27 Todd Zeile
#28 John Cangelosi
#30 Craig Counsell
#31 Mike Piazza
#33 Matt Mantei
#34 Brian Meadows
#36 Andy Larkin
#38 Rob Stanifer
#39 Brian Daubach
#39 Jay Powell
#40 Vic Darensbourg
#40 Chris Hammond
#41 Oscar Henriquez
#43 Eric Ludwick
#44 Donn Pall
#46 Gabe Gonzalez
#47 Rafael Medina
#48 Manuel Barrios
#49 Felix Heredia
#50 Ryan Dempster
#51 Justin Speier
#52 Mike Redmond
#54 Joe Fontenot
#57 Antonio Alfonseca
#58 Dave Berg
#60 Gabe Gonzalez
#61 Livan Hernandez
McFann O O o
February 11th, 2012
2:21 pm
His oblique is NOT permanently damaged! Well, I mean, I hope it’s not…but for now I say it’s definitely not…
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
2:21 pm
Good Blog DOB, Hanson just needs to stay healthy and he’ll be in the conversation for Cy Young. Hopefully make the All Star game too.
McFann O O o
February 11th, 2012
2:23 pm
kenhotlanta—
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed them…they are my pride and joy—I’m always looking for an excuse to show them off…
CB
February 11th, 2012
2:23 pm
Beautifully written,DOB. Thanks for making it feel like it is time for baseball.
David O'Brien
February 11th, 2012
2:24 pm
Added a Hank/Chipper photo to main blog just now, and two Chipper photos to the recollection blog, one from his rookie year and one from last spring. Check ‘em out.
dogsbrekky - tuxonmadisonave
February 11th, 2012
2:24 pm
Great article, hooray on Tommy H, may actually last a long time now… this is great news for our SP depth now
Bobby hill
February 11th, 2012
2:24 pm
I wish Wren had been as active this offseason as DOB always seems to be.
The A Bomb - OUTCHOKED ® TWICE!
February 11th, 2012
2:27 pm
Still got a little college hoops to be decided before baseball takes hold.
Big game in Vegas today.
But its good to see Hanson is making adjustments. He’s a big key.
Bravetiger
February 11th, 2012
2:27 pm
DOB – Since we all like to eat and like great food places, just curious as to your favorite places (away from the ballpark or within) to eat? What delicacy do you look forward to as you follow the Braves in Central and South Florida. Maybe a top 5 list? Thanks. I really enjoy your writings and looking forward to the season.
Jimmy
February 11th, 2012
2:28 pm
Thanks for the new bloggage DOB. I am one of those that actually read the blog before posting anything.
I am really looking forward to this season!!
abeeewright
February 11th, 2012
2:28 pm
McFann … I was actually responding obliquely to one of our natterring nabobs of negativity, so I had to amp up the most absurd things I could think of. Since you were in the hizzouse, I figgered I would rattle your cage too.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
February 11th, 2012
2:29 pm
I thought Hanson was 6 ft 6, not 6′ 4″?
abeeewright
February 11th, 2012
2:31 pm
Actually, Hanson is 7 feet tall with the afro.
Soph
February 11th, 2012
2:32 pm
Thanks, DOB. I. Can’t. Wait!
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
February 11th, 2012
2:33 pm
We’d all like to give you a big smooch on the cheek for the new blog, Dave. Or just a handshake and a friendly baseball pat on the butt.
Patio Daddio
February 11th, 2012
2:34 pm
Jim Leyland
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
2:34 pm
D.O.B.
Thanks For the New Blog…
It sucks that this will prolly be your last blog where you will have the time to kick The Actual Factual with us
A week from now you will be on the Grind! Just be sure to tell us when you are going to do your Pimp Appearances on the 680AMTheFan shows?
Oh and BTW I’m gonna laugh my yellow ass off when people come on here bashing you in that they think that you are taking a vacation, when they don’t know how much time you invest in the blog and players…
Someone said it earlier in the Week that you are the Current version of TBS/Skip Caray and I will Co-sign On That…
And I still can’t believe you don’t like old Mariah and Janet Jackson? They are legends….!
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
2:36 pm
McFann
I’m a big McCann fan and hope he follows Chipper’s path and is a Brave for life. Just pointing out that we have to think about how the long term commitment that will affect the team we love even more down the road.
chief pitchanono
February 11th, 2012
2:36 pm
Thanks for the update. Spring trainings comeing, I can smell it already! I’m feeling good about this season. We have had a good ballclub for the last 21/2 seasons. Yeah September was a let down for sure but we still had a good season over all. I think anytime your team has good pitching you have a real good chance of being relevent come September. Not only do the Braves have that but they also have quality depth which is even more reason for confidence. If our offense can figure out away to score a few more runs this year we can easily go from a good team to a WC contender. The division should be improved this year which I think only hurts the phills. They are the team that has been walking away with the division the last few years by padding there win column by feasting on the Nats and Florida. These teams have played us tough in the past few years anyway so our record against them will prob. be about the same, but if they can improve against philly that will certainly increase the chances of someone takeing the division from them this year. I expect a close 3or 4 team race to the finish with maybe only 1-5 wins seperating 1st and 4th place. Maybe 3 playoffs teams comeing out of the East?
Go Braves!!!
David O'Brien
February 11th, 2012
2:39 pm
I thought Hanson was 6 ft 6, not 6′ 4″?
Actually, I just noticed he’s now listed as 6-6. In past it was 6-5 (my 6-4 was mistake). And while I’m not sure if he’s 6-6 in bare feet, I can say he’s a good inch or more taller than Heyward and Freeman. Hanson actually looks like he’s taller since last year. He’s big.
And he’s a couple sandwiches or more over 230, not the 220 listed. But he carries it well after offseason of working out. Says he wants to lose a little, but not much, before season.
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
2:39 pm
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
“We’d all like to give you a big smooch on the cheek for the new blog, Dave. Or just a handshake and a friendly baseball pat on the butt.”
No No No, D.O.B. Needs a Cigar and A Tokyo Tea or a Tomarita From the Chophouse
D.O.B. is a Vet Though, I bet he Prolly Downs The Heinikens when he is on Tour???
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
February 11th, 2012
2:44 pm
DOB, I’m full of useless information. My wife agrees. Knowing a players height is one of my many useless talents.
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
2:46 pm
Bravetiger
“DOB – Since we all like to eat and like great food places, just curious as to your favorite places (away from the ballpark or within) to eat? What delicacy do you look forward to as you follow the Braves in Central and South Florida. Maybe a top 5 list? Thanks. I really enjoy your writings and looking forward to the season.”
From reading his Blog since 2005, I think D.O.B. loves San Deigo and the Fish Tacos…? He loves it on the west coast??? The Lack of sleep sucks but I’m sure D.O.B. loves Those West Coast Swings?
I Think he likes Seattle in July as opposed to the Humidity down here in The “A”… And D.O.B Likes Minneapolis and the New Twins Ballpark
South Florida will be a Favorite Again with D.O.B. With the New Ballpark… I can see him and Fredi Getting their Grub on at Several S. Florida joints in the MIA as well as Ft Liquordale?
Am I right D.O.B.?
And D. O.B. is not too fond of The Rotten Apple (New Yawk)?
Patio Daddio
February 11th, 2012
2:48 pm
Tommy’s dad, Tom, is only 6′ if that so Tommy doesn’t get his height from him. I’m 6′4″ and yes Tommy is 6′6″.
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
2:48 pm
@Chatt-lanta Brian
When are you Coming Down To The “A” to see a game?
You seem like a Good Drinking Bro that loves Dem Braves and Knows his Stuff???
Zing
February 11th, 2012
2:51 pm
DOB: AJC is lucky to have a guy who loves baseball and is such an expressive writer. Nice blog post.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
February 11th, 2012
2:52 pm
I used to think Chipper was maybe a little over 6 feet, but at a game a while back we were down towards the dugout and CJ was standing there, I was surprised to see how tall and big he is in real life.
McFann O O o
February 11th, 2012
2:53 pm
abwright—
You’re so considerate…
VaBravesFan—
Yeah, yeah…
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
2:55 pm
I have a Question for All Braves Fans
LISTEN UP?
Over The Last 20 years? What was the best Braves Double Play Combo (SS And 2nd-Base)
This is a Hard one to knock….?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
February 11th, 2012
2:56 pm
Thanks Tomahawkin. I’m sure we’ll be down for a game in the summer, hopefully early like in June. And I can’t drink with the meds and my condition, but I can sure guzzle some water! I’m stilll pretty fun though, I think. Love doing imitations.
David O'Brien
February 11th, 2012
2:56 pm
ChattTownBrian: Chipper’s every bit of 6-4.
David O'Brien
February 11th, 2012
2:57 pm
Zing, thanks. I appreciate that.
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
2:57 pm
I project McCann to hit (if he stay’s healthy) 285/365/475 30 2B 26 HR 100 RBI for the 1st time.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
February 11th, 2012
2:58 pm
Belliard and Lemke were very good at turning two.
dogsbrekky - tuxonmadisonave
February 11th, 2012
2:59 pm
VaFan – be nice if we had ONE player with >>>> 100 rbi… I mean afterall when was the last time anyone had over 100 rbi as a Brave (Andruw 2005??)
Soph
February 11th, 2012
3:02 pm
Nice to see UNC bounce back after the heartbreaker.
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
3:03 pm
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
“Belliard and Lemke were very good at turning two.”
Co-Sign, I was Thinking the same Thing…I’m Banking Fredi doing The Pastor/Wilson Platoon (The Pastor plays the 1st 7-8innings and bring in Jackie as a defensive replacement from the 7-8thinning on)
nolie
February 11th, 2012
3:04 pm
nice writing
McFann O O o
February 11th, 2012
3:05 pm
VaBravesFan I project McCann to hit (if he stay’s healthy) 285/365/475 30 2B 26 HR 100 RBI for the 1st time.
I’d take that in a heartbeat!…
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
3:06 pm
I think we have a damn good lineup. No more SeaBass and his terrible 270 OBP, Uggla will most likely be more balanced and there is no way Heyward or Prado not improve. Also full year of Bourn.
nolie
February 11th, 2012
3:07 pm
RBI are meaningless, everybody knows that Doggy………
Ward
February 11th, 2012
3:09 pm
Hello everyone! Nice article on Hanson. Like the way he changed his motion,and looking forward to see him pitch. Another pitcher I read about was Carlos Perez. He has a change up fast ball,and curve ball. He has some commmand problems,but with velocity on his fast ball. He can clock it around 91,but needs to improve on it. Carlos Perez is another one that could make the jump in a couple of years,or so.Braves are definately deep in pitching.
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
3:10 pm
VaBravesFan
“I project McCann to hit (if he stay’s healthy) 285/365/475 30 2B 26 HR 100 RBI for the 1st time.”
My Man, Put down the Kool-Aid Bro on the 100 rbi prediction, that is a hard stat to achieve as a catcher…
B-Macc is only guranteed to start in 125 games and he gets worn down as the heat/summer progresses…Not to mention for B-Macc to drive in that many hitting 4 or 5? the guys in fron of him have to have some nasty OBP’s like in the .360-.390 range?
Im happy if B-Macc drives in 80-90, because that gurantees that 1) he will be an All Star, and 2) He will win another silver slugger…
No offense but B-Macc Nor Chipper Can’t be relied on to carry the offense!
Its Time for Ugg, Martini, and Heyward to step up? If they Don’t we will end up in 3rd place, Bank On It!
Couch Tater
February 11th, 2012
3:10 pm
Nice blog. Cold weather. I might have to hop a Spring Train and get some sand in my shoes.
Juan
February 11th, 2012
3:11 pm
IMO:…Best Combo second & Ss on Braves History is Glenn Hubbard/Rafy Ramirez
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
3:11 pm
WARRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kenhotlanta
February 11th, 2012
3:12 pm
Ward: My comment to you was meant as a joke, I was only kidding. I apologize for offending you.
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
3:13 pm
They are meaningless, but still a milestone number. Shows your a massive run producer. Hard to believe there were 11 players who had 30+ homers but didn’t reach the 100 rbi mark. Only 15 players drove in 100+ runs last season. Only 11 teams had a 100 RBI guy.
nolie
February 11th, 2012
3:13 pm
Rafy Ramirez? You gotta be kidding, a terrible fielder who made 30 or more errors in 6 different seasons
Ward
February 11th, 2012
3:15 pm
Ken- Than all is cool we are buds……
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
3:16 pm
Tomahawkin
McCann at 28 years old could be in line for his career year.
Ward
February 11th, 2012
3:17 pm
Tomahawkin- Like my post on Carlos Perez. We should all keep an eye on him. He reminds me of Pedro Martinez. The way he is built.
McFann O O o
February 11th, 2012
3:18 pm
Hey, he was having a career year last year before he got hurt…That just means this year, he’s going to actually complete it!…
Playoffs!!!
February 11th, 2012
3:19 pm
That’s good news on Hanson. He really couldn’t go on much longer with the old delivery.
And, just wondering now—as spring training approaches— who will be the last position player/ hitter to make the team? We usually go with 13 (as opposed to 12 pitchers).
We could use another middle infielder/and someone to be a CF backup.
DOB, who are the candidates?
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
3:20 pm
Last season I said McCann would be a top 5 MVP candidate.
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
3:21 pm
VaBravesFan
“I think we have a damn good lineup. No more SeaBass and his terrible 270 OBP, Uggla will most likely be more balanced and there is no way Heyward or Prado not improve. Also full year of Bourn.”
Good Point! Fredi Better Utilize The Bourn Supremacy’s Speed on the Bases as well as Wreck Havoc….
I’m Gonna Be P’d If Bobby-Lite Doesn’t use Hit and Runs and And Stealing bases with This Lineup…Sitting back and waithing on the 3 run homer Is NOT Gonna Cut it! Didn’t the Braves lead the NL in Solo Homers Last year with that Garbage Philosopy???
Let me be the Hitting Coach for a Week? Free of charge Just give me all the Free Food at the stadium and the Braves Cheerleaders or Sandra Golden….
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
3:22 pm
Playoffs!!!
Luis Durango and Jose Constanza are most likely gonna battle for the back up CFer job. The bench will be Ross, Hinske, Wilson, Diaz and one of them from the looks of it.
Ward
February 11th, 2012
3:22 pm
My guess Is Drew Sutton for SS,and 3rd base,and might be a surprise of the year?
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
February 11th, 2012
3:23 pm
Excellent Blog (as usual), well researched. Can’t wait to see how effective the delivery is.
DOB, you spoke to everyone but Boras re: the change….
dogsbrekky - tuxonmadisonave
February 11th, 2012
3:23 pm
noliw – yes but when was the last time we had any player with 100 of those meaningless thingies
McFann O O o
February 11th, 2012
3:24 pm
VaBravesFan—
Yeah, a lot of us were thinking that—I think DOB even wrote a Blog about it…But, that’s all water under the proverbial bridge, now…[Almost] Time to to start over—I think he’s gonna be quite good again this season…
Lakedawg
February 11th, 2012
3:25 pm
Any DB combo with Lemke or Hubbard in the middle was outstanding-
Robards
February 11th, 2012
3:25 pm
That ‘98 Marlins staff was pretty bad. Leyland was correct.
dogsbrekky - tuxonmadisonave
February 11th, 2012
3:26 pm
THawk – Seabass was our best hitter the last 10 games when we choked
Just sayin
Playoffs!!!
February 11th, 2012
3:27 pm
VaBravesFan, Ward–
Don’t know much about Sutton or Durango. They come up through the Braves’ system?
Chris from the Rock
February 11th, 2012
3:27 pm
Call me crazy, but I predict Beachy leads the team in W’s this year-with at least 15.
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
3:27 pm
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
3:16 pm
Tomahawkin
McCann at 28 years old could be in line for his career year.
Good Point…But Rossy Is The best backup in the league!…
And I would agrre with your prediction if and only if PED’s/HGH were around…
If B-Macc Played in the 90’s he’d do .295, 30-100 every year and would be underrated to Mike Piazza (who was on that Sh.t) …but thats not the case now
LAG
February 11th, 2012
3:28 pm
dogsbrekky – tuxonmadisonave – I mean afterall when was the last time anyone had over 100 rbi as a Brave (Andruw 2005??)
Chipper and Frenchy, 2007.
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
3:28 pm
The weakest part of our ball club is gonna be the bench unless some of them bounce back a bit. Hinske was bad at pinch hitting, Diaz showed no power, there both poor defenders, Wilson couldn’t be a ok hitter if his life depended on it. Ross is the bright spot as you can’t do much better than him as your backup catcher. So if we have any major injuries there will be a concern. Also if Pastornicky struggles and isn’t ready Wilson is next in line and he’s worse than SeaBass in the batter’s box.
dogsbrekky - tuxonmadisonave
February 11th, 2012
3:28 pm
2006 Frenchy and Andruw each had over 100 rbi… 5 seasons back
dogsbrekky - tuxonmadisonave
February 11th, 2012
3:29 pm
bugger, missed 07, thx LAG
Tomahawkin
February 11th, 2012
3:30 pm
dogsbrekky – tuxonmadisonave
“THawk – Seabass was our best hitter the last 10 games when we choked”
Just sayin”
Yeah, and that says something abt how bad our AWFense Choked in the last 6 weeks…Gonzo was never Clutch…
nolie
February 11th, 2012
3:30 pm
yeah bench looks like the weakest part of the club right now, perhaps very weak
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
3:32 pm
Playoffs!!!
Durango is from the San Diego Organization. Speedster with no power, his Minor league numbers are very very impressive. 312/403/361 in 2,590 PAs. 25 years old.
Ward
February 11th, 2012
3:32 pm
Wilson is a solid player,and he might have a solid year at the plate.He’s not that bad.Plus Drew Sutton could fill in too.
NV049
February 11th, 2012
3:33 pm
Over The Last 20 years? What was the best Braves Double Play Combo (SS And 2nd-Base) Tomhawkin
Lemke 2b -Belliard – SS
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
February 11th, 2012
3:33 pm
can’t believe ST starts in 1 week.
VaBravesFan
February 11th, 2012
3:34 pm
Also Durango has a impressive 318 BB to only 306 K. So this guy can put the bat on the ball. You rarely ever see non-power hitter compile a 400+ OBP. While he will never be anything special at the MLB level I still think he can be a solid bench player and out produce Jose Constanza.