By Gary

January 30, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, good blog today. Yes i am so excited that spring training is just around the corner. I am headed to the fanfest this weekend and that will get me ready for the season. Anyway on the bullpen subject, any rumblings that the Braves might give Anthony Lerew a shot at the closer job? Some “experts” have this guy as being a darkhorse for closer in the spring since he has a very live arm. I wanted to see your take on that.

By Adam

January 30, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

The Braves would be crazy to trade Langerhans, he showed he has what it takes towards the end of last season, and did not do the usual braves routine, no offense in the postseason.

By Joseph

January 30, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

Great Blog! that lineup makes the most sense to me but about thompson, I would rather keep him in the rotation and hope that his finger holds up.

By Lew Hartman

January 30, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

DOB-can’t fault any of your reasoning. The only thing I might differ on is that I think Thomson is healed and will step up. I think he’s glad to be back, I’m also not sure about Sosa. He pitched in a LOT of trouble last year and may have used up most of his nine lives (metaphorically speaking of course). I have hopes that Boyer’s shoulder is back to normal. I think that he has exactly what it takes to be a top flight closer. As far as Tina Turner. Years ago, I saaw her at the old Municipal Auditorium in Atlanta. Somehow we got to sit on the equipment crates on the wings of the stage. She put so much energy into the show, that 36 years later my eyes are still spinning. Why did you leave out Chuck James and Lerew?

By George

January 30, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

That lineup seems about right and to me it is much better than anybody else has on paper. I dont see why everybody is up on the Mets winning the divison again when they acquired guys who were the answer to their previous teams prayers as well. Delgado (Marlins)and Wagner (Phillies) which if memory serves me right they both played in the East divison last year which was won again by the Braves. I want to see Match Ponit because all the good reviews so I will probably check that one out. Thanks DOB

By John

January 30, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Hey wow I’m like the first… amazing. Anyways, I do like the Braves lineup. The only pill that’s hard to swallow for me is that Johanny is’nt there naymore. Hopefully McCann has a decent sophomore year. I do not see any possible trades for a closer out there ( I’d say just stick Sosa/Reitsma/Villreal in the closer role as a committee kind of thing, they’ll do just fine don’t you think? ). So all in all I like what I see. I’m sure Rochie will get used to his every day role too. Let’s just hope the WBC won’t hurt our Jones boys!!!!!!!! Peace out.

By Chop Chop

January 30, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, you forgot about Lance Cormier. After all, we’ve waited years for the chance to hear Joe Simpson’s awful “French waiter” impression of Cormier on a regular basis!

I’d trade Horacio before Sosa or Thomson, but he’s the only lefty in the rotation and, as such, is more valuable to the Braves than he would be in a trade to another team. Between Sosa and Thomson, I’d go with Sosa because he’s younger and showed some guts in his game against the Astros in the playoffs. I guess it would probably take Thomson and a good prospect or two to pry away a decent closer from a team that needs a solid, middle-of-the-rotation guy. Since I can’t think of any potential trade-bait closers who didn’t sign big contracts as set-up guys or get traded (see Danys Baez) in the offseason, maybe you can give us some ideas, DOB.

As for Giles hitting at the top of the lineup, it makes sense on two levels:

1) Despite his free-swinging tendencies, he does get on base a lot.

and…

2) Because Giles hits a lot of doubles and steals 15-20 bases a year, he’ll give the 2, 3, and 4 hitters plenty of chances to drive in a runner in scoring position.

Oh…and let me say that if John Foster makes the team, he better stop walking the left-handed hitters he’s brought in to face. That is almost as demoralizing as anything else that can happen in a baseball game (Well, aside from blowing a five-run lead in a must-win playoff game, of course). Think about it. You bring a “lefty specialist” to face one stinking batter…and he walks him! It’s a good thing my TV is made out of rubber.

By George

January 30, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Hey I was noticing that there is a few familiar names which none of them would quite fit on our roster though that are still floating. Slammin Sammy Sosa, Steroid Boy Palmerio, Kevin I am hurt again Brown and Richard dependable Hildago. Does anyone think these guys will be on a team by Spring Training?

By LeTwan Anthony

January 30, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

DOB, what can you tell us about Brad Baker and Wes Obermueller? Is Horacio on the bubble since he gave up so many HR’s last season? Does it make sense that he might be the one traded for some help elsewhere? Thompson is gritty. LeTwan would rather see him pitch than Horacio. Would Bobby really back-up LaRoche with another lefty? It would be out of character - but having the very best players on the team is the thing to do. This is gonna be fun. Can’t wait.

By Voice of Reason

January 30, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Thanks, DOB, for some Braves talk in the midst of Super Hype week, a damaging Thrashers slide, and a Hawks… well, the Hawks.

I, too, am of the opinion that Davies will somehow wind up as the 4 or 5 starter. It seems a bit odd to me that the Braves would keep John Thomson and his salary around when they have a self imposed salary cap and cheap young talent with which to replace JT. When they picked up his option, my first reaction was “trade bait.” In a utopian world, JT could be sent off for a closer, but what with the closer market escalating the way it has, he might bring in a current set-up guy with closer potential - say a Qualls or Wheeler from HOU, maybe Shields or Donnely from LAA? Obviously, you’d have to accompany JT with a prospect of some sort… anyway, it’s nice to see JS with some trade material and some wiggle room under the cap.

My personal opinion, for what it’s worth: JT is traded in March, after some GM determines he really needs a starter, and JS gets quality for quality without busting the $6-8M he has to play with. Then in July, he has the ability to go out and acquire a missing piece from the top shelf, not from the bargain basement in which he has shopped for the past few years.

By LeTwan Anthony

January 30, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, you are right again. Gotta keep the lefty in the rotation. Maybe McDowell can help him lose the HR pitch. There was a time when Horacio looked really, really good. He got in trouble but had a way of getting out. Lately, he just gets in trouble and stays there.

By Ron Roberts

January 30, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

I’m all for keeping Thomson around, if, for nothing else, to make sure we do or don’t need him. Why?

1. Who’s to say Jorge Sosa will have a follow-up year anything like his 2005? I mean, after 2003, it was advantageous of us to believe that we could expect similar results out of Horacio Ramirez year-in, year-out, too, and that hasn’t materialized. Thomson’s an insurance policy of sorts, incase Sosa doesn’t continue to pitch the way he did last season. That being said…

2. What if Horacio just doesn’t find his groove ever again? I’m pleased that Bobby Cox and his pitching coach(es) have been patient with this kid, because his 2003 brilliance really had batters scratching their heads back then, and if he can be coached back to that level, he’s a potential 15-20 game winner. But if not, having Thomson on-staff to step in, or Kyle Davies to join Thomson in the rotation should Horacio or Sosa don’t measure up is peace of mind.

If Horacio pitches well and Sosa ‘06 is as good or better than Sosa ‘05, then we can dangle Thomson around as mid-season trade bait to solidify our ‘pen (maybe this time a closer?) and give Davies the 5th spot in the rotation for good.

By Not-A-Blogger

January 30, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Good blog, David (as usual).

As for energy, in the early 70’s the USC Student Govt sponsored an attempt to break the world record for beer consumption, renting a huge building at the State Fair grounds and hiring Mother’s Finest to headline (right after their first album release). They cranked for over two hours. Nobody ever had nothin’ on Chaka Kahn in her prime!

Anyhow, it took about an hour for the entire slick concrete floor to aquire a sheen of beer. Try walking without a strut while M.F. rocks! I bet I saw two hundred people bust their hineys.

By Greg Maddux

January 30, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

Chaka Khan wasn’t in Mother’s Finest. She was in Rufus.

By doc

January 30, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

it is all good. thanks for the sprinkles of entertainment for men beyond bball. but i am excited about the season.

i think the five in the rotation will exclude sosa as he may be given the ball to be the man at the end. he is the nastiest that we have and he might have enough attitude and moxie to take on the job at the same time going to smoltz to get some info. he comes as close to being smoltz like as we are going to see. they should have brought back geno to help kolb as smoltz’ style was far to different to provide any help as things went bad and pressure mounted.

that also puts the ball into davies hand who has got to grow up and realize he doesnt have the stuff to be a thrower and is going to have to pitch in the major leagues. when he did that he was smooth and got people out but not dominating. his ego will have to let go of the hardthrower image as he has enough stuff to do it as a pitcher and will fail if he doesnt. maybe he can watch hudson closely to pick up his style.

that makes six pitchers so ive got to go with boyer, villareal, obermueller, reitsma, remlinger and mcbride to round it out. if remlinger looks good he stays otherwise mcbride. villareal and obermueler will fight it out for the last righty spot if boyers shoulder has healed and cox leaves with 10 to start the season.

By Lew Hartman

January 30, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

Let’s keep in mind that last year Horacio was less than a year removed from surgery. It may be that he wasn’t up to full arm strength and was leaving pitches up.I agree with LeTwan. Thomson has guts-don’t count him out. Sosa was effective in the pen last year, too.

By Kyle

January 30, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

What about the Matt Diaz guy JS traded for? Don’t forget about him being in the mix for LF. Plus, what about Jorge Sosa being the closer? Don’t know if he would do it because of the season he had last year as a starter but I still think he should be in the pen because generally he only went 5 inninngs (but maybe he has been working out this winter to prepare as a starter).

By JB

January 30, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

Also, to add to Kyle’s post, what happened to the pitcher that the Braves picked up when they traded Eli Marrero? I remember his pitching briefly for the Braves last year, but I cannot remember his name.

By David O'Brien

January 30, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Kyle, I agree on Matt Diaz _ he definitely could be in the mix in LF.

Someone asked about Chuck James and Lerew. I don’t have them in this nine simply because I think the Braves would prefer that both get some more time in the minors. Not that they couldn’t work their way into the ‘pen, and both probably will at some point this season (just look how many the Braves used last year).

Regarding Horacio and whether he’s on “the bubble” _ No, I don’t think so at all. They gave him $2.2 million contract for this year, and I’d be shocked if he wasn’t in the opening day rotation. By the end of the season last year, he was pitching well again.

Chaka Khan _ now that was a talent. “Tell Me Something Good,” “I Feel For You” … but I’m like the other guy that responded: I just remember her solo and with Rufus.

By JV Smith

January 30, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

I remember hearing talk of Langerhans going to the Indians, although it was unclear what the Braves were getting in return. For a cheap one-year closer, Bob Howry might not be bad. Although the Indians might be reluctent to deal him since he’s their Bob Wickman insurance. Howry has had arm surgery, but look at his numbers last year. 73IP, 48K, 16BB, 23R, 0.89WHIP, 2.47ERA, .191BAA … those aren’t lights out numbers, but with Roger’s help and his $900k salary, things could be worse.

By JV Smith

January 30, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

Perhaps I should consult a media guide before I post. Howry is now with the Cubs.

By David O'Brien

January 30, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

JB, you asked about Jorge Vazquez (pitcher Braves got in Marrero deal).

He’s long since gone from Braves. Just signed a minor league deal with Pittsburgh with spring training invite. Braves let him go for a song after he put up decent numbers last season, so the guy must really have some other issues (he’s bounced around a lot quickly for a young guy with a good arm).

Speaking of songs…I almost forgot Chaka’s “Do You Love What You Feel?” OK, I’ll stop before I get attacked by the no-pop-allowed-police.

By David O'Brien

January 30, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

Meant to say, the no-pop-culture-allowed police.

Oh, and as I mentioned in blog a couple weeks back, Braves were never close to doing that Langerhans-to-Indians trade that Providence newspaper said they were about to complete before Christmas. That paper had Langerhans going to Cleveland to pave way for Coco Crisp to be traded to Red Sox, with Braves getting reliever David Riske in return for Langerhans.

Person familiar with Braves’ talks with Cleveland told me that Langerhans trade was never close to happening.

Crisp has since been dealt to the Sox, of course, with Riske going with him in that deal to Boston in exchance for former Braves prospect Andy Marte, reliever Guillermo Mota and another minor leaguer.

Speaking of Marte, I guess the Sox may have been overselling him a bit to their fans on the day they traded Renteria to Braves in December for Marte and said the 3B was a “foundation” guy they would build around.

By Darren

January 30, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Check out National Grain. A really good alt.country band from ATL.

www.myspace.com/nationalgrain

By Hy Anenzide

January 30, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t mind seeing the Braves trading some fringe players for Marte the next time he’s offered up in a trade bundle and give him a year plus at AAA of non-saviour time. It could happen.

btw, nice article Dave. Funny how what used to be 4 months really is four weeks now.

By ConyersDawg

January 30, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

What happened to Joey Devine? Did we trade him or are we assuming he won’t make it and he has to do another year in the Minor’s?

I thought he was a real talent!

By David O'Brien

January 30, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

Darren, did you realize they [National Grain] opened for Alejandro Escovedo on Thursday? I’d never heard of them before, but I got there early enough to see their whole set and was very impressed. Reminded me a bit of Jason and the Scorchers back in the ’80s. And when National Grain closed with a cover of the Replacements’ “Left of the Dial,” well, that was extremely cool.

ConyersDawg, I didn’t want to list all 12-14 guys who might have any chance of making the bullpen out of spring training, and I know they’d prefer to have Devine get some more seasoning in the minors. Of course, if he comes to spring training and just has a really solid camp and looks ready, then of course he could make it.

By George SteinBOOGER

January 30, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

The smartest thing to do would be to ignore allDOB articles!

By Greg

January 30, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

Why not move Thomson to closer? He has strike out stuff, poise, presence. He also has better control than Sosa. Why trade him away for a guy like Mike MacDougal or Jeremy Affeldt, when he can likely do the job just as well.

He sure looked good in relief in Houston.

By Hizouse

January 30, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

DOB - Now that we see what Marte could fetch, would you rather have Crisp in LF with Betemit at SS, or Langerhans/KJ in LF and Renteria at SS? (Yes, I know Crisp cost Marte plus a solid reliever and we didn’t have RPs to give away)

By David O'Brien

January 30, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Hizouse _ I think you answered your own question, in that Braves would’ve had to give up Marte and what, maybe Reitsma or Davies, to get Crisp? I’d take Renteria and the current LF duo. Plus, I think Renteria, if he returns to anything close to the performance he produced every season until last year, will be a far more productive player than Crisp. Just look at his numbers across the board, compared to Crisp’s. And even last year, look how many runs Renteria scored and drove in during his worst season.

Greg _ Believe it or not, I had a similar conversation with someone this morning regarding Thomson. This person suggested Sosa might get a shot at closer, and I said I’d rather have Thomson closing than Sosa, who repeatedly put 2-3 runners on base last season before working out of most jams. That’s not something you want from a closer. Even assuming he could get out of most of those jams again, you’d still prefer not to have a closer live on the edge every single time out.

While it may be far-fetched and unlikely, I really do believe Thomson as closer isn’t ridiculous, particularly if the Braves can’t use him to get a closer in return this spring. Someone asked earlier about whether any closers might become available this spring, and the only one that comes to mind is a familiar one _ Danys Baez, but only if Eric Gagne were to show this spring that his elbow is competely healed. And I don’t know that he’ll have time and be ready to show that before opening day.

By Darren

January 30, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I had heard it and forgot about it. National Grain is having a record release party late in Feb. I can’t remember if I mentioned it before, but the new Kenny Roby CD is AWESOME.

Some Braves content: I can see Blank buying the team and partnering with the FOX people or Comcast on Turner South. What do you think about that?

Darren

By Hizouse

January 30, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

DOB—Rafael Belliard could’ve gone for 70 and 70 hitting 2d in Boston’s lineup last year. Renteria has only had 1 great year (2003) and 1 other above average year (2002). His 05 performance was right in line with his 04 numbers.

Crisp is younger, cheaper, and has been improving. That said, I still prefer Renteria—but just barely.

By Carroll

January 30, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

I think leadoff will be perfect for Gily because, frankly, he sucks when he’s at bat with people on base. I haven’t looked up the numbers, but going on memory, it seems that every time he was in one of those gimme RBI situations (i.e. man on 3rd, less than 2 out), he would strike out/pop up. I think he just can’t handle the pressure of the RBI situmiations. But by batting leadoff, you remove that pressure for him to drive runs in….just get on base, which, he does quite well.

DOB: any chance that LaRoche might be traded away or are they committed to one more year for him? It could backfire to wait one more year, because we could get more for him now that he still has that aura of potential. But if he has another sub-par year like last year, then teams will just see him as a poor man’s Sid Bream. I can’t imagine that we’d get a lot in return for that.

LeTwan: what’s the pie du jour? Have you tried that o’possum pie yet?

By rainman

January 30, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

one guy i would love for the bullpin would be juan rincon from the twins. he is a stud k man stuck behind nathan and they have a deep pin.the need a third basemen so we could send them wilson they need depth a ss so we could send them pena looks good to me to bad it twins would not thank so.

By mark

January 30, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the blog , DOB. I would really be suprised if John Thompson is traded , depth in the rotation is important because of all the injuries pitcher’s incur during the season. Why doesn’t anybody think Jeff Franceour would be a great leadoff hitter. He can run , swing the bat , steal bases and is a far better athlete than marcus giles. Can chipper stay healthy , bad wheels and all ? Is smoltz durable enough to last the season ? Do we have a leadoff hitter ? Can Brian McCann handle playing everyday ? Is there a dependable closer ? what effect will Roger Mcdowell have on the young pitcher’s ? Lot’s of question’s too be answered. Bobby Cox has his work cut out for him , thank God he’s a miracle worker. I can’t wait for spring training , Go BRAVOS in 2006.

By Dale

January 30, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

Dave…

What about Lance Cormier? How do you feel that he may figure into the bullpen? He has been both a starter and closer (in college). Maybe a look at either of those spots?

By Kentavo

January 31, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

Hello, Francouer has ZERO plate discipline and never walks, he can’t be a leadoff hitter. Langerhans would be better than him in the leadoff spot, although I agree that Giles is the best option at this point. I also agree with DOB that somebody from last year’s Baby Braves regulars - Johnson, Langy, Betimit or Orr - will be traded. Look at Nick Green and Charles (LF,what was his frickin’ name?) Thomas. I’d rather see Johnson go. Langerhans is much more valuable (to hold onto) since he’s an above average defender and showed that he could battle at the plate. I think Pratt is going to prove to be a valuable addition. I just wish we could get another veteran bat for role/bench. Nothing against the young guys, but when we won it (`95), veteran role players Mike Devereax and Luis Polonia were vital. Come playoff time you need those types of guys with some experience. Although I figure JS and co. have a plan for closer, I don’t know why they didn’t address it. The last few years the team has had enough offense to win, even without big boppers such as Javy and Shef, but the bullpen has been the undoing. FIX THE BULLPEN AT ALL COSTS. I live out of town, but if John Foster makes opening day roster, I’ll be there to boo the tar out of him. He has no business in MLB.

By David O'Brien

January 31, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

Hizouse, you’re right about Renteria’s 2005 numbers being pretty close to what he put up in 2004 (except defensively of course; he had 30 errors last season vs. 46 over previous three seasons combined).

But I respectfully disagree _ strongly _ with your contention that he had only one great year (2003) and one above-average year (2002).

Does that mean that these were average to below-average years for a shortstop? In 2000 for St. Louis, he hit .278 with 32 doubles, 16 homers and a .769 OPS.

In ‘99 for St. Louis, he hit .275 with 36 doubles, 11 homers, 37 steals (in 45 attempts) and a .400 slugging percentage.

In his first full season in ‘97 for World Series champion Florida, he hit .277 with 90 runs, league-high 19 sacrifices and 32 steals, and obviously came up big in the World Series.

And as a skinny rookie in 1996, he hit .309 with a .358 OBP and .399 slugging percentage in 106 games (only five homers and 31 RBIs, but did have 16 steals in 18 attempts).

Remember, he did all this while being generally regarded as one of the best 3-4 defensive shortstops in the National League over that span. Last year’s 30-error debacle can’t change what he did those other years with the glove.

Hey, he had a bad year last year. At times, awful. But I don’t see how you can dismiss each of those seasons before 2002 to be average or worse.

It’d be a lot easier to argue he’s had only one below-average season in his career, compared with others at his position.

Coco Crisp is 26 and has played 139 and 145 games in the past two seasons, and 99 the year before that. He’s had 1,499 at-bats over those past three seasons, and in that span he batted .290 with 81 doubles, 12 triples, 34 homers, 167 RBIs and 50 stolen bases.

Compare that stretch for Crisp with this three-year span by Renteria from 2002-04: .308 with 120 doubles, 3 triples, 34 homers, 255 RBIs and 73 stolen bases.

The NL shortstop with the two Gold Gloves for St. Louis in that span had better overall statistics than the AL outfielder with Cleveland, for what it’s worth.

By David O'Brien

January 31, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

Hizouse, I should acknowledge I pointed out only Renteria’s best stats in a couple of those seasons, rather than his worst. But just trying to make a point, you know?

You might be interested in Bill James’ projections for the two of them for 2006, where he has them with very comparable numbers, which would back your initial assertion regarding next season.

James did those projections before each player moved to another team (Crisp to Boston, Renteria to Atlanta), but here’s what he projected from them before the trades. (I think Renteria will be more productive back in the NL, but Crisp could also be more productive at Fenway). Anyway, James’ projections pre-trades:

Crisp: .296 with 34 doubles, 13 homers, 64 RBI, 18 steals, .348 OBP, 442 slugging.

Renteria: .285 with 38 doubles, 10 homers, 77 RBIs, 15 steals, .346 OBP, .403 slugging.

By UGA 72

January 31, 2006 02:16 AM | Link to this

DOB, Great Column, Like most Braves fans we go into Spring Training every year unable to see how they can possibly win with this line up, then Bobby Cox manages to do just that. Having said that, my biggest concerns are Francour’s production for a whole year, Laroche being able to do the job and hit early in the year, and like everyone else the closer. I still think McBride has the stuff and make up, but time will tell. The Braves don’t have a history of missing with no. 1 draft choices, so Devine should be better than he looked last year. Confidence is critical in a closer, I wonder how Devine might have faired had he not been sent out to pitch a second inning in his first appearance and given up that Grand Slam. His history as a closer suggest 1 inning at a time, plus the adrenaline of his first Major League appearance. He had nothing in the 2nd inning and we may have ruined (for last year, at least) a great potential closer.

I am glad to have the Braves to worry about since they are the only Atlanta Pro Team that has earned our love and respect.

By Mother's Finest

January 31, 2006 04:32 AM | Link to this

Not Chaka. Baby Joyce Kennedy was from Funk Rock, Georgia.

By brewerfaninATL

January 31, 2006 06:54 AM | Link to this

Hey LeTwan, I can give you a little brief bio on Wes Obermueller. He’s got good stuff, sometimes unhittable. Heavy sinker when he’s on, fastball in the low 90’s, and he was working on a changeup with Mike Maddux last year. The problem with him is he doesn’t trust his stuff at times, he doesn’t like to pitch to contact (ie ground ball outs), so therefore, he gets a lot of his pitches up and that hurts him. Hardly ever repeats his delivery, so no consistency. Here’s a little example of his inconsistency last year: had a dynamite Spring last year and made the big club, even had a no-no through 7 1/3 vs. Washington where his sinker was on, was painting the corners, kept the ball down, Wash. had no chance. Next outing vs. Twins he got hammered, kept the ball up, was laboring big time. Was sent to the bullpen and pitched 3 innings of 1 hit ball in his first outing, pitched 1/3 an inning next time out and gave up 5 hits, 2 walks, and 3 earned runs, 2 unearned due to his error. One thing about Obie though is he definately helps himself at the plate, not an easy out. A change of scenery should help him and maybe you guys can hammer home the point of keeping the ball down (he just doesn’t have the blazing fastball to get away with pitches up) and he could be successful. I really AM an Obie fan, a super nice guy, good teammate, and I am rooting for him to turn it around. Good luck with him and good luck to you Obie!

By Sharon

January 31, 2006 07:00 AM | Link to this

I just don’t see trading Langerhans for someone a little more experienced then he is. Langerhans is clutch and loves the game. He also has fun but real competition with Francoeur in right. That can bring out the best in a player very quickly.

Im not that high on Kelly Johnson and I don’t want to see Reitsma close again this year. He has blown up two years in a row. Kinda proves in my eyes that he cant handle the pressure or workload. Trading Thomson would be good only if we got a good quality closer out of the deal.

Hey I want Brad Lidge. Time to go after Houston. They might need a tax cut if old Roger decides to head for spring training.

By Elmer

January 31, 2006 07:13 AM | Link to this

I like your take on the roster. And I hope we keep Thompson!

By Rodney Derrick

January 31, 2006 07:31 AM | Link to this

Langerhans is a very important piece in the Braves’ pie. With greenies outlawed, it is critical that all the outfielders have some days off. Even Frenchy should not play every day. Andruw clearly needs occasional rest as he has a tendency to get into slumps when tired and/or bruised. Langerhans can play each position in the outfield well. And he hustles every play. Last year the only two Braves who always ran hard on every play were Langerhans and Pete Orr. Even Giles no longer runs hard to first like he did when he first came to the majors. Giles also repeatedly failed to execute when Bobby asked him to sacrifice as he is a very poor bunter. So he will be better at leadoff than hitting second. If only he can make his swing a bit more compact and reduce the strikeouts. Otherwise, perhaps Langerhans can also leadoff. So could Orr when he plays. One other thing about Langerhans. Did anyone notice how often he would strike out in his first at bat against a new pitcher, but by his second or third at bat, he often hit the ball hard or got a base hit. He is a quick study, if you can still be called a quick study when you pass the age of 25 in the show.

By Rodney Derrick

January 31, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

One more thing about the importance of Langerhans. He clearly showed he can hit lefties. Remember the home runs he hit off several of the top lefties in the league. And his average was comparable no matter whether the pitcher was left or right handed.

By Rob

January 31, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

JThompson in a closer role? Can’t see that unless he develops an out pitch. If Remlinger’s arm really feels that good, he could be a darkhorse, and the cubbies shake their heads again, agin. The Flake will rub off on someone. DOB, don’t think a clue exists here about Scarlett. What a talent, and definately smokin.

By Bob W.

January 31, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Yours is good, except I think Brian Jordan will be on the bench and Kelly is traded. I also think Thompson will be traded and Davies will be on the rotation

By Alan

January 31, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

Great column, David. However, as others have pointed out, you definitely should have included Matt Diaz and Lance Cormier on the roster. I also agree with those who say the Braves need more veterans on the bench, particularly a right-handed hitter with power. Don’t rule out Brian Jordan. I have a feeling John Foster will not make the team. Aside from a couple of memorable outings (first and foremost, retiring Cliff Floyd for the last out in an early-season game against the Mets), he was mostly awful last year. Again, as I’ve written a hundred times, a trade is going to happen for a closer-type. Lidge would be great, of course, but it’s more likely to be a guy like Qualls or Shields. The bait undoubtedly will be Thomson and Betemit and/or Johnson. No way should the Braves trade Langerhans, not even for Lidge. He has a chance to be a star, and already he’s proven to be a clutch hitter and a terrific outfielder. I don’t see Thorman making the team unless he has a monstrous spring. Same with Jurries, although he has a better chance because he hits righthanded. I still say the Braves will sign another veteran RH hitter such as Hidalgo or Greg Colbrunn. “Match Point” was outstanding! Woody Allen lives, only now he’s reincarnated as Alfred Hitchcock. And for those of you old enough to remember “The Birds,” Scarlett Johannsen is Woody’s answer (and a darned good one, I might add) to Tippi Hendren (who, BTW, is Melanie Griffith’s mother). Okay, back to baseball. Go, Braves!

By Voice of Reason

January 31, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

Interesting take on Thomson as closer… his cutter actually is a pretty decent “out” pitch, and with proper pre-season preparation, he might could adapt nicely. He certainly could handle the pressure and he wouldn’t be the first veteran starter to convert to closer, now would he..? Langerhans and Diaz will probably be the LF platoon, unless Lang wins the job outright, which wouldn’t surprise me. DOB, I know Betemit is the primary 3B backup, didn’t Kelly Johnson come through the system as a SS? Could he back up 3B, allowing WB to be moved while giving more flexibility to the lineup? Also, Jurries could probably hit now in the ML, it’s his fielding that’s suspect; otherwise, he would most likely be the righty compliment to AL at 1B. I can’t see Brian Jordan making that switch now, as much as I respect him.

I saw Mother’s Finest at the International Ballroon about 15 years ago… Dion, who is the son of Joyce (and Wyzard, I think,) had just become their new drummer, and Moses had just returned to the band after having previously left. They rocked like nobody I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen alot. With all due respect to Chaka Khan, she “ain’t no” Joyce!

By Kent C.

January 31, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

I think you’re right-on in most every way. However, I can’t see the Braves trading John Thompson, nor will he be relegated to the 5th starter role as you have him listed in your projected rotation. Thompson has proven that, when healthy, he is a top-of-the-rotation type of pitcher. He’s the guy the Braves will look to (at least initially) to be their 3rd starter behind Smoltz and Hudson.

Jorge Sosa was wonderful last season, but can he continue to defy every fundamental baseball law in the universe, and pitch successfully with the bases loaded every inning?

Horacio ramirez is a great talent, but he’s giving up more round-trips than an AirTran-Wendy’s promotion.

Thompson’s the guy you’ve got to count on as your #3 starter heading into the season. Things may look completely different by July, but right now Thompson will round out the big 3 in the Atlanta rotation.

By LeTwan Anthony

January 31, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Brewerfan, that was a great report on Obermueller. Thanks. He throws a sinker, huh? LeTwan knows a pitching coach that threw a sinker. Just imagine Obermueller with that dive-bomb sinker McDowell once threw! This could be interesting …

Carroll, where you been, man? Another bout with the bird flu? LeTwan has not tried o’possum pie but in keeping with the new theme of the DOB blog, today’s pie is American pie.

“I was a lonely teenage broncin’ buck With a pink carnation and a pickup truck …”

Chipper should be buff by now with all the workouts he’s been going through on the ranch. Let’s hope he is not in the “twilight” of his career as the recent article suggests because he is signed for a long time. Can you imagine him in support hose over there at 3B?

By Doug Fresh

January 31, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

We should not trade thomson becuase you can NEVER, EVER have enough pitching. One injury and we could be in trouble. Closer and LF are still a question mark. We need more power from LF. Langerhans or Johnson need to pick it up or ship them out. I love all the Baby Braves but we might need to trade a few for more power and a closer.

p.s.- Furcal who??? Go Edgar!!

By brewerfaninATL

January 31, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

LeTwan: yeah, he does have a sinker in his arsenal, he just needs to throw it for strikes and learn to trust it more…if he does, he can be very serviceable. One thing that concerns me about him is that he is no longer a kid (he’s 29 now) and he might have already reached his peak. BUT, I have known other pitchers who have toiled around as starter, then stalled, switched to a starter/middle innings reliever, then stalled some more. Maybe what he needs is a more defined role, that way he can just concentrate on that one role. Like I say, he has the tools, he just needs to learn to NOT nibble, and just attack with HIS pitches. I hope he works out well for you guys, I am rooting for him!

By NCM

January 31, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

I think your roster looks pretty good except I’m not sold on Giles as a leadoff hitter, but he is the ONLY option right now. I think he’ll do okay, but I’m just not sold on it. Also, can Terry Pendleton help Frenchy out on some plate discipline. Everyone knows he did so well in the beginning because pitchers didn’t know him that well. I don’t know much about Matt Diaz, but I think I’d rather have him as backup than Kelly Johnson. Also, I wouldn’t be mad at having Crisp/Betemit with Langerhans as backup instead of Langerhans/Renteria with Johnson as backup. But I also wouldn’t mind Crisp and Renteria, but that would be asking for too much. Can Roger convince Smoltz to be the closer and have the Reitma as the setup man. The remaining starters, I believe, would be fine, but I would rather see Sosa go rather than Thomson. Sosa only gives you 5 innings a game, and gets behind all the time. Just a hunch, but maybe hitters didn’t know him that well, possible like Ramirez in ‘03. As far as the bullpen, who knows. But as far as the Braves as a team, I predict a 15th straight divison title. But they will choke in the 1st round. I’m not hating, just stating the facts. I’m a huge Braves fan, so go Braves.

What do you think about that DOB?

By Steve

January 31, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the Bill James data for Renteria and Crisp. However, they don’t play the same position, so the comparison is lacking (even though they are possibly interchangable from the transaction standpoint)

I wonder how Renteria vs. Betemit and Crisp vs. Langerhans/Johnson looks.

As for hoping Houston dangles Lidge to save cash for Clemens, remember that he can’t sign until May 1 - the consequence of Houston not offering arbitration.

By old timer

January 31, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

Dave, laying out the list of bullpen candidates emphasizes how weak that crew is. And nearly as bad is having Horacio as the only lefty among the starters. The line-up looks pretty good, except for the 5 hole, which always has been a problem for the JS teams, except for the McGriff years, when we had Gant and Justice in front and behind Freddy. Year before last, we had Estrada frequently hitting 5th. This can’t be the team we break camp with. Gotta have, at a minimum, one or two strong guys for the pen. And maybe package Thompson and a prospect for quality left-hander. Af not, I like the idea of trying Thompson in the pen and starting Davies. I wouldn’t trade Thompson because he could go back to starting if (when) a starter goes down.

By old timer

January 31, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Oops, sorry. That should be If not, rather than Af not.

By Paul

January 31, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

HEY DOB. I like your list but think that Jeff Francoeur should be hitting higher than 7th. Not a lot of speed.

By old timer

January 31, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

With this group, I wouldn’t mind hitting Langerhans 2nd and having Renteria in the 5 hole. If they walk or pitch around Andruw, it means guys are on base and a single or double would bring in some runs.

By TennesseePaul

January 31, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

DOB great column. Though I’m not sure Sosa is going to repeat what he did last year. I hope he can but I’m not convinced. He had high walk totals and only went about 5 innings a start. The Bullpen is pretty thin looking, especially with Reitsma in the WBC. Having a 5inning pitcher every fifth day would over-tax the bullpen. It’d be like last season all over again except Kolb wouldn’t be there to completely sap all the hope out of the stands. (Though, Kolb responded well to encouragement. I sat next to the pen last season in Dodgers Stadium and cheered him on the whole game - it was the last game in the series, a day game. He was called in that game and was lights out. Unfortunately the next game he went in he was terrible.) Despite that day I still enjoy making him the butt of most jokes.

I think Thompson will be good this year. I like his control. When he’s healthy he’s a fabulous 3 or 4 guy. And, at under 5 million, he’s really cheap in today’s market.

I think the Starters will be Smoltz, Hudson, Thompson, Ramirez, Davies. With Sosa as the spot-starter/fill in guy. Sosa could be pulled in about mid-June when Hudson pulls a muscle. And, if Davies takes a page out of Edwin Jackson’s book, Sosa could fill in there as well.

I think a trade will happen in Spring. Either for a left fielder or for a bullpen guy. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Thompson as part of the trade, he’s a good pitcher and pitching is premium. Though I’d rather have him on the Braves.

I think Francour should bat ahead of LaRoche. Hopefully LaRoche will put together a complete and successfull season being an everyday guy. If he does turn it on, then that would give Francour more pitches to hit. It’d be a potent line up. And a young line up.

By Jman

January 31, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

I am becoming increasingly excited about Gilly leading off. I think he’ll solidify himself as one of the top leadoff guys and 2B in the league this year. He was already working toward that, but I believe this year he sets himself apart.

Thomson threw some good innings in relief in Game 4 of the NLDS last year. I dont believe he allowed a hit. Can he, or more importantly, would he want to move to the closer role. I think we could get more out of Sosa right now that we could get for Thomson. Sosa had a breakout year last year, and could be just a one-year wonder. Especially with his crediting Mazzone for his turnaround. I think we should trade Kelly Johnson as well. I really like langerhans but I think we’d benefit from having an extra big bat in the lineup for LF. (Wily Mo Pena, Austin Kearns, Kevin Mench, take a chance on Sammy Sosa) Although none of that will happen.

I think a good setup guy who could close is what the Braves should trade for. Qualls or Wheeler from Houston, Rhodes or Jason Davis (young struggling starter with closer type stuff 96 mph+ fastball) from Cleveland, or Brazoban from LA.

Just my thoughts.

By DC

January 31, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

DAVE YOU LEFT OUT JOEY DEVINE OUT OF THE BULLPEN I DONT THINK BRADBAKER OR MIKE REMLINGER WILL MAKE THIS TEAM OUT OF SPRING TRAINING

By Ceepster

January 31, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

DOB: Enjoyed the article. I agree with your lineup and roster. A couple bullpen guys might be different but I bet you’re just about right. I like Langerhans in left and hope he isn’t traded. My feeling on Renteria is that he is poised for a good season. I’m looking forward to watching him. Thomson as closer…never thought about that but it sure might be worth a try. I guess the question would be can he pitch 3 or 4 games in a row. I am sort of confused about why so many people are so down on Laroche. He seems like a solid player to me. Is it because of the last playoff game against Houston? I am ready for FanFest this weekend and then spring training. Go Braves in 2006!

By TennesseePaul

January 31, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

DC, you have a point. And after checking that list again, I’d bet Obermueller and Remlinger are out and Baker and Devine are in. I just can’t believe Obermueller is good. How anyone could trade for Kolb… scratch that, the rights to negotiate with Kolb for 2 weeks is beyond me. The Brewers didn’t get him in the trade, they only received negotiating rights. And they still had to wait until after the deadline to sign him for 2 million! They could have done that without a trade. That makes me think Obermueller isn’t all that hot. Though I couldn’t fathom anything worse than Kolb. I’ll grant that he might be better than Kolb. But still, better than Kolb is a broad definition that would encompass signing Mordici “Three-Fingers” Brown.

By Del Young

January 31, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

DOB … Thoughts re your roster, etc.

Langerhans. In my opinion I would classify RL as untouchable. Reasons being; excellant starter at either corner OF position, more thsn capable backup for Andrew, quick study; after 1-2 ABs isn’t fooled much by a pitcher he hasn’t seen before, shows signs of being big in the clutch, always hustles, good team chemistry man. This is a young man the Braves can BUILD UPON !!

Thomson. I have mixed feelings. Can be unhittable when he is on, but rarely achieves that level. Could be fair to good bullpen guy in one of several roles, but awfully expensive for that kind of work unless he was our closer. Provides a wonderful starter insurance policy for when some of our starters go on the DL.ie Smoltz, Hudson, et all. If I had to make a decision today I think I would keep him if for no other reason than you know we will have some of our starters on the DL at least once each this year.

Bullpen. Way too early to speculate on who is going to man this most vunerable spot we have on the roster (IMHO). I suspect it will be mostly the young ones with a sprinkle of 1 oe 2 veteran arms. Who they might be, one can only guess at this point. Great article DOB. Sure is good to be talking some serious baseball again

By TennesseePaul

January 31, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Ceepster - I think it’s LaRoche’s Uni-brow.

I like the guy, but replacing a guy who bats .260 with 13 homers a season doesn’t seem like it would be that hard. On the other side of that, he does all his damage in short amounts of time. I hope he keeps it up over a whole season. He could hit around 30 homers and bat about .280+. Then he might get a little more respect.

I saw him hit a grand-slam last year at Dodger Stadium to give the Braves the lead in the 7th (I think it was the 7th) in the first game of the series. That was amazing! I almost lost my voice cheering for it. I was the only one in that place yelling out of joy. Then I saw him hold the ball and let the bases get loaded so Meltdown Bradley could hit a grandslam in the bottom half of the inning. That was very disappointing. I completely lost my voice yelling out of frustration. The Braves lost that game.

Lukily they came back the next game and trounced the Dodgers. Chipper and Andruw hit back to back homers off of Gange in Gange’s first game back from the D.L. What sweet revenge it was. That was just a fun series.

Go Braves!

By mark

January 31, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

Send Johnson back down to AAA or AA and get him playing everyday. Putting him on the bench or platooning with Langerhans does him no good. He needs to develop a rythm and he ain’t gonna get it sittin’ on the bench. I don’t really like the idea of Giles as leadoff. I can’t figure out why though because I really like him! I guess i’d just rather have an “Ichiro type” of leadoff guy. I’d rather have a guy who slaps the ball around, bunts, and steals. I wann guy who will do whatver it takes to get on not necessarily a free swinger who’s trying ot hit it in the gaps all the time. Furcal could’ve been the best leadoff man in the league if he’d learn to stop swingin’ for the fence and lay some down and slap it around!!

By DawgsfantilliDie

January 31, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Are the Braves going to make any more big trades, like a closer, or is Sosa & Reitsma going to platoon

By George W

January 31, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

HEY DOB DO YOU LIKE ANTHONY HAMILTON’S New CD Aint Nobody Worrin’. If you have not heard it go get it and if you have never heard his 1st cd its a classic.

By Brian

January 31, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB -

Looking at the lineup I see the two main weaknesses as bullpen (obviously) and team speed. While I am not sold of Giles as a leadoff hitter, he could easily be Biggio in his prime.

I still think the Braves will make a trade in the Spring and I agree it will be a starter plus Betemit or Johnson to help fill our needs. I think that the Braves will trade Sosa though. He is coming off a career year and as good as he was last year, he seems a little overvalued. JS and Cox have done great at unloading people when their value has peaked.

By Brian

January 31, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

Also, everyone here seems to be selling Chuck James short. That guy can pitch and it would not surprise me to see him steal a spot on the rotation.

By ppaddy123

January 31, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

I think Edgar Renteria will prove to be a great trade for the Braves. Last year was a fluke. You have to remember that Boston has always been a very difficult place to play for African American and Latin players. They were, after all, the last MLB franchise to integrate. Just look no further than Manny Ramirez as proof. The guy puts up huge numbers every year, but can’t wait to get out of there. Renteria will be playing for the best manager in the majors, in a city that will not only welcome him, but support him as well.

Look for big years from Chipper and Edgar.

By Not-A-Blogger

January 31, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

I humbly stand corrected. It was Baby Jean Kennedy in M’s Finest.

Did I mention the beer, and that it was 30 years ago?

By Brian

January 31, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

I think Edgar just had a rough year and a difficult transition to the American League. I really don’t think race had much to do with it. After all, look at the numbers David Ortiz has put up since joining Boston. Nomar has not been the same since leaving Boston. Pedro was superb there. Anyone remember Jim Rice? Manny will always be Manny whether in Cleveland, Boston, Baltimore, Anaheim, etc.

By LeTwan Anthony

January 31, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

A couple months ago we speculated if McDowell could help Kolb with his “out pitch” - a sinker. At least we were told Kolb had an out pitch - not sure LeTwan ever saw it. Well, it is just as well we don’t get to see. The whole Kolb experience was ugly.

Langerhans is pretty solid but LeTwan can’t help remember that Bobby played Kelly Johnson early - and let him stay in through a terrible slump to start his ML career. Then, KJ caught fire and was NL player of the week. The bat looked really good for a time. Bobby sat him and it was gone again. What LeTwan is trying to say is that KJ may be the real deal in the OF - but he’s gotta play. mark is right - he won’t get better on the bench. Is LF open in spring training? Does Langerhans have to lose it or can KJ, Diaz, or Jordan win it?

By Adam

January 31, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

The key to the Braves pitching this year depends on Sosa (assuming there are no more moves made). if he is starting then he must go more than 5 innings so the bullpen will not be overused. if the starting pitching stays healthy letting the pen get proper rest then the pitching will be alright. If Sosa cannot go more than 5 or 6 innings then he needs to be in the pen with possibly a few spot starts.

By Voice of Reason

January 31, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

It simply doesn’t make sense to carry both Lang and KJ on the roster. One will probably be traded in Spring Training, after another GM has determined a need for a young inexpensive OF. This is when JS performs alot of his magic, after the market becomes a seller’s market. He’ll get quality for quality…

By Zach

January 31, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t it make sense to carry KJ and Lang? Both are very will suited to be a fourth outfielder but with potential to be a solid starting corner outfielder. When one of the two guys separates himself we will have a starting corner outfielder and a fourth outfielder.

By mike

January 31, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

for the most part i agree with the mosts of the posts today. I do feel however, that Brian Jordan still has something to offer this Braves team. Someone talked about earlier that the 95 team had key veteran players coming of the bench with clutch hits. Who better to fill that role in 2006 than BJ? Think about the final game of the division series, who was the guy that ripped an opposite field double of the rocket in extra innings, off the bench no less, and was ninety feet away from winning the game. There is also no one that is more respected in that clubhouse and it might not be far fetched to think that he could back up first base. Come on guys, its not that hard to play first base, and ur talking about a 15 plus veteran who also played football professionally. Im sure he could handle the duties. It would also allow the braves to keep Kelly Johnson as a reserve outfielder, this guy proved he could hit also.

By BirdDawg1980

January 31, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Who was the guy Schuerholtz traded away in that awesome Dan Kolb trade?

You know, the guy who throws like 100mph?

Capellan, wasn’t it?

Imagine what a guy like McDowell, a guy who really understands and appreciates bullpen pitchers, unlike Leo, who treated them all like castoffs, could have done with this guy, turning him into the next Billy Wagner or Trevor Hoffman, or dare I say it… John Smoltz.

The problem I have with the Braves organization is they only care about the here and now, and are never in the best positon thinking 3 or 4 years down the line. Kinda like how they’re always thinking about winning divisions, as opposed to maybe not worry so much about that, and worry about winning World Series. Every year, this team is put together to win 25 games in a 40 game stretch. To win 90 to 95 games in a 162 game season. And they are managed that way by Cox.

But this team is never built to win 3 out of 5, or 4 out of 7 games. And what’s worse, Cox still manages those short series as if they had more than 5 or 7 games to play. Yes, guys go into slumps in October, but he sticks with them. He never seems to have the right touch when it comes to his pitchers, either. He’ll leave them in too long, or turn it over to the bullpen too early.

You cannot win in October with the teams the Braves usually come out of Spring Training with, or the All-Star Game with. You cannot win in October if you keep on managing like it is April or August.

This organization needs a philosophy shift. You can do it with the same guys, but Schuerholtz and Cox need to understand this, instead of doing the same old, same old, year in and year out. The results haven’t been good, so why do they keep on doing them?

Einstein once said that the definition of insanity is performing the same task, in the same way, over and over again, and each time you do it, you expect a different result.

Schuerholtz and Cox are not putting this team together or managing it in a logical manner when it comes to winning in October. Yeah, it’s great for March to the end of September, but if your goal is to win World Series, you’d think they’d realize by now that some things need changing, instead of being so darned stubborn and keep on bashing their heads against a wall, expecting it not to hurt.

The only problem is, we’re the ones getting the headaches.

By Miles

January 31, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

Langerhans and Thomson should be traded in a package deal for a legit closer. Kelly Johnson is 2 years younger and has a lot more upside than Langerhans, particularly in the power department. We also acquired OF Matt Diaz this offseason which was overlooked by many. His acquisition signals that Langerhans will in fact be traded prior to opening day and Diaz could surprise a lot of people this season with his hitting. Hopefully Bobby doesnt get all mushy on brian jordan and gives him yet another shot to finish on high note because as much as I love Jordan, he’s taking away roster space from younger and much better players that we have at out disposal.

Kyle Davies is good enough to start in the rotation and he is a power pitcher which is always good to have in the playoffs. At 22 years of age, he has a ton upside and could be a future ace. Lerew and James are not yet ready to start in the rotation but they could be called up from AAA as rosters expand late in the season to provide bullpen depth. Everyone should monitor the progress of young Joey Devine because he has some nasty stuff and is projected to be a stud closer by 2008. Hopefully his confidence hasnt been hit too hard by what happened in the last few weeks of the 2005 season because he should be proud of himself for getting to the bigs just 3 months after getting drafted! Im willing to bet he gets a roster spot on opening day.

Overall, the roster looks close to being set. We have a lot of depth this year thanks to all of the young talent that arrived last season and considering how much weaker the rest of the NL got, its going to be a 3 horse race between the cards, braves and mets for homefield advantage in the playoffs.

By David O'Brien

January 31, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Again, just to clarify, I am certainly not ruling out Devine or Lance Cormier in the ‘pen. I just tried to narrow it to the nine I think are most likely candidates to produce seven relievers on opening day roster. But who’s to say? We just won’t know until we get to spring training and see who’s health, who performs, etc. Remlinger could be done for all we know.

They’d prefer to have Chuck James continue starting every five days in the minors, rather than relieve. And I don’t see how, barring injury and/or trade, he could supplant two of the six prospective starters I mentioned _ Smoltz, Hudson, Thomson, Ramirez, Sosa and Davies. I just think it’ll be five of them, in some order.

Matt Diaz and Brian Jordan could certainly compete for the fourth outfielder job or platoon work in left field. Again, I just didn’t want to put every name in here, and I’m not sold on Jordan’s health until I see him at spring training. He had another clean-up knee surgery after the season, in case anyone forgot. Diaz wouldn’t surprise me at all if he’s on the opening day roster.

And finally, I’m a big Langerhans believer and think he should and will be the opening day left fielder, barring some unlikely trade that brings a proven guy. Langerhans has a big upside, both as a stellar defensive outfielder and a hitter I think could go .280-20-85 in the very near future, and develop into a guy who hits 25-30 homers annually with an average close to .300.

By Kentavo

January 31, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Giles at leadoff: think Biggio!

By David O'Brien

January 31, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Oh, and to the guy who recommended Anthony Hamilton: I’m with you, man. Both of his CDs are great. That’s real soul music, the closest thing we have from a male singer to smooth masters like Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Sam Cook and Teddy Pendergrass. Although I don’t understand Hamilton’s affinity for those trucker hats he’s often pictured wearing. That look’s already way done, especially from such a classic-sounding R&B man.

By BirdDawg1980

January 31, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, if you like soulful sound, and not necisarily soul music, check out some of David Gray’s stuff. He’s got a very unique voice, and his stuff has been on movie and TV soundtracks. This Year’s Love is a personal favorite.

As for Devine, is there anyway that the kid can come back from his debut, or could he be ruined?

Does hiring the off-center McDowell help Devine because he’s got wacky (re: different) teaching methods and can help his staff relax and not be so wound up all the time, like the Braves have pretty much been since 1991?

If there is one thing about this team that can be said since 1991: they’ve all been in dire need of seeing a proctologist to remove a badly misplaced stick for some time now.

Ah-hah! So, maybe, DOB, hiring McDowell is the first step in changing some of the philosophy that hasn’t produced bupkiss around here. If so, this season could be interesting to watch!

By Jim Barker

January 31, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Why is everbody so high on Francoeur and Davies. Francoeur got off to a great start then really bombed in September when pitchers learned to cope with his free swinging ways. Like wise with Davies, good at the beginning, then really got blasted in every start.

By Miles

January 31, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

jim,… francoeur and davies are just 22 years old. Its pretty safe to say that both players are going to improve.

By brian

January 31, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Dave, I really think Thomson is the key to the rotation. He’s pitched just as good as anyone on the roster while he’s been healthy. With him going into a contract year he might pull a Javy or Shefield. I think if anyone should be traded, it should be Sosa, he has the most value and it might be time to sell high. Ramirez won’t be traded because he’s the only lefty. BTW, here’s what the rotation will look like in 07: Smoltz, Hudson, Davies, Hampton and James. The Braves are going to be a dominate force with this amount of talent for years to come

By TennesseePaul

January 31, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if Thompson can pull a Javy or Shefield now that steroids have been banned.

I bet Francour will be amazing about 4 weeks into the season. Last offseason Andruw stepped up his work on his swing, and it provided results. He was still streaky, but when he was hitting he was unstoppable. I mention this because I keep hearing that Francour is working out with Andruw in the offseason. If he learns to wait for his pitch, he could really do some damage.

Davies will hopefully be much better. If he wins the 5 spot or even 4 spot, and with McDowell there to relate on a youthful level, he could turn it up again. Even Glavin wasn’t so hot in his first seasons, but he certainly turned it up when it counted.

Hopefully Hampton will pitch well when he comes back. Otherwise there will be a large whole with a lot of money in it in the rotation in 2007.

By Jman

January 31, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

I wish we could somehow dump Hampton. But since we cant I hope he can pick up where he left off. He was actually returning to form. I’d still like to be able to shed his contract though.

I would also LOVE to see Glavine come back and try to get 300 as a Brave. That would be cool.

By BirdDawg1980

January 31, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Jman, you would be okay after Glavine turned his back on the city like that? I don’t know if I would be. I mean, you are absolutely right, him getting 300 as a Brave would be right. It might erase the sting of seeing Maddux pick up 300 as a Cub instead of a Brave. But Glavine left us. He left for money, and nothing more. And the money wasn’t even that much more, with how much he makes, it negligable. He could have proven that in sports there can still be loyalty. Smoltzie proved that. But Glavine proved once again that he is not beholden to us, his fans. He is beholden to his union and to the almighty dollar. I don’t know if I can welcome him back. I’d want to. I really would. But I don’t know if I can.

By Carroll

January 31, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

LeTwan: as to your question about who will play LF….who knows? It will be up to Bobby to pick. I think he’s proven he can handle that.

Since we’re already co-mingling baseball talk with music, hows about some songs for Braves players that should be played when they come up to bat. Here are some of my faves:

Gilys: the munchkin theme song from the Wizard of Oz

Chipper/Andruw: “Mr. Jones and Me” (Counting Crows)

Devine: “Slam!” (Onyx)

Francouer: “Swing, swing, swing” (All American Rejects)

The entire bullpen: “Everything Falls Apart” (Dog’s Eye View)

LaRoche: that tune that the retarded buzzard from the bugs bunny cartoons is always humming

Thoughts?

By BirdDawg1980

January 31, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

How about the Devine Song, I Touch Myself, for Joey Devine? Yeah… a little icky.

I say Chipper needs to go back to the Ozzy Osbourne version of Crazytrain! Forget this rap crap! And going back to the high water look with stirups for his uniform couldn’t hurt, either. Bring back the old Chipper!

LaRoche should be Enter Sandman by Metalica, because with the way he swings, it looks like he’s half asleep!

I don’t care if he isn’t in the bullpen anymore, everytime that Smoltzie walks back out to the mound, Thunderstruck should be playing.

Renteria should come to bat with Back in Black, because he is back in the NL where he belongs.

Giles should swing away to the Theme for Mighty Mouse… Here I come to save the day…

And Francour should come to the plate hearing 3 Doors Down’s, Kryptonite, because he is Superman!

By Lew Hartman

January 31, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

I just saw some stats that are applicable to the closer and left field questions running rampant during the winter. All through the Hot Stove League, I have heard nothing but moaning and groaning about the need for a closer after last year’s poor performances. Aside from winning 92 games again, did we realize that the Braves were 77-6 when leading after 8 innings last year? That’s not poor, it’s excellent. Also was everyone aware that Ryan Langerhans was second to Francoeur with a .301 avg. with RISP and that he hit .293 against lefthanders. I think the questions are really middle relief and who will back up at first and in the outfield.

By Stew

January 31, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Rotation: Smoltz/Hudson/Sosa/James/Davies Closer: Devine Bullpen: Boyer/Villereal/Lerew/Reitsma/Macay Lineup: Renteria/Giles/Chip/Druw/Carlos Lee(he can be had)/Frenchy/Salty/McCann Bench: Betemit/Yunel Escobar/LaRoche/Johnson/Thorman Dump: Horroratio/Langerhans/Orr/Thomson/Foster/Remlinger/Bennett/Obermueller - All just a waste of time Notes: Can’t wait for Elvis/4 impact players that can make us WS Champions - Carlos Lee/Salty (he’s ready so play him)/Joey Devine (ditto) and Chuck James (ditto) - Forget about the seasoning! Let’s go with the best we got!

By Lew Hartman

January 31, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

Stew, maybe in 2008 that lineup will be feasable. I think they may train Salty at first base, which should take at least a year, plus they really have to give La Roche his shot. They won’t spend the money for Carlos Lee and as far as Langerhans, I’m with DOB-the kid has great potential at bat and is already an excellent defensive left fielder. All the kids like Yuniel and Elvis are at least 2 years away from the bigs.

By Joseph

January 31, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

Letwan, I saw you said somethin about the macon telegraph the other day, Macon is where I live.. just sorry everybody, now back to braves talk.

By David Duncan

January 31, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

The Braves run of consecutive NL East Division titles is over. Going into spring training with this Braves team, they don’t have a chance. The Braves have no proven closer. John Smoltz will be on the DL by May or June. Raimrez, Davies, Thompson are not good enough to win consistently. Tim Hudson is good enough to anchor the starting rotation, however, he did not show us much last year Francour was a fluke, and will barely hit 250 in 2006. The Braves have no lead off hitter, so their offense will sputter all season. The Mets have made so many good moves in the off season that I predict the Braves will finish last in the NL East some 25 games behind the Mets. It was a great run for the Braves. The Braves will not win their division again until a new owner emerges.

By LeTwan Anthony

January 31, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Brewerfan, LeTwan got a good laugh out of the AJC censoring the word a-r-s-e-n-a-l in your post. Censoring made it worse since it came out that Obermueller had a sinker in his a**. LeTwan thinks a-r-s-e is not a nice word over in England and understands the AJC’s caution. Prince Charles is a fan of this blog.

Joseph, LeTwan sometimes turns to the Telegraph for Braves news when DOB is on vacation or grumpy with LeTwan. LeTwan has some friends in Macon.

Raisins, LeTwan wouldn’t hesitate to keep both RL and KJ. Would rather see KJ out there than Jordan at this stage. Why try Jordan at an infield spot when KJ came up as an infielder? Being right handed doesn’t mean much if the bat is slow and you can’t catch up with the heat.

By dannycardwell

January 31, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

i may be langerhans biggest fan. i think he, pete orr, and betemet will be the key pieces for the future. johnson needs to be traded for pitching, sorry bobby. he is not an outfielder. langerhans could start at center for a lot of teams. lets let the kids try out at closer before we push the panic button. anyone know why the braves just got rid of the bravo club? was it because they couldnt afford the year books we used to get? what a shame. ill be glad when the season starts. at least the braves get to the play offs, even if the food sucks.

By andrew

January 31, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

man, i cant wait for the season to start. if the braves live up to my expectations for them we will be riding the youth atleast untill the championship round. i still think that the braves should have made a push for a proven set up man, a.k.a. scott shields, but i have confidence that bobby knows what he is doing and will lead the braves to another division title. Sorry all you mets fans, your going to be looking up at the braves again this year

By John

January 31, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

I think that Oscar Villareal really has a shot to become the closer if he has worked through his arm problems. Being a huge Braves fan down here in NM, I get to see pretty much all of the D-Backs games and Villareal’s rookie year was solid. He was their best reliever and one of the best relievers in the NL and Thom Brennaman and Steve Lyons constantly commented on how he should have gotten more ROY consideration. Bob Brenley used him way too much and thus caused his arm problems that he is working his way back from now. All reports have him pitching well in winter ball and I would like to see him in the closer’s role. Keep Reitsma, Devine, etc. in the setup roles and see what happens.

By andrew

January 31, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

birddawg i agree with chipper going back to the high socks. chipper if your out there PLEASE go back to the high socks. it reminds me of when the game was played for the love of it not the money, and i know thats why you play. DOB pass that along will ya

By Hawaii Brave

January 31, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Leo is gonna be misssed. You read it here.

By andrew

January 31, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

leo was great, but when players leave they never say anything about leo. its always bobby. they will be fine

By Rob

January 31, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Ok, where did this Brad Baker guy come from and what’s his stuff like?

DOB, I saw that we have Travis Smith in camp again. What do you think of him making the ‘pen?

Also, I think David Kelton and Michael Ryan have some untapped potential. Do you think we can turn them around and get a good backup out of either one of them?

By Tomahawkin

January 31, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

I like chipper coming out to the old ozzy as well

Hey D.O.B I was accidently watching sex and the city on TBS and It made me sick to my stomach that that station took 3 years to turn into Total B.S. (TBS)

I remember 10 years ago TBS Braves games were the best in the country… I hate this new 80 game or fewer format

D.O.B. Do us a favor and start a(n) Bring Back the Braves on TBS Blog…

I Give a shot out to Carroll…After the superbowl I’m ready 4 opening day!

By andrew

January 31, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Braves on TBS are the happiest couple of hours of my life

By Kirk

January 31, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

I think if Kyle Davies has a good spring, John Thompson will be traded to bring in dominant closer (though not many available). I hope the Braves don’t trade Betemit because Chipper is no stranger to injury. The key to the offense: Giles getting on base regularly and being aggressive. The key to defense: Edgar returning to old form. Pitching: Let’s hope Sosa continues to impress and improve. Can’t wait to see what happens!

By CES

January 31, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

DOB: Good article. My thoughts: * Thompson is an under appreciated pitcher. Given the health issues we’ve had with starters, he should be kept around. * I like the idea of him as a closer. * The Braves are trying to be a championship caliber team. I like Adam LaRoache but I don’t think he’s that caliber of player. * If the Astros sign Roger; the Braves should work a deal with Lidge. The Astros will have money issues if they sign Roger for 18 mill or whatever he gets. * Let the guys battle for LF and maybe during the season Schuerholtz can find a deal on a championship outfielder who is a pure leadoff (Ichiro for example) when some other team is out of it. This years Braves certainly have what it takes to win the division but I don’t think they have room for many injuries at all. After last year, we’re due a good year.

By ron penn

February 1, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Giles won’t hit leadoff..K.Johnson and Langerhaus will share this spot..Devine will make this team…

By CES

February 1, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this

I would hate to see Betemit leave. He’s done a very good job for this team and could fill in well for Chipper and Renteria with no loss in D. Of the mentioned starters, I would trade Sosa. While he did great, his value is at a premium. He doesn’t have the control to be a #1 or #2 starter and thus we should trade high as part of a package for a closer if we can find a good deal. And not just a journeyman closer but someone who can stop the bleeding. Renteria will be better for the team than Furcal because he’ll be much more consistant offensively. We need to rest Andrew once in a while and maybe his batting will stay more consistant.

By TrueBraver

February 1, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this

DOB great work bro …we enjoy your work on our beloved Braves. I have some thoughts.

Regarding the closer situation and all the talk that is … even if we choose to trade Thomson for a closer i just dont see anything worth that risk. Nobody is expendable. I did like the idea of Sheilds i think his time is due (seeing he has been the fill in for the Angels many times) but I wouldnt count on it. Best cast is we wait until the trade deadline and see how we play out etc.. On a different front Braves fans might want to keep a sharp eye on the catcher of the future and his name is NOT McCann no offense to the local kid but another one in Myrtle Beach named Jarrod Saltalmacchia. His numbers at the age of 19 are impressive .. 129 games for the Pelicans batting .314 with 19 HRs and 81 RBI at this stage. Another thing about this prospect they love his defense and arm. Nothing better than a catcher with power and defense.

By Kentavo

February 1, 2006 12:51 AM | Link to this

I’ve got a well-connected source who says the Red Sox have soured on Keith Foulke and will deal him to the Bravos. What say ye, D.O.B. (and peanut gallery)?

By SouthernJackAssRadioPersonalityGoneHaywireRR

February 1, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

Can’t wait till McDowell tries to give ol’ Boogie a hotfoot and the flame gets to close to the bottom of the bench resulting in one helluva Boogerfire!…GO METS!!!…

By AlbieRockerson

February 1, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

Who is Leo?…