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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,690 comments Add your comment
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
12:18 pm
Braves will start Mike Minor in Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener, but Fredi Gonzalez will wait to announce further pitching plans. The manager did say that Roger McDowell does NOT think Hanson will miss a start at beginning of season because of his concussion delay. Thinks Hanson will be ready to start one of the first four games of season, but less likely opening day than one of the later slots.
Ease
February 29th, 2012
12:21 pm
Speak of the devil…Mike Minor will start the opener! Congrats to the kid. Soft-tossing polished lefty my arse.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
12:21 pm
I’m not arguing that either Diaz or Hinske had sterling seasons in 2011, but consider this.
As a platoon in case of Chipper’s havig to take time off and Martin playing third -
Diaz vs. LHP (2011) – .295, .336, .356 with no ower
Hinske vs RHP (2011) – .252, .333, .421 with 8 HR and 21 RBI
Y’all – that equates to about a .275, .333, ..380 with about ten HR and 50 RBI for two players who will likely play a total of 35 -40 games.
Now maybe that isn’t All Star caliber, but it isn’t terrible, either.
Murph
February 29th, 2012
12:24 pm
Ease, I think they are just getting Minor out of the way early… like ripping off a bandaid.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:25 pm
jeffrey d
Well yeah, but when there are clear signs of major decline that should raise a red flag. I didn’t like trading for Matt Diaz last season cause he was only had a OPS of 627 with the Pirates and we would be stuck with his 2 million salary for 2012. Also keeping Hinske for 1.5 million was a bit of a stretch after the season he had.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:27 pm
2 guys I figured the Braves would have had interest in would be Ryan Doumit and Andruw Jones. Would have been upgrades.
DAP
February 29th, 2012
12:28 pm
yall remember the homer hinske hit in the playoffs in 2010? what a moment.
killed me that we lost that game.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:29 pm
DAP
Hinske was huge in 2010, hopefully he comes close to that producing that season in 2012.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
12:30 pm
We’re only paying about half of Diaz’s salary this year. And maybe the Braves either didn’t have the interest in either of those two, or negotiations didn’t work out.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
And i believe that Andruw just isn’t ever going to be a Brave again. Maybe there were burnt bridges, maybe not. Maybe they saw all they needed to see when he was a Brave. But from things Wren has said the past few years, there just is no interest in Andruw coming back to Atlanta except to live there in the offseason..
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
Were paying Diaz the full 2 million.
BravePack
February 29th, 2012
12:34 pm
Murph
I got to play MLB The Show 12 at my local Best Buy the other day. Man Tuesday can’t come soon enough. I played as the Braves and they did a good job to make it realistic as far as the players likeness and the batting stances for each player was redone and are spot on. Graphics are a lot better and gameplay was reallt improved to make it more realistic, especially the physics of the ball after it’s hit. Probably going to be the Sports Game of the Year.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:37 pm
Another reason we lacked money was that Nate McLouth’s 1.25 million buyout goes torward the 2012 payroll.
BravePack
February 29th, 2012
12:37 pm
DOB
What did you think of Hanson’s delivery?
Oh and I told you guys Freeman would be fine, no big deal which is good because he’s a huge part of this team’s success this year. I guess the team will need to have plenty of knee braces stocked up from now on between JJ, Freeman, and Chipper(I don’t think he wears one) but I know he has had knee issues.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
12:37 pm
It was my understanding the Pirates are paying a mil of it.
Murph
February 29th, 2012
12:39 pm
BP, that’s awesome. I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet… it’s top o’ my list as far as games to get this Spring.
The new Diamond Dynasty mode sounds pretty fun. I doubt I’ll play it much, but could be an interesting distraction.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:42 pm
I just checked the Braves and Pirates payroll and salaries breakdown for 2012 on Diaz, Looks like they paid all of his salary for last season in return for the prospect.
DAP
February 29th, 2012
12:42 pm
vabravesfan Another reason we lacked money was that Nate McLouth’s 1.25 million buyout goes torward the 2012 payroll.
you cant be sure about the braves accounting method on that one. they could have spread that buyout through out his time here. actually, thats probably exactly what they did.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
12:43 pm
I’m beginning to think that any MLB accounting is open to various interpretations.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:46 pm
Same for Jack Wilson, Mariners paid the full 5 million
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
I’m going by MLB Reference, It has a yearly breakdown of salaries, buyouts and so on. Pretty cool stuff. Check it out.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/2011-roster.shtml
Lew
February 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
You know what? It really doesn’t matter. We have the team we have – for better or for worse- and that’s all there is to that situation.
They claim to have $4 mil socked away “in case”. Accept it or not. It’s the way they percieve things to be and that’s pretty much the final word.
DAP
February 29th, 2012
12:51 pm
vabravesfan I’m going by MLB Reference,
that wont do you much good. braves account for things differently, so picking out a mil here and a mil there, especially when there are buyouts, bonuses and incentives to consider, is hopeless.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:52 pm
Lew
Braves always do keep some money for mid season trades, we might need to take on some payroll space to make a move.
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
12:54 pm
“Rookie shortstop Tyler Pastornicky throws to first on a running ground ball.” (http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/braves/braves-camp-022812/)
Internal evidence (viz, the tortured syntax) compellingly suggests that the above caption was penned by our own Crusading Everyman, DOB. — Random
Internal evidence suggests you have a lot of free time on your hands and no real clue how newspapers function. No, the reporters don’t write cutlines for photographers. That really would not make much sense at all. But thanks for trying hard, Random. Always count on you for gut-busting comic relief.
(Seriously, what is it you do by day? Great gig, whatever is is.)
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:56 pm
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/?page_id=118
Here is a really cool breakdown. Goes in depth with each player careers. Cool read.
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
12:56 pm
Random, Random, he’s our man, if he can’t do it … well, a lot of other folks probably can.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
12:58 pm
lol
Mitchie-sand
February 29th, 2012
1:00 pm
I have a feeling Minor might have ruffled some feathers with his comments and they might be using his start on Saturday as a small showcase for a Spring Training trade.
You should never remind your bosses that you are expendable. Being a lefty ain’t gonna guarantee a job either, buddy.
George
February 29th, 2012
1:00 pm
As to McCANN story on front. page. BRIAN is a honest man he tells the truth. BRIAN it was NOT all your fault. but you were honest and said you did not play well. Wish some of the other players who choked when the CARDS started to come on would admit they did not play well, Only KIMBREL did.
Murph
February 29th, 2012
1:04 pm
I just downloaded the new MLB At-Bat iPhone app… it’s exactly like the old app. Not much difference from what I can see.
Still debating about keeping the MLB.TV subscription or getting my money back (auto renewed). I’m leaning towards keeping it… what to do, what to do?
What would Ward do in this situation? Write MLB an incomprehensible email in the hope that they’d give him his money back without turning off his subscription? Call in a bomb threat? Kill a bear?
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
1:07 pm
Mitchie-sand
The whole Minor thing is confusing to me. A while ago I thought he already had a spot locked down. I thought Delgado and Teheran were battling to for Hudson spot while he was out. He is 24 years old and has spent time in the majors the past 2 seasons. Also around the deadline and this off season we have put huge value in Mike Minor. Yet he still has to battle for the last spot…. It makes zero sense to me. He’s more valuable in a trade to us than in our AAA rotation that’s for sure. A ton of teams will gladly take him off our hands and put him in the MLB rotation.
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
1:09 pm
Fredi said first Grapefruit League starts would go to Minor on Saturday followed by, in no particular order, Jurrjens, Beachy, Medlen, Teheran and Delgado, likely with one of them “piggybacking” with another starter since they only going maximum 2 innings first time through. He’ll announce the order when he’s ready. I’m sure that delay has to do with them figuring out where they project Hanson will fit and lining up rotation accordingly, so they can replace whomever with Hanson second time through.
DWW
February 29th, 2012
1:15 pm
Enter your comments here
DWW
February 29th, 2012
1:16 pm
Is something wrong with Beachy? Havent seen his name mentioned in a while.
Mitchie-sand
February 29th, 2012
1:21 pm
Very true VaBravesFan. The only thing he has going for him is that he’s a lefty. He is certainly replaceable by what could be a better pitcher who is right handed. I might be misinterpreting his comments or jumping the gun here, but the Braves don’t like players a bad attitude. He’s obviously a little disgruntled or he wouldn’t have said something like “play me or trade me”. There’s no sugar coating that, he isn’t 100% happy with his position in the organization. He sounds very “one way” to me.
There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Ask Yunel.
Mikeyc588
February 29th, 2012
1:23 pm
DWW – Second on that. I sure hope everything is ok with Beachy. I’m much more comfortable with him than Minor at this point, even though some stats suggest Minor was a victim of some bad luck the last couple of years.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
1:24 pm
“Beat me, beat me, asked the masochist” “No”, said the sadist.
Don’t count on a trade just because he asked for one.
Venice Jim
February 29th, 2012
1:25 pm
RIP, Davy Jones…
Ease
February 29th, 2012
1:25 pm
Sounds like Beachy is the odd man out. Dang, I had really taken to the dude. I wish him well in his future endeavors.
Venice Jim
February 29th, 2012
1:26 pm
Assuming the TMZ report is correct…
Murph
February 29th, 2012
1:28 pm
even though some stats suggest Minor was a victim of some bad luck the last couple of years.
Minor was the recipient of almost 5 runs per game in support last season…
DWW
February 29th, 2012
1:29 pm
I can take or leave Minor, he is nice to have till the kids are ready. Beachy on the other hand is becoming one of my favorite braves. I love his attitude on the mound, reminds me of Smoltz. Could be a big year for the guy, hope he is good to go.
Mixxo
February 29th, 2012
1:30 pm
It’s correct VJ. Davy has left us.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
1:30 pm
5 runs of support while he was in the game or five runs per game he pitched in?
Lew
February 29th, 2012
1:31 pm
Considering that the Braves were 10-5 in games he started last year, I’d say MInor certainly did nothing to hold the Braves back from winning.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
1:33 pm
Does anyone think there’s a possibility that while making that post, that DOB simply forgot to add Beachy’s name?
DWW
February 29th, 2012
1:33 pm
Ease, Beachy is no odd man out. He pitched as well as any starter for the braves last year.
Murph
February 29th, 2012
1:35 pm
I dunno Lew, I didn’t do the math myself… I just saw it on baseball-reference.com. I’m assuming it’s per game and not broken down by innings the guy pitched in.
Either way, it helps explain how someone with an ERA over 4 helped the team win so many games. Yes, before you all jump on me, Minor helped in some of those games too… at least every other one.
DWW
February 29th, 2012
1:35 pm
Probably the case Lew, but it got me to thinking that I havent seen his name at all since PandC’s reported.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
1:35 pm
Mike Minor should be in the rotation period, if he isn’t we should trade him IMO. He’s done enough to have a spot.
DWW
February 29th, 2012
1:37 pm
DOB tweeted that Fredi likely misspoke and left out Beachy’s name.
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
1:38 pm
Mike Minor’s name gets thrown around so much and you hear the term Major League Ready all the time, we over valued him so much from the get-go, we’ve made him untouchable threw trade as well, but yet he doesn’t have a spot for sure still.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
1:39 pm
Murph – Dude, you’ve been acting all week like you had a bad burrito and have digestive distress and that Minor made said burrito and forced it down your throat.
Go look at what he did last year. Take away the first start of the season and he had a 3.79 ERA the rest of the way. One bad start at the beginning of the season (when he was called up to make the start) and it adeversely affected his bottom line drastically.
Like I said – 10-5 when he started for the Braves and pitching pretty well by season’s end. All of this for a number five starter during his age 23 season with less than 25 starts in the bigs. What more do you truly expect?
Bravofan
February 29th, 2012
1:39 pm
I see the mlb at bat app on the app store for apple but what about android??
DWW
February 29th, 2012
1:40 pm
VaBravesFan
I think its his spot to lose.
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
1:41 pm
Fredi G. just confirmed via text that Beachy does start one of the first five Grapefruit League games. He just forgot to mention when he was naming them off top of his head in dugout earlier.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
1:42 pm
DWW – Maybe because there have been no injury concerns like with Hudson, Hanson and Jurrjens, or questions about whether or not he’ll be in the rotation like with Minor, Delgado and Teheran? No issues? No press.
Venice Jim
February 29th, 2012
1:42 pm
If you look back up at DOB’s post, he has inserted Beachy into it. There are times I wish I could do that…
DAP
February 29th, 2012
1:47 pm
oh i bet beachy is ticked now. were gonna have to trade him to.
Murph
February 29th, 2012
1:47 pm
Lew, there are a couple of victories in there that were despite Minor, not because of him. And it’s not like he had one start where he gave up 10 runs and the rest were decent… he gave up 4 or more ER in 30% of his starts last season.
Yes, I do think he showed signs of being a good pitcher. I just don’t think he’s the pitcher who gives the Braves the best chance at winning every 5th day. I’d much rather see Delgado or Teheran on the roster.
Sometimes we fans have differing opinions about players. No matter how many times you tell me that the Braves went 10-5 during Minor’s starts, I’m not going to like the guy. He may go out and prove to be a very capable 5th starter and I’m still going to prefer Delgado and Teheran over him.
Ease
February 29th, 2012
1:47 pm
Hooray! Beachy’s back!…Whomp, whomp.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
1:50 pm
Murph – Well, that declaration (no matter what you won’t like him) pretty much says it all.
Thing is that a. they were both in the roiation last year and likely will be again and into the future. 10-5 is 10-5 no matter how you parse it oir spin it. He’s a decent pitcher, still young, with lots of promise. I only wish he had been drafted lower so that there wouldn’t be the first round bias against a kid who’s actully done pretty well so far.
Lew
February 29th, 2012
1:51 pm
And with that, I’m out of here. Back later.
DWW
February 29th, 2012
1:56 pm
True dat Lew. All he needs to do is tell someone he came to camp 5 pounds lighter than last year and we will get a write up about his off season work outs.
Mikeyc588
February 29th, 2012
2:08 pm
Lew, Murph, others – When I say his stats suggest bad luck, I meant FIP and BABIP as compared with his ERA. I think he is a good pitcher, and it certainly would be nice to have a lefty. Wasn’t trying to denigrate Minor. On the contrary, I was saying he was a lot better than his 4.74 ERA over two years might suggest (something with which I’m sure the front office would agree, or he wouldn’t be first in line for the 5th spot).
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
2:13 pm
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Sources: Additional wild cards a “go” for this season. Playoffs to expand from eight to 10 teams. Announcement tomorrow. #MLB
Murph
February 29th, 2012
2:15 pm
10-5 is 10-5 no matter how you parse it oir spin it.
So when you say that Minor would have had a 3.79 ERA if not for a bad start… I’m sorry, what would that be? Parsing or spinning?
When a pitcher is pulled from a game that he’s losing and the team comes back to win… I’d say counting that in some arbitrary win total and crediting the pitcher with it is the definition of positive spin.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
February 29th, 2012
2:18 pm
Yet another reason to stop smoking…
http://charlotte.cbslocal.com/2012/02/29/man-bursts-into-flames-after-accidentally-drinking-gasoline-lighting-cigarette/
Murph
February 29th, 2012
2:19 pm
Additional Wild Card team this year…
yippee.
raleighbravefan
February 29th, 2012
2:20 pm
I don’t understand all the angst over Minor.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
2:20 pm
Braves GM Frank Wren told Stark he isn’t worried about locking Brian McCann up just yet, since he’s under team control through 2013. “I think it’s probably premature for those discussions,” Wren said. “But we love him. And we know he’s a big part of our club.”
Hugo Z Hackenbush
February 29th, 2012
2:20 pm
Wow, the Braves’ chances of making the playoffs just improved from 26.4 to 33.3%.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
2:21 pm
cabravesfan Well, the catcher WAS missing #16
Well, his back was facing away from us…
But it was undoubtedly BMac, because he was wearing BMac’s mask… 
raleighbravefan
February 29th, 2012
2:22 pm
Ryan Howard now out “indefinitely”, with infection at site of surgery incisions. Infections can be nasty…just ask Prado.
Venice Jim
February 29th, 2012
2:26 pm
On the other hand:
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
Told agreement on expanded playoffs isn’t final, but will happen. Same thing on announcement. Not certain for tomorrow, but possible
Jimmy
February 29th, 2012
2:27 pm
“Ryan Howard now out “indefinitely”, with infection at site of surgery incisions. Infections can be nasty…just ask Prado.”
Didn’t A-Roid have this same thing happen a couple of years ago too?
Jimmy
February 29th, 2012
2:28 pm
VJ – I thought it had to be announced by 1 March? Or agreed upon atleast.
Venice Jim
February 29th, 2012
2:29 pm
Not sure how much wiggle room they might have if they think they’re close…
Billy
February 29th, 2012
2:30 pm
Wow. Listening to some of this “baseball lecture” from some trying to teach others about baseball from their prospective is boring.
It sounds like a young person that just began learning about electricity, by reading about electricity, and then believing he nows all about electricity and then trying to re-educate electrical engineers that have been at it for 20-40 years. Arrrrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhh. Just enjoy the game and QUIT trying so hard, to bore us with how much you think you know. Go outside and get some fresh air.
Now for you fans that aren’t being led by the nose, by sites, because you learned the game the right way with your eyes, carry on
RC
February 29th, 2012
2:31 pm
Ryan Howard now out “indefinitely”, with infection at site of surgery incisions. Infections can be nasty…just ask Prado.
From what I’ve read this was a relatively small infection, not nearly as nasty as what Prado was dealing with. However, Prado also wasn’t dealing with a ruptured achilles, so it sounds like Howard is likely to remain out for some time.
Good thing that 5-year, $125 million extension starts this year
Hugo Z Hackenbush
February 29th, 2012
2:37 pm
I think there’s a potential tv sitcom in all this…
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ted-turner-jane-fonda-cnn-time-warner-295773
MFin04
February 29th, 2012
2:37 pm
It’s interesting that by expanding the playoffs they are actually ruining the playoffs. Terrible idea. I really hope it doesn’t go through. We need Ryan Braun’s lawyers STAT!
abeeewright
February 29th, 2012
2:39 pm
Matt Diaz had an above average 2007 and 2009. Otherwise, he’s been a 600 OPS guy.
raleighbravefan
February 29th, 2012
2:43 pm
I know there are not many Monkees fans here, but Davy Jones died this morning of a heart attack (age 66, way too young) Show was popular in the mid 60’s, and I never missed it. By far, my favorite was Michael Nesmith, who refused to have anything to do with the Monkees after the show ended.
DWW
February 29th, 2012
2:43 pm
MFin
I really dont see how it ruins the playoffs. Its a one game playoff between the two wild card winners, then its the same as it has been to my understanding.
UKUGA
February 29th, 2012
2:45 pm
I like the one game play-off.
Adds an extra flare to the end of the regular season.
Last year’s finale, while exhilirating, was also an anomaly.
DAP
February 29th, 2012
2:45 pm
abeewright Matt Diaz had an above average 2007 and 2009. Otherwise, he’s been a 600 OPS guy.
that would be false.
matt diaz is a career .297/.343/.437 hitter. thats a .780 OPS. you dont get there in 9 seasons with 2 above average years, and OPSing .600 the rest of them.
06-10 with atlanta, diaz hit .305/.353/.461. thats a .815 OPS.
he had a bad year in 2011, but im wondering why its so popular today to act like matt diaz wasnt ever all that good.
DWW
February 29th, 2012
2:46 pm
It also makes the regular season more interesting because teams are motivated to avoid that one game playoff and win their division.
Jimmy
February 29th, 2012
2:47 pm
I’m ok with the new playoff format. I don’t feel that a Wild Card team should be on equal footing as a division winner. That’s the way it is now.
But with the change, they have to win a one-gamer to get into the playoffs. Well, I guess it is already the playoffs, but you know what I mean.
Murph
February 29th, 2012
2:56 pm
he had a bad year in 2011
And in 2008 and 2010.
Diaz will probably do well this year, hit over .300, because he won’t see many (if any) AB’s against righties and singles count just as much as doubles and HR’s do towards the ol’ batting average..
Hugo Z Hackenbush
February 29th, 2012
2:57 pm
raleighbravesfan, Nesmith was on their 1996 reunion album and briefly toured with them, but it’s true that he kept his distance for the most part.
DWW
February 29th, 2012
2:58 pm
DOB
Do you plan on doing any live interviews (via the blog) with some of the guys this spring like you have the last couple of years?
jeffrey d
February 29th, 2012
3:00 pm
I like the new format (make the WC earn its spot) but man…losing that one game’s gonna be heartbreaking.
JRW
February 29th, 2012
3:05 pm
RC – “Good thing that 5-year, $125 million extension (for Ryan Howard) starts this year”
———————————————————————
I believe they have insurance to cover the salary if he misses games due to injury. So they are actually saving money.
Ease
February 29th, 2012
3:06 pm
Yeah, kinda feel bad for the Phillies.
DAP
February 29th, 2012
3:06 pm
murph he had a bad year in 2011
And in 2008 and 2010.
well, he was injured those years, but sure. he still OPSed .739 in 2010, which is a far cry from the .600 abeeewright was citing.
Jimmy
February 29th, 2012
3:07 pm
jeffery d – Yeah, that’s why it needs to be avoided. Why teams will strive to win their division.
If your team isn’t involved in the play-in game, it should be an exciting game, filled with drama and great to watch. Every pitch is crucial.
If the Braves are in it……stay off the blog during the game.
raleighbravefan
February 29th, 2012
3:14 pm
Hugo – Didn’t know that. You know, his mom invented white-out…made enough money so that he could afford to become a full-time musician. It was a great thing in typewriter days, but has limited use on a computer monitor.
raleighbravefan
February 29th, 2012
3:17 pm
The real harm (other than risk of elimination, of course) with 1 game “play-in”, is having to burn your best pitcher, then immediately turning around and playing a multi-game series against a higher seeded team, who didn’t burn a pitcher.