Medlen still penciled in for bullpen role, not rotation
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – If he were a few years younger or threw a few miles per hour harder, would there be any debate among Braves decision-makers over whether Kris Medlen should be in the starting rotation or the bullpen? I’m betting he’d be a lock for the rotation by now.
Medlen, here stretching during a workout earlier this spring, has excelled in his two starts but remains penciled in for a bullpen role. (Jason Getz photo/AJC)
He threw four scoreless innings of one-hit ball with one walk in a split-squad game Saturday against the Mets, and only Mike Minor has pitched better among Braves starters this spring. There’s also the matter of Medlen being unbeaten (5-0) with a 3.86 ERA in 14 games as a starter in 2010 before he blew out his elbow and had Tommy John surgery. The Braves were 13-1 in his starts.
He did it then, and he’s doing it again now in limited opportunities. He has two starts and one relief appearance this spring, and Medlen has allowed six hits and one run in eight innings, with one walk and seven strikeouts.
But he’s 26 and doesn’t throw in the mid-90 mph range like their top elite young starting prospects, Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado, who are competing with Minor for two rotation spots to begin the season. (Minor seems a near certainty for one spot, and will presumably stay in the rotation after Tim Hudson returns from the DL around May 1.)
Meanwhile, Medlen has been characterized as more of a swing man – reliever or starter – and fallback option for the rotation in case of injury or struggles by those kids.
“What do you want [from Medlen], one inning or six?” a Braves veteran asked rhetorically, meaning he wanted Medlen to have a bigger effect on games as a starter. He hoped Medlen would be in the rotation, while acknowledging the “tough decision” team officials faced. Lot of great young arms in the organization.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said the Braves are sticking with their original plan of having Medlen as a “wild card” – a guy who can fill any role in the bullpen, while also getting him stretched out to four innings this spring to have him as a starting option “if something doesn’t go well” with the others competing for rotation spots.
He likes the fact that the right-hander is a multiple-innings option as a reliever, “and it’s almost like having a third left-hander too, because of his change-up.”
Medlen isn’t currently scheduled to start another spring-training game and the Braves have only one more split-squad day on March 30. Medlen filled Tommy Hanson’s rotation spot early in campe while Hanson was recovering from a concussion.
Hanson’s back now and innings are getting scarce because the other starters have worked up to four innings and will go to five the next time through the rotation. As a result, Delgado and Teheran will only be able to “piggyback” in one more start Wednesday against St. Louis, when the plan is for Delgado to pitch five innings and Teheran to follow with four innings.
The next time their turn in the rotation comes up on Saturday (March 24), Gonzalez said Teheran would start that day’s Grapefruit League game against Toronto and Delgado would start a minor league game. (Teheran is starting the big-league game that day because Delgado is starting the one on Wednesday.)
So where does Medlen stand in all this? The amiable Californian, a 10th-round draft pick in 2006, would like to start but understands how these things work and isn’t going to be the type to ruffle any feathers or make any demands. Far from it.
“I’m just getting too old to worry about that stuff,” he said, then chuckled when someone noted how that sounded coming from a 26-year-old. “I’m maturing into the old man in the clubhouse. No, but I’m just over that kind of stuff. Just do what I’m supposed to do and let them make the decisions. I think I’ve done a good job with that my entire career so far.
“Just go out and pitch and let them make the decisions.”
Medlen said the biggest improvement he’s made this spring has been with his curveball. He was a fastball/change-up guy before and would only throw an occasional curveball, usually on first pitches when he knew a batter wouldn’t be looking for it.
He chatted with ex-Braves pitcher John Smoltz on Sunday when the former Cy Young Award winner was at camp as a broadcaster with MLB Network.
“I was just talking to Smoltzy about [the curveball], how I think I can finally trust my arm throwing it,” said Medlen, meaning he was past the concern of stressing the elbow with the breaking ball following Tommy John surgery, which Smoltz also had.
“It’s more of a mental thing almost,” Medlen said. “I’m flipping some pretty good ones up there — for my curveball anyways.”
He said his curveball before this year wasn’t much of a threat.
“I’d flip it up there for a strike because they’re not looking for it, just spin it up there,” he said. “It wasn’t too good but it did the job because it set me up for the fastball and my change-up, too. But I had a couple of strikeouts with the curveball yesterday. It’s been a better pitch for me this spring. I think it’s gotten them off my change-up a little bit….
Braves catchers McCann (left) and Ross are two of Medlen's biggest supporters. (Jason Getz photo/AJC)
“The rotation [of the curveball] is better now. I was always getting on the side of it before, kind of relying on my two-seamer [sinker] so I could cheat on it a little bit and kind of pull off and still get a good run on [the pitch]. But now I’m just really focusing on staying on top of it. I was talking to Rossy; he’s calling it all the time so obviously he thinks it’s a little better than it was.”
Catcher David Ross said: “He made every pitch I asked him to make yesterday, and as he settled down he pitched even better. The one hit he gave up yesterday was a first-pitch ambush — [Daniel] Murphy jumped on a heater and hit a ball to left. Murphy wasn’t stupid. He knew that if he got to his curveball and change-up, he was done.”
Gonzalez managed the split-squad game against the Mets. He has seen Medlen pick up right where he left off last season, when he came off the disabled list to make two impressive relief appearances in the last week of the season.
“His command with his fastball on both sides of the plate is off the charts,” Gonzalez said. “The guys really like to catch him because they put a target down and he hits it. They like that with him and [prospect Sean] Gilmartin is the same way. You put a target down and he hits it.”
Teammates gush over Medlen and call him one of the most underrated pitchers in the National League. Ross and All-Star catcher Brian McCann are two of his biggest cheerleaders.
“He’s done well every time out,” Rossa said of Minor’s work this spring. “You know he’s going to make pitches. He’s a guy that knows how to pitch, that knows what you’re trying to do. He gets it. Some guys … they think differently. He thinks like a catcher or a hitter, he gets what we’re trying to do to hitters.
“For instance, he said the other day, ‘I had somebody 3-1 and they fouled back a fastball, and I knew during the season I could have thrown him a changeup and struck him out. But I was working on locating my fastball.’ He’s already got a plan on what he would do, but he’s working on stuff.”
BRAVES lineup vs. Detroit (Monday 1 p.m., ESPN)
- Bourn CF
- Prado 3B
- Jones DH
- Hinske 1B
- Heyward RF
- Diaz LF
- Ross C
- Sutton 2B
- Pastornicky SS
Braves’ Jair Jurrjens starts against Tigers ace Justin Verlander.
♣ Record not a concern: Even before the Braves won a pair of split-squad games Saturday to give them a little three-game win and four wins in five games, veteran players weren’t concerned about their previously unsightly 1-10-1 record.
“Any spring training record [good or bad] doesn’t matter,” Eric Hinske said. “You’re just trying to get your innings in as pitchers, just trying to get your timing down as hitters. Whatever happens, happens. The scores of the games don’t matter, you just want to be ready to go when the bell rings. Just make it through healthy and make sure all 25 are ready to roll when April 5th comes around.”
Speaking of April 5, it’s getting here quickly, isn’t it, folks? The Braves’ April 5 season opener at New York against the Mets is now just over two weeks away.
♣ Roster cuts: The Braves made its second round of roster cuts this morning, dropping right-handed pitchers Jaye Chapman, J.J. Hoover and Todd Redmond, lefties Gilmartin and Luis Avilan, and catcher Evan Gattis. All of those pitchers were optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett except Gilmartin, who was not on the 40-man roster and was thus reassigned to minor league camp.
Gattis, he of the unique vagabond-like background and powerful bat, was also reassigned to minor league camp. He’ll likely begin the season at high-A Lynchburg, and made a good impression while in big-league camp.
Gattis, 25, hit .322 with 22 homers with 71 RBIs and a .986 OPS in just 88 games last season at low-A Rome, his second year of pro ball after being out of baseball for four years while he traveled the West doing odd jobs and looking for answers. (In case you missed it, I did a story on him a couple of weeks ago. Click here for a link to that story.)
It sounds like the Braves might take a look at Gattis some at first base this season.
“His strength is his bat,” Gonzalez said. “You can see that. Here’s a guy that can catch and that’s a valuable tool. He’s played some first base in the minor leagues. If you can carry a guy that can kind of play first base and still be able to catch in the National League, that gives you an extra bat. That’s a big plus.”
“He’s strong, has great work ethic and wants to get better. His bat’s been impressive.”
♣ On Simmons/Pastornicky, Bourn, etc…
Everywhere the Braves go this spring, people ask about the shortstop situation and whether Andrelton Simmons is being seriously considered after outplaying Tyler Pastornicky in the first month of camp. From all that I hear, there are differing opinions within the Brave front office, some convinced that Simmons is ready, others that he shouldn’t be rushed to the majors without at least some minor league experience above Class A. Stay tuned, the next couple of weeks should be interesting….
I talked to some people in the past week – two players and one other person familiar with Scott Boras‘ philosophy – who seemed entirely certain that Michael Bourn, a Boras client, would not re-sign with the Braves before hitting the free-agent market next fall after the 2012 season. Boras almost always takes clients to free agency, especially if they get into the last year of their contracts — and particularly a player such as Bourn, who’s been with his current team for such a short period….
Some scouts say other teams are concerned about Jair Jurrjens’ knee condition and are convinced it will require him to continue wearing a knee brace when pitching.
♣ OK, let’s close this before the game starts. Didn’t have a new main blog yesterday, so we didn’t get a chance to include any Irish tuneage on St. Pat’s Day. So we’ll do it today. Let’s turn to none other than Van Morrison. There have been few that ooze such talent, skill and soul as does Van the Man. Here’s one of his many timeless gems, which you can see him do live by clicking here, and hear the studio version by clicking here.
“TUPELO HONEY” by Van Morrison
You can take all the tea in China
Put it in a big brown bag for me
Sail right around all the seven oceans
Drop it straight into the deep blue sea
She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey
She’s an angel of the first degree
She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey
Just like honey from the bee
You can’t stop us on the road to freedom
You can’t keep us ’cause our eyes can see
Men with insight, men in granite
Knights in armor bent on chivalry
She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey
She’s an angel of the first degree
She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey
Just like honey, baby, from the bee
You can’t stop us on the road to freedom
You can’t stop us ’cause our eyes can see
Men with insight, men in granite
Knights in armor intent on chivalry
She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey
She’s an angel of the first degree
She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey
Just like honey, baby, from the bee
You know she’s alright
You know she’s alright with me
She’s alright, she’s alright (she’s an angel)
You know she’s alright
You know she’s alright with me
She’s alright, she’s alright (she’s an angel)
You know she’s alright
You know she’s alright with me
She’s alright, she’s alright (she’s an angel)
She’s alright, she’s alright (she’s an angel)
She’s alright, she’s alright (she’s an angel)
She’s alright, she’s alright (she’s an angel)
You can take all the tea in China
Put it in a big brown bag for me
Sail it right around all these seven oceans
Drop it smack dab in the middle of the deep blue sea
Because, she’s as sweet as Tupelo honey, yes she is
She’s an angel of the first degree
She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey
Just like honey, baby, from the bee
She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey
She’s an angel of the first degree
She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey
Just like the honey, from the bee
She’s my baby, you know she’s alright
She’s alright, she’s alright (she’s an angel)….
– David O’Brien, Braves/MIB blog
1,858 comments Add your comment
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
1:10 pm
Where is everybody today?
richbrave
March 18th, 2012
1:12 pm
Well, it’s a waste in the ‘pen if you ask me when he’s needed in the rotation until HUDSON returns from the DL.
richbrave
March 18th, 2012
1:13 pm
We’re just the first to notice the new main bloggage SAM. Is the game on MLBN?
Weaseal
March 18th, 2012
1:15 pm
There’s baseball today -css in hd bright lights big city
Kat
March 18th, 2012
1:17 pm
richbrave it’s being aired on delay at 3am on MLBN.
Nick
March 18th, 2012
1:17 pm
Is this game on Directv?
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
1:19 pm
Game not on MLBN. I cant find it anywhere not even radio. Please rich, its Samantha or sissy.
phil
March 18th, 2012
1:20 pm
Bristol is half empty for the Cup race today.
Unthinkable 6 years ago…
Preview of the Ted this season?
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
1:23 pm
Good morning uncle Phil.
Billy
March 18th, 2012
1:23 pm
At bat 12 is showing MLBTV feed of CSS game
phil
March 18th, 2012
1:23 pm
Today’s game is meaningless.
Much like all other ST games and the first three months of the regular season….
Or so we often heard last year.
phil
March 18th, 2012
1:23 pm
Uncle phil? Lol!
phil
March 18th, 2012
1:24 pm
Back later…nice day out.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:26 pm
For those who can’t follow, Minor had allowed only a double to go along with six outs (one K). 4 Braves up and down so far…
MFin04
March 18th, 2012
1:26 pm
Medlen should be a starter.
And what is up with the panoramic view on MLB.TV? It’s jacked up big time.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:27 pm
Chipper with a double! Too bad he’s done…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:29 pm
Nice RBI single for Parraz!
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
1:29 pm
Parraz lines a two-out single to RF to score Jones for 1-0 Braves lead in the 2nd
brian
March 18th, 2012
1:31 pm
I thing fredi is being stubborn in declaring that Medlen is still bullpen material. At least give him some props for his excellent spring like we still would love him to be in the bullpen but he is pitching so well…..
If Medlen started in Hudson’s spot he would still return to the bullpen when Hudson returns. He would also be nice and stretched out if JJ or Hanson break down.
brian
March 18th, 2012
1:32 pm
Parraz is making a strong case to be on the team and get some playing time as well
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
1:32 pm
Happy St Paddy’s Weekend D.O.B.! Lucky Charms My Man!
Thanks for the New Blog!
And BTW when Tomahawkin drinks, Irish Car Bombs, Shots of Liquid Cocaine (Jager, Bacardi 151, and Goldschlager) while Partying with some old House of Pain Dont Mix…I’m still drunk from last nite, and it hurts! I feel like I have been hit by a baseball in the head…Time for some old Paul Hardcastle, Fleetwood Mac and Mariah….
Little Big Man MED’S Has to start!
The braves were 12-3 in his starts in 2010
GovClintonTyree
March 18th, 2012
1:33 pm
Dave, Van Morrison is Scots-Irish. We’re the ones sent over to subdue you and your heathen people.
Brava
March 18th, 2012
1:33 pm
keithlaw @keithlaw
Agreed. “@Ben_Duronio: @keithlaw I’d rather see Medlen be the fifth man than Teheran or Delgado until Hudson is healthy.”
Tampa Gator
March 18th, 2012
1:34 pm
I guess they are afrad of blowing out his arm again and a planning for the future (not this year)….because he is obviously one of the best starters on the staff at this current time. He just gets people consistenly out….no matter how hard he throws. Remember a guy named, Greg Maddox. Not saying he is a duplicate, but he sure is effective without the power ball….like Maddox.
brian
March 18th, 2012
1:34 pm
I would love to see nc state knock off Georgetown. Never cared for Georgetown much
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
1:35 pm
Wait- Chippet is at 1st and Freddie is at 3rd? Awesome!
(I kid, I kid…)
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
1:35 pm
I like This Parraz Cat!
I hope him and George Constanza are competing for roles on the bench….?
Other than SKE, our Bench is Thin…I Miss My Boy Connie!
Lew
March 18th, 2012
1:35 pm
George – (from the other blog) Yep, you’re right. The Braves held a team meeting and decided to mess with your head by playing better for a few games.
Tampa Gator
March 18th, 2012
1:36 pm
Dave….
Is Parraz going to make the team? I would prefer him over DIaz, frankly.
Waffle House or Bust
March 18th, 2012
1:37 pm
98% of us will die someday.
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
1:37 pm
Wow- I don’t know who Chippet is…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:37 pm
Good old Chippet…
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
1:37 pm
Gov: He was born in East Belfast.
By the way, one side of my family’s from Ireland, the other from Scotland. (But about six generations have been here in the States)
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
S/O’s
To Brava
cabrfavesfan
And Samantha!
What Up?
Billy
March 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
If your projector or TV has HDMI Port than you can watch games through MLBTV via At Bat 12 with your IPhone or IPad with this gizmo and a HDMI cable
Apple Digital AV Adapter – iPad / iPhone / iPod audio / video / charging / data adapter – Male Apple Dock connector to F 19 pin HDMI Type A, Apple Dock connector
coastalbrave
March 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
Is VJ not doing PBP?
brian
March 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
Tampa – it is going to be easier on medleys arm to be a starter rather than a reliever
One-Eyed Mac
March 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
I’m torn over Medlen. By all rights he’s earned the opportunity to at least fill in for Huddy. But, we also need another reliable arm or two in the bullpen to take some of the load off of O’Ventbrel. Vizcaino could haven been one of those guys, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be healthy. That leaves Medlen. Without either Viz or Medlen in the bullpen, we’ll have the same question marks there ahead of O’Ventbrel.
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
Minor has retired nine of 10 batters faced including seven in a row since Nick Johnson’s two-out double in 1st
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
1:40 pm
Chippet is awesome!
Morning Tomahawkin
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
1:40 pm
oh crap…I meant to say cabravesfan…or cab…
I’m sorry.,…I’m talking to other cats on facebook while blogging
phil
March 18th, 2012
1:40 pm
DOB will be disgusted to know I share his ancestory…
phil
March 18th, 2012
1:41 pm
Well, if we had kept Linebrink, as good as he was, our pen would be set…
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
1:42 pm
Tomahawkin-
No worries- I keep typing your name “Timahawkin” on my phone
(not to mentioning just called Chipper “Chippet”
)
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:42 pm
coastalbrave – wasn’t sure it was necessary since the games on the radio network and some TV (plus, I am actually doing some work on my computer right now)…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:43 pm
Braves go 1-2-3 in the 3rd – 1-0 Braves…
coastalbrave
March 18th, 2012
1:44 pm
Anybody have a radio link? Thanks
brian
March 18th, 2012
1:44 pm
Very impressive for Minor
phil
March 18th, 2012
1:44 pm
The boys are clearly playing better as a whole, which makes ST much less meaningless and much more encouraging.
FG won’t know what to do if this keeps up. Of course, he never really knows one way or the other.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
1:44 pm
@cab
Ur lucky its morning out there…!
I feel like shyt and 6am Monday morning is right around the corner!
njbraves
March 18th, 2012
1:44 pm
Lew….All those guys you mentioned for the pen have very little experience and haven’t proven they are ready for late inning, pressure situations. Are you going to feel comfortable using them in the 7th or 8th inning of a close game? Medlen is much more proven, and provides the Braves with auchincloss better option on days when one of the big three needs a breather. They have a ton of starting pitching, especially when Huddy returns, bullpen will be much stronger with Medlen in it. It’s really not difficult to see this.
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
1:44 pm
I gotta run- you folks have a good day
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
1:45 pm
Good Morning Tomahawkin. Whats up?
Bravefaninok
March 18th, 2012
1:46 pm
I think Meds is a starter,but with him in the pen(he can be counted on) It gives the manager another guy to go with EOF,Venters and Kimbrell.
Brava
March 18th, 2012
1:46 pm
Hey, T.
Lew
March 18th, 2012
1:46 pm
Chippet and Medley – No doubt about it – the front office should ask our opinion.
beekay
March 18th, 2012
1:48 pm
Great spring for Minor, Meds,Uggs, and Joey Terds “the Deuce”….lets go Bravos!!!
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:50 pm
Another Minor K to start the fourth, but the next batter walks…then a single to left…
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
1:50 pm
Welcome back UNCLE Phil
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:51 pm
5-4-3 DP ends the Orioles 4th…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:54 pm
Prado single on a somewhat misplayed ball to center…
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
1:55 pm
Enter your comments here
Zing
March 18th, 2012
1:55 pm
Okay, this is going to sound kind of like a downer, but I mean it in a positive way. All this angst over who is/are going to win the rotation job(s)– Minor/Medlen/Teheran/Delgado (and my personal opinion is that Medlen should get one of those slots)– is not going to matter in the long run, because (a) someone, and very possibly more than one, is going to get hurt among the trio of Jurrjens, Hanson, and Hudson, (b) even if all of them stay healthy, the Braves won’t be able to sign both Hanson and Jurrjens to long-term contracts, and (c) Hudson can’t pitch forever. So, all of these guys, assuming they continue to pitch well, will likely be in the rotation at some point. That’s a good thing, folks! Means the Braves’ prospects for starting pitchers look awfully good for the foreseeable future. Few teams can make the same kind of claim. So, let’s count our blessings and be happy that the Braves have such difficult decisions to make!
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:57 pm
Prado out stealing easily…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:57 pm
Mac pops to 3rd…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
1:58 pm
HBP Uggla…
Lew
March 18th, 2012
1:58 pm
njbraves – Well, Varvaro had a 2.63 ERA last year and a very low WHIP in 24 appearances (during a pennant race) and went multiple innings quite afew times. We did not have him in the pen for most of last year.
Asencio is out of options and was lights out in winter ball and had a sub 2.0 ERA and WHIP odf 1.12 in AAA
Guerrin’s minor league stats were very good, as well and he had some experience at the ML level last year.
Moylan should add depth later in the year when they need it most.
What you need here is someone to replace Proctor, Sherrill and Linebrink – any of the aforementioned should do much better than what we had last year. They should at least manage well enoug so Fredi (hopefully) doesn’t use the Big Three with a four run lead.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
1:59 pm
Samantha
“Good Morning Tomahawkin. Whats up?”
Coolin, Chillaxin to some old Janet Jackson and SWV…I feel Like Crap from last night!
I was a Wild and Crazy Kid last night!
How bout U? And its good to have u on the Blog..Rock On!
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
2:00 pm
Has anybody got a radio feed?
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:00 pm
K Chipper…end of the 4th, 1-0…
Lew
March 18th, 2012
2:02 pm
And if they use Medlen in the pen, I’m seriously doubting they use him after the sixth inning – his value lies in pitching multiple innings, which he likely would not do to close a close game. What they need is to give one of the big three a night off every night and use both Venters AND Kimbrel to close games.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
2:02 pm
I have Time Warner, in NC. Does anyone have any idea what channel it may be on, here? I rather not be stuck watching an American League baseball game, on MLB Network. Damn Red Sox and Rays.
Bravefaninok
March 18th, 2012
2:03 pm
Check WCNN Samantha …..
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:03 pm
Unassisted ground out to Minor…
Lew
March 18th, 2012
2:03 pm
Meant after the seventh inning.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
2:04 pm
I am always a wild and crazy chick, I have to be to make money. Are you having a party today Tomahawkin? Not on for good just temporary.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
2:04 pm
I don’t even think I have the T.V. guide channel.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:04 pm
Groundout to Tyler…
Blog Monitor
March 18th, 2012
2:04 pm
WKUL 92.1
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
2:05 pm
I’m ready for the reg season/ingame bloggin, the reg season needs to get here…! Especially since Ugg is Clowning!
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
2:05 pm
Thanks Braves fan but still cant find it. Iwill just stay with VJ.
Billy
March 18th, 2012
2:06 pm
For radio and TV google MLB.TV
Trey
March 18th, 2012
2:06 pm
Man, I can’t wait to get back to good ol’ Georgia, so I can head to the Atlanta Braves, this upcoming season. I also gotta head back to a Gwinnett Braves game, since I don’t live too far from them.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:06 pm
Minor throws guy out – very good five innings…
Billy
March 18th, 2012
2:07 pm
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index.jsp
Bravefaninok
March 18th, 2012
2:07 pm
Minor was impessive again today!!!!
Billy
March 18th, 2012
2:08 pm
Rotation will be sick in 2013 with both Minor and Gilmartin in it
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:08 pm
Freeman singles…
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
2:10 pm
Do you think there is a chance the both Jordan Parraz and Luis Durango make the team with Matty Diaz being the odd man out? — VaBravesFan
I think Parraz OR Durango could make the team, but not both. No, I don’t see Diaz getting dropped.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:10 pm
Pop foul Parraz…
Trey
March 18th, 2012
2:10 pm
Eh, I will just read about it later. I gotta get out for the day and see that new movie Battleship.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
2:12 pm
Minor is making a statement this spring. Guess he’s saying count me in for 12-14 wins, maybe more with some run support. Nice having a lefty to rely on again. Been a while.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:12 pm
Pastornicky out 6-3, FF to 2nd…
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
2:13 pm
Samantha
“I am always a wild and crazy chick, I have to be to make money. Are you having a party today Tomahawkin? Not on for good just temporary.”
No, I’m done partying for the weekend. T-Hawkin doesn’t party on Sundays, unless its at Lake Lanier and Sunset Cove…
My yellow ass has to recover from last night…! I’m gonna drink wine and watch Old New York Undercover…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:15 pm
Boscan – excellent at bat – walks…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:16 pm
Pitching change for the O’s…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
2:16 pm
Just having some brain far*s, but I keep forgetting we’re set five deep in the rotation when Hudson’s back – Huddy, Hanson, Beachy, JJ, Minor. You aren’t replacing any of those guys with Medlen, though he’s plenty good enough to start and do well. So bashing Fredi and the Braves for not going with KM to start the season in the rotation isn’t that big a deal.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:17 pm
NC State, 5 point lead at the under 4 minute media time out…
Chris Patrini in for the O’s…
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
2:18 pm
Sounds good Tomahawkin. I dont have to be wild chick tonite either, so I guess relax day.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:19 pm
Bourn strikes out to end the 5th…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
2:20 pm
I got a white, hairy ass. It isn’t flat and flabby though which is good.
B-F_52
March 18th, 2012
2:21 pm
thnx Blog M
Trey
March 18th, 2012
2:21 pm
Nevermind, that movie comes out May 18. I thought it already came out. Damn.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
2:22 pm
Nice way to lead off a new page with that beaut at 2:20 …
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:23 pm
Cory Gearrin in…leadoff K swinging…
Lew
March 18th, 2012
2:23 pm
TnBrian – Really. Yet more info for the Front Office to base decisions on, right?
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:26 pm
One out single…
Blog Monitor
March 18th, 2012
2:26 pm
B-F_52,
YW..
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
2:27 pm
Lew, what, my butt? But you’re right – some bloggers think they have all the answers when we only know maybe a single layer of what goes on behind the scenes.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:28 pm
Strike out…
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
2:29 pm
Trey
“Man, I can’t wait to get back to good ol’ Georgia, so I can head to the Atlanta Braves, this upcoming season. I also gotta head back to a Gwinnett Braves game, since I don’t live too far from them.”
If You are going to be in the area (Gwinnett County) we need to kick it? Nuff Respect…and All Shots/drinks will be on me!
I live in Loganville Now, but get at me if u are around?
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:30 pm
Broken bat single – 1st and 2nd…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:32 pm
Chipper catches pop out on the mound – Braves remain ahead in the middle of the 6th…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:36 pm
Martin Ks…
TNScott
March 18th, 2012
2:36 pm
Good inning CG.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
2:37 pm
Tomahawkin, am I invited. I live in Gwinnett.
brian
March 18th, 2012
2:38 pm
Nc state knocks off gtown
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:39 pm
Ground out Mac
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:39 pm
Ground out Mac
Lew
March 18th, 2012
2:40 pm
Yep, sounds like the Braves wasted a draft pick on Minor, doesn’t it?
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:40 pm
Uggla K…6th inning over…
Mixxo
March 18th, 2012
2:42 pm
Wolfpack!
Good! I can’t stand Georgetown.
Bravefaninok
March 18th, 2012
2:46 pm
EOF looks to be ready….7 or 8 pitch inning
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:46 pm
EOF – 2 groundouts and a K…that was quick…
Billy
March 18th, 2012
2:48 pm
Funny stuff from Brian Jordan. Said that inning went so quick in order to get his work in EOF should go back to bullpen to get his work in lol
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:49 pm
Joey T – line drive rolls to the wall for a double…
Kat
March 18th, 2012
2:50 pm
Just as an FYI .. personalized Braves jerseys are 20% for the next two days which is a pretty good deal at the MLB online shop.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:50 pm
FF – high pop out to 2nd…
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
2:51 pm
Enter your comments here
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:51 pm
Wild pitch, Joey to 2nd…
Billy
March 18th, 2012
2:51 pm
Joet T can just flat out hit. Good bloodline
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
2:52 pm
Sorry about that.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:54 pm
Sorry – obviously he went to 3rd, where he scores on ground out by Parraz…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:55 pm
Excellent play probably took a base hit from Parraz…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:55 pm
Venters up in the bullpen…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:56 pm
7th over, Braves lead 2-0…
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
2:58 pm
In The ATL, the game is on 680 The Fan. I’ve been working in my yard all weekend and I’m one tired dude. The Walking Dead finale tonight, Southland later this week…Shameless probably ends soon too, but some good shows coming back like Mad Men with the delicious Christina Hendricks.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:58 pm
Durango can’t get to it in center – ground rule double…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
2:59 pm
Single – 2-1…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
3:02 pm
Venters tags batter out…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
3:03 pm
Fly out to right – runner holds at 2nd…Tyler almost got him going back in…
haggard
March 18th, 2012
3:03 pm
David O’Brien
Thanks for the new goods. And Van Morrison is good anytime, especially on Sunday,(still remember and smile when you included another favorite, “Cleaning Windows”, on the blog a while back).
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
3:04 pm
Thanks Ken, Forgot about 680
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
3:04 pm
In Parraz’s glove, he loses it – tie game…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
3:05 pm
E-9…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
3:05 pm
Groundout to Joey T ends top of the 8th…
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:06 pm
Hi Samantha, do you know Raquel?
Rob from SC
March 18th, 2012
3:06 pm
JV hit a little bit his last 2 outings
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
3:06 pm
Braves OF hopeful Parraz just had a routine fly ball bounce off his glove in RF near corner. Run scores on the E9, it’s 2-2 headed to bottom 8th.
That’s two ugly errors on Parraz in the outfield in three days. Made one in the Friday night game at CF warning track.
Keeping it Real
March 18th, 2012
3:08 pm
Van Morrison is the greatest singer of all time. Sign him up -:).
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
3:09 pm
Who?
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
3:09 pm
Boscan grounds out…
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:11 pm
Raquel..she was on here recently. Thought maybe y’all worked at the same club.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
3:12 pm
Off to my one hour of work for today…
Mark (another one)
March 18th, 2012
3:13 pm
Early in the year, most teams need someone to hold the game between the 4-5 innings of a starter (not yet completely ready to deliver six or seven innings) and the end of the bullpen. I think Medlen is one of our best starters, but he can also fill the early season need to fill the holes and give the team a hold for 3 or 4 innings.
There are also a lot of reliability and youth issues with our starters, but no one with the Braves is going to jinx anyone by discussing them. Medlen is also possible to fill in their as well.
The Braves don’t always talk about their plans but remember that Medlen has delivered in the past, and the Braves know it. They have a valuable asset in Medlen and they will use him.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:13 pm
they will probably want good D out of their last OFer, Parraz ain’t helping himself
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
3:14 pm
Dont Know Her. Sorry. Did she claim same profession?
brian
March 18th, 2012
3:16 pm
The ugly errors will overshadow his work at the plate
haggard
March 18th, 2012
3:20 pm
David O’Brien
Speaking of “The Man”, a couple of years back I attended one of his concerts here in Atlanta. Of course, there were musicians scattered about all over the stage–including a large horn section–all cool and setting the mood, passing solos around while waiting for Van to enter. Thing was, he was already there–with sax in hand, blowing a solo–before stepping out of the horn section and up to the mike to sing Moondance, thus completing one of the coolest entrances I’ve ever seen a singer make.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:21 pm
Samantha: no she didn’t, She was flirting with noleee and getting him all hot and bothered.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:21 pm
might be what the Yanks had against him
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:22 pm
she was? oh wow, how can I not remember THAT?
Lew
March 18th, 2012
3:23 pm
Not a big fan of Van Morrison. I appreciate his role in music history, just not my type of music.
Watching the Dropkick Murohys at Febway Park on Palladia right now- if you have HD and get the channel – it’s a good show.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
3:23 pm
Sorry I missed it.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:26 pm
haggard: how are you today? Do you remember when bands like Jethro Tull and Dr. Hook were their own opening acts? They would dress and play totally different music as an opening act, and most people didn’t realize they were they same band as the headliner. I bet the bands got a big kick out of that. Of course Parliment-Funkadelic were the best at that, playing their whole career as two very different bandsr and styles of music, but were actually made up of the same people.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:28 pm
noleee: it’s called “getting old” and I feel you pain.
Lew
March 18th, 2012
3:28 pm
Was Tull ever The Sensational Alex Harvey Band? Saw them open for Tull in Macon and they sucked.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:29 pm
Uh-oh, don’t know where that “r” came in “bands”.
Rob from SC
March 18th, 2012
3:30 pm
did Venters get hit hard
haggard
March 18th, 2012
3:30 pm
Lew
I’ll be headed down to Macon this week for grub at the H & H and a look at where the new “pointyball”,(in honor of noleee) stadium is being built there on the old campus. I’ll e-mail pics for you and Kathy. Plus, did you see Widespread Panic’s show on Austin City Limits last night? There name reminds me of the blog at certain times !
Lew
March 18th, 2012
3:31 pm
Apparently not according to Wikipedia – should have known Tull couldn’t be anywhere near that bad.
Lew
March 18th, 2012
3:33 pm
haggard – Thanks. Nope, missed ACL last night. Eat some soul food for me and say hi to the folks at H&H.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:34 pm
I like Morrison pretty good, Brown Eyed Girl is a fave
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:34 pm
Lew, no, that was a real band and not very good, either. They had a cult following. Sometimes Ian Anderson would open with just himself in disguise and singing in a completely different style. Speaking of Tull, I looked them up recently and they have continually released albums for over 40 years. I haven’t bought one of their albums since the late 70’s, so I wonder how all of those other albums sound? They put out a Christmas album a couple of years ago, that sounds interesting.
Elonbrave
March 18th, 2012
3:35 pm
Hello, blog. Is Heyward just taking a normal rest day?
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:35 pm
hi hag
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:36 pm
no they cut him….
Lew
March 18th, 2012
3:36 pm
A Cult Following? Well, Alex apparently died a few years after the show. Must have been the Kool Aid. Maybe he took his cult with him. They had no musical taste anyway.
Here comes the Judge
March 18th, 2012
3:37 pm
DOB, I’m betting if Meds played for probably 28 other ML teams he would be a lock for the rotation and would be the ACE for some teams. If I were him and they stuck me in the Pen I would request to be traded
haggard
March 18th, 2012
3:37 pm
kenhotlanta
Afternoon. And I know what you mean about the yard work as I’ve been doing plenty myself. In fact, I’m journeying to the hardware store in a few to rent a large aerator for tomorrow.
And, yes. I remember seeing Dr. Hook do that very thing during a visit at the old Southeast Music Hall.
Remember the bluegrass stalwarts Hot Rize and their mid-concert act Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers?
phil
March 18th, 2012
3:38 pm
The stadium down here at mercer coming along rapidly…
haggard
March 18th, 2012
3:38 pm
Hey noleee !
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
3:38 pm
Hey Ken, When is Noleee Going to come and watch me perform? I thought he liked me.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
3:39 pm
Sounds stupid and maybe I’m just sleep deprived, but them choosing to wear their white regular jerseys during spring could be helping them in the regular season. Get them used to the colors opposed to the blue practices.
phil
March 18th, 2012
3:39 pm
Most days are rest days for Heyward…some signs of life though!
haggard
March 18th, 2012
3:39 pm
phil
Are they building it on the site of the old ROTC field, just behind the library parking lot?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
3:42 pm
phil, we’ll have none of that negativity. We don’t do that here.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:43 pm
Samantha, you should ask noleee, he won’t bite (usually), but it’s prolly because he lives in Florida.
phil
March 18th, 2012
3:43 pm
I’m not exactly sure how to explain it othernthan just being beyond the OF wall of the baseball stadium and between it and Mercer Univ. drive. Part of it is where some a frame looking apartments once stood. Near old Porter Stadium beside what is now I-75.
phil
March 18th, 2012
3:44 pm
CTB. Thanks but i’ll say what i please….
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
3:44 pm
Uncle Phil is back.
Lew
March 18th, 2012
3:44 pm
ken – Email me lewhartman@comcast.net and I’ll get details to send you some of the newer stuff – not much really new since 2000, but lots since the 70’s I could burn for you.
They released their first album This Was in 1968 – a blues album with Mick Abrahams (Blodwyn Pig for you old timers) on guitar. Anderson decided they wanted to expand from a blues band and enlisted Martin Barre on guitar. They’ve been on every album together since 1969’s Stand Up, though the other performers have changed through the years.
I saw them twice at the Macon Coliseum – the Thick As A Brick/Aqualung tour and also the War Child Tour where they debuted the song Minstrel in the Gallery.
Got to meet the band in the late 80’s on the Rock Island Tour and Anderson signed a painting, which was auctioned off to benefit the Tampa Children’s Home and then again in 97 on the Roots to Branches Tour. Last time was in 2001 right before we m0ved to Vermont at a classy little venue in Clearwater where they played with no opening act.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
3:46 pm
I didnt know he lived in Florida. Sorry.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:46 pm
haggard: I was at that Dr. Hook show at the Music Hall, what a great venue. Don’t remember Hot Rize, but how about Darryl Rhoades and the Hahavishnu Orchestra…they could play just about anything.
Lew
March 18th, 2012
3:48 pm
One of my Atlanta Roomates did a tour with Dr. Hook. He now owns a recording studio in Nashville.
Rookster
March 18th, 2012
3:48 pm
Why rest Heyward ? He needs at-bats as bad as any Brave does.
phil
March 18th, 2012
3:49 pm
Where does uncle phil come from?
phil
March 18th, 2012
3:50 pm
Because heyward is now as injury prone as chipper. A mere wisp of wind, POW, dl for weeks….
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:51 pm
Mahavishnu Orch, pretty cool. McLaughlin can play some…
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:51 pm
oh bullcrap
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:52 pm
nobody is as injury prone as Chippa….
haggard
March 18th, 2012
3:54 pm
noleee
About Brown Eyed Girl; I was totally confused one time a few years back when–as I was singing along while driving–I was surprised with an edited version pf the original. The new version repeated “laughing and a’ runnin’, hey, hey” instead of the forever, “Making love on the green grass” . The edited version appears on some copies of The Best Of Van Morrison CD.
Lew
March 18th, 2012
3:55 pm
noleee- Makes you wonder what numbers Mantle, Chipper and Griffey Jr. could have put up if not injured as often as they were. Them legs will get ya every time.
phil
March 18th, 2012
3:55 pm
No doubt making love on any kind of grass is now considered unacceptable to say…
Ike Turnip
March 18th, 2012
3:55 pm
Why isn’t the game televised ?
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
3:55 pm
I will tell you later uncle Phil.
Lew
March 18th, 2012
3:56 pm
haggard – A victim of Clearchannel?
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:56 pm
Lew, I just sent you an email, thanks.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:56 pm
nowadays PC rules hag
phil
March 18th, 2012
3:57 pm
Their injuries ruined otherwise promising careers…
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
3:58 pm
Don Sutton just said he was impressed with Jordan Parraz defense. Is he getting senile?
noleee
March 18th, 2012
3:58 pm
yeah once the axles crack and the wheels come off it makes it a bit more difficult
phil
March 18th, 2012
3:59 pm
What’s up in the game, van morrison not withstanding?
Ike Turnip
March 18th, 2012
3:59 pm
Maybe Orioles can swap Markakis for Heyward after the game ?
haggard
March 18th, 2012
4:00 pm
phil
Now you’ve piqued my interest even further as it seems as if they’ve razed that stand of pine trees just this side of where the old “married students apartments” once stood.
Lew
March 18th, 2012
4:00 pm
ken – Got the email, but I need your snail mail address so I can mail you a CD sampler. There were at least another ten or so albums after the seventies. Might send you some other rock goodies you might have missed in recent years. How hard can you take your music?
phil
March 18th, 2012
4:00 pm
If sutton said that, he’s a complete doof….or senile indeed!
noleee
March 18th, 2012
4:01 pm
well two bad plays doesn’t mean that the rest wasn’t good ken. I haven’t seen enough to have any real idea. Great players make atrocious plays at times and poor ones make great plays
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
4:01 pm
Braves get 2to2 tie.
phil
March 18th, 2012
4:02 pm
That’s the spot. Gone. My folks lived there 50 yrs ago when came here.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
4:02 pm
and too often fans base their opinions on one or two memorable plays like the KJ popup
haggard
March 18th, 2012
4:04 pm
noleee
That song has been a part of my life for quite a while, ( I had the 45 as a kid and that is one great song to skate to, right up there with Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein”) and I actually read a few years ago that Morrison was behind the edit due to the fact he was taking his own spirituality more seriously.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
4:08 pm
Thanks for letting me stay. Noleee take care of Raquel. Hope she is as good looking as i am. Take care everyone. Later.
phil
March 18th, 2012
4:11 pm
At least you’re humble, Samantha!
noleee
March 18th, 2012
4:12 pm
I think that might be taking spirituality a bit far hag
haggard
March 18th, 2012
4:12 pm
phil
That means the spot marking one of my few intramural athletic achievements is gone as well. I once hit a softball off the sidewalk leading to those apartments,(the backstop was just behind the ROTC building). Oh well; maybe they’ll have a bronze plaque beside a men’s urinal in the new stadium.
Stinger2
March 18th, 2012
4:12 pm
I thought this was a baseball blog. Seems to be more like a group of a few who just want to chit chat.
haggard
March 18th, 2012
4:15 pm
“I think that might be taking spirituality a bit far hag”–noleee
Not to mention the number of nearly sober people stepping up to the mike in their favorite karaoke bar, only to find out they’ve been had by Van after all those years !
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
4:15 pm
Braves are 4-1-2 (2 ties) in last 7 games, after going 1-10 in first 11 games.
Which pretty much goes to show what spring training records mean.
phil
March 18th, 2012
4:15 pm
I’ll pass on the word to the AD, Hag….plaque up and ceremony for ya, 2014.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
4:18 pm
Stinger2: No, it’s open to anyone who cares to participate as long as they follow the rules. Today is just the folks who cared or had time to contribute. Just jump in.
phil
March 18th, 2012
4:18 pm
Meaningless games…all of em. Waste of time even playing. Just taking money from fans stupid enough to buy tickets. Senseless waste.
haggard
March 18th, 2012
4:20 pm
“I thought this was a baseball blog. Seems to be more like a group of a few who just want to chit chat.”–Stinger2
Oh yeah; serious baseball talk is still most definitely here. Sometimes we just treat the blog as a long, seventh inning stretch. Many even break into a couple of bars of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame”.
haggard
March 18th, 2012
4:22 pm
phil@4:15
LOL !
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
4:22 pm
Lew, I will send it and thanks. I like heavy metal all the way up to Metallica, don’t care much for thrash and beyond. Anything sounding like 70’s-80’s heavy metal is good, and I know you have mentioned some newer bands doing that type of music. Love the Foo Fighters and their sound.
Lew
March 18th, 2012
4:25 pm
ken – Got it. You will be pleased.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
4:30 pm
Lew, thank you!
phil
March 18th, 2012
4:31 pm
This is a baseball blog that punishes the negative with varying degrees of harshness…topics range from, surprisingly enough, baseball to drugs to liquor to work to other sports to music rather frequently to health to yard work to kissing DOB’s backside to bashing chipper to praising chipper to food to good restaurants to how fat mccann might be to etc…
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
4:33 pm
noleee: you are right about defense, Connie will always be remembered for those 3 errors in one game and not for all the good he did before that.
JoeFan
March 18th, 2012
4:33 pm
Medlin has out pitched both Delgado and Teheran. Not a hard decision here, Medlin is presently the best of the 3 and should at least take Hudson’s spot until he is ready.
Mister Frisky
March 18th, 2012
4:34 pm
Don Suttons brain was fried years ago from all that perm solution.
Ward
March 18th, 2012
4:40 pm
Hello everyone! Not too bad a 2-2 tie. Will take it,and things are looking good with my new Cap,and breaking it in already.4 wins 1 loss,and 2 ties not bad for my new hat.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
4:41 pm
phil: are you saying that is good or bad?
Ward
March 18th, 2012
4:42 pm
The Walking Dead on tonight! We can say bye to Shane…….Looking forward to the season ending,and for season 3 in October.
Ward
March 18th, 2012
4:42 pm
Dr. Phil what’s up………
Bob the Blogger
March 18th, 2012
4:53 pm
Looks like Durango has the inside track on the OF bench spot. Constanza hasn’t started hitting and Parraz is not making a good impression defensively.
Moylan Prado
March 18th, 2012
4:55 pm
Unless both Teheran and Delgado just completely get shelled the last two weeks of spring, I think Medlen should start the year in the pen. I think his presence there will allow the Untouchables to get more rest. Remember we could be without both Vizcaino and Moylan to start the season.
Ward
March 18th, 2012
4:55 pm
49rs Alex Smith, is on the move,and not happy with 49rs looking at Peyton.
Ward
March 18th, 2012
4:57 pm
I will go with any three of Constanza, Parraz,or Durango,but who ever out shines the other should win the spot.
Moylan Prado
March 18th, 2012
4:58 pm
I think its between Durango and Parraz, depending on whether Fredi wants speed or power off the bench.
Mister Frisky
March 18th, 2012
4:58 pm
Yes Network showing game 5 of 96 WS.Too painful to watch.
phil
March 18th, 2012
4:59 pm
Ok to good, ken.
VaBravesFan
March 18th, 2012
5:01 pm
Alex Smith helps lead the 49ers to the AFC championship game, coming off a 17 TD 5 INT 3,144 Yards 90.7 QB Rating. They reward him by having interest in Peyton Manning replacing him. I hope the 49ers end up without either QB…
Ward
March 18th, 2012
5:08 pm
VaBravesFan- Have to feel for Alex Smith.Thats like stabbing you in the back.
Brava
March 18th, 2012
5:11 pm
Bryce Harper was optioned to AAA Syracuse. I was wrong on that one.
VaBravesFan
March 18th, 2012
5:15 pm
Harper needs a bit more time in the minors. I think legit major league pitchers would make him look pretty foolish at the plate. Plus holding him back a little longer gives them a extra year of control. He’s different than any other hot shot top prospect I’ve seen, and I don’t like em one bit.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
5:17 pm
This is a baseball blog that punishes the negative with varying degrees of harshness..phil
but all y’all calling us kool ade drinkers isn’t a punishment huh? what a load, pissymists rip the pollyannas just as much as the other way around
Brava
March 18th, 2012
5:23 pm
VaBravesFan, I agree, but Davey Johnson was really pulling for him to make the team out of ST back a couple of months ago. Guess I’m a bit surprised it didn’t happen. I do think they made the right decision, though.
Ward
March 18th, 2012
5:27 pm
Harper is good,but he’s overated by ESPN,and they have a tendacy to over rate players. He should go back to the Minors.ESPN thinks,because your a prospect,you will do good,and a majority of them some times don’t make it.
Brava
March 18th, 2012
5:30 pm
That’s true, Ward.
Another thing that burns me is how Buster Posey is always rated higher than McCann by all these drooling fools although the dude has only played a little more than a 1/2 season.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
5:31 pm
I think Harper is the exception, he should be a big star when he finally gets here. However, the Nats are doing the right thing.
Ward
March 18th, 2012
5:33 pm
Another great outing by Mike Minor,and he could work is way to the top of the staff?He could be an Ace down the road? Great solid 5 inninings of work for him.
TOMY FOURNIER
March 18th, 2012
5:33 pm
SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
noleee
March 18th, 2012
5:34 pm
they raved about Hey when he was coming up. Mega-prospects are huge points of interest and beacons of hope for most fans
Ward
March 18th, 2012
5:35 pm
Bravo- ESPN is in the tank for the San Fran,and they are going to rate anyone higher. Just like they talk about the Phillies ,Boston,Yankees,and who ever else they have their own popularity with.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
5:36 pm
if Minor ends up as an ace, a whole lotta baseball folks are gonna be surprised, including me
Ward
March 18th, 2012
5:40 pm
I think in my way of seeing,he could be that Ace the Braves are looking for?I think is stuff is that good. I like Minor a lot.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
5:40 pm
Tomahawkin, yeah. My residence is in Norcross, dude!
VaBravesFan
March 18th, 2012
5:41 pm
Minor has surprised me as well this spring, but it is just spring training. Maybe with him still having to compete for a spot lit a fire in him.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
5:42 pm
T’, sorry it took a while for my response. This damn medication can put me to sleep.
VaBravesFan
March 18th, 2012
5:43 pm
I can’t wait for the season to get started. Were in a very good position.
Ward
March 18th, 2012
5:45 pm
I like the fire in Minor,just hope Minor doesn’t have Borass for his agent.
Ward
March 18th, 2012
5:52 pm
Like the way Medlen is pitching,and Medlen could be that surprise.?Hope Medlen can keep it up?
Ward
March 18th, 2012
5:55 pm
All have a good one! Talk later tonight. Peace my friends……
Ralph
March 18th, 2012
6:29 pm
If I were Medelin and they stuck me in the bull pen I would want to be traded, he is a bonifide starter and he knows it.
Largo
March 18th, 2012
6:31 pm
If the braves are not starting Medlin because he doesn’t have a great fastball, they’re making a mistake. Of course, mistakes are easy for them. Glavine and Maddox very seldom hit 90 mph. I watched Glavine pitch a game one night and he had 3-4 pitches in the 80s. The rest were in the 70s. They got fewer than five hits off him. Medlin is one hell of a pitcher and we need him to start.
Ralph
March 18th, 2012
6:32 pm
JJ and Hanson are the guys that should be worried about a starters spot.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
6:33 pm
Trey
“T’, sorry it took a while for my response. This damn medication can put me to sleep.”
No Worries bro, its all good…The shots of Liquid Cocaine and Tokyo Tea had me hurt and sleeping all day…!
And I want to move Back to Norcross or Brookhaven…There is not much to do in Loganville, other than check out the M.I.L.F.’s
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
6:36 pm
Medelin????
Medlin?
Call Him Little Big Man MED’s…Please?
Little Big Man Med’s has been with the team for 3 years and people still mis-spell his name, They must be dissing him?
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 18th, 2012
6:38 pm
Parraz can’t even play decent defense……by by, back to the minors.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 18th, 2012
6:40 pm
The Atlanta Braves knew what the hell they were doing when they drafted Mike Minor.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
6:41 pm
S/O
To Coach!
What do you feel abt Uggla and our Cake April Schedule???
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 18th, 2012
6:44 pm
Everybody feels that Uggla is god to go. As far as the schedule goes…don’t assume anything, It’s bad luck.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
6:44 pm
Tomahawkin’ – cab would be proud of you, since misspelling Meds’ name is one of her biggest peeves…
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
6:46 pm
Gearrin continues push for ‘pen job; Parraz has eventful afternoon
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/18/gearrin-continues-push-for-pen-eventful-day-for-parraz/
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
6:47 pm
Minor pushes scoreless streak to 14 innings
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/18/braves-minor-pushes-his-scoreless-streak-to-14-innings/
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
6:48 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if Chipper far*** and pulled some muscle somewhere and caused him a DL stint. Anybody would believe it.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
6:49 pm
Hopefully Minor doesn’t get himself gassed by summer time though. Still has plenty to prove, ut he’s been awesome.
Jim
March 18th, 2012
6:56 pm
Not out of woods yet. Freddie and Jason not at full expectations yet. SS weak, too, except for AS’s glove.
Ray
March 18th, 2012
6:58 pm
For many of you that want to see the Braves trade JJ because of the “over abundance” of pitching. Don’t be so quick. Yanks and Nat’s both thinking they had 7 starters each had pitchers suffer an injury.
ray k
March 18th, 2012
7:07 pm
DOB, is Venters okay? Has he been looking as bad as his numbers indicate? Is his velocity off? After his collapse lapse year in that final month, I am getting concerned.
abeeewright
March 18th, 2012
7:15 pm
braves won’t even consider trading JJ until their question marks are a little more solid. and then, JJ would have to be performing worse than the fifth starter to make a trade even remotely possible.
If JJ is worse than Huddy, Hanson, Beachy, Minor, Medlen/Teheran/Delgado, then the return bounty still might not make it worth trading him.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
7:28 pm
Venice Jim
“Tomahawkin’ – cab would be proud of you, since misspelling Meds’ name is one of her biggest peeves…”
Co-Sign! As Much as cab and I disagree…She Loves old New York Undercover…Which is Cool in My Book
Mazie Rigotti
March 18th, 2012
7:33 pm
A lot of of the things you articulate is supprisingly accurate and that makes me wonder why I hadn’t looked at this in this light before. Your piece really did switch the light on for me personally as far as this particular topic goes. But at this time there is actually 1 point I am not necessarily too comfortable with and whilst I try to reconcile that with the actual core theme of the issue, let me see what all the rest of your visitors have to point out.Well done.
cricket
March 18th, 2012
7:43 pm
NL MVP race is now open to mere mortals this year, may be till July -
http://www.natsinsider.com/2012/03/harper-optioned-to-syracuse.html
cricket
March 18th, 2012
7:52 pm
this happening in america is insane -
http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/133188/byu_student_scolded_for_her
cricket
March 18th, 2012
7:53 pm
so is this -
http://thestir.cafemom.com/toddler/133600/4yearolds_drawing_leads_to_dads
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
7:55 pm
Anyone wanna go to class for me tomorrow? I will give you a nickel.
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
8:00 pm
Tomahawkin-
If we agreed on everything, you’d find me boring!
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
8:05 pm
Cab, JUst a heads up, I talked to norcross on another blog and he is high and drunk.
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
8:12 pm
Samantha, it makes studying for Statistics easier and more fun. But it’s Sunday, of course I’m drunk. And high.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
8:17 pm
I thought everybody on the blog was high and drunk, especially the night shift.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
8:19 pm
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
8:00 pm
Tomahawkin-
If we agreed on everything, you’d find me boring!
You should love my taste in Music…D.O.B. Likes it….
I got him onto old Smooth R. Kelly, Janet Jackson, Mariah, TLC, New Edition, SWV, Sade…etc…
Adnd BTW old R Kelly still goes Hard! His First CD “12 Play” is a Classic!.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
8:19 pm
LOL Ken. Nice job.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
8:20 pm
Jay Bilas @JayBilas
Kendall Marshall is said to have suffered a “fractured right wrist” v. Creighton. Marshall is most indispensable player on UNC roster
So goes my bracket – sorry, Soph…
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
8:20 pm
Tomahawkin-
I like some of it
I have a very broad taste in music.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
8:20 pm
@Samantha
Whats Happenin Chief?
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
8:21 pm
If I didn’t have to be at the gym at 7:45 tomorrow, I would be drunk tonight…
Trey
March 18th, 2012
8:22 pm
Lol, I like how they said that the DH corrupts the game of baseball on The Simpsons.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
8:24 pm
@cabravesfan…
Me Too…I love the 80’s/90’s Music…and TV Shows/Movies
Good night…I’m Gonna Watch old New York Undercover on Youtube…
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
8:24 pm
I have to wake up at 7 for GSU. Bourbon and coke in the shower? Indeed. Future of this country is looking good.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
8:25 pm
Tomahawkin, yeah, Alprozolam can put me to sleep. However, I can stay up if I am doing something. It’s just when I am home and laying down I can fall asleep quickly.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
8:25 pm
Alprazolam*
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
8:25 pm
I just hope it’s not good bourbon…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
8:26 pm
Wow – almost 30 degrees warmer in Atlanta right now than it is here…(factoring in the absurd winds)…
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
8:27 pm
Night T!
jeffrey d
March 18th, 2012
8:28 pm
I just hope it’s not good bourbon…
Not anymore
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
8:29 pm
Mmmmm R. Kelly. My b it’s Canadian whiskey in the morning. The good stuff is for later in the day. But guys don’t worry, I got straight A’s and will soon be getting my Masters. See, alcohol ain’t that bad.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
8:30 pm
jeffrey –
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
8:31 pm
Trey – one of those rare moments when a misspelling totally eluded me…
Ward
March 18th, 2012
8:31 pm
Breaking news…….. Seattle signs Matt Flyn 3 years 26 million………….
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
8:32 pm
Weed puts me to sleep when I’m laying down. But go Braves!
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
8:34 pm
Just listening to music and blogging T. You never said whether or not I could come to you and Treys party.
Soph
March 18th, 2012
8:39 pm
Damn, if Marshall can’t play (or play effectively), UNC is in some trouble moving forward. Strickland, Henson, Marshall…rough go as of late for my boys.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
8:42 pm
Listening to my muse, Nanci Griffith, with a live interview and concert via Scottish BBC. Facebook can have some wonderful links sometimes, besides the usual boring crap.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
8:46 pm
VJ, that’s nearly impossible for you to miss a spelling error.
I noticed it right after I hit submit.
Moe Berg
March 18th, 2012
8:47 pm
Around the NL East, the ‘M’s’:
SBerthiaumeESPN Steve Berthiaume
#Marlins Carlos Zambrano struck out 7 Cardinals in 4 IP today. Zambrano now has 16 Ks in 9 1/3 IP this spring.
SBerthiaumeESPN Steve Berthiaume
#Mets Mike Pelfrey has pitched 9 2/3 innings this spring… and allowed 4 HRs, 6 walks and 20 hits.
jeffrey d
March 18th, 2012
8:47 pm
I’m listening to my muse, Nancy Grace
Trey
March 18th, 2012
8:47 pm
Norcross, I don’t smoke that, never have. I just take anxiety medication, which makes me drowsy, unfortunately.
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
8:48 pm
Geez, who started this lame boring theme?
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
8:49 pm
Trey, I understand. Most medications make me drowsy. It sucks.
jeffrey d
March 18th, 2012
8:51 pm
Yes, a list of our medications is way more interesting.
Claritin.
Soph
March 18th, 2012
8:53 pm
One and the same?
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
8:55 pm
#Braves Teheran has pitched 9 innings this spring…and allowed 8 HRs, 4 walks and 14 hits. Damn, I’m annoying as hell.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
8:57 pm
Good question…
Trey
March 18th, 2012
8:59 pm
Norcross, that is very true.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
9:01 pm
Samantha, I don’t know when that “party” will be, since I have no idea the next time I’ll be in Norcross.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
9:02 pm
watching my muse…Bugs Bunny
noleee
March 18th, 2012
9:03 pm
Damn, I’m annoying as hell….Norcross
hey, you’re the one who said it…..
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
9:05 pm
Thanks Trey, Just kidding anyway
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
9:06 pm
nolee, I’m an honest mutha f. Norcorss, more like borecross.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
9:07 pm
Yeah, I don’t party much, Sam.
BK Brave
March 18th, 2012
9:08 pm
Just returned from spring training trip #1. Still have one final trip last week of camp. Saw games, bp, backfield drills etc last Wednesday, Friday, and yesterday. My impressions of the team: Simmons over the Rev, Minor #1 for now, Freeman too bulky, Uggs killin it, Heyward much better, Parrez good bat but slippery glove, Medlen needs to be starting, and Chipper didn’t look good in any fielding practice that I saw. Frank needs a SS will he go with Simmons or make a trade?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 18th, 2012
9:11 pm
Agree all the way … Freeman is too bulky. Didn’t need to do that. He’s a natural 20 homerun hitter with his swing. He was plenty big enough. Live and learn though.
Kat
March 18th, 2012
9:11 pm
I just flipped from the Lehigh/Xavier game to the Kansas/Purdue game.. and yikes 8pts in 9mins… Jayhawks gotta turn it on.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
9:12 pm
Me either Trey. Cant drink anyway. No big deal. I know you didnt know but please not Sam. Is Samantha or Sissy.
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
9:14 pm
Good start to The Walking Dead.
Norcross
March 18th, 2012
9:15 pm
I hate Kate Upton. There is such thing is being too good looking. Trust me, I know.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
9:15 pm
What’s Up, Doc?
phil
March 18th, 2012
9:21 pm
noleee
March 18th, 2012
5:17 pm
This is a baseball blog that punishes the negative with varying degrees of harshness..phil
but all y’all calling us kool ade drinkers isn’t a punishment huh? what a load, pissymists rip the pollyannas just as much as the other way around
*******
it wasn’t meant as a harsh indictment, noleee. And “y’all” doesn’t include me most of the time…
Billy
March 18th, 2012
9:22 pm
Been to 20 ST camps with the Braves at WPB and LBV and you should look forward to the last week of camp because it will make you forget about this past week.
The players start taking things a bit more seriously the last week and everyone that wont be with the team is now reassigned, barring one or two last minute decisions. The last week has less of a “practice feel” and more of a “let’s get it on feel”.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
9:24 pm
Billy: Excellent post @ 9:22.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
9:26 pm
Uncle Phil is back
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
9:27 pm
DOB – when do you start getting concerned? (asks the guy who lost his team as a #2 seed two days ago)…
Trey
March 18th, 2012
9:27 pm
Oh, I apologize Samantha.
phil
March 18th, 2012
9:28 pm
Yes.
Moe Berg
March 18th, 2012
9:36 pm
Okay, this page keeps evoking Marvin Gaye.
kenhotlanta started us off with a Commodores tribute: I thought everybody on the blog was high and drunk, especially the night shift.
And Billy brought it back around with: The last week has less of a “practice feel” and more of a “let’s get it on feel”.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
9:38 pm
You are Welcome Trey
Eric
March 18th, 2012
9:39 pm
Medlen should be given the opportunity to start. He has proven he can do it at a very high level. I understand these high prospects look good on paper but they have not proven themselves and Medlen is being dumped in the pen for them. Let the best man win it and so far Medlen should be in the top 5 SP.
phil
March 18th, 2012
9:40 pm
Release someone.
Samantha
March 18th, 2012
9:42 pm
Thans for chatting everyone. Have a good nite. Later
phil
March 18th, 2012
9:43 pm
Nite.
phil
March 18th, 2012
9:44 pm
Fire FG!!
Good nite for me too…
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
9:45 pm
Moe: “Hot On The Tracks” by the Commodores is filled with great songs and still sounds good.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
9:47 pm
RIP: FURMAN BISHER. One of the great America Sports Writers and a credit to Atlanta and the AJC.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
9:48 pm
RIP Furman Bisher.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
9:50 pm
I remember Furman writing columns in the Sporting News 100 years ago, long before I moved to Atlanta…
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 18th, 2012
9:52 pm
Nanci Griffith? What’s that old gal up to?
Ward
March 18th, 2012
9:54 pm
Hello everyone!The Walking Dead is really good! Lot’s happening in the season final.Seahawks sign Matt Flynn. Not bad there.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
9:54 pm
What an amazing career – one of the ones I would compare it to is Shirley Povich at the Washington Post, who covered Babe Ruth through the Braves ‘95 World Series…
And I was lucky enough to know him…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
9:55 pm
I love Nanci Griffith…
Ward
March 18th, 2012
9:55 pm
They left the farm on Walking dead! It’s a miracle…….
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
9:59 pm
VJ: Growing up in Marietta in the 50’s and 60’s, I had the pleasure of watching Furman Bisher as he hosted many local sports TV shows and was great at that. He was very intelligent, funny, and a good interviewer. He did all sports and had a long running show that featured AJC, TV and Radio Sports Reporters, similar to the one ESPN does, or used to do, every Sunday. He also wrote several memorable books and was an outstanding writer. He was the only sports reporter to ever talk to Shoeless Joe Jackson, shortly before he died, and that interview will make you think Shoeless Joe didn’t understand what the Black Sox scandal was about, and he really should be in the HOF. IMHO.
Billy
March 18th, 2012
9:59 pm
Some of us taped it to watch later
brian
March 18th, 2012
10:00 pm
Soph – incredible game and incredible atmosphere at the Coliseum today. Heels looked very good. Creighton seemed borderline dirty – seemed to be going after Henson’s wrist and the cheap shot on Zeller (check out Jay Bilas’s twitter).
At least it is his right wrist but it will be hard to handle the ball. Stillman White is obviously not a starting PG and he will need rest if Marshall cannot play. Who will handle the ball? Barnes? Bullock? PJ?
This regional is now wide open.
Billy
March 18th, 2012
10:00 pm
We have technology in our town
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
10:04 pm
Hugo and VJ: Nanci Griffith has a great new album “Intersection” and is touring. She has recovered from a bout with the big “C” and feels and sounds great. One of the best songs on the new album is “Hell No (I’m Not Alright)” (it’s not about her illness) and it’s funny and unlike about anything she has ever done.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
10:06 pm
Damn, Ward, thanks for the spoiler I didn’t want to see before I watched the show!
Brava
March 18th, 2012
10:08 pm
Ward, stop telling us about “Walking Dead”. I’m going to watch it when I get back from ST because I’m too busy getting stuff ready for the trip.
Ward
March 18th, 2012
10:09 pm
Kenhotlanta-Didn’t tell every thing,and have to see the whole Walking Dead final.It’s the best one yet! Worth watching……Excellent!
Ward
March 18th, 2012
10:12 pm
Brava- I’ll zip my mouth shut……
Billy
March 18th, 2012
10:12 pm
Huge question. Can the Braves wino 90 games with Bourn for one year? Can the Braves win 90 games for multiple years with what Bourn would reap in a trade return?
Brava
March 18th, 2012
10:13 pm
I didn’t grow up around Atlanta, instead it was South Georgia (Greg Walker and I were classmates), but I’ve read some of Furman Bisher’s work and really enjoyed it. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. RIP.
Brava
March 18th, 2012
10:13 pm
Thanks, Ward.
Moe Berg
March 18th, 2012
10:19 pm
Huge question. Can the Braves wino 90 games with Bourn for one year? Can the Braves win 90 games for multiple years with what Bourn would reap in a trade return?
Really? Bourn is the make-or-break piece on this team? We are not talking a defensive player like Andruw Jones in his prime. And for base-stealing, the Braves have had some good ones–Nixon being the obvious choice. But his capabilities on the base did not ultimately shape the Braves’ season.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
10:21 pm
Billy: I agree with you again. I would love to see us trade Bourn before the end of the year, I think we could get a bounty for him to a team that could sign him.
Billy
March 18th, 2012
10:21 pm
Just curious since Bourn is a ingles hitter, kinda Juan Pierre from an offense point of view.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
10:24 pm
R.I.P.
Furman Bischer!
He was A Legend for The AJC….
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
10:26 pm
One of my favorite times of the year was opening the AJC on Thanksgiving morning and reading Furman Bisher’s column that day. It was called “I’m Thankful” and he always summed up the year in sports in wonderful ways, plus reflecting on the important things and even little things in our everyday lives. He will be greatly missed. I bet Journalist Jimmy Smith is shedding a tear or two right now.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
10:29 pm
Wow – this is humbling – through the magic of Twitter I gave Dale Murphy the news of Furman’s passing…
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
10:31 pm
VJ: good job.
Tomahawkin
March 18th, 2012
10:32 pm
Samantha
“Just listening to music and blogging T. You never said whether or not I could come to you and Treys party.”
You are Always Welcome to catch me on facebook ! And Bring Some Friends???
I want to do a Double Kegger with Jammin music…? I want D.O.B., Soph, and McFann to join in as well
And Jungle Juice will be “On Deck!” as well
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
10:33 pm
Bourn wasn’t worth a “bounty” last year – not expecting he will be this year, but I’d love to see him become worthy of such…
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 18th, 2012
10:36 pm
didn’t know that FB was sports editor of the Charlotte News, the Charlotte afternoon paper, in the 1940’s…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
10:40 pm
Peter King @SI_PeterKing
Furman Bisher, one of the great characters of our business+a very good writer, died today. Always good to the young writers. RIP, Furman.
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
10:42 pm
DOB – when do you start getting concerned? (asks the guy who lost his team as a #2 seed two days ago)…
Since about the third minute of the game.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
10:45 pm
ken – Tony B re-channeling you:
Tony Barnhart @MrCFB
There was nothing better than reading Bisher’s “I’m Thankful” column every Thanksgiving morning. Helluva writer.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
10:45 pm
DOB – I know the feeling…
Soph
March 18th, 2012
10:47 pm
brian – I thought the same thing about Creighton while watching the game but made myself calm down because I figured I was overreacting. I read on Yahoo that they’re trying to figure out if Marshall can play or not but one of the options the article presented was Barnes and Bullock handling the ball more.
Bah, it really does suck though. Bummed.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 18th, 2012
10:49 pm
This is almost too adorable…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GK462XnRjQ
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
10:54 pm
That was too long – except that it went in…
Bravo Nam
March 18th, 2012
10:55 pm
Before spring training began, I felt that Medlen should be in our rotation due to his previous stats before he became hurt and his temperament. Nothing during spring training has changed my opinion of that. Neither Teheran nor Delgado are major league ready, so why push them into the rotation ahead of a guy who already has shown he can perform at the big league level. The other reason is that it doesn’t make sense trying to fit Medlen into our bullpen when we’ve got a myriad of pitchers, some of whom are out of options. Another reality is that if the Braves need to trade for a bat, Jurrjens won’t get them much at this stage and Prado is off the table… Delgado or Teheran may potentially be trade bait, but their value is going to drop if we start either in the rotation and they continue to struggle.
richbrave
March 18th, 2012
10:56 pm
3:00 a.m. O’K’ then….set watch……..get to bed early.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
10:56 pm
I doubt we would get a great return for two months of Bourn. He is gonna go to FA no matter where he is dealt with Boras as his agent
Largo
March 18th, 2012
10:56 pm
Why don’t you dumb kids text each other and stay off this baseball site. Especially since you don’t know anything about baseball.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
10:58 pm
VJ: Thanks, that was cool. Bourn reminds me of the year we got Kenny Lofton, he just didn’t fit in and Bourn doesn’t either, at least to me. I don’t know why, it’s just a feeling. I personally wished Logan had worked out, he’s better defensively and has more power, but he had issues.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
10:58 pm
right now they have Medlen ranked around the 8th starter if all are healthy prolly gonna take some injuries/failures for him to become a regular starter
noleee
March 18th, 2012
10:59 pm
he’s better defensively…ken
I’m not gonna buy into that at all
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
11:00 pm
AJC just posted photo montage for Furman:
http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/furman-bisher-career2/6.html
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
11:02 pm
His arm is better?
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
11:06 pm
Big 10 trucks…
Soph
March 18th, 2012
11:06 pm
Well, Purdue blew that quick.
Congrats, DOB.
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
11:07 pm
Way to hang in, DOB…
noleee
March 18th, 2012
11:07 pm
arm is better I agree. he has the tools to be a very good defender, I will agree with that. right now i don’t think he is as good as Bourn though
cabravesfan
March 18th, 2012
11:07 pm
I think I heard DOB’s sigh of relief from here…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
11:11 pm
Let’s go, FSYou…
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
11:12 pm
Stupid auto-correct – FSU…
Jim
March 18th, 2012
11:15 pm
Congrats Dave. You live in hoops for another weekend. With UNC injuries, STL may be easier.
noleee
March 18th, 2012
11:16 pm
Go Criminoles!!
Venice Jim
March 18th, 2012
11:17 pm
Combo St. Pat’s Day-Vegas dinner – Corned Beef and Cabbage with some Steak and Crab…
Sometimes not cooking works very well…
However, I did slice bread, in addition to microwave button-pushing…
David O'Brien
March 18th, 2012
11:19 pm
Utmost respect for Robbie Hummel. He almost beat Kansas by himself.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
11:28 pm
I heard a lot about Furman Bisher from my dad. My dad used to write articles online and I believe he did some work with Furman, in his younger days.
Voice of Harold
March 18th, 2012
11:28 pm
Agreed. Dude’s coming off two ACL injuries. He’s legit.
Trey
March 18th, 2012
11:28 pm
Sorry, he didn’t write them online, since those were pre-computer days.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
11:40 pm
Trey: your dad worked at the AJC?
Trey
March 18th, 2012
11:50 pm
Ken, he actually did some internship stuff at the AJC, many years ago.
kenhotlanta
March 18th, 2012
11:58 pm
Trey: He could not have picked a better man to learn from. I met Furman a few times, he was bigger than life.
Yunel's Frosted Tips
March 19th, 2012
12:00 am
Loved me some Furman Bisher in the ole Fishwrap Days…..he was a great one…..RIP selah…….
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
12:04 am
Stupid ‘Noles…
Trey
March 19th, 2012
12:10 am
Apparently, Furman has always used the same typewriter for fifty years, even after technology advanced. He was definitely one of a kind.
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
12:24 am
Need to be up early (working on Central Time) to grade Arizona 10th grade essays – I apologize that I also have a two-week student who will keep me from doing Play-by-Play for tomorrow’s game (until 3:15 EDT, at least)…
Steve
March 19th, 2012
12:31 am
I have not seen one iota of a reason to consider Teheran for the rotation right now. Sure, he got away with poor location in the minors, but he has been floating his pitches all spring and opponents are crushing him. I know it’s only spring, but he isn’t working on new pitches folks, his changeup is his bread and butter and it is getting eaten alive. That is a very bad sign.
Put simply, you put your best starters in the rotation if you have a shot at winning now. These are not the Braves of the late 80’s and beginning of the 90’s. Those Braves you wanted to see what your prospects could do because you weren’t go very far very fast. These Braves are good enough to win, and Medlen needs to be starting.
The Braves over the top reluctance of trading away pitching is handcuffing this team. What good is it to have 8-9 pitchers that could start for other teams when you are below average at two outfield starting spots. And no, Prado and Heyward are not above average people.
Ward
March 19th, 2012
1:56 am
About Medlen,If he continues to pitch well,as a starter. I would move Huddy into the bull-pen,when he gets back?Until he gets strength back in arm,or keep Huddy as middle relief,but the risk is losing your starter.
Ward
March 19th, 2012
2:02 am
The risk on putting Huddy in the pen, is he can be your best starter in the rotation.
Ward
March 19th, 2012
2:30 am
All have a good one! Peace my friends,and talk tomorrow…….”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
haggard
March 19th, 2012
4:07 am
noleee
I’ve been thinking a great deal about Furman Bisher this morning and thought you might enjoy reading one of his recent, post “retirement” columns.
http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/news/2011/jun/27/bisher-sometimes-baseball-scouts-find-great/
haggard
March 19th, 2012
4:13 am
This was Furman Bisher’s final column, written just days ago for the Rockdale Citizen.
http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/news/2011/jun/27/bisher-sometimes-baseball-scouts-find-great/
haggard
March 19th, 2012
5:33 am
He was our Jim Murray. Or, if you grew up above the Mason-Dixon line and are past the age of forty, your comparable sports writing titan might have been Red Smith or Shirley Povich.. At any rate, Furman Bisher is gone at the age of 93 and one would be hard pressed to name someone who wrote about sports as eloquently for such a long period of time.
As a native Atlantan who grew up reading his columns in The Atlanta Journal, I came to admire his versatility as he moved easily from the Super Bowl to The Masters, from NASCAR to the World Series. But the great ones often simply make it look easy and– with his straight ahead style of reporting– I could well imagine him typing away with sleeves rolled up and a lit cigarette in an ashtray close by.
“He’s the Arnold Palmer of sportswriters”, I have thought, for just as Palmer was the everyman golfer who he hitched his pants, unleashed a none too perfect swing, and led his army down the fairway, Bisher seemed workmanlike in his approach while working hard at his craft.
Just a year or so out of college, I was fortunate enough to share a lunch of barbeque, beans and slaw with him while covering the Coca Cola 500 at Atlanta Speedway and listened hard as he spoke of writing. The following morning I shook my head in admiration–along with countless others across the South–as he wrote of Bill Elliot, “He looks like Alfred E. Neuman, talks like Gomer Pyle, and drives like Dukes Of Hazzard”.
Weeks later he would take you from the roar of engines and the smell of burned rubber as he seemingly whispered from the page while reporting from Amen Corner at Augusta, surrounded by the fresh blooming azaleas at The Masters.
He was at home in both worlds and made us feel as if we belonged right beside him, nudged on the elbow following a great shot, looking to see his wide smile with a knowing wink. And the twinkle in an eye that had seen just about everything.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
6:20 am
Well, damn. I was going to write an ode to Furman Bisher, and haggard beat me to it. And said it better.
There are sports writers, and then there are writers to happen to write about sports. Bisher was the latter.
ncgary
March 19th, 2012
6:27 am
I shook my head in admiration–along with countless others across the South–as he wrote of Bill Elliot, “He looks like Alfred E. Neuman, talks like Gomer Pyle, and drives like Dukes Of Hazzard”.
thanks haggard, perfect description of bishers work , first time i saw that one though
ncgary
March 19th, 2012
6:38 am
the heavenly gazette just got another position filled, circulation numbers probably going up
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
6:55 am
CB
March 19th, 2012
6:55 am
It was a shame Furman Bisher lived long enough to reach the internet age. The last articles he wrote for the AJC and to see some of the cruel remarks made to him by idiot posters was very sad. Great writer who deserved better treatment.
haggard
March 19th, 2012
6:56 am
ncscoots and ncgary
Thanks so much. Those comments mean a lot as they come from two very talented wordsmiths of the blog !
haggard
March 19th, 2012
7:43 am
For those of us looking for ways to dethrone the Phillies, Thomas Boswell has ideas about a possible ally.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/phillies-toughest-opponent-might-be-father-time/2012/03/17/gIQANxXRJS_story.html
ncgary
March 19th, 2012
7:48 am
oreo went from 1.35 to 1.75 today, i was wrong though
it wasn’t a 2 billion barrel oil discovery it was 4.67 billion barrel discovery
this is what money news said
This is a massive oil discovery, the second
of its kind in Nevada! Look for OREO
trading at $15.00 this year… yielding
1,500% off today’s share price!
buy today sell half at 7.50 and sell rest at 15
then give me a finders fee:)
haggard
March 19th, 2012
7:50 am
Here’s a favorite column Bisher wrote upon the death of Lewis Grizzard.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/bisher-not-as-much-159089.html
ncgary
March 19th, 2012
7:52 am
oreo is legit its an otcbb market not dow or nasdaq
ncgary
March 19th, 2012
7:56 am
Lots of teams have a few key players who are in their early 30s, but the Phils rely on 10 players who are 32 to 41. Five of them have $337 million in guaranteed long-term contracts, including $125 million to Howard. If the Phillies were any older, the club might have to change its logo to a lily.
Tomas
March 19th, 2012
7:59 am
Mike Minor throws hard, great command, and changeup. His breaking stuff has been awesome this spring, he looks like Cole Hamels.
Random
March 19th, 2012
8:16 am
Braves will leave camp with 12 pitchers on their ML roster — 4 “starters” and 8 “bullpen”.
Starters = Jurrjens, Hanson, Beachy and Minor. Both Delgado and Teheran will start the season in Gwinnett.
Bullpen = Kimbrel, Venters, O’Flaherty, Martinez, Gearrin, Ascencio, Fish and Medlen. Ascencio will not have to pass through waivers, and Fish will not be returned to the Angels.
Medlen will fill in as the fifth starter on the rare occasions that a 5th starter is needed in April.
When Hudson returns, we’ll see who goes down at that time.
Random
March 19th, 2012
8:42 am
March 16th, 2012 by David O’Brien: “Braves reliever Adam Russell gave up the last two runs of the game in the seventh inning Thursday, not the first time this spring when games have been blown by pitchers who are either minor leaguers or guys competing for a job.
“But the Braves are playing teams doing the same things, teams that for the first part of spring training turn games over in the late innings to minor leaguers and/or non-roster invitees fighting for jobs. Most of those teams are beating the Braves.”
So what exactly is your point here, DOB?
That it actually matters that other teams’ scrubs are beating the Braves’ scrubs?
The lazy logic of such an assertion refutes itself.
Jeff R
March 19th, 2012
8:45 am
Furman Bisher, R.I.P. I grew up reading Bisher’s columns. Fine writer and an old school guy. His columns were always excellently crafted and worth the read.
Here’s the tribute that Bisher wrote to his son, Roger:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/bisher-i-saw-him-159002.html
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
9:04 am
I was actually up early enough Sunday morning to see some of the replay of the Braves-Met game (don’t ask me why; what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas). More good-looking swings from Heyward. The blast the other day against Wandy? He was able to pull his hands in and crush it, which he was totally unable to do last year. Against Niese of the Mets, he was able to get the head around and pull pitches with authority against a lefty. All good things. I don’t want to get too gushy based on a dozen ABs on TV, but he’s shown me a little bit.
On another note, I’m starting to lean toward the Parraz guy as the utility OF, despite his couple of memorable defensive gaffs.
raleighbravefan
March 19th, 2012
9:17 am
Noooo! Minor can’t be that good. He was picked way too high. He just can’t be good. His ceiling is way low…a #5 at best. At least that’s what the whiners and haters keep saying. Well, maybe Minor is “OK”, but Gilmartin is surely a waste of a pick. (Obvious sarcasm, BTW)
Or maybe the Braves FO and talent eveluators aren’t complete morons after all?
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 19th, 2012
9:31 am
Furman Bisher gone but not forgotten. The man was the proverbial pen connecting us to the rest of the world through his incredible gift for the written word. There will never be another quit like him and the world has lost a writer for the ages.
Jeff R
March 19th, 2012
9:43 am
raleighbravefan, right on target. Minor was a wasted draft pick, IMO. And Gilmartin. I’m always suspicious of guys who seem to have a first name and last name all-in-one!
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
9:46 am
DOB, I’m betting if Meds played for probably 28 other ML teams he would be a lock for the rotation and would be the ACE for some teams.
it’s obvious, then, that the return for a package of Medlen and Ross would just about set up the minor league system for a decade.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 19th, 2012
9:48 am
Whether Pastornicky or Simmons, both are likely to struggle initially against big league pitching. Jack Wilson can’t hit his way out of a paper sack.
Word to the wise……go with the best DEFENDER, as great D always makes your pitching better.
At this point Teheran looks overrated, Delgado unsure of himself. Although Teheran has big time stuff. Like Roger McDowell alluded to…..there are going to be hiccups and growing pains.
I’m unimpressed by our bench. Beyond Ross and Hinske…..the rest is a motley collection of what ifs, cast offs and quad A wanna be big leaguers.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 19th, 2012
9:48 am
Thanks for the links to the Furman Bisher columns guys. And yes, I dearly miss Lewis Grizzard too. One of the sad things about getting old is see your friends and relatives pass away as well as your idols. For those of you who believe in God, at least it is only a temporary absence for those of you who believe this is it, well, you better get it all while you can….
I am sad today because my team lost to IU Saturday because they simply could not score when they needed to. I will be sadder still if VCU loses yet another promising young basketball coach to a “Big Name School”… Perhaps it is the reason I am not rich today, I always held the belief that it would be the greater accomplishment to take a struggling program to the top than to inherit a program with unlimited resources to get there.
So tell me, who is really the better teacher, the one who has a classroom full of Mensa Society candidates and knows how to stay out of their way or the one who has a room full of kids who has a collective IQ near the Mendoza line yet turns out most who will actually be able to support themselves during their lifetime?
Now baseball…. Like I have said, the last two weeks of spring training will give us the best idea of how this year’s addition of the Braves will perform. My hope is the Braves will have a collection of pitchers who can get past the 5th inning. That will be a lot easier to accomplish if the offense isn’t held to one run by the opposition.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
9:56 am
First Larry Munson and now Furman Bisher. Georgia’s had a bad stretch losing sports legends in recent months.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
10:03 am
Bullpen = Kimbrel, Venters, O’Flaherty, Martinez, Gearrin, Ascencio, Fish and Medlen.
If true, then I sure hope one of those guys can grow into some high-leverage use, at some point. But, that looks the Big Three and a bunch of guys you hope to never use, to me. Nobody in that latter group that I’d want to see in the 7th of a dicey game, except rarely.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
10:09 am
I wouldn’t count Varvaro out – especially since Guerrin has options and didn’t pitch that well when up last year, while Varvaro not only did quite well, but went multiple innings a good bit.
GTI in Brooklyn
March 19th, 2012
10:09 am
ncscoots, I think you’re right about that. BUT, if the younger guys in the rotation become more than just 5-inning starters, or if the offense can put a few more crooked numbers on the board, maybe that will decrease the number of high-leverage situations you’ll need those 5th, 6th and 7th guys in the bullpen for.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
10:11 am
Just spoke with Buck Belue about Furman Bisher. You could hear the reverence and genuine affection in Belue’s voice.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
10:12 am
Braves lineup: Simmons SS, Heyward RF, McCann C, Uggla 2B, Freeman 1B, Hinske LF, Terdoslavich 3B, Constanza CF, Delgado RH
Murph
March 19th, 2012
10:14 am
Wow… with the exception of Hinske in LF, there’s your 2013 Atlanta Braves’ starting lineup.
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
10:15 am
So just to get this straight…25 Man Roster
1 Jurrjens
2 Hanson
3 Beachy
4 Minor
5 Delgado/Teheran
6 Kimbrel
7 Venters
8 EOF
9 Medlen
10 C-Mart
11 Gearrin
12 Asencio
13 Bourn
14 Prado
15 Chipper
16 Uggla
17 McCann
18 Freeman
19 Heyward
20 Pastornicky/Simmons
21 Hinske
22 Ross
23 Diaz
24 Constanza/Durango/Parraz
25 Wilson/Sutton
GTI in Brooklyn
March 19th, 2012
10:17 am
I’m just catching up with yesterday’s new blog, but I do wanna say: Although I understand the general logic behind slotting MEDLEN for a bullpen job, it’s also true that the 2010 team’s surge in the standings exactly corresponded with the week that MEDLEN become the 5th starter, and their end-of-season lull that year set in at about the same time he went under Dr. Andrews’ knife. Much was made of PRADO’s emergence being the catalyst that season – and it was certainly a factor – but the team’s best record lines up exactly with the time that MEDLEN was in the rotation as a starter.
Felix Millan
March 19th, 2012
10:19 am
I was going to post something about Furman Bisher being part of my youth, and how much I enjoyed the Thanksgiving columns. But then I read haggard’s post, and there is nothing left for me to say. Thanks Hag, and thanks Furman Bisher.Larry and Furman within 3 months of each other……
DAP
March 19th, 2012
10:23 am
scoots Nobody in that latter group that I’d want to see in the 7th of a dicey game, except rarely.
it sucks that vizcaino is on the shelf. medlen would be a good pick for high leverage, but he may be preserved for looooong relief.
i suppose it still comes down to hoping for fewer high leverage innings. if we get us alot of 5 run leads it makes this easier.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
10:23 am
Lew, Varvaro’s not out of options. Only Asencio and Martinez are.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
10:27 am
Medlen made some solid starts that the Braves won. Prado was an All Star contributing on a daily basis. Not putting down Medlen – he made one hell of a good contribution – but it was one a week as opposed to every day.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
10:29 am
Thanks DOB – I’m just a Varvaro fan and would hate to see him sent down after his contribution last year. He terrible spring last year, too and might have been responsiblke late in the season for O’Ventbrel stillhaving their arms attached with his multiple inning relief stints.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
10:31 am
it sucks that vizcaino is on the shelf. medlen would be a good pick for high leverage, but he may be preserved for looooong relief.
I’m not so sure about Medlen and high-leverage. Seems to me that his stuff plays down in that role. Guess we’ll find out, though, LOL.
suppose it still comes down to hoping for fewer high leverage innings
Actually, I think that will be the case, over the course of a season. But, there are gonna be stretches where it seems as if every game is tight, even with that. It’s those periods where another late-inning option would be welcome.
What I would not like to see is Fredo juggling his late-inning guys as he does his lineups, giving guys days off just, well, because.
If the game is up for grabs in the 7th, go with the horses and worry about the next game when it gets here.
Lemke’s Knuckler
March 19th, 2012
10:33 am
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times. Kris Medlen will be a consistent 15+ game winner if given 30 starts a year. The guy can flat out pitch.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
10:42 am
Medlen is a good pitcher, but is NOT a top of rotation pitcher. Even if he starts, it will be as a maybe number four and likely number five pitcher. I’m not seeing 30 starts a season in his future.
Lemke’s Knuckler
March 19th, 2012
10:42 am
nscoots, you usually don’t say anything that I completely disagree with, but I’m having a tough time not getting riled up about your view of Medlen. He locates his fastball to both sides of the plate, has a tight breaking ball and one of the best changeups in the organization. The only thing he lacks in the proverbial pitching toolbox is 95+ mph velocity. Not many guys with his velocity can put up the strikeout numbers he has so far in his career. That’s a testament to how good of a pitcher he is. And to me, guys with his skill set do just fine in any situations, high or low leverage. I get so surprised by how many people overlook this kid. I think he’s going to be a great pitcher, not just good, but great!
DAP
March 19th, 2012
10:43 am
scoots I’m not so sure about Medlen and high-leverage. Seems to me that his stuff plays down in that role.
really? medlen is a strikeout pitcher. seems like thats a guy you want up in big situations, maybe even with runners on. what do you mean by “his stuff plays down in that role”?
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 19th, 2012
10:44 am
Bullpen management is relative. It is all about putting guys in a position to succeed more often than one to fail. Having the “ground ball” specialist for situations where a DP is needed or the guy who can induce a strikeout to prevent a run from scoring from third when there are less than two outs. Knowing who can pitch with inherited runners verses the guy who does best starting with a clean inning. Having a guy who is not intimidated by a hitter and will challenge the batter vs a nibbler who may or may not get “the call” from the umpire.
C-Mart and Medlen both appear capable of serving in long relief or as a spot starter. Medlen is the better pitcher of the two but both a capable. I think a lot of what will happen with the early roster will be dependent on who dose or does not have options left.
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
10:49 am
Last game of the year, biggest game of the year, check the box score or the replay…who was the Braves most clutch pitcher? Yep, Kris Medlen. The kid has heart and can flat out pitch. Bailed Kimbrel out last game of the year, that’s for sure.
Lemke’s Knuckler
March 19th, 2012
10:50 am
MFin04,
We need to join forces to beat some sense into these people. I have no idea why so many can’t see how good of a pitcher this kid is.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
10:50 am
Let’s not get carried away. Meds is a good pitcher and I’m certainly happy he’s a Brave, but he’s not Roy Halladay y’all.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
10:54 am
LK, I’ll just keep mum on Medlen. I don’t want you riled, my friend.
TennesseePaul
March 19th, 2012
10:57 am
Actually, I think [fewer high leverage innings] will be the case, over the course of a season.
Sheeesh scoots, you really think the Braves are going to be blown out all the time? ( :
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 19th, 2012
10:58 am
Question… Did Greg Maddux ever throw a 95 mph fastball? Yes, a “power pitcher” makes a living off striking out guys who are AAAA or have a slow bat but it is the “control” guys who survive.
Scouts love a kid who can throw 96mph and above because you can’t teach speed but when you have a kid who is more consistent in hitting the bull vs being near the strike zone you end up with a guy who takes the signing bonus and pays for his Tommy John surgery with it.
I would much rather have a guy who has great movement on his pitches than one with pure speed to blow hitters away.
Like Strausburg comment after serving up a gopher ball to Dan Uggla last week. He knew Dan was sitting on a fastball but wanted to blow one by him. Lesson learned by the young Nat…. Pitching is all about changing speeds and location. That and learning how to not tip your pitches.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
10:59 am
TennPaul,
Guess I’ll become one of the D&G brethren myself.
(query: is it “doom-and-gloomer” or “gloom-and-doomer”? What’s our preferred usage?)
TennesseePaul
March 19th, 2012
10:59 am
I have no idea why so many can’t see how good of a pitcher this kid is.
Well, if Meds was a bit taller, scoots might actually see him.
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
11:03 am
Looks like the Braves’ episode of 30 Clubs in 30 Days premieres tomorrow night at 11 pm EDT…multiple showings thereafter…
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
11:11 am
Well, if Meds was a bit taller,
Hey, he towers over Danny Herrera, doesn’t he? So, he’s got that going for him.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
11:14 am
For that matter, Meds probably isn’t even the shortest guy on the team, anymore. Isn’t Dodge kinda petite?
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
11:14 am
I don’t think this has been noted here:
Jon Heyman @JonHeymanCBS
#phillies announce chase utley has left camp to have his knee evaluated by a specialist
CB
March 19th, 2012
11:14 am
Assuming Hudson is back by projected May 1st, 5th starter will be needed 2 times in April. Question you should ask do you want Medlen in that role for two starts or full time in the pen? I do believe he is at least a middle of the rotation guy ( scoots is wrong
) but in this situation makes more sense to have him in the bullpen.
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
11:15 am
Matt Gelb @magelb
Freddy Galvis is the opening day second baseman, Amaro says.
Retweeted by Seth Everett
ncgary
March 19th, 2012
11:16 am
speaking of halladay
he been getting drilled this spring
gave up almost as many hrs as tehran
sure its only spring but …….. just saying
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
11:17 am
Don’t give guys jobs, make them earn the jobs.
If Pastornicky, Delgado, and Teheran, don’t earn spots in the majors, then don’t give them those spots. If Simmons and Medlen earn those starting spots, then let them have the spots.
But to keep Medlen in the bullpen even though he has said he wants to start and has pitched well as a starter is just absurd.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
11:17 am
Assuming Hudson is back by projected May 1st, 5th starter will be needed 2 times in April.
I don’t think the off-days will work out to that schedule, CB. Just spitballin’ there, because I haven’t really checked.
CB
March 19th, 2012
11:21 am
scoots, you made me go back and look again and I am sorry. It is three. Old eyes and brain. LOL
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
11:23 am
It is three.
And knowing the Braves, they’ll make Huddy wait one extra start when he actually is ready. Figure four starts by the “sixth” starter.
DAP
March 19th, 2012
11:26 am
VJ, the phillies might be looking at a slow start with howard and utley both hurt. they have enough firepower to win with that pitching staff, but its going to come alot tougher for them.
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
11:29 am
DAP – I don’t know if you saw the link haggard posted to Tom Boswell’s column on the Phillies, but it’s a worthwhile read (from Bos’s Washington perspective):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/phillies-toughest-opponent-might-be-father-time/2012/03/17/gIQANxXRJS_story.html
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
11:29 am
Bos thinking more highly of the Braves than many people here…
CB
March 19th, 2012
11:31 am
scoots, I looked for a third time and I believe it is two. Someone else figure it out, I am getting a headache.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
11:34 am
Arodys Vizcaino (elbow) is flying to Pensacola now for this afternoon’s appointment with Dr. Andrews.
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
11:35 am
Thanks to haggard, scoots, ncgary, Coach, and Gil for the wonderful tributes to Furman Bisher.
That sports writers reunion picture made me recall if any of the bloggers here are big Nascar fans, you would do good to look up Bill Robinson and read some of his columns and stories on racing. He was almost as good a writer as Furman and his best work was writing about the Richard Petty/David Pearson battles. The man had a way with words that you would not expect to see in a racing writer.
Danga
March 19th, 2012
11:36 am
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/jon-boog-sciambi-broadcasting-the-stats/
Boog article on fangraphs. Sorry this guy didn’t stick around in our broadcast booth a bit longer.
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
11:37 am
Murph: If George is our starting CF next year, we have regressed. Agree on the other ones, though.
Danga
March 19th, 2012
11:38 am
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/fielding-bible-volume-iii-defensive-runs-saved-updated/
For those interested in defensive metrics, the latest changes to the +/- system of the fielding bible.
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
11:41 am
It is so nice to wake up to Robin Meade every morning…I am a lucky guy.
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
11:44 am
ken – I should try that (Robin). I’ve been waking up with Al for too many years now.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
11:45 am
I looked for a third time and I believe it is two.
The first two off days don’t come into play, else you’d have the 2 guy pitching on three days’ rest on the 11th, and they aren’t going to do that. You can skip the 5 with the off day on the 26th, but Hudson would have to be ready exactly on May 1 for the game against the Phightens. Even then, they might have the fill-in pitch that day, and have Hudson go the next.
Hillbilly
March 19th, 2012
11:50 am
scoots, I looked for a third time and I believe it is two. Someone else figure it out, I am getting a headache. CB
I’ve got the 5th starter going on the 11th, 17th, and 22nd.
B-F_52
March 19th, 2012
11:51 am
I have confidence in Varvaro,but didn’t Asencio blow a few tight games last year?I hope he improved if not cut him or trade him
Juan
March 19th, 2012
11:52 am
Walking Dead season finale last night….anyone…wow from the farm to the Prison 3rd season.And who’s this hooded person that save Andrea
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:52 am
Good stuff on Furman Bisher, you guys.
Thanks for the links, too.
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
11:54 am
Chris Mortensen @mortreport
Manning to Broncos…more coming on Espn
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
11:54 am
Spoke with an individual this a.m. who said BRAVES scouts KERNS and FLEMING both have my grandson on their radar. One can only hope.
GIANTS have asked that he join their camp in June.
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
11:58 am
Juan: The person in the hood is Michonne from the comics. Apparently she is a badass who has figured out how to control or use the walkers to her advantage. Not sure if she runs the Prison or if that is a separate storyline because I haven’t read the comics. They set up Season 3 real nicely.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:58 am
Congrats, rich.
Best of luck to your grandson.
CB
March 19th, 2012
11:59 am
Actually, the opening day starter would pitch on the 11th and that is all I have to say on the subject. Let the Braves figure it out. Wait a minute, that’s Fredi…..
B-F_52
March 19th, 2012
11:59 am
Furman and Lewis were very special.So is our blogmeister
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
11:59 am
Jimmy: Robin will definitely get your day off to a good start.
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
12:01 pm
Manning to Denver. Woo Hoo
TDub
March 19th, 2012
12:01 pm
Juan – it’s Michonne. Check out the Wikipedia entry, but beware there are tons of spoilers in her entry…
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
12:01 pm
What does that mean for Tim Tebow?
Lew
March 19th, 2012
12:03 pm
DAP- The Phillies might well be looking at Polanco not starting the season either, with a finger injury. What firepower do they still have left? Pence, Victorino, Rollins and some role players at the end of their careers like Thome?
I think they should be worried – not necessartily of the Braves, but in general. The division has gotten deeper – they have not.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
12:04 pm
Wait a minute, that’s Fredi
Maybe we’ll have a better idea of the schedule once we see who the sixth starter actually is.
Juan
March 19th, 2012
12:05 pm
I haven’t read the comics, but i looking for 3rd season. The are 2 show i like it a lot…SOA & Walking dead.
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
12:05 pm
If they are smart, they keep Tebow and let him learn under Manning, use him in the Wild Cat, a little at wide out and running back and wait for Manning to take that hit that puts him out.
Soph
March 19th, 2012
12:06 pm
Tebow Time is over.
At least in Denver.
CB
March 19th, 2012
12:08 pm
Lee,agreed on Tebow unless they can get a haul for him which is doubtful.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
12:09 pm
CB – They could pass the collection dish.
Soph
March 19th, 2012
12:09 pm
I know some people were posting yesterday that they hadn’t had a chance to watch the season finale for TWD so no spoilers from me but that was an awesome episode. Can’t wait for October and season 3.
Murph
March 19th, 2012
12:09 pm
Didn’t the Phillies have all sorts of injuries last year to Utley, Howard, etc? And, when those guys were on the DL, didn’t they somehow just keep on winning anyways?
While those guy being on the DL certainly doesn’t hurt the Braves, I wouldn’t get too excited about it. They seem to be a team who finds a way to win, no matter who is in the lineup. Their SP has a little something to do with that.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
12:10 pm
Collection plate – been listening too much to Chip Caray.
haggard
March 19th, 2012
12:13 pm
richbrave
And the excitement continues to build. Your buttons must be about to bust, proud grandpa. That’s great.
ncgary
March 19th, 2012
12:13 pm
i think this is the year halladay begins to fade some too
granted that doesn’t mean he wont be an all star. but i think he starts regressing
Hillbilly
March 19th, 2012
12:13 pm
4/5 – JJ
4/6 – Off
4/7 – Hanson
4/8 – Beachy
4/9 – Minor
4/10- JJ (4 days rest)
4/11- 5th Starter
4/12- Off
4/13- Hanson (5 days rest)
4/14- Beachy (5 days rest)
4/15- Minor (5 days rest)
4/16- JJ (5 days rest
4/17- 5th starter
4/18- Hanson (4 days rest)
4/19- Beachy (4 days rest)
4/20- Minor (4 days rest)
4/21- JJ (4 days rest)
4/22- 5th starter
4/23- Hanson (4 days rest)
4/24- Beachy (4 days rest)
4/25- Minor (4 days rest)
4/26- Off
4/27- JJ (5 days rest)
4/28- Hanson (4 days rest)
4/29- Beachy (4 days rest)
4/30- Minor (4 days rest)
5/1 – Hudson or 5th starter
glord1
March 19th, 2012
12:14 pm
DOB – Just curiuos does Dr Andrews practice out of Pensacola now? I always thought he was in Birmingham.
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
12:15 pm
Hopefully Tebow Time is not over, just put back on the bench where it should be.
CB
March 19th, 2012
12:16 pm
You are the man, Hillbilly.
Hillbilly
March 19th, 2012
12:16 pm
Of course that’s all theoretical. A rain out or Flu-like symptoms could throw it all out of whack.
Soph
March 19th, 2012
12:18 pm
CraZy – wherever you are – happy birthday to you!
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
12:20 pm
No…report says that Broncos plan to trade Tebow.
Miami still needs help in that area.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
12:20 pm
Murph – You should read the article that wqas linked to above. Howard is having serious problems. The stitches on the surgical repair of his ankle got infected – he’s still in a walking boot and from personal experience, he will come out of it with his leg half the size of the other – takes time to get the strength back from atrophied muscles and is no fun.
They don’t have Ibanez bat anymore. They just lost Dominic Brown again. They dumped Wilson Valdez who filled in well for Utley and Rollins and Polanco may also be out with hand issues. Their power now consists of Hunter Pence. Their offense will not be what it was.
Hillbilly
March 19th, 2012
12:20 pm
DOB – Just curiuos does Dr Andrews practice out of Pensacola now? I always thought he was in Birmingham.
With the money he’s made off MLB pitchers in the last 10-15 years, I’m suprised he’s not practicing out of “James Andrews Island” in the Carribean.
Monty
March 19th, 2012
12:21 pm
Medlen just looks like a guy you are supposed to hit, like someone’s kid brother pitching, and then you find yourself on the way back to the dugout. Obviously Teheran and Delgado are more highly favored by the Braves org. and will be given every op. over Medlen, no matter how well Meds pitches. Heck, the Braves could let Meds start in April while Hanson is out and he would win, and then they could use him for trade, a viable SP for a bat. Better to get full potential for him than to become just a mop up, low leverage guy(as someone said). I could see Medlen starting and being a consistent winner. I know the Braves org. think they have budding superstars in Teheran and Delgado but I’m not seeing it. Be glad to be wrong.
CB
March 19th, 2012
12:21 pm
Soph, have you ever watched the show “The Killing”? My wife and I love it.
Monty
March 19th, 2012
12:21 pm
Meant to say while Huddy is out.
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
12:24 pm
I think trading Tebow would be a mistake.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
12:26 pm
Hillbilly: Andrews opened a second clinic in Pensacola a couple of years ago.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
12:26 pm
I think folks forget that I was in favor of letting Medlen start in April, too, until Hillbilly changed my mind.
Soph
March 19th, 2012
12:28 pm
CB – I haven’t but I saw a commercial for it during The Walking Dead yesterday and it looked interesting. I’ll have to see if I can catch up on old episodes and add it to my list.
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
12:29 pm
Lee- I think trading Tebow is a mistake. Here is the quote:
“Peyton Manning has reportedly chosen his team and he will be the next quarterback of … the Denver Broncos. CBSSports.com’s Mike Freeman confirms that Manning’s pick is Denver and that a contract “is a formality” at this point.
Freeman also reports that the Broncos will attempt to trade Tim Tebow and “do not care” what they get for him.”
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
12:31 pm
5/90 for Manning?
Most of that must be in the first 2 or 3 years.
CB
March 19th, 2012
12:31 pm
Soph, you definitely want to watch it from the beginning or you will be lost for sure.
Danga
March 19th, 2012
12:32 pm
What is the reasoning behind not wanting Medlen to start? Seems to me he would be a better than average bottom of the rotation starter. From where I stand, I guess the biggest argument against him is that the other guys have such high ceilings.
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
12:37 pm
Heading off for a 2 hour tutoring session (meaning non-availability for PBP)…
Hillbilly
March 19th, 2012
12:39 pm
DOB, that was glord asking about Pensacola. I was just quoting him and being a smart @##.
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
12:40 pm
VJ – yeah saw where you posted that yesterday. Hurry back brother.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
12:40 pm
What is the reasoning behind not wanting Medlen to start?
Flatbilled cap bias
Danga
March 19th, 2012
12:41 pm
Flatbilled cap bias
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
12:42 pm
Flatbilled cap bias
Harsh, but true.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
12:42 pm
knock me over with a feather: Drive-By Truckers’ “Carl Perkins’ Cadillac” playing on stadium PA at Dark Star
DAP
March 19th, 2012
12:42 pm
lew What firepower do they still have left? Pence, Victorino, Rollins and some role players at the end of their careers like Thome?
their lineup inst completely pathetic with guys like ruiz, mayberry, wigginton, ect. its not great, thats for sure. but their pitching is so good, they can still win alot of ballgames.like i said though, its going to come alot tougher for them.
Murph
March 19th, 2012
12:43 pm
Lew, I know the Phillies are hurting and in some cases, hurting bad… but they’ll still find a way to win.
I just don’t think we can count on taking advantage of our easy April schedule and looking at the standings in May with the assumption that the Phillies will automatically be 5+ games out of first.
They’ll find a way to win. And no, I’m not being doom/gloom. I don’t really care what the Phillies do… if the Braves don’t win, it’s all moot anyways.
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
12:45 pm
‘do not care” WOW tells you what they think of him.
Monty
March 19th, 2012
12:48 pm
I have a feeling getting rid of Tebow will backfire on Denver. Sometimes you “reap what you sow.”
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
12:48 pm
The Phils were 6th in the NL in runs scored last year…still won 102 games.
Hillbilly
March 19th, 2012
12:49 pm
knock me over with a feather: Drive-By Truckers’ “Carl Perkins’ Cadillac” playing on stadium PA at Dark Star
GTFO…Between this and Molyan and Medlen’s new twitter-fueled friendship with Jason Isbell, I believe there’s hope for this team, yet…musically speaking.
Soph
March 19th, 2012
12:50 pm
‘do not care” WOW tells you what they think of him.
Yeah, I know Elway was never too high on him but geez.
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
12:50 pm
5 years for Manning, that doesn’t sound right. 2 maybe.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
12:50 pm
DAP and Murph – Yeah, I know and I’m not consigning the Phillies to Metshood, but they are NOT the powerhouse they were the past couple of years. Even the pitching is not as strong as last year. The end of their rotation is Blanton/Kendrick and they have to hope Worley remains anywhere near as strong as last year.
Losing Howard and Utley seriously depletes their power and Wigginton is not going to replace Howard’s bat. Without Polanco, they’re that much weaker.
I’m pretty sure they’ve come back to earth somewhat.
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
12:52 pm
Morning all…
Soph
March 19th, 2012
12:53 pm
Seriously though, thank you Peyton for not dragging the process out and making me dislike you. He did well.
Monty
March 19th, 2012
12:53 pm
What Denver is doing is like dumping the faithful wife and mother of your children for the still sexy(but older) pin-up queen. This could get ugly in a hurry, especially if Peyton can’t deliver or stay healthy. Somebody could get egg on their face.
Soph
March 19th, 2012
12:54 pm
Hi cab. Do you want Tebow if Alex Smith does sign somewhere else now?
DAP
March 19th, 2012
12:54 pm
murph Didn’t the Phillies have all sorts of injuries last year to Utley, Howard, etc?
i dont think so, not all at the same time.
CB
March 19th, 2012
12:54 pm
cab, maybe the 49ers can trade for Tebow if they lose Smith.
haggard
March 19th, 2012
12:54 pm
Lew
I’m glad you’re here as I have a friend with some general pain in both knees–probably arthritis related–and was wondering what your advice is on a supplement routine?
Soph
March 19th, 2012
12:55 pm
Teehee, CB. Great minds.
haggard
March 19th, 2012
12:56 pm
Mornin’ cab…
Lew
March 19th, 2012
12:56 pm
And keep in mind that last season, Howard only missed ten games all year. He’ll miss more than that the first two weeks this time around.
brian
March 19th, 2012
12:57 pm
how many starts are we looking at for the 5th starter before May 1??
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
12:57 pm
5 years for Manning, that doesn’t sound right. 2 maybe.
Doesn’t that have something to do with cap space and signing bonuses?
Lew
March 19th, 2012
12:58 pm
haggard – Glucosamine sulphate – 2000 MG daily. Get it at Wal Mart and forget the chondroitan along with it. Other than that, Super B Complex helps with nerve function and you can’t really take too much of it. Calcium can’t hurt, either.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
12:59 pm
brian – Probably three. Maybe two.
CB
March 19th, 2012
1:01 pm
Three, brian. Hillbilly is correct.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
1:01 pm
Broncos fans are going to be highly upset if Manning gets injured early on and Tebow is gone.
Not so sure I’d take a chance on Manning for serious money or years. Could work out to be great, could work out to be one of the biggest mistakes they’ve ever made.
Salt life
March 19th, 2012
1:02 pm
Directive channel 658 if you have it
brian
March 19th, 2012
1:02 pm
thanks guys – I would agree it would make much more sense to have Medlen take those irregular April starts and keep the young guys Teheran and Delgado on a regular schedule in AAA
Salt life
March 19th, 2012
1:02 pm
Directv
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
1:03 pm
Soph & CB-
Not even if Denver PAID the Niners to take him. Not a fan…
Hi Haggard!
haggard
March 19th, 2012
1:04 pm
Lew
Thanks so much. Seems as if I remembered you swore by a “magic elixir” a while back and I’ll pass your recommendation along in a few minutes.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
1:07 pm
haggard – Afraid there’s no magic elixer. Arthritis is going to win out over aanything you can take, but the Glucosamine does lubricate the joints pretty well and has made a good bit of difference for me and most others I know who take it. It will still hurt, but won’t deteriorate as quickly, but one way or another, old age gonna get you.
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
Anyone doing PbP this afternoon?
VJ is busy for a few hours.
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
Could be Bat. It will be interesting to see what the contract looks like when it is finalized.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
1:09 pm
4 to 3 out 1
K out 2
haggard
March 19th, 2012
1:09 pm
cab
I thought of you a couple of days ago upon reading that Scully has scaled back his schedule just a bit more; he’ll no longer be doing Rockies games on the road.
CB
March 19th, 2012
1:10 pm
Lew,thanks for that info on the arthritis sufferers. Wife has it in her fingers, we will definitely try it.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
1:10 pm
Single up the middle
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
1:10 pm
Thanks Bat.
ncgary
March 19th, 2012
1:10 pm
for the most part old age beats the alternative
DAP
March 19th, 2012
1:10 pm
i love boog, just wondering why he feels the need to pick on juan pierre. do people not realize juan pierre has a career .345 OBP? hes not a bad OBP guy. i personally think its weird that he is so often mentioned as an antithesis to what saber-dudes like to see.
Salt life
March 19th, 2012
1:12 pm
Beltran single. Freese BB
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
1:12 pm
Sure thing, Jimmy
Walk to Freese
Salt life
March 19th, 2012
1:13 pm
Adams k. End of half
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
1:13 pm
K for out 3
haggard
March 19th, 2012
1:14 pm
Lew
He’s also working on some serious weight loss, (now minus 30 after being at 410). At one time I read every extra pound equals four pounds of extra pressure on the knees Further loss may indeed be his “magic elixir”.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
1:20 pm
6 to 3 Simmons
Shallow fly to center Heyward
Line drive out to RF Mac
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
1:23 pm
6 to 3 Molina
Danga
March 19th, 2012
1:24 pm
just wondering why he feels the need to pick on juan pierre. do people not realize juan pierre has a career .345 OBP?
It is about as empty as .345 as can be had, but your make a good point. It isn’t as if he is an out machine one the scale of Gonzo, Ankiel, or others.
Random
March 19th, 2012
1:27 pm
ncscoots (March 19th, 2012 10:03 am): ” ‘Bullpen = Kimbrel, Venters, O’Flaherty, Martinez, Gearrin, Ascencio, Fish and Medlen.’
“If true, then I sure hope one of those guys can grow into some high-leverage use, at some point. But, that looks the Big Three and a bunch of guys you hope to never use, to me. Nobody in that latter group that I’d want to see in the 7th of a dicey game, except rarely.”
By (current) definition, any “7th of a dicey game” is already reserved in advance for deployment of “the Big Three”.
As you yourself say at 10:31 am, “If the game is up for grabs in the 7th, go with the horses and worry about the next game when it gets here.”.
CB (March 19th, 2012 11:14 am): “Assuming Hudson is back by projected May 1st, 5th starter will be needed [three] times in April. Question you should ask do you want Medlen in that role for two starts or full time in the pen? I do believe he is at least a middle of the rotation guy ( scoots is wrong ) but in this situation makes more sense to have him in the bullpen.”
Which is exactly where I put him at 8:16 am
Why have a nominal fifth starter on the bench for just 3 starts? Medlen can handle that (as I previously posited).
(But it’ll be a whole new ballgame when Hudson returns, though. At which time we’ll have plenty of more current info on performances and injuries to make any decision at this time moot.)
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 19th, 2012
1:28 pm
Cabrera of Tigers just got hit hard in the eye on a bad bounce. Ton of blood pouring out of it. OWWW!
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
1:30 pm
Walk
K out 2
K pitcher out 3
B-F_52
March 19th, 2012
1:31 pm
CTB those were not safety glasses for shure
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 19th, 2012
1:33 pm
Crazy thing is the announcers were talking all about Cabrera’s defense and how it doesn’t matter because he can hit so good. Guess it matters when he’s getting hurt playing defense though. Bad bounce, but he still let the thing play him pretty bad.
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
1:45 pm
What happen to the PbP?
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
March 19th, 2012
1:45 pm
Let’s not get carried away. Meds is a good pitcher and I’m certainly happy he’s a Brave, but he’s not Roy Halladay y’all. Lew
No, but he might be Don Sutton. And so might Lemke’s Knuckler.
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
1:45 pm
haggard-
Yeah, there was an article in the LA Times about Scully not doing Rockies games anymore. He had a great line, once telling Frank McCourt “I would like to disappear like the Cheshire Cat, all of a sudden the only thing left is his smile. So this is just another disappearing act”
Fish Bisch
March 19th, 2012
1:47 pm
Wow the walking dead was good last night.
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
1:48 pm
I also love the fact that, when someone asked him why he was announcing a couple of Spring games (he was in Arizona over the weekend) he said “It’s as simple as this: The last baseball game I did was Sept. 28, and I thought, ‘My gosh, all these highly talented players, they have to come here and practice for a month to get ready. I want to do a couple of games just to kind of get the feel of them again. It’s batting practice for me.”
(As if Vin Scully, who has been broadcasting games for 62 years, needs practice! I love him)
Brave New World
March 19th, 2012
1:49 pm
If there is a team to worry about in the NL East it’s the Phillies, and their fans should worry. They have tied up a ton of money in aging and injury-prone players (Utley, Howard, Rollins), and their starting pitching is still very good but not great. If Utley’s knees continue to be an issue and Jimmy Rollins continues to decline, the Phils will be on the downward slope in this division. And if the Phils wind up paying Cole Hamels $20 million annually to keep him, they will be looking like the Mets in the near future.
Salt life
March 19th, 2012
1:51 pm
One hit through 3 (cards). Slick DP by Uggs and Andy. Double by Molina
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
1:51 pm
Sorry Lee
9 up 9 down for the Brave
Walk to start the top 4th
4-6-3 dp
Single to LF
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
1:53 pm
Matt Carpenter with a two-run homer to put Cardinals up 2-0 against Delgado (crushed a 1-1 pitch to RF)
Salt life
March 19th, 2012
1:53 pm
2 run bomb by carpenter
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
1:54 pm
Sorry double
2 run homer
Salt has it
Salt life
March 19th, 2012
1:55 pm
Bat backing you up. You are first string
TNScott
March 19th, 2012
1:56 pm
The HR ball continues to plague Delgado and Tehran this spring.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:00 pm
Salt-
VJ is first string : smile:
5 to 3 Simmons
Fly ball out heyward
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:02 pm
1- 3 Mac
No hits for the Bravos thru 4
Norcross
March 19th, 2012
2:04 pm
I want Medlen in rotation.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:05 pm
K pitcher looking
Pop up to 6
Salt life
March 19th, 2012
2:05 pm
Cards announcers can’t say Terdoslovich….calling him Joey
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:06 pm
4-3 Jay out 3
Fish Bisch
March 19th, 2012
2:10 pm
Carpenter is really owning us on both sides of the plate.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:10 pm
Sinle to left for Uggla leading off
Random
March 19th, 2012
2:10 pm
brian (March 19th, 2012 1:02 pm): “thanks guys – I would agree it would make much more sense to have Medlen take those irregular April starts and keep the young guys Teheran and Delgado on a regular schedule in AAA”
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about — why carry a fifth starter for only three starts in the month before Hudson’s expected return?
That allows both Teheran and Delgado to get the regular work which it appears they’re both sorely in need of, and also allows the Braves to carry an “extra” reliever for a month or so, precluding either exposing an optionless Ascencio or Martinez to the waiver wire or returning Fish to the Angels.
And who knows what the rotation/bullpen situations will be when Hudson does return?
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:11 pm
BAT?HAGGARD:
Yeah, hate braggarts, but gotta’ yell. Course things are only an injury or misstep away from disaster.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:11 pm
Single to rf for FF
Uggla to 3rd
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
2:11 pm
Uggla and Freeman consecutive singles to start Braves 5th inning, Hinske up with runners on corners, Cardinals leading 2-0
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:12 pm
BAT:
Thanx for the tip. Bought in, and rode up for a couple days, and bailed with a tidy profit.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:13 pm
Hinske walks on 4 pitches
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:14 pm
Any t.v. exposure? Right now I’m still baby-sitting granddaughter so ‘Bubble Guppies’ is the feature of the moment.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
2:15 pm
Hinske walk to load bases and Terdo sac fly to CF cuts Cardinals lead to 2-1
Hillbilly
March 19th, 2012
2:15 pm
MLB At Bat app leaving me hanging again. “Playback Error” for the third straight day. No audio.
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
2:15 pm
Bases loaded. Don’t know who is batting though.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:16 pm
Happy for you,rich
20% over the last couple of weeks
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:16 pm
25% sorry
DAP
March 19th, 2012
2:17 pm
brave new world their starting pitching is still very good but not great
i just cant sign on to that one yet.
B-F_52
March 19th, 2012
2:18 pm
Victorino limpin now
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:18 pm
Strike out throw out of Freeman at third end of the fifth
2 to 1 Cards
Braveone
March 19th, 2012
2:18 pm
From the previous blog which had 1,456 comments, Tomahawkin led the way with 114 posts. There were 144 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Tomahawkin 114
2 cabravesfan 101
3 phil 80
4 bravesgrl4life 68
5 noleee 60
6 Venice Jim 59
7 Lew 44
8 Tom O’Hawke 44
9 richbrave 43
10 David O’Brien 40
11 Ward 36
12 B-F_52 33
13 Bat Masterson 32
14 George 32
15 Brava 31
16 O’Brava 31
17 Juan 27
18 ncscoots 26
19 ChattTownBrian (CTB) 25
20 uga-brave 22
21 CB 21
22 Kat 21
23 kenhotlanta 18
24 S&C 17
25 Soph 16
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:20 pm
Teheran in to start the 6th
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:21 pm
Homerun Beltran
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
2:21 pm
Beltran greets Teheran with a leadoff homer in the Cardinals 6th, on full count.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
2:22 pm
That’s nine homers off Teheran in nine innings pitched this spring
bravesgrl4life
March 19th, 2012
2:22 pm
Teheran having a rough Spring. Just couldn’t hold onto that run we got last inning.
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:23 pm
Nice. made a buck forty-three in two days 3/13 – 3/15. It wasn’t a million, but thanx a million. it is a stock I’m in and out of from time to time, but I’ve had it on the back burner the past month until I saw your comment, checked it out and boom……..good deal..
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:24 pm
Fresse soft single to rf
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:24 pm
Lot of HR’s for TEHERAN. WOW!
TNScott
March 19th, 2012
2:25 pm
Well, there goes the HR ball for Teheran. Whatever the Braves have been feeding Delgado and Teheran for breakfast this spring ain’t working. It sure hasn’t been Wheaties, the breakfast of champions.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:27 pm
Yeah rich it’s one that I have been watching for a while to…….. Plenty of volume to move in and out
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
2:29 pm
Haven’t seen him throw this spring, but I’m guessing his fastball is straight and flat. Teheran that is.
And if it catches too much of the plate, Bob’s your Uncle.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:29 pm
Missed the first out.
Komotsu steal second throw had him …….. Dropped
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
2:30 pm
Molina RBI double to the CF warning track off Teheran, Cardinals up 4-1 in the 6th inning
Bayou Brave
March 19th, 2012
2:30 pm
David O’Brien
March 19th, 2012
2:22 pm
That’s nine homers off Teheran in nine innings pitched this spring
How many HRs has Medlen given up so far?
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:30 pm
Molina bounces a double iff the CF wall
4-1 …….. Still one out
TNScott
March 19th, 2012
2:31 pm
Teheran is getting lit up like a Christmas tree.
haggard
March 19th, 2012
2:32 pm
richbrave
My comment about your grandson was heartfelt. Feel free to “brag” on !
Bayou Brave
March 19th, 2012
2:33 pm
Teheran, try not to throw it right down the middle.
TIA
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:33 pm
Carpenter k looking
Brave New World
March 19th, 2012
2:34 pm
DAP March 19th, 2012 2:17 pm
brave new world their starting pitching is still very good but not great
i just cant sign on to that one yet.
DAP: For clarification, are you saying the Phils starting pitching is great, or not even very good?
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:35 pm
Single to rf on 0 and 2
1st and 3rd
Murph
March 19th, 2012
2:36 pm
Enjoy Gwinnett Julio…
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:37 pm
1-3
End of 6th
Yay
RemoW
March 19th, 2012
2:37 pm
I believe the Teheran is going to be starting in the minors. Great stuff, just needs to learn to pitch.
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:37 pm
BAT:
Wish all my trades were HR’s like that! Most well…….if you’re active with limited time and info you know what I’m talking about.
Murph
March 19th, 2012
2:39 pm
I’m sticking to my statements of earlier this Winter/Spring that I’d much rather see Delgado in the rotation right now than Teheran. I know, i know, Teheran has electric stuff, he’s a future staff ace, etc etc etc.
I’ve seen him pitch maybe 5 times now, about the same for Delgado, and as they stand at the moment I’d take Delgado without hesitation.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:41 pm
Sure do, rich
It all looks so easy looking at the charts……… After its over
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:42 pm
2 quick outs for the braves
Felix Millan
March 19th, 2012
2:42 pm
I’m with you Murph. Delgado is a better PITCHER at this point.All day today, folks have made valid arguments for Meds getting those three starts until Hudson gets back.I agree.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:43 pm
K Heyward
DAP
March 19th, 2012
2:45 pm
brave new world For clarification, are you saying the Phils starting pitching is great, or not even very good?
still great last time i checked, so im gonna go with that until something changes.
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:45 pm
MURPH:
TEHERAN didn’t look confident on the mound……you know like he owned it. DELGASDO was more confident it appeared from the body language. Not supremely confident, but better thn JULIO. Didn’t make much difference today though did it? Both gave up all-sacks shots.
CB
March 19th, 2012
2:46 pm
Settle the issue easily,send them both down and go with Medlen.
jeffrey d
March 19th, 2012
2:46 pm
Teheran, try not to throw it right down the middle.
oooooooooooooooooh!
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:46 pm
Fly out to lf to start the 7th
raleighbravefan
March 19th, 2012
2:47 pm
richbrave – Brag all you want about your grandson…and best of luck to him. We blog friends feel invested…almost like we know him. Keep us informed.
JAFO
March 19th, 2012
2:48 pm
JT just punched his bus ride.
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:48 pm
Felix Millan
March 19th, 2012
2:42 pm
“………I’m with you Murph. Delgado is a better PITCHER at this point.All day today, folks have made valid arguments for Meds getting those three starts until Hudson gets back.I agree……….”
Add me to that list. pretty obvious it seems to me despite what FG thinks or says.
B-F_52
March 19th, 2012
2:48 pm
Bravos Vs Tigers tommorrow on ESPN @1.00 JJ v Verlander
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:48 pm
Double to left just fair
Landed 10 miles from Hinske
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:50 pm
Robinson Ks
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
2:51 pm
“Landed 10 miles from Hinske”
Has Diesel got to the ball yet, Bat?
B-F_52
March 19th, 2012
2:52 pm
I’m with you guys Julio not ready yet Delgado big league change up Meds big league pitcher
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:52 pm
raleighbravefan:
Heh! That’s ’cause I’m always running off at the keyboard about him. You know this won’t end with his younger brother making the varsity right out of the box as a freshman. And of course there’s the one year old who already palms mid-size nerf balls, heh! it’s a never ending saga sports fans.LOL! But seriously, thanx for you toleration and good cheer.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:52 pm
Pop up to Simmons end of the seventh
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:53 pm
Yeah jimmy ………. He was running hard just not very fast ………..
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:54 pm
I reminded of another diesel going for the ball that once played for the REDSKINS in D.C. Heh! Funny thought.
JAFO
March 19th, 2012
2:54 pm
two hits
TennesseePaul
March 19th, 2012
2:54 pm
That’s nine homers off Teheran in nine innings pitched this spring
That may be, but the truth is, the wind was blowing out. Otherwise Teheran is ready to dominate! Now trade all the other starters and let these kids pitch us to the World Series.
Murph
March 19th, 2012
2:55 pm
I wouldn’t mind seeing Medlen get the Hudson starts over Delgado… if anything I’d give ‘em to him just because I think he’s earned them, pitching so well pre-surgery and working his tail off to try and contribute in 2011.
With Fredi wanting to be a “player’s manager” so badly, you’d think giving a guy the entire team is rooting for and respects a few starts would go a long ways towards earning some love from the team.
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:55 pm
Although RIGGO actually had breakaway speed until all those collisions with LB’s shortened his stature an inch or so.
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
2:55 pm
MAC!!!!!!
Salt life
March 19th, 2012
2:56 pm
Tater for Mac
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:56 pm
Long Homerun to rf for heap
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
2:56 pm
Otherwise Teheran is ready to dominate!
“Nothing left to prove at AAA”, right?
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
2:56 pm
10P:
Heh! I’m feelin’ the sarcasm from here good buddy.
raleighbravefan
March 19th, 2012
2:57 pm
After first 2 weeks or so, it’s obvious to me that Minor should state 162 games this year.
raleighbravefan
March 19th, 2012
2:58 pm
state = start
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:59 pm
Line out to 6 for Uggla
One out
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
2:59 pm
Another worthless solo homer.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
2:59 pm
3-1 first pitch out freeman
TennesseePaul
March 19th, 2012
3:00 pm
“Nothing left to prove at AAA”, right?
AAA? Sh!t, this kid should be the opening day starter.
Agreed with Murph at 2:55pm. I wouldn’t mind seeing Medlen get the Hudson starts… if anything I’d give ‘em to him just because I think he’s earned them
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 19th, 2012
3:00 pm
richbrave .. No brag, just facts…
I am hoping we can get together for lunch soon, I am not driving yet, waiting for the doctor to clear me but more importantly, still trying to get my strength back in my legs. You don’t realize how much you take being able to walk for granted until you can no longer do it. Anyway, I have just started practicing using a cane and Sunday I actually took 7 steps. I know, not very spectacular but it was a gold star for me…
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:00 pm
Single to lf Hinske
jeffrey d
March 19th, 2012
3:01 pm
Tell Medlen he can start when he gets a hat that fits
TennesseePaul
March 19th, 2012
3:01 pm
After first 2 weeks or so, it’s obvious to me that Minor should state 162 games this year.
Ha!
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:02 pm
Durango running for ske
And he’s picked off
Out three
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
3:03 pm
Man, Diesel could have done that.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
3:03 pm
Well, there’s no way Teheran could not have disappointed some here. Short of The CYA, ROY, and creating world peace. Actually just pitching like a rookie, even a good rookie, well, that bleep just don’t fly, bro.
raleighbravefan
March 19th, 2012
3:04 pm
Hang in there, Gil!
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
3:05 pm
Walked back in pressbox (from talking to Delgado) just as McCann was launching that Mitchel Boggs pitch over the RF wall.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:05 pm
K to start the 8th ……..swinging
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:07 pm
Walk
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
3:08 pm
This is one of those games during the season where you wish Delgado and Teheran would have pitched better and think they lost the game for the Braves…then you see that the game is only 4-2 and are reminded that our pitchers are good enough to win, but are offense just isn’t very good.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 19th, 2012
3:08 pm
An observation, Teheran is either tipping his pitches or just throwing fastballs in the middle of the plate. A right handed Chuck James.
Seeing Gilmartin pitch on TV it appears he has great mechanics but no movement on his fastball and little break on his off speed pitches. Of course he is still pretty young and has time to develop.
Medlen looked like he was in mid-season form….
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:10 pm
Line out to left
Two outs man on first
Murph
March 19th, 2012
3:11 pm
Well, there’s no way Teheran could not have disappointed some here. Short of The CYA, ROY, and creating world peace. Actually just pitching like a rookie, even a good rookie, well, that bleep just don’t fly, bro.
I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, it’s not that he hasn’t thrown no-hitters every time on the mound… it’s that he hasn’t looked nearly as good as other Braves’ rookies (Delgado/Minor). I’m as surprised with Minor’s excellent performance as I am with Teheran’s not-so-excellent performance thus far.
I’m not disappointed in the kid. Like baking a cupcake, he got pulled from the oven, stuck with a toothpick, and now it just looks like he needs to bake a bit longer.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:11 pm
3-1
Nice play Teheran
Inning over
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
3:13 pm
I’m as surprised with Minor’s excellent performance as I am with Teheran’s not-so-excellent performance thus far.
Neither are likely to be indicative, is the thing.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
3:15 pm
Braves have a chance at the win…Linebrink on the bump.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:15 pm
Pop to 6 for the first out by joey t
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:16 pm
Fly ball rf
2 outs
raleighbravefan
March 19th, 2012
3:18 pm
Man…Linebrink…2 pitches…2 outs.
Murph
March 19th, 2012
3:18 pm
Neither are likely to be indicative, is the thing.
Maybe/probably not. Teheran has been lights-out in every level he’s pitched except MLB so far, though… small sample size, yes, but I have yet to see him pitch a game and go “A-ha! So that’s why he’s our #1 prospect!” I’ve never seen him pitch outside of ST and Braves’ regular season games, though.
I’m not down on him as much as I am a fan of Delgado. Since we don’t really need to worry about career projections and really just April projections, I’d rather see Delgado on the mound than Teheran. I’d rather see Medlen than Delgado, but that’s a different conversation.
jeffrey d
March 19th, 2012
3:18 pm
Braves have a chance at the win…Linebrink on the bump.
I don’t know…I think I remember guys like Acosta doing well when they faced the Braves
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:18 pm
Single up the middle for Matty D
jeffrey d
March 19th, 2012
3:19 pm
As if it was all some elaborate ploy
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
3:20 pm
Couldn’t hit Linebrink.
Heck he’ll probably be their closer against the Braves this year.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:20 pm
6-4 Simmons
Inning over
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 19th, 2012
3:20 pm
raleighbravefan Thanks, actually, I make gains everyday. Just not as fast as I would like and to be truthful, I think the wife is getting pretty tired of being my nurse. It is going to be tough paying her back….
I just wish the doc had been a lot more forthcoming with what my expectations should post surgery but then again, I think my back was screwed up worse than he originally thought. After all 7 1/2 hours is a long time to be in surgery especially when he told the wife it would take about 2 hours.
I am thankful, however, he did not place that pair of 16 inch titanium rods holding my back together rectally, Although I sometimes think he considered it.
raleighbravefan
March 19th, 2012
3:21 pm
4 pitches, 3 outs, 1 single. At that rate, a guy could have a 36 pitch shut-out.
TennesseePaul
March 19th, 2012
3:22 pm
Well, there’s no way Teheran could not have disappointed some here. Short of The CYA, ROY, and creating world peace. Actually just pitching like a rookie, even a good rookie, well, that bleep just don’t fly, bro.
That would be an apt assessment of your versions of Meds. Though it would have to be amended slightly as follows: Short of [grow 18 inches, adding 250 lbs, and earning] The CYA, ROY, and creating world peace.
With Minor wrapping up the last permanent spot in the rotation, it’s now a battle between Teheran and Delgado, according to the rumors, for three starts at the beginning of the year. Teheran has certainly not earned that privilege. Delgado’s still in it. I think Meds has done well enough to earn that privilege as well. This is the same Meds who started in the majors faster than Hanson. Seems a bit under serving to think now he can’t even be in the running for three starts when Hudson is injured.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:25 pm
Chambers caught stealing by Bethacourt
kwajbraves
March 19th, 2012
3:25 pm
Bethancourt showing the gun.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:26 pm
Foul pop up to Bethancourt
2 outs
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:27 pm
Fly out to left
Bottom of the ninth coming up
Let’s get another tie
TennesseePaul
March 19th, 2012
3:27 pm
Put another way, if it is an honor to be earned for a few spot starts at the beginning of the year, I’d think Spring performance would be a great way to hash it out.
Meds has given up 1 earned run in his 8 innings.
Delgado has given up 8 earned runs in his 8 innings.
Teheran is being lit up like a Christmas tree.
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
3:27 pm
Delgado and Teheran have almost the exact same pitching line today.
old man
March 19th, 2012
3:28 pm
Just now checking in.
Put one more vote down for Medlen to start. If he does, 50/50 or better that he would not be the odd man out when Huddy returns.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
3:29 pm
Seems a bit under serving to think now he can’t even be in the running for three starts when Hudson is injured.
Don’t think I’ve ever said that, my friend, nor that I considered Medlen a scrub. For the record, I’ve always said that short, low-90s righties have very long odds against being a highly successful starting pitcher, long-term. That’s not an opinion, just a fact. Doesn’t mean I think the guy has no value, or even that he couldn’t beat those odds.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:30 pm
Bunt single Heyward to start the ninth
Bad throw no advance
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 19th, 2012
3:30 pm
While I agree Medlen is a much more capable pitcher than either of the two rookies competing for the 5th starter’s role, one does have to consider who is more capable of throwing the most innings as well as just who is a good pitcher. You won’t see either Delgado or Teheran go deep into games and until Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor alter their style, you won’t see either of them go deep into gale either. The Braves’ pen looks to be used a lot this season. I hope they are up to the task.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:31 pm
Bethancourt is on a pitch in his eyes
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:32 pm
Is out
K
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:34 pm
Walk
1st and 2nd
1 out
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:34 pm
Freeman up
CB
March 19th, 2012
3:34 pm
Actually, Medlen can be used quite a bit as a reliever also with his three starts in April. There is enough time between starts he could be used elsewhere. Consider it as 4 starters and 7-8 relievers.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:36 pm
Single to left …… Heyward scores
1st and 2nd
4-3
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:36 pm
Dodge at the plate
Ted
March 19th, 2012
3:36 pm
Agree with Gil.
The difference between Medlen as a starter vs. what one of the rookies will give you will be minimal over three starts.
However, having a 4th quality RP option to help prevent abuse of O’Ventbrel and if he can take 4-5 IP from each the first month, perhaps they won’t implode this September.
If Vizcaino had not been hurt or if other bullpen options had stepped up, then I’d be more in favor of Medlen as a SP. But his career 4.24 FIP as a starter isn’t much better than what the Braves are likely to get from Delgado. As such, let Delgado start and put Medlen in the pen where he can handle much higher leverage innings and take some of the workload off the others in the bullpen.
CB
March 19th, 2012
3:37 pm
Well timed bunt.
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
3:37 pm
Delgado 5 innings 3 hits 2 runs 5ks 3 walks 1hr
Teheran 4 innings 5 hits 2 runs 4ks 2 walks 1hr
Bring them both up and they can be a complete game “pitcher” for the Braves
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
3:37 pm
And here we have the bench fear for the coming year: runners on, the game on the line, and striding to the batter’s box in full beast-mode is…Luis Durango.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:37 pm
Single to left
Force at third …… Dropped
Bases loaded
Joey t up
bravesgrl4life
March 19th, 2012
3:38 pm
come on Joey T!!!!
CB
March 19th, 2012
3:39 pm
Trade Diaz!
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
3:39 pm
Who is on third?
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:39 pm
Short pop to left
2 outs
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:39 pm
Parraz up
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:40 pm
Fly out to center
One batter too late
Ballgame
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
3:41 pm
Well the Rookies are getting better…
bravesgrl4life
March 19th, 2012
3:41 pm
Oh, well. We were rallying. Too bad we left 3 on
Brave New World
March 19th, 2012
3:41 pm
DAP March 19th, 2012 2:45 pm
brave new world For clarification, are you saying the Phils starting pitching is great, or not even very good?
still great last time i checked, so im gonna go with that until something changes.
DAP: Agree with “great” for Halladay. Lee is very good (unless it’s a big game in the playoffs); Hamels has one 15 win season in his career (good to very good), and Blanton, Worley, Kedrick definitely are not great, so we must agree to disagree on this one. But thanks for your thoughts!
kwajbraves
March 19th, 2012
3:41 pm
Came up short again.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
3:42 pm
I think it was Sutton that was almost forced at third, Lee
Ward
March 19th, 2012
3:42 pm
Hello everyone! This should cheer Braves Fans up! Chase Utly is having knee evaluated,and will miss Opening Day. Utly knee problems again.
Mixxo
March 19th, 2012
3:43 pm
Just got in….in time to see us lose again.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
3:46 pm
Getting lit up like a Christmas Tree? If he keeps this up they can start calling him Halogen.
New Mexico Lee
March 19th, 2012
3:49 pm
Lew, good stuff!
monty
March 19th, 2012
3:53 pm
Good thing FG has “already” made his mind up, “Medlen to the pen”. Delgado or Teheran to start in April! Nothing like allowing things to play out.
Bay Area Steve
March 19th, 2012
3:54 pm
“Halogen”
You give up nine bombs in nine innings, you’re well past Halogen. I’m thinking full-on supernova. And, if somebody mentions the wind again…
Lew
March 19th, 2012
3:56 pm
It’s not the wind, it’s the solar flares.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
3:57 pm
All joking aside, Let’s not forget that Teheran and Delgado are still prettym young and inexperienced.
Ward
March 19th, 2012
3:57 pm
Mixxo- Go home…….little humor…..
Ward
March 19th, 2012
3:59 pm
Teheran over Delgado right now. Delgado,hasn’t been living up to the hype.
TennesseePaul
March 19th, 2012
4:02 pm
Don’t think I’ve ever said that, my friend, nor that I considered Medlen a scrub. For the record, I’ve always said that short, low-90s righties have very long odds against being a highly successful starting pitcher, long-term. That’s not an opinion, just a fact. Doesn’t mean I think the guy has no value, or even that he couldn’t beat those odds.
Don’t think I said anything about long term, my friend, nor that I considered Meds an Ace. I’m talking three starts until Hudson is healthy.. As to the rest, he’d have to actually be given an opportunity to “beat those odds.” It seems even when the discussion is over a spot start for an injured pitcher “the odds” of becoming a “highly successful starting pitcher” are brought up. Couldn’t Meds become a useful, solid/average major league starter? Are those odds not more favorable?
Ward
March 19th, 2012
4:05 pm
With Utely,and his knee problems,all we need now is for Lee,to blow out his arm.That would be priceless……
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
4:08 pm
“All joking aside, Let’s not forget that Teheran and Delgado are still pretty young and inexperienced.”
Yes, but all joking aside, both their pitching performances today were acceptable. I mean 5 innings 2 runs, 4 innings 2 runs. You’d take that all day long from your 5th starter right? I mean 4 runs in 9 innings…
Patrick
March 19th, 2012
4:09 pm
It’s a shame that Medlen won’t get to start. He’s clearly a good SP, could be very good if they gave him the chance.
And isn’t the point to win games and put the person out there that will give you the best chance to do that? Cause if it is….then Medlen is that person.
Not Delgado or Teheran. Both of them have pitched awful this spring. Going back to the minors for each of them wouldn’t be a bad thing at all.
I don’t understand the Braves thought process on this one.
Ward
March 19th, 2012
4:10 pm
All Phillies suck Monkeys,and to see them go down it blaze og glory would be grand…..
Ward
March 19th, 2012
4:11 pm
meant to say see them go down in blaze of glory…..
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
4:13 pm
TennPaul, I was just trying to state my actual position on the guy, without context of this year or anything else. Some other guy reading our back-and-forth on Medlen might think I have other, slightly different opinions.
Murph
March 19th, 2012
4:13 pm
Teheran over Delgado right now. Delgado,hasn’t been living up to the hype.
To be fair, neither has, yet Delgado is doing better this spring. And he hasn’t really been hyped, not when compared to Teheran, so… yeah.
CB
March 19th, 2012
4:14 pm
Lew,is the glucosamine sulfate good for all forms of arthritis?
Murph
March 19th, 2012
4:14 pm
All Phillies suck Monkeys,and to see them go down it blaze og glory would be grand…..
meant to say see them go down in blaze of glory…..
Thanks for clearing that up.
Mixxo
March 19th, 2012
4:16 pm
Ward -
Am home.
shut
up
Ward
March 19th, 2012
4:16 pm
Murph- Here’s an idea? What about moving Huddy to the bull-pen,like tthe Braves did Smoltz?Just an idea to float out there.All be cool,and talk later tonight.Peace……”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
B-F_52
March 19th, 2012
4:19 pm
Good to see B Mcbomb spin one
Lew
March 19th, 2012
4:19 pm
CB – Yes, somehow it lubricates the cartilege and whatnot around the joints and keeps friction from tearing them up.
A good site to check for any health issue you might have is MayoClinic.com – you can check on supplementation or any other treatments that are commonly in use. My Podiatrist wanted me to use it and it has helped. Weight loss always helps remove stress, too. That’s what I’m working on – again. Maybe I can avoid a broken leg this go around.
CB
March 19th, 2012
4:21 pm
Lew,thanks. My wife has some terrible swelling in several of her fingers.
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
4:22 pm
Mixxo lives at a group home.
JeanE
March 19th, 2012
4:23 pm
Diaz should be on the team, get over it, people! Everyone always likes the new guys, remember one Joe Mather?????? No, because he stunk and was cut. I rest my case. Go Matty D!!!!!!!
noleee
March 19th, 2012
4:23 pm
yup, the loony bin….
TennesseePaul
March 19th, 2012
4:24 pm
Some other guy reading our back-and-forth on Medlen might think I have other, slightly different opinions.
Typically that other guy is an idiot anyway. ( :
RAM
March 19th, 2012
4:24 pm
how many more starts do teheran and delgado have til freddy make his decision who is 5th starter
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
4:27 pm
Typically that other guy is an idiot anyway.
True, LOL. Point taken.
(Maybe we can put some Miracle-Gro in amongst Medlen’s sunflower seeds.)
CB
March 19th, 2012
4:27 pm
No offense meant but I believe JeanE is Matty’s mother.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
4:28 pm
Furcal on jump from A-ball to majors: “Baseball is the same”
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/19/furcal-on-jump-from-a-ball-to-majors-baseball-is-the-same/
Lew
March 19th, 2012
4:29 pm
CB – I know how she feels – I;ve got it in my drawing hand, especially the knucle closest to the hand on my index finger. That’s why it takes me as long as it does to get things done. It’s like severe writers cramp after a minute or two. Between that and the eyes, I’m not sure how I manage to keep paintng – I think the hand moves itself from all the years of practice.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
4:30 pm
It could have been worse for Teheran …… He has to get a handle on that curve, he threw one over a right handed batters head and another in the right handed box to a lefty.
CB
March 19th, 2012
4:32 pm
Hang in there with it,Lew. Your talent is worth the effort.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
4:34 pm
CB – Considering it’s about all I’m good at, I’ll stick with it. It’s been going on for almost ten years and I have good Doctors that keep me in the best shape they can.
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
4:35 pm
Bat – Thanks for your afternoon of work. It is appreciated.
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
4:36 pm
Lew. My hands and fingers are stiff every morning when I get up and I take Move Free by Schiff with my coffee and the stiffness goes goes away. A friend told me about this stuff a couple of years ago and it really works for me, where tylenol, advil, aleve, etc. does not help at all. It’s sold in the vitamin section of most stores, but Walmarts has the cheapest price. One of the only reasons I have to go there.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
4:38 pm
ken – I’ll check it out next time I go down to get vitamins.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
4:38 pm
Jimmy_
You’re welcome. It might be better if it was not done by a distracted minimalist though.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
4:38 pm
One of the only reasons I have to go there.
Pants on fire, ken. We all know you go there to ogle the gorgeous women frequenting the place.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
4:39 pm
It might be better if it was not done by a distracted minimalist though.
Come to think of it, it did read a little like your scorebook.
Veer
March 19th, 2012
4:40 pm
I am not Impressed with either Teheran or Delgado this spring. Medlin should be the 5th guy.
However I think Jurrjens/and or Hanson won’t do much this season and thus we will end up needing Teheran and Delgado but again both these 2 pitchers have failed to impress me in the majors.
Delgado was decent down the stretch but I am not convinced that he will anything better than a 6th starter for most teams.
Jimmy
March 19th, 2012
4:42 pm
Well, we nearly won.
Later good folks.
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
4:42 pm
Right, scoots, I can just go in my pajamas or speedo and feel right at home. I’ve probably ran into some of the bloggers on here, just didn’t realize who they were.
CB
March 19th, 2012
4:44 pm
ken, nolie loves Walmart.
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
March 19th, 2012
4:47 pm
CB,
I have two arthritic knees, and have played with various glucosamine products for years. My experience is this: Look for a liquid compound that includes chondroitin and MSM. It will be more expensive than any of the pills, but works much better. I don’t think the pills are absorbed as well. Also, the liquid is easier to swallow. It helps, but don’t expect a miracle cure. Weight loss is better than anything else.
noleee
March 19th, 2012
4:48 pm
I do, but I know most of the reason why ken doesn’t
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
4:49 pm
Yeah, scoots. I may have had one, or two, too many devices going this afternoon.
ncscoots
March 19th, 2012
4:52 pm
Bat, hey, I liked it, man. Nothing superfluous, just Joe-Friday “Freeman 4-3 2 out”. What else does one need?
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
4:52 pm
noleee, yes sir, I would dance on their grave if they went out of business.
CB
March 19th, 2012
4:53 pm
Enquiring, she weighs 105 lbs so it can’t be weight. Thanks for the info.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
4:54 pm
Sure,scoots
Maybe veer could do the color …… Although it might be all black
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
4:58 pm
I left off the “thanks”, scoots
noleee
March 19th, 2012
5:05 pm
they are by far the biggest employer in our county, so I kinda hope they stay in business for a lotta folks sake
kenhotlanta
March 19th, 2012
5:12 pm
noleee: I’m sure it wouldn’t happen in our lifetime, but some foreign gazillionaire from China or somewhere might buy them out someday. And probably not much would change.
Coach ( 2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 19th, 2012
5:12 pm
Teheran is Mr. gopher ball.
noleee
March 19th, 2012
5:13 pm
prolly just get worse actually
Shaun
March 19th, 2012
5:14 pm
Furcal hit .328 in rookie ball in 1998. Then he hit .322 as he split time in High-A and Low-A in 1999. Furcal also stole 60 bases in 66 games in 1998 and 96 in 126 games in 1999.
To be fair, I don’t think any reasonable person is comparing Simmons to Furcal. But I don’t think we can expect Simmons to provide much offensively if he makes the big club.
Coach ( 2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 19th, 2012
5:17 pm
Durango has eleven hits in twenty official at bats……none have left the infield.
Coach ( 2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 19th, 2012
5:22 pm
The Phillies announced that second baseman Chase Utley “has come to a bit of a plateau” in his rehab. He’ll travel out of town for a few days to see a specialist for his knees, the team added. Utley’s chance of playing on Opening Day seem slim and prospect Freddy Galvis may get his chance at the MLB level.
No Howard, no Utley……good news for the rest of the NL east.
Lew
March 19th, 2012
5:27 pm
Gopher Balls? Maybe we should call him Caddy Shack instead of Halogen?
Lew
March 19th, 2012
5:29 pm
Coach – If none of those 11 hits have left the infield, he’s not just fast, he teleports.
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
5:38 pm
Question of the day after the game results today:
Who should be the 5th starter until HUDDY returns, treedle-dum [DELGADO] or tweedle-dee TEHERAN]?
Answer:
MEDS thank you very much, something both need a dose of.
MFin04
March 19th, 2012
5:43 pm
“No Howard, no Utley……good news for the rest of the NL east.”
NICE!. The Braves finishing 3rd instead of 4th sounds soo much better…and we can still make the playoffs that way!
dogsbrekky
March 19th, 2012
5:45 pm
Medlen should be SP
TennBravesFan
March 19th, 2012
5:46 pm
Please Come to Denver with the snow fall
We’ll move up into the mountain so far that we can’t be found
And throw I love you echos dowm the canyon
And lye awake at night til they come back around
Please come to Denver, She said No
Boy would you come home to me
And she said hey Ramblin Boy why dont you settle down
Denver aint your kinda town
There aint no gold and there aint nobody like me
I’m the number one fan of the man from TENNESSEE!!!
PEYTON GOT IT WRONG!!!!!
richbrave
March 19th, 2012
5:49 pm
GIL:
Just caught up on my readin’ ……….still baby-sittin.’
Heal up man, looking forward to seeing you soon. I’m over that way on occasion. Have a furniture magician who is re-gluing a bunch of Windsor chairs that have come apart from age and use.
Love to stop by and say hi when you’re able. Just give me a high sign. My e-mail’s on the fritz, but you’ve got my hardline.
CB
March 19th, 2012
6:58 pm
richbrave killed the blog!
Disgusted
March 19th, 2012
7:01 pm
Before long Medelen will be in the rotation.
Teheran and Delgado might have long term upside but are not ready for the big show yet.
If the Braves play like a team in contention they have to have the guy who helps now.
Just not impressed with Teheran for now. Does not mean he won;t be a heck of a pitcher by mid decade.
Disgusted
March 19th, 2012
7:12 pm
“An observation, Teheran is either tipping his pitches or just throwing fastballs in the middle of the plate. A right handed Chuck James”
@Gil in Mechnicsville–I hope not, Teheran has so much more of the live arm and the potentiall stuff. I really don;t want him on the MLB roster now, but he has the stuff that you want to give a longer look than most.
Teheran and Delago should be so much better than those baby Brave pitchers of mid 2000’s like Chuck James, Kyle Davies, etc. But you never know, so much can happen.
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
7:21 pm
Delgado looks like leader in race for last rotation spot
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/19/delgado-could-have-lead-in-race-for-last-rotation-spot/
David O'Brien
March 19th, 2012
7:23 pm
Braves notes: Mac’s HR is only extra-base hit in loss; awaiting Vizcaino; Jurrjens vs. Verlander Tuesday
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/19/mccanns-first-hr-is-braves-lone-extra-base-hit/
Veer
March 19th, 2012
7:39 pm
Between Durango, Constanza, and Parraz I like Parraz because essentially Durango and Constanza are similar players in that they can’t hit the ball out of the Infield. Parraz has a little pop so I would go with Parraz over the other two. However I don’t think Matt Diaz deserves to be with our ballclub. Durango or Constanza over Diaz.
Diaz will be this years Joe Mather.
I don’t see why we couldnt pick up Nady as a backup or Ross. They both came cheap. I mean don’t the Braves have even a million or two to spare?
Waffle House or Bust
March 19th, 2012
7:39 pm
My guess is this “offense” will be up and down again like last season. Can’t wait!
FRANCONA IN 2013
hank57
March 19th, 2012
7:49 pm
I wonder about the Braves front-office brain trust. They are paying Jonny Venters $429,000, Eric O’Flaherty $895,000, Tommy Hanson $456,000, and they made a point of signing free agent Jack Wilson for $5,000,000, as in million. This makes no sense. What team in baseball would have offered him anywhere near that figure?
Trader Jack
March 19th, 2012
7:52 pm
Jack Wilson has a 1yr/$1.0 mil. contract
Veer
March 19th, 2012
7:59 pm
Jack Wilson isn’t even worth 22,000 usd let alone 1 million.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
8:05 pm
Well, like it or not, there is a minimum wage in MLB
phil
March 19th, 2012
8:45 pm
Heyward = Teheran
phil
March 19th, 2012
8:46 pm
Hack Wilson?
He should be dumped and that now.
GOP Cannon
March 19th, 2012
9:00 pm
The problem goes back to the fact that we have too much pitching depth, several holes in our offense, and Wren did not make any moves to (other than cutting Lowe) to improve our situation.
Medlen can clearly pitch as a no 4 or 5 starter on any club in the NL. Both Teheran and Delgado have proven themselves in the minors and are ready to move up to the majors… at the end of last season, both guys proved they belonged here.
Despite all of this, Wren sat on his hands and did nothing to improve our offense. When Hudson comes back, there will not be room for Medlen, Teheran, or Delgado in the starting rotation. Where do you put these guys? JJ should have been delt in the offseason.
noleee
March 19th, 2012
9:08 pm
place is dead tonight
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:20 pm
Hack Wilson …….. 5′6″ damn
Biff would have been average in Wilson’s era at 5′8″
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:21 pm
Average for a man in general, that is
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
9:22 pm
evening, blog…or Bat & noleee
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
9:25 pm
Fine. Don’t talk to me…
George
March 19th, 2012
9:25 pm
Hope CHIPPER plays tomorrow, game is on BSPN. He most likely win’t cause it is a road game.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:26 pm
Evenin’, cab
You might want to find Alex Smith and give him a hug so he comes home
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
9:27 pm
Bat-
Alex will be fine. I don’t believe for a second he will leave (didn’t think he would if they signed Peyton either, actually…) – he is a rare athlete that doesn’t live by the ego…kinda like Mac
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
9:28 pm
Besides, he doesn’t really have a lot of options
George
March 19th, 2012
9:29 pm
Alex Smith got lucky.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:30 pm
Not a lot of options?
Poor Alex…… No respect lol
George
March 19th, 2012
9:32 pm
Poor TIM out of a job.
noleee
March 19th, 2012
9:33 pm
anybody watch any Dirk Gently ?
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:34 pm
Good thing about Alex’s lack of ego, otherwise it would have been crushed years ago.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:35 pm
Not me, sorry
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 19th, 2012
9:35 pm
“place is dead tonight”
Sorry nolie. I can’t be here all the time.
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
9:36 pm
Bat-
I didn’t mean not a lot of options specifically for Alex- there are not a lot of teams looking for a QB at the moment…
And you are absolutely right about his lack of ego- he’s had to deal with more crap in 7 years than most people (athlete or otherwise) do in a lifetime of work
abeeeewright
March 19th, 2012
9:40 pm
“anybody watch any Dirk Gently ?
Don’t pick it up, pick it up, pick it … SKRRRRP!
Don’t pick it up, pick it up, pick it … SKRRRRP!
Don’t pick it up, pick it up, pick it … SKRRRRP!\
I didn’t realize Dirk Gently had been made into a tv show. When’s it on?
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:42 pm
Yeah, cab, I’m sure Smith will be fine.
I’m kind of surprised Manning did not go to the Niners. He really must want to stay out of the NFC
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:44 pm
Tebow will get a job somewhere, George
abeeeewright
March 19th, 2012
9:45 pm
“My guess is this “offense” will be up and down again like last season. “
Has there been an offense in the history of baseball that’s just been “up?”
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
9:48 pm
Bat-
I am too- Given the outdoor, sketchy weather situation combined with inexperience at receiver, Denver didn’t seem like the best fit. But apparently Peyton likes John Fox and John Elway a lot…but the Niners would have surely been the best situation for him to have a shot at another ring. I would have to imagine if he HAD ended up in San Francisco, they would have instantly become the favorite to win the title next year…oh well. I have always had more faith in Alex than most. I still do.
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
9:50 pm
I guess all the blog was lacking to give it a boost was ME
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 19th, 2012
9:51 pm
And then the first time one of Varvaro, Gearrin, Martinez or anybody ut our big three give up a game winning hit people will say they wished they’d had Medlen in that spot. Our bullpen, with our SP not really a group that goes deep in games and the way our offense has been for a while, is a huge factor to the team winning. Medlen out there is fine. Pen guys have basically given us two winning seasons in a row. Without them we wouldn’t haave been nearly as good.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 19th, 2012
9:54 pm
Offense is down all across baseball and has been for a few years now. It’s those “clutch” hits that have killed us. Just a fly ball here, or a well placed grounder to get guy in was lacking. Plus the key injuries.
noleee
March 19th, 2012
9:56 pm
BBC. I don’t get in on tv but have DLed the first 2 epis
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:57 pm
Yeah the Niners would likely have been favorites. They’ll still have good odds
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:58 pm
Enter your comments here
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
9:59 pm
Too late………………
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
9:59 pm
Bat-
With the entire Defense back and a much better receiving core, they should be among the favorites…
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
10:03 pm
Yeah ……. That’s why I’ve decided to start hating the Niners again
Well I never really hated them before but now ……..
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
10:04 pm
Bat-
That’s ok…means they are back
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
10:06 pm
Yeah I get it.
Damn Falcons can’t get over the hump.
Moe Berg
March 19th, 2012
10:13 pm
Listening to Herbie Mann’s very fun ‘Memphis Underground’ and trying to figure out if I can make the planned getaway to Boston this weekend.
How are the Braves looking? I don’t care about the record but more just about how they appear. (Have not seen any of the games yet, though I do see game number two of the season.)
Moe Berg
March 19th, 2012
10:18 pm
Sounds like the Mets’ financial woes may be winding down. Following today’s settlement, they seem to be coming into more money:
AdamRubinESPN Adam Rubin
Got confirmation: #Mets have closed on 12 minority shares at $20 million apiece and paid off $65 million in loans to Bank of America and MLB
(Because I bought tickets to see the Braves at Citi Field, the Mets keep sending me annoying emails.)
ncgary
March 19th, 2012
10:22 pm
we have a minimum salary
maybe its time for a maximum salary
if no one made more than 10 times what the low
man on the totem pole made, it wouldn’t
take long to straighten the mess out in this country
DS1
March 19th, 2012
10:23 pm
Looks like Simmons has returned back to mother earth. I’m more interested in guys like Heyward, Chipper, Mac and Prado getting back to career norms (or potentials, as is the case w/ Heyward).
The Medlen/Teheran/Delgado situation is a good problem to have.
DS1
March 19th, 2012
10:26 pm
ncgary
Kinda sounds like a socialistic society to me. Not sure I like that idea. Low would be minimum wage x 40. How would CEO’s like making 150K per year?
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
10:37 pm
Danger, Will Robinson, danger!
DS1
March 19th, 2012
11:05 pm
Bat
Did you run everybody off, or was it me?
brian
March 19th, 2012
11:07 pm
nice job guys
brian
March 19th, 2012
11:08 pm
Pastornicky going to hold on to the SS job and allow Simmons more time to mature or will Simmons be forced into the majors
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:10 pm
It was cab bragging on the Niners, Wayne.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:17 pm
Dollar to a donut on the Rev
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:17 pm
Bat-
I wasn’t exactly bragging on them! Besides, I wasn’t the one that brought them up
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:19 pm
Hell that is probably even money these days. How much is a good donut?
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:30 pm
Okay, you may not have brought them up……. Still a little bragging,
Which is fine
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:31 pm
Bat-
Well, I do love my team
I’ll brag on the Braves too!
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:32 pm
I’m just excited that my Niners are relevant again!
Venice Jim
March 19th, 2012
11:33 pm
Relevant in 6 months…
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:34 pm
Let’s hope there is something to brag about with the Braves this year.
I worried about bad karma from Ward’s glee over the Phillies injury issues
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:35 pm
I’m*
brian
March 19th, 2012
11:38 pm
who is the Niners QB?
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:39 pm
Bat-
I will always find a reason to brag about my Braves!
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:39 pm
brian-
at the moment? Colin Kapernick. Soon? Alex Smith
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:41 pm
Or Colin Kaepernick (I should probably learn to spell his name…maybe)
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:41 pm
Oh sure thing
How about no one can blow a lead like the Braves
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:42 pm
How about Brian McCann, 6 time all star and best catcher in the League?
DS1
March 19th, 2012
11:45 pm
Sounds like you folks are having a lot of fun tonight……….
I just want the majority of our hitters to come close to their career norms, while Heyward figures things out.
Pastor/mons? Just field your position well and give us a 250/300 line and I’ll be OK with that.
Now, if Chipper hits like he did last year, that’s be a huge plus. But if he doesn’t, we’re going to need somebody unexpected to step up.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:45 pm
That’s pretty good, too
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:47 pm
Always look for the sunshine, Bat. It’s there, somewhere…sometimes it just takes some searching
DS1
March 19th, 2012
11:52 pm
@cab: Always look for the sunshine, Bat. It’s there, somewhere…sometimes it just takes some searching.
Unless you are in the northwest…………
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:54 pm
DS1-
It’s there too…just harder to find sometimes
brian
March 19th, 2012
11:56 pm
cab – in Harbaugh you trust I assume???
Great job this year.
Bat Masterson
March 19th, 2012
11:58 pm
Umbrella makers have to make a living, too, you know.
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:58 pm
brian-
Absolutely, totally, completely.
Finished one step short…but they got better.
cabravesfan
March 19th, 2012
11:59 pm
Bat-
umbrellas make great sun blockers too…
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:01 am
Yeah well watch out for the Falcons, I mean they did go out and get the lowest scoring offensive coordinator in the league after all.
cabravesfan
March 20th, 2012
12:03 am
Bat-
I will keep an eye out…
Would be fun to see them go up against a defense that only gave up 14 points a game last year
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:03 am
Scarlett?
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:04 am
That’s cold,cab
cabravesfan
March 20th, 2012
12:05 am
Bat-
Fact is fact
But it would be fun to see them play each other
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:07 am
It might be fun if Atlanta’s offensive line can learn how to play again.
cabravesfan
March 20th, 2012
12:08 am
Wouldn’t matter much against the Niners front 7 anyways
cabravesfan
March 20th, 2012
12:09 am
And on that note, I will sign off
Night, all!
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:10 am
Okay over the line……. Niners are toast
cabravesfan
March 20th, 2012
12:11 am
You don’t mean that Bat! It’s all good
Good night!!
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
12:12 am
Bedtime (says the guy who’s been sitting here working) – can’t believe all this football nonsense in the middle of March Madness…
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:14 am
March madness?
We just call it spring break around here.
Nite,cab
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:15 am
See ya, VJ
Ward
March 20th, 2012
2:32 am
Niners Q is Kile Orton……Little humor….
Ward
March 20th, 2012
3:08 am
Hello everyone! thought I would put a little joke out there…..
Ward
March 20th, 2012
3:15 am
Elway throwing Tim Tebow under the Bus……Show’s how much you cant trust Elway.I hope Peyton ends up hurt,and Denver with no Q. That would serve Elway right.Poor Peyton bought into Elways BS.
Ward
March 20th, 2012
3:20 am
Elway is real class……How about some one you shouldn’t trust…..
Ward
March 20th, 2012
3:24 am
Braves fans don’t expect too much against Verlander tomorrow. Just expect a good game.Hope the Braves can win tomorrow,but they are going against one heck of a pitcher.Talk tomorrow,and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
kathy
March 20th, 2012
6:09 am
it should be a good game
coach joe
March 20th, 2012
6:18 am
Medlan in the starting rotation is a no-brainer..
Go Braves..
jeffrey d
March 20th, 2012
7:21 am
Cars go fast!
David O'Brien
March 20th, 2012
7:32 am
New day rising on Dark Star Lake, and a beautiful one at that….
http://twitpic.com/8yvhub
Jurrjens vs. Verlander at Tigertown today, 1:05 p.m.
Kat
March 20th, 2012
8:03 am
77° today in upstate, ny … another record setting day. I think it snowed 5 times tops this winter. Crazy weather over the past few years….
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
8:20 am
Snowed twice here in RICHMOND. Neither time was road salt applied, nor snow removal equipment utilized. It continues to sit, rusting away, in the state maintenance sheds.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
8:22 am
Maintenance money returned to the general fund I suppose.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
8:38 am
In the bench race, I’m thinking JOSE CONSTANZA is not the flavor of March this time around. Looks like JORDAN PARRAZ has assumed that role. How about DREW SUTTON?
Bench:
ROSS
HINSKI
WILSON
DIAZ
PARRAZ
Outside looking in?
SIMMONS – assigned to AAA?
SUTTON – takes BRANDON HICKS slot in AAA
DURANGO – takes STEF GARTRELL’s slot in AAA
CONSTANZA – assigned to AAA?
IVAN ...
March 20th, 2012
8:43 am
@ richbrave…..
Tell me about the fish roe eggs and the fried oysters……….
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
8:43 am
We need a win to hype the gate here on the old blog. Things getting quiet. People do love frontrunners.
Macdaddy8
March 20th, 2012
8:44 am
Does anyone know if you can watch ESPN programming from any computer at ESPN3.com? I thought it streamed for free, and I was planning to watch the game today at work.
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
8:45 am
rich, I can’t see why Simmons would skip AA, if indeed he goes down.
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
8:46 am
Ward…… Ward…….Ward………. What if the other Manning gets hurt……. Bad karma, man
TheOnlyBravesFan
March 20th, 2012
8:57 am
“rich, I can’t see why Simmons would skip AA, if indeed he goes down.”
I agree with that.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
8:58 am
IVAN:
SHAD and it’s roe can now only be harvested by the various Indian tribes scattered through the eastern parts of Virginia. The ban is allowing the fish population to slowly return after teetering on the brink of extinction. One of my earliest memories was of myself standing on the backseat of the family’s ‘46 Plymouth. My father walked in the rain down into a fairly deep narrow river valley to purchase SHAD roe in a gallion jar. Either the NOTTOWAY or MEHERRIN rivers, don’t know which, but at four years old it seemed a mile deep. Long wooden benches arranged along near the river bank, and seine nets strung across the river which at that point was about 20/30 yards wide I guess.
I remember how he would fry them in bacon grease in an old Griswold “12″ skillet, then fry the eggs afterward. He always did the cooking on Sundays to allow my mother a day off from that chore.
Of course he was big on brains and eggs too. Ugh! Kidneys etc. Chicken liver, gizzard and hearts are the only organ meats I’ll touch now. And I’m the only one left in the house that will eat them.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:02 am
Guys, I didn’t say SIMMONS to GWINNETT, Hence the ?-mark at the end of his name. Just thinking out loud so to speak. If they did that whither SUTTON?
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:07 am
O.K. feed-bag time.
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
9:18 am
To tell you the truth, I can’t even understand why the Nats ticketed Harper for AAA. Not like he owned AA in his short stay there. Seems logical to have seen if he were going to be a man among boys in the Eastern League first. What do they do if some of those former ML pitchers and elite prospects at AAA start slicing and dicing the guy?
old man
March 20th, 2012
9:21 am
richbrave,I don’t see Sutton not beating out Wilson. Are two camps developing–the Rev/Wilson crowd and the Simmons/Sutton camp? I’m in the latter. Sutton has been the best of the whole group.
Observation: to those who say “so and so is untouchable,” wouldn’t you agree Tehran’s stock and trade value are down after his spring? No such thing as can’t miss. He will probably turn out great, but there is a chance we missed the top of his market.
Anders
March 20th, 2012
9:28 am
It sure is a sunny day for my Mets in this otherwise overcast and foggy motning here in NY. Madoff in the rear view mirror – finally. Yes, there is that $162 mil to pay but that’s a fraction of what could have been and that number may be off set by claw back the Mets are due. Plus that’s 3 years away. All MLB loans are now paid back in full and 12 new partners are in the tent (many from within to be fair).
Time to refocus on the big club. That’s not going to be pretty but so be it. I’ve always enjoyed the climd. I don’t need instant gratification like my cross town rivals.
So how’s it going for my Braves fans friends these days? I’ve been locked in on hockey and haven’t really been following all that much baseball this spring.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:30 am
old man:
And that was my observation. If SUTTON beats out WILSON what do they do with “Jumpin’ JACK”? If he’s traded, or otherwise gone to another club, who plays SS in GWINNETT with HICKS gone?
All that aside, I really can’t see the BRAVES having a brand new organization guy with extensive AAA experience to back up the REV. Even though a short while, WILSON is a ML vet. SUTTON isn’t.
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
9:32 am
wouldn’t you agree Tehran’s stock and trade value are down after his spring?
I would not.
Focusing on the big flies he’s given up might give you that impression, I guess. But he’s never had a problem with that in the minors, and I think you can safely say this spring has been an aberration, in that sense.
It still all goes back to command, for both Teheran and Delgado. You might get away with using half the plate in the bushes, but you gotta work thirds in the bigs. But, even with that current lack, either of those guys could probably come in and put up a fifth-starter ERA of 4 or so. and they would only get better from there.
I don’t think a mediocre ST at age 21 is enough to disgrace three or four years of minor league excellence, for either kid.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:33 am
Anders:
The consensus here is that the BRAVES will be battling the METS for fourth in the east. heh!
CB
March 20th, 2012
9:35 am
Macdaddy8, the answer to your question is yes. Go to ESPN3 site and sign on and you can watch.
CB
March 20th, 2012
9:36 am
Wilson will likely start the season on the DL so Sutton should be on 25 to begin with.
Anders
March 20th, 2012
9:39 am
Richbrave- You meant the Braves would be battling the Nats for 4th, not the Mets right?
Woah! That first throw of spring for me broke some off season scar tissue I think.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:40 am
CB:
Of course, and afterward?
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:42 am
Anders:
You mean you’ve consigned the METS to the cellar with no chance of climbing out?
Trader Jack
March 20th, 2012
9:42 am
ncscoots
Totally agree. Both Teheran and Delgado’s fastballs lack movement and grab way too much of the plate. Couple that with inconsistent breaking pitches, and the hitters are sitting back waiting on the fastball. A little more seasoning in the minors would help
CB
March 20th, 2012
9:45 am
rich,probably $1 mil reasons it will be Wilson.
Anders
March 20th, 2012
9:46 am
richbrave- No, I had the Phils 1 and the Mets 2. Haven’t you heard? We’re rid of the Madoff albatross and Reyes. I mean, Reyes was the reason for their September collapses -right? I swear that’s all I heard on this blog. Just ask Lew – he basically wrote a thesis on it. Where’s Lew to back me up when I need him? {:
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:46 am
Trader Jack
March 20th, 2012
9:42 am
ncscoots
“…….Totally agree. Both Teheran and Delgado’s fastballs lack movement and grab way too much of the plate. Couple that with inconsistent breaking pitches, and the hitters are sitting back waiting on the fastball. A little more seasoning in the minors would help…….”
Ya’ think?
MINOR and MEDS in the starting rotation until HUDDY comes back. Then MEDS to long relief and the ‘pen.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
9:46 am
Atlanta Braves @Braves
Today’s lineup at DET (1:05, ESPN/1230AM): Bourn 8 Prado 5 Jones DH Hinske 3 Heyward 9 Diaz 7 Ross 2 Sutton 4 Pastornicky 6 Jurrjens 1
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:48 am
JURRJENS, HANSON, BEACHY, MINOR, MEDLEN in the starters slots on April 5.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:51 am
CB
March 20th, 2012
9:45 am
“……….rich,probably $1 mil reasons it will be Wilson…….”
LISTEN UP SPORTS FANS
Now it’s rainin’ cold hard facts up in here.
TennesseePaul
March 20th, 2012
9:55 am
To tell you the truth, I can’t even understand why the Nats ticketed Harper for AAA. Not like he owned AA in his short stay there. Seems logical to have seen if he were going to be a man among boys in the Eastern League first. What do they do if some of those former ML pitchers and elite prospects at AAA start slicing and dicing the guy?
Yeah, I read that article too.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
9:57 am
Anders:
METS first or second……………humm, I dunno Anders, you better not count the BRAVES, FISH or the NATS out this time around either. This is getting to be a pretty tough division top to bottom.
IVAN ...
March 20th, 2012
9:58 am
richbrave——-
Isn’t the Nottaway River near Franklin or Suffolk Va ?
I remember going with my stepdad and dipping Herrin on the banks with a dip net…..
I believe we were on the Nottaway……….
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
9:58 am
Yeah, I read that article too.
And it made sense.
IVAN ...
March 20th, 2012
9:59 am
Did you fry oysters Sunday?
Anders
March 20th, 2012
10:04 am
richbrave- I know. I’m just messing around. The Mets would consider .500 a great year. As for the division being tough top to bottom, or at least close to the bottom, I also see potential for some unexpected bumps in the road. The Phils have major health issues on the right side of the infield which also falls into the heart of their batting order. The Fish have the potential for a “One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest” scenario down their in South Beach. I mean, talk about potential for combustion – and not the good kind. The Nats still have a lot to learn about winning. That leaves it open for your guys if they can recover from their own collapse. We’ll see if they can bounce back and if those young arms rebound too.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:04 am
IVAN:
Absolutely. it was the spring of ‘47 and we were living in Southampton County at the time. Sadler’s X-roads between WAKEFIELD and IVOR.
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
March 20th, 2012
10:04 am
Richbrave,
Regarding your 8:38 bench speculations: If neither Costanza or Durango make the club, then Parraz is your CF if something happens to Bourn. I realize that help would only be call-up away, but that would make for an interesting game or two, depending on where Gwinett happened to be playing. Seems sub-optimal to me.
Murph
March 20th, 2012
10:06 am
Wow, really running a stacked lineup out there against the Tigers this afternoon. Should at least be entertaining to watch… hopefully Detroit won’t make much contact, or if they do, it’ll be to CF.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:07 am
Two dozen fried in Canola to a golden brown……..or maybe green? I’m color blind. Nah, I’d be a ghost for sure by now if that were the case.
BravePack
March 20th, 2012
10:07 am
That’s a pretty weak line-up today against Verlander. No Mac, Uggla, or Freeman…that sucks and the game is televised of course.
jeffrey d
March 20th, 2012
10:10 am
I fried starfish on Sunday
Murph
March 20th, 2012
10:11 am
I fried starfish on Sunday
Yummy! Although, not as good as sea horses or baby seal.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
10:12 am
No rest for the regulars! These practice games are really important. They need to be out there!
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:12 am
Why does everyone take stuff on here so literally? PARRAZ is just speculation on my part. Frankly I don’t see CONSTANZA, DURANGO, PARRAZ or MYCAL JONES being all that great. Truth is we need upgrades in backup positions in the OF and all these guys we’re seeing is an attempt to find an OMAR INFANTE with speed for the outfield.
David O'Brien
March 20th, 2012
10:14 am
Today’s game is on ESPN (Braves vs. Tigers, 1 p.m.)
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:14 am
MURPH:
Which kind of club did you use on the seal? Blunt or sharp?
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:15 am
ESPN? Bound to be the PHILLIES, RED SOX or YANKEES here then.
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
March 20th, 2012
10:16 am
Dang, Richbrave, easy now. Just making conversation.
jeffrey d
March 20th, 2012
10:20 am
We’re still looking for a couple more teams for the blog fantasy baseball league. All I ask is that you keep up with your team all season.
League #: 64530
Password: bumpin
http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/register/joinleague?.scrumb=
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:22 am
“……..That leaves it open for your guys if they can recover from their own collapse. We’ll see if they can bounce back and if those young arms rebound too………..”
Off last season’s finale and this spring, a few folks here are sayin’ about the BRAVES, “……..I dunno……..” I’m slowing beginning to fall into that camp myself, but I haven’t given myself over entirely to the temptation just yet.
Anders
March 20th, 2012
10:24 am
richbrave- It’s only spring training. Means nothing. Give them until June.
IVAN ...
March 20th, 2012
10:24 am
2 DOZEN SOUNDS GOOD……… Local oysters?
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:27 am
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
March 20th, 2012
10:16 am
“…….Dang, Richbrave, easy now. Just making conversation……..”
Yeah, gettin’ old makes you crotchty sometimes, but I’ll be my ebullient old self any minute now. Sorry,for being snippy. Do wonder what type of club MURPH used on the baby seal though. If he swings it correctly, we might try him out for a bench gig in ATLANTA. heh!
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:28 am
IVAN:
Are there any other kind?
jeffrey d
March 20th, 2012
10:30 am
They were imported
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:30 am
Anders:
I’d take another June like the last one with the exception of DAN UGGLA’s performance. I’m not seeing that off ST this time around, but dang, UGGLA seems primed and ready enough.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
10:33 am
No FORMOSAN bi-valves for me thank you.
jeffrey d
March 20th, 2012
10:34 am
It’s tri-valves for me or nothing
IVAN ...
March 20th, 2012
10:35 am
not that I know of………
Ate a lot of seafood, the bar is set high from the Old Dominion area. Always has been , always will be..
Would love to have a bushel of ‘blue crabs’ , a COLD Budweiser and a couple hours to enjoy…….
Throw in a dozen or two on the ‘half shell’, some horseradish sauce, a shot of Tabasco and a pack of saltines………… Little slice of heaven……..
TennesseePaul
March 20th, 2012
10:41 am
And it made sense.
You’re darn tootin’
Anders
March 20th, 2012
10:48 am
Does anyone else feel like they’re subliminally being sold a time share for some beach resort on the old blog today? Oysters, crabs, cold beer. I keep hearing the sound of steel drums in my head.
Murph
March 20th, 2012
10:50 am
MURPH:
Which kind of club did you use on the seal? Blunt or sharp?
Club? Why would man have invented the steel-toed boot if he wanted us to kill our baby seals with clubs? I’m not some sort of caveman.
CB
March 20th, 2012
10:55 am
Anders,beats season tickets for the Mets.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 20th, 2012
11:03 am
One thing that always bugged me about oysters on a half shell was the three times the little suckers would try to escape after I would swallow one…. Dem bad boys be slimmy…..
richbrave Thanks for bringing back a few memories of my childhood. I can still remember my dad tying down a big old dip net to his ‘50 Ford and heading to Proctor’s creek. Personally, herring were too “fishy” tasting to suit me but I can remember dad loving them all year round. Had a big ol’ wooden cask he would store his salt herring in. There was never a shortage of food around my house when I was growing up, just my not be what you would care to eat….
Just checked the program guide for ESPN and it list the Braves and Tigers as this afternoon’s fare. Yea…glad I have a DVR because that is smack dab in the middle of my PT appointment.
Will call you this week, maybe we can have lunch at the Sports Page next week here in Mecahnicsville and you can get the opportunity to meet my better half.
BravePack
March 20th, 2012
11:22 am
Ease
March 20th, 2012
10:12 am
No rest for the regulars! These practice games are really important. They need to be out there!
I sense this as sarcasm. Considering the way they are hitting, or not I should say, yes they do need to be in there to be ready for the start of the regular season and the all important 1st month.
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
11:29 am
yes they do need to be in there to be ready
It’s not as if the guys who aren’t starting today are just loafing around back at Dark Star, grabbing early tee times and a cold one after.
BravePack
March 20th, 2012
11:35 am
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
11:29 am
yes they do need to be in there to be ready
It’s not as if the guys who aren’t starting today are just loafing around back at Dark Star, grabbing early tee times and a cold one after.
Freeman just tweeted that he, Mac, and Uggla are on the 8th tee hammered already because the cart girl won’t stop following Uggla.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
11:35 am
yes they do need to be in there to be ready for the start of the regular season and the all important 1st month.
Well screw the back-ups then…I guess they need to be in tip top shape to take BP and sit the bench for games at a time. Why even bother? Scrubs need no practice.
BravePack
March 20th, 2012
11:37 am
Scrubs are scrubs Ease we all know what they can do…that’s why they are on the bench.
kenhotlanta
March 20th, 2012
11:43 am
Murph: Baby Seal, Bald Eagle, fried and raw oysters on the half shell is a feast for a king.
richbrave
March 20th, 2012
11:50 am
GIL in MECHANICSVILLE:
Roger that. I’ll dial you up this weekend.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
11:57 am
Scrubs are scrubs Ease we all know what they can do
Do you? I mean you have no clue what the starters can do and thus they need more practice? Good grief, People read so much into practices…
TennesseePaul
March 20th, 2012
11:59 am
If I’m reading the schedule correctly, games played between May 25th and August 22 are all in the Eastern Time Zone. That’s almost 3 straight months with no travel west.
Murph
March 20th, 2012
12:01 pm
I’ve never had Bald Eagle before. I bet it’s yummy.
Oh, man, that got my wheels turning. Instead of the Sopapillaporium, how about a restaurant that serves Bald Eagle hot wings? Those are still all the rage with the college crowd, right?
Ease
March 20th, 2012
12:06 pm
BREAKING: David O’Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves Arodys Vizcaino havin Tommy John surgery this morning
Fish Bisch
March 20th, 2012
12:09 pm
Get well soon Arodys.
Murph
March 20th, 2012
12:10 pm
BREAKING: David O’Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves Arodys Vizcaino havin Tommy John surgery this morning
That sucks, but it seems like the writing was on the wall since we acquired him.
Oh well. That at least ends the starter vs reliever debate for 12+ months.
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
March 20th, 2012
12:10 pm
I think its a good idea to see as much of the “backups” as possible because the Braves have some hard decisions to make.
1. The outfield: Is Matt Diaz the player we remember, or have his skills fallen off the cliff? Costanza and Durango are similar players who can back up CF and pinch run- which one is better? Parraz has more pop than either one, but can he play a serviceable CF? If not, and he’s just a defensively suspect good RH hitter, is he so superior to Diaz in that role that you can justify releasing Diaz?
2. The infield: The obvious question- is Simmons already better than Pastornicky? And, can Sutton provide adequate protection in the event that Wilson is a chronic injury problem?
3. Pitching Staff: Has Gearin really improved that much? Which Vavaro is the real one- the one seen at the end of last year, or the one that’s getting killed now?
You don’t answer any of those questions without playing them. A lot.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 20th, 2012
12:10 pm
Vizcaino’s surgery should come as no surprise.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
12:11 pm
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves reliever Arodys Vizcaino has torn ligament, having surgery now and hope is he’ll be ready this time next year.
George
March 20th, 2012
12:11 pm
The entire country gets to see us this afternoon. Will the BRAVES continue to embarrass themselfs on ESPN?
N8
March 20th, 2012
12:13 pm
Agreed Coach. But at least he’s young enough to rebound (IE: Wainwright). Talent is still there. Definitely sucks. Was looking forward to that extra power arm in pen. But ultimately makes Medlen that much more important, along with Moylan’s eventual/hopeful return at some point.
David O'Brien
March 20th, 2012
12:15 pm
In case you missed my Twitter post from the field, Vizcaino is having Tommy John surgery this morning. Braves hope he’ll be ready at about this time next year.
George
March 20th, 2012
12:16 pm
What is with no FREDDY FREEMAN in todays lineup? Does he ever get to play?
David O'Brien
March 20th, 2012
12:16 pm
Also, Fredi said they haven’t ruled out Medlen for fill-in duty while Hudson is out of rotation, but Wren later made it clear Braves are planning on Medlen in bullpen and one of the kids, Delgado or Teheran, in the rotation in place of Hudson.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 20th, 2012
12:17 pm
1.Hudson
2. Jurrjens
3.Hanson
4. Beachy
5.Minor
6. Delgado
7.Teheran
8. Medlen
Braves starting pitching depth chart is still in good shape
TheOnlyBravesFan
March 20th, 2012
12:17 pm
Dang that sucks for Viz, but I guess that’s what you get with a fireballer.
Hillbilly
March 20th, 2012
12:17 pm
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves reliever Arodys Vizcaino has torn ligament, having surgery now and hope is he’ll be ready this time next year.
I’m somewhat relieved to hear this. I’d rather him go ahead and get it over with than waste three or four years of controllability trying to fight through it.
George
March 20th, 2012
12:18 pm
Good that CHIPPER is playing.
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
March 20th, 2012
12:18 pm
George, I would imagine they’re trying to be conservative about that knee injury.
njbraves
March 20th, 2012
12:19 pm
With Viz now gone for the season, all the more reason to keep Meds in the bullpen. Although, Wren’s plan will give most people here a heart attack, it’s the right thing to do. If the big three in the ‘pen get overworked again this year the results will be the same come September.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
12:19 pm
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
Wren also made it clear #Braves planning on Medlen for bullpen. Thinks Medlen helps team more there because they have good starters
N8
March 20th, 2012
12:19 pm
IMO, from what I’ve seen and read, Medlen should fill in for Huddy while he is out. Let Delgado and Teheran start year at AAA and find their groove. Less pressure on them to go to AAA and get “ready” then get called up when needed, than to start year with the pressure of “replacing” Huddy. Medlen can handle it better in my opinion. Add to that with the way Gearrin has appeared to succeed, perhaps he can be used in the pen for now until Medlen goes back to pen upon Huddy’s return.
If Jurrjens or Hanson have problems along the way, then perhaps Medlen stays in rotation. Medlen doesn’t get enough credit for being as good as he is from my angle. Dude will probably never be a true ace (though who knows?), but he has what it takes to be a VERY solid 3 or 4 guy in the rotation.
Probably not too many teams in MLB that wouldn’t take Medlen in their rotation right now.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
12:21 pm
Will the BRAVES continue to embarrass themselfs on ESPN?
As you do so on a daily basis on the AJC?
N8
March 20th, 2012
12:22 pm
Then again, I haven’t looked at the schedule that much for April. Is there a lot of days to “skip” the 5th starter if it’s Teheran or Delgado? If that’s the case, then yes. Meds should be in bullpen taking pressure off of big 3.
With Meds out there, our bullpen has legit chance to be “Big 4″ instead of big 3. Meds would excel in the pen.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
12:23 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Scouts saying they are seeing improvement in Jason Heyward, while he continues to better integrate hands and lower half in his swing
Notice the use of the word “scouts” and not “fans”…
Murph
March 20th, 2012
12:25 pm
Also, Fredi said they haven’t ruled out Medlen for fill-in duty while Hudson is out of rotation, but Wren later made it clear Braves are planning on Medlen in bullpen and one of the kids, Delgado or Teheran, in the rotation
DOB, what kind of relationship do Fredi/Wren have?
It seems that the 4 or 5 times Fredi has talked about personnel moves Wren is right there to completely refute whatever FG has said. Hitting coach, Teheran/Delgado in the bullpen, Medlen, etc.
I am getting the impression that Wren doesn’t have much respect for his manager, although I’m probably reading too much into things… but it is interesting how often Wren has to set the record straight right after his manager opens up his pie hole.
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:27 pm
Are Fredi and Wren ever on the same page?
Chop Chop
March 20th, 2012
12:27 pm
Heyward can’t help but improve his numbers from last season. He’s not a bad player. The rational question is this: Can he meet most of those lofty expectations from a couple of years ago? He has time to mature and grow, but I get the feeling that the Braves really need him to be a superstar quickly.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 20th, 2012
12:30 pm
Bullpen depth chart:
1. Kimbrel
2.Venters
3. O’Flaherty
4. Medlen
5. Martinez
6.Gearrin
7. Asencio
8. Fish
9. Cordier
10. Russell
11. Varvaro
Still deep and Moylan will eventually rejoin their ranks
George
March 20th, 2012
12:33 pm
Chop Chop 12:27
HEYWARD will never be able to hit for ave. He is a .240 BA hitter with a lot of power.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 20th, 2012
12:33 pm
George
March 20th, 2012
12:11 pm
The entire country gets to see us this afternoon. Will the BRAVES continue to embarrass themselfs on ESPN?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You are hereby banned from watching today’s game. If caught with your TV on…..I will crawl out of the screen and throw baseballs at you
Vinny
March 20th, 2012
12:34 pm
@Coach
7-11 all suck.
And I’m being generous to not include options 5 and 6.
Dutchieeeeee
March 20th, 2012
12:36 pm
Good day, denizens.
Dinnertime ánd the Braves online, with the Curacao kid hurling. A good day indeed! For anyone looking for a stream: http://forum.wiziwig.eu/threads/70974-Streaming-MLB-Spring-Training-Tuesday-20-March
As allways, please do respect the rules of that forum.
let’s enjoy!
Unfortunate for Vizcaino, hopefully he’ll come back stronger. Good luck to him!
Jimmy
March 20th, 2012
12:37 pm
Murph / Bat – I read it the same way. I thought it was just me seeing that.
Of course, it could just be over-zealoused reporting.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 20th, 2012
12:38 pm
looking forward to seeing JJ pitch for the first time in spring training.
Vizcaino's Elbow
March 20th, 2012
12:38 pm
“In case you missed my Twitter post from the field, Vizcaino is having Tommy John surgery this morning. Braves hope he’ll be ready at about this time next year.”
My brother-in-law’s been sleeping on my d–n couch and the sumbee ripped the cushions nearly in half. Kicked the guy out, but I’ve got to replace the cushions.
George
March 20th, 2012
12:38 pm
I can’t see MEDLEN in pen. He should be a starter.
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:40 pm
Damn shame about Vizciano seemed inevitable though.
Soph
March 20th, 2012
12:41 pm
Best wishes to Arodys.
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
12:41 pm
Put your glasses on George
George
March 20th, 2012
12:41 pm
Looking forward to the game this afternoon. I know it is only ST but we need to win one, otherwise the ESPN guys will make fun of us all afternoon after the colapse last Sept.
CB
March 20th, 2012
12:42 pm
Sounds like Fredi needs to check with Wren before he scratches his rear.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 20th, 2012
12:42 pm
Vinny
March 20th, 2012
12:34 pm
@Coach
7-11 all suck.
And I’m being generous to not include options 5 and 6.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>……….
Well that combined with Martinez and Viscaino being out of options, along with Fish’s rule 5 status should clear up any question as to why Medlen is needed in the bullpen.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 20th, 2012
12:43 pm
Curious George need banana
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
12:44 pm
George as last years Red Sox manager is on the broadcast crew I doubt they will make fun of us
George
March 20th, 2012
12:44 pm
Yum Yum
Patrick
March 20th, 2012
12:44 pm
When you think about it, tommy john surgery for Vizciano seemed really inevenitable after he partially torn the ligament a couple years ago and just left it heal “naturally”
None-the-less. What a shame…
George
March 20th, 2012
12:46 pm
Yup you are right, I was not thinking about him doing game and I did watch yesterdays game. BTW it looks like the Phills may have some problems this year.
Moylan Prado
March 20th, 2012
12:51 pm
Medlen definitely needs to stay in the pen right now. The only way he should move to the rotation is if two of our starters are out at the same time (ie, Teheran and Delgado should not be in the rotation at the same time).
kenhotlanta
March 20th, 2012
12:51 pm
Murph & Bat: You took the words right out of my mouth. I have been thinking the same thing about how many times Wren has immediately contradicted Fredi. Seems like a pattern to me. However, I think Meds should be a starter until Hudson returns, and send the 2 studs down for fine tuning.
George
March 20th, 2012
12:51 pm
Hope CHIPPER hits a HR today so the BRAVES will let him move out of the Homer-less peoples tents at DARK STAR.
Patrick
March 20th, 2012
12:54 pm
Wren’s insistance on having Medlen in the bullpen is an ignorant and stupid move.
Medlen 1. Has more experience starting and in general than Delgado and Teheran. and 2. He clearly outpicthed the both of them this spring.
I may be wrong, but shouldn’t the thought process be, let’s put the best guy out there to help us win games now? If the braves were thinking that way, then Medlen would get that rotation spot.
Now I’m not saying that Delgado and Teheran don’t have more upside and will probably and potentially have better career’s in the coming years. But upside and future projections will not help you win games in the present.
Christian Martinez can fill in as the long man in the bullpen while Medlen fills in for Hudson.
That’s the move that makes sense. And not making that move could cost the Braves another playoff appearance.
George
March 20th, 2012
12:55 pm
Outta here to watch the game. Lets have a good one this afternoon y’all.
Lew
March 20th, 2012
12:58 pm
Enquiring MInds – Which Varvaro is the real one? Apparently the one that sucks in spring training (he did last year, too) and not the one who shows up during the regular season. Looks to me like he’s just a slow starter.
Anders – Reyes won’t be helping the Marlins as much as they think he will, IMO. Bet he getws hurt and misses a lot of time. The Mets? I don’t even think of them anymore – they’re just not an issue. I know I gave them lots of grief when they were good, but they really should have won much more than they did with the talent. But…….I’ve been a Braves fan through thick and really thin and know what it’s like being a fan of a lousy team. I feel for the Mets’ fans and their current predicament – a little bit, anyway.
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
12:59 pm
You guys seem to think Medlen will go 4-0 if he fills in for Hudson, and one of the kids will go 0-4, LOL. I doubt the Braves expect any more than a break-even from whoever fills that spot for a month. If that’s their thinking, then Medlen in the pen is probably the smart move.
Lew
March 20th, 2012
1:00 pm
Actually had that backwards I would hope that the real Varvaro is the opne who pitches good in stretch runs and NOT in ST.
Moylan Prado
March 20th, 2012
1:03 pm
So if Medlen goes to the rotation, for the first month we have Kimbrel, Venters, O’Flaherty, and then what? If you put Meds in the rotation you severely risk overusing the Big 3 in the first month of the season.
Lew
March 20th, 2012
1:06 pm
Then what? Martinez, Varvaro, Gearrin, Asencio, and several still at Gwinnett.
I’m hardly worried we’ll overuse anyone in April – especially with off days.
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
1:06 pm
Best wishes to Arodys.
Just as well, really. When he comes back, maybe the notion to use him in the pen will have vanished in his absence. I’m sure that idea had at least some germination from the thought of protecting his arm. And maybe he starts getting some more lower-half into his delivery to take some strain off. And maybe he wakes up from surgery with a changeup.
I’m thinking positive, here.
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:08 pm
Our pen is very strong Varvaro is one of the reasons Play ball! Spring is sprung GO BRAVOS
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
1:08 pm
I love Joker Marchant Stadium! I grew up in the Lakeland area; next town over – Bartow. But went to JMS many times in my childhood. And drove by it probably thousands of times in the 20 years I lived there. I’ve now been in the Atlanta area almost as long as I lived in my hometown.
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
1:08 pm
If you put Meds in the rotation you severely risk overusing the Big 3 in the first month of the season.
I don’t know that the name on the jersey of the fill-in starter is going to be the determining factor of that.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:10 pm
Bourn pop to short…Prado grounder to short…
Does anyone need PBP today, before I drive everyone else crazy?
Anders
March 20th, 2012
1:11 pm
Lew- I’m not as pessimistic as most on the Mets. I do think it’ll be a couple of years though. They need to focus on pitching and nothing else. If it means letting guys like Wright walk – so be it. I became a die hard fan when Craig Swan was their ace so I know tough times too. This is when you find out who the real fans are. Like I said earlier today, I enjoy the climb as much as winning. I have confidence in Alderson and now it looks like the money is coming back too. Bluer skies today in Metland.
Enjoy your Braves ST gameon ESPN today.
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
1:15 pm
Yikes…. Nice play, Bourn
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
1:15 pm
UGH JJ already getting hit. 89 mph fastballs. Sure he’s not still hurting?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
1:16 pm
84 sinker away K out for JJ
Enquiring Minds Want to Know
March 20th, 2012
1:17 pm
Yes, please, VJ.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:17 pm
A misplayed, blooping single = “already getting hit?”
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
1:18 pm
Errors galore
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:18 pm
Chipper grounded out…
Blooping single bounced off Bourn for single and error – Strike out – error on pick off throw, runner to third – sac fly – fly to right ends inning
1-0 Tigers…
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
1:19 pm
Get ‘em on, get a couple of errors and get ‘em in……..
Juan
March 20th, 2012
1:19 pm
BAD NEWS BRAVES…..2 error in one inning…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
1:19 pm
Venice jim, so what if a fan gets a little frustrated? JJ hasn’t been sharp this spring, so I’m edgy with him. No biggie
Moylan Prado
March 20th, 2012
1:20 pm
Pastornicky should have had that throw
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:20 pm
Just kidding
Jimmy
March 20th, 2012
1:20 pm
Thanks VJ. Bat did a great job yesterday out of the pen!
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:21 pm
Hinske leading off…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:22 pm
Hinske grounds out to first…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:23 pm
Heywayd – flies out to right…
David O'Brien
March 20th, 2012
1:23 pm
Vizcaino out for season after Tommy John surgery
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/20/braves-vizcaino-out-for-season-after-elbow-surgery/
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
1:23 pm
I love Heywards swing and approach. Short and quick. He looks calm up there.
unbelievable
March 20th, 2012
1:23 pm
Chatt – JJ’s avg fastball last season was 89.1.
Juan
March 20th, 2012
1:23 pm
2 pitch 2 outs…lets moved this game to the 5th inning…we give up of Velander.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:24 pm
Diaz loops a single to right – almost caught…
DS1
March 20th, 2012
1:25 pm
After the spring games are over, Teheran will probably not give up any more homers for the whole year.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:26 pm
3-1 count to Ross…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:26 pm
And he walks…
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
1:27 pm
Thanks, Jimmy
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
1:31 pm
Sucks about Vizcaino. Not surprising though.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:32 pm
Sorry – blog slowed on me…
Sutton grounded out…
Delmon Young grounds out to Tyler…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:33 pm
4 pitch walk to Avila…
noleee
March 20th, 2012
1:34 pm
no, not much of a surprise at this point, shoulda had it done b4 most likely. at least we have other fairly decent pen guys
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
1:34 pm
Is Gonzos father doing color on ESPN?
bravofan
March 20th, 2012
1:35 pm
Olney saying it looks like Pastornicky will start at SS opening day not sure if I agree.
Dutchieeeeee
March 20th, 2012
1:35 pm
Doing wel there, VJ. Unfortunately, your pbp is ahead of my stream by about 5 mins
.
JJ looking pretty decent, getting behind in the counts a bit, but overall, good to see.
Juan
March 20th, 2012
1:36 pm
Tito Next Manager of Braves comment about Alex Gonzo
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:36 pm
Peralta flies to Jason – 2 down…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:38 pm
Home Run Raburn…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:38 pm
That was comfortably over the left field wall – off a breaking ball…
Juan
March 20th, 2012
1:39 pm
Braves Pitcher can’t leave ball inside the Park…wow
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:40 pm
Fly to Jason – 3-0 Tigers after 2…
Juan
March 20th, 2012
1:40 pm
Can some one tell me how many Homer Braves Picther alow this ST. Sound a lot for me…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
1:42 pm
Wish they’d have traded Jurrjens June of last year. He looks exactly the same right now as his awful 2nd last year.
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:42 pm
no es importante
Juan
March 20th, 2012
1:43 pm
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:42 pm
no es importante
No es importante?….wow…this the time of ST to get better not worse
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
1:44 pm
Got distracted with a co-worker. And find Tigers up 3-0. Ugh
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:44 pm
Tyler ground single to right…
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:44 pm
rev
noleee
March 20th, 2012
1:45 pm
none of it matters. Que sera, sera
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
1:45 pm
Yeah, Rev seems to be picking it up now.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:46 pm
Francona’s earlier comment on Spring Training (courtesy of Rob Neyer)
We’ve all fallen into it in spring training, somebody has a great spring and it’s easy to fall in love with ‘em. But I think you’ve gotta go on track record, because you just open yourself up to make mistakes. There’s so many variables in spring training, and such a small sample size, that you can really get fooled.
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:46 pm
he just hung one better now than later
noleee
March 20th, 2012
1:46 pm
I still think Rev will start and Sim will go to AA
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:46 pm
3-0 pitch to Bourn – strike one…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:47 pm
Hit and run single, Tyler to 3rd…
Fish Bisch
March 20th, 2012
1:47 pm
The Tiggers are an unstoppable power hitting juggernut.
CB
March 20th, 2012
1:47 pm
Juan, 18 before today.
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:47 pm
hit and run works unbelievable
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:47 pm
Nice job of hitting to the spot vacated by the shortstop…
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
1:49 pm
“We’ve all fallen into it in spring training, somebody has a great spring and it’s easy to fall in love with ‘em.”
The fame of the Braves/MIB knows no bounds. Even Terry Francona has heard of the CBI.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:49 pm
0-1 pitch to Martin – ball 1…ball 2…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:50 pm
Ball 3..and a walk loads the bases…
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:50 pm
lets see if hoss gets serious
Bat Masterson
March 20th, 2012
1:50 pm
All right, Chipper, show out a little
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:50 pm
Chipper in to bat – ball 1 way outside…
TennesseePaul
March 20th, 2012
1:50 pm
I am getting the impression that Wren doesn’t have much respect for his manager, although I’m probably reading too much into things…
I don’t get that impression. The one I get is Fredi attempting to pull a Cox and promote all his players… And Wren being Frank and saying “X is how I built this team”.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:51 pm
Ball 2 outside and low…high pop to 2nd, 1 out…
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
1:51 pm
I don’t think Verlander has had this many basrunners the entire spring.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:52 pm
Ball 1 low to Hinske…lined to left – 2 run single!!!
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:53 pm
Good at bat by Ski
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:53 pm
Prado stayed at 2nd – Jason at bat, ball 1…
Rob from SC
March 20th, 2012
1:54 pm
Just missed that one
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:54 pm
Ball 2 – Jason nearly reaches the right field warning track – Prado to 3rd…
TennesseePaul
March 20th, 2012
1:55 pm
You guys seem to think Medlen will go 4-0 if he fills in for Hudson, and one of the kids will go 0-4, LOL. I doubt the Braves expect any more than a break-even from whoever fills that spot for a month. If that’s their thinking, then Medlen in the pen is probably the smart move.
There you go again with this short-changing Meds talk. If Meds is to be a true “long man” then it stands to reason he is the guy filling in on spot starts…. not just the clown they pull in to pitch innings 3 through 6 of a blow out. If the Braves aim is to “break even”, then Meds in the pen is not inherently the smart move.
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:55 pm
J Hey going for the downs
Jimmy
March 20th, 2012
1:55 pm
Sounds like Verlander is all over the place.
Where is all the Diesel haters today.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:55 pm
Hershhiser says both his balls hit well into the wind…
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:56 pm
ugly swing for mattd
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:56 pm
Diaz at 0-2 – K swinging…
Juan
March 20th, 2012
1:56 pm
Velander to Much for Diaz
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:56 pm
Mid-3rd, Tigers lead 3-2…
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
1:57 pm
MattE
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
1:58 pm
Sounds like Frank and John are our trump cards Fredi like the Dude abides
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:59 pm
Top of the order for the Tigers…
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
1:59 pm
If the Braves aim is to “break even”, then Meds in the pen is not inherently the smart move.
it is, if the team doesn’t think he will perform significantly better than another option as a starter. Given equal starter performance between Medlen and Player B, the question then becomes, “which is better: Player B starting plus Medlen’s bullpen performance, or Medlen starting plus Player C’s bullpen performance?”
Unless you think Player C is a better option than Medlen, of course. But, in that case, maybe it’s Player C who should be starting.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
1:59 pm
Pop out to Sutton…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:01 pm
Boesch rips a single to right…
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:03 pm
OK, JJ, don’t give those runs back, dang it.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:03 pm
Wild pitch on a 2-2 count…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:05 pm
Walk after a couple of fouls – Prince steps in…
CB
March 20th, 2012
2:05 pm
scoots, I agree with everything you said except I believe Medlen can also pitch 3-5 appearances out of the bullpen also and allow them to carry another reliever in April. Player C might not perform that well out of the bullpen.
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:06 pm
JJ is determined to not win this game, I think. Jeez
Efrim
March 20th, 2012
2:07 pm
Bummer about Vizcaino, however it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Hopefully we get him back around a May-ish timeframe next year. As for his pitching career, he’ll be fine. Not the shoulder at least.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:08 pm
Single for Prince – almost get Boesch at home…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:08 pm
1st and 3rd…
Single Delmon Young…
Rob from SC
March 20th, 2012
2:08 pm
JJ is terrible
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:09 pm
5-2 Tigers…
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
2:09 pm
good throw from center by Bourn
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:09 pm
Fudge.
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:09 pm
Wheels falling off
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
2:09 pm
except I believe Medlen can also pitch 3-5 appearances out of the bullpen also
CB, don’t you think he might have trouble combing his hair every morning, LOL?
Efrim
March 20th, 2012
2:09 pm
So what are we looking at for the rotation? Jurrjens on opening day? Followed by Hanson, Beachy, Minor and one of the two kids? I’ve been so out of it. Was hopelessly thinking Peyton Manning was going to be the QB of my favorite NFL team. All for not. Poor Niners.
David O'Brien
March 20th, 2012
2:10 pm
Jurrjens has allowed five hits and five runs in 7 outs, Braves trail 5-2 and Tigers still have 2 on with 1 out in 3rd
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
2:10 pm
JJ making some fine pitches I think he looks good to go
DS1
March 20th, 2012
2:10 pm
I guess you could say that JJ doesn’t have his best stuff today. Or maybe he’s just working on trying to get out of big jams?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
2:10 pm
Guess those are bloopers too? JJ is not what he once was a short time ago. Shame too
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:11 pm
Deep fly to center – 2 out, runners stay at 1st and 2nd…
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
2:11 pm
These Tigers can hit
kenhotlanta
March 20th, 2012
2:11 pm
After that glowing report on David Ross by Francona and Hershiser, I guess I finally have to move Ross ahead of Eddie Perez as my all-time favorite back up catcher for the Braves.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:12 pm
FC grounder to Chipper to end the inning…
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
2:13 pm
I guess you could say that JJ doesn’t have his best stuff today.
That’s one way of putting it, yes.
JC Brave
March 20th, 2012
2:13 pm
Maybe Braves should have traded JJ when they had the chance last year at the break. He looks awful. Heck, the year looks awful already.. Hope this spring training is not a sign of things to come..
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:13 pm
I’m listening on the mlb atbat app on my phone, so I can’t see the pitches. I just don’t like when we have a chance and then give it back to them.
Juan
March 20th, 2012
2:14 pm
If i want to Pick a First Day operner Pitcher i has to say Mike Minor…he’s the only one that so far pitch well.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
2:15 pm
Jurrjens won’t be traded, I think it’s safe to say. Who’d want him? He’s obviously either still hurting, ot he’s worried to death about getting hurt again. Weird how he goes from consistantly 91-94 mph fastballs and locating in 2010 all the way to 86-90 fastballs and not locating a year and a half later.
CB
March 20th, 2012
2:15 pm
scoots, little guy can pitch out of bullpen opening day and several after last start on the 22nd. Meds is tough.
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:17 pm
CB</strong – Meds is a bull dog
Efrim
March 20th, 2012
2:19 pm
I’m not watching the game, but does Jurrjens look as bad as everyone says he looks?
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:19 pm
Ross with a full count…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:19 pm
Efrim – command not too good…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:20 pm
Ross swinging K…
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:20 pm
Oops.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
2:20 pm
If you watched JJ any time in the 2nd half last year it’s the same today. Hard to watch.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
2:22 pm
I don’t think CB is that strong.
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
2:22 pm
JJ uses spring training to get prepared for regular season
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:23 pm
Sutton to Prince unassisted…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:24 pm
Tyler grounds out to deep short to end the top of the 4th…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
2:25 pm
These ESPN dudes cant stop with Verlander and the Tigers. There’s another team on the field, maybe not what the Tigers are, but there’s still a team outside of DET and Verlander.
Efrim
March 20th, 2012
2:25 pm
Phillies potential opening day lineup and perhaps for the first two months:
SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Shane Victorino
RF Hunter Pence
1B Ty Wigginton
LF John Mayberry
C Carlos Ruiz
3B Placido Polanco
2B Freddy Galvis
Yikes.
brian
March 20th, 2012
2:25 pm
Medlen may be filling in for Jurrjens
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:25 pm
Ease, yeah, I mcfanned that one. Thus, the later “Oops.”
Ease
March 20th, 2012
2:26 pm
JJ uses spring training to get prepared for regular season
Inconceivable!
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
2:26 pm
he hit 91 mph several times today threw some nice pitches down in the zone worked both sides of the plate,hung a couple of yackers change-up not as good today he will be fine
JC Brave
March 20th, 2012
2:27 pm
Oh, 1990’s, come back to Atlanta..
southern hope
March 20th, 2012
2:28 pm
Ease, “Inconceivable?” You keep saying that word but I do not think it means what you think it means.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:28 pm
Leadoff fly to right off JJ…
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
2:29 pm
and painted a few corners
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:29 pm
Fly to center…
Erik
March 20th, 2012
2:30 pm
Please stop overreacting to JJ. The last couple springs its been the same thing. JJ’s fastball Velo is down and he gets shelled. Then the season comes along and its business as usual. He will be fine this season if healthy. That’s always the case with him.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:31 pm
Ground out ends a quick inning – 4 innings done, Tigers 5-2…
Ease
March 20th, 2012
2:32 pm
Baseball needs a a couple of weeks in Dec. or Jan. called “training camp” or something so that ballplayers can get ready for Spring Training.
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:32 pm
Better inning for JJ.
Murph
March 20th, 2012
2:32 pm
You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball.
Well, at least the Tigers do.
unbelievable
March 20th, 2012
2:33 pm
His velocity is the same. He’s just not getting movement on his pitches.
JC Brave
March 20th, 2012
2:34 pm
Baseball needs a a couple of weeks in Dec. or Jan. called “training camp” or something so that ballplayers can get ready for Spring Training.
Yeah, their families don’t matter..
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
2:34 pm
Baseball needs a a couple of weeks in Dec. or Jan. called “training camp” or something so that ballplayers can get ready for Spring Training.
Yeah, that way, they could be ready to win these games, dammit.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:35 pm
Bourn K…
kenhotlanta
March 20th, 2012
2:36 pm
Many job applications now require your Facebook password. I am glad I do not have to deal with crap like that anymore. Unless I have to go to Walmarts and apply for a Greeters job…Heaven forbid.
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
2:37 pm
Actually he was getting good movement down in the zone
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:37 pm
Prado K…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:39 pm
Chipper lines to right…
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:41 pm
Still got time to recover this game. But it sure seems like the Tigers own the Braves in ST.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
2:43 pm
Yeah, that way, they could be ready to win these games, dammit.
There is nothing sweeter than the Grapefruit League Trophy, Cactus League be damned.
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
2:43 pm
ruh roh
cabravesfan
March 20th, 2012
2:43 pm
Oy..JJ slipped on mound…looking at him now
cabravesfan
March 20th, 2012
2:44 pm
seems to be ok
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:45 pm
Boesch lined out to right..
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:45 pm
JJ throwing some pitches…trying to work on the mound…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:48 pm
K as JJ slips again on the hole in the mound…
Ease
March 20th, 2012
2:50 pm
McCann on the radio…
buck belue @buckbelue8
McCann told us that Jurrjens fastball is the key…need it at 92-93, to set up other pitches. Concerned about knee not allowing that velo
DS1
March 20th, 2012
2:50 pm
Why don’t someone go out there and tell JJ to just move over a few inches so as not to land in that hole? It’s only spring training.
Murph
March 20th, 2012
2:50 pm
6 of today’s starters are hitting below .225.
Remind me again, at what point during ST do they actually try to hit the ball instead of working on their walk-up routine?
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:50 pm
Fielder singles through the shift…
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
2:51 pm
But it sure seems like the Tigers own the Braves in ST.
You can file no deeds in March.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:51 pm
Wild pitch…
Juan
March 20th, 2012
2:51 pm
Freddie waiting JJ get hurt
Tim
March 20th, 2012
2:51 pm
Braves wouldnt win this year because of JJ Hanson Heyward and McCann has to be the worst catcher behind the plate. Plus Freddi is the worst manager in the NL. He will be fired sometime this year .
DS1
March 20th, 2012
2:52 pm
JJ looks like a pre-madonna out there…………..
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:52 pm
Home run to left by Young…
Juan
March 20th, 2012
2:52 pm
That Homer on Freddie
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
2:52 pm
Forgive our manager, he’s not all that sharp minded it appears. The announcers are quickly finding this out and JJ might punch Fredi in the chops.
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
2:53 pm
Okay, this officially sucks.
RemoW
March 20th, 2012
2:53 pm
Wow, this is not looking encouraging. That mound is messing with JJ.
Murph
March 20th, 2012
2:53 pm
I’m anxiously awaiting the day when Fredi makes a public statement about how secure his job is… just to see how many hours after said statement is made public before Wren fires him.
ncbravesfan90
March 20th, 2012
2:53 pm
That’s the guy that nobody here wanted to trade for this offseason, that was hit off our opening day starter..Delmon Young this spring: .467 4 homeruns and 18rbis…..
Juan
March 20th, 2012
2:54 pm
FIRED FREDDIE>>>>NOW
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:54 pm
Line drive to right for a hit…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
2:55 pm
Fredi might have gotten even dumber over the offseason and I’m not even a big Fredi G basher.
DS1
March 20th, 2012
2:55 pm
Finally…………….
Murph
March 20th, 2012
2:55 pm
Well, gotta look at the positives… JJ will make an excellent batting practice pitcher for the rest of the season. Give Heyward a few AB’s against him and he’ll be overflowing with confidence.
Juan
March 20th, 2012
2:55 pm
Jesus i guy with mount issue and a Knee issue….no good Frediie
B-F_52
March 20th, 2012
2:55 pm
oy
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:55 pm
Nice backhand play by Martin at 3rd to get the FC at 2nd…inning over…
Ease
March 20th, 2012
2:55 pm
Fredi is pitching now?
Ease
March 20th, 2012
2:56 pm
Fire Freeman?
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:57 pm
Phil Coke in to pitch or Detroit…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
2:58 pm
Fredi thinks it was okay to have JJ continue to pitch in those conditions because “he said it was okay”. You’re the manager, you make those decisions.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
2:59 pm
Hinske deep fly to right…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
3:01 pm
Jason K…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
3:02 pm
Diaz lines out to the righfielder near the line…
Ease
March 20th, 2012
3:03 pm
“those conditions”?
The mound is messed up, that’s on JJ to adjust, not Fredi.
But it’s Spring Training right? Gotta get the win, nothing else matters.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
3:05 pm
Kimbrel and Parraz in…
Ease
March 20th, 2012
3:06 pm
Good thing this isn’t a “real” game right?
David O'Brien
March 20th, 2012
3:06 pm
Kimbrel pitching the 6th inning; JURRJENS line: 5 IP, 8H, 7R (6ER), 2BB, 2K, 2HR
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
3:06 pm
The mound is messed up, that’s on JJ to adjust, not Fredi.
The infield is harder, the grass is shorter, the lights are dimmer, and the lockers are smaller. Make sure Fredo doesn’t force his other players to deal with those “conditions”, either.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
3:06 pm
Ease, JJ wasn’t adjusting after slipping 8-10 different times though. Guess just wait until he adjusts until he figures it out or breaks an ankle? Sure whatever.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
3:06 pm
Full count …foul ball…
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
3:07 pm
Swinging K for Inge…
Soph
March 20th, 2012
3:07 pm
Petrel’s on it today.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
3:07 pm
Easy fly to center…
DS1
March 20th, 2012
3:08 pm
Jurrjens is the pitcher. If the mound is not right (whether he was digging the hole or not), it’s on HIM to get it squared away. Not the manager.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
3:09 pm
A K ends the 6th…
Murph
March 20th, 2012
3:10 pm
I wonder if Kimbrel could start for JJ every 5th day and still handle his closing duties? I s’pose that might be asking too much of the kid.
Looking forward to Medlen taking over for JJ when he lands on the DL in a few weeks.
Ease
March 20th, 2012
3:11 pm
Uh oh, Wayne is asking for it now…
ncscoots
March 20th, 2012
3:11 pm
Ease, JJ wasn’t adjusting after slipping 8-10 different times though.
Was he slipping on his plant leg or his stride leg? It’s important to know these things.
In any event, the lack of proper mound surface probably explains the hanging changes that had “Hit Me” written on ‘em in permanent laundry marker.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
3:12 pm
JJ was maxed out on pitches thrown by his 5th or 6th slip and fall, DS1. Why leave him in taking a big chance at getting him really injured?
bravesgrl4life
March 20th, 2012
3:12 pm
3 innings to get 5 runs. Can our boys do it? I hope so.
Venice Jim
March 20th, 2012
3:12 pm
Ross grounds to 2nd…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 20th, 2012
3:13 pm
Slipping on his plant leg.
DS1
March 20th, 2012
3:14 pm
Ease
He looked kinda like he was waiting for his daddy to come and frickin rescue him.
Fredi’s over in the dugout thinking: “Why don’t you grow a pair kid?”
Ease
March 20th, 2012
3:14 pm
Make sure Fredo doesn’t force his other players to deal with those “conditions”, either.
And, the on deck circle is father from home plate, or the wall in center is too high, or too much room behind home plate. All areas where Fredi should look as potential disasters…
JC Brave
March 20th, 2012
3:15 pm
I hope the Braves don’t use these cotton bats during the regular season..