Braves' spring training: What do you think is No. 1 issue?

LADawg

February 14th, 2011
1:39 pm

1st

LADawg

February 14th, 2011
1:40 pm

Closer and defense

Furman Bisher

February 14th, 2011
1:45 pm

My biggest worry is faulty wiring.

Braves Fan

February 14th, 2011
1:46 pm

Philadelphia

wintervillebrave

February 14th, 2011
1:46 pm

chipper jones recovery

Hal

February 14th, 2011
1:49 pm

Center field is the biggest issue, assuming Chipper makes it back ok.

papadawg

February 14th, 2011
1:50 pm

We’re a long way from catching the Phils.

DawginLex

February 14th, 2011
1:51 pm

The biggest issue is whether Gonzalez can treat the players the way Bobby did. Like him or hate him, the players loved playing for Bobby and would run through fire for him.

What we are all hoping is for some more creativity from the dugout to offset the lack of experience…………….

BF

February 14th, 2011
1:52 pm

Decent writers for the AJC

dick waters

February 14th, 2011
1:53 pm

man, McLouth needs to grow a couple of inches.

Shaun

February 14th, 2011
1:55 pm

The starting pitching staying healthy and playing up to reasonable expectations are the biggest keys to the season.

Centerfield is not that big an issue if everything else goes reasonably well. Look at the production (or lack thereof) the Braves got from centerfield last season. They won 91 games. If McLouth has a moderate improvement, that will be just fine.

Even Chipper missing significant time is not a back-breaker. With Uggla going to second and Prado moving to left, Uggla is basically absorbing the plate appearances that were given to Melky Cabrera, Matt Diaz, Eric Hinske, etc. That’s a pretty big upgrade. If Chipper goes down, Prado plays third and Hinske and Mather play left. So unless there are multiple injuries, even if Chipper goes down, the offense should come fairly close to producing at the same level as it did in 2010.

SOUTH GA DAWG FAN

February 14th, 2011
2:00 pm

I agree the ownership is going to come off the checkbook and puhols will be at first !
dont wake me up

Worm

February 14th, 2011
2:04 pm

The Phillies

Lowcountry Bulldawg

February 14th, 2011
2:04 pm

IMO its Chipper. Prado is the backup so if Chipper is out it moves Prado to 3B and now the Braves have to fill in in LF. So who on the current roster is going to play LF in this case? Mather? The OF already lacked in production and if this is the solution the OF is going to continue to be an issue into 2011 if Chiiper cannot play 125+ games.

Larry King

February 14th, 2011
2:05 pm

If you see one movie this year, make it “Logan’s Run”.

IlliniBrave

February 14th, 2011
2:05 pm

Kenshin Kawakami ends up back on the roster and pitches just well enough in Spring Training to make Fredi and Frank put him in the rotation.

That would be a nightmare!

Shaun

February 14th, 2011
2:16 pm

Lowcountry Bulldawg, look at the Braves’ production from left and center in 2010. You really think Chipper going down and forcing Prado back to the infield could be any worse that 2010?

Vain Jangling

February 14th, 2011
2:16 pm

In no particular order:
1. Third base (old is as old does)
2. Left field (on the job training, and with no power)
3. First base (last time I checked, the dude is still a rookie)
4. Centerfield (proof positive there are more steroids available in Pittsburg than Atlanta)

Once again, pitching will carry the Braves only so far.

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bulldogbyrd

February 14th, 2011
2:23 pm

Chipper has to be the biggest concern…..if he is not able to be a regular..that means Prado moves in to take third…leaving an already somewhat thin outfield situation…even thinner. Hoping that #10 can do it again!

Paul H

February 14th, 2011
2:23 pm

Center field for sure. How many more years is this going to be the team’s weakness?

Zach

February 14th, 2011
2:24 pm

The Nationals….I’m terrified of them.

flintrock70

February 14th, 2011
2:24 pm

@Vain
2. Prado spends his winters playing LF for the Ven. National Lg. so there’s no “training” needed and last time I checked, we’d be pretty happy with the production that Prado brings in that LF spot considering we’ve had Diaz, Garret “Loaf” Anderson, Ryan Church and Gregor Blanco as starters there with little to no benefit.
3. Last time I checked, Heyward was a rookie last year. Freeman won’t bust on the scene like Heyward did, but give the kid a break or were you one of those people who demanded Heyward get sent down because he was struggling as a rookie before you knew it was a bad thumb that hindered his production?

Zach

February 14th, 2011
2:27 pm

I’m also really concerned about the Orioles. Did you see they signed Vlad? Man I hope we don’t have to play them during interleague play. You might as well chalk that up as three losses.

Shaun

February 14th, 2011
2:27 pm

Keeping Prado, McCann, Uggla, Heyward and the pitchers healthy and performing up to their standards is all the Braves need to win around 91 games again. A very healthy Chipper and a big McLouth comeback would be gravy. Obviously it would be helpful to get at least moderate improvement from McLouth and for Chipper to play at least 100 games or so, but worse-case scenario the Braves can still win as long as the rest of the team remains reasonably healthy and performs to expectations.

Robert

February 14th, 2011
2:29 pm

Chipper is the major issue – The defense is second on the list

Wagner was a great closer, but closer is a relatively easy position to fill, and the Braves have several guys they could try if their option fails

It would be nice to have improvement from CF – but if McLouth doesnt work out then he will be gone (banished to the bush leagues or somehow sloughed off) so we wouldnt have to worry about him personally, and if noone steps in and does better, then the team is still not behind where they were last year

Freeman should be decent if unspectacular – and again we’re not looking at any significant dip from last year unless he totally bombs

Defense – nothing is going to suddenly turn this bunch into a collective defensive all-star team, but I dont think the problem is that huge – gimme more attention to fundamentals and a even just a smidgen common sense in who gets played where and when is all thats needed

drill them where they can make the routine plays and dont play Brooks Conrad in the late innings of a close playoff game, and we’re salvageable on defense

That leaves Chipper – Pray he comes back strong. If he doesnt, pray that he can handle having a lesser role on the team without turning into Roger Dorn

Bottom line – we’ll be ok -

Robert

February 14th, 2011
2:30 pm

“A very healthy Chipper and a big McLouth comeback would be gravy.”

For once I agree unconditionally with Shaun

Lowcountry Bulldawg

February 14th, 2011
2:30 pm

Shaun,

Well no it could not be worse, but it would be no better in 2011 if he cannot contribute as a regular. We can point to winning 91 games and be proud of the team, but really heading into 2011 is that good enough again? I personally would like a World Series run again. Perhaps with a little more contribution from the LF position, which is traditionally a pwoer spot, the Braves may have gotten a little further in the playoffs. As I recall it was a lack of run production that hurt them. Lets hope that Uggla is enough to get it done this time.

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Robert

February 14th, 2011
2:31 pm

“The biggest issue is whether Gonzalez can treat the players the way Bobby did”

Reading some snippets from DOB’s interview with Fredi, I take it he wont be treating them quite the same

So we’re good in that regard

Robert

February 14th, 2011
2:32 pm

“Perhaps with a little more contribution from the LF position, which is traditionally a pwoer spot, the Braves may have gotten a little further in the playoffs”

It wasnt needed. All they needed to go further in the playoffs was someone with brains enough not to count on Brooks Conrad’s defense at crunch time

Robert

February 14th, 2011
2:35 pm

“Kenshin Kawakami ends up back on the roster and pitches just well enough in Spring Training to make Fredi and Frank put him in the rotation.”

If KK pitched about 30 baserunnerless innings in spring training AND at least three of the current starters up and died, then I think they MIGHT consider putting KK back in the rotation

Short of that, I dont think we have to worry

If KK makes the team, his spot on the roster will come with keys to the stadium – as in, we’re down 17-1 in the third inning, you’re pitching the rest of this game even if they score 100, so lock the place up when you’re done, and remember, you only get to go thru the buffet line once

Fish Bisch

February 14th, 2011
2:36 pm

Freddi = Cox 2.0
McOut- Bust
Chipper- Done
Hewyard- Sophmore slump
Closer- None
Depth- Gone
Starting Rotation- Above Average
Defense- Grotesque

I would be the Mets finish ahead of the Braves this year.

Prado4President

February 14th, 2011
2:38 pm

Jeff,
Appreciate the blog. I’d say my biggest concern is Chipper’s health. But after that, I’ve got one that is almost as worrisome to me…The bench. We don’t have a proven 4th outfielder or backup shortstop. I’m mostly concerned with shortstop. Why are we dragging our feet in such an area of need while people like Bobby Crosby and Cristian Guzman are looking for jobs? Outside of pitching, our greatest strength was our bench if you ask me, but there are 2 big holes in it now.

justin1

February 14th, 2011
2:39 pm

DOB,
Dont you think Chipper, at this point in his career, is better suited for the 2 hole? Prado is a prototypical 2hole hitter in my mind, but he will obviously leadoff. Nate doesnt make enough contact, and rarely hits the ball the other way, to be in the 2hole. I think Mac is refined enough at this point to be a very productive 3hole hitter. Eventually, I think Heyward will take the 3hole. As for this season, I see this being the lineup to get it done.
1.Prado
2.Chipper
2.Mac
4.Uggla
5.Heyward
6.Gonz
7.Freeman
8.Nate

nique

February 14th, 2011
2:40 pm

Definitely Chipper – he’s been annointed as the #3 hitter in our lineup and he’ll no doubt be given a ton of time to perform, which means our most important spot in the lineup could be a drag for a big part of the season. Next is CF another potential drag on the lineup. Next is defense (especially if Chipper goes down and bench players have to start) – Prado and Uggla should switch places.

Lowcountry Bulldawg

February 14th, 2011
2:40 pm

Robert,

That burns brotha! Ease up on old Brooksy,lol!

justin1

February 14th, 2011
2:41 pm

I’m sorry, I meant Jeff.

Joshua

February 14th, 2011
2:43 pm

God some fans are dumb. First of all, Prado does have power. The guy hit 15 HRs and didn’t even play for the final month of the season. So what the hell are you talking about when you say Prado has no power?? That so mind bogglingly stupid it makes me want to slap someone. Not only that but he pounds doubles like they are going out of style. You don’t need 5 guys hitting 30 HRs to have a great offense. Almost everyone in our lineup is capable of hitting 15 HRs or more, with several guys who should hit 20 or more (Heyward, Uggla, McCann likely, Chipper and McLouth both could if they have better than expected seasons – both have done so before), and we are talking about guys who hit like this in a very pitchers friendly park – not the little league park that the Phils play in. I mean people are really dumb. Yea the Phils have great starting pitching and got Cliff Lee back. They are going to be tough. But our offense is now much better than theirs and our pitching from top to bottom should be a major strength for us. Honestly there aren’t many line-ups in baseball that are more intimidating than ours. People are really ignorant. We are going to win anywhere from 95 to 103 games, depending on how injuries go, and the Phillies will have to have an outstanding season to hold us off (which they are certainly capable of doing, but it is not going to be an easy task by any stretch of the imagination). It will come down to injuries, just like it did last year.

That being said, our biggest question mark is definitely Chipper. If we get solid play from Chipper for 120+ games, we will be hard to beat in a pennant race.

Dr. Phil

February 14th, 2011
2:46 pm

You can’t hope for any level of success having a center fielder batting .170. I have more faith that Chipper will recover and have a good year than I have in McLouth. Freddi will have less patience with poor play than Bobby had. It is a very long season, and many things can happen. In the spring, everyone, including the Cubbies, can hope. The Braves will be competitive, but don’t expect the big boys to drop any major money on expensive upgrades.

Tucker T

February 14th, 2011
2:46 pm

Didn’t Mark just write this column a week or so ago? Just sayin…

jmarable

February 14th, 2011
2:48 pm

pick your problem 4 there are a many. No speed, no power in the outfield maybe jhey. the seasons 2 long to put our hats on venters and kimbrel. 4 the whole yr? r u kidding?we know chipper wont go the whole yr,thats a givin.so now the outfield will b worst bringing prado in 4 injured jones. defensive issues.uggla, not sold on A.G.at short.freeman hasnt seen big league hitting 4 a month. he will slump guys.4th place god help us.summer will b over b 4 it starts. get rid of liberty.and we could get some players til then.4th place

Prado4President

February 14th, 2011
2:51 pm

I was bored last night and made projections for the entire season…here they are. Let me know what you think. The grammar’s not perfect and I didn’t project every important stat, just did it out of sure boredom…
Starters
1. Nate McLouth – .258/.340 15 hr 58 rbi (18 sb)
2. Martin Prado – .302/.357 16 hr 63 rbi (6 sb)
3. Chipper Jones – .264/.389 14 hr 72 rbi (5 sb)
4. Brian McCann – .289/.371 21 hr 88 rbi (3 sb)
5. Dan Uggla – .267/.355 34 hr 102 rbi (7 sb)
6. Jason Heyward – .306/.414 23 hr 98 rbi (17 sb)
7. Freddie Freeman – .272/.341 12 hr 77 rbi (6 sb)
8. Alex Gonzalez – .251/.301 13 hr 61 rbi (1 sb)
Bench
1. Eric Hinske – .255/.341 9 hr 43 rbi
2. David Ross – .263/.357 6 hr 24 rbi
3. Matt Mather – .229/.313 8 hr 27 rbi
4. Back Up Shortstop – .231/.312 2 hr 21 rbi
5. Matt Young (If he’s back up cf) – .257/.336 1 hr 18 rbi
6. Jordan Shafer (If he’s back up cf) – .272/.341 7 hr 31 rbi (9 sb)
7. Brooks Conrad (If he makes team) – .251/.322 6 hr 23 rbi
Starting Pitchers
1. Tim Hudson – 14-7 (3.12 ERA)
2. Tommy Hanson – 16-9 (3.19 ERA)
3. Derek Lowe – 12-8 (4.12 ERA)
4. Jair Jurrjens – 14-10 (3.98 ERA)
5. Mike Minor (If Him) – 10-11 (4.20 ERA)
6. Brandon Beachy (If Him) – 8-7 (4.46 ERA)
Bullpen
1. Craig Kimbrel – 2.97 ERA (27 Saves)
2. Johnny Venters – 2.86 ERA (8 Saves)
3. Peter Moylan – 3.43 ERA
4. Scott Linebrink – 4.03 ERA
5. George Sherrill – 3.27 ERA
6. Stephen Marek (If he makes team) – 3.74 ERA
7. Jairo Ascenco (If he makes team) – 3.98 ERA
8. Scott Proctor (If he makes team) – 4.12 ERA
9. Christhian Martinez (If he makes team) – 4.07 ERA
Projections in NL East
1. Phillies (101-61)
2. Braves (93-69) Wild Card
3. Marlins (82-80)
4. Nationals (78-84)
5. Mets (74-88)

Larry

February 14th, 2011
2:53 pm

Jordan Schafer will have a terrific spring hopefully leading to his starting in center field, McClouth moving to left (better suited with his weaker arm), Prado getting moved back to 3rd, and Jones moved to the bench for pinch hitting and the occasional start at 3rd.

Then, if by some reason Freddie Freeman just isn’t ready you can pop Prado in at fist and run Mr. Always Injured (C. Jones) out there at 3rd again

Prado4President

February 14th, 2011
2:53 pm

Didn’t do slugging pct…just average and OBP

Lowcountry Bulldawg

February 14th, 2011
2:57 pm

Per Bill James Pos/Name/HR totals

1B- Freeman 16

2B- Uggla 31

3B- Chipper 17

SS- Gonzalez 13

C- McCann 24

LF-Prado 12

CF- McClouth 15

RF- Heyward 22

This was posted for you Joshua. Your point is not lost, but if Chipper goes down Prado moves to 3B this would leave Mather (6 projected) or Hinske (10 projected) to fill in at LF. This not only weakens you in LF, but also takes up a key bat coming off of the bench. FYI

Ted Striker

February 14th, 2011
3:01 pm

I can hook you up with free drinks/a good time in Orlando. Just be sure anything you plan on publishing is pre-written before the trip. Coherence has about a 3 hour shelf life in that bar with those women.

jfreak13713

February 14th, 2011
3:03 pm

I’d say all of the above! All are real issues but none appear to be above what can be worked out?

* The closers role is huge but I think based on past performances these guys can get it done assuming the starts can go seven plus innings regularly.

* Chipper is an old man but if anybody can and deserve our support its Chipper. Half of Chipper is better than anything else we got right now anyway.

* McLouth couldn’t get any worse could he?

* Defense: The only real issues I see that could kill the Braves. Assume they score a few more runs they should be ok but if and when their offense struggles errors will do them in.

* Freeman: He’s a rookie enough said. Give him a chance until he proves he can’t do it??

I feel pretty good about this season when compared to everyone but the Phillies. Should be fun and not having playoff spot wrapped up on opening days makes the entire season more interesting for me.

Bentar

February 14th, 2011
3:03 pm

For several years too many have been left on base!
This should be addressed in a serious manner.

g-brave

February 14th, 2011
3:06 pm

None of the above…am I the only one that’s worried mostly about our depth? We had a lot of guys go down last year, but luckily we had one of the best benches in baseball. What if that happens again? Then our season rests on the shoulders of guys like Brandon Hicks…Diory Hernandez…Joe Mather…Jordan Schafer…I can’t figure out for the life of me why Barbaro Canizarez–a guy that won the batting title last year and just was named Caribbean World Series MVP after his team won the championship–is still going to spend likely the whole season in AAA when our bench is as thin as it is.

ChillyMutt

February 14th, 2011
3:06 pm

Gotta have the lead to need a closer. And if we have the lead enough where a closer matters, I think we will be fine with Kimbrell and Venters.

Nate can’t be any worse than he was last year. (fingers crossed)

Defense … If Ugla doesn’t single handed lose a playoff series for us, its an upgrade.Hopefully by opening day, Conrad employment will include using the phrase “Would you like fries with that?”

Freddie Freeman…. if you’re gambling on a rookie to carry a team, most often, you’re gonna lose that bet.

I voted for #2. Chipper’s Health.

If he doesn’t stay in the line up and productive the whole line up unravels.

blazerdawg

February 14th, 2011
3:06 pm

Team speed and CF

Adm1023

February 14th, 2011
3:11 pm

The Atlanta Braves have given us a reason to talk about October for many seasons. But, they are always leaning on HUGE maybes every season. Whether it’s rookies, the over 35 year old player they signed hoping he makes a comeback(not Derek Lee) or the players they keep giving chances. It has been a long time since I have looked at the Braves Roster in the preseason and said this is a good team. The Braves take to many gambles to be in October consistently. If Derek Jeter was in the condition of Chipper Jones he would be gone. The fact that we need him to come back to have a good season is a huge stretch and will result to another year of sadness for Atlanta fans. Please prove me wrong Braves.

D A DoubleU G

February 14th, 2011
3:12 pm

My #1 “concern”??

How about the CONSTANT negativity coming from Jeff Schultz and Mark Bradley.

Jeff just cannot stand the fact that it’s the 2nd most giddy day for Baseball fans (second only to actual opening day), because Pitchers and Catchers reported.

So instead of writing a “What to be excited about” or “What’s the Brave’s strongest area going into Spring?” articles, he comes up with this buzzkill garbage.

LIGHTEN UP JEFF!!!!! I seriously think you need counseling sometimes to make you see anything positive. Take the blinders off your office window (yeah right, more like tiny cube or janitor’s closet) and let sunshine into your life.

GO BRAVES!!!!!!!

chris

February 14th, 2011
3:18 pm

It’s a toss up for me between Freeman at 1B and Nate in Center. I think Nate can play and he’s proven it or the Braves never would have made the trade. Freeman is an unknown and I don’t think he’ll have the success that his friend in RF had a year ago.
You didn’t even mention Jurgens and if he can have an injury free year.

Bill Stanfill

February 14th, 2011
3:23 pm

1. Offensive production from CF. If you can get great defense, you can accept a .250 batting average. You can’t accept .190 and very average defense. McClouth has about 40 games to prove he’s the Comeback Player of the Year for the Braves. No more than that.

2. Chipper’s shoulder, knees, feet, back. . . . I’m pulling for him but the Braves cannot accept another injury-ridden season. Chipper knows that too.

3. 1st base and LF These positions have to be an important part of any team’s offensive production. If Prado, has to move to 3rd, I’m hoping that Fredi will not go the endless platoon route in LF like Cox did. A mid-season trade may be necessary here.

Freddie Freeman has a history of starting slow and heating up as the season progresses. Hopefully, he’ll get off to a decent start and have less pressure on him during the first half of the season. The Braves will need to be patient.

4. The pitching will be fine. In fact, it will be more than fine, starters and relievers.

I’m optimistic. The Braves needed an Uggla-like right-handed bat and they got THE Uggla. I also like Wren’s moves for bench players and relievers. The defense won’t be great but the odds are that it will be better than last year. There’s also a good chance that the return on Alex Gonzalez will be higher this year, defensively and offensively. Fredi Gonzalez, I believe, will be a great manager (especially if all that young pitching comes through over the next few years).

RebelBrave

February 14th, 2011
3:26 pm

No.1 issue for me is the FANS. Come out and support the team!

Zing

February 14th, 2011
3:27 pm

Got to be center field and Nate “Ain’t” McLouth. Chipper’s health ranks as a concern, but the Braves can easily plug Prado into 3B, and they have some bench players who can play LF.

John G.

February 14th, 2011
3:27 pm

I’m afraid we’ll all miss Billy Wags.

Fols

February 14th, 2011
3:35 pm

If Nate bunted every at-bat…he’d have a better opportunity to succeed on the bases.

When they catch on, he can incorporate a sliding bunt attempt.

Either way, when he unleashes that god awful upper-cut swing we’re all left shaking our heads.

Love the Puls insert, Chipper/KK/Nate come off the books and we could afford half of Puls contract!

Mike

February 14th, 2011
3:37 pm

All we can really do is do what we can with what we’ve got. In my opinion, we have a solid squad but just a few uncertainties as we look up and down the lineup. I’m completely confident in our pitching staff…starters and otherwise…because they proved that last season. Sure…replacing a future hall of fame closer like Billy Wagner will be tough but Kimbrel showed promise and from what I saw, a little polish and this guy can be scary good. Venters…already scary good.

If my calculations are correct, a lot of money will free up after this year and we’ll be able to spend a bit. We can go get a big time outfielder to join Heyward and Prado out there to play center. I’ve been really intrigued in the possibility of acquiring Grady Sizemore as Cleveland is rumored to be shopping him this year. Maybe if we find a lot of depth in pitching, we could put something together to send up to the Indians to get Sizemore here.

Phillistein

February 14th, 2011
3:38 pm

What are the Braves biggest issues

Here’s 5

Projected rotation

1. RHP Roy Halladay, 21-10, 2.44 ERA in 2010
2. LHP Cliff Lee, 12-9, 3.18 ERA in 2010
3. RHP Roy Oswalt, 13-13, 2.76 ERA in 2010
4. LHP Cole Hamels, 12-11, 3.06 ERA in 2010
5. RHP Joe Blanton, 9-6, 4.82 ERA in 2010

D A DoubleU G

February 14th, 2011
3:38 pm

RebelBrave,

Move the stadium somewhere other than the unreachable ghetto and the fans will come.

We need to plop a smaller stadium down at 14th and Peachtree Street where the Symphony Hall was suppose to be built 10 years ago. Have ti within walking distance of the booming 20 and 30 something crowd living in Midtown, which is conveniently right next to a couple MARTA train stations. No risking your life walking through 5 points to get to a bus, which I am not even sure will be in service this coming year.

99% of Braves fans live north of the city, and they are turned off from the inconvenient MARTA transferring or having to drive through rush hour in the city to go to the southside ghetto The Ted currently resides in.

Until we have an actual in-town stadium, continue to expect MANY empty seats Mon-Thu home games.

Vain Jangling

February 14th, 2011
3:40 pm

Flintrock70 @ 2:24 p.m.
Yeah, I like Prado as a guy to round out a team. He’s a clutch player from time to time. I just think it’s going to be a bit of an adventure for him day in and day out in left. He’s far from a natural. And I believe his offense is going to be feast or famine. Otherwise, my point with Freeman is simply that breaking into the bigs at first base is a tough nut to crack, although I know he’s got to do it sooner or later. I’m afraid he’s going to struggle this year against big league pitching. And no, at no time did I want Heyward sent down last year. He, sir, is the real deal. I’m not a pessimist, but I just think we’re going to need more than a couple of guys to have career years to duplicate last year’s win total. We can’t count again on those last out, come-from-behind wins to go our way this year.

Otherwise, PLAY BALL!

Robert

February 14th, 2011
3:42 pm

“Robert,

That burns brotha! Ease up on old Brooksy,lol!”

I have never had any issue with Brooks Conrad himself

I dont blame the screwdriver if some fool tries to use it as a hammer – I blame the fool

Robert

February 14th, 2011
3:45 pm

“You don’t need 5 guys hitting 30 HRs to have a great offense”

Dude, this is Atlanta.

If your eight regular position players dont all hit 30 home runs and if every one of your pitchers doesnt throw 118 mph, and if so much as one player goes on the dl during the year, then if the team manages to win more than 35 games during the season, it means the manager was a genius

JCH

February 14th, 2011
3:45 pm

Write in – Gonzalez at SS

1) he didn’t have much offense for Atlanta last year
2) he plays only marginal SS
3) he’s getting older
4) no clear replacement

If Chipper goes down, Prado plays 3B and Hinske LF
In CF we have McClouth, Schafer or even Mather youve got to believe one of those will pan out
Same situation at closer and in thevrotation for that matter
Hinske can play firstbalso if need be

But, what happens if Gonzalez goes down??? Diory and his sub-200 average I guess

Robert

February 14th, 2011
3:48 pm

Prado for president

I think most of thoe projections are reasonable – at least for the regulars and the major pitchers

I think you might be a little optimistic re Freeman’s average – but I think you might be a little on the low side re Heyward’s power numbers

The Grinch

February 14th, 2011
3:50 pm

Give ‘em hell, Robert!

CF won’t be that big a problem as long as they’re allowed to compete for it in Spring Training. If so, SOMEONE will beat out Nate, even if it’s just some schlub from the crowd at Disney. I wouldn’t count out Schafer yet. Even if he hits .200 it’ll be an improvement, and he actually plays defense. Now, if Nate’s just penciled in because of salary, it’ll be a different story.

FalconDawg

February 14th, 2011
3:53 pm

I’m sorry did someone say the name Pujoles?

proffish

February 14th, 2011
3:56 pm

I think it’s a mistake to look at just the closer. The Braves need solid contributions from at least five arms in the bullpen.

The Grinch

February 14th, 2011
3:59 pm

Oops…time to get some work done. I’ll chime in again later. The Braves will win 92-95 games this year barring disaster.

Phillisux

February 14th, 2011
4:04 pm

Phillistein February 14th, 2011 3:38 pm What are the Braves biggest issues Here’s 5: Projected rotation
1. RHP Roy Halladay, 21-10, 2.44 ERA in 2010
2. LHP Cliff Lee, 12-9, 3.18 ERA in 2010
3. RHP Roy Oswalt, 13-13, 2.76 ERA in 2010
4. LHP Cole Hamels, 12-11, 3.06 ERA in 2010
5. RHP Joe Blanton, 9-6, 4.82 ERA in 2010

Sillystein: After Halladay, that “immortal” rotation went 46-39 (a .541 winning %), and averaged 11.5 wins per “future Hall-of-famer” so that’s real scary for Braves’ fans in 2011.

Robert

February 14th, 2011
4:04 pm

It makes no sense to think that CF is our major problem
After all, it cant get worse than last year – and we made it to the playoffs despite that problem

In other words, it’s proven to be a problem that can be overcome, and since it cant get worse, you put those two together and it means its not our biggest problem

Now, that’s not saying that CF is a shining spot. It’s not saying we couldnt hope to improve there.

But if the CF (whoever it ends up being) performs exactly like the CFer’s did last year, we could go back to the playoffs, just like we did last year

Robert

February 14th, 2011
4:07 pm

“If Ugla doesn’t single handed lose a playoff series for us, its an upgrade.Hopefully by opening day, Conrad employment will include using the phrase “Would you like fries with that?””

I dont agree with that.

Conrad can contribute to the team.

Conrad didnt lose the playoff series last year

If I watch someone try to use it to install a window – and in the process the window breaks, I dont throw away the hammer claiming its useless

Robert

February 14th, 2011
4:10 pm

GRIIIIIIINNCHH!!!! – gimme a manhug dude

I am PSYCHED for this season!!!!!

ATL FAN

February 14th, 2011
4:12 pm

Easily the Chipper Jones one… he will either make or break us this season

mowreck

February 14th, 2011
4:16 pm

I’ve always like Nate and am hoping he shows us a reason to keep him in CF this year. He has looked good so far according to the coaches.

timthebrave

February 14th, 2011
4:25 pm

Here are my biggest worries
1. Chipper health-If he goes down we will have to juggle a lot. Making the defense worse
2. Nate Mcclouth- I would like to blame the injury but he wasn’t lighting it up before he got the concussion.
3. Overall defense-I’m not worried about Uggla as much as everyone else
4. Replacing Wagner-I think we have the men for the job
5. Freddie Freeman-I’m not expecting the world out of a rookie and I know he can handle the position.

dustin

February 14th, 2011
4:25 pm

the season will be dependant on chipper jones’ health….if he can come back heathly then we’re fine, but if not we may be doomed….injured chipper leads to prado moving back to 3rd from left leaving a gap in left and nate the great? in center…thats not a very good OF unit if prado has to play 3rd…on the offensive side if chipper is in the line-up i believe some pitchers will go after him thus throwing many fastballs which is a good thing, also hes still chipper jones so veteran pitchers will respect him thus taking the weight off of our youngins(freeman, heyward) so they will get better pitches to hit…so by far the season rests with chipper’s health

Chopper

February 14th, 2011
4:25 pm

Simple, it’s Chipper’s recovery. Nobody expects much from McLouth, so if he hits .190 nobody is going to freak out. If Chipper can’t play or hits like early last season, it will be a big deal. There’s no plan B to replace Chipper. There’s a plan B, C & D for McLouth (Jordan Schafer, Matt Young, trade).

There are real answers to replace Billy Wagner, in Venters and Kimbrel. I think between the two of them the closer job will be in good hands.

Will Freddie Freeman be any worse than Troy Glaus and an injured Derek Lee? Maybe in April/May, but he’s got a good swing and makes contact, so he’ll match their production if not exceed it.

Defense is an issue, but Uggla makes up for his defense by driving balls out of the park and driving in runs. For all of Omar Infante’s skills, he didn’t do either. And Brooks Conrad should not play in the field as much as he did.

Hee Soop Choi

February 14th, 2011
4:32 pm

Barbaro Canizarez has been called up at least 3 times for the Braves over the last 3 seasons. He did nothing in the majors. Canizarez is nothing more than a minor leaguer.

Mark (another one)

February 14th, 2011
4:34 pm

As with every season for the last 15 or so, Chipper. He plays the hot corner and hits 3rd. Most teams would struggle if their number 3 hitter is out, and the Braves would be no different. If anyone can come back from a blown ACL at 39, he will do it. However, it is the top concern.

I see a three way competition for playing time in center (McLouth, Shafer and Young) so I am not as concerned there. I like the other positions (with Chipper healthy) but I am also concerned with depth in the middle infield. Diory has to chow he is able to get it done or Lucas is going to get a shot.

For some reason I don’t have a great concern about Freeman. I know he is young and this will be his first season in the majors but he will adjust. Just don’t expect a lot of offense at the beginning of the season. It will come around. In the mean time, his defense will probably save us 3-5 games above last years defense at 1st. I think that is huge.

Gen Neyland

February 14th, 2011
4:34 pm

I’ll go with #3…

timthebrave

February 14th, 2011
4:36 pm

Phillistein……Joe Blanton…He leaves every team shaking in their boots. hilarious

justin1

February 14th, 2011
4:41 pm

Atlanta needs better beat writers.

justin1

February 14th, 2011
4:41 pm

With the exception of DOB.

ernisTbass

February 14th, 2011
4:46 pm

If you can have McClouth and The Situation in center couldn’t you have Snookie and Mather in left?

jerry

February 14th, 2011
4:48 pm

The #1 issue is the same damn thing it always is. Not willing enough to spend the money to upgrade the team.

jojo

February 14th, 2011
4:52 pm

CENTER FIELD

U Got It Right!

February 14th, 2011
4:53 pm

You Nailed it Schultz-e-baby!………

dlove

February 14th, 2011
4:56 pm

Short is a spot of concern as well.

steve brown

February 14th, 2011
4:56 pm

The amount of money being spent (wasted) on a guy that will hunt more days this year than he plays baseball.

batman

February 14th, 2011
4:59 pm

send lowe to the yankees, then upgrade the outfield.

Ready Fredi

February 14th, 2011
5:01 pm

I think Both Fredi’s(Fredi and Freddy)will be Ready!…….Will Prado move on over and let Chipper take over?Will Kimbrell be the Closer or a Hoser?Will Johnny be able to cut the steam of summer and put more vents in the opposing teams fanners?Grab your popcorn boys and girls and let the Boys of Summer move into the lead cause wer’e getting no more NFL feeds!

markie mark

February 14th, 2011
5:03 pm

yep, those 5 things….they are what I am worried about. And you get paid for these kinda obvious blogs….

rainman

February 14th, 2011
5:06 pm

Right now, the outfield (in particular CF) is the biggest area of concern. I almost assume Prado will be needed in the infield
sooner or later. So, who is the 4th outfielder?
Bottom line is that – if the Braves had a star in centerfield that could lead-off, steal some bases, have a high OBP, hit for
average, and be a gold-glover on defense — well, I think they would have a shot at a pennant!

Of course — “If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride”.

Mike10

February 14th, 2011
5:07 pm

I wish I could vote for all 4 because this team has more than one issue.

coach phil

February 14th, 2011
5:09 pm

The braves need owners who will be willing to spend money on quality players. not pitchers who have had 2 or 3 surgeries or field position players not past their prime.

20yrBravesfan

February 14th, 2011
5:10 pm

I voted the center field issue as my No 1 issue, but if Chipper turns out to be below average and clogs up the 3 hole that could be a bigger problem – not to mention the large salary he draws.
If the Braves get sentimental and put up with him underperforming for longer than they should that will be my new No 1 issue. i really, really hope that does not happen – play well Chipper.

coach phil

February 14th, 2011
5:11 pm

also we need speed on the bases. we haven’t had a 30 steal season sinse the 90’s. a shame.

BraveMan

February 14th, 2011
5:14 pm

The biggest issue is McLouth. If Chipper can’t go, Prado takes over at third and the Braves can get by with Hinske taking most of the starts in left. CF is a big hole if McLouth flounders again. The best hope is for the resurrection of Schafer. The bullpen doesn’t worry me at all.

Robert

February 14th, 2011
5:15 pm

“Easily the Chipper Jones one… he will either make or break us this season”

Maybe

Losing his offense wouldnt break us.

But if he couldnt handle a lesser role, that might break us.

Last year, Chipper remained a reasonably good team guy even after the injury. He was all rah-rah about trying to win something for Donk that his attitude stayed good

This year, that’s not a given. Now that his favorite grandfather isnt around, I fear that if he slumps badly and becomes secondary news, he might not take it well. The boy is too used to being prima donna.

I hope it doesnt happen

I hope he bounces back and has a good year. If that fails, I hope he handles becoming a role player well.

But that’s hope. Chipper is still my biggest concern for this season

Skeezix

February 14th, 2011
5:20 pm

My only concern with the offense is CF. I think even with a weak CF bat we will be better offensively than last year. My next concern is closing out games, but we have two really talented/proven guys ready to fill that void. Third, I would say the defense – Uggla at 2B and the arms in the OF— CF has a weak arm and I wonder if Prado’s arm is strong enough for LF.

Skeezix

February 14th, 2011
5:22 pm

And we don’t need to break the bank signing someone like Pujols………..

Mr Boot

February 14th, 2011
5:26 pm

Defense is the biggest concern, for 2 reasons:

1)Last year the Braves were horrendous defensively. Never was this more evident than in the playoffs, when it mattered most.

2)There is no reason to think we will be any better in ‘11.

Defense is going to cost us some games.

dawg2

February 14th, 2011
5:28 pm

I have no respect for Schafer…keep him in AAA at least a year. He’s had 8 good weeks in 2 and half years..why expect more.Oh, I know the injury crap! Give Young and Canizarez a chance.

dawg2

February 14th, 2011
5:29 pm

Where is the speed? Slow as a worm…damn!

JeanE

February 14th, 2011
5:35 pm

I miss Bobby, Omar, Wags and most of all MattE D. Uggla will NEVER be a true Braves in my book. All of those issues listed are problems, it’s never entirely 1 thing. Part of what made last year’s team so special was the unique chemistry they had. You can’t put a price on that. Oh and Nate’s problem is that it’s now in his head. I don’t see how that is fixed unless he’s been spending time with Dr. Llewellyn or somebody like that.

Jborodawg

February 14th, 2011
5:53 pm

Maybe it’s D. What if the Braves committed the fewest errors in the majors this year? What would their record be?

Robert

February 14th, 2011
5:57 pm

“Last year the Braves were horrendous defensively. Never was this more evident than in the playoffs, when it mattered most.”

When you have a flaw and an idiot manager who wont correct the flaw or wont even acvoid exposing us to harm from the flaw, that spells disaster

Rob

February 14th, 2011
5:58 pm

The biggest issue is 1st base. We will have to hope Freddie can hold down the job in somewhat of a respectable way. This is a classic, important position that requires a bit of power & batting average to boot! Anytime a team is relying on a rookie it is tenuous at best. As for the other issues….we know Chipper will be in & out of the lineup (particularly after a serious injury). Nate McLouth is arguably the WORST position player in MLB so Jordan Schafer probably won’t have a hard time beating McLousy out (God help us if McLousy is our CF!). Craig Kimbrel has a great arm & hopefully can “nail down” the closer role (he has got to be able to throw strikes consistently…..this is going to be the problem if he falters). Ah, and defense….well, we won’t lead the league in fielding but let’s hope it is better than expected. All in all, I like the moves the Braves have made. I like the youth movement & although it might not payoff in 2011 I believe the Braves are on the right track. Puhleese just keep McLousy off the field!!!!!! Bobby Cox was sooooooooooooo remiss in putting this BUM on the field. The guy is completely absent of talent. He barely hit his weight (and he’s a RUNT) & he looked awful while doing that!! If Jordan Schafer is not in CF there is something HORRIBLY wrong with Braves management. It is your own fault for paying a completely useless player millions of dollars (how does that happen? Simply amazing!!). I, for one, am very glad Bobby Cox retired……he was incredibly hard-headed on many occasaions with people like McLousy, Kelly Johnson & many others through the years. The fact that McLousy was allowed to hit .190 & play MOST of the season was TOTALLY ASTONISHING!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on Jordan Schafer…..the job is yours!

T'VILLE DAWG

February 14th, 2011
6:02 pm

McLost is the very weak link here. For a MLB player he apparently doesn’t recognize the need to throw the ball in on certain situations to keep the runner from moving up, I mean standing in center with no one else on base and the runner sprinting to third with a chance for the oposition to drive him in with less than two outs. Standing there holding the ball while watching the runner move up without any effort I’ll never forget.

JCH

February 14th, 2011
6:02 pm

Ready Fredi – I hope for your sake, “poet” isn’t your profession and, for our sake, you stop practicing it here!

Coach (2011 and Fredi G. a GO!)

February 14th, 2011
6:13 pm

All of the above, not to mention the overall improves pitching in the National league. And O yea, those Phillies.

Simply put, our Braves have pitching and power. Followed by an enormous amount of questions and not nearly enough answers. So at the moment the playoffs are a pipe dream.

Mike

February 14th, 2011
6:13 pm

They need to be able to generate some runs i.e. able to play small ball

Rob

February 14th, 2011
6:17 pm

T’VILLE DAWG…..I feel your pain. McLousy is PATHETIC anyway you want to slice it! Watching him hold the ball is bad enough, but did you happen to see this “waste of a uniform” virtually EVERY AT BAT OF THE ENTIRE SEASON? He is USELESS. To Braves management….eat this guy’s salary & chalk it up to a bad mistake!! He is not even useful off the bench. Holy crap, I was amazed when Cox used him as a pinch-hitter late last year at the end of a game……I was wondering if Cox had gone COMPLETELY insane or suddenly suffered from an acute case of alzheimers!!!!

wizard on the west side

February 14th, 2011
6:19 pm

I love me some Chipper… but he is the biggest concern we have going into Spring Training. His health makes third an issue….. and left field when he goes down. And changing your All-Star second baseman to third then to left all in hope$$$$ that our future hall of famer will stay healthy add on to the doubt. Go Braves! See y’all at The Ted.

John Galt

February 14th, 2011
6:21 pm

Remember John Galt told you- Schafer starts in CF by April 30.

Rob

February 14th, 2011
6:23 pm

John Galt….it better be on April 1st not 30th.

heartofdarkness

February 14th, 2011
6:37 pm

I was reading how the Last Boy (Mickey Mantle) would take Bobby Cox out for a milk shake as the Yankees made their tour of American League cities. Someone with Mantle’s extensive knowledge of soda fountains may want to take Fredi out for a few. As for our hitters, we might want them to try some of the Mick’s other beverages.
Jane Leavy’s book is a great read, in any case.

clam slapper

February 14th, 2011
6:43 pm

The most important step took place last season. Putting Bobby Cox out to pasture.SEEEYA!

JSS

February 14th, 2011
7:01 pm

First base wouldn’t an issue until his semi-annual visit to the DL if Lord Larry showed some team first flexibility that he’s not shown since Castilla left town… I was right last year, there’s holes in this team still… Good luck anyway, still hard to pull for a team that lets Bill Shanks bandwagon off of them!

Rob

February 14th, 2011
7:03 pm

clam slapper…I’m right with you on that one. Bobby Cox being gone will be the most refreshing thing in 20 years! He was a highly average Mgr. who had the good fortune of managing very good teams his entire career. He was adept at managing a team through a 162 game marathon, however when those very good teams entered the playoffs Cox was sub-average as a game tactitian (I’m being nice here….he was actually God-awful). We are ALL keenly aware of his hard-headed tendency to stick with someone until they completely swirled down the toilet never to be seen again. Thank God his time is OVER! I know the players loved him & that’s great. I’m sure McLousy loved him……he would have had to because no other Manager on planet Earth would have had him in the lineup all year! McLousy NEVER showed ANY sign of life (starting from going 1 -30 or something like that in the Grapefruit league versus Pitchers who were not even going to be on Major League rosters).

BALCO Investigator

February 14th, 2011
7:29 pm

Here is my proof that Bonds never used steroids:
1. Bonds has ALWAYS tested CLEAN.

2. EIGHT years of a FEDERAL investigation has more than confirmed that NO evidence concerning Bonds and steroids exists.

3. Bonds had his best offensive seasons in 2002-2004 WHILE testing clean, WHILE he and BALCO were the most scrutinized people on earth.

Whats the case against him?

Well, lets see, its not the the major news sources all haven’t lied that Bonds ADMITTED taking steroids. They release the entire grand jury transcript right in their face.

Its not like the judges have already called out the Feds for making up evidence three times, once trying to pass B.B. for three Bonds (the Feds response was “we didn’t know B.B. could stand for something other than Barry Bonds”), and testing ANONYMOUS samples for substances banned AFTER the Grand Jury Testimonies.

Its not like judges have not accepted ONE piece of evidence from the Feds yet, and have even gone as far as calling their “evidence” (and I quote) “inadmissable heresay”.

Its not like almost every other major player in the MLB has been caught taking steroids EXCEPT Bonds. They even complained that Bonds was taking “undetectable steroids” LMAO. When the Feds investigation ONLY Bonds.

Its not like they spent 5 years and millions of tax dollars to investigate the Clear and the Cream, only to find out TWO WEEKS before the trial that it wasn’t even classified as a steroid during the Grand Jury testimonies.

Its not like they very publically accused Bonds of cheating in 2001, THEN made the rule that steroids was considered cheating in the MLB in 2002 AFTER calling Bonds a cheater. And just four years before when McGwire AND Sosa shattered a then 40 year old HR record, with McGwire OPENLY on PEDs, they called the “the “SAVIOR of baseball”.

They claimed that they were concerned about Bonds and steroids after Bonds broke the record because they wanted to preserve “the sanctity of the game”. And just a couple of years before, they juiced the balls and lowered the mounds for the very reason of “seeing more balls fly out of the park”.

And its not like the MLB continues to treat ARod like a hero when he was been CAUGHT taking steroids this year, after the ALWAYS lied about NOT taking steroids before.

And now they celebrate the Yankees full of PROVEN steroid users winning the championship.

BAM EDUCATED

Thoughts?

BALCO Investigator

February 14th, 2011
7:29 pm

Bonds 2002-2004 seasons are the most validated clean seasons ever, with a FEDERAL investigation going on and 5 reporters following him wherever he went, with the show “Bonds on Bonds” going on detailing his daily life. They also just happened to be the best three offensive seasons in the history of the MLB. And now we know it was against steroided competition where almost every big name was CAUGHT using steroids.

BALCO Investigator

February 14th, 2011
7:29 pm

Wasn’t it proven that everybody BUT Bonds took steroids?

The highest single-season performances were:
Barry Bonds, 268 (2002)
Barry Bonds, 263 (2004)
Barry Bonds, 259 (2001)
Fred Dunlap, 258 (1884)*
Babe Ruth, 256 (1920)
Babe Ruth, 239 (1921)
Babe Ruth, 239 (1923)
Ted Williams, 235 (1941)
Ted Williams, 233 (1957)
Ross Barnes, 231 (1876)**
Barry Bonds, 231 (2003)

BALCO Investigator

February 14th, 2011
7:30 pm

The hater’s argument:

You can’t prove he didn’t take steroids.

His head’s TOO big.

Greg Anderson is in jail, it MUST be because he is protecting Bonds. Never mind that if that was the case all he says is NO Bonds did NOT take steroids, and your thorough lack of evidence proves it.

Bonds MUST be referring to The Clear and The Cream when he said he took flaxseed oil for sores, a clear liquid, and an arthritic cream, and therefore he ADMITTED to using steroids. Never mind that The Clear and The Cream wasn’t even classified as steroids at the time of the Grand Jury Testimonies.

BALCO Investigator

February 14th, 2011
7:31 pm

And the haters are INSTANTLY cornered to no counterargument namecalling responses. As always.

Rob

February 14th, 2011
7:39 pm

Dear Mr BALCO Investigator: Are you stark-raving MAD? To completely blow you “out of the water”….Bonds himself admitted to supposedly “unknowingly” taken steroids…..it was the “clear”! He wanted us to believe that he thought he was taking vitamin B. I suppose you think Clemens never took steroids also! WTF are you Bonds’ lawyer! And I never breathed oxygen!!!

BALCO Investigator

February 14th, 2011
7:46 pm

Another side argument I see, Bonds 2002-2004 seasons are the most validated seasons ever. Its people like you Rob that don’t recognise Jeff Garcia as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

BAM EDUCATED!

Rob

February 14th, 2011
7:52 pm

Dude, just one recommendation…………back away from the crack pipe!

K Conway

February 14th, 2011
7:52 pm

Chipper’s health will do in the Braves! he’s a dead weight around the team’s neck! Cut him loose!!

Bobby Cox

February 14th, 2011
7:54 pm

I can out run Chipper!

BALCO Investigator

February 14th, 2011
7:55 pm

The only think that was cracked was Hank Aaron’s tainted home run record.
Henry will always have an asterik next to his name.

JSS

February 14th, 2011
8:06 pm

Rob
February 14th, 2011
7:52 pm
“Dude, just one recommendation…………back away from the crack pipe!”

Who still smokes “crack” besides ‘GregNCrackensaw’ and that fool from the Ukraine who went on that rampage on the NYTA over the weekend?

Now there are plenty of Crystal Meth addicts, especially on Ledbetter blog… January 15th was the apex!

Did they check to see what the drug arrest records were like in Gwinnett, Hall, East Cobb, and Forsyth when Conrad was having that error fest last Fall?

Rob

February 14th, 2011
8:15 pm

JSS – you must excuse me. I am not up to date on the “drug scene”! Somehow I consider this a good thing. For the most part, I did not understand more than 5 words in your post!

Atl Chris

February 14th, 2011
8:16 pm

Justin 1,

I am in agreement with you on your lineup suggestion. The 1st five hitters look dangerous to any team.
Prado
Chipper
McCann
Uggla
Heyward

From here we need to put in Nate, Alex Gonzalez, and Freddy Freeman. These 3 can be mixed and matched in any order. What i will say, is that any other top 5 combination just doesn’t look as potent. I am still pulling for Shafer. To bad he was too ignorant to admit his injury sooner. Lets not forget about Kris Medlen coming back from surgury. He will be like a a mid-season trade.

JSS

February 14th, 2011
8:22 pm

Rob
February 14th, 2011
8:15 pm
“JSS – you must excuse me. I am not up to date on the “drug scene”! Somehow I consider this a good thing. For the most part, I did not understand more than 5 words in your post!”

Then don’t pretend to be a “snarky genius” when you don’t agree with someone like like “BALCO” and make a smart a** reference to something as serious drug addiction…

Rob

February 14th, 2011
8:27 pm

JSS – wait a second….are you Bonds’ lawyer?

JSS

February 14th, 2011
8:52 pm

Rob
February 14th, 2011
8:27 pm
“JSS – wait a second….are you Bonds’ lawyer?”

I can care less about Barry Bonds… Let his ex-wife and paramour worry about his appointment in the Federal District Court of Northern California.

You went off the reservation (the Crack comment) and be man enough to take it in the right direction…

Ed

February 14th, 2011
8:53 pm

Just dont hit Nate in the leadoff or 2nd spot and ruin what could be an amazing 1-5 lineup. Park his ass in the 8 or 9 hole until he proves he can hit.

cattle dawg

February 14th, 2011
9:12 pm

Who will provide the spark for this team like Glaus did last year? I hope the Braves got rid of that jerk bartender in the Golden Moon level.

JSS

February 14th, 2011
9:16 pm

McCann and Chipper means you better be hitting a lot of three run homers. That slow duo can’t even beat ancient Shaq in a foot race…

llf

February 14th, 2011
9:24 pm

Run production.

Sam The Swami

February 14th, 2011
10:25 pm

POWER: Only Uggla is a lock to hit over 20 HRs.

NC Brave

February 14th, 2011
10:39 pm

Chipper is the main concern. I have hope but seriously doubt his comeback will last a full year. If he goes down then it throws everything out of whack. Prado back to 3rd, batting order jumbled, who then plays LF???? Too many questions from the hot corner this year for my comfort.

puff

February 14th, 2011
10:51 pm

A resurgence by McClouth would have a huge impact. Assuming Gonzalez will want to run more than Bobby did, McClouth getting on base consistently will allow the Braves to create more pressure than they’ve done in quite a while. If the first two guys can set the table, the middle of the lineup should generate enough runs.

Katherine

February 14th, 2011
11:15 pm

I’m not worried at all…just happy to have baseball almost back! I’ve missed it……

Wright

February 14th, 2011
11:48 pm

With the retirement of Wagner the Braves find themselves back in a familiar black hole, no closer. Until Wagner came along this had been the Braves Achilles heel since Wohler’s demise in the 90’s.

count_schemula

February 15th, 2011
2:17 am

Uggla. No doubt he is a huge upgrade offensive upgrade, but consider this… the Marlins also traded Cameron Maybin to the San Diego Padres. If the Braves traded for Maybin, then we would have 3 scraps to stick in center field (Maybin, Schafer and McLouth). We also leave Prado at 2b which gives us better defense. I’m still mad about Yunel (mad at Yunel is more accurate), but it is what it is. With the hypothetical Maybin trade (Pads got him for 2 relievers) we might still have Infante, which gives us better coverage for Chipper. By not trading for Uggla we would still have the $62M and would not be tied to his defense for all these years. I don’t hate the Uggla trade, but there is some opportunity cost there, and a team built on pitching and defense can win. Right now the Braves have pitching and sketchy defense and spotty offense. Lastings Milledge was also out there for cheap. I’m not saying Maybin, Milledge, McLouth or Schafer are the answers in CF and LF but they are all cheap (not McLouth but we were stuck with him anyhow), and they all add some speed. With Uggla’s $62 never spent, KK and McLouth coming off the books, then we could solve CF or 3b properly in 2012. I’m guessing Chipper will retire after this year. He just had to come back this year so his last play was not laying on the ground. We owe him that, and WHATEVER he does this year, I will treasure seeing it.

count_schemula

February 15th, 2011
2:24 am

BALCOclown “Henry will always have an asterik [sic] next to his name.”

Please.

count_schemula

February 15th, 2011
2:28 am

I think this closer business is overrated, but regardless, we have 3 pieces (Kimbrel, Venters and Sherrill) that can cover the 9th with the hot hand.

count_schemula

February 15th, 2011
2:31 am

Hopefully the Pirates can’t afford McCutcheon in a few years and we can throw the bank at him. McCutcheon and Heyward in CF and RF for 10 years. One can dream.

Stinger2

February 15th, 2011
4:49 am

My main concern is that there will not be enough power
(hr/rbi) produced by the CF/LF positions regardless of whatever combination(s) of present roster players are used. Seems to me that the Braves have ignored this problem much too long.

Ron E.

February 15th, 2011
6:53 am

The Braves made the playoffs last year with Nate and Melky in CF, so that can’t be the biggest issue. Similarly Troy Glaus was their first baseman for most of the year, so Freddi is off the hook. The key issue then is Chipper. If he falters in spring training, that leaves a huge hole in the offense.

Satchmo

February 15th, 2011
7:01 am

Team speed, we are really slow from a MLB standpoint.

Rbrave

February 15th, 2011
7:05 am

Anybody else getting tired of hearing how great Heyward is ? He had a good season but not the hype he received. At times looked lost in the field. I think they are just playing this guy up for some reason ?

Atticus

February 15th, 2011
7:17 am

Looking at this list, it is the same as it always is…..too many ifs! It is a good team that will be as competitive as anyone but there is no way this team wins the division. With Infante gone, if Chipper goes down or Freemen can’t hit or McClouth doesn’t come back, they will lose more that you think. This team is the worst defensive team in the league too.

Coyote

February 15th, 2011
7:40 am

Let’s not fool ourselves, what the Braves are paying for McLouth’s services far outweighs his production and contribution since joining the ballclub. Whether injury or lack of productivity there’s better ballplayers in the majors to fill the CF spot. For instance, the game he ran into RF Jason Heyward resulting in him being knocked silly with a concussion and almost injuring our young phenom. To me he just doesn’t look as polished as I expect a Major Leaguer to look, especially with his experience. He needs alot of improvement both hitting and fielding. I’d be shopping him around if the Braves aren’t doing so already.

Bring Back Panama Jack !

February 15th, 2011
7:46 am

Best movie in a long time : Sanctum.

It’s really a three-way tie between Chipper,McLouth,and new closer). All are equally important. The biggest question mark of the three IMO is McOut. We know Chipper can be an all-star when healthy. We know Venters & Kimbrel have great arms. But we don’t know if McOut’s bat is done or not.

Bring Back Panama Jack !

February 15th, 2011
7:50 am

If the Giants,Padres,and Reds can go with no-name rookie closers then why can’t the Braves. The message to Venters and Kimbrel, NO DAMN WALKS ALLOWED PERIOD.

TLanceB

February 15th, 2011
7:54 am

outfield production

Heyward missed games and his production was good not great in his rookie year. I think he’ll get better, but will he?

Nate hit .190 in his sixth season. Show me a dude that’s done that and rebounded to be good, not average, but good, in the history of baseball. Who is playing left field. Really playing left field. The Braves will be the only team in the bigs with questions at all 3 outfield positions.

The second biggest issue is how healthy and how productive is Chipper? death, taxes, Bon Jovi sucks, and Chipper in the 3 holes are the only 4 definites in life. He’s going to be 39. I turn 41 this year and I can’t go to the gym on back to back days without needing help getting out of bed.

Go Braves

DoninAcworth

February 15th, 2011
8:14 am

As an optomist I’m believing in Nate (he has the tools), Chipper (a real pro with a burning desire to achieve again), Freeman (prove us right), Jason (he’s a leader starting this year) Uggla (next step up), McCann (an achiever), Prado (the man), and Gongalez (the great one shows up again). Pitching? This can be our true strength and yes, our new closer responds to the great trainning
from Wagner. I’m heading to Florida first of March and I’ll file a report as I see things in person.

Bring Back Panama Jack !

February 15th, 2011
8:15 am

Heyward’s supposed to be another Hank Aaron but so far looks like another Ron Gant to me.

I agree about Nate. After 6 years you are who you are.

braveshoo

February 15th, 2011
8:16 am

to Prado4President: I think your predictions are right on. Hope you are correct.

doc

February 15th, 2011
8:20 am

none of the above, reliable leadoff hitter to set the table.

chipper is done, he shouldnt be out there. i sincerely hope i am wrong.

reebok

February 15th, 2011
8:29 am

has chipper gone on the DL yet?

old fart

February 15th, 2011
8:46 am

Chipper ain’t gonna play this year or ever again. It doesn’t matter who plays LF. The Braves haven’t had an all star in LF since moving from Milwaukee.

donny ballgame

February 15th, 2011
8:54 am

1) Lack of speed
2) Lack of speed on defense
3) Lack of solid baserunning
4) Poor situational hitting
5) Homer beat writers

Ed F

February 15th, 2011
8:59 am

This is an Easy Answer. What do the Braves need. For YEARS OFFENSE. ALways they need to score more runs. Two many one run games. They were Lucky with all the come from Behind wins last year. With what left and what has joined this year they still need Offense. I’ll say it again Offense!!!!!!!

ChillyMutt

February 15th, 2011
9:01 am

I don’t have a lot of hope for McLouth to rebound. It wasn’t just his batting that stunk last year, his defense was just awful. He has the speed to cover the ground but he was just taking bad lines to balls – even the ones he caught. I think something else is up … could be a vision problem.

MitchC

February 15th, 2011
9:09 am

Jeff, in addition to all the problems you mentioned, the Braves have another issue: Age.

Derek Llowe is 37, and Hudson is 35 and a year removedf from TJ surgery. Both will hopefully win 15 games.. but.. it would seem that except for Tommy Hanson, our starting pitching is rather.. long in the tooth.

I think Venters or Kimbrel can get it done in the closer role. The biggest questions to me are Freddie Freeman, and the defense.

We wont catch the Phillies. They have the best starting four since.. Maddux.. Glavine.. Smoltz.. Millwood.. and Neagle/ Avery were in their heydays. However, I still think we can win the wild card again,, if everyone stays healthy, and performs up to their capabilities.

George

February 15th, 2011
9:12 am

Braves need more power and speed to be a true contender good season sticking with the tradtion baseball hotdogs and cold beer go Braves. Freddie is a good man he can get it done.

Jeff

February 15th, 2011
9:13 am

Issue number one for the Braves is our crappy ownership. Until the Braves have new owners they will not be world series contenders.

robert troup

February 15th, 2011
9:17 am

The braves are going to need alot of spirit to be competitive and alot less injuries. Pravo and Mccain have the spirit and are winners. This could go along way to off set first base and centerfield. I see real problems here-Where is Adam Laroch? The braves need to get another proven centerfielder somehere. Pay the money and do it. The pitching should be adequate eventhough Wagner’s absence will be missed. Go Braves and get another hitter. This is a top priority to avoid a boring time this summer.

Keith

February 15th, 2011
9:18 am

Jeff,

It was really difficult for me to choose between Mclouth or our Defense. I guess that is because I was at the playoff games at home and couldn’t remember more of an emotional experience (highest with the homer and lowest with the errors) than any other game.

But I think in the end, Mclouth edges the defense. Mclouth actually was sent down to AAA last year…wait….a second….let it sink in. He was in AAA after a dismal performance over the last 1.5 years.

Other concerns are good, but these take the cake.

GO BRAVES!

idot

February 15th, 2011
9:21 am

Did the WS champs of 2010 have a lot of speed and power?

Matt

February 15th, 2011
9:23 am

No legit game changing threat in the lineup and sketchy D.

idot

February 15th, 2011
9:26 am

I believe that a new manager is going to help this team tremendously.
I think that both McLouth and Shafer will comeback, and each one will have a great season.

Matt

February 15th, 2011
9:27 am

Idot- no they won it with strikeout pitchers and getting hot at the right time.

I realize they won a playoff system butthe Giants were FAR from the best team in baseball last year.

idot

February 15th, 2011
9:30 am

I predict that the lineup will probably wind up with McLouth LF, Shafer CF, and Prado 3B.
I also think that each of these players will hit +20 HRs, this season.

BALCO Investigator

February 15th, 2011
9:31 am

And the haters are instantly cornered with no counter-argument.
Bonds seasons are the most validated seasons ever, and everyone BUT Bonds was got taking steriods. Palmeiro was blackmailed by a federal judge according to Wikileaks.

BALCO Investigator

February 15th, 2011
9:31 am

BAM EDUCATED!

BALCO Investigator

February 15th, 2011
9:33 am

Barry Bonds is the victim of a race driven witch hunt controlled by the liberal media, as evidenced by NPR’s firing of Juan Williams.

BALCO Investigator

February 15th, 2011
9:34 am

And the haters respond with typical name calling rather than valid arguments.

idot

February 15th, 2011
9:34 am

You are correct Sir!
The best teams don’t always win it all.
Somtimes the teams that are only “good”, win it. Look at the N.O. Saints.

idot

February 15th, 2011
9:39 am

BALCO……I have a nice piece of real-estate that I would like to sell you. It is down in the middle of south Fla. It has crystal clear streams and a scenic mountian view. Great get away spot.

deekslater

February 15th, 2011
9:44 am

Scott Thorman at 1st is bad, but Chipper not healthy has more weight. If Chipper is out, Prado is in, and our outfield is nothing but a 2nd year potential and 2 busts.

Chief Pitchanono

February 15th, 2011
10:08 am

Honestly, I don’t see any of these issues as being “major”. This is the most complete Braves team we have had in years – top to bottom. The only major issue we have, like every other team- is how healthy can we stay throughout the season? The rest are just questions that will answered in ST. I guess the biggest of course will be chipper, he is a difference maker, and while this lineup will be good even without him, if he is able to be productive, it could elevate the offense to another level. He doesn’t have to win another batting title, but we can’t have him hitting 200 either. Assuming health is reatively good his performance will probably be the difference in us shocking allot of people and winning the division, or ending up in another dog fight for the wildcard like last year. Either way though, this should be another great season, can’t wait – Go Braves!!

Matt

February 15th, 2011
10:16 am

Balco- Liberal and racist don’t usually go hand in hand. Considering he is the only high profile African American to be accused of steroids I don’t think it’s a witchhunt. Palmeiro, Big Mac, Clemens, Petite, Sosa, Rodriguez, white and hispanic. Just because there’s 1 black guy doesn’t make it a personal racist witch hunt. Is it a racist witch hunt with Clemens??? Oh that’s right, he’s white so it can’t be.

The guy who put on 40 lbs of muscle in the offseason, whose defense is “never knowingly took steroids”, whose personal trainer who is a steroid dealer is in jail rather than testifying, and also just happens to be the last of the big HR guys during the “steroid era” is innocent?!?!?!?!

beachcomber

February 15th, 2011
10:32 am

I voted Chipper’s health but there is a deeper problem – no true third baseman anywhere near the bigs in our system. So this means short term moving Prado again – maybe Uggla. Neither is really a third baseman.

Chief Pitchanono

February 15th, 2011
10:34 am

All the questions that surround this team were problems last year, and we won the wildcard and 91 games. That should be great news for Braves fans. Plus we’ve added a 30 hr guy in the middle of our lineup. The only real question is how will we close out games without Wags. We had a bad offensive outfield last year, we played most of the season with little help from chipper, we had a black hole at firstbase, for most of the season. As long as we stay healthy and Gonzo finds a combo that works for the ninth inning, this team has to better than it was last year. Again we won 91 games. I’m not saying that were going to beat the phillies, I’m not sure that if they stay healthy that any team out their will win as many regular season game as they are going to be capable of. But I think we will make it a race, and as long as we get in to the postseason we will have chance. Go Braves!

jwilli120

February 15th, 2011
10:36 am

blah blah blah put the best eight players on the field
and play ball (ie cannizares he won the cab ws MVP he
did something right and maybe freddi will see this for
what it is!)

Ed Zachary

February 15th, 2011
10:51 am

Looks like the poll results are pretty clear

Ypistol

February 15th, 2011
10:53 am

The Braves have no speed and they hit a great amount of homeruns. They need a legit lead off batter who can steal 30 to 40 bases

damail

February 15th, 2011
10:56 am

Center field, defense and lack of team speed.

Jp

February 15th, 2011
11:08 am

Team defense is the biggest issue for the Braves. Right now, as a team we don’t have a gold glove caliber player and committed the third most errors last year.
The issue of staying healthy for the braves, as a team, is another concern. We lost star players through out the whole season, starting with JJ, K. Melden, N McClouth, J heyward, Chip, Prado, and Wagner. Some of these players either missed little time or a significant amount of time. Yes, Chip is coming off knee surgey at the age of 39 and a fast healthy recovery from him is vital for the braves. Staying healthy as a team through out the season will be crucial.
Speed is something the braves have lacked for the past couple of years. McClouth and Heyward are the only threats, who both could top out at 20 SB each at seasons end. Who knows what kind of season we will get from McClouth, so 20 SB from him would be an early Christmas gift. Having speed can change the game and it never goes in a slump.
Issues we should not be concerned about are starting pitching, bullpen, and depth.

Concerned Fan #1

February 15th, 2011
11:35 am

Please look at a more stable player for centerfield.

djgator

February 15th, 2011
11:53 am

1B is a huge problem. I saw FF hit last year, and I was not impressed. I’ll be suprised if he hits .230 this season.

james bozo

February 15th, 2011
12:15 pm

69

robert

February 15th, 2011
12:20 pm

I don’t believe the Braves will be able to overtake the Phillies in the east. With their starting pitching strength, and the 1B/CF issues on this team, I can’t see 95 wins which is the minimum needed to take the east.

Dave

February 15th, 2011
12:49 pm

Issue #1. Get rid of McClouth.

Najeh Davenpoop

February 15th, 2011
12:50 pm

Center field by far, with Kimbrel’s ability to replace Wagner and Freeman’s readiness tied for a distant second.

Yea right.............

February 15th, 2011
1:33 pm

Not worried about the pen, but the team? Ouch.

McClouth is simply a utility guy and not a every day player.
Chipper will not be able to play everyday so that leaves hole 2
Prado will play more at 3rd base so our outfield will stink badly.
Gonzalez is not very good anymore, hes slow and it will show.

Heyward, I look forward to seeing him play and grow more.
Freeman, I also look forward to seeing him play.
McCann, one of the few Braves I actually want to see come back.

If you ask me we have holes in
3rd with Chipper
Center field
Left field as Prado will be at 3rd and we have terrible defense up the middle. Lowe is a up the middle type pitcher.

As the Phillies did what brought the Braves to fame, (hired ace pitching) the braves stayed with the old and the rundown and put rookies in the pitching spots. I do like Uggla but come on. Chipper wont be hitting and Freeman is young and will take time adjusting. McClouth will do nothing and Heyward is to far down in the batting order to help out. I watched as the Nationals got silently better and I think they stand in 2nd place.

Where do I see this bunch of losers, well in the basement. We dont have the talent other teams have, we either have unproven rookies or old should be retired players taking up space on the roster. Other then that we have overpaid utility players who will miss and miss and miss.

I wont be attending or buying my season tickets this year either. I think were in for a very bad season.

count_schemula

February 15th, 2011
2:05 pm

Before the Uggla trade, we had an infield with Prado, Infante and Chipper covering 2b and 3b. It just seems easier to fill outfield spots than infield spots, esp if we still had the Uglga money, but now we don’t have the money to fix the OF and are stuck with Uggla’s D for years. The home runs will thrill, but the errors will kill.

S'paw_99

February 15th, 2011
2:09 pm

It looks like everyone is ready for baseball season, I sure am. And the great news is, it’ll be a month or so before MLB really gets going, but College Baseball starts this Fri. Go GA Tech & Southern.

Has anybody else the last coupla yrs wished we could play both B-Mac & Rossy everyday. Ross has been a better hitter than some of the crap we’ve ran out at other positions (McOut I’m talkin about U).

Either way,

Go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

count_schemula

February 15th, 2011
2:12 pm

Ross has catchers butt and legs and heavy feet. I’m not even sure he could play 1b. I hope Fredi continues to give McCann regular rest.

BALCO Investigator

February 15th, 2011
2:58 pm

Barry Bonds should be more respected than he is. Did you know that Bonds donates the largest amount of charity money after Warren Buffett?

BAM EDUCATED!

DawgDad

February 15th, 2011
3:01 pm

They need at least one more outfielder (hopefully not two), a backup middle infielder who can field, and a right-handed alternative at first base. They need to pray the pitching pans out (who doesn’t?) and in general they need more speed, more power, and better defense. The whole clubhouse dynamic will be different, and who knows where that leads?

Freeman could be a future star and still take a year or two to settle in. Can’t get over-anxious here. Most important contribution from him will be ranging to his right to cover the hole Uggla leaves.

Young pitching may be a bit too young, and eventually age will catch up to Lowe and Hudson. They could have a rough year and still be the envy of most MLB GMs.

I’d say the Braves are a likely wild card contender but a very long shot to win the division, and yet there is the very real potential for this team to come apart at the seams, in the short-term anyway. They are not very deep in postion player talent.

cooper

February 15th, 2011
3:04 pm

Our biggest problem is , what to do with Chipper Jones. The problem with someone 40 years old is them admitting there is no comparison to how good they were when they were 25 years old. I’m all for giving Chipper a shot at 3rd base but if he is slow at rehab or can’t hit 300 or better with home runs every few days then the Braves needs to make him a coach or just sit him because it’s all about finding his replacement , now. I wish this time would never come for players that helped build a team and was so loyal over the years but the reality of living in the real world is when a player get’s 38 plus years old they can’t play better than a 25 year old and I would rather look to the future and have someone out there that can get playing time and someone that will be there when the bell ring’s not someone that you have to wonder IF they will have something else wrong every year.
I hope if Chipper can’t play at 100% he will show the dignity and class to make the decision easy for the fans and management.

coach13

February 15th, 2011
3:18 pm

Cooper I can assure you 2 things. 1) Chipper will produce nowhere near what he used to and 2) He will not take himself out of the lineup. His old frail body will do that for him and then leave a HUGE gaping hole somewhere in the lineup and in the field.

count_schemula

February 15th, 2011
3:19 pm

I think the Chipper thing goes both ways. We owe him this comeback. He also owes it to us to step away if it does not happen this year. I think we’ll be ok. He won’t be happy hitting .220 with 4HRs at the all-star break, and Prado just comes in from LF. That said I’m still rooting for him, although, if he has an ok year (.280 20HRs 80RBIs) does he come back next year? A 40yo NL 3b? I don’t see it.

BALCO Investigator

February 15th, 2011
3:27 pm

Sorry everyone, I have personal issues I’m trying to work out in public.

JB

February 15th, 2011
4:01 pm

an owner trying to win on the cheap. 100 mil payroll in the MBA gets you 3rd place.

JSS

February 15th, 2011
4:37 pm

BALCO Investigator (Blog impersonator)
February 15th, 2011
3:27 pm
“Sorry everyone, I have personal issues I’m trying to work out in public.”

Don’t you mean: “I’m a snarky and smarmy blog impersonator who has “personal issues” like stealing user names and trying to be witty. However I do not have the guts to post under my own user name because I’m scared?”

mm

February 15th, 2011
6:54 pm

come on Phillies, beat the braves butt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bubba the Brave Fan

February 15th, 2011
8:02 pm

The two major issues facing the Braves right now are a backup cf and a backup ss. Once these problems are satisfied, we all all ready to go. Good luck to the Braves in 2011.

idot

February 15th, 2011
8:30 pm

Balco……Got a bridge in NYC on 59th St., that you might want to buy.
It crosses the East River and connects Manhatten to Queens.
Put a toll booth on it and you can make a fortune.
I’ll sell it cheap.

BALCO Investigator

February 15th, 2011
9:09 pm

That would constitute a hedge fund, so no.

On strike

February 15th, 2011
9:41 pm

I refuse to watch the Braves on tv or buy any tickets this year if McClouth is in the lineup.

BALCO Investigator

February 15th, 2011
9:49 pm

@Matt

More UNSOURCED claims?
That’s not what EIGHT years of a federal investigation said.

Festus

February 15th, 2011
9:55 pm

Dugout flatulence.

Freddie G

February 15th, 2011
11:04 pm

The voters have it all right. Centerfield and McLouth is the greatest concern followed by the teams reliance on a fragile Chipper Jones.

P. Bull Terrier

February 15th, 2011
11:43 pm

I remember the days when I really looked forward to the AJC coverage of the start of spring training. From the big, multi-page, special pull-out Braves Season Preview section on Sunday, to the 3 or 4 in-depth articles each day covering the various players and events, the arrival of each issue of the AJC was something for a Braves fan to anticipate.

Now, courtesy of the internet and the instant news cycle, the big news of the day from spring training is a bunch of ignorant fans posting comments on a poll about what a bunch of ignorant fans think.

Ain’t progress amazing?

S'paw_99

February 16th, 2011
12:32 am

I know Rossy can’t do anything but catch. But Offensively he’s better than any of our CF’s. He can hit 250, McOut can only do one thing … get Out.

count_schemula

February 16th, 2011
1:52 am

I agree though. I like Ross. Great signing by the Braves. I wonder if Fredi will use him as a pinch hitter late in games, something Cox was definitely against doing. In fact, who is our emergency 3rd catcher? Conrad? I think it was Diaz before.

mike

February 16th, 2011
7:49 am

None of the above……biggest issue is keeping Cox out of Fredi’s way. Why did he show up on day 1 of spring training? He needs to go on an extended vacation and let Fredi run the team.

Dumbo

February 16th, 2011
7:52 am

They need hitters and at least 1 power hitter, Chumper is done, so please don’t expect much from him.

LawDawg

February 16th, 2011
4:04 pm

My concerns basically begin and end with CF and our lack of speed/ability to play small ball.

Braves’ spring training: What do you think is No. 1 issue?

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Braves’ spring training: What do you think is No. 1 issue?

Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC

231 comments Add your comment

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Subscribe »

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