Braves hoping to recreate chemistry from 2010 season
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez knows what the Braves had last season was rare. (AP photo)
(Updated: 4:45 p.m.)
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – If there is one thing we’ve learned in sports, it’s that tangibles don’t always equate to success.
San Francisco didn’t win the World Series last season because it had the best talent, just as the Braves didn’t make it to the postseason because the secret formula of having a nine-game losing streak, losing two No. 3 hitters (Chipper Jones and Martin Prado) and utilizing 109 different lineups came with a 91-win guarantee.
Success is defined by that fragile thing called chemistry. It’s what prevents a nine-game losing streak, losing two No. 3 hitters and 109 lineups from making the lab blow up.
General manager Frank Wren and new manager Fredi Gonzalez have a significant challenge this season. It’s not merely finding a replacement for Billy Wagner, or helping Jordan Schafer relocate his career, or hoping the wander through the desert for a franchise first baseman ends with Freddie Freeman. It’s about re-creating the mojo that enables a team to endure when something goes wrong — because something always does.
“It is hard to create and to have something like that,” said Gonzalez, whose Braves’ spring debut as manager Saturday against the New York Mets ended in a 5-5 tie. “But I think the core that created that is still here. It makes it fun to come to the ballpark when you’ve got good chemistry. When they take care of their own problems, it makes it easy.”
Catcher Brian McCann referred to last season as “by far the closest team I’ve ever been on.”
Chipper Jones said, “It was fun to come out to the park early and just hang out. That doesn’t happen all the time.”
Wren said last season’s Braves were one of the more unique groups he ever has been associated with, saying: “I thought one thing that was interesting about our team, as well as defining, was that a lot of our leaders were our bench guys — [Eric] Hinske, [David] Ross, [Matt] Diaz, [Brooks] Conrad, [Omar] Infante. Those were guys we really depended on a lot on the field, but they also had a big voice in the clubhouse. We knew right off the bat that Infante [traded to Florida in the Dan Uggla deal] and Diaz [not re-signed] would not be back, so it was important to find out: How do we replace them?”
There are a lot of reasons to feel good about the Braves’ this season, but the biggest is that the core group hasn’t changed (and Uggla seems to be a Braves’ clone in every aspect).
The well-traveled Hinske, who also played on tight-knit teams in Boston, New York and Tampa, was a free agent after last season, but knew immediately he wanted to return to Atlanta. “Until you’re in the fire,” he said, “you don’t know how people will perform in those situations. But we have a good group. We have fun. We keep it loose. As we showed last year during the losing steak, nobody panicked.”
The knock on the Braves of years past is that they were overly robotic and relatively unemotional. Not an issue with this bunch.
“Some years here, we’ve had one class clown in the clubhouse to keep things loose,” Jones said. “Now we’ve got four or five.”
Last season was special and unique, so much so that when it was over, at least 15 players hung around until 1 a.m. after the final playoff loss to the Giants.
“That’s something you don’t see very often in this day and age,” Jones said. “Our season was over. We had a bucket full of beer just sitting there. We were reminiscing on the what-ifs and the year in general. Then Bobby [Cox] came in and sat with us. That meant a lot to the guys. I think we all just wanted to soak up the last few moments of the season.”
If they can re-create that, they’ll be fine.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Other posts from Braves’ camp
– So what does Freddie Freeman (3 doubles) do for an encore?
– Digi-Blog goes to Braves’ spring training at Disney (they charge, I don’t)
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384 comments Add your comment
KnightInATL
February 26th, 2011
12:45 pm
Here’s to a healthy and successful season. GO BRAVES!!!!!
Suenah Martis
February 26th, 2011
12:47 pm
Amen to health!
Nate D
February 26th, 2011
12:58 pm
First since nobody said it. Go Braves!
Younger Than That Now
February 26th, 2011
12:59 pm
Good things will continue… as long as Schultz doesn’t show up in the clubhouse with those shorts on!!
papadawg
February 26th, 2011
1:00 pm
Come on describe those wonderful smells of the old ball park. You know the greasy concession stands, the green grass things like that.
Innocent Bystander
February 26th, 2011
1:09 pm
I love MLB.TV
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:10 pm
Younger Than That Now — Dude, my legs will be George Hamilton bronze by the end of the week.
jason
February 26th, 2011
1:11 pm
I have to pay for mlb tv? ahh man
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:11 pm
Papadawg — They’ve actually done a real nice renovation of this park in the past few years.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:11 pm
The first at-bat of spring: Jordan Schafer strikes out looking.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:12 pm
A new look: Terry Pendleton in the first-base coaching box.
Lord Hogon
February 26th, 2011
1:12 pm
Ahhh spring training how I missed theee…
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:14 pm
Second batter of spring: Nate McLouth walks … By the way, Fernando Martinez pitching or Mets.
RBG
February 26th, 2011
1:15 pm
DOB gets the call out on air regarding matt kemp
The Rock
February 26th, 2011
1:15 pm
The Rock says, “Finally, The Strikeout machine has come back!!!…to Dark Star!”
Just kidding Jordan. Wish you the best, and hope you make the team out of camp.
Andy
February 26th, 2011
1:17 pm
Fernando Martinez is in RF. Jenrry Mejia is pitching. Damn DH.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:19 pm
Braves out of the first after Heyward and McCann groundout … Jurrjens on the mound for Braves.
The Rock
February 26th, 2011
1:21 pm
Baseball is back, and Spring is right around the corner!!!! YaaaaHoooo!!!
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:25 pm
Luis Castillo with a 1-out single off Jurrjens.
Bingle Derry
February 26th, 2011
1:26 pm
Hey Jeff, thanks for the PBP !!!
ATLman
February 26th, 2011
1:26 pm
Excited about this season! Can’t wait for Opening Day! I will probably follow Spring more than ever this year out of excitement. Likewise I wish success for Jordan as I think he could easily show up McLouth this year. Also wish good health for Chipper! Don’t play in a game until you are ready man.
Baseballer
February 26th, 2011
1:27 pm
JS:
Did the Mets pass a hat around for an offering before the first pitch?
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:28 pm
David Wright just cracked it almost to warning track in right, but just a loud out.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:29 pm
Brooks Conrad has his second assist of inning to end 1st. (Comments, anybody?)
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:33 pm
Baseballer — No but there’s some guy in the crowd trying to talk fans into giving a $1 million for his pyramid scheme.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:34 pm
Freddie Freeman just cracked a one-out double in the second and advanced to third on a bad throw.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
1:35 pm
What a sweet swing from Freeman!!
Swede
February 26th, 2011
1:36 pm
Brooks Conrad rocks!
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:36 pm
lets go Bravos!!! Like to see Lowe tear a rotator cuff today or something LOL!! future references I’m not much of a Lowe fan. Can’t wait to see these bats poppin today! They’ve been looking good this spring.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:38 pm
Jeff,
How did schafer look on his first AB? did he take any good cuts? I’m stuck watching the Yankees and Phillies on MLB network.
Steve
February 26th, 2011
1:38 pm
Jeff, did anyone pick up Troy Glaus or did he just retire? I miss him as much as I miss Norton.
The Rock
February 26th, 2011
1:39 pm
Jeff,
What’s the pitching lineup for the Braves today?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
1:39 pm
Freeman scores!!
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:39 pm
Braves up 1-0 as Freeman scores on a wild pitch.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:41 pm
Richie_Rich1986 — Yeah, Schafer actually fouled off a few pitches, he was aggressive (except for the last pitch).
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:42 pm
Steve — On Glaus: No, he’s still out there and has one foot into retirement.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
1:43 pm
Jurrjens look sharp against Bay – K swinging
jason
February 26th, 2011
1:43 pm
I’m hearing it on the radio but is still want to see them play
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:44 pm
The Rock — The Braves’ pitching plans today: Jurrjens-Venters-O’Flaherty-Kimbrel-C.Martinez and then some minor league guys.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:44 pm
Steve,
Glaus is going to take atleast half the year off to rehab his knee and get a little bit more healthier. Last season took a lot out of him. He said he will forsure play next season and if not he’s going to retire
@ Jeff,
Thanks he’s going to be a big part of our sucess this season. I really hope him and nate both turn it around cause who knows how many games Chipper is going to play this season and it’d be nice to have an outfield of McLouth in LF and Schafer in Center.
pete
February 26th, 2011
1:44 pm
Glaus is sitting out this year. You are a moron for disliking Glaus. He carried the team for 2 months. And when he got benched you never heard him say a word
Swede
February 26th, 2011
1:44 pm
…and he can field too… 2 down
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:46 pm
Mets’ Josh Thole get two-out single off Jurrjens in 2nd.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:46 pm
@ Jeff,
What happened to Lowe pitching today?
Steve
February 26th, 2011
1:47 pm
Jeff, have you heard anymore about O’Flaherty and the 46oz steak? How does one eat that much? Any clue where they went?
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:48 pm
@ Jeff,
Can you please put up that picture of Huddy throwing bullpen on thursday that was on the main page of the AJC I’m in the backround watching
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:49 pm
@ steve,
Isn’t that crazy? I asked him about it and he said he loves to eat some steak.. I love steak but I couldn’t imagine eating that much.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:49 pm
Jurrejens gets out of second. That will be it for Jurrjens. He threw 34 pitches, 23 for strikes.
Steve
February 26th, 2011
1:50 pm
I think O’Flaherty should take Adam’s place on Man vs. Food.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
1:51 pm
No need to bash Glaus. He was cheap, and he had a month on fire, and I never ever thought he was slacking or mailing it in. He did produce at times, so that alone elevates him over Norton.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:52 pm
Man I wish I could of watched JJ pitch. He’s my favorite player on the Braves besides Chipper. Thanks for the update on how well he pitched. Did he work the outside and inside alot? What pitches was he working on?
Steve
February 26th, 2011
1:53 pm
Count_Schemula, you, me, or even Schultz could do better then Norton. He and Kolb are two of the worst players I have ever seen.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
1:54 pm
Schafer hits it hard, but right at Ike Davis…
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:54 pm
Richie_Rich1986 — Lowe was never on list to pitch today. He’s pitching Monday vs. Houston.
The Rock
February 26th, 2011
1:55 pm
Who was the player that was in contention with Conrad for the final spot on the Braves’ roster last season?
Is he in camp again this year?
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:55 pm
@ Swede,
What was the count? That’s what I like about Schafer is he hits the ball real nice. He is pretty good at waiting for a good hitters count. Great eye and good pop off his bat when he does make contact.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:55 pm
Braves go 1-2-3 in 3rd. Still up 1-0.
drbasic1
February 26th, 2011
1:56 pm
what radio channel?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
1:56 pm
Sorry Richie, didn’t note that… He looks good, though!
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:56 pm
@ Jeff,
Who is pitching tomorrow? I’m debating on if I should go to the game or not. As long as its not Lowe, whos pitching Monday as you say I might go now..
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:57 pm
Steve –I just heard about it, I guess DOB wrote it in blog but hadn’t read. Chipper took him out. That’s a lot of beef. I couldn’t do that.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
1:57 pm
Now Venter will get to work!
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
1:57 pm
Swede,
Thanks buddy, I hope both Schafer and McLouth have great spring trainings and push eachother. We really need both of them this season for us to be successful.
jason
February 26th, 2011
1:58 pm
680 am
jason
February 26th, 2011
1:58 pm
im hearing it now joony is up
drbasic1
February 26th, 2011
1:58 pm
jason
thanks
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
1:58 pm
Steve — Funny show. Seen it.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
1:59 pm
Richie, at least one of them will be good this year.
Venters gets his first K
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:00 pm
@ jason,
Thank you so much!!! listening now. Lets Go Venters!!!!
Steve
February 26th, 2011
2:00 pm
That it is Jeff! Last question, how do you think Chipper will hold up this year? I read in the paper today that he was feeling a little pain the other day. Seems alarming to me that he is feeling pain already and they have not played a game until today.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:01 pm
I hope Fredi uses both Kimbrel and Venters in the closing spot.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:01 pm
The Rocky — Conrad beat out Joe Thurston last spring. He was not re-signed.
Bingle Derry
February 26th, 2011
2:01 pm
@ The Count:
A batboy would elevate himself over Norton. I’ll NEVER understand Bobby’s infatuation over Norton. Even TYPING “Norton” is a waste of monitor ink.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:02 pm
@ Steve,
I talked to Chipper wednesday morning and he is feeling just fine. He did a lot of running drills when they posted he was feeling pain. That’s pretty expected but he feels just fine. Coming from Chippers mouth.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:02 pm
Venters gives up a one-out single but gets Castillo to bounce into 6-4-3 double play (Hernandez-Conrad-Freeman).
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:03 pm
Jeff, do you know where Joe Thurston is now?
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:03 pm
Double play turned by Conrad!!!
Bingle Derry
February 26th, 2011
2:04 pm
@ Richie: Only cuz it wasn’t a little pop-up.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:05 pm
Seeing-eye single from Heyward!
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:05 pm
@ Bingle Derry,
Lol it didn’t go into his Jersey?
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:05 pm
J-Hey up 1-1 count
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:06 pm
Richie_Rich1986 –Sunday’s pitchers: Rodrigo Lopez – Mike Minor – Brandon Beachy – Peter Moylan – Scott Proctor – Jairo Asencio
The Truth
February 26th, 2011
2:06 pm
Conrad does alright during the spring games, but when the lights are in he chokes just ask his buddy J Hey.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:06 pm
J-Hey 1-1 count Singled into Right Field
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:06 pm
B–Mac grounded into DP to Reyes…
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:07 pm
@ Jeff,
Thanks, by any chance do you have the Lineup?
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
2:07 pm
Hinske
JacketFan
February 26th, 2011
2:07 pm
Looks like Conrad did some work this offseason. Good for him!
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:07 pm
Hinske HR!!!
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:07 pm
McCann just grounded into a double play after Heyward singled. 2 outs with Hinske up . . . and then HOME RUN! … First pitch crushed to right field … Braves up 2-0
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:08 pm
Swede,
your a good minute faster than the radio broadcast.
Kimbrel4Closer
February 26th, 2011
2:08 pm
HINSKE!!!!!
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
2:08 pm
So glad Hinske resigned with us
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:08 pm
Wow you guys are a lot faster than the radio broadcast!
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
2:09 pm
Freeman
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:09 pm
Second Double from Freeman!
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:09 pm
Blooper down the leftfield line…
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
2:10 pm
Well, beat the drum and hold the phone – the sun came out today!
We’re born again, there’s new grass on the field.
A-roundin’ third, and headed for home, it’s a brown-eyed handsome Clusters;
Anyone can understand the way we feel.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:10 pm
Richie – MLB.tv
Have to listen to Mets announcers, though…
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:11 pm
Brooksie fouls off first pitch up.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:11 pm
680 the fan…. get to listen to the braves broadcast
JacketFan
February 26th, 2011
2:11 pm
@Jeff: Oh, btw, good news on John Davis’ father. The prognosis is manageable – he has a good chance of beating this thing.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:11 pm
Freeman blooped his second double in two at-bats. Nice start … Conrad follows with groundout. Braves lead 2-0 going to the bottom of the fourth.
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
2:12 pm
Unfortunately I have to listen on the radio after I spent all my money trying to bail out the muts
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:14 pm
J-Hey catches Wrights linedrive to roght – one out
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:14 pm
if anyone cares. its 1-1 in the Filthies and Skankies game.
Peter
February 26th, 2011
2:14 pm
Freddie’s looking good today, back to back doubles
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:14 pm
Hicks to Freeman – two down
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:15 pm
@ Jeff,
When was the last time we had this much hype over a an upcoming first basemen from our own system?
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:16 pm
JacketFan — Good to hear.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:18 pm
Richie_Rich1986 — Some hype around LaRoche and Klesko but nothing like this.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:20 pm
Conrad to Freeman – inning over
Matt
February 26th, 2011
2:21 pm
I can’t wait to see Freeman hit and i can’t wait to see how Heyward can continue his success from last year.I am even excited to see if Uggla can finally make some improvements to his fielding.I have no question about his hitting ability since he has proven it to us the past 5 years he has faced us.But now it is his turn to show us on an every day level and see how he does facing the marlins when we finally face them.
I hope the Braves lineup does not start with Prado followed by McLouth no offence McLouth fans.I would prefer Prado, Heyward, Chipper, Uggla, McCann, Gonzalez, Freeman, and McLouth.Then when you change the order you flip flop Uggla and McCann.
Baseball has offically kicked into high gear with the start of Braves Spring Training Baseball. Go Braves!!!!
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
2:21 pm
I never understood why we never kept LaRoche around longer… above average glove, streaky power stroke, but that is better than what we have run out there since.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:21 pm
@ Jeff,
I don’t remember there ever being any hype over LaRoche’s lazy butt!!! and did Klesko come up as a first basemen and we moved him to the outfield?
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
2:22 pm
We was for moving Chipper to first but now we think he should be moved to the other league. Get an outfielder for him.
Robert
February 26th, 2011
2:23 pm
“San Francisco didn’t win the World Series last season because it had the best talent”
San Francisco won the World Series last year partly because in the first round of the playoffs, they got to face a team managed by the only human being in the universe stupid enough to let Brooks Conrad play defense in the late innings of a close playoff game
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:25 pm
@ Matt,
our lineup is going to look more like this….
Prado LF
McLouth CF ( that’s if Schafer doesn’t beat him out then you’d see Schafer leadoff)
Chipper
Uggla
BMac
Heyward
Alex Gonzo
Freeman
You need a good OBP guy hitting 8th and would be good to not put anymore pressure on Freeman than he already has.
NCBravesFan
February 26th, 2011
2:25 pm
Enjoying your comments again, Sonny, whether I agree with you or not.
Steve
February 26th, 2011
2:25 pm
Robert, really? Bobby Cox was “stupid” huh? Yea, terrible manager! Never even won a division title!
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
2:26 pm
schafer with a ground rule double
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:26 pm
Schafer double down the right field line
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
2:26 pm
Schafer is FAST. He makes the team.
redeye
February 26th, 2011
2:27 pm
Robert, dont remember seeing you in the game managing or coaching.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:28 pm
He sure is fast. He was a few step away from third when they ruled it a ground rule double
LongWayHomeBrave
February 26th, 2011
2:29 pm
Good to hear Freeman is hitting right out of the gate.
Hope Schaff can get it going and have McClouth as a quality 4th
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:29 pm
McLouth hit by pitch
Jose Costanza to run for him
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:30 pm
Runners on first and second for Heyward
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:31 pm
Schafer and McLouth are both double machines!!! Yal are forgetting McLouth was an allstar centerfielder when we traded for him. He had a one bad season, even though it was a very bad season the guy is a professional ball player. He will turn it around and have a good season this year I’m quite sure.
Bingle Derry
February 26th, 2011
2:32 pm
@ Robert:
Being angry about some of Bobby’s actions is like being angry with your mother. You still love her.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:32 pm
Heyward caught looking – outside corner
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:33 pm
Bingle Derry,
Very well said.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:34 pm
Kimbrel! Here we go
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:34 pm
Shut em down Kimbrel!!!! Gosh I’m so exciting about our pitching staff from Top to Bottom.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:35 pm
@ Jeff,
I’m about to have to run to a little league game. Do you have the lineup for the Braves and who the Mets are bringing on their trip?
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:36 pm
@ Jeff,
Can we please get a gun on Kimbrel’s pitches? Would love to know what he’s hitting for his first outting.
jason
February 26th, 2011
2:36 pm
kimbrels up
jason
February 26th, 2011
2:36 pm
ahh man a double for hairiston
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:37 pm
Kimvrel gives up a double to left center
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:38 pm
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
2:38 pm
tie game hr by martinez
jason
February 26th, 2011
2:38 pm
dammit a hr
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:38 pm
…and a homerun to Martinez…
jason
February 26th, 2011
2:38 pm
3-2 mets
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:39 pm
dang that is not good for Kimbrel.
Gumby
February 26th, 2011
2:39 pm
Thanks Jeff. You do a nice play by play as well as the picture commentary yesterday.
Agreed….here’s to hoping the Braves have found a good 1st baseman we one day talk about Freddie Freeman the same was we did our other Fred………….. as in McGriff.
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
2:41 pm
We really like Chipper most of the time and he is a real loyal Braves player but he might last longer in the AL and Prado at 3B gives the team better defense. Chipper could bring a starting OF and strengthen the lineup. Still, if he can hit again he can make a difference. Batting McLouth 2nd then Chipper 3rd doesn’t sound like much to us. We was wondering if Fredi may change the order around a few times and see what works best?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:41 pm
Seems like MLB.TV broke down…
LongWayHomeBrave
February 26th, 2011
2:43 pm
Jeff,
I know camp just started but has anyone been a suprise so far ?
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
2:44 pm
Old fashioned radio never does
. That didn’t take to long for 1st error of the season for brooksy.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:44 pm
Yeah, it got back in time for the error…
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:45 pm
Conrad will be OK, though…
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:46 pm
Sorry folks. Had to head down to Braves’ clubhouse for a bit. Mets tied it 2-2 on Fernando Martinez’ 2-run homer off Kimbrel (who also allowed a double by Scott Hairston).
Nate McLouth came out of the game after being hit on the foot by a pitch but it’s nothing significant.
Jordan Schafer doubled in his third at-bat.
Mets are still batting in the fifth with two runs in, two on and one out
OK, now you’re caught up.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
2:46 pm
Kontrol Kimbrel
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
2:46 pm
When we was playing ball back in school, we’d bat just ahead of Jeff so he would see some pitches. Of course, we was always on base when he’d hit. Do you think McLouth will be on base when Chipper comes up?
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:47 pm
@ Longwayhomebrave,
I have been too quite a few of their practices and let me tell you Julio Teheran is going to be a deal to be reckon’d with. He threw a session against Heyward and Freeman and they couldn’t even touch the ball. I heard he was good but wow!!!
LongWayHomeBrave
February 26th, 2011
2:47 pm
Jeff,
I know its early but who has been a suprise in camp ?
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
2:48 pm
Jeff do you think it was a good idea to bring back Brooks? Seems like after his collapse last year it might have been better for him to find a new team.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
2:48 pm
Kimbrel’s speed is not there. He’s nibbling. I’m sure he’s “working on the some things” but this is sloppy. 2BBs and he’s pulled.
LongWayHomeBrave
February 26th, 2011
2:49 pm
Thanks Richie, i heard good stuff about him
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:49 pm
Chrsitian Martinez to relieve Kimbrel
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
2:49 pm
Fredi has the hook out for Kimbrel. He’ll be rubbing up the ball for somebody. This is the first big difference having Bobby gone.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:49 pm
RichieRich1986 — Don’t have Mets travel list with me but their pitchers Sunday will be Chris Young-Oliver Perez-Pat Misch-Boof Bonser-Ryota Igarishi-Mike O’Connor.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
I own Venters in my Roto league. I think Kimbrel is the closer of the future. I expect it to be a split duty until Kimbrel solves his Kontrol.
LongWayHomeBrave
February 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
Richie, any future prospects other than pitchers doing good things ?
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
Kimbrel walks the bases loaded. That’s it for him, Martinez coming in.
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
Enter your comments here
Peter
February 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
Whats Kimbrel throwing on the radar gun? I can’t tell with this MLB.tv signal.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
@ bud selig,
I really don’t think we have room for brooks to even make the ball club. I think with Diory Hernadez, Prado, Eric Hinske being able to play multiple positions and with all the arms we have our 25 man roster can’t hold everybody. I think its going to be down to christian martinez and brooks conrad on who makes the team.
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
Whoa! We was robbed.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:51 pm
Peter, the gun said 68 – 86 mph. Got to be something seriously wrong with it
jason
February 26th, 2011
2:51 pm
double play ohh yea :]
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:51 pm
Martinez gets Mets to bounce into a double-play. Nice job.
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
2:52 pm
5-4-3 double play. Not bad by c-nez
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
2:52 pm
Conrad turns the double! Kimbrel was often in the high 80’s.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:52 pm
LongWayHomeBrave — Actually what’s stood out to me is this is first time I’ve seen Jurrjens. He’s in such better shape than in past. First guy I noticed in clubhouse yesterday.
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
2:53 pm
i don’t know what’s up with kimbrel’s fastball. it’s early, but was surprised to see top out at mid 80s. unless he was throwing all changeups
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:54 pm
Longwayhomebrave,
I like Mycal Jones and Tyler Pastornicky they are both pretty young but I like their style. Hardnosed players. We really need to work to deal Lowe to some infield prospects. I like those guys but I don’t know really how good they will be at the major league level. They are hard workers though!
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:55 pm
Bud Selig — We can’t just assume Conrad can’t bounce back from last season’s playoffs. Remember, he was a key for this team for much of last season.
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
2:56 pm
Freddy on fire!
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
2:56 pm
ill take that alllllllllllllllllllll season long from freemie!!
Peter
February 26th, 2011
2:56 pm
FREDDIE!
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
2:56 pm
Yikes — Freeman just had his third double in three at-bats . . . 1 to each field.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:56 pm
3rd double for Freeman – deep left center!!!
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
2:57 pm
@ Jeff,
I think you can agree with me but with having Fredi Gonzalez using all the fields in the back has helped the pitchers a lot getting more reps in. Even though it was a lot of running around the past two weeks it was nice to see a lot of the guys get the reps in that they needed. I think we will see a lot more from the pitchers this year will all the reps they have been taking. As we all know baseball is about reps!!! The more you do it the more it comes natural to you.
LongWayHomeBrave
February 26th, 2011
2:57 pm
Jeff, thats great to hear about JJ
Richie, i heard we had some real young infield guys. i think from the islands that could be moved around . i dont think pushing lowe out the door just yet is a good idea
Swede
February 26th, 2011
2:57 pm
Richie, I expect Lowe to continue where he left of last year. I really don’t want him traded. He’s a workhorse, abd gets you 14 – 16 W every season
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
2:58 pm
We are planning to come down for spring training and was wondering if anybody would like to go in on a cookout? We was told the concessions are very expensive and we thought maybe we could cook some burgers in the parking lot. If Disney has a problem with that we can wear some mouse ears.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
2:58 pm
Our IF is set for a while. Freeman, Uggla and Prado. Catcher is set with McCann. I think we need Lowe more than we need an SS prospect. And at worst, we can get a good field no hit SS at any time. I will always blame Yunel for this. Had we known he was gonna turn punk, we could have kept Andrus.
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
2:58 pm
Jeff his contributions were one of the biggest reasons the braves made the playoffs. I totally agree with that, but do you think he’s shaken off last post season.
extremus
February 26th, 2011
2:58 pm
Nice start for Freeman. I still think he won’t be hitting eighth in the lineup for long if at all this season. He and Heyward could well end up having a very special year between them, and anchor what should be a much improved Braves offense.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:00 pm
Schafer talked about ONLY wanting to hit line drives. Hopefully Freeman is thinking that way too, and with 3 doubles it looks like he is. I’ve heard a few power hitters say that the key is trying to hit it through the outfield fence, not over it. The HRs will come.
Peter
February 26th, 2011
3:01 pm
I don’t think Brooks is gonna make the team. I really hate to say this because of the amazing year he had last year, but he does not look comfortable at all in the field, so he needs to have a stellar spring at the plate to make the team. We can’t just assume hes gonna produce at the plate like he did last year.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:02 pm
I rank Cox pulling Kimbrel over Conrad wilting under pressure. Kimbrel was dealing in that game, no need to play the L/R splits, which cost us.
Matt
February 26th, 2011
3:03 pm
@Richie_Rich1986
I know what you are saying but batting 7th won’t put pressure on Freeman.I just don’t feel McLouth will bounce back.I mean sure he has a chance but we need a CF who can do more then a 190 batting average no offence to you if you are a McLouth fan.I would give a guy like Schafer another chance and make McLouth earn his playing time again.That is why i put him after freeman.
But as Fredi Gonzalez said you could see the lineup change depending upon what happens.But if Schafer does make the team here is what i want to see:
Schafer, Prado, Heyward when chipper is off, Uggla, McCann and flip flop them depending upon the order,Heyward when chipper plays and then gonzalez and Freeman.
I mean we want our best guys batting higher in the lineup and i just feel that McLouth needs to prove himself since this is his contract year.The better he plays the higher his chances of getting a contract with another team if the Braves opt to not re sign him in favor of say Schafer or some one else.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
3:03 pm
About trading Lowe,
I think he had a okay year last year. He was 16-12 but with a 4.00 ERA if yal remember he gave up a lot of runs however the bats helped him out a lot which they didn’t for Tommy Hanson. We just have wayyy too many young arms to not “try” to move him. I think both Minor and Beachy proved they deserve a spot in the rotation. With Teheran having a strong season in AAA with a call up and with Medlen moving up that’s 3 guys total we need to have a spot in the rotation for next season.
Tim Hudson
Jair Jurrjens
Tommy Hanson
Kris Medlen
Mike Minor
Brandon Beachy
Julio Teheran
Derek Lowe
That’s 8!!! Starters on our roster for next season. We only have 5 rotation spots. Someone HAS to go and I don’t want to trade any of our young arms. And I will be extremely PISSED if we trade Jurrjens!! That’s my boy!
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:03 pm
Bud Selig — (On Conrad) Like I said, no way of knowing. Never know how guys will react to something like that. It helps that he’s extremely popular among teammates. Today’s debut not great though: 0 for 3, 2 strikeouts, one fielding error.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:04 pm
Conrad was not supposed to be starting games in the playoffs. We lost Prado. Conrad is good at his role – pinch hitter who can play a few positions. He is a AAAA player and as such, would only be starting in dire circumstances, which is where we were.
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
3:05 pm
how did JJ do?
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:05 pm
Great outing for C.Martinez. He inherited bases loaded with one out, got inning-ending double play, then Mets went 1-2-3 in 6th. 5 outs in 4 batters.
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
3:06 pm
and schafer?
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:07 pm
Remember that McDowell thinks that he and Lowe actually fixed something in Lowe’s delivery, and if that is true, and if that sticks… he was lights out after that. We have young arms and we can afford to bring them up in the #5 spot until they prove they are regular. Lowe is 37 and Hudson is 35. We might as well run them out until Hanson is resigned (Boras!!!) and Teheran is ready.
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
3:07 pm
@count
Ya Brooks is the definition of a quad A player. He seems to be a great late innings guy but if we have some unfortunate injuries again this season he’ll be the everyday guy.
Richie_Rich1986
February 26th, 2011
3:08 pm
alright guys I gotta run…. follow me on twitter Richie_Rich1986…. God its great year for Braves baseball. Look forward to chatting with you guys a lot more this season!! I’ll check the blogs when I get home on what yal think about what I said about trading Derek Lowe.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:08 pm
Schafer K’d looking. Ground rule double where he was on third by the time it landed and hard grounder to first. Not bad looking. His speed was on full display. He could score from 1st sometimes.
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
3:09 pm
thanks. i’m all for schafer, hope he keeps it up.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:11 pm
I have a feeling that Fredi would put Diorys in at some point during Conrad’s error run. Bobby liked to let people work there way out of bad happenings to rebuild their confidence. We saw that fail a few times.
DC Brave
February 26th, 2011
3:11 pm
What’s up with Kimbrel’s velocity today? I don’t think he had a single fastball over 90 mph according to the radar gun on the METS telecast… Is the radar gun wrong or is he just holding back?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:11 pm
Schafer is up again!
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:12 pm
Schafer bunt for a single. A little too hard, 5-3 out but it was close.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:12 pm
Tried a drag bunt, was out by half a step (got the bunt a wee bit to far towards third…
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:13 pm
My feeling is that Kimbrel knows that Kontrol is his issue and he was nibbling. Not his game.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:13 pm
Shmoe — JJ went 2 strong innings. 2 hits, 2 ks, no runs.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:15 pm
Jeff – do you have any background info on Varward, who’s pitching right now?
Peter
February 26th, 2011
3:16 pm
Jeff- current defensive lineup for the Braves? Since the Mets broadcasters don’t seem to care….
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
3:17 pm
schultz, thanks. go JJ. if he’s back on form our pitching is formidable.
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
3:17 pm
oh, what was JJs velocity?
mostly fastballs?
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:18 pm
Mather 1b, Lucas 2b, Bowman 3b, Hernandez SS
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:18 pm
LHP Anthony Varvaro retires Mets 1-2-3 in his inning. 2-2 thru 7 innings.
Robert
February 26th, 2011
3:20 pm
“Robert, really? Bobby Cox was “stupid” huh? Yea, terrible manager! Never even won a division title”
Because when you have Maddux Glavine and Smoltz you need to be SUCH a genius to win a division title
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:22 pm
Wow – that was FAST, Ramirez!!!
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:23 pm
Robert, don’t make a fool of yourself…
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:23 pm
Bobboy Cox was a fantastic regular season manager. We had some nice pitchers, but the bullpen was always sketch, and the team only really had Javy, Chipper and Andruw as constants.
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
3:23 pm
Wow manny didn’t give up a homerun. I thought that was his job.
Steve
February 26th, 2011
3:24 pm
Schultz – So, how have our hurlers looked overall today?
smalltownbravesfan
February 26th, 2011
3:24 pm
who is Bowman @3rd? new non-roster invitee?
Matt
February 26th, 2011
3:26 pm
When will i get to see Dan Uggla in his number 26 uniform for the Braves on tv?
smalltownbravesfan
February 26th, 2011
3:27 pm
hated to hear that Kimbrel struggled, maybe he was working on a specific pitch, if so it did not work so well
Bingle Derry
February 26th, 2011
3:28 pm
A bit OT – I’ve always been astonished by Rafael Furcal’s rookie year. I’ve been following BB since Willie Mays’ rookie year in ‘51 and except for Furcal have never seen bunt doubles or scoring from 2nd on a sac fly. Amazing! And that’s not to mention his arm.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:31 pm
Lucas threw the ball right on the 2nd base bag. Fail.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:31 pm
Another Braves’ error at second base — don’t worry, this one was Ed Lucas, not Brooks Conrad.
jerry
February 26th, 2011
3:32 pm
The only person worried about velocity on Day 1 of the exhibition schedule is someone who does not have his thinking cap on.
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
3:34 pm
We was going to stop by the AJC house after the game.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:35 pm
Swede — Anthony Varvaro was claimed off waivers from Seattle Jan. 13. Pitched 19 innings last year at Triple A Tacoma (0-0, 5.26). Made major league debut in September (one inning, 2 Ks, 1 walk). Now you know what I know.
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:35 pm
Matt Young is, um… kinda ugly.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:36 pm
Peter — Braves up now. Sorry, couldn’t tell you. When teams change 8 players at once, I stop paying attention. 2-2 top of the eighth.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:37 pm
Thank you, Jeff!
Much appreciated
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:39 pm
Steve — Overall good pitching, except Kimbrel. Jurrjens and Martinez the best.
FreddyFreeman11
February 26th, 2011
3:40 pm
Jeff, long time fan of your writing and coverage of the braves. I was wondering if you think the Braves could keep Schafer on the 40 man roster for the start of the season if he continues to prove himself or is the roster too overloaded to keep him there?
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:40 pm
We’re in top of the ninth now for those not listening. 2-2, Braves with one on base and Manny Acosta pitching for Mets. Joe Mather up.
Trent
February 26th, 2011
3:40 pm
Are they still playing, or is the game over ?
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:41 pm
Matt — First TV game is Thursday against the Tigers on ESPN.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:42 pm
Mather grounded out, Young moves to second.
Steve
February 26th, 2011
3:42 pm
Jeff, I had to step away. How many errors for the Braves today and by who?
DC Brave
February 26th, 2011
3:42 pm
Nice at bat for Mather. Saw a lot of pitches and got the runner over.
Is nobody else concerned about Kimbrel’s velocity?
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:42 pm
Sonny Clusters — Come on by.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:43 pm
Productive at bat from Mather. He looked good, thumped one just foul deep left field. Brought Young to second with a sharp grounder to second
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:43 pm
FreddyFreeman11 — Schafer will either be on the active roster or on other team. Prediction.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:43 pm
Steve – Conrad one, Lucas one
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:45 pm
Ed Lucas! The hero of spring! … Sorry. Carried away. Singles in Young to give Braves 3-2 lead in ninth.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:45 pm
Braves 3! Young scored from second an a linedrive to leftcenter – missed who was batting, sorry
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
3:45 pm
1st comeback of the season. Glad it didn’t end in a tie. This is America land of winner and losers. lol
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
3:46 pm
Schafer is fast and we need him. We don’t really have a Cabrera to fill in CF, so, maybe he makes the team. On the other hand, he should play every day. Even if he shines in spring, he’s not real experienced since all the injuries, and we have Mather and Hinske and Prado, so I could see him being sent down until McLouth either steps up or flames out. In that case Mather is the fill-in CF. I like Schafer bit I think he start out in the minors. Also, this quick Matt Young fellow is in the mix.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:46 pm
JS is a ROCK!
Steve
February 26th, 2011
3:46 pm
Thaniks Swede. Glad to see Conrad is starting right where he left off.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:48 pm
Hernandez bounces one over third, Lucas scores! 4 – 2
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
3:49 pm
4-2. This is the Manny Acosta I remember.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:49 pm
Diory Hernandez — who has played the entire game — singles in Ed Lucas to make it 4-2. … But wait! Lucas must’ve missed third base, Mets throw to bag and out is called. Flyout ends inning. Braves 3-2 going to bottom of ninth. … Lucas today: 1 error and one major baserunning miscue. Also go-ahead RBI.
Matt
February 26th, 2011
3:50 pm
Jeff ok. But i want to know if Dan Uggla will be playing any at the start or in the later innings of that game? I may get to come to a Spring Training game or 2 later in march at Disney. But i am wanting to see Dan Uggla wearing the number 26 for us.Even if it is on TV first.
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
3:50 pm
lucas, meet third base. third base, lucas.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:50 pm
Who will pitch the 9th ?
5150 UOAD
February 26th, 2011
3:51 pm
3 parts Au 5 parts O. 1 part Zn and your LEGS will LOOK great with lil sunlight.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:53 pm
Abreau.
Peter
February 26th, 2011
3:53 pm
Schafer is also a possibility if Chipper can’t go for an extended period of time. Schafer in center, Nate in left or vice versa.
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:54 pm
Walk.
D Murphy
February 26th, 2011
3:57 pm
Enter your comments here
Trent
February 26th, 2011
3:58 pm
Is there a reason why SportSouth dosen’t show the Braves Spring Training games on TV ?
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
3:59 pm
Folks. Gotta start walking down to Braves’ room. Braves lead 3-2. Mets have 2 on with 1 out in 9th against Abreau.
Braves Paisan
February 26th, 2011
3:59 pm
Who is pitching?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
3:59 pm
Thanks Jeff, great work!!
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
4:00 pm
No W today…
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
4:00 pm
ok not yet … double off abreau ties it 3-3. Met on 3rd, still one out.
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
4:00 pm
something tells me abreu will not make the team this year lol
smalltownbravesfan
February 26th, 2011
4:01 pm
wow, how nice would it be if Sports South would broadcast all the spring games, down here in south Ga we cannot even listen to the games on the radio.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:02 pm
Aubreu is all over the place
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
4:03 pm
nice sink
smalltownbravesfan
February 26th, 2011
4:04 pm
Abreu will be pitching in Gwinett
Trent
February 26th, 2011
4:04 pm
Yeah, even here in Beaufort, South Carolina (40 miles or so from Savannah) we can’t get Spring Training games on the radio. During Spring Training, its like having a big juicy steak right in front of you, but you can’t eat it.
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:04 pm
Willie Harris: Braves Killer. We remember when Willie played here and the Braves thought they had some better outfielders than him and let him go. Jeff, is Mr Met there today?
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:06 pm
Speed. It sure would be nice if the Braves had somebody with some Clusters-like speed to run the bases and chase down balls in the outfield.
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:06 pm
Du-da, Du-da.
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
4:07 pm
hahaha. i crack myself up. why do i want this win real bad?
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
4:09 pm
Haha better get back to the computer Jeff. Atmosphere over the radio sounds good.
smalltownbravesfan
February 26th, 2011
4:09 pm
so what is happening ? is the game over? did the Mets score?
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:10 pm
Does Jeff quit blogging after nine innings? Or does his contract call for extra-innings? Maybe Conrad can come in for an inning or so.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:10 pm
Ok, let’s see some late innings heroics again. Better get ready for the season witha win
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
4:10 pm
@shmoe it’s the muts and if you’re a Braves you can never give up a loss to them.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:10 pm
Constanza at bat
Bill
February 26th, 2011
4:10 pm
Matt Young can do..Sonny
Bewitt just lost again…..
Thanks Jeff..
Radio crew was great..some very good info on all players.
Braves have some good players moving on up……
God bless the USA!
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
4:11 pm
For some reason I did not think they did extra innings in Spring…
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:11 pm
Basehit!
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:12 pm
Ramirez next
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:12 pm
Base hit!
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:13 pm
Runners on 1st and 2nd
Bill
February 26th, 2011
4:13 pm
Tie…….
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:13 pm
Boscan batting – Sac bunt just foul…
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
4:14 pm
Jeff who is this Costanza kid?
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
4:14 pm
A nice improvement to the Flash player, and mlb.com… you can go full screen on one screen and continue to work on the other screen. Finally.
smalltownbravesfan
February 26th, 2011
4:14 pm
probably only play 10, if still tied after 10 it will stay a tie.
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:14 pm
Does Fredi play small ball? Will the runners score?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:14 pm
Succesful bunt now, runners on 2nd and 3rd, 1 out
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:14 pm
Matt Young to bat
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:15 pm
Braves score
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:16 pm
High chop towards ss, play at the plate too late
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:16 pm
Runnesr on 1st and 3rd, one out
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
4:16 pm
That’s some fundamental baseball right there.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:16 pm
Mather at bat
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:18 pm
Mather trie sto check his swing, strikes out
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:18 pm
Ed Lucas at the plate
smalltownbravesfan
February 26th, 2011
4:18 pm
hi Swede thanks so much for the updates and play by play, those of us who cannot watch or listen appreciate it VERY much
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:19 pm
No problem, stbf
1-2 on Lucas
Poorbrave
February 26th, 2011
4:20 pm
Love matt Young……680 stop the game? why?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:20 pm
Lucas singles to right filed, braves scores
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:21 pm
5 – 3
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:21 pm
Bowman batting, runners on 1st and 3rd, 2 out
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:22 pm
1 – 2 on Bowman
Bill
February 26th, 2011
4:22 pm
Thanks Swede…Jeff should pay you…………
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:23 pm
Bowman strikes out, inning over
Braves leads 5 – 3
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
4:23 pm
@poorbrave. 680 still has the game on here in atlanta.
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:23 pm
Braves needed a run and got two. There’s a new sheriff in town and his name is Fredi.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:23 pm
Couldn’t see how is coming in to pitch the 10th, sorry
Prado4President
February 26th, 2011
4:23 pm
Any ideas on whether Lucas looks like he could be a back up ss candidate? If so, what type of hitter is he?
I know I sound like a broken record, but my only real concern this year is backup shortstop (and Chipper’s health, of course). Our bench was a strength in that everyone who came in seemed to be able to at least play decently when in…with Brandon Hicks and Diory Hernandez, I don’t have that same confidence…any thoughts?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:24 pm
…who is… sorry, english isn’t my first language
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:24 pm
Broadway pitching
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:25 pm
English isn’t our first, either.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:25 pm
Lucas looked very good at the plate, committed one error though
Poorbrave
February 26th, 2011
4:25 pm
will try again. Thanks Bud. I’m in S Ga today.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:25 pm
Base hit for the Mets
shmoe
February 26th, 2011
4:25 pm
that was right down Broadway
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:26 pm
Nickeas at bat, runner on 1st, no outs
Prado4President
February 26th, 2011
4:26 pm
Can he play any short?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:26 pm
LOL, Schmoe
Braves Paisan
February 26th, 2011
4:27 pm
Thanks, Swede! You are a credit to your … Scandinavian heritage!
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:27 pm
Nickeas flies out to Young, one down
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:27 pm
Willie Harris at the plate
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:28 pm
I am Swedish, not just heritage…
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:28 pm
HR from Willie Harris
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
4:28 pm
haha wtf is going on.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:28 pm
Left center, impressive
Bingle Derry
February 26th, 2011
4:29 pm
My fist langwag is greke. Ad lees t wen i Tipe. everone sess it lokes lak grek ta tham
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:29 pm
5 – 5
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
4:29 pm
Damn that Willie Harris.
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
4:29 pm
I miss Willie. Horrible decision by the front office by not bringing him back in 2008.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:29 pm
Nieuwenhuis at the plate
3 balls no strikes
jason
February 26th, 2011
4:29 pm
-_-’
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:30 pm
We was warning you about Willie Harris. We think he likes to beat the Braves.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:30 pm
Lucas to Mather, 2 down
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:30 pm
HU at the plate, 2 down
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:31 pm
0 – 2 to Hu
Poorbrave
February 26th, 2011
4:31 pm
Bud its not on, just damn music……..going to 162 on X radio
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:31 pm
Bowman to Mather, game over
Prado4President
February 26th, 2011
4:31 pm
How’s Mather looked in the field? And what positions has he played today?
Prado4President
February 26th, 2011
4:32 pm
Also, I know he’s 0-2 at the plate, but how’s his approach to hitting seem?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:32 pm
5 – 5, Tie
Bill
February 26th, 2011
4:32 pm
Willie always bust his A@@ playing……….
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:32 pm
Clusters never played many extra-inning games because we was scoring machines and was almost always ahead in the game. Instead of Willie Harris the Nationals are going to have our old buddy, Ankiel.
Braves Paisan
February 26th, 2011
4:32 pm
I was at a game a couple of years ago where Willie Harris got six hits, including two triples. Man he raked that day!
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:33 pm
Freeman looked excellent, Jurrjens pitched great, a running gaffe cost us the game
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:33 pm
10:pm here in Europe, sleep well all!!
Prado4President
February 26th, 2011
4:34 pm
Who’s running gaffe hurt us?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:34 pm
Ooops, 10:30 pm, sorry
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:35 pm
Lucas (i think) missed third when trying to score from second
Sonny Clusters
February 26th, 2011
4:35 pm
Could have used another Freeman double.
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
4:35 pm
european baseball 5-5
Steve
February 26th, 2011
4:35 pm
Breaking news everyone, Tech basketball lost today.
bud selig
February 26th, 2011
4:38 pm
later swede
count_schemula
February 26th, 2011
4:38 pm
What kind of mlb.com blackouts in Sweden?
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:40 pm
None at all, Count Schemula. All games available
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:40 pm
The place to live if you are a Braves fan
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:41 pm
Games starting 7:05 pm EST are tough, though
Bingle Derry
February 26th, 2011
4:42 pm
@ Swede
Hah. The place for a Braves’ fan to live is in the dugout.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:45 pm
Remember to root for Sundbyberg Heat in the Swedish league this year!
Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
4:46 pm
Braves tie 5-5. So we can eliminate Abreau and Broadway from the closer derby. … Kidding.
Swede
February 26th, 2011
4:46 pm
Got to catch up with my gf now. Take care, all!
Braves Paisan
February 26th, 2011
4:48 pm
Nice blogging, Mr. Schultz. We are getting jazzed for the season!
Oregon Brave
February 26th, 2011
5:00 pm
How ’bout that? A successful sac. bunt in the 1st game of the Fredi era. I’m impressed already. Now maybe TP will teach the infielders how to to field a ground ball. Go Braves.
fred
February 26th, 2011
5:01 pm
James is late@ 4;30..Bill reported @ 4:10 that Bewitt gave another game away at GT, Fire PH !
sports
February 26th, 2011
8:07 pm
just who gives a crap about the BRAVES…who would watch those over paid premadonnas!!!!
Braves' Freddie Freeman could be team's next rookie phenom | Jeff Schultz
February 26th, 2011
9:30 pm
[...] of granite to his frame. Two of three doubles — to left, center and right fields – against the New York Mets were screaming line drives, the other was a [...]
elnuestros
February 26th, 2011
9:48 pm
Now I know what a sports lede written by a dyslexic would read like.
Jeebus on a stick. It’s not safe to suck a thumb that hard.
Jeff Schultz
February 27th, 2011
8:26 am
Sonny Clusters — Renegotiating my contract. We may add an extra innings clause, but not for spring games.
idot
February 27th, 2011
9:11 am
LAST!!
GO BRAVES!!!!!
The Ghost of Harry the Hat
February 27th, 2011
10:16 am
Let’s play ball !
Braves camp: Chipper's return, Uggla's debut, Cox's ejection | Jeff Schultz
February 27th, 2011
10:52 am
[...] – Braves hoping to recreate chemistry from 2010 season [...]