By jojobo

January 26, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

1

By Seymour1948

January 26, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Have you heard anything about the young Japanese player the Braves just signed to a minor league deal?

By macdwolfpack

January 26, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Dave you might want to go back and proof read, you referred to Ohlman as Moylan a couple of times at the end of your piece on him. Nice update thanks

By stupup74

January 26, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

FIRST?????

I want Ohman back just so he can do his Harry Caray impersination when doing the lineups again. Also he is an excelent LHP and that should really let BC mix and match the bully in any game the bravos have the lead after the 5th inning.

I brought this up on the other blog, but what about someone like a Ty Wigganton who had a 1.055 OPS vs. LHP. I think he would be a perfect fit at least on paper for this team. He can play mulitple positions and hit LHP. He would not be the ‘impact’ bat, but he should be servicable for this team as a utility guy and Chipper insurance. Of course he did play in Houston and be a jerk, but we HAVE to get a right handed, left hand pitching hitting somebody for this lineup.

BTW love the blog, thanks for what ya do.

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

Boondock Saints is a great movie. And so is High Fidelity. That scene when Tim Robbins character confronts Cusack in his store is one of the funniest scenes I’ve ever seen. Especially the part where John Cusack says “Get him man” and the other guy(can’t remember his name) throws the air conditioner on Robbins after they have stomped him. Good stuff.

By 18 Wheel s of Love

January 26, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

Peterbilt

Peterbilt

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

DOB

Did you mean Orlando Cabrera, or Orlando Hudson as potential 2B/leadoff hitter?

By tlj

January 26, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

DOB:

You mentioned Moylan as a lefty specialist did you mean Ohman?

By JMar

January 26, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

I agree with Stupup74 re: Wigginton. Back when free agency started, I’d hoped we’d take a good hard look at him. Now he should come even cheaper, since apparently no one else is interested. Exactly the type of player we need coming off the bench.

By NY Braves Fan

January 26, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

DOB do you mean Orlando Hudson??

By propp

January 26, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

PCU is one of the best comedies ever!

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

tlj: just a typo, as mac pointed out. relax, bro.

By Ron Roberts

January 26, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

It’s an interesting idea, signing O-Cab and moving Kelly to LF, but it’s a markedly different team for Bobby Cox to manage than what we Braves fans have been accustomed to him excelling with, ya know?

What I mean is, during the playoff run, it seems we were built with the “hopes” of a big bat knocking in base-runners with a HR, and if we go with Cabrera and KJ, our only power threats are Chipper, BMac and (if his head’s right) Francoeur on occasion. Chipper - to me - is like Tony Gwynn, in that if he wanted to hit 40-50 HRs he would, or if he wanted to hit .330 he would, but with McCann, yeah, he’s capable of hitting 20-25 HRs, but in this era, that’s not a “home run threat” per se.

I’m not altogether against going with more batting-average laden lineups, anyhow, personally. It would always be frustrating to watch as our big bats would be at the dish in key situations and whiff while aiming for the fences when getting anything would’v ebeen a plus - even a walk.

The 1980s Cardinals didn’t have a lot of power in their lineup, but they did have speed on the bases, so that’s not a great comparison, just one of the few successful teams that come to mind who lacked 2-3 power hitters.

Thanks for the update, DOB. Sounds like Mrs. Ohman’s a little tired of waiting on knowing where the paycheck’s coming from, to me. haha.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

ditto Hudson. Typo. Glad you guys are here. I’m rushing to get to another training class/meeting downtown, didn’t look over the blog before posting.

By GTI in Chicago

January 26, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

Just posted this to the last blog as the new one was going up…

DOB, wouldn’t bother to bring this up here if there hadn’t already been so much (good & welcome) movie talk - And now that Lebowski has gotten such a prominent place in the new post…

Roger Ebert has an excellent blog post currently up relating a tale of the big man who was the real-life inspiration for the THE DUDE in the Coen Brothers’ The Big Lebowski.

Apparently, THE DUDE managed to get into a somewhat one-sided altercation at Sundance last week, and Ebert’s got a great and funny take on it in his blog, as well as plenty of photos of the real-life DUDE. (Btw, IMO, Your MIB Blog and Ebert’s are the two best blogs on the web.) It’s probably worth a few minutes if you have them.

Not the kind of thing I’d bother to mention here, but it seems prudent, given the course of recent conversation here.

By stupup74

January 26, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

DOB, many apologies, you answered my question via the exchange with DAP, I just did not see it before I posted. The contract issue would be a huge sticking point.

DAP, I agree with you that TW is not an ideal solution to anything. This team needs someoneone to hit LHP. Chipper needs some days off and to keep him healthy if you have a guy who slugs a ton against LHP, maybe it makes some sense to let Chipper sit on a hot July Sunday vs. Cole Hammels (on rare occasions, not in Sept in a pennant race or anything like that)or someone of that ilk.

I dont mean to bash Chipper or anything. I think sometimes I come off of on here as bashing him. I love the guy. He is my hero and one of the top 5 switch hitters EVER. I get frustrated with the Braves ORGANIZATION because SO MUCH is on Chipper’s shoulders. This team does not have a TRUE run producer outside of Chipper and McCann. While they are great, Chipper only played 128 games last year and McCann is a catcher, because of the nature of the postion, needs an off day once a week. When Chip and Mac are out of the lineup, who is going to hit? I think Dunn and Abreu are great players they are both lefties, and Dunn strikes out too much (exactly what this team does NOT need, more unproductive outs). Abreu is almost too picky up there, but is probably a better fit for this team as it is currently constructed.

By Ron Roberts

January 26, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this

Ha, I meant O-Hud, too. :)

By 1eyedJack

January 26, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

I am so ready for baseball.

By ppaddy123

January 26, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this

The 2009 Braves starting Left Fielder will be:

A. Kelly Johnson

B. Adam Dunn

C. Bobby Abreu

D. Ken Griffey, Jr.

E. none of the above

By dogsbrekky

January 26, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

DOB - Anyone (Ohman) who loves “The Dude” as much as we do should be signed IMMEDIATELY for big bucks

I like Ohman even more after reading his movie list… let FW and Homeboy know we want him back asap !

Does everyone prefer “Snatch” to “Lock Stock”..?

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

ppaddy123, I’m going to go with E. none of the above.

By Rufio

January 26, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Man, Ohman just moved up a notch in my book. Sounds like a fun family. and to list Boondock Saints as on his list is awesome… I love that movie.. and have heard the rumor of a sequal for years now (All Saints Day)

Well IMDB just updated their page saying it is in post-production and may come out this year… that would be a treat, haha.

By Bubdylan

January 26, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Mr. Ohman, sign with us, man. This blog. NOBODY will appreciate your non-baseball gifts like this blog. That side of you will be so appreciated around here, you’ll get to blow, like, five more leads than any cheesy-music/movie-loving reliever before we start screaming for you to be strapped up to a….

Sign here. We’ll be loyal. Mostly.

By Joe

January 26, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this

I really hope they re-sign Ohman quick. He hit a late season swoon when he reached a certain number of appearances. We recently signed two pitchers that average over 200 innings per year. If we had that last year, we would have had a fresh bullpen and definitely would have been in more games. Out of the three Moylan, Gonzalez, and Soriano, the best would be having Moylan coming back to full strength. That buy is money when he is on. Beyond that, BRING BACK SUTTON PLEASE!!! Also, one move I would like to see the Braves make is to let Josh Anderson be the starting CF and let Schafer platoon with Francoer. This would give Jordan valuable experience against righties in the bigs and it would give Jeff hitting opportunities against lefties. Let Anderson lose the CF job if he can’t handle it. But sink or swim give him the opportunity. He was a good looking player and he is still young. If Diaz is not producing than we do have options in the minors that could platoon and get experience. But that’s just my opinion.

By ----go braves----

January 26, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

future MLBTR

“I’ve heard that Andruw has told some people he’s returning to the Braves, but Boras seemed to downplay that when I mentioned it to him.”

By Harry

January 26, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

DOB: I can’t recall whether this has been discussed in the past. Have you seen the Black Cab Sessions? Pretty cool concept you should check out. This link is MMJ’s edition.

http://www.blackcabsessions.com/sessions.php?id=1212166715

By dmack

January 26, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

I really hope the Braves do not move Kelly to the outfield. It would kill his trade value.

Sign Dunn.

By Greg in TN

January 26, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Afternoon denizens…

Dinner at the Ohman house must be a real hoot. Had to chuckle when DOB relayed Allyson Ohman’s reaction to her husband’s revelation that he was talking to the Notorius One. I am hopeful the Braves can resign Will for next season, not only because he’s an entertaining guy, but he’s also a very effective southpaw reliever and with several members of the Atlanta bully coming off injury, it’d be nice to have him ready to roll.

David-ATL14: Welcome back David. Good to see you back after the new year. Been busy here, but looking forward to ST and seeing a little baseball not too long after that.

TommyP: Would have loved to have seen Friday’s game against Oak Hill, however I know you guys had a packed house and had other things going on, but I’ll drop by and catch some hoop action as soon as I’m able.

By dogsbrekky

January 26, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this

Bubdylan, I started drinking some lagers early today to celebrate “Australia Day” but as usual you made me laugh so much I kind of choked on my last swig…. nh sir !

By WestPalmDawg

January 26, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

DOB

Heard that Pat Green just released a new CD….you checked it out yet?

If you’re into REK & Cory Morrow, Pat’s in the middle of the triumverate. I’m sure there are more “Texas-singer-songwriter’s” out there that you know of, but those 3 dudes and Bud Light got me through 4.5 years of UGA.

By McPoyle

January 26, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this

i love the quick response to a non-baseball related question. he’s probably so fed up with all the talk about free agency and whatnot, a different topic (no matter what) was a welcome sight. obviously the wife is tired of it too. appreciate you chuggin away though DOB, don’t let mrs. ohman sass you!

By McPoyle

January 26, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this

has anybody seen these pictures from autograph fest? looks like frenchy is signing autographs in somebody’s kitchen. then there’s the picture of moylan with all his arm tats, signing a bat for a 5 year old kid. if i would be intimidated of the crazy aussie!

By Random

January 26, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

From a Baseball Prospectus chat about MLB prospects](http://www.baseballprospectus.com/chat/chat.php?chatId=561&nocache=1232999677#new) this afternoon:

Dan (Denver): Does Hanson start the year in the Bravos rotation? Or is mid-season more likely?

Kevin Goldstein: Personally, I think he should. At the same time, I believe the Braves disagree, and he’ll likely start the year at Triple-A.

Bodhizefa (Durham, NC): In terms of pure hitting ability, who wins between Matt Wieters, Brett Wallace and Jason Heyward?

Kevin Goldstein: Wieters.

DKANDREWS1 (DC): What do the Braves do with Jason Heyward in a few years if Jeff Franceour rebounds and is good again?

Kevin Goldstein: Franceour’s best full year was a 782 OPS — I’ll bet the Heyward blows that out of the water.

By Hillbilly

January 26, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this

Ohman is right. So is Effrim and Ruffio. The Boondock Saints is indeed a kick-a$$ movie, and yeah, Ruffio…I also read about the sequel. Heard it’s supposed to get more theater exposure than the first. I can’t wait.

By Random

January 26, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

GTI in Chicago —

Your Ebert-Dude link isn’t working on this or the previous blog — I think you left out the end of the URL (“#more”).

Try this one for the Dude story, or this one for the main Ebert page.

Cheers!

By brent a.

January 26, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

DOB:

When you speak to someone on the phone, how do you take notes?

Do you use a speaker phone feature on your phone, or are you just really good at scribbling down legible notes?

I’m curious.

thanks

By Jersey Gil

January 26, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

DOB If Ohman mention anything about the new Braves Rotation and the team in general in your interview?

I hope he sign with the Braves, this will be one of the best Pen in the league.

By i can't take it anymore

January 26, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this

dap not finished yet, but we cant wait. we have enjoyed mcg, but ready to move on. good to see we got some mcg bloggers in the house.

By Spare us your Propaganda Noddy Dred

January 26, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

Only uneducated, ignorant fools actually listen to the two live stewpids. That is just plain terrible raido. It is completely unlistenable if you have an IQ above 80.

By GTI in Chicago

January 26, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this

Random Sorry about the faulty Ebert link, and thanks for trying to help me out by posting a better one. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

Anyone else who gave my links a shot: It was a total Dud, but Random’s links are flawless, so check out the Ebert article there.

I promise, I’m not a complete web dufus, but I admit, the text format commands here on the blog have defeated me. Apologies…

By DAP

January 26, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this

really, as this team is constructed, getting a guy who strikes out as much as dunn wouldnt be that bad. weve only got francouer and kelly johnson who stirkeout alot, and KJ is still pretty average. abreu would be nice, because we would have a team that put the ball in play ALOT. but dunn would be nice because he would be on base a ton and hitting homeruns…. what a dilemma. i do think the braves oughta sign one of those guys, though, if they have the money. (which wren says they do)

By Jersey Gil

January 26, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this

I Just read a couple of notes in MLBTR, That the Braves Sign to a minor league contract another Japanese Player, Yoshinori Yamarin, and also mention that the Rumors of the Braves get in Hudson was died down because concern on his Defense,Ahh, Defense? hello Hudson did not play in the off season,???????Hudson in one of the best defender second Baseman that i know, that comment not make any sense.

By DAP

January 26, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

i cant take it oh, im not an MCG guy, im a radio guy. i work at a station in north augusta. i figured since you were looking at “programs” up north you might be a student there. we’ll miss you when you go!

By Tomas

January 26, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

I wish the Braves could resign Ohman, Glavine, Andruw, and Dunn. If they do that I think there is no doubt they have the best team in the national league east.

Lineup:

2B Kelly Johnson- SS Yunel Escobar- 3B Chipper Jones- LF Adam Dunn- C Brian McCann- RF Jeff Franceour- 1B Casey Kotchman- CF Andruw Jones-

Bench:

LF/1B Greg Norton- C David Ross- UTIL Omar Infante- UTIL Martin Prado- OF Josh Anderson-

Starting Pitching:

SP Derek Lowe- SP Javier Vazques- SP Jair Jurrjens- SP Kenshin Kawakami- SP Tom Glavine-

Bulpen:

RHP Jorge Campillo- RHP Blaine Boyer- LHP Will Ohman- RHP Jeff Bennet- RHP Peter Moylan- RHP Rafael Soriano- LHP Mike Gonzalez-

Tough left outs of the 25 man roster:

Manny Acosta, Matt Diaz, Jordan Schafer, Brandon Jones, Boone Logan, Eric O’Flaherty, Jeff Ridgeway, Jo-jo Reyes, Charlie Morton, and Tommy Hanson.

I have a friend(big yankee fan) that tells me, that even if the Braves do that, they won’t have a better team than the Mets. I told him, that the Phillies were the team to beat, not the Mets, then I asked him why did he thinks the Mets would have a better team than the Braves? Because they lack pitching, Derek Lowe is not a true number 1, Kawakami according to Keith Law lacks an out pitch, and will have trouble adjusting to the major leagues, and Javier Vazquez is a number 3 starter not number 2. After an hour arguing we just agree’d to disagre.

He may be right with Lowe, Vazquez and Kawakami, but they just have so much depth, and I just think it’s a better rotation than both the Phillies and the Mets even if the Mets sign Oliver Perez.

By GLI Fahrenheit

January 26, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

It’s gotta be Dunn over Abreu. Five years younger, has averaged 40 homers and 96 RBI a season. I’ll live with the 180 strikeouts…

By DAP

January 26, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

Yoshinori Yamarin in a Braves Hat and Jersey

this says he will start in austrailia

By Boondock saints rocks!

January 26, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, you are totally on the mark about Boondock Saints. Utterly awesome, and if anyone on here ever finds a girl that likes boondock as much as my ex, tell her to call me.

As for the Braves, lets sign Ohman, and then make a run at Abreu and Sheets…both can be had cheaply, and for a low number of years.

By Random

January 26, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

GTI in Chicago —

Thanks for the kind words.

Always remember, it’s better (and easier) to copy and paste than to type — I noticed later that you had also omitted a couple of underscores.

(Btw, check out my own screwerd-up link at 3:19 PM — I forgot the first bracket! Irony abounds.)

By DAP

January 26, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

tomas tell your friend kawakami throws a cutter that induces ground balls, vazquez was 9th in the majors in Ks last year and would be the best 3rd starter in the easy by far, and lowe led the staff of the division winning dodgers in 2008, what did the mets do with santana?

also, he forgot about jurjjens.

By Jersey Gil

January 26, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

DOB I Miss your Weekend Movies Blog, but in case i like to summit my favorite Movies that i watch over & over Again: From Here to Eternity,1941,The Shawshank Redemption,Casablanca,The Godfather,The Killing Fields,Saving Private Ryan,Pulp Fiction,Basic,Get Shorty….As you see The last three Movies are Travolta Movies.1941 with Belushi is my favorite.

By TNJeff

January 26, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

Gayle - You out there?

By mbatl

January 26, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves are a little squeezed (squoze??) on payroll. Three arbitrations (frenchy, KJ and Kotchman) - the Braves’ offer vs player demands would amount to a year’s salary for Ohman. Then there’s Glavine, possibly, and hopefully a solution to LF.

Not saying they’re tapped out… I don’t think there’s a firm payroll limit. But they’re watching their pennies a little, and another LOOGY is not the biggest priority at this point.

I’d love to have Ohman back, just think the Braves have him slotted 2nd, maybe 3rd, as a priority.

By Jim

January 26, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

Jeff Kent recently retired as a probable HOF second baseman. His defense never reminded anyone of Bill Mazeroski, and it took a number of years and 4 teams before he developed into the player he was to become. In addition to his defensive shortcomings he had a somewhat aloof personality that rubbed some people the wrong way. But once he emerged Kent became an MVP and a perennial all-star.

The Braves have a young second baseman who is relatively new to the position. He is no Mazeroski either, and, although he has never been identified as anything but a team player, he is a bit too understated for some on this blog. PLEASE, let’s be patient with Kelly. I think that he will blossom this year and will reward the team for the patience they have shown in him. If Utley misses any significant time because of his off-season surgery and is slow in returning to form, Kelly could be the top offensive 2b man in the league this year. I will not be surprised if he makes the all-star team.

By Reality

January 26, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this

“Last week an unnamed agent told The Washington Post that he believed Dunn “will get a max of $5 million per year.” Given that Dunn has hit at least 40 homers each of the past five seasons, this initially seemed somewhat ridiculous. But two other baseball sources have since indicated they believe that projection could prove accurate. As Spring Training approaches, the market may continue to come closer to where the Braves would be comfortable signing either Dunn or Abreu.” -Mark Bowman

If true, sign Dunn already! Does it really need to come down to five million? The Braves have around ten million and Wren swore on the radio money was not the issue; so why not give Dunn 8-9 million and get a young slugger?

By Mike

January 26, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

DOB: Thoughts on Bowman’s article that just came out? Main points: Sounds like a lot of interest in Swisher; Orlando Hudson is off of Wren’s radar; and AJ won’t get more than a minor-league deal from the Braves.

By dogsbrekky

January 26, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this

mbatl This is hardly the blog nor time for sound reasoning sir !

By Jersey Gil

January 26, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand what is first starter,second starter or who is third starter…every Pitcher in the Rotation to me is a STARTER…Any one can pitch and win the CY in any position in the Rotation . Look Back in this rotation since 1993, Glavine,Maddux,Smoltz…Maddux as Second in the Rotation won Cy in 1993,1994,1995,Smoltz as Third won in 1996 and Glavine won in 1998 as Number one in the Rotation…what is the Different?…Who is in first….Who is in second…doesn’t matter.

By mbatl

January 26, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

Mike, I was pleased at all of those points in Bowman’s piece. Also glad to read that Diaz has lost a bunch of weight (20 lbs) and is feeling great. To me, that was a very positive report on all counts.

By Random

January 26, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this

mbatl: “another LOOGY is not the biggest priority at this point.”

Ohman is not just “another LOOGY”.

DOB: “What separates Ohman from most lefty relievers, besides his appreciation for The Big Lebowski, is the fact that he’s also quite tough on right-handers, which makes him a viable closer option in a pinch.”

Dig?

By propp

January 26, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

The thing that makes the Dunn possibility better is that he will be more willing to take a short term deal and become a free agent again when the economy is better

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this

mbatl

“I was pleased at all of those points in Bowman’s piece. Also glad to read that Diaz has lost a bunch of weight (20 lbs) and is feeling great. To me, that was a very positive report on all counts.”

As was I. No on Hudson, preference with Swisher and patience with Wren. Good things.

By mbatl

January 26, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

“Ohman is not just another LOOGY” - Random

I’ll accept that… bad wording on my part. He’s a solid reliever. I still say he’s not the Braves’ top priority right now, so it may take solving LF and solidifying the payroll before (hopefully) signing him.

By Josh Bruce

January 26, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this

The Braves are shaping up to be a better team that I was expecting three weeks ago, but I would really prefer to have Ohman back in a Braves uniform because you could really count on him. As for the outfield I think that Dunn would complete the puzzle, but then again there are some others out there that will suprise and hopefully we can get him. But either way I’m still a Braves fan and always will be.

Go Braves!!!

By Seymour1948

January 26, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this

I tried to have google translate the Japanese webpage on the new signee by the Braves, and the results were pretty great:

“Braves in the major leagues on April 26, three high school pitchers forest Nippon Hyogo (18) = 186 cm, 85 kg, throwing right-handed and right = minor deals were announced to join in Osaka. Pitcher forests and rough around the 140 kilograms of weapons to the high fastball. “In two or three pitches GANGAN上GARITAI a major player in the press,” and targets “(who joined the Braves) want to play with Ken Shin says Kawakami. Japan will continue to adjust, plans to develop a training facility in Australia to invest in the major leagues.”

I think my favorite line is “Pitcher forests and rough around the 140 kilograms of weapons to the high fastball.”

140 kilograms of weapons!! Dude, he sounds like he’s lights out!

By brent a.

January 26, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

Pujols gets foreclosed upon

By jbutler

January 26, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

Sounds like Ohman has a good side kick in his wife. Sleep deprivation from babies can cause most sane women to start spouting just about anything like we have tourettes..but funny all the same. Hope he’s back..

Any guesses on how the BP will shape up this year?

By Saltywoody

January 26, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

Kentucky Fried Movie

Totally forgot about this flick. I used to love this thing in high school. Absolutely hilarious. And Boondock Saints rocks, too.

Man alive. We need to sign Ohman for no other reason than so he’ll come on the blog and hit us with some awesomeness.

The fact that he’d be killer in the pen is, for me, just an added bonus.

By richbrave

January 26, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

The end of the world is at hand BRAVES. REPENT. SIGN OHMAN.

By TennesseePaul

January 26, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this

Fletch. Awesome. I just re-watched that one last week. And the sequel. That was back when Chevy Chase was funny. Good stuff.

Thanks for the blog DOB.

By Max Power

January 26, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this

Dude, everyone knows that “The Mets and Phillies have better pitcher forests” and the Braves “rough around” is not a true ace. 140 kg is not just going to cut it in the NL east this year, no way, no how.

LOL Great translation, no wonder we signed him.

By Slugger

January 26, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this

DOB -

Last blog someone talked about not knowing Medle’s potential until recently…

I was able to meet the whole Danville squad when they were all there…Tommy,Kris, Willie C etc. when my former college teammate was playing his first year of minor league ball alongside those guys in Danville.

You were spot on about everyone knowing Medlen’s talent… My first two years of college ball was JUCO ball, so I talked to Tommy and Kris about CJCAA vs. the NJCAA. Anyways, both guys were nice and had ridiculous arms. I saw Medlen close, and his hammer was absolutely disgusting…one more thing - I’ve met/know quite a few pro ball players, and Atlanta fans are going to love Tommy’s personality. He’s a cool dude, and there isn’t an ounce of cockiness in him off the field (usually never the case).

It must have really been like Bull Durham for those guys because about 8 of them lived in a house and fought over FIFA and NHL on Xbox…they won the championship for Danville that summer.

Oh, and DOB, you never answered my question about blu-ray. Make the jump, man. It’s worth it (you gotta see Godfather restoration, Shawshank and Band of Brothers).

By Slugger

January 26, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

Seymour’s post on the article about the young Japanese player’s signing = WIN

By BBFCFM

January 26, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

I just clicked the link above that shows Yoshinori Yamarin in a Braves Hat and Jersey.

Now, thats a winner anyway you look at it, but I think the true measure of the greatness of the article lies just above the print- in crazy funtime japanese ad land.

I just saw an ad that (i assume) promotes hair redistribution from your body to your face

By Einstein

January 26, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this

Teams will continue to vastly overpay for relievers until MLB changes the way they fiqure ERA to accurately reflect how well a reliever actually does. And, look how all relievers are made to look really good. Can you say “players ubion”? For example, it should be as follows: Inherit a runner on 1st and he scores=.75 earned run. A batter on 2nd= .50 earned run; batter on third= .25 earned run, etc. As in life, relievers should bear some responsibility. Peace

By BBFCFM

January 26, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

I can say “players ubion”. it’s a lot of fun

By BBFCFM

January 26, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this

oh, and brent a.

thanks for the inside track on Alberto.

ha! the picture sealed the deal for me

By Graham

January 26, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

BBFCFM

Your 6:04 is freakin’ hilarious!!!

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil, I hear you on Hudson. But I did hear that injuries have taken a toll on his defense, which I’ve always considered to rate near top of the NL’s 2B….

Diaz has indeed been working very hard since early fall to get in best shape of his career. We say it every spring, that this guy’s lost weight or that guy’s added muscle, etc, but I hear from everyone that Diaz, McCann and Chipper are all in either the best shape of their careers, or in Chipper’s case, close to it (he was pretty ripped in his ‘99 MVP year)….

Heard from someone who knows that Andruw was to go to Texas over the weekend to work with a former Rangers hitting instructor. Not sure if he did, but as of late last week that was the plan. Sounds like Boras is trying everything to get him back to something resembling the hitter he formerly was….

Slugger, funny that you mentioned it: I ordered a Sony Blu-ray, and it arrived today. I kid you not.

By Bravesfaninmetsland

January 26, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this

I have always loved Ohman as a pitcher. But now, listing The Princess Bride he’s alock. I have met Mandy Patinkin a few times and he has told me how fond he is of the time he spent making that movie (especially the part where Andre the Giant could hold Mandy’s then only son in the palm of his giant hand) Sign this man now!!

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 26, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

Will Ohman, my kind of man. His listing of Dogma tells me we have another Kevin Smith fan, which is cool by me. Glory is an absolutely fantastic recreation of the US Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company. I have both the DVD and VHS in my collection.

Over one hundred free agents still unaccounted for. Interesting. Out of thirty teams in 2008 the Braves were 15th in RBI, 23rd in HR’s and 27th in stolen bases. Nothing as of yet has been done to upgrade the offense, defense, outfield etc.

Speaking of Kevin Smith, one of his lesser known films is Big Helium Dog. It’s something along the lines of a bunch of different comedy skits loosely strung together. It’s Incredibly dark humor which might be offensive to just about anybody but also insanely funny. The movie never came out on DVD, so finding it on a shelf can be challenging. Check out the IMDB link

Among the rest of Kevin Smith’s films are Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy ( my personal favorite of his films ), Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks II.

By Mitchell

January 26, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this

I guess Ohman isn’t the only member of the Braves Nation with bad taste in movies.

Okay, most of those are good. But Boondock Saints?

That movie is terrible. Come on people.

Here’s a movie for you, it’s called Overnight.

It’s a documentary about the director of BS, Troy Duffy, who got the script for the film and even his bar of all things purchased by uber-producer Harvey Weinstein only to let it go to his head, abuse and alienate his friends and brothers, who also had a band together, spend all his money on alcohol, burn every bridge in Hollywood and lose it all.

I highly recommend it.

Jeez, I’m a party pooper aren’t I?

By BBFCFM

January 26, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

Mitchell

I recommend you repeat over and over “players ubion”.

it’ll take the poop right outta the party

By Run Heap Run

January 26, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

Hey let me know how you like that blu-ray, I’ve been pondering the switch.

And I cannot believe in the link brent a posted above that Pujols is complaining about how expensive food, heating gas, and electricity are to a CNN article. I mean, it’s true, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth when I see a guy living his dreams and making millions upon millions to play a game try to act like his money and his bills are like regular folks bills. I can’t stand that “we make a lot but we spend a lot” mentality on parade. If you have it, at least have the sense to be quiet about it when real folks out here are losing their jobs and homes every day.

By kirkinga

January 26, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t blame the Braves for waiting to sign players now, why pay $10 million when if you wait you could only pay $5million. The difference means signing two or 3 players instead of just one with your remaining dollars, or holding on to as many dollars as you can so you’ll have the ability to take on a contract in a trade at the deadline.

Ohman should be the priority,he was the last of the relievers to pucker out at the end. His signing would give the Braves the, potentially, the best and deepest pen in the NL.

Orlando Hudson is a great option, he doesn’t have power, but he hits well in the clutch. He gets tougher with runners on, especially runners on and two outs. Those are clutch numbers Dunn could only dream about. Hudson hits when it counts the most and the Braves could use another player like that.

When all is said and done, RocknRolla will be seen as better than Snatch and Lock, Stock.

By kirkinga

January 26, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

mitchell, you are 100% correct about Boondock Saints. Some great action scenes, but otherwise terrible.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this

Bravesfaninmetsland: Speaking of Mandy Patinkin, you want to guess where he went to college? That’s right, he’s a proud University of Kansas alum.

By No Time

January 26, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this

Taken with Liam Neeson is pretty decent as is Pride and Glory with Colin Farrell.

By T-ghost

January 26, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

Mitchell,

Boondock Saints is a GREAT movie.

By Bryan

January 26, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

Love the Braves chatter. Read but never blog in. Just thought I had to add my favorite two movies to the discussion as they may not have been mentioned yet (as far as I saw). What are your thoughts on Grosse Pointe Blank and Go (w/Katie Holmes and Jay Mohr)? Just thought they warranted mention in the great movies banter. I’ll chime back in when I again have something to say.

By Brandon13

January 26, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

DOB, you may have covered this in an earlier blog and if so my apologies, but what are your personal feelings on Dunn as a player? I see that quite a few Braves fans hate the idea of signing Dunn because of his strikeout totals and defense, but his home runs and high number of walks would bring a lot to this team, imo. Just wondering what your feelings are on him. Thanks.

By BravesFanInRockies

January 26, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this

Orlando Hudson is a great option, he doesn’t have power, but he hits well in the clutch. He gets tougher with runners on, especially runners on and two outs. Those are clutch numbers Dunn could only dream about. Hudson hits when it counts the most and the Braves could use another player like that.kirkinga

Actually, Dunn’s career OPS with runners on and 2 outs is .840. O-Dog’s is .839.

Hudson’s average is higher, yes. But he’s essentially a singles hitter, which could score a runner from second but also do nothing more than move a runner from first to second. Dunn’s more likely to get a runner home via double or HR. Or keep the inning alive with a walk.

Look, I’m not making a case for the Braves to sign Dunn. Not happening anyway. I just think O-Dog is not who they need. Especially if the purpose of signing him is to move KJ to the outfield or heaven forbid trade him for a LF.

Makes a lot more sense to sign a left fielder than to use Hudson as part of some perverse game of musical chairs.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

Realized today I had a glaring, inadvertent omission from my best-of-2008 music list. Should’ve had The Baseball Project on there, with Peter Buck, Steve Wynn and Co. rocking to all-original, all-baseball-themed songs, including the immortal “Ted [Bleeping] Williams” (that’s part of the profane and hilarious chorus).

If you Google “The Baseball Project” you can call up the myspace page that automatically plays two great tunes from the album, “Pasttime” and “Harvey Haddix.” Pasttime mentions Oscar Gamble’s afro, and there’s a little picture of that ginormous ‘fro while the song’s playing on the myspace page.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this

Brandon: Dunn’s a pretty terrible defensive player who has huge power, gets on base a lot, and takes a load of walks, sometimes in situations where you’d prefer your biggest power hitter to drive in a couple of runs instead of not swinging at anything near the plate.

That said, he’d be a big upgrade offensively for the Braves, and I recommended a month or more back that they sign him and Lowe.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this

Bryan, I really liked both Grosse Pointe Blank and Go. Terrific soundtrack in Grosse Pointe Blank, and one of my favorite Cusack movies.

High Fidelity is another good one with him and a great soundtrack.

By Jim

January 26, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

What does O Hudson add that B’s don’t already have?

DOB noted injuries have slowed him down defensively in last few years. That is confirmed by decline in his RF to 4.82/.982 in ‘08. KJ’s comps. were 5.16/.980. And, Prado’s were 5.58/.967, and 6.72/.941 and 6.05/.976 in ‘07 and ‘06. Infante’s #s at 2B were 4.92/.986; 5.07/.977 and 5.16/.988 in ‘08, ‘07 and ‘06. Diaz and Prado (.330, approx) hit very well against RHP. Infante is a little better against LHP than RHP (approx .321 v. approx. .275 in ‘08).

So, for nothing, B’s could play KJ (2B) and Diaz (LF) against LHP and KJ and Prado (2B, or LF) against RHP. That would fee up salary for Ohman and maybe a “cheaper than we thought,” Bobby Abreu, who could also play RF if JF flames out early in season. In this scenario, Diory H. could be the extra utility player since Infante can also play OF.

By BravesFanInRockies

January 26, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

BTW, folks, Manny’s still holding out for a 4 year, $100 million deal. And a pony.

By Brandon13

January 26, 2009 6:59 PM | Link to this

Thanks. I feel the same way.

By Jack G

January 26, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

FW will screw around and drag his feet until Ohman signs with another team. Then it will be just another FW blunder.

You cant have too many closers

By Tomas

January 26, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this

Have you all realize NICK SWISHER might make more money than Dunn? Swisher has 3 years 22 million left on his contract, and Adam Dunn is projected to be payed 5 million per year, how the hell are the Braves interested in Swisher when they have such a bargain in Dunn. It’s not like Swisher is an awesome defender either. Sign Adam Dunn, Will Ohman, and if there is something left Tom Glavine(and Andruw if he takes a minor league deal which he has said he wouldn’t).

By BravesFanInRockies

January 26, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this

Tomas (7:03)

Not a bad point re: Swisher.

Personally, I’d rather have him than Dunn. For one thing, Swisher’s faster than Heap!

But if you can get Dunn for fewer years, less money and not have to give up prospects, then it does make some sense.

By Salamander

January 26, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this

Dunn (or another OF with power) = yes

O. Hudson (or another 2B) = no

Boondock Saints = meh

By Reality

January 26, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this

“….where you’d prefer your biggest power hitter to drive in a couple of runs instead of not swinging at anything near the plate.”

I’ve never liked this argument. What is a hitter supposed to do? I find it hard to believe people would prefer a slow-running hitter like Dunn to swing at a ball three inches off the plate that they can’t do anything with and ground out (possibly into a double play) instead of just taking a walk. If the pitcher refuses to throw strikes, the hitter should not swing. Don’t bail the pitcher out and swing at their bad pitches.

Dunn + Johnson > Hudson/Roberts + Johnson

By Tomas

January 26, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this

Adam Dunn:

Last two years he has made 14 errors, with a 1.86 RF(range factor) on the outfield in 285 games. Also had 14 outfield assist.

Pat Burrell:

Last two years he has made 12 errors, with a 1.61 RF(range factor) on the outfield in 293 games. Also had 20 outfield assist.

Adam Dunn is a superior offensive player. Higher OBP, higher SLG, averaging 40 HR per season. Burrell’s is gonna make 8 million, Dunn should make around the same or a little higher.

By True Bravaes Fan

January 26, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren: You are going good with your signings. Now sign Ohman and Glavine….QUICK!! Don’t mess around with them, ala John Smoltz.

By NewYearNewTeam

January 26, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

Ohman - If he wanted to sign with the Braves he would have signed. Hes waiting on the Yankees to deliver that big pay day.

Diaz - He cant hit right handed pitching worth a flip. I dont care what kind of shape hes in, if he cant hit right handed pitching hes worthless.

Johnson - They just need to leave him alone. I dont get where everyone thinks hes a liability. Hes not.

Pitching looks real good. Add Hudson and Hanson and you have a powerful rotation. Only question is where do the rest of the pitchers go. Its a five man rotation?

By TommyP

January 26, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN: The Oak Hill game was a sight to see. I’m on the girls coaching staff so we had the night off. I decided to stay home and watch the game on the internet (wazoo.com) ‘cause I didn’t want to fight that crowd. We kept it close but they just had too much talent. We play Austin-East tomorrow night at Bearden.

DOB: PLEASE tell me that Andruw is working with one Rudy Jamarillo. You said a “former Ranger hitting coach” but Jamarillo isn’t just another hitting coach….he’s a legend.

IF Andruw is working with Jamarillo, it’s the first MAJOR sign that Andruw realizes he has to change his hitting approach.

We could see some very good results if he sticks to what he’s taught.

By kirkinga

January 26, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies, ah yes the razzle dazzle OPS%, well this is a great example of the limitations of OPS%.

I’m shocked that the OPS%’S are that close. I would think Hudson’s would be much lower than Dun’s.

But all that tells me is that Dunn slugs better in that situation.

The real deal is Dunn is hitting .212 with Runners On and 2 out. Hudson is hitting .275. That means Hudson is more likely to get a hit in that situation than Dunn. Hudson is the guy you want up there in that situation.

There were so many times last year the Braves just needed a hit, not a homer but a single or double and couldn’t get it done. Well here is a guy that has gotten it done and has he’s gotten older, he gotten it done even more because in the lasdt 3 seasons, he’s hitting .297 with Runners On 2Out. Dunn .238.

Again, in crunch time it’s great to have a big bopper up there, but give me the guy who is more likely to get a hit.

By f.n. hale

January 26, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

DOB

I was thinking this morning about a discussion yesterday about availability of contract figures. Isn’t Liberty a publicly held corp. and aren’t they required to disclose contracts? I don’t know that I’m right about either but I thought that was the case.

Also, I caught a great movie on IFC last night. State of Grace with Sean Penn, Oldman, Ed Harris and Robin Wright. Oldman and Wright stole the show for me, both were incredible. I can’t believe it, but I wasn’t at all familiar with the film.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this

TommyP, that’s the guy, Rudy Jaramillo. Not certain that Andruw went, but I was told that was the plan, for him to go out there and work with Rudy over the weekend.

By TommyP

January 26, 2009 7:39 PM | Link to this

DOB: Wow…what a smart move on his part. I would have to believe that Boras put this together for Andruw’s sake.

I want to say that Jamarillo’s success dates all the way back to Julio Franco.

He has churned out excellent hitter after excellent hitter.

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this

TommyP

“Adam Dunn is a superior offensive player. Higher OBP, higher SLG, averaging 40 HR per season. Burrell’s is gonna make 8 million, Dunn should make around the same or a little higher.”

I’m pretty sure Dunn is going to make that much. I know he was asking for four years and 56 million, but that isn’t going to happen. What is absurd is the idea that Dunn is going to sign for 5 million per season. I mean, really, come on. If that were the case, than there are several GM’s who should be fired for not signing the guy. 5 million? I think Dunn will sign a two-three year deal for 10 million per year. He has to sign for more than Pat Burrell. Abreu will probably get the same contract Burrell got.

By Jim

January 26, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

agree that Dunn + KJ better than Hudson/Roberts + KJ. Think Abreu + JK woulb be even stronger. Much stronger. Because Nady is RHB, he +KJ might be strongest of combo’s. (Can FW talk to SB about extending XN’s contract or is that verbotten until B’s get him?) What would it take to sign Abreu for 2 or 3 years if Dunn’s value is in $5MM/per range? XN, at $6.5 for ‘09 looks like the highest paid of bunch.

Think SB would probably be inclined to wait until Fall and hear all other offers on XN, but there are certainly some reliable economists who might look at what is going on re deflation of AD/BA contracts and conclude that if B’s were willing to pay XN same $6.5 for another two or three years beyond ‘09, SB might be willing to recommend to his client that he take it. Always assume the other side is under more pressure to make a deal than you are.

By Chief Nock A Homa

January 26, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this

Any insight into why Dunn isn’t being pursued more heavily by ANYONE??? It seems as if his price is right now…

DOB: What do you think Wren might be waiting for at this point?? Do you think he believes his price will drop more??? Or is he just not that interested in him??

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 8:04 PM | Link to this

Sorry about that at 7:52. That was to Tomas, not TommyP.

By BravesFanInRockies

January 26, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this

Chief Nock A Homa

I think that’s exactly what’s happening. Starting pitchers like Garland and Wolf who were expecting perhaps 3-4 years at $10mm per are looking at one year, $5-7 mm.

There are still a half-dozen corner OF unsigned who are or have been marquee players — Dunn, Abreu, Edmonds, Anderson, Manny, Griffey. And the Phils are looking as if they overpaid for Ibanez.

I’d be stunned if Dunn’s price dropped to $5mm per. But he might jump now at a 2/$15mm offer. That’s what some folks thought he might make for one season back in October.

Makes you wonder how cheaply you could get Edmonds or Abreu.

By Mike

January 26, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this

For the OF, I feel that the best thing to do is just sign Dunn and be done…HAHA…get it? Okay, that was retarded.

Johnson could play LF if you signed or traded for a 2nd baseman (though he had TG surgery and we don’t know if throwing from that distance over time would cause issue again). But Johnson doesn’t solve your clean up hitter issue. Folks…we need a smasher in the 4 hole. I would take Dunn’s lousy fielding and high strike outs if he walked a lot and hit 40+ hr. How many more games would that have won us last year? We need a true clean-up hitter.

Lets assume that Andruw isn’t on the team to start the year (I say that because this is my scenario, and Andruw would just complicate it). You have Dunn in LF, (a hopefully much improved) Frenchy in RF, and then Blanco, Anderson, Schafer as the potentials for CF. Then your line up is…

CF’er as your lead-off base stealer Escobar Chipper Dunn Bmac Frenchy Johnson Kotchman pitcher

Guys…that’s 2 guys in your 7-8 spots that can hit .300 or close to it. I really feel that Johnson is best served at staying low in the order. He has always done better there. And Escobar is much better in the 2 hole than lead-off.

Do this and re-sign Ohman and you spend an additional 8-12 mill on both. The Bravos gotta have at least that left to work with. Then you aren’t losing guys in a trade for an OF and with the right years on a contract for Dunn, he can keep the spot warm for Heyward. And if Heyward is ready sooner then just trade Dunn. He should still have decent value, he isn’t that old.

What do ya’ll think?

By BravesFanInRockies

January 26, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

FWIW, folks, my S.O. gave me a #29 Smoltz jersey for my birthday. In the always-lose-on-the-road blue. In many ways, it was the perfect gift … She’s the best!

By Bubdylan

January 26, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this

Great Apocalypse Now Spoof, especially if you’ve seen A. Now a bunch of times.

By richbrave

January 26, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

GENRE FLICKS and a few obscure favs.

1860’s - PHAROAH’s ARMY(American Civil War) with CRIS COOPER, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, and PATRICIA CLARKSON.

1870’s - THE MOLLY MAGUIRES(Coalfield Unrest - Pennsylvania) with SEAN CONNERY, RICHARD HARRIS, and SAMANTHA EGGAR.

1880’s - HEARTLAND(American West - Wyoming) with RIP TORN.

1890’s - BREAKER MORANT(BOER WAR - SOUTH AFRICA) with EDWARD WOODWARD, JACK THOMPSON and BYRON BROWN.

1910’s - GALLIPOLI(WORLD WAR I - Turkey) with MEL GIBSON in his coming out feature.

1920’s - MATEWAN(Coalfield Wars - West Virginia) with CRIS COOPER, JAMES EARL JONES(his personal favorite), and MARY McDONNELL.

1930’s - GAL YOUNG ‘UN(PROHIBITION - Central Florida) with DANA PREU and DAVID PECK.

TIN MEN with DANNY DeVITO, RICHARD DREYFUS, BARBARA HERSHEY, TONE LOC and the FINE YOUNG CANIBALS.

WRESTLING EARNEST HEMINGWAY with ROBERT DUVALL, RICHARD HARRIS, and SHIRLEY MACLAINE.

DON JUAN DeMARCO with JOHNNY DEPP, MARLON BRANDO and FAYE DUNAWAY.

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this

BravesFaninRockies

“There are still a half-dozen corner OF unsigned who are or have been marquee players — Dunn, Abreu, Edmonds, Anderson, Manny, Griffey. And the Phils are looking as if they overpaid for Ibanez.”

The Phillies look really bad in my opinion. Sure he is consistent and “clutch”, but three years and 31.5 million will probably be the most money a LF not named Manny Ramirez gets this winter. They jumped the gun and didn’t assess the market correctly. Good for us, when they are paying a 39 year old corner outfielder 11.5 million dollars.

By BlawgDawg

January 26, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

Run Heap Run if your considering getting a Blue-ray, as long as you have a HD TV, get it. The picture is absolutly amazing. If you like games as well, rather than just getting a Blue-ray, get a Playstation 3. It has a built in Blue-ray as well as having the ability to play the games, music, regular DVD’s, and connecting to the internet with an ethernet or wifi connection.

But if you don’t want all that comes with the Playstation 3, a Blue-ray player by itself is well worth the money. Amazing picture and sound quality.

I mentioned it on the last blog, but I saw Slumdog Millionare over the weekend. Fabulous movie!! Would recommend it to anyone, and as soon as it comes out on Blue-ray and DVD, if you haven’t seen it, it will be a great addition to anyone’s collection, I certainly plan on getting it in Blue-ray when it is released.

By Bubdylan

January 26, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Mandy Patinkin, you want to guess where he went to college? That’s right, he’s a proud University of Kansas alum. DOB

Fitting. He does a mean “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Seriously, he does. A singer of some reputation, but I imagine you know that.

Ever seen him in Lumet’s “Daniel?”

By TommyP

January 26, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

That wasn’t me that chimed in on the Dunn discussion. That quote was someone else’s.

I think Mike Gonzalez has a career year this year. Just going on record early with that. :)

By Bubdylan

January 26, 2009 8:48 PM | Link to this

You HDTV Owners, I’m shopping them tonight, and I see that there’s a PC do-hickey on the back as if it will operate as a monitor. Will they? Are they as good as a monitor as a regular new monitor? I need both, you see.

By Bravesfaninmetsland

January 26, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Patinkin went to University of Kansas but he never graduated from there correct? Didn’t he leave there to go to Juliard?

By TommyP

January 26, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

Efrim: I disagree when you say the Phils look really bad with the Ibanez situation.

There really wasn’t any way of knowing that the market for OFs would be so low. The Phils decided Ibanez was the guy they wanted and they went out and got him.

Of course, they could’ve played it close to the vest like the Braves…with Smoltz. :)

If you have the money and identify the guy you want, just go get him. That’s what the Phils did.

By kirkinga

January 26, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this

“They jumped the gun and didn’t assess the market correctly. Good for us, when they are paying a 39 year old corner outfielder 11.5 million dollars.”

Efrim, I predict as the season goes on, we’ll be asking why the Braves didn’t sign Ibanez because he “only got $31.5 million/year”.

I know some don’t but much stock in being “consistent and clutch”, but those are the players pitchers least want to face in pressure situations.

Jeter doesn’t hit many homers, but is there anyone who consistently comes up more clutch than him? All those great Yankee teams had hitters who were just “consistent and clutch” and all they did was win rings.

I know many enjoy the majesty of he homer and it’s all macho and stuff, but there are pitchers who are very good at keeping the ball in the park, especially in the playoffs, so in those situations, more often than not, teams win with something other than a homer.

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this

TommyP

“If you have the money and identify the guy you want, just go get him. That’s what the Phils did.”

Right, but I think they could of waited and still got him for a lower price. It’s all good. I’m glad they signed him, because I think it made them worse.

By rico carty

January 26, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this

This offseason is starting to get a lot more interesting. How about this lineup?

Escobar SS Johnson 2B Jones 3B Dunn LF McCann C A. Jones CF Francoeur RF Kotchmann 1B Lowe P

Rotation of Lowe, Kawakami, Jurrjens, Vazquez, Glavine (or Parr, Carlyle, Campillo)

Moylan, Acosta, Boyer, Gonzalez, Soriano, Ohmann in bullpen

With “innings eaters”, could carry 11 pitchers. I think that would help this team a lot, carrying 14 regulars. Bench of Prado, Infante, Diaz, Norton, backup C (forgot his name), Blanco or Anderson. Keep Heyward, Hanson, Schafer, other top prospects another year in minors.

Looks like a team that could contend, and youth is intact for 2011. Plus, with no-trade clauses, could trade Lowe, Vazquez, etc. for even more prospects if terrible again. Flexibility, built for the future, and, as ugly as it was, the Smoltz questions now behind us.

Getting excited about spring…..

By Daybed Wagmoe

January 26, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this

Anybody watching the Hawks-Heat game right now? It’s been a BRUTAL night for the Hawks. They scored 27 points in the first half, which is a new franchise record for lowest total in the 1st half.

By #1Brave

January 26, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Haven’t seen you mention it, but have you seen In Bruges with Colin Farrell? Not a big fan of his, but the movie was hilarious! It’s definitely worth a watch! I believe it got an Oscar nom for best adapted screenplay…

By BlawgDawg

January 26, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this

Bubdylan yes, you can connect your PC to a HDTV with that input. Picture will be fine, but understand that websites aren’t in HD so the picture won’t be any better than a nice monitor.

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this

kirkinga

“I predict as the season goes on, we’ll be asking why the Braves didn’t sign Ibanez because he “only got $31.5 million/year”.”

Will you say that two years from now when we are looking to make room for Jason Heyward and we end up having to trade Raul Ibanez for a bag of big league chew and a rosen bag? I mean, how many teams will be giving up a ton for a 39 year old corner outfielder? I’m pretty happy we didn’t make that kind of commitment to Ibanez. Rather make that commitment to someone a little younger. Plus the guy hasn’t hit left handed pitching, and isn’t that what we need?

And Jeter is a career .316/.387/.458 hitter as a shortstop. I don’t care if he doesn’t hit home runs, the guy is just plain good(although probably regressing).

By Bubdylan

January 26, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this

BlawgDawg, no, that’s fine. Not aiming for a monitor improvement, it’s just that I keep a small t.v. and my computer on the same table in my study, and both are punking out (the t.v. and the monitor). And there are nice 19” HDTV’s for just a hundred bucks more than the nicest monitors, so… you see. Save money and space.

Thanks.

By Moby Grape

January 26, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this

Hudson in one of the best defender second Baseman that i know, that comment not make any sense Jersey Gil

he used to be, but his numbers are going down about every year. losing range, he no longer ranks that high as has been mentioned on here a number of times with supporting data

By kirkinga

January 26, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

Efrim, yes I will still say that because I believe Ibanez is worth what we got if not more. I also believe based on his track record that he could turn into another Brave killer and if he doe, then we can’t point a finger at the Phils and laugh.

The Braves could afford the contract the Philles gave Ibanez, it wasn’t outrageous. Frankly, I thought he’d get more, but he was the smart one and recognizing that he should sign while the signing was hot. That tells me he’s wiser than the bunch that’s left too.

I’m not going to pass up on a player who is consistent and clutch just because I have a great prospect coming along two years from now. I think what you’re asking though is if he sign Hudson and move KJ to LF, then what do we do when Heyward arrives?

If that’s what you’re asking I say trade him assuming Heyward is ready.

And yes, thank you for emphasizing my point using Jeter as an example. A team that lost 90 games, but does a great job in getting men on base, need clutch hitting more than they need power.Jeter and those guys won because they were clutch, teams that advance in the playoffs get more clutch hits than hits that leave the park. The Braves need those kind of players any way they can get one.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

Patinkin went to University of Kansas but he never graduated from there correct? Didn�t he leave there to go to Juliard?Bravesfaninmetsland

Who in their right mind would leave KU for Juilliard? Ain’t no Allen Fieldhouse at Juilliard.

(No, but seriously, he went to KU for two years before transferring to Juilliard School of Drama. Unlike Paul Pierce or Mario Chalmers, neither of whom attended Juilliard.)

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

By Random

January 26, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this

mbatl: “I’ll accept that… bad wording on my part. He’s a solid reliever. I still say he’s not the Braves’ top priority right now, so it may take solving LF and solidifying the payroll before (hopefully) signing him.”

I’ll accept that.

;-)

By Moby Grape

January 26, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this

Ohman is not just “another LOOGY”. Random

if Sori and Moylan are both healthy, then LOOGY is what he will be for the most part though better than many. And he has had some not so good years, so I don’t see him as all that necessary unless they have some bread left over after helping the OF.

By Efrim

January 26, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this

kirkinga

The Braves were 10th in slugging in the NL. That’s not good. And consider Tex was on this team for the better part of the season. I think we need more power, I could really care less about the clutch factor. One thing I do agree with you about, the Braves should be looking to get a good player and not think about 2011. They have time to figure that out. Of course, that isn’t to say that Ibanez would be a good idea, because again, he’ll turn 39 in 2011 and will be owed 11.5 million that season.

By northbeach Scott

January 26, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

DOB Thanks for the info last night regarding Spring Training and World Baseball classic. Appreciate it. My wife is devistated that ARod will not be playing in the 3/7 ST game in Tampa vs Yankees. Guess we will try to catch them at the Ted in June.

As always appreciate your efforts and perspective. Thank you!

Just say no to Andruw, Braves, or at least do not give up a spot on the 40 man for him or more than the minor league minimum unless he proves otherwise.

By The Artist Formerly Known as Too Hot For Teacher

January 26, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this

boondock saints rocks - as does Princess Bride. I almost named my son Westly because of that movie - no lie. Sign Ohman now just cause he’s cool - and because he’s a really good pitcher.

By nolie

January 26, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this

Slugger, funny that you mentioned it: I ordered a Sony Blu-ray, and it arrived today. I kid you not. DOB

shoulda got a Panasonic, does a better job of playing regular dvds when upconverting them to HDMI. best one out there right now.

By Random

January 26, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

BBFCFM: “I just clicked the link above that shows Yoshinori Yamarin in a Braves Hat and Jersey.

“Now, thats a winner anyway you look at it, but I think the true measure of the greatness of the article lies just above the print- in crazy funtime japanese ad land.”

Have you seen the website Engrish.com?

Check it out.

8-)

By The Artist Formerly Known as Too Hot For Teacher

January 26, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

One last movie I meant to throw out there - The Terror of Tiny Town. Everybody should watch it. It was made in the 30s or 40s and it’s the funnies thing ever made. It is a western made up entirely of midgets (not sure what the PC term is - for that I apologize) riding Shetland ponies. Many of the actors had been munchkins in Oz…the best part is the movie is made to be serious and all of their guns are full sized.

I’m really excited about Spring Training - gonna try to head down there and catch a couple of games and a ride on the Tower of Terror. Good to hear you say that Chipper, McCann, and Diaz look to be in great shape. Hopefully that works out this year really well.

By nolie

January 26, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

When all is said and done, RocknRolla will be seen as better than Snatch and Lock, Stock. *Kirk8

I hope you’re kidding. It isn’t near as good. I was kinda disappointed, though it was definitely better than Revolver. . Not that it’s that big a deal but it is definitely rated lower on IMDB, so I don’t think you assessment is gonna sweep the nation. How about “In Bruges”?

By Wide Right

January 26, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this

In my opinion there is not a free agent outfielder available that is better than a platoon of Johnson/Diaz in leftfield. Brian Roberts is, therefore, the answer provided we dont have to give up too many prospects. Otherwise, Orlando is the best fit.

By Heath

January 26, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

Ready for a busy week of FA signings…if you had to guess DOB…who do you think the Braves end up signing? Dunn, Abreu and the like might be too much $$$…so, in the end, you think it will be Ohman, AJ, and see what happens in ST?

By Mr. Egger

January 26, 2009 10:27 PM | Link to this

“It’s about what the market will bear”

Sounds like he should have had Raising Arizona on that list too.

By Rahul

January 26, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves should go after Luke Scott. The Orioles are going to go with Markakis, Jones, and Pie I think, leaving him expendable. He would be the most productive player in our outfield currently, unless Schafer were to come in from the start of the season and just tear it up.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 26, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this

What about Kevin Millar?

I am hearing rumblings and though he is maybe more looked at as a 1st baseman, he has played a good bit of OF in his career.

One of the best clubhouse guys in baseball, (though not in the MLBPA because of starting his career as a replacement player during the strike) you can pretty much pencil in 20 something HRs, 80 something RBIs and .280 average. And only making 3.8 mil last season, and probably much less this season, could be a steal for 1 yr. Might be a good stop gap fit.

By kirkinga

January 26, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this

nolie, no I’m not kidding. I believe RocknRolla is Ritchie’s best work to date. I saw it last night and can’t wait to watch it again. I hope he gets to make the entire trilogy. Lock and Stock is rated only .6 bettet which is understandable as it is 11 years old.

If you read the comments on IMDB, you’ll find that I am simply agreeing with others, I’m not alone in my assessment. Many believe that after awhile as people rent the DVD, the movie’s popularity will grow a it wasn’t heavily promoted here in the U.S.

Revolver was disappointing, it lead you on as if it was a wild ride of a movie, but sadly it never delivered.

In Bruges I had to come back to several times, it’s slow going at the start, but is a very good movie and has great acting by all including Colin Farrell.

By brian

January 26, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this

what is there in Kansas besides Allen Field House???

Just kidding.

By kirkinga

January 26, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this

I think we need more power, I could really care less about the clutch factor.

Wow! Ok, no problem, we’ll just disagree on this point. Who is going to get a hit when it counts the most, not who is more likely to homer at some point. And with Dunn, it’s who is least likely to even make contact with runners on.But that’s what makes the blog interesting right?

I like clutch players. I don’t care what sport, give me the player who can make the plays when it counts the most. Clutch is Derek Jeter Manny Ramirez;it’s Tom Brady, Rice/Montana, Peyton Manning; and it’s Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson,Kobe Bryant etc…

Clutch is also Mark Lemke in the playoffs.

Clutch wins more games than power IMHO.

When the Braves get men on and fail to get them in and lose the game, you will say “gee we didn’t hit a homer with those guys on base”, I will say, “gee we needed a hit and couldn’t get the runner(s) in”.

By Random

January 26, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this

Jersey Girl: “I Just read a couple of notes in MLBTR, That … mention that the Rumors of the Braves get in Hudson was died down because concern on his Defense,Ahh, Defense? hello Hudson did not play in the off season,???????Hudson in one of the best defender second Baseman that i know, that comment not make any sense.”

Have you seen [this Baseball Prospectus article on Orlando Hudson]{http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8378} by Joe Sheehan from just last month?

It offers a different perspective that might help make that comment make some sense.

Here’re some excerpts:

“I do not consider Hudson to be an elite player, and while he has been a good one, I would be extremely wary of signing him for his age 31-33, or 31-34, seasons. He strikes me as a good example of the kind of middling player who falls off a cliff in his early thirties.

“A big part of Hudson’s value has been his defense. He ranked fifth among MLB second basemen in Plus/Minus in 2006, third in 2007, then slipped to 23rd last year. Hudson’s defensive statistics have always been strong, thanks in part to very strong numbers on balls in the air; balls that reflect, to some extent, discretion rather than range. In any case, the falloff by Hudson last year could be a one-year blip, or it could be a sign of decline, and it’s not easy to tell which without more information. That he’s 30 and a second baseman who’s had an assortment of physical ailments would lead you to believe that it’s not merely a fluke. Because so much of Hudson’s value has come from his defense, any loss of range or skill will take a chunk out of his value.

“Hudson is 31, not durable, and at his peak has been a good, not great, player. He plays a position that exacts a physical toll on all players, one that has already chipped away at his playing time over the years. Hudson’s defense took a turn for the worse last year, and while that’s not necessarily predictive, it’s something to worry about. Second base is a spot that you can generally patch fairly easily, as opposed to shortstop or catcher or the rotation, so it’s not the best use of resources. With any decline, Hudson, as a second baseman only, could go from a starting player to not worth a roster spot—think Luis Castillo.”

By richbrave

January 26, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this

Are we going to the mat with KOTCHMAN? I hope not. Give the dude what he wants and let’s see what he can do with a smile on his face instead of a frown or bitter taste in his mouth. Course, I don’t know the guy. ARB b-s may not faze him one way or the other.

By kirkinga

January 26, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this

Najeh, I didn’t know Millar played that much OF.His stats are primarily listed as a 1ST Baseman.

Seems like Diaz and Jones could give us .230 20 Hr’s and 72 rbi’s, but an interesting suggestion.

By GSU-Lee

January 26, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this

DOB, you have seen Boondock Saints, right? Just wanted to clarify after Ohman’s comment. Also, don’t know if you are much of a Will Ferrell guy, but Step Brothers is freaking hilarious. It might actually be funnier than Anchorman or Old School or any of his movies.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 11:47 PM | Link to this

Richbrave, what’s the deal with asking again about Kotchman and arbitration, second time in the past two or three days you’ve brought this up. Just curious, why the concern? Dude, it’s really not a big deal at all. There are dozens of players around baseball who swapped salary figures with their teams and haven’t come to agreements yet.

Whether the Braves sign Kotchman now or go to arb, he’s under contract. He’s playing for them in 2009.

You act as if a player is going to go out play poorly because he’s upset the team took him to arbitration. That wouldn’t make much sense now, would it? LIke he’s thinking, “I’ll show them — I’ll go out and play poorly, show them I’m worth what they said I was instead of what I say I’m worth…. Oh, wait. Nevermind.”

Keep in mind, this is probably not a guy the Braves are going to sign to a long-term contract (they’ve not said that; I’m speculating, what with Freeman on the way in a few years, etc.) So while he’s here, it would certainly help Kotchman’s cause for future free agency to put up the best numbers possible, not to mention it’ll help him in arbitration a year from now.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

Nolie: No, you shoulda got Sony. It’s better.

No, it’s not.

Is too.

No, it’s not.

Is too…

(Sorry, but that’s kinda how your comment came across. I’m sure my Sony Blu-ray will do just fine, my man. But thanks for the post-purchase advice.)

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee: No, I have not seen The Boondock Saints.

By MrNeutral

January 27, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this

BETAMAX

By N8

January 27, 2009 12:17 AM | Link to this

And I thought some of us on the blog, had some hard core musical “stances” when it comes to who we like or dislike. Check this dude out. LOL!

Billy Joel Rant

By Bubdylan

January 27, 2009 12:22 AM | Link to this

lol, mr neutral

By N8

January 27, 2009 12:24 AM | Link to this

DOB

“Regardless of whether the Braves sign him, you all should understand: If they do, he’d not be considered the bat they’ve been looking for in the outfield. He’d be signed to a low-salary deal and given a chance to show what he’s got this spring, not guaranteed of a job for the 2009 season.”

With all due respect (god I hope you’re right), you have to smirk a little bit when typing that, not?

I’m putting the over/under at about 15 games, before Andruw is batting cleanup, between Chipper and McCann and playing CF.

I’ve said all along, as a platoon guy in LF, maybe with Brandon Jones, or he could platoon with Schafer in CF, if a guy like Dunn or Nady is picked up, and batting NO HIGHER than 7th.

But I’ve got little fait that IF he makes the roster, he won’t be given Bobby’s “full trust” and thrust into the order (in a rally killing position).

Of course, he could completely turn his career around and DESERVE to be there. LOL!

I guess the only glimmer of hope that Bobby wouldn’t do this, is that he passed on Javy last spring (or was that two springs ago? Man that seems like a long time ago).

We shall see. Andruw can definitely help this team, if too much is not asked of him. But as soon as he is given the opportunity to be a main cog in the lineup, will be the day that he’ll hurt the team more than help it.

By Nelson S.

January 27, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this

Royals sign Greinke to 4 yr deal

Maybe now we can finally stop dreaming about him coming to ATL…

By Shawn G

January 27, 2009 12:37 AM | Link to this

You must see Boondock Saints this weekend. Willem Dafoe steals the movie as a cop with an “alternative lifestyle”.

By Depressed in NYC

January 27, 2009 12:38 AM | Link to this

Oh My Gosh!!! Do you think Boras and other “Phi Beta Kappas” might have been wrong about a Global Economic Meltdown not affecting Major League Baseball?? I mean, just because Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are about to implode, just because luxury suites will be considered taboo by corporations not wanting to rile up over 10% unemployed and just because these OWNERS finally got it that it might not be too good of an idea to be tossing around millions to utility infielders—-Well, so what?? The economy has no effect on MLB. Right?? Right?? David??

Idiots!!

By Bubdylan

January 27, 2009 12:47 AM | Link to this

N8, I made it through the guy’s rant until he claimed “Always a Woman” was a cop of “Just Like a Woman.” That’s a real stretch. Those songs feel pretty different, and really just ARE different. Okay, they’ve each got “woman” in the title and they each call up the “little girl” thing, but, geez, you could go through any weekly top 40 and find more “theft” than that. There are only so many things we like to hear sung about over and over again.

(of course, I’m not saying you were agreeing with this guy.)

By Bubdylan

January 27, 2009 12:53 AM | Link to this

waves at lou

By scottbravesfan

January 27, 2009 12:55 AM | Link to this

I”ve seen the Boondock Saints. Good movie. They actually sell shirts for that movie seen them online and in those Hot Topic stores that all the emo kids hang out at.

Braves need to sign Dunn or Hudson.

By brent a.

January 27, 2009 1:18 AM | Link to this

I think with the additions of Lowe, Kawakami, and the projection of Tommy Hanson being an Atlanta Brave by no later than mid-summer, most people had kind of forgotten about trying to acquire Mr. Greinke.

By nolie

January 27, 2009 1:23 AM | Link to this

Wow! Ok, no problem, we’ll just disagree on this point. Who is going to get a hit when it counts the most, not who is more likely to homer at some point. Kirk

not trying to disagree with you all night. Sure a clutch hit is great when it occurs, but most stats guys do not see it as a repeatable skill.It tends to vary a good deal from season to season, and the larger the sample size becomes the more it tends to regress to the mean of an entire career. One of the reasons that some are not more enamored of the two 100+ RBI seasons of Frenchy when he hit better during clutch at bats, because they don’t believe that he can keep repeating that every year. as bad as he was last season, he was even worse in clutch at bats. BTW, I still don’t think RnR is as good. LOL.

By nolie

January 27, 2009 1:29 AM | Link to this

DOB is not!

By Yars

January 27, 2009 1:54 AM | Link to this

I say let’s go for broke. Invite Andruw to spring training & see what he does. Throw an offer at Dunn & if that falls through, see what the Bronx Bombers want for Nady or Swisher. I think our only flaw at the moment is our OF. There’s just no telling how it’s gonna pan out! I just can’t believe all this 2B talk. Ain’t nothing wrong with KJ’s offense or defense. If the Braves front office really doesn’t think he can hack it @ 2B, then perhaps another team thinks he can. I truly believe KJ is going to put up .280/18-20/75 type numbers with decent defense. Bobby just needs to find a permanent spot for him in the lineup & keep him there. I’d like to see him either in the #2 or #5 hole. Signing O. Hudson wouldn’t be much of an upgrade. I want to think that our infield is set, the starting pitching is set, & hey, I love Glavine, but I hope he’s not serious about becoming a Nat. If Glavine is ready for April, throw him in the #5 slot. Whatever happens, I am stoked about this upcoming season. The Mets, Phils, & Fish don’t impress me. We’re gonna be contenders this season! I know I ain’t the only one counting the days until pitchers & catchers report. DOB….I want to thank you for all the news you give us. Your insight not only on our Braves team, but also on music, food, ect… is priceless. You just don’t know how much it is appreciated. Thank you.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 27, 2009 2:01 AM | Link to this

Like many DH types, Adam Dunn has what we call “old player skills”; they walk, they strikeout, they don’t hit for average, and when they do hit the ball it goes a very far. The theory produced by Bill James is that players with old player skills will age worse than those with “young player skills” (contact, speed, ect.). I have no idea how accurate that is, but I do know that a player’s peak is around 28 years old. Dunn’s defensive inadequacy’s are well documented.

Put all that aside, my gut is telling me that he has no chance of playing for the Braves in 2009 and I’ll explain why. Bobby Cox dislikes players who strike out an inordinate amount of the time. The previous nine seasons have seen just two Braves teams with more than two players who eclipsed the century mark in strike outs. 2006 and 2007.

2006: LaRoche, Giles, A.Jones and Francoeur hit the mark. Two of them didn’t play for the Braves in 2007.

2007 saw A.Jones, K.Johnson and Francoeur eclipsing one hundred whiffs. A. Jones played for the Dodgers the next season.

2008, Francoeur and K.Johnson again passed 100 K’s. Frenchy’s 2009 season and career with Atlanta is on the bubble.

Again, Cox and especially Terry Pendleton detest the strike out. I seriously doubt that Adam Dunn’s DH skill set is a probable match for the defensive minded Braves coaching staff. For all you good folk’s who love the HR, too many Chiefs and not enough Indians won’t get the job done.

By Eric from MO

January 27, 2009 2:07 AM | Link to this

Brent A. where would we pitch Greinke? That is dumb. We have no room in our rotation for him. We need offense, not starting pitching.

By kirkinga

January 27, 2009 2:14 AM | Link to this

“Sure a clutch hit is great when it occurs, but most stats guys do not see it as a repeatable skill.”

nolie, I’m not sure what most stat guys is relevant. I’m not even sure what “repeatable skill” really means to be honest with you.

But I do know that some players are able to get a hit with runners on base more often than other players in the same situation.That sounds like they repeat to me, but apparently not so with stat guys…lol?

I believe the Braves, a team that does a good job of getting men on base, would be well served by adding players who have shown they can get a hit with men on base, more than they would be helped by adding players who hit homers, but find making contact with men on base difficult. That too seems like some repeated, but I dunno.

As far as RocknRolla, I’m not saying it’s The Godfather, just that it’s Ritchie’s best work. I mean as goofy as Pitt’s character was in Snatch, Johnny Quid in Rocknrolla is incomparable. And the Russians are great too. Like I said, I hope he is able to complete the Rocknrolla trilogy as he clearly left some key questions unanswered in the ending.

By kirkinga

January 27, 2009 2:18 AM | Link to this

Coach, good point, I didn’t think about that but it does make sense. If they bring Andruw back I would say that lessens the chance they sign Dunn.

Cox has made statements about the need to cut down on strikeouts and the Braves did lower their k’s last season.

By Eric from MO

January 27, 2009 2:21 AM | Link to this

Efrim,”The Braves were 10th in slugging in the NL. That’s not good… I think we need more power, I could really care less about the clutch factor.”

Yeah, who cares if someone drives runs in when we need them. As long as they hit a bunch of meaningless solo homeruns that make our stats look a little better who cares.

By Mike S

January 27, 2009 2:21 AM | Link to this

N8, and others worrying about Andruw being thrust back into the cleanup role if re-signed, don’t forget that Bobby batted him almost exclusively in the 7 hole against RH’s and in the 6th spot vs LH’s the last two months of 2007. Granted we did have Tex then, but still: the only way Andruw makes his way back into the heart of the order is if he proves in ST and early on in the season that he can produce runs. I’m confident that will be from the bottom of the order until he proves he’s back [although I’ve thought all along that he (and Adam Laroche) are not cleanup hitters, but rather ideal number 6 hitters in a lineup].

By Eric from MO

January 27, 2009 2:30 AM | Link to this

I hate Dunn…that said if he only cost 5 mil then maybe sign him. Give him 2 years 10 mil. By 2011 Heyward should be ready.

By nolie

January 27, 2009 3:13 AM | Link to this

2008, Francoeur and K.Johnson again passed 100 K’s. Frenchy’s 2009 season and career with Atlanta is on the bubble Coach

yeah that did them a world of good didn’t it? Fewer Ks but the worst offense in years. The two are not all that related. Lot’s of teams with high K totals score lots of runs. Frenchy’s career is not in tatters from the number of his strike outs.

By N8

January 27, 2009 3:19 AM | Link to this

Bubdylan

“There are only so many things we like to hear sung about over and over again.”

Add to that, there are only 12 notes to be played. So the song that actually is new and refreshing, is never really as new and refreshing as it might appear to be.

And no, I wasn’t agreeing with him. In general, I appreciate Billy Joel. My mom was a big fan and listened to him a bunch, so I grew up with it playing all the time.

Just thought the guy’s rant was over the top, yet funny. Not unlike some of the musical rants on here. He just seemed to put WAY too much effort and time into determining WHY he didn’t like Billy Joel. Me? If I don’t like it, I turn it off. LOL!

Mike S.

I totally agree. But you are right on the Tex part. I know Bobby would like to seperate Chipper and McCann (and preferably not have McCann hitting cleanup).

So unless we seemingly find another RH hitter to go between them (or if Jeff decides to reach his potential), IF Andruw is on the roster, I’m gonna find it hard to believe that Bobby won’t resist the temptation to put him there.

In a perfect world, we find a RH cleanup hitter, and IF Andruw makes the roster, he’s hitting 7th or 8th, regardless of what defensive position he’s playing, or whether he’s in a platoon or not.

We shall soon see, huh?

Of course, they have to actually sign him before we can all continue this speculation and arguing (all in good fun), for real.

Anyhow, off to watch Reservoir Dogs. Gonna make it an all nighter.

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 3:21 AM | Link to this

y’all can make fun of modern stat approach, but there is a whole new generation of fans growing up with a large percentage of them believers. and the next generation will have even more. pretty soon the old argument between pro and con will be no more than a footnote in their history. Y’all’s approach will eventually just fade away into obscurity. LOL.

By Dylan w/o the dead

January 27, 2009 3:23 AM | Link to this

5 best sports movies- bull durham,caddyshack, the wrestler,on the waterfront,62*

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 27, 2009 3:46 AM | Link to this

Eric, sarcasm aside. Did you know that the 2008 Arizona Diamondbacks were 60-58 when Adam Dunn joined them? They finished 82-80.

Adam Dunn hit .233 with 32 HR’s and 74 RBI in 114 games for the Reds in 2008. His OPS was .901 while primarily hitting in the five hole for Dusty Baker.

Adam Dunn hit .243 with 8 HR’s and 26 RBI in 44 games for the Diamondbacks. His OPS was .889 while batting in the cleanup spot for Bob Melvin.

Coincidentally, the Cincinnati Reds had one winning season during the eight season’s that Adam Dunn was with them, finishing 82-80 in 2006. It’s strange but true stuff.

By kirkinga

January 27, 2009 3:48 AM | Link to this

FadeAway, no one is making fun of the so-called “modern approach”, but the things that make the most sense will be those that stand the test of time.

It’s not as if there weren’t any statisticians before contemporary times.It’s great to have information, but with the understanding that it’s impossible to reduce this game to a single set of equations that will lead to a number that tells us all we need to know in order to evaluate players.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 27, 2009 3:59 AM | Link to this

One more thing and I’ll shut the hell up. The Braves are going after a right handed cleanup bat. Dunn bats lefty, Nady swings it from the right side and Swisher is a switch hitter. I prefer Nady as Swisher and his anemic .244 career BA (.219 BA in 2008) will hardly be capable of hitting in the four hole.

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 4:28 AM | Link to this

The new stuff has a higher correlation with winning and that is what will stand the test of time. There is a much higher correlation between team OBP for instance than there is between winning and home runs or stolen bases. That’s why they were developed in the first place. Things will keep evolving. we’ll all be dinosaurs some day. LOL

By Mike S

January 27, 2009 4:31 AM | Link to this

Coach, why don’t you normally blog like the way you have tonight? Good stuff.

Stick to that instead of the normal drivel and name calling and this blog is a much better place.

By ncscoots

January 27, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

Add a new movie to the list: “FadeAway Discovers OBP”. LOL

He may be right that a new generation of fans will be more conversant with VORP and Win Shares and other statistical methods of evaluation, and no one will care about the three stats anymore. “Dinosaurs” such as nolie and I and others here are kinda in the middle there, I think. Those of us who cut our teeth on newspaper box scores can still see the relevance of OBP, amazingly.

But, the large (large in the number theory sense) quantity of variables at play in deciding success and failure in a baseball game tend to diminish the importance of any small set of measures of that success or failure. It’s not that OBP, OPS, park-adjusted numbers, etc., etc., lack informative value, but that some spout them as mantras and dogma. When something such as OBP alone is given as a reason for a player’s or team’s value, I know that there has to more to the story. That alone is not enough to sway me. I need more data, and, for me, the three stats are still important points.

Maybe I’ll change my screen name to T. Rex…

By Aaron

January 27, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

Boondock Saints is a terriffic movie. They are making a second one.

DOB, why no interest in Jeremy Hermedia? He is an Atlanta kid who I think would blossom in this enviornment.

By Threadkiller

January 27, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

Coach; I do not know the answer but, who did Adam Dunn have around him on the Reds & Dbacks teams? Just imagine yourself as a pitcher coming out to start an inning and the first 3 hitters are: Chipper, Dunn, McCann ! That to me is a potent 3-4-5!!

By getnathan

January 27, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this

They can’t carry Gonzalez AND Ohman AND Logan AND O’Flaherty. Logan or O’Flaherty will be the odd man out if Ohman signs.

When Moylan comes back, I think Braves bullpen will be one of the best in the league.

By getnathan

January 27, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this

TOMAS - I think Boyer will be dealt if Acosta outpitches him. The bullpen to start the season (from closer-setup 1-setup 2 on down) will be Gonzalez-Bennett-Soriano-Acosta-Logan-Carlyle-Campillo (if Cox decides to carry 13 pitchers)

By DAP

January 27, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

Logan or O’Flaherty will be the odd man out if Ohman signs.

maybe both of them.

coach

i think if the braves get nady or swisher, they should bat them 5th, not 4th. neither one of them are ideal cleanup hitters, to me.

By Efrim

January 27, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

kirkinga

“I like clutch players. I don’t care what sport, give me the player who can make the plays when it counts the most. Clutch is Derek Jeter Manny Ramirez;it’s Tom Brady, Rice/Montana, Peyton Manning; and it’s Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson,Kobe Bryant etc…”

Weren’t those guys good, like, all the time? Regardless of the situation?

“Clutch wins more games than power IMHO.”

I quit.

nolie

“not trying to disagree with you all night. Sure a clutch hit is great when it occurs, but most stats guys do not see it as a repeatable skill.It tends to vary a good deal from season to season, and the larger the sample size becomes the more it tends to regress to the mean of an entire career. One of the reasons that some are not more enamored of the two 100+ RBI seasons of Frenchy when he hit better during clutch at bats, because they don’t believe that he can keep repeating that every year. as bad as he was last season, he was even worse in clutch at bats. BTW, I still don’t think RnR is as good. LOL.”

Thank you.

By rubbertoe

January 27, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’d def recommend boondock saints, good movie. Also I’m not sure if you’re a fan, you seem to have a good spread when it comes to music, but ben folds is gonna be at the tabrenacle (the best concert venue in atl imo) at the end of february. He’s got way more great songs outside of “brick” and “landed” and puts on a great live show. Def worth checkin out. Anyhow, If the bravos can afford it I say go for abreu if he’s not going to command a ton of money, gets on base and has power.

By JC

January 27, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this

Lets get more REK!

By Efrim

January 27, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

Why are we blaming the Reds win/loss record on Adam Dunn? I don’t think that’s fair. Shouldn’t we look at their entire roster during that time? Are we always going to blame the clean up hitter when the pitcher on the mound(his teammate) can’t keep their ERA under five?

And I don’t think OBP is the holy grail, but it’s damn important…..

By theclipper

January 27, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this

Some thoughts… I never see a suggestion of Infante at second and KJ or KJ/Diaz platoon in LF. OI played well wherever Cox put him, and if I recall was good in clutch. Or signing Hudson, too, would make this the best defensive infield in N.L. In ‘91 it was pitching (which we seem to have enhanced greatly, barring injury) plus intro of solid, if not spectacular players (Pendleton, Bream, Belliard, Lemke, Olson, L. Smith, Nixon) that started the winning ways. Good fundamentals, solid tem.

By Efrim

January 27, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

DAP

“i think if the braves get nady or swisher, they should bat them 5th, not 4th. neither one of them are ideal cleanup hitters, to me.”

If they got Nady, I’d bat him cleanup against LHP and lower in the order against RHP.

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this

DOB

“SONY BLU-RAY”, name dropper !

By BBFCFM

January 27, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

Random

That was a good call on Engrish; I have a new brog to rite on now

And someone mentioned last night or this morning about Swisher making more money than Dunn. I saw that too, with Swisher set to make 8+ over the next 3 years I think. With people saying Dunn might not make more than 5 a year….Why do we want Swisher again?

Estimated costs:

Swisher: 8mil+ 3 years contract Prospects in trade Francine like could block a prospect or better acquisition- while good, likely replaceable defense (or replaceable defense with superior offense) unable to unload after another abysmal year- could eat contract

Dunn: 5mil+ 1-3 years contract A draft pick (i think) Ryan howard like could block a prospect- but likely irreplaceable offense (but replaceable defense) will likely be tradable even after a bad year based on rep (see Andruw- he wasnt traded, but thought highly enough of to get a ridiculous contract)

I Dunno. sounds like a Dunn deal to me.

By Lew

January 27, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this

Scoots (or is that T Rex?)-I agree wholeheartedly with your 6:23 post. OBP just ain’t all there is.

By Lew

January 27, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

Efrim-I’ll take that Montana/Rice platoon in left.

By Lew

January 27, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

If Kelly Johnson goes to left (which I’m not seeing), I’m doubting they will platoon him-he hits LH pitching quite well, eliminating any need for a platoon.

Time to give up on the acquire a new 2B mentality. It won’t happen. We need a left fielder with some pop in his bat. Re -working the infield to get KJ in left is plain stupid. It doesn’t fill the need we have and why would we want a player in left who had to re-learn the position (that he didn’t play much anyway)? Wouldn’t Dunn make more sense in this scenario?

By Efrim

January 27, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

Lew

“Efrim-I’ll take that Montana/Rice platoon in left.”

Made me laugh. I’ll take that as well. I’m actually a Niner fan.

By Dadgum

January 27, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this

Denizens….apologize for the 40 item post from yesterday. Not the right forum for that however well intended.

Still some talk about a big LF bat although I feel the Braves will wait to see what shakes out in Dark Star. Definitely nothing urgent there as they have several options already on the team.

I am not a big fan of adding an Abreu or Dunn as I have said numerous times in the past blogs. As for Dunn, why pay 5-6 mil for a guy that is very subpar defensively, hits poorly for avg., and has never it appears makes any team he plays for better.

Sure he has big lumber but KJ in LF could pull in 20-25 homers if removed from the intense work at a 2nd base. Put Prado at 2nd and you instantly have a better team than last year without spending the 5-6 mil. Time to insert youth and maybe even Diaz will come around. This team has enough options (if they pan out in ST). We’ll see.

Rock on…..best sports change-the shot clock in college basketball. Worst sports change-the DH in baseball.

By Efrim

January 27, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Ken Rosenthal has a new article up:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9138948/Dodgers-still-look-like-best-fit-for-Manny

He says some of the prominent free agents out there may end up taking one year contracts and going back to the free agent market next year.

Imagine getting Dunn on a one year deal for 8-10 million, not having to give up any picks, and then at season’s end when he signs with another team, collecting two draft picks for him. For a team that wants to compete in 2009, not weaken the farm, this seems like it makes too much sense. You actually end up strengthening the system after he leaves.

By Dadgum

January 27, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Lew, I agree. No platoon in LF as it is counterproductive in the long run. If a player isn’t working there someone else needs to play. Not sure the Braves want to play Prado at 2nd and lose his utility man status off the bench but if I was managing the Braves I would go into ST with the thought of KJ playing LF and Prado playing 2nd. I just would until they proved otherwise.

Also I would look hard at putting a Blanco or Anderson there as well. But under no circumstances would I bring in a suspect player in Dunn until mid-season once all my other options have proven not to be working. With the talent we have in the pipeline I am very reluctant to throw 5-6 mil at Adam Dunn or anyone else for that matter. It appears the Braves are thinking somewhat along those lines for the moment but I guess that could change tomorrow.

Rock on………

By GSU-Lee

January 27, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

DOB, you must see The Boondock Saints. It is a fantastic movie and the kind of movie you would like. If I were to do a top ten movie list it would be in their, maybe even top 5. Seriously, take the time one day to watch it. Also, did you ever get around to Appaloosa? I am gonna get on that today

By Bubba

January 27, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

Gents; Just a warning, since not much seems to be going on here. If your wife or girlfriend ever brings “Mama Mia” home, RUN. Run fas’ you can, thru a window if necessary. Unless your idea of a good time is listening to three teenage girls squealing, watching three more ageless bimbos recall the seventies as though they had actually participated in them, wondering how anybody ever thought Pierce Brosnan might be able to sing, all the while being bombarded by in your face ABBA, as I say, RUN YO A** outa there.

But she’ll love it. And want to se it again.

By GSU-Lee

January 27, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

Dylon w/o the dead, I like your best sports movie list, but didn’t you mean 61*? The Billy Crystal movie? Barry Pepper is great in that.

My best sports movies- Caddyshack, Bull Durham, The Natural, Miracle, Cinderella Man

By DAP

January 27, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

dadgum

why do you consider adam dunn a suspect player? he is very consistent and predictable.

By Butch Haynes

January 27, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this

I have some terrible news for everyone. I hate to break this to all of you, but I just learned that John Smoltz is no longer on the Braves and is now a member of the Red Sox! I am so angry! No, it’s worse than that. My faith in all that’s good and right is shattered. Life no longer has any meaning for me. How will I go on?!?!? Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrgggghhhhhllllmphttth!! Also, the Braves should sign Adam Dunn.

By Chris

January 27, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

Why not give Adam Dunn 2 or 3 years at 5 to 6 million plus incentives that could get it up to around 8 if he maxes them out. He could play LF for the 1st year or two and maybe move to 1B when heyward is ready? He is more versatile than Abreu and that power would be VERY welcome in between Chipper and McCann. I would rather give him that money than Ohman, as valuable as Ohman would be I’d rather have the offense. Thoughts?

By rotty

January 27, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

Dunn is the right move not the perfect move. You don’t get perfect moves very often and certainly teams with 100mm payrolls rarely see them MLB today.

Look at what the Braves picked up with 45mm to spend this off season. Good guys to very good in Lowe but not superstars.

Dunn will do what we need him to do - hit 40hr/100+RBIs in the 4 hole.

If the rumors are true re: price drops then there is no reason for Wren to play chicken much long with Dunn & an offer.

Just like in the stock market you buy at a value level to you not try to set the low price for the market.

If Wren wants to buy at the absolute bottom he may come back with nothing and be force to trade prospects for Swisher who IMHO is terrible and a complete waste of prospects.

Even Nady makes little sense b/c the Braves need a LF for two years not one. 19-20yo Heyward is not going to be your 2010 opening day clean up hitter. Great kid but totally unrealistic notion.

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

DOB-since your a KU fan, maybe you’ll enjoy this video I saw…..or maybe not. LOL The bigger question is will KU ever live this down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0N1uXaaWjA

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this

Lew: I agree with you on KJ in left. If he goes there, no platoon. And I, like you, don’t see him moving to LF at this late stage of the offseason. Moving for Furcal, and doing it a month or more ago, is one thing. Doing it now for anything less than Brian Roberts is quite another. And I can’t see Roberts trade happening now.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this

rubbertoe: I’ve got a bunch of Ben Folds CDs, including his latest one. That said, I’m otherwise occupied at end of February. Something going on down in Central Florida….

By 6-4-3

January 27, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

I’m starting to prefer the idea of going after Abreu over the other options available. Not quite the power guy we need but he’s a very professional hitter. He gets on base a lot and is actually a pretty clutch hitter. He also takes a lot of pitches and works the count. Combine him with Chipper’s plate selection and we could be working into the opposing teams bullpen earlier in most games.

I think Abreu is a pretty good fit. Lack of true power and a left handed bat are the drawbacks but if his price comes down I think he’d help this team a lot.

By Reality

January 27, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

Fadeaway (3:21 AM); and thank God for that. I’m sick of supposedly knowledgeable baseball fans using absolutely stupid arguments involving dumb junk like batting average, RBIs and strikeouts to determine if a hitter is good.

Francoeur’s RBIs did not make him good in 2006 or 2007.

Dunn’s strikeouts don’t make him a bad hitter.

Anyone arguing this, essentially saying Francoeur is better than Dunn, is what is called a ‘moron.’

By bobby

January 27, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

What is the love affair with Andruw? For over 2 years he couldn’t have made any AA team with the way he played.

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

“Y’all’s approach will eventually just fade away into obscurity. LOL.”

No, it won’t, because there is value in batting average, stolen bases, et al. The objective is just to find what exactly that value is. Like Efrim said, OBP ain’t the be all and end all, but it is damn important.

kirkinga:

Clutch plays exist, clutch players do not. Given a large enough sample size, all players will be pretty close to their career numbers in “clutch” situations.

Heck, y’all already know what I think I don’t even know why I’m posting this.

By TheManMike

January 27, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Glad to hear Diaz, McCann and Chip are in the possibly best shape of their careers. Boy knows we need it. I have always liked Diaz, he used to be the crunch hitter you WANTED at the plate. Lets hope he returns to full stride +.

Im excited to venture down to Dark Star this year to check out some of the new and young faces - Hanson and Heyward are my personal favs to watch for, and of course our new Kamakazie and LoweLowe. Exciting stuff…

Hope Andruw battles back and regains his past - let Scheffer chill a while or even as backup if Frenchy cant make it happen, which i hope he can.

Movies:

Now, having lost credibility, obviously, with my lack of love for The GodFather, i must say The Boondock Saints, Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels are straight up kick arse flicks. Boondock Saints really makes me want to throw a toilet off a roof onto the head of a loser and Snatch really makes me “like dags..” “Doya like dags?”

Oh and i cannot, CANNOT forget the scene when the Pigs are explained - i never knew pigs could slip thru bone like butter…ha, whoda thunk it?

GREATNESS!

This is a great, all around MANs blog. Good job D.O.B. - even though we cannot agree on TGF. sorry.

But, we obviously share a love for the Dude, as this movie really makes me want to drown in a pool of White Russians and Maude…..bunny too….If i can find that DAMN cash machine!

Viva Los Bravos!

By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)

January 27, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this

DOB:

What do you know about Japanese amateur Yoshinori Yamarin? Read in MLBTRADERUMORS that the Braves signed him for a minor league deal.

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

And for the record, I’d be fine with offering Dunn a 1-year deal worth 8-10MM, if it fits the budget. If it’s a 2 or three year deal, I’d like to see the annual value in the 6-7MM range. I know that that’s probably not feasible, but hey, I’m just some guy blogging, right?

Dunn does have a lot to offer this club, like power, which we sorely, sorely lack. Plus, I’m a sucker for a good OBP :). Eh, and 40 homers next season can’t hurt either, especially with Chipper on base about 40% of the time ahead of him (that’s not including KJ and/or Yuney, who should post robust OBPs too)

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this

That’s gotta be 2 1/2 minutes of quality entertainment for KU fans surely. And for non-KU fans here on a slow, foggy morning in Mid-GA.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this

Clutch plays exist, clutch players do not. Given a large enough sample size, all players will be pretty close to their career numbers in “clutch” situations.Steve from OH

Wrong. But you’re entrenched in your belief on it, so I won’t bother.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this

dylan w/o the dead: No Slap Shot on your all-time sports movies? No Hoosiers? No Rocky? No Raging Bull?

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

Y’all’s approach will eventually just fade away into obscurity. LOL.FadeAway

So will ending blog comments with LOL.

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this

Meant to ask how will KU Men’s basketball live that video down. The girl’s volleyball team was worth watching.

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

“Wrong. But you’re entrenched in your belief on it, so I won’t bother.”

Far from it. Hey man, I’m always happy to accept I’m wrong and I’ll gladly change my opinion if you’ve got info that supports your opinion that I’m not aware of. I’m not that unreasonable, dude.

By albert

January 27, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Heyward is not the “left fielder in waiting”- he is a prototypical right fielder and will probably push Francoeur to left or out of Atlanta - maybe sooner than many believe. Remember Andruw debuted in Atlanta at 19, Furcal was 19 or 20 (or maybe 22). Heyward may move just as fast.

By theclipper

January 27, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

All due respect DOB, you know these guys egos better than the rest of us. Hudson’s glove wouldn’t be worth KJ moving to LF? Making the infield Gold Glove quality isn’t stupid, my friend Lew. Move to left should be workable for KJ, or most anyone for that matter. BTW, if he ends up in LF, fact he hits lefties well may not matter to Cox, with Matty back. His managing mostly goes by the book whether or not a LH hitter hits LHP well. Could do a lot worse than Diaz and/or Johnson in left.

By dmack

January 27, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

Can someone please explain what the Brave see in Nick Swisher. For the sake of argument, lets compare him to Adam Dunn.

The averages are similar. Dunn hits more home runs, and drives in more runs. Dunn is also more durable.

Yes, Dunn might be a little more expensive, but I truly hope that Swisher is not the alternative.

For what it is worth, if I were the Giants, I would go balls to the wall for Manny. It keeps him out of LA. Plus, with that pitching staff the Giants have assembled, they need to start adding some offensive pieces. With Manny, they could win that division.

By Anders

January 27, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

Efrim

Regarding your 10:21 post, you skipped the part where Dunn is playing LF like your uncle at the family picnic and then striking out in a big spot while Bobby Cox unfolds his arms takes off his hat and scratches the top of his head while they go to commercial.

The stuff you wrote could all come true, but there’s gonna be a price to pay for that.

BTW- Pettitte signing the deal he did with the Yanks is a shot over the bow for the rest of the guys still out there. What a deal for the Yanks! I have no idea what will happen with Oliver Perez. Who can read what’s left of this market?

By theclipper

January 27, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

Also, I think Wren is wise to wait re Dunn, Abreu, et al. Type A free agents can cost a potentially valuable draft pick. And after so many memories of Andruw’s K’s in the clutch, Dunn?…Ugh

By 18 Wheels of Love

January 27, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

Fadeaway must text with Doc Gooden.

By Random

January 27, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this

Lew —

Chase Utley says his rehab from hip surgery is on schedule, and the Philadelphia Phillies second baseman expects to be ready by opening day.

By The Record

January 27, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

And for the record, I’d be fine with offering Dunn a 1-year deal worth 8-10MM, if it fits the budget. Steve from OH

Thanks, man.

By No More Morans

January 27, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this

Ugh, please tell me theclipper’s 11:28 post was a joke. Strikeouts again?

Also; Dunn was not offered arbitration. There is no loss of draft pick with him. And if there were, waiting wouldn’t make it go away AND the Braves’ seventh overall pick is protected so they’d only be losing their third round pick signing Dunn (second round pick gone with the Lowe signing.) But that is all moot since signing Dunn won’t cost a pick because he was not offered arbitration by the poor Diamondbacks.

By ncscoots

January 27, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this

Steve-OH, isn’t Dunn pretty puny against LH, though? If it turns into a Dunn/Diaz platoon in LF, does that really address the need? The Braves last year hit just as well lefty-on-lefty as they did righty-on-lefty, and that shouldn’t be. Oughta be a discrepancy in favor of the latter.

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

“Thanks, man.” The Record.

Anytime. Let me know if you need anything else, glad to help.

By Jim H.

January 27, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

I think anyone that uses LOL, smiley faces, etc., in their text should be locked in an 8’x8’ room for about four days with John Rocker, Rosie O’Donnell, Barry Bonds, and that guy that screams at you on all those TV commercials (I think his name might be Billy Mays….I always hit mute as soon as he comes on).

By Threadkiller

January 27, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

If i’m reading the Baseball Reference Stats correctly, Adam Dunn made 11 errors last season while playing 3 different positions LF, RF & 1B! Yunel Escobar made 16 Errors while missing quite a bit of time! How many of those errors cost runs? How many more runs does Dunn generate being in the line up??

By dmack

January 27, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this

Dunn will not cost a draft pick.

By ncscoots

January 27, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this

—Move to left should be workable for KJ, or most anyone for that matter.—

Yes, in the world of XBox baseball, players can switch positions on the fly, no sweat. Heck, ANYBODY can play LF or 1B, right? As long as they are athletic and are smarter than a stump?

Geez, it’s not enough that folks here want to trade the guy for just about anybody with a pulse, but some want to move him to a new position and replace him with just about anybody who owns a 2B glove. You get guys here bewailing his lack of ability and advocating the trade of him for Matt Cain, all in the same breath.

How ‘bout just letting the kid play and produce, rather than thinking of him as a badminton shuttlecock? Anybody got that in their 2009 scenarios?

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this

BlawgDawg, I think the fellas will be able live that down, given that it was all benchwarmers doing the video. But it was actually kinda funny, I thought.

Anyway, here’s one you might enjoy, though the video reproduction’s a bit grainy as it was taken by a fan shooting it off the scoreboard video at Allen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xT_dB5hbeE&feature=related

By Rufio

January 27, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

Good call Bubba. Guess we cant all be blessed with a wife that turned that movie off half way through cause it was “unwatchable” in her opinion, haha. I mean, she does love Boondock Saints, so that makes her a keeper in my book.

Speaking of keepers, has anyone seen the movie, “Green Street Houligans”… now that is an awesome movie.

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

Best Sports Movies

1. Once Were Kings

2. The movie with Jimmy Stewart playing the one leg pitcher (cannot for the life of me remember the name)

3. Caddyshack

4. Love of the Game

5. Bull Durham

By GSU-Lee

January 27, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

Jim H, Billy Mays is correct…have you seen the ESPN Billy mays commercials? HIlarious

By ncscoots

January 27, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

—I always hit mute as soon as he comes on—

As do some bloggers with some other bloggers’ comments.

By propp

January 27, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

how about Dodgeball as a sports comedy

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this

scoots, here’s Dunn’s career splits vs. LHP:

.235/.359/.474, .833 OPS.

By William

January 27, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

Dear Mrs. Ohman:

Please don’t let Will go anywhere else. We got him some inning eaters in the FA market and our bats are gonna sing this year. Being incredibly intelligent, you should know, I have placed the Iocaine in the cup in front of you……

Will Two or Too.

By Billy Mays

January 27, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Hi, Billy Mays here for David O’Brien’s blog. Whether it’s baseball, movies or music; this blog has it all. Doesn’t matter if you live in the south, north, east or west, this blog never rests. On this ever-growing blog, you can talk with other opinionated fans, see an occasional post from a Braves’ player or even have the honor of having your post ripped to shreds by the President of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA).

Post now and I’ll throw in a free one-week trial of the print edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Atlanta’s largest newspaper, absolutely free, you just pay separate shipping and handling.

You get it all. Here’s how to post.

By Scott

January 27, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this

Hearing reports that Dunn may think about a one-year deal, with the market so dry. That way he could re-enter next year with a better situation, perhaps. If so that would be a perfect for the Braves in LF. Let him play this year and hopefully Heyward is ready to rock n roll next year. If not you can bid with the rest of them on Dunn again for 2010.

By DAP

January 27, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

dmack

swisher is dunn, but just a little less. swisher is better than the bad thing about dunn, and worse than the good things. slightly better batting average, a good bit less power, way better defense, a little less OBP, strikes out a little less often…a “poor man’s dunn” in almost every way.

the thing about swisher is that he is versatile defensively, he can play all three outfield spots, and 1st. dunn cant play any position well. he also has very good power (though not overwhelming like dunn) and is a switch hitter, which is valuable.

im not not saying swisher is better…i honestly would be happy if the braves get any of nady, swisher, dunn, abreu…i thinl any of them would improve this team. swisher is a nice player. id love to have him.

theclipper i dont think dunn or abreu will cost a draft pick since they didnt get offered arbitration.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

dogsbrekky: good call on When We Were Kings (I’m assuming that’s what you meant by Once Were Kings, right? The Ali-Foreman movie? Great movie.)

By Anders

January 27, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

Sports Movies

How about “Rudy”? Classic David vs. Goliath tale set in America’s most historic college and it’s true. Plus they didn’t doll the whole thing up with some plastic actors (i.e. Benn Affleck as Rudy)and fake looking sets. Had a real middle America feel to it.

And if you don’t get goosebumps at the end, well then you’re not alive.

Honorable mention - I’m not even sure this movie was ever released into theaters or was just an HBO deal but how about “Miracle”? Defintely has an after school special feel to it, but Kurt Russell absolutely nailed the Herb Brooks part. When they beat the Ruskies and he looks up in the stands at his wife with that ” I can’t believe this actually happened and I have no idea what to feel or do right now” look without saying a word. Great acting.

Plus they actually scripted all the hockey scenes to mimmick exactly what happened on the ice in the atual games. It was painstaking but the director insisted on it. The action was real, not forced.

Anyway, that’s my two cents.

By Random

January 27, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Lengthy interview of John Smoltz on Sporting News Radio.

May be old, but it was new to me.

By Arkansas Braves Fan

January 27, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t like the idea of signing a 2nd basemen and moving KJ to left. I don’t care if you get a leadoff guy in Roberts. You still have a glaring need for a run producer. The Braves would still only have two feared hitters in their lineup, that being Chipper if he’s healthy and McCann. McCann will need adequate rest. This is still a very weak lineup.Pitching is better, but the Braves lineup is nothing compared to the Phillies or Mets.

By Anders

January 27, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

Funny 12:07 post whoever constructed that.

By N8

January 27, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

*”So will ending blog comments with LOL.” DOB

LOL! How about starting a blog comment with it?

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

DOB

Yes, I meant, “When We Were Kings”, gutsy inspiring movie..

Think I got the title mixed up with “Once Were Warriors”, which if you have NOT seen it, is an excellent KIWI movie about the modern “Maori” culture….

By Scott

January 27, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this

Just thought about Bobby’s experiment with AJ at leadoff, WTF???

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

DOB Very nice counter. Yeah, I thought the Jayhawk Musical was funny too, just poking a little fun at you since when I saw it on SI.com you were the first one I thought about. And the Volleyball team was well worth two minutes out of a day anyway.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

Anders, I just watched Miracle again, and you’re right, it’s very good.

By BBFCFM

January 27, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

No Mighty Ducks anywhere? c’mon people…Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith…?

or “Sandlot”? that was epic when it came out. Great afternoon burner still. In fact, that might be my favorite sports movie when it’s all said and done.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this

Anyone hear the CD by Jesse Baylin, “Firesight,” that came out in 2008? I just got it, and it’s really good. Sort of jazzy/Americana feel to it, and I mean this: She’s as gorgeous as her voice is.

Beautiful blonde with a voice that’s sort of a cross between Rickie Lee Jones, Edie Brickell and Norah Jones, and she writes (or at least co-writes) her own songs. Will Kimbrough plays guitar on some songs, and Brett Dennen adds background vocals on at least one tune.

It was recorded in Nashville, and it’s on the Verve label….

OK, and as I type that, the CD ends and my multi-changer thing moves on to … Hank Williams as Luke The Drifter. Yes, now we’re immersed in hard country. God, this is good.

By BBFCFM

January 27, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this

dogsbrekky:

I went to NZ and stayed on a wwoof (willing workers on organic farms) and for some freakin reason they recommended me and my compadres watch it in the yoga room one night. Excellent and gripping it is. Sad and disturbing it also is. It’s quite scary, especially whne the Maori are all around you (well in a sense) and your just in some little hut in the NZ jungle….

By Scott

January 27, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this

If Jordan Schafer makes the team as the starting CF is he the leadoff man? That is one reason I don’t think AJ helps us much, we need a leadoff bat, and at this point it almost has to come from CF. Johnson needs to be hitting 7th or 8th, where he is much more productive.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 27, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this

Efrim , no one is blaming Adam Dunn on the Reds win/loss record. I was simply pointing out an odd statistical coincidence. Nothing more. But, you are mistaken in assuming that Dunn hit clean up for Dusty Baker, Jerry Narron, Bob Boone, Pete Mackanin or Ray Knight. Yea, all those managers !!!

2004 was the only season that Adam Dunn was primarily used to hit in the four hole and the Manager was Dave Miley. The other seven seasons saw Dunn hitting in the fifth hole for the majority of his games while in Cincinnati. The Diamondbacks manager (Bob Melvin) did use Dunn as his clean up hitter during the 44 games he played in Arizona last season.

The 2008 Diamondbacks were two games over .500 when Adam Dunn joined the team. 44 game later, they were two games over .500. Dunn had no impact on the Diamondbacks win/loss record.

It’s both interesting and revealing in that Adam Dunn led the Reds in HR’s and RBI from 2003 through 2008 and yet he wasn’t used as the primary clean up hitter? Anybody care to speculate as to why because this has me scratching my head.

By ChipperFan

January 27, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

Coach

You’re right that Bobby Cox is not a big fan of players who strike out a ton (what manager does?), but he is also aware that power hitters tend to strike out a lot. Is your argument that Bobby likes to play “small ball” with a bunch of high-OBP, hit-and-run, base-stealing speedsters? Because, if that’s what you think, then I have to say, you have not watched a single Braves game in the last 2 decades. We have never, EVER been a small ball team.

In fact, the opposite criticism has been made (in my opinion, correctly) of Cox time and time again: that he doesn’t play station-to-station enough, instead waiting for the 3-run homer that never comes.

So, while you may argue soundly that Adam Dunn would not help the Braves as much as a similar player who strikes out less and has a higher batting average, but hits far fewer home runs, you simply cannot argue that Bobby Cox would prefer that player. He’s in love with the 3-run HR and always has been and always will be.

All of that said, I’m really intrigued by Rosenthal’s take on the FA market at the moment…particularly the likelihood of Abreu or Dunn signing a 1-year deal (a 2-year deal would be good, too, just nothing longer than that). If that is indeed the case, then we should very seriously consider signing one of these players. This is a classic case of “buying low.”

As far as where they’d fit in the order, I think that’s pretty straightforward: Dunn would hit cleanup between Chipper and McCann, and Abreu would either cleanup, or bat 3rd, with Chipper switching to the cleanup role. Neither is particularly good defensively, but they’re both such incredible bargains right now, and they’d both be just stop-gaps anyway, that I don’t see that as an issue.

So, which one should we get? Abreu runs better, plays slightly better defense, and has a higher batting average; Dunn has a higher slugging and OBP % and hits about twice as many home runs. Their RBI totals are virtually identical. Pretty even, overall. Realizing that we need someone who hits left-handed pitchers well, I’d have to lean towards Abreu. Their career splits show that both hit right-handed pitchers far better than LH….but over the last few years, Abreu has shown dramatic improvement against LHP, while Dunn has actually regressed a bit.

BA vs. LHP: Abreu Dunn 2006: .293 .270 2007: .262 .239 2008: .315 .195

We need a masher in LF who can really hammer LHP; and while I would be elated with the signing of either of these guys, I’d probably prefer Abreu.

Of course, that’s just one man’s opinion. What do you say, Denizens?

By ChipperFan

January 27, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I forgot: Neither Dunn nor Abreu would cost any draft picks if signed. Neither of them was offered arbitration.

By propp

January 27, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

you’re killing me Smalls

By Lew

January 27, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

Random-That’s what he’s been saying for weeks, but every Doctor I’ve spoken to or heard talk about the injury swears he’s out until late June or after the All Star break. Who knows-maybe he’s a quick healer. We’ll just have to see how it all shakes out. I do know that people who try to come back from injuries too quickly tend to have relapses, though.

By BBFCFM

January 27, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

props to propp on that one

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

Not sure why everyone is saying DUNN is a bargain

The reason he HAS NOT SIGNED is he and his uber-agent still think he is worth $14 per year for 4 years….. the bid may be $5-7 per year and the seller is $14, kind of like Manhattan real estate at this time…. eventually one side will budge..

By mbatl

January 27, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this

“The 2008 Diamondbacks were two games over .500 when Adam Dunn joined the team. 44 game later, they were two games over .500. Dunn had no impact on the Diamondbacks win/loss record.”

Coach, one could say the same about the 2007 Braves and Mark Teixiera. Braves were 56-51 when they acquired Tex, and finished the year 84-78… played 1 game over .500 in 55 games with Tex. And Tex hit like a beast for that 2 months. Judging a player based on his team’s performance is just not a very reliable practice, IMO (okay to use IMO?, LOL).

By ncscoots

January 27, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this

—[Cox is] in love with the 3-run HR and always has been and always will be.—

And, amazingly, there’s probably a reason for that. As in winning ballgames.

By DAP

January 27, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

It’s both interesting and revealing in that Adam Dunn led the Reds in HR’s and RBI from 2003 through 2008 and yet he wasn’t used as the primary clean up hitter? Anybody care to speculate as to why because this has me scratching my head. coach

its probably because those reds teams had griffey batting 3rd, and the manager didnt want to to have lefties back to back in the middle of the order, so he split them up with a righty.

By Threadkiller

January 27, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

Coach” 3 Words why Dunn hit 5th in Cincy:

Ken Griffy Jr.

By DAP

January 27, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

DOB will we be able to get the italics fixed on the blog? its a useful formatting tool.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 27, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

Dear Chipperfan, check out the Braves stolen base totals from 1991 through 1994. A couple of fella’s by the names of Otis Nixon and Deion Sanders will tell a whole different story compared to the nonsense you just posted. Then there is this dude by the name of Rafael Furcal. Ring a bell?

If there is anybody in this blog who has never watched a single Braves game in the last two decades, IT’S YOU.

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

I just watched the new advertising agency show “Trust Me”. I did NOT like it….. very pretentious

By ChipperFan

January 27, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

Coach

So, because you can list 3 base-stealers out of the entire 20 years of Braves rosters in question, that proves that the Braves and Bobby Cox have played small-ball over that entire span of time? Gimme a break, dude. Cox is not that kind of manager, and everyone but you knows that. Never played small-ball, not even with Otis and Deion, and certainly not with Furcal.

I’m pretty sure your idiocy is appreciated by most on here (they seem to refer to you like a lovable loser or “dufus”, which you undoubtedly are), but I’m sick of it. If you insist on being grossly misinformed, at least think before posting. Either wise up, be reasonable and stop complaining about DOB, or go post on atlantabraves.com. Your whining would be welcome there. This blog is for folks who are Braves fans and who respect DOB and each other. Doesn’t seem like that’s you, Coach.

By Bobby's Cox

January 27, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Sounds like you have a pretty good rapport with Boras. That’s cool.

Also, Boondock Saints was a pretty good movie. Like how Ohman threw Dumb & Dumber on his list too. I’ve been reading all weekend with everyone’s lists, and it’s just too hard to come up with one of my own.

By 18 Wheels of Love

January 27, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

The Endless Summer…best sports movie.

By DAP

January 27, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this

chipperfan boy, youve got coach pegged. except for the “lovable” part.

By AZBravoFan

January 27, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this

While Dunn may not have had an impact on games won, he did do what the D-backs got him to do. When they made the trade, they were 20th in the majors in runs scored. At the end of the season they were 10th. He had a clear effect on the other D-backs hitters who started to adopt his patient approach at the plate. He didn’t have any control over the pitching staff running out of gas or Brandon Lyon having a 12 ERA in August, etc.

By mbatl

January 27, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

To me, the hands-down best sports movie is Hoosiers.

By Flamenco the Foot

January 27, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

Any Given Sunday is a personal favorite of mine.

By ChipperFan

January 27, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this

DAP

LOL!

By Graham

January 27, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

Chipperfan and Coach

“This is supposed to be a happy occasion! Let’s not bicker and argue over who killed who.”

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

I’m told that Don Sutton’s been released from his Nationals network contract and Rob Dibble hired to replace him as Nationals analyst.

I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before Braves have an announcement that Don’s coming back to Braves broadcast booth, though this time doing radio.

By DAP

January 27, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

graham “This is supposed to be a happy occasion! Let’s not bicker and argue over who killed who.”

God be praised!

By Kentavo

January 27, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout break the bank, go for broke and sign Abreu and Dunn and move Frenchy to CF, with Schaefer in the wings?

By Bobby's Cox

January 27, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this

Miracle’s gotta be one of the best sports movies. It’s very uplifting. They took one of the best sports stories of all time and made it into a very good flick.

Anyone see Lucky Number Slevin? Very good flick. Wouldn’t be on my top movie list, but it reminds me of a Boondock Saints in that few people have seen it and it was very good. Good cast too.

By Will

January 27, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

Even if braves, on paper, have one of the best pens in the NL we cant forget that Bobby Cox is still the manager and seems to make it his job to misuse the bullpen year in and year out.

By Thrillhouse44

January 27, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this

Good call on The Sandlot, Big Black Furry Creature. I’m going to throw Major League out there and if White Man Can’t Jump is considered a sports movie, I have to include it.

By Lee in S GA

January 27, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this

DOB - thanks for the update on Sutton. I know many don’t like or appreciate his announcing but I do.

By PiersonBrave

January 27, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

I just do not understand why people on this blog insist on including AJ in the opening day line-up. Until he proves that he is willing to change his approach at the plate, let alone signed to a contract, do not include him in the discussion. IMO he is washed-up. IF he shows some improvement in his approach to batting and gets signed then maybe he can platoon in the outfield. Notice I say outfield not CF. Go Braves. You Know Who, you out there? See ya at Dark Star.

By Harry

January 27, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Excellent news on Sutton. MASN has already announced that Dibble is his replacement. This is arguably the Braves’ biggest offseason acquisition.

By Schrodioski 3000

January 27, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Kentavo,

that would produce the worst defensive outfield in baseball.

All our pitchers would quit.

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

I am tired of the hatred for Bobby Cox, I love the guy………..

And if you want to see someone mismanage a bullpen and game tactics look at the great Joe Torre, he could ruin any reliever, bull pen and winnable game !

By Lee in S GA

January 27, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

If you consider jogging/running a sport as I certainly do there was a movie in 1985 called “On the Edge” with Bruce Dern. Highly entraining for runners and called a “thinking man’s Rocky” by some critics that is one of my all time favorites. It never really got the credit it deserve probably because of the sport itself.

By Anders

January 27, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this

Slow down guys, I hear the Yanks are talking with Sutton too. Apparently they’re not happy with Micheal Kay these days. He’s been very critical on his radio show.

By Anders

January 27, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout break the bank, go for broke and sign Abreu and Dunn and move Frenchy to CF, with Schaefer in the wings? -Kentavo

OK, I’ll bring the keg.

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

I forgot one of my all time faves on both the sporting and all time gr8 flicks

Anyone remember “Breaking Away” the cycling movie set in a small town Indiana (I think)…. a young Dennis Quaid is one of the supporting cast

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

I forgot one of my all time faves on both the sporting and all time gr8 flicks

Anyone remember “Breaking Away” the cycling movie set in a small town Indiana (I think)…. a young Dennis Quaid is one of the supporting cast

By Trent

January 27, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Had to jump in on the favorite sports movie discussion: 1. Hoosiers 2. Bull Durham 3. Bang the Drum Slowly 4. Raging Bull 5. Rocky 6. Cinderella Man 7. Million Dollar Baby 8. Pride of the Yankees 9. Miracle 10. Slap Shot

Honorable Mention: Any Given Sunday- There is something about Pachino’s speech at the end that gets me going.

By Inigo Montoya

January 27, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

Ah, the Princess Bride….such a great movie.

By Voice of Reason

January 27, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

The 2008 Diamondbacks were two games over .500 when Adam Dunn joined the team. 44 games later, they were two games over .500. Dunn had no impact on the Diamondbacks win/loss record.

I think it is a very relevant statement.

Judging a player based on his team’s performance is just not a very reliable practice

Perhaps, but seeing the effect he has on his team’s success is. If he doesn’t obviously improve your team, what’s the point?

One more thing. In 2008, he had 40 HR’s and only 100 RBI. Pitchers know his extreme patience, and give him nothing with guys on base. Don’t you want your middle of the order guys to drive in runs? He drew 122 walks and drove in only 100 runs. Who won the majority of those battles? He is a self-contained intentional walk. I want my 4-5-6 guys driving in runs, not just standing on first.

By Random

January 27, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this

DAP: “DOB will we be able to get the italics fixed on the blog? its a useful formatting tool.”

Yes, yes, yes — I second the motion.

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

January 27, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

If pool is considered a sport, then no movie with sports as a central theme comes even remotely close to “The Hustler” — none.

Minnesota Fats: “Shoot pool, Fast Eddie.”

Eddie: “I’m shootin’ pool, Fats. When I miss, then you can shoot.”

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

Kentavo Frenchy in CF and Dunn in LF huh….ummm, sure, if you want to set a record for most extra base hits given up in a season. Think thats about the worst idea written on here today, congrats.

By KC

January 27, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

Why aren’t the Braves planning to give Sutton any TV time??

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

Why don’t we move Chipper back to LF and……oh, heck, nevermind. Even that can’t top Kentavo for worst idea of the day.

By BBFCFM

January 27, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

Little Giants, ladybugs (with the late great Rodney D)….I might just put them in a top ten. There is something so ridiculously nostalgic about afternoon TBS movies that they can never be omitted, and are thus deemed instant classics.

also Skipatrol, skischool, and skischool 2 were popular on HBO and TBS around the same time. I don’t really remember them much as I was like 9 when Skipatrol came out- but I do remember loving to watch them. That, and they had hot girls and fullys. i don’t know if there is anything a 10 year old boy would like to see more than a fully at that age. Well, i speak for myself i guess.

By Voice of Reason

January 27, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

Excellent news on Sutton… This is arguably the Braves’ biggest offseason acquisition.

Wha? Uh, I like him OK, but he’s not exactly Vin Scully. He’s not even Ernie Johnson. He uses alot of cliches, and always emphasizes the wrong number when updating the score or count. For instance, if the Braves score a run in a tie game to make it 2-1, Sutton will say, “And the Braves plate a run to make it 2 to 1!” I think it’s a smart business move to bring a familiar name and voice to a new booth, but let’s not get too carried away.

Anyway, isn’t Eric O’Flaherty their biggest offseason acquisition? Kidding… :-)

By mbatl

January 27, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

“One more thing. In 2008, he had 40 HR’s and only 100 RBI. Pitchers know his extreme patience, and give him nothing with guys on base.”

VOR, I get this, but… Let’s assume a runner on 2nd, 2 out, and Dunn at the plate. Obviously, a K is bad (but no worse than any other out). Just as obviously, a HR is good.

But a walk is fine… so we have 2 on and McCann at the plate. Dunn is more likely than most to keep the inning alive for Heap (and much more likely than most to hit a HR). I’ll take either of those outcomes any time.

I’m not saying he’s the ultimate - probably wouldn’t lead the league in RBI - but our choices are limited. Put a good RBI guy behind him, and I think 2 years of Dunn would be just fine.

By winterville

January 27, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, I don’t comment too much on here but I read every day. I graduated from UGA in December with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance and I have a job interview on Thursday with an insurance company. I was just wondering if anybody on here might have any tips about interviews and how to make an impression. I have had jobs since I was 15 but I always knew someone so I was a shoe-in for most of the positions. This is my first real interview and I want it to go well and I figure most of the people on here have real jobs. I’d really appreciate any advice you guys can come up with. Thanks in advance.

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

KC i wish Sutton would get some TV time, especially if it takes time away from Chip Caray, that guy is annoying.

By Voice of Reason

January 27, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

… that’s what I get for “spot blogging”. I was using italics when the italics are not working…

By Butch Haynes

January 27, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

This is not even open to debate. Greatest baseball movie ever is Air Bud - Seventh Inning Fetch. How that dog can hit with a bat in his mouth is remarkable. I’d like to see Chipper do that.

By ryan c

January 27, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

the proposition….best western in quite a while. 3:10 to yuma’s remake couldnt hold its jock.

oh brother where art thou…best comedy/drama (and soundtrack)

black snake moan….best samuel l. jackson movie ever (soundtrack is also incredible). he was born for the role. “I will suffer you”.

new comedy…tropic thunder…slapstick, immature, innapropriate and downright hysterical

and, mamma mia, with the exception of pierce brosnan, not terrible.

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

winterville - interview

Learn about the company and show that in the interview

dress immaculately, be punctual

be yourself !

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

Trent, good list. Except the part about Any Given Sunday as honorable mention. Not a very good movie, if you ask me.

And by the way, if The Hustler is a sports movie, then it goes on any list. Just don’t know that I’d call it a sports movie.

By the way, Breaking Away also belongs on the sports movies list, if it’s a sports movie, which it probably is.

By Roger Miller

January 27, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

When Sutton and Chip Caray work together, I’ll have to hide all my knives and guns from myself.

By Brandon O

January 27, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

DOB,

one of the best sports movies YOUNGBLOOD. Always gets overlooked.

By ô¿ô

January 27, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

Greatest sports movie of all time Cool Runnings

feel the rhythm feel the rhyme get on up its bobsled time

no but seriously - my favorite three are Raging Bull - Remember the Titans - and i personly like Ali - i have never seen When We Were Kings and will be seeing that tonight.

By DAP

January 27, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

winterville im not a really a type A personality, so maybe im not the one to ask, but i always say just be yourself, and be confident in what you can do. go in there KNOWING you can do the job they need done, and let your credentials speak for themselves. also, be just a little bit early, dress nice but dont over-do it, and smile.

By Roger Miller

January 27, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

King of the Road

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this

Kentavo: Are you serious about an outfield of Francoeur in CF, flanked by 35-year-old Abreu and Dunn?

By Joe W.

January 27, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this

“Air Bud - Seventh Inning Fetch”

I’m serious: that is truly the best baseball movie ever made. I love it.

By BBFCFM

January 27, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

BUTCH I’ll give you air bud. Way to step up to the plate on that one

By Random

January 27, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

Lee in S GA: “If you consider jogging/running a sport as I certainly do”

Ooooooo — what a suck-up.

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

A few movies that I didn’t include on my list earlier but have thought of since that I like a lot: Blow, American History X, and Traffic.

And from movies I’ve seen that came out last year, I have to add Dark Knight and of course Slumdog Millionare, hands down the best movie made last year IMO.

By Steve McP

January 27, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this

What about the worst sports movies?

I can start you off with, Escape to Freedom, Jerry Maguire, Rocky 5, Slapshpt 2 (shame as the first was great), any of the Mighty Ducks seres, Caddyshack 2 (once again shame as the first one was so good),

By winterville

January 27, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

dogsbrekky and DAP

Thanks for the advice, I have been studying the company online to try and get a grasp on what type of things they do. Your comments help. Preciate it.

By Anders

January 27, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this

Kentavo’s outfield will have the look of the Cheer’s reunion softball game with Norm, Frasier and Cliff playing the outfield.

By Random

January 27, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this

winterville —

Heed dogsbrekky, and remember — an interview is a conversation, not an interrogation.

Good luck.

PS: Dress and groom “immaculately”.

By KC

January 27, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

BlawgDawg: Can’t argue with you there. I really like Sutton’s commentary. And while Chip seems like a really nice guy, he just doesn’t add the kind of character to the broadcast that his dad did.

By ADC

January 27, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you think the Braves would be more interested in a one year deal for Adam Dunn or a multiyear deal with a lower AAV?

By Butch Haynes

January 27, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

If you consider eating and talking a sport, which I certainly do, then one of the all-time great sports movies is My Dinner with Andre.

By ncscoots

January 27, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

—Kentavo: Are you serious about an outfield of Francoeur in CF, flanked by 35-year-old Abreu and Dunn?—

You’d have to hide poster Roger Miller’s knives and guns from EVERYBODY.

By mbatl

January 27, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

Also, Dunn has had an uncanny ability to avoid hitting into double plays. In his worst year (in terms of DP’s), he hit into 12. Last year, 7. Braves had 6 guys hit into more than 12 last year alone.

Guess it’s because he hits fly balls.

In the words of the great Jesse Jackson, “Keep hope alive!” (of course by “hope”, Jesse meant “the inning”)

By Anders

January 27, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this

Sports Movie

How about “Brian’s Song”? By today’s standards pretty lacking, but it held it’s own in it’s day. Defintely has a theme song you can’t get out of your head for a few hours after watching - you’re humming it now - aren’t you?

Also the first movie I ever watched on Beta when that new contraption came out some years ago. The crap we can remember -huh?

By rammerjammer

January 27, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this

Really like Field of Dreams and The Natural. And the old Pumping Iron documentary with Ah-nold is fascinating. Also, Le Mans is good stuff.

By winterville

January 27, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks Random, I feel like I’m getting there as far as being ready.

By Lee in S GA

January 27, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

“What about the worst sports movies?”

The Replacments, Summer Catch, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and The Bad News Bears Go to Japan

By Tom in ATL

January 27, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this

“Ohman’s List” is spot on - good flicks across the board. If you’re a fan of Dark Comedy - you gotta see True Romance - an old Tarantino film with absolutely some of the most memorable scenes ever shot - (10 times better than Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs, IMO). Suicide Kings is another great one - Christpher Walken is in both - nuff said.

By BBFCFM

January 27, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

Chip may lack the commentary skills of his father, but he did say one of the best lines i ever heard an announcer say:

chip: referring to Bobby Cox I believe “he’s taking more trips to the mound than Timothy Leary!”

Pete: “what?! Who is Timothy Leary?”

Chip:”Nevermind. I’m ashamed I even know who that is.”

By Mark

January 27, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

My favorite sports movies are Cinderella Man, Blue Chips, and Sandlot.

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

Lee in S GA Agree Summer Catch was a bad movie, but worth watching just to see the young Jessica Biel emerge from the pool in her teeny bikini.

By Jonathon

January 27, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

Worst sports movies:

“Angels in the Outfield”

“Ed”

“The one with Brendan Fraser as a nutty Yankees prospect”

“The one with the stupid kid who can throw 100mph for the Cubs”

“The one where the kid inherits the Twins and manages the team”

Movies that other people will say suck, but that I actually like: “For Love of the Game” “The Replacements”

By Lee in S GA

January 27, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

BlawgDawg Agree on that.

The only good thing about “Any Given Sunday”” to me is that scene with Elizabeth Berkley also.

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

January 27, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

Dave, it’s not my call whether or not pool is a sport, but if you decide it is, then “The Hustler” is every bit the “sports movie” that “Raging Bull” is. And then “The Hustler” is No. 1 and “Raging Bull” is No. 2. So we all can start our lists at No. 3.

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

Cinderella Man = Seasbiscuit

just assume Russ Crowe is the horse and Rene Z is the horse’s a* (sorry couldn’t resist, she gives me a soft on)

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the tip on Boondock Saints guys. It comes out on Blueray in two weeks, think I’ll add it to the collection. Wish they would hurry up and release Pulp Fiction in Blueray.

By McPoyle

January 27, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this

hahah “seventh inning fetch” well played Joe W. But don’t forget “Air Bud: Golden Receiver” man that dog can do it all.

Blue Chips for sure is top notch, the opening scene were Nolte is just goin nuts in the locker room, can’t be beat. Although i think Gordon Bombay of the mighty ducks gives him a run for his money at ‘all time best movie coaches’.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this

Bring Me the Head: One’s got billiards as its “sport”, the other boxing. That’s all I’m saying. (And I LOVE playing pool, and have a table in my house. But whether it’s a sport is open for debate.)

By Pete Van Wieren

January 27, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

The greatest sports movie is “The Slugger’s Wife.” Hands down.

By Anders

January 27, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this

Winterville

Don’t forget to make consistent eye contact. Especially during the initial greeting with a firm handshake.If you don’t know something during the interview or forgot to bring something relevant- say so, tell them you’ll follow up with it and make sure you do. Don’t make something up just to answer a question. Take notes during the interview and jot down questions that come to you while you’re listening - don’t interrupt the interviewer, wait to be asked. A good interviewer will ask. If they don’t then at the end you can raise your questions. Plus the notes will come in handy when you write a follow up letter thanking them for the interview and reiterating your strengths etc..

Take an extra second after each question you’re asked to organize your thoughts. Organized answers make things much easier on the interviewer which can only help you.

Spend some time today listing your experiences that your bring to the job, what your strengths are as well as your weaknesses. Have them prepared in your head. When asked these types of things - tilting your head and staring at the ceiling to come up with answers is never a good thing. You’d be suprised how many times I’ve seen this.

Overall, be prepared, be confident (not cocky) and be professional. Tough market out there these days - good luck.

By Elements

January 27, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this

An old but good sports movie is The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh.

It was more of a comedy w/an all star basketball cast than an inspiring sports movie.

By GTI in Chicago

January 27, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

This s a very interesting observation made by a Chicago Sun-Times sportswriter regarding the a possible reason why teams are so reluctant right now to make anymore big signings or costly trades (pulled from Sports Illustrated’s website):

“There’s a reason why the Cubs are the only team believed to be actively pursuing Jake Peavy, just as their is a reason why stars such as Manny Ramirez and Bobby Abreu remain free agents at such a late date. If owners and general managers are hesitant to increase their payrolls now, what will happen when their teams are 12 games under at the All-Star break and attendance and revenues are tumbling? Teams out of playoff contention will be looking to slash salaries by unloading talent, which means more players will be available at the trade deadline and fewer teams will be buyers. It has the makings of a trade-deadline sale of the century.”

• Chicago Sun-Times

An excellent point actually, and perhaps a decent argument for the Braves to stand pat with what they currently have heading into the season.

Why shouldn’t FW just wait until mid-season before he tries to add another Outfielder to the mix? Besides, of course, the possibilty that the Braves will be one of those 12 game under clubs looking to do the unloading if we don’t start the season with a quality LF to bat clean-up.

But if we think positively, what if some combo of Frenchy, Diaz, Schafer and Blanco have solid (not great, but solid) season through June and FW waits until closer to the Trade deadline to see who else might then be available.

Maybe there’s too many “if”s in that scenario…

By richbrave

January 27, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this

SUTTON comes back to the BRAVES. I was rejoicing because I thought he’d be on T.V. Woe is me. I have to hear him innane drivel on BRAVES radio which I get on XM. So now I not only have to LISTEN, but pay for it as well? What a bite in the rump!!!! BTW there IS no replacement for PETE. He simply was the best. Enjoy retirement VAN WEIREN. Maybe the NATS will dump DRIBBLE - oops, DIBBLE in a couple of years and you’ll be bored of resting and take the job. That would be FINE.

By nitram odarp

January 27, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this

i would have to say that for the love of the game is one of the best movies ever. any true baseball fan would love that movie.

on a braves note i think if the price is right ben sheets could be a huge pick up

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

January 27, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this

BluRay, motorcycles, pool table, thousands and thousands of CDs and DVDs — Lord, Dave, you have more disposable income than Mike Hampton!

By Lee in S GA

January 27, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this

Winterville

As both an interviewer and the one being interviewed the past few years I will also advise you to ask if the person / persons interviewing you if it is o.k. to write down a question if need be like a technical one. Some do not object to this and believe me if helps you gather your thoughts better, especially if it is a 2 part question. Many people forget to answer part of the question and this will count against you..

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

Nitram - I watched Mr Costner in “For the Love of the Game” again 2 days ago….. very good movie.. and even chicks think it is a love story (sure for baseball but let them believe whatever)

Ben Sheets - has an extremely high risk action and is a walking death case (as far as pitchers go)

Remember he could not even start a play off game…. STAY AWAY damaged goods

By ncscoots

January 27, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this

Winterville, you can do all that stuff that Anders suggests at 3:42 (you, too, may one day be able to service important clients), or just do as I used to do…

Slide your Glock holster a little further toward the front.

By Jonathon

January 27, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

Glavine to meet with Wren this week, according to ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3864398

By glove51

January 27, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

Speaking of movies with ‘Kings” in their title: what about Three Kings with George Clooney and Makr Wahlberg? Good flick, IMO.

Sports movies: absolutely best of all time is Hoosiers for sure.

I also liked:

8 Men Out, The Natural, Bull Durham, Miracle, Slap Shot, Brian’s Song (even though it was a TV Movie), North Dallas Forty, Remember the Titans, Breaking Away, Field of Dreams, Hoop Dreams

By winterville

January 27, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

Anders

Thanks alot for the advice. All that stuff is great information. I know people have given you sh!t in the past about your big “clients” and what not but that is exactly the type of response I was hoping someone would give me. It’s a sales job which kind of sucks but it is pretty much all I can find right now. I will be able to keep my current job and work nights and weekends if I get the insurance gig so it’s not like I’ll starve. I’ll still have income but if I can land this job, it will at least give me some experience in the field. Thanks again for the advice.

By BravesAC

January 27, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this

Breaking Away’s been mentioned on this blog…great movie. Every character in it seemed perfectly cast - especially the dad. The scene where they walk through the campus and talk about belonging was straight out of the Ward Cleaver-dad knows everything school.

And for sports movies - what about The Slugger…the one with DeMornay in it and a Braves background to it all? When you’re making the best movie list - make sure The Slugger’s not on it. I think Braves broadcasters were the only ones to every work a day after that one…it was a career killer like the Ford Fairlane movie.

By theclipper

January 27, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this

The info I referred to on “Type A” free agents was posted as of yesterday on ESPN website http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/features/freeagents?season=2008 Anyway, FWIW, I believe K’s are generally a detriment, Dunn’s and Swisher’s career OBP make the only case for buying into their power. Folks who disagree are not idiots. Let’s be civil here. We learn and we teach

By richbrave

January 27, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this

DAVID O’BRIEN:

Thanks for the tip boss. I though arb tended to mess with people’s heads. That’s the take I have on the procedure from info here and other sources. Just felt KOTCHMAN was a little uncomfortable in ATLANTA and a settlement might sooth things a bit. Didn’t think he’d tank on purpose, but some guys cannot handle the buzz in their noodles. I suppose they’re the ones in the minors or leaving baseball. No problemo.

By richbrave

January 27, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

Oh, and sign OHMAN unless FW thinks the trade piece or the waiver guy will take his place.

By winterville

January 27, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this

Lee in S GA

Thanks for that, I will definitely bring that so I don’t screw up an answer. One of my friends just went through one of these interviews so hopefully he’ll have some good stuff for me too.

ncscoots

I was hoping people would provide me with information that I didn’t already have. The Glock trick is the oldest one in the book. Intimidation is a must!! But seriously, do you own a Glock? I own a Glock 23 .40 cal and I love it. Smooth gun.

By richbrave

January 27, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

glovemeister51:

BA, BA, BA——BA. That I do poot, that I do. Great flick, ND40.

By Trent

January 27, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

The Hustler is a great movie but as far as sports movies go not really sure that’s in the category. The ESPN top 25 had Searching for Bobby Fischer in it’s Top 25 so if that’s in there i’d say a movie about poll should be there…

By BigHittas

January 27, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this

looks to me like Ohman needs a 5 yr contract. Come on Bravos, sign the guy.

Saw Slumdog Millionaire this past weekend. Pretty good flick, but I ain’t sure it’s Academy Award winner material.

By Norton Dances the Hucklebuck

January 27, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

And let’s not forget “Requiem for a Heavyweight.”

By Roach

January 27, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

Hey cant forget a great movie with about sports “RUDY”.

By ppaddy123

January 27, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

By David O’Brien January 27, 2009 2:53 PM Kentavo: Are you serious about an outfield of Francoeur in CF, flanked by 35-year-old Abreu and Dunn?

Why not? There have been worse outfields. BUT, do the Braves have the “resources” to sign these two guys?

By ChipperFan

January 27, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this

Butch Haynes Your 3:08 was maybe the funniest post I’ve ever seen on this blog (right up there with a few of Bubdylan’s).

GTI in Chicago Good points all around, but I have to agree wholeheartedly with your last point. Too many “ifs” in that scenario, at least from a fan’s perspective. I guess if I were Frank Wren, considering the likelihood that other teams will get desperate to shed payroll as their stadiums start the year half-empty (or worse), I might stand pat. But as a fan I’m hoping he signs Dunn or Abreu or pulls off a sweet trade. I’d rather get a LOT for my money now, than go with MAYBE getting even more for my money later on. Maybe that’s just me…

By Anders

January 27, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this

Winterville

The “client” thing doesn’t bother me. I come to a Braves blog I have to expect some guff.

Also, in the beginning of the interview ask what they like to be called. Write it down (You’ll be suprised how the pressure in an interview can make you forget even one name). Then sporadically use the name. It creates a bond between you and the interviewer. I use this all the time when trying to corral important clients. Of course if that doesn’t work I go right to ncscoots glock method.

Again- good luck.

By nitram odarp

January 27, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this

dog—

i think get a half a season outta sheets still is good. braves have depth for the 5th spot but some of the more qualified will not be ready out of spring training. i understand the penanant is not won in the first months of the season. sheet vs hamels sounds better on opening day then does lowe vs hamels when healthy sheets is an ace. and dont you think he would be more willing to come to atlanta then texas

By ncscoots

January 27, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this

winterville, I no longer own a Glock, no. I’ve gone through any number of pistols over the years (especially in my younger days), but I pretty much cleaned out the cabinet four years ago. Kept my Colt 1911A because it’s what I learned with, my Beretta 92 because it’s just fine, and an old .38 Chief’s Special hideout gun for the sock drawer, LOL.

Too bad we never see Grinch here anymore. You and he could talk weapons for days on end.

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this

Lew, I agree. No platoon in LF as it is counterproductive in the long run. Dadgum

please tell me what in the devil is counterproductive about a platoon. Do you realize just how many teams built multiple winning seasons around platoons? What is counterproductive is to leave some schmo in the game who hits .225 against lefties when you have an alternative who does much better. Geeze oh pete.

By Jersey Gil

January 27, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

DOB Did we have to Give the National an Announcer to be names later for Sutton? The Braves can give Fernando Palacios in that Trade.

By Jeff R

January 27, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

I’ll add two Paul Newman movies Hud and Cool Hand Luke.

The only way Wren should trade for an Outfielder/bat is if he doesn’t have to give much of anything up. Nady’s and Swisher’s price tags may come down, but not right away.

Dunn isn’t a defensive wonder, but if he could be had for the right price and short term (2 years), then I think he’d be worth the investment.

By Anders

January 27, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

“i think get a half a season outta sheets still is good.” - nitram odarp

Not me. I don’t change my sheets for the whole season.

By BBFCFM

January 27, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this

oh and lets not forget “Tin Cup” and a personal fave of mine “mr baseball” with Tom Selleck. its such garbage that I ruv it long time

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

So will ending blog comments with LOL. DOB

nope, never gonna happen

By nitram odarp stopped being funny a long time ago

January 27, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this

Platoons suck. Platoons stunt growth, like with Adam LaRoche. Poor LaRoche had his development as a hitter against lefties stunted by a manager who insisted on hurting his growth to let immortals like Julio Franco and Brian Jordan play.

No platoons.

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this

I think anyone that uses LOL, smiley faces, etc., Jim H

LOL. Jimmy. the problem is that so many people on boards are too damn stupid to be able to figure out when you are being somewhat facetious without the help of an LOL or smiley fave. You might even be one of those people and not even know it until you react seriously to a tongue-in-cheek comment.

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this

So on an important note I am getting into USA wines and beer, never been a fan until now

I really like this Boston Adams stuff, Winter Lager, Sam Lager and White Ale.

Also throw out a high 5 for Brooklyn Winter Lager, Magic Hat 9, Magic Hat Amber, Dogfish etc.

Cali Cabernets/Clarets are bloody good, really good, Heitz, Opus 1, Jordan, Shafer, on and on

By KC

January 27, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear Glavine and Wren are meeting this week. If Glavine is health and strong enough to return to his 2007 form, he can help this team a great deal. Some argue that he wasn’t even good in 07. I disagree.

Glavine had 23 quality starts in 2007, which is a total usually reserved for aces in that category. To put that in perspective, Glavine’s 23 QS’s the year before last was more than Burnett, Sheets, Lowe, Hamels, Haren, Halladay, Dempster and many top-end starters had in 2008.

The quality starts statistic has limited value, but it DOES have value. It tells you how often a starter gives his team a good chance to win. And the better your bullpen, the more meaningful quality starts are to your team.

If healthy, the Braves pen should be outstanding. So if Glavine can regain his 2007 form and stays reasonably healthy, he could wind up winning 12 or 13 games this year, with a respectable ERA.

Now, I’m not trying to say that he IS back at 07 level. I have no idea. No one will know until this summer. And I wouldn’t dare predict that he will remain healthy. But IF he’s healthy and strong this year, and in 2007 form… it would be a valuable addition to this rotation.

By Lew

January 27, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

Fade Away-You need to go back to the original discussion-The point was that platooning Kelly Johnson in left (should they go that route, which we also discussed likely won’t happen) with a right handed hitter was not necessary (counterproductive) since Kelly hits LH pitching quite well.

Honestly, like you point out, sometimes a platoon is a good thing (it sure worked when we had Eli Marrero), and might again be good should we decide to stay within the organization for our LF solution. I would like to see a Matt Diaz/Brandon Jones platoon if that turns out to be the direction they take. Might not be a powerful duo, but I think we could expect some offense from them.

Rather have Adam Dunn, though-poor defense and low Batting Average notwithstanding. Dude will drive in a few runs and probably do a fair job of protecting Chipper in the lineup-especially with runners on base.

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this

Dunn has a higher slugging and OBP % Chipper Fan

Abreu has a noticeably higher OBP that Dunn. Dunn does have a higher S%. Add the two together for standard OPS and they are almost the same. Since many consider OBP to be the slightly more important. well LOL * :-)* etc and so forth and so on

Abreu OBP .405 S% .498

Dunn OBP .381 S& .518

By Murphy

January 27, 2009 5:18 PM | Link to this

“i think get a half a season outta sheets still is good.” - nitram odarp

Not me. I don’t change my sheets for the whole season.-Anders

I bet those sheets were really nasty after the “accidents” you may have had with your bullpen blowing all those saves last year.

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

chipperfan boy, youve got coach pegged. except for the “lovable” part. DAP

but he is always hilarious LOL

By Anders

January 27, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

KC

Sounds like the Braves are getting Sutton. Why would they still need Glavine? I think their stuff is about the same these days - no?

By Lew

January 27, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

Anders-You should be glad I didn’t pick up on the dirty sheets/servicing clients thing. Oops.

By Anders

January 27, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this

“I bet those sheets were really nasty after the “accidents” you may have had with your bullpen blowing all those saves last year.” - Murphy

Clever thought but the clumsy writing killed it. Keep at it.

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout break the bank, go for broke and sign Abreu and Dunn and move Frenchy to CF, with Schaefer in the wings? Kent

now that one definitely needs an LOL after it. Cann you imagine the number of balls dropping in between fielders. Pitchers would flinch every time the gave up a pop fly. LOL

By N8

January 27, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

DOB

Some may BLAST me for this. But Billiards is just as much of a sport as Nascar is, IMO.

Sure, there is endurance, strength and what not that goes with driving a car in a circle for hours on end.

But there is precision, skill, patience, strategy that goes into billiards. Had a table at my parents growing up and my grandfather had a table he hand built (obviously not the slate and cloth), but the pockets were all done by hand (leather weaved). Wich I would have taken that table when he passed, but I had nowhere to put it.

The Hustler belongs on any list of all time great shows, and if it is deemed to be a sports show, then of course it belongs on there as well.

Color of money is good too. One of the only shows that I can stand to watch Tom Cruise in anymore.

As for an outfield of Dunn, Francoeur and Abreu??

Yikes. That’s not even that good of a FANTASY outfield, where defense doesn’t count.

No thanks. Lowe might be able to function with that OF, but others… not so much. I’d take ONE of Dunn or Abreu IF the price drops considerably, and it only has to be a one year deal.

By Anders

January 27, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this

LEW

Good point. It was right there for ya. Thanks for passing.

By JustKidding

January 27, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

How about “Perfect” as the perfect sports movie?

By Bill

January 27, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, I think we should put a deal together with the O’s & get Roberts, he would give us a real base stealing threat & the O’s are looking for pitching & middle infielders of which we have plenty of, Prado & a few of our young pitchers could go & we would finally have a REAL leadoff man with some pop, what do you think? Thanks Dave & Go Bravos!

By rotty

January 27, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this

Dunn/Abreu - LF Schafer, Druw, Anderson - CF JF - RF

Book it Danno.

Please no Swisher, Ken Griffey Jr., Diaz/Blanco, KJ or a one year rental.

The Braves will need slugging LF for two years possibly three. Heyward will replace JF and Schafer is not a slugger nor is Gorkys.

By nitram odarp

January 27, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this

clean or dirty sheets is better than no sheets at all. injury risk but the depth the bravos have is enough to take the risk. when healthy he is a true ace. think about sign to a one year deal till huddy gets better and can be a true ace next year. sheets helps us compete

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this

Lew I saw the original discussion, I just got the impression that he was talking about more than that in that post. Maybe not, but I always look for an opportunity to stand up for platoons. I even luv the movie.

By BeauX

January 27, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this

Best sports movies? in no particular order

61* Major League White Men Can’t Jump Rocky

By ppaddy123

January 27, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this

I think the only defensive liability of a Dunn, Francoeur, & Abreu is Dunn. Frenchy and Abreau are great athletes. Abreu might be getting older, but he is still a solid outfielder. I don’t think Frenchy would have a problem in center. (if Craig Biggio can do it, so can Frenchy and Frenchy’s a better, younger athlete) His problem is he was “labeled” a corner outfielder from the start. Has he ever played center? I know, I know, it’s crazy talk. But, IF the deal could get done for 2 years with an average cost of about $15-16 MM a year, the Braves could potentially add 200+- RBI’s to their outfield.

By LT-A blogger

January 27, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this

Slap Shot.

By Roach

January 27, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

Rudy

By BravesFanInRockies

January 27, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this

Lew (5:10)

I think I’d rather have Abreu than Dunn, simply because other than HR power, Abreu does everything better than Dunn.

That said, if the Braves want to wait for the price of LF free-agent bat to go down, I agree that a B. Jones/Diaz platoon in LF would not signal the end of the world.

By brian

January 27, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

KJ needs to stay at 2B. His bat is much more valuable at 2B than in the OF. He goes from being one of the top offensive 2B to a mediocre offensive LF. His defense will not be spectacular in either place but with his improvement at 2B I would leave him there unless the Braves are overwhelmed by a trade offer that will acquire us a left fielder that is not a 1 year rental

By THE BEAR

January 27, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

Winterville I spent 30 years in corporate management and did a lot of interviewing during that time. The suggestions you have received so far are terrific and I would only add a couple more suggestions.

1. Don’t ever be a wiseguy regardless of the temptation you may feel. Some interviewers shouldn’t be there and you will sense it if it is true this time. Always put forth your best foot, i.e. talk straight and sincere.

2. Inquire about their training program as that will indicate to the interviewer that you know you have a lot to learn.

3. Make sure he understands your desire to work hard in order to succeed. Interviewers look for that trait. If two or three of you are pretty even the guy who impressed most with his sincerety and desire to work hard and succeed will often times get the nod.

Good Luck and remember the world doesn’t begin or end with this interview. In other words don’t let fear or nervousness show because you have nothing to be nervous about.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

BluRay, motorcycles, pool table, thousands and thousands of CDs and DVDs — Lord, Dave, you have more disposable income than Mike HamptonBring Me The Head of Francisco Cabrera

Dude, I don’t have kids, which is where a lot of folks dispose of most of their income….

Why not? There have been worse outfields.PPaddy*

Well, then by all means sign ‘em. The logic there being, if it’s not the absolute worst defensive outfield in history, then the Braves should do it?

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this

brian Intelligent analysis should be reserved for Wall Street not a baseball blog

By KC

January 27, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

Anders: Yes, you’re right. I’ve heard Glavine in the broadcast booth, and he’s excellent. I would say that he and Sutton have very similar stuff. Both are very articulate and bring a unique perspective to the play-by-play. But… I don’t think Glavine’s ready for that yet. ;o)

By N Nine (eta68)

January 27, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this

Glavine #5 slot?

After reviewing and pondering all available options, If Glavine accepts a friendly contract, I think we should get this deal done.

Morton and JoJo should no be relied on. Campillio is a legit option but he did much better in the pen. If we don’t sign Ohman, we might need him in the pen. We do have ?’s for the pen.

Hanson could go either way but It should be in the teams best interest not rushing him. He comes on his term..

Glavine brings the experience and he feels good. As we have learned the last 2 seasons, you can never have too many starters. Bring him in and put less stress on youngsters and the lack of power. Speaking of power, I believe we will get a decent servicable player like Swisher, Nady, or even Abreu. Not too worried.

Welcome back Sutton

By BigHittas

January 27, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this

LOL on Slap Shot, it did have some good laughs in it.

Best sports movie of all time has to go to “The Natural”

I saw a golf movie recently put out by Disney that was pretty darn good. “The Greatest Game Ever Played” I believe was the name of it. Story about Ouimet and how he beat Vardon and another for the US Open.

I also liked the sappy “Babe Ruth Story” and the movie about Ben Hogan. Two good old school flicks.

OF = KJ, JF, and another in CF possibly Druw. 2B will be Roberts.

Glavs is my opening day pitch. ;)

By Chop Chop

January 27, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this

DOB and others:

Author John Updike passed away today at age 76. I’m sure that many of you have read his work before. For some strange reason, I had never read (well, before today) Updike’s piece on Ted Williams’ last ballgame at Fenway Park.

If you’re a fan of baseball and good writing, you’ll want to read (or re-read) this piece:

Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu

By KC

January 27, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

WELCOME BACK DON!!!! Not that he’ll read this, but I sure am happy to have him back. As I’ve said before, with several recent difficult goodbyes… Smoltzy, The Professor, and of course, Skip… it sure is nice to have an old friend back in the fold.

I just wish they would carve out a little TV time for him, even if his primary duty is radio.

By Treadkiller

January 27, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

Since everyone claims Dunn is a defensive liability I did some checking on Baseball Reference. Adam Dunn made 11 Errors last year! Let’ take a look at a couple of other Braves! Kelly Johnson made 14 Errors Younel Escobar made 16 Errors And Chipper Jones made 13 Errors! Adam Dunn made less errors than your hero’s and on top of that he even played in more games than Chipper & Esco! And Btw, He did have an error at all 3 positions he played, LF, RF, and 1B. Looks to me like we have more defensive liabilities to look at other than Adam Dunn!

By dogsbrekky

January 27, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this

Treadkiller - errrrrrrrrrr……….

A Dunn, plays the easiest, no risk position in baseball, 13 errors at LF = like 60 at 3rd base…

yes !!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Brian

January 27, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why anybody would want Abreu over Dunn. To me, Kelly can hit 15-20 HR like Abreu will for a lot cheaper. Dunn would be here for one purpose…to hit homers. Abreu sucks donkey a—, while even though Dunn might have worst defense, at least he’ll serve a more important need in Atl…homerun hitting OF.

DOB, hey I’ve been reading the blog and to be honest, I kinda got tired of you yappin’ about Gran Torino, but I have to admit it was a da— good movie. It was a lot funnier than I thought it would be.

By cabravesfan

January 27, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this

Threadkiller

I really hope that was sarcasm…11 errors by an outfielder is awful- by contrast Jeff Francouer made 4 (which I still think is a lot for an outfielder). Infielders are going to make more errors because they get many more chances…please tell me you were being sarcastic!!!

By N Nine (eta68)

January 27, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

Brian Bad day?

I agree Dunn should be focused on more if he comes cheap. I just don’t see 5MM per/Y that some have suggested. But yes, we do lack power.

By cvbraves

January 27, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this

Rest easy, folks, all is well.

Wren and Glavine are talking and…

…in the Bowman article, he quotes Chipper.

“Frenchy is going to hit cleanup for us this year,” Jones said with a sense of confidence earlier this month.

When asked if he’d seen Frenchy (aka Jeff Francoeur) hit recently, Jones replied, “Yeah, and he looks better than I’ve ever seen him. His weight distribution, his approach, his mind-set … everything looks great. He’s killing the ball right now.”

Forget Dunn, Abreu, Swisher, Nady, et. al.

All is well in Braves’ land!

By Reality

January 27, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

Adam Dunn plays poor defense. But you know what? Who cares? His bat will win way more games than his defense will cost. Left field is the least important defensive position in the game; in the NL it is where you most want to stick your cruddy defensive player who can hit.

The Braves put up with Klesko, they can more than put up with Dunn if his slugs .500, gets on-base over 38% of the time and hits 40+ homeruns.

By Schrodioski 3000

January 27, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this

Ppaddy,

are you and Kentavo watching the same game?

Frenchy looked like he was running in sand last year in the outfield - and him in center???

The 2b and SS wold have to play in shallow center just to help.

That outfield is about as realistic as the Anderson, Blanco, Frency i have seen proposed …

Unfortunately, any outfield with Frency in it will be a liablity in my mind - until i see him perform in spring training.

I WANT to believe - i want him to succeed - but my objective mind is hesitant.

By f.n. hale

January 27, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

Yes, platoons will stunt your growth and some believe cause testicular cancer as well.

I know there are guitar players here but any collectors? I recently acquired a ‘78 Fender bass guitar that was in terrible condition. I thought it would have good collector value so am having it restored but when the 4 coats of paint were removed we realized the body is a Precision and the neck is from a Jazz. I’m sure that kills collector value but where’s the best place to establish a value? I’ve never played electric, bass or otherwise but am inclined to keep it, though that might change if it’s worth enough. I obtained it when I evicted someone from a property so it didn’t cost anything (though they owed me a couple thou in rent) but I’m paying $500 for restoration.

By Salty Dawg

January 27, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this

Schrodioski 3000

“Frenchy looked like he was running in sand last year in the outfield - and him in center???”

I could be wrong about this, but I believe Francouer had persistent ankle pain last season and never really got a chance to rest it. That being said, I don’t see him in CF either. But I expect he will have more closing speed in LF this season. Plus from what I hear he has dropped about 20 lbs, which should help his cause too.

By Salty Dawg

January 27, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

cvbraves

“Rest easy, folks, all is well.

Wren and Glavine are talking and…

…in the Bowman article, he quotes Chipper.

“Frenchy is going to hit cleanup for us this year,” Jones said with a sense of confidence earlier this month.

When asked if he’d seen Frenchy (aka Jeff Francoeur) hit recently, Jones replied, “Yeah, and he looks better than I’ve ever seen him. His weight distribution, his approach, his mind-set … everything looks great. He’s killing the ball right now.”

Forget Dunn, Abreu, Swisher, Nady, et. al.

All is well in Braves’ land!”

Can’t tell if you are being sarcastic or not, but that quote from Chipper actually makes me pretty optimistic about ol’ Frenchy. Chipper knows hitting fundamentals better than anybody on the team, coaches included. He also calls it like he sees it. If Chipper says that Frenchy is killing the ball then I expect he is looking pretty good. Of course, we still have to wait to see if it translates to ST and the regular season. But I am hopeful.

By genegarbage

January 27, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

DOB- I love the fact that Vision Quest was on Ohman’s list. I would love to have a beer w/ that dude.

would you consider Rad & Gleaming the Cube sports movies? both are classic

ever been to BBQ 1 or Pappy Red’s? thoughts?

Cheers, GG

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

January 27, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this

I think the only defensive liability of a Dunn, Francoeur, & Abreu is Dunn. Frenchy and Abreau are great athletes. Abreu might be getting older, but he is still a solid outfielder PPaddy

you got to be kidding. Dunn & Abreu are rated as two of the 5 worst defensive outfielders in captivity, and Jeffy does not have the speed necessary to play center regularly, let alone between two such defensively challenged corners. Too horrible to even imagine. Keep up man. LOL

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 7:35 PM | Link to this

fn hale, I’m not a bass player or a collector of guitars (don’t have the cash). But that sounds like a pretty valuable instrument. You could check this ebay page to see if any of those instruments match yours. The ones on the page are pretty expensive.

Hope that helps. If it was an electric guitar I might be able to offer a bit more advice!

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this

January 27, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

Since everyone claims Dunn is a defensive liability I did some checking on Baseball Reference. Adam Dunn made 11 Errors last year! Let’ take a look at a couple of other Braves! Kelly Johnson made 14 Errors Younel Escobar made 16 Errors And Chipper Jones made 13 Errors! A Threadkiller

now there is a post that if serious, proves that the poster has not got a clue in his itty-bitty brain about the game of baseball. You can not compare defensive stats of any kind across different positions. How long have you been a baseball fan not to know that. 16 errors for a shortstop is a very acceptable total, 11 errors for an outfielder is horrendous especially considering that he is too slow to get close enough to some catchable balls to even get an error on. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt and assuming you are making a ha-ha, but you really should put an LOL at the end of such facetious statements or unsophisticated readers might believe you to be serious.

By Treadkiller

January 27, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

cabravesfan; Not sarcastic..3 of Dunn’s 11 errors where made at 1B so he had 7 outfiels errors. That’s only 3 more than Frenchy! Since you feel that Dunn is a poor feilder, how many of those errors cost the team runs or better yet, how many of those errors cost the game? How many games will Dunn win us with his bat? To win games, we need to score more runs than the other team! With Dunn in our line up we will score runs!

By Phil in GA

January 27, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, or anyone else who knows — do we know when the first round of spring training cuts have to be made? I’m planning on taking in a few games over a long weekend and would like to make sure I’m there before first cuts to see all the promising young kids who got the invite this year. Thanks for the info.

P.S. - DOB, speaking of sultry songstresses who can sing and wow - have you ever heard of Robinella. Greg in TN - have you? She’s an East Tennessean, too. WDVX music. I’m a knoxville kid originally and love her. Bluegrass music with a jazzy voice. Amazing.

By Bryan

January 27, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this

I heard a rumor on a Mets blog that if we sign Hudson we still might land Jake Peavy with Escobar as trade bait????? Is there any truth to that Dave???? Peavy, Lowe, Vazquez, Duece-K-, J.J……sounds like the best in the majors. Tim Hudson Back next year also, plus Hanson….Dang!

By KC

January 27, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

Salty Dawg: Chipper’s comments give a great deal of hope as well. If the praise came from any other source, I might write it off as one teammate trying to encourage another. But Chipper doesn’t BS.

When Chipper thought Francoeur’s (then) new approach sucked last spring… he said so (in his own way). And Chipper’s comments about Andruw Jones’ progress this winter have been less than glowing.

Chipper’s candor was also on display last year when talking about the Braves chances of retaining Teixeira. He said something to the effect of “He’s a Boras lover, and that tells me all I need to know” (paraphrasing). And It was Chipper who vocally ripped the team just a couple weeks ago when Smoltz parted ways with the Braves.

Chipper speaks his mind, and doesn’t seem to be one for false flattery. And he sure as hell knows what he’s talking about when it comes to hitting… so yes, Chipper’s comments about Francoeur (with whom he’s been hitting all winter) definitely mean something.

Of course we won’t know anything until Frenchy starts hitting against live pitching again. But for now, Chipper’s confident praise is certainly cause for optimism.

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this

Treadkiller, it’s not an error if the fielder can’t get to the ball, which Dunn has a penchant for doing. I agree that Dunn’s bat is going to more than counterbalance his defense, but let’s not kid ourselves…he’s going to be our worst defender bar none.

By Treadkiller

January 27, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this

FadeAway; Yes I’m being funny!! Lol!! But anyway, because I have no baseball knowledge please can you tell me the difference between an Infielders error and a Outfielders error?

By DAP

January 27, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this

f.n. hale i suggest you learn to play the bass guitar.

By f.n. hale

January 27, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this

Steve in OH

I had looked on Ebay but most of those look to be pretty much original so I’m guessing the value would be much less for mine. Is that a good place to find a value? I’ve bought stuff on Ebay but never sold anything so I’m not even sure if you can find out what has sold in the past. Also, I’m pretty busy right now and not sure how much time I’ll have to play around with it, but I have a Roland AC60 amp that I use with my acoustics. It’s great for what I use it for but I wouldn’t want to blow out the speakers with a bass. Do you see a problem with just plunking around on the bass with that amp?

By keylargo

January 27, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember the baseball movie named It Happens Every Spring?

It was a comedy about a Chemistry Professor who invents a solution that repels wood. Of course he takes it to baseball and has some of the wickedest movement every seen when the juiced up baseball avoids the wood bat. Classic comedy at its finest.

Top ten? Probably not, but a good way to spend a couple of hours.

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 8:08 PM | Link to this

“f.n. hale i suggest you learn to play the bass guitar.”

I second that. You’ll enjoy it.

By cvbraves

January 27, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this

**Salty Dawg”

“Can’t tell if you are being sarcastic or not, but that quote from Chipper actually makes me pretty optimistic about ol’ Frenchy.”

No sarcasm at all intended.

Bowman’s most recent article on Francouer, with Chippers’s comments, is on the Braves’ page. And I respect Chipper’s comments as much as anyone.

By Tko

January 27, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this

What is the big problem with Josh Anderson?

I don’t understand why his name doesn’t come up often as a possible solution in centerfield. The kid busts his tail every opportunity he plays in the bigs with good results. Houston traded him away after a solid stint in 2007, the Braves brought everyone else in the world up from Richmond before him in 2008,and then when he finally gets to play he hits for average, was an effective base stealer, played solid defense, and even popped three homeruns the last week of the season. When I think of a Brave capable of being solid lead-off hitter in 2009, I’m thinking Josh Anderson.

By ncscoots

January 27, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this

People, I have all the respect for Chipper’s eye on hitting, but he also predicted DeRosa would hit .300 and 20 dingers playing every day at 3B. Missed that one a little.

Having said that, I don’t think he’s motivating by prevaricating, either. I’m more interested in the comments about the approach taken by Francoeur. Anything the guy does that will relieve us of uga-brave’s nightly post about “hitting off his front foot”, I’m ready to believe in!

By CharlieAlphaBravo

January 27, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Gotta say I’m a bit stunned you haven’t seen Boondock Saints. It’s a great movie, and would’ve been even better if the writer/director had not been a total head case. Willem Dafoe gives one of the most amazing comedically over-acted performances of this generation, and Billy Connolly’s small part is superb.

More suggested viewing is the documentary Overnight, a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible self-destruction of the promising young director of Boondock Saints. If there was a bridge left in Hollywood, he made sure to burn it, and then spit on the ashes. Hollywood rule #1: Don’t p** off Harvey Weinstein.

Ohman showed again he has impeccable comedic taste. Just when you thought you had him figured out, he pulls Kentucky Fried Movie and PCU out of his wonderful bag of tricks. I’m not gonna protest!

I suppose it’s not suprising for the man who coined the timeless classic “Nitram Odarp.” Recently declared “Most Side-Achingly Funny Moment of 2008” by, well… Me. What other suprises does he have for us in 2009? It’s up to the Braves front office for us to find out. Please Frank, don’t let Ohman leave!

Go Bravos!

By N8

January 27, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this

“Dude, I don’t have kids, which is where a lot of folks dispose of most of their income…” DOB

Ain’t that the truth? You pretty much nailed that.

But you have to admit, the jab at Mike Hampton was a “little bit” funny.

f.n. hale

I’m not into collecting and actually for a guy that’s played for 20+ years, knows very little about the perceived (and very real) value of older models, and which one’s could allow somebody to retire if they’re the original owner of such vintage gear.

But the guy that plays bass in the country band I play with, is the editor of Vintage Guitar Magazine, which is actually located here in Bismarck. He’s got quite the collection (not quite the collection the owner of the mag does, but…).

My photo studio shoots some photos for him once in a while (actually had a shot make the cover once), and I get a kick out of him grabbing guitars and handing them to me and saying: “That one’s worth about 75K”. Nothing like holding a guitar that cost more than my first house did!

I’d have to have disposable money (like DOB and Mike Hampton), to every consider collecting. I’d have a hard time not playing something, regardless of it’s worth.

Probably more info than you needed. But if you’ve never checked out the magazine, it’s pretty cool. Especially if you’re into that stuff. Not sure how much info is on their website, but I know they have one.

I just think it’s cool, because Ward will every now and then call up and say: “I’m interviewing Neil Geraldo (Pat Benetar’s guitarist and husband)… Is there anything you want me to ask him?”

By Tko

January 27, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this

What is the big problem with Josh Anderson?

I don’t understand why his name doesn’t come up often as a possible solution in centerfield. The kid busts his tail every opportunity he plays in the bigs with good results. Houston traded him away after a solid stint in 2007, the Braves brought everyone else in the world up from Richmond before him in 2008,and then when he finally gets to play he hits for average, was an effective base stealer, played solid defense, and even popped three homeruns the last week of the season. When I think of a Brave capable of being solid lead-off hitter in 2009, I’m thinking Josh Anderson.

By big o

January 27, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB did you catch Zack Browns Performance on Jimmy Kimball last night. DUDE ROCKED IT !!!! It reminded of the Dixie Tavern days in Smyrna. I hope the Braves sign Ohman and Jones

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this

Treadkiller good grief man, here’s one example of why outfielders shouldn’t make as many errors as an infielder. If an outfielder doesn’t make an accurate throw and doesn’t throw a guy out at a base, no error. If an infielder doesn’t make an accurate throw and the runner is safe, error.

Also, ground balls once they reach the outfielder, usually aren’t traveling as fast as they are when they are hit at say the third baseman. So obviously the hard hit ball at a third baseman is more difficult to field, but if it isn’t fielded cleanly, and the play isn’t made, error. So obviously more ground balls hit hard on the infield are going to end in errors. Where ground balls 200 ft away from home plate should be fielded cleanly. And even if it isn’t, as long as the runner doesn’t advance an extra base, no error.

Hope this little tutorial will help.

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

fnhale, it’s hit and miss to find value. I personally bought my LH Kramer there for $70, when it was probably worth $250-400 (after a setup, of course). If you restore the guitar to “like new” condition, I don’t think it’ll lose it’s value too much if the neck isn’t warped, the frets are in good condition, etc. Like I said, I’m not a bass player, so I’m not really up on bass valuations. If I were you, I’d take it to a (good) music store and ask them for their opinion (being clear that you’re not looking to sell, o’course). And I wouldn’t mess around with plugging it into a guitar amp, myself, though it might be ok.

A good person to ask would be N8 or maybe Wayne-Utah. That’s about as much as I know about bass!

By Captain Obvious

January 27, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

“What is the big problem with Josh Anderson? I don’t understand why his name doesn’t come up often as a possible solution in centerfield.”

If you really can’t, then all I know to say is this is why you’re not the one being paid to make these decisions.

By theclipper

January 27, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this

f n hale, Have to disagree on platoons, Braves have had great success with em over the winning years. I own a 1970 P bass, and as for yours, for playability that Jazz neck should be really sweet. Before I spent a dime I’d check with David Tiller, owner of Midtown Music, an expert on vintage instruments, and one of the few honest folks in the biz, on the values and what the restoration should cost. I’ve bought many items from him for many years, plus he’s my landlord @ the barber shop. Funny, I own rentals too, and tenants have left cars, tv’s good furniture etc, but I expect we’ve still come up short in the long run. Good luck.

By keylargo

January 27, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this

cvbraves

Unfortunately, Chipper said essentially the same thing about how the “new Jeff Francoeur” was tearing the cover off the ball with his 20 pounds of new muscle.

By richbrave

January 27, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

Tko:

JOSH did a swan-dive at the plate after his return to RICHMOND, but once he got his head screwed on straight, he picked it up on the offensive end. So many he’s matured somewhat, and he surely deserves a shot in ST. I don’t think he’s gonna’ be handed the job outright, but looks like he’s got a chance. Manbe that’s why WREN is in no hurry to sign up that outfield bat. Problem is that ANDERSON is not a BIG bat for the middle of the order in my estimation. And a big bat surely would help strengthen the middle line-up.

By richbrave

January 27, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this

Anybody got a line on my man CHARLIE MORTON’s aches and pains from last season. Is he fit and ready for ST?

By winterville

January 27, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

Anders, BEAR, DAP, dogsbrekky, ncscoots, Lee in S GA and anyone else who helped out with my interview question, thanks again for the advice. I feel alot better about it and like someone else said, if it doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world. Seriously guys, thanks.

By Treadkiller

January 27, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this

Blawgdawg; An Error is an Error!! Period!

By richbrave

January 27, 2009 8:50 PM | Link to this

“THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING.” Now there was a “king” movie.

By shawn

January 27, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

Here’s the thing- there are defensive and avg. drawbacks with Dunn BUT there are only so many options left out there. None of them other than B. Roberts would be GREAT selections. If the choice comes down to who is actually left available I would much rather have 40/100 than anyone else. We have 2 holes in the outfield at least plug one.

By f.n. hale

January 27, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this

Steve in OH

Thanks for the help. Hopefully those guys will see the post and respond.

theclipper

Well, the money’s already spent. I haven’t picked it up and paid yet but have committed. I was already in over $100 before we realized it wasn’t completely original and at that point I decided to push on anyway. I trust the guy doing the work. He’s sort of a friend and does great work restoring and even building custom guitars. I know it’ll be a great instrument when he finishes. It was in terrible shape so he’s had to just about rebuild from the ground up. I have several rentals and manage for others for a living. I’ve gotten a lot of stuff left when folks move, usually just junk, but occasionally something worth while. The bass actually came from a church that I evicted. My wife gives me a hard time about evicting them, but hey, we all got to pay the rent. Thanks for the head’s up on Midtown Music.

By cabravesfan

January 27, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this

If the choice comes down to who is actually left available I would much rather have 40/100 than anyone else. We have 2 holes in the outfield at least plug one.

Let’s be honset with this one (and shawn this is NOT a criticism of your idea at all because I kinda agree with you)- signing Dunn fills a hole in the lineup NOT in the outfield- in fact he would make the outfield worse- but all things being equal, if this turns out to be the best remaining option AND we can get him for less (much less) then he is curently asking, I could be talked into supporting, if not totally liking, this idea

By Lew

January 27, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this

Threadkiller-Could it be that a middle infielder touches the ball maybe three times as often as an outfielder?

RichBrave-Man Who Would Be King is number one on my all time list of great movies. Best thing ever done by either Sean Connery or Michael Caine. One of John Huston’s best.

By JimD

January 27, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this

Adam Dunn’s lifetime fielding %age in LF - .969

Kelly Johnson’s lifetime fielding %age at 2B - .979.

10 pts is huge in fielding %age. Adam Dunn is a far inferior fielder than KJ.

By BlawgDawg

January 27, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

Treadkiller yes, an error is an error. The point is that infielders make more errors than outfielders. 11 infielder errors is not that many since they have so many more chances that can end in errors. And the smallest bobble or mistake by an infielder usually causes a runner to be safe, thus an error is charged. 11 outfield errors is a ton, because of the reasons I pointed out earlier, including the fact that a bobble or small mistake many times is not charged as an error because the runner doesn’t advance, thus no error. You really are showing your ignorance here my man, maybe you should stop while your…….umm behind.

And as a side note, you said 3 of Dunn’s 11 errors were at 1B, so he only had 7 in the outfield. uhhh, I was taught in school that 11-3=8. Which is twice as many as Frenchy made last year, and the point was made earlier, correctly, by one of the other guys that Frenchy’s 4 errors is too many for an outfielder.

By JimD

January 27, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

My above post notwithstanding …

I would still rather the Braves keep KJ at 2b and find another LF. I would like to see them bat either KJ or Esco 3rd and hit Chipper clean up, but I don’t think that is going to happen. Chipper prefers hitting 3rd.

By nolie

January 27, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this

January 27, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember the baseball movie named It Happens Every Spring?

It was a comedy about a Chemistry Professor who invents a solution that repels wood. Of course he takes it to baseball and has some of the wickedest movement every seen when the juiced up baseball avoids the wood bat. Classic comedy at its finest.

Top ten? Probably not, but a good way to spend a couple of hours. KeyLargo

yes sir, I mentioned it the other night. I also like the original “Angels In The Outfield” and “Rhubarb”, the same kind of comedies from the same era. Certainly not top 10, but cute IMO.

By nolie

January 27, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

When I think of a Brave capable of being solid lead-off hitter in 2009, I’m thinking Josh Anderson Tko

It’s possible that he could become that, it’s just that his minor league stats don’t show it as likely if he plays on a regular basis. But some do improve as they mature even in the bigs sometimes. I think for many of us that’s why we don’t get all excited about him up front and take a wait and see attitude. I personally would prefer someone with a better history of getting on base and with a larger more projectable past performance history. He has played pretty well in the limited chances that he’s had so far in the bigs.

By Mike

January 27, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

DOB

In Bowmans article about Glavine on the Braves site he says we only have about 6-7 mill left to spend. That seems kinda low. I thought we had a little more than that. I also wonder if that figure takes Ohmans offer into account. I was hoping that we would have about 2-3 base left for Glav, 5-8 left for Dunn and about 3 left for Ohman. But what I hope and what is always seems to be different…in any situation.

By mbatl

January 27, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

“Man Who Would Be King is number one on my all time list of great movies. “

Wow, Lew, that’s a strong endorsement. You can be a curmudgeon [insert equivalent to banned “LOL” here], but I respect your views. Never seen that movie, but will make it a point.

Article up on Braves.com…Bowman reports that Glavine is meeting with Wren, and feels great… most interestingly, Bowman seems to have a real firm grip on the Braves remaining spending cash, and suggests it’s only “$6 to $7 million.” Hope we’ve got a little more flexibility than that (and for no real reason, I suspect we do).

By shawn

January 27, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

Yeah I know Dunn has drawbacks but we aren’t going to get a CF and LF 5 tool all star 3 weeks before spring training unless of course we deal Heyward and Hanson- which we shouldn’t. I love Chipper but he sucked in LF too. I love Ichiro but then he has no power, Bonds couldn’t play D… my point is no one is going to be perfect in all phases of the game. Our pitching starters are a great improvement but none are in the top 5 in the league at their position. Heck other than Chipp and McCann no one on our team is. You go into the season with what we had last year in the outfield/lineup and this team is going no where (I prefer B. Roberts myself) So just wait till the prices drop to nothing and sign Griffy and A.J. which would’ve be great - ten years ago.

By GT

January 27, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

” SUTTON ” - The best pick-up all year !!

By shawn

January 27, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this

God forbid we spend ANY of that money on Glavine to be a number 5 starter… we have much bigger needs and plenty of options at the 5 spot

By Lew

January 27, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this

mbatl-You’re right, I am a curmudgeon-Andy Rooney is my Idol. This is a great flick though-an all time classic. If you like full out adventure, this is taken from a short story by Rudyard Kipling and couldn’t have been any better-not the acting, the Directing or the photography. If you liked any of Huston’s other movies like African Queen or Treasure of Sierra Madre, you’ll love Man Who Would Be King.

By keylargo

January 27, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

Sorry nolie about not seeing your post. I assure you I read your posts when I see them. Just missed a few days lately.

I’m going to have to see Angels in the Outfield. I did not realize the one I have seen was the remake of an original.

By keylargo

January 27, 2009 9:58 PM | Link to this

Lew

Did you know Sean Connery came in third in the 1953 Mr. Universe contest?

By Bubdylan

January 27, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this

Lew, Roger Ebert suggests that Daniel Day Lewis borrowed quite a bit from John Huston’s voice and mannerisms for his There Will Be Blood character.

Here’s a good Huston interview for anyone who wants to test the claim.

In any case, Huston was a cool dude.

By Random

January 27, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

Treadkiller (January 27, 2009 7:59 PM): “But anyway, because I have no baseball knowledge please can you tell me the difference between an Infielders error and a Outfielders error?”

Treadkiller (January 27, 2009 8:46 PM): “An Error is an Error!! Period!”

My, how quickly they grow up these days — hoefully, this one will leave the nest soon.

By Random

January 27, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this

Lew: “this is taken from a short story by Rudyard Kipling”

IF

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,

And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run –

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,

And - which is more - you’ll be John Smoltz my son!

By richbrave

January 27, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

LEW:

Third time you and I have seen eye to eye on flicks - The ILLUSIONIST and another I don’t remember now. What have you reviewed this season that you liked.? I have seen “BENJAMIN BUTTON” and “DOUBT.” Excellent acting. Not my absolute favs though. If you know anything about CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, “DOUBT” should send shivers down your spine. Being a Historian “BUTTON” was too far fetched for me, plot-wise. Maybe it’ll grow on me. Have you seen “7 POUND?”

By KC

January 27, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this

JimD: The fielding percentage for an outfielder is SUPPOSED to be MUCH better than that of a middle-infielder. Middle-infield is far more challenging, and there’s more that can got wrong. Every year, there are many outfielders with fewer errors than some gold glove infielders.

Dunn is NOT a better outfielder than KJ is an infielder.

By Random

January 27, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this

shawn: “Our pitching starters are a great improvement”

Where you fum, bo? You down here chasin our wimmin around?

8-)

I take it you meant “starting pitchers”?

PS: and it’s “Chip”, not “”Chipp” (but preferably “Chipper”, to distinguish him from Chip Caray). Okay, that’s all.

.

(“Griffey”)

THE BEAR — good advice — I too will keep it in mind. Thanks.

nitram odarp: “clean or dirty sheets is better than no sheets at all.”

That reminds me — I started writing a poem once that began “My bedclothes reek — a lockerroom bouquet Of saltines, socks and nameless stains” — never did get any farther than that.

Perhaps that says it all, huh?

By JimD

January 27, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this

KC I am confused. Are you agreeing with me or not. Go back and read my [9:21 post.] (http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2009/01/26/unsigned_ohman.html#comment-237094903)

The point I was trying to make is precisely your point Adam Dunn is NOT a better outfielder than KJ is an infielder. Hence the word inferior.

By Chris from the Rock

January 27, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this

With all this movie talk, how about the 2009 classic, “Dude, Where’s my Left Fielder?”

By rotty

January 27, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

No offense to Bowman but the only people who know what the Braves have to spend are Wren, McGuirk, JS, Malone and maybe Bobby.

He is doing math based on what he thinks not what he knows.

No harm in that but don’t take it as more than an guess.

What the need a is a slugging LF for 2yrs not a 42yo Glavine or a clearly done AJ.

If they spend 7mm total on those two (assuming w/incentives) when they could of had Dunn for 7-9mm I will be very disappointed.

There is no way you can say you need a 42yo #5 when you have no LF worth a darn (sorry Diaz/Blanco nightmare platoon) and Hanson + a pile of other prospects ready to take the job.

Time to look forward not back.

By Steve from OH

January 27, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this

Or maybe we can all realize that judging fielders on fielding% isn’t the greatest idea in the world?

By Bubdylan

January 27, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this

nameless stains” — Random

Too

Much

Infor

Mation.

By KC

January 27, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this

Jim D: Sorry man… didn’t look closely enough at your post. My mistake.

By spring hopes

January 27, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this

How about the old movie, “it Happens Every Spring” with Ray Milland.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this

Phil in GA: There’s no specific date when first cuts have to be made. Braves generally make them after first couple of split-squad games, after they’ve made sure they have enough players to get through those games without problems.

I want to say it’s generally in the second week of March when they make the first cuts.

Oh, and yes sir, Robinella is mighty fine, and she makes some very good music.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 11:25 PM | Link to this

RichBrave, I saw Seven Pounds — good, not great. I’d wait for the DVD.

I still haven’t seen Doubt and Frost/Nixon, the last two of the big Oscar nomination movies I haven’t seen. You didn’t like Doubt as much as most of the critics, I take it? (it got strong reviews)

By FadeAway

January 27, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this

Back in the days when men were men, and some of the women were too (especially the Russian ones)

n 1963, Warren Spahn of the Braves squared off against Juan Marichal of the Giants. The game lasted 16 innings. Both pitchers threw complete games. The game was decided in the bottom of the 16th inning when, with one out, Willie Mays homered, resulting in the Giants claiming a 1-0 victory. Spahn pitched 15 and 1/3 innings, allowing 1 run on 9 hits. Marichal was even better that day, throwing 16 innings of shutout ball while scattering 8 hits.
In reviewing that season , specifically Spahnie, I note that he was 42 years old that year, had a 23-7 w/l, 259 IP, started 33 games completed 22 of them with 7 shutouts with a 2.6 era and a 1.11 whip. And amazingly, Marichal had a better season than Spahnie, except that he was only 25.. That was Spahnie’s last good season though. I mean, he wasn’t no John Smoltz or Tommy Glavine. :-)

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2009 11:36 PM | Link to this

For those of you who might be doubting the $7 mill figure Bowman came up with, I really don’t understand why you are surprised.

I mean, we said over and over that $40 mill was the best educated guess, give or take a few million, about what the Braves had to spend, to add to the 2009 payroll, given what was coming off and the expected modest increase the Braves indicated they planned to make to the overall payroll from 2008.

The $40 mill figure was what those of us who cover the team came up with after discussions with some people and taking into account what Wren and McGuirk had said about their payroll plans (no details, just that the payroll would likely rise a bit).

And after running that $40 mill figure by team officials and not having it quashed or being told it was significantly off in either direction, it’s the figure we have been working with.

OK, so let’s count it up, in terms of 2009 salaries added: $11.5 for Vazquez, $15 mill for Lowe, nearly $8 mill for Kawakami (including prorated portion of signing bonus), $1.4 mill for Dave Ross, $3.45 mill for Gonzalez (up $1.1 mill from his 2008 salary).

That’s about $37 mill added for the four newcomers and Gonzo’s raise.

By nolie

January 27, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this

KeyLargo

Thanx. BTW Both the original Angels and Rhubarb are both out on dvd now if you have Netflix or Blockbuster on line. They are silly , but so was It Happens Every Spring. In fact Ray Milland (from Spring) is in Rhubarb and Paul Douglas, the catcher from Spring is the star of the original Angels. I hope you get a few chuckles if you get a chance to see them.

By Saltywoody

January 27, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

If anyone has any interest, check out Alexi Murdoch

Can’t get this guy’s cd out of the rotation, though I’ll admit I’m discovering him a little late.

Also looking mightily forward to Dan Auerbach’s solo album next month.

Oh and Jesse Baylin’s voice and her appearance both haunt me. In different but exquisite ways.

By ColoradoBravesFan

January 27, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this

“By keylargo

January 27, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this

cvbraves Unfortunately, Chipper said essentially the same thing about how the “new Jeff Francoeur” was tearing the cover off the ball with his 20 pounds of new muscle.

No That isn’t what Chipper stated about Francouer at all. I might be wrong, but Chipper’s comment about Frenchy, his new muscle and approach to hitting last year was… “lose and Andruw, gain an Andruw”…

Go Bravos

By Steve McP

January 27, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this

DOB- So given the figures that you quoted and extrapolating this to include the raises for the remaining arb eligible players, where is the money to sign Ohman, let alone a big hitting OF?

By FadeAway

January 28, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this

Anybody seen Apartment Zero or Shallow Grave? Pretty good roommates gone bad thrillers.

By Moby Grape

January 28, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

So given the figures that you quoted and extrapolating this to include the raises for the remaining arb eligible players, where is the money to sign Ohman, let alone a big hitting OF? SMcP

and I thought that money spent to resign Glavine was going to be above and beyond what they had budgeted for necessities? Guess they didn’t budget enough for the two starters and an outfielder they promised. And didn’t Wren just indicate that the money was available for said power-hitting productive outfielder? Guess he must have meant an inexpensive power hitter. Like another poster said in the last day or so, they always stop short of what it takes. Looks like that might happen again. Hope not.

By Ron in mobile

January 28, 2009 12:18 AM | Link to this

Looking at the first few comments and seeing people give DOB grief over a couple of typos made me chuckle.

DOB just tell em you cant drive the car, handle the money and talk on the phone at the same time. Your just the bag man…man

May Jeff Bridges live forever!

By Plato

January 28, 2009 12:50 AM | Link to this

Don’t understand the Braves’ approach with Ohman. He’s a good major league pitcher who obviously wants to play for Atlanta. It’s prolly just a pride thing with Ohman; just a small numbers bump would bring him back. What are we waiting for? For some other team to acquire him while we’re playing hardball with chump change (baseball-wise)?

I’m Flabbergusted….

By Plato

January 28, 2009 12:55 AM | Link to this

You’re right O’Brien, we’ve blown a whoppin wad already… Good moves though.

By Mike

January 28, 2009 1:02 AM | Link to this

Given these numbers of salary left…as much as I would love to have Glavine back, unless the money for him would be above and beyond what is left, I would rather spend it on an OF bat like Dunn or Abreu. But I still believe that we need Ohman. And since Bowman didnt mention Ohman in the article, maybe the offered salary to Ohman is already taken into account in the 6-7 figure. If that is the case, AND the money for Glavine would be above and beyond the 6-7 figure, then just offer Dunn the 7 mill a year and see if he takes it.

By MiaBchBravesFan

January 28, 2009 1:19 AM | Link to this

Unless we do something silly within the next several weeks, I am somewhat happy with the Braves - and Frank Wren - this winter.

Not for the Derek Lowe signing, but for the excellent restraint Wren showed in not parting with our minor league talent. Already, the damage that was the Mark Teixeira trade has reared its ugly head. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Perez, and Matt Harrison will all be with the big club this year - in Texas, with the Rangers.

The fact that we avoided the Jake Peavy trade, as well as other temptations that would have further fleeced our farm system, were great things indeed. Proving the old adage that the best trades are sometimes the ones you never make.

Instead of trying to win the division every year, it is instructive to note that if the “Ranger Four” were with us today, 2009 would be a good year to really rebuild and allow young talent to grow together and flourish. The money is not there like it used to be, to reload like we used to.

We have done a much better job of growing our own talent - either for keeps or for trade - in the past six to eight years than we did in all of the ‘90’s. This year was a year for letting the Tommy Hansons, Charlie Mortons, and Matt Harrisons of our world show their wares in preparation for a 2010 run with Tim Hudson and Jair Jurrjens at the helm - all the while saving the $60 million we spent on Lowe for the next four years.

The $15 mil per year will hamstring us when it comes time to sign the youngsters. What if Jeff Francoeur has a good/great 2009? What if Kelly Johnson breaks out? How about Yunel Escobar? Or Mike Gonzalez?

The Indians had an excellent run in the ‘90’s. The reason they lasted for more than a little while was because they locked up their youngsters before year five was up. The Braves have the start of something really cool with the present cast of youngsters. I hope management gets smart and intelligently evaluates the youngsters and signs them before year five proves to be too late.

As for RF, why not Andruw Jones? If he learns to hit to the opposite field, you can sign Tom Glavine and have a solid chance to compete in ‘09.

Just think - Lowe, Vasquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami, and Glavine. Wow, if paper dreams could translate to field results.

By YankeeDawg

January 28, 2009 1:35 AM | Link to this

Props to Schiller for recognizing the legacy and attachment many fans have (positively) to Don Sutton and securing his return. I’m sure the advertisers will appreciate this as well. Schiller does know what he’s doing.

By YankeeDawg

January 28, 2009 1:42 AM | Link to this

DOB, any chance of Campillo going to “Long Relief” spot in the pen to make room for Glave? How do you think he would respond? Seems like you could trade him to a team w/ a need for SP for a 4th OF.

By ccrider

January 28, 2009 1:46 AM | Link to this

Regarding remaining payroll: Bench: Infante $2,Diaz $1.2, Norton $.8, Prado $.5, Ross $1.5=Total $6 Mil. Rotation: Lowe $15, Vazquez $11.5, Jurjjens $.5, Kawakami $8.5, Hudson (Non Insurance) $7= Total $48.5 Mil. Bullpen: Gonzo $3.5, Soriano $6, Moylan $.5, Boyer $.5, Campillo $.5, Acosta $.5= Total $11.5 Mil. Lineup: McCann $3.5, Kotchman $3, Kelly J $3, Escobar $.5, Chipper $11, Franceour $3= Total $24 mil. Total Payroll-$90

    This leaves a bullpen spot(Ohman?), 5th Starter(Glavine?), CF(Schaffer,Anderson,Andruw?) and LF(Dunn,Abreu,Nady,Etc.?)

     Ohman $2, Abreu/Dunn $7, CF $1, Glavine $3 with incentives of $2 mil..  

      It would add up to $105 and I think that will happen or close.

By YankeeDawg

January 28, 2009 1:48 AM | Link to this

South Beach, I agree that if we can have that SP rotation, an OF of Frenchy, AJ & Rookie will have enough Def, lowest Run Scored that the upside of AJ’s Offense if he lets go of Pull Mentality AND JF get’s back to 25 & 90, then it’s a steal and a legit NL East contender.

By Chris

January 28, 2009 2:06 AM | Link to this

Actually DOB, Bowman and others guessed that $40 million would be the amount spent on this offseason before thw announcement of the payrooll increasing. back a couple of years ago the payroll was on a strict $80 million and based on the opening day 25 man roster payroll. I’ve also added $37 million that the braves have spent this offseason. After the announcement of the payroll increase in october, bowman and others guessed it would be ATLEAST a $45 million dollar spent offseason. So the raise (if bowman is accurate about $7 million left) then the payroll increased approxiametly $million. right now $7 million wont be enough to spend on ohman, a left fielder, and glavine, let alone two of the three probably…which is a problem.

By BA

January 28, 2009 2:08 AM | Link to this

To the pinhead that posts constantly under various un-funny names, platoons “suck”? That’s a kind of dumb thing to say, considering Cox has used platoons for 20 years with a lot of success. The LaRoche platoon that “stunted his growth” (so dumb) resulted in 29 hr’s and 110 rbi (using ‘05 as an example). Platoons are part of baseball, dummy.

And why not just pick a nice name and use it throughout your constant attacks on people? How gutless, to post attack after attack, laying in the weeds for someone to say something you can use a smartazz (but almost never funny) zinger?

How dumb is it to consider Anderson as a viable CF option? Maybe unlikely, but I don’t think it’s dumb. Not as dumb as dismissing platoons because they “suck”, and not nearly as dumb as suggesting that we sign Sheets to a one year deal (yeah, that’s going to happen).

I’m almost certain this is the goo guy- same repetitive, unfunny crap.

By nolie

January 28, 2009 2:19 AM | Link to this

hat’s a kind of dumb thing to say, considering Cox has used platoons for 20 years with a lot of success. BA

as did the Yankees, Orioles and any number of other teams over the years. Cox of course is a Yankee product and Houk disciple so it’s no surprise that he should like platoons.

By mr baseball

January 28, 2009 2:26 AM | Link to this

ccrider:

Assuming your numbers are accurate (still a question about how much they’re on the hook to Hudson for), I wouldn’t bet on anything more than minimum salary players for the final 4 spots, with the possible exception of Glavine. And based on his performance last year when healthy, I think it’s a stretch to mark him down for a roster spot, with Morton, Reyes & Campillo all possibilities as a No. 5 starter.

The Braves have never spent on a bullpen. Ever. They have invested almost $10 million alone in Gonzalez and Soriano. Unless Wren completely breaks away from Scheurholz’ precedent, no Ohman. Team will make do with one of the second-rate lefties they picked up in the off-season. Doesn’t matter if none of them can pitch at the major league level. They’re cheap and that’s what matters most.

No Dunn or Abreu either. Either one will put the team over $100 million, and given the economy, chances of signing either are remote at best. Maybe Andruw, who fits a favorite franchise profile (cheap, washed-up ex-Brave).

One player who would make some sense in the OF picture and may be affordable is Jim Edmonds. but haven’t heard a peep here or elsewhere about his status. Somebody is going to give Dunn & Abreu a reasonable deal, but doubt it’s going to be the Braves.

Wonder how nervous the agents for guys like Dunn, Abreu, O. Hudson, G. Anderson, O. Cabrera, I. Rodriguez, even Manny are getting? Not to mention the agents for the mediocre group of starters left.

Looks like Lowe may have gotten the last big bucks deal of the signing season.

)

By BA

January 28, 2009 2:38 AM | Link to this

The guy has made a number of platoons work, nols- Diaz/Harris, Franco/LaRoche, Tucker/Williams, even Bream/Hunter worked for a couple of years back in the glory days.

I see a lot of posts about Glavine, but I don’t really think they’ll bring him back, and I’m not sure Campillo or Morton wouldn’t be a better option anyway. Of course, there’s always the possiblity (I guess) that Reyes could nail down that fifth spot, he’d be a much needed lefty starter.

I’m very pleased to see Sutton return, in my opinion he’s a great radio guy, so is Simpson. Now if they could get rid of the stupid “country” music trailers…

By ccrider

January 28, 2009 2:43 AM | Link to this

mr. baseball, you could be right, particularly about the way the Braves always go cheap on the bullpen. I’m with you on the Edmonds idea, I mentioned it 3 weeks ago that a platoon of Diaz/Edmonds, and Andruw/Anderson would be a cheap but potential way to add power. I still believe that the Braves will go over $100 million if they have the right players become available at the right price. I guess we will get an answer pretty soon and I hope we will be pleasantly surprised!

By nolie

January 28, 2009 3:02 AM | Link to this

e guy has made a number of platoons work, nols BA

yes he has. Williams /Klesko in LF was pretty good IIRC. I’m all for a platoon if you don’t have a starter who can do a pretty good job on all pitching. Seems to be some kinda stigma attached to it to some here though

By brent a.

January 28, 2009 3:38 AM | Link to this

Considering that the Braves have an offer on the table for Ohman, I think it might be a little premature to assume that Wren won’t break from the Schuerholz bullpen mold.

Who know? Maybe it’s a tiny offer. No one is saying. And also, if someone beats the offer, perhaps Wren won’t counter.

However, with what little I know about negotiations, I can only imagine that there is some wiggle room in Wren’s initial offer. It only makes sense that there would be. How much, and whether or not it will be enough to keep Ohman around is anybody’s guess.

By brent a.

January 28, 2009 3:42 AM | Link to this

“Hoop Dreams” should make anyone’s list of best sports movies.

It is a documentary, but it’s better than any made for film sports story I’ve seen.

By BA

January 28, 2009 3:47 AM | Link to this

I think a lot of folks think of it as settling, as opposed to making good use of your roster. It’s unrealistic to think you can field a McCann type at every position every year. Even if you did, 30 hr 100 rbi players aren’t exactly a dime a dozen.

What about (to go really far back) Sanders/Nixon? He did it briefly, in ‘92, while also starting both of them in a handful of games. It was chaotic, and I loved it.

With all the movie talk around here lately, I don’t see a lot of Slingblade mentions. Not the greatest flick of all time or anything, but a great movie. I thought it really captured the essence of low down white trash life in Georgia/Alabama etc.

Also, it’s a damn travesty that they’re cancelling Steiner on XM. That was the best reporter type baseball show I’ve ever heard. Steiner was a charming, creepy delight.

Every show doesn’t have to be Joe Shmo caller driven. That’s allright sometimes, but shows like the Steiner show, and Kennedy/Dibble (hey, guilty pleasure- dumb guys doing an informative show) are what made it worth it to pay for XM.

Instead, I’m paying for glamorized AM radio. Nice move, XM.

By BA

January 28, 2009 3:49 AM | Link to this

What about Hoosiers? Solid sports movie.

By BA

January 28, 2009 3:57 AM | Link to this

My favorite sports documentary (they used to rerun it on the Documentary channel that I no longer have) was King of the Hill, about when they broke up the 1972 Chicago Cubs. They fired Durosher, traded Fergie Jenkins…my favorite scene is when Joe Pepitone is cursing the first base umpire like a dog!

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 28, 2009 4:59 AM | Link to this

Mark Bowman’s article has offered a very sobering answer to the question of whether or not Frank Wren is planning on adding another outfielder through trade or free agency. The answer is almost certainly NO.

Here is why.

The Braves already have six outfielder’s on the 40 man not including Jordan Schafer. Among the players who are locked in are Francoeur, Diaz and Greg Norton. Although Norton will mostly pinch hit , back up at 1B and see a handful of games in LF. He can really be counted among the seven infielders that Cox will carry on his 25 man roster.

Among Josh Anderson, Gregor Blanco, Brandon Jones and Jordan Schafer, two of them will make the team and Cox never carries more than four regular everyday outfielders on his 25 man roster.

In other words, we already six outfielders fighting for four roster spots. The only real questions left to answer are Glavine and Ohman. Frank Wren will make an offer to Glavine, whether or not he accepts it remains to be seen. Will Ohman is an unknown. I’ll be disappointed if the Braves don’t offer him a contract as the lefty pitched great last year.

Of course, the 40 man roster is full and if the Braves need to make room for another pitcher or two, they will likely remove someone from among the 24 pitchers already on the roster.

If both Glavine and Ohman sign, then 21 of the 25 available roster spots are all but locked up as the catching corp., rotation, bullpen, infield and bench are set. The situation doesn’t leave much wiggle room for payroll or another big contract unless someone is traded and that is unlikely at the moment.

On another note, if the Braves don’t sign Ohman. Then Frank Wren has screwed up. He should have traded the lefty when the opportunity presented itself, except that the Braves were operating under the belief that they would receive a second round compensation pick if Ohman left in free agency and the Braves won’t get anything should Ohman leave.

By Random

January 28, 2009 5:33 AM | Link to this

Coach: “the Braves were operating under the belief that they would receive a second round compensation pick if Ohman left in free agency and the Braves won’t get anything should Ohman leave.”

I don’t know — if it were true that they were operating under that belief, wouldn’t they have offered him arbitration?

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

January 28, 2009 6:06 AM | Link to this

Random, not after what happened with Greg Maddux.

I’m referring to the type A or B classification. The Braves thought that Will Ohman would qualify as a type B free agent based on his numbers in 2007 and 2008. Guaranteeing the Braves a draft pick irregardless of whether or not he was offered arbitration.

In other words, had the Braves known that Ohman wasn’t going to qualify as a type B free agent, they would have likely traded him before the July 31st deadline.

By nolie

January 28, 2009 6:35 AM | Link to this

I’m referring to the type A or B classification. The Braves thought that Will Ohman would qualify as a type B free agent based on his numbers in 2007 and 2008. Guaranteeing the Braves a draft pick irregardless of whether or not he was offered arbitration. Coach

I must be missing something. they still would have had to offer him arb in order to get free agent compensation, but you then say that they wouldn’t do that because of what happened with Greg. That’s likely true that they wouldn’t, but that negates any possibility of class B compensation. Can’t have it both ways, coach. You are absolutely wrong aboput getting comp without offering arb. It just doesn’t happen that way.

They already have more invested in their pen than they normally do and they are always cheap when it comes to middle relievers and specialty pitchers which Ohman would be if Soriano and Moylan are both healthy. IMO if Ohman gets a decent offer from another club, the Braves are unlikely to bid it up. I’d like to see him come back, but he has not been all that consistant from year to year( I couldn’t believe someone posted of him as a possible closer) and I can see why they might not re-sign him.

By GermanBravesFan

January 28, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this

DOB: Have you had a chance yet to listen to the new Springsteen CD? According to www.backstreets.com, reviews have been mixed so far…

By Josh H

January 28, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

TreadKiller:

You don’t get an error if you’re just flat out not there…

By Mac

January 28, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this

Good lefty relievers are as valuable as diamonds. And last season, there was a great deal of handwringing about the need to re-sign Ohman (if they didn’t trade him). Now he’s sitting around like dirty socks in the corner? Man, what a crazy world. Sign the dude.

By Random

January 28, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this

Thanks, nolie — my thoughts exactly.

But Coach does (blind piggedly) bring up an interesting question — are the Elias Type A/Type B classifications of free agents known to clubs prior to the deadline for their offering arbitration?

I’d think that’d be highly useful info in making the decision whether or not to offer arb.

PS: nolie: “I couldn’t believe someone posted of [Ohman] as a possible closer”

HEY, DOB — NOLIE DON’T BELIEVE YOU!!!

*(Sorry, bud, I had to drop the dime — I’m way behind in my suckupologistics.)

8-)

By Random

January 28, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

Poesy Update: replace “nameless” by “gravy”.

*(Whew!)

By rubbertoe

January 28, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this

DOB, Oh yea the whole “beat writer has to cover spring training thing”…..yea forgot about that one.

By Lew

January 28, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this

I thought the Braves had already offered Ohman a contract and he’s still waiting for other teams. Seems to me that when an offer is made you go back to the team and say either, “OK, I take the deal” or you tell them “I got an offer of $X from team B, do you want to meet or beat it?” Just sitting around waiting for them to boost the offer makes no sense to me. It’s stupid for a team (unless they’re the Yankees) to just go back and say, “Gee, I realize you don’t like this offer, let me offer you so much you can’t refuse.” There has to be give and take. Ball’s in Ohman’s court, IMO. If he’s not happy with the Braves’ offer he needs to tell them so.

By Rufio

January 28, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

The Air Up There

The Big Green

Hardball

By JimD

January 28, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this

Coach I’ll be disappointed if the Braves don’t offer him a contract as the lefty pitched great last year.

It is my understanding (per an earlier DOB blog) that Ohman has an offer on the table from the Braves and that he is just waiting around to see what else comes down the pipe.

I WOULD hope if he receives a better offer that the Braves would offer a counterproposal. Within reason, of course.

By BigHittas

January 28, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry but 7 lbs ain’t worth a damn. I wouldn’t even rent it on DVD, it’s that bad.

What happened to Blanco? I don’t see him in anybody’s line-up :)

By Dadgum

January 28, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this

Glavine is somewhat of an enigma. He appears to be leaning toward pitching in Dark Star. If the Braves sign him that is. Do the Braves sign-should the Braves sign him.

The #5 slot is the only one open. Do you slide Glavine in there as opposed to a Hanson or Morton? I don’t think so. You can entrust a #5 slot to a young talent more so than give it to a pitcher near the Pearly Gates of his career. The Braves need to inject youth into the starting pitching staff. Only Jurrjens is under 32 I think.

Perhaps the Braves will keep Glavine to give him a spot start or as a lefty with Ohman out of the pen in middle relief. Don’t think Glavine would go for that though. The scenario I see unfolding is that Glavine goes to Dark Star. Does OK but not enough to crack the starting rotation. He retires and enters the HOF with Maddux.

Rock on….Have A Nice Day

By Poorbrave

January 28, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this

Lew-You are right, the balls in Ohman’s court. Whats he gone do?

By DAP

January 28, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

i think the braves oughta sign one of hinske, griffey jr, or edmunds to platoon with matt diaz. that might leave enough money to still sign either ohman or glavine, but probably not both.

hinske might be the best bet. he is younger than the other two, will probably sign for cheaper, has has the same power potential. the pirates are talking about signing him for a bench role…i bet hed rather platoon in atlanta.

By DAP

January 28, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

i also think the braves should sign ohman and pass on glavine. we have so many options for the 5th starter, our other needs out weigh it. a very strong bullpen is a huge asset.

By Efrim

January 28, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

As much as I would love to bring back Ohman and Glavine, they aren’t worth it if it means having to go cheap in leftfield. I think they should spend the full 6-7 million on a bat. Nady and Swisher are in that price range. Not sure if Dunn or Abreu would sign for one year and 7 million. I think if that were the price, than more teams are going to get involved. In my opinion, over the course of a 162 game season, a fifth starter(when we have so many other candidates to fill it) and a left handed reliever aren’t as important as getting a middle of the order bat.

By Eric from MO

January 28, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball you are right. Scherolz never spent much on he bullpin but the bullpin has become more important the last 5 years. Also Wren dont have the luxury of 3 HOF pitchers in his rotation.

By ncscoots

January 28, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this

Efrim, I mostly agree with your 10:19, with this caveat: with an all-righty rotation (if it comes to that), I would want to stock the bullpen with more than one middle-innings lefty, given my druthers. Whether the Braves think Logan, O’Flaherty, Ridgway, or other flotsam can fill those slots is the question, I think.

People cried last offseason when Mahay wasn’t re-signed, and they’ll do likewise if Ohman suffers the same fate. I’d like to have him, for his humor if nothing else, but I doubt his presence or absence is difference-making.

By rotty

January 28, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this

Bowman was reporting less than a week before Lowe signed that the Braves had zero interest in him.

Things change with one call or internal meeting. Reporters only know what GM’s tell them and that isn’t much lately.

Between the Peavy and Smoltz’s PR disasters do you actually think Wren is going to tell anyone something specific? Being vague gives him options.

He won’t confirm or refute anything so saying he didn’t refute x or y figure, comment or interest in a player means little.

No offense but Bowman will know what the Braves are going to do when they do it not before.

How many false completed deals did we all see this off season? More than I can remember.

Wren is not sharing anything specific with anyone as well he should not.

What we do know is the bargain bin is getting very attractive and teams that have glaring holes -like the Braves in LF - would be foolish to pass them up.

Dunn or Abreu is not going to hurt the franchise or kill attendance.

Having a good rotation and lousy OF which kicks off another 1 run loss record will.

The rotation is good but not so good they can afford to go to ST with the OF they have today.

By Eric from MO

January 28, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this

People, I could be wrong but let me try what I think Coach meant. I think he meant that the Braves would of offered Ohman if he would of qualified for Type B free agent but when his stats didn’t allow him to qualify there was no reason to offer him aribitration. It could only bite them in the a$$. He either takes their offer or he doesn’t. However if he qualified for Type B then they would of offered him arbitration. If I am wrong Coach, Im sorry. Thats my guess with what he meant.

By Greg in TN

January 28, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this

Morning folks, and a soggy one at that in this neck of the woods…

I am happy to see Don Sutton resuming broadcast duties for the Braves. Losing Skip and Pete both in the span of a few months is a whole lot to bear and having a familiar voice paired with Jim Powell will help bridge the gap (not that I think Powell won’t do a good job, I think he’ll be fine).

Phil in GA: I haven’t heard of Robinella, but I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for her. Have to have a pretty good Bluegrass pedigree to appear on WDVX’s Blue Plate Special (at least from the performances I’ve caught before). Thanks for the tip.

By Bryan

January 28, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

Efrim I agree, let Glavine walk, I’m not sold on letting Ohman go, but I’d rather see the money spent on a LF. Let Hanson/Campillo/etc. compete for the 5 job

By Mark C.

January 28, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this

I think Coach is talking about not trading Ohman at the trade deadline last year. Wren thought he’d be a class B free agent and a 2nd round pick looked better than any offers. Only Ohman had a rough last month (I believe. Haven’t looked anything up.) costing him his type B status. Which as it turns out is probably better for Ohman anyway.

By flange1

January 28, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

f.n. hale,

Sorry for the delayed response, I have been traveling and just saw your post on your 70’s Fender Bass.

I am a collector, here are my thoughts!

A refinished guitar or one with changed parts is normally worth about 1/2 of what an all original one is worth.

The combination Jazz/precision will cut the value even more.

Normally, collectors don’t buy refinished guitars, so you will be selling to players.

Is all the hardware and electronics original? Is the logs still on the headstock?

You would be better off stripping off the old paint and NOT refinishing the bass. By finishing it in any color, you are eliminating some customers.. “If it had only been red..”

You won’t get your refinishing money back, just strip it and let the next owner finish it the way he wants.

Email me at flangebox@yahoo.com if I can help any further!

By Butch Haynes

January 28, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

My wife told me she’d never divorce me because I’d be a Type B free agent, so she’d only be entitled to Class B compensation.

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

Random: Yes, teams know the free-agent Type A’s and Type B’s before the deadline to offer arbitration….

YankeeDawg, Campillo will pitch to the best of his ability in any role they give him. He really does fully appreciate being in the bigs, having been a 29-year-old rookie and having spent nearly a decade pitching in the Mexican leagues. He’s a good guy to have on your team, a guy who can start or relieve and who’s dirt-cheap for another couple of seasons.

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan: Not surprising that reviews have been all over the board on Springsteen’s new one, because it’s so different than any album he’s done. It’s a lot more upbeat than most of his stuff, a lot more accessible (for lack of a better word), with simpler songwriting rather than his rich character studies.

That said, I really liked it on first listen last night. Made me smile, a few songs. Some are so out of character for him. But it’s got a lot of “Hungry Heart” sounding tunes, and that’s not a bad thing for me, not like it is for some others.

But I can understand the lesser reviews, because the lyrics are, by his enormous standards, quite underwhelming. But the music is really good, Bruce and the band in fine form. And the album seems, I don’t know, fun.

Not an album I’d want to see him repeat next time out, but a really good one to put out just 15 months after releasing “Magic,” and pretty strong considering he’s been on the road doing his epic shows for most of that time between albums.

To me, it sounds like a guy happy to be home after a long, tough job that kept him away from family and friends. I don’t know, that’s just how it sounds for some reason.

Hey, if I remember correctly, a lot of people didn’t like “Lucky Town” when it came out (and many still don’t), either. And to me, that’s a very good album, albeit a “happy” Boss album.

Obviously, many/most Springsteen fans prefer his deeper stuff, especially his dark and/or rebellious stuff (I know I do) more than anything else he might occasionally put out.

But no reason one can’t like this other stuff, too. Especially when it’s this easy to listen to. It’s just that it’s not the Boss we’re used to.

By Gene Garbage

January 28, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

Dumb question- why do they call the Bravos spring training ” Dark Star “?

By Efrim

January 28, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

ncscoots

I responded to your 10:34, but I am not sure what happened to it. Anyway, I agree that having Ohman on the team is pretty important. Would be great when the Braves face Utley, Howard, and Ibanez back to back to back. But with that said, if the Braves give Ohman one year and 3 million, and then only have 3-4 million to work with for leftfield, than I am not for it. All depends on the amount we end up signing Ohman for. 3-4 million might only get you Ken Griffey Jr.(although in this market, he might have to settle for a minor league deal), who could platoon with Diaz. That would be a productive platoon, but nothing that would get me too excited. And certainly nothing that would get Mets, Phillies or Marlins fans worried about.

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this

Mark C: You don’t have to look up Ohman’s stats to know he had a rough last month — because I posted those stats in the original blog above.

In case you skipped that paragraph: “He had a 2.52 ERA and .185 overall opponents’ average in 63 appearances through Aug. 14, and a 10.38 ERA and .409 opponents’ average in 20 appearances over the rest of the season.”

By BigHittas

January 28, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

Glavs = opening day pitch. :)

By glove51

January 28, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

Dave:

With Lowe, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami, and apparently Glavine set as our rotation, and with Campillo and Hanson waiting in the wings, it appears that at least 1 of Morton, Reyes, and Parr and least 1 one of Carlyle and Bennett should be available to be dealt, no? Maybe Boyer too?

Also, assuming the Braves will sign/trade for SOME OF (Dunn, Andruw, Swisher, Nady, other), it appears Brandon Jones and either Anderson or Blanco are superfluous as well.

Could maybe add either Prado or Diory Hernandez to that list as well. We ought to be able to piece some of that together for an OF bat, recognizing that no one player out of that group has tremendous value.

Of the ptichers listed, I’d hope we would keep Morton and Bennett. Any of the others can be replaced IMO, althoguh I like Prado quite a bit.

If Francouer recovers, my gut feeling is he will be traded out of ATL, so long as Heyward, Schaefer, and possibly incuding Gorkys continue to progress smoothly. Gorkys is maybe to distant from the majors to greatly affect this equation, though.

By flange1

January 28, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

Efrim,

On your 11:19, I think a Griffey Jr or and Edmonds for LF is what the Braves will end up getting.

The Braves signed Diaz to a 1.2375 million dollar deal, not a HUGE amount, but more than a pinch hitter would normally get.

I believe they are thinking platoon in LF.

It would be helpful if the platoon partner could also play CF (as a backup) because I am not sure the Braves would be happy for Infante to be the #1 backup at SS and CF.

I would love a basher in LF, but the signing of Diaz and Norton lead me to believe the Braves are not going that route…

By Efrim

January 28, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this

Flange1

Forgot about Edmonds. He’d make some sense as well, if they are going the platoon route. He can still play CF too, obviously, so I’d probably rather have him than Griffey Jr. Edmonds hit .250/.362/.521(125 OPS+) in 349 PA’s against RHP. Griffey hit .272/.379/.462(117 OPS+) in 388 PA’s against RHP. Good call dude.

By DAP

January 28, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

flange and efrim

i think the braves need to steal hinske from the pirates before they sign him. they are courting him for a bench role, and i bet the braves could sign hinske for the same $1.2mil or so they gave diaz. hinske will easily give you 15 homers in a platoon role. easily.