Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6,463 comments Add your comment
cricket
October 26th, 2012
10:35 am
IQ question – pick out the name that doesn’t belong -
Bourjos Greinke Willingham Pastornicky
Pastornicky. He’s the only guy who shouldn’t/can’t be a starter.
come on now. answer is Willingham – only guy TOBF really doesn’t want to see play for braves
, even though he is a good fit, good player and should be affordable. but i have no energy to argue this.
cricket
October 26th, 2012
10:38 am
Hard for me to think they’ll carry a guy
if they want to carry JaunFran, they have to exercise Mac’s option. he’s the only guy big enough to be able to carry francisco – if his shoulder holds up
Shaun
October 26th, 2012
10:40 am
That makes some sense though I still say that if you are major league you are major league and should hit anywhere. The extreme parks may add or subtract something but like WAR, its not the end all and be all.
I think this is a common way some think about park effects. But it’s not that major leaguers can or can’t hit in certain parks. The hitters don’t really change. It’s obviously the park that changes. A hitter is the same guy but the park will affect his results, which will show up in what we are measuring, i.e., in the stats. So the idea behind park-adjusted numbers is that you take in to account how the ballpark affects results.
In other words, if a hitter goes from Colorado to Oakland and his stats get worse, it’s not that he became a worse hitter and he’s a major leaguer that can’t hit in a certain park. It’s not him or his hitting that changed. It’s the ballpark that is influencing his results.
TennesseePaul
October 26th, 2012
10:41 am
[McCann]’s NEVER been known for calling a good game Tenn. Paul, Cox used to call a lot of pitches from the dugout…
Not what I’ve read, but I’d be open to that opinion if you could provide sources for it.
And managers calling for a pitch out is not equivalent to calling a game.
BravesFanSince80s
October 26th, 2012
10:42 am
still agree about how to deal with Lew? I haven’t called him the first name, but so far, he’s called me both an idiot and a fool. Some on here take the superiority thing way too far. What Lew really means in his ranting toward me is that I disagree with him on SOMETHING, and he can’t stand it. In fact, he’ll probably argue with this and say something like, “no, your just an idiot and I never agree with those” or something like that. I agree with an earlier comment regarding the crazy Homer guy. As long as he isn’t threatening anyone, etc, it makes no sense to ban him because like the post said, if you ban people like Homer, eventually you wind up with a bunch of people all saying the same thing. Which seems to be what folks like Lew are after, EVERYBODY AGREE WITH EVERYTHING I SAY ABOUT ANYTHING I CARE TO TALK ABOUT…
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
10:46 am
come on now. answer is Willingham – only guy TOBF really doesn’t want to see play for braves
I don’t mind him playing here, but not at the cost of Teheran or Delgado+. Great piece for LF, team-friendly contract, and he allows money to be left for Greinke
Lew
October 26th, 2012
10:47 am
Seriously? You feel threatened? I guess your issues go deeper than not having a gip on Braves’ baseball.
Lew
October 26th, 2012
10:48 am
grip – I can’t type.
BravesFanSince80s
October 26th, 2012
10:49 am
where did I say I felt threatened? GET OVER YOURSELF…
cricket
October 26th, 2012
10:50 am
don’t people realize that when CR or DOB warn posters to control themselves or be banned, that warning is based on offensive posts WHICH ARE DELETED when the warning is issued?
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
10:50 am
still agree about how to deal with Lew? if you ban people like Homer, eventually you wind up with a bunch of people all saying the same thing. Which seems to be what folks like Lew are after, EVERYBODY AGREE WITH EVERYTHING I SAY ABOUT ANYTHING I CARE TO TALK ABOUT
I’m still around… I’m not crazy like Homer. I don’t agree with some others on here, but I (at least try to) handle those disagreements professionally (like an adult). Homer never really did that, and your retort back at Lew didn’t facilitate that.
Re: Homer, apparently I disagree with ya. I wanted him gone. His posts were a bunch of nonsense, no logic to be found.
BravesFanSince80s
October 26th, 2012
10:53 am
Someone said yesterday the Player’s Union would not allow the Braves to decline McCann’s option and offer him a lesser contract with incentives. Can anyone verify this? I wouldn’t be opposed to that at all if it could be done. Even if incentives got him all the way back to 12 mil…
Efrim
October 26th, 2012
10:53 am
uga-brave, I think 12 million on a one year deal isn’t a huge risk for a player with McCann’s history. And if the shoulder is healthy, and after surgery it should be, he’ll be back to the .830 OPS catcher he’s always been.
Sometimes short term deals are more advantageous ya know. One year, 12 million for Mac is not a huge risk.
How about those Giants by the way? The baseball gods are absolutely smilin their way. The Braves? We are on their naughty list for whatever reason.
Lew
October 26th, 2012
10:53 am
“Everybody agree with everything I say(minus the shouting caps).”
The OnlyBraves fan says much I don’t agree with and I argue with him constantly, yet I’ve never called him a fool or And Idiot. Maybe it’s because he tells us his opinion without ripping players for injuries or what he might perceive to be character flaws and doesn’t act like he’s got a personal vendetta against the player.
cricket
October 26th, 2012
10:53 am
so i’m guessing BravesFanSince80s won’t be contributing if we set up a fund for Lew to get new keyboard?
Murph
October 26th, 2012
10:54 am
CraZy!!! I thought maybe you’d run away with Samantha or something. Welcome back!
ncscoots
October 26th, 2012
10:54 am
His posts were a bunch of nonsense, no logic to be found.
I’m afraid this forum would be a wilderness, were that the standard to which we would all be held.
BravesFanSince80s
October 26th, 2012
10:55 am
I’m sure that’s true Cricket, not what I meant, I’ve always found both of them to be fair…
Lew
October 26th, 2012
10:56 am
Actually, if youreally understood and paid attnetion to your own pos, you would realize you were comparing me to Homer and mentioned threatening.
But, then again, no one seems to be buying your line 0of trash anyway.
Murph
October 26th, 2012
10:57 am
Homer’s role on the blog already belongs to Tomahawkin’… I mean, what’s if some new guy shows up and starts talking about deer, sopapillas, and 4 year olds?
We all have a part to play.
Bat Masterson
October 26th, 2012
10:58 am
Y’all stop picking on BFs80.
The man is entitled to his opinion. Surely one can tell him his opinions are idiotic without calling him an idiot.
Lew
October 26th, 2012
10:58 am
criucket – Well…….The keyboard is a mess, but the truth is that I really can’t type worth a damn.
cricket
October 26th, 2012
10:59 am
I’m afraid this forum would be a wilderness, were that the standard to which we would all be held.
what a bunch of no logic nonsense
Lew
October 26th, 2012
11:00 am
Murph – Is your address still the same as what you sent me ages ago? I’m almost finished your Wurlitzer drawing.
cricket
October 26th, 2012
11:01 am
Lew – your typos are getting hilarious, elevating your posts to Homer-esque thin air
BravesFanSince80s
October 26th, 2012
11:01 am
in no way, shape, or form, did I ever compare you to Homer Lew, get off your high horse and stop LOOKING for an argument…
Shaun
October 26th, 2012
11:03 am
Most GM’s and front office personnel are “advanced stat folks” to some degree or another.
A lot of things, like hitting the best hitter 2nd, are not worth the drama of trying to nudge the manager in that direction. Hitting the best hitter 2nd instead of 3rd or 4th is just not going to add that many runs over the course of a season to be worth the struggle with the manager. Plus by now most somewhat “old school” (for lack of a better term) managers understand that a good hitter should hit second and not just a bunter/high-contact, weak hitter who hits the ball to the right side.
Lew
October 26th, 2012
11:03 am
If i had a high horse, I would have fallen off of it long ago and broken my other leg.
BravesFanSince80s
October 26th, 2012
11:03 am
thank you from the bottom of my idiotic little heart Bat
Tumbledown
October 26th, 2012
11:03 am
It seems to me that McCann is the best option for next year. I have a feeling he will put everything into his rehab and come back strong next May or early June. Perhaps his comeback at that time will mean he will not be as worn down come next September and October.
Murph
October 26th, 2012
11:03 am
Murph – Is your address still the same as what you sent me ages ago? I’m almost finished your Wurlitzer drawing.
Seriously?!? That’s awesome!!! Yes, address is still the same.
Are you going to send an extra print so I can get one signed for you too?
Thanks in advance Lew. Can’t wait to see it and get it up on my wall!
Bat Masterson
October 26th, 2012
11:04 am
decline McCann’s option and offer him a lesser contract with incentives. _ BravesFanSince80s
Why not just spit in the mans face. Don’t you understand the Braves have had Heap’s services the last 4 years at a significant discount.
Lew
October 26th, 2012
11:06 am
Murph – Yep, I’ll send a print. The drawing may be a bit more than you expected. Since it’s taken so long with my eye problems, I did a little extra on it – a portrait and two action shots including the one you wanted – all in a Rangers uniform.
Bat Masterson
October 26th, 2012
11:07 am
Sure thing, BFs80.
Murph
October 26th, 2012
11:08 am
Ok everyone, enough of this jibber jabber and speculation. It’s time to make our predictions. The person who gets it right will win blog bragging rights for an entire season, and Ward’s undying devotion.
Pick one player (no “Prado… or maybe Ludwick” posts). One player. No explanation necessary.
Here’s what I think:
LF: Prado
3B: Headley
CF: Bourn
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
11:10 am
just 1?…. and not my wish, but who I really expect? damn
Murph
October 26th, 2012
11:11 am
You the man, Lew! It’s going to go up on my wall right next to my signed Hank Aaron jersey, above the shelf with all my signed baseballs. Prime real estate!
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
11:12 am
Premium player 1, premium player 2.
3B: Prado
LF: C. Ross
CF: Victorino
I already know I’ve lost.
Shaun
October 26th, 2012
11:14 am
BravesFanSince80s, I don’t know that the player’s union could do much if the Braves refused McCann’s contract and tried to renegotiate. Obviously they wouldn’t be happy and they might do all they can to encourage McCann to take other offers, because they probably realize he’s likely to get more than $12M a year that is the same amount as the option.
Again, Mauer’s contract, per year, is almost double McCann’s option for 2012. It’s pretty crazy to think $12M for McCann, even coming off an injury and even if he missed a couple of months, isn’t likely at least reasonable and maybe even a bargain.
cricket
October 26th, 2012
11:14 am
3B: Prado
LF: Willingham
CF: Victorino
bravesfaninnc
October 26th, 2012
11:15 am
3B Headley
LF Prado
CF Pagan
Lew
October 26th, 2012
11:15 am
OnlyBraves – I could live with that. But is Ross available? Thought he had another year on his Red Sox deal. What do you think it would take to get him? And if we did, would you sign him to a several year extension?
Lew
October 26th, 2012
11:17 am
I doubt we’d be able to come up with a pakage that could get Headley, but he’d be a good addition to the lineup. See, we can agree sometimes.
CrαZy
October 26th, 2012
11:17 am
Murph… I thought maybe you’d run away with Samantha or something. Welcome back!
Just needed to actually work while I was at work for a change!! Plus I wanted to avoid the miserable down and out posts that come along with a end of a season.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
11:19 am
Cody Ross is set to be a free agent this winter. There were reports that he and the Sox were working on a contract, but I haven’t seen much about it, especially recently. I’d give him a deal near Willingham’s, 2-3 years between 7-9mil per, with an extra year on an option.
Murph
October 26th, 2012
11:21 am
Plus I wanted to avoid the miserable down and out posts that come along with a end of a season.
I was actually surprised by the blog camaraderie at the end… just a bunch of miserable sacks, being miserable together. I thought it would be a lot worse around here than it actually was.
How’s the family?
CB
October 26th, 2012
11:21 am
I still can’t believe you guys don’t agree with me now is the perfect time to be trying to work out a long term contract with McCann. No,let’s wait until he comes back and prices himself out of our reach. At least talk to him,Frank, and see if he wants to stay here at a reasonable figure for both sides. We all know what he is worth healthy and this is the perfect time.
Powderfinger
October 26th, 2012
11:24 am
3B: Prado
LF: Willingham
CF: Pagan (probably just wishful thinking)
CrαZy
October 26th, 2012
11:28 am
Great… Just finishing up fall baseball with the kids and about to start Basketball!! 1 thing to the next then repeat isn’t that the way it goes with kids.
How about yours?
CrαZy
October 26th, 2012
11:30 am
3B Prado
LF Ross
CF Bourn
Murph
October 26th, 2012
11:31 am
Family is good. The 4 year old is playing soccer, if that’s what you call it (she’s pretty much just standing around watching the other kids play), the 6 year old is up to her eyeballs in homework, and Mrs Murph still can’t cook.
CrαZy
October 26th, 2012
11:32 am
3B PradoLF Ross
CF Bourn
What am I saying I don’t want Bourn!!
CB
October 26th, 2012
11:32 am
3B Prado
LF J.Upton
CF Victorino
CrαZy
October 26th, 2012
11:33 am
I’ll go way out there….
3B Headley
LF Prado
CF Gardner
George_George
October 26th, 2012
11:34 am
Murph
October 26th, 2012
10:57 am
Homer’s role on the blog already belongs to Tomahawkin’… I mean, what’s if some new guy shows up and starts talking about deer, sopapillas, and 4 year olds?
We all have a part to play.
*****************************
Tomaharkin is nowhere near as far out there as Homer is. I must defend Tomahawkin.
Murph
October 26th, 2012
11:35 am
I doubt we’d be able to come up with a pakage that could get Headley
I’ve got this feeling that Wren is going to try and replace Chipper with a big name… a guy who can man 3B for several years to come, a potential superstar. Not sure where it’s coming from as I also think the cost for Headley might be out of the Braves’ reach, just a feeling I’ve got.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
11:36 am
the 6 year old is up to her eyeballs in homework
Why???? A 6 year old doesn’t need that much homework… Insane
Murph
October 26th, 2012
11:40 am
Why???? A 6 year old doesn’t need that much homework… Insane
Yeah, it’s out of control. I can remember when I was in first grade… lots of coloring and eating paste. Not anymore, at least not in our school district. She’s got reading, writing, and math assignments every night. Even on weekends.
She’s way, way ahead of where I was at the same age, that’s for sure… but it does seem like a bit much at times.
Nowhere man
October 26th, 2012
11:40 am
Some of these posts by Astral should be enough to bozo him.
George_George
October 26th, 2012
11:41 am
I do not care for SF GIANTS. They have a 3RD BASEMAN who is fatter than BRIAN. They have a CATCHER who looks like a high school freshman. They should have had some wins taken away from them that they won when MELKY played well when on drugs.
ncscoots
October 26th, 2012
11:42 am
I doubt we’d be able to come up with a pakage that could get Headley
I propose that we get the votes in, before we start killing the choices, LOL.
Murph, are you going to keep track of which guy gets picked the most at which position? I think that might be entertaining.
Not so much that I myself would do it, of course, but I can certainly see using your time for it.
Murph
October 26th, 2012
11:45 am
Murph, are you going to keep track of which guy gets picked the most at which position? I think that might be entertaining.
I’ll bookmark this blog and come back after positions are set, find our winner, and put together some metrics for everyone’s enjoyment.
But… you, Lew, etc need to make your predictions too. It’s all in fun.
ncscoots
October 26th, 2012
11:46 am
Hey, I’m thinking about my predictions, man. Gimme a second, willya?
Efrim
October 26th, 2012
11:47 am
I think I may go with either Upton or Willingham and Victorino on a two year deal(sorry, scoots).
Not sure we can trade for both outfield spots, but I’d really rather not give up a first rounder and a massive long term contract for the other Upton or Pagan.
Murph
October 26th, 2012
11:48 am
C’mon Efrim, time to choose… 3B, LF, CF… who ya got?
Efrim
October 26th, 2012
11:50 am
And for Justin Upton, I think he would require one of Venters or O’Flaherty plus Paul Maholm and a couple prospects. But that’s near the same cash as Upton is owed around 9-10 million for 2013.
Of course, that sort of opens up a hole in the rotation and in the pen, but with the cash evened out – we should then go after a starter to pick up Maholm’s innings/production and go get a RH reliever to balance the pen.
Hey, it’s out there and is not going to happen, but it’s something I’d consider.
richbrave
October 26th, 2012
11:52 am
CraZy:
Any recent contact with ROB’s dad?
My grandson’s playing this weekend [once the hurricane slides by today] with JASON HEYWARD’s younger nrother down in JUPITER.
ncscoots
October 26th, 2012
11:52 am
3B: Prado
LF: Willingham
CF: Pagan
I’m probably not gonna like any CF acquisition, LOL, so what the heck…
George_George
October 26th, 2012
11:52 am
My two cents
3RD MARTIN
LF WILLINGHAN
CF ELLSBURY
Lew
October 26th, 2012
11:52 am
Murph – OK, I’ll go out on a limb here – I th9ink that since they’ve tried to sign Cody Ross in the past that they’ll try again and for center I think they’ll try for Pagan, though the Giants may well want to re-sign him, in which case they’ll trade for someone – probably someone none of us (l, there will be someone who will claim they predicted that move) have thought about.
Efrim
October 26th, 2012
11:53 am
3B Prado
LF J.Upton
CF Victorino
I’d go after Haren, if the prior two moves were made. Not gonna happen…..just an option.
The possibility of a RH Heyward, LF Upton, 1B Freeman middle of the order for the next three years is too good to pass up. People act like Justin is garbage – he isn’t at all. Needs a change of scenery and a kick in the arse.
George_George
October 26th, 2012
11:56 am
I have not seen nolie past two days, hope he is ok.
Efrim
October 26th, 2012
11:56 am
I’m probably not gonna like any CF acquisition, LOL, so what the heck…
I just can’t give Angel Pagan a four or five year deal and surrender my first round pick. Don’t care if we are getting one for Bourn. Haven’t had two top 40 picks in so friggin long. Time to do what the Rays, Jays and Sox have been doing. Get fat on the draft…..
old man
October 26th, 2012
11:57 am
LF: Martin Prado
3B: Juan Francisco
CF: Cody Ross
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
11:58 am
Crazy and bravesfaninnc just had to go against the flow and have someone other than Prado (Headley) at 3B. Wouldn’t mind one bit if that did happen though…
richbrave
October 26th, 2012
11:59 am
GG:
wasn’t he on here this a.m. between two and three?
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
12:00 pm
and oldman… lol
Nice suggestions though.
CF: Cody Ross
I like Ross, but not for CF. Not gonna be a great defender out there.
Shaun
October 26th, 2012
12:01 pm
Efrim, good points on Pagan. There’s a good chance he’s going to end up getting more than he’s worth to a team like the Braves (and plenty of other teams).
If they go the free agent route, I would hope they go with BJ Upton or Victorino.
I think BJ Upton could end up providing tremendous value for what he’ll get. He may be the most talented all-around centerfielder on the market but he may not command much more than the other guys.
I wasn’t sure about Victorino but I’ve come around and I think he could be a steal, on a very short-term deal.
Murph
October 26th, 2012
12:01 pm
If any of these predictions comes true we are going to have a pretty good team. I’d be happy with just about any of them listed so far.
George_George
October 26th, 2012
12:03 pm
richbrave
October 26th, 2012
11:59 am
GG:
wasn’t he on here this a.m. between two and three?
*************************************************
Thanks, I may have missed his posts. How is your wife doing?
old man
October 26th, 2012
12:03 pm
He was not bad in CF when he played full seasons out there.
These are predictions, not preferences, right?
CB
October 26th, 2012
12:03 pm
Efrim,those picks look familiar. LOL
richbrave
October 26th, 2012
12:03 pm
Does anybody see one of our three options not being exercised? I don’t…….especially B-Mac’s
Shaun
October 26th, 2012
12:04 pm
I don’t get the fascination with Cody Ross. He’s solid, probably a little better than a platoon type player. But I just don’t know about him as a corner-outfielder that would provide a lot of offense.
I think he’s perfect for a big budget team like the Red Sox or Yankees or somewhere that can afford to load up on offense so that he just fits in as a cheap player that allows them to go after the big boys.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
12:05 pm
I’d go after Haren, if the prior two moves were made. Not gonna happen…..just an option.
The Angels are said to likely give him a qual. offer anyway
These are predictions, not preferences, right?
true true
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 26th, 2012
12:09 pm
I really like Ross’ .284/.353/.575/.928 with decent numbers vs. RHP. .575!!! Never OPSd under .883 vs LHP except for 2011 (which was a bad year all around). Lowest SLG vs LHP (save 2011, again) was .543
Hugo Z Hackenbush
October 26th, 2012
12:10 pm
Gattis in lf, Prado at 3rd, Span in center.
doug
October 26th, 2012
12:11 pm
3b – Prado
LF – J Upton
CF – BJ Upton
BravePack(FreeFan)
October 26th, 2012
12:11 pm
Here we go:
LF: Gordon
CF: Bourn
3B: Prado
Gone Viral
October 26th, 2012
12:11 pm
I think the world of Greinke but I don’t think a starter makes any sense for us given our Liberty-tight wallet and pitching depth.
And I am with Shaun about Cody Ross. His OBPs over the last five seasons are .316, .321, .322, .325 and .326. Yes, he slugs some but he is not a tough enough out.
richbrave
October 26th, 2012
12:13 pm
GG:
About the same.
We’re getting her meds remediated, and going to JOHN HOPKINS for a second opinion. The problem is potentially life-long, and because of it’s rarity, treatment is highly individualistic. Once we’re on the proper course of treatment, things should stabalize, and we’re hopeful for a positive resolution with remission, but sanguine of a complete cure. The problem usually waxs and wanes, and rarely goes completely away. That’s the nature of the disorder. Thanx for asking.
ncscoots
October 26th, 2012
12:17 pm
I wasn’t sure about Victorino but I’ve come around and I think he could be a steal, on a very short-term deal.
You could time his bat-speed with a sundial last year.
CrαZy
October 26th, 2012
12:17 pm
Any recent contact with ROB’s dad?
I haven’t seen him in a long time…
CrαZy
October 26th, 2012
12:18 pm
Rich is Rob playing any winter ball?
DAP
October 26th, 2012
12:18 pm
shaun I don’t get the fascination with Cody Ross
its because our team struggles against LHP, and our biggest hitters are LH. Cody Ross hits lefties like hes an MVP candidate.
old man
October 26th, 2012
12:18 pm
Prado in LF (he was very good with the glove out there) and Francisco at 3B really seem like the most cost effective way for us to man those two spots. I have hopes for Francisco to do well, maybe our own version of Sandoval at 3B.
It frees us up to go full bore after some wonderful CF with right side power, but I don’t think Matt Kemp is available.
CB
October 26th, 2012
12:19 pm
Get Justin Upton and we can live with Gentry type in CF.
Murph
October 26th, 2012
12:19 pm
Gattis in lf, Prado at 3rd, Span in center.
Now THAT would be an interesting lineup. I really like Span. Don’t know much about his defense, but he seems like a pretty good hitter.
I can’t wait to see what Gattis does at AAA this season, if he does indeed move up. That’s been rumored, hasn’t it?
bravesfaninnc
October 26th, 2012
12:19 pm
“Crazy and bravesfaninnc just had to go against the flow and have someone other than Prado (Headley) at 3B.”
Sorry, but that 31 HR 115 RBI and .875 OPS sure would look good inbetween Heyward and Freeman!
Bat Masterson
October 26th, 2012
12:19 pm
Biff CF
Prado 3rd
Gattis LF