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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6,190 comments Add your comment
PuddyCat
November 27th, 2012
11:20 pm
Auto correct is a bad thing
brian
November 27th, 2012
11:23 pm
agree Soph – Barnes I do not miss. As good as Kendall was I think we have the perimeter players to hold our own (but it would sure be nice for them to learn under Marshall). He really miss the 2 big guys and I think it reminds us how Zeller was probably underrated while at UNC
Venice Jim
November 27th, 2012
11:37 pm
For those who whine about salaries and how we miss the good old days, Tom Boswell with perspective on how Marvin Miller righted a ridiculous situation:
In his entire 23-year Orioles career, Brooks Robinson earned a total of less than $1 million in salary. In 1975, just months before Miller and his union won their court battle for free agency, Robinson won his 15th and final Gold Glove in his last full-time season. His financial timing was awful.
Venice Jim
November 27th, 2012
11:38 pm
Brooks’s post-baseball plan was his sporting goods store in Baltimore — nothing big, just a local business. What could be more logical and modest? But Robinson hated to nag local youth teams to pay for their equipment. He carried many accounts on the cuff. So, one of my first “scoops” on the beat was to ask one of my childhood heroes how he had gone bankrupt. Robinson blamed himself for not being tough enough in business. I blamed a century of baseball owners who never paid players a fraction of their worth.
Chop Chop
November 27th, 2012
11:43 pm
I’ve been noticing posts on that DOB Facebook group from the great Paul Lentz. I’m just glad he’s able to get his ideas out there. The world missed him.
Venice Jim
November 27th, 2012
11:48 pm
Does this mean you have not noticed him spewing hatred, vitriol and moronitude for the past three days here, under the assumed names he uses because he has so frequently become a purveyor of misogynistic and obscene commentary? And all of his inept and stupid ideas? Or do you look up to him as a role model for people who claim to be Braves fans while being anything but? Or are you being sarcastic, and find him as repulsive as normal, decent human beings…
Chop Chop
November 27th, 2012
11:55 pm
Hahaha. I’m sure he has been, Venice Jim. I don’t read this blog often, but I’m sure he’s been here the whole time under various guises. You can’t keep a good troll down, though he isn’t the humorous kind of troll who does it with a gleam in his eye and a sly wink. I just wish that he could be clever enough to be as succinct as the obvious trolls in Yahoo! or ESPN.com comment sections. Trolling diatribes are only fun in small doses.
Of course, the alternative to my view of Dentz is that he might be real. If he’s for real, then nothing, save a lobotomy, can help him. I hope he’s fake.
Venice Jim
November 28th, 2012
12:04 am
I think he’s had 4 different names in the past 5 days, one time changing t’s to 1’s to disguise himself – today he finally made fun of DOB in his name…
cab blocked his comments on Facebook because it’s the one thing she can do to block him…
Venice Jim
November 28th, 2012
12:14 am
Time to retire for the evening…looking forward to another stimulating day of reading the same things over and over and over…very Groundhog Daylike…
Chop Chop
November 28th, 2012
12:15 am
Par for the course, I’d say. Every blog is its own echo chamber. Some like to have their echoes resonate more than others. His head is stuck in a Mason jar up his ***, so I guess it works well.
Bay Area Steve
November 28th, 2012
12:33 am
“spewing hatred, vitriol and moronitude for the past three days here, under the assumed names he uses because he has so frequently become a purveyor of misogynistic and obscene commentary? And all of his inept and stupid ideas?”
Horrible, isn’t it? And, to think, someone once compared me to that.
Oh, wait…
Peter
November 28th, 2012
1:35 am
Gotta love a good wait…… it will be perfect if he does not sing here……..long term another Uggla.
theriddler
November 28th, 2012
2:47 am
Over on Fangraphs they break down all of the MLB teams TV deals. WOW. I didn’t realize the Braves have the worst TV deal by FAR. They will be cash strapped for 20 more years.
phil
November 28th, 2012
6:20 am
Fire Selig…
Live Vipir
November 28th, 2012
7:23 am
“That is worth a chortle.”
OK, somebody actually used the word ‘chortle’. I’m not sure if I want to hang on this board any longer. While I take time deciding, let’s get started on cut and paste of stat and salary information along with nonsensical diatribes about fat FAs, drug addicts w/babysitters, and .246 sluggers we need to throw money at………..OK, begin!
richbrave
November 28th, 2012
7:51 am
2032 the BRAVES get a new deal.
They are actually rated dead last in MLB in local t.v. revenue, but it’s estimated, so it might be slightly better.
They are lumped with the ROYALS, PIRATES, CARDINALS, BREWERS, A’s, and MARLINS at the bottom of the heap. And guess which old t.v. revenue deal doesn’t run out until 2031. That’s right.
Couch Tater
November 28th, 2012
8:18 am
Flange –
I’ve had a big argument with one of our hackasaurs. I say they should ban the belly putter. He doesn’t want to give up burgers and fries.
PuddyCat
November 28th, 2012
8:21 am
“Know what the difference between hitting .250 and .300 is? It’s 25 hits – 25 hits in 500 at-bats is 50 points. There’s six months in a season, that’s about 25 weeks. That means if you get just one extra flare a week – just one – you get a bases empty ground ball with eyes and are left stranded, you get a dying quail, just one broken bat single a week … and you’re a Superstar.”
That extra hit you get every week did not contribute into any scoring. Was not a factor in the outcome of the game, but fans are convinced you are a great hitter by looking at your magnificent batting average of .286-.300.
Stats are a wonderful tool and are fun. The sad part is they are not easy for 90% of fans to interpret correctly. Go to any baseball forum and fans are arguing over players stats because every fan has their own interpretation of what each individual stat shows about a player. Cherry picking stats also skews judging a players worth or value.
So a .246 batting average may not be nice to look at, but can be misleading as to actual production and value to a lineup. A .300 batting average can be as misleading as well as far as actual production or lineup value.
These are just my thoughts so feel free to spin away. As we know, stats can be manipulated to say anything you want them to say. Using the same stats and the same player you can build that player up or tear that same player down to suit your argument.
richbrave
November 28th, 2012
8:23 am
T.V. Revenue deals:
Off what I just saw in t.v. revenues over on FANGRAPHS, FRANK WREN is a magician. Nineteen more years of this nonsense too! Longest bad deal by far.
And the deal was evidently negotiated at below market rates by ST. TED TURNER not LIBERTY MEDIA. I guess this made it easier for TT to slide out of ownership since he was ready to move on.
This really is a bad situation. You overpay for a FA that turns bad and a long-term deal comes almost hand-in-hand with the player, cash-strapping the BRAVES for years like LOWE’s and KK’s did.
You develop young talent, but because you have as an example, a DAN UGGLA and/or a B.J. UPTON tying up revenues for years, you lose your young good talent in their primes to teams like the DODGERS with an annual t.v.revenue stream of 260 million vs. yours of 10 million [estimated].
I don’t know how much revenue comes to the BRAVES thru LIBERTY MEDIA because the individual at FANGRAPHS couldn’t say, but it evidently insignificant comparatively. Worse, it’s long-term, another 19 years.
Like I said at the top. FRANK WREN and JOHN SCHUERHOLZ are magicians just getting the BRAVES into the play-offs more often than not.
But the CARDINALS and GIANTS are living proof that a cash-strapped good organization can compete in the old environment.
The new one of the DODGERS [240-280 mill], and ANGELS [147 mill] however seems quite different to me. I think that avalanche of money is going to change the landscape of baseball for the next twenty years as it slowly spreads across the country in new revenue deals club by club.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
8:47 am
Ken Rosenthal@Ken_Rosenthal 17m Broxton deal with #Reds is three years, $21M. Also a club option for 2016. Salaries of $4M-$7M-$9M, with $1M buyout on $9M option.
That’s closer money for Broxton, so I guess Chapman is headed to the rotation.
Cueto, Latos, Bailey, Chapman, Arroyo, Leake
Real good depth.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
8:51 am
Can anyone imagine what Craig Kimbrel is going to get in free agency if he stays healthy and productive? Braves have control of Kimbrel from 2013-2016. Those arbitration salaries are going to be through the roof too.
Way early, but I truly believe that in two years from now, Wren will be fielding trade offers for him. Just doesn’t make any sense at all for a team with a $90-$95 million dollar payroll to be paying a closerover $10 million a year annually. Can’t imagine Kimbrel getting less than $10 million in arbitration in 2015. Those type of figures for closers need to be paid by big market teams and it would be best for the Braves if they sold high and traded the guy. Just my two cents on that.
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
8:51 am
so I guess Chapman is headed to the rotation.
Good luck with that, unless he has some off-speed pitch that he’s been hiding in the 9th. His slider probably isn’t good enough to keep hitters off the heater the second time through.
PuddyCat
November 28th, 2012
8:52 am
Efrim also they could win more games and be a better team if they get a better leadoff hitter. I say that sarcastically to show a leadoff hitter is overrated as is batting average.
Dew Stubbs was Reds leadoff hitter for their 97 win team, Braves won 94, and he hit a whopping .213.
Super Slueth
November 28th, 2012
8:54 am
Meanwhile down at the local Zesto’s Frank Wren was seen clutching a briefcase and sobbing wildly “please don’t make me spend it”!
Trader Jack
November 28th, 2012
8:54 am
There’s always been questions about Chapman’s stamina. How many innings can he throw?
PuddyCat
November 28th, 2012
8:54 am
And his brother Drew had same stats
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
8:56 am
What would we get for Kimmeh? Two top 10 prospects from a team? Maybe top5?
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
9:00 am
What would we get for Kimmeh? Two top 10 prospects from a team? Maybe top5?
Too early to say. I’m just gonna sit back and enjoy having a dominant 9th inning guy for the next couple seasons. Just hope he stays healthy and productive. Worry about the rest later.
flange1
November 28th, 2012
9:01 am
Couch,
I agree ban any putter that is anchored to the body!
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
9:08 am
The Royals have discussed Wil Myers in trades for Rays right-hander James Shields and Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports points out that the two hurlers aren’t exactly equal. The two are owed similar money through 2014 ($24.625MM for Lester and $21MM for Shields) but Shields has been much stronger in recent years.
Trader Jack
November 28th, 2012
9:09 am
Efrim
Couple you comments regarding Kimbrel along with Richbraves comments regarding the TV revenue, and it paints a pretty bleak picture for the Braves future
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
9:11 am
I wouldn’t of gone that route if I were the Reds. I would of kept Chapman in the pen. They have 5 good starters and a couple of arms in the minors that are close to starting as well – Tony Cingrani and Kyle Lotzkar. They do have a deep pen even without Chapman – Broxton, Marshall, Arrendondo, LeCure, Simon, Hoover….
I think the Reds are gearing up for a trade. Lots of pitching to deal and a position player prospect in SS Didi Gregorius that a lot of teams like.
Kwajbraves
November 28th, 2012
9:11 am
Ruiz got 25 games suspension for using amphetamine for 2nd time. Where is Phillie Phanatic now? He was trolling last week and bashing the Braves for sign in Schaefer for using dope.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
9:16 am
Couple you comments regarding Kimbrel along with Richbraves comments regarding the TV revenue, and it paints a pretty bleak picture for the Braves future
They have a fine future as long as they draft well and make smart international free agent signings. Heyward, Freeman and Simmons are 23 years old and controlled through at least 2015 – that’s three more seasons and I fully expect the Braves to lock up Heyward for 2, maybe even 3 seasons after that. A lot of it rides on Medlen, Beachy and Minor, as well as the moves Frank makes this Winter – as it will set the Braves up over the next couple seasons. Best chance to win is over the next 2-3 years, imo, given the state of the farm system and NL landscape.
TennesseePaul
November 28th, 2012
9:17 am
I would of kept Chapman in the pen.
So you’d keep the power arm in the pen and not in the rotation? Are you going to be slotting polished college lefties in that rotation next?
old man
November 28th, 2012
9:17 am
I have heard BJ has a great arm. Is that right?
I know he is fast, so range is only a problem if he takes poor routes and/or gets poor jumps on the ball.
Any insight on this from others?
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
9:18 am
I find it strange that the Red Sox are focused on Mike Napoli with the presence of Ortiz, Gomes, Ross, Salty, and Lavarnway. I know he can play 1B and he’ll play there a lot, but he wants to catch some too. Could mean Salty is on his way out with him being a free agent after 2013.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
9:20 am
PuddyCat
November 28th, 2012
8:21 am
“Know what the difference between hitting .250 and .300 is? It’s 25 hits – 25 hits in 500 at-bats is 50 points. There’s six months in a season, that’s about 25 weeks. That means if you get just one extra flare a week – just one – you get a bases empty ground ball with eyes and are left stranded, you get a dying quail, just one broken bat single a week … and you’re a Superstar.”
That extra hit you get every week did not contribute into any scoring. Was not a factor in the outcome of the game, but fans are convinced you are a great hitter by looking at your magnificent batting average of .286-.300.
Stats are a wonderful tool and are fun. The sad part is they are not easy for 90% of fans to interpret correctly. Go to any baseball forum and fans are arguing over players stats because every fan has their own interpretation of what each individual stat shows about a player. Cherry picking stats also skews judging a players worth or value.
So a .246 batting average may not be nice to look at, but can be misleading as to actual production and value to a lineup. A .300 batting average can be as misleading as well as far as actual production or lineup value.
These are just my thoughts so feel free to spin away. As we know, stats can be manipulated to say anything you want them to say. Using the same stats and the same player you can build that player up or tear that same player down to suit your argument.
So early in the day and already a post of the day for me. Great post Puddy and very true but you will find that this is what the blog is these days…a bunch of stat geeks looking at numbers only and nothing else. Their whole opinion of a player’s value is based on the numbers and I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t even watch the games.
Ef
I don’t even want to think about the day that Kimbrel is gone, I enjoy watching him make the best hitters look silly too much.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
9:20 am
So you’d keep the power arm in the pen and not in the rotation?
Heee.
I have concerns on him holding up in the rotation. But the Reds know more about him than I do, so maybe that’s his best place.
It’s not like they don’t have a strong rotation as is.
Lew
November 28th, 2012
9:21 am
With Chapman starting, it will be interesting to see how well his velocity holds up.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
9:22 am
I don’t even want to think about the day that Kimbrel is gone, I enjoy watching him make the best hitters look silly too much.
There is something very cool about a closer that is so freaking dominant. But unless payroll goes up, it’s hard for me to envision them giving a pitcher who throws 60 innings a year a huge contract. But I’ll enjoy him for at least the next couple seasons.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
9:24 am
His arm is better than Bourn’s… I wouldn’t call BJs arm great though, but it is good enough. The range comes from both poor routes and jumps.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
9:24 am
old man
I watched a couple of videos on Upton in the field on youtube and he has a very good arm, some might call it great even.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
9:31 am
Pay no attention to TOBF comments regarding Bossman’s arm, his view is skewed by the extreme hatred he has for the guy. Plus he is only 17 and should be in school right now. BJ’s arm is great, go check some videos to see for yourself.
Live Vipir
November 28th, 2012
9:31 am
“I don’t even want to think about the day that Kimbrel is gone, I enjoy watching him make the best hitters look silly too much.”
Kimbrels come and go. Can’t even count the number of closers who were ‘lights out’ during my time following MLB.
ncbravesfan
November 28th, 2012
9:33 am
BJ Upton’s arm is great. No question about that.
David O'Brien
November 28th, 2012
9:33 am
Pay no attention to TOBF comments regarding Bossman’s arm, his view is skewed by the extreme hatred he has for the guy. Plus he is only 17 and should be in school right now. BJ’s arm is great, go check some videos to see for yourself. — BravePack
Agree. Anyone who’s seen the guy play even a few games knows he has a strong arm. It’s the one aspect of his defensive game that is far superior to Bourn’s. While Bourn can really go get it and runs superior routes, he has a weak arm.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
9:35 am
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
9:16 am
Couple you comments regarding Kimbrel along with Richbraves comments regarding the TV revenue, and it paints a pretty bleak picture for the Braves future
They have a fine future as long as they draft well and make smart international free agent signings. Heyward, Freeman and Simmons are 23 years old and controlled through at least 2015 – that’s three more seasons and I fully expect the Braves to lock up Heyward for 2, maybe even 3 seasons after that. A lot of it rides on Medlen, Beachy and Minor, as well as the moves Frank makes this Winter – as it will set the Braves up over the next couple seasons. Best chance to win is over the next 2-3 years, imo, given the state of the farm system and NL landscape.
The problem here is they don’t draft well, or at least they haven’t the last number of years. When the Braves have needed position players, namely OF’s, they keep drafting pitchers, like soft-tossing lefties.
Couch Tater
November 28th, 2012
9:37 am
Flange – You took the bait. (Which I agree). So, is drawing a line on the ball an artificial aid?
http://throughthegreen.org/Artificial%20Devices.pdf
We’ll see if we’re 2 for 2.
Murph
November 28th, 2012
9:42 am
Kimbrel’s season was historic. Sorry, but closers like him don’t come and go. They are pretty rare.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
9:45 am
Live
I don’t know I’ve watched a lot of baseball in my life too and seen many great closers who had great stuff and would make some hitters look bad, but Kimbrel, so far, has made almost every hitter he faces look bad unless they get lucky. He has the stats to back it up too. He’s been dominant since he came into the league, with only 2 pitches to throw as well.
Trader Jack
November 28th, 2012
9:47 am
Murph
Agree with you on Kimbrel. As long as he stays healthy, he’s in store for a huge payday from one of the big money teams
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
9:49 am
The problem here is they don’t draft well, or at least they haven’t the last number of years. When the Braves have needed position players, namely OF’s, they keep drafting pitchers, like soft-tossing lefties.
Well, then we’ll find that out soon enough. It shows when you draft poorly. Unless of course you only take into account what Braves people say about their system – which will always be positive because it hurts their bargaining position and there really is zero reason why they would knock their own system. Pretty much why I try to get a sense of the organization on a whole from other analysts who don’t have a dog in the race.
Trader Jack
November 28th, 2012
9:52 am
Efrim
When I made my comment about the Braves future, I didn’t mean the next 2-3 years, but further down the road. You are correct that unless payroll changes dramatically, the Braves will become a de facto farm club for the big money teams, developing players that they can’t afford to keep
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
9:55 am
but you will find that this is what the blog is these days…a bunch of stat geeks looking at numbers only and nothing else. Their whole opinion of a player’s value is based on the numbers and I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t even watch the games.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Even the folks here who value quantitative analysis aren’t as tunnel-visioned as you make out.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
9:55 am
we’ll turn into the Rays, just without the good drafts, if nothing much changes. Hopefully we get a good owner soon
Francouer's Wife
November 28th, 2012
9:56 am
Bring back Frenchy for left field. Dude has a great arm. The batting coaches can fix his swing, just like they did for Heyward.
monty
November 28th, 2012
9:57 am
I don’t think anyone can deny Upton’s innate abilites. What I would question before signing anyone to a long term multi-million deal is why someone has seemed to underperform considering those considrable gifts. I would question their drive,determination,psyche and such. I know I saw BJ not hustle in on a short flyball in a game we played against them this past season I believe. I thought to myself at that time,”he could have caught that, but he just trotted in on it.” I hope FW just finds a gamer, someone who loves to compete and give maximum effort. Give me 8 Martin Prado’s any day of the week.
Live Vipir
November 28th, 2012
9:57 am
“Pay no attention to TOBF comments regarding Bossman’s arm, his view is skewed by the extreme hatred he has for the guy. Plus he is only 17 and should be in school right now. BJ’s arm is great, go check some videos to see for yourself.”
Wow, thanks for the warning. That was a close one.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
9:58 am
Even the folks here who value quantitative analysis aren’t as tunnel-visioned as you make out.
I like me some numbers, but I am no SABR guy. I don’t know if there is anyone on here who is other than Shaun, and I still value his opinion because he still has good things to say about baseball…..most of the time.
TennesseePaul
November 28th, 2012
9:59 am
While Bourn can really go get it and runs superior routes, he has a weak arm.
That statement sounds similar to Juan Pierre defensive statements leading up to his Dodger signing. Except, comments about Pierre’s arm were not even that flattering. It was more along the Johnny Damon “Throws like a Mary” line.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
10:03 am
we’ll turn into the Rays, just without the good drafts, if nothing much changes. Hopefully we get a good owner soon
I really don’t think it needs to be that dramatic. All it takes is a couple good drafts. We had a solid one in 2012. Just need more of it. Picking at the back of the first round does hurt because there is usually a steep drop off from picks 10-15, but then again so does giving up four Top 60 picks in six drafts. Gotta get lucky too, though, and they weren’t in 2011 with having their guy taken right before them at 28(RHP Robert Stephenson, Reds).
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
10:05 am
When the Braves have needed position players, namely OF’s, they keep drafting pitchers, like soft-tossing lefties.
That lack of positional depth is one of the things (heck, maybe the only thing) that makes someone such as I even think about something like a Medlen-for-Myers trade. There are plenty of ready or near-ready pitchers in the system (not as good, sure, but more than serviceable), but only Gattis (if even he) for the field.
Either these pitchers down on the depth chart are good enough to be considered actual “depth” and possibilities for the big club, or they aren’t. If they aren’t, then why are the Braves keeping every dang one of ‘em?
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
10:05 am
I thought to myself at that time,”he could have caught that, but he just trotted in on it.”
This is versus the Mets… maybe I can find others http://www.raysindex.com/2012/06/mets-broadcasters-accusing-bj-upton-of-not-hustling-thats-bj-upton.html
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
10:11 am
why someone has seemed to underperform considering those considrable gifts. I would question their drive,determination,psyche and such.
I’m not sure the FO has any mind-readers on staff. Have to check.
The team spent six hours talking to the guy. Probably ten times that amount talking to people about the guy. I can’t imagine a situation in which their due diligence did not include figuring out the guy’s competitive nature.
TennesseePaul
November 28th, 2012
10:13 am
I don’t know if there is anyone on here who is other than Shaun
Payne is a sabr reader and evangelist, not a contributor. At least not on this site. He hasn’t put forth any original ideas, merely regurgitated the fad du jour of the sabr community with a condescending tone.
ncbravesfan
November 28th, 2012
10:13 am
Louisville to the ACC in 2014
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
10:15 am
monty
November 28th, 2012
9:57 am
I don’t think anyone can deny Upton’s innate abilites. What I would question before signing anyone to a long term multi-million deal is why someone has seemed to underperform considering those considrable gifts. I would question their drive,determination,psyche and such. I know I saw BJ not hustle in on a short flyball in a game we played against them this past season I believe. I thought to myself at that time,”he could have caught that, but he just trotted in on it.” I hope FW just finds a gamer, someone who loves to compete and give maximum effort. Give me 8 Martin Prado’s any day of the week.
Oh boy here we go again. VJ was right about the blog being the same recycled garbage day after day.
TennesseePaul
November 28th, 2012
10:15 am
With Chapman starting, it will be interesting to see how well his velocity holds up.
I’d imagine there will be some drop, but really I doubt it will be that big of a deal. The guy tosses 110mph out of the pen. If he notches it back to 98mph, it’s still faster than most.
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
10:18 am
I hope FW just finds a gamer, someone who loves to compete and give maximum effort.
You left out “gritty” and “scrappy”.
Me, I don’t much care about that kind of stuff. I take talent over David Eckstein every time.
PuddyCat
November 28th, 2012
10:18 am
Even the folks here who value quantitative analysis aren’t as tunnel-visioned as you make out.
I like me some numbers, but I am no SABR guy. I don’t know if there is anyone on here who is other than Shaun, and I still value his opinion because he still has good things to say about baseball…..most of the time. Efrim
I’m with you on that bit about stats. Not so much about Shaun’s opinion. I hate walking through an airport and being harassed by fanatics about religion. I get very incensed with two or three people are standing at my front door with pamphlets suggesting I need a guiding light in my life. I also become disenchanted when someone tries to imply they have re-invented the game of baseball through statistical analyzation.
Stats are fantastic and should be used along with all other means of information to arrive at an informative conclusion. Unfortunately too many have an agenda driven motive when discussing players and their comparisons to other payers.
Keep your religion, politics and quantitative analysis to yourself I say. If I need any of those I know where to go to get it.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
10:20 am
Either these pitchers down on the depth chart are good enough to be considered actual “depth” and possibilities for the big club, or they aren’t. If they aren’t, then why are the Braves keeping every dang one of ‘em?
Completely agree. What is the point of keeping all of em when we have clear needs at the big league level?
Payne is a sabr reader and evangelist, not a contributor. At least not on this site. He hasn’t put forth any original ideas, merely regurgitated the fad du jour of the sabr community with a condescending tone.
This is true. Real SABR guys are putting together models/formulas in their parents basement…..
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
10:23 am
but only Gattis (if even he) for the field.
That is so bloody depressing. Heyward and Freeman were drafted 5.5 years ago and we have Evan. Gattis.
5 drafts. Evan Gattis.
[shakes his head]
TennesseePaul
November 28th, 2012
10:24 am
Real SABR guys are putting together models/formulas in their parents basement…
Ha! I laugh because it is funny and because I am fat and lazy with a cro-magnon man view of baseball.
David O'Brien
November 28th, 2012
10:25 am
Even if he could possibly have made many millions more if he stayed healthy for entire career, Longoria is a smart man for doing that latest deal with Rays. Good points in this story:
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/cautionary-tales-conversations-helped-evan-longoria-decide-to-commit-to/1263520
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
10:27 am
Keep your religion, politics and quantitative analysis to yourself I say. If I need any of those I know where to go to get it.
No offense, but why should anyone here construct their posts to conform to your personal desires? Seems to me that it’s a little easier for you to just scroll by the posts in which you have no interest, as do the rest of us. Why not try that?
Francouer's Wife
November 28th, 2012
10:29 am
If you look at Frenchy’s RAHAHR (runs after hitting a home run) rating since he has been in the majors, it is stellar. Easily ranking right up there among all MLB players. Bring him back to Atlanta, Wren.
braveslifer
November 28th, 2012
10:35 am
“That lack of positional depth is one of the things (heck, maybe the only thing) that makes someone such as I even think about something like a Medlen-for-Myers trade. There are plenty of ready or near-ready pitchers in the system (not as good, sure, but more than serviceable), but only Gattis (if even he) for the field.”
Co-sign!
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
10:38 am
same meaningless homers and RBIs in blowouts.
130 or so of Uggla’s 200 or so dingers have come when the game margin was 2 runs or fewer. Hardly meaningless.
richbrave
November 28th, 2012
10:38 am
Thinking of our OF prospects, TODD CUNNINGHAM has disappeared from the HERMOSILLO ORANGES line-up the past two weeks. I wonder if anything’s amiss because he had a couple of hitting spurts, but had swooned at the plate in recent games. Did the BRAVES call him home?
In VENEZUELA
MEJIA ended up 0-4, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SO, and EL OSO BLANCO 2-5 [.279 BA]
PuddyCat
November 28th, 2012
10:40 am
Ncscoots you missed the picture, but nice cherry picking
PuddyCat
November 28th, 2012
10:41 am
Ncscoots you missed the picture I painted, but nice cherry picking
Murph
November 28th, 2012
10:41 am
Keep your religion, politics and quantitative analysis to yourself I say. If I need any of those I know where to go to get it.
I went to church after the election to pray for our country and republicans, and the priest interrupted his anti-gay rantings and abortion rhetoric to discuss his views on WAR and BABIP. Needless to say I was very offended.
I know how you feel. Keep your WAR and BABIP out of my fiction-filled Sunday morning worship, thank you very much.
Couch Tater
November 28th, 2012
10:43 am
I am fat and lazy with a cro-magnon man view of baseball.
You’ve regressed to my true talent level.
Venice Jim
November 28th, 2012
10:44 am
VJ was right about the blog being the same recycled garbage day after day.
Just to clarify, and I understand you are paraphrasing, but I did not say garbage…
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
10:47 am
I went to church after the election to pray for…republicans
Was the church still standing after the lightning strike?
PuddyCat
November 28th, 2012
10:47 am
Ok I’m off to the supermarket to talk politics, religion and stats near the produce section. If you are not interested feel free to push your cart past my fanatical rantings.
Outta here and at my age already need a nap
Rick C
November 28th, 2012
10:48 am
“130 or so of Uggla’s 200 or so dingers have come when the game margin was 2 runs or fewer. Hardly meaningless.”
Upton also has had just over 50% of his HRs and RBIs with the game tied or trailing. Not exactly stellar or anything but certainly a positive contribution.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
10:50 am
JIM BOWDEN @JimBowdenESPNxm
RedSox appear to be within striking distance of Swisher,Napoli & CRoss but in all 3 scenarios not giving extra yr that’s holding them back
Bet it’s giving that 4th year to Swish and Nap, the 3rd to Ross
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
10:51 am
“That lack of positional depth is one of the things (heck, maybe the only thing) that makes someone such as I even think about something like a Medlen-for-Myers trade. There are plenty of ready or near-ready pitchers in the system (not as good, sure, but more than serviceable), but only Gattis (if even he) for the field.”
That.
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
10:54 am
RedSox appear to be within striking distance of Swisher,Napoli & CRoss
Go BoSox! Get all them suckers off the market.
Trader Jack
November 28th, 2012
10:54 am
richbrave
Many of the American players only play 1/2 the season in winter ball. They come home for some R & R prior to reporting for ST
Jordan Schafer
November 28th, 2012
10:58 am
“Ruiz got 25 games suspension for using amphetamine for 2nd time. Where is Phillie Phanatic now? He was trolling last week and bashing the Braves for sign in Schaefer for using dope.”
Just say NO to drugs !
Tumbledown
November 28th, 2012
11:00 am
ncscoots – Me, I don’t much care about that kind of stuff. I take talent over David Eckstein every time.
Gotta pose a question of an extreme example in an attempt to support the theory that there are exceptions to every rule: Would you take Yunel Escobar over David Eckstein? Of course, I assume that Escobar has more talent than Eckstein.
Mr. Blonde
November 28th, 2012
11:00 am
monty
November 28th, 2012
9:57 am
I don’t think anyone can deny Upton’s innate abilites. What I would question before signing anyone to a long term multi-million deal is why someone has seemed to underperform considering those considrable gifts. I would question their drive,determination,psyche and such. I know I saw BJ not hustle in on a short flyball in a game we played against them this past season I believe. I thought to myself at that time,”he could have caught that, but he just trotted in on it.” I hope FW just finds a gamer, someone who loves to compete and give maximum effort. Give me 8 Martin Prado’s any day of the week.
Shut your F’n mouth Pink before I shut it for you. You don’t have a clue about Bossman.
DAP
November 28th, 2012
11:00 am
efrim unless payroll goes up, it’s hard for me to envision them giving a pitcher who throws 60 innings a year a huge contract. But I’ll enjoy him for at least the next couple seasons.
personally, kimbrell would be on my list of extension candidates, along with prado, heyward, freeman, medlen, and beachy (waiting a year on the latter two)
we have been talking about the tv deal and how it will hurt the braves financially in the future. the only chance they have to remain competitive is to hitch thier wagon to these guys, win or lose. take the risk, because if you dont do it, the chances of being a loser is much higher. if im the GM, i decide im gonna live and die with these young players, and extend them all.
RemoW
November 28th, 2012
11:00 am
I have great respect for Longoria and his agent. That is great article and is almost a direct answer to a lot of fans, myself included, who wonder why someone would turn down a guaranteed 100 mil hoping they make 150 mill. For 99% of the fans, that is monopoly money. (ie. not real)
News Flash !
November 28th, 2012
11:01 am
“RedSox appear to be within striking distance of Swisher,Napoli & CRoss ”
Meanwhile, Braves bring back Jordan Schafer as insurance in CF !
David O'Brien
November 28th, 2012
11:03 am
While Bourn can really go get it and runs superior routes, he has a weak arm.
That statement sounds similar to Juan Pierre defensive statements leading up to his Dodger signing. Except, comments about Pierre’s arm were not even that flattering. It was more along the Johnny Damon “Throws like a Mary” line. — TennPaul
For good reason: Pierre’s arm was/is worse than anyone’s in the majors, unless Damon returns. Those two stand above (or rather, below) all other current outfielders in terms of horrible arms.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
11:04 am
The Detroit Tigers have let other teams know they’re willing to talk about trade proposals for Rick Porcello. – Buster Olney
We got Simmons….
How about a Porcello for Hanson swap?