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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6,304 comments Add your comment
old man
January 1st, 2013
8:35 am
Went to bed at 9pm. Woke up at 630. Haven’t been awake at midnight on New Year’s Eve in about 13 years (Stayed up for 1999!).
So now it’s time to say Happy New Year to TOBF, Tom, nolie, DOB, Carroll, and everyone else on Tom’s list.
abeeeewright
January 1st, 2013
9:19 am
Happy new year to the good folk of DOB’s blog.
Hope 2013 is a good one for all.
Hopefully, Frank Wren has a New Year’s resolution to fill LF for the next few seasons.
Got to go. I think I feel someone’s sticky fingers in my wallet.
ncgary
January 1st, 2013
9:25 am
http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article_external/12545923?mailing_id=2080&linksrc=mb_right_col
baseball losses in 2012
JasonInFL
January 1st, 2013
9:43 am
Echo the sentiments of the others…Happy New Year!
Couch Tater
January 1st, 2013
9:49 am
uga –
1993 Sugar. Miami, 11-0 was the defending NC. Fifth-year Senior and Heisman winner Gino Torretta was 26-1 as a starter. Why even play the game? Bama had no chance.
The gold domes ain’t gonna concede defeat. Ask George Teague…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx1AZSeCkkM
Bill M.
January 1st, 2013
10:02 am
Hope everyone had a great party night. It’s time to zip up your fly and get back to work and bring on baseball.
Disgusted
January 1st, 2013
10:03 am
The Braves ranking of Number 8 is a pretty fair and accurate ranking.
UKUGA
January 1st, 2013
10:10 am
Happy New Year to the blog squad.
May 2013 bring you all many blessings.
Disgusted
January 1st, 2013
10:20 am
For all the hype on how the Blues were the forerunner of rock, etc., sorry but I just fail to see the connection.
The sounds are totally different from the old 50’s blues and the modern music we call rock
And, if it is, so what, if you were born in a garage that does not make you a car.
Or, the fake Santa Claus we lie to kids about during the Christmas season is not the same St Nicholas that the Santa concept supposedly came out of.
Its a RR HOF, not a blues HOF. Am I missing something here or there?????
I do not get the connection, oh well, what the H, no big deal. .
Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin = Overrated.
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
10:36 am
Boy, hang-over city.
Staying up till 1:30 a.m. guzzling champagne then getting up at 6:30 to feed the troops is rough on an old man.
But pancakes, smoked country ham bacon along with apple juice and copious amounts of coffee for the geezers and water for the young sprouts was consumed by all.
A good start to the New Year. Now let’s win a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in 2013. GO BRAVES.
Coach (2013, Is the future now?)
January 1st, 2013
10:39 am
Happy New Year!
Nowhere man
January 1st, 2013
10:40 am
DAY 15 AND THE BLOG GOES ON.
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
10:41 am
Bill M.
January 1st, 2013
10:02 am
“……Hope everyone had a great party night. It’s time to zip up your fly and get back to work and bring on baseball…….”
Heh! I can tell you’re a young man.
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
10:43 am
Nowhere Man:
No particular news brings on blog stagnation. So what? Use your imagination, or enjoy the camaraderie here.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
10:45 am
Disgusted – Huh? Maybe you need to go check a lot of the old R&R bands and see the connection with the blues. Original rock and roll – likely would be considered rhythm and blues (see, even have blues in the name) and has a definite correltion to the blues musicians and then into the 60’s – bands like The Yardbirds (who had Clapton, Beck and Page play for them) were definitely updating blues standards and then Zeppelin – go look at the songwirters for the tunes on their first album – McKinley Morganfeld, Willie Dixon, etc. Staright from the delta bluesmen. AndClapton? The Dude now known as Slow Hand because of his blues conection – not to mention his playing with John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers prior to Cream (who covered lots of bloues tunes like Crossroads) and with Duane Allman on Derek and the Dominoes, which is straight out blues.
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
10:52 am
Hey LEW:
Been meaning to ask how much snow you get on the eastern slope of the Green Mountains normally, and in this storm just past.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
10:59 am
richbrave – Hard to tell exactly how much on the last one cause we already had a fair amount on the ground to begin with. Right now we have about 20″ total and temps are going to minus 15 tonight or tomorrow, so it’s not going anywhere soon.
Last winter was VERY mild and we hardly had any snow. Normally we get about 110 – 120 inches a year and last year was only 48. I’ve seen several 20+ inch storms and one (which made me miss Spring Training some years back) where we got close to three feet. THAT one shut things down overnight, but they were up and running the next morning. I missed the trips because all flights at the time went through NY and THEY were closed down and backed up for a week.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
11:04 am
Disguted – IN addition – there was ahuge resurgence of the Delta BLues in the late 50’s and very early 60’s. Many of the old Delta Bluesmen like Howlin Wolf and Lightnin Hopkins (and many others) werwe still alive and they were taken into the recording studios and put their entire catalogs on modern (at the time) master tapes – it’s why so much of the old blues sounds really good on current recordings, unlike some artists like Robert Johnson, who having died a couple decades prior have such poor sound quality on their catalogs.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
11:13 am
@tobf
Haha just watch yourself man. The years fly by and before you know it, you’re married with a child on the way and all that fun stuff is not an option anymore. dylan
Yikes!
kenhotlanta
January 1st, 2013
11:16 am
Good morning and Happy New Year to everyone on the old blog, especially DOB and Carroll, who put up with our shenanigans.
Disgusted @ 10:20: “For all the hype on how the Blues were the forerunner of rock, etc., sorry but I just fail to see the connection.”
That is your most ignorant statement yet…we (including DOB) tried to show you last night how blues, and it’s combination with country, is the basis and cornerstone for all rock and roll. From Elvis to Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers, Cream, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac and all other groups and artists, and from to Motown and Nashville, the blues is the root and basics for all of this music. There would be no rock and roll without the blues. All of the above artists took old blues songs and updated the lyrics, melody, chords, etc. to create most of the greatest music from the 50’s through the 70’s. I am not a musician, so I can’t tell you how they did it, but most say it was inspiration and just a strong desire to update the older sounds.
I cannot overstate or emphasize this enough and, for whatever reason, you don’t get it, refuse to accept it, or, most likely, are just yanking our chains. No one can be that indifferent to the facts and the truth.
Let me put in a more simple way: Rock and Roll without the blues would be like a car without a motor or tires…you wouldn’t have much would you?
I’m not trying to be personal here, I am trying to show you how wrong you are in the face of plain facts for the past 50 to 75 years.
Please quit insulting the intelligence of many very knowledgeable bloggers on here.
Mr Pitts
January 1st, 2013
11:24 am
Disgusted, I love you like a brother, but you should just stick to mocking and ridiculing the Braves and those on this board. Music theory is not a strong point of yours. You mention Dylan…have to admit I’m not a huge fan, but hugely talented and influential. Saw him in Nashville during the 90s with Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Would have been right up DOBs alley.
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
11:37 am
Happy New Year!
My comment about Bethancourt and Ahmed from yesterday… I meant it as they will for sure atleast be good MLB bench players down the line with the skills and tools they have at this point. I wasnt saying they should be bench guys right now or anytime soon. You let them develop in the minors and don’t rush them, maximize there opportunity to be everyday guys in the majors. I consider them our top 2 position player prospects. I’d really like to see Matt Lipka take a big step this year as well.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
11:50 am
VaBraves – I’ve got serious concerns about Betancourt. He can’;t even hit AA pitching. He’s got a long way to go to be ready for MLB pitching. Not sure a couple of extra runners caught stealing would be worth his offensive futility.
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
11:58 am
Bethancourt’s defense is already MLB ready, that’s why I think he’ll atleast be a backup catcher. I’ve got concerns about his offense as well. Maybe he’ll need 2013 and 14 in the minors to atleast become capable with the bat. Offensive production from the catcher’s spot and definitely a backups is pretty low to begin with anyways. Bethancourt does have solid raw power he just can’t hit.
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
12:15 pm
Or maybe BETHANCOURT needs to be in close proximity to WALKER and the assistant hitting coach in ATLANTA for the next two years.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
12:17 pm
Raw power? Seriously? 14 HR and 53 2B in over 1220 minor league AB’sm is raw power?
Dude has q 4-1 K to BB rate, a career (4 years) minor league OBP of .294 and a SLG% of .355 for an OPS of .649.
Not sure where you’re seeing any offensive potential cause he hasn’t shown any in his minor league career.
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
12:17 pm
Maybe ED SALCEDO also.
ChattTownBrian
January 1st, 2013
12:23 pm
Wren getting another bat? Will it be a bench or full time hitter?
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
12:23 pm
LEW:
He’s shown power in a few games at A and A+. Each time he does somewhat consistantly for a short time, the BRAVES advance him, and he’s back to square one again at a higher level. The BRAVES seem to be pushing him along just as fast as they deem prudent. They’re assuming he can deal with the offensive misery I guess.
ugaaccountant
January 1st, 2013
12:25 pm
Bethancourt’s a young guy. Let him continue developing in the minors. If McCann needs spelling for longer than expected I’d just go with Gattis and accept the defensive downgrade for awhile.
ugaaccountant
January 1st, 2013
12:26 pm
He’s shown potential, not production. Scouting vs. stats. There’s a reason he stays ranked in the top prospects.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
12:29 pm
richbrave – 14 HR in four years and 1220 AB’s? He must have shown it in VERY short time. I think the most he’s hit in a single season is 5. VERY, VERY short time – like four or five games and the hits a few more next year.
I am NOT sold on this guy. Been quite some time since we’ve started a weak hitting catcher – since Javy Lopez came on board around 95. I see them extending Mac.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
12:32 pm
Braves seem to be moving Bethancourt along pretty fast… and most scouts agree that he has power potential. Last year, after hitting .303/.323/.430/.753 in 54 games at Rome, the Braves moved him to Lynchburg. In 45 games there, he hit .271/.277/.325/.603…. AND THEY MOVED HIM UP TO AA! Why???
Anyway, there’s a reason that he’s highly thought of, esp. outside the organization… seems to me only this blog “hates” on him, and I’m not sure why. Hopefully he takes some strides this year at AA, get him some time at AAA late this year or to start 2014.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
12:35 pm
What I remember reading was that he has BP power, he just needs to show it more in games. I admit, he’s been disappointing w/ the bat so far, but to cast him off as being a low value prospect…
I see them extending Mac.
I wish I could agree, but I can’t see Mac taking just 2-4 (likely 3) guaranteed years with an AAV under 15mil. If he’s healthy and produces, he has the opportunity to beat Molina’s deal, and the Braves can’t really compete with that.
David O'Brien
January 1st, 2013
12:35 pm
Braves seem to be moving Bethancourt along pretty fast… and most scouts agree that he has power potential. Last year, after hitting .303/.323/.430/.753 in 54 games at Rome, the Braves moved him to Lynchburg. In 45 games there, he hit .271/.277/.325/.603…. AND THEY MOVED HIM UP TO AA! Why??? — TheOnlyBravesFan
Because they wanted to see if he could handle it and possibly be ready by 2013 or ‘14.
cabravesfan
January 1st, 2013
12:37 pm
Don’t think anyone hates on Bethancourt. But most understand that he’s still a work in progress and is barely 20 years old (he turned 20 in September). I don’t see any reason to rush him to the majors.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
12:40 pm
YOu’re not sure why some of us are skeptical? YOU, who sites stats as if they were Holy Writ written by the finger of God?
OK – Career minor league OBP of .294. Career OPS of .355. One HR every 87 ABs. 4-1 Strikeouts to walks. 14 HR in 1220 AB’s. Need we really say more?
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
12:42 pm
CBet
.267 .328 .371 .699
.277 .342 .446 .788
.251 .276 .331 .607
.289 .304 .385 .689
.243 .275 .291 .566
Ruiz
.277 .329 .369 .698
.261 .290 .390 .680
.213 .264 .327 .592
.278 .325 .359 .684
.284 .338 .484 .822
Both struggled their first 4 years in the minors, though Bethancourt was better than Ruiz in every uear (OPS) and even had a year in the 700s. Ruiz figured it out in year 5 (at AA, 2nd time). In his 6th year at the minors, Bethancourt will be repeating AA for the 2nd time. Hopefully he can figure it out like Ruiz did.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
12:42 pm
And I’d say that the Braves picking up Laird and Pagnozzi pretty well tells us they answer they recieved about IF he could handle it by 2013-14 was a resounding NO.
MikeInFl
January 1st, 2013
12:43 pm
20 years old, Lew. Youngest player in the Southern League last year. If he were at A like a lot of 20-year-olds, he’d probably be posting at least acceptable numbers. I don’t think anyone’s “certain” that he’ll amount to anything, but when a guy has a cannon of an arm, excellent catching skills and “light-tower raw power” (per CAC), it makes sense to be a little patient with him.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
12:44 pm
OK – I’m out of here. Time for TOBF to now let us know how we misinterpreted the stats.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
12:45 pm
I’m not saying that the Braves need to rush him to the majors, just saying that I’m of the belief that he’s a very good prospect who has substantial upside.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
12:46 pm
Mike – Fine and well – but ready to replace McCann in a year? Not seeing it.
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
12:47 pm
Well, BOURN’s still available. That’s a full-time hitter, but I can’t see it myself.
I think we go with the pretenders, MEJIA, GATTIS, and FRANCISCO [plan 'C'] unless they bomb in ST. Then he gets a bench bat [plan 'D'], saving the excess bread for early season injuries and dead-line acquisitions. Trade is still an option, but we;re evidently not trading pitching for a get, at least right now.
I think JURRJENS and HANSON were the big pitching moves. Maybe JURRJENS gets an invite if he’s not already hooked up somewhere else.
I found 98 m.p.h. RHRP JUAN JAIME pretty uneven last season. Unhittable one or two in a row, then getting creamed two or three in a row. Very inconsistant.
WALDEN and CARPENTER are unknown to me.
I understand JORDAN has a big arm with big consistancy ?-marks, and a triple-digit fastball. And I thought I read somewhere when the trade went down that he had a shoulder problem. Yes? No? Anybody?
David O'Brien
January 1st, 2013
12:47 pm
“If you don’t know the blues… there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music.” – Keith Richards
“I’ve always felt that blues, rock ‘n’ roll and country are just about a beat apart.” – Waylon Jennings
“When you sit down and think about what rock ‘n’ roll music really is, then you have to change that question. Played up-tempo, you call it rock ‘n’ roll; at a regular tempo, you call it rhythm and blues.” -- Little Richard
“The blues is the foundation, and it’s got to carry the top. The other part of the scene, the rock ‘n’ roll and the jazz, are the walls of the blues.” — Luther Allison
“For all the hype on how the Blues were the forerunner of rock, etc., sorry but I just fail to see the connection.” – Disgusted
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
12:50 pm
20 years old at AA Lew…. he’s young. And let’s not forget about his AFL stint after the 2011 season, he did pretty well there… scouts are still pretty high on the kid, it’s too early to call him a backup C at best, if even that…
Because they wanted to see if he could handle it and possibly be ready by 2013 or ‘14.
George_George
January 1st, 2013
12:53 pm
Happy New Year to all of you
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
12:54 pm
LEW:
That’ strue. I don’t recall him hitting heavy in more than five-six games close together before being moved up, but my memory’s nothing near what it used to be when I was young and free of drugs.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
12:54 pm
I’d be pretty surprised if he’s ready to take over the job next year as well, but if he shows improvement at AA this year, maybe the Braves should send him to AAA next year, sign some cheap C from FA and let Bethancourt play at AAA until he shows he’s ready for the Show.
ChattTownBrian
January 1st, 2013
12:55 pm
DOB, do you see us getting a LF before the season starts?
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
12:56 pm
TOBF:
Based on what I’ve observed, if BETHANCOURT hits consistantly, singles or HR’s, I think they will move him to GWINNETT pronto. That’s been their MO so far.
ugaaccountant
January 1st, 2013
12:59 pm
He doesn’t have to be as good as McCann to become our next starter. Very few catchers will ever match McCann’s consistent offense for 5+ seasons like he did. He’s a dang good player.
Disgusted
January 1st, 2013
12:59 pm
Okay, I get it DOB, Mr Pitts, Kenhotlanta, etc.
Music is all a matter of taste anyway and I do get it that the blues are a part of the history of where rock started though both musics have its own charachteristics.
Truth is I have been sort of yanking the blog’s chain about music on this blog anyway, Especially kenhotlanta — and ken I do thank you for the informative posts on the music
I really do.
Still I have my definition as to what should be considered a RR HOF band or what is greatness and others do.
I do not agreee that Kraftwerk and Randy Newman are that memorable but hey, I am not a judge of that.
Man, some of you blues fans take it seriously — guess music is a personal thing to the passions of some people. That is all good.
Some of you have as much passion for your music as you have for sports if not more so.
Appreciate the posts — all of U have a good New Year.
richbrave
January 1st, 2013
1:04 pm
Yeah, I think once BETHANCOURT’s arrived at AAA, they’ll let him steep for a bit to prepare for the jump to the majors. As it’s going now, I’d say another full year might do it or two at the most – 2014, or 2015.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
1:06 pm
That’s been their MO so far.
Apparently… moved him from A+ to AA after he dropped 150 points in his OPS from his Rome numbers at Lynchburg, esp. on power, and had an OBP just 6points higher than his avg.
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
1:35 pm
DOB
The way you crafted your 12:47 was hilarious!
Disgusted
You do a great job of playing the blog-contrarian.
Coach (2013, Is the future now?)
I like it…
Joey G
January 1st, 2013
1:42 pm
After Bethancourt, who is the next best catching prospect in the organization?
cabravesfan
January 1st, 2013
1:43 pm
Tom-
What are you doing on the blog?? I’m sure you have better things to do today…
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
1:46 pm
Hi LAdy
Karen just left a little while ago. She’ll be back, later. Me? I’m gonna do absolutely nothing… and enjoy the hell out of it.
George_George
January 1st, 2013
1:50 pm
AWW Tommy boy left me off his list below I wonder why. Also DAVID waited till I left to say Happy New Year to all. I said it to everone
***********************************************
Tom O’Hawke
January 1st, 2013
12:00 am
HAPPY NEW YEAR
David O’Brien
Carroll Rodgers
(and, in no particular order)
cabravesfan
HAPPY NEW YEAR
David O’Brien
Carroll Rodgers
(and, in no particular order)
Venice Jim
cabravesfan
nolie
richbrave
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
Soph
Lew
Efrim
Bat Masterson
Murph
ncscoots
Ward
VaBravesFan
ChattTownBrian
DS1
jeffrey d
tiger297
raleighbravefan
Ray
Tomahawkin
brian
kenhotlanta
phil
DAP
CB
TennesseePaul
Ease
Coach
abeeewright
ncgary
Jimmy
RC
uga-brave
jeffrey d
Brava
bravesgrl4life
Mixxo
BravePack
Arkansas Transplant
MIBravesFan
Bay Area Steve
Juan
flange1
Hillbilly
Moe Berg
keyLargo
Jeff R
Kat
Couch Tater
N8
ZWacky
Rick
Patio Daddio
Owl Hunter
Disgusted
Hugo Z Hackenbush
Trey
haggard
Bravefaninok
P’cola Brave
Kwajbraves
JRW
Lollygagger
Monty
Anders
Random
ColoradoBravesFan
Lemke’s Knuckler
beekay
CraZy
cricket
Trader Jack
Bayou Brave
Roman Gal
RHR
Blog Monitor
Fols
Salt life
Just Pat
keyLargo
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
1:53 pm
…AND any real person that I may have left off my list.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
1:54 pm
After Bethancourt, no one really… I mean, I guess it’d be one of the guys they drafted this year, with Bryan de la Rosa leading the way. He played rookie ball last year, maybe he’ll be back there this season, I don’t know (ask Efrim!)
Originally from Puerto Rico, de la Rosa played for the Bucky Dent Academy team in Florida this spring and scouts loved what they saw in him, especially behind the plate. He has very good catch-and-throw skills and should be able to neutralize an opponent’s running game. He’s agile and has good hands, so his overall defensive game will be above-average or plus. While his defense is ahead of his bat, he’s not without offensive skills. He has a decent approach at the plate with a bit of pop. How much his offensive game develops could determine just how good of an all-around prospect he’ll be.
Another defense first guy, hit .162/.194/.221/.415 in 29 games (73 PAs)
cabravesfan
January 1st, 2013
1:55 pm
Tom-
Ah- I figured she was gone
dylan
January 1st, 2013
1:57 pm
Does that include me tom?? Gotta admit I was a bit sad
lol
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
1:57 pm
The poor dear was tired… she slept until 1:00.
cabravesfan
January 1st, 2013
1:58 pm
Tom-
You’re just asking me to make a comment…
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
2:00 pm
Only if you’re real, dylan. Send me your SS# & a few credit/debit card #’s for me to verify. If everything is on the up & up, I’ll wish you a HNY, too.
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
2:01 pm
Not here, LAdy, not here…
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
2:10 pm
I took that list from, Braveone’s, 1st-quarter top 100 posters list.
I wanted to get as many of the people on here BEFORE the in-gamers had a chance to polute the list.
Some editing was necessary, and I screwed that up as you can see.
Anyone that was left off the list, either wasn’t in the top 100 as of April 1ST, or I deleted intentionally.
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
2:13 pm
I’ve seen where Keith Law has made comments about Bethancourt saying “He’s a guy with power who just can’t hit”.
Also we should really just focus on the guys defense. He’s been MLB ready in that department for over a year. He doesn’t need to become a Brian McCann type hitter to play everyday in the majors as a catcher. Unless our roster is flat out horrible on offense.
Go look at all of the catcher’s production around the league. Even Brian McCann didn’t OPS 700, and we still look at his power numbers as a positive. There were 25 catchers with atleast 100+ games played in 2012 and 13 of them produced a OPS below 750, also 13 of that 25 had a Batting average under 250. Then after that there are a ton of catchers with 50 to 90 games played who produced pretty poor offensive numbers.
fmw
January 1st, 2013
2:14 pm
for all us GM types sign bourne to 1 . yr 12-14 mil contract 1. bourne LF 2.prado 3B, 3. heyward RF, 4 freeman 1B, 5. upton CF, 6. mac (when healthy) 7. uggla (rebound yr- fingerscrossed) 2B 8. simmons SS. once lineup rolls over simmons and bourne on base for middle of line-up . move uggla up to 6 slot till mac is back. bourne struggles swap w/ simmons. any better ideas speak up or put that in stone lol
BFChris28
January 1st, 2013
2:17 pm
http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/party-cheese-ball-54440.aspx
I am making my own twist on that
One of my dreams is to become a chef
ChattTownBrian
January 1st, 2013
2:21 pm
Unfortunately 2012 will be remembered for me personally as a sad year. I know this is a sports blog and all, but we’re all human and we are sometimes faced with situations that are not so fun to go through. But we live, we learn, but can’t forget because that is how we learn and grow.
Half Full (DS1)
January 1st, 2013
2:22 pm
Chris,
Go for it! I love to fool around in the kitchen a bit, but I’m far from being a good cook. But there are a few things that I do a good job with………
Tom O
Thanks for the New Years wish. I’d never attempt to compile a list of all good and decent bloggers, but from a quick look, you’ve covered the lions share of them in that one long post.
And some of the dip sticks wonder why they weren’t included.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
2:27 pm
Mike Minor @MikeMinor36
Happy New Year! pic.twitter.com/li9RG0TC
He hit a home run, rather than giving one up!
Ozzie
January 1st, 2013
2:27 pm
If the Braves can get reliable power and RBIs from the OF and the corner INF spots they can easily live with an arm/glove guy behind the plate. They have chosen not to do this in donkey’s years leaving at least one of those spots if not two with a ?mark or a platoon.
Having a Mac type offensive catcher is nice but they usually break down like all catchers do and then offense goes away; usually when you can least afford it.
I would prefer a guy who is athletic, can stop the run and actually swipe a base (Bethancourt is pretty quick) versus a guy who lets the world steal bases and then leaves a hole in the offense when he sits.
Also the comment about Laird and Paggs = Bethancourt is not ready is a bit misleading. Neither of those guys can hit or were ever known for more than their defense. So Bethancourt might not be ready to call a game and keep a young staff under control. Laird could be there to mentor him as much as back up Mac.
The writing could be on the wall. ATL Catcher = catch & throw – offense is gravy.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
January 1st, 2013
2:27 pm
I see that Hugh Hefner has gotten married again. He is old enough to be, theoretically, the girl’s great-grandfather. Bravo!
Half Full (DS1)
January 1st, 2013
2:27 pm
Too many folks get way too excited, way too early on some of our prospects. Let the kids play the game and see where the chips fall. Bethancourt, Ahmed, etc. These guys still have time to develop.
Now guys like Delgado and Teheran are getting close, if they are not already on the door step. But even with these guys, if they fail this spring, they are STILL young enough to experience some patience with.
BFChris28
January 1st, 2013
2:27 pm
Half Full (DS1)
I feel my calling is in the kitchen because I am 100% in the food and homeless ministries and I just love to cook and make people happy by way of feeding them good nutritious and at times not so good food for them lol. I started to like cooking at a young age watching my grandmother and mom in the kitchen. I then just started working on my craft. Some things I have down pat like soups, stews, sauces and dips n such. Then others I need a lot of improvement on like baking and stuff like that. I am in between on BBQing which is my favorite thing to do.
My goal in life is to start a homeless shelter and food pantry and soup kitchen all in one and possibly a restaurant of my own.
DS1
January 1st, 2013
2:30 pm
I guess it’s time I can quit teasing my blogging buddy Half Empty (though as nolie pointed out last night, Half Empty is more correctly more of a Half Full type blogger!)
Wes Jorga
January 1st, 2013
2:31 pm
My understanding is that Gattis was moved to LF because Bethancourt was blocking him, not because he couldn’t catch.. I don’t know his pct. at throwing out runners but he has a good arm. That being said, perhaps he could be used like Blanchard or Berra was on the Yankees when Maris and Mantle were occupying CF and RF. Both caught and played left.
kenhotlanta
January 1st, 2013
2:31 pm
CTB: Brian, I wish you a better 2013. My Grandmother used to always say “The darkest hour is right before the dawn” and that is very true. I hope things go your way in 2013.
kenhotlanta
January 1st, 2013
2:33 pm
Hugo, I guess that means there is hope for all of us.
DS1
January 1st, 2013
2:33 pm
Good luck with that one Chris. A noble thing to do four shore.
I don’t have anything in particular that I am overly good at. I love to cook up a big pot of chili. It’s never the same from one time to the next.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
January 1st, 2013
2:35 pm
Hope for all of us who have 45 million…
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
2:41 pm
I was thinking of that idea Wes, if Mac goes next year… Gattis catches 120 or so, backs up at 1B occasionally, and plays some LF on occasion. Go get Pence for LF.
I could live with that
BFChris28
January 1st, 2013
2:43 pm
Chili is one of my favorite things to make because I differentiate it every single time. Add a little this, subtract a little that. It’s very versatile and makes great left overs
Ozzie
January 1st, 2013
2:45 pm
I don’t see Bourn in LF or back in ATL. Seattle or TX will likely get him on a 3-4yr deal.
Frank only has ~10mm left to spend (per DOB) and he always keeps a few million in the kitty for the July deadline hail mary move.
So that could mean 7-9mm left to spend on a LF which means they won’t be getting Bourne unless they trade someone to free up salary.
I think the extra salary noise we heard from the FO was just that noise.
Again to beat a dead horse
Justin Upton makes 9-ish mm in 2013 and 14mm thereafter. He fits the 2013 payroll and with Mac and possibly Hudson gone he fits beyond that.
All we need is Ahmed to have a great spring and to have a pitcher (and a reliever) who shines bright enough to catch Tower’s eye before March 31st.
People may hate him for a variety of reasons or think there is no way Tower trades him but if you look at his skills, RH bat athleticism, salary and the marketing power of two Uptons in the OF he is tailor made for the Braves.
Right now Towers and Wren are not talking but they need each other.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
2:45 pm
Gattis 120 at C, 20 at LF, maybe a few at 1B
That’s 140+ games right there, more games than Mac is giving us right now…. lots cheaper if he can produce.
Pence starts 140 at LF, 10 in RF (Heyward’s days off)- 150 games, his career avg.
That’s a pretty good setup. Gattis’ ability to play LF is a plus in his addition to catch, as long as he isn’t a butcher back there, and from what I’ve read he isn’t. Maybe start him in AAA this year and have him catch.
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
2:47 pm
Olney ranked our Rotation 8th best. Here’s out Outfield. 8th as well.
8. Atlanta Braves
The only reason why they’re not higher on this list is that it’s unclear how often Martin Prado will be in left field. It could be that the bulk of Prado’s playing time will be as Chipper Jones’ replacement, and if that’s the case, then the Braves will fill left with some kind of platoon of Reed Johnson and some left-handed hitter to be named. B.J. Upton takes over in center field, and Jason Heyward will be in right field.
Something to remember: Heyward improved dramatically in every way possible last season, from his approach at the plate to his defense, and he’s just 23 years old. His next big challenge will be to learn to cope with left-handed pitchers, something that he and Freddie Freeman will see a lot of in the late innings. Last year, Heyward had an OPS of .934 versus right-handers, and .635 versus lefties; 20 of his 27 homers came against lefties. Heyward has demonstrated the ability to take the ball through the middle and to left field — check out his numbers according to where he hits the ball here — and that could be crucial in his adjustments against lefties.
Wes Jorga
January 1st, 2013
2:50 pm
TOBF, Yes, I hope McCann returns to form, where he could continue to power the offense, but if he doesn’t. 1 more year should help clarify what Gattis and Bethancourt can contribute. Wish there was a Gattis/Bethancourt catcher that had the best qualities of both.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
2:50 pm
I think the extra salary noise we heard from the FO was just that noise.
Maybe…. but we spent 93 last year, and the team made a profit… should have been at 95+. Currently, payroll is 83, and having 10mil left means we’re exactly where we were last season.
All we need is Ahmed to have a great spring and to have a pitcher (and a reliever) who shines bright enough to catch Tower’s eye before March 31st.
People may hate him for a variety of reasons or think there is no way Tower trades him but if you look at his skills, RH bat athleticism, salary and the marketing power of two Uptons in the OF he is tailor made for the Braves.
Or have Peraza light it up and look ready for AA too! (hah)… but yes, I agree with that. Again I think Upton has to go, he brought in Ross, imo, he is moving a RH bat. And Upton is the only one who can bring him a good haul.
Teheran/Ahmed for Upton. I’d be happy
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
2:51 pm
I’m sure we’ll have a top 10 Infield (which he will rank tomorrow) unless he’s not on board with a bounce back from McCann and Uggla.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
2:52 pm
Wish there was a Gattis/Bethancourt catcher that had the best qualities of both.
I know of one… but he’s out in SF and won’t be going anywhere any time soon. My Seminole Buster Posey.
kenhotlanta
January 1st, 2013
2:53 pm
Hugo, I am surprised he has that much left. I have not bought a Playboy in 20-30 years, except for the 50th Anniversary issue and they charge way too much for their web site the last time I checked. The internet kinda made them passe.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
2:54 pm
Depends on what he thinks of Juan at 3B also… since it looks likely that he’ll be over there. If Prado is the 3B, I think we’re a top IF, and he’d probably rank us one. Juan instead, we may drop a bit.
We’re top5 imo
Ozzie
January 1st, 2013
2:55 pm
Gattis cannot catch well and is deemed serviceable in LF though that is based more on belief of a minor league manager not on actual playing time data. Think Salty with more power and less skill behind the plate.
Gattis is a nice story but the winter leagues are entertainment leagues folks. The pitchers pitch batting practice bs the fans go insane for HRs and high scoring games.
The VZ league where Gattis has been playing is the worst of the lot in terms of being like the WWE. Nicknames are cooked up and they pour gas on players who get headlines.
Gattis has almost zero time playing LF as a Brave prospect and people act like you could tie a glove to a lamp post in the LF so long as it could hit.
I think Gattis is destined to be traded to an AL team that needs a DH/3rd catcher/4-5th OF. It will be amazing if he can translate winter league power to the bigs AND field a position. If he can they he WILL be a Brave and a special player. If he cannot field a position he is going to AAA and then to an AL team in a trade.
kenhotlanta
January 1st, 2013
2:55 pm
The Dawgs need to GATA in the 2nd half.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
January 1st, 2013
3:04 pm
Yes Ken, it’s tough to monetize smut on the internet now since there’s so much free stuff floating around.
DS1
January 1st, 2013
3:07 pm
Ozzie
Maybe we should just let Gattis play his game and see where it sends him.