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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,326 comments Add your comment
cabravesfan
December 12th, 2012
11:33 pm
Tom-
I suppose I can forgive you- there was much concern that you vanished without warning…
nolie
December 12th, 2012
11:33 pm
I don’t remember saying anything nice about Biff or Shafer
P'cola Brave
December 12th, 2012
11:34 pm
The thing about a platoon is you will then need to acquire a LH bat for the bench. And there are no good ones available via FA. The most likely options would probably be 1B. That would eliminate Meija and we would still need to find another bench bat.
richbrave
December 12th, 2012
11:34 pm
A TREY sighting! ‘Zup dog?
Tom O'Hawke
December 12th, 2012
11:37 pm
being fat is not what caused all the Ks and the terrible OBP, plenty of fat players get on base. we’ll see
Hip Hop is cool, I love Bugs Bunny…… — nolie
True, noles, but along with the weight loss is his working with the Braves’ hitting coaches on his swing… learning how to take pitches etc.
As you said, “we’ll see”
Agree with you on the rabbit.
richbrave
December 12th, 2012
11:39 pm
‘……nolie
December 12th, 2012
11:33 pm
I don’t remember saying anything nice about Biff or Shafer…..”
Nor should you.
Do you foresee an alternative to Plan ‘C’? That is to say, our prospects on hand inserted into the two or three slots left to fill out the positions?
Trey
December 12th, 2012
11:39 pm
There he is! richbrave!!! How goes it, guy?
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 12th, 2012
11:39 pm
You mean limit him to only TWO positions?!?
Well, true it’s only 2 positions, but he’ll likely have to play switch to 3B every 2-3 days… I mean, I guess if he’s willing to do that, it’s all fine and dandy, but I’d really like it if he was made the 3B starter. He wants to play IF, and is a better option there than Juan. LF defense isn’t the most important… I think Prado’s waited long enough, right? Was supposed to be his job when Chipper left
I could just see Prado deciding to leave to go somewhere where he will get his own position to call his own.
nolie
December 12th, 2012
11:39 pm
Mattingly whining about “too high expectations” just cause a team has a huge payroll. poor guy, gonna be expected to win this year..
Tom O'Hawke
December 12th, 2012
11:40 pm
Hi Trey! How’re things going with you and the Navy?
I suppose I can forgive you- there was much concern that you vanished without warning… — cabravesfan
I did… had to, unexpectedly, leave the country – and at one of the busiest times of the year for me. But they let me come back.
richbrave
December 12th, 2012
11:40 pm
Swingin’ dude, swingin.’
What happenin’ down in the N.C.?
cabravesfan
December 12th, 2012
11:41 pm
I must have missed the Marteen quote where he said he wanted to play one position and was expecting to be the 3rd baseman next year…or that he is even remotely unhappy with the situation right now…
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 12th, 2012
11:42 pm
The thing about a platoon is you will then need to acquire a LH bat for the bench. And there are no good ones available via FA. The most likely options would probably be 1B. That would eliminate Meija and we would still need to find another bench bat.
Yep, another concern, but it’s not the biggest one imo. What concerns me most is having Janish as a permanent member of the ATL bench.
I’m still taking Juan’s numbers with a grain of salt though… he’s a MLB player who is playing against a strong AA. I’ll wait to see how he does, still needs to make fewer outs, become more selective at the plate.
Cunningham (or Rev haha) may not be a bad option for LF.
nolie
December 12th, 2012
11:42 pm
Hall of 100: Glavine versus Smoltz
December, 12, 2012
DEC 12
8:55
PM ET
By David Schoenfield | ESPN.com
RECOMMEND0TWEET3COMMENTS0EMAILPRINT
Many shocks from ESPN’s Hall of 100, the biggest thus far is that they have John Smoltz as better all time than Tom Glavine. #Hallof100
— Julian Spivey (@julianspivey44) December 12, 2012
I was a little surprised as well that John Smoltz came in at No. 75 while Tom Glavine ranked No. 93, considering Glavine won 305 games compared to Smoltz’s 213. We know that wins aren’t everything, still … 92 wins is a lot of wins to make up in other areas. Of course, these two are easier to compare than most pitchers since they were teammates from 1988 through 2002, pitching with the same defenses behind them.
Career numbers:
Pitcher W-L SV ERA IP H BB SO HR OPS WAR
Smoltz 213-155 154 3.33 3473 3074 1010 3084 288 .653 62.6
Glavine 305-203 0 3.54 4413 4298 1500 2607 356 .697 69.3
Smoltz was the more dominant pitcher — more strikeouts, harder to hit. But Glavine had nearly 1,000 more innings as Smoltz battled some injuries (missing all of the 2000 season) and spent three seasons and part of a fourth as a closer. All those extra innings helped Glavine achieve the edge in career wins above replacement (per Baseball-Reference.com), thus seemingly turning this into a debate over career value versus peak value.
But that’s not really the case. Let’s rank their top 20 seasons:
1. Glavine, 1991: 8.2
2. Smoltz, 1996: 7.1
3. Glavine, 1998: 5.9
4. Glavine, 1996, 5.6
(tie Smoltz, 2006: 5.6
6. Glavine, 1997: 5.3
7. Smoltz, 1991: 5.1
8. Smoltz, 2005: 4.7
9. Glavine, 1995: 4.6
(tie) Glavine, 2000: 4.6
11. Smoltz, 1997: 4.5
12. Smoltz, 2007: 4.3
13. Smoltz, 1999: 4.2
14. Smoltz, 1995: 4.0
15. Glavine, 2005: 3.9
16. Glavine, 2002: 3.8
(tie) Glavine, 2004: 3.8
18. Glavine, 1992: 3.6
19. Smoltz, 1989: 3.5
20. Glavine, 2001: 3.4
I can’t see where Smoltz rates the edge in peak value. If anything, in looking at the best 10 seasons, Glavine rates the edge. Smoltz did edge out Glavine in career ERA, but that’s a factor of (1) Smoltz spending those years in the bullpen (his ERA was 3.40 as a starter); and (2) Glavine taking a few years to get going (4.29 ERA through his first three-plus seasons).
It may also be worth looking at how each performed in the Braves’ closest pennant races.
1991: Braves beat Dodgers by 1 game (Glavine: 20-11, 2.55; Smoltz: 14-13, 3.80)
1993: Braves beat Giants by 1 game (Glavine: 22-6, 3.20; Smoltz: 15-11, 3.62)
1999: Braves beat Mets by 6.5 games, lead was 1 game with 12 to go (Glavine: 14-11, 4.12; Smoltz: 11-8, 3.19). In September, Glavine beat the Mets twice, allowing three runs in two starts. Smoltz had a no decision in one start against the Mets, allowing one run.
2000: Braves beat Mets by 1 game (Glavine: 21-9, 3.40; Smoltz: Missed entire season)
2001: Braves beat Phillies by 2 games (Glavine: 16-7, 3.57; Smoltz: 3-3, 10 saves)
That was it while they were teammates. In 2005, the Braves topped the Phillies by 2 games and Smoltz went 14-7, 3.06. In 2006, Glavine’s Mets won the National League East by 12 games.
Anyway, it’s pretty clear that Glavine rates the decided edge in “close pennant race” seasons. He pitched in 1991 and 1993, seasons the Braves won the East by 1 game (and there was no wild card). Due to injuries, Smoltz wasn’t a factor in close races in 2000 and 2001.
Who should rank higher in the Hall of 100?
Tom Glavine
John Smoltz
So, it has to be Glavine, right? Higher career WAR, just as strong in peak seasons, better in close races.
We’ve left out one thing, however: Postseason performance.
Smoltz is one of the great October pitchers of all time, going 15-4 with a 2.67 ERA and four saves. Glavine went 14-16 with a 3.30 ERA. Smoltz pitched 209 innings and allowed 67 runs; Glavine pitched 218.1 innings and allowed 91 runs.
To push Smoltz past Glavine, you have to give him extra credit for that postseason performance, which is certainly reasonable. So we’re kind of left with this: Glavine helped his teams a little more in getting to the postseason; Smoltz was the guy you wanted starting in the postseason. Tough call. I wonder if our image of Smoltz is stronger because he threw harder and if you watched postseason baseball in the ’90s, you remember some of his big games.
If anything, maybe they should have been 75 and 76 in the Hall of 100 … I’m just not sure in which order.
Trey
December 12th, 2012
11:43 pm
Not too bad, Tom. Busy this time of year, preparing for the next Calendar Year. Just got done with a fitness test the other week. Kicking folks out, things like that.
cabravesfan
December 12th, 2012
11:43 pm
Tom-
So I heard from your friend Bobby…he passed along some info about your absence (at my insistence because I was concerned). It seems that our boarder patrol is not as diligent as it could be…
Trey
December 12th, 2012
11:45 pm
richbrave, the same ol’ stuff. Just working and what not. Had an Army/Navy football game party at our Commanding Officer’s house back on Saturday, which was pretty fun.
Tom O'Hawke
December 12th, 2012
11:45 pm
I could just see Prado deciding to leave to go somewhere where he will get his own position to call his own. — TOBF
I disagree, TOBF. With his being so multi-dimensional… I doubt ANY ML team would want him for just one position. That’s his talent… and it comes in so damn handy at times of injuries.
Besides, I wasn’t suggesting that Wren GO for that… I just meant that if he can’t make a deal, I don’t think that we’re that bad off.
richbrave
December 12th, 2012
11:46 pm
FRANCISCO’s had a world of bad habits to erase in a few short months. They’re bounf to rear their ugly heads again from time to time. Hopefully less and less as the season wears on.
I really can’t see JUAN not making the BRAVES short of being in on a trade to bring a ‘premium’ player here in trade.
Where the REV, FRANCISCO, MEJIA, GATTIS, CUNNINGHAM are concerned I think it’s too early for other GM’s to be thrilled at the prospect of having them on their club. Hopefully that will be somewhat different in 2014.
Tom O'Hawke
December 12th, 2012
11:49 pm
Trey
I hope you have learned to relax a little more, with that job, than the last time I was here talking to you. (last March)
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 12th, 2012
11:50 pm
Marteen quote where he said he wanted to play one position and was expecting to be the 3rd baseman next year
I vaguely remember hearing a clubhouse report where he said that he’d prefer to play on the IF (presumably 3B), but that atm it was out of his control… not saying that he would complain, but if he can go get a job elsewhere as a 3B, I think he may jump on it.
I disagree, TOBF. With his being so multi-dimensional… I doubt ANY ML team would want him for just one position.
I think his versatility is a big plus if/when he hits FA, but I think that a team would target him for one position (likely 3B, it’s hard to find good ones), but him being able to play multiple positions gives them flexibility if they get another good player who say, can only play 3B. They could then move Prado to another spot on the diamond and be able to keep him.
Brava
December 12th, 2012
11:52 pm
Martin is not going to say anything publicly if he’s disgruntled about constantly shifting positions. He’s not that type of guy. It just seems like common sense that he would want to play one position, rather than being used as a super-utility player. He’s more likely to excel and possibly win an award by doing so.
Trey
December 12th, 2012
11:53 pm
Tom, I have. I am taking a thing called Celexa.
cabravesfan
December 12th, 2012
11:53 pm
Vaguely remembering doesn’t mean much (no offense- I am naturally skeptical without a legit source quote). I’m sure he would prefer to play a single position, infield or outfield, but he has worked so hard that I really don’t think it is THAT important to him. He just wants to play ball.
Tom O'Hawke
December 12th, 2012
11:54 pm
Tom-
So I heard from your friend Bobby… — cabravesfan
He told me… I said it was, OK, as long as he didn’t give the blog my SS or bank account numbers. (He tends to have a big mouth.)
(He’ll see that!)
I wonder if Billy Joel will do my version of Piano Man?
richbrave
December 12th, 2012
11:54 pm
My brother-in-law who’s 88 in January is lovin’ it. Always went bonkers for the service rivalry game. Being an old salt, he was always rooting for NAVY. Used to go to every one until he divorced my sister in ‘84 and moved south. Commander who started as a swab, and got a fleet appointment to ANNAPOLIS.
cabravesfan
December 12th, 2012
11:56 pm
Tom-
Did he tell you the rest?
richbrave
December 12th, 2012
11:57 pm
Time to hit the sack. NYTOL.
Trey
December 12th, 2012
11:58 pm
Have a great night, richbrave.
P'cola Brave
December 12th, 2012
11:59 pm
What about Michael Cuddyer? Doesn’t make a lot of money but has been a solid major league player most his career. He would fit nicely in the back half of the lineup and would provide a veteran leadership and someone whose RH that could take over 1B for Freeman on occasion.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
12:01 am
Doesn’t make a lot of money
10.5mil salary… supposedly we only have 8-10mil left this offseason. Unless the Rockies will eat some… but yes, he’d be a decent addition
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
12:05 am
Tom, I have. I am taking a thing called Celexa.
Don’t know what it is, Trey, but if it’s helping you, then I’m all for it! You were heading for an ulcer, it seemed, last time I was here.
TOBF & Brava
I agree, 100%, on what you’ve said about Prado probably rather playing one position. Who wouldn’t?
My only disagreement with TOBF was that he’d leave the Braves because of it.
I don’t think he will.
I could be wrong now, but I don’t think so. (Monk)
Brava
December 13th, 2012
12:05 am
The Rockies always over-value their players. Tough to deal with them.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
12:05 am
Vaguely remembering doesn’t mean much
I know… I wish I had better memory (or the link), so I’ll let that go. It just seems to me that it was widely assumed that he’d become our 3B after Chipper retired, now this new guy may get the job, and Martin will have to shuffle positions every other day. I know I don’t like it, but maybe Martin is more okay with it than I am!
He’s not the guy to publicly b**** about it, so we’ll never know, and he’ll just go and be the best player he can for us. Maybe he’ll sign an extension, but I have to think that he’d highly consider somewhere else where he won’t be a platoon member.
Probably much ado about nothing anyway… but I want Prado to be the 3B.
Go Braves.
cabravesfan
December 13th, 2012
12:06 am
I think everyone assumed Marteen would be the 3rd baseman, but I don’t recall the Braves saying that was guaranteed. Anyways, I am not worried about Marteen at all
P'cola Brave
December 13th, 2012
12:07 am
Adding 10.5 is definitely near our maximum. But he does fit us pretty well. He would be near the top of my wish list now. He would require a decent return I’m sure but he gives the lineup that veteran member.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
12:08 am
Tom-
Did he tell you the rest? — cabravesfan
I’m not sure… is this something I need to hear on here? (hear on here… ha!)
Brava
December 13th, 2012
12:10 am
I think he may if it continues this season, Tom. I could be wrong, as well.
cabravesfan
December 13th, 2012
12:13 am
Tom-
Just asking you to e-mail me sometime
Anyways, I am calling it a night before the laundry machine next door explodes. Bye for now, blog!
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
12:16 am
Well, Brava, I know you’re really hoping I’m right, aren’t you?
Although, that was a worst-case scenario. Hopefully, we’ll add a player where the yo-yo’n won’t be necessary.
Not that I’m complaining, cuz I can handle it, but this concert is going WAY into OT.
VJ, walk that dog before Sir Paul comes on.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
12:18 am
Not that I’m complaining, cuz I can handle it,
Night owl… like it
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
12:19 am
cabravesfan
Yes! He told me not to put it off any longer (I really lost track of the time, there).
Good night.
Mixxo
December 13th, 2012
12:19 am
Oh crap……it IS him from REM.
Trey
December 13th, 2012
12:24 am
Tom, it definitely helps. I take some other stuff too, for when I need it, such as public speaking.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
12:27 am
Public speaking?? Damn! If you can handle that, you should be able to handle anything!
Brava
December 13th, 2012
12:35 am
Yes, I hope you’re right, Tom. I’d hate to see Martin leave.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
12:35 am
Hah! My stupid local ION network must not have realized this concert may go into OT. They just switched to an earlier taped wrestling show.
The Heidi Bowl all over, again.
Trey
December 13th, 2012
12:36 am
I wish, Tom. I have GAD, heh.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
12:46 am
I had to look that up, Trey. Don’t worry about it, we all have something or other. I have ADD. Without ritalyn, I couldn’t focus on stuff for school and, now, for work.
It can affect my sleeping and cause insomnia – so I have to know when to take it and when to not.
So, if I act goofy on here late at night, it’s because I’m losing focus… not being drunk.
David O'Brien
December 13th, 2012
12:47 am
Lew, don’t folks on the Braves Fans of DOB’s Blog page on Facebook realize that if each of you just blocks The Misanthrope, his comments won’t show up for you? I say this because I blocked him a couple weeks ago, so now all I see is all of the frustrated folks arguing with him, but I don’t see his comments. If everyone just blocked him, he’d have no one on there to argue with and no one could even see his comments.
It’s easy to do.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
12:49 am
Morbid curiousity, DOB. It’s like trying not to look when you go by a severe auto accident.
nolie
December 13th, 2012
12:50 am
I think Cuddyer is a bit pricey, and definitely out of our price range at this point. also didn’t have a particularly good year or play all that much in ‘12. was hurt a couple of times with oblique troubles IIRC
Venice Jim
December 13th, 2012
12:52 am
DOB – but sometimes the humor in seeing him project something as bizarre as “McCann and Uggla will not have 10 HRs between them by July” is too good to pass up…
nolie
December 13th, 2012
12:53 am
folks just won’t do that DOB. even here though we can’t block him folks could just not respond and he would eventually quit, but just doesn’t happen that way.some continue to feed the troll and give him exactly what he is looking for
Venice Jim
December 13th, 2012
12:57 am
After that brief reappearance, I am out for the night – looking forward to seeing the rest of the concert tomorrow…
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
12:59 am
Wuss!
DS1
December 13th, 2012
1:18 am
Jazz beat the Spurs with a last second jump shot on national TV. Good sign!
DS1
December 13th, 2012
1:22 am
I wonder what the Braves temperature is on Cody Ross, and where his yearly salary might be settling in at?
MIBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
1:35 am
Good question DS1.
What does anyone think of Paul with the remainder of Nirvana? Just when I thought he was singing the silliest of “silly love songs”.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
1:38 am
MIBravesFan
I heard the remaining members of Nirvana asked Sir Paul to join them for the benefit concert. Apparently, Kurt Cobain couldn’t make it.
Brava
December 13th, 2012
1:41 am
Someone on Twitter called them Sirvana. Clever. I thought they sounded pretty good.
MIBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
1:44 am
No kidding!
I thought it was great! I’m thrilled they did that. And for a great cause.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
1:45 am
“Sirvana” That’s good! (Wish I had thought of it.)
I liked the whole concert, especially The Who, and, Sir Paul. I can’t believe how well put together the entire concert was… especially on short notice.
Brava
December 13th, 2012
1:51 am
Yeah, that surprised me too, Tom. It seemed to all be well-rehearsed and set up. Great job by all involved.
Brava
December 13th, 2012
1:52 am
Yeah, that surprised me too, Tom. It seemed to all be well-rehearsed and set up. Great job by everyone involved.
Brava
December 13th, 2012
1:55 am
Oh well. I thought the first one didn’t go through.
On that note, I’d better call it a night. Having lunch with an old Army buddy tomorrow.
Goodnight everyone who’s still around.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
2:00 am
‘Nite, Brava
Yeah, from what I’ve noticed in the past few nights on here… the blog can be quite an adventure when submitting a post. I’ve had to wait quite a while – several minutes, at times, before it finally goes through.
I guess you have to resist the urge to hit “submit” again. Easier said than done.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
2:11 am
Before I leave, I’d just like to point out that 2 ladies & myself made it through the ENTIRE concert, tonight.
BTW, the 3 of us are all in the eastern time zone.
Smasherooosky!!! (I don’t know, what sound do balls make when they’re being busted?)
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:12 am
Hello everyone! Good to see Braves are still inb trade talks, and it includes Fowler, and Bonifacio. Bonifacio plays LF,3rd, SS, and having Prado playing multiple positions helps…… So stay tuned, and hope qren can work his magic without giving up too much.
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:13 am
Meat to s Wren can work some magic .
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:16 am
Well you know what I was talking about. I hope Wren, can pull some thing again? I’ll be O.K with Fowler, or Bonifacio? Choo was just too much to trade for.
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:17 am
It’s coming down to Fowler, and Bonifacio?
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
2:17 am
You should’ve quit with, “qren”, Ward.
But, yeah, we know what you mean.
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:24 am
Tom – You know my typing skills…… I just check before I post.
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:27 am
Sad part, is I don’t even drink…….
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
2:28 am
Easy typo, Ward, the “q” is next to the “w”. I only wish that was my biggest typo error.
When I make a bad one, I try to jump on myself right away… before VJ or cab does.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
2:30 am
Actually, it was your attempt at a CORRECTION, that made me smile. That’s when you went all haywire…
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:33 am
Like I comes before E except after C….. LOL If Braves, don’t get anyone? I could accept a Francisco, and Reed Platoon in LF, and Prado at 3rd base.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
2:36 am
That’s what I said, earlier, Ward. So I agree, obviously.
I think Wren will still pull something off. There’s plenty of time left. He may just want to see what Francisco looks like in ST.
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:42 am
I just don’t understand why so many are freaking out on the blog? That’s what teams do, and I like what I hear from Franciscos’ work out, and how hard he’s tryong to correct his swing.
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:43 am
To me player trying to correct his old habbits is good signs to come.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
2:49 am
Ward
You sound like the voice of reason, tonight.
As far as the freaking out goes… who knows? I bet every team’s blog has similar comments. Maybe it’s some kind of release.
Me, I take it out in my gym. I hit stuff… (stuff that can’t hit back)
If not a release, then maybe there are a lot more psychos running around than we know of… and you and I are among the only few that aren’t.
Ward
December 13th, 2012
2:59 am
I’m just starting to pay attention to things, and look at what can help the team, and I try to think what Wren, is thinking, and not get caught up in everything. I’ve been reading things before I make comments. doing my own research, but I don’t like talking about WAR, and stats all the time. It can be misleading, and people mostly try to try trip you up. I like stats, but don’t feel I have to have them to back me up.
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
3:04 am
Ward
The blog is for opinions, so, IMO, as long as you state something as FACT, stats aren’t really necessary. However, the blog is, also, for debate. So, be ready to defend your opinion.
Just don’t get pissed if someone else disagrees with you.
BTW, you went through that entire 2:59 post without a typo!
Ward
December 13th, 2012
3:05 am
Tom – Great talking, and if I were he Braves, I would check out Nelson Cruz LF? He might be a good fit in LF? All, have a good one! Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
3:06 am
Ward – I messed that up… as long as you DON’T state something as FACT… it should’ve been
Tom O'Hawke
December 13th, 2012
3:07 am
Peace out, Ward!
Jeff R
December 13th, 2012
6:57 am
Choo’s gone. The brokenhearted deal-makers’ weep.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
7:01 am
as long as you state something as FACT, stats aren’t really necessary
Yeah c’mon!
and I can ignore the 3:06, right? Ha
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
7:04 am
The brokenhearted deal-makers’ weep.
Opportunities for me to back players and find insane ways to get them are thinning… Chooo was really our last hope for a LF, Hart may be unavailable and cost too much for Frank…
I just want to be happy this offseason! Laird and re-signing Reed don’t do much, and I dislike the Upton signing
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
7:09 am
trade Schafer and Constanza for Gattis…
JoeFan
December 13th, 2012
8:14 am
What Wren is indicating by his actions is that he is satisfied with what he has seen of Francisco and Gattis and feels comfortable going to spring training with them. If they pan out then great and if not then he will still have time to over pay for a left fielder.
Lemke's Knuckler
December 13th, 2012
8:33 am
Any info on who the Braves might have offered for Choo? Just curious.
old man
December 13th, 2012
8:42 am
TOBF
Saw your kind reply on my Juan Francisco/Reed Johnson crusade.
I’m seeing a career BABIP of .358 (which you mention) and a 2011 of .333, and a 2012 BABIP of .326, all three numbes against righties only. So he has already “regressed to the mean” quite a bit. A BABIP of .300 is the universally accepted overall average. A line drive hitter like Francisco might be expected to be a bit higher. And, I will throw out for consideration that a player would be expected to have a slightly better BABIP to the side of a split on which he is better. I’m guessing that the tendency is for a guy who hits righties better to have a slightly higher BABIP against them versus his number against lefties. Or a switch hitter from his better side. Or a guy with great pinch hit numbers, higher in that role. In whatever setting a guy is more likely to hit a line drive, the BABIP should be higher, shouldn’t it?
So I’m not conceding that the .326 number last year against righties is a number he will regress from. His overall BABIP number last year was .316, which for a line drive hitter seems well within the range of normal.
I just wanted to make sure your .358 BABIP number was not left sitting out there, lonesome and without any friends.
richbrave
December 13th, 2012
8:42 am
That’s my take JoeFan.
Lemke's Knuckler
December 13th, 2012
8:44 am
what he has seen of Francisco and Gattis and feels comfortable going to spring training with them. If they pan out then great and if not then he will still have time to over pay for a left fielder
Exactly. And better names than Bonifacio or Fowler may become available by the end of May. Although my vote is still to go after Bonifacio, as long as it doesn’t cost Delgado or Teheran.
Bawlmer Brave
December 13th, 2012
8:52 am
I would rather go with a Prado/Francisco/Gattis platoon in LF/3B to start the season than sign a ‘best of what’s left’ option for LF right now. In an ideal world, Gattis or Francisco forces their way into everyday play. If the platoon thing doesn’t work out, then you go the trade route, which probably means a decent chance that you overpay. I’d rather overpay for a partial year of someone because we absolutely have to than to overpay right now when there’s a possibility (however slight) that we have the answer in-house already.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
9:04 am
His overall BABIP number last year was .316, which for a line drive hitter seems well within the range of normal.
Yep… Seth Smith is a player who is similar to Juan, and he averages about .315 babip against RHP, .300 for his career. Both he and Juan sukk against lefties, but Seth is slightly better despite having a lower babip.
This is what Seth does to RHP… .283/.361/.503/.864
I still think that Juan could fall to about .310 against RHP (same as Seth), but who knows, maybe he can up the avg (and hopefully that OBP). With Choo off the table and Hart/Pence unlikely, maybe a Reed/Juan platoon is bet. Get him to learn LF though
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 13th, 2012
9:06 am
300 for his career
300 babip overall (lefties and righties)
CB
December 13th, 2012
9:07 am
My suspicious side is wondering if this is just another way of cutting payroll.
I am totally against theory of waiting until trade deadline, trades made then are usually more expensive. We supposedly have 10 mil left,use that money now and don’t dream on that Gattis or Francisco is the answer. One more good bat in this lineup will take us from a good team to possibly much more.