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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6,304 comments Add your comment
David O'Brien
January 1st, 2013
3:09 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. — Wes Jorga
That was the primary reason he was moved, to hasten his path to major leagues at a position (LF) where the Braves had/have a need. Bethancourt is their top position-player prospect and his struggles last season didn’t diminish him in Braves’ view because of two reasons: Youngest player in his league for all or most of the year, and two injuries that kept him out for nearly half the season combined. Pulled a hamstring early on, and that was slow to heal. Then broke his hand when hit by a pitch late in season, ended his season abruptly.
Bethancourt’s agility, HUGE arm strength and overall package of skills is too special for Braves not to have him penciled in as their catcher of the future. Now, if he were to struggle again this season, maybe they’d re-think that. But not right now.
Gattis, from all the folks I’ve talked to — from Eddie Perez to the Braves’ roving catching instuctor and other catchers — is decent behind the plate, not going to kill you, and had made significant strides in calling a game before he was moved to LF early last season. He’s not caught much at all in pro ball, because he hasn’t played much pro ball, period. Javier Lopez was never a great defensive catcher, you might recall. And that’s not to say Gattis will ever hit like Javy did, but just to point out that if you can hit and hit for power at the big-league level, the catching skills don’t have to be Gold Glove-caliber, or even close to that….
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
3:13 pm
Gattis- 1.38 RF/G in 37 games at LF.in the minors, small sample size, but that’s about the same as Carlos Quentin’s in the majors
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
3:17 pm
and if he can hit, then his defense in LF isn’t a big deal. Just be serviceable. Same at C.
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
3:19 pm
Hey DOB
Repost from last page, if you missed it.
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.
So my take is on Bethancourt is that once he’s back to full health, he doesn’t have that far to go with the bat to be around a average hitting MLB catcher when looking at the currents ones… What’s your take?
ChattTownBrian
January 1st, 2013
3:30 pm
Ken, well thank you. Same to you,sir.
DS1
January 1st, 2013
3:31 pm
I have a prediction for Christian Bethancourt.
In 2013, he will be a catcher in either the major or minor leagues.
David O'Brien
January 1st, 2013
3:34 pm
So my take is on Bethancourt is that once he’s back to full health, he doesn’t have that far to go with the bat to be around a average hitting MLB catcher when looking at the currents ones… What’s your take? — VaBravesFan
I watched him in a couple of games in the AFL in 2011, and a little last year during spring training, and he didn’t strike me as a guy who “just can’t hit.” Last year was a wasted one, pretty much, in that he was the youngest guy in the league and had two injuries that wrecked his season — he missed about half of it — and prevented him from making adjustments or ever finding his stroke.
Bravefaninok
January 1st, 2013
3:37 pm
George_George ,Happy New Year to you and all the Braves fans of the blog….
nolie
January 1st, 2013
3:38 pm
Hi guys. Happy 1st.
There is some debate about just how great Bethancourt is defensively right now.
Catch and throw there is no question about, he is ++ perhaps. but actual defense behind the plate I am reading mixed reviews on including that he is sometimes a bit lazy about moving over for wild pitches.
As we’ve been saying for years now it seems, the best thing about him is that he is STILL so young.
I hope they let him develop at a bit slower pace
David O'Brien
January 1st, 2013
3:43 pm
I am reading mixed reviews on including that he is sometimes a bit lazy about moving over for wild pitches. — nolie
That was a knock on him two years ago, but I heard that he worked to improve in that area during the 2011 season and last year when he wasn’t hurt. Don’t know for sure, since I’ve not seen him play since last spring, other than in the Futures Game at K.C.
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
3:45 pm
Bethancourt is still very young. Probably needs 2 more seasons in the minors, getting alot of talk because McCann looks to be leaving soon and Christian is our No. 1 position player prospect. (4th best Catching Prospect in Baseball)
nolie
January 1st, 2013
3:51 pm
good to hear DOB. He is said to have huge physical ability to play D.
What about the game calling? Hear anything on that?
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
4:00 pm
Spit Balling about our Prospects.
Would really like to see Matt Lipka take some strides in CF this season. Continue to improve and possibly be our CFer in 2015 or 16 with BJ Upton sliding over to LF for the duration of his contract. another thing with Lipka is he was a shortstop when drafted so he comes with some flexibility.
Nick Ahmed could be our future 2nd baseman. Uggla has 3 years remaining. Ahmed is likely to be ready at some point in 2014 and could maybe work his way up the latter like Martin Prado did.
Todd Cunningham can hopefully become a solid 4th OF. He’s in a position where he could replace Reed Johnson after the 2013 season if he plays well enough.
Horn's dad
January 1st, 2013
4:03 pm
DOB,
Any thoughts are Frank Wren still acquiring a LF?? I’m still not sold on Prado in LF and Francisco at 3rd…
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
4:08 pm
What about the whole 94 million payroll in 2012 and now only 83 million at this point for 2013.
nolie
January 1st, 2013
4:08 pm
we can be pretty sure that Prado in left and Francisco at third would not be a full time thing
VaBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
4:13 pm
Francisco playing everyday could still be a option. He’d likely hit 25+ HR if he started 120+ Games. To me with our current interest in Scott Hairston (His best attribute is facing LHP and SLG) really seems like they wanna go with a power hitting lineup all the way. With our current players we could really use a leadoff guy (which is hard to find at this point) or someone who provides a good OBP and contact rates to try and balance out the power and strikeouts.
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
4:17 pm
Happy New Year, everyone. I’ve been away a long time, I know, but none of you were forgotten. I don’t make “resolutions” but……have “thought about” needing to get on here more often in 2013.
I’m excited to see the first game listed as Feb. 22nd! Isn’t that a bit earlier than usual?
Horn's dad
January 1st, 2013
4:17 pm
It seems like the Braves feel like Simmons is an option at leadoff. which would be ok if it means we are going to acquire another big bat….
dylan
January 1st, 2013
4:25 pm
@ tobf
That thing about gattis sounds awfully familiar…. but I totally agree. If he slugs in St like he has been then find him every day at bats. As far as bethancourt, as long as gattis can just be decent defensively cbet becomes a very valuable trade chip. ( hopefully thrown in a Mega deal for Stanton
)
nolie
January 1st, 2013
4:26 pm
Francisco playing everyday could still be a option. Va
nah. I’ll bet that ain’t gonna happen. he would have to make huge strides against lefties to out perform a platoon
Right back atcha Pat
dylan
January 1st, 2013
4:26 pm
Oh and my resolution is to match tobf in posts this year
nolie
January 1st, 2013
4:27 pm
TOBF are actually triplets, nobody can keep up 24 hours a day
dylan
January 1st, 2013
4:33 pm
Haha I admit I’m the proverbial Kc royals in this playoff hunt
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
4:38 pm
I agree on CBet DOB… 2012 was a wasted year, I think he can get back on track this season. I just hope the Braves don’t feel pressured to rush him to the majors next year… let him develop properly, he can be a star. Been better than Ruiz in the minors up until this season, as I showed on the last page.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
4:41 pm
Oh and my resolution is to match tobf in posts this year
Haha…. mine is to become as knowledgeable about farm systems as Efrim, and maybe as smart as nolie!
Joey G
January 1st, 2013
4:45 pm
Is there an app for iphone for this blog?
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
4:45 pm
cbet becomes a very valuable trade chip. ( hopefully thrown in a Mega deal for Stanton )
Or David Price!!!
Joey G
January 1st, 2013
4:47 pm
Personally I’d rather have David Price over Stanton.
dylan
January 1st, 2013
4:47 pm
Haha good luck with that. Pretty sure nolie has been building his smarts up for a long time.
And not to brag to everyone or anything, but I just finished the baby’s room and its probably the coolest of all time. Managed to convince the wife my man cave is the perfect baby room. Painted the walls blue, painted all the braves pennants in white along with the 95 in red, all my memorabilia on the walls, cribs blue with red bars, with braves blankets, and my signed chipper stuff on the walls. Now just pray its a boy
dylan
January 1st, 2013
4:48 pm
And the braves could conceivably get price this off season as I’m not so sure anymore that tb will retain him
DS1
January 1st, 2013
4:55 pm
TOBF
and as handsome as me????
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
4:59 pm
I wish y’all would stop saying how smart nolie is…
He’s already conceited as hell! If his head gets any bigger, he’ll have to have his doorways enlarged.
And a Day of Rain
January 1st, 2013
4:59 pm
dylan- funniest thing I have read here in ages. :LOL:
DS1
January 1st, 2013
5:00 pm
dylan
Congrats on the upcoming baby. When is the great occasion due to happen?
And yes, if you are not pretty sure, that’s taking a huge chance.
dylan
January 1st, 2013
5:03 pm
2 days after my birthday, so on march 7th. And my wife already knows, just doesn’t seem to want to tell me.
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:03 pm
dylan
Sounds like my bedroom…..except I haven’t gotten the “opposing” walls painted blue & red, yet….but I PLAN to! Got my bat & ball display case that I got for Christmas hung and have my Hank Aaron & Dale Murphy bats, plus my signed John Smoltz & Phil Neikro balls, along with the signed announcers ball and one from ST that I can’t read ANY players names on, but know they were the “youngsters”, my Braves lamps, throw, Smoltz poster and the pic of Smoltz & Greg Olsen with Olsen leaping into his arms, panoramic photo of first game at The Ted (and we were there), Braves clock, pennant, flag, jewelry box, autographed Caravan calendar from 1985, glove signed by Glenn Hubbard, etc., etc., etc. LOVE “my” Braves!
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
5:03 pm
and as handsome as me????
Haha… beardless, right?
nolie
January 1st, 2013
5:03 pm
I had to have that done years ago Tom and I made sure there was plenty of room for expansion, so they can say it all they want to now, I don’t mind….
DS1
January 1st, 2013
5:05 pm
What a finish to the Carolina-Michigan game!
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
5:05 pm
Good thinkin’, nolie. (They’re right, you ARE smart!)
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:05 pm
dylan
Trust me….if it WEREN’T a boy, she’d be putting her foot down about your decorating scheme.
dylan
January 1st, 2013
5:07 pm
Just pat that’s pretty impressive. I have signed maddux, glavine, and chipper balls, chipper jersey, picture, and his retirement picture thing with his awards, stats, and a piece of 3rd base in it from his last home game. In the process of getting a bat
DS1
January 1st, 2013
5:08 pm
TOBF
You can ask VJ, cab and tiger297 for confirmation. Not beardless and ruggedly handsome! (and VJ and tiger are almost as handsome!)
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:08 pm
I took the day off from trying to learn all about my iPhone 5 (another Christmas present) that I’ve been trying to master since Christmas (remember…..I’m a dinosaur here) and must say I’ve enjoyed it.
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:09 pm
dylan
I’m a LOT older than you, so have had more time to collect.
dylan
January 1st, 2013
5:09 pm
Pat
but she didn’t say his middle name couldn’t be chipper
D
That’s my thought process. And I’m allowed to pick the name as long as it isn’t anakin
DS1
January 1st, 2013
5:10 pm
dylan
Who’s next? Andrelton Simmons? Jason Heyward? Kris Medlen? Juan Francisco?
dylan
January 1st, 2013
5:12 pm
Lol definatly not. Chipper just my baseball idol. Reason I started playing and watching the braves way back when.
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:12 pm
Now…..if I could just figure out how to sync my email address book from my computer into my phone, I’d think I’d REALLY done something!
DS1
January 1st, 2013
5:12 pm
Wayne has a nice ring to it…………
Efrim, Tom, Jim, Nolie are all pretty good too!
cabravesfan
January 1st, 2013
5:12 pm
No comment
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:14 pm
dylan
Ahem…..you have a VERY understanding wife!
DS1
January 1st, 2013
5:14 pm
cab
You’re breaking my heart here, sister!
DS1
January 1st, 2013
5:18 pm
After parking my lazy keister on the couch most of the day so far, it’s time to get out and do something constructive.
Later Braves fans!
Bo Graves!
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:18 pm
I DID figure out how to download ESPN so that I can get instant Braves updates if I can’t watch the game for some reason.
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:19 pm
DS1
Bye….and good to see you again.
Couch Tater
January 1st, 2013
5:19 pm
Why does the Rose Bowl never have competiton from other networks?
8-5 Wisconsin. Really, Grandaddy?
nolie
January 1st, 2013
5:21 pm
Grandaddies don’t get around all that well Tater, low score should not surprise
Lew
January 1st, 2013
5:22 pm
I don’t know how large ger collecyion is, but I do know that Just Pat has impeccable taste in artwork.
nolie
January 1st, 2013
5:28 pm
what does that mean Lew, that she bought some of yours?
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:28 pm
Lew
Yeah…..unfortunately THAT had to go to my grandson in Atlanta or IT would be hanging on the wall there, too. Of course, I DO have my pencil sketch that you included……THANKS!
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:30 pm
nolie
Yes I DID!!!! And daughter & grandson LOVED it!
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:33 pm
“I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like”…….(can’t remember WHO said that, though)
Lew
January 1st, 2013
5:33 pm
nolie – Of course – I said she had impeccable taste. She commissioned me draw her grandosn last Christmas – turned out pretty well, too.
I think all discriminating bloggers need to buy artwork from me. Of course, I’ll give some away, too – just like always.
cabravesfan
January 1st, 2013
5:33 pm
None of the BCS bowls have competing games on. And you can blame Ohio St & Penn St for Wisconsin. Both those team were ineligable so by default, Wisconsin won the Big 10 whatever they call that division, and Nebraska, for rolling over and playing dead in the conference title game
cabravesfan
January 1st, 2013
5:34 pm
This will not be a low scoring game
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:34 pm
Lew did a bang-up job just from a coupla not so great pics that I sent him. TOTALLY captured my grandson…….AND put him in a Braves cap, at my request, of course.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
5:36 pm
Just Pat – I’m not sure who said it, but it is probably the number one thing artists hear – followed closely by “I really like that – what is it? (Heard that a lot back during my surrealist days.)
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
5:38 pm
Haha Wayne
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:39 pm
Lew
Oh????? Was that YOU who designed the Rorschach(?????) tests, then?
nolie
January 1st, 2013
5:39 pm
I agree that they should Lew, though I admit that I get my two free by your generosity
if I weren’t on such a limited income I would sure buy a few
hey I meant to ask you, do you have problems with swelling in your legs and feet. I just got a pump from Medicare whech is doing a good job of drawing out most of mine
BFChris28
January 1st, 2013
5:39 pm
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/66474_584738151542491_1839283356_n.jpg
My cheese balls rolled in toasted chopped pecans. Pic straight from my FaceBook
Couch Tater
January 1st, 2013
5:39 pm
nolie – I haven’t been getting around much, either. Rain and Bowl Games. My New Year’s resolution is to be a drone, gain weight and start smoking.
dylan
January 1st, 2013
5:40 pm
Pat
Yes I really do
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
5:41 pm
Haha Wayne… don’t hate beards, but I’m not a big fan of them… maybe it’s cuz I don’t have any facial hair. Got a looooong way to go before I can pull off the “Wayne” look
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:42 pm
Couch Tater
Then you won’t feel bad about breaking ANY of those, right?
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:44 pm
Chris
They look YUMMY!
nolie
January 1st, 2013
5:44 pm
finally got my best bud to quit smoking after 35 years of 2 packs a day.. got him one of those electronic ciggies and within 4 months he just stopped all together
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:45 pm
I surprised hubby by baking him some cookies Sat. (Remember, I DON’T cook…..HE’S the cook in our family!) Turned out kinda ugly and they WERE labor intensive, but he LOVES them, soooo………
Lew
January 1st, 2013
5:48 pm
nolie – Not so much swelling, but peripheral neuropathy – very heavy feeling in the legs with loss of nerve function and feeling. It’s like I’m walking on tree stumps – can’t feel anything all the way to between above the ankles to mid calf. I take lots of B Vitamins, INositiol for the heaviness, a blood flow enhancer and any supplement that aids nerve function (The B Complex) and circulation. It’s what keeps me going – that and walking as much for exercise as I can.
And when I say loss of feeling, that doesn’t count for the pins and needles effect and the burning at the top of my toes if I eat something I shouldn’t. Alpha Lipoic Acid helps that.
Couch Tater
January 1st, 2013
5:49 pm
I am 100% in the food and homeless ministries
BFChris28 – If, you see Braveheart, tell him to stop by the blog.
BFChris28
January 1st, 2013
5:49 pm
Just Pat
Thanks!
They are good
nolie
Cool!
My mom has stopped smoking for almost 2 months now after smoking for a very long time. Didn’t need anything in particular, she just stopped smoking.
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
5:50 pm
nolie
I’m glad to here those e-cigs work. I’ve been trying to convince a friend of mine to quit, and that’s what I suggested. But I wasn’t sure if they were any good or not.
I’ve never smoked.
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:50 pm
nolie
What a good friend you are! I KNOW it’s not good for me and have tried to stop a coupla times, but…. life is too short to go through those withdrawals!
Lew
January 1st, 2013
5:53 pm
Just Pat – No Rohrschact, but if you email me, I’ll send you an attachment of one of my old surrealist pieces. I’m a big fan of Dali and Magritte. It’s an early painting (40 years ago) and the technique ain’t what it is with 40 years more experience painting, but it’s interesting. Well, maybe you might think it is – or you might realize just how bizarre we artists really are.
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
5:54 pm
Hubby doesn’t exactly “help” by telling me about the “informal” study done by his state trooper friend in NY. Seems as they were retiring, they were all given lectures about quitting smoking and….the death rate among those who did, compared to those who ignored the lectures, was about twice!
Todd Gakk
January 1st, 2013
5:55 pm
“What about the whole 94 million payroll in 2012 and now only 83 million at this point for 2013.”
Never witnessed virtual GMs tracking payroll ouflows for baseball clubs. Are we really calculating this for them and expecting that they hit a certain number based on what might have been spent previously? Perhaps 94M is a target and, if so, there are ways to get to it that doesn’t always include a FA signing. We’d probably be better off talking about Lita Ford and Joan Jett in tight jeans and leather jumpsuits.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
5:55 pm
I quit after 33 years of up to three packs a day over 16 years ago. I used the patches right after they came out on the market. Apparently they worked. Had my Wife thorw my last pack away the day I quit and never smoked another.
keyLargo.
January 1st, 2013
5:57 pm
I haven’t been getting around much, either. Rain and Bowl Games. My New Year’s resolution is to be a drone, gain weight and start smoking.
My New Years Resolution was to quit cussing but I watched UGA play football today. Game started at 1 pm and by 1:30 that Resolution was down the drain.
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
6:00 pm
Todd
LOL! While rearranging my bedroom wall to accommodate my bat & ball showcase, I moved the plaque that said……”Every baseball player wants to manage. And every fan, in their heart, already DOES”.
Just Pat
January 1st, 2013
6:04 pm
My two Australian Shepherd rescue puppies (just over a year old) just came inside and flopped down. (They are ONE of the reasons I haven’t been on the blog as much.) We were told to expect them to be extremely hyperactive and have found them to be MUCH more mellow than we expected. Thank heavens!!!!
Tom O'Hawke
January 1st, 2013
6:06 pm
I resolved to not practice self-deprivation, for the year, 2011.
It was my first successful New Years’ resolution. So why would I change?
nolie
January 1st, 2013
6:06 pm
they told me this pump would help with my neuropathy too Lew. I have it very bad from midcalf down and my feet are as numb and as stiff as boards. but you have to have a history of bad swelling to get it. I am hoping it will help stop the bad cases of cellulitis that I get off and on and have to spend months on strong antibiotics to get rid of. Here’s hoping…..
Ozzie
January 1st, 2013
6:08 pm
I am fine with Gattis trying out for a bench spot but the Braves need a seasoned LF to go far.
Lew
January 1st, 2013
6:11 pm
noile – Get your podiatrist to put you on Trental (actually, the generic works fine but is unspellable). It’s a blood flow enhancer and helps circulation immensely. Get your pharmacy to order Inositol (a B vitamin) for you. It’s OTC, but no one carries it. It helps to reverse the effects of neuropathy – take 1000 MG daily.
When I broke my leg, they gave me an electronic stimulator to help re-grow the bone. Supposedly it helps too, but strapping that on your leg for three hours at a time is not always doable.
nolie
January 1st, 2013
6:12 pm
IMO they will not use Gattis on the bench, worse thing that could happen to him.
If he starts in Atl it will mean he will get some real playing time (perhaps a platoon) , otherwise in AAA
Lew
January 1st, 2013
6:13 pm
It helps with cellulitus? Thought that was an infection. Do you see a podiatrist regularly? Cracking and splitting on the feet can let bacteria in. Moisturizing helps a good bit – even daily applications of Intensive Care Lotion (the cheap stuff) works.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 1st, 2013
6:14 pm
Gattis in LF won’t be a disaster Ozzie… based on his limited time in the minors, his Range Factor is pretty decent… it’s all about the bat on him, and I’m somewhat impressed by him there. I have confidence that he can become a good hitter for us; I’d just like to see if he can go back to C if need be (either for OD over Laird! or in 2014).
Juan, on the other hand….
nolie
January 1st, 2013
6:16 pm
my arterial circulation is good down there, there are some troubles with the valves in my veins which cause the swelling, and the neuropathy is damage fom the diabetes noy lack of blood flow. Have some in my hands now too. I am EXTREMELY resistant to insulin for thirty years. at one time I was using 10 bottles on insulin a month. Now he has me on double amount of Metformin and also Victoza, so I am down to about 6 bottles a month. still way more than we would like, but even on a diet I can’t get it any lower