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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,686 comments Add your comment
TennesseePaul
January 8th, 2013
3:03 pm
I didn’t know that was the question, LOL. What I read was:
So, curious, how does prognostication and assumption only work into this one team when the full statement was:
Gonna be tough to finish with a better record than [the Nats] considering the great, young starting pitching they have…. and the Braves loss of their best hitter from 2012…
I was commenting on how the Braves aim to catch up to the standing Division champs by subtracting their best hitter. If one is going to assume the rest of the players all leap forward, it stands to reason it is equally logical the Division champs players all leap forward, and the Braves loss of their best 2012 hitter is still apparent, and the Division champs strong young rotation is still a force.
Mr Maggot
January 8th, 2013
3:04 pm
“However, UGA did not exactly drill Nebraska, a team inferior to ND……”
ND looked like a HS team compared to ALA. How do we even know which team is/isn’t inferior to ND after that farce last night?
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 8th, 2013
3:06 pm
the team took a combined .359 OBP of two key players and replaced it with a .336 OBP (.316 over the last 4 years). That’s more outs.
Yep. I don’t like that part… lower average, lower OBP, not a high slugging (near 500+) guy… avg. defender.
What’s the goal to score this year, 750? Cuz at 700 runs last year, we right right below MLB average, and 7th in the NL ahead of the Phils. If we need to get to say, 750 this season, and we lost 250 runs of offense in Bourn and Chipper, and added a likely 130 from BJ. And I’m not even counting defensive value from the players (because then I’d have to do the same for the other teams, time consuming right now)… can we really expect to get 120 runs from our LF/3B player, and then get more (50 runs) in addition from JHey and Freeman improving along with Mac and Uggla rebounding?
DAP
January 8th, 2013
3:08 pm
so, what am i missing about morse, that he could be traded for a reliever? seems like he is better than that.
TennesseePaul
January 8th, 2013
3:10 pm
The Braves offense declined for 4 out of 5 years prior to 2012. The one year it did not decline it treaded water. I still cannot see how losing Chipper Jones and replacing him with BJ Upton has improved this offense.
I grant one could assume Heyward, Freeman, Simmons, Uggla, McCann and BJ Upton all turn in better seasons than they have in the last 2 to 4 years. Seems a bit overly optimistic. But even still, it is a knock on the offense that the best hitter is no longer present and one spot on the field remains completely vacant.
braves1in13
January 8th, 2013
3:14 pm
It would take more than just a reliever to get Morse, but his .296/.345/.516 line over the past three seasons sure would look good in the middle of our order
3B Prado
CF Upton
RF Heyward
LF Morse
1B Freeman
2B Uggla
C McCann
SS Simmons
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 8th, 2013
3:14 pm
SportsCenter @SportsCenter
So. Carolina 9) Florida 10) FSU
ICYMI: Final AP Poll: 1) Alabama 2) Oregon 3) Ohio St. 4) Notre Dame 5) Georgia 5) Texas A&M 7) Stanford
Ahead of Georgia.
raleighbravefan
January 8th, 2013
3:33 pm
scoots – I agree…we will likely score more runs this year…maybe as much as 100 more.
Cliff Fiscal
January 8th, 2013
3:43 pm
Mr. Maggot – ND looked like a HS team compared to ALA. How do we even know which team is/isn’t inferior to ND after that farce last night?
How foolish of me to suggest that Nebraska (a 10-4 team this year including a 70-31 loss to Wisconsin) is inferior to Notre Dame.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 8th, 2013
3:43 pm
as much as 100 more.
That means we’d score 800 runs, 24 more than the Brewers did last year, 35 more than the Cards. 4 less than the Yankees, 8 less than the Rangers. We’d around 3-4 if that happened.
Hmm. Later guys.
raleighbravefan
January 8th, 2013
3:57 pm
TOBF – Well, I DID say MAYBE.
TennesseePaul
January 8th, 2013
4:01 pm
we will likely score more runs this year…maybe as much as 100 more.
That’d be the biggest season over season increase in runs in a decade. The last time the Braves jumped that many runs, or even that massive of a percentage increase, the team retained Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones in good, healthy seasons. Javy Lopez set the single season record for HR by a catcher and Gary Sheffield manned RF. The starting 8 position players combined to hit .299/.367/.519/.887
Now, the group slotted to be the starting 8 in 2013 combined for a 2012 line of .257/.329/.436/.765
Their combined careers are .268/.343/.451/.794
The team may score more runs, it may not. But I don’t think it will jump 100 runs…. unless Gattis is starting and hitting 3rd, of course.
TennesseePaul
January 8th, 2013
4:12 pm
On another note, it seems to be that once every 10 years or so the team blasts out a 100+ more runs from one season to the next (excluding strike shortened seasons). So, maybe RaleighBravesFan, maybe. But I wouldn’t bank on it.
raleighbravefan
January 8th, 2013
4:15 pm
10Paul – As I told TOBF, I said “maybe”…and will readily admit that’s in “dream on ” territory. I’d be everything in my pocket right now that they will score more runs than last year. (That’s litterally ‘nickles and dimes, btw).
Cliff Fiscal
January 8th, 2013
4:21 pm
I will step out on a limb and state that it is quite possible the Braves will score more runs this year as compared to last year.
David O'Brien
January 8th, 2013
4:23 pm
Just got back from having a physical. Will finish new blog and post within couple of hours.
raleighbravefan
January 8th, 2013
4:29 pm
DOB – Hope the physical went well. My doctor told me if I wanted a second opinion, he could use 2 fingures. I declined.
Efrim
January 8th, 2013
4:32 pm
scoots, I think the Nationals can improve in areas too. I think one of the big question marks was whether they can replace Laroche’s offense, right? I believe you had pointed to that – but now he is coming back.
I’m still more worried about the Braves pitching than their offense, to be honest. Starting pitching, specifically.
RC
January 8th, 2013
4:33 pm
SportsCenter @SportsCenter
ICYMI: Final AP Poll: 1) Alabama 2) Oregon 3) Ohio St. 4) Notre Dame 5) Georgia 5) Texas A&M 7) Stanford So. Carolina 9) Florida 10) FSU
Ahead of Georgia.
Which is why polls meant exactly nothing. No way can I take something seriously that places ND above UGA. And that’s coming from a GT grad.
TennesseePaul
January 8th, 2013
4:33 pm
Just got back from having a physical. …
So your contract will be made official any day now?
raleighbravefan
January 8th, 2013
4:37 pm
TNPaul – Did DOB get traded, & I missed it? (sure hope not)
nolie
January 8th, 2013
4:42 pm
Bags and Piazza deserve to get in, there is no proof of any kind that they used, and where the hell is Biggio, Heyman you idiot?
richbrave
January 8th, 2013
4:46 pm
MORSE was my third choice for LF behind ALEX GORDON and JOSH WILLINGHAM. So MEJIA, PASTORNICKY, and GEARRIN for MORSE and a lower-minors OF?
Really, I would love M&M to be in LF this upcoming. I just don’t think the NATS would want him in the east competing against them. Maybe a three-team deal with the back end undisclosed. That would p*** the NATS off I bet.
keyLargo.
January 8th, 2013
4:56 pm
ICYMI: Final AP Poll: 1) Alabama 2) Oregon 3) Ohio St. 4) Notre Dame 5) Georgia 5) Texas A&M 7) Stanford So. Carolina 9) Florida 10) FSU
Told you that ND would finish ahead of GA last night. We REALLY need to get an at least 8 team playoff to determine the National Championship.
keyLargo.
January 7th, 2013
11:16 pm
The bad thing for UGA is that the Leprechauns will be ranked higher in the final poll. Just another point for a playoff.
nolie
January 8th, 2013
4:59 pm
why wouldn’t ND be ranked over Ga? They lost one less game and it was in the title game, of course they are ranked higher
raleighbravefan
January 8th, 2013
5:03 pm
nolie – How dare you question SEC supremacy! We all know that AT LEAST the top 8 teams are all in the SEC. (said faceciously, of course).
keyLargo.
January 8th, 2013
5:05 pm
Ga came within 4 yards of beating Bama and you don’t think they are better than Notre Dame? You really think there are only 3 teams in the NCAA better than ND?
nolie
January 8th, 2013
5:05 pm
I like the SEC just fine, at this point in time I think it is the best conference and has been for a bit, but no way even a Ga fan should have expected Ga to rank above ND
nolie
January 8th, 2013
5:09 pm
I did not say that, I said given the rankings and the fact that ND got into the title game and it was their only loss that they were bound to rank higher
comparing what two teams did against one single for is not what ranking has ever been about, higher ranked teams have often even lost against a common opponent but are still better.
keyLargo.
January 8th, 2013
5:16 pm
no way even a Ga fan should have expected Ga to rank above ND
I somewhat agree with that and that’s why I said last night it was unfortunate that ND would rank higher than UGA. But that brings us to the point that the system in use is archaic and needs to be changed to a playoff that would have eliminated ND in the first or second round.
RC
January 8th, 2013
5:16 pm
I did not say that, I said given the rankings and the fact that ND got into the title game and it was their only loss that they were bound to rank higher
I guess it depends on what you want your rankings to mean. If it’s simply a mathematical calculation based on where the team was previously ranked (which is certainly how most voters treat it, even though that gives way too much weight to preseason rankings, which are based on nothing), then sure, ND should have been higher.
If the ranking is based on which team you actually think is better, then I’d argue the team that lost one game early in the year and held their own against Alabama (and other highly regarded opponents) should be ranked higher than a team that nearly lost to Pitt, gave up 3 times as many points against USC as Ga Tech, and looked like they didn’t even belong on the field last night.
But that’s simply my opinion, and it’s all pretty arbitrary to anyway. I don’t think a playoff would fix things.
Cliff Fiscal
January 8th, 2013
5:21 pm
Agree with nolie. UGA may indeed be better than ND, but ND deserves a higher ranking. I am sure South Carolina and Texas A&M believe they should be above UGA. Fans of many of these teams probably believe they are underranked and will find some sort of stat or result to prove argument. The polls are flawed but ok.
Lew
January 8th, 2013
5:24 pm
What? The ranking system is flawed? When did THAT happen? Maybe we need a playoff system.
nolie
January 8th, 2013
5:30 pm
even a playoff system will have arbitrary decisions being made as to who would get in. MLB basically has a playoff system and look how often lower rated teams win it all, and that involves 5 or 7 game series not just one game.
I am not championing the current system above others, but they will all have flaws and they will all end up with results that will be controversial.
Cliff Fiscal
January 8th, 2013
5:30 pm
What? A Payoff system to decide the college football champion! That is mad crazy.
Cliff Fiscal
January 8th, 2013
5:32 pm
Even a “playoff” system would be crazy too
nolie
January 8th, 2013
5:33 pm
anybody see Hotel Transylvania yet?
keyLargo.
January 8th, 2013
5:37 pm
It’s obvious that the Bowls are using all the leverage they have against any playoff system which would lessen the value of the cash cow they’ve had for so many years. Maybe if they did something creative like the four major bowls (Orange, Sugar, Rose, Cotton or Fiesta) inviting 4 teams from their areas and playing to eliminate 12 teams over two weeks. Then having a final four like in Basketball, everyone would make more money and we’d end up with a more deserved rankings.
Ward
January 8th, 2013
5:42 pm
Hello everyone! I had today off,because of Laringitus, and been feeling a lot better, but that cold sucks! Being a Notre Dame Fan, and seeing that game last night. I agree with most that Notre Dame shouldn’t have been in the CCB. They need to do a better job with system ranking. Oregon should’ve played Bama instead of Notre dame. Notre Dame should’ve gotten a lower Bowl. The game was not even close.
Cliff Fiscal
January 8th, 2013
5:47 pm
But Notre Dame was undefeated going into last night and had beaten Stanford who, in turn, had beaten Oregon. Just because Notre Dame got blown out last night does not mean they did not deserve to be there. Playoff system of four or eight teams could solve some problems but create others. It will be interesting to see how the four-team playoff works in a couple of years. As flawed as the BCS is, it usually produces a deserving champion.
nolie
January 8th, 2013
5:47 pm
yeah I agree with that KL, I’m sure the bowls are doing exactly that, but you blame them? some of them have been around and important for a hundred years.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
January 8th, 2013
5:50 pm
Cliff, the “payoff” system starts before the season begins!
Ward
January 8th, 2013
5:50 pm
Nore Dame shoul’ve played some like Michigan, in one the Bowls, because most everyone new Nortre Dame would get slaughtered,
Ward
January 8th, 2013
5:54 pm
Well,it was just tthe way I see it, being a Notre Dame fan. Teams should be measured by strengths, and not by winning records.
keyLargo.
January 8th, 2013
5:54 pm
I know the Bowls have contributed a lot to the NCAA which is why I would not exclude them. If they(the Bowls) could have a four team playoff to get a winner to send on to the Final Four, they could get 3 games instead of one and make far more money. Then the NCAA could put the final four site up for bid like the Super Bowl. Everyone would benefit.
There is plenty of time in December to have the playoffs.
Ward
January 8th, 2013
5:56 pm
All, I’ll talk later, going to get some rest, and be cool…….”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Cliff Fiscal
January 8th, 2013
5:57 pm
I am not sure we had a true idea of Notre Dame’s true strength until last night. As compared to Stanford and Oregon, though, the season results offered a compelling argument that ND was the best of the three. Alabama was the best of the SEC so I feel Notre Dame was probably the most logical choice for the championship game to play Alabama.
Murph
January 8th, 2013
6:00 pm
I could barely hear Ward’s “Hello everyone!” due to his “Laringitus”.
You’re going to have to type louder, Ward.
kenhotlanta
January 8th, 2013
6:42 pm
The new season of Justified starts tonight, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve…can’t wait.
Murph
January 8th, 2013
6:42 pm
Did I break the blog?
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 8th, 2013
6:52 pm
Braves would jump from 7th to 1st in the NL in runs scored if they scored 100+….
…. after losing Chipper and Bourn….
yeah, can’t see that. Maybe 10-20 more, which is why the rotation is key. Not completely sold there though.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 8th, 2013
6:54 pm
most everyone new Nortre Dame would get slaughtered
Some didn’t…. and they know who they are lol.
Come on playoff system… and even that won’t be perfect!
Murph
January 8th, 2013
6:58 pm
Poor TOBF. It’s only January. You might want to wait until the team has taken a few April swings before lamenting over the Braves’ offense.
Maybe… just maybe… this is the year that the “ifs” actually go the Braves’ way. IF Uggla produces… IF Upton lives up to his potential… IF McCann comes back like his old self…
The Braves are due for some of those offensive “ifs” to turn out positively.
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 8th, 2013
7:00 pm
As flawed as the BCS is, it usually produces a deserving champion.
Definitely… sure has the last 7 years. But as we saw, the runner up was not so deserving…
richbrave
January 8th, 2013
7:00 pm
ZULIA and LARA head-to-head tonight in VENEZUELA
nolie
January 8th, 2013
7:01 pm
The Braves are due for some of those offensive “ifs” to turn out positively…Murph
From your keyboard, to God’s eyes……
nolie
January 8th, 2013
7:06 pm
But as we saw, the runner up was not so deserving…TOBF
in your opinion anyway
at least we don’t have two different “National Champions” every other tear or so any more
TheOnlyBravesFan
January 8th, 2013
7:06 pm
Not lamenting, at least I’m not trying to… but we lost 250 runs of offense in Bourn and Chipper leaving…. so far we’ve only added about 130 with Upton… need 120 from LF and of course, we don’t think that the 700 we scored last year was enough. We need more runs, hopefully that’s where JHey and Freeman’s improvements come in, and McCann/Uggla rebounding.
Nick
January 8th, 2013
7:15 pm
Seems like the blog is coming around on the view that this next seasons Braves team is gonna be pretty terrible.
Murph
January 8th, 2013
7:26 pm
Not lamenting, at least I’m not trying to… but we lost 250 runs of offense in Bourn and Chipper leaving
Sure, going back to my last post, IF Upton lives up to his potential, IF Gattis wins the job in LF and puts up the legendary rookie season we all know he will… maybe the team gains runs.
The offense is due. Would I like to have more knowns in the equation? You bet. But, baseball is a funny sport. There are only guesses, no real knowns.
I like where the team is at. They have the potential to win the division…. which is more than the Marlins or Mets can really say, even if all of their IFs turn out well.
Wes Jorga
January 8th, 2013
7:46 pm
Being a Braves fan since 1961 I can say I am more excited about this 2013 team than I have been for many years. Sure Washington is the favorite to win the division, but Atlanta is well poised to make a wild card spot and if things go the Braves way they could win the division. I see them improving by Simmons playing a whole year which will make the pitchers better. With Chipper, Hanson, Jairs, Diaz, and Durbin gone there is less uncertainty. With Minor being consistently good the 2nd half, and Medlin, and Maholm available for the full season the relievers will be able to stay healthy and allow Atlanta to be one of the top pitching staffs in the majors. Barring injury the lineup should be able to at least match last years numbers. Heyward, Freeman, and Upton are still moving towards potential, Uggla and McCann had years below their average and more likely will rebound than drop further. LF has many options, so It is to early to know if it will be better or worse than last year. And Fredi is improving.
George_George
January 8th, 2013
7:51 pm
Cliff Fiscal
January 8th, 2013
5:21 pm
Agree with nolie. UGA may indeed be better than ND, but ND deserves a higher ranking. I am sure South Carolina and Texas A&M believe they should be above UGA. Fans of many of these teams probably believe they are underranked and will find some sort of stat or result to prove argument. The polls are flawed but ok
*******************************
Who is the better team? Lets find out, bring back UGA and ND for some practises have them play a week from this comming Saturday. r
Jerry
January 8th, 2013
7:51 pm
Personally, I don’t have the slightest idea where the next version of the Braves is going and I won’t lose any sleep regardless of how they fare. But, I will say that I’m looking forward to Beachy coming back when he is ready. Beachy, Medlen, and Minor gives me hope that the future can be bright. Now, if either Teheran or Delgado can turn that next corner, we will be in business.
Jay
January 8th, 2013
7:53 pm
I don’t like the logo.
old man
January 8th, 2013
7:54 pm
Prado’s fielding stats were superb/stellar last year in LF, at SS, at 2B. His worst stats, well below MLB avarage, were at 3B.
Small sample sizes, of course.
TIFWIW.
old man
January 8th, 2013
8:00 pm
Prado’s fielding stats were superb/stellar last year in LF, at SS, at 2B. His worst stats, well below MLB average, were at 3B.
Small sample sizes, of course.
TIFWIW.
Jerry
January 8th, 2013
8:00 pm
Wow! I’m surprised by a few that believe that we have a chance to beat out the Nationals for the division. Seriously, Washington is a beast right now and probably gonna get better.
Lane Kiffin
January 8th, 2013
8:07 pm
Where is everybody
Jerry
January 8th, 2013
8:11 pm
This blog blows. At least half of everything I try to post is crashing. Of course, some would say that is a good thing.
George_George
January 8th, 2013
8:17 pm
Jerry
January 8th, 2013
8:00 pm
Wow! I’m surprised by a few that believe that we have a chance to beat out the Nationals for the division. Seriously, Washington is a beast right now and probably gonna get better.
***********************************************************************************************
I don’t think we will win the division over WAS, but do believe BRAVES are a 90+ win team, if that is true it will not be hard to watch the games.
George_George
January 8th, 2013
8:19 pm
Lane
The blog is so slow posting and refreshing it is driveing people away.
David O'Brien
January 8th, 2013
8:21 pm
NEW BLOGGAGE
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2013/01/08/bourn-back-to-braves-rumor-mill-gets-a-spin/
JC Brave
January 8th, 2013
8:21 pm
The “ifs” are the key. If Uggla has a good-to-great year, McCann stays healthy and Upton reaches his “true potencial”, this team could actually win the division. It might be a long shot, but I’m sure WAS won’t repeat their run from last year, they will have a couple of bumps on the road this time around.
JC Brave
January 8th, 2013
9:13 pm
If Braves’ “ifs” go as well as they can, the Braves could win the division. But of course, if “ifs” and buts were candies and nuts we’d all have a Merry Christmas.
nolie
January 8th, 2013
9:20 pm
Prado’s fielding stats were superb/stellar last year in LF, at SS, at 2B. His worst stats, well below MLB avarage, were at 3B…The Old Man
Prado in 2012 per Bill James +/-. his career numbers at third are better than at second , he is an average-ish defender where ever he plays
LF…+7
2b…+2
3b…+2
Beekay
January 8th, 2013
9:20 pm
I’ve been to several games, redskins, braves, etc. where there was a group protest on the name and logo. They all were the same crowd, one or two native Americans and the rest white liberals . It looked more like msnbc groupie night then a true protest. I like the new logo and will definitely purchase a hat
Bourn back to Braves? Rumor mill gets a spin | Atlanta Braves
January 8th, 2013
10:22 pm
[...] posted a poll about this issue last week on the blog. You can read that blog and vote here, if you haven’t already. In it, I asked readers what they thought about the logo, the same [...]
Iowa Braves Fan
January 9th, 2013
12:09 pm
When are we as a nation going to stop trying to be so politically correct about everything? A team logo and / or name is offensive / racist? Let’s get a grip folks. Most, if not all, sports teams pick their names & logos because of pride or the respect that it would bring with it. Grant it, I’m not Native American by any means, but if I were, I can honestly say I would be honored to have a team feel proud to be associated with my herritage. It’s a logo / name. This is a country of free choice, but it seems more and more like those that are offended by “X” have more rights and choices. KEEP THE LOGO! I love it and always have. GO BRAVES!!!! (and bring back Chief Noc-a-homa).
jbailz23
January 9th, 2013
1:08 pm
Bravepack – I don’t think it’s necessary to go to the words like clueless and try and belittle someone for having an opinion different from yours. Exactly how many people were hurt in week 1 when we beat you 30-22 on your own field? I watch every game I can every Sunday on Sunday Ticket and I’m not just a 49er homer. I have confidence that my team can beat any other team on any given Sunday. Which isn’t really a reach considering their recent history. The whole argument about Aaron Rogers having a chip on his shoulder holds little weight.
I do agree though I’m concerned about Kaep and I’d feel better if Smith were behind Center. But the sky is the limit for that kid, he’s got a cannon for an arm, legs like Vick when he was Vick and is smart. It will be a good game on Saturday and regardless of what you say I’m going to have confidence in my Niners going to the NFC Championship.
74bravesjersey
January 13th, 2013
9:00 am
@ DOB; I need help keeping my blog name while posting here, then getting another blog name for falcons blog, what can I do? Anyone? Anywhere?
74bravesjersey
February 9th, 2013
4:32 pm
Well look; a stragular here on this blog on sat. feb. 9th, anyone else here?
74bravesjersey
February 9th, 2013
4:34 pm
On the new format(don’t care for), my blog name has gone to Bravesfeather.
John
February 20th, 2013
11:26 am
In baseball we have the Braves, Indians, Yankees, Pirates, Brewers, Padres, and Rangers. In the NFL we have Buccaneers, Redskins, Vikings, Cowboys, Patriots, and Chiefs. In the NBA we have Warriors and Celtics. Keep the name and the logo. CASE CLOSED!
74bravesjersey
February 23rd, 2013
3:10 pm
@John; I agree whole heartedly, man you blogged just 3 day’s ago. I thought since everybody’s left to the new format, this became the “old blog apocalypse”, Hey wouldn’t it be cool if all the old bloggers came back to this old format for the heck of it. Cool if most of them did.
74bravesjersey
February 23rd, 2013
3:33 pm
Okay, i’m back; just went through all the blog posts from the old DOB format here, left a message from today, to still see if there’s anyone out there to make contact. Right now, this one’s the most recent. C’mon Bravo Bloggers, let’s get the old feel of chatt’n on here again, like “O what a feelin”(Boston), This does seem like a Blog Apocalypse, only a few survivors check’n in. “Hello”? Anyone post’n here?
74bravesjersey
February 24th, 2013
12:03 pm
Key largo.;richbrave, john; jbailz23,nolie,JCBrave, anyone? anybody out there? If you happen to be reading this get back here, keep this thing goin’, c’mon, better dialogue here, the new way sux.