On ATL-flavored HOF stretch, bullpen options, 3rd in East?
DARK STAR, Fla. – Before we discuss the challenges facing the Braves in the season that starts next week and how their proposed trade for Carlos Lee – wait, he was kidding? – could help a lot in that regard, let me first mention something I was thinking about regarding the end of the Bobby Cox/Chipper Jones era and what it will mean to a series of upcoming weekends in Cooperstown, N.Y.
If you’re a Braves fan and haven’t been to the little village that is baseball heaven in the Catskill mountain foothills of central New York, start thinking about making a trip or two because you’re going to have a few opportunities to see a Brave (or Braves inducted).
Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux are all Cooperstown-bound, seems just a matter of when for Smoltz.
In a five-year span beginning in 2014, five or six former Braves (including four players) figure to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown.
Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, 300-game winners who will surely be first-ballot inductees, are expected to be in the 2014 class along with Cox. There’s a possibility they could even be joined by longtime Braves general manager John Schuerholz.
Cox and Schuerholz, the two primary architects of the Braves’ decade-and-a-half run of success, will be on the Veterans Committee ballot at the 2013 Winter Meetings, the next time the committee considers candidates from 1973 and later. (Next year the committee considers candidates from 1946 and earlier. That’s how that process is done, with one of three historical periods considered annually on a rotating basis.)
One factor that could prevent the quartet of Braves going in together would be the fact that Tony La Russa, Joe Torre and Lou Piniella are also among those considered by the veterans committee at the ’13 Winter Meetings, unless one or more of them comes out of retirement to manage again. Only four can be elected in one year by the committee.
But it seems a fairly safe bet that Maddux and Glavine will be inducted that July 2014 day alongside their former manager, which couldn’t have been scripted any better considering the admiration and respect those three have for one another and the impact they all had on the Braves.
In the next year or two after that we could see the induction of John Smoltz, the other of the iconic Braves Big Three pitching machine. Maddux and Glavine last pitched in 2008, while Smoltz stayed around for another season, hence the one-year gap in HOF eligibility (players are eligible five years after they last appear in a major league game). There is debate over whether Smoltz will be a first-ballot inductee, since his three full seasons spent as a closer made his resume look a bit different than what HOF voters are used to considering.
Smoltz had a 213-155 record, 154 saves, a 3.33 ERA, 3,084 strikeouts and a 1.176 WHIP, and he was an eight-time All-Star who won the NL Cy Young award in 1996 and finished seventh or better in the voting four other times.
The only comparable starter-closer resume belonged to Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley, who had a 197-171 record, 390 saves, a 3.50 ERA, 2,401 strikeouts and a 1.161 WHIP. Eckersley was a five-time All-Star who won one Cy Young award and finished in the top seven in voting five other times, as well as three top-six finishes in the league MVP voting.
Their postseason resumes: Smoltz had a 15-4 record, 2.67 ERA and four saves in 41 games (27 starts) with 199 strikeouts in 209 innings. (This guy was pretty good in the postseason, eh?)
Eckersely had a 1-3 record, 3.00 ERA and 15 saves in 28 postseason games (one start) with 22 strikeouts (and only three walks) in 36 innings.
Eckersley was a first-ballot HOF inductee in 2004 after being named on 83.2 percent of the ballotts (75 percent are required).
Will Smoltz make it on the first ballot? He certainly could, and statistically one could make a strong case that he should. But I don’t think it’s close to a certainty.
Which brings us to his longtime teammate Chipper Jones, who will be eligible for the 2018 class if he sticks to his decision to retire after the 2012 season.
The only surprise to me in any Hall of Fame discussions about Jones is that there are those who question whether he’ll be a first-ballot inductee. I don’t honestly see how 25 percent of the voters could possibly look at his resume and decide that Jones, who is generally regarded as one of the three or four greatest switch-hitters in history and arguably one of the three greatest all-around third baseman in history (I still put him a little behind Mike Schmidt and alongside George Brett at the top of my 3B list. Notice I qualified it with “all-around” – Brooks Robinson was peerless defensively, but just didn’t hit enough to rank with that trio.)
Schmidt is the only third baseman I put ahead of Chipper and George Brett.
You know all the Chipper stats by now, so I’m not going to repeat them, other than to remind he’s above .300/.400/.500 in average, OBP and slugging percentage (well above in slugging, at .533) and has 526 doubles, 454 homers and 1,561 RBIs. He’s the only switch-hitter in history with at least a .300 average and 450 homers.
And for those who lean more to sabermetric stats, he ranks third among active players with an 82.7 WAR (wins above replacement), behind Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols, well ahead of the likes of Derek Jeter, Ivan Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez and Roy Halladay.
Folks, Chipper should and will be elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
♣ Projecting the NL East race: As things stand today, here’s how I see what should be the most competitive NL East race in quite some time. I should add, the team I feel least sure about in the first four is not the Braves, Nationals or Marlins, but the Phillies.
Really.
Their run of five consecutive division titles could be in peril despite that starting rotation. Unless they throw more money at the problem and get another big bat, the Chase Utley and Ryan Howard situations give other teams in the division a chance to build a lead early on Philly despite their still-formidable starting rotation.
As of today, here’s how I see the race:
- Phillies
- Nationals
- Braves
- Marlins
- Mets
So what do you folks think about the division race?
Loading ...♣ Carlos Lee: OK, that was a tease. On Saturday at Dunedin when I asked Fredi Gonzalez who’d play left field while Martin Prado is filling in for injured Chipper to begin the season, Gonzalez mentioned possibilities including the Eric Hinske/Matt Diaz tandem, roster hopefuls Jordan Parraz, Jose Constanza and Luis Durango and … Carlos Lee.
He quickly smiled to make it clear he was kidding.
At least I think he was.
We mentioned Lee this winter as a possibility if the Braves were looking to swap bad contracts with someone and the Astros were interested in Derek Lowe. But later I was told by someone familiar with Lee that he had a huge and highly profitable cattle ranch near Houston and would probably use his 10/5 trade-veto rights to quash any proposed trade.
Besides, Lowe’s contract is gone now and Lee is owed about $18.5 million this year, which, near as I can tell, is about $17 million or so more than the Braves seem willing to spend.
But they do need to get some outfield help, be it a Marlon Byrd or Will Venable. (I’ve heard they had or have some interest in Byrd and a couple of lesser available Cubs. And it was reported by a couple of other folks including Fox Sports.com that the Braves checked on the Padres’ Venable. If it’s true that the Padres asked about Kris Medlen in return, it’s understandable that the Braves ended that conversation quickly. Medlen for Venable? No.)
♣ The bullpen: Five relief spots are set with the power trio of closer Craig Kimbrel, lefty setup men Jonny Venters and Eric O’Flaherty, and versatile righties Medlen and Cristhian Martinez, each capable of pitching multiple innings at a time. Unless the Braves have an unexpected change of heart and move Medlen to the rotation, this first five in the ‘pen is a lock, leaving two openings.
Barring a trade, I’d be a little surprised if the Braves don’t go with Cory Gearrin and Jairo Asencio for the last two spots. Gearrin has allowed six hits and no earned runs in eight appearances, with three walks and 10 strikeouts in 9-1/3 innings. The sidearmer has shown by frequently taking some velocity off his fastball he gets better movement and makes the pitch an effective weapon against lefty hitters, who were his bane last season.
Braves aren't interested in trading the versatile Medlen.
Asencio has a 2.70 ERA in a team-high nine relief appearances this spring, allowing 10 hits and two walks with 11 strikeouts in 10 innings. It’s important to note he’s out of minor-league options, meaning he’d have to go through waivers before he could get sent down. Such matters are always considered when making roster decisions. The MVP of the Caribbean Series as the Dominican Republic’s closer this past winter, Asencio would almost certainly be claimed off waivers by some team aware of his potential.
Also worth noting: He came to spring training only a few weeks after finishing winter ball, and gave up three earned runs in his first four appearances, including two runs ni his only two-inning appearance. Since then Asencio has pitched five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in five innings, including two strikeouts three times in his past four innings.
Lefty Yohan Flande has also been impressive, pitching 9-1/3 scoreless innings in six spring appearances with only four hits. But he’s had more walks (six) than strikeouts (five) and is not out of options. And with Medlen in the bullpen, the need for a lefty specialist is reduced because of Medlen’s effectiveness against hitters from both sides (the righty uses his change-up well against lefty hitters).
Rule 5 pick Robert Fish hasn’t pitched in two weeks and has been dealing with some arm soreness, though the Braves haven’t said anything specific. We’ll probably hear something on that in the next day, but he obviously won’t be ready for the opening day roster even if he had been impressive in his early appearances, which he frankly wasn’t.
♣ OK, gotta get on the road to Port St. Lousy for Braves at Mets. Got a lot of new music last night from Orlando’s Park Avenue CDs to listen to on the drive down and back, including The Pines’ Dark So Gold (great atmospheric Americana/country vibe), Gentleman Jesse’s new album Leaving Atlanta, a deluxe edition of The Stooges’ Raw Power (who in the world sold this back – but thanks, I got it cheap), Chuck Mead and his Grassy Knoll Boys’ old-school country Back at the Quonset Hut and Polica’s Give You The Ghost.
Let’s close with some My Morning Jacket, which you can hear by clicking here or see them do live by clicking here.
“I’M AMAZED” by My Morning Jacket
I’m amazed at a quiet ocean
I’m amazed at your warm devotion
I’m amazed at what the people sayin’
I’m amazed by a divided nation
Like the rhythm of the earth, I get disrupted
I’m amazed at all that has been
I’m amazed at all that will be
I’m amazed at the tv stations
I’m amazed what they want me to believe
After all is said and done- where is the justice?
I’m amazed, the lack of evolution
I’m amazed at the lack of faith
I’m amazed at the love we’re rejecting
I’m amazed what we accept in its place
Like the rhythm of the earth
And the rhythm of the ages
Like the rhythm, I get disrupted
I’m amazed
I’m amazed
– by David O’Brien, Braves/MIB blog
1,953 comments Add your comment
noleee
March 27th, 2012
8:25 am
Good job DOB, guessin’ no on Lee though
Chop for Chip
March 27th, 2012
8:35 am
second?
Bayou Brave
March 27th, 2012
8:39 am
I remember reading an article (I think in SI) about 10 years ago that projected Andruw Jones to be surefire HOFer, and Chipper falling short.
How things have changed…
noleee
March 27th, 2012
8:41 am
I remember that, I thought it was stupid when I read it
Bill
March 27th, 2012
8:47 am
Have a safe trip DOB. Go Braves.
Bayou Brave
March 27th, 2012
8:48 am
I wish someone could find that article. I would love to re-read it.
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
8:57 am
Great update, DOB. Thanks.
Not seeing the Nats as #2 in the division. Despite the upgrades, I think they have some question marks, beginning with the very talented Strasburg, who’s largely untested. And the Nats’ offense could be a bust.
STRETCH
March 27th, 2012
8:57 am
So what rumors are out there?
The Astros released left-hander Zach Duke and outfielder Jack Cust, Senior Director of Social Media Alyson Footer tweets.
Cust, 33, signed a non-guaranteed Major League deal worth $600K in January. The one-year contract had also included a club option for 2013. Cust posted a .213/.344/.329 line with three home runs in 270 plate appearances for the Mariners in 2011, when he earned $2.5MM. However, the TWC Sports client averaged 28 homers and 103 walks with the A’s from 2007-09.
Knowing the Braves and their budget, he fits. Yikes!
alex
March 27th, 2012
9:09 am
Heaven is not Iowa, it’s Cooperstown. If you haven’t been there, save your nickels and dimes and quarters,stay in Albany at the Embassy Suites (free breakfast and dinner), take the relatively short drive to Cooperstown, park in an outlying lot (free shuttle) and ENJOY the magnificent museum and now spend the money you saved in the many baseball stores….
JoeBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
9:09 am
Damn right Chipper is a first-ballot HOFer! His numbers and character speak for themselves. I’ve been really impressed by Parraz this spring and hope he gets a shot, but at the same time I LOVE Constanza’s speed. Matt Diaz is not the answer, that’s for sure. I don’t really understand why they brought him back, other than for sentimental reasons. Let’s win one for the Chipper this year!!!
Longtimefan
March 27th, 2012
9:10 am
It’s interesting when the Chipper haters are confronted with facts they become mute. And for the argument of ” Yea, but what have you done for me lately?” the last few years impressive stats have been quoted by me and others numerous times.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
9:10 am
New blog, awesome!
Tami
March 27th, 2012
9:11 am
Great article as usual, DOB. I’d love to be able to go up to C-town for at least one of those inductions into the HOF. If not sooner, maybe I can make it up for Chipper’s.
JoeBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
9:11 am
Thanks for the tips, alex…I really wanna go in 2014 when Glavine, Maddux and possibly Cox go into the HOF.
Ease
March 27th, 2012
9:11 am
Today’s lineup at NYM (1:10, 1230AM): Bourn 8 Ja. Wilson 4 Freeman 3 Hinske 7 Ross 2 Heyward 9 Sutton 5 Simmons 6 Carlyle 1
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
9:12 am
Exactly Longtimefan, I have posted where he ranked amongst 3B last year when he had a “down” year. Yet they will usually come back with something about Chipper being greedy. Can’t talk facts, so they attack the man’s character.
Wow, really DOB
March 27th, 2012
9:13 am
Way to leave off Andruw Jones, he is a deserving HOFer.
Derek
March 27th, 2012
9:13 am
Is Wren considering Vlad Guerrero? CLE has worked him out and Vlad has gone as far to say he’d be interested in playing in Japan if not playing in USA, so he still wants to play. He’s 1 season away from a 29-HR campaign and is a pure hitter. Throw in that he hits LHP at a .322 clip (.400 OBP!) for his career, and you have something. I’m sure we can offer him more than CLE, and he’d offer more than Diaz/Hinske 6 out of 7 days of the week.
DePort
March 27th, 2012
9:18 am
I refuse to pick the nationals to win anything until they prove it on the field… Every year someone picks the Marlins or the Nationals to step up and leap over us… and every year …EVERY YEAR … they fall off by the All Star break… how is this year any different?
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
9:19 am
I’d add Braves’ great Eddie Matthews to the top tier of all-time great third baseman. Matthews wasn’t just a solid power hitter, but a excellent defender.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
9:21 am
Vladdie is really a RF..but I guess he could handle the other corner.
I’d say money is the issue with him.
Watched him many years ago with the Albany Polecats. He stood out as a man among boys.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
9:22 am
Cristhian Martinez and Jairo Asencio look like they will both make the team, so their being out of options is a moot point.
Speaking of help in the outfield….has anybody thought about the Indians Shelly Duncan?
JRW
March 27th, 2012
9:22 am
Updated picks since DOB asked. Looking forward to seeing these from everyone today.
NL East – 1) Phillies, 2) Braves, 3) Nats, 4) Marlins, 5) Mets
NL Cent – 1) Cards, 2) Reds, 3) Brewers, 4) Pirates, 5) Cubs, 6) Astros
NL West – 1) D-Backs, 2) Dodgers, 3) Giants, 4) Padres
NL Wildcards – Braves, Dodgers
AL East – 1) Red Sox, 2) Yankees, 3) Blue Jays, 4) Rays, 5) Orioles
AL Cent – 1) Tigers, 2) Indians, 3) White Sox, 4) Royals, 5) Twins
AL West – 1) Angels, 2) Rangers, 3) A’s, 4) Mariners
AL Wildcards – Rangers, Yankees
flange1
March 27th, 2012
9:23 am
Thanks for the new blog DOB!
Stu
March 27th, 2012
9:25 am
With both Teheran and Delgado really stinking it up so far, do you really think the Braves are going to leave Medlen in the pen the first month till Hudson comes back like they say they will? Seems like they are being stubborn rather than smart if they do that. Send the two kids down for Gwinnett for a month. Put Medlen in the rotation and when Hudson comes back, put him back in the penand call up the kid who has got it together better than the other. The games count as much in April as in Sept and lets face it, we have to win with our pitching because our hitting is mediocre and will be all season.
count_schemula
March 27th, 2012
9:26 am
Smoltz has 209 postseason innings, 199Ks and 15Ws. That’s a whole season in the postseason. Any voter would have to consider this, and when they do, his numbers are far better than Eckersley. Also, post season numbers are not against the weak teams.
On Andruw… he played such a great centerfield. I hope Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux each mention him in their speeches, he was just that valuable to them. But his issue is pretty obvious. He was an ok hitter, but HE TANKED at age 30. Why this is, we’ll never know, he got fat and did not adjust to being 30, he played 11 seasons hardly missing a game and broke down, or whatever, but, he needed a few more good years after 30 and never really got them. In the end, his glove was so strong he may get in should get it… but, the falloff at age 30 is a tarnish.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
9:26 am
From 1997 through 2007 (ELEVEN YEARS) Andruw Jones was arguably the best all around center fielder in the game of baseball. If that doesn’t qualify the man for Cooperstown, they should stop voting.
RC
March 27th, 2012
9:27 am
Way to leave off Andruw Jones, he is a deserving HOFer.
While I agree that he’s deserving, it’s not going to happen for him unless he has a huge 3-4 year resurgence at this point. HOF doesn’t reward defense unless you play SS.
JRW
March 27th, 2012
9:27 am
Forgot the Rockies in the NL West, I will pick them to finish 4th ahead of the Padres.
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
9:28 am
Stu, I believe DOB mentioned previously there was some thought of going into the season with only 4 starters until Hudson got back. If they are not going to use Medlen the way we all know he should be because of being stubborn or whatever, then I think this is the best way to go about it. 4 starters only.
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
9:29 am
I’d be interested in knowing what factors sway O’Brien to the Nats. Or away from the Braves, I guess. Or both.
PaBraveFan
March 27th, 2012
9:33 am
DOB if you haven’t heard of Gaslight Anthem or Airborne Toxic Event, I would highly recommend you giving them a listen. Based on your taste, I think you will like them.
Patrick
March 27th, 2012
9:36 am
I can’t see the nationals finishing in second. Until I remember how bad the braves record is against them. and how pedestrian players play like all-star’s against them. John Lannan, Ian Desmond, Tyler Clippard (though he’s real good, I admit that), Ross Detweiler, Danny Espinoza. And I’m sure more will come, like Gio Gonzalez…and that’s cause he’s left handed. *If the Braves and their 2 man hitting coach team do not figure out a way to get this team to hit left handed pitching this season, they’re done*
RC
March 27th, 2012
9:37 am
I’d be interested in knowing what factors sway O’Brien to the Nats. Or away from the Braves, I guess. Or both.
If I were to guess I’d say pitching. Braves suddenly have a lot of question marks in the rotation, while the Nationals look to have a pretty solid rotation with Gio on board and a full season of Strasburg.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
9:37 am
While I agree that he’s deserving, it’s not going to happen for him unless he has a huge 3-4 year resurgence at this point. HOF doesn’t reward defense unless you play SS.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
So does averaging 157 games played with 33 HR’s and 100 RBI, along with gold glove defense for eleven straight years qualify A.J for Cooperstown?
count_schemula
March 27th, 2012
9:38 am
How could we stick Torii Hunter in LF ?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
March 27th, 2012
9:38 am
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!
Bleh, I doubt the Fillies will be affected by the absence of those two players—injuries never seem to hurt them…
(ITS)
Tom O’Hawke McFann would like to have Byrd playing for the Braves.
I actually would—I’ve been a fan of his for a while now (can’t remember exactly when it started)…and he scored the 3rd run of BMac 3-Run Double in the 2010 All-Star Game!
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
9:42 am
ncscoots, good question regarding DOB’s Nats pick. The Nats are improved, no doubt about it.
Nats’ pitching is better, especially the rotation, but better than the Braves? The team’s offense could be good, or as I wrote earlier, it could bust. Go through the batting order. Maybe Werth has a rebound year, but maybe not. LaRoche? If he stays healthy. And so on.
count_schemula
March 27th, 2012
9:44 am
Coach AJ is on the cusp. He started young, true, but you just can’t fall off like that at age 30 and not at least sort of return to at least being serviceable. We love him, he was the best CF we’re likely to see in our lifetime, but, his production last year with the Braves was the saddest 94RBI season I’ve ever seen, .158 with the Dodgers was a nightmare, and even now that he’s sort of back to a 200-350AB kinda guy, he’s just not a great hitter with .214, .230 and .247.
I think he gets in at some point, but what he has done since 2007 probably keeps him off the first ballot. As good as he was, he’s been that bad lately.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
9:44 am
David O’Brien @ajcbraves Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
#Braves lineup: Bourn 8, Ja.Wilson 4, Freeman 3, Hinske 7, Ross 2, Heyward 9, Sutton 5, Simmons 6, Buddy Carlyle rhp
DAP
March 27th, 2012
9:44 am
im not sure andruw’s stats are good enough. he will probably be one of those borderline cases.
Calvin
March 27th, 2012
9:47 am
That reply about Medlen for Venable was not just a no but a “oh hell no” I’m sure when the Padres asked.
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
9:47 am
I’d be surprised if Andruw Jones makes it to the Hall of Fame. His decline was so steep and at such an early age that I think it disqualifies him with Hall voters.
Braves fan in maine
March 27th, 2012
9:48 am
Bring Vlad in why not…….. he is an upgrade over what we have now…. diaz stinks and vlad still has some pop in his bat….. we need to do something or we are screwd…… GO BRAVES
Ken Stallings
March 27th, 2012
9:48 am
David,
Where do you put Eddie Matthews?
JRW
March 27th, 2012
9:49 am
It’s funny how the Marlins got almost all of the off season press with their moves and acquisitions yet not many pick them better than 4th. The NL East could have four teams within a couple of games of each other to start September. That will be fun.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
9:50 am
Nats bullpen, especially the backend, is very good on paper. But I think Storen is hurting.
Making picks is a fruitless exercise. Over the course of 162 games, alot can happen.
I still like our chances. Forget September and we were one of the best in baseball. And this year, we have basically the same team. But Uggla seems to have a different approach, and I expect a good start by him.
ChillyMutt
March 27th, 2012
9:51 am
Please oh please no Parraz in the outfield … or infield … or wearing anything other than a batting glove.
ncbravesfan90
March 27th, 2012
9:52 am
Hmmmmm…..
Marlon Byrd Drawing Interest
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [March 27 at 8:51am CST]
Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd is drawing interest from two National League teams, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The Cubs offered Byrd to the Nationals for pitching and the Braves are also discussing the 34-year-old.
GM Jed Hoyer has said he won’t be surprised if the Cubs make a move leading up to Opening Day. The team currently appears to be listening to offers for Byrd rather than shopping him, according to Wittenmyer.
Byrd posted a .276/.324/.395 line in 482 plate appearances in 2011, his second season in Chicago. He earns $6.5MM in 2012 and hits free agency next winter. The Fielding Bible Volume III describes Byrd as a reliable if unspectacular center fielder who makes up for an ordinary throwing arm with good reads and a quick release.
If the Cubs traded Byrd, Reed Johnson and Joe Mather could get more playing time in the short-term. Top prospect Brett Jackson is “ready to play here for sure,” in the opinion of manager Dale Sveum. Jackson figures to be an option for the Cubs at some point in 2012, even if he needs some more minor league seasoning.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
9:53 am
If the Nats stick with their plan to shut Strasburg down after 160 innings, that would make for an interesting September for them…
DAP
March 27th, 2012
9:53 am
coach So does averaging 157 games played with 33 HR’s and 100 RBI, along with gold glove defense for eleven straight years qualify A.J for Cooperstown?
i think andruw might have the same problem that dale murphy is having now. borderline.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
9:56 am
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
9:47 am
I’d be surprised if Andruw Jones makes it to the Hall of Fame. His decline was so steep and at such an early age that I think it disqualifies him with Hall voters.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Just like Mickey Mantle ay?
Wow, really DOB
March 27th, 2012
9:58 am
It shouldn’t matter when Andruw fell off. It should be the body or work and peak that are judged.
Arguably best defensive centerfielder ever, only Griffey, Mantle, and Mays have more home runs for center fielders.
Brave New World
March 27th, 2012
9:58 am
NL East can be won by any team other than the Mets in 2012. That said, Braves, Phils, Nats, and Marlins are all candidates to finish anywhere from 1st to 4th, with 5 -7 wins separating 4th from 1st. expect all 4 teams to finish with 85-90 or so wins. Should be a great race. Nats and Marlins have improved, and Phils have potential for biggest drop. Braves ability to genrate runs (as always) will detrmine their success.
BravesFan in DC
March 27th, 2012
9:59 am
Great blog, DOB! Some swell new tune recommendations as well.
Question – What would Chipper (roughly) have to bat this year (assuming he plays in 100+ games) for his average to dip below .300? Is there any chance of that??
Peter R
March 27th, 2012
9:59 am
I think the Braves have MASSIVE potential to be a great baseball team. Freeman and Heyward could put up great number, but on the other side they could put up horrible numbers. If neither of them produce, then Braves will not win. Last year’s offensive production was excruciatingly bad at points, and if either of them fail to produce then the same situation will befall the Braves. They’re looking at a 6 man lineup as of today, unless by some act of God whichever SS and LF they have come out and produce well.
Again the division in appears to be up for grabs. Keep in mind Lee and Doc Holiday are much older and are not invincible, Lee in particular. If either of them is injured the Phillies will likely falter.
Otherwise the Braves will likely come in 2nd or 3rd place. I don’t think they’re going to be so bad as to fall off from 89 wins all of the sudden to like 83/82 wins. Kids in baseball get better with experience, and that’s what the Braves have: a lot of young talent with tremendous potential.
Wow, really DOB
March 27th, 2012
10:00 am
Andruw has a 60.4 Baseball reference WAR and 71.7 Fangraphs WAR.
By that estimation he is deserving.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
10:02 am
Jerry Crasnick @jcrasnick
A scout on Florida’s east coast says the #Marlins pitching will be an issue and the #Nationals “aren’t as good as they think.”
Arkansas Transplant
March 27th, 2012
10:04 am
Only problem with making any moves right now, is the fact that every team knows it would be out of desperation. Which is not a good side to be on.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
10:05 am
But the article is about players who are retired or have announced they will – Andruw not in either category…
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
10:07 am
I’m gonna table this nonsense and shut up about A.J.
First off, his career isn’t over. Second, it’s no stretch of the imagination to think the guy could play through the age of 40 and finish with 500 HR’s. All he would have to do is average 14 HR’s as a part time player for the next six years. which is doable in the American league.
Then what you have the best all around center fielder in the game for an entire decade, along with 500 dingers and eleven gold gloves. So it ain’t over till the fat lady sings and she isn’t singing A.J.’s swan song just yet.
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
10:07 am
Coach… Wouldn’t quite put Andruw in Mantle’s league.
flange1
March 27th, 2012
10:10 am
In my simple mind, the Braves have a glut of starting pitching and are in need of a future impact player in LF or 3B.
Hopefully Terdo will be able to help out at one of those spots.
I think the Braves will need to make a decent size trade at some point for either of these positions or possibly a long term option in CF.
It looks like FW is looking for an OF option at present.
My hope is that we make only 1 trade – for a long term option, as opposed to 2 trades, one for a fix for 2012 and one for a long term.
I would rather start the season with what we have rather than giving up any of our prime pitchers/prospects for a stop gap guy.
Fastball
March 27th, 2012
10:10 am
Chipper returns as player/manager
DAP
March 27th, 2012
10:12 am
coach Second, it’s no stretch of the imagination to think the guy could play through the age of 40 and finish with 500 HR’s.
thats very true. he really needs to be getting more than 200 PAs per season, though. his numbers have been good enough that he should be getting more play.
Tire Treader
March 27th, 2012
10:12 am
Byrd,Lee or whomever will be better than Diaz,Constanza,Hinske any day of the week & twice on Sunday.
Marvin Mangrum
March 27th, 2012
10:13 am
DOB, first, thank you so much! You make it better for me because with you being there you see it with your eyes, and I trust your opinion, and I do so enjoy reading your thoughts and your beliefs on my favorite team. I do believe that without Lowe the Bravos will be much better than last year. Their main problem will be third, Chipper, regardless of all that, is killing them. I do believe Freeman will be better, its right thats next tho, if Heyward comes around and plays at a pro level, we will be fine. I know, short may be a problem, but that will work out. Last year till it got hot they only had a couple of guys that were playing, I see 5 right now doing that, so it will be better, cause the pitching is better. I do believe second place finish with a good run at 1st. And a wild card. Lets get ready . Again, thanks for being there.
brian
March 27th, 2012
10:13 am
thanks DOB – great tease on Lee. I can’t imagine how much of his contract we would make Houston eat to actually acquire him
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
10:14 am
Everybody is talking about the inconsistent performance from Teheran and Delgado, along with Hudson being out for the first month of the season. Making our starting pitching vulnerable.
What nobody has mentioned….Uggla, McCann, Freeman and Heyward. Maybe it’s just me but I’m thinking the middle of our line up looks scary as hell. These guys can thump with the best of them, and they are looking great so far in spring training.
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
10:15 am
“[The Braves] are in need of a future impact player in LF or 3B.”
flange1, more interested in the Braves finding a strong 3B prospect. I think the infield is a priority. Not sure Terdo is the guy for the 3B job. Could just be a big lug, or he could hit. Not reading much about his fielding.
No shortage of solid third base prospects in many major league systems. It’s a matter of structuring a deal to pry one of them loose, if possible.
Tire Treader
March 27th, 2012
10:16 am
Heyward should be thumping in AAA….
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
10:16 am
I would rather start the season with what we have rather than giving up any of our prime pitchers/prospects for a stop gap guy.
Pretty sure the FO is with you on that, and felt the same way for the entire offseason.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
10:17 am
Alex – I completely agree about Cooperstown, but we stay at the Colgate Inn – great old place right next to the Colgate campus and not very far away from Cooperstown.
We spent a weekedn there a couple years ago and went to see the Braves/Twins play in the HOF game (Jonathan Schuerholz won the game MVP – go figure). I think Bobby Dews actually caught an inning or two.
flange1
March 27th, 2012
10:18 am
Jeff R,
I agree! Not sold on Terdo’s defense, maybe he could shift to left?
Murph
March 27th, 2012
10:18 am
Jack Wilson and Buddy Carlyle getting starts today… and nobody has yelled “BALLGAME” yet???
So, the Braves are shopping for a LF… and people want them to go out and get a power bat, a starter-quality player. That’s great and all, but where does this superstar play when Chipper is actually in the lineup?
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
10:20 am
flange1, if I were Braves’ management, yes, I’d move Terdo to left.
Patrick
March 27th, 2012
10:21 am
I would like to see Marlon Byrd come here, he’s a solid player and was an all-star not too long ago (I think 2 seasons ago)
Lew
March 27th, 2012
10:22 am
Andruw will never be inducted to the HOF. His career fell of the table at age 30 – the only way you get into the HOF with no post 30 performance, is if you have health issues like Puckett.
Another couple of good years would have cinched it for Druw, but not after he fell off the edge of the baseball earth and got eaten by sea monsters.
flange1
March 27th, 2012
10:22 am
Further,
I was one of the guys that was moaning about the Braves lack of offensive prospects that DOB called out yesterday.
I must say that I have been very impressed with Terdo, Betancort, Simmons and Gatis.
So my review of Terdo’s defense might not carry a lot of weight!
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
10:22 am
Maybe it’s just me but I’m thinking the middle of our line up looks scary as hell.
Coach and I agree. Now, I’m a little worried.
Seriously, all these guys have to have is a, well, normal, year. Do that, and it’s a lineup with depth, sock, even some speed (for those who desire). The team just has to not make outs as if they’re worth extra trips to the buffet, that’s all. Get the OBP back to player norms, and there are offensive weapons aplenty to be a high-scoring offense.
Juan
March 27th, 2012
10:24 am
Which WILSON is going to play today?….It;s Jack or Josh….
Murph
March 27th, 2012
10:25 am
Juan, I think it’s Jack Wilson… yippee?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
10:26 am
Jack…
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
10:26 am
Tire Treader
March 27th, 2012
10:16 am
Heyward should be thumping in AAA….
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
You should be blogging in AAA………
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
10:28 am
Shelley Duncan….LF. Although it looks as if he has won a job in Cleveland. But the Indians are going nowhere fast making a trade feasible.
Juan
March 27th, 2012
10:29 am
I’m confuse with this wilson thin…It’s not Jack our reg SS?…why he’s playing second today?…
Moylan Prado
March 27th, 2012
10:30 am
Any word if Smoltz’s number will be retired this year? If it is, and Chipper’s is retired next year, that will be five straight years of retired numbers.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
10:34 am
Coach – Comparing Andruw and Mantle? Seriously?
Always knew your thought process was iffy at the best of times, but Mantle? 20 time All Star, 3 Time MVP, 100+ more HR than Andruw, 300 more RBI. And as for him falling off at the end of his career – his last four OPS were .831, .927, .825, and finally, at age 36 with both knees shot to hell a .782.
Mantle was one of the greatest all time players – Andruwe (though I like him as one of my favorite Braves), not so much. Mantle fell apart at age 34 – Andruw never made it past 30 – and Mantle played twice as many games at the end of his career than Andruw did.
Sorry – He won’t make it on the strength of those Golden Gloves.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
10:36 am
Murph – “So, the Braves are shopping for a LF… and people want them to go out and get a power bat, a starter-quality player. That’s great and all, but where does this superstar play when Chipper is actually in the lineup?”
Excellent point. If Chipper were to hang them up, ok then. But he hasn’t, so we need Prado to back him up (which I expect to be most of the time). This LFer would only be a part-timer too.
Honestly, I don’t expect much from Chipper this season. Leadership yeah, but not much on the field.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
10:36 am
Freeman’s hitting .237… Heyward is hitting .183… yes, they’ve had moments where they looked like they were figuring things out at the dish this spring, but those moments have been very few and far between.
I’m not all that worried about Freeman. He’s a slow starter, or at least he has been the last few years of his career.
I am worried about Heyward. Aside from his grand slam and a couple of doubles, what has he shown so far? Not a lot. I’m really surprised people are not talking about him more… the few AB’s of his I’ve seen this spring were not pretty.
With so much of the Braves’ hopes and dreams resting on Heyward’s shoulders… well, I’m just worried that he isn’t as far along in his turnaround as people seem to want to give him credit for lately.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
10:38 am
Kirby Puckett was overrated. The guy was 26 before he broke into the Twins line up, and while Kirby hit for a high average his overall offensive production wasn’t all that great. He has six years of 20 or more HR’s and three season of 100 RBI, and six gold gloves. So to this day I don’t know what the voters were thinking when they let this guy slip through.
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
10:39 am
Andruw Jones = Mantle? Nada!
Actually, it’s sad that Andruw fell apart so early. In his twenties, Andruw was no doubt one of the premier outfielders in the game. But it happened, and I think that has decided his HOF fate.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
10:41 am
Murph – Someone stated the other day that Heyward isn’t pulling grounders to second base this year. It’s to first base.
The lineup has potential, but alot of things have to click at the same time.
Tire Treader Extroidinaire
March 27th, 2012
10:42 am
I’d rather have a Byrd in LF than a Terd…
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
10:42 am
Mantle fell apart after age 32 and his last four years were forgettable at best. Lew should drink some coffee and turn his brain on before talking out of his butt
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
March 27th, 2012
10:43 am
Vlad is too old and cant run, and is a DH at this point of his career. Same with Carlos Lee, who I like lot but cant play the OF, he’s at 1B right now for the Astros. I’d stick with Diaz
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
10:43 am
Murph, based on Wren’s remarks about Heyward shortly after last season, I think Heyward is on Wren’s watch list. I really don’t think Wren can or will tolerate Heyward significantly under-performing for a long stretch this season (injuries or not). When Wren said it was time for Heyward to move past his potential and produce, I believe he meant it.
Mets R Best
March 27th, 2012
10:43 am
I can’t believe you have the Braves finishing ahead of the Mighty New York Mets.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
March 27th, 2012
10:45 am
I would start looking at Bethancourt in LF the way he has the potential to hit and with his athleticism
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
10:45 am
Coach, really… seriously? You’d actually favorably compare Andruw Jones and Mantle (probably the first five-tool guy in the game)?
Tire Treader Extroidinaire
March 27th, 2012
10:46 am
Diaz is like Keith Lockhart was, only the Braves want him. The Pirates didn’t even want sorryazz Diaz.
Veer
March 27th, 2012
10:47 am
So what is this I am hearing that Jurrjens is back on track and Hanson had a good outing and now people have started beliving in those two.
Jurrjens beat a split squad Astros team. To begin with Astros will probably lose 110 games this year. They are the worst team in the MLB and yet Jurrjens beat a split squad team. Guys nothing to get excited about.
Oh Hanson had a good outing? aganist Astros Minor league. Again guys don’t get too optimistic.
Having a good outing aganist Astros Minor league and split squad teams mean nothing.
Oh ironically our offense put on a show aganist the HOUSTON ASTROS. Aganist Duke, who isn’t even an MLB worthy pitcher.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
10:48 am
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Doesn’t appear to be a fit between the Indians and Vladimir Guerrero; it’d be too tough for CLE to carry second DH-only player.
Tire Treader Extroidinaire
March 27th, 2012
10:49 am
Mike Lum=Brian Asselstine=Keith Lockhart=Brooks Conrad=Matt Diaz. Sorry players only the Braves like.
richbrave
March 27th, 2012
10:49 am
MLBN today for the BRAVES-METS? I’m hopeful because it’s a N.Y. market opponant. Anyone?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
10:50 am
richbrave – just the replay at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
10:50 am
ESPN tomorrow, however…
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
10:50 am
I really don’t think Wren can or will tolerate Heyward significantly under-performing for a long stretch this season (injuries or not).
And then do what? They aren’t going to give up on this guy, nor should they.
I’ll say this: if Heyward “significantly under-performs” or otherwise goes bust, I’ll have been as wrong about a player as I have ever been. I mean, since-I-was-six-years-old wrong.
And we all know THAT ain’t gonna happen.
Monty
March 27th, 2012
10:53 am
Our head to head W-L record against the Nats isn’t “likely” to get any better this year. And if it doesn’t, then I think they will finish ahead of the Braves. Definitely think the Braves will have to have a winning record against them to finish ahead of them. Don’t think we will have the luxury of beating up on the Marlins and Mets.
raleighbravefan
March 27th, 2012
10:54 am
Mantle was an all-time great. With modern knee surgery, his career may have made him the greatest of all time, in spite of the beer.
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
10:55 am
ncscoots, well, I certainly don’t hope that Heyward goes bust. I am referencing what Wren said for attribution to DOB last autumn. I’ve got to take Wren at his word.
IF Heyward’s not producing, I can’t imagine Wren not trying to find an alternative. Can’t imagine Wren’ll just say, “Oh, well, we’re stuck with the kid!”
Murph
March 27th, 2012
10:56 am
Jeff, I keep thinking back to Wren’s post-season comments too… I hope you’re right and he sticks to his guns about Heyward.
How long do you let Jason twist in the wind before a move is made, though? Is he given April? May? At some point I’d imagine a conversation has to be had with him so he knows what to expect.
I’d rather see Parraz in RF with Heyward getting his stroke back in AAA than see Heyward go through another season like he did last year. So far I don’t see much improvement… we’re a week away from opening day and Heyward looks to be picking up right where he left off.
If it’s mental get John Smoltz’s psychiatrist on the phone. If he’s hurting, put him on the DL to start the season. I want so badly to be able to cheer for the guy, to call him JHey again, but right now he’s just Heyward, the guy they keep throwing out in RF who can’t hit the ball to save his life.
richbrave
March 27th, 2012
10:56 am
And I’m agreeing wiith DAVE about the PHILLIES. I think their spending spree has run it’s course……and that is ……..everybody gets old at the same time.
NATS aren’t GNATS anymore, but I don’t put them at the wild-card level or above ’till they prove it. This could be their year however if our bats fail to come around.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
10:58 am
Coach – You’re right- I don’t drink coffee, but I DO know how to read and research actual performances – YOU? Not so sure.
Mantles’ age 32 season was .303, .423, .571 with 35 HR and 111 RBI – so much for falling apart at age 32.
Even after his 32 year old season, Mantle still never finished with lower than a .782 OPS or less than 18 HR.
However- Andruw At Age 31 – .158, .256, .249 and at age 32 – .214, 323, 459.
Yeah, I’m talking out of my butt. Your head is up yours. Go check out some facts before you pronounce yourself knowledgeable – it might save you from looking like a complete idiot.
SSIgator
March 27th, 2012
10:59 am
DOB -
“the end of the Bobby Cox/Chipper Jones era”
That was the most uplifting thing you have written in a long time.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
11:00 am
Jeff R -”I’ve got to take Wren at his word.”
I keep thinking about the infamous letter last year. Or did JS send that out?
richbrave
March 27th, 2012
11:02 am
MONTY:
Agree, the key to our success this season lies within the division. If we have a losing record against just one member, I can’t see the playoff’s in our future. And that ain’t gonna’ be easy if the bats don’t carry the starting pitching for the first half of the season.
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
11:04 am
SSIgator, maybe we should just forget 14 straight division titles and a World Series. That was a horrible era. Geeze, you are trolling hard today aren’t you?
Murph
March 27th, 2012
11:04 am
Medlen to the Cubs for Alfonso Soriano and $40mil in cash…. the guy is hitting over .350 so far this spring and he’s always good for 20-25+ HR. Can’t be much worse defensively than a Hinske/Diaz combo… right?
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
11:05 am
Murph, I hope that Heyward fins his groove and really produces. But if he doesn’t, I see Wren shipping him down to Gwinnett for remedial work.
I think Wren gives Heyward through May. Hitters tend to start slowly. IF Heyward can’t up his game, he’s a liability, whatever his potential. Again, hoping that Heyward finds his stroke and puts the questions to rest.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:05 am
Murph
You can’t just put players on the DL because they aren’t playing well. They have to be injured. Heyward is healthy. They will give him a longer leash than Frenchy because he has more potential. Parraz is nothing compared to Heyward. All sorts of scrubs that we’ve never heard from since have had great springs. Heyward’s swing looks better, and he has the maturity to adjust. Last year was a learning experience.
bill arp
March 27th, 2012
11:05 am
My 5 starters..
1)Medlen
2)Hanson
3)JJ
4)Beachy
5)Minor
In that order. Medlen has been just too good not to have him starting, on opening day at that. I also think Simmons has outplayed Pastornicky at SS.
Jeff R
March 27th, 2012
11:06 am
Jimmy, I think it was Wren, but could have been JS. A little fuzzy on that.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:07 am
Soriano… really?!? Medlen is far more valuable to this team. Crappy defense, inconsistent hitting. Decreased speed. Bad attitude. No way!
Heisenberg
March 27th, 2012
11:07 am
Way to leave off Andruw Jones, he is a deserving HOFer…………………
Maybe the first few years of his career he was on HoF track. But since then I would put him in the Hall of Really Good Defensive Players Who Lacked the Plate Discipline to Be a Consistent Enough Slugger for HoF Consideration.
kenhotlanta
March 27th, 2012
11:08 am
DOB, thanks for the new blog, some good info there.
alex: Good HOF info, too. For those who don’t know, there is a huge Farm Museum in Cooperstown that is well worth your time.
Tire Treader Extroidinaire: Mike Lum does not belong on your list…he had a good 15 year career as an OF-1B-PH and was the kind of utility player all good teams need…we could really use someone just like him right now.
I have a relative having serious surgery today, so I will see you good folks later tonight. I will miss todays game, but have my DVR set to record it later. Go Braves!
BTW, Mad Men was awesome, just as I expected. For anyone fascinated with the 1960’s, there is nothing better than this show…it captures those times perfectly.
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
11:09 am
bill I agree with your starters, however the SS is still a toss up in my mind. Rev has picked it up as of late.
Coach ( 2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
11:10 am
Lew, stop lying to yourself and calm down before your head explodes.
KYBravos' fan
March 27th, 2012
11:11 am
I totally agree with Jeff R. Captain Eddie Mathews was a great player. Tremendous power and excellent defensively. He was a real leader on the field and an ex-Marine. Proud to say I saw him and The Hammer in Milwaukee’s glory days. He ordained the cover of the very first Sports Illustrated edition. In other words, with Chipper and Eddie, the Braves have had two of the greatest 3bmen of ALL TIME! Go Braves!
Lew
March 27th, 2012
11:11 am
Murph – The past three years Soriano has hit between .241 -.258, OBPs between .289-.322, has walked between 27-45 times per season while striking out between 113-123 times per season.
At what price those 20+ (at Wind blown Wrigley) HR? He is NOT worth Medlen no matter how much cash they send with him.
Puma
March 27th, 2012
11:11 am
I actually think the Marlins will be better than the Nats – its a tough division no doubt, a lot of pitching.
Looking up at the Phils, you realize how lucky the Braves were all those years, 3 top of the line starters who will put in 200+ innings every year, with little health issues. It almost doesn’t matter who you put out on the field each day, you will almost always have a chance to win.
where have all the pitchers gone
March 27th, 2012
11:11 am
Braves: mediocre leadership; mediocre payroll; mediocre player; mediocre finish
TennesseePaul
March 27th, 2012
11:13 am
Thanks for the work DOB.
GO BRAVES!
Lew
March 27th, 2012
11:13 am
Caoch – Ever the complete ignoramus. If only your intelligence and reasoning capabilities were anywhere vaguely close to what you think they are, you might qualify for a short bus to take you to school.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
11:13 am
DOB, what is the timetable for Moylan to return?
Danga
March 27th, 2012
11:14 am
A good spring doesn’t make someone an opening day starter.
TennesseePaul
March 27th, 2012
11:14 am
I’d be interested in knowing what factors sway O’Brien to the Nats. Or away from the Braves, I guess. Or both.
I’d venture the injury concerns in the Braves rotation and the same offense returning to this year… But I need to find my rose colored glasses before the season starts. They’re somewhere around here. In the mean time, if we are aiming for just “normal” seasons from all players, the fish could have a powerful offense and the Nats could have a strong rotation coupled with a steady offense.
Pretty sure the FO is with you on that, and felt the same way for the entire offseason.
Well, most of the off-season. I recall a moment there at the beginning where Wren expressed a different emotion.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
11:14 am
Heisenberg – Careful, Coach might be wanted to explode your head too if you keep “lying to yourself” about Andruw.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:16 am
Danga
Thank you!
Murph
March 27th, 2012
11:17 am
A good spring doesn’t make someone an opening day starter.
What does a really really bad spring make them?
Lew
March 27th, 2012
11:18 am
Murph – The recipient of vitriol, curses and overall feelings of hatred?
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
11:18 am
Danga and Owl if you are referring to Medlen, it is not just the spring stats that make him worthy of the line up or opening day. Please see his career stats. When it comes down to it, how do you want the season to start? A ‘W’ right? Well Medlen just plain wins ball games.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:19 am
Murph
“What does a really really bad spring make them?”
That depends on how proven the player is. Jordan Schafer had a pretty good spring a few years ago. There are many established major leaguers who traditionally have bad ones.
Danga
March 27th, 2012
11:19 am
I actually think the Marlins will be better than the Nats
I dunno…The Fish lost 90 games last season. I know they have had some nice additions, but I’m not seeing them finishing higher than the Nats.
STRETCH
March 27th, 2012
11:19 am
Bleacher Report
Source: Braves Eyeing Marlon Byrd
http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfGs3?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=atlanta-braves
Danga
March 27th, 2012
11:20 am
I think Medlen is a fine pitcher and flat-billed cap bias aside I think he belongs in the rotation to start the season. The back end of the rotation.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:20 am
BLK09GT
I like Medlen as much as the next guy, but Opening Day? His career stats are too small of a sample size. If we’re going by that logic, I’d give it to Beachy before Medlen.
Tomahawkin
March 27th, 2012
11:21 am
Lew
“Caoch – Ever the complete ignoramus. If only your intelligence and reasoning capabilities were anywhere vaguely close to what you think they are, you might qualify for a short bus to take you to school.”
Ouch!
This Debate is Funny as hell, and Shaun hasn’t even joined the Party
Billy
March 27th, 2012
11:21 am
Key Dates
Date Event
Feb. 1-21 Salary arbitration hearings — St. Petersburg, Fla
Feb. 19 Voluntary reporting date for pitchers, catchers and injured players
Feb. 24 Voluntary reporting date for other players
March 2 Mandatory reporting date/Spring training begins
March 2-11 Teams may renew contracts of unsigned players
March 19 Last day to place a player on unconditional release waivers and pay 30 days termination pay instead of 45 days
March 28-29 Japan Opening Series, Mariners vs. Athletics (Tokyo Dome)
April 2 Last day to request unconditional release waivers on a player without having to pay his full 2012 salary
April 4 (Wednesday) St. Louis at Miami (New Ballpark) | Active rosters reduced to 25 players
April 5 (Thursday) Opening Day (Full Schedule)
June 4 Amateur Draft
July 9 Home Run Derby — Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo. (History)
July 10 All-Star Game — Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo. (History)
July 22 Hall of Fame inductions — Cooperstown, N.Y.
July 31 Trade Deadline: Last day to trade a player without securing waivers
Sept. 1 Active rosters expand to 40 players
Dec. 3-6 Winter Meetings — Nashville
April 2nd is a very key date
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:22 am
Danga
I agree about the Marlins. They have legitimate injury concerns with their best pitcher, and Reyes. Middle relief is a big question mark too. Nats are better as a whole.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
11:23 am
Heyward’s swing looks better, and he has the maturity to adjust.
Having the maturity to adjust and actually adjusting, though… two different things.
We’ll see how the first few months of the regular season play out. I’m not anti-Heyward, don’t get me wrong. I’m just anti-sub .200 BA in the everyday lineup when there are other options.
Yes, Uggla started off last season horribly and yes, he turned it around because he was given the opportunity to do so. But he’d also shown through his history in the league that he starts slow and picks it up. Heyward has yet to show that he knows how to make adjustments and doesn’t have the history to have earned the right to fix himself at the expense of the major league ballclub in my opinion.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
11:23 am
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves LH Robert Fish will see Dr. Andrews on Monday for 2nd opinion on sore elbow. 1st opinion was no tear. Hasn’t pitched in 2 wks.
STRETCH
March 27th, 2012
11:24 am
Marlon Byrd Drawing Interest
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [March 27, 2012 at 8:51am CST]
Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd is drawing interest from two National League teams, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The Cubs offered Byrd to the Nationals for pitching and the Braves are also discussing the 34-year-old.
GM Jed Hoyer has said he won’t be surprised if the Cubs make a move leading up to Opening Day. The team currently appears to be listening to offers for Byrd rather than shopping him, according to Wittenmyer.
Byrd posted a .276/.324/.395 line in 482 plate appearances in 2011, his second season in Chicago. He earns $6.5MM in 2012 and hits free agency next winter. The Fielding Bible Volume III describes Byrd as a reliable if unspectacular center fielder who makes up for an ordinary throwing arm with good reads and a quick release.
If the Cubs traded Byrd, Reed Johnson and Joe Mather could get more playing time in the short-term. Top prospect Brett Jackson is “ready to play here for sure,” in the opinion of manager Dale Sveum. Jackson figures to be an option for the Cubs at some point in 2012, even if he needs some more minor league seasoning.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
11:24 am
THawkin – Comparing Andruw to Mantle – even at the end of their respective careers is idiocy personified. Andruw had ONE season where he MIGHT have equaled Matle’s performance.
At the end of their careers, Mantle’s WORST season eceeded Andruw’s best. And Andruw fell off a couple years earlier than Mantle.
A case MIGHT be made for Andruw making the HOF- MIGHT, MAYBE, PERHAPS. But to compare him to Mantle? Sheesh. Just plain stupid.
Ten Bears
March 27th, 2012
11:24 am
Count, AJ broke down at 30 because he was several years older than he stated he was. Funny how he set records at age 19 and was pretty much washed up in his early thirties. Yes, he got Elvis fat but my guess is that he was 3-4 years older than reported. Remember Furcal breaking in as a 19 year old? He wasn’t 19 either
Heisenberg
March 27th, 2012
11:25 am
Lew, I used to be a Andruw Jones fan. But I think he did not get all out of his talent he could have, He put on too much weight and struck out too many times trying to hit the ball 1000 feet with every swing. He should have been a 300 average with 30-35 HR and > 120 RBI every year along with the Gold Gloves. He was a good player who I think could have been one of the all time greats. I believe he squandered his God given talent in what would have been his prime years. But yeah all the pollen is about to make my head explode.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:26 am
Murph
I see what you’re saying. I just think the Braves should let him play through it now that he’s healthy. Frenchy got a long leash after a couple of bad seasons, and they waited til June (or July?) to send him down. We really don’t have better options right now. Constanza was hot for one month, and that’s all he’ll ever be. Parraz, who I like, has a lot to prove.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:27 am
Heisenberg
I’m with you on Andruw. He could have done so much more. Nice name, by the way.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
11:28 am
If the Cubs traded Byrd, Reed Johnson and Joe Mather could get more playing time in the short-term.
Man, are the Cubs just throwing in the towel on 2012 or what? Mather???
I guess they are taking the “start from scratch” approach to rebuilding. Going to be a long long summer for the Cubs faithful. Having lived up there for 4 years I know that they aren’t the most patient of baseball fans.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:30 am
Murph
It is gonna be a long summer for the Cubs. Theo has quite the mess to clean up. They might be scary in three years or so.
CrαZy
March 27th, 2012
11:30 am
I’d be interested in knowing what factors sway O’Brien to the Nats. Or away from the Braves, I guess. Or both.
Maybe it’s that the Nats always play good against us!! The one thing they don’t have that always seemed to kill us was Livan. Glad we don’t have to face him every time we see the Nats anymore!!
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:31 am
I’d almost rather have Reed Johnson than Byrd.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:32 am
Nats will be good, but they still have alot to prove. I’m not as high on Gio as most. Too may walks, and played in a pitcher’s park.
Tomahawkin
March 27th, 2012
11:34 am
My 50 Cents is That you can’t compare A. Jones and Mantle played in 2 very different eras
…Put Mantale in the Roid era with smaller ballparks and watered down pitching and he hits 700 career homers easily…
Murph
March 27th, 2012
11:35 am
Owl, the Frenchy situation wasn’t all that different than the Heyward one in that they didn’t (and don’t) have a viable replacement in the system. Raul Mondesi was crappy, and Ward (Daryl, not the blog Ward) was pretty horrible too.
I’ll tell you this… if someone told me Heyward was going to hit .260/.293/.449/.742 w/ 29 HR this year (Frenchy’s 2006 numbers) I’d jump for joy. I’d sing from the mountain tops. I’d change the 4 year old’s name to Heyward.
I don’t see it happening, but that’s just pessimistic Murph talking. I’m hopeful that he’ll figure things out, but right now I don’t see many signs that he’s close to doing so.
Big Nick
March 27th, 2012
11:35 am
Byrd makes alot of sense! Could see the Braves optioning Heyward down after Chipper comes back if Heyward gets off to a slow start.
BIOMASS
March 27th, 2012
11:37 am
Does Greg Maddux go in as a Cub?
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:37 am
Murph
No matter what, his OBP will be higher than that. He’s got more discipline than Frenchy. It’s too early to tell what he will do. Keep in mind that he’s 22 years old. Last year, he was hurt, and gtting bad advice from LP. I’m excited to see what Walker and Fletcher can do for him. His swing is cleaned up compared to last year, and this hits will fall.
VABravesFan
March 27th, 2012
11:38 am
As others have said on this blog, the division is up for grabs this year. Even with the injuries to Howard and Utley, I’d be a little surprised if the Phillies didn’t finish at the top yet again. But it’s not a given due to the upgrades by the Marlins and Nationals and the return of a good Braves team. It’ll really come down to depth (to fill in for injuries) and a team’s ability to mesh and perform at a level higher than the rest of the division. Should be an exciting season – still counting on the Braves making the playoffs – let ‘em play and we’ll find out in a few months…..
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:41 am
As it stands right now, I like the Braves lineup better than the Phils.
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
11:43 am
I don’t see it happening, but that’s just pessimistic Murph talking.
You’re not alone, Murph. Plenty of folks have the same view, all peeking down the same tunnel of last year’s stats.
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
11:45 am
As it stands right now, I like the Braves lineup better than the Phils.
On paper, I’d agree.
MFin04
March 27th, 2012
11:47 am
Interesting…DOB picking the Braves to finish 3rd. Would that mean he considers the Braves off-season moves…or lack there of…a failure?
Certainly seems that his team isn’t supposed to be built to be a 3rd place finisher in the division. Especially not according to how the front office did nothing during the off-season, and never had any intentions on seriously doing so.
reckingball
March 27th, 2012
11:48 am
I think that Haywood will hit this year.
It will be a much better season for him in 2012.
reckingball
March 27th, 2012
11:48 am
If he doesn’t get injured.
CrαZy
March 27th, 2012
11:49 am
Does Greg Maddux go in as a Cub?
I couldn’t see that…
11 years in ATL 194 wins 3 cy youngs 10 gold gloves 1 world series
10 years in Chi 133 wins 1 cy young 5 gold gloves only played in 1 post season game.
I think nationally he’s seen as a Brave.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
11:49 am
Andruw Jones ..HALL OF FAME
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/581527-andruw-jones-is-a-future-hall-of-famer
reckingball
March 27th, 2012
11:49 am
but, I don’t believe that he will be hurt.
Don
March 27th, 2012
11:50 am
When the Braves INJURY MILL for Pitchers is allowed to grind on and on and on; Don’t be so sure that the Braves will not have pitching problems this year. After all FOUR of their FIVE Starters (counting Medlin as the Starter he was when he was injured) are coming off injuries. And the plain truth is that many (perhaps most) PITCHERS do not return to their former greatness after serious injury (unlike position players). And even though the Braves have a wealth of ADDITIONAL young pitching talent, how long will this last if the situation continues of almost every Starting Pitcher becomming injured?????
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
11:50 am
Andruw Jones…HALL OF FAME
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/is-andruw-jones-a-hall-of-famer/
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 27th, 2012
11:51 am
I never cease to be amazed by the lack of real baseball knowledge that so often is displayed by many in the bloggersphere. Always thinking you can pick the other guy’s pocket. Trading away damaged goods for star players and thinking the other guy will pay outlandish amounts of a player’s contract just so they can be taken off their hands. It would be like me walking into my local Lexus dealership and thinking the owner/GM will let me have one of their GS 450’s for $50 a month because it is taking up space in their showroom.
Get real folks, In order to get what you need/want, you are going to have to pay the price. It may be negotiable but it is not going to be cheap. My experience is you can buy just about anything you want, the rub comes in when you realize you might not be able to afford to own it. Same is true with ball players, most appear to be high maintenance.
Andruw Jones was perhaps the best center field the Braves have ever had for 9 of the 10 years he played for them. Unfortunately for all concerned, Druw did not seem to realize that as you get older, you have to work harder just to stave off the wear and tear father time inflicts upon all of us. It is a great shame for a player to squander God given talent.
Now the Nats… I have been telling folks for a long time to watch out for these guys. They were only a solid pitcher or two away from being a force. Speaking of pitching, it is why the Phillies will still be a tough team to dethrone from the NL East. Anyone remember all those 1-0 and 3-2 games the Braves won with their big three in harness. The Braves play to have just enough offense. The idea you could simply win by bashing the other guy was expose to be bogus when the Braves traded for Texiera but still lacked the bullpen to shut down the opposition.
I think the depth of Atlanta’s pitching might have been over rated this spring but then again, Teheran and Delgado might yet prove valuable by August or September. Maybe they are trying a little too hard and overthrowing the ball and thus have less movement on their fastball. You all might note the difference it has made for Cory Gerrin.
Heisenberg
March 27th, 2012
11:51 am
And I am with you Owl Hunter on the Braves everyday lineup. However, what once was an area of strength in the rotation is a giant ???? All of the 3 top veterans have injury concerns. Of the 3 top prospects, one is out for the year and the other 2 have not had a good March. The best starter so far this spring has already been sent to the bullpen. So we are left with Mike Minor to carry the load. I think Minor can be very good but not sure about ace good.
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
11:51 am
Don’t get me wrong, by starting Medlen I am not saying he is our ace. Our ace is Hudson. JJ would be the next in line, but his inconsistency and his comments about him “thinking” too much about his knee and the brace has me thinking he is still feeling discomfort or the brace is distracting him from pitching to his potential. Beachy is either on or he is not. I would feel more comfortable giving Hanson some more time to build up arm strength after sitting early in spring. Minor has been dealing so I would strongly consider him as well. My whole arguement comes down to W-L. Medlen finished 6-2 with 14 games started in 2010. His spring has been good. He is consistent. That is what I want out of a starter.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
11:52 am
ANDRUW JONES …HALL OF FAME
http://palehosepariah.wordpress.com/2010/04/24/andruw-jones-more-hall-worthy-than-you-think/
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
11:53 am
ANDRUW JONES …..HALL OF FAME
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/432518-keeping-up-with-the-musials-why-andruw-jones-is-a-hall-of-famer
CrαZy
March 27th, 2012
11:53 am
Forget the HOF does Andruw deserve to have his number retired??
SSIgator
March 27th, 2012
11:53 am
BLK09GT -
“maybe we should just forget 14 straight division titles and a World Series. That was a horrible era”
No, it wasn’t horrible, but what other organization can you think of would have had only one WS ring after a run like that? The Atlanta Braves – Do Less With More
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
11:55 am
ANDRUW JONES….HALL OF FAME
http://capitolavenueclub.com/?p=3402
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:55 am
Why are people forgetting about Brandon Beachy?
Tomahawkin
March 27th, 2012
11:55 am
I find it odd that some of A. Jones most Dismal seasons at the plate would be considered “Great Years” in Last years Lineup, especially coming from the OF
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:55 am
Why are people forgetting about Brandon Beachy?
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
11:55 am
Geebus, now you guys got another bee buzzing in Coach’s bonnet. Mercy.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
11:56 am
Didn’t mean to repost that. Ooops!
Murph
March 27th, 2012
11:56 am
You’re not alone, Murph. Plenty of folks have the same view, all peeking down the same tunnel of last year’s stats.
Unfortunately, Heyward is standing at the front of the tunnel, slapping all who stop to take a peek with the dead fish that has been his 2012 spring stats thus far.
I get it, it’s spring, it’s when guys tinker and toil to get ready for the season… the same season that’s a week away now.
April 5th is going to be here before we know it. If Heyward doesn’t start doing something soon all of those O’fers are going to carry over into April, and we all know that April games count just as much as September games.
Hell, even JJ has had a good outing.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
11:56 am
ANDRUW JONES….HALL OF FAME
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/2/22/2814484/andruw-jones-knee-hall-of-fame
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
11:57 am
Not sure if Coach is in favor of A. Jones in the HOF or not.
Heisenberg
March 27th, 2012
11:57 am
My biggest concern with the rotation is I do not see anyone capable of consistently going into the 7th inning and beyond to give the bullpen guys some rest. And we all know how that plays out in Aug/Sept.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
11:58 am
ANDRUW JONES….HALL OF FAME
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/hall_of_chance_fWGeFPlo7Ko5e2kDFGMoiN
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
11:58 am
I CAN DO THIS ALL DAY LONG……
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
11:59 am
If Heyward doesn’t start doing something soon
How soon? Today? Thursday? Opening Day? April 7? When?
MFin04
March 27th, 2012
11:59 am
“We all know that April games count just as much as September games.”
Disagree. We ALL don’t know that. Certainly not the Braves front office who prefers to fix things half way to three-quarters of the way through the season, rather than at the beginning of the year.
ncbravesfan
March 27th, 2012
12:01 pm
If he doesn’t cost much in the players Chicago would want in return, I like the thought of Byrd. He’s a better hitter than any of our internal options, plus he’s in a contract year so should be extra motivated to perform. He can play all three OF positions and could spell Bourn and Heyward, as well as play LF when Prado has to move to 3B (and we know that’s going to be often.
CF Bourn
LF Byrd
C McCann
2B Uggla
1B Freeman
3B Prado
RF Heyward
SS Pastornicky
That’s not a bad lineup to run out there on opening day.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
12:02 pm
ANDRUW JONES…..HALL OF FAME
http://www.thefastertimes.com/baseballbythenumbers/2012/01/03/another-look-at-andruw-jones/
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:02 pm
MFin04
How easy do you think it is to make deals at thebeginning of the year? You have to wait for teams to fall out of contention. The Astros are going to suck this year, bu tell them that. Everyone is optimistic right now. Wait til their hopes are crushed. The Braves aren’t really doing anything different than anyone else.
reckingball
March 27th, 2012
12:02 pm
NL East Div. 2012
1. Braves
2. Nats or Phils
4. Fish
5. Metros
That is how I think that it will look at the end of this season.
Go Braves!
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:04 pm
By the way, Gil made a lot of good points in his long post.
George
March 27th, 2012
12:04 pm
ncscoots 11:59
It is looking more and more like NEVER.
MFin04
March 27th, 2012
12:05 pm
“The Braves aren’t really doing anything different than anyone else.”
You do know that teams can make moves in the off-season via trades and free agency right? Or at least the Phillies, Marlins, and Nats do. Not sure if the Braves have quite figured out this cool thing called the off-season yet.
It is where you identify your needs as a team and fix them.
Especially if they can’t be fixed internally.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:06 pm
I can’t wait for people here to change their tune if Heyward starts hitting. “I was with him the whole time…” Haha.
Robert in Chicago
March 27th, 2012
12:06 pm
I’m interested to know who these other “lesser available Cubs” are that DOB mentioned in his paragraph about Byrd/Venable. Utility guys that may be a decent fit (Blake Dewitt, Jeff Baker) seem like they’d be just as available as Byrd. I don’t think the Braves need Garza or Dempster enough to pay what it would take to get them (and it’s not clear that Dempster would improve the Braves rotation anyway). Castro is untouchable, so it seems unlikely the Braves would even waste their time asking about him.
Darwin Barney, maybe? He doesn’t really fit the profile of a typical Epstein player, so he probably wouldn’t be untouchable. He came up as a shortstop, and his defense is kind of wasted at 2B. He could be worth looking into if the Braves have soured on Pastornicky.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
12:07 pm
How about that – Coach knows how to find other idiots with opinions that have little to no bais in fact.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:07 pm
MFin04
This might be the only offseason where the Braves haven’t made a major move. Obviously the right deal wasn’t there. Sometimes it’s about the trade you don’t make. You people have very short memories.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
12:07 pm
How soon? Today? Thursday? Opening Day? April 7? When?
Soon.
Let me ask you this, scoots. How long would you allow a .180 hitting Heyward to remain in the starting lineup? All season, half a season, two months? If you decided to pull him, what would you do with him? Bench? AAA?
Maybe this team is strong enough to survive with just Prado/Freeman/Uggla/McCann… maybe it’s not. I don’t know of many MLB teams that would allow for zero production from a starting position player forever…
DAP
March 27th, 2012
12:08 pm
i think beachy and minor will both be huge for us this year. and we need them to be.
Canes
March 27th, 2012
12:09 pm
I dont understand y everyone is sipping on the nats kool-aid. Morse still has to prove he can do it again, werth has been worthless, other than zimmerman the rest of the line-up still has to do it again for another season.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:09 pm
DAP
Agree and agree.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:09 pm
Enough with the predictions. Just play the game and see what happens. UGA fans are always predicting a title run yet their teams always suck.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
ANDRUW JONES …HALL OF FAME
http://www.theyankeeu.com/2011/01/is-andruw-jones-a-hofer-24480
Murph
March 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
I can’t wait for people here to change their tune if Heyward starts hitting. “I was with him the whole time…” Haha.
I’ll be one of the first to stand up and cheer if he does start hitting again… and I’ll be one of the first to say how pleasantly surprised I am, that I never thought the day would come.
I want him to do well. I think most of his skeptics do. Much like bigfoot or the lochness monster, though, I’m waiting for definitive proof before I jump on the bandwagon.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:11 pm
I’m tired of everyone acting like every other FO in baseball are geniuses who do everything right, and the Braves are bumbling fools because they didn’t sign Pujols. STUDY baseball. Observe other teams. Maybe then, you’ll quit whining, and look at things realistically.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:12 pm
Wren doesn’t take fan opinion into consideration when deciding whether or not to make moves, and he’s correct for not doing so.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:13 pm
“If he doesn’t cost much in the players Chicago would want in return, I like the thought of Byrd.”
We have a good track record of getting players from the Cubs. See: Maddux
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:13 pm
Murph
You just made me wish Heyward was Scottish for nickname’s sake.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
12:13 pm
So Joel Sherman is an idiot and Lew must be Jesus in a fat suit !
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:14 pm
Braves Fan
We didn’t exactly get Maddux from the Cubs. He was a free agent
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 27th, 2012
12:14 pm
Under the heading of On NO They Didn’t Here is a backhanded slap at Tiger and his recent win…
Sorry folks, but I had to laugh….
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/golf-devil-ball-golf/york-post-kinda-sorta-congratulates-tiger-woods-win-170535794.html;_ylt=As5EJrdg8kLqxTBBa1MVxOM5nYcB
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:14 pm
“We didn’t exactly get Maddux from the Cubs. He was a free agent”
And the Braves got him.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:14 pm
Coach
Do you actually have anything of substance to say?
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:15 pm
You know what I mean. I hope.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
12:15 pm
ANDRUW JONES….HALL OF FAME
http://sabeermetrics.blogspot.com/2012/01/quick-and-dirty-hof-case-for-larry.html
MFin04
March 27th, 2012
12:15 pm
“You people have very short memories”
Short memories? Remind me of an opening day where we had a complete starting outfield? One that didn’t include, Loaf, Melky, McLouth, Schafer, etc.
I really don’t have a problem with Prado, Bourn, and a rookie year Heyward…but I don’t know which Heyward we are going to get, and Prado isn’t going to be playing LF (who would have ever thought Chipper would get hurt? Couldn’t predict that, that’s for sure.)
Braves knew they needed another outfielder and have needed one for years, and decided on Diaz/Hinske/Parraz/Constanza/Durango.
George
March 27th, 2012
12:16 pm
East Division
PHI 90-72
MIA 87-75
WAS 86-76
ATL 84-78
NY 60-102
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
12:17 pm
Just a little correction to what I said earlier. Medlen was 5-0 as a starter, 1-2 in relief in 2010
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:17 pm
“Braves knew they needed another outfielder and have needed one for years”
They know it but the owners won’t give them the money to buy one.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
12:17 pm
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:14 pm
Coach
Do you actually have anything of substance to say?
>>>>>>
Do you?
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:18 pm
George
No way 4 out of 5 of those teams end with winning records. The Nats are waaaaaay overrated. The Marlins are ok but not great. Ozzie is so unpredictable. I think their new logo will ruin them.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
12:18 pm
ANDRUW JONES…..HALL OF FAME
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/2/22/2814484/andruw-jones-knee-hall-of-fame
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:18 pm
MFin04
You phrased your argument as though the Braves never make trades or free agent signings in the offseason. That is not true. Every team opens the season with question marks.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:19 pm
“You know what I mean. I hope.”
I know what you mean to mean but I don’t think it means what you think it means.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:20 pm
“You phrased your argument as though the Braves never make trades or free agent signings in the offseason. ”
The Braves have not made a great trade since the 90s. The Tex trade was a massive disaster and costs us some great players which have gone on to the WS twice in 3 years.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:21 pm
Coach
Yes. And I have been. I guess you’ve answered my question. Back to real conversations.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
12:21 pm
BLK09GT – Correction??
Just leave facts at the door when you enter this blog.
Coach – You’ve exceeded your link posts for the month.
MFin04
March 27th, 2012
12:21 pm
“You phrased your argument as though the Braves never make trades or free agent signings in the offseason”
I’m waiting on your extensive list. Dan Uggla…that’s about it.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 27th, 2012
12:21 pm
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:14 pm
Coach
Do you actually have anything of substance to say?
>>>>>>
Do you?
CAT FIGHT… CAT FIGHT….
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:21 pm
Braves fan
Uggla was a great trade. Not a great extension, but a great trade.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:22 pm
Hudson was also a great trade. Who did we give up for him? Exactly.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:22 pm
“Uggla was a great trade. Not a great extension, but a great trade.”
No it wasn’t.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:23 pm
JJ for Renteria ultimately paid off.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
12:23 pm
Coach (beisbol Moonpie, we won’t win for another forty years cause I said so) – Have you ever had an original idea and come up with bona fide facts to support it? Or are you just a parrot at heart?
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:23 pm
“Hudson was also a great trade. Who did we give up for him? Exactly.”
Hudson was a good trade. Not great. Hudson is a good number 3 or 4 pitcher. If you want great, see Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. Hudson is nowhere near that league.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:24 pm
“JJ for Renteria ultimately paid off.”
Renteria was nice but he left. JJ? If he can make it through an entire season without getting hurt, sure.
Heisenberg
March 27th, 2012
12:25 pm
I think Juan Cruz and a rookie left handed hitting left fielder for Husdon.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:25 pm
Braves fan
Exacctly what unreplaceable player did we give up for Uggla. Infante is dime a dozen at this point in his career. Dunn? Really? Come on man. You’re arguing for argument’s sake. Uggla was staright up theft. We just paid him too mauch afterward.
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
12:25 pm
Coach we get it. He should be considered for the HOF. I agree with some of the articles you linked. Defense should be more heavily weighed (no pun intended) when considering HOF canidates outside of SS. Then again if AJones kept himself in better shape, there would be no doubt in some people’s minds.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 27th, 2012
12:26 pm
In all fairness, JS was trying to get the Braves back to the play offs. Rather than start over form scratch and wait (hope) for the kids to develop. He went all in on Texiera. Well, it didn’t work out and the Braves have been trying to get over it ever since.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
12:26 pm
“Uggla was a great trade. Not a great extension, but a great trade.”
“No it wasn’t.”
This should be followed by a:
“Says who?”
“Says me!”
And at some point, the “takes one to know one” will appear.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:26 pm
Braves fan
What kind of “great trade” would you have made this offseason?
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:27 pm
Heisenberg
Don’t forget the great Dan Meyer!
MFin04
March 27th, 2012
12:27 pm
Seriously…we have to go back to Tex, Hudson, and Jair Jurrjens?
I thought we were talking about you know the recent Braves team? Not like collective history of the Braves.
Braves have had a glaring need in the outfield for years now…and haven’t fixed it. This year they had a need in the OF and at SS. They decided to go with an in house option for SS, that’s fine, but make sure you at least get an impact outfielder. Better to have too many options than too few. Especially when you know Martin Prado is able to play 2B/3B/1B/LF/RF. Gives you a lot of options.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:27 pm
Unintentional Gene Mauch referrence
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:28 pm
“Exacctly what unreplaceable player did we give up for Uggla. Infante is dime a dozen at this point in his career. Dunn? Really? Come on man. You’re arguing for argument’s sake. Uggla was staright up theft. We just paid him too mauch afterward.”
Let me know how Uggla pays off. The last great trade was for Fred McGriff and we won the World Series.
reckingball
March 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
No Way, do the Fish finish 2nd in the div.
The fish will fade, 4th place, outside chance of 3rd.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
“What kind of “great trade” would you have made this offseason?”
1: You need money for great trades.
2: You need great GM’s for great trades.
Make sense?
Braves fans have settled for crap since the 90s. Start going to games, sell out tickets and then get the press, aka AJC writers, to start hammering management. That’s about the only way to do it.
Heisenberg
March 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
Just going off memory on the Hudson trade so not surprised I left someone off. Cannot remember the outfielder name but he had a good rookie season for Braves.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
Uggla has already given us more than Infante and Dunn would have. That trade was criminal.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
30 minutes or so from gametime. I saw earlier where VJ will be here.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
Rob Neyer and Joel Sherman aren’t even Braves fans. They are baseball fans. Which separates the men from the boys.
You see, the problem with some people is that they always eat from the same trough. Never giving credit or respect to baseball players who no longer wear the Braves Tomahawk. The very same so called fans trashed Glavine when he left and such behavior has little to do with the game. It’s the usual inclusive thinking…our grass is greener than your grass. Our players are better simply because they are Braves. Once they leave, they suck. Such thinking discredits baseball altogether and leaves some on the outside unable to rationalize between right and wrong.
George
March 27th, 2012
12:31 pm
I really enjoyed watching ANDRUW JONES play CF in the 1990s, but HOF material NO. He had to many very bad years after letting himself get out of shape, both with us and LA. I am pleased he has made a partcial comaback with YANKEES.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:31 pm
“What kind of “great trade” would you have made this offseason?”
Well, the Cards got Oswalt from the Phils. That’s one that could have happend for Atlanta. We could always use another solid pitcher for when Hanson and JJ go down with a hang nail.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:31 pm
Heisenberg
Charles Thomas. I was bummed that we traded him at the time. Ooops!
Braves fan
“Hammering management” is how beat writers lose access.
George
March 27th, 2012
12:32 pm
comeback* sorry typo
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:32 pm
“Cannot remember the outfielder name but he had a good rookie season for Braves.”
Frenchy.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:33 pm
“Uggla has already given us more than Infante and Dunn would have.”
Dunn will most likely come back this year for the Sox. I’m not saying Uggla is a bad player, just not great. He’s average. If you like average then you’re fine. If you want wins, get someone else.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:33 pm
Braves Fan
We didn’t need a starter last season. We needed offense. You don’t just trade to make a trade. We couldn’t afford Oswalt. The Phils could.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
12:33 pm
Owl Hunter – Yeah, I agree with the Uggla trade. I had no problem with the extension either, but I didn’t know about the 25 year TV contract we were locked into.
Tomahawkin
March 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 27th, 2012
12:21 pm
Owl Hunter
“Coach
Do you actually have anything of substance to say?”
>>>>>>
Do you?
“CAT FIGHT… CAT FIGHT…. ”
Cat Fight will turn into a Royal Rumble on here when the season starts…
Watch and Bank On It
Especially if we drop 2 out of 3 In The Rotten Apple
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
Dunn > Uggla. I’m done with this. SMH
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
“Hammering management” is how beat writers lose access.”
Access to what? It’s not like Atlanta is NYC. Fans have become tired of the Braves going to the postseason and losing. It got old for 13 out of 14 years.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
The Hudson was a very good trade for the Braves, Oakland was hoping Chucky T was going to continue being a .400 hitter but they really could not afford Hudson any longer and had to unload him. Much like Atlanta is becoming, but different.
In order to be a perennial World Series caliber team, you have to be willing to spend the money it takes to be there. Then you have to be lucky as hell and pray your star players don’t tank or get hurt (often not mutually exclusive) at the most inopportune time…
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
Jimmy
Don’t make me think about that TV deal. That will screw us worse than any management decision.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
“You don’t just trade to make a trade. We couldn’t afford Oswalt. The Phils could.”
LOL!!!! The Phils got Oswalt for NOTHING. Try again. We could always use pitching. You could have used Oswalt as leverage for an outfielder from another team.
Tomahawkin
March 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
Well George
A. Jones might be the last Braves who will ever hit 50+ homers in a season for the next 25+ years
Arkansas Transplant
March 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
Everyone is making “great trades” except the Braves!
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:36 pm
“Dunn > Uggla. ”
And both teams were left out of the postseason.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:36 pm
“Everyone is making “great trades” except the Braves!”
EXACTLY!
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:36 pm
Gil
I think if things were different, Wren would sepnd whatever he could. Liberty lets him sepnd whatever the team makes, which is smart business. I think Wren is smart with the money in general. Look at where we are, and look at the Orioles. They spend alot too.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:37 pm
Tell me the last “great trade” the Astros made. Or the Mets.
Heisenberg
March 27th, 2012
12:38 pm
Yeah Charles Thomas, that was the guy. Braves eventually got the better end on that one. Frenchy was a different trade. Both teams lost on the Frenchy trade…a scapegoat for a scapegoat.
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
12:39 pm
Dear Heavens, please let the regular bloggers be here in-game to talk the game and not the endless debates about Andruw’s HOF possibilities . And for those of you who think Uggla was not a good “get” – tell that to the number of HRs he’ll hit this year. 6 in ST already. Here’s to him hitting a few more before the end of ST.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 27th, 2012
12:40 pm
Access to what? It’s not like Atlanta is NYC. Fans have become tired of the Braves going to the postseason and losing. It got old for 13 out of 14 years
Not nearly as old as not getting to the post season at all. After 15 year s of success, I think many Atlanta Braves grew spoiled. They did not remember the “good old days” when the outfield in Atlanta was usually set after the other teams made their final cuts in spring training and the Braves would pick up players off the waiver wire…. Yeah, I remember what it was like…
I think a lot of folks in the south took the team for granted.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:41 pm
Heisenberg
Dead on about the Frenchy trade. I thought Church could be useful, but that concussion did him in.
Bravesgirl
With you on Uggla.
Arkansas Transplant
March 27th, 2012
12:41 pm
Actually I’d agree with you on some of the things your saying but not all have been a wash…
I’d had tried for the Oswalt trade and in return used the added depth as leverage. But I wouldn’t exactly exclaim that the Hudson trade was only good, not great. When you get a player of that calliber at a low cost of nothing, then it can pretty much be classified as great. Whether or not you see Hudson as a number 1 or 2 starter.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:41 pm
Gil
All good points.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:43 pm
“Tell me the last “great trade” the Astros made. Or the Mets.”
Who cares? Astros, Mets and Braves didn’t make the playoffs last year.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:44 pm
“After 15 year s of success, I think many Atlanta Braves grew spoiled.
Yeah, but you left out the fact that a lot of MLB fans got pissed off about the 94 strike. Glavine was head of the players union at the time and that REALLY pissed off ATL fans.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
12:44 pm
Braves Fan -” I’m not saying Uggla is a bad player, just not great. He’s average.”
You can’t be serious with that statement. You are saying he is a average second baseman? Have you looked at what he has done in his career? Do you need Coach to pull some links for you to read?
Say what you want, but Uggla is not average.
George
March 27th, 2012
12:44 pm
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:36 pm
“Everyone is making “great trades” except the Braves!”
EXACTLY!
**************************************************************
I would have liked to have seen us do something in the off season. I cannot see standing pat with a team finishing like we did last year.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:45 pm
Braves Fan
Then why are you agreeing with the statement that “all” teams are making great trades except the Braves?
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:45 pm
“When you get a player of that calliber at a low cost of nothing, then it can pretty much be classified as great. Whether or not you see Hudson as a number 1 or 2 starter.”
I have higher standards for pitching. Hudson is a really good pitcher but not a great one. We’ll just have to agree to disagree.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
12:46 pm
Robert Fish, the lefty Braves got in Rule 5 draft, will see Dr. Andrews next week for second opinion on sore elbow. (For those wondering, if and while DL’d he doesn’t have to be offered back to former team or clear waivers, etc.)
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 27th, 2012
12:46 pm
Okay folks, later. Don’t want to make the top 25…. Time for PT then to watch grand daughter play softball. for her high school team.. Hey, it is a responsibly I do not take lightly, somebody has to watch women’s (girl’s) sports….
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:46 pm
“Do you need Coach to pull some links for you to read?” – Jimmy
Hahahahaha!!!!
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
12:49 pm
If you haven’t seen lineup on Twitter: Bourn CF, Ja.Wilson 2B, Freeman 1B, Hinske LF, Ross C, Heyward RF, Sutton 3B, Simmons SS,and batting ninth and pitching … Buddy Carlyle.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:49 pm
Despite your “high standards” we gave up Juan Cruz, Dan Meyer, and Charles Thomas for Hudson. Great trade.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
12:49 pm
Braves will start Beachy on Wednesday, Minor on Thursday, Delgado home/Jurrjens road in split squad Friday, and Hanson Saturday
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:49 pm
Buddy!
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:50 pm
“Have you looked at what he has done in his career?”
Yeah, and he is not a good defensive player. Also, his average was higher with the Marlins.
George
March 27th, 2012
12:50 pm
Do we play someone today?
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:51 pm
Braves Fan
You are grasping at straws. Stay down!
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
12:51 pm
Hudson is expected to throw 2 inn. in Braves final Grapefruit League game Mon. vs Mets, his 1st game since back surgery
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:51 pm
“Then why are you agreeing with the statement that “all” teams are making great trades except the Braves?”
Because it was a funny statement.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:52 pm
“You are grasping at straws. Stay down!”
You mean like how the Braves went down last year?
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:53 pm
If Wren was offered Uggla for Infante and Dunn and DIDN’T take it, he should have been fired immediately.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:53 pm
“Hahahahaha!!!!”
That’s exactly what the Cardinals did when the Braves fell apart.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:53 pm
“If Wren was offered Uggla for Infante and Dunn and DIDN’T take it, he should have been fired immediately.”
Or he could have made a trade like he did with Tex and……oh wait, he should have been fired then.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:54 pm
So, I must say, it’s good to see Buddy Carlyle again. he won’t make the team, but he is a hard worker, and a good guy. Hopefully he sticks somewhere.
George
March 27th, 2012
12:54 pm
We are on ESPN tomorrow, we play the above menitioned ANDRUW JONES.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:54 pm
Owl Hunter
Let me put it to you like this.
Atlanta, as a city, has one championship. ONE.
Ponder that one, cupcake.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:54 pm
Wren didn’t make the Tex trade. JS did.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:55 pm
Remember when we had Elvis Andrus, Naphtali Feliz, Adam Wainwright etc?
Yeah, whatever happend to those guys?
Arkansas Transplant
March 27th, 2012
12:55 pm
“I have higher standards for pitching. Hudson is a really good pitcher but not a great one.”
Yes, but I’m not talking about the quality of the individual’s greatness, just the quality of the trade going both ways.
Fols
March 27th, 2012
12:55 pm
As much as I hate my blackberry these days, I do appreciate MLB AT BAT releasing the app for us dying BB users.
Work is a happy place while listening to the games!
Fish Bisch
March 27th, 2012
12:55 pm
What’s peter Moylan been up to?
reckingball
March 27th, 2012
12:56 pm
As I recall, JS was the GM when the Texiera disaster happened.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:56 pm
“Wren didn’t make the Tex trade. JS did.”
Ah, you’re right. My bad.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
12:57 pm
“Yes, but I’m not talking about the quality of the individual’s greatness, just the quality of the trade going both ways.”
Alright, I see your point now. Hudson was a good trade. Not a great one but a good one.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:57 pm
This is a dumb argument that I won about eight times already. Time to move on,
Who should we get for OF at the start of the season? Parra? Byrd? Other? Go!
Murph
March 27th, 2012
12:57 pm
Any updates on Teheran’s sore shoulder? Or Venter’s sore elbow?
Between Viz and Fish visiting Dr Andrews and all the other guys who are gimpy with sore arms, I’m starting to get just a tiny little bit worried about the pitching staff.
brian
March 27th, 2012
12:57 pm
Call me a homer, but I am bullish on the Braves this year. especially if they acquire a LF. The Braves have the best bullpen in baseball. Their starting 5 are strong for the year – Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Beachy, and Minor (with Medlen, Teheran, and Delgado waiting in the wings). The bench still needs work.
I do like the lineup listed above.
CF Bourn
LF Byrd
C McCann
2B Uggla
1B Freeman
3B Prado
RF Heyward
SS Pastornicky/Simmons
When Chipper returns we can put Prado in the 2nd Spot in LF and CHipper hitting 6th at 3B. Byrd can also spell Bourn and hit 1st when needed.
Byrd does seem like a good fit.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:58 pm
Every season I look at who the Pirates have that we could snag. Now I’m remembering that they are improving. I have to deprogram myself.
brian
March 27th, 2012
12:58 pm
Marlins will score a bunch of runs but their pitching is suspect, especially after Buerhle, Josh, and Anibal.
The Nats are solid – good pitching but their offense will struggle
Lew
March 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
Coach – Must admit I’m impressed. You were able to find five people who know how to read and write that agree with you. Yep, mighty impressive.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
Braves haven’t named rotation order for regular season, but way it’s lined up puts Hanson on schedule (regular rest) for Opening Day.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
brian
I think we’ll be better than the Red Sox.
Fols
March 27th, 2012
1:00 pm
Hmm…a line-up just looks great when you insert Freeman in there. I have a feeling Mac/Uggla/Freeman are going to have some very impressive stats. If Uggla can start the year on a semi-normal pace then we’ll be fine.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
1:00 pm
If it were up to me, Hanson would get Opening Day.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
1:01 pm
I think Uggla is on a mission this year. He’s a bad dude, and he won’t take his start from ‘11 laying down.
Arkansas Transplant
March 27th, 2012
1:01 pm
Remember when Detroit use to have Smoltz? Whatever happen there? Sure hall of famer. And who exactly did they get?
DAM
March 27th, 2012
1:01 pm
I’ll pass on Byrd.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
1:04 pm
Byrd is good for the right price. Not sure if that’s doable, though.
Arkansas Transplant
March 27th, 2012
1:04 pm
Lew, thanks for the BDay wishes.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
1:04 pm
Owl Hunter – Did you notice that when the regulars started showing up, Braves Fan quit posting? I think we were had.
Joe 12-Pack
March 27th, 2012
1:04 pm
Where the heck is Dark Star, Fla.?
It is really hard to predict the NL East this year.
While the Phillies should be the favorite, they are getting OLD and injuries are piling up. Victorino, Howard, Utley & Rollins are all in the 30s. As are Cliff Lee & Roy Halladay.
Florida has made many changes but it’s hard to tell how substantial they are.
The Braves did basically nothing in the off-season to improve the club.
The Nats have a lot of exciting young players but is that enough?
The Mets? Well, they are the Mets and they will finish last.
Fols
March 27th, 2012
1:04 pm
I agree Owl…i’d say he’s just about done with the slow start crap.
I’m tired of ST already, especially when I look at the line-up on days like today. Other than the in-game bloggers that come out from the bush to rant, does anyone care anymore about anything besides health?
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
1:05 pm
Marlins will score a bunch of runs
You’d think they would have done that last year, but they didn’t. 625 runs last year, and all they added was speed. Not exactly a candidate team for 800 runs, even if Hanley rebounds to beast-mode.
You look at their lineup, and you do think they ought to be an offensive machine, but they really haven’t been.
Danga
March 27th, 2012
1:05 pm
if someone told me Heyward was going to hit .260/.293/.449/.742 w/ 29 HR this year (Frenchy’s 2006 numbers) I’d jump for joy.
I think this is interesting. OPS + for Frenchy in 2006 was 87 and for Heyward in 2011 was 95 even though Frenchy’s raw numbers were better. Just goes to show how important context is for these kind of stats.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
1:05 pm
Time for first pitch VJ.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
1:06 pm
Remember when Detroit use to have Smoltz? Whatever happen there? Sure hall of famer. And who exactly did they get?
Assenmacher i think… Paul Assenmacher?
How are ya AT?
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
1:06 pm
Jimmy
Yeah. I’m bummed at myself for keeping that argument going. I think the Wren/Tex trade blunder was what did it.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
1:06 pm
Transplant – Hope you had good one.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:07 pm
The Mets take the field – Chris Schwinden on the mound for the Mets…Michael Bourn will lead off…
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
1:07 pm
Smoltz cameover for Doyle Alexander. I remember him most for making an unintentional funny face on his 1989 Bowman card.
TennesseePaul
March 27th, 2012
1:09 pm
17. Braves. I know this ranking seems harsh, but what have the Braves done lately to inspire anyone’s confidence? Their rotation is full of health questions — right-hander Tim Hudson is unlikely to return from back surgery before May 1, and third baseman Chipper Jones underwent his sixth knee surgery Monday. The Braves need right fielder Jason Heyward to regain his rookie form, or their offense again figures to be about as exciting as an infomercial.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:09 pm
Ball 1 to Bourn – fouled off, 1-1…ball 2…
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
1:10 pm
I hate the Mets, but these days it just feels like picking on a disabled person. Bummer.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:10 pm
Popped foul, 2-2…
TennesseePaul
March 27th, 2012
1:10 pm
That’s Ken Rosenthal. Forgot to put the source on that one.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
1:10 pm
I just did a search for the Smoltz trade (it was Doyle Alexander) and came across the Detroit Tigers’ forums… they have one rule and it’s called “Smoltz’s Law” where you aren’t allowed to discuss the Smoltz trade… at all.
TennesseePaul
March 27th, 2012
1:10 pm
You look at their lineup, and you do think they ought to be an offensive machine, but they really haven’t been.
Same applies to the Braves.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:11 pm
Grounded to Davis at first, just barely gets Bourn on the toss to Schwinden…
DAP
March 27th, 2012
1:11 pm
braves fan “What kind of “great trade” would you have made this offseason?”
Well, the Cards got Oswalt from the Phils.
that never happened, and it becomes increasingly obvious you dont know what you are talking about.
“Uggla has already given us more than Infante and Dunn would have.”
Dunn will most likely come back this year for the Sox.
uh…and now its even MORE obvious.
Danga
March 27th, 2012
1:11 pm
The Braves did basically nothing in the off-season to improve the club.
Much has been made of this, but this was a good team last year. The key for this season as in most seasons is health. If we can keep the starters healthy and pitching, then this team will be just fine.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
1:11 pm
Reasons to be optimistic: Bullpen, Mac, Freeman, Uggla, Bourn, young guns in the rotation. When Chipper and Huddy get back, this will be a good looking team. Not without faults, but very good.
TennesseePaul
March 27th, 2012
1:11 pm
Smoltz cameover for Doyle Alexander. I remember him most for making an unintentional funny face on his 1989 Bowman card.
“Doyle rules”
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:11 pm
Jack Wilson with his premiere appearance – 1-2 count…
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
1:12 pm
Chris Spindlen owes us!
Owl – I think it was a regular messing around. Didn’t mean anything he said, just wanted to keep it going.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:12 pm
Ball 2 – foul ball – swing and a miss at an inside pitch for the K…
Arkansas Transplant
March 27th, 2012
1:13 pm
Lew, had a great day with the family, thanks. Hope VT is treating you well also.
Murph, doing well besides this being my first day back to work after taking a little over a week off for vacation. How’s things going down in TX?
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
1:13 pm
Just remember; the Cards won the World Series last year. I stay optimistic until there is a solid reason not to be.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:14 pm
FF – takes strike 1 – ball 1 – strike 2 swinging – ball 2 – full count…
George
March 27th, 2012
1:14 pm
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
12:58 pm
Every season I look at who the Pirates have that we could snag. Now I’m remembering that they are improving. I have to deprogram myself.
*********************************************
I would still like to sere McCutchen in CF for us, maybe they would take JASON and a couple of minor league pitchers for him.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
1:15 pm
I just got a roster file from someone and it has players’ status set to A, M, or C… I’m assuming A = Active and M = Minors… but what does the C stand for?? Anyone have an idea?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:15 pm
Foul ball – another – and again foul, off his foot…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:16 pm
Fouled again – then grounded foul…
ronaldh
March 27th, 2012
1:16 pm
Isn’t it about time that someone in Atlanta press start very loudly beating the drum for Fred McGriff? I think it’s past time. The man deserves to be in the hall and shouldn’t have to wait until the veterans committee has to do it.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:16 pm
Ball 4 – nice at bat…
Murph
March 27th, 2012
1:16 pm
AT, things are good. The blue-bonnets are in full bloom and the women are taking the short-shorts out of storage for the first time this year… can’t complain.
Did you go anywhere for vacation or just stay home and relax?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:17 pm
Shift on for Hinske – ball 1…
TennesseePaul
March 27th, 2012
1:17 pm
NL East
Phillies
Marlins
Nationals
Braves
Mets
Ken Rosenthal
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
1:18 pm
Gotta go guys. Should have finished my paper for school long ago. Good game to all.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:18 pm
Hinske ball 2, called strike 1 – grounded foul (26th pitch of the inning)…
Murph
March 27th, 2012
1:18 pm
Wow… Kenny Rosenthal with a 4th place prediction… that hurts, Ken. Hurts bad.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:19 pm
Fouled out of play – ball 3, inside…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:19 pm
DOUBLE off the wall, FF scores!
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
1:20 pm
Hinske RBI double scores Freeman, who walked with 2 out. Braves up 1-0 in top of 1st
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
1:20 pm
GO BIG E!!!!!
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
1:20 pm
Murph – I have no idea what “c” stand for.
I also don’t know why I responded.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:21 pm
1-1 on David Ross (Mets plan to use 6 pitchers today – probably a good idea) – now 1-2…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:21 pm
Chopper to the mound, inning over…
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
1:22 pm
Just added an NL East poll to the blog. Vote now on where you think Braves will finish.
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
1:22 pm
Wow… Kenny Rosenthal with a 4th place prediction… that hurts, Ken. Hurts bad.
He’s been right about as often as you, Murph. Hope for the Braves still lives!
jones boys, no relation
March 27th, 2012
1:22 pm
im amazed is one sh!tty song
George
March 27th, 2012
1:23 pm
VJ
GREAT PBP work as always.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:25 pm
Carlyle with a 2-1 count on Valdespin
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:25 pm
Bourn catches a deep fly to center…
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
1:26 pm
Bourn with a nice running catch at warning track in right-center — covered a LOT of ground easily
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
1:26 pm
Yes VJ. You are very appreciated.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:26 pm
Justin Turner lines to Wilson – diving catch…
NativebIrd
March 27th, 2012
1:27 pm
Maddux makes the other two ego-maniacs look flat out like smarmy little pony leaguers…as talented as they were. 355 wins? Are you freaking kidding me? In the era of steriod powered offensive juiced up numbers? That is like 19th century type stuff….christy Mathewson era type stuff. Greg Maddux is a GIANT among these other mere mortals, in not only pitching…but in CLASS, the last two having very little if any at all. And he always will be.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:27 pm
David Wright batting – hitting .500 this spring – now .333 on a grounder to Sutton…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:27 pm
1-0 Braves after an inning…
Arkansas Transplant
March 27th, 2012
1:28 pm
Murph – nope , no traveling. Just relaxed around the house and tried to get as much done as I could to prepare for spring. It rained here almost everyday last week so I had to do some COD leveling up… it was hard to do but needed to be done. I have to say, there’s not much to complain about when the short-shorts and crop tops start making their way out in public…. well, I’ll just say on most.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
1:28 pm
Braves 2B Wilson dove to his left to stab a liner for 2nd out of inning, and groundout to Sutton at 3B ends a quick 1-2-3 inning for Carlyle
Lew
March 27th, 2012
1:28 pm
Transplant – It’s pretty good up here, but crazy weather. Last week was in the mid 80’s – fifteen degrees above the previous record high tewmp. Today the high will be 31. Fifty degree range of temps in a three day period. Go figure.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
1:29 pm
He’s been right about as often as you, Murph. Hope for the Braves still lives!
That wasn’t very nice. I used to think of you as the nice old guy while nolie was the mean old guy, but now I think you’re just as old/mean as he is.
Danga
March 27th, 2012
1:30 pm
Full year of Bourn should help this team out a bit, too.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:30 pm
Leadoff single for Jason…
Murph
March 27th, 2012
1:30 pm
Hey, look, Heyward got a hit!
.200 here we come!
abeeewright
March 27th, 2012
1:30 pm
Braves Fan, March 27th, 2012, 12:20 pm … “The Braves have not made a great trade since the 90s.”
Hudson, Jurrjens, Vazquez, Uggla, Infante, Vizcaino (we’ll see), Bourn all came to the Braves via trade.
I’m not sure how much what the Braves gave up in those trades panned out for the other team. I’d call that pretty good plunder for the Bravos.
George
March 27th, 2012
1:30 pm
Unbelievable 45% of us think we will finish 2nd. A lot of rose colored glasses here.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:31 pm
Drew Sutton at bat – 1-2 count…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:32 pm
Foul with Jason running – fouled again…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:33 pm
Sutton singles, Heyward to 2nd -Simmons batting…
Paul
March 27th, 2012
1:34 pm
Braves finish in 2nd place, DoB. As a side note, I saw Poliça last week in Athens. Amazing band…amazing show. Glad you mentioned them.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:34 pm
1-2 count…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:35 pm
George – I know what you mean – I wish I was miserable and not looking forward to this season like you and the other realists…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:36 pm
Simmons flies to left, 1 out…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:37 pm
Buddy faked a bunt, hit it straight to the pitcher, gets the force at 2nd…
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
1:37 pm
Buddy Carlyle will pitch a great game and give the FO something to think about.
Ease
March 27th, 2012
1:38 pm
George just might be color blind…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:39 pm
2-1 on Bourn – foul ball…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:39 pm
High and deep to right – HR!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:40 pm
4-0 Braves on the Bourn homer…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
1:40 pm
MIKEY!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:41 pm
Jack Wilson grounds out to 2nd to end the top of the 2nd…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
1:41 pm
An entire season of Michael Bourn… That’ll make a huge difference from last year. HUGE.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
1:42 pm
Contract years are great, aren’t they?
chipperchop
March 27th, 2012
1:43 pm
Bourn is not a HR type of hitter. I’m not sure how HUGE that will be.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:44 pm
Ike Davis leads off – called strike 3!
njbraves
March 27th, 2012
1:44 pm
Why is thinking the Braves will be good this year, being a homer?? Solid and deep starting rotation, great bullpen, and an offense that has the potential to be above average, maybe even very good. The Nats and Marlins aren’t as great as some of you think. They have issues just like every other team. I swear, some of you aren’t happy unless you’re complaining.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:45 pm
Home run Lucas Duda…
BravesFan in DC
March 27th, 2012
1:45 pm
Jack Wilson is awful… Then again, maybe I’m just still bitter about that booted ground ball on that fateful day last Fall…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:45 pm
Adam Loewen batting, now 4-1 Braves…1-1 count…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
1:46 pm
Okay, I guess we’ll let ‘em have one today. Hope that’s all, tho.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:46 pm
Ground out to Simmons…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:47 pm
Ronny Cedeno – 1-2 count…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
1:47 pm
Bourn is not a HR type of hitter. I’m not sure how HUGE that will be.
Who said anything about homers?
Bourn is a real leadoff hitter. Something the Braves have lacked for the last 6+ years.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:47 pm
Fly to Jason ends the 2nd…
DAP
March 27th, 2012
1:49 pm
JC Brave Bourn is a real leadoff hitter. Something the Braves have lacked for the last 6+ years.
Dennis
March 27th, 2012
1:51 pm
No way are the Nationals a better team than the Braves. I live in the Nationals broadcast area and see them every day. They are a year or two away right now. They are better at 3rd and left field (if Morse plays there) and possible right field if Heyward does not hit again. Freeman is hands down better, Uggla better, McCann better, Bourn far and away better. The Braves starting pitching is better and the bullpen is hugely in favor of the Braves. The bench is a push. This year the Braves will finish second. Once Bryce Harper is entrenched and Espinosa is consistent, and their good young pitchers arrive, then the Nationals will be dangerous. Oh..forgot Desmond at short…nothing spectacular at this point. Good range, but makes lot of silly errors and is hugely inconsistent at bat. Only because a rookie will play short would I call this a push. Potentially both Pastornicky and Simmons will be much better.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:51 pm
Freeman walks on a 3-1 pitch…
coach13
March 27th, 2012
1:51 pm
…and they’ll have exactly 1 WS title to show for it. All of those HOF players on the same team and they’ll have less than the Marlins. The Cardinals have won 2 in the last 5 years.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
1:52 pm
“Did you notice that when the regulars started showing up, Braves Fan quit posting? ”
Not my fault if you guys are living in denial. The Braves are a below average team.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:52 pm
2-0 on Hinske…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:52 pm
2-0 on Hinske…
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
1:52 pm
“Hudson, Jurrjens, Vazquez, Uggla, Infante, Vizcaino (we’ll see), Bourn all came to the Braves via trade.”
And ZERO championships.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:54 pm
Freeman runs on the 3-2 pitch, Hinske flies out to left…
Dennis
March 27th, 2012
1:55 pm
Why would anyone use “Braves Fan” as a handle and steadily criticize the team?
Many teams in baseball would trade the last 20 years of the Braves for their 20 years. Cubs anyone?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:55 pm
Ross beats out a hit deep to the shortstop…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:56 pm
Freeman was running on the pitch, so no chance at 2nd…
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
1:56 pm
Somebody tell Bourne we are not paying him to hit the long ball. He seems to be expressing his inner Willie Mays Hayes.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:56 pm
Garrett Olsen in to pitch for the Mets…
Pete*
March 27th, 2012
1:58 pm
Coach (2012 Fredi’s beisbol fandango) “What nobody has mentioned….Uggla, McCann, Freeman and Heyward. Maybe it’s just me but I’m thinking the middle of our line up looks scary as hell. These guys can thump with the best of them, and they are looking great so far in spring training.”
Huh? How is Heyward “looking great so far in spring training?” As far as AJ in the hall? Chances of that are slightly less than zero.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:58 pm
“Olson” – I apologize to his many fans…
Strike one to Jason…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
1:59 pm
Come on JHey
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
1:59 pm
0-2 on Heyward – and he takes a ball…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
1:59 pm
Somebody tell Bourne we are not paying him to hit the long ball. He seems to be expressing his inner Willie Mays Hayes.
Wow..
Choppinmama
March 27th, 2012
2:00 pm
alex – thanks for the Cooperstown info. I’m going to make my 2014 reservations very soon!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:00 pm
Ball 2 – Jason hit on the forearm…or right hand…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:00 pm
He is fine – bases loaded, one out…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:01 pm
0-1 on Sutton – ball 1…
jeffrey d
March 27th, 2012
2:02 pm
I don’t think I’ve heard someone complain about a 3 run homerun before
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:03 pm
On the 1-2 count, Sutton takes ball 2…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
2:03 pm
Yeah, gotta shake your head at that one, jeffreyd
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:03 pm
Fly to right, sliding catch by Duda coming in, no one advances…
Murph
March 27th, 2012
2:04 pm
Duda jerk
Arkansas Transplant
March 27th, 2012
2:04 pm
Tell me again, how many teams win a championship every year? And, how many don’t? And, how many of those don’ts made trades to be one of the does?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:04 pm
Simmons grounds into a force play at 2nd – mid-3rd, 4-1 Braves…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
2:05 pm
Well, sucks leaving the bases loaded.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
2:06 pm
“Why would anyone use “Braves Fan” as a handle and steadily criticize the team?”
Because I can. Because I don’t want to see another massive collapse like last year.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
2:06 pm
“Tell me again, how many teams win a championship every year?”
Yankees won it 3 straight years in a row from 98-2000.
art
March 27th, 2012
2:07 pm
Here is a trade option. How about Constanza to Cleveland for Matt Laporta. He has hit 10-15 homers in a season but is heading to AAA. Have him as a 1bman but came up as an outfielder.
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 27th, 2012
2:07 pm
Buddy being showcased for a trade???????????
jeffrey d
March 27th, 2012
2:09 pm
Yankees won it 3 straight years in a row from 98-2000.
Whoa, 3 straight years in a row? Consecutive??
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:09 pm
Nickeas with 2-2 count – several foul balls…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:10 pm
Fly out to Bourn for out #1…
Richard
March 27th, 2012
2:10 pm
I didn’t know Buddy Carlyle still existed. Where has he been hiding?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:11 pm
1-2 on Olson…
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
2:11 pm
jeffery d…I was not being serious, it is a major league reference. My attempt at being funny
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:11 pm
Braves Fan – “3 straight years in a row”.
Why not say “3 straight years, consecutively, in a row, back-to-back-to back.”
When is computer lab over?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:11 pm
Another fly to Bourn – 2 out…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:12 pm
Valdespin pops a single into shallow center…
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:13 pm
jeffery d – Sorry. I see you already nailed it.
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
2:13 pm
I can understand your confusion, with so much negativity on this board
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:13 pm
Stolen base – Ross dropped the ball…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:15 pm
Turner with 3-1 count – and he hits it deep to center – Bourn has it to end the 3rd inning…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
2:16 pm
Buddy not looking too bad today.
unbelievable
March 27th, 2012
2:17 pm
Art, its safe to say that there is a zero % chance that we could get Laporta for Constanza. Zero.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:17 pm
Buddy C in the mix for Opening Day Starter.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:18 pm
Carlyle takes strike 1 – grounder to short for 1st out…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:19 pm
Bourn singles up the middle…
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:20 pm
unbelievable – “Art, its safe to say that there is a zero % chance that we could get Laporta for Constanza. Zero.”
What if we included Jon Voights’ car.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:20 pm
Bourn steals with no throw – 1-2 on Jack Wilson…
jeffrey d
March 27th, 2012
2:20 pm
BLK – my apologies. I’m a big Major League fan too
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:22 pm
Wild pitch (only travelled 15 feet from the catcher) – Bourn to 3rd, 2-2 on Wilson, 1 out…
Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:23 pm
Eddie Mathews never a Marine. Sorry.
Maybe Buddy C can be 5th starter for a while.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:23 pm
Payoff pitch fouled off – followed by a check swing – ball 4 to Wilson…
Blue
March 27th, 2012
2:24 pm
Coach (2012 Fredi’s beisbol fandango)
Just like Mickey Mantle, ay? Really dude? Andrew was Mickey Mantle? Don’t let the numbers get in the way. Career numbers (Mantle’s listed first): BA .298 to .256. Hits 2,400 to 1,887. HR 536 to 420. RBI 1,509 to 1,255. OBP .421 to .339. AND…Mickey never declined because he was lazy and came into camp fat time after time. Tell me another outfielder in the last 50 years, no matter how good defensively, with Andruw’s numbers that is in the hall? Again, don’t let the facts and numbers get in the way that you obviously have some kind of bro-mance with Andruw…
jeffrey d
March 27th, 2012
2:24 pm
What if we included Jon Voights’ car
Or screen legend Anthony Quinn’s undershirt?
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:25 pm
9 “straight post in a row” by people with a “J”.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:25 pm
Freddie Freeman with 1-2 count…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:26 pm
Deep center, Bourn scores easily on Sac Fly…
UKUGA
March 27th, 2012
2:26 pm
Go CATS!
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
2:26 pm
Freeman sac fly to CF puts Braves up 5-1 in 4th
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:27 pm
5-1 Braves…Hinske pops out to Cedeno to end the top of the 4th…
Bayou Brave
March 27th, 2012
2:27 pm
David O’Brien
March 27th, 2012
12:49 pm
Braves will start Beachy on Wednesday, Minor on Thursday, Delgado home/Jurrjens road in split squad Friday, and Hanson Saturday
When does Medlen pitch?
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
2:28 pm
Braves have Kimbrel and O’Flaherty throwing in a minor league game today, rather than against Mets
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
2:29 pm
Sorry to break up your streak Jimmy…Coach’s non-argument, argument with multiple links is very convincing. But Mantle and AJones comparisons are laughable at best.
brian
March 27th, 2012
2:30 pm
strong work Braves and Carlyle
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:30 pm
Carlyle starts Wright with a strike – and strike 2, Wright not liking the call…
Blue
March 27th, 2012
2:30 pm
Coach; You are right, with Mickey only having won 3 MVP’s, finishing 2nd two more times and a third, with Andruw having impressively won NO MVP’s, you have changed all of our minds.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:31 pm
And Wright’s average has now plummeted from .500 to .250 as he flies to Bourn on a full count…
jeffrey d
March 27th, 2012
2:34 pm
That’s two straight consecutive outs in a row for Wright
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:34 pm
Ike Davis takes a called strike 3…
CrαZy
March 27th, 2012
2:34 pm
I feel bad for the bloggers that can’t enjoy the game or think positively about anything unless it all results in a championship. Must be depressing waking up every morning and looking at yourself in the mirror. Probably makes it even worse when you remember you’re still living in your parent’s basement!!!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:35 pm
Full count on Lucas Duda…
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:35 pm
Blue – Don’t leave out the Triple Crown year.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:35 pm
And Duda walks…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
2:36 pm
Okay, Buddy. Just get Loewen.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:38 pm
Loewen flies to Hinske near the warning track – 5-1 Braves after 4 innings…
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:39 pm
Seriously, good showing by Buddy C today. Real good.
Jason
March 27th, 2012
2:40 pm
DOB, why not Vladimir Guerrero to platoon with Hinske? Is that too much of a defensive stretch? Also it seems that the Angels would consider parting with Torri Hunter or Bobby Abreu. I think the greatest fit would be Franklin Guitierrez!!
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
2:40 pm
Uh, Express Oil Change ads – I used them a few times last year. But when I had my oil changed at NTB yesterday, they told me that the last place where I had it done had only hand-tightened my oil filter. Guess where my last oil change was. Yep, Express Oil Change. Not going back there, no matter how many runs our guys score.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:41 pm
Bobby Parnell in to pitch to David Ross…2-1 count…
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:41 pm
BLK – The streak is important. I was just making sport of our young Braves Fan and his post.
I’ll leave it alone. Can’t top jeffery d’s 2:34.
But I’m keeping it in my bag.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:42 pm
is = isn’t
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:42 pm
Check swing results in a ball just in front of the plate, thrown out at first by the catcher…
Braves Marketing Dept
March 27th, 2012
2:43 pm
“I’d be interested in knowing what factors sway O’Brien to the Nats. Or away from the Braves, I guess. Or both.”
Ohhh could be a little thing called reality.
Braves Fan
March 27th, 2012
2:43 pm
“When is computer lab over?”
Nice diversion, cupcake. Try again.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:44 pm
Is that too much of a defensive stretch?
Yes – he is a DH only…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:44 pm
Jason works the count full…
jwarthen
March 27th, 2012
2:44 pm
This should put ST games in perspective:
HOUSTON 7 , DETROIT 0 (4th inning)
Murph
March 27th, 2012
2:44 pm
Duda owns Heyward
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:44 pm
Line shot right at Duda, 2 down…
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
2:45 pm
Braves Fan – That’s two straight times in a row you called someone a cupcake. Are you Brian McCann?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:46 pm
Drew Sutton bounces a ground rule double over the fence!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:47 pm
Andrelton Simmons with a 2-0 count…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:47 pm
Pick off attempt goes into center, Sutton to 3rd…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:48 pm
Cory Gearrin up in the bullpen – Diaz in the on deck circle…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:49 pm
Amanda Comak @acomak
Gio Gonzalez’s day is over after 5 innings, 7 hits, 3 ER, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts. Retired 7 of the last 8 he faced. #nats down 3-1
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:49 pm
Full count pitch grounded out by Simmons – halfway through, Braves 5-1…
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
2:51 pm
Braves haven’t said yet, but looks to me like Hanson in opener, Jurrjens, Minor, Beachy, Hanson again, Delgado in Game 6 and Jurrjens in home opener. But that’s just guessing based on how rotation is lined up this week and using the off day after opener, which would allow Braves to bring back Hanson on regular rest in Game 5.
BravePack
March 27th, 2012
2:51 pm
Just put my vote in for a 1st place finish for the Braves this year like I’ve been saying all along. Not going to repeat why once again but this team was one of the best last year before the last month and a half without Bourn, a bad Uggla for entire 1st half, a hurt and bad Heyward, a hurt Prado, McCann, and top end starters. I don’t care what the pessimistic muppets say.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:51 pm
Carlyle remains in the ballgame…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:53 pm
Cedeno singles past Freeman, and now Gearrin will replace Buddy…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
2:53 pm
Venice, you’re making O’Brien’s life too easy here. Thanks though.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
2:54 pm
Gearrin in for Carlyle after Cedeno’s leadoff single in 5th
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:55 pm
Nickeas takes a 78 mph strike…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:56 pm
Wild pitch way outside – Cedeno to 2nd…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
2:56 pm
BravePack, truth is, the same people were saying the Braves would struggle all season this time a year ago. They were one of the best in the league almost the whole season. It means absolutely nothing what anybody says anyway, they have the power.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
2:57 pm
In 2010’s ST, J. Heyward went 18-for-59, 4 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 10 BB, 11 SO and a .305/.423/.424 line.
In 2011’s ST, J. Heyward went 16-for-45, 4 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 10 BB, 11 SO and a .356/.508./.511 line.
This year: 11-for-60, 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB, 17 SO and a .183/.222/.317 line. (not including today)
Not encouraging but i guess we have to wait and give the kid some time to get use to his new mechanics.
Jason
March 27th, 2012
2:57 pm
any thoughts about the Braves trying to acquire Franklin Guitierrez?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:58 pm
2-2 count – goes full…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
2:58 pm
Come on, Cory. I really like you and appreciate the way you don’t hide your beliefs on Twitter, but pitch, dang it.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:58 pm
And he walks Nickeas…Daniel Murphy will pich hit…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
2:59 pm
“pinch”
Ball 1…
VaBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
2:59 pm
I’d like to see the Braves give Luis Durango a good amount of playing time in LF while Chipper is out. Still have Diaz/Hinske/Parraz as options. Braves should see how they start the season before making a trade.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
2:59 pm
There needs to be a law banning stupidity in any public situation. Jails would be flooded top to bottom 24/7 though.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:00 pm
2-1 – Yohan Flande up in the bullpen…
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
3:00 pm
Gearrin wild pitch and walk to 1st batter he faces , Nickeas. Runners on 1st and 2nd, none out. Nearly hit next batter…
Flande up in ‘pen
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:00 pm
And he walks the bases loaded…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:01 pm
With nobody out
I really do like Cory, but for crying out loud.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:01 pm
Gearrin having second thoughts about joining the bullpen.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:01 pm
Visit to the mound by McDowell – Valdespin to bat…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:02 pm
Fly to right – Jason has it – run scores, 5-2…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:03 pm
Nickeas moves to 3rd – runners on the corners, one out, Turner batting…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:03 pm
Single to left, 5-3…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:03 pm
Get him out, FG!
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
3:03 pm
“we have to wait and give the kid some time to get used to his new mechanics”
Think we’ll be saying that in June? Makes me dizzy and ill, but I won’t be surprised at all if he’s a dud. At least a dud until a some yers down the road when he might finally get it all figured out. He’s still only 22.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
3:04 pm
Justin Turner single through left side drives in another run, Mets cut lead to 5-3, Gearrin still in to face Wright
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:04 pm
David Wright batting, 1st and 2nd, 1 out – takes a strike…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:04 pm
Oh for the love of baseball, Fredi
Get Cory out of there. I mean it’s only ST, but this is ridiculous!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:05 pm
Wild pitch – runners move up – way way outside…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:05 pm
Line drive to Bourn, run scores…
sportsmandh
March 27th, 2012
3:05 pm
I guess we’re seeing early signs again that the big three will be ran out there until their arms collectively fall off. This is why Medlin needs to be in the pen, no matter how much you’d like him to be a starter. Because outside the big 3 our bullpen stinks. If Vizcaino and Moylan weren’t hurt it would be a different story, but right now you need Medlin in the pen regardless.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:06 pm
Flande coming in…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:06 pm
Sigh
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
3:06 pm
Wright sac fly cuts the lead to 5-4, Gearrin being replaced by Flande now
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:07 pm
Sure, now you do it, Fredi
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:07 pm
HEYWARD SUCKS. He is garbage. Even Parraz has out played the chosen one. How does getting rid of Jeff Francouer look now!!!!
The guy is a bust. Please Frank, ship him and JJ out. Get anything for them.
Im not affraid to say it. The Nats are better than our Braves. Even the Marlins may be better depending if Josh Johnson is healthy. Time to blow this team up and get prospects. Even if that means letting McCann go. Mac is not gettting younger and will be best suited for the DH.
BLOW THIS TEAM UP. THEY ALREADY BLEW THIER CHANCE!!!! BLOW THIS TEAM UP
KK
March 27th, 2012
3:07 pm
When did Mantle fall apart before or after 20,000 innings?
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
3:07 pm
Ohhh could be a little thing called reality.
Ooooh, goody. Perhaps you have time to explain it to me, like I’m a four-year-old. I’d like that.
That’s assuming, of course, that you can find any actually good reasons for your take on the situation. But I’m betting you’re practically bubbling over to explain it, so school me, if you would.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
3:07 pm
Those are horrific numbers by Jason this spring. Sad. The situation he was in heading into the spring after last years disappointment and how hard he apparantly worked over the winter, he shouldn’t have such awful numbers against mostly minor league pitchers and rusty major leaguers. Spring ball is winding down and his production has done the same as it’s gone on. That’s not good, at all.
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:08 pm
Oh ya furthermore, Frank Wren get lost and take Freddie G with you.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:08 pm
Think we’ll be saying that in June? Makes me dizzy and ill, but I won’t be surprised at all if he’s a dud. At least a dud until a some yers down the road when he might finally get it all figured out.
I agree. We’ll see. But I’m definitely not expecting much from him. I’ll be expecting similar numbers to those from last year until he proves me wrong.
coastalbrave
March 27th, 2012
3:08 pm
Fell better Chris?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:08 pm
Ground out to short finally ends the 5th inning – Braves lead 5-4…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:10 pm
I can feel the hatred streaming southward into southern California…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:11 pm
Tyler Pastornicky to pinch hit against Josh Edgin…shows bunt, takes strike – grounds one foul…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
3:11 pm
You’re lying if you say you aren’t worried about JHey. Everybody wants him to be the next Chipper or McCann, but his progress may take a while. Numbers don’t lie, he is fighting it pretty bad. Braves have to be searching for some help about now because that kid is a huge piece to our lineup.
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:12 pm
I really do love Cory Gearrin, but that blew chunks.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:12 pm
Swung on and missed for the K…
Richard
March 27th, 2012
3:13 pm
Are we done with the “Heyward is a bust” schtick? He’s 21.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:14 pm
Bourn walks…
sheepdawg
March 27th, 2012
3:14 pm
and someone cares about hof inductions? old news, and they only won a single championship, should have points deducted for their long term futility
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
3:16 pm
I’m sorry I keep on about poor Jason’s struggles, but when I think of the Braves this year he’s the very first image I think of. I think he’s that important to us. 60 plus at bats this spring and 11 hits with 3 BB and 17 K. We should all be worried.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:17 pm
Wilson – full count …
Richard
March 27th, 2012
3:17 pm
He is important to the Braves. But his statistics belie how much better he looks this spring.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:17 pm
5-4-3 DP…
brian
March 27th, 2012
3:20 pm
Gearin trying to implode his chances of making the MLB squad?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
3:20 pm
Richard, we know how old he is. More of the blame should go on the Braves for rushing him up and having such huge expectations. Of course fans, after being fed constantly the JHEY hype stuff, are going to overreact on some levels when he’s doing so awful at the plate. That’s natural and I think okay because we’ve been told he’s the next big thing and will take CJ’s place when he retires. Of course he still could, but right the now the reality is not so great.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:21 pm
Flande 2-2 on Duda – foul…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:22 pm
Called strike 3
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:23 pm
Dont worry Braves fans. The Braves brass will keep their golden Jey Hey in the lineup no matter how many roll over groundouts and K’s he racks up.
Piece of garbage. Even Lucas Duda is better than Jey Not. Sad.
At least play Costanza at least he has speed. He hits just as bad as 22..
Murph
March 27th, 2012
3:24 pm
Flande > Gearrin
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
3:24 pm
But his statistics belie how much better he looks this spring.
I’m afraid that cuts no ice with some of the folks here. Heyward should have been raking in mid-season form on the first day of ST; even that would have gotten a “means nothing” sneer from plenty here. Meanwhile, Heyward-trashing continues to be the fun du jour.
I’ve only seen 15 or 20 of his ABs this spring, but I agree with you: his swing is coming back in a hurry, just a matter of consistently repeating it. I haven’t seen him enough to know if that’s occurring or not.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
3:27 pm
Jason: Vlad Guerrero needs to be in AL at this point. Can’t move enough to play OF except in emergency.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:27 pm
The Braves success this year depends TOO MUCH on all the “ifs” surrounding Heyward. Despite of him looking better this spring, it is still not showing over the course of 3/4 of ST. Not even against minor league pitching. And as Chatt said, that’s something to be worried about going into the season.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
3:28 pm
So…. Heyward’s poor spring results are… just bad luck?
Captain Obvious
March 27th, 2012
3:28 pm
I have the Braves 2nd, but I am glad to see that someone else is not buying into the Marlins hype. I also have them finishing 4th. I was very disappointed to see Sports Illustrated listing the Marlins 2nd and the Braves 4th… that ain’t happening.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
Quite an inning for lefty Flande in sixth, who got three strikeouts (all looking). Faced four batters, gave up a single.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
Single by Loewen followed by 2 Ks…
Richard
March 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
CTB, he wasn’t rushed. He was ready. When you have a guy tear up AAA like he did, there is no reason to bring him up. The thing that bugs me most is the K-rate. He was never at any level known as a strike out guy (unlike say, Frenchy), but he seems to be striking out more now. Not sure why. But at least he has stopped trying to pull outside pitches (the dreaded slow roller to 2nd). He is going to be the guy, IMO. Even if he struggles this year. Trading him would be a mistake.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
I’ve only seen 15 or 20 of his ABs this spring, but I agree with you: his swing is coming back in a hurry, just a matter of consistently repeating it. I haven’t seen him enough to know if that’s occurring or not.
I’ve only seen like 5 of his ABs. So I really don’t know anything but the numbers. I’m just worried about the season and his progress.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
3:30 pm
I know it was against the Mets, but Flande striking out the side… nice!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:31 pm
Jon Rauch facing Freddie – Jose Lugo up in Braves’ pen…1-2 count…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:31 pm
HR FREDDIE!!!
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:32 pm
FAB 5 FREDDIE
Richard
March 27th, 2012
3:32 pm
Murph, yes, luck and still getting timing down. 60ABs is a pretty small sample size for baseball.
RC
March 27th, 2012
3:33 pm
I’ve only seen like 5 of his ABs. So I really don’t know anything but the numbers. I’m just worried about the season and his progress.
His early spring at-bats looked terrible. The last few TV games I’ve seen his timing looked a lot better, and he wasn’t popping the ball up like he was early in spring. Not sure if the results have improved or not, but the swing and approach does appear to be getting better and better.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:33 pm
The thing that bugs me most is the K-rate. He was never at any level known as a strike out guy (unlike say, Frenchy), but he seems to be striking out more now. Not sure why.
That’s the exact thing that has me worried so far. 3 BB against 17 K. Yeah, he’s adjusting… but man… that’s more of 2011’s Heyward again. Not saying he should be raking right from the get go. But where did his discipline go?
Juan
March 27th, 2012
3:34 pm
I’m a Big Chipper Jones Fan….but after this year i think i going to cheer for Big FREDDIE FREEMAN…i like this kid…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:34 pm
Enter your comments here
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:34 pm
Hinske and Ross ground out…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:35 pm
But where did his discipline go?
Ok, forget about that part. It’s ST after all. He has to take as many swings as possible.
DAP
March 27th, 2012
3:36 pm
freeman needed that. and jason hasnt seemed to put it all together. we will know he has when he starts to walk alot.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:36 pm
Full count – called strike 3 on Jason…
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
3:36 pm
That’s the exact thing that has me worried so far. 3 BB against 17 K.
If he does that when it counts, I’ll join you in worriment. But I don’t expect a guy who is retooling his swing and trying to find his old mechanics to have the bat on his shoulder very much in ST.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:36 pm
Mid 7th, Braves lead 6-4…
Monty
March 27th, 2012
3:37 pm
Brad Kominsk Syndrome.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:38 pm
18 Ks in 63 ABs now. That’s almost 1 strikeout out of every 3 ABs.
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:38 pm
Hello everyone! I would have to say Buckey Weaver should be in top 5 of 3rd baseman of all time too,and agree with DOB on rankings of 3rd baseman.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:39 pm
Jose Lugo replaces Flande…
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:39 pm
Jey Hey,
It is not bad luck. It is the worst chop wood swing in baseball that makes people vomit.
Heyward is a bumb.
There is a reason people are picking the Braves 4th or 3rd. This team sucks. Blow it all up and start over
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:40 pm
Lucas May grounds to Pastornicky – throw pulled Freeman off the bag, but he made the play…
sportsmandh
March 27th, 2012
3:40 pm
Vladdy in left field huh? And some thought Garrett Anderson (good ol’ Loaf) looked bad out there a couple of years ago? Saw Vlad last year on TV a couple times and he was brutal in right field. Vlad would probably make Garrett look like Otis Nixon at this point.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:41 pm
Ground out to Wilson…
Richard
March 27th, 2012
3:41 pm
What’s a bumb?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:41 pm
Boscan catching – Constanza in keft…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:42 pm
If he does that when it counts, I’ll join you in worriment. But I don’t expect a guy who is retooling his swing and trying to find his old mechanics to have the bat on his shoulder very much in ST.
Yeah, said it two posts above yours. Let’s just make a toast for a good season from the kid!
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:42 pm
Any chance the Royals will give back Jeff for Jey ” the clown ” Hey . Probably not.
Hell Mccloth was better than this idiot
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:42 pm
Justin Turner walks…
Tomahawkin
March 27th, 2012
3:43 pm
sportsmandh
“Vladdy in left field huh? And some thought Garrett Anderson (good ol’ Loaf) looked bad out there a couple of years ago?”
I thought Loaf was bad he was a Professional hitter. And Not to mention, The Melk-Dud (Melky Cabrera) was worse
Good To see Fab 5 Freddie Come through
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:43 pm
Vinny Rottino bats for Rauch in Wright’s spot in the order…
RC
March 27th, 2012
3:44 pm
Heyward batted .356 with a .508 OBP last spring. Just to point out that ST numbers don’t have a huge predictive value…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:44 pm
DIVING STOP by Tyler, tosses to Wilson for the force…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:45 pm
6-4 Braves going to the 8th…
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
3:45 pm
Yeah, said it two posts above yours.
Saw that, LOL. Owe you a Coke.
BTW, Freeman has one walk the entire spring.
Think both the youngsters are thinking unlimber the lumber.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Ramon Ramirez in to pitch – Sutton batting…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Heyward batted .356 with a .508 OBP last spring. Just to point out that ST numbers don’t have a huge predictive value…
Yeah, but remember he later hurt his shoulder…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Chis from Sacramento, please go the he!! away. You, fellow, are very tiresome to the real Braves fans on this blog.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:47 pm
Rottino, a catcher, now playing center field…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:47 pm
Sutton grounds out to Ike Davis…Constanza to bat…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:48 pm
Also, I guess I forget about Johnny Damon. If everyone says Coarlos,or Byrd is better. Than I’ll join the club.
RC
March 27th, 2012
3:48 pm
Yeah, but remember he later hurt his shoulder…
Thought the shoulder was hurt in the spring
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:48 pm
Foul bunt…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:49 pm
2-2 pitch grounded through the pitcher’s legs into center for a single…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:49 pm
Let me correct Carlos…..Typed too quick….
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:50 pm
Pastornicky takes a ball – popped up to short right – 2 out…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:51 pm
Carlos,or Byrd? I would most definately, will be happy.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:53 pm
Bourn – 0-2 count – swung on and missed – we go to the bottom of the 8th…
Rocky Mtn Bravo
March 27th, 2012
3:53 pm
That picture of Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux gave me chills. Man I miss those days. Don’t think we really realized how good we had it back in the day.
cowdogit
March 27th, 2012
3:53 pm
Leo Mazzone never got any respect, his salary every year was pathetic.After fourteen division titles Leo decided he would prove his value to the pitching staff by leaving the club. I think Leo has proven his point, the pitching staff has broken down six years in a row and the Phillies have made the Braves look like complete idiot’s.
cowdogit
March 27th, 2012
3:53 pm
Leo Mazzone never got any respect, his salary every year was pathetic.After fourteen division titles Leo decided he would prove his value to the pitching staff by leaving the club. I think Leo has proven his point, the pitching staff has broken down six years in a row and the Phillies have made the Braves look like complete idiot’s.
Duke
March 27th, 2012
3:54 pm
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:39 pm
Jey Hey,
It is not bad luck. It is the worst chop wood swing in baseball that makes people vomit.
Heyward is a bumb.
There is a reason people are picking the Braves 4th or 3rd. This team sucks. Blow it all up and start over.
Chris,
You’re probably right. How in the hell can a team that was top 3 in baseball for 5 months of last year be any good this year? There is just no way that could have been their true colors as opposed to a one month stretch. 5 months isn’t a better sample size than one month when half of your Starting rotation is injured. You just make too much sense for me to not believe you.
As far as Jason Heyward goes, you’re also probably right about him. 60 at bats into spring and he has not figured his out new swing/approach yet. It only took the worlds greatest golfer two years to recover from injuries and a new swing.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:55 pm
Ryan Buchter in for the Braves – Ike Davis takes a strike…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:55 pm
Thought the shoulder was hurt in the spring
Exactly, once he hurt the shoulder at the end of ST, everything went downhill, specially during the season when he started the bad habits while trying to favor the bad shoulder on his swings.
Suicide Squeeze
March 27th, 2012
3:55 pm
Smoltz is my all time favorite Brave and hope he makes it more than anyone.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:56 pm
Ike with his 3rd K of the day – Duda up…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:56 pm
cowdogit-You look like the idiot,by posting twice. Could you be from Texas?
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
3:56 pm
I’m sure it has nothing to do with the pitching we had during that time, nor the luck of the draw when it comes to injuries. I have heard it said many times coaches get too much credit for wins and too much blame for losses. I believe it was a combo of coaching staff and players during that run. Everything just came easier to those teams.
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:57 pm
I see Smoltz from time to time at a place where I regularly eat lunch. He’s part of a Bible Study group that meets over there, along with Jeff Foxworthy. I have heard that during the season, there is occasionally another Brave or two that show up, too.
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:58 pm
Duke- You must be related to David Duke………Can tell where you get your thinking from.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:58 pm
2 hopper into right field – Duda single – Loewen to bat…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:59 pm
How nice – Don has a friend…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:59 pm
Rob Johnson pinch hits – 3-0 count…
Murph
March 27th, 2012
4:00 pm
Alright blog, time for a straw poll… if ST ended today, who do you take north? Simmons or Pastornicky?
At this point I’d like to say “neither”, but that’s not an option. Choose… but choose… wisely.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:00 pm
Line drive to right, Jason has it, 2 down…
Suicide Squeeze
March 27th, 2012
4:01 pm
And speaking of Smoltz, I still wish Cox would have used Smoltz instead of Leibrandt againt the Twinkies.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:01 pm
Cedeno grounds to Tyler for the force to end the 8th…
Duke
March 27th, 2012
4:01 pm
Ward
How does that make any sense?
Murph
March 27th, 2012
4:02 pm
It only took the worlds greatest golfer two years to recover from injuries and a new swing.
And getting beat up by his wife, dropped by all his sponsors, dirty laundry aired throughout the media, etc etc etc.
I actually think Tiger’s problem, much like Heyward’s, is 90% between the ears.
Ward
March 27th, 2012
4:02 pm
Murph-I go with Simmons…..speed in the line up. Can always use speed.
BravePack
March 27th, 2012
4:02 pm
I’m not going to give up on Heyward until I see what he does during the regular season. Having said that I think it’s safe to say I was pretty accurate in my prediction in stating that Freeman will have a better career than Heyward. Don’t get me wrong I know it is still very early in both their careers and I want both to do very well for the Braves, but so far from what I’ve seen Freeman is the better player, on offense and defense.
Ward
March 27th, 2012
4:03 pm
Duke-Makes sense to me…..
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:03 pm
Jack Wilson pops to short…
Fols
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Don’t worry guys…I bought Freddie’s player T last year and look what he turned into?
I’m 100% in the last year for buying a shirt and not being disappointed.
I just ordered a Heyward…it’s obvious he’ll perform. 100% doesn’t lie!
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Murph very true statement about Heyward. I will take Rev. to the bigs.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Freddie – HOME RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Duke
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Murph,
At this point in the spring I’m going with Pastornicky. He has shown some improvement at the plate lately and his defense has not been awful. Although there have been times where I have been upset at his play in the field. If he struggles, then you bring up Simmons who has had a few extra weeks in the minors.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Freddie today – 2 walks, 1 sac fly, 2 HRs…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
4:05 pm
FAB 5 AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:05 pm
7-4 Braves – Matt Diaz pops out…
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
4:05 pm
Another HOMER for Freeman in ninth — back-to-back TWO-HOMER games for the Braves 1B. Both opposite-field shots to left, this one in ninth on a low pitch. Nice, short stroke.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:06 pm
Asencio up in the bullpen – Boscan batting…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:07 pm
Boscan walks on 4 pitches – Heyward to bat…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
4:07 pm
Freddie Freeman is ON FIRE!
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
4:07 pm
Freddie Freeman is unleashing a technicolor display of violent destruction over the Mets. he leaves only blackness behind for the survivors.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:08 pm
3-0 to Jason…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:08 pm
And he walks…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
4:08 pm
Just don’t bash Heyward…….We all will be fine.
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
4:09 pm
Owl…I like it – technicolor…lol
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:10 pm
Drew Sutton receives the first strike in 9 pitches – then another…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:10 pm
LONG fly out for Sutton ends the top of the 9th…
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
4:11 pm
I agree that Heyward will be fine. On the other hand, Constanza has one of the most inexplicable swings I’ve ever seen.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
4:11 pm
I wish there was a way that Drew Sutton could make this team.
BravePack
March 27th, 2012
4:11 pm
Right on cue for another homer from the kid. WOW! 30+ HR’s for him this year.
ZWacky
March 27th, 2012
4:12 pm
who said that Uggla was not a great trade? Damn man that’s about as dumb as it comes even on here
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:14 pm
His definition of “great” appeared to necessitate a championship as a result…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:14 pm
Baxter singles off Asencio…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
4:14 pm
ZWacky-Must be a Philly Fan that would say some thing like that.
Duke
March 27th, 2012
4:14 pm
Ward
That’s a fairly ignorant statement to say that someone is racist.
Murph
I agree with you on Heyward. Very realistic assumption that it’s mainly in his head. A few good games to start the season will go a long way for his confidence.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:15 pm
Fly to deep center, which is now being patrolled by Luis Durango – one out…
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
4:15 pm
ZWacky
I know! To hate on that trade is insane.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:16 pm
Single past Freeman by Valdespin, 1st and 2nd, 1 out…
Matt Dendecker to hit…
Fols
March 27th, 2012
4:16 pm
Watching Heyward walk is just not important to me. Yes I want to see him reach base but we all know that if there is a negative it’s in that swing. I want to see the swing work in the spring more than the eyes to take pitches.
Then again, if he’s seeing it better maybe he’ll put a better swing on it?
Man, Freddie’s swing compared to Jason’s is night and day. Freddie looks so solid in the batters box, Heyward looks like a 100lb dangly kid up there.
southern hope
March 27th, 2012
4:16 pm
Venice Jim, thanks for all you do!
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
4:16 pm
Freeman could put up an All-Star caliber season this year easily, if he stays healthy and consistent!
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
4:16 pm
Ward
Considering that most Philly fans have only been watching baseball for three years, that makes sense.
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
4:16 pm
Are we really going to give this up? Dang it Asencio, get a DP, please.
Ward
March 27th, 2012
4:16 pm
All talk later tonight,and be cool. Don’t let the trolls bash our team.Peace my friends…….”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:16 pm
1-1 on Dendekker – strike 2…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:17 pm
bravesgrl4life – relax…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:18 pm
My pleasure, southern hope…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
4:18 pm
Duke- relax man……Talk tonight,and peace…..
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:18 pm
2-2 pitch fouled off Dendekker’s foot…
BravePack
March 27th, 2012
4:18 pm
If Freeman is hitting HR’s out to LF then that is a very good sign. I really think the added muscle will help those opposite field shots get over the fence…like a Chipper Jones in his prime used to do.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:19 pm
Just missed – count full (asencio not happy with call)…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:19 pm
Line drive up the middle – bases loaded…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:20 pm
Vinny Rottino batting…
Tomahawkin
March 27th, 2012
4:20 pm
I’m Late but
FAB 5 FREDDIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
BOOM SHOTLOCK-BOOM!!!!!!!!!
AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Duke
March 27th, 2012
4:20 pm
Glad to see Ward get off. Guy obviously didn’t take my Heyward/Tiger Woods comparison as a sarcastic reply to ChrisSacramento, CA.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:20 pm
2-0 count…
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
4:20 pm
Gregor Blanco is having a good spring. Good for him.
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
4:21 pm
This is my work distraction, VJ. But I’ve already had a conversation with my Mets-loving customer this afternoon. I sent him an email after Bourn’s HR, and he felt the need to call me after the Mutts scored 4. I really don’t want the Braves to lose and have to listen to him gloat.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:21 pm
3-1 count – walks him…
Braint
March 27th, 2012
4:22 pm
I’d love it if the Braves took a chance and made a move for AJ this year to play LF….
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:22 pm
McDowell to the mound…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
4:22 pm
Oh good Lord.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:22 pm
Josh Thole pinch-hitting – swing and a miss…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:23 pm
Called strike 2 upsets Thole – low and inside…just misses hitting him…
Duke
March 27th, 2012
4:23 pm
I echo the oh good Lord. That is if it was in response to Braint.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
4:23 pm
Heyward is a bumb.
Bumb – new bloggism.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:24 pm
2-2 count…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:24 pm
Called strike 3 – 2 out!
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
4:24 pm
The “b” is silent.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
4:24 pm
Gearring and Asencio competing today to see which one can leave the worst impression and not make the team.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:25 pm
Up to Lucas Duda – ball 1…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:25 pm
Fly to left – Georgie has it
BRAVES WIN!!!
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
4:25 pm
OH- what’s a umb?
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
4:26 pm
VJ – Thanks for the afternoon of baseball sir!
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
4:26 pm
What a nailbiter, but we pulled it off. Whew! I don’t have to listen to my customer gloat
Best part of my day! 
ZWacky
March 27th, 2012
4:26 pm
I am not impressed with Gearrin, hoping he does not make the team
Braint
March 27th, 2012
4:27 pm
You’re right Duke, Matt Diaz is so much better than AJ…..
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
4:27 pm
Gearrin won the “Worst Impression” competition.
flange1
March 27th, 2012
4:28 pm
As always, thanks for the PbP VJ!
Ward
March 27th, 2012
4:29 pm
Duke- My apology……Than my post is to the other guy.Peace…….I will talk later tonight. Leaving for work.
Vinny
March 27th, 2012
4:29 pm
Good trade to get Uggla.
Awful extension to make him the highest-paid 2B EVER!
BravePack(FreeFan)
March 27th, 2012
4:30 pm
VJ
Thanks once again for the work you put in today and all spring…much appreciated buddy!
Puma
March 27th, 2012
4:31 pm
DOB or anyone who has been able to watch Braves in spring, how has Heyward looked so far? I keep hearing how good he looks but then his stats don’t look that great. Is he hitting the ball hard to all fields?
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
4:32 pm
On to tomorrow. Now, gotta get one more of these renewals prepped before I leave. Have a good evening, Braves fans.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
4:32 pm
You know, VJ only does this to pad his stats.
Soon, it will be:
Ball one.
Ball two.
Low outside.
Strike one.
There’s four post right there.
I’m on to him.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
4:33 pm
Later Good Folks.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
4:35 pm
Why shouldn’t Uggla be the highest paid 2b? He’s the only 2B in MLB history to hit 30 or more HR the first six years of his career.
DAP
March 27th, 2012
4:43 pm
Why shouldn’t Uggla be the highest paid 2b? He’s the only 2B in MLB history to hit 30 or more HR the first six years of his career.
another way to say it is he is the top RH slugger in the league. number 1, now that pujols is gone.
Duke
March 27th, 2012
4:47 pm
Braint
Matty D is not much worse…
Diaz stats last three years:
2009 = .313 .390 .488 .878
2010 = .250 .302 .438 .748
2011 Braves numbers = .286 .297 .314 .615
2011 Pirates = 259 .303 .324 .627
AJ stats last 3 years:
2009 = .214 .323 .459 .782
2010 = .230 .341 .486 .827
2011 = .247 .356 .495 .851
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:53 pm
Jimmy – if I wasn’t trying to work at the same time it might be. You’re welcome to those who have issued thanks – only have a few more games for me to do it…
jim
March 27th, 2012
4:54 pm
Freeman could be an All star
Given that the NL has lost Gonzalez, Pujols, Fielder in last 2 years and Howard is hurt, only Joey Votto stands out as someone definitely ahead of him right now.
Heyward looked fine today — two hard hit balls and a decent eye at the plate. He looked comfortable. The called 3rd strike on a 3-2 count was a pitcher’s pitch.
RC
March 27th, 2012
4:56 pm
Duke,
The numbers in the 2nd and 3rd columns tell the story of AJ over Diaz:
.302 and .297/.303 vs .341 and .356 OBP
.438 and .314/.324 vs .486 and .495 SLG
Diaz isn’t anything but an empty batting average compared to AJ.
Duke
March 27th, 2012
5:06 pm
RC
I agree that Diaz was not as good as AJ last year, but I would still rather him come off the bench for a late inning AB than AJ. And I’m a huge AJ fan. Was my favorite player for years and I still root for him, but if I’m choosing one or the other for a PH AB; I’m taking Matty D.
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
5:08 pm
HEYWARD wont be fine people! Heyward sucks. Time to dump his sorry ass
brian
March 27th, 2012
5:10 pm
Duke – I choose neither. Braves need a better option to take LF when Prado at 3B and for an off the bench option that is righty
ace
March 27th, 2012
5:16 pm
what happened to brooks conrad
chief pitchanono
March 27th, 2012
5:21 pm
This should be a fun division to watch for sure, but if we pretend everyone stays mostly healthy I think it will be a battle between the Nats, Braves and Phills for most of the year. The Marlins could be good too, but the y also could also blow up at anytime.I The Phillies will be hurt the most by the Marlins and Nats if they truly are improved. They have runaway with the division by feasting on the nats and fish the past few years. The Braves will be fine if the pitching stays healthy. The offense was really bad last year so you gotta think it will be better but I truly think in the end it all comes down to Heyward. If he puts up numbers like his rookie year the Braves will make the playoffs. If he repeats last year then we were fighting for the last wildcard spot.
Go Braves!!!!
Danga
March 27th, 2012
5:31 pm
In defense of Matt Diaz, he wasn’t brought here to be an everyday player. He was brought here to hit left handed pitchers which he has done pretty well over the course of his career. He had a bad year last year and he has had a pretty terrible spring, but he is also a traditionally slow starter. I’m inclined to give the guy a chance mostly because he is a likeable fellow. And after all, it is just spring training.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
5:42 pm
Lew
March 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
Coach – Must admit I’m impressed. You were able to find five people who know how to read and write that agree with you. Yep, mighty impressive.
>>>>>>>>>>>.
Actually more like fifteen professional’s who know and understand the game. How many did you find? O wait, that’s right…..you’re a braves fan, not a BASEBALL FAN.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
5:44 pm
I’m telling you right now….the middle of our Braves batting order is gonna rake!
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
5:49 pm
Buddy Carlyle is a nice option to have if and when needed for an emergency start.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
5:50 pm
Four in a row…everybody must be stuck in traffic!
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
5:54 pm
McCann, Uggla, Freeman, Heyward…….THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP. Bourn getting on base adding to the RBI’S. I like it!
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
5:55 pm
I broke the blog. Damn……..
ray k
March 27th, 2012
6:03 pm
Is the THUMP the sound of the ball hitting the catcher’s glove?
ZWacky
March 27th, 2012
6:04 pm
AJ gets farther from the HOF every year he plays. I doubt he ever makes it now. Another Murphy situation.Total collapse too early in his career
phil
March 27th, 2012
6:04 pm
A rare win! But it doesn’t matter since it’s only ST….
Did Heyward get a hit? Not that it matters…
Because he’ll be fine.
phil
March 27th, 2012
6:06 pm
AJ was never gonna make the HOF after he collapsed and left Atlanta….
dogsbrekky
March 27th, 2012
6:07 pm
I cannot – for the life of me understand any hatred towards JHey… when fit he is a big gun
phil
March 27th, 2012
6:07 pm
Two dingers for FF! Nice!
I wish they mattered though.
Lew
March 27th, 2012
6:07 pm
Coach – If I needed help indetermining my own opinions, then I’ll go looking for them.
Yes, there’s a case to be made for Andruw in the HOF, but honestly, it’s an extremely weak case. My disagreement with you was your comparison of Andruw to Mantle and there was no comparison – not even at the end of their careers.
What I can’t understand is why you could only post what someone else had said and didn’t bother to explain your own rationale. Guess that’s becuae you’re incapable of coming to any kind of conclusion on your owen – much lerss find appropriate facts to back your ass – ertion.
phil
March 27th, 2012
6:08 pm
It’s not Heyward hatred….
It’s disgust that he can’t get in gear.
ZWacky
March 27th, 2012
6:09 pm
What I can’t understand is why you could only post what someone else had said and didn’t bother to explain your own rationale…Lew
I’ve noticed that he does that a lot in the time that I’ve been here. More dramatic perhaps
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
6:10 pm
Freeman homers twice (again) in Braves’ win over Mets
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/27/freemans-homers-twice-again-in-braves-win-over-mets/
Lew
March 27th, 2012
6:13 pm
And I’m a Braves’ fan but not a baseball fan? You mean after growing up as a Phillies’ fan, doing all I could to bring the Rays to St. Pete the twelve years I lived there and despite the fact I live in Red Sox/Yankee country and still have contacts in the Phillis’ and White Sox organizations?
dogsbrekky
March 27th, 2012
6:13 pm
phil – there are many unjustified comments about a 22 year old kid who will get it right sooner rather than later… mark my words
Trader Jack
March 27th, 2012
6:15 pm
Coach
Beating a dead horse and then beating a drum all in the same afternoon.
I’m impressed
Lew
March 27th, 2012
6:15 pm
Not to mention being a supporter of the Vermont Lake Monsters – an A’s minor league club.
Trader Jack
March 27th, 2012
6:17 pm
Hi Lew
How you feeling?
Lew
March 27th, 2012
6:18 pm
Trader Jack – Doing just fine – How about Yourself?
TheJonesBoys
March 27th, 2012
6:19 pm
Umm, look how Andruw Jones ranks among players since 1990(completely arbitrary number) http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2011&month=0&season1=1990&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&players=0
And YES, his number must be retired. #25
Trader Jack
March 27th, 2012
6:20 pm
Doing ok Lew. thanks for asking
The Jerk
March 27th, 2012
6:21 pm
Hey Guys
Your favorite gal “SAMANTHA” is having a heart to heart conversation with New Mexico Lee on the blog “McCann’s first homer Braves lone hit. Its quite comical. Go check it out. tell them the jerk sent ya.
TheJonesBoys
March 27th, 2012
6:25 pm
Let me show how historically great Andruw Jones is.
Preventing a hit is just as important as creating one. Sabermetric experts point out that he saved a hit about every 7 games of his career. With 2,100 games, that is 300 hits.
Add those on to his batting average, and his average is now .296
His OBP gets bumped up to .374
His SLG% gets bumped up to .530
And this ISN”T accounting for doubles, triples, and homers he may have saved.
Don’t you think an exactly average defensive center fielder with a .296/.374/.530 line and 420 homers deserves HOF consideration?
Again, those numbers are a conservative estimation because only singles are used and his defense is being nuetralized to average to accurately represent his net value.
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:25 pm
I agree that he deserves to have his number retired with no question. As for the Hall, think he is borderline right now if that. more low BA years are gonna kill him
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:28 pm
MIGHT be some valid, but the problem for Jones is that only a small percentage of current voters are into that stuff at all, most are not and will ignore it for more traditional evaluations
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:29 pm
and trying to make his defensive numbers over into offensive ones won’t work with most any of them. hell even as much as I quote stats, that’s just silliness
Fastball
March 27th, 2012
6:30 pm
I’ll say it again Chipper returns as player/manager
Fastball
March 27th, 2012
6:31 pm
Get rid of Fredi
TheJonesBoys
March 27th, 2012
6:32 pm
Well, a hit is worth a hit.
Mister Frisky
March 27th, 2012
6:33 pm
Nothing like back to back wins against the mighty Astros and Mets to wake up the Bags.Andruw Jones maybe Hall of Fat.I’m sure the Dodgers will be lobbying for Druw as a first ballot.
dogsbrekky
March 27th, 2012
6:33 pm
Andruw, the best defensive OF I have ever seen and that includes Junior and Bonds at their best (too young to remember Mays and Clemente)
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:33 pm
Chipper alreadt said that he has no desire to manage. pretty unlikely to happen
you know when the last few player/managers were? There’s a reason they are so rate
TheJonesBoys
March 27th, 2012
6:33 pm
Chipper has said he has no interest in managing.
He WILL be a damn fine hitting coach, I guarantee it.
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:34 pm
so rare…sigh
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:36 pm
I think he would likely make a good hitting coach too. It would have to be for the love of it though, cause those guys get paid pretty small change
dogsbrekky
March 27th, 2012
6:36 pm
This metric shows 1990-2011 fielding rel values
Andruw a MILE ahead of everyone in mlb at any position
http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=fld&lg=all&qual=y&type=0&season=2011&month=0&season1=1990&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&players=0
Lew
March 27th, 2012
6:37 pm
noleeee- illiness, indeed. You could add on to Mays (who IMO was as good if not better than AJ – and I saw them both) and Mantle that way, too, pushing Andruw just as far down the list as he is now.
CB
March 27th, 2012
6:38 pm
nolie, I had to break down and buy a new computer. About 10 times faster.
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:41 pm
I’m a huge AJ fan, used to bug me to read all the folks on the web who ripped him cause he smiled , I just don’t think he is gonna get to the Hall , but I sure hope he does
The Bravenator
March 27th, 2012
6:42 pm
Given that any HOF candidate has list of impressive stats, there is still a major question to answer with those casting ballots. Furman Bisher may have said it best when he said he always asked himself: Did the player in question DOMINATE the era during which he played? You could easily say yes in making the case for Dale Murphy, The Big Three, Bobby Cox, etc. Andruw Jones? I don’t think so. His “era” was short-lived by HOF standards and to compare him with the likes of Mickey Mantle is laughable.
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:43 pm
yeah CB they get faster all the time. multiple core and vast amounts of super fast memory make the old stuff look like snails
TheJonesBoys
March 27th, 2012
6:43 pm
Mantle wasn’t better than Jones defensively.
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:46 pm
as for domination of an era,it is one thing I look at but Murphy pretty much did, he has lots of black and grey ink, Chipper pretty much did not, he has little of it at all. but Chipper is going in and Murph never came even remotely close to being elected
brian
March 27th, 2012
6:46 pm
Andruw Jones will not make the Hall due to his rapid decline. Everyone voting will remember the huge contract from the Dodgers and the utter flop he was after his disasterous year with the Braves. He has since then been a platoon player. Players who spend many years as a platoon player do not belong in the Hall of Fame especially after hitting near the Mendoza line with a $18 million/year contract
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:48 pm
Mantle was a great defender who was hampered by bad legs his entire career so no he wasn’t as good as Jones though it would have been a lot closer if the Mick had wheels
Lew
March 27th, 2012
6:48 pm
Mantle was no slouch in center, either and hit over 100 more HR than Andruw, had about 300 more RBI than Andruw and – wait for it – had Three MVP Awards. Andruw is just NOT in that conversation. Sorry.
brian
March 27th, 2012
6:49 pm
if Murph cannot get in with his numbers in the pre-steroid era while playing on much worse teams with no lineup protection, not to mention his back to back MVP awards, Andruw Jones should not get close to the Hall
noleee
March 27th, 2012
6:51 pm
I think AJ will come closer than Murph did, maybe a lot closer
dogsbrekky
March 27th, 2012
6:54 pm
Murph was a mega star for what 6 out of 8 years and pretty much avg for the balance of his career.. I think his career WAR (that hated metric) is way down there for HOF (sub 50??)
TheJonesBoys
March 27th, 2012
6:54 pm
Jones isn’t close to Mantle overall, I agree.
I’d even rate Mantle over DiMaggio, as a hitter.
iopbrave
March 27th, 2012
6:55 pm
Mantle tore up his knee early in his career- DiMaggio was still playing. I always thought Andruw in his heyday was better than Chipper . Better fielder, runner, arm, more power. I guess he still has all that on Chip. Andruw has always looked like a kid that was having fun out there. Don’t get me wrong Chip is / was a Hell of a player and is headed to the Hall- hopefully he can last thru this season in one piece and not be too crippled the rest of his life.
CB
March 27th, 2012
6:55 pm
Andruw was a great defensive CF but does not match up to Mantle offensively. In a lot of ways,barring injuries and self abuse, Mantle would have matched up career wise to the greatest.
Just Pateeeee
March 27th, 2012
6:56 pm
Forgive me if this has been asked and answered (late to the blog today and can’t go back and read everything before I leave) but…..when is the “delayed game” gonna be shown on MLBN if anyone knows? Went to their schedule to try and find out, but…..no luck. Figured one of you mavens would know.
Just Pateeeee
March 27th, 2012
6:59 pm
Please don’t tell me it’s another 6:00 AM game (although I DID get up and watch the last one).
Mister Frisky
March 27th, 2012
7:01 pm
Cracker Barrell claims another victim.Should have stayed away Andruw maybe things would have turned out different.
Just Pateeeee
March 27th, 2012
7:01 pm
I don’t particularly LIKE watching games where I already know the score, but this one sounded like a good one from what I read.
CB
March 27th, 2012
7:02 pm
JP, you say not to tell you so I won’t.
Just Pateeeee
March 27th, 2012
7:03 pm
CB
Awwwwwww……really??????
*sigh* Oh, well…..here’s to coffee and the game at 6:00 AM tomorrow, I reckon.
Kat
March 27th, 2012
7:04 pm
That’s one good thing about living 90mins from Cooperstown.. I know I’ll be there for sure for any Brave being inducted. Okay back to my excel sheets and work and some NIN. Needed a little break…
dogsbrekky
March 27th, 2012
7:04 pm
ha ha, The Seinfeld with Terri Hatcher is on TBS now (when she was really nice looking and still abviously ate something)
Just Pateeeee
March 27th, 2012
7:04 pm
Just doesn’t seem “right” drinking coffee during a game.
dogsbrekky
March 27th, 2012
7:04 pm
Just Pateeeeeee – where do you live ?
noleee
March 27th, 2012
7:05 pm
I never thought of AJ as being in Chipper’s league as a player, he was a better defender and had more raw power, but as for the other things you mention I disagree and i watched them both come up every year. B4 he hurt his knee Chipper was fast as greased lightning, even with the hurt knee he was a better baserunner than Druw ever was, Better hitter by far all around. their arms were pretty much a wash though its hard to compare infield/outfield arms.
CB
March 27th, 2012
7:05 pm
Afraid so, Pat. I usually wake up early, older I get the less I sleep.
Just Pateeeee
March 27th, 2012
7:06 pm
dogs
In the FL Panhandle…..TINY town…..
noleee
March 27th, 2012
7:06 pm
amen on tiny
Just Pateeeee
March 27th, 2012
7:07 pm
CB
Yeah…..and BECAUSE I get up earlier, I go to bed earlier, too.
Coach ( 2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 27th, 2012
7:08 pm
I’m right and I know I’m right……your turn LEWD.
ZWacky
March 27th, 2012
7:09 pm
the way his career peaked with huge HR totals for two year has anyone considered that Andruw might have been rubbin’ on the clear for a few years?
ZWacky
March 27th, 2012
7:11 pm
That would be a first
the truth...
March 27th, 2012
7:12 pm
Did you take a second look at Smoltzie’s POST SEASON record?????
Over 200 innings with 199 strikeouts…..15 wins….that’s a great SEASON folks….
Their postseason resumes: Smoltz had a 15-4 record, 2.67 ERA and four saves in 41 games (27 starts) with 199 strikeouts in 209 innings. (This guy was pretty good in the postseason, eh?)
MiaBchBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
7:15 pm
Wow. My over-and-under on Chipper was that he’d at least make it out of ST before he broke down. I say, give him half the season off, let him get uber-healthy, and let’s see what the second half brings. In the meantime, we need a LF’er like a drownign man needs a lifesaver.
Hello, waiver wire!
ZWacky
March 27th, 2012
7:15 pm
yes he was, especially considering how poorly he did in the clutch early in his career and needed a shrink to fix it.Whatever the doc did seemed to work
count_schemula
March 27th, 2012
7:17 pm
Andruw played a very short CF – taking away flares to left and right center and he could still get to the fence. His talent was unique. He just ALWAYS made the right first step as soon as the ball was hit. He did not rely on speed to cover ground as much as he was purely instinctual. I don’t think I ever saw him start one way, stop and switch direction. He some weird bird like sense. He was born to track fly balls.
All he had to do was play out his 30s hitting .265 with 25HRs and 85 RBIs and he was a lock.
I think he gets in. But I don’t think he’s a first ballot. Did he dominate? In some ways he did. He played 11 seasons, every game with stellar defense EVERY game providing more power than most CFs. It was ok that he was a sloppy power hitter, because Chipper was so rock solid and disciplined in the 3 hole posting a career .400OBP.
Was he a disappointment? Even Mantle is on record on saying that the drank cost his some extra greatness.
MiaBchBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
7:18 pm
All my teams – the Dolphins, Canadiens, Knicks, and (now) Braves – are not doing very well at all. That said, the Braves might very well be the best of my sad lot.
count_schemula
March 27th, 2012
7:18 pm
Smoltz’s numbers are better than Eck’s, and when you factor in the postseason (against playoff rosters) it’s not a question.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
7:19 pm
I love Andruw, but he’s in the “Hall of Very Good” to me.
count_schemula
March 27th, 2012
7:21 pm
Dolphins and Canes fan here as well. Already missing Lamar Miller and Tommy Streeter. They are improving though and played hard all season last year.
Dolphins? No comment. When they ran Shula off (even though it was to sign JJ) something happened to my bond with them.
Mister Frisky
March 27th, 2012
7:23 pm
Come on Count,Dolphins,Canes,and Braves.Welcome to world of irrelevance.
count_schemula
March 27th, 2012
7:24 pm
Chipper looked like hot fire coming out of last spring training. He came out limping to his retirement conference this year. Love him. He’s my Brave, but… this could be a long, creaky year for him.
That said I have my 115L Row 25 seats for the last home game.
If anyone needs two 117L Row 25 seats for that game at face value, look up my listing on Craigslist under tickets – Chipper’s Last Home Game.
count_schemula
March 27th, 2012
7:26 pm
Come on Count,Dolphins,Canes,and Braves.Welcome to world of irrelevance.
You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
7:29 pm
Chipper ain’t who he used to be, but he was one of our best hitters last year.
VaBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
7:30 pm
Andruw Jones will go down as one of the greatest defensive centerfielders of all time, good offensive numbers, but he’s gonna fall shy of the hall. Still helluva career.
VaBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
7:35 pm
Declined to fast, basically fell of a cliff, now he’s a platoon guy who can mash the hell outta LHP, Since 2007 when he turned 30 years old here Andruw’s numbers. Last 5 seasons.
495 Games 1778 PA 216/317/422/739 78 HR
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
7:44 pm
Braves notes: Hanson looks like Opening Day starter; Gearrin’s rough day; Fish to Dr. Andrews; Hudson’s return
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/27/signs-point-to-hanson-as-opening-day-starter/
VaBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
7:45 pm
Bench Competition is really close. Pretty sad Matty Diaz is basically has a locked spot…..
Matt Diaz
9 for 46 7 Singles, Double, HR, 3 Walks, 6 Strikeouts
Luis Durango
11 for 22 10 Singles, Triple, Rbi, 5 Walks, 1 Strikeout, 2 Steals, 2 Caught 0 Errors in 15 Chances
Jordan Parraz
12 for 35 9 Singles, Double, Triple, HR, 6 Rbi, 1 Walk, 3 Strikeouts, 1 CS, 2 Errors in 25 chances
Mister Frisky
March 27th, 2012
7:48 pm
Matt Die Azz,Another fat guy with diminishing skills.Can’t have enough of these athletes on your team.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
7:50 pm
Some people have seriously weird ideas of “fat”
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
7:52 pm
Murph is not HOF material. He thinks he’s funny and thinks he know everything about baseball. He offends Samantha and tells her to go home. He uses words like “doodie head” and the like. Murph is NOT Hall of Fame!! Murph is a moroon!
Gonna try later to get on the Samantha Train (read last blog). Just sounds like fun.
Serious now: If you talk about A Jones in the HOF, what about Jim Rice. He was dominate in the late 70’s. A run producing machine.
What about Bernie Williams? What about Jack Morris?
There are several on the bubble. But A Jones gets the backing on this blog because he was a Brave. Let’s be real. There are several geat players on that bubble list.
But…A Jones is still playing. His career isn’t over. Let’s see how it ends.
Mister Frisky
March 27th, 2012
7:53 pm
Sorry,Just a little frumpy then.
Jimmy
March 27th, 2012
7:54 pm
Got to go.
I’ll check it out in the morning.
Later good folks.
MiaBchBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
7:54 pm
Matty’s not a fatty.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
7:55 pm
Mister Frisky-
Wasn’t just referring to you
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
7:57 pm
Carlyle shines in cameo, hopes for a callback during season
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/03/27/carlyle-shines-in-cameo-hopes-for-callback-during-season/
MiaBchBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
7:58 pm
Just took my first bite ever of the low sugar, multi-grain Kellog’s Frosted Flakes…
Man, I miss my childhood.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
7:59 pm
Matt Die Azz,Another fat guy with diminishing skills. — Mister Frisky
Huh? Have you SEEN the guy this year? Geez, if anything he’s possibly too skinny.
Get a better TV or something, dude.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
8:01 pm
So at least it’s not just me…
MiaBchBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
8:04 pm
So much for The Tube adding 10-20 pounds to ya, huh, Mr. ‘Skie?
MiaBchBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
8:10 pm
So, does that mean The D-O-B and The c-a-b have E-S-P?…
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
8:13 pm
MiaBchBravesFan-
Great minds think alike…
George
March 27th, 2012
8:15 pm
It would be kind of cool to have CHIPPER come back as a playing MGR replaceing FREDI, but nolee is right as much as I dislike FREDI. IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. BTW I believe the last playing MGR was PETE ROSE.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
8:19 pm
Chipper has said more than once he has no interest in managing.
George
March 27th, 2012
8:21 pm
The American league is kind if silly, they have that silly DH rule. Now they have let two teams sneak off to Japan to start the season early. I don’t see how it is fair that this games can count, after all they will be playing Japan teams.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
8:23 pm
I don’t see how it is fair that this games can count, after all they will be playing Japan teams.
Ummm, the only games that will count are the ones they play against each other…
Mister Frisky
March 27th, 2012
8:25 pm
O’B my TV is quite nice thank you.Have only caught Braves on TV twice this spring,didn’t see Diaz in either game.Nice to know he is now manorexic.
TheJonesBoys
March 27th, 2012
8:25 pm
I am not supporting Andruw just because he is a Brave. Scott Rolen is another guy I would put in the HOF. Pretty good bat but historically great defense.
TheJonesBoys
March 27th, 2012
8:26 pm
Diaz has never been fat…give me a break dude.
George
March 27th, 2012
8:28 pm
We get to play ANDRUW tomorrow on ESPN.
George
March 27th, 2012
8:33 pm
Oh OAK will be playing SEA in Japan, that is even worse. Why would the Japan public even care?
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
8:36 pm
George-
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan. Plus, Ichiro is a national icon
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
8:38 pm
http://www.cnnsi.com/2012/writers/tom_verducci/03/27/japan.opener/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a0
Tom Verducci on the games in Japan (and the growing international popularity of baseball)
George
March 27th, 2012
8:40 pm
GREAT GOING last couple of games FREDDY.
MIBravesFan
March 27th, 2012
8:48 pm
Good song, DOB, thanks.
George
March 27th, 2012
8:51 pm
Good story on Japan. Thanks cab.
Choppinmama
March 27th, 2012
8:52 pm
Nice Crasnick article on the Maddux boys out in Texas
http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2012/story/_/id/7739499/greg-maddux-mike-maddux-formidable-duo-working-texas-rangers-mlb
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
8:53 pm
you’re welcome
Soph
March 27th, 2012
8:54 pm
cab & McFann -
http://www.littlebitfunky.com/2011/11/what-i-made-for-monday-reeses-stuffed.html
Drool.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
8:56 pm
Damn you Soph!!!
George
March 27th, 2012
8:58 pm
Very good story on GREG and MIKE in TEXAS.
George
March 27th, 2012
9:03 pm
Stuffed Oreos look kinda rich, but yum yum.
Soph
March 27th, 2012
9:03 pm
cab, I want to make it but I’ll want to eat all of them too.
Soph
March 27th, 2012
9:03 pm
cab, I want to make it but I’ll want to eat all of them too.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
9:03 pm
Soph-
They don’t fit into my meal plan…but I WANT
George
March 27th, 2012
9:07 pm
Well Conn game safely won, Peanut needs walk so outta here, Have a good night y’all.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
9:08 pm
Night George!
George
March 27th, 2012
9:09 pm
Night cab.
Soph
March 27th, 2012
9:10 pm
Bye George, hope you don’t have any Fredi nightmares.
noleee
March 27th, 2012
9:12 pm
Diaz a fatty huh? hmmm
noleee
March 27th, 2012
9:13 pm
you need to get two more dogs and name them Popcorn and Crackerjacks
Soph
March 27th, 2012
9:14 pm
I do hope Heyward haunts Chris’s dreams wherever he is in Sacramento.
ncbravesfan90
March 27th, 2012
9:18 pm
Say it ain’t so…..
Jack Cust To Sign With An NL Team
By Mike Axisa [March 27 at 8:15pm CST]
Jack Cust will sign a minor league contract with an NL team, reports Troy Renck of The Denver Post (on Twitter). That team is not the Rockies however, and we can also rule out the Astros since they released him this morning.
Cust, 33, signed a non-guaranteed Major League deal worth $600K with Houston in January. The one-year contract had also included a club option for 2013. Cust posted a .213/.344/.329 line with three home runs in 270 plate appearances for the Mariners in 2011, when he earned $2.5MM. However, the TWC Sports client averaged 28 homers and 103 walks with the A’s from 2007-09.
noleee
March 27th, 2012
9:18 pm
It’s interesting that you can read so much stuff on here that is simply not true but is stated over and over again as fact
noleee
March 27th, 2012
9:20 pm
I just threw up a bit in my mouth at just the thought of Cust possibly coming to the Braves
Mister Frisky
March 27th, 2012
9:23 pm
Cust and that 213 avg will fit right in.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
9:26 pm
sigh…how long before it goes from a rumor (NOT a fact) of Cust signing a minor league deal with any of 14 remaining NL teams to “Cust is going to start for the Braves” ??
noleee
March 27th, 2012
9:28 pm
not long, really scary stuff spreads likewildfire….
Moe Berg
March 27th, 2012
9:41 pm
It’s interesting that you can read so much stuff on here that is simply not true but is stated over and over again as fact–nolie
Can you imagine how much fiction-as-fact one would see on a political blog? (Though I am Nietzschean enough to find the category of ‘fact’ as extremely suspect.)
Moe Berg
March 27th, 2012
9:48 pm
I have seen a total of 1.5 innings of ST and so cannot make any claims to projection. How are people looking? What will I see at Citi Field in a week-and-a-half? I think the team is built well, if people perform within some proximity of capability. But actually seeing, I know, gives a much clearer sense.
Skeezix
March 27th, 2012
9:52 pm
In a very competitive NL East, the Braves will finish second — I am going out on a limb here because as things stand now, I think the Braves are a 3rd or 4th place team. But, I am assuming that the Braves will spend some money or trade to get some offensive help. The Phillies are not going to be as good as prior year as their offense won’t be as good. So there could be just a one or two game difference between the Braves and Phillies after 162 games.
Couch Tater
March 27th, 2012
10:03 pm
Buddy Carlyle’s been in 17 cities in 14 years, not including Atlanta. He should be in the Teamsters Union.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
10:19 pm
Fire the entire team except Freeman since he hit some homeruns today. And Prado should be safe and Mike Minor. Uggla to! The rest should be in the unemployment line ASAP!
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
10:19 pm
Buddy Carlyle’s been in 17 cities in 14 years, not including Atlanta. He should be in the Teamsters Union.
17 cities in 3 different countries…or does that 17 only include American cities?
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
10:23 pm
Cust sounds like a classic Wren move. Cheap, used to be alright and he doesn’t lose a nights sleep trading “the next big thing”.
Couch Tater
March 27th, 2012
10:23 pm
I just looked at his Minor League sheet which includes the Ham Merchants.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
10:25 pm
Couch Tater-
He also played in South Korea for a short time, which I don’t think is mentioned on his stat sheet…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
10:28 pm
Just got this message from Frank Wren:
“We believe Jack Cust can be a guy who could easily duplicate his numbers prior to last year. Power guy and a vetran presence for our younger players. He fills a possible need for our outfield, he’s great insurance. We’re excited to hae Jack on board. Plus, we now havetwo Jack’s on the squad. How many other teams can say that. It’s a name that’s gone by the wayside in recent time”
Moe Berg
March 27th, 2012
10:30 pm
Having lived in 13 places on three continents in fourteen years, I can understand–one becomes used to upheaval. Hope that Carlyle is adjusting well.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
10:34 pm
Jumping the gun a bit, CTB…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
10:35 pm
nolie, actually, puking in your mouth can be a good thing. Depends on what you last ate. Bacon is tasty. Nothing burps better than bacon …
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
10:36 pm
Just a little, cab.
Couch Tater
March 27th, 2012
10:38 pm
Schultz post an online book which lists Chipper’s Over/Under as 14.5 HR’s .270 AVG.
Last 3 years: 18,10,18 HR’s. .264, .265, .275 AVG.
Under.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
March 27th, 2012
10:40 pm
Soph—
Sorry I missed you…WHOA! That looks int’resting…
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
10:43 pm
Is it too early to go to bed?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
March 27th, 2012
10:46 pm
cab—
No!! For me, it’s a little late…
And so I’m off…Night, all!
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
10:47 pm
McFann-
Maybe, but it’s only 7:45 here…
Good night!!
Hillbilly
March 27th, 2012
10:49 pm
Is every single character on Justified not unbelievably great? It’s unreal. The casting is perfect. Art Mullen needs more air time. He’s outstanding.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
10:51 pm
Never seen Justified. Watching In Plain Sight and hoping I can be like Mary Shannon when I grow up. She is awesomely sarcastic and snarky
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
10:52 pm
Also- every time someone says “Marshal Marshall Mann” I snicker
Couch Tater
March 27th, 2012
10:55 pm
U Know Who –
Yes. I said, UNDER. Make me eat my words, Big Shot. “My Knee hurts.” wah, wah, wah.
noleee
March 27th, 2012
10:55 pm
yes Mary is my favorite on tv. mean as a snake. one of my mostest fave shows
Justified is a great show
noleee
March 27th, 2012
10:57 pm
over
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
10:58 pm
noleee-
You really need to stop liking the same shows I do…that’s not right!
noleee
March 27th, 2012
11:02 pm
she makes DOB look like a rook @ snarkiness
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
11:03 pm
yes she does. and it’s so awesome. maybe that’s my problem. all the women I like are snarky and sarcastic
noleee
March 27th, 2012
11:04 pm
me too for the most part
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
11:05 pm
fortunately, VJ seems to like snarky ladies too
homer brave 5
March 27th, 2012
11:05 pm
really the nationals come on dob
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
11:08 pm
Ken Gurnick @kengurnick
The Dodgers have reached an agreement to be sold to Magic Johnson’s bidding group, according to a baseball source. See http://dodgers.com.
Interesting…
Couch Tater
March 27th, 2012
11:12 pm
Tough call, nolie.
All depends on the leg drive. Not the drive drive. I hope you are correct.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
11:12 pm
Price somewhere between $1.5 and $2 billion from what I can find…without the parking lots…
noleee
March 27th, 2012
11:15 pm
what good is a stadium without parking lots?????
noleee
March 27th, 2012
11:16 pm
thats gonna make for a real mess if everybody has to just be dropped off and then picked up again…
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
11:17 pm
noleee-
The original deal (not sure if it was NewsCorp or McCourt) allowed the stadium and the lots to be dealt with as separate entities- and the bankruptcy court allowed McCourt to sell them (or keep the lots) separately…so he will still own the land the parking is located on, even as he sells the team and stadium…supposedly he may try to develop the land (which, of course, would totally screw the team and fans, but since he clearly has never cared about either, it’s not a shock)
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
11:20 pm
Most likely, the lots will be sold at a later date for an insane price…it’s messy and fascinating at the same time…
Woody Woodward
March 27th, 2012
11:32 pm
Aloha all. Anyone seen Lillehammer, the Netflix series w Stevie van zant?
count_schemula
March 27th, 2012
11:35 pm
Watched the first two episodes of Lilyhammer. Not bad. Not great. Have not exactly raced back to finish the series.
noleee
March 27th, 2012
11:35 pm
nope not yet anyway. any good?
Woody Woodward
March 27th, 2012
11:38 pm
It’s quirky. Bit of a showcase for van zant. Mafioso turns collar and “hides”out in Norway. Subtitles. He navigates the culture and social system w sicilian equipoise.
Woody Woodward
March 27th, 2012
11:40 pm
Gets a little better count. Wouldn’t put it on my calendar like the wire or even boardwalk empire. It’s good for a marathon one weekend
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2012
11:45 pm
According to the deal, Magic’s ownership group will be able to purchase the land surrounding the Stadium (the parking lots…) for an additional $150 million
Mister Frisky
March 27th, 2012
11:54 pm
2 billion,Magic and Kasten couuld have bought 4 Braves for that.
cabravesfan
March 28th, 2012
12:01 am
Magic would have zero interest in any other team- plus, his value is in his name. The person who will be the managing shareholder is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners (who’s assets are said to be around $125 billion)
cabravesfan
March 28th, 2012
12:02 am
I should say the Guggenheim guy (Mark Walter is his name)- will be the Controlling owner
cabravesfan
March 28th, 2012
12:11 am
time for bed
night all!
Mister Frisky
March 28th, 2012
12:15 am
cabravesfan,Your spot on.My guess that Magic has that role in all his business ventures.If he was the one running shopping centers,movie theaters,and star bucks no way would he have time for that ESPN gig.
StingerSplash
March 28th, 2012
1:51 am
DOB,
There’s a really great clip of MMJ doing I’m Amazed from the Live on Letterman series. Very good quality. Great tune from a tremendous band.
Ward
March 28th, 2012
2:23 am
Hello everyone! Maybe Buddys Carlyle has 17 different pitches that he picked up from all the cities? Little Humor.
Ward
March 28th, 2012
2:25 am
Who is Cust? Sounds like he’s has a load of crust in his pants. Sorry don’t need him. His Crusty’s will slow him down.
Ward
March 28th, 2012
2:31 am
I would have to say Jim Edmonds was slightly better than Andruw Jones.
Ward
March 28th, 2012
2:36 am
I remember Andruw hitting into a lot of double plays……Andruw was a good center fielder,but are his numbers legit to be a HOF? Some day maybe? That’s a big question though.
Ward
March 28th, 2012
2:48 am
I’m glad that I’m not the one who has to vote the players in,because you always end up leaving some one out.
Ward
March 28th, 2012
2:50 am
On that note, talk tomorrow,and all be cool,and excellent out there!Peace my friends…….”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Ward
March 28th, 2012
3:03 am
Back for a second-read some of the blogs,and Phil is as negative as always. Fire Fredi,or Fire this…….How aobut let’s fire Phil,and send him to rehab.LOL…….Peace Out!
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2012
4:11 am
It was entirely (and understandably) overshadowed by Magic Johnson and the whopping $2 billion price for the Dodgers, but ex-Braves (and ex-Nats) president Stan Kasten is in Magic’s group. Congrats, Stan.
What a day for Dodger fans. They went from Frank McCourt to this group? Wow. That’s a massive upgrade.
CB
March 28th, 2012
6:18 am
Replay of yesterday’s Braves game currently on MLBN for those interested.
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
6:49 am
paradox
the government wants every citizen to prove they have insurance……..
but people don’t have to prove they are citizens.
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2012
7:33 am
Sunrise over Lake Bryan. Evil Empire visits Dark Star today: Yankees vs. Braves, 1:05 p.m. on ESPN
http://twitpic.com/92dkeo
Couch Tater
March 28th, 2012
7:36 am
How do you get the Dodger fans to embrace an investment banker from Chicago?
By magic.
JRW
March 28th, 2012
7:48 am
The Dodgers will now be the next big spenders with this group. This another way the Braves TV Deal is hurting them. The price paid for the Dodgers was due a lot to the fact that the Ownership Group will get it all back in the new Deal this season. Scott Boras is already sending his 2013 Free Agent Resumes to them. The Braves franchise will never be as valuable with the 25 year TV Deal they have in place, which means the fans could be stuck with this ownership for quite some time and have to watch as teams like the Nationals and Astros get huge TV Deals and start becoming more relevant than the Braves. Agents won’t even call the Braves for an offer on Free Agents because their Clients won’t want to be here. The future looks bleak for fans of the Braves because of the TV revenues the other teams will be receiving while the Braves get nothing.
Couch Tater
March 28th, 2012
7:50 am
Over/Under of an AP Photo of Tommy Lasorda and Magic Johnson at a news conference. 5 hours.
Over/Under of an AP Photo of Mark Walters and Jerry Reinsdorf.
1015 years.ncgary
March 28th, 2012
7:55 am
since it was a media company that owned them , if a new owner
assumed control maybe he could explore collusion options and get the
deal overturned
JRW
March 28th, 2012
8:28 am
DOB – What is your take on the effect new TV revenue deals are having with Baseball and how bad is the deal the Braves have going forward. Do you think they will be at a distinct dis-advantage as the rest of the league gets millions/billions to spend?
Trader Jack
March 28th, 2012
8:40 am
Dodgers TV deal worth at least $4.0 billion over 20 years. Padres new deal worth $75.0 mil per year. The Astros are working with Comcast on a joint deal with the Rockets that will give them $60.0 mil per year. Nats are working on a re-do with MASN that will more than double their take to approx. $60 mil per year. And the Phils are in preliminary discussions with Comcast, as their deal expires in 2015. TV executives and some agents, including Scott Boras figure their new deal will come in at a whopping $5.0 billion over 20 years.
Ease
March 28th, 2012
8:50 am
Today’s lineup vs. NYY (1:05, ESPN/1230AM): Bourn 8 Prado 5 McCann 2 Uggla 4 Freeman 3 Heyward 9 Simmons 6 Constanza 7 Beachy 1
Lew
March 28th, 2012
8:56 am
The XM Announcers seem to believe that we will get Marlon Byrd and tht the price will be Kris Medlen.
Yeah, we don’t have a great tv deal, y’all – but do any of you truly believe that a cntract similar to that of the New York teams or the Dodgers was ever a vague possibility? Funny that no one seems to realize that the teams with the mega deals have huge audiences compared to Atlanta?
Lew
March 28th, 2012
8:59 am
And if the Nats are able to re-do their deal, then why can’t the Braves?
Trader Jack
March 28th, 2012
9:02 am
Lew
The Atlanta TV market ranks 8th larger than markets like Houston, Phoenix, Detroit, San Diego, etc.
Trader Jack
March 28th, 2012
9:05 am
Time Warner structured the current Braves TV deal, so the chances of a re-do are remote at best
CrαZy
March 28th, 2012
9:09 am
Soon we’ll be the fanbase that wakes up to the news that the Braves have been sold!!! Lets just hope it’s to people that want to win and not a group of cheap idiots like the ones that own the Hawks!!!
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
9:10 am
“The XM Announcers seem to believe that we will get Marlon Byrd and tht the price will be Kris Medlen.”
If so, that’s a price far too high. Wren got Bourn for much less. The key is how much of Byrd’s salary could/would Wren take off the Cubs’ hands? The more the better for the Cubs.
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
9:13 am
“Time Warner structured the current Braves TV deal, so the chances of a re-do are remote at best”
It’s all about the contract, how it’s structured. Seems that the Braves’ TV deal is pretty airtight. I imagine if Braves’ attorneys could find an out, they’d do so.
Trader Jack
March 28th, 2012
9:16 am
LA Times reports sale price of Dodgers at $2.15 billion – wow
richbrave
March 28th, 2012
9:17 am
BRAVES win, BRAVES win, BRAVES win……..oh yeah, forgot. It’s still ST. Just watched the 6:00 a.m. telecast on MLBN.
JAIRO ASENCIO took no time off between last season, the off-season and this spring. His arm may be tired because he’s not getting the late movement on his fastball I normally have seen with him. Dude should have taken a month off. No more options. Last shot to make the BRAVES in the seventh slot. I would put him on the roster, and shut him down for two weeks starting now.
Maybe send GEARRIN back to GWINNETT. Problem is YOHAN FLANDE is the only other suspect to plug in the sixth slot if he goes out. CORY didn’t exactly step it up. Bad outing. His mantra lately, two good outings, followed by one great, then one bad. I’m assuming this was the latter because he has pitched well at other times this spring. He doesn’t look smooth with that side-arm delivery like last year. Doesn’t look like he’s getting a good break on his pitches. Both DOB and I pegged him for the pen, but I see why the BRAVES continue their search for that third lefty and a seventh man.
Lefty’s YOHAN FLANDE and JOSE LUGO are good AAAA pitchers though I think YOHAN inproved over last season, and might become servicable in ATLANTA sometime this upcoming season IF he steps it up another notch. I don’t think LUGO is ready at this point.
LH BOBBY FISH is on the shelf with some ailment I guess. I think he goes to FA rather than the 25-man. Worth a 50m gamble. Don’t forget sports fans, FISH is a two-time Rule 5′er.
richbrave
March 28th, 2012
9:21 am
Keep MEDS forget BYRD if that’s the price.
BUDDY CARLYLE, TODD REDMOND and 1.5 million of BYRD’s salary. Now that’s a trade I can get behind. Heh!
Lew
March 28th, 2012
9:22 am
Trader Jack – Houston has the fourth largest population in the U.S.. Atlanta’s market includes freaking Alabama and South Carolina. Which is the larger audience?
These contracts seemingly have no rhyme or reason behind them and judging by some of the salary levels of teams that have these sweetheart deals don’t seem to fit together all that well.
And don’t all the teams share in the National MLB TV revenue? All of the McCarver broadcasts, the direct tv and Extra Innings deals?
Lew
March 28th, 2012
9:23 am
Not to mention that if there’s nothing that can be done to change the deal, bitching about it like has been done won’t change anything.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
March 28th, 2012
9:23 am
I like Byrd, but if they trade Meds for him, I’ll be more than a little peeved…
Ease
March 28th, 2012
9:23 am
Fish went to see Dr. Andrews, and DOB speculated that he may be looking at TJ, in which case he goes on the DL and Braves keep him.
CrαZy
March 28th, 2012
9:24 am
Lew
I think the braves could get a very good TV deal. Better than you think. The Braves are popular nationwide plus many Braves fans stay home to watch games vs. getting their fat arses off the couch and down to the park!!!!
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
9:24 am
In contrast, the Cubs were bought less than three years ago for about 845 mil. To look at it another way, the Dodgers were bought for 430 mil 8 years ago, sold for 2.15 bil now, a 400% increase. So, you should either buy a successful sports franchise or Action Comics #1, I guess.
richbrave
March 28th, 2012
9:26 am
Maybe ASENCIO for BYRD and 1.5 million of salary. JAIRO’s out of options. He’s a good pitcher…..most of the time.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
9:28 am
Crazy – Nationwide has nothing to do with a local deal, I go to Braves’ games in other cities (Boston, Toronto, Montreal when they still had the Expos) and realize how well the Braves draw on the road, but that won’t translate to a local deal.
And stop and loook at this in a different light. San Diego signed a $70 mil a year deal? Then why is their payroll around $45 mil? Something is just NOT adding up.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
9:29 am
Hugo – There may be more sports franchises than copies of Action Comics #1.
richbrave
March 28th, 2012
9:31 am
Ease:
ROBERT FISH. Well if TJ is in the future, I’d keep him too. Never know what a year and a half can bring. He just might come back better than ever.
richbrave
March 28th, 2012
9:32 am
LEW:
Doesn’t look like I’m getting a new e-mail anytime soon. You’ve got my snail-mail address right?
Trader Jack
March 28th, 2012
9:35 am
Lew
According to the 2010 Census, Atlanta is the 9th largest MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area), larger than Boston, San Fran/Oakland, Detroit, Phoenix.
The national TV deal does involve revenue sharing
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
9:36 am
yeah lew and they are getting one/thirtieth of mlb deal, (guessing somehwere in the neighborhood of 2 billion annually divided 30 ways) which would be around 67 million and thats all before ticket sales parking whatever vending contracts they have etc…..
no money to be made here , move along lmao
Patrick
March 28th, 2012
9:36 am
Giving up Medlen to acquire Byrd would be a very very bad trade for the Braves.
Bryd has started to decline and who knows how fast that will continue. And Medlen’s best days are ahead of him.
I still firmly believe that Meds should be in the rotation come opening day.
The only problem is that now the cubs are run by competent people, so making a treade with them won’t be as easy as it used to be.
But if that’s they price for Byrd…I’d have no problem letting him fly away
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
9:39 am
yankees at dark star today. whose on the mound starting? beachey?
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
9:40 am
After extensive research (i.e. more than sixty seconds worth), I have learned that the estimate is 50-100 copies of Action #1 in existence. The copy that was owned by actor Nicolas Cage sold for 2.16 mil about three months ago. It originally sold for 10 cents in 1938. I haven’t figured out the price appreciation of that vs. a successful sport franchise from 1938.
RC
March 28th, 2012
9:41 am
The only problem is that now the cubs are run by competent people, so making a treade with them won’t be as easy as it used to be.
Or it could be much easier. You might not be able to “fleece” a competent team, but you are much more likely to be able to agree on a player’s value, and not be asked for the moon and stars for a good/not great player (I’m looking at you Baltimore….).
Hillbilly
March 28th, 2012
9:42 am
I’ll take the Medlen/Hinske combo over the Marlon Byrd/Todd Redmond replacement combo any ol’ day of the week.
richbrave
March 28th, 2012
9:42 am
YANKEES? Dang, bound to be on ESPN then!
RC
March 28th, 2012
9:43 am
I haven’t figured out the price appreciation of that vs. a successful sport franchise from 1938.
Going to be a hard calculation to make, since a sports franchise has both revenues and expenses over time, and a comic book has neither (except the expense of those little plastic baggies).
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2012
9:43 am
Braves lineup: Bourn cf, Prado 3b, McCann c, Uggla 2b, Freeman 1b, Heyward rf, Simmons ss, Constanza lf, Beachy rhp
Lew
March 28th, 2012
9:44 am
Trader Jack – I still contend that those market figures are just flat wrong. I just can’t accept that Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas are metro Atlanta.
I’m also not convinced that there is no money to be had without a huge TV deal. Seems to me that attendance is what leads to money for payroll – most of your teams with huge payrolls have great attendance. We’re 15th in attendance and 15th in payroll.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
9:45 am
HUgo – Well, not even the Yankees can colpete with Superman – especially a very young Superman still in his prime, right?
brian
March 28th, 2012
9:48 am
unless the Cubs throw in a major prospect in the deal, no way I deal Medlen for Byrd
CrαZy
March 28th, 2012
9:48 am
Lew — you’re right about the nationwide thing… but I do think they could get a very lucrative deal right now if they were able to do so. I’m not worried about it though teams have proven that you can win as a mid payroll team so as long as that’s where we are we can win. Hopefully one day we’ll get an owner that continues to run a smart organization, but is willing to spend money when needed.
Amgmeg1
March 28th, 2012
9:49 am
Enter your comments here
Ease
March 28th, 2012
9:49 am
Lew…
The Atlanta metropolitan area, officially (as designated by the US Census Bureau) known as the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta Metropolitan Statistical Area and unofficially known as metro Atlanta, is the most populous metro area in the U.S. state of Georgia and the ninth-largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the United States.
The Atlanta metropolitan area spans up to 28 counties in north Georgia and had a total 2010 population of 5,268,860.[2]According to the 2010 ranking of world cities undertaken by the Globalization and World Cities Study Group & Network, Atlanta is considered an “Alpha- World City.”[3][4]
Atlanta’s larger combined statistical area (CSA) adds the Gainesville, Georgia MSA, and the LaGrange, Georgia, Thomaston Georgia, Cedartown, Georgia, and Valley, Alabama micropolitan areas, for a total 2009 estimated population of 5,831,778.[5] The CSA also abuts the Athens, Macon, and Columbus MSAs. The region is the central metropolis of the Southeastern United States, and is the largest metropolitan area in the emerging megalopolis known as the Piedmont Atlantic MegaRegion along the I-85 Corridor.
CrαZy
March 28th, 2012
9:51 am
Even though Meds is one of my favorite Braves, I’ll be ok if he gets traded….. Just not for someone like Byrd!! Surely Meds is more valuable than that!!
Duke
March 28th, 2012
9:55 am
Meds for Byrd would be dumb, dumb, dumb. Now, Meds, Simmons, and picking up some of Bryds contract for Starling Castro and Byrd would be nice.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 28th, 2012
9:56 am
Morning all, did anyone bother to read the comments made by Greg Walker, the Braves’ new hitting coach, about Freddie Freeman? After Freddie hitting two out yesterday to center and left center he was talking about FF learning to pull the ball….. I nearly gagged… Have not we seen enough pull happy players to last a lifetime in Atlanta?
Our own acknowledged hitting Guru, Chipper Jones, as well as Terry Pendleton have preached for years the value of going the other way with the ball. Seeing the ball longer. Even Matt Diaz said he became too pull happy last season and suffered as a result of it.
Why does Frank Wren insist on bringing in guys who have proven only to screw up players swings? If Walker’s hitting philosophy prevails, I see an even longer fall into the depths than last season.
As for Meds for Byrd… It would take the Cubs paying all of Byrd’s salary for the season to make it a nearly fair trade. Even then, I think the Cubs would be a real winner. Only push is Med’s having a low ceiling on innings this year coming off Tommy John surgery. Dr. Andrews recommends a pitcher not exceed 160 inning pitched the year following TJ.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
9:58 am
Ease – You do realize that the I 85 corridor includes the Carolinas? And go check out the most populous cities in the U.S. I think you’ll be surprised at who has a much bigger population than ATL – metro or otherwise.
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2012
9:58 am
Hulk Hogan just walked on field. Wearing a black do-rag and shades. Whatev. He ain’t no “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes or “King of Memphis” Jerry Lawler.
Monty
March 28th, 2012
10:00 am
Medlen is gone IMO. He will be traded to bring in someone who can play LF,CF,or 3rd or any combination of the 3 when CHipper is out. FW cannot depend on Chipper being in the lineup. Whatever Chipper gives us will be gravy. The Braves FO obviously feel that with Minor blossoming and with Teheran/Degado having more upside(no pun intended) than Medlen, and the two are almost there as starters that Medlen is the “odd man” out. His value is as a starter, not some 3rd man on the totem-pole guy in the pen. Just my opinion. And for whatever it’s worth, (zip),I feel the Braves will be making a big mistake.
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
10:05 am
really monty, my sentiments exactly
Ease
March 28th, 2012
10:06 am
Metropolitan Statistical Areas of the United States of America
Rank Metropolitan Statistical Area/2010/Pop 2000/Pop Change/Combined Statistical Area
1 New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA MSA 18,897,109 18,323,002 +3.13% New York-Newark-Bridgeport, NY-NJ-CT-PA CSA
2 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA MSA 12,828,837 12,365,627 +3.75% Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, CA CSA
3 Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI MSA 9,461,105 9,098,316 +3.99% Chicago-Naperville-Michigan City, IL-IN-WI CSA
4 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX MSA 6,371,773 5,161,544 +23.45% Dallas-Fort Worth, TX CSA
5 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA 5,965,343 5,687,147 +4.89% Philadelphia-Camden-Vineland, PA-NJ-DE-MD CSA
6 Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX MSA 5,946,800 4,715,407 +26.11% Houston-Baytown-Huntsville, TX CSA
7 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA 5,582,170 4,796,183 +16.39% Washington-Baltimore-Northern Virginia, DC-MD-VA-WV CSA
8 Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL MSA 5,564,635 5,007,564 +11.12% primary census statistical area
9 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA MSA 5,268,860 4,247,981 +24.03% Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Gainesville, GA-AL CSA
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
10:06 am
Byrd isn’t worth Medlen. Consider that Medlen is talked about as a swing guy – bullpen to rotation. Are we certain about Hanson’s health? Jurrjens’? Hudson’s? Granted, Medlen spent last year recuperating from Tommy John surgery, but he appears to have recovered.
Who would Wren and Gonzalez prefer to take a rotation spot, if need be, Medlen or one of the prospects? Or anyone really want a reprise of Buddy Carlyle?
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
10:06 am
although the trade scenario duke offered up i would consider trading meds if he brought back a starling castro type, but cubbies aint that stooopid
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:08 am
Guess it depends on whether or not you think the Braves are a stronger, more competitive team with a solid play like Byrd in the outfield or Meds pitching.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:11 am
Ease – I know – I’ve read the lists numerous times – just don’t really agree all that much with them.
However, erven so – notice that Houston,Miami and DC are all above us in the lists and still have much lower payrolls than the Braves.
Just not seeing a correlation to that list and attendance or how much teams spend.
Monty
March 28th, 2012
10:11 am
Braves already have a swingman in Christian Martinez, or just bring up one of the 2 guys from AAA in JT or RD if a starter gets injured after Huddy come off IR.
jeffrey d
March 28th, 2012
10:12 am
YANKEES? Dang, bound to be on ESPN then!
It’s like they’re not even trying to shoot down their image. When Favre was reportedly about to sign with Minnesota, they had nonstop coverage of that and countlessly replayed the video of him getting off the airplane. The only time they interrupted Favre watch was to recap the Yankees/Red Sox game, then they went back to Favre.
Tomahawkin, what’s your take on ESPN?
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
10:12 am
“Medlen is gone IMO. He will be traded to bring in someone who can play LF,CF,or 3rd or any combination of the 3 when CHipper is out.”
Monty, as long as his name isn’t “Marlon.” Further, I can’t see Wren trying to obtain a 3B when Prado is capable of manning the position. Wren’s after outfield help, as I gather.
Medlen’s not off-limits in a trade, IMO, but the return has to be more than Marlon Byrd. Like I wrote earlier, Wren got Bourn for a lot less than the likes of Medlen.
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
10:13 am
I think Medlen is a better pitcher than Martinez, and the kids are kids… who knows if they’re ready for prime time now?
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:14 am
Not to mention that there’s a substantial difference between the top several areas on that list and the last several. Atlanta less than a third as many as NY. That’s huge disparity.
We need a salary cap.
brian
March 28th, 2012
10:14 am
an old NWA / turner sports wrestling fan are you DOB??? Dusty Rhodes made a mint out of being a fat slob but he was good on camera.
I was always more an old WWF growing up – Hulk Hogan, the Iron Shiek, Junkyard Dog, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Andre the Giant, etc. Peaked at Wrestlemania 1.
Maybe at a game this year we can see DOB rip away a tear away shirt??
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:15 am
Jeff R – The Braves weren’t dealing with Theo Epstein, et al when they got Bourn.
jeffrey d
March 28th, 2012
10:17 am
Monty, as long as his name isn’t “Marlon.”
So that eliminates Byrd and Wayans….
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2012
10:17 am
“You detest the fact that I’ve got more cars than most of you have friends.” – Ric Flair
Danga
March 28th, 2012
10:18 am
OPS + of Marlon Byrd last season 96. OPS + of Jason Heyward last season 95.
jeffrey d
March 28th, 2012
10:18 am
The top 3 on that list also have 2 teams each.
Danga
March 28th, 2012
10:19 am
WOOO!
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:20 am
jeffrey d – Yeah, but have three times the population to lean on. And ask the Mets how much they have to spend.
Danga
March 28th, 2012
10:21 am
In all honesty, Medlen is an undersized pitcher coming off major surgery. We may value him a bit more here on the blog than folks in the baseball world.
Monty
March 28th, 2012
10:21 am
Jeff R
I don’t disagree with anything you have said. Just trying to look at it from what I have observed from the BRaves(FO) point of view, and that (to me anyway,highly subjective I know) the feeling I get is they are determined for both JT and RD to be starters by next season, and not so much KM. If Chipper was starting the season healthy then Medlen would be a nice luxury to have to FW. But I don’t believe KM is anywhere in FW’s plans as a future starter for this team.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:24 am
Do we need more offense and outfield defense or do we need the extra pitching? The answer to that question will determine if we keep Medlen or not. From all I’ve heard, they’re looking for the outfield option.
Hillbilly
March 28th, 2012
10:24 am
Occupying two bullpen spots with Ascencio and Gearrin already decreases the warm fuzzies. Taking out Medlen and replacing him with the likes of a Flande, Carlyle, or Redmond really gives me the heebie-jeebies.
JRW
March 28th, 2012
10:25 am
Lew – Agreed. There’s a big difference making a deal with Ed Wade over Theo Epstein.
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
10:26 am
maddux was an undersized pitcher with a medium speed fastball.
how’d that workout for him/?
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:27 am
JRW – Definitely.
Hillbilly – Everyone keeps forgetting Varvaro, noit realiing he did great last year despite having a terrible spring.
jeffrey d
March 28th, 2012
10:27 am
Ric Flair was one of the best to watch in the 80’s and 90’s, but he hung on way too long. It’s a tough buy for me to believe that this guy could compete with athletic 20-somethings
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Ric_Flair_vs_Doug_Williams_3.jpg
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
10:28 am
i can see letting ,meds go, but it better be a lot better option than marlon
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
10:29 am
Lew… yes, but how badly does Wren want Byrd? No offer good options out there in baseball-dom than Byrd for Meds?
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
10:31 am
Marlon Byrd’s OPS+ has been in decline for three straight seasons. If you really want him, you better not give up a lot.
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
10:32 am
Monty,
I’m restricting my thoughts about Medlen to this season. I agree that Delgado and Teheran are rotation guys next season. Again, though, I’m not sure that either is ready to step into a starting role this season at Atlanta. But maybe. And I’m not against trading Medlen. Yes, Medlen’s coming off surgery, so that diminishes his value somewhat, but isn’t he worth more than Byrd?
RC
March 28th, 2012
10:35 am
maddux was an undersized pitcher with a medium speed fastball.
how’d that workout for him/?
Awesome, we’ve reached the point in the blog where current players are compared to Maddux.
While the statement above is true, how did being a undersized pitcher with a medium speed fastball work out for the few thousands guys who WEREN’T Greg Maddux? I’m going to go out on a huge limb here and say that Medlen is probably a lot closer to those guys than he is to Maddux (and I actually like Medlen…that was just a comparison that invites criticism).
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
10:36 am
Flair once mooned us … or Bret Hart pulled his trunks down and gave everybody a scare. Pale white butt and flabby. But at least Flair and others like Hart could wrestle and had talent in a ring, unlike Hogan.
I’d really like to see Byrd in our OF, but CJ will be back in a few weeks. Where would that leave Byrd and/or Prado. Neither are really bench players.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
10:38 am
Our players compare more favorably to Gary Maddox than they do Greg Maddux.
http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnwwdtHjOh1qbl67ao1_400.jpg
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:39 am
It has to do with what you need and what you have available to give up for that need. The Braves need a solid outfielder and Byrd is better by far than any other option we have. Medlen is not essential.
I’d rather not have to trade Medlen, preferring instead to see a deal like was made for Bourn. However, I don’t see that happening. We’re going to have to give up a piece we’d rather keep. Just the price you pay when you have a glaring need that just started to glare even more.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:40 am
Murph – I wouldn’t mind having Gary Maddox in his prime right about now. Great defender and decent hitter.
Hillbilly
March 28th, 2012
10:40 am
Lew, I haven’t forgotten about him. I’m just hesitant to go north with him and hope he repeats that trend. If he earns the call from Gwinnett, I’d be more than happy to see him back in Atlanta.
unbelievable
March 28th, 2012
10:41 am
Prado can spell 1b, 2b, 3b, and LF. Byrd could spell all 3 OF positions. All could get plenty of playing time. This really shouldve been addressed a couple of months ago. Chipper will not play more than 120-125 games. We have 9 potential SP’s and sometimes you have to move one of those guys. Pitching will not be our issue and I highly doubt that Fredi is smart enough to use Medlen out of the pen correctly anyways.
Trader Jack
March 28th, 2012
10:41 am
One final comment on the Dodgers deal. The Johnson/Kasten group had the least amount of cash on the table out of the three groups bidding. We’ll see how things work out for them down the road.
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
10:43 am
A little bit of the thinking about Byrd on the blog seems to be that Epstein and the Cubs have the leverage. Let’s not forget that the Cubs probably wouldn’t mind being relieved of some of Byrd’s salary and clearing his roster spot. I haven’t read anything that suggests that the Cubs are saying, “Medlen for Byrd, take it or leave it.”
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:44 am
The word is that the Nats are also interested in Byrd. So many seem to believe theat they are better than the Braves, so maybe he has more worth than some think he does?
Murph
March 28th, 2012
10:45 am
Lew, I’ve actually got a Gary Maddox rookie card. Mrs Murph thought she was buying me a really nice gift to go with my Greg Maddux “shrine” that I have in my home office….
Needless to say that she now knows the difference between the two.
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
10:46 am
The Nats outfield isn’t that strong, IMO. I could see why they’d have an interest in Byrd (and others), too.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:46 am
Hillbilly – Maybe Varvaro is a later in the season Dude, but he damned well pitched great for us last year, despite having an atrocious spring. I think there’s much more to him than some believe is all. Plus he pitches multiple innings – a good thing especially if Medlen is dealt.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
10:47 am
What about Gilmartin? Or Gilmartin and Gattis or some other combo instead of Meds? Given that the Cubs are in full-on rebuilding, I’d think they wouldn’t be averse to a package of mid-level prospects for Byrd instead of a guy like Medlen alone.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:48 am
Murph – But “water covers two thirds of the world andf Gary Maddox covers the other third” – No one ever said that about Greg.
But yeah, I’d love to have a young Greg Maddux again. Where’s that time machine when we really need it?
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:49 am
I think they’d proably prefer to keep Gilmartin instead of Medlen.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
10:50 am
I could point out that Byrd’s s.t. OPS is currently .650. Of course, in the interest of fairness, I could also point out that Joe Mather’s is 1.197. Hey…
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:51 am
Sounds almost like a December conversation this morning.
unbelievable
March 28th, 2012
10:51 am
Byrd plays a premium position. He’s above average in both CF and RF. According to WAR values he’s well worth the money that he’s being paid. The problem is the Braves budget once again isnt capable of absorbing any more salary and we’ve brought back basically the same team that wasnt good enough last year. If the Braves are wanting the Cubs to pick up the majority of the salary then they will have to give up a decent arm.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:52 am
JeffR – And our outfield is strong?
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:53 am
unbelievable – You just hit the proverbial nail on it’s sweet spot. Got to pay – one way or another.
unbelievable
March 28th, 2012
10:53 am
Lew, I agree with your thoughts on Varvaro. He’s a good arm that has just had a bad spring. You cant base judgement on 6IP of Spring Training statistics.
Hillbilly
March 28th, 2012
10:54 am
Lew,
and I think we agree on all of that, but I just want to see it a second time before I jettison a proven major league arm. Maybe last season was his norm and he’s a slow starter. Maybe last season was a fluke and he’s going to Kyle Davies us. If Moylan was healthy and reliable, it would be easier to take that risk, I guess.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
10:55 am
Does Gilmartin have more potential than Medlen? I don’t know, haven’t really seen him pitch…
There has to be some non-Medlen combo of prospects that would get their attention.
Jeff R
March 28th, 2012
10:57 am
Lew… depends. Does Heyward stay healthy and produce as hoped? Can’t say. Bourn have a marquee contract year? I think so. Prado returns to form? I believe so, though he logs considerable time at third.
Not saying adding another outfielder, including Byrd, isn’t smart, given Chipper’s status. Just questioning value exchanged (Medlen) for Byrd.
unbelievable
March 28th, 2012
10:58 am
Whats more important to this team? Medlen pitching every couple of days in the 6th inning or us upgrading the offense with a LF bat to play the 50 games or so that Chipper/Prado/Heyward will miss? I dont want to see Diaz in LF
Lew
March 28th, 2012
10:58 am
Hillbilly – Thing is that you aren’t jettisoning said arm just to put Varvaro in the pen – you’re doing it to strengthen your outfield in particular and your team in general. The appropriate question is is your team stronger with Byrd in the outfield and Varvaro in the pen or with Medlen in the pen and Diaz/HInske/Durango/Constanza/Parraz in the field?
I think the answer would be Byrd and Varvaro – but of course, that is mere speculation at this point. Be nice if there were parrallel universes we could visit to see the results ahead of time for comparison.
Where is Zelazny’s Amber and Shadow when we really need them?
Hillbilly
March 28th, 2012
11:02 am
There has to be some non-Medlen combo of prospects that would get their attention.
Yes I agree, and you’re about to force me onto my “JJ Hoover-should-have-remained-a-starter” soapbox. I get really ugly there.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 28th, 2012
11:07 am
Okay, you guys have been beating this dead horse long enough. We all want maximum return for our guys. So do the other teams. The Nations have an interest in Byrd because Lance Nix is gone and Morse is hurt right now. They have been looking for a centerfielder for 3 years. Likely will pay for Bourn next year when he becomes a free agent. Their current stopgap is Rick Ankiel.
They are holding Bryce Harper back so they can retain control over him longer. No “Super Two”…..
It is all about the Benjamins for Lerner.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
11:08 am
How many years of control does Medlen have left? That has to factor into the decision, at least a little.
My reasons for not wanting to ship Medlen off are: I don’t think either Delgado or Teheran are ready, I don’t think Hudson/Hanson/JJ will be healthy all season, I want a backup plan in case Minor’s strong spring does not carry over to the regular season, and I don’t trust Varvaro with the ball in a scary situation.
Monty
March 28th, 2012
11:09 am
Lot of undersized players in the past(especially by todays standards) have achieved great success. Look at the picture of Glavine compared to Smoltz or even Maddux who wan’t a big guy either. Hudson was so undersized coming out of highschool he wasn’t even drafted. Whitey Ford won 300 games at 5′10″ tall. Heck by todays fetish for size, guys like Willie Mays 5′10″ 170 and Aaron 5′11″ in his cleats might not have been given a fair shake when compared physically with a JHEY prototype player. Size truly doesn’t matter in baseball. Think Jimmy Wynn (the toy cannon). It’s whether or not you can play the game. But most people(FO people,scouts, mgrs.and fans) allow size to color their interpretation of a players ability and how they project their future. Compare Medlen’s minor league stats(and major league for that matter)with Hanson’s, Delgados, and Teheran’s and see how they compare. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.
Gil in Mechanicsville
March 28th, 2012
11:09 am
Okay, time for a nap….
Hillbilly
March 28th, 2012
11:10 am
Lew, I guess I’m beating around the bush here. I think Byrd could be had without giving up Medlen. Yes the club would be stronger with Byrd, but the bullpen stamina was a big concern last year, and Medlen is supposed to be the solution to that. And if J.J. Hoover were getting starter innings like he should have been getting all along, he would be a damn good trade candidate. And now I’m getting mad just thinking about that again.
unbelievable
March 28th, 2012
11:12 am
Hillbilly, Byrd could be had without giving up Medlen for sure. However, if we want them to pick up the majority of the salary then of course the situation changes dramatically. Byrd is worth the $6mil he’s getting paid and Theo/Wren both know that.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
11:19 am
Lew, you’re not being obscure enough. Where’s L. Sprague DeCamp when you need him?
CrαZy
March 28th, 2012
11:22 am
I think Byrd could be had without giving up Medlen. Yes the club would be stronger with Byrd, but the bullpen stamina was a big concern last year
I agree with that and to add to it what are the odds that Eric O, Venters and Kimbrel are as dominate as they were last year?? I think Meds could be a very important pitcher out of the pen if that’s where he stays all year!! I’d much rather see an unproven minor league pitcher or 2 go for Byrd instead!!
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:24 am
Let me preface this by saying I’m a Medlen fan and really like him – would love to keep him in our pen. However…..
It is entirely possible that despite how much we all like Meds, tht opposing teams will view him as a pitcher coming off of serious surgery and who owns a 9-7 career mark with an ERA just south of 4 at 3.85 with damned little MLB experience.
Yeah, I know – he’s ors and carried the My Little Pony back pack and we won lots of his starts before he was hurt. But……….that may not nbe how everyone else views him and maybe it shouldn’t be.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
11:28 am
Lew, stop being so logical. Makes you stick out like a sore thumb around here.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:29 am
Hugo – Old Sprague, huh? Vultured a lot of Howard’s Conan stories and while doing so, introduced him to a huge audience. He and Lin Carter probably did more for Howard’s popularity than all the editors who bought REH’s work.
I knew Roger Zelazny, though – met him on several occasionas and corresponded with him for 15 years – and got to illustrate the Amber novels. His son is FB friend and a pretty good author in his own right (or is that write?).
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:30 am
Murph – Im sorry. I think we might get Byrd for a bag of balls if we tried hard enough and Frank Wren didn’t suck at his job.
Better?
TheOnlyBravesFan
March 28th, 2012
11:31 am
LOL Murph. But I do agree with Lew, as another baseball FO, I’d look at Meds as “damaged” goods, and not untouchable.
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
11:32 am
think or scrutinize whatever. i don’t remember comparing maddux to medlin, just the fact they were undersized and didn’t have an overwhelming fastball. but draw your own conclusions. i say let the nats have marlon, good deal , that way they get fleeced instead of braves
BravePack(FreeFan)
March 28th, 2012
11:32 am
I wouldn’t give Meds up for 1 year of Byrd. Plus where does he go when Chipper comes back and Heyward does the unthinkable and hits well? Medlen is a nice insurance policy to have if someone else goes down which is inevitable.
So I was reading Fredi’s comments on the SS battle and it sounds to me like Simmons will go up north. Why you ask? Because he made the comments that the Braves don’t need the SS to hit .290 and do a lot offensively but what’s more important is they need him to play well on defense which to me sounds like Simmons won the job if that is the case. It’s pretty obvious that Simmons is the better player defensively. I guess we will see who wins.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 28th, 2012
11:33 am
Byrd sucks, go Yankees!……..
No wait, that came out wrong
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 28th, 2012
11:34 am
Has A.J. Homered yet today!!!!!
Ease
March 28th, 2012
11:34 am
Makes you stick out like a sore thumb around here.
Ha! Lew doesn’t need logic for that to happen!
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:35 am
Brave Pack – If Pastornicky continues to hit well the rest of the spring, I’d be willing to bet Simmons does not see MLB time for several months at least.
Hillbilly
March 28th, 2012
11:37 am
Lew, I think this is a classic case of a pitcher that really is more valuable to us than he is to most other teams…My Little Pony be damned, that value is not just in our minds in this case. It’s valid, for once.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
11:37 am
I agree that, when you stop and look at Medlen’s numbers and injury history, we should probably be happy with Byrd-for-Medlen discussions… but… but… I’m wearing my Braves shirt today, thus my homerism has a X2 powerup applied to it and I am unable to see anything less than a Medlen-for-Trout trade.
Tomorrow, when I wear my “Who Farted?” shirt, I’ll be much more realistic.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
11:38 am
Lew, I felt like de Camp & Carter should’ve left Conan alone, whatever effect they might’ve had on his popularity. Oh, and I was referencing “The Wheels of If,” one of the earliest alternate universe stories. Zelazny had the goods, but I was indifferent to fantasy, sadly.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 28th, 2012
11:39 am
Luis Durango has one extra base hit…a triple, YEAAAAA!!
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:44 am
Hugo – Never cared much for DeCamp’s own fiction. As to the Conan – he was hired to do what he did – it wasn’t as if he pirated the stories. Still….the stories he and Cater added to the mythos were not nearly as good as Howard’s by any means.
You should check out some of Zelazny’s less fantasy stuff. Amber and Jack of Shadows were not all he wrote. He was extremely innovative – Check out Isle of the Dead (about the Worldscapers) or Creatures of Light and Darkness – you might like Roadmarks, or Donnerjack, too.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 28th, 2012
11:44 am
Here’s your B-Y-R-D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVynnbx1Xsc
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:45 am
Hugo – Too bad Robert Jordan was not around in the early sixties – he would have done a much better job on the Howard material – like he did back in the nineties when he worte some Conan stories.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:46 am
Durango had a triple? Means he got the ball past the pitcher. Must have landed right behind the mound.
BravePack(FreeFan)
March 28th, 2012
11:46 am
As far as Freeman and Walker saying something about him pulling the ball more, I don’t think it will be an issue. What I like so much about Freeman and why I think he is going to be a star in this league is he knows what he needs to do to be successful as a hitter personally. He reminds me a lot od McCann as fas as I think he puts a lot of work in on his hitting and if I recall correctly he also goes to his dad for help with hitting. He may take what Walker has to say here and there but not as far as listening to him when he says to pull the ball. Freeman can pull the ball and did last year, in fact some of his longest HR’s came when he pulled the ball. He doesn’t need to do it to be successful and he knows it.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
11:46 am
Conan… O’Brien?
abeeewright
March 28th, 2012
11:47 am
Hugo Z Hackenbush, March 28th, 2012, 11:38 am … “I was referencing “The Wheels of If,” one of the earliest alternate universe stories.”
I feel like some shaman has spun my Wheel and I’ve landed in a universe populated by Braves haters and unrealistic trade mavens.
Oh, wait …
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:48 am
Conan OBrien the Barbarian? Lord knows the talk show host is tall enough to play the role – needs bulking up though – and a black wig.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 28th, 2012
11:48 am
Andrelton Simmons is the SS to be…..Tyler Pastornicky is just keeping the position warm.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:49 am
abeeewright – The Wheel of Time?
abeeewright
March 28th, 2012
11:50 am
One of Zelazny’s later books, “A night in the lonesome october” became one of my favorites.
I wasn’t super-thrilled with the second Amber series. I may have missed a book, but it seemed like it went from one point to another without any stuff in between.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 28th, 2012
11:51 am
Actually….I could see Pastornicky moving to 2B, Uggla to LF with Prado manning 3B in 2013.
DAP
March 28th, 2012
11:51 am
gil in mechanicsville, what do you have against pulling the ball? freddie needs to be able to do that.
i wouldnt trade medlen for byrd. i for one think medlen is more valuable to this team right now than byrd would be, so that my opinion. i also think we have enough talent in the minors that we should be able to get byrd without giving up major league guys.
Ease
March 28th, 2012
11:52 am
Lew, James Rigney is my favorite author of all time…Its sad that he did not survive the WoT series.
abeeewright
March 28th, 2012
11:52 am
Lew … following up on Hugo’s “Wheels of if” reference. A shaman spins the protagonist’s Wheel, and he inhabits alternate bodies of himself in different worlds for a day. Finally, the shaman stops his wheel (in a world where the Vikings settled the New World) and hijinx ensue.
DS1
March 28th, 2012
11:52 am
Been away for a while folks. Any recent updates on how Huddy is coming along? I’m guessing that Chipper’s surgery went well.
What’s the latest line on Heyward? I was sure hoping for a 350/450/600 line from him this spring.
abeeewright
March 28th, 2012
11:53 am
Of course, y’all aren’t complaining about the Mad Magazine version, “Cohen the Boy-barian.”
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:53 am
abeeewright – You missed a book.
I had just been a guest at a convention in Lynchburg with Zelazny in 93 when Lonesome October was still a few months from publication. Got to see the original Gahan Wilson illustrations and Roger sent me a letter on the back of a print of the cover painting – before publication. Prett nice.
abeeewright
March 28th, 2012
11:53 am
Or was that National Lampoon?
Tomahawkin
March 28th, 2012
11:54 am
Coach (2012 Fredi’s beisbol fandango)
“Actually….I could see Pastornicky moving to 2B, Uggla to LF with Prado manning 3B in 2013.”
That Could a Good Idea…
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:55 am
Ease – You got me on that one Dude – had to go look it up. Didn’t realize Jordan wrote under apen name – kind of like Stephen King and the Bachman books.
DS1
March 28th, 2012
11:55 am
Coach
Have you seen or heard anything that would lead you to believe that Uggla would play anywhere buy second base? I sure haven’t. And why would you want to potentially screw up your slugger to put a middling player into the lineup (Pastornicky)?
Personally, I’d just prefer we go out and get a LF’er.
Tomahawkin
March 28th, 2012
11:55 am
That could be a good Idea
abeeewright
March 28th, 2012
11:55 am
Lew … I have always envied your connection with Roger Zelazny. He was one of my favorite writers growing up (still is for that matter).
Loved the Gahan Wilson illustrations, too. Big fan of Gahan’s style from my time growing up, as well.
abeeewright
March 28th, 2012
11:56 am
Gotta go for a bit.
Michael B
March 28th, 2012
11:57 am
Can someone please reassure me that we are not the NL Team that is going to sign Jack Cust? mlbtraderumors.com is reporting he is going to sign with an NL team and it is not the Rockies.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
11:57 am
Pastornicky and Simmons in the same lineup… would make for an interesting double-play combo, but I’d hope we’d be able to keep Uggla at 2B and go out and find a LF with more pop than Pastornicky would bring to the lineup.
Don
March 28th, 2012
11:57 am
If Walker is telling players to try to pull the ball more, THEN FORGET ABOUT HIM BEING AN EFFECTIVE HITTING COACH.
Just more of the same old problems.
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
11:57 am
and then sign victorino for a 2 year deal if lipka aint ready for cf
Lew
March 28th, 2012
11:58 am
abeeewright – Remeber Lampoons sci fi issue with th Frazetta cover? Tried to post the name of the issue and it was not allowed – “The ( )its and Lizards” issue.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
11:58 am
Lew, I’ve read some of Zelazny’s sf short stories, but no novels. And I have a general objection to writers appropriating other writers’ characters. Don’t know why…
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
11:59 am
cant say we wont sign cust seems like we like having corner outfielders stocked up that strikeout often
Lew
March 28th, 2012
12:01 pm
abeeewright – If you email me LewHartman@comcast.net Ill send you jpegs of some of my Amber illustrations.
Trader Jack
March 28th, 2012
12:01 pm
FWIW – Ken Rosenthal reporting that a Byrd trade unlikely at this time, but more likely in July
JRW
March 28th, 2012
12:01 pm
Good USA Today article on TV Revenue in Baseball…
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/story/2012-02-06/MLB-teams-using-lucrative-TV-deals-to-sign-talent/53032284/1
DAP
March 28th, 2012
12:02 pm
coach I could see Pastornicky moving to 2B, Uggla to LF with Prado manning 3B in 2013.
your delusions are getting worse.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
12:02 pm
Seth Smith hit .000 for the spring, but he got a hit in yesterday’s game… hitting cleanup for the A’s.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
12:05 pm
Hugo – There seems to have been a trend in the later sixties where authrs were hired to finish stuff from older authors who were long gone. August Derleth did the same with Lovecraft’s work.
Don’t know why, but it happened againmwith the Conan material in the 80’s a ninties, too. Robert Jordan and a bunch of others added to Conan.
But yeah, I’d rather not see it happen. They did it with Zelazny, too – John Betancourt wrote four Amber prequels – not nearly as good, but again, Betancourt was hired to do it, thoughm they cut him off before he wrote the final proposed book.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
12:07 pm
Pastornicky at second, Uggla in left and go out and pick Andruw Jones to play center at the end of his HOF career after Bourn leaves, right?
Ease
March 28th, 2012
12:15 pm
Lew, a case where it has worked is ironically with Jordan. When he passed, his wife Harriet hired a young up and comer named Brandon Sanderson to finish the Wheel of Time series. And to date, Sanderson has done a phenomenal job. He researched Jordan’s’ material to no end, and the change has almost been seamless.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
12:16 pm
Kinda surprised to see the “starting lineup” today plus Constanza… was hoping to see Parraz included with the group.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
12:18 pm
Ease – And strangely enough, Jordan did a more than credible job on the Conan stories – certainly better than anyone else who added to th series.
raleighbravefan
March 28th, 2012
12:19 pm
coach – You are obviously confusing fantacy baseball (or maybe fantastic fantacy) with the real thing. You can’t move players around like chess pieces, and expect real results…a few can…that’s why they are considered utility players, or exceptions.
DS1
March 28th, 2012
12:20 pm
Is there any way we can get Bourn, Constanza, Durango, Pastornicky, Jack Wilson and Parraz in the same lineup? We could “single” them to death!
raleighbravefan
March 28th, 2012
12:21 pm
Oh, did Don say something….No, I guess not.
raleighbravefan
March 28th, 2012
12:23 pm
DS1 – It would be like an old Buggs Bunny cartoon…hit after unending hit.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
12:24 pm
Hasn’t Parraz been hitting the ball for extra bases this spring? I wouldn’t lump him in with the “Infield Single” gang.
raleighbravefan
March 28th, 2012
12:24 pm
Gone to lunch….which is different than “out to lunch”, like a number of the contributers here.
DS1
March 28th, 2012
12:25 pm
Yeah, you’re right Murph. Don’t want to lump him in with those slap hitters.
And once in a while, Bourn catches up with a fastball and gives it a ride.
DS1
March 28th, 2012
12:26 pm
raleigh
You talking about me again??
But I did miss breakfast, and it’s feeling like “Burrito Time” again.
Lew
March 28th, 2012
12:27 pm
DS1 – Yep, the only way Durango gives a ball a ride is with seat belt attached in the passenger’s seat.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:27 pm
Curt Schilling picks Braves with the 4th best rotation in the NL east. His in order are PHI/ MIA/ WSH/ ATL/ NYM.
Don’t think I agree we’re that bad in the rotation. Huddy won’t be out that long.
B-F_52
March 28th, 2012
12:29 pm
Shilling is a dufus
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2012
12:29 pm
Braves are taking all their starting position players except Bourn to Viera tomorrow to face Nats and Edwin Jackson. Minor pitching for ATL and Venters making his first appearance since March 18. Arm felt back to normal when he threw 25-pitch bullpen at nearly full effort yesterday.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:29 pm
Buster Olney is such a damn geek. I wouldn’t mind smacking him across the face a time or two.
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
12:30 pm
murph that .000 average is just what he has hit since in japan. he was hitting around 250 to 270 most of the spring
Murph
March 28th, 2012
12:30 pm
Venters making his first appearance since March 18. Arm felt back to normal when he threw 25-pitch bullpen at nearly full effort yesterday.
Huge sigh of relief on that one… gotta have Venters. Gotta.
Runnin
March 28th, 2012
12:31 pm
Curt Schilling is a tool. I can’t believe somebody would put him in front of a microphone.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:32 pm
ESPN is a group of phony balloney’s. I can feel the fakeness in most all their analyst when I unfortunately get bored enough to watch the channel. Have to say John Kruk is probably the realest of them all.
brian
March 28th, 2012
12:32 pm
how does he pick Miami with the second best rotation??
Buehrle, Johnson, and Sanchez are good but who is their 4th and 5th starters.
Phillies are the best but I would put us and the Nats second with the Marlins 4th.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:34 pm
“Baloney’s”, not two L’s. Actually it’s balogne, but I don’t want to be too proper. It’s only a sports blog afterall.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
12:34 pm
ncgary, you appear to be correct. Looks like the spring averages for Smith in the At-Bat app were reset for some reason… which doesn’t make much sense to me. Spring games are spring games. Anyways, you are right, I am wrong.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:36 pm
brian, Schilling doesn’t think much at all of our Braves. Sounded like he was comparing us to the Mets in our division since MIA and WSH have “progressed” so much over the offseason and the Phillies are still the top dogs.
raleighbravefan
March 28th, 2012
12:37 pm
DS1 – I thought I was talking TO you, not ABOUT you.
Later, friends.
DS1
March 28th, 2012
12:37 pm
Actually, I think it’s bologna, but I’d only say that right now because I am hungry!
DS1
March 28th, 2012
12:38 pm
raleigh
later!
Fish Bisch
March 28th, 2012
12:39 pm
the marlins have Zambrono too. He is better than Sanchez and Buhrle.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:39 pm
Really wish Teheran was ready. He’s clearly a while way from being a MLB starter. He’s showed not a damn thing in any of his time in ATL. He’s so young though and needs the time. Another case, maybe, of the Braves overhyping another prospect. I said maybe. He’s what, 20?
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
12:40 pm
speaking of the mutts, seems like johan has more arm problems, lost his speed last game out
Ease
March 28th, 2012
12:40 pm
Yankees Sign Jack Cust
DS1
March 28th, 2012
12:40 pm
No need to rush Teheran, I think he won’t be 14 until next fall……………
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:42 pm
Delgado being our 5th starter is scary judging by his spring numers. We don’t have the offense to make up for a lousy starter, even a 5th starter. Heyward becomes a star and fast then we might, but he looks terrible again.
Ease
March 28th, 2012
12:42 pm
seems like johan has more arm problems, lost his speed last game out
And picked it back up in the later innings. Not going to be as good as he used to, but still going to be tough.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
12:42 pm
Well, for what it’s worth, Schilling’s video game is kinda crap… and you can tell him I said that.
ncbravesfan90
March 28th, 2012
12:43 pm
“Yankees Sign Jack Cust”
Best news I’ve heard all day….week for that matter.
unbelievable
March 28th, 2012
12:43 pm
He’s probably 25
Danga
March 28th, 2012
12:43 pm
I’d sign Cust to a min contract in a heartbeat. Dude can’t play a bit of defense but has a decent bat.
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2012
12:44 pm
I talked with JOHN SCHUERHOLZ this morning about Atlanta resident and former Braves (and former Nationals) prez Stan Kasten being partners with Magic Johnson and others in the group that just bought the Dodgers for $2 billion.
Schuerholz:
“I’m happy for Stan and I think it’s a good day for baseball. There were three final groups and they chose this group, and I think with Stan’s involvement and his experience and expertise and his ability to build and operate professional sports franchises, especially in baseball, I don’t think they could have made a better choice.”
“We did exchange emails, but I haven’t spoken to him yet. But I know he’s happy. I think the Dodger organization and baseball are going to be happy about this day.”
On Magic Johnson addition to ownership group:
“I have to believe that having him join their organization when he did was really beneficial. And I don’t think it was artificial, I don’t think it was phony. They truly wanted him to be part of it. He’s beloved in that community. I mean, he’s an iconic professional sports figured. He’s been a champion in sports his entire career. What a great partner to bring in. I think it was a stroke of genius.”
“I like sports and I like to see sports excellence, and he represents that. And from what I know and what I’m told, he’s beloved in the Los Angeles community almost more than anyone else. So that’s a good partner to have in your ownership group.”
“The Dodger organization is in the best position it’s been in for a long, long time. This morning. And good for that franchise. It’s good for our sport that the Dodgers have a good franchise.”
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
12:45 pm
The difference between the NFL and MLB…the NFL will begin it’s season on a Wednesday, 8:30 pm eastern, with the Giants and the Cowboys. MLB begins its season on a Wednesday at 6:00 am eastern, with the Mariners and the A’s playing in Japan, not the US. Way to go Bud!
Danga
March 28th, 2012
12:45 pm
I’ll believe Zambrano is back when I see it.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:45 pm
Schilling is right though that Marlins and Nats are better now. Not buying that we’re near Mets level in our division though like he made it out to be.
brian
March 28th, 2012
12:46 pm
great rumor mill on CUst – on verge of signing with an NL team……..
He signed with the Yankees
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
12:48 pm
The New York Mets were hoping that they would have Johan Santana as their Opening Day starter in 2012 after he missed all of the 2011 season, but that may not happen.
Santana has pitched well during spring training, but his velocity dropped in his last start, and the team is now evaluating his arm strength. As a result of this, Santana’s Opening Day status is uncertain.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:50 pm
Sure wish Schuerholz would give some drawn out paragraphs on these Braves other than the Dodgers and Magic Johnson. Gotta stay tight lipped about his Braves, others might be listening. Have to keep it like the CIA.
brian
March 28th, 2012
12:52 pm
We are not Mets level. not even close. We are either a healthy Chipper or a new LF (with Prado at 3B) away from being a very, very good team. We have the best bullpen in baseball. We are very solid at C, 1B, 2B, Prado, and CF. Heyward getting it together can take us from being a very good team to a great team. Starting pitching wil be strong. Minor has had a great spring and both he and Beachy will benefit from their experience. When Hudson is healthy (and all indications are it is when, not if) the Braves will be strong with Hanson, Hudson, and Jurrjens. Combine that with supersub Medlen and that is a strong rotation. If Delgado and Teheran put it together this year even better, if not the extra year of minor league experience and work on command/off speed pitches will do wonders for them.
I will still complain in posts about lack of hitting, timely hitting, etc., when it occurs but I am bullish on the Braves this season
DS1
March 28th, 2012
12:52 pm
If I’m an AL team in need of an insurance policy for my DH, I’d sign Jack Cust in a heart beat. He either kills the ball, K’s or walks. And does a LOT of each.
Ease
March 28th, 2012
12:53 pm
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
#Braves acquired Minor League outfielder Christian Marrero from the White Sox. It’s a Minor Lg. deal. He’ll start season w/ GWIN or MISS
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
12:55 pm
One week ago, Forbes said the Dodgers were worth 1.4 billion. Today, the team gets sold for 2.15 billion. Somebody’s getting it wrong.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
12:55 pm
Christian Marrero stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=marrer001chr
Interesting…. 24 years old, has some pop, gets on base, never played above AA.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
12:56 pm
Well we can move on now then, Ease. That’s our OF acquisition. Like anybody’s surprised by this. Chipper still drives so much of everything this organzation does or doesn’t do. Love him always, but glad he’s gone after ‘12.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
12:56 pm
Marrero also has logged a bunch of games at 1B as well as both corner outfield positions.
MFin04
March 28th, 2012
12:57 pm
“We are very solid at C, 1B, 2B, Prado, and CF.”
Love that “Prado” is now an official MLB position. Has a nice ring to it.
Good post though.
After seeing the Braves offense come alive the last week or two, things are looking up for the Braves. Really hoping the Braves compete for the division title or at worst…2nd in the division.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
12:57 pm
Marrero was originally drafted by the Braves in 2004 (20th round), so they know him.
ncscoots
March 28th, 2012
12:59 pm
Freeman can pull the ball and did last year, in fact some of his longest HR’s came when he pulled the ball.
Actually, he didn’t pull very much at all, even though his longest dinger was pulled. Only four of his homers could legit be called “pulled to RF”.
Walker has the right idea, but posters here probably mistake that for “try to pull everything”. I haven’t even read his remarks, but I’d guess he’s saying the same thing that some posters here have said, that is, no matter how strong Freeman is, he is unlikely to hit 30+ to center and left. Knowing when to open the top button and whale is not being “pull-happy”. It’s knowing when you can take advantage of pitcher, count, and game situation to give yourself the best chance of doing max damage. And one way to do that is to take the shortest route out of the ball park.
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2012
12:59 pm
Braves got minor league first baseman/corner outfielder Christian Marrero from the White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. He’s 25 and spent past two full seasons in Double-A, but had some good numbers last year — .293 avg/.385 OBP with 25 doubles, eight triples, 12 homers, 10 steals in 115 games (494 PAs).
He’ll be assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Marrero was drafted by the Braves in the 20th round in 2004 but didn’t sign. He was drafted by the White Sox in the 22nd round the following year.
Danga
March 28th, 2012
12:59 pm
Looks like a solid guy to add OF depth who might could help out one day in a pinch.
Murph
March 28th, 2012
1:00 pm
Old Marrero scouting report from a White Sox prospect site:
Marrero is a solid athlete that put himself on the prospect radar with his 2009 season. He has moved back and forth between the corner outfield spots and 1st base throughout his career and it’s still unclear where he projects to play in the Majors. In the outfield, he is a good defender with a very good arm. First base doesn’t play to his strength (his arm), but he is adequate there. As a hitter he is able to hit the ball to all fields though his home run power is mostly to rightfield. He has hit lefties decently for a left-hander, but naturally most of his power comes against righties. Statistically, he has hit for a good average at almost every level of his minor league career, but his walk rate dropped off in 2009. He had a good walk rate in rookie ball for two years and in 2008 at Kannapolis, but there was a significant drop off in ‘09. If he hits for a high average it won’t be a huge factor in his success, but he likely won’t hit for enough power to overcome a mediocre on-base percentage. Since his stats are inconsistent and his scouting reports aren’t much different, he’s a very tough player to project. His younger brother, Christopher, was a first round pick of the Nationals in 2006.
cabravesfan
March 28th, 2012
1:02 pm
Finally I get to watch Mac on the TV
Ease
March 28th, 2012
1:03 pm
Brian, you are more than welcome to move on yourself.
brian
March 28th, 2012
1:03 pm
thanks MFin04 – I just think the Braves are solid where Prado plays – his bat will be back this year. I am almost surprised that the Braves don’t give Terd some games in LF if Chipper is out for a while. Prado will be better defensively at 3B and the Terd could develop into a typical LF bat
Trader Jack
March 28th, 2012
1:04 pm
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
12:55 pm
One week ago, Forbes said the Dodgers were worth 1.4 billion. Today, the team gets sold for 2.15 billion. Somebody’s getting it wrong.
So why do you think the other owners all have big smiles today
Ease
March 28th, 2012
1:06 pm
Interesting quote from Capital Hill: Justice Kagan: “Does Congress want half a loaf; is half a loaf better than no loaf?”
Didn’t realize Garrett Anderson was running for office…maybe that question is better suited for Braves fans?
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
1:08 pm
whats the big deal about 3/4 of a billion dollars , they print that much up every hour of the day
George
March 28th, 2012
1:09 pm
Hugo Z Hackenbush
March 28th, 2012
12:45 pm
The difference between the NFL and MLB…the NFL will begin it’s season on a Wednesday, 8:30 pm eastern, with the Giants and the Cowboys. MLB begins its season on a Wednesday at 6:00 am eastern, with the Mariners and the A’s playing in Japan, not the US. Way to go Bud!
*********************************************************************
Hugo
AGREE 110% opening a week early in Japan in the wee hours of the morning when few if any of us could see it is BUSH LEAGUE on baseballs part.
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:09 pm
Eduardo Nunez out on a nice play by Constanza…
bravesgrl4life
March 28th, 2012
1:10 pm
Once again, listening on my Iphone. Not quite as good as watching.
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:10 pm
Cano pop to Prado in foul territory…
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:12 pm
Tex – 2-2 count – foul – ball 3…
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:13 pm
Foul on the full count – looped to left, single…
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:15 pm
Raul Ibanez – 0-2 pitch, misses high – looper again to left for a hit…
ncbravesfan90
March 28th, 2012
1:15 pm
Constanza looked like he froze on that one, did the same thing on the first fly ball to him, only difference was he was able to recover and make a diving play to save himself and the out.
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:17 pm
Eric Chavez – 2-0 – strike at the knees – another for strike 2 – inside, ball 3…
brian
March 28th, 2012
1:17 pm
in Anderson’s case – half a loaf is not better than no loaf at all
ncgary
March 28th, 2012
1:17 pm
Best high school prospects ready for tourney
National High School Invitational to include 16 top programs
By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com | 03/28/12 10:00 AM ET
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CARY, N.C. — Over the course of the spring season leading up to June’s First-Year Player Draft, scouts will criss-cross the country in order to evaluate all the amateur talent to line up their respective Draft boards.
When an opportunity arises to see a large quantity of talent in one place, it’s one that isn’t passed by. That’s why college conference tournaments, for instance, are so heavily attended by the scouting industry in May. Getting that kind of pool for high school talent, though, has been nearly impossible in-season.
It’s a pipe dream no longer, thanks to the inaugural National High School Invitational, set to begin on Wednesday at USA Baseball’s National Training Complex here. A total of 16 of the best high school programs will participate in the four-day event, culminating in Saturday’s championship game. Ten of Baseball America’s High School Top 25 are in North Carolina, including No. 1 Carroll HS (Texas) and No. 2 Bishop Gorman (Nevada).
Seven of those games are being streamed live on MLB.com and usabaseball.com, with doubleheaders on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, finishing off with Saturday’s title game at noon ET. It’s not often that fans get the chance to see future first-round high school picks in action, so this is the perfect opportunity to check out players who could be the next top prospects in your favorite organization. The complete schedule of broadcasts is as follows:
• Wed., Mar. 28: No. 10 Harvard-Westlake vs. Russell County, 1 p.m.
• Wed., Mar. 28: No. 18 Mater Dei vs. No. 2 Bishop Gorman, 4:30 p.m.
• Thurs., Mar. 29: Round 2 game featuring two 1-0 teams, 1 p.m.
• Thurs., Mar. 29: Round 2 game featuring two 1-0 teams, 4:30 p.m.
• Fri., Mar. 30: Round 3 game featuring TBD teams, 3 p.m.
• Fri., Mar. 30: Round 3 game featuring TBD teams, 6:30 p.m.
• Sat., Mar. 31: Gold medal game, 12 p.m.
Scouts don’t come to see good teams play, though the ability to see some of the top high school players in one place against very good competition is a big plus. Even with Harvard-Westlake’s Lucas Giolito on the shelf, there are still five players on MLB.com’s 2012 Draft Top 50 Prospects list, led by Giolito’s teammate, lefty Max Fried (No. 9). No. 19 prospect Joey Gallo will play in the second game airing on MLB.com on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Other Top 50 players at the single-elimination tournament will be No. 23 Lucas Sims (Brookwood HS, Ga.), No. 26 Courtney Hawkins (Carroll HS, Texas) and No. 45 Ryan Burr (Highlands Ranch HS, Col.).
The Draft goes well beyond the Top 50, of course, and this tournament will allow scouts to get looks at any and all Draft-eligible players. That goes far beyond this year, with many interesting names to watch for the classes of 2013, 2014 and even 2015 here. And even though it is single-elimination to vie for the championship, every school will get four games, enabling scouts to get long looks at every player from all 16 teams.
Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLB.com and writes a blog, B3. Follow @JonathanMayoB3 on Twitter.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120328&content_id=27687722&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:18 pm
Runners go, foul ball – foul – line drive score Tex…
Bravo
March 28th, 2012
1:18 pm
Hey Venice – go over to the play-by-play blog for crying out loud. And get a life while you’re at it!
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:18 pm
Not much of a line drive when I see it…
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:19 pm
Deep to left – Constanza has it – 3 out…
Jon
March 28th, 2012
1:19 pm
Thanks Bravo – you beat me to the punch.
bravesgrl4life
March 28th, 2012
1:19 pm
Well, crap.
Venice Jim
March 28th, 2012
1:20 pm
I guess I will slink away in shame after being banished by esteemed bloggers Bravo and Jon – good bye, forever!
bravesgrl4life
March 28th, 2012
1:20 pm
Bravo, shut up. We like VJ’s PBP thank you very much.
Juan
March 28th, 2012
1:21 pm
Beachy not has that killing Pitch to SO the batter, that why his count in first inning is so high every time…
Question is…Medlen to the rotation and put Beachy in the Pen?…
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 28th, 2012
1:21 pm
I think McCann said it best on why Beachy can’t go deep in games is because hitters foul off so many of his straight as an arrow fastball. BM said he has a true 4 seamer, taking it to mean it’s really straight.
cabravesfan
March 28th, 2012
1:21 pm
happy days…sigh…
cabravesfan
March 28th, 2012
1:22 pm
bravesgrl4life getting feisty. I like it
Jon
March 28th, 2012
1:22 pm
HAHA – it’s just that this blog will have about 2,000 pages to it if you continue with every single play! How about important updates?
Fols
March 28th, 2012
1:23 pm
Keep the PBP…some of us read it thank you very much!