Tommy Hanson: Blood, guts and a mighty big arm
On the first pitch of his first spring session throwing to live batters last week, Tommy Hanson tore the nail on his index finger. He looked down and saw blood, which would have served as a signal to most pitchers to stop throwing. Hanson kept throwing.
He felt sheepish – soon the bleeding was apparent to those standing around, Bobby Cox and some of his coaches among them – but he also felt he needed to impress these people. So he kept going. “One of our coaches finally cut it short,” Cox would say afterward. “But [Hanson] almost made his full five minutes.”
This tells us something about the 22-year-old considered the finest Braves pitching prospect since … dare we say Steve Avery? It tells us Hanson, who’s possessed of the requisite big arm, doesn’t mind shedding a little blood for the cause. It tells us he’s a young man in a hurry.
Indeed, the next day Hanson pulled the white bandage from his finger. He wasn’t supposed to throw that morning, but he said, smiling, “I snuck in a few.”
Hanson’s aim this spring is to make it difficult for the decision-makers to ignore what has become increasingly apparent: That he’s as close to being ready for the big leagues as a pitcher could possibly be. Asked for an ETA regarding Hanson’s major-league debut, Cox said three words: “Won’t be long.”
As much as the Braves don’t want to rush Hanson, they’re less hesitant about him than about Charlie Morton, who was promoted to the majors last summer. Morton always seems surprised when he succeeds. Hanson would be surprised only if he failed, which he hasn’t lately. In three minor-league seasons he has risen from 22nd-round pick to the guy who throws the slider Cox likens to John Smoltz’s.
Technically Hanson is a non-roster invitee to camp, which means he dresses on the minor-league side of the clubhouse and is staying at a Fairfield Inn in Lake Buena Vista, as opposed to the palatial Marriott World, which is the official Braves hotel. “I’m not happy where I’m at,” Hanson said, referring not to the Fairfield but to anywhere but the major leagues. But then:
“I want to make the [big-league] team. I won’t be disappointed if I don’t [this spring] – I’ll just try to go through the process and get better.”
He might dress on the wrong side of the room and wear an unsightly high number (73), but everyone in camp recognizes Hanson. He’s 6-foot-6 with blondish/reddish hair and an open Midwestern face – he’s from Tulsa – and he acts as if he’s on a mission, which he is. He knows the Braves ended trade talks for Jake Peavy because the Padres insisted on Hanson in return. He knows he’s already the bloggers’ newest crush on AJC.com
“You hear it, messing around on the Internet,” Hanson said. “It’s cool to hear your name being thrown around.”
The late addition of Tommy G. (as in Glavine) means Tommy H. probably won’t be on the Opening Day roster. Better to have him begin at Class AAA Gwinnett and pitch every fifth day than to work long relief in the bigs. But Gwinnett County isn’t far from 755 Hank Aaron Drive, and surely Hanson will make the commute before the summer’s done.
“I wouldn’t say I’d be disappointed [if he starts this season in the minors],” Hanson said. “Since I signed, my whole mindset has been working on what I need to do to get to Atlanta … I want to get there soon, but I also know I’m in this for the long haul.”
It should be noted that Tommy Hanson doesn’t consider Gwinnett, which we Atlantans see as part of our fair city, as Atlanta. To him, there’s only one true destination. And it won’t be long now.
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101 comments Add your comment
matt
February 24th, 2009
10:56 am
There are a few thing to be cautiously excited about. If Jo-Jo can pitch in the bigs like he’s pitched in the minors, if Charlie Morton can do the same, couple that with Hanson, and J.J. and you have yourself a damn fine and extremely young pitching staff!!!!! The Braves have to get back to that. The years they dominated they had great pitching and they did it within. Hopefully that is where Wren is planning on taking this franchise.
cvbraves
February 24th, 2009
11:08 am
Yeah!
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 24th, 2009
11:13 am
I’ll say it one more time.
Tommy Hanson has the raw talent and maturity to make the Yankee’s rotation. He will be forced to start the season in triple A. This is Frank Wren’s first big boo boo. He did not leave room in the rotation for any of our young pitchers to make the opening day rotation.
The flip side to this argument is that you can never have enough pitching. But still, it pains me to know that neither Hanson nor Morton will get the opportunity they deserve right away.
I’m in agreement on Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami. As for Javier Vasquez, the Braves are about to find out what Joe Torre and Ozzie Guillen already know. That Vasquez has ace talent and the inning eating results of a fifth starter. He’s a waste of 11.5 million per season.
Garrett Anderson is a band aid. The Braves outfield is a gaping wound. Enough said.
Mac
February 24th, 2009
11:14 am
Kevin Millwood had more success than Avery and was also a righthander.
OutsideRobber
February 24th, 2009
11:17 am
You can’t have enough pitching. In the Braves’ case as it relates to starters and slots available, they might have too much but it’s a nice problem to have. Particularly when you think about injuries from the 2008 season.
Jonathan
February 24th, 2009
11:43 am
As good as Hanson is, he doesn’t need to be rushed to the Majors. That happened with both Reyes and Morton, and it caused they to be put under lot of pressure and they turned up records that weren’t so hot. Since Glavine has been signed, he should be the #1 starter in Gwinnett’s rotation. After the first real injury to a starter, then you can call him up.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
11:57 am
Ah, but Kevin Millwood was never as big a prospect as Steve Avery.
Mantuan
February 24th, 2009
12:03 pm
Jonathan is spot on. There is no rush. Glavine as a #5, particularly given, what (?), two appearances in April? Three at most? No rush … let Hanson go to Gwinnett and get into a good rhythm. There will be a need some time in 2009. Count on it.
I did find the “toughness” when talking about what a torn finger nail to be a tad over the top.
I have to think Jorge Campillo is going to be trade-bait for some kind of depth for either the big team or a prospect. The AAA roster for example may NOT include Parr if Jorge is not traded.
Mantra: You can not have too much pitching. Repeat the mantra.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
12:11 pm
Over the top? Me? The underlord of understatement?
John T
February 24th, 2009
12:15 pm
Let’s not pencil the kid in as our ace quite yet. Wren cannot make decisions about the Atlanta staff based on any sort of projections for the young guys on the farm. It seems like this has been our problem in the outfield. We assumed Frenchy was a perennial all-star after his 2005 results, and now we have a big questions mark in RF. We didn’t seriously consider a major CF pickup because we assumed that Shafer was going to quickly make up for AJ being gone.
Patrick
February 24th, 2009
12:33 pm
Mark, good column. Got a chance to chat with Hanson back in December of 07, and he was as nice as can be. This guy’s gonna be a helluva major league pitcher.
74Dawg
February 24th, 2009
12:37 pm
Avery Dominated lefties until he got hurt. Millwood was a solid number 3. Avery had way more upside.
74Dawg
February 24th, 2009
12:39 pm
Also,in regard to Vasquez, let’s see what Bobby can get out of him. Guillen ain’t no Bobby Cox.
Oasisbraves
February 24th, 2009
12:40 pm
I don’t see the “rush” to bring Hanson to Atlanta. While I bleed Braves red (from out west in California), I think the Braves are still a few pieces away from a real championship. I don’t believe in writing the season off, but we’ve had enough hardbreaks over the years. Let’s do this thing the right way and let our players really mature.
Oasisbraves
February 24th, 2009
12:42 pm
oops I ment heartbreaks.
Sharon
February 24th, 2009
12:49 pm
I dont think Wren made a mistake with the rotation since none of them should have been there anyway. Morton, Parr and even Reyes will do well getting more confidence in AAA Gwinnett. I believe they all have options and they need to be there. Dont rush kids that arent ready and they arent. I think Wren did well to form a rotation that would not consist of the younger starters. When they are ready they will be good. Until then leave them in AAA.
roman88
February 24th, 2009
1:04 pm
start him in gwinett, like they should there’s no rush for him this early, atlanta’s got plenty of depth. jurjens and campillo really impressed last year, let’s hope they stay around awhile in some capacity, Imagine when we have huddy, hansen, lowe, etc. later on.
Mac
February 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
Avery 96-83, 4.19 ERA and retired five years. Millwood 142-111, 4.06 ERA and still going. Unless Avery makes a comeback and Millwood can find some way to lose games he’s already won, this is a dead issue. It’s been proved that Millwood had more upside.
Mac
February 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
What you’re saying here, I think, is that before ever playing, Avery was Darrel Dawkins and Millwood was Caldwell Jones. Only in hindsight do you pick Jones. N’est pas?
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
1:47 pm
What I’m saying is pretty much what I said: That Hanson is the finest Braves’ pitching prospect since … Steve Avery. Who arrived in the big leagues in 1990 and didn’t do too badly in 1991, as I remember.
And I kind of get the Darryl Dawkins/Caldwell Jones comparison, except that Caldwell Jones was essentially a journeyman defender and Dawkins was a massive waste of talent.
Mac
February 24th, 2009
2:02 pm
Yeah, I guess Avery’s case was more his arm dying on him than anything. He had a good head on his shoulders. He looked poised to be what Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux were. I get it.
matt
February 24th, 2009
2:28 pm
Mac- Avery has a career win % of .53 and Millwood a .56. Arguing over whose better between Steve Avery and Kevin Millwood??? I guess it’s a good change of pace from the “whose better” arguments (Pujols/A-Rod) and instead have the “whose the more mediocre” (Millwood/Avery). Must be a slow day at work.
monty
February 24th, 2009
2:37 pm
Somebody will get a sore arm, or get injured and Hanson will be up soon enough. Anderson is more than a band-aid, think in terms of Bobby Abreiu. Solid line-drive hitter with more pop than Diaz amd whoever they put in center. He will be a tough out. Not a homerun every 4th game and a strikeout or a walk the rest of the time like Dunn. But he shoudn’t be the defensive liability of a Dunn either.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
3:04 pm
I like Garret Anderson, but he has the reputation of being tough on reporters. (Meaning: He doesn’t say much.)
Then again, John Rocker talked a lot, and we saw how that worked out.
proeye
February 24th, 2009
3:08 pm
Come on… There are only so many roster spots in the rotation. If Lowe, Jurrjens, Vasquez, Kawakami, and Glavine all do well why do we need Hanson, Morton, Reyes, or Parr for the fifth spot? Now that we have Glavine, we are assured that if any of the four stumble or get injured, we have someone who can fill the spot, and then one of these guys can get a chance.
Hanson will come up this year, I don’t think there is any doubt about that. Believe me, the Braves will find a way to get him some starts or he’ll have to pitch out of the bullpen in long relief. What’s the difference anyway? I’m sure Hanson will be happy to be with the club in any capacity.
Geez, then Hudson comes back in August or next year. Now that’s what you call depth people.
Consider it a luxury. Only a tired, “woe always me” kind of person would see our staff as a negative.
I say, stop complaining.
getnathan
February 24th, 2009
3:27 pm
hOW COME NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT PETE SMITH?
SanAntonio
February 24th, 2009
3:47 pm
I’m willing to bet that if we need a replacement pitcher due to an injury to our current starting 5, it will be Campillo and not Hanson. They are going to let Hanson, Morton, Reyes & Parr pitch together for a whole season for as long as they can. So pencil Campillo as #6. I don’t know about Buddy Carlyle’s options, but if he has any left and starts in the minors, he’ll be #7.
Oh, and Josh Anderson will win the CF position. He is out of options and they don’t want to lose him. When Schaefer is ready next year, Anderson will be trade bait this off season. Schaefer & Brandon Jones will some get some PT this year when someone gets hurt, but will be back down in the minors as soon as the injured player comes back.
My point is the Braves have a legitimate major league roster this year and won’t rush these guys. I’m not saying championship team, but they won’t lose 90 games again and will be in contention throughout.
Jerry
February 24th, 2009
3:59 pm
As best I understood Avery had a poor work ethic.
Dawkins was the choclate thunder for the 76er’s.
Vasquez will win 15 games, wait and see people.
Also, the Bravos make the playoffs and Smoltz doesn’t.
It is all beginning to make sense now. Smoltz left because he knew stud Hansen was coming up and he wouldn’t be the Big Dog anymore.
fieldofdreams
February 24th, 2009
4:01 pm
Even though hope Springs eternal, this team, and this year, are both designated for rebuilding. Either way you cut it, we’re looking at third place; so why not invest innings with the Hansons and Schafers of the organization, instead of wasting them on old mercenary Glavine, or has-been, rent a Brave who could care less about Atlanta, Garret Anderson?
Thatcher
February 24th, 2009
4:13 pm
I personally can’t wait until the Braves have Timmy Hudson back, paired with Lowe, Jurrjens, along with the potentials of Kawakami, Hanson, Morten, and Reyes. That is great to see after the struggles and lack of depth last year. Also, it’s great to have Tommy Glavine around for at least a little longer. I have high hopes for the future of pitching in Atlanta.
Marcus
February 24th, 2009
4:37 pm
I think what no one is talking about here is the fact that if they bring Hanson up too soon it starts his clock on arbitration. They will wait until June to avoid that, wait and see. Oh, and y’all are right about Anderson, there is NO WAY they let him go by giving CF to Schafer who could really stand to get more at bats at AAA after his suspension. One year with the big club for Anderson and at least passable numbers and they could package him with someone for a decent return, why squander it and rush a potential star in Schafer at the same time?
Mantuan
February 24th, 2009
4:54 pm
Let’s look at what Gwinnett looks like at this moment, assuming Spring Training ends as currently forecasted: Lowe, JJ, Vazquez, Kawakami and Glavine. Gwinnett will be: Hanson, Jorge, Morton, Medlen, and a competition between Redmond and Parr for #5 at the AAA level? Wow. So either Parr or Redmond goes back to AA, and that is assuming JoJo goes to AA. If JoJo finds it, then, BOTH Parr and Redmond go to AA.
I have to assume that Lerew passes through waivers and goes to Mississippi in order to recover.
This is riches I think all of us should celebrate.
Lots of “upside” in this.
**
I think the “Young Guns” SI cover piece in 1991 or so featured: JoSmo, TG, Avery and Pete Smith. I think. Mercker may have been in that picture as well …
**
I read something somewhere that agreed with Marcus on getting Hanson into August for call-up. Arbi rules.
**
I am not sure the Braves have all the pieces to make a run on the Phils or the Mets (I think NYM is vulnerable in the BP getting TO KRod/Putz) but they look more complete NOW than they did last July or so … whew, that WAS ugly …
SanAntonio
February 24th, 2009
5:24 pm
The Braves are playing for the wildcard. The Phils are the team to beat. Although their pitching staff is poor after Hamels, they have the lineup to win in that ballpark. If they played in San Diego with that staff they’d be hard pressed to win 84 games. But they don’t play there and they built their lineup to accomodate their ballpark. Plus they have the 2 best players in the division in Howard & Utley.
The Mets have problems. Kudos to them for fixing their late inning bullpen problems with KRod & Putz, but who pitches the 6th & 7th innings when Santana doesn’t start. Their rotation stinks. Plus their lineup includes Church, Murphy, Castillo & Schneider. That’s half their lineup. I realize their other half is very very good, but that’s a problem.
The Braves have far and away the best rotation in the division and a solid bullpen that will benefit from it. Their lineup is pretty decent. They did put up some runs last year despite their dreadful outfield and Chipper’s DL stints.
Plus they have Infante, Diaz & Prado to face those left handed relief pitchers the other 3 teams in our division will roll out.
They’ll battle the Cards for the wildcard. The Cubs win the central and the second place team in the west will be hard pressed to play 500
Andrew
February 24th, 2009
6:00 pm
nice piece Mark.
Shane
February 24th, 2009
7:00 pm
I think the real key to the season are things like Will Kelly Johnson put it together for a full season? Will Escobar? Will Francouer bounce back? What do you get out of CF? Guys like Anderson and Vazquez have been veterans for a long time and have fallen into that stage of their career where pretty much every year is like the last with a little variation. We know what these guys and Chipper, McCann etc are going to do. Question is what do we get from the unknowns?
jon
February 24th, 2009
7:02 pm
Send Jo Jo down to AAA. He hasn’t shown me anything which would resemble a solid big league starter. He had his chance…send him down to AAA and let’s see how Tommy (Hanson) handles the show!
andrew
February 24th, 2009
7:09 pm
To talk about Jojo and Charlie Morton shows you haven’t been watching the bravos enough. How many chances do you keep giving Jojo?
kirkinga
February 24th, 2009
7:11 pm
How quickly they forget “Poison Avery”. The reason why Avery was bette, comes down to playoff performance. When the games mattered the most, Avery met the challenge better than Millwood.
Avery was 5-3 in 77.2 innings, 18 appearances, 12 of them were starts. His playoff ERA is 2.90!
Millwood was 2-4 in 44.1 innings, 9 appearances, 7 starts, with an ERA of 3.92.
Only Smoltz was a better clutch pitcher. It is playoff performance, that separates Avery from Millwood.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
7:30 pm
Why, thanks, Andrew. And did I mention that my middle name is Andrew?
And I seem to remember Kevin Millwood throwing a one-hitter against the Astros in the NLDS in 1999. But you’re right — Avery was a great postseason pitcher. MVP of the 1991 NLCS, as I recall.
Suicidaire
February 24th, 2009
7:34 pm
If you’ve ever pitched a game in your life you know how debilitating a torn fingernail can be. Pitching is all about finger pressure and having a finger that is dinged causes your pitches to be off. Not to mention it hurts like hell.
I used to chew my nails and would get a bit carried away sometimes (to the quick) and it made pitching a bit torturous. I gave up that habit QUICK!
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
7:37 pm
Proeye, I’d be shocked if the Braves brought Hanson up without knowing he’d have a spot in the rotation. More than shocked, actually.
Chris Broe
February 24th, 2009
7:59 pm
Mark, thanx for tipping off opposing batters about the way Hanson gets his curve to break over the plateletes. Three strokes and you’re out, you know.
Why don’t you blab to the other teams about how Bobby Cox wouldn’t bunt if the score was tied in the bottom of the ninth and the bases were loaded and the infield was playing in shallow outfield, and the outfield was looking at the little birdies or something.
Bubba
February 24th, 2009
8:01 pm
I think it’s a great problem to have, on many levels. It will keep all of their pitchers on their toes. Tommy G is in a great position to pass on the Braves way to the fledglings. Bobby’s got a stable full of stallions. The fan base – in Atlanta and Gwinnett?
Mark Windsor
February 24th, 2009
8:15 pm
If Reporters would ask good questions players wouldnt run when they come around you know yourself you hate it when people ask you dumb questions..but too often you see questions asked to players just to ask a question…
35YearBravesFan
February 24th, 2009
8:33 pm
Interesting blog, Mark. I don’t think they need to be fast bringing up Hanson, but I admit, he is exciting to see pitch and it won’t be long. It’s been great watching him work his way up to the Big Team. I think it will depend on how the starting five pitch. I like Hoss’ idea of a six man rotation.
Bring on the days of summer!
GO BRAVES!
Strikeoutlookin
February 24th, 2009
8:58 pm
“How many chances do JoJo and Charlie get?”
See Kyle Davies……
Kentavo
February 24th, 2009
9:24 pm
Anyone complaining about “too much starting pitching” obviously hasn’t paid attention the last couple of years.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 24th, 2009
9:39 pm
Steve Avery was one of the best left handed pitchers in the game from 1991-1993. And don’t forget, his performance in the 1995 playoff’s was an absolutely critical factor in the Braves WS Championship. Avery also won 18 games in the postseason. Then when considering that he accomplished that feat in just five post season’s, he really was clutch.
Millwood has stayed relatively healthy. Avery blew his arm out. And one more thing, Avery has a WS ring and that 1991 NLCS MVP award. There is little doubt in my mind about one thing. If Avery had stayed healthy, we would be talking about four Braves Hall of Fame starting pitchers instead of three.
JoJoJimJack
February 24th, 2009
9:40 pm
Hanson is from California, not Tulsa ,OK. You AJC guys are on a serious roll!
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
9:46 pm
Tommy Hanson was indeed born in Tulsa, Okla. He attended Riverside (Cal.) Community College. Sorry to confuse you with the facts.
stew
February 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
Why is everyone so afraid to rush a player? If Schafer is a stud, I like to see him make his rookie mistakes this year. Likewise for Hanson, his time is now. JoJo and Morton had their chance last year and couldn’t cut it.Wouldn’t anyone rather see Heyward in left than a 36 year old Anderson? Let’s play the kids in 2009 so that in 2010 we might be playing for a championship.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 24th, 2009
10:06 pm
Yo Bradley, any word on who got the boot?
The 40 man now list’s 42 players since the addition of Garrett Anderson. We know that Tim Hudson is on the 60 day DL which doesn’t count against the roster. there are one too many bodies on the 40 man. Any explanation?
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
10:20 pm
I don’t know the answer to that one, Coach. But I’ll ask.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 24th, 2009
10:37 pm
Thanks Mark. I’ll save you the trouble.
According to David O’Brien, Tom Glavine doesn’t as of yet count against the roster because he won’t report for at least other week. When he does, then the Braves will be forced to make a roster move. Somebody gets cut, DL’ed or maybe beamed up
TennesseePaul
February 24th, 2009
10:55 pm
The 40 man is as this: Hudson moved to the 60 day to make room for Garret. Glavin not officially on any roster yet so no move is needed.
jc_dawgs
February 24th, 2009
11:24 pm
I like our pitching. Lowe…Jurggens…and Glavine are prooven. Kawkami and Hanson have great potential. Vasquez seems adequate. And we get Hudson back in August….another prooven arm.
Bullpen does not look too bad either with Soriano and especially Gonzo.
Its not just the outfield that worries me. The offense as a whole looks troublesome to me because we appear to be a station to station type of offense that has below average power. Not a good combination. Francour will be the wild card. 25 homers…90+ rbis from him and the Braves will make a run at 90 or so wins. OTW…it will be 3rd or 4th place again.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
11:26 pm
Thanks. You enterprising folks just kept me from e-mailing Brad Hainje tomorrow.
C.JACK
February 25th, 2009
12:52 am
THE BRAVES AS MUCH AS I LIKE THEM WILL NOT BE CONTENDER AND IF LUCKY ENOUGH TO MAY THE PLAY OFF COX WILL SCREW IT UP UNLESS HE GET THROWN OUT LIKE HE WANT TO.BRAVES NEED TO GET RID OF COX AND GET TWO OUTFIELDERS THAT CAN PLAY.PITCHING GREAT BUT TO KEEP GLAVINE WHO WASHED UP YOU LIVING IN THE PASS.
tlj
February 25th, 2009
1:53 am
Hey coach, I thought Smoltz was tied for the most playoff wins at 15. When did Avery win the 18 games?
Regarding the Avery and Millwood comparison, Avery’s upside was as a # one pitcher, unfortunately he was injured and never realized the upside. Millwood’s up side was as a # 3 pitcher and he has had an a good career in that role. You cannot compare the two as far as talent. Avery was the most talented of the two.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 25th, 2009
2:41 am
tlj, I should have said that Steve Avery has made 18 starts in the post season. He is actually 5-3 in the post season. My error. Avery was clutch in the 1995 NLCS and World Series. His stats were two starts, two wins, twelve innings, one earned run and an ERA of 0.75
As for Smoltz. He has made 40 starts in the post season with a record of 15-4.
WILLSTER
February 25th, 2009
2:56 am
I AM A PROFESSIONAL GAMBLER, AND GARRET ANDERSON IN ATLANTA,MAKES THIS TEAM A PLAYOFF CONTENDER,AGAIN ON A LONG RUN LIKE THE 14 DIVISION TITLES,YOU PEOPLE SEE THE METS GETTING THE CLOSER,ANDERSON ON SAME TEAM,IT HELPS THE BRAVES HITTERS,AS THEY WILL PICK HIS BRAIN,THIS BRAVES TEAM ALSO DOES NOT HAVE 5PITCHERS OVER 40 LIKE LAST YEAR,IF HUDSON MAKES IT BACK THIS YEAR THE BRAVES WIN THE DIVISION,HEAR THAT MET AND PHILLIES FANS,IHAVE ALREADY BET ON IT,3YEARS IS LONG ENOUGH TO BE OUT OF PLAYOFFS,AND FINALLY IFEEL IF CHIPPER PLAYS 150 GAMES PLUS PLAYOFFS,THE BRAVES WILL WIN IT ALL BECAUSE OF YOUNG PITCHING,i told you all last year that that team would not be any good,iwas right,I SEE COMPLETE HOPE FOR THE BRAVES IF THEY SELL THIS TEAM TO ARTHUR BLANK,HE WILL PAY TO KEEP THESE YOUNG GUNS IN ATLANTA.SEE YOU ALL AT THE PARK.
Oliver
February 25th, 2009
3:11 am
hey mark, is it depressing that the state of journalism today requires you to carry on a dialogue with these morons? you must pine for the old days when you could just write a column and be done with it.
WILLSTER
February 25th, 2009
3:13 am
ITS ONLY FEBRUARY,BUT MY WS PREDICTION IS,YANKESS VS BRAVES,WONT OCTOBER BE GREAT,OH YEA FOR ALL YOU BRACKET PLAYERS IN 2 WEEKS,i will give you a hint,since im playing 2 brackets,im taking PITTSBURG,AND NORTH CAROLINA TO WIN IT ALL,just as long as florida doesnt win, although the gators have made me alot of money,the past 4years on football,and basketball,and you bloggers on AJC,the falcons will not make the playoffs,this year they will on win 7 or8 the schedule is much harder this year,so as we know it,the falcons,hawks,thrashers,bulldogs and gt is not winning anything this year so we can only hope the BRAVES can pull us out of major depression,as i sit here at 3 am and listen to my SIRRUS radio,STARK BUCK, MOONLIGHT FEELS RIGHT, THIS BRAVES TEAM FEELS RIGHT ,GREAT ARTICLE MARK KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,MAYBE WITH THE ECONOMY SO BAD AJC,WONT LAY YOU OFF.
WILLSTER
February 25th, 2009
3:18 am
oliver go and get hit by a bus or something.
CWE
February 25th, 2009
7:04 am
It seems that the stars are aligning in order for the Braves to go on a string of playoff appearances(just like “92″)young pitching and strong defense in the middle,with timely hitting will win most games.The Dodgers did it in the 60’s and the Brave’s in the nineties,just be patient Braves fans,it’s coming.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
8:33 am
Actually, no, Oliver. I like hearing from y’all. Really. Truly.
In the olden days you’d write something and wonder if anyone was reading. Now you know immediately.
Poorbrave
February 25th, 2009
8:54 am
Nice job Mark Andrew Bradley.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
8:57 am
Why, thanks, Poorbrave. And just for that, you can call me Mark.
Fischerking04
February 25th, 2009
9:12 am
Good article Mark. It’s nice to know that we have a solid rotation and a AAA team that could bring any of it’s starters up at any time. Nice change from last year. I’m excited to see the new guys come up.
BTW do you see the possibility that if Hanson is eating it up in the minors and really needs to come up that we trade Vasquez? He is taking up a chuck of payroll for what appears to be the roll of innings eater, mid rotation guy.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
9:32 am
Thanks, FischerKing. And you’ve raised a salient point: Vazquez could well be traded — at season’s end, but probably not before — if Hanson develops as envisioned.
Poorbrave
February 25th, 2009
9:45 am
Mark,good story on Hanson and ” blogs like crazy.” Thats what! Your cool, I never use my middle name with good reason. Blog on friend got to go.
Homer Simpson
February 25th, 2009
10:04 am
If Dwight Gooden could win as a 20 year old, this kid can also. He has the same type of big arm. I don’t see the current Big Five staying healthy all year. Glavine now is a history of arm troubles at an old age. Vaz is okay. Lowe has no real health issues history. Who knows about the new guy from Japan. I have heard nothing about his past health issues. Jari is young and healthy. If one of them breaks, then Hanson can move in quickly. Heck, if the kid goes 12-10 with a 4.50 ERA, he has done better than the $16 million broke down Hampton has done the past few years.
Brad Komminsk's Wasted Youth
February 25th, 2009
10:06 am
Good stuff MAB.
Quick question: UK and Meeks? Contender? Sweet Sixteen? Or, Pretender?
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
10:09 am
I’d say UK’s prognosis depends on Patrick Patterson. If he’s healthy, maybe the Sweet 16. If not, probably not.
Great screen name — Brad Komminsk’s Wasted Youth. Wish I were that creative.
Jerry
February 25th, 2009
10:10 am
Mark,
You have come up with the new nickname for Hansen.
You said he had True Grit so let’s name him Rooster
Smoltz doesn’t make the playoffs either.
We do though.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
10:14 am
I’m terrible on nicknames. (Not as bad as Bobby Cox, but still terrible.) I’d probably come up with something like Towering Tommy or Han Solo or THK. (His initials plus the K sign — pretty lame, I know.)
Y’all feel free to contribute here. Please.
Jerry
February 25th, 2009
10:19 am
Rooster! yes
There’s a drive, way back, waaaay back, caught by the shortstop.
I will miss Skip
Fischerking04
February 25th, 2009
10:21 am
“Tommy Gun”
BTW I guess Bobby would call me “Fishy”. I guess I could deal with that.
Brad Komminsk's Wasted Youth
February 25th, 2009
10:27 am
Ha. Hardly creative. Just snarky enough to be a blog handle. But I will not fall for your Socratic Humility Bradley. You are plenty creative. Creative enough to be writing good articles for a few decades now. I like the new blogging format. As a boy, I used to write you letters accusing of being biased against Bobby Knight and IU because of your UK roots. I passionately penned that IU and Knight would be back on top of the Big Ten and National Polls.
The year was 1994.
IU was expecting a big recruiting class. Things were looking up for the Hoosiers….
/fail.
Brad Komminsk's Wasted Youth
February 25th, 2009
10:27 am
And I agree on Patterson and UK.
His dunk on the baseline against UT late Saturday showed that the ankle is doing aok.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
10:30 am
Socratic humility? Holy smokes.
Who was in that IU recruiting class? Brian Evans?
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
10:32 am
You should know that Bobby Cox calls me — wait for it — “Brad.” Has for 23 years.
Brad Komminsk's Wasted Youth
February 25th, 2009
11:05 am
Nice recall, but Evans was already in the fold.
Charlie Miller, swingman from Florida.
Andre Patterson, Texas.
Michael Hermon, guard from Chicago.
And of course, Neil Reid.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
11:37 am
Andre Patterson was, if I’m not mistaken, considered IU’s most talented recruit since Alan Henderson. Never quite panned out, as I recall.
adam
February 25th, 2009
1:28 pm
I am trying not to get too excited about him but i can barely contain myself. I do have to mention that nobody in Atlanta thinks of Gwinnett as part of Atlanta. No Marta, No Atlanta. Gwinnett sucks!!!
frank
February 25th, 2009
1:57 pm
What about Kentucky basketball? I need my fix mark
ease19
February 25th, 2009
1:58 pm
Arg! Nice…Article…”Brad”…!
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
Nothing much to say about the Cats just now, Frank. Big game for them tonight in Columbia.
And thanks, Ease19. Do you mind if I call you “Ease”?
Bookie
February 25th, 2009
2:21 pm
Sorry to change the subject but what happened to Ohman-I don’t see him on the roster.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
2:27 pm
Will Ohman is a free agent. The Braves wanted to keep him, but the Phillies apparently offered more. He still hasn’t signed yet, though.
Terrible Truth
February 25th, 2009
3:34 pm
Brad Komminsk wasted his youth, (and a lot of other people’s money) trying to hit a breaking ball. He couldn’t hit one with an oar! When the opposition found out, he never saw a fast ball again!
Bobby Sox
February 25th, 2009
6:30 pm
The Brave’s World Series Win against Cleveland in 1995 was anticlimactic. True Braves fans were too blue to enjoy 1995. I’m glad we won. Hoorah. Good job. It was the 91 series against the Twins what killed the baseball beast inside of true Braves fans. The runner got deked. Oh, that’s different. Why didnt’ you tell us that the runner got deked, Bobby Cox?
If Bobby Cox gets in the Hall of Fame for any reason, I’m joining the jihad.
That’s for sure. That’s 4dang sure.
ScottBravesFan
February 25th, 2009
7:33 pm
Mac,
You are an idiot if you think that Millwood had the stuff or hype that Steve Avery had. Avery was a blue chip prospect. Millwood has been a decent mid rotation guy. Steve Avery’s career went downhill because he could not stay healthy. There was a big difference between Avery and Millwood when they were both coming up and then what Steve Avery did in his first couple of years in Atlanta. It’s not his fault his arm imploded.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 26th, 2009
1:03 am
Bobby Cox is a slam dunk first ballot Hall of Fame candidate. I’ll call uncle sam and tell them about your jihad promise, Bobby Sox.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 27th, 2009
2:14 am
All right, this off the beaten path but I think Frank Wren would be wise to listen.
We know the Braves have to open up a roster spot for Tom Glavine. I think the Braves can kill two birds with one stone. Four of the six of the outfielders on the Braves depth chart hit lefty. Francoeur and Diaz are the only two full time OF’s who are right handed.
The St.Louis Cardinals are already experiencing health problems with their pitchers. We seemingly have depth in this regard (knock on wood).
Brian Barton is an outstanding athlete, plays all three outfield spots, hits righty and is the perfect fourth OF’er. He has options, the Braves could stash him in AAA Gwinnett.
Does a trade of say Jorge Campillo/ Brandon Jones for Brian Barton and a minor leaguer sound about right? It gives the Cardinals a veteran arm in their rotation and the Braves better depth and balance in the outfield. It also opens up the needed roster space for Tom Glavine
Mark Bradley
February 27th, 2009
11:46 am
Frank Wren needs to hire you as a special assistant, Coach. I’m being serious.
nick manning
March 8th, 2009
3:43 am
It’s hard to fathom what Avery could have achieved if he didn’t get hurt. I remember Greg Olson telling my dad back in 92 that Avery had the best stuff of anyone he caught…
BA
March 10th, 2009
1:49 am
Nice Braves site:
http://minorsandmajors.com
Hip Hopcracy
March 13th, 2009
1:32 pm
Tommy “Razorbeam” Hanson.
marseilles mutt
March 13th, 2009
5:58 pm
Great column and some outstanding comments. It is nice to write a column and know immediately you have an audience isn’t it? Wonder what Mr. Ed, Jesse, Jim, Coach Mehere and Lewis would think of the blog forum. Better yet, I would love to hear Furman’s comments.
Please tell me, how do you pronounce THK?
Mark Bradley
March 13th, 2009
6:14 pm
Thanks, Marseilles.
I never assume anybody’s going to read anything. I’m always surprised (and flattered) when someone does.
THK would be “Thkkkk,” I think.