AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2009 > February > 02 > Entry
Renewed optimism among Braves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Braves fans, you were not alone.
Plenty of Braves players were at least as concerned as most of you Braves/MIB blog denizens and other fans this winter as the team misfired on free agents (A.J. Burnett, Mike Hampton, Rafael Furcal) and potential trade acquisitions, notably Jake Peavy. Chipper Jones spoke for many when he wondered aloud whether the Braves were doing all that was required to put together a contender.
But after the recent signings of starters Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami, on top of the earlier trade for Javier Vazquez, I heard a genuinely optimistic tone from everyone I talked to when pitching camp opened Friday.
“You don’t know know how excited I was when I started hearing about some of the arms we picked up,” closer Mike Gonzalez said. “We can go out and compete, man. We’ve got the guys. We’ve got innings eaters, and the guys who can bridge the gap” between the starters and closer.
Gonzalez said he feels like he’s 20 years old again, like he has a “new arm” now that he’s 20 months removed from Tommy John surgery and coming off an offseason in which he was able to rest and do normal conditioning work, rather than spending all winter rehabbing his elbow.
Reliever Blaine Boyer spent the offseason working out with John Smoltz in a demanding regimen that helped burn more than 15 pounds off Boyer’s physique, and redistribute plenty of the remaining pounds from midsection to legs and upper body.
After fading down the stretch last year (he ranked among the major league leaders in appearances past the All-Star break), Boyer said his workouts this winter with Smoltz were designed specifically for endurance to get through the long season with a better chance of avoiding a late-summer fade.
“Lots and lots and lots of reps,” said Boyer, who worked out with Smoltz at an L.A. Fitness in Alpharetta, and said that yes, that created some interesting situations.
“I’d see people going, ‘I think that’s Blaine Boyer,’” he said, “and then’d they see Smoltz and go, ‘I know that’s John Smoltz.’”
Boyer said Smoltz, who signed with the Red Sox last month, is so intense, so focused during his workouts, he wouldn’t even notice the people stopping and staring at them during their workouts.
While he’s going to miss his mentor Smoltz a great deal, Boyer sounds more excited than ever about the approaching season.
“We’ve got three guys with 200-inning potential in our rotation,” he said. “I don’t think people realize how huge that is. That’s like a great gift from the clouds. Not only it is going to help the bullpen, but also the guys in the field.”
As for Gonzalez, Ohman said the same thing manager Bobby Cox said about the closer: “You can only imagine what he’s going to be like after a full offseason of rest. He’s going to be dominant this year.”
Cox said the pitching staff as a whole “is so much better than what we ended up with [in 2008],” and that adding innings-eating starters, “means a lot.”
Ohman to Philly? If the Philadelphia Phillies this week make Will Ohman an offer that’s closer to the two-year, $8 million deal that Jeremy Affeldt got from San Francisco than what the Braves have offered Ohman, then Ohman may be facing Atlanta’s many left-handed hitters a whole bunch of times next season.
No, Ohman’s never said what the Braves offered him in November, a deal that’s been on the table since then. But I’m told it wasn’t nearly as lucrative as the deal Affeldt got, and it hasn’t been raised since it was first made. And the Phillies expressed interest and expect to meet again with his agent this week.
Affeldt was fortunate that the Giants made him that big offer right away, and smart to have taken it. Subsequently, the market collapsed for most free agents, but particularly for lefty relievers and corner outfielders, none of whom are getting anywhere near the level of deals that were handed out in recent offseasons, before the general economic meltdown finally impacted baseball.
If Ohman were to get an offer from Philly that’s worth a $1 million or more than what the Braves offered him, then you can’t blame him for taking it. Because this might be his one chance to get a contract that could set him up for life (no, not every player needs tens of millions to be set up for life).
With a pitcher, particularly a reliever in his 30s, you just don’t know how long you’re going to last, when that elbow or shoulder might blow, or when that fastball velocity starts to be diminished or that pitch movement begins to dull.
So as much as the Braves/MIB blog and its denizens would like to see him back in Atlanta, hey, if the Braves don’t make him an offer that’s in line with what he might get from the Phillies or another team … well, then I guess we’ll just have to hope that either Boone Logan or Eric O’Flaherty, the two new lefties, is a big fan of The Big Lebowski and does a decent impersonation of Harry Caray reading the lineup card.
Oh, and the Braves will hope one or both can fill Ohman’s shoes in a significant role. The bullpen should be strong, but if Ohman’s not back, then that (situational lefty) is another question mark, alongside the twin setup men coming back from surgeries, Peter Moylan and Rafael Soriano.
By the way, I just called Ohman and got his voicemail. When you call his number, you hear music instead of a ring. On Will’s phone, you hear one of two songs: The Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” or Ben Harper’s “The Will to Live.”
They don’t have options: It’s always important entering spring training to keep in mind what players have exhausted their minor-league options. Because if all things are equal, or even close, in a position battle, the guy who’s out of minor-league options is usually going to be kept on the roster over a guy who’s not out of options.
Players out of options have to clear waivers before they can be sent to the minors. That means, of course, that if that player has value, if he’s very good but there’s not a spot for him on the major league roster, a team will be more inclined to work out a trade rather than lose him on waivers to another team.
With that in mind, here’s the Braves’ list of out-of-options players on the current 40-man roster: OF Josh Anderson; right-handers Blaine Boyer, Derek Lowe, Anthony Lerew, Rafael Soriano and Phil Stockman; lefty Mike Gonzalez; catcher David Ross, and utilityman Greg Norton.
Kawakami update: While Kenshin Kawakami has been home waiting for his visa, the Braves’ new Japanese pitcher kept busy preparing for his first major league spring training.
My mole in Japan tells me Kawakami threw 157 pitches Saturday in a bullpen session at Nagoya Dome, the home park of his old Chunichi Dragons team.
By the way, for those who’ve asked, I asked again about Kawakami and WBC and was assured by Braves officials Friday that he will not be participating in the tourney….
Speaking of Japan and the WBC, if Kawakami’s homeland does well in the tourney, it shouldn’t be a surprise. Japan doesn’t have the depth of some Latin teams or the U.S., but its players have been working out together more than a month before the U.S. team’s first workouts.
What to make of BA rankings: Baseball American ranks the Texas Rangers No. 1 in its organizational rankings of top prospects, a spot held by the Tampa Bay Rays the past two years.
The No. 1 prospect in the top-rated organization is none other than right-hander Neftali Feliz, the best of a handful of prospects the Braves traded to Texas for Mark Teixeira and lefty reliever Ron Mahay on July 31, 2007.
One other of those traded Braves prospects made the Texas top 10 list this year, shortstop Elvis Andrus at No. 4. Andrus is the frontrunner for the Rangers’ starting-shortstop job entering spring training.
For what it’s worth, the last time BA ranked Atlanta the No. 1 farm system was 1999. The Braves’ top-rated prospect that year? Lefty Bruce Chen.
I’m guessing Perez will have a better career than Chen, who is 35-37 with a 4.63 ERA in 242 games (112 starts) in parts of 10 seasons, and didn’t pitch in the majors in 2008.
Sign o’ the Times: Won’t be able to look for that Prince CD or any other at Ella Guru after this month, folks. Yes, sad to say, my friend Don’s great excellent CD store is closing, another victim of the terrible economy on top of the already sharp decline in music sales in recent years.
Here’s the e-mail my man sent out just this morning:
Hello, lovelies:
There’ll be another e-mail on the same subject shortly but this one’s being sent to a list of EG’s best friends, customers, promoters, vendors and so forth. We’re closing the shop at the end of February and I want to give special thanks to those on this list. I can’t tell y’all how much it’s meant to me to have met, laughed with, talked about and listened to music with you, seen shows and partied with you, etc. etc. &tc.
Those there and supporting in all ways from Day One at the old LaVista shop: Mo (most of all), Ella and her girly-girls and boys, Mommer and my family, Darren A., Jim Ogle (NOT possible without you, Jimbo), G-man and Robbie and Kev and their spouses and lovers and kiddies, Dean and Amy and their beefy son Porterhouse, JoshyJoshyJOSHY!, James M. the speaker of Truth to Power, Mark B. and his Stanky family:, Aron and the Sage fam and Sandy too, the incredible Karin, MR. Acid Mothers Temple a/k/a John “Boris” Brite, Pete Patterson esq., Rogers/Samuelson gang, Jeff McCord and family, Mike Cooper, Coach Marty H. and family, Phil Tan, Rut, Hobbsie, Krista, John P., Keriann, Chris P., Marlene, Richbourg, Dougie and REDsters, Sylvia, Russell C., Alex at OK, James Kelly, Dan and Sean and all at WnF, Gene for having a real record store in Greenville, Matt Myers for having me and who knows what this feels like, Alex Ayers, Hunter and Brookie, Callie P. and Tess, J. Regan, Glen S. and family, Jeff Clark, Lee Fidler, Robert Drake, Craig V., the ravishing Stephanie F., John Beers, Reedy and the Barkers, Steve Witte, Jay Wardlaw, Ed Bishop, Chris Merrifield, Colm, Bill Buzbee & Lisa Chang, Matt Gewolb (my favorite Mets fan), Dave Lynch, Sean K., Mal M., the Marks: Apple & Snyder, S. Hedeen, Steve Scott, Steve Dancz, Joshy A. and the lovely Jessica, Gus M., D. Blackburn, D. O’Brien (who has the second best gig in the world), the mighty Hughs: Freeman and Suhr, David Williams and Kat, Drew D., drumho Don, J. Askins, Jarid, the members of the Justin/Turner Overdrive: Jeff, Kev, Stuey, Jerry, and Oliver (you got a month to come have a look at the shop, Ollie!), Calder, Jeremy O. and mom, the VTA guys, Kerry and Ryan, Lynn and Rebecca, Tasman, Brad McD. and so many more. There are tons I’ve missed. Y’all are the best. I only hope you can somehow all remain as cool as you presently are without EG to help you out :)
Um, Sean and Logan and David, y’all might want to advance the schedule on finishing your cool mural :)
Mercenary sale info to follow in the message to the wider e-mail list. There well may be a party. Watch this space.
D.
Folks, this is a real negative for some of us. If you’ve got any money left and/or plans to purchase music in the next month and you live in the area, do an old indie-record store owner a solid and stop by Ella Guru to wish Don well in whatever his next venture might be. For a Univ. of Florida alum, he’s a good dude, and he fought a good fight.
“PILGRIM” by Kris Kristofferson
See him wasted on the sidewalk in his jacket and his jeans,
Wearin’ yesterday’s misfortunes like a smile
Once he had a future full of money, love, and dreams,
Which he spent like they was goin’ outa style
And he keeps right on a’changin’ for the better or the worse,
Searchin’ for a shrine he’s never found
Never knowin’ if believin’ is a blessin’ or a curse,
Or if the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down
He’s a poet, he’s a picker
He’s a prophet, he’s a pusher
He’s a pilgrim and a preacher, and a problem when he’s stoned
He’s a walkin’ contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction,
Takin’ ev’ry wrong direction on his lonely way back home.
He has tasted good and evil in your bedrooms and your bars,
And he’s traded in tomorrow for today
Runnin’ from his devils, Lord, and reachin’ for the stars,
And losin’ all he’s loved along the way
But if this world keeps right on turnin’ for the better or the worse,
And all he ever gets is older and around
From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse,
The goin’ up was worth the comin’ down
He’s a poet, he’s a picker
He’s a prophet, he’s a pusher
He’s a pilgrim and a preacher, and a problem when he’s stoned
He’s a walkin’ contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction,
Takin’ ev’ry wrong direction on his lonely way back home.
There’s a lotta wrong directions on that lonely way back home.
Comments
By Brooklyn Braves Brawler
February 2, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this
First!
By Stat Boy
February 2, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this
A few errors in the blog DOB.
it’s Neftali Feliz and I thought Kawakami wasn’t going to play in the WBC…
By chuckw/deadjournalist
February 2, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this
oh man - i’m devistated to hear ella guru is closing. i’ll have to head over a few times this month at lunch. such a shame.
By doc
February 2, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
sad day in the BIG A if ella aint around.
By Mark in Indy
February 2, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the only thing that still really gets me about the Tex trade was that Feliz was the throw-in guy … yeesh.
By Flamenco the Foot
February 2, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this
I’m sure someone already said this, but it is Neftali Feliz, not Perez. Another great blog DOB.
By Mitchie-san
February 2, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this
Top ten!
By keylargo
February 2, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this
If the Braves don’t sign Ohman, you can look for some real fireworks from the fans as he has become a fan favorite. Add some really irritated people still upset over the Smoltz situation and I think you can look for the Braves to put a priority on signing Ohman.
By Run Heap Run
February 2, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this
Aw that makes me sad about Ella Guru. I will most definitely get by there before the end of the month.
By DAP
February 2, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this
i think that its safe to say that were it not for the teixeria trade, the braves would be #1, since they would have two of the #1 team’s top 10 guys.
of course, how different would this team look? who would have played 1st base in 2008, and who would be be looking for to play there now? (since we wouldnt have gotten kotchman in the trade)
we probably would have had to trade some of those guys anyways for a 1st baseman, or other positions, but those players we traded away would have gone a long way toward players other than tex.
i guess we have to say looking back…whoops!
By kirkinga
February 2, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
Good to see that the Braves players are optimistic. There many here who said they wouldn’t be heading into SS.
$4million/year for Ohman? To me that’s steep, but it depends on how it effects other signings. If paying him $4million/year means we can’t sign an LF, then I say no.
If paying him that amount means we can still sign a LF but not have Glavine, that is also a tough call, but I would lean toward having the starter over the reliever.
I know that seems crazy, but last year taught me to never ever believe you have enough starting pitching unless you’ve got 3 young Cy Young candidates in your rotation. Fact of the matter is, Glavine was among the leaders in Quality Starts and the Braves, and the bullpen, will benefit from another guy who is going to give them quality innings.
The best thing would be for Liberty to give the Braves some more coin and allow them to keep Ohman from going to the Phillies as well as sign Glavine and a LF.
By Brooklyn Braves Brawler
February 2, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
DOB
Are the Braves concerned with going into the season with a an all righty staff or are they for sure looking to bring Tommy back ala Jamie Moyer?
What’s are power righty bat situation look like?
thx
By dogsbrekky
February 2, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
Good stuff DOB, thanks for the updates…
Got raging drunk on superbowl Sunday so am not in the good books with the g/f today..
Oh well at least I did my Fantasy baseball draft.. Here is my roster… FWIW
C Jorge Posada NYY 1B Albert Pujols STL 2B Kelly Johnson ATL 3B Chipper Jones ATL SS Edgar Renteria SF CI Miguel Cabrera DET MI Mark DeRosa CLE OF Carlos Lee HOU OF Jermaine Dye CWS OF Rick Ankiel STL OF Shin-Soo Choo CLE OF Denard Span MIN UT Jim Thome CWS P Cole Hamels PHI P James Shields TB P Dan Haren ARZ P Brad Lidge PHI P Matt Cain SF P Mike Gonzalez ATL P Clayton Kershaw LAD P Matt Garza TB P Kenshin Kawakami ATL
Bench Troy Tulowitzki COL Bench John Maine NYM Bench Matt Wieters BAL Bench Troy Glaus STL Bench Mike Lowell BOS Bench Todd Helton COL
By DAP
February 2, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this
another bad trade looking back (which is always unfair, but whatever) is the mark kotsay trade. i really enjoyed having kotsay on the team, loved him as a player, and enjoyed the night he hit for the cycle, but the guy played in 88 games and we traded oakland their closer for him. say what you want about joey devine, that he never would have made it in atlanta, blah blah…he had a great year and will probably be closing for that team, and would have been a great arm to hang onto. whoops on that one, too.
By ArkyTech
February 2, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this
was assured by Braves officials Friday that he be participatin in the tourney….
Eh? Does that mean he will or won’t be in the tourney?
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
Brooklyn, Braves aren’t concerned about an all-righty rotation (of course, if they were I don’t think they’d say so anyway, but I honestly don’t think they are).
Is it ideal? No. But it’s more important to have five good pitchers, and they believe they’ll have five. And yes, Glavine could be one.
By DAP
February 2, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this
imagine a bullpen of gonzalez, soriano, moylan, devine, ohman, boyer, bennett.
best in the majors, hands down. im just saying.
By BamaBrave
February 2, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
If I had a band it would now be called “My Mole in Japan”…
By Efrim
February 2, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
“The No. 1 prospect in the top-rated organization is none other than right-hander Neftali Perez”
Neftali Feliz. And it is incredible how the kid shot up the prospect ranking charts. I don’t even think he was ranked last year.
DAP
I saw your comment on the last blog, I agree that the Super Bowl is a different story, but the economy does have an effect on the quality of advertisements. Budgets that agencies have may limit what they can do. Just my opinion though.
By Steve McP
February 2, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
If the Phillies do make an offer in that range will the Braves have a chance to counter?
Would hate to see Ohman with one of our main rivals and that might be a good reason for upping the offer to match the Phillies if they really are going to those numbers (which seem high for the market).
One other small typo on the blog, in the Kawakami section you don’t say whether he will or won’t be pitching in the WBC, I presume you mean he will not as he has not been working out the Japanese team.
By bill
February 2, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
Inning eaters are all well and good.But if they leave in the 7th or 8th inning down 5-2 or 6-2,what good does it do?
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
Mark: Feliz was no “throw-in guy” in that deal. Far from it.
This is what I wrote in one of my early edition stories the day of the trade, before we knew there was a fifth prospect going to Texas from the Braves:
“The Braves are paying a hefty price for Teixeira and Mahay, parting with four prospects including switch-hitting rookie catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, slick-fielding shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus and two of their top pitching prospects.
“It’s the most significant midseason trade for the Braves in 14 years, since they got first baseman Fred McGriff from San Diego on July 18, 1993. They hope Teixeira will help spark a playoff drive as McGriff did.
“One of the pitching prospects will be Matt Harrison, provided the Rangers are satisfied that his recently sore shoulder is sound. They will examine medical records closely and mightwait to see him pitch a couple more times.
“The other pitcher is right-hander Neftali Feliz, 19, a hard-throwing Dominican rated the Braves’ No. 18 prospect by Baseball America. He has 70 strikeouts in 55-1/3 innings in two seasons at the Rookie and Class-A levels.
“Saltalamacchia, Andrus and Harrison were rated the Braves’ top three prospects last winter, in that order.”
The “throw-in” that you’re referring to was not Feliz, it was lefty Beau Jones, 22, who spent last year in A-ball and Double-A with the Rangers.
Last season, Jones was 2-1 with a 4.02 ERA in 11 relief appearances in Double-A and 1-3 with a 2.93 ERA in 17 games (four starts) in High-A.
At the two levels combined, he had 60 strikeouts in 58-2/3 innings while allowing 51 hits and 29 walks.
By Efrim
February 2, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
Mets ink Oliver Perez to a three year 36 million dollar deal. Wasn’t that the same amount they offered to Lowe? Suprising that Boras couldn’t get at least a fourth year vesting option for Oliver. A pretty fair deal for both sides. I wouldn’t say the Mets overpaid, 12 million per year seems about right for Perez. Guy has never thrown 200 innings, so more money per year would of been a little much.
By semiballcoach
February 2, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
adding to last blog
billy powell was a roadie for skynyrd…did the piano intro to freebird and was put in the band…
By Don
February 2, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
From the comment above (paraphrasing), the Braves hope that one of the two can fill the gap left by Ohman. To be a pessimist for a moment, isn’t that consistent (not in a good way) with the Braves thinking for the last few years? Let better Bullpen talent leave for FA deals and try to rebuild the Bullpen almost every year. Why does it need to be this way? Why can’t this team return a number of healthy, good arms instead of rebuilding every year. The ‘pen needs to be invested in just like the starters and the position players.
Right now, the Braves have based there hopes on a number of fragile arms.
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
BamaBrave: outstanding. I didn’t even think of that. Pretty solid name for a band. Someone HAS to use it. I won’t even ask for royalties, and we’ll give them a big plug or 10 on the ol’ blog.
And folks, the next person who corrects the typo, letting us know that it’s Feliz and not Perez, will be the lucky 10th to do so, and will win … well, absolutely nothing. But it’ll feel good, so do it anyway.
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this
ArkyTech: It means he be not participating.
By DAP
February 2, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this
“the economy does have an effect on the quality of advertisements. Budgets that agencies have may limit what they can do.” efrim
dont you think that if a company was a little cash strapped and wanted to save money on advertising, they might just NOT advertise during the super bowl and spread their advertising out farther? i just find it illogical that companies that find it in the budget to spend $30mil on a 30 second spot, or whatever the price is, would then decide to sacrifice a little quality to save money. maybe they are idiots and thats what happened, but i doubt it.
by the way, i didnt watch alot of the commercials, i was busy being social, but i liked this bridgestone one
By brian
February 2, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
for what it is worth, on the ESPN.com rumor mill they list Delmon Young as being available from Minnesota for bullpen help.
Any chance the braves try to acquire Delmon Young to try and help with our OF situation as a CF or LF?
By Frank
February 2, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
DOB
Yeah, even tho I have disagreed with some of the things Bobby Knight did at Indiana (the chair-throwing incident, etc among others) I agree that the University of Georgia would be smart in hiring Bobby Knight.
ESPN had a interview on this morning done by Sports Center’s Rece Davis with Pat Summitt and Bobby Knight.
While I’m a true blue Kansas Jayhawker (and will always be) I have a lot of respect for both Pat Summitt and Bobby Knight for what they’ve both done for college basketball.
And btw for the fellow bloggers if your interested in knowing….Pat Summitt is going for win #1000 tonight (Monday, Feb 2) of her allustrious(sp) career which started the year I was born (1975).
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
This just in from Tom Glavine, via e-mail: No new contract talks. And he throws 75 pitches tomorrow.
By DAP
February 2, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
“Inning eaters are all well and good.But if they leave in the 7th or 8th inning down 5-2 or 6-2,what good does it do?” bill
one reason innings eaters are innings eaters is that they get left in the game. that usually doesnt happen if they are getting lit up. innings eater usually = quality starts.
By Epinephrine
February 2, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
I think the new optimism is well founded.
There is without doubt a difference between the optimism on the blog from last spring and this spring. Last year everyone was practically ecstatic. This year people don’t seem convinced that the Braves will even crack .500.
But we have so many more solid pieces this year. We ignored the age and injury potential of our pitchers last year, because the upside was just so great. But this year the Braves are a team that will be durable and consistent.
A lot rides on Moylan and Soriano (I don’t really have qualms about Gonzo). But if those two can even resemble their former selves, the Braves have a great shot at being in almost every game come the 7th and 8th inning. It has been a long time since we’ve been able to say that.
Picking up another bat is still essential. But I think this year, while the potential highs may not be quite as extreme as last spring, there is every reason to feel optimistic about the Braves’ chances of being in the mix come the end of the year.
Now…just can’t wait to see Hanson at spring training.
By Anders
February 2, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Where did you see the OP signing as official? I heard it was imminent but hadn’t seen it official.
$13 mil per is a little high for OP but I think that was the trade off for no 4th year.
Still some rumors around that the Mets are lurking on Manny. I think there is an angle where the Wilpons would love to make a splash right before ST to really fire up the fan base with the new park and all. You know how it is up here with the Mets up against the Yanks all the time.
Funniest thing I read this weekend. About the Mets maybe losing the Citibank naming deal. “They could call the new field “Second Class Citizens Park”
Good stuff.
By #1 Smoltz Fan
February 2, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
Apologies in advance DOB:
Any word on Andruw? Last I heard via the old blog, or one of the rumor mills was he could sign by end of last week, but it has been eerily quiet in the last few days?
This would seem to be a good thing for the Braves, as I assume if there was an offer, it would be on the bottom end as far as $$ goes. And I assume that the if an offer of real value had come across Boras desk he would have strongly suggested a signature.
I am thinking of taking the fam down to Dark Star this year for a couple of March ST games, and was wondering if the “Lawn” seats have a good enough view to enjoy the game? Got 6 kids and I can only afford sitting in the grass lol.
Thanks!
By N Nine (eta62)
February 2, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
imagine a bullpen of gonzalez, soriano, moylan, devine, ohman, boyer, bennett.
best in the majors, hands down. im just saying DAP
Far from it. Soriano and Moylan are healing
Devine? Ohman? ….You must be dreaming of what could have been. Our Pen is featureing player that really sucked last season (Logan, Boyer, and O’ Flaherty)
Ohman will go to our rival, Great
By aswingruber
February 2, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
DOB - Good stuff as usual. I remember seeing you speak to the Ga. State chapter of SPJ a year and half ago. I really enjoyed listening to your story of working for a small town paper in Kansas and then as a clerk at the Ft. Laduerdale Sun before getting your break. Very relevant to a recent grad who had to take unpaid internships in radio to finally land a full time gig with pay. So thanks for sharing and thanks for keeping me well up to speed on my Braves as I follow your beat blogs and stories closely from Houston. I share the optimism of the Braves players you talked to for 2009 with the solid rotation we’ve put in place with recent signings. I fear that we’re still a big outfield bat away from staying in the playoff hunt down the stretch. Either way, with the promise of a new Braves season, I’m psyched that opening day is just around the corner. It can’t come soon enough with football now over. Keep up the good work DOB!
By flange1
February 2, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this
Sad day in Atlanta is correct!
We are not only loosing Don at Ella Guru, but Dave at Midtown Music, the finest guitar store in the state is closing it down as well.
Two of my favorite places to spend money are leaving us….
Quite frankly, my only response is IT SUCKS!!!!!
By Anders
February 2, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this
“Any word on Andruw?”- #1 Smoltz Fan
Yep, no new contract talks. He plans to eat 75 wings tomorrow.
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this
Frank, agree with you entirely, regarding Knight. Quick hoops-related story: I had Jim Leyland introduce me to Bob Knight one spring, right after Knight left Indiana and before he took Texas Tech job. He was at spring training, as he is every year for a week or two with another of Leyland’s pals, La Russa (Knight and La Russa are close friends).
Anyway, Leyland was managing the Marlins at the time. I asked Jim to introduce me to Knight, and Leyland said in that gruff voice, “You know Dave, he doesn’t exactly like reporters.”
Anyway, he introduced me and I talked to Bobby for a few minutes on the field. He’s a big dude, by the way, about 6-foot-5, with ham-sized hands. Couldn’t have been nicer. Told him I went to KU and was a big hoops fan, etc.
Honestly, I know he’s a polarizing figure like few others among college coaches. But if Bill Self wasn’t coaching Kansas, I’d love to have Knight there. Alas, KU’s got a hell of a coach and a great recruiter.
But Knight, to me, has as good a basketball mind as there’s been in my lifetime. He and Larry Brown can coach ‘em up like few others have ever been able to.
If I was a young coach in high school or college level, I’d take notes every time Knight speaks when he’s doing analysis on ESPN. I feel like I learn something new every time he talks about spacing or defense or screens or anything else. His passion and knowledge are so obvious when he starts talking strategy. Sharp, sharp mind.
If Georgia has a chance to hire him, they’d be crazy not to, in my opinion. But I know plenty will disagree.
You give him just one or two of the top prospects this talent-rich state produces every year, and I think he’d have a top-25 team right away. He’s that good. Just look what he did at Texas Tech, which is way down the list of Big 12 schools in basketball tradition and recruiting. You ever been to Lubbock? ‘Nuff said.
OK, that story wasn’t so quick. Sorry.
By MattyRoss
February 2, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this
Glad the Mets agreed to terms with Perez. He’s been up and down (seems like mostly up against the Bravos, for whatever reason) but I’d much rather deal with him than Sheets. The Mets appear to be pretty much done spending, with the only major changes in their bullpen and maybe the back of the rotation. Their fans seem to think the deal was fair and are holding out hope for a Sheets signing. Here’s hoping that doesn’t happen.
By Brett
February 2, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
Bring Andruw back NOW!!!
By Anders
February 2, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Just saw the OP signing news. As for the Mets offering the same as they did for Lowe. I told you they were just staying in the Lowe thing to make sure the Phils didn’t swoop in. Omar, right or wrong, wanted OP all along.
Omar has landed K-Rod, OP and Putz for a lot less than I thought they would cost in total $’s and players. Of course the market is playing a role in that, but Omar’s has read the market very well since the Santana deal.
Maybe he gets Manny with a three year $60 - 65 mil deal back loaded? Just dreamin on a winters day.
By DAP
February 2, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this
“Far from it. Soriano and Moylan are healing”
“Devine? Ohman? ….You must be dreaming of what could have been.” N Nine
duh. have you not been paying attention? dreaming of what could have been is EXACTLY what i was doing. and in my fantasy, moylan and soriano have healed. if your having trouble keeping up, nine, go back and read slower.
By Cleanup
February 2, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this
No real number 4 hitter. Could still be a long season
By GeorgetownKid
February 2, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog Mr. O’Brien!
Just to throw in my two cents (not that any more of such loose change is needed), I very much hope the Braves resign Ohman. I believe he is worth the money.
I also hope the Braves bring back Glavine. Among the many reasons I am in favor of this is my belief that keeping Hansen, Morton, Reyes, Parr, and Redmond together as a rotation in AAA would be in their (and our) long-term interest.
Lastly, and I seem to be in the minority on this one, I would be perfectly comfortable with a LF platoon of Diaz and B. Jones, especially if that would allow us to sign Ohman and Glavine.
A Diaz/B. Jones platoon would give us about 20 HR, solid defense, and a solid average. Both are similar hitters so they could occupy the same spot in the batting order. And, as mentioned, this would allow us to keep Ohman and Glavine.
If Diaz only hits lefties, he will bat well over .300 with respectable power. And if B. Jones faces only righties, he would be more than serviceable.
Thanks again Mr. O’Brien! What do you think?
By Efrim
February 2, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this
Anders
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2009/02/metsreachterm.html
Hope that works, but you can see all up to date stuff on mlbtraderumors.com.
It’s getting a little strange that Manny hasn’t come to terms with the Dodgers yet. Not an easy deal to give out though. I mean, Adam Dunn and/or Bobby Abreu are no Manny Ramirez, but giving anyone 20+ million a year during these times is difficult. It might be better for the Dodgers to go that route. I hear Dunn is waiting on Ramirez first, because he prefers to play with the Dodgers. Should be interesting. Wolf to the Dodgers should happen shortly now that Perez has signed. Ben Sheets? Your guess is as good as mine.
By mb
February 2, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Any news on adding another everyday player? Roberts, Nady, Swisher, Abreu, anyone…
I haven’t seen the Braves mentioned in any trades or free agent signings on the internet lately?
I think it’s to quiet, something must be brewing.
Personally, I wish they would sign Ohman, he adds proven depth to our bullpen. The guy can close games too. I don’t think you can have enough closers in the pen.
Thanks
Mark.
By NCBravesFan
February 2, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
DOB Thought you might appreciate this re: Bobby Knight if you had not seen it already. Written by Bruce Jenkins of the SF Chronicle in February 2008.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/a/2008/02/09/SPFLUV4K9.DTL
(Knight is mentioned toward the bottom of the column.)
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 2, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this
In the “They’re out of options” section: the guy who’s out of minor-league options is usually going to be kept on the roster over a guy who’s out of options.
Shouldn’t that read “…be kept on the roster over a guy who’s not out of options”?
Man, I hope our new $15 million signing boy performs well in Spring Training since he’s out of options! :)
By mbatl
February 2, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this
“If Georgia has a chance to hire him, they’d be crazy not to, in my opinion.” - DOB
Absolutely, positively agree. Man I hope this happens. Given a state with great high school talent and tremendous resources, UGA basketball has been an embarrassment for… well, pretty much forever.
Knight is just what this program needs. One of the best basketball minds EVER, and despite the occasional temper flare-up, a decent, forthright human being with solid values and great teaching skills.
I hope Michael Adams and Damon Evans see the light on this opportunity.
By Ed Glennon
February 2, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this
We need to give Chipper an extension. I am still depressed about Smoltz but an extension for Chipper would make me feel a whole lot better.
By N Nine (eta62)
February 2, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
Sorry DAP I didn’t read your previous posts, I figured you know better. ; I’m just not so positive on our pen. Gonzo brings that lone sunlight.
Guess spring willbring answers.carry on…..
By BravesFanInRockies
February 2, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
DAP
RE: Super Bowl ads. Most of those slots are locked down months in advance, with contracts signed, etc. That goofy Cash4Gold ad (OK, Ed’s gold hip replacement was funny) was the final one sold, last week.
The depth of the economic crash wasn’t at all evident before early October, long after companies had made specific financial commitments to advertise at the Super Bowl.
By N Nine (eta62)
February 2, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
“We need to give Chipper an extension” ED Glennon
I’ve been screaming for it also but I think its the best interest of team to wait and see what Chipper will do this year. Chipper isn’t quite stable enough to comfortably throw cash at. Chipper should not be another Smoltz story. I think Chipper wants to be here more..
By brent a.
February 2, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this
Everyone I ever talked to who has met Bobby Knight and just “talked to him” always has a good story to tell.
It’s as if he has two completely different personas. One for the public, and one for the people he meets while he’s just hanging out.
By Mark in Indy
February 2, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
I’ll take your word DOB that Feliz wasn’t a throw-in (and that may not even be the best word), but I thought I remember Feliz being the lowest rated prospect in the deal according to Baseball America at the time. And while obviously he had shown a great deal of potential, at the time of the trade neither team expected this kind of maturation in only a year’s time.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 2, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this
DOB
If Georgia can sign Bob Knight and he stays around long enough to bring in talent, he could win quite a few more games there. He’s not exactly what you’d call a player’s coach (HA!) but he teaches the game the right way and his kids either stayed in class and got their degrees or he let them know they weren’t welcome in the program.
The SEC in basketball is in the same sort of shape as the ACC is in football. The old hierarchy’s been shaken and there’s an opportunity for schools that haven’t been traditional powers to make some noise.
By N Nine (eta62)
February 2, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this
How come the blogmaster can use Italics and we can’t?
By Anders
February 2, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
Efrim
I hear you on the $20mil per thing but Manny is a monster. Plus the Mets have Delgado and Wagner coming off salary next year which would cover Manny’s $’s in 2010 and 2011. They replaced Wagner with K-Rod and they plan to play Murphy at first.
It’s not an impossible thought. Plus I thought Jeff Wilpon coming out and saying that Omar has never asked them about Manny this winter so they haven’t had to say no was unusual. He could have ended all speculation right there and he didn’t.
Dunn is absolutely waiting on Manny. He’ll get the most $’s from the Dodgers if they don’t get Manny.
BTW Bob Knight = Manny in my book. One’s a self centered guy who quit on his team the other is a self centered bully who quit on society.I have no problem if a team wants to sign either one. It’s their money and this is a business not little league. But what I do have a problem with is anyone who say’s signing Knight is ok because what he brings to the table in spite of his negative record but then won’t afford Manny the same leniency. Just my opinion.
By DAP
February 2, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
yes yes yes, extend chipper. this is very important, and should be done before spring training. no excuse not to.
By N Nine (eta62)
February 2, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
“I’m just not so positive on our pen” N Nine
Well to add, Boyer, Ohman and even some others DID quite well until they were grossly overused and this season we have “inning eaters”. We should rely less and hopefully what we have will get the job done! The few additions are more reclamation projects.
Stockman is out of option and should get the chances he finally needs!
By mbatl
February 2, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this
Anders, I’d suggest you contact every player who ever played for Knight and asked them if they’d do it over again. I’d bet that 99% would say, “absolutely.”
(get back to me after you’ve made those calls)
Manny is a very different deal; you could accuse Knight of lots of stuff but quitting on his team sure ain’t one of them.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 2, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this
Interesting piece from MLB.com about arbitration-eligible players.
“Recent trends disprove the theory that being subjected to an arbitration hearing — and to listening to a club barrister nitpick his game — dents a player’s confidence, leading to a psyched-out drop in performance.
However, the experience does tend to alienate them, with virtually every arbitration loser this century changing teams at the first opportunity as a free agent. …
Of the 18 arbitration losers who eventually became free agents while still with the clubs who had gotten the best of them in hearings, every one of them jumped to another team.”
So Frank — get KJ signed! As for Frenchy, well …
By McPoyle
February 2, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
am i sensing a little man crush DOB has for will ohman? hmm.
i wonder if pat knight’s antics the other night had anything to do with rekidling bobby’s thoughts of coaching. i was at a bar just dying when i saw that happen. awful call by the way, but still, the tantrum that followed was classic “knight”
By Wayne in Utah
February 2, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this
Comments on the bullpen:
We have the potential to be very good, IF some of our arms are healthy again. Goes without saying, I guess.
We have quite a few durable arms, and others who are close to showing some promise: Bennett, Carlyle, Acosta, Boyer, Campillo (I don’t think e will be a starter, but more likely a long man and spot starter), Logan, O’Flaherty, Ridgway, Stockman and Valdez. This is certainly not including Gonzo, Soriano and Moylan. Nor Marek, Medlen, and Kimbrell. Also, guys like Parr, Moron or Reyes could end up in the pen, or starting at Gwinnett.
If we get a little bit of luck, our pen will be OK. I would love to see Ohman back, but not at 4 million per year. Who’s to say he wont revert to his Cub’s ways.
As for LF, Abreu is sounding like a good possibility. If we could get him, what would be the chance that Chipper would move over to cleanup?
By sri
February 2, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
apparently Buster has no love for the Braves… from his chat
Bill Friedman, The Best-chester: Are the Mets better than the fightin’ Phils, assuming they sign Oliver Perez?
Buster Olney: Bill — hard to say that, don’t you think? Phillies look like they could be a pretty damn good team, and they’ve got the experience of the last two years working for them. As of today, I’d still go 1. Phillies, 2. Mets, 3. Marlins in the NL East, the Mets and Marlins pretty close…
Brad (Gadsden,Alabama): Is the braves going to get a big power hitter?
Buster Olney: Brad: We saw how they can change course quickly in the Derek Lowe situation, but as of Friday, they had indicated to others that they won’t be part of the Dunn, Abreu, etc. bidding. Now again, that can change with one phone call, especially since the asking prices for guys like Abreu are coming down quickly.
By 3trees
February 2, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
Don’t comment much anymore, but had to when I heard flange’s report of Midtown Music going down. Say it ain’t so. Its a great store, but I honestly thought that it hasn’t been the same since he went the dealership route with all that high end stuff. Still, sad to see it go. Flange - Its not great, but ever try Atlanta Discount in Chamblee?
Never shopped at EG, but know many loyal customers, good luck.
Good luck to the Braves too. Lot of question marks around this team again this year. Has KJ turned the corner, which Frenchy do we get, how many games will Chipper play, etc., etc..
But, spring’s around the corner… Best to all
AND Go Braves!
By BravesFanInRockies
February 2, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah,
I’m with you. I think our cleanup hitter (at least against lefties) should be U Kno Who.
Yes, I understand, Chipper has resisted that move in the past. And he’s said he’s more comfortable hitting third. I do wonder, though, if he wouldn’t consider moving down in the order simply because we don’t have a reasonable alternatives when it comes to right-handed power. (Besides, even if we got Nady or Dye in a trade, No. 10 is likely to produce more runs than either of them in the four-hole).
I’m actually OK with Heap hitting cleanup vs. RHP. But vs. lefties, Chipper should be Da Man.
By Efrim
February 2, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
Anders
But can Dunn wait that long? Boras said Manny will sign around mid February. I guess that might happen. Maybe Abreu signing will get Dunn a little more anxious. We’ll see. And yes, Omar has had a very good offseason…..although it is puzzling that they will go into next season with the same starting pitching(I know Redding and Garcia are additions, but please) and offense. I suppose they filled up the hole that was their bullpen, but I think it would of made a lot of sense to upgrade at least one of LF, RF, C, or 2B.
By Anders
February 2, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
mbatl
Made all those phone calls. Turns out your right. Most would play for him again. Well, except for that player Knight had by the throat during practice. But let’s be honest, obviously that kid doesn’t understand what it means to play for a basketball god like Knight. I mean if a coach can’t choke a 20 year old to make a point how the heck is he supposed to win? Treating them with respect? Yeah right. Look how badly that’s turned out for coach K up there in Duke?
Now I have a question for you. If Knight is so innocent and desirable, why did he have to coach Texas Tech out there in basketball purgatory?
Again, I have no issue with him getting the Georgia job, but let’s not give him a pass and hold Manny accountable.
By Lew
February 2, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
DOB-It’s a shame to hear about Don’s business. Like you say, he’s one of the good guys. We saw Queen and Thin Lizzy together in ‘77 at the Hollywood Sportatorium-we just didn’t know each other at the time. Must be the sign of the times, though-one of our two Indie Record Stores up here in Glacier Land just bit the bullet last month.
By Anders
February 2, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Forgot to get back to you on Ben Sheets. I think he either goes to the Rangers as Nolan Ryan’s pet project (Ryan is really getting involved as team President) or back to Milwaukee.
We’ll see.
By ncscoots
February 2, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this
Anders, you’ve obviously never been to one of Kryszewski’s practices.
By proeye
February 2, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this
What does anyone here think the chances are of the Braves signing ANY MIDDLE RELIEVER—let alone Ohman—for more than $3 million?
Question—You will win $1 million play dollars if you get this one—What was the last middle reliever that made in excess of $3 million per season for the Braves? I’m not talking about starters who may pitch a few innings in middle relief—I’m talking about pitchers who throw only in the middle innings period.
Unless the Brave’s philosophy has changed with FW in charge, I think you can kiss Ohman good bye. They are not and will not pay $4 million for him—especially when it will be the top salary in the bullpen—more than their closer Gonzalez and more than the #2 guy who could be a closer—Soriano. No way, not going to happen.
You know how many middle relievers the Braves have simply let go without even negotiating over the years??? Way too many in my book. Ron Mahay and Octavio Dotel should never have been let go (they wanted $4 million per so “good bye!”). You gotta have a few veterans around and not just scrubs and guys who have only 20 innings in AA ball. Have you ever seen an organization that rushes middle relievers to the majors like the Braves do? And we wonder why we lose leads after the starter goes out?
Middle relief is incredibly important in this day and age the way managers throw 8 pitchers out there per game. It used to be that 1 pitcher would start and finish a game. Then it was 2, and it is now 3 at a minimum. If a pitcher gets 6 innings, it’s considered a good day—even 5 for a rookie.
I just don’t understand the Braves philosophy. They apparently think you can throw anyone out there and they can do one inning. Maybe that’s true on a rare occasion, but not practically EVERY DAY.
I say, SPEND THE MONEY—keep Ohman! He is absolutely critical for this team because he is left handed and he can get righthanders out! Think of him as your insurance plan. We don’t know how Soriano and Moylan are going to pitch. Who knows? They might need more time to get back to full strength. We can hope but we saw how Gonzalez just didn’t have it. if we don’t have Soriano and Moylan, THEN WHAT??? Blaine Boyer??? Eric O’Flaherty??? Boone Logan??? Francisley Bueno??? Who are these people???
SIGN OHMAN!!!!
By Plato
February 2, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this
UGA hoops NEEDS Bobby Knight!
By TennesseePaul
February 2, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this
sri: Apparently Buster hasn’t read the latest blog. The Braves are excited about the unknown of Kawakami, the known of Vazquez and his plethora of Home Runs, or the age of Derek Lowe, who was unable to drag the Dodgers to the post season with mediocre rotations and no outfield pop (recall, it took Ramirez to get that team over the hill).
But this Braves team could surprise. They’ll need a series of fortunate events but they could surprise.
By ellaguru
February 2, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the love, D. And I know your blog can always use a little free content. Call it innings-eating :) Sorry the shop’s on the way out but we’ll have some sort of—yuck—virtual presence. It’s been like a ten-year vacation, some of it a vacation in financial Hell but overall it’s been great and life goes on. Thanks to your sympathetic readers, too. Wouldn’t expect less from your fans.
You going to see James Hunter tonight, Dave? You dang sure should be; everybody reading should, for sure.
By ChipperFan
February 2, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks for the update, sir.
I think Frank Wren’s priorities between now and Opening Day should be (in order):
Sign Chipper to a contract extension. We have nobody in our farm system capable of replacing him; he led the Majors in hitting and OPS last year; and he has already stated that he will not negotiate an extension during the season. Doesn’t take a genius to figure out how important this is, even aside from the PR reasons for doing it.
Get a cleanup hitter. Without one, everybody is hitting out of place in the lineup. McCann isn’t a cleanup hitter, Frenchy isn’t a 5 hitter and Kotchman isn’t a 6. These guys can’t handle hitting in those spots in the lineup, and that is going to force them to “press”, which is toxic for any major leaguer. All pro ballplayers know that you find success when you “stay within yourself”, not when you try to be Superman every time up. Just look at Frenchy last year for an example.
Re-sign Will Ohman. I don’t want to offend Eric O’Flaherty or Boone Logan (or their fans), but we need a proven, solid lefty in our ‘pen in addition to Gonzalez. And Ohman is certainly that. This is doubly important with our all-righty starting rotation.
If Wren can accomplish all 3 of these things, then he will get an “A” from me and I’d imagine from most Braves fans for this offseason. Come on, Frank. Finish the job.
By flange1
February 2, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this
3trees,
David at Midtown Music used to be the best vintage and used place in town until the supply of used and vintage guitars dried up! (thanks eBay!)
When he changed to custom shop Fender and Gibson, the store did change. I agree with you it was better in the old days…
I have been to ATlanta Discount MANY times dating back to when Danny Baird worked there at the other location.
They have some great product lines (amps especially) and some decent used stuff, just never could feel comfortable in there. Don’t know why, the employees and the owner seem like nice guys…
Don’t understand why they have numbers on the guitars that are not prices. That one still puzzles me……
By Anders
February 2, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
Efrim
I hear you on Dunn. At some point he has to make a move. That’s why I think the Manny thing heats up this week. Say the Dodgers sign Dunn - Manny’s screwed.
As for the Mets, fixing the bullpen was huge. Again, 29 blown saves and they finished a game out. As for the other positions you mentioned I think they would have liked to address all but RF. They definetly would like to see Church for a whole year. I like the guy and hope he stays healthy. 2B and Catcher - what are they gonna do? They have contracts there and options were limited. As for LF I still think it might still be in play.
They will miss Endy Chavez. That guy filled a lot of roles. Excellent bench/4th outfielder.
By bobby
February 2, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this
Makes me ill everytime I think of the Texiera debacle. It would have to rate among the top 5 worst in Braves history with the Len Barker trade.
By Wayne in Utah
February 2, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
BFIR My biggest fear for this team has not changed. With our two best hitters (to date) being our catcher who misses about 15-18% of the starts and our third baseman who has missed 18-25% of his starts in recent years, who is going to man those positions when they are BOTH out? We will be weaker for close to 20% of our games, and substantially weaker if Chipper goes down, on days when Mac gets his rest.
This is the primary reason I have not been thrilled with the option of Prado or Infante at third when Chipper is out. Even if we go with someone who is older, or a defensive liability at third, I would still love to see someone signed or traded for who can bang some and play some third base.
Wiggington??? I don’t think Norton can handle third well enough? As much as I like both Prado and Infante, I don’t think either is a good option hitting third or fourth. For as little as Casey Blake signed for, I would have loved to have seen us make him an offer.
Or even somebody like Mark DeRosa or Jorge Cantu?
By DAP
February 2, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this
“Unless the Brave’s philosophy has changed with FW in charge, I think you can kiss Ohman good bye. They are not and will not pay $4 million for him—especially when it will be the top salary in the bullpen—more than their closer Gonzalez and more than the #2 guy who could be a closer—Soriano. No way, not going to happen.” proeye
nope, soriano is making $6mil in 2009, and that signing last offseason already showed that the philosophy would be different under frank wren.
By Mitchell
February 2, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
Ella Guru is a good CD store. Well, it’s okay but I’m sorry to hear it will be closing.
I personally prefer Decatur CD, they have to my knowledge or recollection a better inventory. Lots of Blues and Country which doesn’t do anything for me but at least it’s not top 40 Nashville country music. Good stuff but I still don’t bother with it. But they have plenty of Byrds discs so I have to recommend it.
DOB I don’t know if you’ve ever been but I the last time I was there, true story, I overheard the skinny jean wearing hipster dude who works there compliment you on music picks while talking to the owner. He doesn’t strike me as much of a baseball fan, he must have heard it from somebody or maybe… he’s one of us. It was rather unexpected. He was somewhat measured in his praise but I think that goes with the territory.
Thought you might like to know that. It’s a cool little store though. I still like buying CDs, I don’t do it often these days but if I want a piece of music I simply can’t download it.
By Anders
February 2, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this
“Anders, you’ve obviously never been to one of Kryszewski’s practices” - ncscoots
When I see the video of Coach K choking a kid at practice I’ll rescind the remark. Or one of him throwing a chair during a game. Either will do.
The real suprise about all this? Knight is everything the Braves aren’t yet some on here don’t seem to care if it will make Georgia relevant. Again, that’s cool but then don’t blast Manny for his actions.
By Rhett
February 2, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this
DOB - I was in grad school at IU during Knight’s last couple of years and had season tickets for both. I was never a fan and those feelings were exacerbated by the many rumors flying around about Knights verbal and physical abuse (throwing things at his secretary, etc.). However, there was nothing better than watching Knight coach from the first couple of rows at Assembly Hall. He wasn’t just in control of his team, he was in control of the entire arena. It was a tough place to play, but never because of hostile or heckling fans… It was just a sea of crimson coming to worship at the altar of a flawed icon. Polite claps and loud cheers and one larger than life presence bearing down on the opposition. I’m glad I got to witness it…. I think he would have been this generation’s Wooden if not for his many personality flaws.
By Bayou Brave
February 2, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
*By David O’Brien
February 2, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
This just in from Tom Glavine, via e-mail: No new contract talks. And he throws 75 pitches tomorrow.*
Pft. Call me when he throws 157 pitches.
By Wayne in Utah
February 2, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
proeye Who are middle relievers? They are pitchers who aren’t good enough to be closers, or pitchers who aren’t good enough to be starters.
I am not being critical of middle relievers. They are a lot like utility infielders or backup catchers. While they are important to a teams success, they are not going to command a large salary. 3-5 million per year for a middle reliever is bordering on too much money for a pitcher who isn’t good enough to close or to start.
I think this is basically the Braves philosophy. You could pay a middle reliever 3-4 million per year (Dotel gets 5 million, Mahay 4 million), or you could let some of your guys in the hight minors get a shot at it for 400K per year.
You can’t pay all your utility guys 4-5 million per year, and then have enough to pay your stars what they deserve.
Follow the money trail.
By Anders
February 2, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
Glavine throwing 75 pitches. That reminds me of his last start as a Met.
Of course he didn’t get out of the first inning.(Sigh)
By Efrim
February 2, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this
sri
I can’t fault Buster for saying that. Not until they get a bat. It’s tough to sell the Braves as a legit contender at this very moment. As Tennesee Paul said “They’ll need a series of fortunate events but they could surprise”. I have to agree with him there.
By Wayne in Utah
February 2, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this
I can’t even remember who we were playing or who was hitting, but I loved it last year when our Cuban guy Francisley Bueno came in and went head hunting after one of ours got dinged.
Gotta be a place for a guy like that around. I recall hearing Kevin Kennedy talking about Roger Clemens going after hitters to protect his teammates, even AFTER the manager asked him not to.
We need a bit of ‘tude on our staff next year. Who is going to bring it? Lowe, Kawakami, Vazquez? Maybe Big Tommy Hanson has it in him??
Anders I know it is not realistic to hope for, but I would love to see Manny shut out,and have to accept a 1 year 12-15 million dollar deal from some losing team! I would call that poetic justice. I bet he would have “knee” trouble in the middle of the summer!
In the same vein, he might be a good chip for a team to have to move at the trading deadline???
I can’t see the Braves making that move.
By SP
February 2, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
Since Boras said Andruw would probably decide by the end of last week, have you heard any more regarding Braves’ (or other teams) interest? While it would not excite me the way an Abreu signing would, I think a ML-minimum deal - perhaps reaching $1-2M on PA incentives - would be your classic low-risk/high-reward move.
I’m not as confident as I was a week ago that it will happen but wondering if you’re feeling has changed at all. Frankly, I’m not worried about clearing a spot on the 40-man because I don’t see any chance Lerew makes the team and since he’s out of options he seems the obvious choice to be DFA’d.
By Rhett
February 2, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this
Anders, I was at IU and I’m no huge fan of Knight, but the Manny comparisons are completely off base. Knight had some personality flaws, but with a few notable exceptions, almost all of his players loved him. In addition, there were dozens of stories of Knight doing wonderful things for his ex-players and for those in the community. Is Knight a flawed man with a horrible temper? Yes…. but he never would have quit on his team in his prime, and in the middle of pennant race. I’m sorry, but bowing out during a sub-par season in your late 60s when you have a capable replacement is not the same.
By Time for real Change
February 2, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this
At some point in time the Braves have to realize that all our good pen arms are signed away because they are cheap when it comes to the pen. If you have a good pitcher in the pen then sign him for gosh sakes. Havent we had pens that have blown enough games in the past. They need to stop letting the good arms go to the competition.
By William
February 2, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this
DOB When is the first full squad workout?
By Frank
February 2, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this
I’m surprised no one has commented on Pat Summitt.
She’s done a lot for the women’s side of college basketball.
By winterville
February 2, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this
Anders
Not trying to start an argument and this is a serious question. Do you actually know how many of the 29 blown save games that the Mets went on to lose. I ask because I don’t know but I doubt that they lost all 29 of them. A blown save can come in the earlier innings too like the 7th or 8th. I am just curious because you always talk about how the Braves are a 72-90 team but the Mets blew 29 games and lost the division by 1. If the Mets were unlucky, so were the Braves. I definitely think you guys addressed a weakness in the bullpen but hitting in close and late situations was as much of a problem for the Mets as the bullpen was and you guys haven’t done much about your lineup IMO. But it is misleading to claim that you had 29 blown saves and only lost the division by 1 game when in reality, you probably went on to win a fair amount of the games in addition to the fact that if the offense didn’t go to sleep after the 3rd inning, it wouldn’t have been nearly as glaring of a weakness.
By Randy S
February 2, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this
DOB - you here about the new Booker T album? His backing band is the one and only Drive by Truckers (with occasional Neil Young). Slightly intriguing. LINK to story
By TommyP
February 2, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this
Concerning the Bobby Knight/UGA story….
Guys…this is year 2 that Bobby Knight has informally inquired about the Georgia job. Year 2.
He did the same through his informant last year but hardly anybody knew. Felton went on that run that temporarily saved his job.
Knight, however, saw the writing on the wall for Felton and let Georgia officials know that he wanted the job….last year.
That Tex trade….wow, we sure sold out on that one.
If I never hear mention of The Big Lebowski again, I’ll be happy. Especially pertaining to Ohman. Good grief.
And the more I hear about Gonzalez, the more it confirms what I’ve been saying all offseason: Career year for Mike Gonzalez.
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this
SP: No, Boras hasn’t returned calls recently to me or anyone else regarding Andruw. I asked Frank if there was anything new to report about Andruw on Friday, anything going on, and he said no. He wouldn’t elaborate.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 2, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this
Time for real Change,
The reason few teams lock up middle relievers to long contracts is that with few exceptions, relievers in general have relatively short careers. For every Papelbon and Lidge and Rivera there are dozens of guys who are unhittable for a year or two and then get lit up regularly. I’m fairly certain the Mets are going to regret locking up K-Rod before the end of their contract.
Remember Kyle Farnsworth? Scott Linebrink? Scott Proctor?
Putting together a bullpen is almost always a crapshoot. Unless you’ve got a Rivera or a Papelbon, you’ve got to manage turnover because relief arms blow up regularly.
By TBraveFan
February 2, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this
Rhett & Anders: I was at IU when Bobby was there and I AM a HUGE Knight fan. If you want your kid to get a good education in not only book learnin’ but also how to be a good man - let Bobby work with him.
I do agree if UGA has even the slightest possibility to hire Coach Knight they would be totally insane not to do so immediately…
btw - Mr. Wren… clock is ticking - I have 32 more days before I arrive in FL and I expect to see TOMMY in a Braves uni — tick tock tick tock….
By Reality
February 2, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this
Career year for Gonzalez I bet. Braves probably should have extended his contract in this down market. He’ll be by-far the best available next offseason in a very weak reliever free agent market.
Sorry I just don’t get the “wisdom” in extending Omar Infante over Mike Gonzalez.
By Eware
February 2, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this
Man, that really sucks about Ella Guru. Great store - good prices - great folks. Keep smiling, Don.
DOB, you mentioned that you liked Will Hoge. Did you read about him getting smashed by that van while on a scooter? He got hurt pretty bad. But, the worst part…Bruce Friggin Springsteen was coming to record with him the next day.
Read about it: www.willhoge.com
Sign Glav!!!
By Anders
February 2, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this
Rhett
I never said Knight quit on his team. What I’ve been saying is that both he and Manny are equally accountable for their behavior. Even DOB made a point about Manny pushing down the traveling secretary last year. How is that different than some of the things Knight has done that some are now willing to overlook? What Manny did last year was horrible. Will he do it again? Maybe. But then you can say the same about Knight. That’s my point.
I want the Mets to sign Manny. I’m not worried about what happened last year in Boston. He delivered 7 great years to them including 2 WS. He personally dragged the Dodgers to the playoffs last year. I want some of that.
By Wayne in Utah
February 2, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this
Reality In regards to extending Infante over Gonzalez, well that is a two way street. Do we know they didn’t try to extend Gonzo?
By Anders
February 2, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this
Winterville
No I don’t, but I’m thinking even if it was 75% I like their odds. What I can tell you is that Elias did a study and if all the NL games only went 8 innings the Mets would have won the division by 6 games.That tells you how bad things went very late in games for the Mets.
I think there’s enough empirical evidence here to say the Mets fixed a major problem. Two years in a row they were right there only to have the bullpen fail. They’ve addressed it. It’s not like they finished 6 out.
As for not hitting late in games. There was some of that to be fair. But I think you take the pressure off your bats late in games if you’re not choking up leads late in games 3 to 4 times a week in September.
General question - Who did the Mets pass on this offseason that they should have gotten? I can’t think of one guy who signed or was traded that they should have gone after.
By dogsbrekky
February 2, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this
Anders Did the Mets fans up here in NYC ban you from their blogs… cannot work out what you are doing on an Atlanta blog as it is clear you are not a fan… but seeing I am in NY too.. I think it great that the METS resigned Perez cause those balls are flying a LONG LONG WAY in Citifield and at $36m FOR 3 years, your beloved Mr Minaya just effed up all of the good work he did with the Putz/KRod cheap deals…
May the Mets choke again
“Shake and Bake”
By ChipperFan
February 2, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this
“General question - Who did the Mets pass on this offseason that they should have gotten? I can’t think of one guy who signed or was traded that they should have gone after.” -Anders
Uh, how about Derek Lowe?
By KC
February 2, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry… did I read that earlier post correctly? Did Buster Olney pick the Braves to finish FOURTH in the East???????
I will wager a testicle, right here and now, that doesn’t happen.
Olney must be assuming that Francoeur won’t bounce back, and he must be underrating the Braves’ pen. That’s the only thing I can think of. But picking the Braves fourth right now is asinine. The Braves likely have the best overall pitching staff in the East, which will count for a lot.
If the Braves get a healthy pen, plus a Frenchy bounce-back and/or another bat… the Braves can win this division. And even if they don’t get another bat, they’ll be competitive. Not a 4th place team anymore. No way.
By Anders
February 2, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky
Why are you a Braves fan living in NY? Did Atlanta Braves fans ban you from their city?
BTW- Shouldn’t you be out by flowers to get back in good graces with the gf?
By TommyP
February 2, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
I don’t think enough has been made of what Mike Gonzalez did coming back from surgery.
16 IP, 2.81 ERA, 22 K’s and 2 walks in save situations. These are numbers you want your healthy closer to log. He did this during a time when he should have been batting practice for the NL.
Weird numbers at home…17.1 IP, 7.27 ERA, and 30 Ks. Huh?
By winterville
February 2, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this
Anders
I think they would have been better served this off season to let some of the kids fill out the bench rather than signing a bunch of crappy players for 1-3 million dollars a piece (Cory Sullivan, Rob Mackowiack, Tim Redding, Alex Cora.) If they had all that money back they could have signed someone like Abreu or Dunn to play left field or Hudson to play second or something of the sort given how far their prices have fallen. Also, the Freddy Garcia deal which I heard that if he was on the roster, he would hit alot of his incentives which would push his contract up to a significant value (8-9 million). That might have been better served with say Pedro or even just letting Niese pitch. I think you guys ended up with too many light hitting corner outfielders and number 5 starters where you could have sacrificed some depth and gotten better quality players rather than just quantity. All those small contracts add up and the money would have been better spent on Abreu, Dunn, Hudson or even Sheets (if they decided to load up on quality pitching and take a risk). That’s my take. What do you think?
By Bravesfaninmetsland
February 2, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this
KC,
Ouch!! As much as I want the Braves to do well, I’m not willing to wager a testicle on anything I don’t have control of. Good luck with that one.
By Anders
February 2, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this
Chipperfan
Derek Lowe at $15 mil per for 4 years is overpaying. The Braves had to do it based on Hudson going down. If Hudson wasn’t hurt the Braves wouldn’t have gone near that deal nor talked with AJ Burnett. Stuff happens so I don’t blame Wren, but no way the Mets had to go there.
I mean using your logic you should have started with CC Sabathia.
Care to try again?
By Anders
February 2, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this
KC
Left or right?
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 2, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this
ChipperFan “McCann isn’t a cleanup hitter, Frenchy isn’t a 5 hitter and Kotchman isn’t a 6. These guys can’t handle hitting in those spots in the lineup…”
While I agree that McCann should not bat cleanup, I wouldn’t exactly say that he “can’t handle” that spot.
Here are some numbers (2008, 162 AB):
AVG/OBP/SLG: .309/.374/.494
HR/2B/RBI: 6/12/33
BB/SO: 18/19
Not too bad—very comparable to his numbers batting fifth, which is where I like him to bat.
By dogsbrekky
February 2, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this
Anders I am an Australian living in NYC who just happens to be a lifelong (well from 7 years of age) Braves fan….
PS The g/f has given up me……
By Anders
February 2, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
winterville
Garcia, Redding Niese are all going to vie for the 5th spot. As DOB said a couple of days ago - you can’t bring too much pitching to ST. The Mets want depth in their system. If Garcia hits all his incentives I’m sure they will be thrilled to write that check. Cora is there because they can’t count on Castillo until they see him back playing regularly. I think Cora will push castillo for playing time.
Pedro wants more than he’s worth these days. Doubtful he fits in their plans now that they have OP.
By #1 Smoltz Fan
February 2, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
I am really watching the Andruw Jones front and hoping somehow we manage to lure him back home for a 1 year comeback followed by a lifer contract.
Anyway as I was searching the internet for a year by year analysis of his weight (unsuccessfully) I found a blog that really summed up exactly what I was thinking in regards to Jones and wanted to share it with all of you.
I think it is spot on!
[Andruw Jones for 2009 Comeback player of the year] (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/111797-andruw-jones-for-2009-comeback-player-of-the-year)
By sri
February 2, 2009 6:27 PM | Link to this
Efrim
The second comment he had about the Braves not being interested in any of the remaining free agent outfielders is what concerns me. I am hoping that Wren is actually interested in them and is being tight lipped about his plans (after the earlier debacles). There is no need to panic yet, since none of them have signed anywhere, but what I dont understand is the Braves PR machinery this offseason. Why say openly that they are not interested in them (unless they really arent and that concerns me)? They were a lot of reports in Nov/Dec that the braves arent interested in Lowe, though he signed here since we were willing him a boatload of money. Maybe it is a negotiating ploy and it is all posturing and we secretly are in touch with them.. who knows..
KC Wow! I will bet your right one. If they finish 3rd or better I will give you five bucks.
By nolie
February 2, 2009 6:29 PM | Link to this
One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite writers. He often uses rather complicated lyrics but they seem to flow off the tongue very easily. Thanx
By nolie
February 2, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the only thing that still really gets me about the Tex trade was that Feliz was the throw-in guy … yeesh. Mark-Indy
then you can feel better because Feliz was not the throw-in. That was Jones. Feliz was already a well respected prospect
By ChipperFan
February 2, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this
Derek Lowe at $15 mil per for 4 years is overpaying. The Braves had to do it based on Hudson going down. If Hudson wasn’t hurt the Braves wouldn’t have gone near that deal nor talked with AJ Burnett. Stuff happens so I don’t blame Wren, but no way the Mets had to go there.
I mean using your logic you should have started with CC Sabathia.
Care to try again? Anders
I don’t think I need to try again. The rumors were that Minaya offered Lowe a 3 year contract at $14m per ($42m). That’s only a million less than the Braves. Maybe we overpaid; but the Mets were willing to pay nearly the same amount. I don’t call that overpaying, I call it the winning bid. Just as, if you outbid someone on eBay by $1, you win.
The simple fact is that the Mets going into 2009 hoping that Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran have both found the Fountain of Youth (I’ll save you the suspense: They haven’t, and their numbers are going to fall off the map this year), and that John Maine and Mike Pelfrey will BOTH have career years as your #2 and #3 starters.
Since I know Omar Minaya is a smart guy, I’m confident in saying he didn’t want to have to hope for that. He wanted to be sure he was putting a good team on the field every day. And that’s why he tried to sign Derek Lowe. His failure will be felt every single time Pelfrey follows a dynamite Santana start by shltting the bed. Based on last year, I’ll say that’s going to happen about 11 times. Good luck with that. Lowe would have been an amazing #2 starter for you guys, but you whiffed.
Care to try again?
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this
Just talked to Ohman, who’s still having discussions with Braves along with the recent big interest from the Phillies. “There’s open lines of communication” is about all he wanted to say about it, stressing that his agent is still talking to Braves, but that Phillies really came on quickly in the past few days….
Eware, that’s a real bad deal for Hoge. Damn, that’s some bad luck. I saw him live with Isbell, but wouldn’t say I’m a big fan of Hoge or anything. He was good live, but I don’t have any of his CDs or anything. The college kids love him, though….
By Chop Chop
February 2, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this
Rock on, Ella Guru.
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this
Rhett, that’s a great Knight/Assembly Hall story. You painted a vivid picture, and I know what you mean. Even on the road, he had that presence. I covered his team in a NCAA regional in Miami one year, and when he came on the floor, all eyes were drawn to him. Some men are born to lead.
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this
EllaGuru (Don), just saw your comment. Not going to be able to go see James Hunter tonight, because my Jayhawks are at Baylor, late game on Big Monday. Just a TV night for me. Spending too much $ lately anyway. And plan to see Patton Oswalt do his comedy gig this weekend at The Earl.
By mets fan in atlanta
February 2, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this
This has been such a slow offseason!! I haven’t been on this blog in almost a week cause nothing is happening. Today the Mets resign Oliver Perez, which i am glad about. He focused a lot better last season with the pitching coach change, maybe a full season under Warthen will allow him to have that career year that has been expected of him for so long.
I think its funny that someone on the Braves brought up the idea of the “innings-eater” today. Now they are getting desperate when they use the logic of the bloggers. As someone said earlier, just because someone pitches 7 innings, and the score is down 6-2, does that mean it was good? Another poster said that innings-eater means quality start, no it doesn’t.
It means that he pitched just good enough not to get taken out of the game. Especially in the American League. And even in the National League. Unless you are getting lit up, a good pitcher “with a reputation” will make it to the 6th or 7th inning depending on when his spot makes it up in the lineup. Doesn’t mean he has a lead, doesn’t mean he’s even pitching that great, sometimes the horse is expected to stay out there to “save the bullpen”.
Problem with the Braves last year was not overuse, per se. It was going to the same guy over and over and not using the little guys at the back of the pen. Bobby Cox relies on certain guys over and over, everyone knows this, this is why several of you were screaming during the season “Where’s Stockman? Where’s whoever?” because the Braves bullpen was not balanced out.
A few weeks ago, I gave an example of an innings-eater on a blog, but it disappeared soon after because the blog hit the 1000 mark. No one probably ever saw it. The short version is:
Frank Tanana was signed in 93, after the Mets terrible 92 season. 6 of the previous 7 years he went over 200 innings, , and in his career he had been a very good pitcher. All the talk was that he was going to be an “innings-eater” because he still had the longevity. And he did. He went out and threw 202 innings that season, but only 183 with the Mets. He was traded to the Yankees on September 17 (apparently he had cleared waivers) and made 3 starts with the Yankees where he pitched the final 19 innings for them. So you’re thinking “Wow, good signing for the Mets, he ate those innings, and they even traded him at the end for young talent.” And then you see his final line: 7 - 17, 4.48 ERA, 32 starts.
Some of you are now thinking: that Mets team was bad, so it wasn’t his fault. Problem was, the Mets that year had a puny offense. When you have a 4.48 ERA, and you’re pitching late into games, that means you’re actually giving up 4 or 5 runs each outing. If your offense can’t overcome that, you lose. It doesn’t matter how many innings you eat. And with the Braves’ hole in left field, and the “return” of Franceour, can they really expect to score 5 runs every night? Time will tell.
By 3trees
February 2, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this
Flange - Copy. Good thoughts on the ebay’s influence. You’re starting to see some of the vintage stuff re-appear because the economy, but I sure can’t afford any of it. Hate to see Midtown go.
You nailed on ATL Discount. The vibe was better at the place on Clairmont (as I remember), but still… I did trade for my Princeton Reverb there, so its not all bad.
Peace
By Reality
February 2, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this
Last year it was Ron Mahay the Braves just HAD to sign or it was all over and DOOOOOOOOOM was surely coming. Now it is Will Ohman.
People, it is just a middling left-handed middle reliever. Losing Ohman, like Mahay last year, is not the end of the world. You can find decent lefty relievers everywhere, they’re pretty much a dime-a-dozen. It’s not something a team needs to spend millions on.
By Lew
February 2, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this
KC-I’d say that was a safe bet. No one will want to collect if you lose.
By keef
February 2, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this
can’t believe we’re talking about saving a few dollars by not signing wonderful Will. and the Yankees signed 1/2 BILLION in free agents. we all need to beg the Falcons owner to buy us and tell Liberty media to go F—- themselves. The LIEING that they make the CEO tell us about no payroll limitations REALLY irritates me… From a business consultants perspective we really should be around $150 million…
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 2, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this
Reality — Yeah, but the Braves didn’t sign Mahay and look what happened: 90-loss season! The fate of 2009 rests on our ability to Ohman!!!
By Lew
February 2, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this
Anders-Getting KRod at the back of the rotation was a good move, but not as big a difference maker as you seem to think his acquisition will be. You talk about the 29 Blown Saves, but fail to mention that only six of them cam from Billy Wagner, who was 27-6 in save situations. KRod will, in essence, only be converting (you hope) saves for August and September over what Wagner did.
Is JJ Putz really enough to make up for the rest? I’m doubting it.
By Reality
February 2, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this
“Yeah, but the Braves didn’t sign Mahay and look what happened: 90-loss season! The fate of 2009 rests on our ability to Ohman!!!”
But the Atlanta Braves had Will Ohman during that 90-loss season….
By flange1
February 2, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this
3trees,
The Princeton Reverbs rock don’t they? I traded for a 66 down in Columbus and that amp is still one that I play every day…
Some of the new stuff is really good but you can’t beat a blackface Princeton. a silver face deluxe and a tweed Bassman…..
By AZBravoFan
February 2, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this
DOB: Do you think the Braves and Francoeur will let it get to an arbitration hearing?
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 2, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this
“But the Atlanta Braves had Will Ohman during that 90-loss season….”
So true. If only they had had Ron Mahay…
I’m kidding anyway.
By Nelson
February 2, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this
Every year by this time (I have seen this movie too many times), everybody in the organization is excited about the team, but then during the season Bobby plays slumpy players, and keep them in the line-up for the whole season turning the excitment into a nightmare!!!
By Total-E-Sports
February 2, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this
Check out
http://www.total-e-sports.com
By Michael
February 2, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this
The blackface Bassman 50 with the 2 12”s is sweet too. Lost my old one, so now I have the Sovtek copy I use sometimes instead of my Marshall valve - state..
By KC
February 2, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this
Lew: I never thought about it that way, but I guess it was a smart wager to offer.
I wouldn’t bet that the Braves are going to win the division. No way I’d do that with the team as it stands, though I think they’ll be competitive. But FOURTH? No way. Barring something completely unforeseen, the Braves are going to be in the NL East race late into the season. I can’ t say that about the Marlins with any assurance.
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this
AZBravoFan: Don’t know, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
By brent a.
February 2, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this
Personally, I think that Knight and Krzyzewski are very similar, with the main difference being that Krzyzewski seems to know how to mind his P’s and Q’s better at press conferences, etc.
He doesn’t exhibit quite the theatrics of Knight; but, the man is downright nasty when he wants to be.
By 18 Wheel s of Love
February 2, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this
DOB, did you ever own any of the AWARE compilations by Greg Latterman from back in the day?
By BravesFanInRockies
February 2, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this
KC
Buster still p.o.’ed at the Braves because the Peavy deal did not go according to his plan.
Anders
Congrats on signing Ollie. I still think he’s a good fit for you guys and it does strengthen the rotation. He’s erratic, to be sure, but Manuel seems to have the stomach to handle his good starts and his bad ones. He’s certainly worth the gamble because if he improves his control ever-so-slightly, he’ll elevate his game a lot.
By TERAP
February 2, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this
Winterville, I disagree with your assessment of the Mets having weak hitting corner outfielders. Church is good for 25 homers if he can avoid crashing into infielders on his way to 2nd and Tatis is a sure 20 plus homer player in left. The Mets biggest issue is getting runs after the 5th inning.
By nolie
February 2, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this
Question—You will win $1 million play dollars if you get this one—What was the last middle reliever that made in excess of $3 million per season for the Braves? I’m not talking about starters who may pitch a few innings in middle relief—I’m talking about pitchers who throw only in the middle innings period Proeye
Yeah, I’ve been saying the same thing since the season ended. especially with them paying Gonzo and Sori as much as they are. However it might be a good thing that it’s Philly looking at him. The Braves might spend a bit more to keep him away from them. We can always hope anyway
By OuchIsRight
February 2, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
Ouch!! As much as I want the Braves to do well, I’m not willing to wager a testicle on anything I don’t have control of. Good luck with that one. *BravesFanMetLand8
here’s hoping for a fourth place finish just to have some off-season excitement on the board. Go Marlins!!
By Anders
February 2, 2009 8:04 PM | Link to this
Lew
Nice to hear from you. So, it appears Minaya’s “low balling”, as you called it,for Perez paid off huh? .
As for K-Rod and Putz, come on Lew. The Mets added a guy coming off a record breaking saves season and a bonafide closer in his own right and you’re gonna argue that their bullpen isn’t markedly better?
Really?
By James is Red
February 2, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this
I heard an interesting interview with a guy from Baseball Prospectus. He talks about our top 10 guys, AJ Burnett, McCann in the clean-up spot. Lots of stuff. It’s good.
By Danga
February 2, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this
TERAP Church for 25 homers? Tatis a sure fire 20 homers?
First of all, both of those players have only had a combined 2 seasons where they played more than 140 games. Apparently crashing into infielders and such is a nasty habit for both of them.
Second of all, in Church’s only season of 140 plus games he had 15 home runs. Tatis did have a monster season in the year he played 140 plus. He hit 34 homers, but that was in 1999. I think Ryan Church is a nice player, but lets not make him into something he is not. Tatis gave the Mets some nice production last year, but I find it hard to believe that he will return to anything close to 1999 form 10 years later.
By Anders
February 2, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this
Bravesfaninrockies
Thanks. I agree - he’s erratic. Bad years I expect 11 or 12 wins from him, good years 14 or 15 wins and if he gets his stuff together he might give you 18 wins. I haven’t seen near the maturity it would take for him to win 20. So far that’s what Perez is. I’m still very surprised (and nervous) that there wasn’t more of a market for him. Are other teams that scared of him? A 27 year old lefty with flashes of electric stuff and positive big game experience? Seems like a risk worth taking for many. Maybe many think Dontrelle when they look at Perez?
We’ll see if Minaya’s faith pays off.
By StingerSplash
February 2, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this
no wonder he walked these empty rooms looking for something to blame. He gave his son the middle name of Friggin.
Too bad about Hoge. Radio station I used to listen to played him frequently and I heard he was very good live. Not a huge fan of his, but I wouldn’t turn off the radio if he came on - unlike the treatment system of a down and other bands get from me.
By TERAP
February 2, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
Danga, Church was on pace to hit about 25 homers before the concussions and Tatis hitting 20 or more homers this upcoming season shouldn’t surprise anyone except maybe you. I guess that’s why they play the games……we’ll see.
By Savannah Guy
February 2, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this
My Mole in Japan? Yep… catchy band name.
Could also be the name of a sequel to Lost In Translation. Or a sequel to Mothra vs. Godzilla. The Mole vs. Mothra and Godzilla’s nephew, starring Bill Murray.
Now, baseball: can Ella Guru hit and play left field?
By Lew
February 2, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this
Anders-I didn’t say there was no improvement, just not nearly as much as you think there will be. You’re negating the fact that for the first 4 months of the season, you had a closer damn near as good as KRod. Wagner saved 27 games through the first of August posting an ERA of 2.30 and a WHIP of 0.89, so in essence, you improved your bullpen for August and September. Do you truly expect Rodriguez to post better numbers through July as that considering that he doesn’t know the NL yet? If you extend Wangner’s numbers through a full season, you’re talking about 41 saves. Will KRod save 41 much less more than that?
That’s the closer role. What about the rest of the pen? How many of those 29 blown saves (Wagner was only responsible for 6 of them-23 to go) will Putz realistically make up for? Half if you’re fortunate? You still have a weak middle relief corps-not to mention your rotation is no stronger. You don’t even have Heilman anymore and though his 5+ ERA was nothing to write home about, he was in damn near half your games (78). Who do you have to replace his innings that is better?
By Danga
February 2, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this
TERAP If Church stays healthy, I could see him having a real nice season. Tatis is a real long shot from my vantage point. His 2nd and 3rd best homer years? 18 and 15 where he hit .253 and .228 respectively. But as you say, that is why they play the games. I’m sure we can both agree that spring can’t get here quick enough.
I can’t wait for stories out of Florida about prospects flashing their skills and washed up veterans suddenly looking like their 15 years old again. I think that is one of the best parts about baseball, every spring brings a sense of hope for the better. The hope that this kid from the minors or free agent addition or in the Braves case a Japanese pitcher who puts his soul into his pitches will be the piece missing which puts our teams over the top. I love this stuff and I can’t wait to see some green grass and some red clay.
By winterville
February 2, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
TERAP
First off, I never said you had weak hitting corner outfielders. I said you signed a bunch of weak hitting corner outfielders this off season (Sullivan, Mackowiack) which is true. Second, Church is a fine player but has never hit more than 15 dingers in a year and Tatis was out of the majors in 2007 along with 04-05. You can’t be serious to say that you actually EXPECT that sort of production out of them. Tatis has had one season where he hit over 20 and that was a decade ago. Don’t twist my words and don’t try to play anyone for a fool with those predictions.
By Lew
February 2, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this
Anders-Even if KRod does exceed 41 saves, it is doubtful he will save anywhere in the neighborhood of 62 again, but more than likely will save his average of the three previous years-44-not that large a margin over a healthy Wagner.
In case you think I’m being peremptory here, After their highest save season over 50 saves, Smoltz was - 10, Gagne -10, Bobby Thigpen was -27 and Mariano Rivera was -22 one season and the next time he saved 50+ he was -10 the next. I’m betting KRod drops down to 45 or less.
Sorry-I just don;t see the Mets having made up 29 Blown Saves.
By Lew
February 2, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
Anders-One more thing. I hardly consider a 3 year -$36 million contract for a pitcher barely over .500 in his Mets’ tenure (for a team that finished first, second and second during that tenure) with an ERA of over four and a high WHIP as lowballing. Better hope you get what you paid for, but based on his past three years performance it’s not such a sure thing. When y’all going to re-sign Pedro?
By Cut&Paste
February 2, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this
KC-I’d say that was a safe bet. No one will want to collect if you lose. Lew
oh I don’t know. that trainer who’s job it was to rub the linament on Clemens’ testicles might be up for it
By David O'Brien
February 2, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this
Brent A., I think you’ve quite perceptive about Coach K, who’s a protege of Coach Knight, after all….
18 Wheels: No, can’t say I’ve had or even heard of the compilations of which you speak.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 2, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this
James Is Red — Thanks for posting that link. I’m listening to it now and you’re right, it’s some good stuff.
Someone should let the interviewer know that we signed Lowe to a 4-year contract, not 3.
By Raymond K
February 2, 2009 9:18 PM | Link to this
Beau Jones (not Feliz ) was definitely the throw-in in the ill-fated Teixeira deal. I recall that it was a 4 for 2 and became a 5 for 2 when John Daniels conned John Schuerholz Jones was a sandwich pick in 2005 from Destrehan, La whom the Braves drafted prematurely at about 41st overall (BA had him rated 155th) The braves took the wrong La HS lefty as they left 6ft 8in Sean West for the Marlins (he is now one of Marlins top prospects) Luckily, Jones isn’t a good prospect or the deal would have even been worse. Bad drafting and an even worse trade.
By Lew
February 2, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this
Church was on pace for a 25 HR season before he missed a month and a half? Really? He had only hit 2 in his previous 21 games ( a pace for a 15 HR season over 162 games). Not much of a pace going on was there?
As for Tatis not surprising anyone if he hits over 20HR. Seriously? Based on what? The one time in the past nine seasons before he turned 34 that he hit 15?
And the Mets’ fans think We’re delusional?
By Lew
February 2, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this
Cut and Paste-Ad you’re going to pay him? Need we ask what the victor will do with his spoils? Do we really want to know?
By MiamiBeachBravesFan
February 2, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Sorry to hear about ella guru. I am an indie music supporter down here in Miami and lament the loss of such sanctums of fine music.
When you come down for the first road trip against the Marlins, drop by Sweat Records, on NE Second Avenue and 55 Street in Miami’s Little Haiti. It’s right next to Churchill’s, one of the best live indie music scenes on the eastern seaboard. (If they play a day game, swing by C’s and I’ll treat on the first couple of Sierra Nevada’s - great fish and chips, too.) Sweat’s music selection is awesome, and the people are really cool.
Hope they sign Will Ohman, just for the fact that we do need a lefty setup guy. I’d rather sign Tom Glavine and Ohman and make LF the new 1B platoon position, like it was in the early-mid ‘90’s.
By TERAP
February 2, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this
winterville, don’t take my post’s personal. I was just doing what you’re doing…giving my opinion.
By Tomas
February 2, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this
Looks like the Braves aren’t going to sign Will Ohman. Well if they don’t, they should sign Abreu and Glavine.
By winterville
February 2, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this
TERAP
Definitely not taking it personal, I just wanted you to understand what I wrote and that I was not hating on Church or Tatis in my original post, I was hating on the signings of the lower tier players. But if you truly expect that sort of production from those two, you might be in for a long season. I hope you don’t take my posts personal either. it is not my intent.
By Steve McP
February 2, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this
DOB - how does it work with the Ohman negotiations? If the Phillies make an offer he likes does the agent come back to the Braves to see if they want to match/better it?
By Anders
February 2, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this
Lew I have to laugh because I had written in my post to you about the lowballing “unless you’re gonna now tell me Minaya overpaid”. I took it out because I figured it would be inflammatory. Should have stayed with my instincts.
Talk about never being able to win. One minute you say he’s lowballing because Wilpon is headed to the bread line. Now he overpaid for Perez. Good lord, pick a tact and stay with it.
As for your Wagner/K-Rod argument,I never said the Mets would make up all of the 29 blown saves. I’ve said repeatedly that they had 29 blown saves and still finished only 1 game back. All things equal if they reduce that number to 20 blown saves that would be quite an improvement. With the addition of K-Rod and Putz I don’t think reducing the blown saves by 9 is a great stretch.I don’t expect K-Rod to get 60 saves. I don’t even know that he’ll have to get 50. BTW- I agree with you on Tatis (which is why I want manny)and the numbers support your Church argument, however, he’s a young guy who’s learning how to hit the long ball. Plus, he’ll be playing in what will probably be the best lineup he’s ever been in which should help. He has a nice stroke so let’s see how it develops. The wild card will be how the ball carries at “US Congress Park” ( I’m assuming they’ll be bailing out the Mets naming rights contract out).
By Anders
February 2, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this
“He doesn’t exhibit quite the theatrics of Knight; but, the man is downright nasty when he wants to be.” - BrentA
“Brent A., I think you’ve quite perceptive about Coach K, who’s a protege of Coach Knight, after all….” - DOB
There’s big difference between being nasty and being abusive. Knight has been verbally, physically and emotionally abusive to many around him for many years and makes no apologies for it. I don’t know of one incident where Coach K was that type of abusive. I’m not a big college basketball follower so maybe they exist and I’ve never heard them. But until I do I don’t think it’s fair to compare these two in the context of what is being discussed about Knight.
By nolie
February 2, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this
My Mole in Japan? Yep… catchy band name. Savannah
maybe they can do a cover of “My Woman From Tokyo”
By GSU-Lee
February 2, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
DOB, my only thing with Knight is that he is getting up there. I know his name alone recruits, but if I were UGA I might be looking for someone who would be there longer.
I would take a close look at Anthony Grant, VCU coach and former Florida assistant. He was responsible for getting Al Horford and Joakim Noah…I think a guy like that is more of what I would look for. Still, I don’t think many people will complain if Bobby Knight moves in Athens
By Wayne in Utah
February 2, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this
Rosenthal is reporting that Ned Colletti and Scott Boras had a face to face meeting, where the Dodgers offered Manny a 1 year, $25 million dollar contract.
Boras is said to have stated he will get back to them. To me, this would be a good deal for Manny, and let him re-enter next year when hopefully the economics are better, and also give him a chance to rebuild his tarnished image.
Poetic justice for Manny? I should think so…
By Neon Deion
February 2, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this
Im sick and tired of saying it again and again… 1.Give Chipper extension NOW (think of Smoltz…) 2.Give Ohman what he wants. In other words, SIGN HIM. 3.Sign Dunn (or get Nady). 4.Sign Glavine. PLAYBALL
By Jethro
February 2, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this
Quite the Cold Stove we have here. Nothing much happening anywhere. Seems like the Braves are just waiting for prices to go down even further before signing a LF. But at the same time, no other teams are jumping in there and picking up, say, Abreu. Why not? I don’t want to jump to “collusion,” but it seems like there’s some sort of implicit collusion going on, in that teams are waiting, seemingly hoping for the prices to come down even further. I dont know. Any ideas on what’s happening here and when teams will start signing some of these free agents?
By Cameron in NC
February 2, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this
DAP, you stated earlier that Ohman would be the highest paid player in the bullpin. I think Soriano is getting like 6.1 million this year.
By Thrillhouse44
February 2, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this
Wayne, that sounds like a win-win for both sides. Manny gets his money and the Dodgers will get a hungry Manny playing in a contract year. If that dude stays focused for a whole season, it’d be scary.
By rotty
February 2, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this
KC
If Buster is picking the Braves 4th it is based on his assumption that Wren will pass on Dunn, Abreu - find Swisher & Nady too expensive (trade piece wise) and try to make a go of it with Diaz/Blanco in LF.
If Buster is correct and Wren does try to limp along with on OF of Diaz/Blanco or BJones, Anderson and JF he is probably pretty close.
The Braves will not finish better than 3rd with that OF even if JF plays at 2006/7 levels. Heck even summer 2005 JF cannot carry the team. Chipper will miss 25+ games and McCann will need to sit.
JF is trying to save his career so don’t expect him to try to be a clean up hitter this year. He just needs to make contact every game and get on base.
The Braves are in desperate need of a power bat in LF who can hit clean up.
There are not great clean up guys out there apart from Manny but Dunn is the runner up from this year’s FA class.
I personally hope Wren reconsiders Dunn and makes an offer. He will make this team better and change their prospects which as of today = 3rd place if the pitching delivers as expected.
The team has a spotty offense and little HR power. You cannot beat the Phillies offense with this team.
They need more power. Even Abreu is not an ideal power guy and is more of a 2, 3 or 5 guy.
Swisher’s 09 is worrisome and scream stay away.
Nady is a 1 yr rental that will be expensive.
The Yankees don’t need to trade either of these players. They have enough money to sit on them until the deadline or all season without blinking an eye.
Dunn is the answer (imperfect yes) and if not him the Abreu.
Wren needs to avoid going into the season on key player short. The rotation is much improved but it is not lights out. These 200 inning SPs pitch to contact and runs will be scored.
The Braves will need to respond in kind and right now they don’t have the pieces to do that effectively.
By jbutler
February 2, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this
Great tidbits about Boyer/Smoltz. Guess I thought dudes making, combined, somewhere over 7 million/year might have a few weights in their own houses? Maybe the dude who looked like Ringo Starr next to me at the 24 Hour fitness here in Denver was really Jay Cutler! Hmm….
Hard to believe ST starts so soon..yippee!!
By Steve McP
February 2, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this
Buster Olney is embarrassed that he predicted the Braves would win the league last year, this year he is really down on the Braves because they made him look so bad!
By Wayne in Utah
February 2, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this
I personally like Abreu with a 1 year plus an option, IF, and this is a BIG IF, Chipper moves to cleanup. Abreu has the numbers for the 3 slot, and Chipper would be more productive in the 4 slot.
In the perfect world, Chipper should hit third, but if nobody steps forward to claim the cleanup spot (Frenchy is really the only option, as BMac is out too much for rest), Chipper is better than Abreu there.
It’s going to be an interesting year, what with the rebuilt staff, the potential of the bullpen, and the offensive possibilities, if all falls together well.
By ChipperFan
February 2, 2009 11:38 PM | Link to this
Anders
Gotta give you props on your 9:53 post re: Church, Tatis, and Wagner/Krod. Some good points in there. Well done.
(FYI it killed me to type that, but credit where credit is due.)
By Canadianbrave
February 2, 2009 11:39 PM | Link to this
How about Alfonseca in the cleanup spot…
Just kidding!
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this
Does anybody else think Harrison should have been kicked out of the Super Bowl in that late 4th quarter hit?
Ridiculous that he was allowed to finish the game on the field after that display of stupidity.
By Canadianbrave
February 3, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this
Just looking at the stats for the 1976 Cincinatti Reds(The Big Red Machine). Everyone thinks of their power, but they hit 141 homeruns and stole 210 bases. Now that’s a balanced offence.
By richbrave
February 3, 2009 12:11 AM | Link to this
Looks more and more like O’FLAHERTY and LOGAN are going to be our lefty BP options in ‘09. ???? for sure. I’m not sure having questions in that corner of the bull-pen is a wise situation on a rebuilding team.
So old “roo nads” is out of options. He should be picked up if sent down. “PHIL the HILL” was extremely effective here in RICHMOND during the first half of ‘08. LEREW began to perk up toward the end of last season as well and might be in some other organization’s plans.
With all the pitching moves the BRAVES have made this off-season, most teams will be watching us closely for potential talent which we must run through waivers. Probably not the YANKEES however. They’re in the same boat with us.
By Kentavo
February 3, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this
I feel Braves could have won the league last year had everyone stayed healthy - and obviously if they hadn’t traded Tex.
It may have been a flawed plan to bank on so many fragile arms, but, talent-wise, they could have made it to the playoffs if the 4/5 of the starting rotation wasn’t on the DL.
Look how they played before all of the injuries.
By KC
February 3, 2009 12:28 AM | Link to this
Rotty: If… IF Francoeur bounces back to an 05-07 level of play, and the bullpen is healthy, the Braves will have a chance to win the division.
They’re offense still wouldn’t be as good as NY’s or certainly Phili’s, but it would be solid. And again, a healthy pen likely gives the Braves the best pitching in the division, which counts for a lot.
I’m not saying the Braves are the favorites, even with a fully restored Francoeur, but they would certainly be contenders.
I agree with you that the Braves need another power bat. Someone like Nady (along with a rebound from Francoeur) WOULD, IMO, give a healthy Braves team a slight edge over NY and Phili. And I join you in hoping that something like that happens.
I just think that to say “The Braves will not finish better than 3rd with that OF even if JF plays at 2006/7 levels.”… is an overstatement.
Again, a restored Francoeur + healthy pen = contenders. With the pitching the Braves now have, they’ll have a shot in the east (and barring something completely unforseen, there’s no way in hell the Marlins finish ahead of ATL).
By N Nine (eta62)
February 3, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this
“I will wager a testicle, right here and now, that doesn’t happen” KC
this is the kind of stuff that gives moms heart attacks or bad dreams. I think buster meant the Braves and Mets will be close for 2nd place..This could be Mets year however..
Braves will have better luck and have more depth, so the WL record should be improved.
By rotty
February 3, 2009 12:57 AM | Link to this
KC
A 2006 JF and Dunn you have something. A 2006 JF and Diaz in LF you have a 3rd place team.
They need a LF bat in a big way.
Good team but too light on power.
By N Nine (eta61)
February 3, 2009 12:57 AM | Link to this
productive Frenchy+healthy pen= big IF btw where is our cleanup hitter? That is a big hole…
Buster realized how bad the braves really were after the trade deadline. We have no power and better hope Chipper stays healthy, while over using our catcher.
Simply relying and hoping Frenchy will produce spells dooooom. -Wren, I suggest you get that much needed power hitter!
By Saff
February 3, 2009 2:06 AM | Link to this
We need a power bat in left and if we fail to aquire one it will be tough on the team with far more problems you must have a reliable cleanup hitter
By N8
February 3, 2009 2:12 AM | Link to this
“Buster realized how bad the braves really were after the trade deadline. We have no power and better hope Chipper stays healthy, while over using our catcher.” N Nine
True, the team was bad after the trade deadline, but the record really didn’t reflect that much of a drop off (22-32, after going 50-58 before the deadline).
In fact if you dig deeper, the runs scored per game actually went UP after the trade deadline (4.56 per game before, 4.81 after). It was the runs allowed (4.39 before, and an alarming 5.61 after), that was the true downfall of the final two months.
The reality, is that in terms of runs scored, the team was not only NOT worse off, but better, without Tex than with him.
It was the massive injuries to the rotation that not only caused the bullpen to be broken down, but it also allowed the younger starters to be “over-exposed”, by being used too much, too soon.
All winter, my guess has been as good as the next guy as to whether Wren has done enough to close the gap between the Mets and Phils (let’s not forget that the Marlins finished ahead of the Braves as well), even AFTER getting Lowe.
But there is zero denying that the Braves rotation should be improve upon last year’s unit, in terms of eating innings, and giving consistent (even if unspectacular - as in Vazquez), performances. Which works two fold with the bullpen.
Not to mention that with the “possible” returns of Soriano, Stockman, Moylan and with Gonzo decaring himself healthy, not only will the bullpen be more rested, it should be stocked with better arms to begin with.
I’m not so sure that another bat is neccesary to start the season. If Wren grabs a free agent (Dunn, Abreu), because he wants to. Fine. But I’m not sure I trade a prospect right now, if I’m him.
He’s done a fine job at making this team (on paper) improving over the squad that finished the season.
That being said, last January, you could have said the same thing.
By Bravo Nam
February 3, 2009 3:03 AM | Link to this
Phil Stockman
Haven’t heard anything on him for a long time…given he’s out of options, what’s his current health status and any indication that the Braves want to keep him?
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 3, 2009 3:14 AM | Link to this
N8, both the Phillies and Mets have improved their respective rosters.
Either of these two teams are more than capable of winning 95 games and one is the defending World Champion. Are our Braves capable of the same?
Therein lies the answer to the Braves entire 2009 season.
By N8
February 3, 2009 4:49 AM | Link to this
Coach
That’s my point. The Braves have improved, no doubt. About 162 or so games from now, we’ll find out if they’ve improved enough.
Either way, add Hudson to the mix in 2010, along with Hanson more than likely having some starts under his belt, and Heyward being one year closer, and this team will surely be ready to compete for real in 2010 and beyond.
Not saying they can’t this year. I really think they will. But truth be told, we were “competitive” last year before the pitching fell apart.
My opinion of “competing” and KC’s might be slightly different. Either way, this season can’t possibly be as frustrating as last year. Add to that, going into last year, expectations were high. Not so much this year. Perhaps a pleasent surprise is in store for us.
I would never wish injury upon any ML player or a rash of them to any one team. But maybe this is the year we don’t have any major setbacks and the Phillies have to deal with it.
After all, how good would the Phillies and Mets have been (or be in 09), if they were without 4 of their 5 opening day rotation guys, along with the closer (remember Soriano was our closer going into last year)?
My money is gonna go with that the Phillies would be in trouble without Hamels, Myers and Moyer, right? How about if Johan goes down?
Anythig can (and did happen to the Braves last year) happen.
Like I said two weeks ago (or so), I think the Braves win around 85 or so games and are “in” the wild card hunt all year. I can live with that until the next wave of stars are regular contributors.
Can you?
By elainer7
February 3, 2009 5:56 AM | Link to this
A team can have 5 of the best pitchers in the world, but if the hitters on that team are consistently inconsistent at the plate, then its all for nothing. Such is the story with the Braves.
By Billy Walsh
February 3, 2009 8:03 AM | Link to this
With the amount of one run losses that the braves had last year you would think that acquiring a bat would have been a priority. If the braves did acquire Furcal would the braves have signed both Lowe and Kenshin or just Lowe? 27 homers in the outfield is a problem. Having a catcher as your 4 hitter is a problem. I wouldn’t count on Frenchy bouncing back either. Platooning Diaz (coming off an injury) and Brandon Jones (limited AB’s in the majors) in Lf isnt the answer either. Abreu seems like the logical choice (1 year…7 million?). Signing Ohman and Glavine or signing a bat? Whats the priority at this point?
By theclipper
February 3, 2009 8:11 AM | Link to this
I’d like to attend ST just for the morning practices. Anyone know the procedure at Disney these days? Hard to find info, unless you want game ticks. Went 2 years ago after actual exhibition season (games) began and was told workouts were closed once season is under way, that you’ve got a window of about 2 weeks, between P&C reporting and games. Argh.. Ah for the days when my young son and I could attend these practices all through March, and they were free for fans, great PR. Maybe it’s still that way in other venues in Fla. Please advise
By Steve
February 3, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this
Why hasn’t Atlanta at least made an offer to Bobby Abreu?…I don’t understand it…He’s going to end of landing in Seattle or Washington…like seriously…and another thing I truely believe the funds are not available to sign Ohman, Glavine, and a LF…actually I would put money on it…So its decision time once again…I serious think if we could lock up Ohman and Abreu (not Swisher, who I understand had an ‘off year’ in 08) We definitely contend in the East…Remeber there’s four to five YOUNG arms vying for that fifth spot…I realize the value Glavine COULD add on the mound and absolutley in the cluhouse but you can’t tell me Lowe and Javier haven’t bveen around the block…let’s go out and get some power and lock up a solid lefty out of the bullpen
By stamper
February 3, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this
bonnaroo lineup…. insane!!!!!!!
i don’t really care for the two headliners, but the rest of the lineup is just unreal…certainly the best lineup in the past few years. TV on the Radio, Andrew Bird, Band of Horses, Beastie Boys. the Decemberists, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Of Montreal. Santogold, Jenny Lewis, Neko Case, Grizzly Bear, Okkervil River, David Bryne, Elvis Costello, Ben Harper, Bon iver, Crystal Castles, NIN, Snoop Dog, etc etc. can’t wait!
anyone else planning on going this year?
By Renegator
February 3, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
N8
I think your prediction of 85 wins is a little aggressive. Don’t forget they do not have ANY power in the lineup this year. Chipper’s power has dwindled significantly plus he will only play about 125 games. McCann is going to have to sit once every 5 or 6 days so we lose his bat a lot too.
I think this team will win 77 games and still be in the “hunt” until mid August - maybe 1st of September.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 3, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
Whoa…I’m ready for baseball season…
By DAP
February 3, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
Regenerator
the braves do have power in the lineup. the problem is, its spread out pretty evenly, so there isnt a guy with alot of power to put in the middle of the lineup. but its not un reasonable to expect 25 from both chipper and mccann, 45 homers total between escobar, kotchman and diaz, and another 30 from kelly, and a reasonably rebounded frenchy. add another 15 homers from bench players (norton, prado, infante) and weve got 140 homer power on the team.
another 25 homer guy (nady, or even abreu) would put us right about middle of the pack. we really do need a middle of the order guy. either one of those guys would give us a very solid lineup with options of where to slot guys.
By SeaAtl
February 3, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
Cleaning out my closet this past weekend and I came across an old CD I forgot I had - Drive By Truckers’ “Pizza Deliverance”. As the GC building a private high school in Fairburn back in 1999 I hired a firm out of Athens, GA to design and install the various sound systems (auditorium, dance room, gym, etc.). Really cool group of guys doing the actual installing, and usually worked odd/late hours. This was their “side gig” and they all worked with the Truckers producing this album, I am 99% sure one guy was even in the band while the others were support crew or something. Fuzzy memory, but as they were testing the various sound systems in the weeks before opening, they kept playing some really cool music & when I commented on it they gave the CD to me - and it was the Drive By Truckers’ “Pizza Deliverance”.
By AR Brave
February 3, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this
ManRam turns down the 1 yr offer. Can anyone else see the Mets getting him now? I can. The braves are in a very tough spot with limited money and a wish list of at least three more players.
Are there any players out there that may come via trade that we haven’t talked about DOB?
Any chance BRoberts doesn’t sign the extension and we can still move in get him and sign an extension with us? I truly believe a player like him would do wonders for us this year and in the future.
Here’s to hoping the mets don’t get ManRam and we get the bat we need from JF and Wren.
For you music fans check out North Mississippi Allstars. And if you are a real blues fan try R.L. Burnside.
By Lew
February 3, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
Anders-No, I don’t think they really overpaid for Perez considering what pitchers make these days, I just don’t think he’s much better than an average starter and that Omar basically gave him almost all of what he originally asked for. He came down what- $2 mil a year after all the time it took him to sign the guy? That’s hardly like asking Manny to take $15 mil per when he was looking for $25 mil+ or Dunn possibly making $5 mil when he wanted $14 mil per. Who knows-Maybe Ollie will finally figure it all out and actually be worth what they pay him-stranger things have happened. I also think the Mets were damn fools for not going all out for Lowe. Not only is he much superior to Ollie, but y’all let a division rival sign him-a double whammy.
As for making up all that lost ground and losing by one game. That was then and this is now. You’re not taking into account that after Santana, your rotation is iffy as all get out. Can Pelfrey continue to develop? Can Maine avoid a more serious injury? Is Tim Redding even worth the resin in the resin bag he’ll pick up when on the mound? Better get moving and sign up Pedro real fast. Let us not even mention 2B or the outfield. Which DeGado will show up? The one from last year or the one from 07? Will Reyes learn what clutch means?
Add to this that the Phillies may well be much stronger than the Mets yet again, especially if Utley comes back early (though I doubt he’ll be back as early as he thinks) or if they sign Ohman and some more pitching. Let us also not forget that whether or not the Braves have the horses to win the division, they ARE much stronger than they were in 08 and we kicked y’all’s rear ends yet again even with no pitching last year.
It’s just like I mentioned last week. If the Mets (and Omar) wanted to win it all and make no bones about it, they would have done much more than what they did. No exclamation point has been placed to the Mets’ acquisitions this winter saying they will leave anyone in the dust. If they really had all that money you keep talking about, they would have made it so there was no doubt who was the team to watch as they left the rest of the division watching their backs as they won it all. It never happened and all your spin and high hopes can’t change that fact.
By Random
February 3, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this
Joe Posnanski, 1 Feb 09:
“You know what would be great? If the Kansas City Royals announced tomorrow that they just signed Manny Ramirez and Ben Sheets. Convinced them each to come for one year, big money, mercenaries, and then they could go back on the market when the economy is a little better.”
By 1957 Braves Fan
February 3, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this
Can we please sign players who say they want to remain with the Braves? It sure looks like Ohman will be signing elsewhere.
By rammerjammer
February 3, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this
I’m really surprised at the lack of urgency in the front office regarding the outfield. All three spots are huge question marks. Yet, the attention is on re-signing a situational lefty.
We have a jillion candidates for the #5 rotation spot and a jillion candidates for the bullpen. Surely one or two guys can be exchanged for a solid - not even great - outfielder.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this
AR Brave: If I hear about additional players the Braves might be discussing in trade, believe me, I have no reason not to share it with you. We’ve mentioned about 10 in recent months. I haven’t heard any new, at least not from anyone who has enough cred to make the rumor worth passing along….
Oh, and R.L. Burnside was the absolute real deal. We lost a great one when he died. He didn’t even gain any sort of widespread popularity until he was in his 60s, hard to believe when you consider how great he was and how much he was revered by other blues artists for decades.
I like his pure blues, the early acoustic stuff, but also dig the inventive mixes and electric stuff he did with Jon Spencer and others late in his career, like the A$s Pocket Full of Whiskey CD and songs like “It’s Bad You Know” off the CD of the same name.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
Billy Walsh: Our boy Rhys Coiro (Billy Walsh from Entourage) sure doesn’t have nearly the same charisma in his character on 24. His FBI suit character is actually pretty tame (and lame), without any resemblance to Walsh, with all his hair and great manic energy.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
1957 Braves Fan: The Braves didn’t sign Ohman to begin with — they traded for him a year ago. He’s a free agent. If the Braves offer him as much as the Phillies offer, there’s no question where he’d be.
By AustinBrave
February 3, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this
David I see that the White Sox’s are trying to sign Abreu and then trade Dye. What type of contract does Dye have now, and do you think this would be a good fit for the Braves. Who would we need to give up?
By Lew
February 3, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
Rammer-Wren writes a column for Chop Talk. This month he talked about it being about 50-50 that they would sign someone before ST or during. He said they were not particularly interested in any of the available Free Agents because their defense was routinely sub par. He also said that he was in contact with several other GMs about potential trades for outfield bats, but that there were enough good defensive possibilites already on the roster, that they may just go that way after seeing them all in ST, but they had plenty of outfield/pitching trade bait to p[ull off a deal.
In other words-wait and see and continue speculating much like we have been. It doesn’t look like Dunn or Abreu are options, though.
By Efrim
February 3, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
White Sox made a one year 8 million dollar offer to Bobby Abreu. With all of the Jermaine Dye trade rumors, you have to imagine that he is one his way out if they sign Abreu. Dye is owed 11.5 milion next season, so I am guessing that the Braves wouldn’t be able to make that trade happen, unless they got rid of some salary first. And it doesn’t really look like they can get rid of enough salary to make something like that happen.
By cvbraves
February 3, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
White Sox offer Abreu $8 mil, 1-yr deal! Sox might trade Dye?
Your move, Mr. Wren (good job so far).
By rammerjammer
February 3, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
Lew, thanks for the info. It’s not very encouraging. Frenchy, Diaz, Anderson, B. Jones…and Frank may go with these guys? Only one has been an everyday player and he had a horrible 2008.
But, hey, we don’t have the dough for a big dog so we’ll just have to hope for the best I guess. I think I see where Olney’s coming from, though.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
Buster Olney had this note in his blog, which includes a Lowe stat that Braves fans might find interesting:
“All along, the Mets wanted to retain Oliver Perez, and they got it done. Personally, I like the signing for the Mets. Mark Simon, a Mets fan who works in ESPN Research, does not, and he sent along the following:
“I gave him credit for eight “dominant” starts last year … that was more than six innings pitched, two runs or fewer allowed (a notch above a quality start … you had to get an out in the seventh inning, and you had to allow two runs or fewer). That ranked tied for 44th most in the majors.
“Among those with as many, or more: Paul Maholm, 11; Tim Wakefield, 10; Edwin Jackson, 10; Dana Eveland, 10; Scott Olsen, 8; Zach Duke, 8. For the record, Derek Lowe had 14 … Mike Pelfrey even had 13. To be fair, Ben Sheets had 7.
“So then I went and looked at all the games where I got really frustrated by Perez … I used “Game Score” (found on ESPNcom) and found 14 starts in which Perez had a Game Score less than 50 … that’s the most by anyone on the Mets staff last season. So he’s basically a minus-6, in my book (eight dominant starts minus 14 frustrating ones). That’s worse than Jackson (minus-4), Eveland (minus-2), Wakefield (minus-1) and others. It’s hard for me to justify giving $12 million to a guy who is minus-6 (Sheets is minus-2), and who led the league in walks, even when there were basically very few other options (I wasn’t crazy about Sheets or Randy Wolf either).”
By Anders
February 3, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
LEW
If the Mets could have gotten Lowe for 3 years even at the $15 mil I would agree that it would be a better deal than Perez at least in the first couple of years. But to go to a 4th year was just too much of a risk for a team that didn’t need to take it. The Braves did need to take the risk(understandably). Simple as that. There is a side of me that prefers Perez over Lowe simply because he’s lefty and I think that can be very valuable against the Phils for obvious reasons.
As for the rest of the Mets starting pitching, it’s basically the same group they had last year and they were right there in the end. Will Maine get hurt again or Pelfrey take a step back? Maybe, but we could say the same thing about Gonzalez and Jurgens too. Will Chipper hit near .400 again without Tex’s protection? Will Mc Cann continue to hit as well as the catching takes it’s toll on him? Which Frenchy will show up? Will Soriano eclipse 13 innings?
See how this works? Same questions for all, so all you can do is look at last year, evaluate the changes made and assess wether we think it’s enough. You see the changes differently than I do - fair enough. Should make for a fun season.
BTW- What’s the obsession with Pedro? It’s very unlikely he will be on the team. I just don’t see where he would fit at any price. As for Redding, think of him as our version of Glavine except he’s 12 years younger, makes only $1 mil and is coming off a better year. Of course I’m assuming Glavine won’t fly the coop (again) to go take Redding’s old job up in DC.
Also, it’s all Manny all the time on the sports talk here in NY. If he’s forced to sign a one year deal he’s not gonna do it with the Dodgers out of spite after what he did for them last season imo. This could get interesting.
By rotty
February 3, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this
The best thing could happen for those wanting a LF (Dunn or Abreu) is seeing the Mets get in on Manny.
It may be the only thing that prompts Wren to make a move for a real HR threat LFer.
He needs one in any case to compete with the Phillies but if the Mets look to be landing Manny he may bite the bullet and get Dunn.
Once Manny signs somewhere Dunn will get scooped up (I say within 36hrs tops of the deal).
He seems to really believe his pitching is so good that Diaz in LF will be ok until July 31st.
I don’t agree at all but he is the boss.
He needs some pressure from his division to overlook Dunn’s defense and price point IMHO.
Since Manny has rejected the Dodgers 1yr 25mm offer expect them to turn up the heat with Dunn.
I hope Wren is in contact with Dunn’s agent right now and can avoid completely missing out on Dunn.
By Steve from OH
February 3, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
Lew—thanks for that ChopTalk info. Based on that, I don’t see Dunn/Abreu/Dye happening either. Perhaps Ankiel? I don’t really like to hear that “lots of good defensive possibilites” statement though. Thinking of a Francoeur/Anderson/Blanco outfield is enough to make me puke. IMO, our best outfield from within the system is Schafer/Francoeur/B. Jones with Anderson/Blanco as 4th OF. But we really need to acquire an OF bat. 2 months of Blanco and Anderson in the same lineup will be enough to sink us, I think.
By Efrim
February 3, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
DOB
You beat me to it. That’s some good stuff that Buster had there.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this
AustinBrave: Dye is owed $11.5 mill in 2009. So the other questions are probably moot. Oh, and he’s bad defensively, something Braves want to avoid….
Music: Those who recommended the new Andrew Bird CD, I just played it for the first time, and you’re right, it’s great. Great morning-time CD, by the way. That sort of alt-rock/chamber music isn’t for everybody (those who like to rock 24/7, just skip it), but those who enjoy mixing it up with some mellow, literate stuff like Decemberists or Sufjan Stevens, this one’s definitely worth trying.
By Anders
February 3, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
rotty
If Wren wants to land Dunn before Manny signs he better be prepared to overpay -again. See how payroll can spiral out of control when you don’t have three HOF pitchers at the top of your rotation?
Welcome to what the rest of baseball experienced while the Braves were on their 14 year pitching rich journey.
By N8
February 3, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this
Renegator
You may be right, 85 might be high. I guess I should specify, that’s about where I see this team capping out if all teams in the East stay healhy. I’ll meet you in the middle somewhere, OK?
As for everbody clamoring how much more power we need in the OF? True, 27 HR is pretty damn pathetic. But here’s my thought on that, and we’ll compare it to 1991.
I’m going by Baseball Reference’s “listing” of the 8 regulars with the most AB’s/Games.
In 91, the Braves OF (Gant, Lonnie Smith, Justice), combined for 60 HR (20 HR average among the 3), and the IF (TP, Belliard, Treadway, Bream, Olson), combined for 42 HR (8.4 average), giving the regular “8” a total of 102 HR.
In 08, the Braves OF (Blanco, Kotsay, Francoeur), combined for 18 HR (yikes), and the IF (Chipper, KJ, Escobar, Tex), combined for 87 HR. Giving the regular “8” 105 HR.
One could argue that what doomed this team (compared to 91 - as far as the lineup goes - obviously the pitching paled in comparison), was the lack of a TRUE leadoff hitter, and some clutch (sorry to bring that up), hitting. But anybody that remembers 91, clearly can recall seemingly EVERY night (especially down the stretch), TP or somebody coming up with the big hit like clockwork.
How else does a guy that hit .319 with 22 HR, 86 RBI and no GG, winning the MVP? Because he was clutch. TP was more clutch in 91 than Tex has been in his entire career.
Now, on to 2009. Assuming that Kotchman will NOT match Tex’s power output. We certainly could use some power from the OF.
But give me a leadoff hitter that causes havoc at the top of the order, and some clutch hitting, and we’ll be just fine.
I guess the point of this post, is that it doesn’t matter WHERE the power comes from in the lineup, as long as there is SOME power.
Clearly the 91 team had a “powerful” OF, and a TRUE cleanup hitter in Justice. But the infield was defense orientated and had solid, if not spectacular hitting.
If Kotchman can be more “clutch” than Tex was, this lineup will be fine, provided that Jeff steps it up a notch, and whoever bats leadoff, does their job.
On a side note (because Coach wouldn’t have it any other way), we stole 58 bases in 08. In 1991, the total was 165.
In 91 we hit 141 HR (total), and in 2008 the total was 130.
Who out there thinks that the 10 HR’s made the difference, as opposed to the SB? Clearly without a ton of power on the team, Cox used the speed.
The 08 team was lacking both. Not a good recipe.
Ironically, the 91 team averaged 4.62 runs per game, the 08 version averaged 4.64.
I’m gonna go with the theory that those 10 HR didn’t make much difference.
In 2003, when the Braves hit 235 HR as a team, the still only averaged 5.65 runs per game. The extra HR, only added a run per game. Obviously we’re not gonna hit 230+ HR in 09. But good hitting can allow teams to score runs too.
Let’s not focus on a guy like Dunn in the OF because of his power. How about go after a guy that can hit (and field)?
Don’t give me the arguement that “that was 91, it’s different now”.
The Twins had 19 less HR than the Braves did last year (111), and scored 76 (829) more runs than the Braves did. Granted, some of those come from the DH being a hitter. On the other hand, the Pirates had 23 more HR than the Braves had (153), and scored LESS runs (735), Milwaukee had 50 more HR than us, and only scored 15 more runs, Philly (in that little band-box) had 84 more HR than us (214), yet only scored 46 more runs than us.
HR look good on ESPN, good hitting wins games.
By Efrim
February 3, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this
Steve from OH
I agree with your 10:56. If Wren values defense that much, than Jermaine Dye isn’t a Brave…because he is terrible. Used to be a good defender, but no longer. And I don’t understand that “good defensive possibilities” statement. Braves are lacking power, and shouldn’t be THAT concerned about left field defense. It would be great to get the whole package back in a trade, but I’m not seeing a match. Who knows though? Maybe Wren has someone on the radar that we don’t know about. That very well could be the case.
By Random
February 3, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this
Anders: “Dunn is absolutely waiting on Manny. He’ll get the most $’s from the Dodgers if they don’t get Manny.”
? ? ?
But wouldn’t Dunn get zero from the Dodgers if they did sign manny???
(Btw — pretty funny.)
By ncscoots
February 3, 2009 11:13 AM | Link to this
At least Mark Simon and I are reading from similar books re quality starts. It’s not the number of quality starts for me; it’s the percentage of quality starts, the ERA in those quality starts, and team wins in those quality starts.
In other words, how often does he do it, how well does he do it when he does, and does he do it against all caliber of competition well enough to overcome late-game meltdowns and early-game offensive slumbers?
By theclipper
February 3, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
DOB Any info on my spring training question workouts question? I sure ‘preciate it..Clip
By rotty
February 3, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
Manny rejects deal. Sox offer a deal to Abreu the next day. The dominoes for FA OFs are going to start falling but quick.
Hopefully Wren has a dialog open with Dunn and Abreu’s agents.
That said it would be very discouraging to see Wren sit on his hands now and rely on one of our 4th OF to carry the load in LF.
Re: Dye he is too expensive at 11.5mm and in any case I think Thome is the one drawing the short straw in Chicago. They will keep Dye and unload Thome.
The GM of the Sox really likes Dye and will not part with him very easily.
Dye would therefore cost quite a bit in prospects plus more salary than Wren likely has for LF.
Come on Frank - you fans have been begging you to go after Abreu or Dunn - please don’t stop short of the last key piece needed for a good 2009.
Diaz/Blanco will not get it done in LF and JF is not going to be Babe Ruth incarnate this year. He just wants to be able to hit the ball and get on base. :)
By MiamiBrave
February 3, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this
DOB
I know Griffey is on the decline at 39…but reading these articles on him today makes him sound worth a shot.
Seeing as Abreu has seemingly been offered around $8 Million by the White Sox, that takes him out of our range…while Dunn isn’t backing down about how much he wants and it is said he wants to go to L.A.
So DOB my question to you is, I believe if the Braves were to go and sign Griffey, that would leave enough to also sign Ohman and Glavine, which wouldn’t be such a bad thing in my opinion
Platooning him with Diaz would give him extra rest as well…
Dunno, I’d like the signing if it left the cash for Ohman and Glavine to be signed.
By Random
February 3, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah: “Anders I know it is not realistic to hope for, but I would love to see Manny shut out,and have to accept a 1 year 12-15 million dollar deal from some losing team!”
You mean, like the Braves?
Herr Doktor Heisenberg might have something to say about that, I feel certain.
8->
By Lew
February 3, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
Anders-Dude, the big thing is that I’m not predicting that the Braves will win their division, hence discussion of whether or not Gonzo or Jurrjens backslide is totally immaterial, isn’t it? The Braves overall pitching staff will be greatly improved even if those two DO slide (which I’m not thinking will happen-especially with Gonzo).
Honestly, I’m just not thinking the Mets will be anywhere near as close to the division lead this year as you seem to think. They should have won it all in 06 and crapped out in the playoffs and do we even need to discuss the end of 07 and 08? They have proven conclusively over the past three years that they are NOT a clutch team and do not play well when the cards are on the table. No way for you to spin that, either-it’s now in the realm of historical fact.
Face it-the team they came in second to the past couple years is still stronger than the Mets and the Braves have improved considerably (more than anyone in the division has, though maybe not enough to unseat the Phillies). The Mets have not really improved themselves appreciably. They’ve shored up August and September at closer and given KRod a decent set up guy. That is ALL they’ve done. Will it be enough to make up the deficit against the Phillies? I doubt it. Will they improve against the Braves? No way. I see a 2nd or third place finish for the boys from Chop Shop U.
As for the Lowe contract being bad for the 3-4th years-Dude, if the Mets had all this money you still claim is there, they could have eaten the final two years of his contract to win it all now. That’s what your cross town betters do. You know-the team that DOES have a lot of money?
By Anders
February 3, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this
“But wouldn’t Dunn get zero from the Dodgers if they did sign manny??” -Random
Yes, but he would then fall back to the Braves and others in the market for OF’s. This OF market is gonna happen fast this week imo. These guys are all paying chickie. No one wnats to be the first guy to cave to an underwhelming one year deal, but you also don’t want to be the last guy standing with no gaurantee at all. Tick, tick, tick.
By Random
February 3, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
Randy S: “DOB - you here about the new Booker T album?”
DOB - or are you here chasin’ our women around?
By BravesFanInRockies
February 3, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this
N8
I’m not a big believer in “clutch” performances, for one thing because if a guy is good in the clutch does that mean he’s dogging it when no one’s on base or when the game’s not in the balance? Being “clutch” implies that a player performs better in those key situations. Why shouldn’t he operate at the same level of skill/concentration all the time?
Setting that aside, I agree that the ‘91 Braves and several other teams during that streak could do damage up and down the lineup. The overall team stats may not have blown you away, but there were eight tough outs on the field just about every game. And there were some seasons (if I’m not mistaken) that every regular hit double-digit HR.
You have the possibility for that this year if the Braves get a power bat for LF (or if they have solid production from a platoon) and Schafer is the CF on opening day and he plays anywhere near expectations.
If the team can hurt you basically at every position, with the improved pitching, the Braves should contend.
Wayne in Utah
I know you’re skeptical about having McCann hit cleanup because he can’t play every day. So what’s wrong with making him the principal cleanup hitter and then having someone else (preferably Chipper) in that spot when Heap takes a day off?
There’s nothing wrong with making changes in the batting order to accommodate matchups.
Besides, there really isn’t another alternative out there for the cleanup spot unless Frarncoeur really surprises a lot of us.
By Efrim
February 3, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
N8
“The Twins had 19 less HR than the Braves did last year (111), and scored 76 (829) more runs than the Braves did. Granted, some of those come from the DH being a hitter.”
Right, but they hit .305/.380/.446(.826 OPS) with runners in scoring position. Do you expect them to do that again? I sure don’t. The next closest team was Baltimore at .287. Twins were second in OPS after Texas(.856). So, DH being a hitter and the team hitting a ridiculous .305 with RISP allowed them to score more runs than the Braves with them hitting 19 less home runs. If that team continues to hit with less power, than let’s see them do what they just did again. Let’s see if the Twins can continue to be UNBELIEVEABLE in clutch situations.
By deepinmetsterritory
February 3, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
DOB, Patton Oswald was just in this movie called “Big Fan” about an obsessed New York Giants fan who gets his A$$ kicked by the team’s star player (apparently it’s very good and veers into Travis Bickle territory, only funny). Just played at Sundance, but not sure if you’ll see it in theatres or straight to DVD.
Also, there is a report that Abreu was offered a deal by the White Sox - if he takes it, do you think that prompts a trade for Dye or someone else?
By Steve from OH
February 3, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
Random—that’s uncertain, to say the least.
By Anders
February 3, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this
Lew
Like I said - we see things differently. Much the same as we did on Santana, Glavine, Soriano, the wooing of players to Atlanta, and the loyalty your most sr. players would show the organization. But hey, sometimes I’m right and sometimes you’ll be right. Maybe this is your time? - finally! :)
By Renegator
February 3, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this
DAP
Sorry for the delay getting back to you but what are you smoking? 30 HRs from Kelly next year? He hit 12 last year (2008) and the previous season he hit his highest so far in the majors - 16. He hit 28 total in his first TWO full major league seasons. Now he is going to magicly hit 30 in ONE year? I’d say the absolute most that Kelly will hit next year is 20.
Also, doubtful that the combo of Kotchman, Escobar and Diaz can hit 45 homeruns next year. Each one’s career high is like 12 in one year. I’d say that will be more like 35. Also, 15 from the bench? Maybe but that seems aggressive.
Sorry dude - I just don’t see that kind of power from the Braves this year. I think your numbers are way too high. I do agree with you that this team could compete if the Braves would sign a homerun hitter to play OF and bat clean-up.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 3, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Manny will not have to take accept a $12 -15 million lowball offer. If his price falls as low as $20 million, the Giants will be all over it. His bat will be enough to make them instant contenders — and they’ll get to stiff the Dodgers in the process.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
I’d like to attend ST just for the morning practices. Anyone know the procedure at Disney these days? Hard to find info, unless you want game ticks. Went 2 years ago after actual exhibition season (games) began and was told workouts were closed once season is under way, that you’ve got a window of about 2 weeks, between P&C reporting and games. Argh.. Ah for the days when my young son and I could attend these practices all through March, and they were free for fans, great PR. Maybe it’s still that way in other venues in Fla. Please advisetheClipper
Lew and others who’ve attended spring training recently can probably answer this better than I can, but I can assure you that batting practice before Grapefruit League games and workouts on most backfields are not “closed” after the games begin (if that’s what you mean by “workouts,” because that’s all the workouts there are after the games start).
But yes, you definitely have to buy a game ticket at Disney to see anything. That’s the way it is there (and most or all other parks that I know of; you can’t watch batting practice without buying a ticket).
And at Disney, you have to buy a ticket to the Wide World of Sports complex just to get in and see workouts before the Grapefruit League games begin (or to see workouts on backfields after the games begin). Someone correct me if any of this info is wrong, but that’s my understanding.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
Randy S, that’s gotta be a strong album, with Neil playing guitar on all but one song and the Truckers as Booker T’s backup band. Damn. It comes out in early April.
Also, Truckers will play with Booker T at New Orleans JazzFest on April 24….
SPEAKING OF MUSIC FESTS: Anyone who’s been to South by Southwest in Austin, how difficult is it to buy (or scalp) tickets to a few shows that last weekend of the event, without buying a pass for the entire thing?
By Larry Wendland
February 3, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
When was the last time the Braves drafted, brought through their system and retained, usefully for several years, a pitcher.? WHEN?? Has it been eight or ten years. Thank you.
By Lew
February 3, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
DOB-You are correct, Sir. It cost $11 (I believe, but definitely subject to change by Disney) last year to get into WWOS at Disney to see the Braves. I just go to ST before the Exhibition Games begin, so I know little about the pre game routine as it relates to spectators.
For the early days of ST, it would behoove (beginning with the Chopping Cow references early this year) you to get there at least around 8 in the morning-especially if you’re looking for autographs. If that’s what you’re looking for, the fence by the batting cages or just to the sides of the Braves’ dugout are the best places. It’s a bit of a hike to get to the pitching fields (at least for fat old men like me), but some people enjoy watching the pitchers.
By ncscoots
February 3, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
BFIR, I’m all in favor of Chipper hitting cleanup EVERY day, if the Braves don’t get a legit big bat. I know he’s voiced his preference in the past, but, heck, I think the Braves are better served hitting Kelly third and Chipper fourth than they are with Chipper third and just about any of the other options mentioned here these days.
I know that also makes bullpen decisions easy for the opposing manager, but a man can’t drink Knob Creek ALL the time, I guess, LOL.
By steve
February 3, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this
Report: White Sox offer Abreu 1 yr - $8 million…would likely mean a Thome or Dye trade!!!
By ncscoots
February 3, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this
—Also, Truckers will play with Booker T at New Orleans JazzFest on April 24…—
Guess that might be because DBT are a group of guys who will appreciate the moment of following in the footsteps of Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn, yes?
By AR Brave
February 3, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this
RL was just living life and made some great music. I enjoyed the newer stuff but the acoustic is just classic.
Speaking of classic, Glav is risky but the rewards of the vet presence and a left-handed arm would be bueno. If we could get anything like the Phils got with Moyer, it would be mucho bueno.
I am ignorant, if we don’t have much more than 7-8 million left and sign glav or ohman or both how can we afford to pay a FA or a player via trade?
Dunn’s offense would be fun to watch, Abreu’s avg is great, nady and swisher are not appealing to me personally. Maybe wren can bring in some we haven’t mentioned or someone we have for cheap.
By Lew
February 3, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
Anders-This is NOT a discussion of the Braves. They are what they are and I can make a case for them winning anywhere between 85-95 games, depending on how the questions we have are answered. You keep bringing them in as a Mets’ comparison and you really shouldn’t.
Compare them to the Phillies. They just don’t stack up. The Mets infield is weaker, both offensively AND defensively (Mets’ infield defense is terrible). The Mets’ have a better third baseman, but is well behind at first and second-equal at short (or damn close to it).
The pitching staffs are maybe even, but if the Phillies pick up another starter and Ohman, they will have the edge there. Both teams have an Ace and not much after. The Phillies (with Ohman) will likely have a more well rounded pen. Lidge probably won’t have a perfect season again, but I see them as being roughly equal at closer and that’s the Mets’ strength.
As for the outfield-you have Church and Beltran as certain starters. The Phillies have Victorino and Ibanez. The Mets have the edge with Beltran, but the Phillies take the other two slots hands down. Catcher is a wash.
Tell me again why the Braves matter in your equation. The Mets can’t even stack up to the Phillies-who won the Division the past two years.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this
Larry Wendland: Among starters, Kevin Millwood and Horacio Ramirez are the most recent who come to mind, if you’re talking several years spent at major league level with the Braves. (Kyle Davies was with major league Braves less than three years.)
By DAP
February 3, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
i just cant see the mets besting the 2 year $45mil deal already offered to manny by the dodgers. it just seems like if the mets had money like that to spend, wouldnt they have signed better pitchers this offseason than perez and redding? of course i could be wrong, but if they are willing to spend that much on one player, they should have upgraded thier rotation, which they havent done.
just my opine, plus sherman says the mets arent in it for manny or abreu, and are seeking cheap bench bats and a lefty reliever.
on the dye rumors, he is ideal for the braves, if only they could afford him, which im not sure they can do.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 3, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
Agreed entirely. Kelly hitting third and Chipper cleanup (Heap 5th) is the best lineup the Braves could field. Don’t see Bobby doing it and just can’t explain why. I think he lets the players fill out the lineup cards some days.
BTW, big game for you guys tomorrow. Go get ‘em. Don’t know how well Dook will respond to the kind of physical defense the Tigers should play.
Also saw that Clemson’s RPI rating is No. 8. Purnell has done a fine job upgrading the nonconference schedule. Should serve your guys well at tournament time.
By Anders
February 3, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this
Lew
Sorry, I rarely get admonished for talking about the Braves here. My bad. Anyway, as for the Mets closing ground on the Phils (that whole game two years in a row)I guess we’ll have to see how it plays out.
As for the Braves questions that need to be answered to get them to 95 wins -it doesn’t sound like they have the money to spend this year to close that gap. But I’m sure you have a vision around that quandry as well.
By Original Jon
February 3, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this
*Larry Wendland * Definitely not been 8 to 10 years since it has happened, or have we forgotten about Tom Glavine? He was with us for years and years before leaving for the Mets in ‘03.
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this
Dye put up MVP type numbers last year, I would take him with average to marginally below defence in LF (remember he plays RF in Chicago) over any of the other defensive FA LF clowns.. but $11.5 is a bit much for our depression era Bravos
By Mark
February 3, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this
theclipper You can get into the morning workouts at Wide World of Sports by either showing your game ticket for that day’s ST game or by buying a ticket just to get into the complex for a few bucks left. Just go in the front gate and head to the back fields behind the main stadium. There are always minor league games going on back there, as well as major leaguers taking infield or BP…Coolest place to go at ST if you ask me because of the access and how close you can get to the players…
By Nate
February 3, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this
The Braves really have question marks at all three outfield positions right now. There isn’t a single outfielderon teh team who can be counted on to be above league average, and there’s the posibility for some of them to be far below average. There really isn’t any upside to any of the outfielders either. Signing Griffey may seem like just adding anotehr question mark, but Griffey at least has upside. Griffey could hit HR and make the all-star team. None of teh otehr guys currently on the team has that potential, and he’ll come cheap on a short term deal.
I think the team needs to re-sign Ohman and find a way to dump Soriano’s salary. He an injury prone head case and his money could be put to a better use. Do the Yankees need a setup man?
By Anders
February 3, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this
DAP
Burnett (injury prone) and Lowe (Old) were overpriced imo. That leaves CC Sabathia as the other upgrade for the Mets. No way they were going to have two guys on their staff at those $’s. I mean, there is only one team that can afford that. And BTW- the Yanks passed on Santana last year with the intention of getting CC this year. Why didn’t they get both?
If someone like Peavy was a FA and the Mets passed I’d agree with you, but not the class that was out there this off season.
By matt
February 3, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this
SeaATL: I played drums on DBT’s Pizza Deliverance. I seem to remember Patterson and Earl Hicks (he did the engineering and played a little on the record), and possibly Rob Malone (guitar/bass player at the time) doing some sound installation stuff around that time. I’m guessing that’s who it was. My memory of that time is a little fuzzy as well.
By N8
February 3, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this
Efrim
To answer your question about whether the Twins can keep it up or not?
Yes, within reason, I do.
Under Ron Gardenhire, they’ve been extremely disciplined ALL OF THE TIME, not just in clutch situations (RISP).
Here are the numbers the past 5 years (BA, OBP, SLG, OPS)
2008: .305, .380, .446, .826
2007: .276, .347, .412, .759
2006: .296, .373, .448, .821
2005: .271, .354, .410, .764
2004: .277, .356, .447, .803
Pretty darn consistent, if you ask me. Other than the BA spike last year.
Watch the Twins for a week or two. Then watch the Braves. Either somebody is being coached better, or somebody has a roster that listens to the coaching better. Night and day.
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this
Dave I really don’t see the Braves going the Dunn route, and Abreu will probably get more than FW is willing to pay.
Anybody just under the radar? Junior? Edmonds?
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 12:28 PM | Link to this
Anders and other METS watchers
No way the Metamucils go near Manny as they are very close to their limit $$ and also such a move would trigger the “luxury tax” (if they signed MANNY). We all know what cheap b******* those Wilpons are even before the government bullies Sheety Bank to cancel their crazy $400 deal to name SHEA 2, “LoserField”..
plus as I have said before the Wilpons and Sterling equities are having significant cashflow problems on NYC property developments…
The signing (hilariously poor one) of Ollie “Walk me Please” Perez has cooked the goose (as it were).
And before anyone tells me the Mets got a good deal I have read 5 different analyses of the deal which think the Mets got effed over big time….
By Beldar
February 3, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this
Has anyone thought of looking into Mark Mulder or Kris Benson? They are both young but both have had injury problems. If they have recovered as they preach to everyone about, we could pick them up at a good price. They’d be good fillers is they pan out.
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
Television Trust Me - thought I would give this show a 2nd try but it really is dogs bollocks…..
By Original Jon
February 3, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this
Beldar Seriously?? Mulder or Benson?? Our 1-4 is set in the rotation, 5 will either be Glavine or one of the youngsters. Why the heck would we want Mulder or Benson?
By Anders
February 3, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky
Where do you find time to do all this baseball research between your mensa meetings?
By Lew
February 3, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this
Anders-Again, We’re talking about the Mets here. Isn’t that your constant intention, anyway? To get to 95 wins, everything would have to go right for the Braves, but it IS a possibility-whether or not a realistic one remains to be seen. As for 85 wins? Count on it. Our pitching is improved at least that much. We have the best overall pitching staff in the division-if not the NL. Lord help the Mets if the Braves improve on their records against the Phillies and Nats. If that happens, you’re done, because we can ALWAYS take out the Mets. Always have and always will. What did we do against y’all last year? 9-9? And this with a team 20 games under .500. Y’all should be ashamed.
However, like DAP suggested above-the Mets should have gone out with the intention of improving their rotation if they wanted there to be no question who the stronger team is. They should have improved at second. They should have shored up the outfield. THEY DID NOT DO THIS. It’s perplexing why they didn’t (unless I’m right about there not being enough $$$$).
The Mets may indeed, have come in second by a single game the past two seasons, but I don’t see that they have really addressed their needs adequately. Like I said-no improvement to the aforementioned areas-None, zero, zip, nada. They improved their August and September end game and added a DECENT set up guy. However, they still don’t have the pen to get them to those guys. Besides, losing out by one game, like 14 straight division titles is in the past and that doesn’t count going in to 09.
Even you claimed they were essentially the same team. How far did that get you the past two years? Still not seeing that exclamation point to their moves this winter. Saw it from the Yankees. Saw it from the Braves. Even saw it from the Giants. Certainly have NOT seen it from the Mets.
By Anders
February 3, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky
Looking up mensa - aren’t you?
By BravesFanInRockies
February 3, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
BTW, folks, Buster has this gem in a post about the Dodgers and Manny:
“As part of the Dodgers’ discussions about Ramirez, there has been an internal debate about what might be an acceptable offer to the slugger, and what might anger him to the point that he might stop playing as hard as he did for L.A. in the final two months of last season.”
‘Nuff said.
By Random
February 3, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this
#1 Smoltz Fan: “I am really watching the Andruw Jones front and hoping somehow we manage to lure him back home”
“LURE”?!?!?
Kreist, he’s been scratching at the door to be let back in for weels now.
“Lure” — sheesh!
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
Anders - “Shake and Bake”
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
God talking of “Mensa” mate, I just swicthed on the internet radio to listen to Sports Radio 790, and they have the STEWS on, no genius there !
By BravesFanInRockies
February 3, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
Beldar
If the Braves decide to bottom-feed, it should be for hitters not pitchers.
By cabravesfan
February 3, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this
Bravesfaninrockies
I caught that line about Manny also and could not agree more…the last thing you want is to pay someone $25 million a year and have to worry if they will quit on you when they get their feelings hurt
By Anders
February 3, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this
LEW
Ok, so we’re talking about the Braves again. Well how exactly did they get better? They replaced Hudson with Lowe - OK. maybe 4 more wins. They added Vasquez, I won’t argue that’s an improvement over oh I don’t know let’s say - Glavine. What else in this off season of rejuvenation? The fact that Frenchy is slimming down or that Boyer is beefing up? You realize that other MLB players are working out too?
Perhaps it a psychological adjustment. You know, the confidence your 2nd baseman must feel as the Braves have spent most of the off season trying to get him into LF, or perhaps it’s the LF’er who they’ve been trying to replace with the 2nd baseman or better yet maybe it’s the SS who was all but gone until the Braves found out the guy from Alabama really wasn’t interested in hunting with Chipper on off days. Or how about the lift the guys got watching Smoltz walk out the door like John Wayne? You’ve spent two years telling me about the Mets clubhouse issues and I’m not much on that, but if you think all these guys are gonna show up and not think about these things you’re crazy.
By Anders
February 3, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
“Anders - “Shake and Bake””
??? Must be a NY saying. Oh wait.
By DAP
February 3, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
“Being “clutch” implies that a player performs better in those key situations.” bravesfaninrockies
i view it differently. i think being “clutch” means their performance doesnt take a hit in key situations. the pressure doesnt get to them and course them to underperform, in other words.
but, i dont really put alot of stock in the “clutch” thing, either.
“what are you smoking? 30 HRs from Kelly next year?” regenorator
ha. no, i said 30 homers from kelly and a resonably rebounded frenchy. in other words, two of them together.
also, the 45 between diaz escobar and kotchman might be high, but i was being purposely optimistic. im assuming diaz will play everyday (and i know he could hit 15) and that escobar and kotchman’s power numbers will increase.
i think 15 homers from norton, infante, prado and a 4th outfielder (as the team is currently constructed) is actually kind of low.
either way, i agree with you that we need a guy who will hit at least 20-25 homers to put the braves in the middle of the pack for homers in the majors. thats where id like us to be, at least.
By Steve McP
February 3, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this
While it is important that we sign Ohman and a bat, we also should be lobbying for two more things to change this season.
No Blue Road Shirts.
Get the chopping cow down.
Nothing but bad luck since those two were introduced.
By Lew
February 3, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
Anders-Anything to avoid the fact the Mets are broke and didn’t make the moves to assure themselves of a Championship.You’re the Master of Obfuscation. Too bad there’s no Wurlitzer category for being disingenuous. You’d win hands down. What? No comment about a 9-9 record against a team twenty game under last year? It will only get worse for the Mets.
Surprised you think it’s all about the Braves. Isn’t that supposed to be OUR line?
By ghbrave
February 3, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
DOB, Have you seen the performers at this year’s Bonnaroo Festival? A few surprises that you might not expect to see at this ever growing musicfest, huh? I guess you’ll be in the heat of baseball season during this years event (June 11-14).Have you ever had the opportunity to attend? Check it out:
2009 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival Confirmed Artists:
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,
Elvis Costello Solo,
Phish (2 Shows),
Beastie Boys,
Nine Inch Nails,
David Byrne,
Wilco,
Al Green,
Snoop Dogg,
Erykah Badu,
Paul Oakenfold,
Ben Harper and Relentless7,
The Mars Volta,
TV on the Radio,
Yeah Yeah Yeahs,
Gov’t Mule,
Andrew Bird,
Merle Haggard,
MGMT,
moe.,
The Decemberists,
Girl Talk,
Bon Iver,
Béla Fleck & Toumani Diabate,
Rodrigo y Gabriela,
Galactic,
The Del McCoury Band,
of Montreal
Allen Toussaint,
Coheed and Cambria,
Booker T & the DBTs,
David Grisman Quintet,
Lucinda Williams,
Animal Collective,
Gomez,
Neko Case,
Down,
Jenny Lewis,
Santogold,
Robert Earl Keen,
Citizen Cope,
Femi Kuti and the Positive Force,
The Ting Tings,
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3,
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals,
Kaki King,
Grizzly Bear,
King Sunny Adé,
Okkervil River,
St. Vincent,
Zac Brown Band,
Raphael Saadiq,
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists,
Crystal Castles,
Tift Merritt,
Brett Dennen,
Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue,
Toubab Krewe,
People Under the Stairs,
Alejandro Escovedo,
Vieux Farka Touré,
Elvis Perkins In Dearland,
Cherryholmes,
Yeasayer,
Todd Snider,
Chairlift,
Portugal. The Man.,
The SteelDrivers,
Midnite,
The Knux,
The Low Anthem,
Delta Spirit,
A.A. Bondy,
The Lovell Sisters,
Alberta Cross,
By KC
February 3, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
I saw a humorous blog entry from a Mets fan right after Lowe signed with ATL. He pointed out Lowe’s merits, and then added… “But since we didn’t get him, here’s why we never really wanted him…”
Funny stuff. And true. Many fans have a tendency of doing that sort of thing. In many cases, very few people have anything bad to say about a player their team is pursuing… UNTIL that pursuit falls short. Then there are a 100 reasons why he’s a bum.
So I just chuckle when I hear Mets fans say things about Lowe like “He’s old”.
By ncscoots
February 3, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this
BFIR, just as an admission, I didn’t think all that highly of Purnell at the hire. Frankly, after meeting and talking to him, I didn’t revise that opinion upward a whole lot, either. I was dead wrong on that one. He’s been great for the program.
That last win without Oglesby a factor drew some admiration from me, so we’ll see about Duke. Tigers can muscle ‘em, but defending the perimeter against those guys is a nightmare. Clemson needs to start getting some wins against the conference’s rep teams to get some love as an NCAA seed, and Wednesday is a good place to start.
By KC
February 3, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this
I would like to nominate Lew for a gold star for using the word “obfuscation” in a sentence. Hooray Lew!!!! =)
By bailey
February 3, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this
Lews da man!!!!
By winterville
February 3, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this
Lew
Not to pick nits but by my count we went 11-7 against the Mets last year. Don’t sell us short on that one. :)
By DAP
February 3, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this
“Burnett (injury prone) and Lowe (Old) were overpriced imo.” anders
yeah, we all know how the mets feel about old, injury prone players.
the only thing that makes sense to me, is that the mets are trying notto spend a whole bunch of money, (which you pretty much admitted with the sabathia comment) so i dont see manny being an option for them.
your argument also fails since there are at least a dozen starters available better than redding.
By theclipper
February 3, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this
Mark, DOB, Lew, Thanks for the info on spring training workouts. Think we’ll try to catch the whole scene Feb. 23-25th. Anybody else from the blog goes, let us know. FWIW, Anderson’s numbers scream he’s got to lead off in games against RHP. Gotta have Diaz’s bat in lineup vs LHP. Maybe Infante in CF against LHP? Lots of possibilities from within. If Frenchy picks it back up, plenty of punch to go W/ Chipper and Mac
By mbatl
February 3, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this
DOB, noticed that Prado played a lot of corner outfield in the winter leagues this year (and he did start 3 games in LF last year). Any chance that he’s in the mix to share some time in Left if the Braves don’t sign a full-timer? Or do you think he was in the outfield just because the Tigres de Aragua might have had a crowded roster?
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
ghbrave: that’s just an unbelievable array of talent. incredible, and can they possibly get more eclectic?
that said, at this juncture of my life, i don’t know if i’d fight the traffic and lines of that event to see anything short of Elvis reincarnated and original-lineup reunions of Led Zep and the Beatles (which obviously would both also involve some serious returning from the dead).
Just don’t have the patience, not to mention the time, to deal with that scene anymore, bro. Much as I love the vast majority of acts on that list.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 3, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
50 years ago today, the music died.
By SeaAtl
February 3, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this
matt - VERY cool to learn that you did the drums on that CD. After finding it I loaded it onto my iPod and started listening to it again - really like it. Just to satisfy my curiosity, I’m going to find an old directory from that project and see if it has the names you mention. Either way, they were a very cool bunch of guys.
By Logician
February 3, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this
Here she comes walkin’ Lookin’ like uh zoo Hello Moon Hello Moon Hi Ella high Ella Guru She knows all the colors that nature do High Ella high Ella Guru High yella high red high blue she blew High Ella high Ella Guru She do what she mean She do what she do Got sumptin’ fo’ me sumptin’ fo’ you She sho’ sumptin’ She’s young too Ella Guru Ella Guru Ella Guru Ella Guru Ha ha right right Just dig it That’s right “The Mascara Snake” Fast ‘n bulbous Tight also Ella Guru Ella Guru Ella Guru Ella Guru High Ella high Ella Guru Ella Guru
By Beldar
February 3, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this
A look at what we have:
Starting Rotation Per Braves Depth Chart Page
J.Vazquez Career 127-129 4.32 ERA Age 32 D.Lowe Career 126-107 3.75 ERA Age 35 J.Jurrjens Career 16-11 3.82 ERA Age 23 K.Kawakami No Major League Experience Age 32 J.Campillo Career 8-7 4.24 ERA Age 30 J.Reyes Career 5-13 5.94 ERA Age 24 C.Morton Career 4-8 6.15 ERA Age 25 J.Parr Career 1-0 4.84 ERA Age 23
After 1-2, it starts to get shaky. We may have 3 good starters.
Morton/Parr are still projects. Campillo could be good. Reyes is a homerun derby waiting to happen. Jurrjens appears to be good. Kawakami was good is Japan.
Affordable Free Agents T.Glavine Career 305-203 3.54 ERA Age 42 K.Benson Career 68-73 4.34 ERA Age 34 M.Mulder Career 103-60 4.19 ERA Age 31 R.Wolf Career 90-78 4.26 ERA Age 32 C.James Career 24-19 4.48 ERA Age 27 B.Looper Career 58-58 3.93 ERA Age 34 B.Sheets Career 86-83 3.73 ERA Age 30
Glavine-old subject to breakdown Benson-young but injury prone Mulder-young but injury prone Wolf-decent but expensive James-yet to prove reliable Looper-decent Sheets-decent but expensive
The rotation we have is “adequate” if we have our hearts set on third place. I’m not optimistic, kind of fretful if anything. Other teams are solid on their staff but hopeful on one or two people to be able to bounce back or step up and contribute. We’re hopeful on 75% of the pitching staff to do that.
By TLJ
February 3, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this
Anders,
normally I don’t get into the discussion about what team is better but you mentioned possible issues with the Braves and ignored possible issues with the Mets.
There has been news reports that the Mets are unhappy with about the defense at the catching position and looked to replace him. Castillo can’t be very happy about hearing the Mets wished they never signed him and would like to sign Hudson. I’m sure Church isn’t exicted hearing about posibly being replaced by Abreu. Everyone hopes Delgado hits like he did the second half and not the first hal, after all he is a year older, Perez is not consistent, they considered signing several other pitchers and came back to him as a last resort. Etc., etc.,
If you don’t think the Braves pitching staff isn’t better than last year ( 2008 - JJ, Morton, JoJo, Parr & Hampton —- 2009 - Lowe, JJ, Vasquez, KK & Glavine/Morton/Hanson) there is something seriously wrong with you. Remember Hudson, Smoltz and Glavine all were on the disabled list last year.
I don’t know where the Braves will finish this year but making statements like that is, well, stupid.
By John Adcox
February 3, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this
I just heard the tail end of a report on XM, so I’m not sure I heard correctly. Did Abreu just ACCEPT the White Sox offer of 1/$8m?
If so, ouch. One less option available.
By TennesseePaul
February 3, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
Verducci has an interesting article on the upcoming season… He picked the Braves to be second in the potential come-back team slot. (aka 1991 Braves, 2008 Rays, etc).
He also had this little tid bit:
Run prevention is more important than run production. The Rays actually scored slightly fewer runs in 2008 than they did in ‘07. Their improvement in runs allowed, however, was staggering (-273). While four of the 16 turnaround teams this decade made the turnaround while scoring fewer runs, none of them did so without improving their run prevention. And 10 of the 16 teams showed a greater improvement in run prevention than run production. What does that mean? Maybe Derek Lowe makes for a more impactful signing than Adam Dunn.
—Tom Verducci
Run prevention is more important than run production… Sounds like the old pitching over hitting slang.
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this
Any chance the O’s start the young stud Wieters right away this year in the show ?
By proeye
February 3, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
OFFER from White Sox for Abreu for $8 million
May mean that Dye may be available via trade. How about Francoeur and his ridiculous salary and a bunch of low grade minor league pitchers. God knows we have enough to trade and not lose any of our depth—especially if the Braves wise up and sign Ohman. Come on: They are not all great prospects. Remember Bruce Chen? Please.
The White Sox could put Frenchy in RF and Abreu in LF or DH (esp if they trade Thome).
By matt
February 3, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
SeaATL: I would be interested to learn if that’s right too. Let me know. They were/are very cool dudes indeed. As far as I can remember, it was just me, Patterson, Cooley, Rob and Earl that worked on that record. It was the last thing I did with DBT, right before they went on to fame and fortune.
By Vinnie Vegas
February 3, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
Bet on it:
2009 N.L. East predictions
1- Phillies - defending W.S. champs - 2 years straight winning the division - no doubt the team in the N.L. East to beat
2 - Braves / Marlins - unlike many I feel this will be a toss up - I really like the young pitching staff of the Marlins and being superstitious this Marlins team will surprise occasionally, especially every 7 years - showed improvement last season. The Braves are improved and hopefully winning some 1 run games should almost pole-vault them into a 10 to 12 game improvement besides the improvement of their overall team (I would not be surprise to see either team in the Wild Card Race)
3 - loser of the Marlins or Braves battle
4 - Mets - overall underachievers the past 2 seasons who may start seeing the door closing on them sooner than many think. Sorry Mr Anders, I’m not buying into this team, although I’m sure you could care less about my opinion.
5 - Nationals - the best last place team in any division still several years away from even approaching the 500 mark
By Anders
February 3, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
KC
I haven’t said anything about Lowe that I didn’t say before he signed and when the Mets were pursuing him.
LEW Sorry, wasn’t ignoring your 9-9 comment. Uhmm, I don’t know. I’m guessing if we went back and looked at the Braves 14 glorious years there was a time or two when a team well below them went .500 againt them during a season. Is this that hard to fathom?
You know what’s obfuscating to me? Your insistence that the Mets are broke. But here I’ll have to defer to you as you have much more experience with revenue challenged sports franchises.
TLJ The Castillo situation is well documented and he’s a veteran. The talk won’t affect him like it would a young player. The Mets have never said anything about replacing Church with Abreu. You’re absolutely wrong there. Church is their rightfielder - period. Wrong on Perez. Just read what DOB posted by Buster Onley. The Mets wanted Perez all along (certainly Minaya did).The Mets were in the Lowe deal to make sure he stayed away from the Phils. They didn’t care that he went to the Braves at 4 years and $60 mil.
I haven’t said the Braves pitching isn’t better. What I’ve been saying is all of their moves combined are not nearly enough to close the gap between them and the Mets. That’s all.
I do feel the Mets have made enough moves to possibly overtake the Phils - possibly. They were only seperated by 1 game.
By FaninFaytown
February 3, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
WE…CANT…AFFORD…DYE
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
McFann: Right you are, young’un. It was 50 years ago today that Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper went down in a plane crash on a snowy night after leaving a gig at Clear Lake, Iowa.
Really good story on that crash and the lasting impact of Holly and Valens in the current issue of Rolling Stone (with Springsteen on the cover).
For those who might not know, Waylon Jennings was one of the Crickets (Buddy Holly’s band) and gave up his seat to the Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson) on that little plane. Otherwise, Waymore would’ve died long before he ever became an outlaw country icon.
By Anders
February 3, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
Vinnie Vegas
You do realize your dad Las Vegas has the Mets and the Cubs as the favorites in the NL to go to the WS at 7 - 1? Just saying, you might want to listen closer at the dinner table.
BTW- Pet peeve thing - it’s “Couldn’t” care less, not “Could” care less. You’ve implied I do care.
By ncscoots
February 3, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, Verducci seems to just be taking one side of the more important issue: run differential. I don’t see that prevention or production is one or the other “better”, as long as the bottom line is black: score more than you give up. Improvement in those two components seems somewhat dependent on what talent is available to the team.
Would the Rays have been as successful if they scored, oh, 150 fewer runs (instead of a mere handful fewer) to go with their increased run prevention? Unlikely.
But you know me, I like the guys who hang and bang. Pitching and defense prevent losing; only scoring offense generates winning. Big innings, deep starts, and a fearless closer make me a happy guy.
By Steve McP
February 3, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
Ty Wiggington has signed with the Orioles, that might make Ryan Freel available.
Freel is cheap ($3 Mill) would probably not cost much in trade pieces and can play several positions notably in the OF. If fit he would add speed to the team, but obviously he does not have great power, but has a reasonable BA .272 and OBP .357.
By KC
February 3, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this
GRADING THE NL EAST ROTATIONS
NOTE: I’m not entirely basing these grades on just last season’s stats. Looking more at last couple of years and overall ability. Obviously, where the Braves 4 and 5 slots are concerned, it’s an educated guess.
METS
OVERALL GRADE: B
PHILLIES:
OVERALL GRADE: C+
BRAVES
OVERALL GRADE: B+
I think the Braves and Mets rotations are fairly commensurate. I give the Braves a slight edge because I like they’ll be significantly better in the 5-slot (whoever it is), and the Braves have more depth than the Mets to handle injuries or any need for a fill-in starter.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky, Wieters is going to get a chance to be their regular catcher.
By cricket
February 3, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this
Citi is trying to back out of mets naming deal. Also, Fred Wilpon and Mets ownership may be forced to sell a minority interest in the team due to their exposure to the Madoff fraud. - According to CBNC and WSJ.
By flange1
February 3, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this
Steve McP,
Now you have really done it, Wayne is going to start his Ryan Freel rantings!
Scoots will just love this one.
Everyone sing with me now, Freel, Carl Crawford, Chone Figgins! Freel, Carl Crawford Chone Figgins! Freel, Carl Crawford, Chone Figgins!
Sorry for that one Scoots…
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
Matt: very cool to have you here.
By northbeach Scott
February 3, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this
Steve McP Hope you are being sarcastic as you may know Freel’s name has been banned from the blog, by bloggers of good taste, along with Chone Figgins, Carl Crawford, and Rocco Baldelli.
Freel, while having a lot of heart, is perhaps one of the dumbest players I have ever seen in MLB, injuring himself on low percentage, unimportant fielding plays.
By KC
February 3, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
Vinnie Vegas: The Marlins are a talented young team. But I said yesterday that there’s NO way they finish ahead of Atlanta this year… and I have to say the same for NY. NO way to the fish beat out the Mets this year.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 3, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this
DOB—
Yup. We just read about that in school today—“The American Patriot’s Almanac” is the name of the book. It’s what you’d call an “on this day in history…” book.
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this
Freel outright sucks IMO
By Bailey
February 3, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this
KC….how would you grade the braves it Hudson makes it back by August?
By ncscoots
February 3, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this
not a problem, flange. Pardon me while my head explodes.
By TennesseePaul
February 3, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
scoots: It could just as easily be said that [Insert Offense Lover Name Here] seems to just be taking one side of the more important issue: run differential…
Many like to approach the game saying: “We have to score more than the other guys.”
Others like to look at it from the other side: “We have to prevent the other guys from scoring more than us.”
I find the second mindset, applied on the field, to be more enjoyable to watch.
Any who, that article went through comeback teams… it was interesting to read what he noticed in his cursory review of teams going from losing to winning.
By KC
February 3, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
I’ve saying for a couple of weeks that I think the Braves have the best overall pitching in the East. However, after taking a closer look at the Mets… I was giving their rotation a little less credit than it deserves, and their bullpen is going to be better than I realized.
As it stands, IF the Braves pen is healthy… which is to say that Moylan is ready on opening day or sometime in April, and Soriano’s problems are behind him… I think the Braves pen is every bit as good as the Mets’ (but probably no better).
If the Braves retain Ohman and everyone’s healthy, I might give the Braves a very slight edge because of more depth in the pen.
Assuming health, both ATL’s and NY’s bullpens should be absolute beasts!
By getnathan
February 3, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
STEVE Isn’t Carl Crawford a free agent after the season?
KC
I think Braves back end of the rotation could be the top two (Marlins have a sneaky good all around starting rotation).
By Bailey
February 3, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
Im pumped up guys….I cant help but get excited when I think about the Braves for the future. I going to venture and say that within 3 years were back to the world series!
By Anders
February 3, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this
KC
How can you grade Kawakami and Hanson? Neither one has ever thrown a pitch in MLB? That’s ludicrous. (The word, not the performer - don’t want to confuse those who apparently only come here for music chat).
By N8
February 3, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this
Ah, yes DOB, Buddy Holly’s plane took off from Iowa, but what was the destination of said flight?
By Kentavo
February 3, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this
If we signed Abreu what would Bobby call him? He couldn’t call him Bobby.
By getnathan
February 3, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
KC
Mets 8th and 9th inning will be good assuming Putz can stay healthy and KRod does not break down. Remember what happened to Bobby Thigpen after he set the saves record. But nobody to bridge the starters to the 8th. Mets are vulnerable in the 7th inning.
Braves pen, assuming good health from MOylan and Soriano and Gonzalez, is better because Bennett proved that HE can set up Gonzalez. Bennett was very effective in the 8th inning.
By The Love Child of Dale Murphy and Johnny Cash
February 3, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB:
I live about a mile as the crow flies from the Bonnaroo grounds. You can come listen on my back porch (but only if you promise to drink my beer)!!
By Bailey
February 3, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this
Booby….like the french dude off Talladega nights
By BillsNV
February 3, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
N8 Fargo ND?
By Thrillhouse44
February 3, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
If we signed Abreu what would Bobby call him? He couldn’t call him Bobby. Kentavo
A-Bre-Bre with an accent like Hurricane Chris in A Bay Bay
By Steve McP
February 3, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
I did think about going back to a few old blogs and really laying on the Freel deal bit that was too much like hard work - but it is fun to rattle the cages now and then.
By Josh H
February 3, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this
getnathan:
When you brought up Jeff Bennett having a decent season, I couldn’t believe it. I must be selective memory because I only remember the times he got whacked around a good bit. He was hurt around that time, so that explains it.
I had no idea that he pitched very nicely at the end of the year. I just assumed he was a guy who wouldn’t be in the mix this year.
By ncscoots
February 3, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, you’ll notice that I said I didn’t think one to be more important than the other, as long as the deed gets done.
As to my own personal preference, guilty as charged, LOL. Big fly and a slow trot, all day long…
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this
I like Putz a lot…. they (Mets fans) will be relieved they have no “home-run Heilman” to sweat on in 2009.. whereas I will be relieved I do not have to put up with JoJo and someone else as our 3-4-5 starters in 2009
BTW DOB - Andruw and Boras said 10 days ago they would decide on one of the EIGHT (8) teams interested in him by the end of LAST WEEK….. did they count 1 team 8 times ???
By Bailey
February 3, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this
Bonnaroo aint all that. I went 2 years ago and yiu cant really enjoy the experience cause theres no way in hell you can catch all the good shows. Your running around the whole time trying to get to a show just to get there late and have to settle being 200 yards from the stage. I wont go back.
By getnathan
February 3, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
JOSH
I didn’t specify, but for the last two months, Bennett pitched in the 8th inning and was very effective. My hunches are telling me that Soriano may be the 7TH inning guy. Soriano is going to have to earn the 8th inning spot. When Moylan returns, he’s also going to have to earn it, but if Bennett can remain effective, then that gives the Braves much more depth than the Mets and Marlins (and Nats) in the bullpen.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 3, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this
KC: Interesting grading breakdown of the NL east rotations. I’d probably disagree with you a bit — you certainly favor the Braves a bit too much. If I’m looking at it objectively, here’s how I’d probably do it:
For the Mets, I’d agree with you on Santana, Maine and Pelfrey (though the latter two are borderline B/B- for me), though I’d probably switch Perez to a B-, and possibly Redding to a C (though C- isn’t a bad rating).
For the Phillies, I’d probably agree with you.
Obviously since I follow the Braves, I’d have more to say on them. I’d put Lowe at a B+/A-. I don’t think he’s a typical ace due to his lack of overpowering stuff, although I think his sinkerball will help make up for that and he’ll work well as an ace in this rotation. That, and he’s still a good pitcher.
As for Vazquez, C+ at best, maybe a C. His K and IP totals are good, but he’s too inconsistent. Above, Buster Olney pointed out that Oliver Perez had 14 starts with a “Game Score” rating below 50 (50+ means a good start); Vazquez had 17 sub-50 starts last year.
Jurrjens, for me, is a B- at this point, especially after fading down the stretch like he did. He and Pelfrey had very similar numbers last year, and if Pelfrey is a B-, then I’d put Jurrjens there too. But that’s not just why I’d put Jurrjens at a B-. I think he was overexposed last year, a bit inconsistent, and just worn out by the end of the season. I also think that he’ll improve, as will Pelfrey, but it’ll depend on how well he can adjust in his second year.
Kawakami’s a mystery, but I’d agree with a B-. Maybe even a B if you consider that a pitcher nobody’s ever seen before will have an advantage over opposing hitters.
While I agree that our 5th spot will be better than that of the Mets and/or Phils, I’m not sure that it’ll be a whole letter grade higher. Kendrick stunk last year, so C- is accurate; Redding didn’t post great numbers, but he’s a workhorse and veteran, so I might grade him a C+ or C instead of C-.
As for our #5, I wouldn’t count on a healthy Glavine to be that effective. First of all, I don’t think he’ll be healthy enough to produce on a consistent basis this year. The guy can’t go deep into games anymore. He posted a 5+ ERA last year, and whether that was a result of being hurt or not, he’s turning 43 this year; I’m rooting for him, but I don’t think he’s got anything left.
As for the other contenders, it’s a crapshoot between Campillo, Morton, Reyes, Parr, and Hanson. While I can’t wait for Hanson to come up, I don’t think that the Braves are going to bring him up until he’s spent some time in AAA and they know for sure that he’s ready — it seems like they don’t want to rush him, and that seems like the smart play. That would leave the other 4, and I don’t think that’s a group that’s going to produce a pitcher strong enough to merit a B- rating after their 2008 performances, though I still agree that our 5th spot is going to be at least as good, if not better than, that of the Mets/Phils. Our 5th spot? C.
I’m not sure what grade that would give each team overall, though I do agree that as for as a complete rotation, ours will be significantly better than the Phillies’, and slightly better than the Mets’.
By KC
February 3, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this
Anders: Didn’t I qualify that by saying “educated guess”? Did you read that part?
I have heard Kawakami frequently compared to LA’s Kuroda. And after hearing what scouts have said about Kawakami, and comparing Kawakami’s Japan stats to Kuroda… that sounds like a very good comparison. Kuroda posted a 3.78 ERA last year in 31 starts.
I’m making an EDUCATED GUESS that Kawakami will post an ERA around or under 4.00. Could he turn out to be less effective? Sure. But it’s just as likely that he could turn out to be MORE effective than I (and the Braves organization) are expecting him to be. So, based on those reasonable expectations, that’s the grade I would give him, on paper, right now.
I also said that those grades were partially based on ability. Which brings us to Hanson…
I think of Tommy Hanson in the very same way I would think about Hamels or Lincecum when they came up. The Braves haven’t had a pitcher with this much ability come through since Smoltz. Remember, this is a guy who the Braves wouldn’t trade straight-up for Jake Peavy. If he comes up this year, I’m willing to wager that he’ll post an ERA around or under 4.00… just as young starters like Jurrjens, Hamels, and Lincecum have in their rookie years.
Again… maybe he doesn’t give you an ERA around or a little under 4.00. But it’s just as likely that he gives you MORE. So I think that’s a pretty good educated guess where he’s concerned. But a GUESS is all ever claimed it to be.
By KC
February 3, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this
ALERT: If you want to see video of Tommy Hanson pitching… do NOT simply go to YouTube and search “Tommy Hanson”. Just trust me.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 3, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky “they (Mets fans) will be relieved they have no “home-run Heilman” to sweat on in 2009”
Yeah, but I wish they still did. He was such a good pitcher…
……
…I mean, I liked him, anyway…don’t think I’d like him so much if the Braves had him, though.
By Tony C.
February 3, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
DOB -Any word as to whether Wren will make an offer to Abreu?
I would think he’s the ideal corner-outfield guy they keep saying they need.
By f.n. hale
February 3, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks for the updated bloggage. I really can’t keep up with all the new stuff but had a question regarding Boyer’s comments. He said we should have 3 guys that could go 200 innings. Obviously Lowe and Vasquez are two but do we expect Kawakami to be able to reach that? Surely we wouldn’t expect JJJ to reach 200 yet, or am I wrong?
By matt
February 3, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this
DOB, thanks. I read the blog every day, but don’t comment much. I guess I don’t feel I have much to add to all the Braves talk, although I love reading what everyone else has to say. Besides, it takes long enough just to read through everything. But I depend on your updates daily. Thanks for the great job you do keeping us up to date.
I enjoy getting in on the DBT conversations. I’m very proud to have been a part of that band and am very happy for those dudes and what they have accomplished.
For what it’s worth, I would like to see the Braves sign Dunn (for just a year or two), Glavine and Ohman (although it sounds like his price is gonna be a bit high for a middle reliever), if for nothing else than the fact that he is a Big Lebowski fan. I’m a huge Coen Bros. fan, I love every movie they’ve made, some more than others (Intolerable Cruelty, Ladykillers are below par for them, but really good movies by any other directors standards.)
Ok, there’s my long post for now. Keep up the good work, DOB, and bring on spring training!
By getnathan
February 3, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this
Braves can win division if:
Braves go 26-12 vs a combination of two teams in the division (Nats and Marlins, Marlins and Mets, Mets and Nats. it has a better chance vs Nats and Marlins). And .500 vs the other two teams.
By KC
February 3, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this
Daybed Wagmoe: In regard to Vazquez… I heard a national baseball writer (can’t remember who) a couple weeks ago talking about Vazquez, and he brought up some very good points.
Vazquez is not only coming out of the AL, away from the DH. He’s also getting out of a hitter’s paradise in favor of a relative pitcher’s park. Additionally, he felt that Vazquez is likely to find a far greater comfort zone in ATL with Bobby cox than what he had in CHI under Ozzie Guillen (whose management style doesn’t work for everybody). He said something to the effect of “Don’t be surprised to see Vazquez post an ERA well under 4.00 this year in ATL”.
I think his assessment was a pretty good one. Especially when you consider what Vazquez did the year before (in 07)… 15 wins and a 3.74 ERA, even in a pitcher’s park in the AL.
Another thing to consider is the fact that he posted 17 quality starts last year. For perspective: Sheets had 18, Burnett had 19, and Lowe had 20.
I think it’s very reasonable to expect Vazquez to post an ERA around or under 4.00, while providing 200 innings and a good number of quality starts.
By joe
February 3, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this
HEY! why not give Griffey, Jr. a try for one or two incentive-laden years. Just read the article on ESPN BLOG (Olney) that he’s in the best shape of his life so to speak. If healthy…he’s a better option than Dunn, Abreu, or Dye. IMHO.
By KC
February 3, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this
Daybed Wagmoe: As for Glavine… you say he has nothing left. If he is fully healthy… IF his arm is well with no ill effects from last year’s injuries… I don’t see what you’re basing that on.
Glavine looked very good in April, before his arm really started giving him trouble. And the year before, in 2007, he posted 23 quality starts, which is territory usually reserved for aces in that category.
You’ve got Jamie Moyer (several years older) still out there pitching effectively. And Moyer and Glavine are cut from the same mold, wouldn’t you say? So IF Glavine is fully healthy, I don’t think anyone can offer a credible reason to write off his ability to be effective.
I’m not saying that he IS or will be healthy. Just that IF he is, I don’t see any reason to discount his ability to contribute in a significant way, as Moyer is doing for his team.
And I’ve already covered my reasoning for my “B-” guess for T. Hanson, if he makes the cut this year.
By John Adcox
February 3, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
My bad. Turns out the XM report I caught the end of was saying exactly the opposite… the White Sox/Abreu deal is apparently dead.
By KC
February 3, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this
Here’s one more T.Hanson video
By Andy K.
February 3, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this
I dunno who first suggested it, but I’m definitely behind the idea for Peter Moylan to come to the mound to Springsteen’s “Outlaw Pete”. Hopefully everyone’s favorite Aussie is a fan of The Boss.
By getnathan
February 3, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
Do you all think the Braves will be able to score runs with the current lineup? Matt Diaz is back. Francoeur vows to be resurgent. CHipper, McCann, KJ, et al. I’m thinking they will definitely be able to pitch.
Do you think Braves should get a bat now, or wait until the trade deadline? Will Braves be in it at the trade deadline?
By KC
February 3, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this
getnathan: I’m not sure that’s true. I think the Mets have more depth in their pen than you’re giving them credit for.
I didn’t realize until today that Wagner is still with the team. He may have had some struggles last year as closer… but you’re still talking about a guy with closer stuff, that posted a 2.30 ERA last year.
Wagner, Putz, and Rodriguez give the Mets something of a “Nasty Boys” trio at the end of the pen. Good news is, the Braves have a similar trio, if healthy.
The Mets have a couple of other good arms as well with D.Sanchez and P.Feliciano.
The Mets pen is going to be sick. Filthy.
The good news, again, is that the Braves’ pen should be just as nasty if everyone is healthy.
By raymond
February 3, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this
All the new pitching will not make a difference if they don’t get another hitter. McCann is the only one you can depend on. Chipper is a hangnail from the DL and Francouer is a mystery. Go get Abreu before the White Sox sign him.
By DAP
February 3, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
getnathan yes they can score runs, because there will be alot of guys on base but i think they might also leave alot of guys on. we need a bat now. no reason to wait.
with hinske off the market, the best idea for a diaz platoon seems to be jim edmunds. he killed RHP last year, and still plays decent defense. also, in this market…cheap cheap cheap.
By DAP
February 3, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
KC wagner will not pitch this year. the mets still have a pretty good pen though.
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky Hey, did I catch you dissin’ my main man Ryan Freel????
Dude….
By Bill M.
February 3, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this
Why don’t the Braves go ahead and sign Griffey and platoon him with Diaz. From all reports Griffey is in the best shape he’s been in years. I had rather have Griffey than A. Jones. Sign Ohman & Glavine(If healthy) and let’s play ball.
By mbatl
February 3, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this
KC, Wagner is out for the year. And I think the Mets actually went ahead and declined his 2010 option. But regardless, except for the $10 mil in payroll, he’s not a factor this year.
By ncscoots
February 3, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
DAP, are we now doomed to receive an Eric Hinske reference in every single post from you? Now and forever?
By flange1
February 3, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
KC,
Remember Billy Wagner had Tommy Johnson surgery and will probably be out all year.
Discussions at the end of last year were he had pitched his last game as a Met……
By dkmo10
February 3, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
I would feel comfortable with Griffey, agreed Bill M, I really dont wanna see Andrew at all he is too hard headed. IMP. take a gamble on Griffey he wont cost much i dont believe.
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
Utah Wayne - Freel There was too much love on the blog today
plus an outfield of no name LF, no name CF, Francouer RF would not scare the worst team in baseball….
By flange1
February 3, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this
Wayne,
I told everyone not to play with Ryan Freel or you would get upset! But no one listens to me!!!
By nolie
February 3, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this
Who will be the next Rays?-Verducci, SI.Com
Can it be The Braves?
Pitchers and catchers.
There, how does that sound as some of you scrape your windshield this morning in a football-less world? Warmth, at least a vicarious kind, is just around the corner. Pitchers and catchers (the words alone can soothe nearly as much as the distinctive popping sound of their collaborative work) start rolling into big league camps next week. Our body clocks reset, and so do the hopes of 30 teams.
The fonts of optimism overflow, especially this particular spring, for one reason: the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays, one of the greatest turnaround stories in baseball history. The Rays morphed not only from 96 losses to the World Series, but also from a franchise history without so much as one winning season. The optimism is grounded in truth: Almost every team has a shot at the playoffs this year.
While the Rays’ story may be an extreme one, they share a plot line with the 2007 Rockies, the 2006 Tigers and the many other teams in the wild-card, revenue-sharing era that made the playoffs the year after posting a losing record. Since 1995, when the expanded playoff format began, 29 of the 112 playoff teams reached the postseason in the year immediately after a losing season. That’s 26 percent of the postseason teams, an average of two turnaround teams every year. Only once in those 14 years, in 2005, has a team failed to make the postseason the year after it had a losing record.
So the question this spring is not so much, Is there a 2009 version of the 2008 Rays out there? It is this: Who will be the next Rays? Thirteen teams suffered through losing seasons last year. There is a good chance that one or two of those 13 teams will make the playoffs this year. Who will it be?
First we have to search for clues in the traits of turnaround teams. Some generalities emerge about teams that jump from losing records to the playoffs:
Run prevention is more important than run production. The Rays actually scored slightly fewer runs in 2008 than they did in ‘07. Their improvement in runs allowed, however, was staggering (-273). While four of the 16 turnaround teams this decade made the turnaround while scoring fewer runs, none of them did so without improving their run prevention. And 10 of the 16 teams showed a greater improvement in run prevention than run production. What does that mean? Maybe Derek Lowe makes for a more impactful signing than Adam Dunn.
Turnaround teams were not as bad off as they appeared. Eleven of the past 13 turnaround teams underperformed in their losing season, as measured by the Bill James Pythagorean formula. Those 11 teams won, on average, five fewer games than they could have been expected to win.
Hope only goes so far. No team made the playoffs the year after losing more than 97 games, which is how far Arizona traveled from 1998 to ‘99.
So what happens when we apply these loose rules of thumb to this year’s 13 hopeful Cinderellas? Forget about Seattle, Washington and San Diego, all of whom lost at least 99 games. Set aside (but don’t completely rule out) Kansas City, Texas, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Colorado and San Francisco, all of which met or exceeded Pythagorean expectations last year. Now you’re down to four teams who fit the loose profile of the next Rays. I’ll rank them from most likely to least.
Detroit Tigers. The most expensive last-place team in history ($137 million) is bound to be better. The Tigers ranked 12th in the AL in runs allowed last season. Starting pitchers Justin Verlander, Nate Robertson and Jeremy Bonderman gave them 21 wins, 441 innings and a 5.33 ERA, vastly worse than the 38 wins, 553 2/3 innings and 4.44 they provided the previous season. Detroit’s defense didn’t help, either. Only the Rangers, Mariners and Yankees were worse among AL teams at turning batted balls into outs as manager Jim Leyland desperately sought the right combination of players in the right spots. Stellar defensive shortstop Adam Everett, the Tigers’ version of Jason Bartlett, will help, as should the return of Brandon Inge to third base and Gerald Laird taking over the catching spot. Still, the season will turn on the rotation, and whether Verlander and Bonderman can return to form and whether Armando Galarraga and former Ray Edwin Jackson can build on their 2008 breakouts. With an improved defense and healthier starters, the Tigers will make a huge jump in run prevention.
Atlanta Braves. It’s hard to believe that the Braves sunk to 12th in runs allowed, their worst showing in 18 seasons. But they’ve done something about it. They added three starting pitchers: Lowe, the enigmatic Javier Vazquez and Kenshin Kawakami. Jair Jurrjens and Jorge Campillo are fine at the back end of the rotation. Are the Braves short on offense? Perhaps, but they did rank sixth in the league in runs last year, so if the run prevention improves as expected, they still should have enough offense to at least be a contender again.
Oakland Athletics. Oakland may be only slightly better at run prevention, if only because they ranked a solid fifth last year and they enter this season without a starting pitcher who has logged 180 innings in a season. Healthy versions of Mark Ellis and Eric Chavez would help the defense. But Oakland may be the turnaround team that defies the conventional profile. The A’s figure to make a gigantic leap on the offensive side while needing only a marginal improvement in run prevention. They could very well resemble the 2004 Angels, a turnaround team that improved its run production by 100 with the addition of Vladimir Guerrero, while its run prevention improved by only nine. Matt Holliday and Jason Giambi are the keys to providing a Vlad-like effect for Oakland.
Baltimore Orioles. Realistically, they have no shot at the playoffs, not in the AL East. But Baltimore actually has an honest-to-goodness shortstop now, Cesar Izturis, and under Andy MacPhail has a deep collection of young arms that will audition throughout the season. Only the Rangers allowed more runs than the 869 yielded by Baltimore pitchers last season, so improved run prevention should not be too difficult. With an exciting young outfield (Felix Pie, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis) and the next great catching prospect (Matt Wieters), the Orioles at last are on the right track.
By Lew
February 3, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
Anders-OK yopu must be right. The Mets are now and always have been flush with cash and I’m totally wrong and have nothing whatsoever to base my conclusions on. Fine. You’re entitled to whatever naive opinion you choose to espouse.
I’ve been hearing this same line from a succession of Mets’ fans on our blog now for three years. Over and over, ad nauseum. “We can buy whoever we want.” So if this is the case, then why two years of Moises Alou? Why sign Castillo for the contract they did? Why didn’t they just eat his salary this year and get Hudson? Why wait until the third season of dashed dreams to finally shore up your pen? Why is it that despite a team that should have won it all in 06 and probably should, at the very least, won the division the past two years do nothing of any significance whatsoever to improve their team other than trading for Santana?
The only answer to this when all is said and done, is that they don’t have all that money. QED, Dude. If they really had it, then why don’t they spend it to make them a truly invincible team that couldn’t be challenged? After all, they only came in second by one game-twice, right? Doing business on the cheap like they have is not indicative of deep pockets, but you’re welcome to your dream..
By KC
February 3, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this
Oh, didn’t realize that about Wagner. GLAD TO HEAR IT!!!!!
OK, well in that case, if the Braves pen is healthy, I do think it will be the best in the division.
By DAP
February 3, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this
scoots
dont be stupid.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this
Why don’t the Braves go ahead and sign Griffey and platoon him with Diaz. From all reports Griffey is in the best shape he’s been in years.Bill M.
From “all reports?” Far as I can tell, that’s one report — from the Reds team physician. And he concluded with this: “How long he can last, I don’t know the answer to that.”
That’s not exactly a resounding recommendation from a panel of experts predicting he can have a productive, healthy season.
By KC
February 3, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
Verducci: “Jurrjens and Campillo are fine at the back end”
Huh???
First of all, Campillo isn’t likely to have a job in this rotation, as the 5th slot will likely be snagged by Glavine, Hanson, or possibly Morton, Reyes, or Parr.
But far more surprising than his failure to realize that is his apparent characterization of Jair Jurrjens as a back end pitcher.
Jair Jurrjens had a better rookie season than young aces like Hamels and Lincecum did, with 13 wins and a 3.68 ERA. And I can’t think of ANY reason why that should be considered fool’s gold.
Jurrjens is a guy with a fastball he can run up in the mid-90’s, a great changeup, and a couple other quality pitches. He was named as the best control pitcher in the Tigers organization a couple years ago, and everyone raves about his maturity and approach to pitching.
The lack of recognition Jurrjens has received as an up-and-coming pitching truly amazes me.
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
Yeah, but Freel runs through walls!
By mbatl
February 3, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this
Hey, if we’re gonna go the grizzled veteran route, would Griffey be better than Edmonds? They had very similar numbers in 2008. Griffey a little better OBP, Edmonds a little more SLG. And of course, neither can really hit LHP any more.
Edmonds was actually huge for the Cubbies: a 136 OPS+ in 250 ab’s, half a season. (another piece in the cubbies’ dismantling their very good 2008 team)
Amazing… for about $5 mil, you could probably have an outfield of Griffey, Edmonds and Andruw Jones… 3 of the greatest CF of all time. Then just push the 10-year button on the way-back machine, and you’ve got the greatest OF of all time.
By elliwg6
February 3, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this
Still….with regards to Griffey. Doesn’t he seem like basically the only option at this point if the braves plan to bring back Ohman and Glav? Doesn’t a Griffey platoon plus Glav and Ohman sound better than say… just Abreu?
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this
Just read the article on ESPN BLOG (Olney) that he’s in the best shape of his life so to speak.Joe
Wow. Now Griffey’s in “the best shape of his life so to speak.”
Well, yes, perhaps — if by “so to speak” you mean the best shape of (the past year or so of) his life. Maybe. If one doctor is right. Though that doctor has no idea how long he might last.
By Kentavo
February 3, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this
By Thrillhouse44 February 3, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this If we signed Abreu what would Bobby call him? He couldn’t call him Bobby. Kentavo
A-Bre-Bre with an accent like Hurricane Chris in A Bay Bay
NOW THAT MADE ME CHUCKLE
By N Nine (eta61)
February 3, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this
2009 could be a rough one for Barry Bonds
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this
Talk about bad timing (again) with the Braves and this WBC thing: Last time, you had Francoeur missing much of his first big-league spring training while he was a reserve on the U.S. team. This time, you could have McCann missing three weeks of the Grapefruit League schedule in a spring when the Braves would sure like to have him working with all their new starting pitchers.
Hey, can’t blame the guy for wanting to play for his country and all, and the Braves certainly aren’t going to urge him not to. But you gotta think that if they had their druthers, he’d be in Braves camp the whole time, working with Lowe, Kawakami, Vazquez, etc. Particularly Kawakami. I mean, unless the new guy David Ross speaks Japanese….
By N Nine (eta61)
February 3, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this
“The lack of recognition Jurrjens has received as an up-and-coming pitching truly amazes me”
so many doubters who believe in Sophomore slumps more than just looking at the stuff he brings.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this
Anybody catch Christian Bale’s f-bomb filled tirade at the director of photography on the set of the new Terminator movie? Holy…. it’s pretty incredible. Just google it and you’ll find it unedited.
By TommyP
February 3, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this
KC: Not sure which scouts compared Kawakami to Kuroda but from what I’ve read, the only comparison is that they’re Japanese.
Kawakami throws high 80s while Kuroda hits 96 or so.
Sounds like two different types of pitchers to me.
By mbatl
February 3, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this
I read Olney’s article on Griffey. Nowhere does it say “best shape of his life.”
The exact quote is, “And when Kremchek [red’s physician] saw Griffey recently, he thought it was the best the outfielder has looked since the first years of this decade.” Of course, in the “early years” of this decade, Griffey played in 145, 111, 70, 53 and 83 games. So take it for what it’s worth.
Sounds like the big issue was his ability to push off his bad knee at the plate, and that problem has probably been resolved through surgery.
KC, I agree with you on Jurrjens. Nothing’s guaranteed, of course, but I think he’ll be just fine in ‘09.
JJ’s success in ‘08 wasn’t luck. His slider and changeup both have tremendous speed difference from his fastball (which is very good, right at 92 mph). His slider is actually slower than his change, both in the low 80’s. And he pitches to contact, doesn’t get carried away with striking people out, which allows him to be very efficient.
He got rattled a couple of times in ‘08 (one time he walked like 5 straight batters) when he thought calls went against him. So he needs to get over that. But otherwise, he’s got the stuff and the makeup to be successful.
By Tomas
February 3, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
DOB,
At first when I thought of the possibility of the Braves signing Griffey awhile back, I was skeptical. But I just didn’t know he had a knee problem last year. I mean when I saw him play last year he wasn’t nearly half of the bat he was before, I figured father time had gotten to him(he is 40 years old), but with all that he still had more homeruns than all 3 brave outfielders.
His defense is ok, I mean he can’t play gold glove center field, but is ok in left field.
The plan would be to have Griffey as a platoon player, which would allow him to rest his 40 year old body and mantain fresh. And this comment from the Reds doctor Tim Kremcheck, who said Griffey’s in the best shape he’s been in in years, has to be encouraging. I know this may very well be propaganda to find Junior a team, but he did have knee surery, and who knows maybe he can hit 20HR’s next season. Griffey still has a presence in that batter’s box, at least he would offer some protection to Chipper.
He also says he doesn’t care about money, he is a better fit than Garret Anderson because of his ability to play defense, and he could be a cleanup hitter because of the presence he has in the batter’s box(after all he is a hall of fame player).
1 year 2 million for a hall of fame player like Griffey.
Against righties:
Against lefties:
Well not exactly a devastating lineup, but an improved one from the end of last year. A bit left handed, but these lefties hit left handers well so it doesn’t matter.
By Catfish
February 3, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this
Why aren’t the Braves making a more aggresive play to acquire Abreu? He’s one of the most consistent RBI guys in all of baseball and it looks like we could get him on the cheap for under $10 mil for a one yr contract. With him in the OF, the Braves could really contend. Without another bat, I’m afraid I’ll be watching too many Braves’ games this year frustrated that Derek Lowe just lost a 2-1 game b/c we couldn’t score runs off Joe Blanton. A bat like Abreu would really open up the lineup and take pressure off a Schaffer or Heyward if they’re ready to play everyday. Look at our potential lineup if Chipper Jones gets hurt. Johnson-Escobar-Francouer-McCann-Infante-Kotchman-Diaz/Jones-someone in CF-pitcher. That lineup will not frighten anyone. Just a point. I like the starting pitching staff and the bullpen has the potential to be great. Without another bat in the lineup, we’re a .500 team even if Francouer gets back to form.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 3, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this
DOB—
Yup…very bad timing. I’ve been thinking about that, too, and boy does it…uh…stink!
Dagnabit, anyway! I mean, you’re right, you can’t blame the guy for wanting to play for his country, but…eeerrrrggg…Why. Did. They. Put. The. Ding. Dang. Thing. In. MARCH???
“…and the Braves certainly aren’t going to urge him not to [play].”
Think there’s a chance they could?? Um…But I guess he’s already been put on U.S.A.’s roster, huh?
Gotta run…I do await any response, though.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 3, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this
“Response” to what? Boy, that was kind of an incoherent post. Sorry.
By ray k.
February 3, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this
I just can’t understand how anyone either involved with or rooting for the 2009 Atlanta Braves could feel optimistic about their chances of going to the post season. We who have followed this team year after year don’t need an oracle to predict what will happen. Again. Our pitching staff is average. What was Hudson, now is Lowe. We replaced a good sinker baller with a good sinker baller. Our middle of the order guys are all question marks. Sound familiar? Will Jair mature into a force? Will our Japanese import be able to endure a MLB season and pitch past the 5th inning? Wil Javier be dependable, or will he the guy who, according to his last skipper, “Can’t win the big game” And who is our fifth starter? If our pitching staff gives us the jitters, our outfield ought to outright terrify us. We have two glaring question marks in left and center, and a right fielder who was demoted to the minors last year for a galling lack of production. Sound optimistic? Occasionally a team will come along, a special collection of unsung heroes who somehow create an unlikely permutation for success, and pull off a David and Goliath type season. ie Tigers, Devil Rays, Those teams were led by a veteran or two who serve as a ligthhouse during the numerous storms of a 162 game season, Our greatest, most distinguished veteran—for all intents and purposes, the face of the Atlanta Braves—has been traded to Boston, leaving the flame burning duties to our other distinguished veteran, who has been spending enough time navigating the seas of press questions about Smoltz’s exodus to cause us concern about his constitution in navigating his team through 2009 and into the post season. He seemed befuddled by the decisions of Frank Wren, and genuinely concerned about the future of his team and his career. I am too.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 3, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this
What team has the best young pitching staff in the Entire National League?
That would be the Florida Marlins.
Rickey Nolasco, Anibal Sanchez, Andrew Miller, Chris Volstad, Josh Johnson, Burke Bandenhop, Rick Vandenhurk, Dan Meyer and Ryan Tucker. All nine are in their mid to late twenties.
By Tomas
February 3, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
At least Kawakami can speak a little english. I have a question DOB, when a player doesn’t know english, is he obligated to take lessons?
Does Yunel Escobar speak english?
By mbatl
February 3, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this
Let me fill that glass for ya’, ray k. Seems that it’s half-empty.
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
ray-k
2 bottles of the best red wine you can buy like a nice 1996 Grange or Opus 1, Local anaesthethic, ice, razor blade…………
“Oh the depression”
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
The more screwed up the Manny negotiations gets, the larger the smile on my face grows! My only fear is that someone will come along and mess it up for me, and offer Manny 3 years for 75 million.
Scott, I hope you got an extra suite at your complex for Manny, as he might have a hard time “feeding his kids” now that you’ve screwed him out of 40 million!
:-)
Dave Is FW staying quite because of how he was treated earlier this off season? Do you really think he has something up his sleeve, or do you think he is truly waiting for all the pieces to fall, to see what is left laying around to pick up in the end.
I am so torn as to what I would like to see the Braves do. How many players in the past 10 years have made it to their parent team at the age of 19 or 20? Could Heyward be the next one to do so? If he comes into MB and kills it, gets sent to Miss and continues to kill it, could he be in ATL by late August? Yeah, I know that is a lot of IF’s, but from everything I hear, this kid is a true man-child!
As I stated earlier, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Braves make an offer of 10 million for Abreu, if Chipper would move to cleanup for the season.
Maybe it is just wishful thinking (I am probably the second biggest homer on her, short of KC), but I really think Francoeur is going to turn it around this year.
By beekay
February 3, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this
Linkd to DOB’s Bale explosion….guy needs to go to the Milton Bradley anger management class http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLXVuy0h29c
By joe
February 3, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this
first, if you all want to pick apart what i wrote, fine…be that way. maybe he didnt say ‘best shape of his life’, and maybe it is one doctor. so what? one cannot argue convincingly that abreu would be definitely better over a healthy griffey (not to mention abreu shys away from going full bore in the outfield, nor is he a clutch hitter…he is someone who would rather take a walk than have to swing the bat with the game on the line), nor can one say that andruw would be a better bargain/risk offensively given his recent track record, nor can you justify trading any more prospects for nady/swisher. the only comparable cleanup hitter presence is adam dunn, who is a defensive liability but can hit for more homeruns and slightly less batting average. and if ‘best shape of his life’ “of the past year or so” is the timetable, tell me the griffey of 2007 is NOT good enough for you (for one year).
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 6:27 PM | Link to this
Coach I agree that the list of arms in Florida are impressive, but do you really think they will translate to wins better than Lowe, Jurrjens, Vazquez, Kawakami, Hanson, Glavine, Campillo, Morton, Reyes, and Hudson (obviously at the tail end of the season)? Could be…
I like Nolasco and Volstad. Johnson and Sanchez will probably be back this year, but there are a lot of question marks there too.
All you old farts know that each season, a lot of little things have to come together for a team to win it all. Once in a while, a juggernaut comes along and wins it all (Red Sox, earlier Yankees), but more often than not, it is a team that has certain players that really come together, and often times it is timing (White Sox, Marlins, Cards, Phillies, etc).
While I would not wager the house payment on the Braves for a WS championship, if they have a bit of luck and peak at the right time, they could be players. It’d be worth wagering a “C” note at Vegas. What would the odds be?
ray k Gotta add a little Freel to your glass! (Ryan hits lefties well!!)
:-)
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this
Too bad we didn’t have what it took to get Alexi Ramirez last year!
joe I would be OK with Junior, but I really don’t think he is going to sign for a million or two. Just a gut feel.
Poll Question Would the Dodgers be better off with Manny, or with Dunn, Wolf and O-Dog?
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this
(sorry about the quantity of posts in short period of time).
With the decline in value of OF’ers, would the White Sox deal Dye for a lower level prospect, if the dealing team paid all his salary?
By KC
February 3, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
TommyP: If you look up their results throughout their Japanese careers, you’ll find the similarities.
By KC
February 3, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this
Tommy P: Also, I don’t remember Kuroda hitting 96 on the radar gun when we saw him. Here’s how one scout describes Kuroda:
“[Kuroda’s] fastball is “average to slightly above average” and that he has a “good forkball.” The official also said Kuroda “throws strikes and is a tough competitor.”
And velocity is not the measure of a pitcher, or else Jose Capellan would be an ace, and Maddux wouldn’t be on his way to a first-ballot HOF induction.
By Chuck James' mother
February 3, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
Mr Wren, can you please give my son a minor league contract? I am worried about him. With this recession, and with Home Depot dropping their contractor work, what is he going to do this spring?
By BravesFanInRockies
February 3, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this
Wayne
Just don’t think the money’s there for Dye. Not even sure it’s there for Abreu if he’s asking more than $8 million.
I read where Griffey is getting something like $5 million a year in deferred compensation from an earlier contract, so if he remains unsigned when camps opened, he might be willing to join some club for a relative pittance (think $1 million or $2 million) just to show he can still play. (If he can, of course. That remains to be seen.) His dad had a couple of decent seasons for Atlanta. Might Junior go to Atlanta as well?
For that money, as a LF platoon partner for Diaz or another bat off the bench, why not?
By cabravesfan
February 3, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this
Chuck James’ Mother
Maybe he could work on rehabing that surgically repaird shoulder- you know, the one that is going to keep him from pitching the majority of the season?
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this
Wayne Poll answer MANNNNNNYYYYYY
By KC
February 3, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this
Catfish: I wholeheartedly agree with you that, unless the Braves have a trade cooking, they need to be all over Abreu!! If the 8 million one-year offer connected in rumors to the White Sox would get it done… it seems the Braves would be well served to find some way to squeeze that into the payroll.
One year deal would be perfect for the Braves. Heyward may or may not be ready in 2010, but if he’s not, we could worry about that next winter. For now, we need another run producer, and Abreu would be a great fit!
However, I disagree that, unless they get another bat, they’re a .500 team EVEN WITH a fully restored Francoeur.
If Francoeur gets back to his 100 RBI ways, the Braves have 3 big bats for the middle of the order, along with a few very solid hitter (Escobar, KJ, Kotchman). That’s not a bad lineup. Certainly not GREAT. But not bad. The Padres went to the post-season a few years ago with an offense that nowhere near as good.
If the bullpen is healthy, the Braves will likely have the best overall pitching in the East. When your pitching is consistently limiting the competition, a lineup that features Jones, McCann, Frenchy (if he rebounds), Escobar, KJ, and Kotchman… is enough to win a lot of ball games.
If the Braves get a Francoeur rebound, but don’t add another bat… I think they’ll win at least 85 games. If they can add an Abreu or a Nady… I think (barring anything unforeseen), they’ll win 90+.
By N8
February 3, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this
DOB
From the sound of that clip, I’d have to say that I think I’m easier to get along with than Gale is.
35+ F-Bombs. Rumor has it that Lewis Black and Andrew Dice Clay could only make it through half of the clip, due to it being too offensive.
I LOVE IT! That guy is my new hero. OK, maybe not. But that was F*** funny. Ooops. Sorry.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this
Joe, I didn’t mean to “pick apart” what you wrote. But you exaggerated what Olney had written, and I was just pointing it out.
At the risk of more picking apart, you wrote in the latest comment:
“You said: one cannot argue convincingly that abreu would be definitely better over a healthy griffey”
True, but I can argue that Abreu, given his performance in recent seasons, is very likely better than Griffey at this stage of Griffey’s career.
And you wrote:
“Nor can one say that andruw would be a better bargain/risk offensively given his recent track record, nor can you justify trading any more prospects for nady/swisher.”
No one mentioned Andruw. And I’ve never said or even hinted that Andruw is the answer. Far from it. I’ve said if anything, Braves should give Andruw a minimum salary, preferably a minor league deal, and make him earn a roster spot this spring.
As for Nady or Swisher, it depends on what you’re talking about trading. The Braves have depth at a couple of positions, including some pitchers who aren’t likely to see time with the major league club unless there are numerous injuries.
If they could get Nady without dealing any of their elite prospects, I think they should consider it. He’s a very good player.
All that said, i don’t think Griffey would be a terrible alternative, if you could get him real cheap.
By Nolie
February 3, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this
In 91 we hit 141 HR (total), and in 2008 the total was 130.
Who out there thinks that the 10 HR’s made the difference, as opposed to the SB? Clearly without a ton of power on the team, Cox used the speed. N8
total coach crap. In 2007 the Mets stole 200 bases and the Braves stole 65 or so and outscored the Mets. So much for stolen bases, which BTW do not have a very high correlation with games won. Speed is great if other talents are also there, but stolen base totals are not that big a thing
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this
BFIR From all indications, you could be right on the Dye/Abreu salary thing.
By KC
February 3, 2009 7:13 PM | Link to this
Tommy Hanson Video: 411 Discussion about Tommy Hanson
By Steve from OH
February 3, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this
nolie, spot on. The funny thing is, is that when I graduated high school, I was totally on Coach’s side…we had about six or seven guys that could’ve beat any of the track teams in our county. Which is great for high school, little league, etc. where the kids are prone to errors and misplays, mental breakdowns, whatever. Not so much in the bigs, where the players are, umm, professionals, and able to do certain things like “field ground balls” and “throw runners out.”
Like you said, speed as an accessory skill is WONDERFUL. That’s why players like Carlos Beltran are so dangerous, and so dang annoying. Speed alone…is like a gun without bullets. Which is why players like Willy Taveras suck.
By h_charles
February 3, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this
DOB;
Looks like the Dodgers will make a run at Dunn, and Seattle still after Abreu. As I see it we need 2 OFs, but HAVE to get one.
What I also see is that troubling trend rearing its head again, where the Braves play the waiting game in hopes of getting a deal on their terms while essential addtions go elsewhere.
What do you think the odds are that the Braves actually address LF with a legit player, meaning Dunn, Abreu, Nady, or even Griffey?
By KC
February 3, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this
I tried to put 4 video links in one post, but it never appeared. Tried twice. Apparently this blog shoots down posts with several links. Anyway…
Here’s another Hanson video:
AFL Rising Stars Showcase
By Anders
February 3, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this
“Oh, didn’t realize that about Wagner. GLAD TO HEAR IT!!!!!
OK, well in that case, if the Braves pen is healthy, I do think it will be the best in the division.” - KC
What? You spend the afternoon touting “educated guesses” about the NL pitching staffs and you had no idea what Wagner’s status was?
Seriously? That’s tough to come back from.
By Dadgum
February 3, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this
As if we needed another reason to believe that Manny Ramirez is pretty much an idiot. Just turned down 25 mil from the Dodgers. What a damn fool. In this economy no less. He is going to get booed every time he steps to the plate. Including home games wherever he ends up playing. The Dodgers should have given him a take it or leave it ultimatum in my opinion especially after being burned by Andruw.
And to think that the poor unemployed player is so upset that nobody wants to sign him. Actually came out and said that. Then turns down 25 mil. Incredible. You can’t defend that. What an idiot!
Rock on……..give me a good high school game over a MLB game every time. Ah, the good old days for the love of the game.
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this
OK Batman, riddle me this. Manny made what, 20 million last year. Burrell, Abreu, Dunn made in the mid teens last year.
This year, Burrell signs for 8 million, Abreu is offered 8 million, and Dunn is still waiting. Does this sound like a market correction?
Where in heck did 25 million come from? Scott Boras. In today’s market, what is Manny worth (great hitter, who might get ticked off and tank for you)? Maybe twice what Burrell is worth. Twice what Abreu is worth? Maybe.
So, is it just me, or does 25 million sound a tad steep for this malcontent?
The smile is increasing….
By Chuck James was Solid until the 6th!!!
February 3, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this
Please don’t get me confused with Chuck’s mom! I have been reading daily but have had nothing semi-relevant to post…
This is irrelevant too, but, whatever….It’s my 2-Cents…
I think at this point with the market shaping up for Abreu/Dunn/Griffey at 1Yr/?? that it would be best for Atlanta to make that Nady trade and let him walk at the end of the year and do what you have to when the time comes. Getting Nady will inevitably cost Martin Prado and a prospect. However am I one of the only ones who thinks it’s imperative to get Ohman back?? Prado is dynamtie but Atlanta has a Prado named Infante. What use is Prado if he doesn’t get in games?? Infante can spell Chipper 20-30 games or so and be serviceable at SS/2B in an emergency or one or two game fill-in. I believe Nady makes $5.5 million next year. Sign Ohman and trade for Nady.
You don’t realize how crucial it is to have Ohman until he is not there. However, if it comes down to having Ohman or a healthy Glavine, you must go with Glavine. My reasoning is you can never have enough SP as 2008 screamed at the Braves and all of us fans. What if Kawakami pulls a Kei Igawa?? Or if one of the horses God forbid go down?? Glavine solidifying the #5 spot is huge. Both for stability and veteran leadership. If Glavine can give the team 25-30 starts he will be more effective then Jamie Moyer, bet on it. It still baffles me how Hamels/Myers/Moyer/Blanton/Kendrick won the WS. Amazing… That makes Lowe/Vazquez/Jurjjens/Kawakami/Glavine/Campillo/Hanson/Morton/Reyes/Hudson last month+ look phenomenal.
DOB When do you think the Glavine situation will develop into a signing or final evaluation? I believe he threw today, correct? How did that go?? Also, is it at all possible for the Braves to be able to afford Ohman, Glavine, Nady on the payroll for this year?? Thanks man….
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this
Wayne Poll answer MANNNNNNYYYYYY
By N8
February 3, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this
“total coach crap. In 2007 the Mets stole 200 bases and the Braves stole 65 or so and outscored the Mets.” nolie
First of all, I have NEVER been as die hard as Coach, when it comes to the speed. My comment about 91, was that due to the lack of over-all power (other than Gant and Justice), and the abundance of guys that could steal bases… Cox chose to go down that path.
Did you, or did you not read, how last year we had about 100 less HR than a couple of teams (along with putrid SB numbers), yet were only outscored by a 50 or so runs by those teams.
Teams can score runs with big HR hitters. Teams can “manufacture” runs with guys that get on base, steal bases, take extra bases and make contact.
But the best way to consistently score runs IMO, is to just have good hitters. Coach may be a bit speed obsessed at times (I prefer the speed game because I find it more exciting than HR - but it’s not the ONLY way to score runs), but there are far more people on this blog that are obsessed with HR totals (which is just as ridiculous as being obsessed with speed - if not more).
Dunn is NOT the answer. Unless the question is “who is the LH version of Dave Kingman”?
Nolie, if you’re gonna single out a single comment, at least acknowledge that you read the rest of the post and grasped the concept, then chose disagree with a line. But I thoroughly (like I always do), over-stated MANY instances in which HR totals do and don’t lead to more runs. That same concept can be used when dissecting SB.
Or do you disagree that in 1991, Cox chose to run more than normal, A) because the power wasn’t there (We had 3 guys on the starting IF with 6 or less HR - Olson, Belliard and Treadway), and B) Because with a guys like Otis Nixon [72 SB] and Gant [34] and Prime Time were on the roster, he “allowed” them to run and use their talents? If you do, please explain further. I can’t wait to hear your reasoning.
Keep in mind that Nixon’s SB total was in 124 games.
But just so you’re grasping this correctly. Otis stole 14 more bases in 124 games, than the ENTIRE Braves team did in 2008.
But you’re right. Bobby would never CHOOSE to use the running game, if he had the horses to do it, or was forced into doing so.
Besides. I clearly stated that the main reason the 1991 team was so damn good, had way more to do with the pitching.
By TommyP
February 3, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this
KC: Never did I say that “velocity is the measure of a pitcher.” Where in the world did you read me say that?????
You said that you had heard “Kawakami frequently compared to Kuroda.”
They’re two different types of pitchers. Kuroka throws much harder than Kawakami (who appears to change speeds to make a living).
Since you don’t remember Kuroda hitting 96…this excerpt is after Kuroda dominated the Braves this past summer.
“We don’t want to have a perfect game thrown against us, but Kuroda was great tonight — probably the best pitching performance we’ve seen all year,” Teixeira said. “His stuff was great — a mid-90s fastball, putting it exactly where he wanted it, sinking his fastball at 90 to get you to ground out or miss. He probably made one mistake all night, and I just got lucky enough to put a good swing on it. It definitely was the most hittable pitch I saw all night.”
Kuroda (5-6) was attempting to become the first Dodger to throw a no-hitter since Sept. 17, 1996, when countryman Hideo Nomo beat Colorado 9-0 at Coors Field.
“He was throwing 95 mph sinkers that were dropping off the table,” Atlanta catcher Brian McCann said. “There was nothing we could have done. He had awesome stuff. He was phenomenal.”
By Canadianbrave
February 3, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
I’m just wondering if the braves are really searching that hard for a power bat in their lineup.I think they are confident that what they have now can generate enough offence to win games. I’m not saying I agree, but the Braves philosophy has always been pitching and defence and playing national league ball. I can’t remember the last Braves lineup that put fear in the opposition, except maybe Aaron, Earl Williams and Davey Johnson way back when. I think management might feel that with more pitching depth, a stronger bullpen and small increases in power output and clutch hitting, along with a little more speed, this team might be competitive. It feels to me like a wait and see approach, where we will bring someone in later if needed. The attitude might be that these young guys with a little more seasoning, and a little more maturity, might just increase their power numbers slightly, hit more balls in the gaps, and play better defensively. They just might be right if we don’t have to come from behind from a 3-0 deficit after the 3rd inning in so many games. Confidence can make such a difference in a young player, and 20 extra home runs over the year from 4 or 5 different guys can win alot of games. It seems to me that when the Braves were winning they always took it one game at a time. They focused on their own play and didn’t worry about how much power the other team had or how much the other team loaded up on free agents. If the Braves can compete this year with what they have, you know that next year’s team will definitely be a marketable commodity.
By TommyP
February 3, 2009 8:00 PM | Link to this
Bob Costas leaving HBO for the MLB Network.
AWESOME. Costas is an all-time favorite of mine and this channel is beginning to assemble some serious talent in the studio.
If ANYONE ever deserved to work for the MLB Network, it’s Costas. He’s a great ambassador for the sport.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 3, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
TommyP “Kuroda (5-6) was attempting to become the first Dodger to throw a no-hitter since Sept. 17, 1996”
Oh, please no…
By KC
February 3, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
Anders: I don’t spend all my time in a Mets blog. I made educated guesses about players on a team that I DO follow. I’ve spent time (usually time when I should have been doing something work related. lol) looking into Kawakami and Hanson.
I knew a good deal about the Mets rotation, but hadn’t paid close attention to their bullpen until today when I analyzed their roster.
By BravoMan
February 3, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this
So I’m thinking that our LF problem will be solved fairly soon. I’m guessing before pitchers and catchers report. We’ve heard close to nothing since the Lowe signing and when the Braves signed Lowe and Kawakami it was done quickly and seemingly outta the blue.
I’m guessing it’s down to Abreu and then a trade for Swisher or Nady. Abreu was supposedly giving an offer by the White Sox today for about 8 mil. I don’t see the Braves paying that much so Im thinking Swisher or Nady will be a Brave. If one of those two is delt here then it may prove easier to land Ohman and/or Glavine. Like I said I’m thinking this will all be done before the 14th so that way Bobby will know what he has to work with this season.
By nolie
February 3, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this
When you brought up Jeff Bennett having a decent season, I couldn’t believe it. I must be selective memory because I only remember the times he got whacked around a good bit. He was hurt around that time, so that explains it.
I had no idea that he pitched very nicely at the end of the year. I just assumed he was a guy who wouldn’t be in the mix this year Josh
Bennett isn’t flashy but he had one of the highest rates of ground balls in MLB last season and his ERA+ the last two years have been 123 and 115. I think he fits perfectly in the ground-ball-out part of the pen. The only problem I have with him is I wish he walked a few less hitters.
By Canadianbrave
February 3, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this
Sorry Johnson, Aaron, Evans!
By 18 Wheel s of Love
February 3, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this
My first choice if we dont give up a top prospect is Nady. However, the cheaper Griffey gets, the more I like that option in LF.
By Anders
February 3, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this
KC
Wagner’s injury is not exactly a state secret. Not sure you really had to visit a Met’s blog to be aware of it.
With all the K-Rod and Putz talk etc I’m stunned you didn’t know this.
I give you a C-.
By 'toga party
February 3, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this
I know I’m a bit late chiming in to the blog, but DAMN if Kristofferson isn’t one hell of a song writer. Can’t sing worth a lick, but he sure can write a song.
He’s got a show in Albany, NY this month, and I think I may check it out just for shiggles.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this
Sorry, folks, but don’t have an answer for you on the OF situation. Wren made it clear they didn’t view it as an urgent matter and that they might not do anything until spring training or during the season, perhaps not until after seeing how the young guys do first.
That plan presumably hasn’t changed in two weeks’ time. While it certainly wouldn’t surprise me if they actually make a move before camp, I’ve not heard anything at all to indicate that anything is imminent That could change quickly, but right now, just not hearing anything.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 3, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this
Nolie, when the other team is hitting HR’s and stealing bases. While the home team is solely reliant on the long ball, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure who is going to come out ahead
By Michael Phelps
February 3, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this
Baseball season needs to hurry up. Turner Field will make a great hiding place from the sheriff.
By Anders
February 3, 2009 9:28 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB. I think it’s just you, me and Belushi up at 9:13.
That should make your night.
By a pressing need
February 3, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this
Outfield bats.
By TommyP
February 3, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this
DOB: Several hypotheticals so stick with me here…
Let’s suppose the ChiSox sign Abreu and deem Dye expendable.
Then let’s suppose the Braves put together a trade package that would appease Chicago.
In your opinion, how much salary would the Sox have to eat in order for the Braves to follow through with a deal for Dye?
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)
February 3, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
That is dissapointing to hear DOB. Obviously Wren knows there is a glaring/gaping gap in LF. You can’t go into the year with Diaz/Blanco in LF, you just can’t. Not with the instability in CF and RF. I am biased but I think Jeff will win the Gold Glove and bounce back somewhere atleast around .280 20 85+. But it’s debilitating to a Braves fan strictly because Wren seemingly promised us an OF’er through trade/free agency. A Power bat nonetheless….Now it’s “We’re going to ST and see what Matty and the young guys can do…” ?????
That is dissapointing…Especially with all of these massive bargains coming to surface….Wren needs to get Dunn, Abreu or Nady to make this team a serious competitor. They are a 2nd/3rd place team right now…That bat makes them contenders…
By nolie
February 3, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens is a guy with a fastball he can run up in the mid-90’s,
Linkd to DOB’s Bale explosion….guy needs to go to the Milton Bradley anger management class http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLXVuy0h29c Beekay
I think he was accussed of hitting his mother * sister a year or so ago wasn’t he? I’m sure that he at least verbally abused them.
By Canadianbrave
February 3, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry guys but I just don’t see the Braves taking on any more salary. With the economic times the way they are, I’m almost certain that the Braves will stick with what they have. If they need something that will pay for itself near the deadline, then they will get it. My bet is that what you see is what you get and lets hope that someone steps up! Go Braves!
By nolie
February 3, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this
If you look up their results throughout their Japanese careers, you’ll find the similarities. KC
as scoots would say-are they park-adjusted? Seriously it is my understanding from a friend over there that our guy was pitching in a more pitcher-friendly park. I have no idea how well he will do over here, just sayin’
By brent a.
February 3, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this
Yet another Hanson video - probably the first
By A reasonable question
February 3, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this
Wren made it clear they didn’t view it as an urgent matter and that they might not do anything until spring training or during the season, perhaps not until after seeing how the young guys do first.DOB
How can anyone take this team seriously with Matt Diaz, Brandon Jones, Gregor Blanco, Josh Anderson and Jeff Francoeur as the outfield unit?
By Saltywoody
February 3, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this
If you guys like the Christian Bale rant, you gotta check out a dance music remix some guy did. I found it on What Would Tyler Durden Do, which I might add is a pretty amazing site in its own right.
I hate dance music, generally, but this thing is frickin hilarious and pretty catchy to boot.
http://www.wwtdd.com/post.phtml?pk=18511
I would seriously probably pay money on itunes for this.
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)
February 3, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this
However, you can look at DOB’s statement and then remember what Wren said about playing his cards close to the vest….. Maybe Wren is being tight-lipped (wisely-so) and is on the verge of doing something for LF. The market is at such a ridiculous bargain right now that is almost stupid not to. I mean to land Dunn or Abreu at 1YR/6 million?? Geeeezzzzzz…….. That’s a steal!!
I mean it was news today that Abreu got a 1YR/8 Mill offer from Chicago. Then hours later it was shut down by White Sox GM Williams as basically nonsense. That explains it all. I guess Wren is waiting it out which is smart. What’s not to say that the market doesn’t go down to 1YR/5 million for Abreu and Dunn?? If all the GM’s don’t go above that it’s take it or sit out the season for those guys….There are some massive bargains to be had and I think Manny turning down these deals will only lead to worse case scenarios for him and Boras.
By David O'Brien
February 3, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this
Just got a text from Glavine about how today’s throwing session went: “Real well, 75 pitches, all is good.”
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this
A reasonable question
I suspect the Wren statements are posturing to some degree. I also think that the Braves might be thinking along these lines; let’s see how Schafer looks in the early spring, and if Diaz returns to his old self (2006 and 2007), and if Brandon Jones recaptures some of his power stroke, we might not need to deal for an outfielder.
I think there will still be good outfielders available in another month to a month and a half. Now, that I have said that, FW will probably deal Prado and Reyes tomorrow for the X man.
I think Anderson and Blanco only have a shot if Schafer doesn’t win a job in the spring. Schafer is the key. If he comes along, and if the Braves deal for a LF’er, then Diaz might be expendable.
Unless he wins a starting or platoon job, Diaz and Norton are somewhat similar in their talents as pinch hitters. I can’t see keeping them both if Diaz doesn’t start half the games.
By JimD
February 3, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this
TommyP, I am not DOB but let me take a stab, and others can chime in and agree/disagree.
Understanding we are dealing with the hypothetical, I think that how much salary the Braves would require the Sox to eat would depend on how much and which talent they have to give up to get Dye.
While surely possible I just don’t see the deal as probable. As I recall, I believe Dye’s defense has slipped quite a bit and that he really isn’t that good in the field anymore.
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this
The face of stupidity: Michael Phelps and Plexico Burris.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 3, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this
Get a load of this excerpt from Mark Bowmen’s article about Huddy:
“During the early days of Spring Training, Hudson, Chipper Jones, who now stands as the club’s longest-tenured player, and Brian McCann plan to let some of the younger players know that some of the lackadaisical attitudes that have been displayed over the past few years won’t be tolerated.”
Um…no, Chipper and BMac will not be there…not “during the early days of Spring Training.”
}: ( “Good nighs, and good newt.”
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)
February 3, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this
SaltyWoody
I have no idea who Christian Bale is but that stuffs funny man. The best part in the remix is when he goes “You ARE crashing my scene” I don’t know what Christian Bale’s scene is but that’s funny stuff. I’m too lazy to see what this guys deal is but whatever it is something got him mad.
Hey, if people were crashing my scene I would rant off about it too….
By dogsbrekky
February 3, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this
DOB Good on Glavine
I have been thinking that MANY pitchers come back with BETTER arms after surgery, if Tommy is at 2007 strenght or better he will make a huge 4 or 5 starter by May… he can also “teach” the other guys a thing or 2….
I love how the media just seem to make up stories (re Abreu to Chicago)… Rosenthal and Heyman are particularly adept at this bs technique
By brian
February 3, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this
DOB- do you think the Braves could be a match for the Twins if they are really looking to move Delmon Young for bullpen help?
Would there be any way of doing this trade without including Gonzo?
By Wayne in Utah
February 3, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this
If Glavine comes back, and the other starters do nothing to take them out of the rotation (Lowe, JJ, KK, JV), AND if Hanson and/or Morton and/or Reyes pitch well in the spring, we could have ourselves a serious logjam.
What a nice problem to have. (then we have Campillo and Bennett as potential long or middle relievers)
We deserve to have some GOOD luck this year!
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)
February 3, 2009 10:23 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update DOB. I think Glavine giving ATL 25-30 starts this year will be the deciding factor in if they make the postseason…If Glavine can put in that amount of healthy starts at the #5, this team has a strong and durable 1-5 with options.
DOB Any indication of what Glavine would take for a contract or when he is expecting one? If “all is good” for his next 1 or 2 thowing sessions, when will he be expecting an offer from ATL?? Any idea? Thanks man.
By Bubdylan
February 3, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this
Christian Bale isn’t the actor the Terminator Franchise deserves, but he’s the actor they need … errr… reverse that.
By Jim
February 3, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this
Nady is better for B’s than Abreu because Nady bats RH - and we are only talking about one-year player rental for each. Nady, being younger, might be more incented to strive for a great year, although Abreu is a class act, too. Either player would be great. Probably have to give Prado to get Nady. So choice might be Abreu and Prado versus Nady and no Prado (but Infante and D. Hernandez).
Doesn’t bother me too much when a player who might help B’s goes to AL. If we don’t see him until WS, it really doesn’t matter. Abreu or Dunn signing with Wash. or another NL East team would be a much bigger issue. If Abreu goes to WSox, maybe that frees up Dye - with some imagingation on how to afford his $11.5 one-year rental #, and $1MM buyout for ‘10, B’s should talk hard to WSox. Maybe there’s a way to get them to cover some salary or offer a few prospects.
If Manny (cancer in remission) succeeds in getting Dodgers to point where they have to go to Plan B, Dodgers can probably sign 3 or 4 players for what they might pay Manny - Dunn, Abreu, and a pitcher, for example. Or, Dunn, O.Hudson and Abreu and/or a pitcher.
And then where will Manny go? Maybe Giants, or maybe Mets will get interested. Mets LF situation is no better than B’s right now.
Doubt seriously is Heyward will be ready for the Show in ‘10, so B’s will be looking for a LF again next year, unless Schafer and one of the other OFs (Blanco, Anderson, B. Jones) have a breakthrough year in ‘09. And, Francoeur wins “Comeback Player of Year” and Diaz gets back to ‘07 form.
Is it worth giving up Prado for one-year of Nady? How many games will Prado play for B’s if B’s also have Infante and D. Hernandez (who, unlike Prado, can play SS)? I can imagine why FW is sitting on this deal, but, at the end of day, I’d do it. Nady and Ohman for about $10MM is cheaper than Dye - and Prado will probably make at least $1/2MM this year.
So, Nady less Prado; Ohman; and Glavine might be all signed for net (less Prado) of $12 MM, plus incentives for Glavine. Hope the B’s have that much left.
Your thoughts, Guys.
By FactsSchmacts
February 3, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this
What? You spend the afternoon touting “educated guesses” about the NL pitching staffs and you had no idea what Wagner’s status was?
Seriously? That’s tough to come back from. Anders
KC’s educated guess glass is always over half full. Facts matter little.
By nolie
February 3, 2009 11:02 PM | Link to this
Nolie, when the other team is hitting HR’s and stealing bases. While the home team is solely reliant on the long ball, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure who is going to come out ahead Coach
basically what I said.Speed (not necessarily just in stolen bases)is a wonderful thing if other skills are there. That’s why 5 tool guys are so lusted after. What it does not do is make up for the lack of skills in guys like Taveras (sp). Sure give me a young Murph or a young Chipper. Speed was a very nice addition to their game.And if a guys lacks power but has good on-base skills speed can make him valuable too. But it is not a panacea for individuals or teams lacking in other ones. I know- I know… but team OBP and team OPS have a much higher correlation with wins than steals…or home runs either for that matter. Just give me a buncha good high OPS hitters all up and down the order with maybe a high OBP high speed guy leading off and I’ll be pretty happy. ;-)
By waterstim
February 3, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this
I believe the Braves might consider Griffey for the ticket sales. He wouldn’t hurt, especially if he has done something drastic, like losing 30 pounds. It’s all about risk/reward. It appears he his healthy, and it would make a great story.
By Canadianbrave
February 3, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this
I think Schafer will be fine! I think this is just the kind of team that can grind other teams down over a 162 game schedule and these young OF’s will get better as the year goes on. I don’t think their starters will get blown out often and there’s enough grit in the lineup to overcome reasonable deficits during the game. More importantly, health permitting there bullpen has got to be psychologically intimidating to other teams. This is not a flashy team, but its a braves team. they’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, but I think they will win more often than not.
By Rayaustin
February 3, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this
FactsSchmacts: You’re an idiot. And so is Anders. I think KC’s posts are usually well thought out, and he makes his case well. You may disagree, but cutting down the source, rather than debating a point intelligently, just makes you look stupid. If you dismiss a person as a homer or an optimist, you don’t have to take the time to thoughtful debate their assertions.
On another note, I feel pretty good about the Braves this year, but I’m concerned about left field. If they could sign somebody like Abreu, I think they’ll be in good shape this year. Looking forward to opening day.
By Steve McP
February 3, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this
Some thoughts:
Glavine as a 5th man in the rotation - who’d a thunk it?
No more blue Jersey’s (dream)
Destroy the choppin’ cow (fun but bad luck)
Freel the love
By mb
February 3, 2009 11:47 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I read today where the Baltimore Orioles signed Ty Wigginton. So, now they have 3 players who can play second base and the Orioles are having difficultly signing Brian Roberts, he wants 4 years and they are offering 3 years. Any recent news of the Braves working a deal to get Roberts? Not sure who they would have to give up to get him? Probably young pitching.
Knowing that Campillo out pitched Glavine last year. I think it’s wrong for the Braves to string Glaving along like this; with this possibility that they are going to sign him. We already have 5 guys on the roster who can fill the 5th spot, without spending another dime, Campillo, Reyes, Morton, Hanson and Parr.
Wren should be honest with Glavine and just say we’re not going to offer you a contract. What’s going to happen is all the fans will be upset, you didn’t sign Glavine after having meetings with him. Braves fans shouldn’t worry about signing Ghost from the past and worry about finding a way to compete in the N.L. East.
(Tom Glavine, I don’t blame you for wanting to pitch another season, if I could I would too. Where else do you get to have fun playing a great game and paid very well for the effort.)
Spend the money on Ohman. Use the rest of the money to trade or sign a free agent, who is a quality everyday player.
thanks
MB
By MARK
February 4, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this
There s really no need for Ohman..Braves need to sign Abreau before Sox do and get him at a decent 2 year contract because if Francour doesnt pan again we are in trouble we need the RBIs and I think we need a Lefty starter so we need Tom Glavine who should be cheap…
By cmac1919
February 4, 2009 12:09 AM | Link to this
“Sorry, folks, but don’t have an answer for you on the OF situation. Wren made it clear they didn’t view it as an urgent matter and that they might not do anything until spring training or during the season, perhaps not until after seeing how the young guys do first.” DOB
That’s…really depressing. Doesn’t view it as an urgent matter?!? Wren needs his eyes checked then. The “young guys” are the reason why our outfield is so damn pathetic. And this rotation isn’t so godly that it erases that fact.
4th place, here we come yet again.
By cla
February 4, 2009 12:11 AM | Link to this
No reason to trade for Dye when Bobby my main man Abreau is cheaper and costs 0 prospects and could net us a type a or b free agent next year if he signs a one year deal. Plus I would rather have Abreau over Dye. I am sure will say no cause Dye is right handed but Abreau hits both well lefties and righties well and will be solid for avg, hr and rbi’s. I really think we have to get Abreau and we got a shot for the East and of course Will the thrill Ohman.
By AR Brave
February 4, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this
DOB, just some free thinking on my part and I’m sure anyone will a keyboard will tell me how stupid these names are and why, but what about a trade for one of the following: Chone Figgins (for 2B + Leadoff and move Kelly to LF), Alex Rios, Ryan Ludwick, Rick Ankiel, Jermaine Dye, Eric Byrnes, Brian Roberts or maybe an Aaron Rowand.
Granted some have high salaries that may knock them off the potential trade list such as Rowand, Dye, and Roberts.
It would be awesome to have a great leadoff hitter like a Roberts or a Figgins. Wishful thinking, because some, if not all, of these lower salary players are staying put.
Anyone else worried a little about all the lefties and switch hitters in the Phils and Mets lineups and we have a ton of RHPs? And we don’t have Ohman, a reliable Lebowski and LHP to lean on for relief.
The Mets only had two LHPs last year and went something like 11-7 or so against the Phils. That’s two more than we have at the moment and one in Santana that is legit.
I feel good playing the Mets for the time being based on last year alone. Keep Reyes off base and we can hold our own.
We need a strong bat and Chipper needs that protection about as bad as he needs that extension. A trade seems likely so let’s hope we can get someone that fans want to see and that can produce some offense while playing a little D.
If I see any more of Blanco or hear or read the word platoon I will be sad. Blanco has come a long way but no one is afraid to pitch to him nor will he give us much offense at all.
DOB thanks for the blog and keep up the good work. Crank that RL Burnside- “The Criminal Inside Me” and enjoy knowing that a bag of potato chips is only 40 nickels.
By N8
February 4, 2009 12:31 AM | Link to this
The least thing you guys pining for a “power bat” for LF could do, is give your reasons, and the statistics to back it up.
I’ve stated that a 4th place finish might be possible (I think there’s just as good a chance of us finishing 4th as 1st - sorry KC). But my reasons for that possibility have little to nothing to do with the LF “issue”.
If we finish 4th, it’s because Wren severly over-estimated Lowe’s value and ability to lead a young staff. Or perhaps JJJ has a “sophomore slump”. Or Soriano is out for a significant amount of time again. Maybe Vazquez is EXACTLY what Ozzie Guillen said he was, NOT what Wren thinks he might become (again) in the NL. Or if say, Tommy Hanson is in over his head.
Left field will take care of itself. Diaz might rebound. Brandon Jones might finally get some respect and playing time. I’m WAAAAY more concerned about what Francoeur will do, and how long Bobby will let him kill rallies, than what a proposed platoon of Diaz/B. Jones might do in LF.
But all those people stating “If Wren doesn’t get a bat for LF, 4th place here we come…”, are fooling themselves if they think LF (and the dismal power display our OF had last year), is why we finished 4th last year.
Why we finished in 4th was the number 78. As in 78 “potential” starts MISSED by Glavine, Hudson, Smoltz and Hampton. That foursome combined to make 53 starts, add that to the 31 starts that JJJ made and you have 84 games that our “projected” 5-man rotation actually started.
Leaving 78 games for OTHER GUYS to start.
LF was, (and will be in 2009), the LEAST of our worries.
Just my opinion. But at least I explain it and try and back it up with reason.
By ChipperFan
February 4, 2009 12:33 AM | Link to this
ncscoots, TennPaul and KC
Re: your earlier discussion on run prevention vs. run production. I just read George Will’s best seller from 1990, Men at Work. GREAT baseball book if you haven’t read it. One of the points he makes in the chapter on defense is relevant here: You can win a baseball game scoring only one run. You can win with just a few, or even zero, hits (teams have done it: pitchers have had no-hitters in which they took the loss). All of this failure to create runs will not prevent you from winning the game. Or, on the flip side, you can score 23 runs, as the Cubs did on August 25, 1922, and lose, 26-23 to the Phillies…
But to win a game , you MUST get 27 outs. You can score all you want, or score very little. But you gotta get guys out 27 times to win a game. What gets guys out? The combination of pitching and defense working well together.
To quote Tony La Russa: “The stuff we do offensively….all that is well and good. The premium is on getting guys out.”
By detroitchris
February 4, 2009 12:49 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB im going to check out a Kathleen Edward show tomorrow just outside of detroit and plan to let you know after the concert if i still hold a grudge for you not including her album in your top 50… especially after carrie rodriguez’s “She ain’t me” was a late add
By nolie
February 4, 2009 1:00 AM | Link to this
To quote Tony La Russa: “The stuff we do offensively….all that is well and good. The premium is on getting guys out.” ChipperFan
always has been, always will be. some fans might find offense more exciting (actually myself included) , but few teams that depended mostly on their offense have won the WS while many who depended more on pitching(including Atlanta in ‘95) have been successful. Of course there are no guarantees either way, as we certainly should have learned from the Yanks who have spent so much money over this decade only to fall short year after year.
By winterville
February 4, 2009 1:21 AM | Link to this
Anders and anyone else who is interested:
I posed a question the other day because I was curious about the Mets blown saves total. I wanted to know how many times the Mets went on to lose a game in which they blew a save. I decided to look it up myself and after going through all the Mets box scores from last year, by my calculations, the Mets went on to lose 19 of the 29 games in which they had a blown save. There were 3 games where the Mets had 2 blown saves in the same game and they won the other 7 games. 11 of the blown saves came in the 6th and 7th innings. The National league average for blown saves was 23.
I was hoping for different results when I did this research but it wasn’t quite as riveting as I had wanted. I still think it is relevant though because with the league average numbers, the Mets weren’t that much higher. My whole point was that the blown save numbers aren’t that telling. From alot of the analytical articles I have read, people regard blown saves the same way they are beginning to regard saves, RBI’s, W-L records and other stats that can be misleading. The blown save record the Mets obtained was arguably more a product of them having a lot of leads rather than just blowing saves every chance they got. For comparison, the Giants had only like 17-19 BS’s. That is because they had less leads therefore less opportunities to blow a lead.
Basically, the Mets had a slightly higher than normal BS total but the didn’t lose all those games. That makes it inaccurate in my opinion to use BS as a marker for how much better the Mets will be this year with some new bullpen members. A lot of the BS’s came from people like Vargas, Knight, Stokes, Heilman and so forth. Every team has those types of guys and they help you get through 162 games when injuries happen. Putz and K-Rod were upgrades but they can’t pitch the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th innings every night. When starters inevitably have short outings, other guys have to bridge the gap. This year, they will have a similar number of blown saves just like last year and every year prior. It is part of Baseball. You guys finished 1 game off of your expected W-L record so that further emphasizes that it doesn’t matter how you lose a game as long as you lose it. You pretty much lost the amount of games you were supposed to and haven’t done enough in my opinion to establish yourselves as the team to beat. And you’re still a bunch of chokers. :)
Also, Anders you keep saying you lost the division by 1 game and that is not true. You lost it by 3 games. The Phillies finished 92-70 and the Mets finished 89-73. Not that big of a deal but for the sake of accuracy, there it is.
By Tim
February 4, 2009 2:28 AM | Link to this
Tomas
Why would you move Escobar out of the #2 spot in the lineup? The only way you move Escobar out of the #2 spot is to put him in the #3 spot. Also Griffey hitting cleanup is a joke.
I know Chipper has said in the past he doesn’t like to hit cleanup but we may not have much of a choice this year unless Francoeur steps it up. I like McCann in that #5 spot in the lineup.
Here is my potential lineup with Chipper in the cleanup spot.
You could flip Kotchman and Johnson if you wanted too but Johnson has more pop in his bat so I like him further down the lineup and Kotchman doesn’t strikeout much so he’s solid at the top of the lineup.
Yes we may lead the world in strikeouts from our bottom 4 spots including pitchers but 1 - 6 could be very solid.
By NickB
February 4, 2009 2:57 AM | Link to this
The thing is though, you want your best hitter in the #3 spot and that is undoubtably Chipper. We need to maximize his AB’s as much as possible.
Now , people tend to think of the #4 spot as being all about dingers. But IMO , the most important thing there is a guy who doesn’t hit into double plays, and has a high OPS. I don’t care if the power comes from HR’s or doubles or what. But a guy who doesn;t make too many outs and hits for power is going to do a good job creating runs. ( I basically see the # 4 and #5 spots as the same thing just as different handed so as to force the other team to burn relievers late in games and to stop from being dominated by starters).
In other words, I just want to see a ton of extra base hits and not too many double plays ,rather than a ton of HR’s ( though that would be great too!!!) I think Abreu would be good, Griffey and Edmonds would be great platoon options as well. I also love the idea of Dunn as he doesn’t make too many double play outs, and gets on base a ton and is good for around 60 extra base hits a year. On a one or 2 year deal , you can’t really do too horribly with any of these .
Now Swisher and Nady are different as they cost more than just $$$.
Nady is the better power man and is a RH bat which we need. But I hate one year rentals ( but not one year contracts)… I think he should be our last choice ( cause I think that Dye isn’t leaving). Though Nady will prolly have a great year , why give up Prado and Reyes..etc for one year of a guy who may only put up 10% better numbers than Griffey alone ( and prolly the same as a Griffey Diaz platoon) . Swisher is under control for a few years and is a switch hitter who is coming off his worst season. I think he’s bound to do better and is good at getting on base and hitting extra base hits. He may cost more, but getting him for several years may make it worth it. ( This makes him my #3 pick behind Abreu and Dunn on 1or 2 year deals).
As far as Andruw goes, I wouldn’t be surprised to discover that the Braves are going to wait on him and see if they decide to do a trade with the Yanks for Nady or Swisher. This would open up a 40 man roster spot so as to entice him with a minor league deal and use the open spot as incentive or something. ” Look Andruw we opened up a spot for you if you just show some production it belongs to you” type of thing…. This makes me a little nervous, but am hoping Bobby wouldn’t keep using him if he stinks again.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 4, 2009 3:29 AM | Link to this
Tim, Chipper Jones won’t be hitting clean up anytime soon and I can tell you why.
Bobby Cox.
After Teixeira was traded, Brian McCann hit in the four hole during 40 of the remaining 57 games left on the 2008 season schedule. In fact, Chipper batted exclusively in the three hole all season. 2004 was the last season that Chipper was used as the Braves clean up hitter.
Unless Frank Wren adds another big bat, the three/four holes in the 2009 line up will likely be Chipper/McCann most of the time.
And just in case Chipper is reading this stuff, dear Hoss, you’re not thinking clearly. Jeff Francoeur has N-E-V-E-R hit clean up for Bobby Cox in the four seasons he has been a Brave. Unless you can twist Bobby’s arm, it ain’t likely to happen this year either.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 4, 2009 3:56 AM | Link to this
I should have said almost never. Francoeur has played 549 games in Atlanta during parts of the previous four years. He has been utilized in the four hole in all of seven games. He isn’t likely to see any action as the Braves clean up hitter in 2009.
By N Nine (eta61)
February 4, 2009 4:16 AM | Link to this
“The face of stupidity: Michael Phelps and Plexico Burris” Wayne in Utah
You should replace Phelps with Pacman Jones. Now that dude has major problems. While its a disappointment for Phelps, realize dude is 23 at a college party. Comparing grown pro adults to Phelps is not right. Phelps brought pride and joy for our country and I WILL continue to support him…
By N Nine (eta60)
February 4, 2009 4:20 AM | Link to this
“Jeff Francoeur has N-E-V-E-R hit clean up for Bobby Cox” Coach
With that many RBI opportunities, he practically was our cleanup hitter! :P
By MattyRoss
February 4, 2009 5:04 AM | Link to this
DOB I’d strongly recommend the Ben Kweller album that came out today. His best effort thusfar, in my opinion. More country twang than we’ve heard from him. Damn catchy stuff.
By Chpr10j
February 4, 2009 6:16 AM | Link to this
DOB….will the Braves players that are playing in the WBC be reporting to spring training normal time??? And if so, when will they be leaving to join their WBC teammates??? Looking forward to arriving at spring training on Feb 15th!!
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 7:02 AM | Link to this
I can’t see why so many of you have Josh Anderson penciled in in the leadoff spot. I would definitely say the job belongs to Schafer unless he loses it.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 4, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this
Ooooooooppssss…I think when Bowmen said “the early part of Spring Training”, he meant the early part of Spring Training…Like, February?
Heh heh…Sorry, Mark. Im and idiot.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 4, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this
Coach — actually, Francouer has hit clean-up in 9 games, according to baseball-reference.com. But who’s counting, right?
DOB, you a Badly Drawn Boy fan? I’ve been listening to the Bon Iver cd lately and it reminds me of BDB’s first album, “The Hour of Bewilderbeast.” In some ways it’s very different, but i think that stylistically and the feel of the album are very similar.
By Slidezz
February 4, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
Excellent choice of PILGRIM. So sad about EG that sux. The Ohman thing could be huge. Consider this, IF the starters eat innings and keep us in games Ohman could eaisly repersent a 10 game swing in the standings Thats right 10 games. Picture this its the 7th or 8th inning were up by one Gonzo is ready to close in the 9th and the opp. has runners in scoring postion with 1 or 2 outs. Enter Ohman thers your 10 game swing cause the man gets the job done. Iam sure Brave Bigshots see this and will have no problem to ponie up another mil. Come on Its not like they cheap out when it comes to matching offers for real winners…………….. Oh yea Smoltzie pitches for the Sox now. And thanks DB for reminding Wren and company not Cox what they let walk away, How do you put a price on the head of a real leader Sorry real Bravo Fans Its gonna sting for a while and they better lock in Hoss in a hurry If its up to me I sign Ohman and if it has to be Hoss now rather than lose him later. And go with the kids in the outfield. Always remember our run was always about pitching
By i can't take it anymore
February 4, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this
in the bowman article on the braves website, it says that mccann, jones, and hudson are going to let the younger players know that the lackadaisical attitudes that have been displayed over the past few years wont be tolerated.
Who has/had the lackadaisical attitude?
By Hoosier Aaron
February 4, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this
David-
Great Coach Knight story.
Growing up in Southern Indiana, of course, I’m a huge IU hoops and Coach Knight fan.
While much of what you hear in the media is negative - UGA would benefit greatly from hiring Coach Knight.
I’ll share one of my many Coach Knight stories.
My oldest son (who was about 6 at the time) and I attended an IU vs. Illinois football game. We arrived early so I could take him to see Assembly Hall. As we were walking down the hall, we heard dribbling and squeaking shoes on the hardwood behind closed doors. I told him to be very quiet as I peeked my face through the door.
As I did, I saw Coach Knight watching a few players during individual workouts. My son and I were decked out in our IU attire…and of course my son had to push his way into the opening to see what was going on.
When Coach Knight saw my son, he went to the ball rack, picked up a ball and rolled it to him. He then pointed us to a side goal where we (I mean HE) could shoot around.
Tickets to an IU football game….too much $$$ Antwaan Randle El jerseys………too much $$$ Having Coach Knight let your son shoot around in Assembly Hall…..PRICELESS!
By MiamiBrave
February 4, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this
Rosenthal’s latest article says Phils pulled out on Ohman Tuesday night…
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this
Thanks for sharing that, Hoosier Aaron. Good stuff….
Finally saw The Boondock Saints last night. Can’t believe I missed it when it came out. Good movie. Very entertaining, sort of like a Guy Ritchie film without the quick editing. But to me, not on a par with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels or Snatch. Very good, but not a movie that’d go on my all-time list or anthing….
Detroitchris, that’ll be a great show, I’m sure. She’s coming to Eddie’s Attic, and I’m going if I’m in town. Kathleen is a gifted songwriter with a voice to equal her pen….
By Wayne in Utah
February 4, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
N Nine There is plenty of room on the “stupid” list for Pacman. BUT, I think Phelps has to remain. He is a grown man, not a 15 year old.
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this
Daybed, that’s a valid comparison, for sure. And I love that Badly Drawn Boy album (and the soundtrack they did to the movie About A Boy was great, too)….
Bon Iver’s got a new one out this week, by the way.
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
Chpr10: Yes, they’ll be reporting with other players. Will leave Braves camp in first week of March, I think. After first couple of days o March, actually….
By flange1
February 4, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this
Morning All,
Reading all of the Manny stories on the web. Interesting that he rejected the Dodgers 1 year 25 million offer.
If I am the Dodgers, I really begin to think about spending that 25 million on Orlando Hudson, Adam Dunn and Randy Wolf.
As great a hitter as Manny can be (when he chooses to play) I think the addition of 2 full time position players + a starting pitcher has to be more valuable.
PLUS the potential that Manny might pull one of his Many being Manny episodes (or quits on his team like he did in Boston.)
In my mind, the Dodgers would be better off to move on from Manny to other options.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
A few snippets from Joe Sheehan’s BP chat yesterday:
“Aubrey (Atlanta, GA): Kelly Johnson — much upside in 09?
Joe Sheehan: Yeah, had I included another name on the breakout list, it would have been his. Nice little player who could add some power and be a midballot MVP guy.
The Braves are better than anyone realizes.”
And
“strupp (Madison): Same gun to your head, NL side?
Joe Sheehan: Mets, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Braves. I’m much less confident over here. The only teams I could not possibly see making the postseason are the Padres, Pirates and the Nationals, and even the Nats could be frisky if all the young hitters click and Cristian Guzman…well, I’m not going there.”
By DAP
February 4, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this
“While its a disappointment for Phelps, realize dude is 23 at a college party. Comparing grown pro adults to Phelps is not right.” N Nine
i just turned 24, and i know better. 23 is old enough not to be stupid, and 23 years old is a grown man, or at least it should be. and we arent talking about a random college kid here. we are talking about a guy who has enough dedication and commitment to be the most decorated olypic athlete ever. people need to stop making lame excuses for phelps.
By It Had To Be Said
February 4, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
Hey, Jim!!! (“Your thoughts, Guys.”)
Here’s a thought:
The Braves ain’t “the B’s”.
Show a little respect to the hometown team, and spell it out.
Or do you consider that to be somehow beneath you?
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)
February 4, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
N8 The least thing you guys pining for a “power bat” for LF could do, is give your reasons, and the statistics to back it up.
I’m “pining” for a LF “Power Bat” solely because Wren said it was coming and that is was on his list of Top 3 priorities. And, oh, I think LF’ers combined hit like 7 HR’s last year….Your telling me you’d rather have the current set of guys over Dunn’s 40/100 or Abreu’s 25/100 at the cheapest price in a decade???
I await your reasoning…..
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this
DAP, I agree. I know plenty of kids younger both younger and older than him that know better than to partake in that crap. I get sick of people making excuses for athletes, celebs, whoever when they get caught doing something they shouldn’t be doing. And last time I checked, 18 was considered a “grown man” in this country.
By Dadgum
February 4, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this
It still puzzles me why Wren is still giving Glavine an indication they will sign him. My thinking goes as follows.
The Braves have 5 pitchers, plus a few others I am sure we haven’t thought of, waiting in line to try out for that #5 rotation spot. 5 fairly young pitchers, cheap pitchers. Glavine is 42 and coming off surgery. A few years back sure he would be in the mix. Not now.
The best move for Wren is to extend a non-roster invite to Glavine. See what he can do. Sure Glavine is posturing that he is feeling great and the Braves are humoring him to this point but in all reality the Braves simply can’t afford to sign Glavine prior to spring training. Glavine has no realistic chance of the #5 slot.
Glavine certainly deserves a final shot but it has to be on the Braves terms and he needs to realize that. Glavine needs to exit gracefully from the game. I would be shocked if Glavine didn’t retire in spring training. Give it a shot. Look around and see the future ahead of him. The young arms the Braves need to have in that #5 slot are positioned way ahead of him.
Assuming Glavine would probably command 2 mil to sign. Why not give some of that to Ohman or as extra to play the free agent game with an outfielder. Glavine seems to be a standup guy. One that understands what is in front of him. Pretty soon that Greg Allman song “Nobody left to run with anymore” will play in his head. Probably in Dark Star, maybe before.
Rock on…..we down we gone
By BlawgDawg
February 4, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this
I don’t think I would put Michael Phelps on the same list with Pacman Jones. Jones allegedly had someone shot over a disagreement, Phelps was caught smoking marijuana. Big difference it a lot of peoples opinion. Yes, marijuana is illegal, but since around half (depending on which polls you believe) of the population thinks that marijuana should be legalized (since alcohol and tobacco are as dangerous or more than pot) it isn’t that huge of a deal to most people.
The government needs to figure out how they want to tax it, legalize it, and start regulating it the same way they do alcohol. How many millions of dollars a year would legalizing it save this country since we would be removing it from the failed “war on drugs”?
By dogsbrekky
February 4, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
Michael Phelps
If this kid was Australian where swimming is a huge huge deal then he would be Mike Jordan, Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal and Carl Lewis rapped into one..
he would be humungous…
The fact that he smokes pot is not a big deal to me but the fact he hangs with a skanky Las Vegas stripper and thinks HE IS NOT GOING TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED while doing dope (college kid stuff) is frightening…
a bad bad way to put $100 M in endorsements on the line….
He also picked just about the worst place in the world (outisde maybe Bangkok) to give the COPS evidence of illegal drug use !
By ncgary
February 4, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
well its true phelps made the gov commercial about your brain on pot looking like scrambled eggs legit, but he also should team up with the dairy industry and do a new commercial . this is your body on pot and milk. lol
By Patrick
February 4, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
DOB! ACCORDING TO KEN ROSENTHAL’S LATEST REPORT THE PHILLIES ARE OUT ON OHMAN!!!
What are the chances that he resigns by the end of the week?
By DAP
February 4, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this
N8
this wont be really scientific, because i had trouble finding the stats, but here a reason the braves need a bat for left field. the braves are a good on base team, ranking 5 in the majors last year. .345 OBP for the braves is the best in the NL east and 3rd in the national league.
slugging is not so good. the braves are #21 in the majors in slg%, better in the east only than the nats, and 5th from the bottom in the NL.
also, if i figured it out right, through august in 2008 (because thats where the stat i found stopped) the braves had the 8th highest percentage of men left on base in the majors. almost 61%.
so, my point is, we need a bat to bring some slugging so that some of those men left on can score.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this
“I don’t think I would put Michael Phelps on the same list with Pacman Jones. Jones allegedly had someone shot over a disagreement, Phelps was caught smoking marijuana. Big difference it a lot of peoples opinion.” blawgdawg
i definitely agree with that, and dont think phelps should be lumped with those punks, but he shouldnt have excuses made for him either.
also, i dont necessarily agree with the logic of pot being illegal and alcohol and tobacco(which really doesnt belong in the discussion with the other two) being legal, but be careful where your logic takes you, because we could save alot of money, time and reduce the crime rate in this country if all kinds of things became legal. saving money and reducing crime is not a reason to legalize anything.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
BlawgDawg, don’t sell pot short—it carries some pretty serious health and cognitive drawbacks. A lot of people think that it’s harmless, or close to it, but they’re obviously not doing their homework.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
BlawgDawg, don’t sell pot short—it carries some pretty serious health and cognitive drawbacks. A lot of people think that it’s harmless, or close to it, but they’re obviously not doing their homework.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
Oh, and I agree that we shouldn’t lump Phelps and Pacman together. Recreational drug use is one thing (that I have little patience for), but attempted murder, that’s a whole ‘nother story, isn’t it? (BTW, how stupid is Pacman?)
By Efrim
February 4, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this
Steve from OH
Good stuff from Sheehan. I also think the Braves are better than anyone realizes. But, I also think the Mets are better than a lot of people give them credit for. I hear people on the collapses, yes, I understand. It was an epic collapse and last year’s screw up didn’t help anyone else’s perception of the New York Mets. All that said, it’s a good team. A very good team. Simply put, better than the Braves on this current date if they choose not to upgrade in the outfield. Many things can happen over the course of a season, case in point, the Braves losing every starter to injury not named Jair Jurrjens and the Mets losing Billy Wagner and John Maine. We’ll see, it should be a revealing year for many Braves- Escobar, Johnson, Francoeur and Kotchman. Not so much for Kelly and Yunel, but still, are they stars or just solid regulars?
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 4, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
Dadgum, did you base all that on last season alone and conveniently forget about Glavine’s previous twenty-one seasons?
I mean, you DO KNOW that Jamie Moyer was 45 last season, right? You DO KNOW that he went 16-7 with an ERA of 3.71, right?
Does Tim Wakefield age 41, Randy Johnson age 44, Greg Maddux age 42 and Mike Mussina age 39 (20 game winner in 2008) RING ANY BELLS????? They all pitched effectively last season. I suspect that a healthy Tom Glavine is capable of the same.
And furthermore. When Tom Glavine retires, it will be on his terms, not yours.
By Wayne in Utah
February 4, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
DAP Didn’t know you were such a “youngun”!
:-)
I did not intend to lump Phelps with PacMan Jones, merely just making up a “stoopid” list in my own head. Both are members.
What reason did the Phillies give for backing out on Ohman?
By Wayne in Utah
February 4, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
Any news on the Braves negotiations with KJ and Frenchy? I would love to see them avoid arbitration with those guys.
By AustinBrave
February 4, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this
David According to MLBTraderumors.com the Phillies are out on Ohman. Do you think this means he will sign with the Braves? I know you have contact with him maybe he will tell you. Also have you heard anything on Andrew?
By ncgary
February 4, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
since the phelps story isnt gonna die quietly , lets examine it from a new angle.
it really doesnt take a lot of smarts to swim straight and fast, yet our society values it eniugh to endorse him with 100’s of millions of dollars for doing just that, yet we allow veterans to remain hungry, homeless and abandoned
just whose brains really are on pot
on another note
Hey Mets! America called, it wants its $400M back
Two New York City councillors have suggested a compromise name for the baseball stadium – they have proposed that it should be called Citi/Taxpayer Field.
By indybrave
February 4, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
DOB, Just saw a post on mlbtraderumors at 9:10AM about the Phillies being out concerning Ohman. Have you heard anything lately. Might be reading it wrong.
By BlawgDawg
February 4, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this
DAP I agree that we shouldn’t be legalizing something soley to drop the crime rate or save money. I just don’t see the logic in marijuana being illegal and alcohol not. In my opinion, alcohol should be made illegal if we are going to classify marijuana as a controlled substance. Of course outlawing alcohol will never happen again after what happened during the Prohibition Era. I just think that they are both very similar substances and shouldn’t be looked at as differently as they are by the government.
Steve from OH Never said that pot is healthy for you. My point is that it does no more damage to your body than alcohol and tobacco. I have seen several people literally kill themselves with alcohol (liver failure, alcohol poisening, etc…) and we all know the enormous toll that tobacco has had on our population.
I’m sure marijuana does plenty of damage to your body, as these other two substances do. I’ve just never seen someone stoned go on a violent rampage or drop dead from smoking too much, where I have seen alcohol do those things to people. Heck, stoners usually don’t make it off the couch, except to hit the fridge anyway.
By ncgary
February 4, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
well lets talk baseball, if i had my ex’s money and was gm i go get manram and sheets to 3 year deals, if money is the problem i go get griffey and glavine ,low$risk high potential stats, you just might catch lightning in a bottle twice hear and get both for under 5 million guaranteed with a little incentives thrown in
By keylargo
February 4, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
Michael Phelps has just gone through nearly two years of training far more intense than most of us realize is possible. He was drug tested throughout the process and never failed a single test.
I would be willing to bet the scenario was close to this: He was at a large party and had a few drinks. Someone passed him the bong, not his bong or his marijuana, and he simply took a hit. Not something he would do normally or during training. Just a thing that college aged people do while slightly impaired.
And I hope no one is so wrong as to put marijauna in the performance enhancing drug department.
Someone said 50% of the people think marijauna should be legal. I would hope my peers would be in the other 50%.
By ncscoots
February 4, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
—Not so much for Kelly and Yunel, but still, are they stars or just solid regulars?—
And that’s a good point. Many of us think the young players, those who are just now getting enough experience to matter, are good, but can they become elite? The Indians had the same situation, a good solid core of farm players arriving, but it hasn’t translated all that well for them. At what level will players such as Johnson, Escobar, McCann, Francoeur, and Jurrjens be, at five years of experience and in their primes? Will they be ready to carry a team while players such as Heyward, Freeman, Schafer, and the young pitchers take their own early lumps?
Good one, Efrim.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this
blawgdawg, fair enough. But I’m still gonna side on the other issue, and that’s all I’m gonna say on the topic.
DOB, how often do you call/text/whatever Frank Wren or other FO members? I just wonder sometimes about the level of communication between the clubs and the media. Do they ever initiate the conversation with you? Thanks.
By Ed in Bama
February 4, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking that Glavine could possibly have a few more mph on his fastball, I know this is fairly common. This could allow him to sneak more inside fastballs by hitters and make him a little more effective than the last couple of years. What do you think DOB
By DAP
February 4, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
larry stone of the seattle times says griffey is looking for one year $5-6mil. that would be to much. id be surprised if someone gave him that.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
ed in bama i dont think glavine has ever snuck anything by a hitter, and i dont think he will start after elbow surgery.
By Ed in Bama
February 4, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
DOB The comment on Glavine’s velocity was my very first post, I had been wondering why someone had’nt brought it up, so I finally decided to make my first. Love your blog and read’em all.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Efrim, I just re-read your post, and you make a good point about Esco/KJ (like scoots pointed out). I think we’ve seen enough of B-mac to say that he’s an elite player at his position, and I don’t think it’s a stretch to think that KJ and Escobar can make that jump too. I’m not so bullish on Kotchman (I think he’s a solid regular) and definitely not on Frenchy, though I think he can make it back to league-average or solid reg (more of a long-shot).
I think based on what we have on the field right now (in terms of position players) and prospects that seem likely to take the field in Atlanta in the pipeline, I think we’re one good-to-great position player short of having enough guys right now to compensate for a breaking-in period for Schafer/Heyward/Freeman. I see Kelly, Yunel, Chipper, and B-Mac as cornerstones, with Schafer, Heyward and Freeman in the pipeline. The four I mentioned are more than capable of being above-average to elite (Chipper and B-Mac already are) players at their positions. The prospects have a world of potential, but they’re not going to hit the ground running, in all likelihood. If we could just get one slugging outfielder, I think we’d be set for quite a few years. Is it Francoeur? Could be, but I doubt it. I think our pitching, both on the field and in the minors is solid from top to bottom, but we’re lacking one impact bat I think.
This was a sort of roundabout, poorly-worded thing, but I think you’ll be able to get what I was trying to say, lol.
By KC
February 4, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
One of the funniest things I’ve heard in a long time…
The Christian Bale Dance Remix on YouTube
I LMAO
By keylargo
February 4, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this
From Ken Rosenthal
The Padres maintain that they only will trade Peavy if the deal makes baseball sense. However, their season ticket sales have dropped from about 15,000 in 2008 to “well below” 10,000, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The increasing financial pressure might compel the Padres to move Peavy, particularly if they could land a package from the Cubs headed by minor-league third baseman Josh Vitters, a top hitting prospect.
If the Padres will get off of their demand for Tommy H. and settle for a package “headed by a top minor league hitting prospect”, the Braves need to get back into negotiations with San Diego.
Peavy is what Peavy is. A top shelf MLB pitcher who would be our Ace and drop everyone else down a notch in the rotation.
Even if we had to move some veteran salaries to accomodate him, I would be for it.
By "Melanoma" Maintenance Program
February 4, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this
DAP: “because we could save alot of money, time and reduce the crime rate in this country if all kinds of things became legal. saving money and reducing crime”
Like, TOTALLY, dude!!!
Let’s ask Obama — maybe he’ll “eagle eyes” it.
By jmart1951
February 4, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this
I believe that MJ is far less destructive than alcohol.
By dogsbrekky
February 4, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this
keylargo - I have one problem with Peavy and that is his pitching action which has already lead to one problematic injury.. There is a site which breaks down pitchers expected to have continued injury problems and Mr Peavy, Mr Sheets, JOBA and co rate highly on it…
Otherwise I think we also have tied up our infield with Escobar now so cannot see us reworking the Peavy thing unless we could say also get Orlando Cabrera and dump some salary
By KC
February 4, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this
keylargo: The only possible way to absorb Peavy’s salary now would be to flip Vazquez to another team. And that would probably preclude any possibility of getting one of the big bats being talked about, as we’d only have about 3-4 mill left to spend.
That said, if they’d take Escobar, G.Hernandez, Morton, Boyer… I’d still do it.
SS is K.Johnson’s original position, so he might be able to man Short, with Prado at 2B. Or Omar Infante could play Short. Infante wouldn’t embarrass at SS either offensively or defensively, I believe… and Prado would be a capable backup for Chipper.
While there wouldn’t be enough cash for Abreu, Dunn, Nady, or Swisher… they could probably at least add someone like Griffey. And given that they would likely then have the league’s best pitching at that point… they would have enough offense to win 90+.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 4, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
keylargo
Re Peavy. No thanks, if it involves KJ or Yunel. It would open a hole that’s not readily filled.
The team needs bats more than arms now.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 4, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this
Also it goes without saying that Hanson or Heyward could not be part of any Peavy negotiations, not that they would have been.
If there’s no money for Jermaine Dye, who’s a bigger need right now, there’s surely no money for Peavy.
And BTW, now that the Phillies are reportedly out on Ohman — if he does fall to the Braves, my guess is, Glavine won’t be signed unless it’s for a very small amount of money — $1million, $2million tops.
By Mitchie-san
February 4, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this
*DOB! ACCORDING TO KEN ROSENTHAL’S LATEST REPORT THE PHILLIES ARE OUT ON OHMAN!!!
What are the chances that he resigns by the end of the week? *
That is a good scoop, I dont thing Rosenthal needs to resign after that. He does a good job.
By Mitchie-san
February 4, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this
Dang, I jacked that whole joke up. ~sigh~ It’s early…
By RC
February 4, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
I was looking at the site fangraphs.com, and they have a stat on each players page that lists the “value” produced by that player for every season of their career. Curious as to how the Braves offseason pitching acquisitions stack up to the contracts they are under, I figured up the average value over the last 3 years of Lowe and Vazquez (Japanesee players aren’t available). In addition, with the Mets signing of Oliver Perez to a 3-year, $36 million deal, I added him and Santana to the list. Here are the breakouts:
Lowe: 3 year average - $17.6 M 2009 salary - $15 M Difference - +$2.6 M
Vazquez: 3 year average - $20.4 M 2009 salary - $11.5 M Difference - +$8.9 M
Perez: 3 year average - $4.8 M 2009 salary - $12 M Difference - ($7.2 M)
Santana: 3 year average - $22.3 M 2009 salary - $20 M Difference - +$2.3 M
Based on some regression, it looks like Lowe and Santana are signed for pretty close to what they can be expected to be worth in 2009. Vazquez could end up being a HUGE bargin for the Braves, but considering the talent they gave up to acquire him I’d say his value is about even as well. But the Perez signing looks TERRIBLE for the Mets based on this information. While the Braves probably won’t ever spend as much as the Mets, at least we can continue to count on Minaya to spend the money he does have very poorly.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
its too late in the game to trade for peavy. the braves arent going to go near that.
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this
Mitchie-san, I’d say it definitely increases the likelihood of an Ohman return to Atlanta, but I’ll see if I can find out anything more. Just walked in the house, been downtown at the office all morning.
By ncscoots
February 4, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
Steve-OH, I know Francoeur has shown little to inspire confidence, but some little voice (perhaps an evil one, who’s to know?) keeps piping up in my head every once in a while, saying only, “Gifts.”
The guy is just so physically talented that it’s difficult for me to relegate him to less than “star”, at least as far as his ceiling goes. That, having seen countless other gifted athletes fail as baseball players, but there you go. I guess I always think that the gods would not waste such ability on those who cannot or will not put it to productive use, LOL, and I hold on to that premise until the player convincingly and irrefutably lays waste to it.
I like to think of myself as a realistic optimist, but I admit that I have more than one blind spot in that outlook. Francoeur’s ceiling is probably one of them…
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
Ed In Bama: Glavine didn’t have Tommy John surgery, and he’s 42. So I don’t anticipate him adding velocity (it’s after TJ surgery when pitchers have been known to add velocity).
By ncscoots
February 4, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
—SS is K.Johnson’s original position—
And his minor league performance there is one of the reasons his major league performance there doesn’t exist.
And I love the guy. But I also saw him play SS in the minors, and it was less than pretty. That was a long time ago (in baseball years) and on bad minor league fields, but still…
By Curt
February 4, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this
DOB
Will there be any more stories from Camp McDowell by you or Carroll?
Also, I may be a little late getting in on the discussion but I think Stars is probably the best current Canadian band around. 4 strong CDs and they always put on a great show.
By Tommy John
February 4, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this
So DOB your saying that having Tommy Johnson surgery does not improve velocity, so Glavine is still a soft “tosser.”
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this
Kenny Rosenthal wrote in his account of the Manny/Dodgers saga:
… At that point, Ramirez seemingly would be at the Giants’ mercy, and perhaps left with no choice but to accept a contract for one or two years at say, $18 million per season.
Such a deal would make him miserable, perhaps as miserable as he was in his final days in Boston — the place where he needed to escape rather than submit to the tyranny of two $20 million club options.
If Ramirez gets less than the Red Sox might have paid him, look out. He destroyed his reputation to force his way out of Boston. Accepting a paycut would compel him to ask, “Why the heck did I bother?”
DESTROYED HIS REP? Well, maybe in most quarters. But not with a segment of folks here on the ol’ blog, who apparently don’t care if Ramirez jaked it with the Sox to get out of those option years, then flipped the switch and became Hall-of-Fame Manny again as soon as he got to L.A. No, with them it’s do whatever it takes to sign “ManRam” (and I cringe even typing that nickname, by the way, which has to rank among the worst in recent memory. Can we at least just call him Manny? I mean, I never heard anyone in Boston say, “Oh, that’s just ManRam being ManRam….”)
By Ed in Bama
February 4, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB, I was under the impression that it was Tommy John. My Bad
By Mike
February 4, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
DOB The new Bon Iver is really good. Similar to For Emma Forever Ago. It’s only an EP but a must have if you liked his other one. Regrettably, I didn’t know about him until after I went to a Wilco show where he warmed up. Didn’t even go in until after he played; totally missed :(
By Roach
February 4, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Tommy Jonigan is one hilarious comedian.
By YoungBuck
February 4, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
DOB When is the next day the media is allowed in “Camp Reoger”?
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Curt, completely forgot about Stars. I’ve got one of their CDs, “Set Yourself On Fire,” and it’s as good as its title. Very.
Don’t know if we’ll have any more stories out of pitching camp. Gotta save stuff for the daily grind once we get to Florida in a week and a half.
By dmack
February 4, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this
DOB
Any thoughts on if the Braves might be interested in trading for Delmon Young?
Dont know what it would require in terms of prospects, but he is cheap, right handed, and good defensively.
Assuming his attitude is in check, do you see this as a viable option for the Braves?
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this
YoungBuck, the camp’s open to media all week (it ends Friday)
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
If I were the Giants, I would pay Manny handsomly! Hw wopuld most certainly turn them into a World series contender. If they aren’t already!
By cucamelfan
February 4, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know when individual game tickets go on sale. Just went to atlantabraves.com and they only have preseason games at turner field for sale now. Thanks
By Wayne in Utah
February 4, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this
As the Manny saga grows longer, the smile on my face grows wider and wider…..
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
Sure wish this thing had an edit after post feature for all us careless typists. Not to mention the ability to retract stupid comments I make!!
By Jim
February 4, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
WSox offer to Abreu “BS.”
From CBSSports: “Yesterday ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick wrote that the White Sox “floated the possibility of a one-year $8MM contract” for Bobby Abreu this week, and that flotation caused talks to stall. One obstacle in the Sox signing Abreu is Jermaine Dye and the $11.5MM he has coming. It makes little sense for a team to give up prospects for Dye when they could just sign Abreu or Adam Dunn for a similar amount.”
Today Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times confirmed that no official offer was made to Abreu, and heard from a Sox source who called the rumor “BS” and suggested Abreu’s agent Peter Greenberg “is trying to drum up interest for his player.”
Another report from CBSSports:
“According to Larry Stone of the Seattle Times, free agent outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. is “believed to be looking for a one-year deal in the $5 million to $6 million base salary range, would pay for himself with the boost in attendance he would provide.” I’m skeptical on both fronts - that Griffey expects that kind of base salary and that he’d drive that much extra revenue.
“Griffey seems to be the Mariners’ backup plan, as they’re currently trying to move money to pay for Bobby Abreu or perhaps Garret Anderson (the Twins have “lost their appetite” for Jarrod Washburn trade, says Joe Christensen). Trading for an outfielder is another viable option for Seattle, and if it’s for an affordable player they might not have to unload salary. Griffey’s agent Brian Goldberg admitted that his client is the fallback option for several teams.”
“Griffey is open to playing anywhere, but his friend Harold Reynolds said, “I know he’d love to be back [in Seattle].” Reynolds added: “I think they need to do it. He’s such an icon to the game of baseball. He’s going to play one more year, maybe two at the most. He needs to retire as a Mariner. He’s still got something left. I think he’d be fantastic for that team.”
Griffey has to be dreaming. He hit .201 against LHP last year (33/163). He was better against RHP, .272/.383/.461 - OPS: .844; 14/48 in 347 ABs. So, less power than the previously recommended Eric Hinske, Jr., but still a stronger LH bat than B’s currently have in OF.
Problem for B’s - they have better places to spend $5MM - unless he’s the last bat standing. B’s, as DOB has suggested, would probably go to ST without KGJr. to see if they could avoid spending what he wants.
If Ohman and Glavine will cost at least $5MM between them - and agree B’s should sign Ohman and probably Glavine - then how much is left for an OF power hitter?
Griffey for $3.5MM to $5MM, or Nady for $6.5MM (less any ML salaries of talent give in trade)? For $6MM, or so, I’d take Nady - he can play every day against LHP and RHP. It seems that is true - in ‘08, Nady hit .203 in 59 ABs against LHP for Yankees; but hit .313/.956 in 67 ABs against LHP for Pirates. Against RHP, his #s greatly exceed Griffey’s: .317/.881; 19/76 in 429 ABs. If Nady is worth $6.5 in ‘09, then KGJr. is hardly worth $4MM - no one wants to pay him for his “farewell tour.” Not the B’s anyway.
By Mitchie-san
February 4, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB You are the man.
By Kentavo
February 4, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
Hey folks, snap out of it - we are not pursuing a Peavy trade. We added three starting pitchers at pretty substantial cost. While I’d love to have Peavy, look at it realistically, please.
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this
DOB You should check out Ill Scarlett Up and coming Canadian Band . Still maturing, but good potential!
By N8
February 4, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this
Steve O
My reasoning for not being desperate for a LF right now has to reasons.
1) I think that if Diaz is healthy, a platoon of Brandon Jones and Diaz could easily knock in a 100 RBI (granted the 40 HR wouldn’t be there), but I couldn’t care less about HR, the RBI matter more to me.
2) With the improved pitching (surely not gonna be as dominant as the “Big 3” in the 90’s - but improved none the less), should be enough to keep us “in it” through June or so. THEN we can make a move to shore up any neccesary needs (which very well could still be LF by then). But if we sign Dunn and spend the rest of the money, and we need a “boost” in July, then what?
NOT signing a LF and spending the remainder of the surplus, leaves Wren some wiggle room.
DAP
Good point about the SLG percentage. Too many on here are so enamored with the HR total. Me? I’d rather focus on good hitters up and down the lineup.
With that as my stance, I’d prefer Abreu over Dunn.
Like I said to Steve O, when you take what Diaz did in 07 (assuming he’s healthy), against LHP (9HR - 27 RBI in 188 AB), and what B. Jones did last year against RHP (1 HR - 17 RBI in 101 AB), which adds up to 10 HR and 34 RBI in 289 AB’s.
I don’t think a platoon of those two combining for 20+ HR and 75-100 RBI is out of line. Add to that, they’l cost quite a few million less than Dunn and Abreu. Which, like I also said to Steve O, leaves Wren some room to make moves mid-season.
That all being said (if Dunn or Abreu’s price comes down to between 3-5 million dollars, by all means Mr. Wren, make the move.
But people, if Wren wouldn’t give Smoltz the extra 3 million dollars, he’s NOT gonna give 8-10 million dollars to Dunn or Abreu, nor will he trade a top prospect for Dye (along with paying his salary).
By Anders
February 4, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this
“As the Manny saga grows longer, the smile on my face grows wider and wider…..” - Wayne in Utah
Be careful, you won’t be smiling if he falls into the Mets lap like Santana did. Not overly likely, but since the Braves are not remotely in the Manny stakes you should be just as happy to have him tucked away in the West imo.
By Bubdylan
February 4, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this
Yesterday I saw for the umpteenth time where somebody said Philly, last year, was successful because several players had career years. Hard to repeat that, etc. I’ll take their word for it because I ain’t looking up all those stats.
Baseball being so mental - so reliant on confidence and rhythm - I was wondering if it might not be more true to say that the Phillies’ success caused several players to have career years. In other words, it might not be such a freak thing as attributing it to the individual players makes it sound.
The point (I hope I have one, cuz I keep typing words) is; I’d bet a high percentage of good contending years are made out of similar stuff. Momentum, I guess. Things start going right and then they just get … righter and righter.
I’m not saying any old talent-lacking club can make a great run. But I’d say a team like the 2009 Braves might be a more winning team than the sum of its parts suggests, if they get going right.
A hot streak by Kelly out of the gate. Francoeur hits .265 in April with a couple of dramatic hits. The #’s 4 and 5 starters each win their first two games. And VOILA - contenders.
I know a 162 game schedule will eventually show what weaknesses a team has, but like I said, it’s not as if it would take a miracle for this squad to win games. Could a hot April/May do something to permanently change the team?
Okay, I just took 4 paragraphs to say: if this team gets lucky early, they might be good enough to keep the momentum all year. Is that me being a homer? Or is it the way contending seasons actually work? Anybody know these answers? Or a more important question: what are the mathematical odds that the drawer on my bedside table would break into three pieces just because I opened it, then five minutes later the coffee machine would go t*ts up just because I pushed the BREW button? Cuz that was the first ten minutes of my morning today. :/
By wide right
February 4, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this
I am surpised the Braves apparently showed no interest in Ty Wigginton. To me, he seemed like the perfect fit:
-modest power from a right handed bat -can play left field, back up Chipper at 3rd and play 2nd -cheap enough to allow them to also get Ohman and Glavine
When it comes to trades/accquisitions, I am one of those people who believes the paid experts know more than i do…and if Wren didnt want him he had to have his reasons. But they are beyond me.
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this
Bubdylan Then we are left with the question was it luck or just a natural maturation process. Did the luck cause the maturation or the other way around? All we are left with are circular arguments. Just write the day off and start again tomorrow! If the Braves are contenders its because they are the best team in baseball! The inevitable logic of every Braves fan!
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this
Chipper and Jimmy Rollins doing a conference call for WBC beginning right now. I’ll be on it, let you know if anything interesting comes out of it.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this
” Too many on here are so enamored with the HR total. Me? I’d rather focus on good hitters up and down the lineup.”
“With that as my stance, I’d prefer Abreu over Dunn.” N8
me too.
bubdylan very funny, and true post. i especially like the part where you hope you have a point because you keep typing words.
By N8
February 4, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this
Bubdylan
I think you have a good point. So often, people talk about Bobby and what not putting people into position to have career years (which is certainly the case many times), in terms of guys who are cast-offs, never have beens, or never will be’s again.
But I think there is something to be said for success (as a team), causing great individual success. Not neccesarily the other way around.
A relaxed environment, where no 2 or 3 players have all the pressure to carry the team, seemingly would do wonders for many players.
I know football is different than baseball, but how often do you see a #2 or #3 WR go to another team for big bucks, where he is asked to be “the star” and he can’t handle the pressure, or deliver?
On my Chiefs, Tamba Hali had very nice sack totals as the #2 guy playing LE, when Jared Allen was the RE. But didn’t have so much luck being the RE himself this past year.
In other words, if a guy is ONLY asked to do what the manager deems he is capable of doing. He can relax and do what got him to the dance.
Which is why our rotation struggled last year. Too many guys being asked to do more than they are capable of (especially the young guys that very well might turn into good pitchers - but aren’t there yet).
Another example, would be asking/expecting Francoeur to be the clean-up hitter. Lack of pressure, (or less of it), should garner more success. One would think.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this
wideright its probably because defensively, wigginton is bad, everywhere. especially left field. and i think that wren puts alot of emphasis on that.
By rw2112
February 4, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this
No Manny!!! The guy has no heart and if he was your teammate you would just wait for him to get disgruntled and stop playing. There is no love of the game there. It is all about Manny’s ego.
Be thankful for the guys like Chipper who step up and play hurt or alter there contract to help the team.
Manny for his talent gets a free ticket for his behavior. BS, if we are to condemn Bonds, Clemens, McGwire, etc for steroids then Manny should be at the top of the list. He quit on his team!!! None of the other guys (that used or might have used steroids) ever did it with the intention of hurting there team.
As far as I am concerned, if you quit on your team that is right up there with Black Sox. Except Manny will get voted into the HOF. Which should make any purist SICK that MAnny will get there and Pete Rose (for gambling after his career) will not!
No quitters, RW…
By brent a.
February 4, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this
Ken Griffey Jr. is “believed to be looking for a one-year deal in the $5 million to $6 million base salary range, would pay for himself with the boost in attendance he would provide.” I’m skeptical on both fronts - that Griffey expects that kind of base salary and that he’d drive that much extra revenue.
It really depends on how big Terrence Moore’s family is.
By Efrim
February 4, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
“Be careful, you won’t be smiling if he falls into the Mets lap like Santana did. Not overly likely, but since the Braves are not remotely in the Manny stakes you should be just as happy to have him tucked away in the West imo.”
I want the Dodgers and Manny to come to an agreement, yesterday. That said, after hearing Omar on Boomer and Carton this morning, I get the feeling they are all set on the majority of the roster.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
scoots, I hear that little voice too, but when I tell my shrink about it, he tells me he thinks it’s crazy.
By mbatl
February 4, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
N8, I agree with you (hey, you haven’t heard that line much lately, eh?) about LF.
If we sign a big bat, great. But I’m not at all concerned about starting the year with an OF of Francouer, Anderson or Schafer, and a Diaz/BJones semi-platoon (cause Diaz can hit RHP too - wouldn’t have to be a straight platoon).
By Bubdylan
February 4, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
brent a, pretty funny at 2:17.
By dogsbrekky
February 4, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
Was going to see Che today but noticed it is on Time Warner Cable, channel 1000 for only $6, you beauty, will let you boys know if it is any good…
By BravesFanInRockies
February 4, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
DOB
The “destroying his rep” line is pretty dang funny, I’ll agree.
All of which suggests that if you’re willing to pay Manny around $25 million a year, you may get a future HOF. But if you’re not, then he thinks he’s entitled to loaf or pout or forget to go after fly balls or maybe commit 2nd degree battery on your front office staff.
Of course, you could pay him the big bucks and he still might misbehave.
So Braves fans, do you still want to sign this guy? I mean, not to your fantasy team, but to the real club?
By dogsbrekky
February 4, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
Also I recommend a French movie called “UV” also on cable “movies on demand” at this time
Manny may cook his own chook…. he and Boras may not understand there is a depression out there in the real world
By Lee in S GA
February 4, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
brent a that was funny. I almost sprayed my cola on the computer screen when I read it.
By getnathan
February 4, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
I would LOVE to have Manny on our team!!!!!!
Despite his antics, his stats speak for themselves!! He would instantly make every in the lineup better. But Braves can’t afford him (sigh). That being said, I’m still looking forward to the season. Even more so than I did in 1992 after the Braves turned things around. Anyone agree with me?
By BravesFanInRockies
February 4, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this
getnathan still doesn’t get it.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this
getnathan
to quote (or closely paraphrase) the late great skip caray: “Manny Ramierez says that the Red Sox don’t deserve a player like him. It’s true, and neither does any other team.”
By flange1
February 4, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
I am still amazed at all of the folks that actually would pay Manny to play for the Braves.
After what happened in Boston, I would not want Manny for the ML minimum.
By Run Heap Run
February 4, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
It was around this time last year U Kno Who unexpectedly graced us with his presence for a few hours…I remember because people were asking him what to give their girls for valentine’s day. I hope he pops in again before he goes down to ST or wherever he goes first - is it the WBC (which I hate, btw) first or ST first and then WBC and then back to ST?
By It Had To Be Said Again
February 4, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this
Hey, Jim!!!
The Braves AIN’T “the B’s”.
Show a little respect to the hometown team, and spell it out.
Or do you consider that to be somehow beneath you?
By Mitchie-san
February 4, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
getnathan I for one would love to have Manny on the Braves. He would change the whole dynamic of the team. Not many players can do that. I understand that he can be a baby sometimes, but the man can flat out hit.
I like to think what he could do in a lower profile team like Atlanta. L.A. was still a pretty big market team. Not as big as Boston, but still it was the Dodgers. He said he felt like he was on vacation there…no pressure. I know Atlanta isnt exactly where alot of people go on vacation, but I feel he would enjoy his time here. Could he possibly hit even better in Atlanta? It is an interesting thought to say the least.
And maybe under Bobby he would put the “Manny being Manny” crap in his back pocket and just play. Of course he would be thinking about his next contract, but that is OK with me. He would be knocking the cover off the ball in the mean time.
What if…just what if we did get him and then trade for Peavy (sorry to say his name, denziens). Imagine what that team could do….
Bah, it makes me sad we cant afford him or Peavy. The Braves would definatly be one of the best teams in baseball.
Oh well, back to reality….
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
Chipper likes the composition of this 2009 U.S. WBC team a lot more than the 2006 team that failed to make it to the semifinals. Here’s part of what he said while ago:
“You ever hear that saying, too many chiefs and not enough Indians? I think that was kind of what was happening with that [2006] team,” Jones said. “We had so many stud athletes and egos flying out the door, it was crazy. It was a tremendous amount of fun, don’t get me wrong. But I think this team is better put-together because it’s more well-rounded.”
Hmmm … I just noticed A-Rod’s not on this team.
By BA
February 4, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
Who is this team, “the B’s”? Are they really a factor in the Griffey negotiations, or is some mongoloid actually to lazy to spell out the entire word?
By ncscoots
February 4, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
Steve-OH, re your 2:20: I don’t even need a shrink to know it’s crazy, LOL, and I STILL hear that little sucker.
mbatl, I still like Brandon Jones a little myself. I’d like him more if Francoeur had gone .300/30/100 last year, though. :-) It’s taking a pretty big chance, if Diaz and Jones are platooning at one corner while you’re hoping for a Francoeur rebound, and, at the same time, waiting for Schafer to blossom. Not much wiggle room there for less-than-optimal outcomes.
Still, I’ve thought Jones had a chance to be a solid player, if not a star. Wouldn’t break my heart to see him get some PT this spring.
By nolie
February 4, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
I can’t see why so many of you have Josh Anderson penciled in in the leadoff spot. I would definitely say the job belongs to Schafer unless he loses it. Canadian
Not so sure about that. If he has a super spring he might stick, but I think the idea will be to get him a little seasoning in AAA early in the year.
By Anders
February 4, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
“I want the Dodgers and Manny to come to an agreement, yesterday. That said, after hearing Omar on Boomer and Carton this morning, I get the feeling they are all set on the majority of the roster.” - Efrim
Agreed. I heard Minaya on something yesterday and it sounded that way to me also. Maybe he’s playing possum - doubtful though. Not sureif you get in towards NYC but Big Shea is almost gone. Strange to someone like me who’s seen it there his whole life.
BTW- How much of an idiot is that Carton guy? His schtick isn’t even funny imo.
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this
nolie
I’m pretty sure Schafer will have a super spring. I think he is a future star. I may be proven wrong, but I think he knows how good he is and if you stick him in there, he will excel. I don’t think he wants to start at AAA this year and he’s going to make damn sure he sticks. Just a feeling about the kind of mentality he possesses. He could be exactly what the braves need. Anyway its just one of the little mysteries that makes me look forward to this season.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
canadian id agree with nolie, plus consider that anderson put up a pretty solid .764 OPS when he got to play last year and has amazing speed. he stole 52 bases total last year between majors and minors. that, to me, makes him the CF front runner. no reason to rush shafer, and start his free agent clock.
By rammerjammer
February 4, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this
Canadianbrave,
In 91 ABs vs. RH pitching. Anderson hit .341 in 2008 with a .388 OBP and .527 SLG, while stealing eight bases in nine tries. THAT’s why some pencil him in. He also had a pretty good September, when he played every day, .296/.317/.449, with seven SBs in 25 games.
Is he THE answer? No. He strikes out too much and can’t hit lefties, though he’s only 26 and could improve. But he’s our best CF option right now.
By mbatl
February 4, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this
If Schafer wins the job out of ST (and I hope he does, and suspect he will), there will be some decisions to make on Anderson.
Josh is out of options, I think, and no way he’d clear waivers. So we’d have to trade him or keep him as backup LF/CF.
He really doesn’t make sense in either role (as a lefty; not a good b/u to Schafer, and without much power, not a good backup/platoon in LF - would rather see B Jones there).
I like Josh and think he’ll stick in the majors for a while, but it’s kinda’ hard to see how it could be with Atlanta unless Schafer is just not ready. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.
By Random
February 4, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this
**BravesFanInRockies, getnathan, DAP, flange1, rw2112, Efrim, Anders, Wayne in Utah, Canadianbrave, DOB, Mitchie-san, et al —
I gotta agree with getnathan, Mitchie-san (and a few others)— the Braves would be a significantly better team with Manny Ramirez.
Seems to me that all the negative stuff about him is highly subjective and obviously coming from sources with many axes to grind.
RedSox management/ownership have long been notorious for maliciously trashing players they’re planning to get rid of, and the Boston media have always been eager accomplices and mouthpieces for Sox propaganda.
“Manny quit on the team”? Show me the stats for any period of time longer than two or three games which indicates same.
“After what happened in Boston”? What did happen in Boston — I believe we’ve only ever heard one side of that story.
“flipped the switch and became Hall-of-Fame Manny again as soon as he got to L.A.”? Hmmmmm — almost as if he went from the way toughest division in MLB to the way weakest? Kinda like he went from a club that was trying to force him out so they wouldn’y have to pick up his option to a team that appreciated his contributions? Like that? Exactly when in Boston was he not “Hall-of-Fame Manny”?
“The guy has no heart”? This is a particularly asinine charge — there is a ton of counter evidence and contrary testimony indicating the opposite. Ask me too and I’ll dig up some specific refs.
“There is no love of the game there”? rw2112, you are a particularly ignorant sumbitch. How the h3ll would you even know? Or are you just And insipidly grinning Idiot mouthing mindlessly what you have heard others baselessly charge? Come on, what evidence do you have that Manny has no love of the game?
I suppose you realize that you’ve gotta count Joe Posnanski as one of us who “still doesn’t get it”.
By getnathan
February 4, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that some of you don’t think Manny Ramirez would make the Braves a better team offensively. I thought we Braves fans were smart.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
scoots, ditto on B. Jones. It seems that we’re on the same page today.
I think a Diaz/Jones platoon will be serviceable, but I’d still like a big bat for some peace of mind.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
“Seems to me that all the negative stuff about him is highly subjective” random
most of the negative stuff about him is common knowledge. its been well documented that he is a tough personality to handle.
By nolie
February 4, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
That, having seen countless other gifted athletes fail as baseball players, but there you go. I guess I always think that the gods would not waste such ability on those who cannot or will not put it to productive use, LOL, and I hold on to that premise until the player convincingly and irrefutably lays waste to it Scoots
you are way off there my man. The BBgods waste that kinda talent every day. I’ve seen dozens of guys in the minors with as much or more physical talent as Jeffy has who never even made the bigs. Komminsh and Lombard were as blessed as Jeffy too. If you can’t learn to hit (which is not really dependent on physical talent at all as far as tools are concerned) you ain’t gonna be much of anything. Sorry dude, but one of the few times I really gotta disagree.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this
“I can’t believe that some of you don’t think Manny Ramirez would make the Braves a better team offensively. I thought we Braves fans were smart.” getnathan
speaking of not being smart….
By BravesFanInRockies
February 4, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this
Random
Your assuming the Red Sox front office made all this stuff up? Assaulting the team’s 64-year-old traveling secretary?
Or this, from NBC’s Mike Celzic, just before the trade to LA:
“No matter how sticky the situation, there’s always a right way to handle it — unless it involves Manny Ramirez. “This was proved again over the past three days. On Friday, Manny decided his knee was sore, and he couldn’t play in what would be a loss to the Yankees. On Saturday, the team ordered him to get MRI’s on both knees. That, quipped Bill Chuck, the author of the Billy-Ball newsletter, was just in case Manny forgot which knee was sore. The exams showed no physical damage…. “He’s already shoved the traveling secretary, taken public pot shots at management and now he’d quit on his team in the first game of a series against their hated rivals, all because his feelings were hurt. He may be one of the top five right-handed hitters of the past 50 years, but no team can keep a player who quits on his teammates. If all the Sox could get for him was a used jock strap and a cracked batting helmet, they should take it. It was better than keeping this tumor in the clubhouse.”
This is just one side of the story, right?
I suppose this argument is simply a waste of time because the Braves don’t have the money to sign him, and they’d not try anyway, simply because Schuerholz and Cox steer clear of these kinds of problems. (Yeah, they had Sheffield, but listen, Sheff’s behavior is not in the same universe with Manny’s.)
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
Random
You won’t get any argument from me! I would love to have Manny on the squad. The guy is an RBI machine and just a plain pure hitter. I’m not one to believe any of this media induced, soap opera crap about his emotional state. I don’t see where any of the teams he has been on have suffered greatly while he is there playing ball. The guy may think from the wrong side of the tank, but I have no doubt the Braves would be an instant favorite with him in their lineup! I just don’t see it happening. But you never know! If he is as vindictive as people make him out to be and sees an opportunity to win on the Braves, he might sign with us for a paltry sum just to spite those who doubted that he was worth what he was asking. I don’t think any ball player could produce so much for so long over the course of a career if he didn’t have an intense love for the game. The fact that he wants money is just a natural by-product of that talent and hitting genius. I don’t think you would find one Brave player who wouldn’t welcome Manny into the club house, so they could put that ring on their finger.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 4, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
getnathan
Making the Braves a better offensive team is not the question. You still don’t get it.
By TennesseePaul
February 4, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this
Seems to me that all the negative stuff about him is highly subjective and obviously coming from sources with many axes to grind
Strongly disagree with this. Manny Ramirez would be one helluva bat to add to any lineup, but the “negative stuff” includes horrid defense as well as, for example, his stunt he pulled in Boston. That stunt didn’t need any grinding of an ax. I watched his Boston games when he’d just stand in the batters box and watch the ground balls get fielded and thrown to first. He quit. No other way around it. I watched him in LA when the same grounder was hit he husteled like a mad man. Then after the games said “I want to be a Dodger.” Then immediately after the playoffs said “Gas is up and So is Manny”. He plays for money. More than any other player I’ve seen. Manny Ramirez signed for anything less than what Manny Ramirez thinks he is worth is not the good Manny Ramirez. It’s the halfass one that doesn’t even run out grounders and spends his time in the outfield rolling around in the grass.
By Anders
February 4, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
Random
Not sure why you listed me in your 4:24 as I’m in favor of getting Manny - for the Mets of course. That said, I believe he did most if not all he was accused of up in Bostson. I was actually in Fenway the night he came up lame against the Yankees and couldn’t play. They sent him for an MRI that night etc and found nothing. The crowd was incensed at him. I really couldn’t believe how fast they turned. The fans wanted him gone right then. (keep in mind he had been whining and acting up before then but it really peaked that night). He was also able to play the next day when threatened with disciplanary action.
That said, I really don’t care. What he did in Boston is in the past. Could it happen again? Possibly, I really doubt it but possibly. I think if he did try it again he might have to deal with some disciplanary stuff with Selig this time. I’m more than willing to take the risk for what he brings to the plate. No pitcher wants to see him come to the plate. Look what happened to Big Papi after he left.
He must work very hard at his game. No way you walk up to the plate and deliver what he does at his age just naturally - no way.
Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Ramirez, Delgado, Church, Schneider, Castillo, Pitcher.
I just got a chill.
By TennesseePaul
February 4, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
Yeah, they had Sheffield, but listen, Sheff’s behavior is not in the same universe with Manny’s
Sheff’s behavior was probably roid rage anyway. A chemical imbalance is probably more tolerable than a childish mindset.
By getnathan
February 4, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this
BRAVESFANINROCKIES
But isn’t that the point of getting Manny? Making the team better? Speaking of someone who doesn’t get it. Must be the altitude. I’ll give you a pass.
By ncscoots
February 4, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
nolie, guess I might have said “should not waste”, instead. You’re right, and I’ve seen a glut of talented guys whiff, too, and citing Lombard is a great example by you.
In the end, though, I’m still the dopey optimist when it comes to people fulfilling their potential, LOL. Don’t try to confuse me with facts. :-)
By BravesFanInRockies
February 4, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
I don’t think you would find one Brave player who wouldn’t welcome Manny into the club house, so they could put that ring on their finger.Canadianbrave
That’s an interesting question, actually. I wonder what the reaction in the Braves clubhouse would be if the team were talking about signing Manny.
By flange1
February 4, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
“The Braves would be a better team with Manny”
They probably would be a better team with Barry Bonds.
Or Mark McGuire. Or Roger Clemens.
Do we want those guys as well?
To me it’s a character issue more so than a performance issue.
And Random, what do you think of Manny knocking down the team’s traveling secretary for not getting him enough tickets on 1 day’s notice?
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 4, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
Run Heap Run “is it the WBC (which I hate, btw) first or ST first and then WBC and then back to ST?”
They report to Spring Training at the regular time, then leave for that thing on…I think it’s March 2. And if we’re lucky, they’ll come back to Spring Training for a few fleeting March moments…I think…
I really dislike that thing, too…wouldn’t bug me half as much if it wasn’t in March.
Chipper made his Blog Debut on February 6 (that night). It’s easy for me to remember because that’s the day before my brother’s birthday.
By THE BEAR
February 4, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
If Manny was such an outstanding citizen why are there no teams standing in line waiting to try to sign him? The Dodgers want no part of him for more than one year. If his Boston reputation was untrue why would that be so much of a problem with the Dodgers? Sure they offered him a two year $45 mil contract at the beginning but after the acrimony that has flown between the Dodgers and Boras (“we’ll talk when someone makes a serious offer”) I don’t believe they will do it again. Of course I could be wrong but I don’t think so.
Manny is a potential cancer on any team on which he plays and he is not going to change.
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Ramirez, Delgado, Church, Schneider, Castillo, Pitcher.
I just got a chillAnders
Probably just a cringe thinking of that clubhouse chemistry.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 4, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this
flange1
What you said.
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this
If Manny is a cancer and he almost single handedly got LA into the playoffs last year, then he’s the kind of cancer I wouldn’t mind on my team. I think if you follow all the great teams over the years you will find controversy surrounding their stars. Its all part of the media game and it sells tickets.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this
Driveline Mechanics thinks the Oliver Perez deal is a bad one. Thoughts?
By Mitchie-san
February 4, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this
* If Manny was such an outstanding citizen why are there no teams standing in line waiting to try to sign him? *
I dont think his character is as big of and issue (like Bonds). I think its the 100 Brazillion dollars he wants that is keeping teams away.
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
I gotta agree with getnathan, Mitchie-san (and a few others) — the Braves would be a significantly better team with Manny Ramirez.
Seems to me that all the negative stuff about him is highly subjective and obviously coming from sources with many axes to grind.Random
Just think if you were a GM, Random. You’d be the one guy smart enough to see through all the “subjective” negative reports on Manny and you’d be able to sign him for way below market value, since no other team has offered him even half the enormous contract he expected, and no team other than the Dodgers (one year, $25 mill) is known to have an offer on the table for him. Hey, but the Giants might be interested (after all, when you’ve had the Barry circus….)
But I guess you don’t find it telling that so many other teams are conspicuously steering clear of a player who is one of the two or three best hitters in baseball (along with Pujols and possibly A-Rod).
No, you just believe they’re all foolish for caring about his character and the fact that his teammates in Boston wanted him gone in the middle of a pennant race, and you believe it’s not highly unusual that Boston paid his entire remaining salary to get rid of him last year at the apex of said pennant race.
OK, Random. You win. Everyone who disagrees with you is wrong for caring about anything other than the lines on Manny’s stat sheet. What he does other than hit just doesn’t matter, be it quitting on his team, faking a knee injury (wait a second, which knee did I say was sore?), shoving a 64-year-old team official to the ground in the dugout because he couldn’t get Manny 16 tickets to that day’s game … all of that is so subjective anyway, right?
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this
I’m not certain exactly what the Brave’s players reactions would be. I’m sure they would be positive. But!!! I’m certain that the mets and the phillies players would be changing their boxers.
By Frank
February 4, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this
I would be all for signing Manny the player….not Manny the person.
His stats speak for themselves but his personality also speaks fot itself too.
I mean, c’mon….rejecting a 1-yr, $45M deal and then rejecting a 1-yr, $25M deal when everyone including their dogs are being laid off and/or losing their jobs, completely is JUST insane.
DOB, I don’t know if you’ll agree with me….but where are the days of players signing for big money because they wanted to play the game of baseball because they loved to play….NOT because of the stinking damn money.
Tex’s deal with the Yanks made me sick as well. $180M????? Are you kidding me????? :>O
All the players today are all money, money, money, money. Makes me sick.
By Mike
February 4, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this
I don’t think anyone can argue that Manny would help our team. But its the drama that he brings with him that would be an issue. In the end, all the evidence points to Manny being that type of guy that only listens to Manny. We all know how important team chemistry is and Manny can destroy that. Whether he would or not is in question. Yeah, he could come here and ignite the team and play out of his mind like he did in his short stint in LA, or he could just do what he wants, when he wants. You just never know what Manny you will get on a day-to-day basis. I for one would not complain if we signed him, though I would hold my breathe hoping for the “good” Manny. But I can understand, even if we had the money, why the Braves wouldn’t want to take the chance.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna have to go with DOB, BFIR, et al on this one. While Manny is an excellent player and would make our team better, make no mistake, his attitude is too big of a problem for me. And that says a lot, because I don’t place as much of a premium on clubhouse chemistry as some.
But refusing to play? Shoving a 64-year old man? Inexcusable. It’s one thing to have a few off-the-field boo-boos that your teammates may or may not care about, but when you can rile up an entire clubhouse like he did, I’d say that there is a little bit more going on than has even come out in the media. Remeber a lot of what happens in the clubhouse stays in the clubhouse (unless you’re Joe Torre or Jose Canseco).
Seriously, he was refusing to play. C’mon. You’ve gotta have a little bit more love for the game than that. Now he’s refusing 25 MM a year? That screams a “me” player, not a team player.
But he is good. Won’t debate you on that one. We just don’t need him that badly like the Dodgers seemingly do.
By Bubdylan
February 4, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this
At the end of the season last year, I was checking in with the Mets board. There was an argument going on about bringing a clubhouse cancer type (might have even been Manny, but I can’t remember) to the team. Somebody said something like “character of a player matters to the fans, too.” The response to that was “Don’t be an old lady; not everybody can be the friggin’ Braves.” No lie, it was just like that, and on the Mets board. Anyway, I hope that reputation sticks around. No Manny please.
By Josh from Columbus
February 4, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Any chance of us landing Griffey or Manny? A friend of mine txt’ed me that we might be in the hunt for The Kid (Griffey, for those that don’t know). Let me know.
By Chop Chop
February 4, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this
Chipper seems to think that David Wright is a hell of a player.
Here’s the quote from DOB’s story:
“I am a huge David Wright fan,” said Jones, who won last season’s NL batting title with a .364 average at age 36. “How could you not want to sit back and see how David Wright goes about his business, how he prepares mentally for games? David Wright is probably the best all-around third baseman in the National League, if not [all of] baseball.”
Awesome. Why don’t you just go MAKE OUT WITH HIM, CHIPPER??????
Chipper’s a traitor. Time to trade him and get this evil man off our beloved club. I’ve wasted blood, sweat, and tears agonizing over whether I want to pay $25 for a Braves cap before. How dare Chipper do this to us! How dare he! How he dare! Dare he? How?!?!?!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I’m bored.)
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
C’mon DOB
I’m sure your not that naive!! I’ll bet that there are a couple of dozen GM’s druelling at the thought of placing Manny in the order. They just can’t get it done financially. I’ll bet you think that Glavine was a greedy so and so because he opted to go to the Mets because he felt it important that he gain fair market value and what about that greedy Smoltz deserting his roots for that chance to hold that ring one more time. Lets be serious here. Its about money!!! Don’t you ever consider that its the agents and greedy owners that create these monstrous egos in the first place. Manny just wants what he deserves. To be paid like you said one of the top 3 hitters in the game. It seems to me that the only egos bigger the Manny’s are the egos of the owners who don’t like to be crossed by the players who are putting the money in their pockets in the first place.
By Mitchie-san
February 4, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this
Let me clarify my feelings on the Manny thing. I dont condone pushing old people. That is pretty weak. Being in the military, we push nothing but teamwork on our sailors from the moment you step off the bus in Boot Camp. Him quitting on his team is inexcusable.
I just like the idea of his bat in the Braves’ lineup.
By mbatl
February 4, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this
There are about 28, maybe 29, teams in baseball who meet the following criteria:
(1) Manny Ramirez would really help our offense;
(2) We don’t need/want Manny’s prima donna attitude in our clubhouse; and
(3) We can’t afford the $$ Manny Ramirez wants.
Braves are one of the 28. Get over it, people.
By Ken Strickland
February 4, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this
Why not keep things in the realm of reality. The Braves can’t afford, nor are they willing to pay, the kind of money for the number of yrs Manny is demanding. They definitely won’t pay that kind of money for a player that’s a defensive liability, with a me 1st attitude and a willingness to be a disruptive force when he doesn’t get his way.
Pitching has been the problem for the Braves over the last few yrs, not OFF. This will be the 1st time in a while our pitching won’t be dependent upon key starters, like Smoltz, Hampton and Hudson, being successful after coming off major injuries. The Braves established the blueprint for a franchise and team winning consistently. That’s why we see teams going all out, and even fighting(Boston vs NY), to load up on quality starting pitchers.
The Braves pitching staff has the potential to be dominate once again, which will improve our overall DEF, and also lessens the need for more OFF production. The other reason the Braves have faultered has been the lack of an effective leadoff hitter. When we were winning all of those titles we had 2 of the leagues premier leadoff hitters(Nixon and F*******). Without them, and without quality, healthy starting piching, we’ve faultered.
By T Brown
February 4, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this
If by quitting on the Red Sox means he played in 22 of the last 24 games before being traded while having the best June/July of anyone in baseball.. then I’ll take that quitter!
By Greg
February 4, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this
This is horrible news that Chipper and McCann will play in the WBC. I believe this exhibition series was the primary contributor to Francouer’s decline. It takes players away from the serious business of getting ready for the season. McCann not being in camp to learn how to work with Lowe, Kawakami, and Vazquez borders on irresponsible. I understand their desire to have USA on their uniforms, but the WBC is not the Olympics.
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this
C�mon DOB
Iďż˝m sure your not that naive!! Iďż˝ll bet that there are a couple of dozen GMďż˝s druelling at the thought of placing Manny in the order. They just canďż˝t get it done financially…. Lets be serious here. Its about money!!! Donďż˝t you ever consider that its the agents and greedy owners that create these monstrous egos in the first place. Manny just wants what he deserves.Canadianbrave
Oh, my.
There’s no reasoning with you.
So do you think the Sox got rid of Manny, paid him to go away during the pennant race, because they knew they had a chance to add Jason Bay?
By N8
February 4, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
Bubdylan
Somebody actually said: “Don’t be an old lady; not everybody can be the friggin’ Braves.” on a Mets blog?
Well, I guess they’re right. There can only be 6 4th place finishers in baseball, right?
OK, that was a low blow.
But here’s the thing. You (not you specifically - people in general), can’t have it both ways when arguing for Cox.
Cox is supposed to be the best field general around who ALL PLAYERS respect and would give their left maple-nut to play for.
So what’s the problem? Are people saying that Manny wouldn’t respect Bobby, and Bobby couldn’t keep him in line?
Just posing the question.
IMO, if Bobby is as good at keeping people in line, and commanding respect, Manny should have been at the top of the Braves list for a 2 or 3 year contract for LF until Heyward is ready (not sure which corner spot he’ll play).
I think Manny appears to be a jerk, and going back to those classic Boston/Clevland playoff games in 97, he’s ALWAYS been lazy in the field and on the basepaths.
But we’re talking about one of the Top 5 overall hitters (power, average, patience, approach…), in all of baseball. In fact all “drama” asside, the ONLY player who’s bat I’d rather have in my lineup would be Pujols.
That being said, I understand why the Braves don’t want him.
By Run Heap Run
February 4, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks McFann
LOL @ DOB’s zinger @ 5:10 +1 for you.
By N8
February 4, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this
T Brown
I looked those numbers up earlier today to, but didn’t post them, because by saying he “quit” on the Red Sox has never meant that he didn’t continue raking at the plate.
By whining about HIS contract, in the middle of a pennant race when the rest of his teammates were focusing on the games at hand, he mentally had “quit” on the team.
Manny treat his AB’s like a pinata bashing contest (in other words, wear a blind fold and have somebody spin him around before entering the batters box), and still probably hit better than Francoeur. But if his attitude was killing a veteran club-house like Boston, what do you think his attitude would do to a young club-house like ours?
My Chiefs are going through the same thing right now with Tony Gonzalez. He’s whining and moaning that he wants out (again), pretty much calling out Pioli for rebuilding (what else was a new GM gonna do?).
KC radio guys are saying he’ll get traded, because Pioli isn’t gonna want him “poisoning” the young guys by publically whining about management, essentially showing them that if it’s OK for the locker-room leader to do it, why wouldn’t they do it?
I’d LOVE to have Manny’s bat. HEll, if 6 months of Manny showing Francoeur how to hit would turn him around, give the man some money. But before too long his attitude would drag things down.
By Rick Astley
February 4, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this
“You ever hear that saying, too many chiefs and not enough Indians? I think that was kind of what was happening with that [2006] team,” Jones said. “We had so many stud athletes and egos flying out the door, it was crazy. It was a tremendous amount of fun, don’t get me wrong. But I think this team is better put-together because it’s more well-rounded.”
So Chipper is basically saying this year’s American team is better because it is less talented?
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
Sorry guys, I just feel that the game should be played with integrity, and I don’t think Manny brings that to us. If I was coaching high school or little league I would demand it, just as I would if I were a big league manager. Like I said, I’m pretty lenient with off-field issues, so long as there aren’t any Pacman incidents flying about, but I do have issues with players that won’t play hard or feel that they are “entitled” to more than 25MM/year when a club has already presented 2 very reasonable offers. Manny is a me-first player that doesn’t respect the game. And I do have a serious problem with that. The dude is a great ballplayer but doesn’t deserve to be. He can go “be Manny” elsewhere, for all I care. We can find other players that will do just fine for us, even if they aren’t out there right this instant.
Besides, we can’t afford him folks. Money talks, right?
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this
Josh From Columbus: Do you mean Manny Ramirez, the guy who used to play for Boston, aka “ManRam”? I think you might be the first to bring up his name here. We’ll toss it around.
By AR Brave
February 4, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this
Screw the idea of ManRam, er, Manny. Dude is a cancer that should be kept out of the league for his actions last year quitting on his team. That is not baseball, that’s being a pansy. That’s weak. So many great ball players from other eras have given a lot to the game only to have Manny spit in their faces. He is a disgrace to baseball.
If there is any way of spinning Vazquez off as a salary dump and putting together a package without Hanson and Heyward to try to get The Alabama Native that hunts. Load up on the arms Bravos and be ready to spring in 2010. We have a shot this year but man, if we got that kind of rotation in ‘10 we would be a bat or two away from going far.
Plug in Schafer in CF this year and let the guy play. He will be an upgrade to what we have been playing there. Keep Frenchy and teach the kid instead of threaten him. Help him learn.
That is a lot of ifs and buts. And we all know what makes a merry Christmas. Let’s just all be thankful that baseball is right around the corner and good Lord willing we will be here to see it through.
By TennesseePaul
February 4, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this
CanadianBrave: That was probably the worst logic I’ve seen concerning Manny. There is no doubt every team in baseball would love to have that bat in their line up. But there is a painfully obvious lack of interest in having that person on the team. Aside from the NL vs AL issues with an aging left fielder, every single team that is “druelling” over signing Manny at a bargain rate when the Dodgers finally move on is wiping all that druel off their face every time they look at what Manny did when he thought he wasn’t getting paid as one of the top hitters in the game. Manny might be had for less than he wants, but by that time he’s sat out too long… you’re buying a rotten apple, not the ripe, delicious one you saw on the tree. It isn’t simply a matter of owner ego. That line of logic is boarder line “collusion” talk but it doesn’t add up with what is going on in the real world.
By brent a.
February 4, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this
As I’ve said before, I haven’t really taken a position on Manny Ramirez.
However, in response to N8’s last post, I submit the name: Dennis Rodman.
We all know that Dennis Rodman was a head case during almost his entire time in San Antonio; yet, that didn’t keep the Bulls (with Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan) from trading Will Perdue for Dennis prior to the the ‘95-‘96 season.
The Bulls knew that getting a player of Rodman’s caliber was what it would take to slow down Horace Grant (no one had an answer for Shaquille O’Neal, other than to foul him) and get through the Eastern Conference and back to the Finals. Grant had dominated the Bulls during the Magic’s 4-2 series win over the Bulls in the ‘95 ECF.
So, they took a chance, and won 3 straight titles.
That trade is one of the most lop-sided in NBA history, for my money. Rodman was just sitting there for the Bulls, and they snagged him. A brilliant move.
What if the Bulls had refused to make that trade?
The reality is that there may have been no more titles in Chicago. Shaquille O’Neal may have never left Orlando and the Shaq-Penny era goes down as one of the NBA’s great dynasties.
But, the Bulls made the move.
The let “Dennis be Dennis” off the court, while keeping him “mostly” in tow on the court. Yes, he had some issues, including kicking that camera man (whose physical response seemed to be contrived, but I can’t prove that); but, at the end of the day, it never cost the Bulls on the court, and helped them win 3 more championships.
Different sport. Different player. But, a similar reward may await the team who is willing to sign Ramirez.
By The Seven Words You Can Never Say
February 4, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this
Brand new idea: Braves should sign ManRam.
By nolie
February 4, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this
Scoots
yep it is such an enigma in many way concerning learning to hit. The think about George was that he was not only very gifted physically but he was a very bright young man(which still didn’t help)…and an extremely good person. I was very disappointed for him that he never made it.
As I’m sure you know it’s more about hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and good muscle memory than it is about other physical capabilities. And confidence plays a very big part in it too.
By nolie
February 4, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
Dont know what it would require in terms of prospects, but he is cheap, right handed, and good defensively.Dmack
actually he is not especially good defensively…he does has a strong arm. so far he has not hit well enough or with enough pop to warrant trading for him.
The Braves ( I wanted to type Bs just to be contentious-not to you) don’t really need another prospect who has failed so far to live up to his hype. He might improve but it’s too much risk for this club to trade much of anything for and there isa good chance that he would not be all that helpful. I’d rather try a Diaz-B.Jones platoon and I’m not much of a Jones fan
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 4, 2009 6:45 PM | Link to this
Yer welcome, Run Heap Run!
Yeah, DOB’s 5:10 was very funny!
By Ericchipper
February 4, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this
hey there dave, any talk about bringing griffrey junior to play left and get most of the time out there while having diaz get some at bats?, dunn and abreu may cost to much and yankees want to much for swisher/nady. griffrey had surgery and is said to be in good shape and with a bad knee last year still had 18 homeruns, as we all know our outfield had little to no pop. i say with the money we have left, we sign griffrey, glavine and ohman and hope jordan win the cf job
By Danga
February 4, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this
How about Randy Moss with the patriots? Total head case, notorious for walking through routes, but the best receiver in the league now that he is with the right organization. Similar analogy…
That being said, I want no part of anything ever referred to as a ManRam.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
February 4, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this
saving money and reducing crime is not a reason to legalize anything. DAP
Was that statement sarcastic? Even if it wasn’t, you should probably pretend that it was to avoid sounding like an idiot.
I’ll bet that there are a couple of dozen GM’s druelling at the thought of placing Manny in the order. Canadianbrave
I’m not usually one to nit-pick on spelling, but “druelling?” Really? That’s reedickqulus.
And one more thing… “ManRam” is the best we could do?? Last time I saw that name, it was in the adult novelty shop…. And it’s exactly what you think it is.
By Wayne in Utah
February 4, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
DOB OK, Random. You win. Everyone who disagrees with you is wrong for caring about anything other than the lines on Manny’s stat sheet. What he does other than hit just doesn’t matter, be it quitting on his team, faking a knee injury (wait a second, which knee did I say was sore?), shoving a 64-year-old team official to the ground in the dugout because he couldn’t get Manny 16 tickets to that day’s game … all of that is so subjective anyway, right?
Come on Dave, don’t you realize that “The Babe” was also a problem child???
:-)
(can we just get off the Manny thing. ain’t gonna happen in the ATL)
By Eric B
February 4, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this
So lets change the subject…Manny Ramirez anyone ;)?
By N8
February 4, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this
Danga
The Patriots have done it twice. First with Corey Dillon and then with Moss.
The Patriots are to the NFL what the Braves USED TO BE in MLB: The team that everybody and anybody wants to play for. One, because the HC/Manager has their backs at all times, respects them and allows them to be themselves, as long as they don’t cause distractions. Oh yea, #2…. That little thing called winning and having a chance to succeed every year.
Brent a. was dead on about the Bulls too. Phil Jackson also commanded the respect (not to mention people - other than Pippen - who were more than happy to run shotgun to MJ.
Only difference in the Braves of yesteryear, Bulls of yesteryear and more recently the Patriots, is that we won one title. They had dynasties. Perhaps, the Yankees with Torre in the middle of their run is a more prime example.
In reality, this is nothing more than conversation, for the sake of…. conversation. ManRam ain’t coming anywhere Atlanta, unless he signs with an NL team and comes there for road games.
Either way, it’s fun to try and find logic (and then argue about it), on both sides of the argument.
On a side note, kinda disapointed in our two fearless leaders of the infield doing the WBC thing. I respect their choice to represent the country. I would have respected them more had they chosen to stay and set a prime example at the first Smoltz-less spring training in years.
If either of them get hurt….. OY!
By Wayne in Utah
February 4, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this
One of the reasons (besides the fact I was raised in SC with a transistor radio by my bed listening to Milo) I have always pulled for the Braves is that they try to avoid the character issue in their players. It made me cringe when we picked up Sheffield a few years back.
For those that don’t remember, he was the player who purposely tanked in Milwaukee so they would trade him, and admitted doing so afterwards.
Thank you Braves for your stance on the character issue.
I would rather not make the playoffs than to add someone like Manny to my team. There, I said it!
By KC
February 4, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this
Chipper and McCann on WBC team? WOW THAT’S GREAT NEWS!
More wear and tear on Chipper Jones and our starting catcher is EXACTLY what the Braves need heading into the season. FANTASTIC!
They really need to change the timing of this bloody thing. It’s got to be played around the same time as the Arizona Fall League. This is ridiculous.
By Tomas
February 4, 2009 7:39 PM | Link to this
One of the many things you have to love about Chipper is he doesn’t lie in public, no bull. He was very dissapointed with the Braves not resigning Smoltz and he didn’t hide it, he was also very worried about the Braves not being able to sign AJ Burnett, or Furcal, and he also didn’t think the Braves should sign Andruw Jones to a major league contract due to his pull first attitude. And now this WBC comment, “You just had so many stud athletes and egos flying out the door,” Jones said in reference to the 2006 U.S. team. “It was crazy. It was a lot of fun, don’t get me wrong, but I think this team is put together a little better, from the standpoint that it’s a little more well-rounded.” Obviously he is talking about A-rod being a huge distraction, and how he didn’t perform how he was supposed to.
By Nancy (New here)
February 4, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this
hi guys, i’m new here. great blog.
dave o’brien, any chance on manny ramirez being a possible braves player?
By Chuck James was Solid until the 6th!!!
February 4, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this
DOB Why don’t the Braves go after ManRam? He is so good and would help the team I think, IMHO. Manny Ramirez is so good. He can hit the ball hard. He is a Right Handed LF’er and the Braves need exactly that. I think he would make the team better. Who cares about anything else? Sign ManRam!!!!
(I give in. So I figured I’d jump on the majority bandwagon with a similar bright and realistic post)
By Tony Austin
February 4, 2009 7:51 PM | Link to this
Fragile Jones plays in the WBC, limps back to spring training. Oh yeah, this WBC is worth it.
McCann not in camp, so the new pitching staff can’t get used to working with him. Oh yeah, this WBC is worth it.
If this stinking thing has to be done, why not do it after the World Series, when the players are better equipped to play in competitive baseball instead of after 5 months of non-competitive play?
That’s my opinion on the WBC. Take it or leave it.
By nolie
February 4, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this
On a side note, kinda disapointed in our two fearless leaders of the infield doing the WBC thing. I respect their choice to represent the country. I would have respected them more had they chosen to stay and set a prime example at the first Smoltz-less spring training in years N8
you’re disappointed that they chose to compete for the honor of their country? Hmm.
By Tony Austin
February 4, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this
I apologize for calling Chipper “Fragile” Jones. He’s just getting older in baseball years. My bad.
I still don’t like this WBC though.
By Wayne in Utah
February 4, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
OK, who is disguising themselves as Nancy (new here)???
very funny!!!
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 4, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this
KC *”More wear and tear on Chipper Jones and our starting catcher is EXACTLY what the Braves need heading into the season.”
No kidding!
“They really need to change the timing of this bloody thing. It’s got to be played around the same time as the Arizona Fall League. This is ridiculous.”
YEAH!!! I’m with you!
By keylargo
February 4, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this
Chuck James
There are lots of reasons why the Braves will never deal with Manny Ramirez but the one that even someone who jumped off a roof and missed the swimming pool will understand is that he turned down two offers from the Dodgers.
One for two years at $45,000,000 and one for one year at $25,000,000.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this
“saving money and reducing crime is not a reason to legalize anything. DAP” “Was that statement sarcastic? Even if it wasn’t, you should probably pretend that it was to avoid sounding like an idiot.”CharlieAlphaBravo
No it wasn’t sarcastic, and if you think I sounded like an idiot you probably didn’t follow the conversation.
By cvbraves
February 4, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
Believe Chipper and Brian playing in WBC is a good thing. Gives us a chance to watch them and enjoy some good games.
Don’t see them getting hurt, worn out, etc., anymore than they might if they stayed with the Braves and played in the 22 or 23 ST games they’ll miss. For all we know if they stayed in camp, they might pull a quad running the bases in a ST game.
Also I admire Chipper for his comments about David Wright…he recognizes talent and he speaks his mind. However, in my mind, Chipper’s the better fielder and the better hitter.
By Random
February 4, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
DAP: “most of the negative stuff about [Manny] is common knowledge.”
Please.
It was “common knowledge” that Iraq had WMDs and was behind 9/11.
It’s “common knowledge” that mj leads to harder stuff and is more dangerous than alcohol.
It’s “common knowledge” that Bruce Springsteen is an “artist”.
Come on, now.
“Common knowledge”?!?!?
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!!!
February 4, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this
keylargo
I was just kidding man. I know about 25-45 reasons why you wouldn’t sign him. I hate Manny. Always have….I respect his on-field game WHEN he gives it his best. I’m very annoyed by all the talk on here about him quite frankly. I lost all respect in the world for him after the episode with the traveling secretary. That was absurd and I actually hate him for it now that I give more thought to it…I just wish everybody would SHUT UP about him on here!! It’s pointless, really, really, really pointless. He aint comin’ here, we don’t want him here, GET OVER IT!!!!!
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 4, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this
Manny Ramirez = THUG.
Enough said on that subject.
I think it’s wonderful that Chipper and McCann are representing the Braves in the WBC. Not to mention the honor of playing for their country.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 4, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
Tony Austin “McCann not in camp, so the new pitching staff can’t get used to working with him. Oh yeah, this WBC is worth it.”
Yup…Oh yeah, that’s great…That is GREAT!
Do the blooming thing in the fall!
By nolie
February 4, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
USA TODAY Sports Weekly’s 100 Names You Need to Know By Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
HERE
THE TOP 100 100 names to know: Don’t forget these ballplayers Price is right: Lefty will be with Rays from Day 1 Behind the dish or in the field: Sandoval will have chance to lead Giants Fine Cuban: Viciedo will hold hot corner for ChiSox Wideout on mound: Samardzija throwing rockets instead of catching bombs Elvis sighting: Rangers will tolerate growing pains from Andrus
SPORTS WEEKLY’S TOP 100 1. David Price, LHP, Rays 2. Travis Snider, OF, Blue Jays 3. Chris Davis, 1B, Rangers 4. Pablo Sandoval, IF, Giants 5. Kenshin Kawakami, RHP, Braves 6. Cameron Maybin, OF, Marlins 7. Taylor Teagarden, C, Rangers 8. Dexter Fowler, OF, Rockies 9. Matt Wieters, C, Orioles 10. Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Phillies 11. Dan Murphy, OF/2B, Mets 12. Colby Rasmus, OF, Cardinals 13. Chris Dickerson, OF, Reds 14. Mat Gamel, OF, Brewers 15. Matt LaPorta, OF, Indians 16. Chris Getz, 2B, White Sox 17. Clayton Richard, LHP, White Sox 18. Koji Uehara, RHP, Orioles 19. James McDonald, RHP, Dodgers 20. Seth Smith, OF, Rockies 21. Steve Pearce, OF/1B, Pirates 22. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates 23. Travis Ishikawa, 1B, Giants 24. Nick Hundley, C, Padres 25. Jason Motte, RHP, Cardinals 26. Max Ramirez, C, Rangers 27. Bryan LaHair, 1B, Mariners 28. Josh Anderson, OF, Braves 29. Wade LeBlanc, LHP, Padres 30. Luis Montanez, OF, Orioles 31. Aaron Cunningham, OF, Athletics 32. David Purcey, LHP, Blue Jays 33. Anderson Hernandez, 2B, Nationals 34. Tommy Hanson, RHP, Braves 35. Brett Gardner, OF, Yankees 36. Gio Gonzalez, LHP, Athletics 37. Wade Davis, RHP, Rays 38. Jonathan Niese, LHP, Mets 39. Trevor Cahill, P, Athletics 40. Brett Anderson, LHP, Athletics 41. Bryan Anderson, C, Cardinals 42. Chris Volstad, RHP, Marlins 43. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers 44. Jess Todd, RHP, Cardinals 45. Adam Miller, RHP, Indians 46. Neftali Feliz, RHP, Rangers 47. Chris Tillman, RHP, Orioles 48. Wes Hodges, 3B Indians 49. Brandon Wood, SS, Angels 50. Scott Elbert, LHP, Dodgers 51. Fernando Perez, OF, Rays 52. Felix Pie, OF, Orioles 53. Dayan Viciedo, 3B, White Sox 54. Michael Bowden, RHP, Red Sox 55. Reid Brignac, SS, Rays 56. Gaby Sanchez, 1B, Marlins 57. Nate Schierholtz, OF/1B, Giants 58. Alcides Escobar, SS, Brewers 59. Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Cubs 60. Emilio Bonifacio, 2B, Marlins 61. Danny Richar, 2B, Reds 62. Ivan DeJesus Jr., SS, Dodgers 63. Adrian Cardenas, SS, Athletics 64. Josh Geer, RHP, Padres 65. Robert Andino, 2B/SS, Marlins 66. Matt Harrison, LHP, Rangers 67. Nick Adenhart, RHP, Angels 68. Lance Broadway, RHP, White Sox 69. Sean Doolittle, 1B, Athletics 70. Brian Barton, OF, Cardinals 71. Troy Patton, LHP, Orioles 72. Phillippe Aumont, RHP, Mariners 73. Tug Hulett, IF, Mariners: 74. Luis Valbuena, 2B, Indians 75. Chris Waters, LHP, Orioles 76. Matt Antonelli, 2B, Padres 77. Cliff Pennington, IF, Athletics 78. Rob Johnson, C, Mariners 79. Drew Macias, OF, Padres 80. Buster Posey, C, Giants 81. Nick Evans, OF/1B, Mets 82. Travis Denker, 2B, Padres 83. Mike Carp, 1B, Mariners 84. Austin Jackson, OF, Yankees 85. Kila Ka’aihue, 1B, Royals 86. Joaquin Arias, SS, Rangers 87. Brandon Jones, OF, Braves 88. Lou Marson, C, Phillies 89. Eric Patterson, 2B/OF, Athletics 90. George Kottaras, C, Red Sox 91. Brian Barden, IF, Cardinals 92. Tony Abreu, IF, Dodgers 93. Will Venable, OF, Padres 94. Joe Koshansky, 1B, Rockies 95. J.A. Happ, LHP, Phillies 96. David Freese, 3B, Cardinals 97. David Robertson, RHP, Yankees 98. Dusty Ryan, C, Tigers 99. Chris Carter, 1B/OF, Red Sox 100. Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B, Mariners
By USA TODAY staff USA TODAY Sports Weekly presents its 13th annual list of the 100 Names You Need to Know. These are the next wave of players heading into the major leagues who, in our view, could make the biggest impact during the 2009 season. These aren’t necessarily baseball’s 100 best prospects, because many top prospects are too far down in the minor leagues to contribute in the majors this season. Others are stuck behind established major leaguers.
Not all of the players on our list have rookie status, but our standard for inclusion is that a player must have had more innings or at-bats in the minor leagues in 2008 than he has had during all of his major league time.
RIGHT ON TIME: Lefty will be with club from Day 1
Travis Snider, OF, Blue Jays: Toronto’s need for a slugger — it finished 10th in the American League in home runs last year — and this 21-year-old’s power seem to form a perfect confluence. The left-handed batter can also hit for average and to all fields. The 14th overall pick in 2006, Snider has torn through the minors, but a sore elbow in spring training last year slowed him from having an even more impressive season. He is the front-runner to start in left field. FIND MORE STORIES IN: Atlanta | North Carolina | Baltimore | Philadelphia Phillies | Beijing Olympics | Cy Young | Beijing Games | University of Texas | Miguel Cabrera | World Baseball Classic | Venezuela | Price | Willy Taveras | Ramon Hernandez | Hank Blalock | Class AA | Ryan Spilborghs | Frank Wren | Jarrod Saltalamacchia | Page | Seth Smith | Max Ramirez | Sandoval | Chunichi Dragons | Carrasco | Snider | Japanese-born | Maybin | Names You Need | Teagarden | Blue Jays Toronto | Marlins Florida | Orioles It | Sawamura Award
Chris Davis, 1B, Rangers: Davis’ age — he turns 23 next month — his home ballpark and his generally boffo debut in 2008 bode well for what should be a strong first full season. His strikeout total at three levels last year was alarming, but his contact should improve with experience, and Hank Blalock’s shift to DH should give him sufficient at-bats to improve his power numbers.
Pablo Sandoval, IF, Giants:
BEHIND THE PLATE: Sandoval’s arrival gives Giants some heft
Kenshin Kawakami, RHP, Braves: General manager Frank Wren said it was “a historically important day for the Braves” when Kawakami became Atlanta’s first Japanese-born player by signing a three-year deal in January. Expectations are he’ll immediately move into the starting rotation. Known for his cut fastball and a slow curve that keeps hitters off balance, Kawakami, 33, has pitched his 11-year professional career for the Chunichi Dragons, compiling a 112-72 record. He pitched a no-hitter in 2002 and won the Sawamura Award (similar to the Cy Young Award) after going 17-7 in 2004. He’s said his style is “all about putting my soul into my pitches.”
Cameron Maybin, OF, Marlins: Florida hopes Maybin, who turns 22 on April 4, is ready to become its everyday center fielder. Acquiring him in the Miguel Cabrera trade, the Marlins elected to take it slow in 2008, letting Maybin season with a full year at Class AA (Zebulon, N.C.) Carolina. He hit .277 with 13 home runs and 21 steals, then sparkled in an eight-game September call-up, going 16-for-32. Regarded as a five-tool player (9-for-9 on major league steal attempts), he offers excellent range and a strong arm. He’s still learning the strike zone. “We’re in no rush. We want to do what’s right for him,” GM Larry Beinfest said. “When he’s ready for us to put him in the show, he’ll show us he’s ready. But we’re encouraged by what we saw in September.”
Taylor Teagarden, C, Rangers: Barring a trade, Teagarden, 25, will complete with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Max Ramirez for at-bats at catcher, with Teagarden being a slight favorite to earn the starting nod. A member of the University of Texas’ 2005 national title team, Teagarden might be the most well-rounded of the group, offering a potent bat with above-average receiving and throwing skills. He struggled at two minor league levels last season, but that could be attributed to injuries. After a stint in the Beijing Games, he thrived in September in his second big-league stint.
Dexter Fowler, OF, Rockies: Colorado’s decision to non-tender Willy Taveras opens the door for the switch-hitting outfielder. Fowler, who helped the USA to a bronze medal in the Beijing Olympics, will get a chance to win the starting job in center field, with Ryan Spilborghs and Seth Smith his main competition. Fowler, 22, doesn’t have great power but could find himself inserted near the top of the lineup with his ability to get on, steal bases and score runs. He also has great range defensively.
Matt Wieters, C, Orioles: It’s rare for a catcher to ascend to the major leagues after one professional season, but Wieters, 22, is just that — rare. His full-season pro debut was so powerful that it probably muted any concerns he doesn’t have the requisite games caught in the minors to be big-league ready. He’s almost certain to play in Baltimore this season, and the trade of Ramon Hernandez (Gregg Zaun was signed as a stopgap) paves the way for him to take over the full-time job sooner rather than later.
Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Phillies: Philadelphia’s top pitching prospect, Carrasco, who turns 22 on March 21, is expected to compete for the fifth starter’s job but might be focused on pitching for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. “I think he’s going to be one of our starting pitchers — whether that will be in 2009 or 2010 kind of depends on how he develops,” GM Ruben Amaro says. “He throws 92 to 96 mph with a good breaking ball and good changeup, and he handled Triple-A quite well.”
Dan Murphy, OF-2B, Mets: Murphy’s versatility is a big plus. Originally a third baseman, he was used by New York as a left fielder last season and filled in at first base. This offseason, he played second base in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .397 with 18 RBI in 15 games. The Mets were not satisfied with second baseman Luis Castillo’s 2008 performance, and this could create additional playing time should the team explore other left-field options. A left-handed hitter with emerging power, Murphy, 23, has hit .290 over three minor league seasons. He can run a bit. He had 14 steals to go with 13 homers at Class AA Binghamton (N.Y.) before his call-up to New York.
Colby Rasmus, OF, Cardinals: Rasmus, who was also 12th on this list last year, gets a do-over because of his age (22) and injury issues (knee, groin) that he endured last season. Rasmus, who bats left-handed, opted out of winter ball to clear his mind and hit the weight room. The 2005 first-round pick remains a five-tool prospect and has a good shot to find a permanent home in St. Louis’ outfield with a strong spring. Though the Cardinals have other center fielders, including Rick Ankiel, Rasmus might have more upside than all of them.
Chris Dickerson, OF, Reds: A cousin of Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson, the 26-year-old will compete for the left-field job after hitting .304 in 102 at-bats following the trade of Adam Dunn. Other candidates include Jonny Gomes, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Norris Hopper, but Dickerson has the best combination of speed, power and defense. In 2,202 minor league at-bats, he hit 58 home runs with 135 stolen bases.
Mat Gamel, OF, Brewers: A little more time in Class AAA, perhaps only a couple of months, likely separates Gamel from the chance to earn a spot in the major leagues. Gamel, 23, put up big numbers last year despite being hampered by an elbow injury. The Brewers don’t have a clear everyday player at third among Bill Hall, Mike Lamb and Craig Counsell.
Matt LaPorta, OF, Indians: CC Sabathia is long gone from Cleveland, but the Indians have LaPorta to show for him after trading their former ace to the Brewers last summer. LaPorta, 24, was the seventh overall pick in 2007 and had been performing as such until the trade to the Indians. He hit .233 at Class AA Akron (Ohio) before going to play in the Beijing Games and followed that with a .164 average in the Dominican winter league. Those problems are nothing he can’t shake off in spring training, and although it appears he will open the season at Class AAA, LaPorta will likely get a chance with the Indians at the first sign of trouble in Cleveland’s outfield.
Chris Getz, 2B, White Sox: A broken wrist limited his 2008 Chicago cameo to seven at-bats, but the move of Alexei Ramirez to shortstop makes the second-base job his to lose this spring. The 25-year-old doesn’t have great power, but he has decent speed and is an excellent contact hitter (142 strikeouts in 1,428 minor league at-bats), which could aid the top or bottom of the White Sox’s lineup.
Clayton Richard, LHP, White Sox: Richard, 25, hardly impressed in his eight-start big-league stint last season, but his solid minor league pedigree has him well-positioned for the opportunity knocking this spring. With Jose Contreras recovering from an Achilles’ injury, Richard is primed to grab the No. 5 starting job, and he could move up a notch if Bartolo Colon is not sound.
Koji Uehara, RHP, Orioles: The right-handed control artist joins a desperately thin rotation. Uehara, 33, twice won Japan’s top pitching award and became the first Japanese player to sign with the Orioles, receiving a two-year, $10 million contract. An eight-time All-Star for the Yomiuri Giants of the Nippon Professional Baseball league, Uehara does not overpower hitters but hardly walks any. In his Japanese career he averaged 1.1 walks per nine innings.
James McDonald, RHP, Dodgers: McDonald, 24, dazzled in a brief look with the Dodgers, pitching 111/3 scoreless innings, nearly half of them in the playoffs. He combines a low-90s fastball with solid command and a knee-buckling curveball. A starter in the minors, McDonald will get a chance to earn a spot in either the rotation or the bullpen.
Seth Smith, OF, Rockies: Colorado brought up the 26-year-old in late 2007 and he stayed with the team throughout their postseason run. He spent 67 games with the big-league club last year. Unless right fielder Brad Hawpe is traded, it will likely be a three-man competition between Smith, Dexter Fowler and Ryan Spilborghs for the two remaining outfield spots. He could very well be an opening-day starter should the team determine Fowler needs more seasoning.
Steve Pearce, OF/1B, Pirates: Power hitting is Pearce’s calling card, as he demonstrated with his breakout 2007 season — a combined .333 average with 31 homers and 113 RBI at three levels. His production dipped last season, but Pearce, 25, still earned a second consecutive call-up. Though his power numbers have yet to carry over to the majors, the Pirates want to give him every chance to establish himself, so they had the natural first baseman play mostly right field to increase his chances of getting in the lineup.
Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates: Pittsburgh’s first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2005 draft and its top prospect, McCutchen has been making steady progress and last year, at 21, batted .283 with a .372 on-base percentage at Class AAA Indianapolis. McCutchen, a former high school football star in Florida, possesses an intriguing combination of speed and power, in addition to sharp defensive skills and an improving feel at the plate. His basestealing ability is still developing, but he seems primed to make the leap to the majors soon.
Travis Ishikawa, 1B, Giants: This is probably a make-or-break season. After a short but successful stint with the big-league club in 2006, Ishikawa suffered through a miserable 2007 at Class AA (Norwich) Connecticut with a .214 average in 173 at-bats. He also was injured and never seemed to regain his stroke at the plate. Ishikawa, 24, bounced back in 2008 with an improved average and rediscovered his power. Manager Bruce Bochy hinted in December that Ishikawa could find himself batting seventh in the order. The solid defender will still have to win the job, competing with John Bowker and possibly Nate Schierholtz.
Nick Hundley, C, Padres: San Diego liked what it saw of Hundley behind the plate in 60 games last season, enough so that he goes into spring training as the starting catcher. Hundley, 25, gets rid of the ball quickly and threw out 25% of basestealers in 2008 — not great, but better than his predecessors. He has shown the ability to be productive at the plate, with a 20-homer season at Class AA in 2007 and 24 RBI in 198 at-bats for San Diego, but he needs to cut down on his strikeouts.
Jason Motte, RHP, Cardinals: A converted catcher, Motte didn’t start pitching until 2006, yet he’s made a swift climb up the system as a reliever, thanks to a fastball that reaches into the high 90s. In his first season at Class AAA, Motte, 26, struck out 110 in 662/3 innings, registering nine saves and a 3.24 ERA as a closer and setup man. Motte’s still learning the finer points of pitching, but he wasn’t awed by the major leagues. In 11 innings late in the season, he had a 0.82 ERA and 16 strikeouts against three walks.
Max Ramirez, C, Rangers: There’s more to Ramirez than that highlight play where he completed a double play from his knees after being steamrolled at the plate. The 24-year-old Venezuelan also has pop in his bat and a sense of the strike zone. He’s not a polished receiver, though, and could become trade bait with the Rangers already having two highly regarded young catchers in Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden.
Bryan LaHair, 1B, Mariners: At 6-5, 220 pounds, LaHair has the frame to hit the long ball, and the Mariners coaches worked on helping him become more productive toward the end of last season. LaHair has a history of getting on base and hitting a lot of doubles, but at 26, it might be unrealistic to expect him to become a home run threat, considering he hit more than 16 only once in the minors (22 at Class A in 2005). Still, the Mariners have an opening at first base, and LaHair will be in the mix to fill it.
Josh Anderson, OF, Braves: At 26, Anderson is approaching the stage when players go from prospect to suspect. Fortunately for him, his skills mesh well with Atlanta’s needs. After registering the third-fewest stolen bases in the majors last season (58), the Braves could use an infusion of speed. Anderson stole at least 40 bases each of his last five minor league seasons. He will compete in center with incumbent Gregor Blanco and prospect Jordan Schafer.
Wade LeBlanc, LHP, Padres: LeBlanc actually emerged as a top prospect in 2007, when he had a 2.95 ERA while holding Class A and AA hitters to a .217 average. Last year wasn’t as kind to the left-hander. But LeBlanc, 24, features an outstanding changeup and excellent command. His 3.3-strikeout-to-walk ratio at Class AAA Portland (Ore.) might be an indication he is ready to contend for a spot in the Padres’ rotation.
Luis Montanez, OF, Orioles: It took a long time for Montanez, 27, to go from the third pick in the 2000 draft — by the Chicago Cubs, as a shortstop — to an outfield prospect for Baltimore. It wasn’t until last season, when he won the Class AA Eastern League triple crown, that Montanez finally put it all together. He went on to bat .295 in 38 games with the Orioles, earning a chance to compete for an outfield spot. Montanez is still far from a finished product. His routes in the outfield and selectivity at the plate need work.
Aaron Cunningham, OF, Athletics: Cunningham, 22, posted an on-base-plus-slugging percentage of at least .852 at every minor league stop he made each of the last three years. He has a good idea of what he’s doing at the plate, even if he does strike out more than would be preferable for a player with average power. Cunningham’s strength is being able to perform well at every facet of the game, even if he doesn’t excel at many. After a 22-game call-up last season, Cunningham will compete for an outfield spot.
David Purcey, LHP, Blue Jays: The big left-hander has become better acquainted with the strike zone the last two years — he had a 3.6-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio at Class AAA Syracuse (N.Y.) in 2008 — allowing him to start living up to his potential. Purcey, 26, has an overpowering fastball and a terrific curveball, and he’s capable of dominating when he maintains his focus. With the extended injury absences of Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan, the Blue Jays need Purcey to earn a rotation spot in the spring.
Anderson Hernandez, 2B, Nationals: The former New York Mets prospect impressed the Nationals enough to make Emilio Bonifacio expendable. The slick-fielding Hernandez, who can also play shortstop, dispelled at least some doubts about his bat in 28 games with the Nationals after joining them in a trade for Luis Ayala. Hernandez, 26, hit .301 at Class AAA in 2007 and .203 in 2008, so his true hitting ability remains a mystery.
Tommy Hanson, RHP, Braves: Even if he doesn’t break camp with Atlanta, there’s a good chance Hanson, 22, will start games for the Braves this season. He dominated the Arizona Fall League, going 5-0, 0.63 and 49 strikeouts in 282/3 innings to win MVP honors. Hanson stands 6-6, has a 94 mph fastball, a big-time curve and a hard slider; he’s accumulated 373 strikeouts to go with a 1.09 WHIP in 3222/3 minor league innings.
Brett Gardner, OF, Yankees: Right now, Gardner is stuck in a five-man logjam in the Yankees outfield. Things could clear up for him (a trade of Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher, further club dissatisfaction with Melky Cabrera) or get more crowded (Jorge Posada forced to DH, pushing Hideki Matsui into the outfield mix). Gardner, 25, gives the Yankees a needed burst of speed (he stole 13 bases in 14 tries) and does the little things well, but will need to hit more — maybe a lot more — to get playing time.
Gio Gonzalez, P, Athletics: The 25 walks Gonzalez issued in 34 major league innings defined his 10-appearance stint as much as his 34 strikeouts did. Gonzalez, 23, can be dominant but at times seemed intimidated in his first taste of the big leagues. After getting traded three times in three years, he should feel a sense of stability this spring, and cracking the A’s rotation could lead to a more confident pitcher.
Wade Davis, P, Rays: Davis, 23, is part of another wave of young pitchers about to push their way onto the Rays. The right-hander split 2008 between Class AA and AAA and will likely open this season at Class AAA Durham (N.C.) and wait for an opportunity. The second cousin of former Cubs catcher Jody Davis, he is a quintessential power pitcher, using his 6-5 frame to generate a mid-90s fastball.
Jonathan Niese, LHP, Mets: Niese, a 22-year-old lefty, will try to earn a spot in the Mets’ rotation this spring after a three-start audition during last year’s pennant race. Featuring an outstanding curveball and a developing changeup to go with his low-90s fastball, Niese has gone 34-26 in four minor league seasons. He has worked to become more consistent with his velocity, and exposure to Johan Santana will likely improve already-strong mechanics on his changeup. “I’d be surprised if he’s not in the rotation this year,” assistant GM Tony Bernazard says. “He’s got great mechanics and four pitches he can throw for strikes.”
Trevor Cahill, RHP, Athletics: Cahill should pitch in the major leagues this season — impressive, given that he doesn’t turn 21 until next month. But he displayed such a refined repertoire at two advanced levels last season, he projects to join the gaggle of talented arms assembled in Oakland sooner rather than later. Eventually, he could be the best of the bunch.
Brett Anderson, LHP, Athletics: The 21-year-old has moved rapidly through the club’s minor league system and boasts two All-Star team selections. He also was picked for the 2008 All-Star Futures Game at Yankee Stadium. Acquired in the deal that sent Dan Haren to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007, Anderson is projected as a No. 1 starter. He averages more than a strikeout an inning, has a good breaking ball and has shown good control. Anderson pitched seven solid innings in Team USA’s bronze medal victory vs. Japan last summer in Beijing. He’ll likely start the year at Class AA Midland (Texas). Any time with Oakland will probably be to prep him for 2010, when he’s more likely to join the big-league club for good.
Bryan Anderson, C, Cardinals: Left-handed-hitting Anderson, 22, climbed a new level every one of his four years in the farm system and fared well at each one. The logical next step is the majors, except the Cardinals are set with Gold Glove recipient Yadier Molina, who’s 26. That opens the possibility of a position change, especially because Anderson is more advanced with the bat than the glove. Anderson has never hit lower than the .281 average he posted at Class AAA Memphis, where he also had a .367 on-base percentage playing as a 21-year-old.
Chris Volstad, RHP, Marlins: Standing 6-8, Volstad, 22, made a highly positive rookie impression, going 6-4 with a 2.88 ERA in 15 games for the Marlins, who made him the 16th overall pick in 2005. He’s expected to take a regular turn in the Florida rotation this season. Scouts like Volstad’s smooth delivery and the curveball that complements his low-90s fastball. In his first major league start in July, he held the Dodgers to a run and five hits in 82/3 innings. In August, he beat the Phillies and Cole Hamels with six shutout innings.
Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers:
SPARKPLUG: Excitement may overcome game’s rough spots
Jess Todd, RHP, Cardinals: Todd, 22, was drafted with the idea that he could be a reliever, but he earned Cardinals minor league pitcher of the year honors last year for his performance as a starter. That versatility, along with a solid array of pitches and unsettled areas in St. Louis’ rotation and bullpen, make him a good candidate to grab a job in the majors at some point in 2009.
Adam Miller, P, Indians: The right-hander has been teasing the Indians since he was a first-round supplemental pick in 2004, but injuries have slowed his development. Now, after years of trying to make it as a starting pitcher, Miller, 24, is in position to open the season in the Indians bullpen. If he makes it, Miller has the skills to be a dominant setup man, similar to Joba Chamberlain and Jose Arredondo in recent years. He has a pair of overpowering pitches — mid-90s fastball and high-80s slider — and could average more than a strikeout an inning.
Neftali Feliz, P, Rangers: Feliz is only 20 but moving fast, thanks in large part to his overpowering fastball, which reaches 100 mph. The right-hander was acquired from the Braves in 2007 as part of the Mark Teixeira trade and has emerged as one of the game’s top pitching prospects. Team President Nolan Ryan, another guy known for lighting up radar guns, has even gotten involved in Feliz’s development. Feliz will probably open the season at Class AAA but could get called up during the first half.
Chris Tillman, RHP, Orioles: Tillman was acquired a year ago from the Mariners as a key part of the Erik Bedard trade. The right-hander has not disappointed, emerging as perhaps the Orioles’ top pitching prospect. He averaged more than a strikeout an inning and less than a hit an inning last season. He has been durable since being drafted in the second round in 2006, making 28 starts each of the last two years. At age 20, Tillman is likely to open the year at Class AAA and should reach the majors during the season.
Wes Hodges, 3B, Indians: Although 24 years old and a product of a strong program at Georgia Tech, Hodges is still developing after being slowed during his college and pro careers with injuries. He performed well in 99 at-bats with the Indians last season, but then the team traded for Mark DeRosa to play third base. Hodges will likely open the season at Class AAA.
Brandon Wood, SS, Angels: At the tail end of his Class AAA season, Wood finally seemed to figure out how to hit with power without striking out at such an alarming rate. Still, Wood, who turns 24 next month, has to prove he can do that at the major league level. He seems to have outgrown the minors and could figure in plans at shortstop and third base, particularly if the Angels decide they can live with strikeouts to fill a power void in their lineup.
Scott Elbert, LHP, Dodgers: It wasn’t too long ago that Elbert, 23, was considered as good a prospect as fellow left-hander Clayton Kershaw. Then he suffered a shoulder injury in June 2007. The club opted to use him strictly in a relief role at Class AA Jacksonville, where he continued to post a high strikeout ratio. He was called up during September but showed he still needs some work. The Dodgers would like to see him lower his walk count. In all likelihood, Elbert will open the season at Class AAA Albuquerque as a starter, but if the big-league club needs some left-handed help, a call-up wouldn’t be surprising.
Fernando Perez, OF, Rays: The acquisitions of Gabe Kapler and Matt Joyce will curtail Perez’s playing time, but his speed and athleticism will always be held in high regard by the Rays. With B.J. Upton questionable to start the season after shoulder surgery, Perez, 25, could fill in and compete in right field.
Felix Pie, OF, Orioles: Pie, who turns 24 this month, was in the Cubs’ outfield picture the last two seasons but couldn’t overcome the club’s acquisitions of veterans Reed Johnson and Jim Edmonds to earn regular playing time. He’ll get the chance to become a starter with the Orioles, who traded Garrett Olson and Henry Williamson to acquire him in January. In 130 games for the Cubs, Pie batted .223 with three homers and 11 steals. He has been prone to strikeouts (72 in 260 major league at-bats). A left-handed hitter, he has shown good speed and has been successful on 11 of 12 steal attempts in the majors.
Dayan Viciedo, INF, White Sox:
CUBAN IMPORT: Viciedo will have company in clubhouse
Michael Bowden, RHP, Red Sox: Known for his work ethic and bulldog mentality, the Red Sox have refused to part with Bowden, who debuted by pitching five innings of an 8-2 win against the Chicago White Sox last year. Standing 6-3, 215, the right-hander has a low-90s four-seam fastball and complements it well with a big-breaking curveball and circle change. Bowden, 22, could follow the footsteps of Justin Masterson and break in with the Boston bullpen.
Reid Brignac, SS, Rays: Once the Rays’ shortstop of the future, Brignac, 23, finally made his major league debut last season but appears stuck behind Jason Bartlett. Brignac’s superior defensive ability could aid his roster chances, but he’ll likely spend much of this year again at Class AAA.
Gaby Sanchez, 1B, Marlins: The Marlins plan to take a long look at Sanchez, 25, this spring. At some point, they envision him becoming their first baseman. Standing 6-2, 225, he has hit .305 in four minor league seasons and received a call-up last September. He put together a big 2008 season at Class AA Carolina (Zebulon, N.C.), earning league MVP honors by hitting .314 with 17 homers, 42 doubles and 17 steals. “He’s very close to playing in the big leagues,” Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming says. “He’s a complete hitter with power who also hits for average.”
Nate Schierholtz, OF/1B, Giants: The problem for San Francisco isn’t whether Schierholtz will make the team but getting him into the lineup. The 24-year-old has already proved he can hit big-league pitching, but the best Schierholtz can hope for is a platoon role in the outfield. There is a chance he could be converted into the club’s starting first baseman. While he hasn’t shown much pop at the major league level, his power numbers should improve, and he’s a solid contact hitter.
Alcides Escobar, SS, Brewers: If not for J.J. Hardy, Escobar would enter spring training with a legitimate shot at the Brewers’ shortstop job. Even though he didn’t turn 22 until December, Escobar hit .328 at Class AA and was voted the best defensive shortstop in the league. But unless the Brewers trade Hardy or make a position change with either player, Escobar will open the season at Class AAA. If he keeps hitting there though, the Brewers might be forced to find a spot for him.
Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Cubs:
CATCHING ON: Former reciever may grab No. 5 spot
Emilio Bonifacio, 2B, Marlins: Bonifacio, 24, has played 60 major league games for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals. Washington was high on him but had a surplus of second basemen and traded him to Florida in the Scott Olsen- Josh Willingham deal. He now finds himself behind All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla on the depth chart and, with that in mind, could see action this spring at third base. Of his 46 major league hits, seven are doubles and five are triples.
Danny Richar, 2B, Reds: Richar’s primary position in the major leagues has been second base, but he also played more than 200 games in the minor leagues at shortstop. The Reds’ projected starting shortstop (Alex Gonzalez) missed all of last season with a knee injury, and second baseman Brandon Phillips sat out most of September with a broken finger. If neither one is 100% by opening day, Richar, 25, could gain playing time, especially if he can perform in spring training more like the .288 career minor league hitter he has been.
Ivan DeJesus Jr., SS, Dodgers: The organization’s minor league player of the year had a sensational season at Class AA Jacksonville, but that probably won’t help him secure a spot with the big-league club. The son of former major leaguer Ivan DeJesus has impressed scouts with his feel for the strike zone, bat speed and ability to get on base. Though DeJesus, 21, is capable of stealing a base on occasion, he doesn’t have great speed, which could force a move to second base since his range is limited.
Adrian Cardenas, SS, Athletics: A’s GM Billy Beane has become so infamous for trading away established players as they approach free agency that he joked about his propensity to make trades at a recent press conference. A’s shortstop Bobby Crosby is entering his walk year, making him another prime candidate for Beane. Cardenas, a 21-year-old acquired last season from the Philadelphia Phillies in the Joe Blanton trade, is someone the A’s would be tempted to plug in at shortstop, especially if he’s hitting for average the way he has on this way through the minors. Cardenas also plays second base.
Josh Geer, RHP, Padres: Geer, 25, was called up in late September to get his first taste of the majors, and made a good impression in five starts with the club. However, a medical exam after the season revealed some elbow ligament fraying, though Geer opted against surgery. The third-round draft pick out of Rice in 2005 began throwing again in December. Geer won’t mow down hitters; he relies on a high-80s sinker and an average curveball. If his elbow holds up, then expect Geer to vie for a spot in the team’s starting rotation, especially if Jake Peavy is dealt.
Robert Andino, 2B/SS, Marlins: Andino, 24, was a second-round draft pick in 2002 and has played in the big leagues each of the last four seasons. In 144 major league at-bats he has hit .201 with two homers. He demonstrated power and speed at Class AAA Albuquerque in 2007 when he had 13 homers, 13 triples and 21 steals.
Matt Harrison, P, Rangers: Given his internal numbers, Harrison, 23, posted perhaps the most improbable 9-3 season in recent memory. But away from hitter-friendly Arlington, Harrison was a respectable 4-1 with a 4.70 ERA. If he can improve at home, Harrison, a lefty acquired in the 2007 Mark Teixeira deal, could fit in nicely at the back of the Texas rotation.
Nick Adenhart, P, Angels: Adenhart, 23, seemed to let his three-start big-league audition linger when he was sent back to Class AAA; he had a 0.87 ERA at Salt Lake before his May call-up, but it was 5.76 by year’s end. That seemed to put a damper on his top-prospect status, and now he’s in a group of roughly four hopefuls for a back-rotation look.
Lance Broadway, P, White Sox: At 25, the 2005 first-round pick has a solid chance to crack the White Sox’s rotation out of spring training. While the first three spots are occupied by Mark Buehrle, John Danks and Gavin Floyd (the latter two earning their slots with career years last year), No. 4 is tentatively occupied by Bartolo Colon, who has been inconsistent and injury-prone the last three seasons. No. 5 will be earned in a competition, with Broadway and Clayton Richard among the leading candidates to claim it. (Another candidate, Jose Contreras, is likely out until the summer with an Achilles’ tendon injury.) In the minor leagues, Broadway greatly reduced his walks last season while maintaining his strikeout rate.
Sean Doolittle, 1B, Athletics: Doolittle, 22, has made steady movement through the system since being taken with the 41st overall pick out of the University of Virginia in 2007. After showing modest power in college and his first year in the pros, the left-hander combined for 22 home runs at two levels last year. He then hit .293 with eight home runs in 32 games in the Arizona Fall League. He will likely open the season at Class AAA, but neither Daric Barton nor Jason Giambi has a firm grip on Oakland’s first-base job, and Doolittle could get a chance.
Brian Barton, OF, Cardinals: Barton, 26, proved he can contribute at the major league level in 2008. He had a .362 on-base percentage batting first in the order and played all three outfield positions. However, Barton, a Rule 5 pick last year, no longer has to be in the major leagues for the whole season, and the Cardinals have several outfielders in the mix.
Troy Patton, LHP, Orioles: Shelved by a torn labrum in his shoulder last spring, Patton, 23, hopes to crack the Orioles’ rotation. In 2007, he posted a 3.55 ERA in three games for the Houston Astros, who regarded him as their best left-handed pitching prospect. Despite questions about his shoulder, the Orioles insisted he be part of the package they received for Miguel Tejada. Patton dominated at lower levels with his fastball, which tops out in the low to mid-90s.
Phillippe Aumont, P, Mariners: After being drafted in the first round in 2007, Aumont, 20, signed late and didn’t make his pro debut until last year, pitching 552/3 innings at Class A. But Aumont, who stands 6-7, has overwhelming tools, including a 95-mph fastball. The Mariners have been conservative with him, so Aumont will have to force his way to the majors if he is to reach Seattle this year.
73.Tug Hulett, IF, Mariners: Hulett’s playing status took a hit when the Mariners traded for Ronny Cedeno, who will vie for the starting shortstop and second-base jobs. However, under the new regime of GM Jack Zduriencik and manager Don Wakamatsu, Mariners camp will be somewhat of an open tryout, meaning Hulett, 25, will have a chance to play himself into a role. Hulett has shown the ability to hit for average with speed and some pop in the minor leagues. He has also played third base in the minors.
Luis Valbuena, 2B, Indians: Acquired from the Mariners in the 12-player, three-team deal in December that sent J.J. Putz to the New York Mets, Valbuena probably has the best offensive tools of any second baseman the Indians will have in camp this spring. He provides a nice mix of speed and the ability to hit for average and get on base. He has made 33 errors in 336 career minor league games in the field. Last year, he hit above .300 and had on-base percentage above .380, both career firsts as a professional. Valbuena, 23, likely won’t make the team out of spring training but has a chance to play himself into a reserve role at some point.
Chris Waters, LHP, Orioles: Waters, 28, was drafted in 2000 and remained in the Atlanta Braves organization through 2006 when he was signed by Baltimore as a free agent. After going 58-60 in nine minor league seasons, he got a chance with the Orioles last season and showed flashes of brilliance. He debuted with eight innings of one-hit ball against the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 5 and shut out the Toronto Blue Jays in September. Waters doesn’t have a strikeout pitch but can be effective with a fastball-slider-changeup repertoire and mixes speeds.
Matt Antonelli, 2B, Padres: San Diego’s rebuilding effort is good news for Antonelli, 23, who had a poor year at Class AAA Portland (Ore.) and a less-than-stellar stint with the big-league club when he was called up in September. That said, the team is still high on him and believes he could be their second baseman of the future. The club has several players that have a chance at landing the starting gig in spring training, but if Antonelli can show anything at the plate, who knows?
Cliff Pennington, IF, Athletics: Pennington, 24, is a disciplined hitter and a versatile, gifted defender, but the A’s re-signing of Mark Ellis to a two-year deal blocked any immediate opportunity. Still, with Ellis and third baseman Eric Chavez both injury-prone, Pennington is a good bet to stick with the club and should see a decent share of at-bats.
Rob Johnson, C, Mariners: With Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement and Jamie Burke in the fold, Johnson, 25, likely will head back to Class AAA Tacoma (Wash.). He posted by far his finest offensive season there last year and already was accomplished defensively. But the status of Johjima and Clement will limit Johnson to a backup role at best.
Drew Macias, OF, Padres: The 25-year-old turned in a solid performance at Class AA San Antonio. Offensively, Macias has shown good patience at the plate. He’s capable of some power and speed, but unless someone gets injured, Macias likely will be a fourth or fifth outfielder if he makes the roster. There’s a good chance of that since his athleticism allows him to play all three outfield spots.
Buster Posey, C, Giants: The fifth overall pick in the 2008 draft, Posey, 21, was invited to big-league camp by the Giants, but he might not stay there long. He will surely spend much of this season in the minor leagues, but Posey is so advanced, offensively and defensively, that going from college’s Golden Spikes Award to the big leagues in a little more than a year isn’t far-fetched. While 2010 is more realistic for Posey to bid for the starting job, the Giants are thin enough at catcher that he might get a look — albeit brief — this year.
Nick Evans, OF/1B, Mets: Evans, 23, can play first base and the outfield. At 6-3, 210, he has consistently improved at the plate and demonstrated reasonable power. Evans has 44 homers in his last three minor league seasons. A right-handed hitter, he’ll likely serve as a backup to first baseman Carlos Delgado and could end up battling Dan Murphy for playing time in left field.
Travis Denker, 2B, Padres: It’s been a whirlwind tour of the NL West for Denker. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2003, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in August 2007. San Francisco called up the 23-year-old midseason in 2008, and he did fairly well before being sent back down to Class AAA Fresno, where he put together a solid year. Still, the Giants made him available, and the Padres scooped Denker off the waiver wire in October. Denker has shown some pop at the plate but doesn’t have much speed, and his defense is average at best.
Mike Carp, 1B, Mariners: Carp, 22, is still probably a year away from the big leagues, but that’s OK. He can go to Class AAA and build on his solid Class AA season in the New York Mets’ system while stopgap Russell Branyan and Bryan LaHair man first base in Seattle. Unless LaHair establishes himself, by 2010, the Mariners could go forward with Carp.
Austin Jackson, OF, Yankees: The weak link in the Yankees’ lineup, at least offensively, is center field, where either Brett Gardner or Melky Cabrera is likely to be on opening day. By some point later in the season, it’s not an unrealistic scenario that Jackson, 22, could be there. He is speedy with the ability to hit for average like Gardner but has more power. Cabrera can do similar things as Jackson offensively but slumped terribly at the plate last year. If Cabrera slumps again, Jackson will be a call away in Class AAA.
Kila Ka’aihue, 1B, Royals: Ka’aihue, 23, has never been a highly rated prospect and won’t soon be considered a blue-chip athlete, but there are two things he does well: get on base and pound the ball. The trade for Mike Jacobs sends a message that Ka’aihue will need to continue proving scouts wrong. He should dominate at Class AAA this season and get some big league at-bats.
Joaquin Arias, SS, Rangers: Arias, 24, had shoulder surgery in 2007 that limited his arm strength in 2008, and the emergence (and apparent anointing) of Elvis Andrus as the shortstop of the present and future casts Arias’ role in doubt. Assuming Andrus pans out, Arias will have upside, possibly as a super-utility player.
Brandon Jones, OF, Braves: Barring a roster move, Jones, 25, will have every chance to become the Braves’ starting left fielder. He received major league exposure the last two seasons, combining to hit .252 with 21 RBI in 135 at-bats. The Braves like his power potential. In five minor league seasons he has hit 52 home runs, and he produced 100 RBI in 2007 when he played at Class AA (Pearl) Mississippi and Class AAA Richmond.
Lou Marson, C, Phillies: Marson, 22, gained valuable big-game experience as a member of the U.S. Olympic team. Solid defensively with a quick release, he works well with pitchers. Offensively, his .433 on-base percentage was the best in the Class AA Eastern League and in the Phillies’ system. Philadelphia will have several veteran catching candidates ahead of him this spring, so it’s likely the team would prefer to let him play regularly in the minors. “Lou’s got a chance to be an everyday catcher at some point,” GM Ruben Amaro says.
Eric Patterson, 2B/OF, Athletics: Patterson, 25, was acquired in the trade that sent Rich Harden to the Chicago Cubs in the summer. A season-ending injury to starter Mark Ellis allowed the A’s to get a 30-game look at Patterson before a late-September hamstring injury. He would have had a chance to become the A’s everyday starter had the club not re-signed Ellis. Patterson is the younger brother of Cincinnati Reds outfielder Corey Patterson.
George Kottaras, C, Red Sox: With Jason Varitek returning, Kottaras could be the odd man out. The Red Sox signed Josh Bard this offseason and Kottaras is out of options and could be traded. The 25-year-old hits for power but is still learning his trade behind the plate and has demonstrated no better than an adequate arm. One factor that could keep him in Boston is experience catching knuckleballs, which could endear him to Tim Wakefield.
Brian Barden, IF, Cardinals: The loss of slugging third baseman Troy Glaus to shoulder surgery until perhaps early May gives Barden, 27, an opening. Though there will be many competitors for playing time at third —David Freese, Brendan Ryan, Brett Wallace and others — Barden, unlike Freese and Wallace, has major league experience. He can play the four infield positions and the outfield.
Tony Abreu, IF, Dodgers: The 24-year-old missed the 2008 season with several injuries, eventually having season-ending hip surgery in May. The switch-hitter is expected to be 100% for spring training, but carving out anything more than a reserve role would be a surprise. When Abreu shows discipline at the plate and doesn’t chase pitches, he’s a capable hitter. But the utility player isn’t much more than a singles hitter and strikes out more than twice as much as he walks. However, his ability to play second, third and shortstop likely will earn him a roster spot.
Will Venable, OF, Padres: Venable, 26, is a very good athlete, having also played basketball at Princeton. The bad news is the outfield is crowded in San Diego. While Venable has only marginal power, his speed and defense will likely earn him a reserve role as the fourth or fifth outfielder.
Joe Koshansky, 1B, Rockies: Todd Helton’s back woes and Koshansky’s monster year at Class AAA Colorado Springs would seem to have created a long look for Koshansky, but it didn’t happen. The 26-year-old does need to cut down on his strikeouts but has otherwise been a solid hitter throughout his time in the minors and shown good power.
J.A. Happ, LHP, Phillies: Happ’s ERA in four starts for the Phillies last season was 2.28, but he also made four relief appearances. That could be significant because J.C. Romero’s 50-game suspension will have Philadelphia looking for early-season help from a lefty in the bullpen. Happ, 26, throws a 90-mph fastball and mixes in an effective changeup, slider and curve.
David Freese, 3B, Cardinals: Freese came to the Cardinals in the Jim Edmonds trade last year and found his path to the majors blocked by Troy Glaus and a couple of prospects. But the 25-year-old will enter spring training competing for the third-base job as a result of Glaus expected to miss a month or more of the season after shoulder surgery. Freese put up good numbers at Class AAA last year and will need to take advantage of this opportunity.
David Robertson, RHP, Yankees: Robertson, 23, emerged as a steady big-league bullpen option, then hit the wall with an 8.18 August ERA and was sent back to Class AAA. He throws hard enough to be a factor again this season, if not immediately.
Dusty Ryan, C, Tigers: Opportunity opened briefly for Ryan, 24, when the Tigers traded Ivan Rodriguez and later announced they were moving Brandon Inge back to third base. Then, they traded for Gerald Laird. So Ryan figures to be a full-timer at Class AAA rather than sit on the big-league bench, but he’s loitering on the fringes of Detroit’s plans.
Chris Carter, 1B/OF, Red Sox: Obtained from the Nationals for Wily Mo Pena, Carter, 26, is an intelligent left-handed hitter with blossoming power. He batted .300 with 24 homers for Class AAA Pawtucket (R.I.) last season. Originally a first baseman, he is honing his skills as a corner outfielder but offers little in terms of range or defensive prowess at either position. Effective against lefties and righties, his future could be as a DH.
Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B, Mariners: Incumbent Adrian Beltre expects to be healthy for 2008 after having surgery on his shoulder and thumb. However, if the Mariners, in full rebuilding mode after a 101-loss season, struggle again and trade Beltre, the third-base job could default to Tuiasosopo.
By Wayne in Utah
February 4, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this
Random Are you saying that Manny is a choir boy, and all the other reports on his behavior (many of which, I believe IS common knowledge) is bunk?
If not, what is your point?
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 4, 2009 9:00 PM | Link to this
Coach “I think it’s wonderful that Chipper and McCann are representing the Braves in the WBC. Not to mention the honor of playing for their country.”
Yeah yeah…I think it’s wonderful, too…BUT WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN MARCH???
By David O'Brien
February 4, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this
nolie, for the sake of humanity, the link itself will suffice next time.
By keylargo
February 4, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this
Chuck James
Sorry, I meant that to be a joke but I realized when I read it that it may not have seemed so. Anyway, I knew you were smarter than the rear Chuck James.
Nolie
If the blog crashes with 800 posts, I’ll know why.
:)
By Just Got Here
February 4, 2009 9:11 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB - why all the music stuff and not enough Braves info?
Do you think we can sign Manny?
By Rock-Dweller
February 4, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this
Anybody got the latest info on Man-Ram?
Nolie, you should be BANNED for that post.
By Chris from the Rock
February 4, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this
Seriously guys, don’t worry about Chipper’s workload in the WBC. Davey Johnson has already alluded that David Wright will get the majority of the time at 3B.
By DAP
February 4, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this
“Come on, now.”
“Common knowledge”?!?!? random
uh…yep.
By AdirondackDave
February 4, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this
So Chipper and Brian are playing in the World Classic… And I just paid 75 bucks for two tickets to see the ST game in Jupiter, March 13. Oh well… Sure hope we get “lucky” and see Hanson pitch a couple innings.
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this
Yeah he must be a real cancer if the dodgers want him back to the tune of 25 Million Dollars
By Aristotle
February 4, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this
I was told that this scenario would not be entertained on any other Braves’ blog. The front office type that I discussed it with couldn’t, or wouldn’t explain why. I was just trying to understand the great disparity between the goals of the Braves at the Braves’ webpage and all the policies of the AJC that are diametrically opposed to the goals.
This very expressive, dedicated member became decreasingly communicative with every attempt of mine, to simply understand the enigmatic aspects of that sports website. All communication of this nature ceased when I suggested that the team change its name to Alice’s Republic; because it is an adventure in Wonderland, with all its colorful cast of characters there.
As I was checking out of the rabbit hole, I heard a faint voice from Hotel California, a cowering soul, mumbling what sounded like “Braves.” I didn’t catch the name of the captive free spirit; but the Red Queen did. And, you know, “Off with his head;” just like Lewis Carroll said. So, they are playing strictly by that surrealistic script in their “Theater of the Absurd.”
This hypothetical is for the sole sake of discussion at the AJC Braves/MIB blog. It wishes no harm to anyone. It must have been imagined by others, though I haven’t seen anything like it. But something similar must have occurred to many others.
This is not a wish, hope, or dream, or anything like that. It’s just to probe the thoughts of thinkers. And in the current state of Braves’ affairs, it seems that anything is thinkable, but the right thing. There seems to be a national aversion to the right thing, coupled with a natural inclination to the wrong things.
This hypothetical concerns that two MLB teams, between a pair of horses, one of which is two-faced. It may be better to call them thoroughly bad, than thoroughly bred. We don’t want to give thoroughbreds or any horse a bad name; even though horses and those two racers are full of the same. Makes you want to go north of the Mason-Dixon line, just to get away from the stench of those two beasts. If not, you must be part of the Mets, and in a quandary about where to flee for your life and liberty, with your property in tow and hopes of happiness all aglow.
Anyway, both horses, one white & one brown, move into the starting gate. There is a good crowd in attendance. The white horse is in considerably worse shape than the black horse; and is subject to expiring at any moment. Well, it does in the starting gate. Here one minute and gone the next. It’s possible, isn’t it? Life happens and so does death. And for sole sake of discussion, assume that old white horse had heart failure from too much primary race stress. (This is just for sake of discussion; with nothing but the very best of wishes to all animals. It’s just a harmless analogy used only for purposes of illustration. No member of the animal kingdom is in danger here.) Everyone wants to see a race every year; but there must be a protracted funeral procession first. And this extended time gives the owners of the brown horse opportunity to think, while the white horse fans attend to funeral duties.
Both owners have lengthy discussions during and after the funeral; and reach a tentative agreement that must be presented to the white horse fans prior to proceeding as agreed. The brown horse will run under the colors of the white horse against an old black mare running under the former colors of the brown horse. Put another way, the brown horse only changed running colors, nothing else.
In times past, this would have been outrageous; but times are a changin.’ And change is all anyone has, or wants, provided it’s only change of pace maintained in the wrong direction.
The young, galloping brown horse recently beat the old, loping black mare. So, the white horse fans with the new black horse have a proven winner! And all they ever cared about was winning. It didn’t matter how they did it; because they had a very big tent to please. The brown horse fans get to see their old black mare lope again, under their own colors; and regardless of which horse wins, they win. So, it’s a win-win situation for the brown horse fans. Will the white horse fans take the magnanimous offer and cheer for their new black horse on race day?
Do you think the Mets, Phillies, Nationals, Giants, Marlins, Yankees, Blue Jays, Cubs, Orioles, Pirates, Red Sox, etc. would cheer the Braves to victory? The correct, unqualified, unequivocal, answer is obvious, isn’t it? Its saliency slaps you in the face with a liberal dose of bone-chilling reality, in a way you’ll never forget.
They are all in it to win it, no matter what. Like I heard once, they can change their Collective Mind in midstream. But…there’s that notorious word again, “BUT!” Seems the Braves invented it: “We want Jake Peavy; but….” Substitute whatever front office spin you want for the next few words and you get the same phrase, ad infinitum, ad nauseam. So, there may be a slight problem with the otherwise obvious outcome of this scenario. It could be the deal breaker - the proverbial last straw on the ungracefully aged Pachyderm’s back.
Have you already guessed it and beat the agonizingly slow hunt-&-peck typing to the all too obvious punch line? If you are a big baseball fan, you knew the answer from the start. In fact, you recognized the scenario at first mention of the word. But, MLB novices need a reminding clue of the prominent, defining characteristic mentioned in the opening description of the race horses. The Braves faithful would notice it at first glance, while looking the “gift horse in the mouth.” The Braves have only one face; and the faithful always demanded more! What would you do?
What are they going to do? “What would the brilliant Schuerholz do?” Grow him a conservative face, just for the race!
That’s the hypothetical presented with no harm intended to any party animal, or anyone’s prospects hyper-sensitivities; and well wishes to all, but contra-revolutionaries.
With all due respect to those riding “a horse of a different color.”
By Random
February 4, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies**: “NBC’s Mike Celzic, just before the trade to LA … This is just one side of the story, right?”
First, as a little preliminary exercise, let’s take a look at one little thing Celizic said:
“On Saturday, the team ordered him to get MRI’s on both knees. That, quipped Bill Chuck, the author of the Billy-Ball newsletter, was just in case Manny forgot which knee was sore.”
That little “quip” has been transformed into a charge of actual fact that Manny could not keep it straight which knee was hurting. It’s been represented as a factual charge several times on this page, because it’s, you know, “common knowledge”.
Next:
“On Saturday, the team ordered him to get MRI’s on both knees… . . The exams showed no physical damage….”
Would that be similar to the MRI performed on Gonzalez before the Braves acquired him from the Pirates, that is, before his TJ surgery? Or would it be more like Soriano’s MRI before the Braves acquired him from Seattle, that is, before his nerve transposition surgery? MRIs are not fool-proof.
Finally:
“On Friday, Manny decided his knee was sore, and he couldn’t play in what would be a loss to the Yankees.”
(Friday night, 25 Jul — for the record, this is a different game from the infamous “indifferent” PH performance of Sun 6 Jul.)
I’m pretty sure that Mike Celizic is no more accomplished a mind reader than you yourself, so when he says “and now he’d quit on his team in the first game of a series against their hated rivals, all because his feelings were hurt,” I can count it as nothing more than mere personal speculation.
BFIR: “Your assuming the Red Sox front office made all this stuff up? Assaulting the team’s 64-year-old traveling secretary?”
I’ll address that in my response to flange1. In a word, “no”.
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this
I think Manny is a choirboy compared to some of the figures in sports. Let me quote John Ferguson who did such a great job patrolling the wing for the Montreal Canadians for so many years. “I don’t know why people bleed so much …maybe its my knuckles”. I’m sure half the league wanted him banned after he bloodied up Bobby Hull. The guy was a head case, and guess what he went on to be a successful manager…imagine!
It seems to me that these guys are only cancers when there not on your team. I bet if he came to the Braves, he would fill the seats , and if he hit .325 and drove in 125 runs he be the biggest sports hero in town. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with my reasoning it just appears to be different than yours.
By Bubdylan
February 4, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this
I would rather not make the playoffs than to add someone like Manny to my team. There, I said it! Wayne in Utah
Me, too.
By Bubdylan
February 4, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this
Aristotle, I’ve spent considerable hours deciphering Bob Dylan’s drug-induced lyrics, but your post … I got nothin’….
By Braves Can't Afford Manny So Shut Up Already
February 4, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this
Multifarious avenues of approach vie for attention as potential retorts to Manny Ramirez’s power-drunk scare tactics. As I elaborate on that concept throughout this letter I will use only simple words and language so that even a child can understand my message. Yes, even a child should know that in a rather infamous speech, Manny exclaimed that there is something intellectually provocative in the tired rehashing of jackbooted stereotypes. (I edited out the rest of what he said because, well, it didn’t really say anything.)
Think about that for a minute. Let it sink in. It should soon become clear that Manny gives new meaning to the word “barbaric”. Sadly, lack of space prevents me from elaborating further. If society were a beer bottle—something, I believe, that Manny holds in high regard—he would indeed be the nauseating bit at the bottom that only the homeless like to drink. If he were paying attention—which it would seem he is not, as I’ve already gone over this—he’d see that he likes anecdotes that sap people’s moral stamina. Could there be a conflict of interest there? If you were to ask me, I’d say that he is always prating about how conniving ninnies and fatuous lowbrows should rule this country. (He used to say that the rigors that his victims have been called upon to undergo have been amply justified in the sphere of concrete achievement, but the evidence is too contrary so he’s given up on that score.)
Given the public appetite for more accountability, Manny’s toadies will have to stop shouting “Me, me!” and learn to harmonize on “Us, us!”. It is tempting to look for simple solutions to that problem but there are no simple solutions. Certain facts are clear. For instance, I can no longer get very excited about any revelation of Manny’s hypocrisy or crookedness. It’s what I’ve come to expect by now.
I use such language purposefully—and somewhat sardonically—to illustrate how Manny’s hastily mounted campaigns are designed to address what is, in the end, a nonexistent problem. And they’re working; they’re having the desired effect. Because I find Manny’s fondness for inquisitions, witch hunts, star chambers, and kangaroo courts most stupid, it therefore stands to reason that he likes to brag about how the members of his flock are ideologically diverse. Perhaps that means that some of them prefer Stalin over Hitler. In any case, Manny’s confreres assert that Manny should be a given a direct pipeline to the National Treasury. This is precisely the non-equation that Manny is trying to patch together. What he’s missing, as usual, is that it is not uncommon for him to victimize the innocent, penalize the victim for making any effort to defend himself, and then paint the whole prudish affair as some great benefit to humanity. Others have stated it much more eloquently than I, but if Manny is going to talk about higher standards then he needs to live by those higher standards.
I, not being one of the many doctrinaire twaddlers of this world, am inwardly repelled by the pettifogging phraseology of Manny’s solutions and the refractory style in which they are expressed. More than that, I admit I have a tendency to become a bit insensitive whenever I rebuke Manny for trying to perpetuate the myth that society is screaming for his convictions. While I am desirous of mending this tiny personality flaw, it clearly makes far more sense to break the neck of Manny’s policy of narcissism once and for all than to turn back the clock and repeal all the civil rights and anti-discrimination legislation now on the books. Don’t make the mistake of thinking otherwise. Manny does, and that’s why the time is always right to do what is right. That’s why we must deal stiffly with squalid, grungy misers who hasten society’s quiescence to moral pluralism and epistemological uncertainty. The first step in that process is to realize that it’s possible that he doesn’t realize this because he has been ingrained with so much of neopaganism’s propaganda. If that’s the case, I recommend that we delegitimize him. Our goal must now be to call a spade a spade. If you believe that that’s a worthwhile goal, then I can decidedly use your help. Let me hear from you.
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this
Bubdylan
I hope not but methinks your wish might come true.
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!!!
February 4, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this
nolie That was such an intense post dude. Looks like Aristotle is trying to break your record already though….
Anybody with the NBA network or in the Tri-State with MSG put on the Knicks game. LeBron and Harrington trading buckets in 1-point thriller with 4 mintues left in the 4th…LeBron has 44 already and The Garden is erupting with “DEFENSE” chants…Some rare quality NBA action for once..
By mbatl
February 4, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this
geez, I hope we’re not returning to the longwinded ‘creative writing’ of a couple years ago on the blog.
Maybe I’m just not smart enough to get it, or my attention span is too short, or maybe (as I suspect) it’s just self-aggrandizing b.s. by the writer, but the blog is so much better without that stuff.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this
canadian brave, didn’t Ferguson attack Bobby Hull when he was playing with a broken jaw? If that’s so, I can’t believe the league didn’t collectively beat the living hell out of him for it. I play a ton of hockey myself, and I know my teammates and I wouldn’t let that stuff happen.
By Couch Tater
February 4, 2009 9:58 PM | Link to this
I just watched (kinda) the interview of Li’l Wayne by Katie Couric.(?) Much like a white horse interviewing a brown horse or Manny playing catch with Wayne.
By spotts
February 4, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this
Did anyone actually read nolie’s, Aristotle’s, or Random’s enormous posts?
By Anders
February 4, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this
“Probably just a cringe thinking of that clubhouse chemistry”- DOB
(sigh) Are we really gonna go here again? DOB trumping up the Mets bad chemistry while Lew clings to the hope of the Wilpons filing chapter 11.
I guess if they ever get that chemistry thing right they’ll win the division by 10 games. Maybe the vaunted Bobby Knight can stop by ST and give them a quick course on “Respecting and getting along with others”?
By Bubdylan
February 4, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna go WAAYYY out on a limb here and say that Aristotle = Braves Can’t Afford Manny. Please put down “The Catcher in the Rye” before somebody gets hurt.
By Anders
February 4, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
Chuck james
What a week at MSG for the Knicks. Koby gets 61 two nights ago. Lebron tonight. The Celtics are in Friday night. If your a season ticketholder you got your money’s worth this week!
By Anders
February 4, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
Chuck james
What a week at MSG for the Knicks. Koby gets 61 two nights ago. Lebron tonight. The Celtics are in Friday night. If your a season ticketholder you got your money’s worth this week!
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
No I believe there were two altercations> I think Hull suffered a broken jaw in the first one and then came back to fight a second time. I’m not certain i’ll try to find it somewhere. I agree with you I wouldn’t let it happen either. The point I’m making is that to the Montreal fans, Ferguson was a hero. To the rest of the league and the public he was a villain. But the guy was crazy and enjoyed beating people up. You could see it in his face. But he was of tremendous value to the rest of the team as was Semenko(cement head) to Wayne Gretzky In the end he was looked upon as a respected hockey player despite a multitude of questionable actions. Even some of his teamates questioned his antics. In the end he was viewed as indidpensible an asset to a small and talented team. Crazy yes! But in his element he one alot of games for Les Habs.
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!!!
February 4, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this
LeBron - 52 points 11 assists 10 rebounds in style with confidence in win over Knicks to follow Kobe’s 61 points against NY on Monday at The World’s Most Famous Arena…..Not too bad…
LeBron is a 24 year old freak of nature….
By Josh from Columbus
February 4, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Well, as I was typing about the possibility of Griffey coming it all of a sudden hit me that, hey, what about Manny? We all know Manny wants his money but I think he’ll take a little less money fore more commitment from a team, say 3 or 4 years. Just thought I would toss it around. Also, did anyone see the article that Verducci wrote? It’s a good read and centers around the idea, “Who’s the next Rays?”. The Braves are #2 on the list. What I particularly like about the article is how Verducci characterises the Lowe signing as possibly being greater than a power bat signing for the Bravos. In other words, Run Prevention > Run Production. I thought it was a good point. Look forward to hearing from you all tomorrow…
By Anders
February 4, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this
Canadianbrave
By Anders
February 4, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this
Canadianbrave
If you don’t mind me asking where in Canada are you from?
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this
Steve from Ohio
No you were right Ferguson knew Hull’s jaw was wired that night. He instigated the fight and bloodied him up anyway. The other altercation was on a different night. You see my point! If you ask anyone they will say that Ferguson was a hardnosed winger who was well respected by all. But the guy was crazy.
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this
Anders
Is this a clever attempt to uncover my identity. Why London, Ontario of course!
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this
So Ferguson instigated the fight? Crazy? Check. Well respected? Uh, not by me anymore. Now if it was Hull that initiated the fight, I’ll call him one crazy and hardnosed sonofagun for darn sure. I’m assuming you’re a Habs fan? I’m a big Red Wings fan myself. Been a player since I learned to walk.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this
Actually, I’ll just go ahead and call Hull a hard-nosed sonofagun for playing an NHL game with his jaw wired shut.
But man, I can’t condone what Ferguson did. That ain’t right, man.
By Bubdylan
February 4, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this
My official Spiteful Braves Fan Checklist 2009:
Lowe collects more wins than Peavy.
Vazquez collects more wins than Burnett.
Hanson collects more wins than Smoltz.
Furcal spends about 100 games on the DL.
Hampton gets flattened by a trucker haulin’ panty-hose.
Now, I’m not a spiteful Braves fan. But if I were, that’d be my list. :)
By Anders
February 4, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
Canadianbrave
No, I get up to Montreal a few times a year on business and thought you might be from there. Love that city!
By Steve McP
February 4, 2009 10:32 PM | Link to this
What is going on - will this be remembered as the night of the long diatribes?
By Wayne in Utah
February 4, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this
He’s probably from Canada, Texas…..
By Cramping Mouse Finger
February 4, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this
Geez nollie! I’m gonna sue! I think I dislocated my mouse finger trying to scroll past that Sears catalog of a POST! I bet your little hour glass spun for a damn hour before the post finally went thru!
Have mercy Doctor! Don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that before!
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this
Red Wings Well you had a crazy man of your own. Old Gordie. I don’t know how many stitches those elbows dished out. One tough player. Never played hockey except on a cove and on the road. but i sure watched a ton of games. Always played baseball in a place where it had no future!! Bad choice I guess. I’ve been a Braves fan since 1962. In my family it was the Braves or the Yankees
By Saltywoody
February 4, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this
I didn’t know it was epic post night.
I’ve got some work to do.
By Wide Right
February 4, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this
would Nomar be interested in coming back to Atlanta? I recognize the inherent risks but what a great right handed bat, could back up chipper, could probably play left.
got the new springsteen CD. “The Last Carnival” - tribute to Danny Federici is a classic Springsteen song, great song. But nothing else on the CD is really doing it for me….its okay but not anything special…
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 10:44 PM | Link to this
Steve From Ohio
Thats the point I’ve been trying to make all day about Manny. I’m sure Mr. Ferguson regretted his actions too. But If you were a Montreal fan then, You were so proud to see that picture of a bloodied Bobby Hull in the centerfold of “weekend Magazine”. Just goes to show you how crazy athletes and fans can be. Manny’s antics seem rather mild in comparison.
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!!!
February 4, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this
Josh from Columbus
Yes Verducci made a great point there. However, I’d like them to have both Lowe and Dunn/Abreu …. Also, somebody posted a great Tony LaRussa comment here yesterday, something along the lines of the point you made of Run Prevention > Run Production. I never analyzed that but it is definitely the truth as proven by the 08 Rays. In 07 they scored more run then their 08 club. However, in 08 they let up something like 250 less runs!!!
Atlanta has phenomenal potential to go the full year staying healthy in the rotation. Especially if Glavine comes back and solidies the 5 slot with 25-30 healthy starts… As N8 pointed out earlier, the Braves had something like 80 missed starts by starters last year. With Lowe, Vazquez, Jurrjens etc. you have durable healthy guys who will be taking the mound every 5th day and a strong cast of guys in the 4 and 5 slots too. I think the rotation this year will be a bunch of solid horses who prove to be run preventers…I love the infield defense too, especially with Mac’s loss of weight which will give him quicker moves to 2nd behind the plate.
By War and Peace
February 4, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this
Any post over 10 lines should be automatically deleted
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this
Anders
Montreal is a great city, As are Toronto and Vancouver. I wouldn’t recommend London though. Half the population is retired. Every Tim Horton’s Donut shop is filled with retirees all day long. Its a sleepy town full of people with lots of money.
By Danga
February 4, 2009 10:50 PM | Link to this
What in tarnation happened here? Are we having a competition on who can post the longest pseudo intellectual nonsense? If so, can I give someone my e-mail and they let me know when it is over?
By Big Ole' Post
February 4, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this
Reaction to nollie’s post:
Shock and Awe!
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this
Wide Right Better get your hard hat on!! That springsteen cooment borders on Treason.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this
canadian brave, true. I guess that in hockey I’d be over it with one good @ss-whooping for the offender, but in baseball we don’t have that kind of self-policing. I dunno, I just can’t get over how he refused to play and shoved a 64-year old guy over tickets. At least you knew Hull was gonna get in a few good shots. You’ve gotta have a little bit more love for the game than that, to not play either because your feelings are hurt or you don’t think you’re making enough money. Hell, Bobby Hull played with a broken jaw, for chrissakes. And Manny’s got a “sore knee?” Gimme a break. That’s just disrespectful, and I don’t blame the Braves for not wanting him, however awesome he is at hitting baseballs.
By Anders
February 4, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this
Canadianbrave
Been to Toronto, nice city but it reminds me of many US cities. Montreal has a European feel to it - especially Old Montreal in the summer.
Never been to Vancouver but I hear it’s one of the most beautiful cities anywhere. Hopefully someday.
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this
And yes, Gordie was a wild man. So was Darren McCarty. Anymore the Wings don’t have any good enforcers.
By Canadianbrave
February 4, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
Anders
Lived in Vancouver for 6 years as a student. I hope to retire there or near there someday if I can afford it!! Just a Jaw Dropping City. Anyway its been a slice today! Spirited and strange at the same time …adios all Go Braves!
By Pepperidge Blog Remembers
February 4, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
You know what was fun? This blog between November 2007 and late-January 2008.
Boy oh boy was there a ton of Ron Paul spam posted here. Good times.
By Anders
February 4, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
Steve from Ohio
Don’t forget Bob Probert and Joey Kocur. Those were crazy days for your Wings!
By wide right
February 4, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this
I hear ya, Canadian Brave. I have been to 5 Bruce shows in the last 8 years…I’m a fan. But this CD just aint doin it for me. However, I take it you are enjoying “Queen of the Supermarket”?
By Steve from OH
February 4, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this
Anders, how could I forget the Bruise Brothers? And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Dino Ciccarelli as well. Man, good times, watching those guys drop the gloves.
By nolie
February 4, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this
Hey the title said it was the 100 guys that you need to know. I wanted to make sure that we were all as knowledgeable as possible.Remember in those ads about the IQ tests the Padres fans were rated higher than we Braves fans.
It did not format right and that made it totally unreadadle. Maybe i should reformat it and post it again?
Just Kidding folks. Next time one seems that long I will just post the link. Think how much Dave must hate me now, I might never get in his good graces
Mea Culpa.
By MattyRoss
February 4, 2009 11:45 PM | Link to this
DOB or anybody who knows — Did we hear comments about that meeting Wren had with players about the direction of the org., etc.? Clearly people are feeling better, but I’m just wondering who was there and what they even talked about. Hard to imagine the structure of such a thing, just straight Q and A or what? Thanks, and sorry if it’s been covered.
By uga-brave
February 5, 2009 12:11 AM | Link to this
anders,
could not agree with you more on the sorinano signing last year.
never got why rush it. he was always a sore arm pitcher.
with somewhat of a attitude.
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 12:15 AM | Link to this
Personally, I’d rate Vancouver No. 1, Montreal second and Toronto third among the Canadian cities I’ve been to (Victoria’s real nice, too, though not a big city). Vancouver is as beautiful as any city in North America, if not more so. And the drive from Vancouver up to Whistler/Blackcomb is breathtaking….
OK, just got back from Frost/Nixon, and I have to say it far surpassed my high expectations. Simply a terrific movie, and Frank Langella kills as Nixon. Incredible performance. So now, I’ve got to say it won’t surprise me if the best-actor Oscar goes to any one of three guys — Rourke, Penn or Langella. He’s that good in this movie.
By uga-brave
February 5, 2009 12:24 AM | Link to this
anders,
you may be a mets fan, but at least you know billy wagner is out for the year.
hard to believe that certain braves bloggers did not know that.
if we trot out diaz, schaffer, and francoeur in the outfield not much will change.
factor that in when we face king cole hammels.
kotchman, macc, k.j., cf, that is half our lineup that hits LH.
please name one right handed hitter that is going to hit with power this year?
By uga-brave
February 5, 2009 12:32 AM | Link to this
DOB,
thought frost/nixon was the best picture of the year.
one of those movies that i went into and thought i would not like.
great motion picture. you are right langella stole the show.
By uga-brave
February 5, 2009 12:41 AM | Link to this
you guys left out tony twist. the best fighter i have ever seen in the NHL.
no one ever dropped gloves with him.
By N8
February 5, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this
“you’re disappointed that they chose to compete for the honor of their country? Hmm.” nolie
Yeah, I forgot, it’s the olympics, right? Chipper, as a young child grew up and dreamed of playing in the World Baseball Classic, right?
What I should have stated, is that as a BRAVES FAN, I’m disappointed at the possible ramifications of having them play in the WBC.
And to be very truthful… I couldn’t care less about the WBC. Not one iota. I’d much rather listen to spring training games on mlbradio. But that’s just me.
As for Chipper, he’s earned it (not that McCann hasn’t), but DOB is right that it would sure be nice that with the possibility of Hanson being in the rotation, that he might have 4 new guys to catch this year. The team that’s paying him a ton of money is owed his attention, IMO.
Besides, I’m MORE disappointed that I had to scroll up for 45 minutes just to get to your post to me. :-)
Now I know how the rest of you feel when I post my epic tirades.
By N8
February 5, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this
“you’re disappointed that they chose to compete for the honor of their country? Hmm.” nolie
Yeah, I forgot, it’s the olympics, right? Chipper, as a young child grew up and dreamed of playing in the World Baseball Classic, right?
What I should have stated, is that as a BRAVES FAN, I’m disappointed at the possible ramifications of having them play in the WBC.
And to be very truthful… I couldn’t care less about the WBC. Not one iota. I’d much rather listen to spring training games on mlbradio. But that’s just me.
As for Chipper, he’s earned it (not that McCann hasn’t), but DOB is right that it would sure be nice that with the possibility of Hanson being in the rotation, that he might have 4 new guys to catch this year. The team that’s paying him a ton of money is owed his attention, IMO.
Besides, I’m MORE disappointed that I had to scroll up for 45 minutes just to get to your post to me. :-)
Now I know how the rest of you feel when I post my epic tirades.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 5, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this
Here is Nolie’s 8:46 post, pared down to the pertinent stuff:
Kenshin Kawakami, RHP, Braves: General manager Frank Wren said it was “a historically important day for the Braves” when Kawakami became Atlanta’s first Japanese-born player by signing a three-year deal in January. Expectations are he’ll immediately move into the starting rotation. Known for his cut fastball and a slow curve that keeps hitters off balance, Kawakami, 33, has pitched his 11-year professional career for the Chunichi Dragons, compiling a 112-72 record. He pitched a no-hitter in 2002 and won the Sawamura Award (similar to the Cy Young Award) after going 17-7 in 2004. He’s said his style is “all about putting my soul into my pitches.”
Josh Anderson, OF, Braves: At 26, Anderson is approaching the stage when players go from prospect to suspect. Fortunately for him, his skills mesh well with Atlanta’s needs. After registering the third-fewest stolen bases in the majors last season (58), the Braves could use an infusion of speed. Anderson stole at least 40 bases each of his last five minor league seasons. He will compete in center with incumbent Gregor Blanco and prospect Jordan Schafer.
Brandon Jones, OF, Braves: Barring a roster move, Jones, 25, will have every chance to become the Braves’ starting left fielder. He received major league exposure the last two seasons, combining to hit .252 with 21 RBI in 135 at-bats. The Braves like his power potential. In five minor league seasons he has hit 52 home runs, and he produced 100 RBI in 2007 when he played at Class AA (Pearl) Mississippi and Class AAA Richmond.
Tommy Hanson, RHP, Braves: Even if he doesn’t break camp with Atlanta, there’s a good chance Hanson, 22, will start games for the Braves this season. He dominated the Arizona Fall League, going 5-0, 0.63 and 49 strikeouts in 282/3 innings to win MVP honors. Hanson stands 6-6, has a 94 mph fastball, a big-time curve and a hard slider; he’s accumulated 373 strikeouts to go with a 1.09 WHIP in 3222/3 minor league innings.
By brent a.
February 5, 2009 1:12 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, I have yet to make it to Vancouver, but I definitely place Montreal ahead of Toronto.
Going to Montreal is almost like visiting a European city (as I understand Vancouver is, as well, but probably moreso).
While Toronto is a fun city, it’s really not much different than going to Chicago, IMO. TO actually feels like an American city with a big financial district. Don’t get me wrong, I like it; but, when spending vacation dollars, it’s not necessarily the most intriguing place for an American to go, especially if you can get to Vancour and/or Montreal, instead. You’ll get more of an international flavor in those cities.
The place I have long wanted to go is Edmonton. I’d like to see the Oilers play; however, I have no interest in going up there and freezing; so, unless its the Stanley Cup Finals, I’m not sure that I’ll ever make the trip.
By johnny 99
February 5, 2009 2:26 AM | Link to this
DOB—
Zup, Chief? Long time, no post. But there’s a new Bruce album out, and pitchers and catchers is mere days away…so J99 is out of hiding and lurking the blog like a champ. Aaaaannnyyyyway,…
Moments like your 5:10pm post are why the DOBlog is so, so sublime. “Outlaw Pete” for the dramatic return of the tatted-out Aussie? Abso-LUTE-ly. As for the halftime show…well, get this.
Again, i’m at school plodding thru a Masters. Having seen the writing on the economic wall, i snagged a couple loans for living expenses, with the good people of Louisiana picking up the rest. Trouble is, when you’re about to open a show, Super Bowl Sunday doesn’t mean much to the folks in charge. Long story short (too late!), i was in rehearsal all day and deep into the night on SBS. Got out, dashed to the pub, and literally walked in to see the last six seconds tick off the clock, and the confetti. almost immediately, four people run up to me blabbering about how fantastic the game was. ouch.
worse: the folks who kept saying, “your boy lit up the halftime show. it was badass…” and so on and so forth. and, as i later determined, my VCR recording (grad student = no DVR) kicked over to the simpsons on rupert’s folly just before the half. SUPER-ouch…
so, pity party having concluded, you got any suggestions as to a locale to see the halftime show online, after the fact? denizens?
And finally, have been meaning to mention that back in the day, my undergrad internship in performance was at the Mouse Complex. I can point you in the direction of some spots that might be more appealing to your taste, or at least clue you in on how to cheat your way through the disney property with a minimum of stress. if your home base is close to disney, or around kissimmee, etc, there might be some spots i can recommend. shoot me an email at nrhoto1@lsu.edu with an idea of what area you’ll be staying in and some food interests (outside BBQ) and i’ll see what i can rec. also got some contacts down there still and a couple family members in the company that might could comp you a few places…
thanks for the work, as ever…
johnny 99
By uga-brave
February 5, 2009 2:29 AM | Link to this
welcome to the world when your salary is now capped.
if our new leader has his way, anyone that has TARP, your salary might now be capped.
that means if you work for merrill lynch, smith barney, morgan keegan, in any management role. wow
so now a salary cap in our country. tell that to your surgeon, or your doctor.
By uga-brave
February 5, 2009 2:42 AM | Link to this
salary cap to all that received TARP?
think about that, that is almost socialistic.
these banks are based on capitalistic principles.
right or wrong, once the gov’t. gets their hands on the banks they might not come back.
just sayin.
lust like when i said lehman, bear, and meriil might be in trouble 12 months ago.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 5, 2009 3:51 AM | Link to this
Yes. Out with the idiotic moron and in with the ignorant fool. Politics in Washington as usual. Happy happy, joy joy!
Somewhere, Ron Paul is laughing his arse off.
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this
Good morning everyone! You probably think I sit around all day on the Braves Blog. Not Usually I’m just have a week off and the start of spring training is fast approaching. Does anyone know anything about Diory Hernandez? Just noticed his name on the roster. He had some good winter ball stats. Is he a legitimate prospect?
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this
Also is Charlie Morton any relation to Carl Morton, a good pitcher for the expos way back when?
By Lew
February 5, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this
Montreal is a great place-beautiful architecture, great museums, some of the Most Beautiful women in the world and the smell of Phelps bong as you walk back to your hotel. Did I mention more beautiful women per square foot than any other city I’ve ever seen?
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this
Funny how the other man’s grass is always greener. I really liked Louisville Kentucky. Cleanest city I have ever been to. Nice parkland! I liked it so much I signed up to do an ironman there this august! I also really enjoyed my journey down the west coast. I rode my bicycle from Vancouver to Santa Cruz. Beautiful ride! San Francisco was a fun city except that a couple of times I ended up in some pretty shady areas of town. I enjoyed Austin Texas and I haven’t been to New Orleans, but Ive always wanted to go. Is it still worth it after the storm? Has much changed. From what I’ve seen about the spirit of the people etc. I can’t imagine that the city wouldn’t rebound quickly!
By Lew
February 5, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this
UGABrave-Then they shouldn’t take the bailout money and just fail based on their own actions.
By Turnin2
February 5, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this
Sorry UGA-Brave (and anyone else) - but if the government gives ANYONE that kind of money to bail them out of a mess THEY created… then government has the right to tell them to do whatever the government sees fit - and those fat cat CEO’s who have no grasp on reality should do it gladly without one little word!
By Anders
February 5, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this
Lew
Couldn’t agree more with your 8:27 post. Plus makeup is scarce. Natural beauty.
As for the architecture I think we’ve discussed this before but they have many, many beautiful churches and cathedrals. It seems every other block has a spectacular 100 year old church.
Plus the whole underground city. Fantastic concept and accomplishment.
What they don’t get right is sports venues. Olympic stadium was an unmitigated disaster and the Bell Centre where les Habitants play is cookie cutter arena architecture. I realize Molson owned them when they built the place, but did they really have to make it look like a brewery from the outside? Talk about a white elephant on the streets of Montreal. Uhg!
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this
Come to think of it, I think I remember Carl Morton pitching for the Braves for a couple of years in the Mid 70’s.
By ncgary
February 5, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this
whistler, i love that mountain and 1 day id like to find that tooth i lost there. 3 miles out of 4 dont ,make a successful run but it makes for a heckuva fall wide open
By Butch Haynes
February 5, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this
I just read a neat little book called War and Peace that I think everyone here would really enjoy. So should I just post a link to it, or do you think it would be better if I just cut-and-paste the whole thing into the body of my next blog post?
By Fred
February 5, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this
According to wikipedia, Carl Morton pitched for the Expos and Braves in the 1970s. He was the NL rookie of the year in 1970. Unfortunately, he died of a heart attack in 1983 at the age of 39. It didn’t say if he was related to Charlie Morton.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this
The bottom line is winning. Manny would make the Braves the better, put fannies in the seats, and Braves would win a lot more games.
The ONLY reason that the Braves, and about every other team except the Yankees (who just choose not to pay) and the Red Sox (who have burned bridges with Manny)and Dodgers (who still want him), are not pursuing him is that they cannot afford him.
Braves, and most of the other MLB teams certainly cannot afford to pay $25 million a year for him (or whatever he is asking for) and it may not be smart because they are going toward a younger team anyway(Heyward is in waiting). His other antics off the field is not something that these teams (except the Red Sox) care about. I BET you if Manny would take $5-$6 million a year, the Braves and many other teams would be lining up to sign him.
By flange1
February 5, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this
Good Morning All,
Have to agree with Lew and Anders on the beauty of Montreal! It is one of my favorite places in the world.
Great food, beautiful people, fabulous architecture!
Anders is right about Olympic Stadium! I actually got to walk on the infield and it was hard as a brick. Like concrete with astroturf covering it.
No wonder Andre Dawson knees were so bad!
Nolie, I actually enjoyed your long post! The other 2 epic posts of last night, not so much.
UGA, I do see your point on limiting salaries for CEO’s but my thoughts are these guys are the ones that got their companies into this bad position, shouldn’t they also have some “skin” in the game when the government has helped to prolong the life of the company that they bankrupted?
I find it interesting that the Bank of America stock price dropped yesterday on thoughts the bank might be nationalized.
WOW.
By Lew
February 5, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
Anders-At least the Big O was easy to get to on the Metro-just a short walk from the Sheraton Central, past all those gorgeous women and bong-o-philes and a quick ride on the Metro right into the compex.
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this
Anders You are right about Olympic stadium. I think we are still paying for it!!
If its architecture you are looking for, don’t go to Vancouver. Its beauty is natural. The city has carefully blended humanity and nature and served it with one of the best transit systems around. The city itself is very multicultural. And you can probably still venture into the woods just outside and still find a place where no man has been before you. Just a breathtaking display of the power of the mountains, falling into the ocean. Every recreational opportunity you could think of within 100 miles and there are places close by where you can hop into a kayak and glide along with the abundant marine life. The city also has a vibrant night life, some excellent hotels, and attracts a wide variety of acts from the entertainment world. I dream of returning there to live, but it is just so damn expensive. I guess you get what you pay for!
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this
Butch 9:05 post
I’ve got a sore back and I laughed so hard its still hurting.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this
FROM A BITTER HARTFORD WHALERS FAN
The only thing I know about Montreal are the Canadiens and I hate them!!!!
But the CAROLINA HURRICANES have had their way with Montreal.
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this
ncgary: isn’t it remarkable how long those powdery run at Whistler can be? Sooo much vertical there, compared to the runs on most great U.S. slopes….
Johnny99: comped at Disney? Like, so I can get in free at Epcot? Bro, no thanks. But I appreciate the gesture. Now if you know someone at a couple of the couple of clubs in downtown Orlando that actually have good music….
By Dadgum
February 5, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this
Coach….ah yeah, we are all aware of the age of all those pitchers you seem to conveniently name. I gotta say-so what? Are all those other pitchers relevant to Atlanta’s situation. Hell no. Not close. Atlanta has Campillo, Morton, Parr, Moylan, Hanson, probably a few others lined up to take a crack at that #5 slot. Check their ages dude. NOt to mention talent level.
Sure Glavine, as I posted, deserves a shot. BUt at 42 and coming off surgery are you seriously going to pony up around 2 mil to sign him?
No, I am not forgetting the 21 past seasons even if some were with the Mets. Unfortunately for Glavine we care about this season and going forward. Atlanta needs youth in the #5 slot as we have more than enough young talented pitchers that are cheap.
Please, sir, focus on Atlanta’s needs. Glavine may indeed “win” the #5 slot and my hat would be off to him but in no way does he “deserve” the spot for any past years performances.
The train ain’t left the station but it’s boarding.
Rock on…..change is gonna come.
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this
Alright, time to go get my taxes done, then to a training session at the office downtown (gotta get as many hours as possible in earlier this year, before spring training and the season).
Talk to you later.
Shaqtastic — 24 points.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
“the government has helped to prolong the life of the company that they bankrupted?”
not to get political, but yes, the government should absolutely have control in these companies when they give them money (our money) to stay afloat, which is arguably why they never should have given them money, because business is not the government’s job. its a mess.
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this
Try our government where they think the country is a business, and that the citizens are all employees of that business. Their dilemma is that they don’t want to pay us minimum wage, and they can’t lay us off. If they could only employ like thinking citizens to live here, they would probably dump the rest of us without conscience. They are spending billions to bail out failed companies, and their wealthy friends no doubt, and they tried to sneak it by us with no system of checks and balances, to account for the spending. I think they assume we should just trust their expertise. Yeah right!!
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this
Oh No! I might get my hand slapped again today for my irrational and unreasonable views.
By ChopShop860
February 5, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this
HARTFORD WHALERS FOR LIFE!
BLEED GREEN!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDKSpEfPOTo
By Flamenco the Foot
February 5, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this
Holy crap! I come on here to try and keep up with Braves news and I get attempts to emulate Dickens and Chaucer? I don’t think I read anything like some of these people read their dictionaries. I hope this does not become a trend.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this
CHOP SHOP 860
I’m in CT (until I move to Atlanta later this yr). I want to get a Mike Liut Hartford Whalers jersey before I leave. If I can’t, I’ll have to settle for a Carolina Hurricanes jersey
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
By the way, Wayne “The Train” Hancock tonight at The EARL!
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this
Tom Glavine signed with the Boston Red Sox today for 4 Million plus incentives. Boston has decided to once again be called the Boston Braves. Frank Wren the Atlanta Braves general manager has commented that the Braves may sue, but he is not certain if they can afford the 400,000 dollars it might cost them. He has to check with his superiors, to see if this kind of a law suit fits in with the Brave’s baseball philosophy!
By ChopShop860
February 5, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this
don’t settle for a canes jersey, thats no alternative. go with verbeek or dineen or randy ladaceur if you come up dry.
By ChopShop860
February 5, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this
DOB
What is your favorite Hartford Whalers memory? Try to narrow it down to a couple if you can. Thanks.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
happy birthday to the homerun king, hammerin’ hank aaron. dude is 75 years years old.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this
Ron Francis jersey dude. I like the Hurricanes also. Cup winners in 2006. Sad day when Whalers moved.
Paul Maurice re-hiring was a headscratcher. I know that we beat the Thrashers pretty good when Paul Maurice has been coach.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 5, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this
Neight “but DOB is right that it would sure be nice that with the possibility of Hanson being in the rotation, that he might have 4 new guys to catch this year.”
Yeah, [curses curses]…He shoulda thought of that before he excepted [curses curses].
Boy, is that thing gonna suck the fun right outta listening to Spring Training games while drawing!
By BravesFanInRockies
February 5, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this
Wayne “the train” is wonderful. Wish I could be there.
By Chuck James was solid until the 6th!!!
February 5, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
CanadianBrave I used to live in New Orleans. In 2007, I was living down there with a friend and was doing some volunteer work in the Lower 9th Ward. I was living in the French Quarter. While there is still some wind and water damage in the Quarter it is still beautiful. It’s when you go down over the bridge into the Lower 9th Ward when it gets to be ridiculously depressing. I strongly encourage you to go to the French Quarter to experience the food, people and culture. Especially if you avoid all the tourist sections (for the most part) and go where the locals go. The food, music and culture are unparalleled…The locals down there are still kickin’ strong!
“Shaqtastic - 24 Points…” -Shaq “Um-Where did you get so many Q’s??” - Stuart Scott “Don’t worry about it…My turn again—-Shaqtus”
By Neon Deion
February 5, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
Wher McCarver at?
By SeaAtl
February 5, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this
Sorry if this has already been posted, but SI has an article on Frenchy - http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/02/04/francoeur.bounceback/index.html - and ESPN has a headline that the Mets are interested in Ohman (can’t link to it since it’s another article only for the “Insiders”). And, yes, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler - hell, all of British Colombia - are all awesome.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this
slow day on the ol’ MIB blog.
By Thrillhouse44
February 5, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
Did anyone else see this Heyman article about Andruw?
“The Rangers could emerge as a possibility for outfielder Andruw Jones, who became a free agent after working out a separation agreement with the Dodgers. “If someone wants to resurrect their career, Texas is the perfect place,” an American League executive said, referring to the hitters’ park in which the Rangers reside.”
It also mentions the Yankees as being interested. More here
By Anders
February 5, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this
“Alright, time to go get my taxes done,” - DOB
I advise you to keep a close eye on your accountant as I understand when they’re done smoking out the Cabinet seeking tax cheat’s up in DC they’re looking at the Sr. Staff at the BBWAA. :)
By Original Jon
February 5, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this
Just read that the Mets were also in on Will Ohman. What a crock of crap.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this
seaatl love the francouer article. last year was a tuff one for all of us that are huge fans of his, too. i appreciate the kind of guy he is, and boy, i sure hope he rebounds and becomes even half the player many of us thought he might be.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
looks like the mets are in the running for ohman…hopefully he will choose the braves over those bums.
By ChipperFan
February 5, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this
From ESPN:
Mets call on Ohman
Will Ohman | Braves | Interested: Mets? Braves? Phillies?
Mets general manager Omar Minaya made his first contact of the winter with Page Odle, the agent for lefty reliever Will Ohman, reports ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick. The Mets weren’t interested when it appeared that Ohman was seeking a deal similar to Jeremy Affeldt’s two-year, $8 million contract with San Francisco. But they’ve decided to jump in now that spring training is approaching and the price has dropped. Contrary to reports, the Phillies haven’t ceased talks with Ohman’s representatives. But GM Ruben Amaro is near his budget limit unless he finds a way to unload Adam Eaton or Geoff Jenkins. So if the Phillies are going to sign Ohman, Dennys Reyes or Joe Beimel, it probably won’t be for much more than a one-year deal in the $1 million range.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this
MAGGLIO ORDONEZ
I’m starting to see his name being mentioned as a trade possibility. He would be great for Braves. Who would you guys give up for him? I’d give up JoJo Reyes, Bennett, and Kris Medlen to get him.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
getnathan mags would be good for the braves, and was discussed ALOT on this blog right when the 2008 season ended, but he is going to cost way to much money. he is signed for several more years at about $18mil per. he is just not an option for the braves. if they get someone, weather through trade or whatever, they will get paid under $10mil in 29009, i promise.
By ChopShop860
February 5, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this
nathan, i gotta think that finances would prevent that trade from happening. we only have a few more million to play with..it is believed.. and nothing that ATL would be giving back in your proposed trade would offset taking on Magg’s contract. I don’t know what it is off hand, but I have to assume he is making some serious money—much more than the Braves would be willing to spend on him. Especially if we can’t afford some of these discounted corner OF’s. It would be nice but that trade would never happen.
By Bay Area Steve
February 5, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this
scoots, Salty,
74-47? 74-47? is that a typo? Even I’d have to mention that a time or two.
And Nolie, I appreciate your finds from other sources, as I am too lazy to find them myself (not to say that a link was a bad idea).
And McFann, how do you feel about the WBC? Also, a small suggestion: VORPing in place of ding-dang.
By lexbrave
February 5, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this
i don’t understand why crasnick or the mets feel like they can jump in and get a bargain on ohman.
do neither of them realize that he’s been sitting on an offer from the braves for 3 months? his agent is trying to drive up his price. it’s not like the market will lower his price below what the braves already have on the table.
assuming ohman is a man of his word, if he only gets offers comparable to that from the braves then he will return. i don’t see how any of that info points to him being available as a bargain.
By Mitchie-san
February 5, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
Maggs is too expensive too….. ~sigh~
By DAP
February 5, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
lexbrave i guess it depends on what the braves’ offer was. if it was really low, than i guess ohman could be snagged up by someone for a bargain.
By brent a.
February 5, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I really can’t imagine the Braves allowing Ohman to walk to the Mets on a 1-year, $1million contract.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 5, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
getnathan
Love Maggs. Don’t know how you fit him in the budget.
As for Ohman, sure, he can wait for a better offer. What I wonder is how cheap the Braves tried to go in years/money if the Mets think they can swoop him up at a bargain. My guess is the Braves offered something like $6 million over two (or yikes three) years. We may learn when he signs … with somebody.
By Anders
February 5, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
Lexbrave
If the Mets didn’t jump in the Lowe negotiations do you think he would have cost the Braves 4 years at $60 gauranteed? I don’t. At the very least the 4th year would have been an option imo.
Maybe Omar figures at worst he can drive the price of Ohman to the Braves up? At best he gets Ohman at a good price, adds a lefty and keeps him from a division rival. The Yanks and Sox have been doing this to each other for years. Part of the dance.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this
What if Tigers agreed to pay a majority of his salary? YOu know Dave Dombrowski likes to get young players and build from that. (Let’s not trade him back Gorkys Hernandez).
By SeaAtl
February 5, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this
Surely the Braves offered Ohman more than $1 million!
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
Do you think its possible that Soriano could be moved during spring training, or later if it appears he is healthy? He could be part of an attractive package if the Braves wanted to free up some salary and some space on the roster.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this
And why are all the NL East teams jumping into the fray to try and get Ohman. Many of you may not agree, but I think the Phils and Mets are doing it to block the Braves in getting him, and they are scared of the valuable asset that he is.
I think Braves are trying to wait and see if Logan or O’Flaherty can handle the lefty spot out of the pen before signing Ohman, but Ohman will be signed by then.
By ncscoots
February 5, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this
BASteve, a two-point win and I’d have been making 30 posts saluting the Tigers, LOL. But that thing last night…too much rejoicing over that kind of game would be unseemly.
But, Salty, Wayne, gotigers72, the rest of our lurking Tiger alumni, and I thank you for bringing it up just the once, LOL.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this
im starting to feel confident that ohman stays with the braves. if someone had made a substantial offer to him, i imagine we would have heard about it, and the braves offer was made back before they had spent any money, and before the economy took a free fall. im thinking its probably a pretty decent offer.
By brent a.
February 5, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this
Canadian Brave
Chuck James is right, no reason to avoid New Orleans, as a tourist.
The places that are still hurricane-ravaged, are places you likely never would’ve gone anywhere.
Time of year in New Orleans, is important. The tough part is, in the summer, when you have good daylight, it’s, sticky, and smelly. For me, that doesn’t inspire me to want to eat sea food in the French Quarter.
In the winter, it’s cooler, and darker, but I’m not wildly fond of walking the French Quarter after dark.
In short, though, I like it there. Used to do some work in the area, and got to know a few good places that I like to visit when I return.
Louisville, eh? You can do better. Of course, since I grew up in Kentucky, I think I fail to appreciate its charm. Louisville was the big, intimidating city growing up.
But now that I’ve lived in a couple of major cities, Louisville seems small time.
If you really want a good taste of Louisville, try a Derby Pie.
The Kern’s family in Louisville somewhat recently got the recipe copyrighted (or whatever it is, you do). What they make is pretty good, but they kind of skimp on the chocolate.
http://www.derbypie.com/
My wife makes a better one. Chocolate is cheap.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this
getnathan i dont see the tigers eating mags’ salary. if they trade him, it will be because they are dumping salary anyways. plus, with an $18mil salary in 2009, what in the world would the braves have to trade to get the tigers to eat over half of mags’ remaining salary? they would probably demand mccann jurjjens and hanson, at least. this trade is not within the realm of possibility.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 5, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
scoots, other Tigers fans
That really was impressive last night. I’d like to say Dook may be entering its annual season-ending swoon, but your guys thumped ‘em. Clemson could be looking at No. 2 seed — unless y’all run the table and then it’s a No. 1, baby!
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
If Ohman stays with Braves, then Braves become a major player in the NL East division.
Braves will have an effective lefty to get Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Delgado out,and turn Jose Reyes and Shane Victorino (whom I can’t stand) to their weaker hitting, less powerful side (Right handed) in key spots.
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about the Braves getting Ordonez, but They might want to have a look at Casper Wells.
Does anyone know anything about Diorys Hernandez? I see him on the 40 man roster. Is he a legite infield prospect?
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 5, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this
Bay Area Steve “And McFann, how do you feel about the WBC?”
LOL! Yeah, maybe it’s time I let you guys in on that…I shouldn’t be hiding my feelings inside me…
Sorry, I have been overdoing it a little, haven’t I?
VORPing instead of ding-dang? Maybe…
By ncscoots
February 5, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this
BFIR, man, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. :-) Still got half a conference schedule to play yet, plus a conference tourney.
But three consecutive 30-point halves IS some wicked sick defense, I’ll grant that.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
DAP makes sense. Besides I wouldn’t give them back Jurrjens.
But you know, the closer the season approaches, the more confident I feel in what the Braves have now in the outfield. I say they just go with what they got now. Put Josh Anderson in CF, Matt Diaz is back, and he can platoon with Brandon Jones. I think the outfield is speedy, and offensively can put pressure on the defense.
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
Brent A and Chuck
Thanks for the travel info. I know Louisville is small time, but it looks like a good fitness city and the people seem pretty friendly. New Orleans is on the radar in the next year or so!
By Butch Haynes
February 5, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
Hi everyone, Captain Reality here. I think the Braves should sign Manny Ramirez and then trade him for Magglio Ordonez and Adam Dunn. Sincerely, Captain Reality
By mbatl
February 5, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
“Does anyone know anything about Diorys Hernandez? I see him on the 40 man roster. Is he a legite infield prospect?” - Canadianbrave
Everything I’ve read suggests he’s probably a legitimate utility man - probably not a starter, almost certainly not a star. Maybe ‘scoots has seen him play, though, and would have more insight.
By rotty
February 5, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
There is nothing confidence inspiring about the current Braves OF.
The closer we get to ST w/o a legitimate HR bat in LF the more fans should worry.
The Braves have a nice pile of 4th OF including JF (until he proves otherwise) and a AA CF trying to make the team.
INF, Pen, SP look good as does the bench. The OF is the same offensive train wreck we had in 08.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
diory hernandez is a player who has been very inconsistent in the minors, having really good parts of a seaosn and then struggling. more recently, his struggles seem to coincide with getting promoted, so it might be that he just takes some time to get adjusted. based on his stats, it looks like he might be a contact kind of guys with decent speed. maybe like yunel escobar, but alittle faster and a little less power.
his best year at his highest level was 2007 at AA where he had 433 ABs. he hit .307/.370/.418 (.788OPS) hit 7 homers and stole 22 bases (but he was caught 20 times…whoops!)
im not too sure about him. he is 24, and if he was going to make an impact in the majors, youd think he would be getting close to doing that, but his offense leaves much to be desired.
By geauxbraves2000
February 5, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
BUT WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN MARCH??? McFann
Totally agree. I can’t understand the logic behind the timing. It seems like such a risk that a player could get hurt in a tourny with nothing on the line but pride (yes, maybe a showcase for young talent or someone trying to make it back, but that’s not the point). How do you think Braves fans would feel if Chipper went down. How would this lineup look without McCann? All because they had to play in March instead of October.
Geaux Braves!!
By BravesFanInRockies
February 5, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
And now, for those of you who were ripping Wren for not pursuing Ben Sheets:
Sheets may need elbow surgery
Thank you. I’ll be here all week. Try the veal.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this
getnathan i still think its important for the braves to add a guy who can hit them 20 or so homers. nady, swisher, abreu, or even ankiel would be nice.
if they dont, i think this lineup is going to have to work really hard to score runs…which is fine, but it would be nice to be able to score real quick.
By dogsbrekky
February 5, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this
Ben Sheets story out about his arm being “rogered” and needing surgery
It appears 99% of GMs know what is going on afterall
Poor ol’ Manny may end up with an embarassing cut back in salary afterall …. :-)
By Original Jon
February 5, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
Did you all hear about Ben Sheets? Turns out he has a torn flexor tendon near the elbow and may need elbow surgery. Good thing we didnt sign him like most of you here wanted us to do.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 5, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
rotty
I’m not as pessimistic as you about the OF but you’re right, it’s easy to see the glass as mostly empty.
That said, if Diaz comes back healthy, then there’s one guy who can mash LHP that we didn’t have most of 2008.
If Jordan Schafer comes anywhere close to the hype, we have a potential impact CF — or at least a leadoff man with pop and speed.
Francoeur surely can’t be as awful as he was in 2008, can he?
I see a lot of upside potential because you can’t imagine it getting any worse.
Some vote of confidence …
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 5, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000—
Yep. Yep yep yep…
By Josh from Columbus
February 5, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I just saw the Shaqtastic comment. That commercial literally made me laugh out loud. Advertising Sportscenter on ESPN doesn’t really make much sense but they are funny commercials none the less.
Anyhow, can anyone confirm the fact that it is at least rumored that The Kid is coming to ATL? Just wondering…
By the way: Columbus, GA not Columbus, OH. About one hour south of Hartsfield Int’l.
By mbatl
February 5, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this
WBC must be in March because they couldn’t get top MLB players to play in November-February. That’s these guys’ down time. In March, they’re working either way - either in ST or the WBC.
I don’t have a problem with it… and kinda like the WBC.
By AZBravoFan
February 5, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
DOB and ncgary
I’m headed up to Whistler in a couple weeks. The Dave Murray Dowhnhill has to be one of my favorite runs of all time. Unbelievable how much speed you can build up.
By dogsbrekky
February 5, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
I’m going to New Orleans for 1st time in March and am so excited. We are staying on Canal St at the Sheraton,
Any bar and restaurant recommendations ?
I will have the g/f and her family with us as the old bugger (her dad) wants to gamble at Harrahs !
TY in advance
By Anders
February 5, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this
“If Ohman stays with Braves, then Braves become a major player in the NL East division.” - Getnathan
Don’t you think if Wren believed this he wouldn’t be daudling over a couple of million bucks? Let’s not turn Ohman into Eckersley for god sakes.
BTW- Where’s the lefty in your starting rotation who’s gonna get all those lefties you fear out in the first 7 innings?
By Anders
February 5, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky
There are no bars or restaurants in New Orleans! Where did you hear there were?
It’s just an old mining town with a post office and a sears.
Have a good vacation.
By SeaAtl
February 5, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
Though I never “ripped Wren” I’ll admit I was one who thought a bargain signing of Sheets would have been a good move. I’ve just seen him pitch so friggin’ well 2 or 3 times in person that I thought it was worth a gamble. But Wren & others who passed on the guy made the right decision by not pursuing him, obviously.
By Lee in S GA
February 5, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this
Butch Haynes You may have topped the late night post by Aristotle. Both are classics.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
“Where’s the lefty in your starting rotation who’s gonna get all those lefties you fear out in the first 7 innings?” anders
there have been several people who bring this up, and ive wanted to respond but havent been able to yet. since the blog is pretty slow ill chime in on it.
this is not important. having a lefty in the rotation just for the sake of having one is silly. you put the best pitchers you have in there, and if they are good, they will get guys out, no matter what side of the plate they stand on.
having a guy in the bullpen that does really well against lefties is a good weapon, but in the rotation, you want a guy who gets outs, period. he he struggles against a certain handed hitter consistently, he probably shouldnt be starting.
so the moral is, lefties in the bullpen: good, lefties in the rotation: doesnt matter.
By Interested Observer
February 5, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky
It’s been a couple of year since I’ve been to New Orleans, but you should check out Mother’s Restuarant. It’s on the corner of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Street (near Harrah’s). It’s a local favorite and usually crowded, but worth checking out.
Also, if it’s still there, there’s a bar on Bourbon street called The Rock. It has a great live band. Of course, every bar on Bourbon street has a good band!
By dogsbrekky
February 5, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this
*By Anders *
February 5, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky
There are no bars or restaurants in New Orleans! Where did you hear there were?
It’s just an old mining town with a post office and a sears.
Have a good vacation.
Oh good like the outback but without pubs :-))
By flange1
February 5, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
Well I will be the first to say I was for signing Sheets. I guess I was wrong!
In terms of the OF, we know Frenchy is going to be in RF and Matt Diaz is going to probably be in a platoon in LF (or will be the 4th OF).
Anderson is out of options, and DID NOT play winter ball. Blanco is NOT out of options, played winter ball and hit well. Schafer has potential and played winter ball B Jones has options but can’t play CF.
If the Braves do NOT sign a LF (which I think is the way they are leaning right now) they will have to choose which 2 guys to keep on the team.
Logic would say Anderson would be the guy you would want to keep either to platoon in LF or play CF. Decent lead off hitter and great when he is ahead in the count. Good base runner and defensive outfielder.
I want Schafer to play CF, but I think the Braves will send him to Gwinnett for some seasoning.
That leaves Blanco and B Jones. My preference is for B Jones in a LF platoon with ANderson in CF.
But I think we will have to see what happens in spring training before any decision will be made.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 5, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this
mbatl—
Yeah, but the work they’re s’posed to do in Spring Training is a little different than what they’ll do in that thing, isn’t it? I mean…certain people can’t work out with their new pitchers if he’s not with them…
By Butch Haynes
February 5, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this
Why, just last season, while watching Will Ohman and his lifetime 4.16 ERA in the National League, and the 9th inning home run he gave up to Ryan Howard in July, and his career 2 saves out of 8 save opportunities, I thought to myself, this is perhaps the greatest lefty reliever of a generation, a real difference-maker, the one player who can make the Braves a “major player in the NL East division.” That’s what I thought to myself.
By Anders
February 5, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
DAP
I somewhat agree that a good starter can handle guys from both sides of the plate. That said, I would be worried about how comfortable the lefties will get in a 3 game series basically seeing almost exclusively right handed pitching throughout. They will get locked in and over a series this usually takes it’s toll. Plus, without the dominant lefty the Phils and Mets will be less inclined to sit their big lefty boppers for a game against the Braves. They’ll save that for when they face each others lefties instead.
Not a huge deal, but it’s certainly not ideal for the Braves.
By John Adcox
February 5, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this
Speaking of New Orleans, I have to recommend Mister John’s (no relation) in the Garden District. Amazing.
By Lee in S GA
February 5, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
“That leaves Blanco and B Jones. My preference is for B Jones in a LF platoon with ANderson in CF.”
flange1 That is my preference also, that is if nothing changes between now and spring training. It would not surprise me to see the Braves make a trade for an outfielder sooner or later. Seems to me that there are just too many questions to feel overly optimistic or even good about our current outfield situation.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this
ANDERS
Ohman isn’t signed by the Braves yet because they are waiting to see if cheaper options like Boone Logan or Eric O’Flaherty can be effective.
You must be a Mets fan. I guess you’re resting your hopes on Putz and K-Rod.
Braves are going to still beat the Mets like they’ve been doing for the past 13 years (except for 2006).
By DAP
February 5, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
“without the dominant lefty the Phils and Mets will be less inclined to sit their big lefty boppers for a game against the Braves. They’ll save that for when they face each others lefties instead.” anders
do they do this anyways? do the phils sit howard and utley when they are facing a lefty? do the mets sit delgado against lefties?
if they do, im surprised, and im not sure why they would do that.
having starter that might face those two teams 7 times over the course of a year is not enough of a reason to make that guy a lefty. however, a lefty reliever could be used against those two teams up to 36 times!
i just dont put alot of stock into it for rotations.
By Anders
February 5, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Now signing pitchers with a history of elbow trouble who end up needing elbow surgery is viewed as a bad thing on this blog?
Why didn’t I get this policy change memo?
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this
Looks like BUTCH HAYNES has nothing good to say. Maybe he’s really BUTCH HUSKEY. Won’t dignify stupid posts from a Mets fan with a response, so I’ll move on….
Braves are going to have to go with their current outfield and I think they’re going to make a trade deadline deal. I hope they’re buyers instead of sellers by that time. I can’t imagine they would be sellers with the money they’ve spent this offseason.
By mbatl
February 5, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this
Anders, in 2008,
Mets vs. LHP: .276/.349/.439
Mets vs. RHP: .262/.337/.413
Phils vs. LHP: .257/.337/.464
Phils vs. RHP: .255/.330/.426
Unless it’s a Cole Hamels or Johan Santana (and we ain’t got that), why would the Braves really want to start a lefty against the Mets or Phillies? A good LH reliever is nice to have for very specific situations, but for the most part, doesn’t matter too much with starters. I guess there’s the “settlling in” argument, but I don’t really buy it.
By Hank Williams Sr.
February 5, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
As a starter, you learn to get out lefties and righties. Your career depends on it. Having a lefty in a rotation just for the sake of having a lefty is pointless. The rotation is set. You don’t call down to the bullpen and ask for the lefty to get up to face a lefty lineup, just like you don’t call down to the pen to get the righty up if you’re facing a righty lineup. You create a rotation of the most effective overall pitchers. If one, two, or three of them turn out to be lefties, so be it. I’m sure it’s something that the average baseball fan thinks about, but I highly doubt that it’s something that Frank Wren or Bobby Cox lose sleep over.
By Anders
February 5, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this
“do they do this anyways? do the phils sit howard and utley when they are facing a lefty? do the mets sit delgado against lefties?” - DAP
I don’t mean they sit them as a rule, but when planning to give guy’s days off generally you try to time it (in a lefty hitter’s case) against tough lefty pitching.
I’d put more stock in a lefty getting locked in over a three game series when he hasn’t had to look at any benders.
By ncscoots
February 5, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this
Uh, DAP, a lefty starter could make 20 to 21 appearances against EACH lefty on each team in question. A reliever might make as many for some individual hitters, but it’s unlikely he would make as many in total. Number of games have nothing to do with the relative value of either pitcher; it’s the number of lefty-on-lefty outs each pitcher can produce. The starter has many more opportunities to do that. At least, for those hitters where lefty-on-lefty has any relevance.
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
Okay all those who wanted to sign Sheets own up!!
I was one!!
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
DAP
They don’t always sit the lefties when lefties start against them, depending on how hot the hitters are at the time. I’ve seen Delgado usually hit lower in the order when a left hander is starting.
By KC
February 5, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000: I completely agree. Holding this thing in March shouldn’t even be an option. If we could hand pick the two players on this team that the Braves LEAST want to see adding extra wear and tear and risking injury… it would be Chipper Jones, and their starting catcher, Brian McCann.
This is BS. Even if they don’t get hurt, it’s wear and tear on the two players for whom the additional mileage is LEAST prudent.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
I wanted Sheets AFTER they signed Lowe!!!!
Does he have the same injury that Glavine needed to have surgery for?
By DAP
February 5, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
scoots right on, you are correct. and, let me just say again, most starters are not going to be guys who just cant get oppo hitters out.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 5, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this
I think DOB mentioned this in either a blog or a comment recently, but the Braves’ thinking about lefty starters is that they’d rather have five starters who can get people out and not worry so much about whether they threw with the right or the left hand.
But if we have to have a lefty in the rotation, JoJo will again get his chance, albeit possibly his final one with this club.
flange1
The battle for CF will be intense (I hope). If Schafer is impressive and Blanco plays well, Anderson may be out of luck if he stumbles. Granted, if they all play about the same, Schafer may go to Gwinnett to assure regular ABs.
However, the OF offense was so bad last year that the question of who has options should not matter a whole lot.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 5, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
Anders (3:26)
Agreed. And I’ll admit, starting a really good lefty (Santana, Hamels) seems to throw off the opposition’s offense more than a comparable righty — my guess is because hitters don’t see southpaws as often.
By Anders
February 5, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this
“If Ohman stays with Braves, then Braves become a major player in the NL East division.” - Getnathan at 1:23
“Ohman isn’t signed by the Braves yet because they are waiting to see if cheaper options like Boone Logan or Eric O’Flaherty can be effective.” - Getnathan at 3:10
You realize you’re flailing nonsensically at this point?
“Braves are going to still beat the Mets like they’ve been doing for the past 13 years (except for 2006).” - Getnathan
Welcome back from your coma. Unfortunately while you were away the Mets finished in front of the Braves again in 2007 and 2008. Hey, but we have a new President!
“You must be a Mets fan. I guess you’re resting your hopes on Putz and K-Rod.” - Getnathan
Ya think?
By saff
February 5, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this
Lets face it if the Braves fail to add a power bat in left you will see this team struggle all year to put up runs we lost tex and really just have two power hitters Chipper and McCann which hit about 20-25 home runs usually which still is not really much power but Chipper is capable of hitting 35 easy if he stays healthy but he also wants to hit for high average to solve the problem sign Abreu or Dunn I prefer Dunn 40 homers are almost a gurantee
By Butch Haynes
February 5, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
I have something good to say: Thank you for putting my name in all bold, upper-case lettering. It makes me feel all tingly inside. Also, to amend an earlier post from Captain Reality, when the Braves sign Manny Ramirez and then immediately trade him for Magglio Ordonez and Adam Dunn, they should also get Johan Santana in the trade, who would be a nice situational lefty reliever out of the Braves bullpen. Then the Braves won’t have to worry about signing the much-sought-after Will “Oh man, he just gave up an 8th-inning homer to Carlos Delgado” Ohman, the preeminent lefty reliever of his generation. Em nau.
By Lee in S GA
February 5, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this
Not saying it is that important but the Braves may have a lefty in the starting rotation. Glavine may make it; Reyes may come on like a lighting bolt in spring training. Who’s to say for sure. There are only 4 starters currently penciled in for the Braves and the 5th will be up for grabs. Like the outfield positions (2), the 5th starter is going to have earn that spot.
By ncscoots
February 5, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
—However, the OF offense was so bad last year that the question of who has options should not matter a whole lot.—
Good tip. :-)
On another note, someone asked about Diory Hernandez. I’ve classified him as just an “organizational guy” before; don’t know if he can hit enough in the bigs, based on what I’ve seen of him. nolie, you had any looks at the guy? What’s your opinion?
By Mitchie-san
February 5, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
Holy Sheet, that was a good call not signing him.
By Original Jon
February 5, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
Anders, I think he meant in head to head games between the Mets and Braves, not what place they finished in the division.
By nolie
February 5, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this
My guess is the Braves offered something like $6 million over two (or yikes three) years. We may learn when he signs … with somebody.BFIR
my guess is that it was no more than 2 years @ 2 mil each year. maybe only a one year offer. they are always cheap with middle relievers and LOOGYs.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 5, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
saff @ 3:45—
In the words of Lou Grant, “This isn’t a news story—this is the World’s longest sentence!”
By Moby Grape
February 5, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this
. What they make is pretty good, but they kind of skimp on the chocolate. Brent
you’re right about that, they do kinda skimp. Always wondered why since as you say chocolate is cheap.
By DAP
February 5, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
saff
breathe, pal.
By rotty
February 5, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
I think the team is better but one of the key and glaring needs of this off season (a real starting HR hitting LF) is still unfilled.
Diaz is a nice bench player who started b/c the Braves had no payroll room and were coming off years of TW penny pinching.
At best he is a platoon stater and the Braves need more than a platoon in LF.
JF is DOA until prove otherwise. No one and I mean no one predicted (back in 2006) that AJ career looked to be about over.
So yes JF could easily repeat 2008 especially if his problems are mental versus physical.
AJ is a better ball player than JF is or likely will ever be and he collapsed, biblically,
At best JF returns to his 2006/07 performance which is not great. Better but not game changing in terms of this division.
The Braves need a legitimate bat in LF to compete not Diaz, Blanco or BJones.
By ncgary
February 5, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this
put me in coach, im ready to play ! today.
By Elizabeth Scott
February 5, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
Canadianbrave-I’ve watched Diorys play with the Pelicans. He has good base speed. I think he was the stolen base leader last season.
By nolie
February 5, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know anything about Diorys Hernandez? I see him on the 40 man roster. Is he a legite infield prospectCanadian
he has always been considered marginal, never really seems to get much mention or credit over the years. He can play all three infield positions but has never been considered particularly good at any of them. Up to now he has not been regarded as a potential starter, he might catch on if Prado gets traded. Baseball Cube a good site re minor leaguers has him rated as…Power 42…Contact 58…Speed 63…Patience 15 BOOO!
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
It would sure be nice to live somewhere where you can see these guys as they come up through the ranks!
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
ANDERS
Since you are the only one questioning what I’ve posted about Ohman (and Butch Huskey his posts are another story entirely), I guess it IS me after all.
WMaybe I should have been more clear about Braves beating Mets. Braves have won the season series from the Mets every year except 2006 for the past 13 years, but again, I guess it is me.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 5, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
nolie
I hope you’re wrong about what the Braves offered Ohman, but it wouldn’t shock me. Nor would it shock me if the Mets or the Phils beat an offer that low.
By Anders
February 5, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this
My two cents in the WBC. Most of these players saying how they’re proud to be playing for their country blah, blah, blah - Bull! If not , I say prove it. Have the tournament in November. You wouldn’t be able to field a team with MLB players. This whole thing is a chance for guys to skip out on some of the doldrums of ST and go hang with their buddies from other teams etc.. Can’t say I blame them but don’t tell me it’s about representing your country ….
What do the fans get from it? We get to hope none of our star players get’s hurt. Then we get to hope that participating in this level of competition so early in ST doesn’t take it’s toll further down the road in 2009.
Mike Richter, the soon to be HOF goaltender for the NY Rangers blew out his knee one year in a skills competition at the All Star game. Absolutely wrecked the Rangers season. What if this happened to Chipper or in my case Wright during the WBC? Why don’t palyers who aren’t signed go? They don’t want to risk getting hurt. So it’s ok once they have their money to risk injury and screw us fans but when their $’s are on the line they stay home wrapped in plastic bubbles.
I’ve always felt that if you charge people all this money to come see your players you shouldn’t be loaning them out for others benefit. If the guy gets hurt performing for my team or in his personal time- ok that’s life, but not for some trumped up marketing/money grab deal.
Whew!
By Anders
February 5, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this
Getnathan
Gotitnathan.
By nolie
February 5, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
My preference is for B Jones in a LF platoon with ANderson in CF.Flange
I still prefer Blanco over Anderson because he has such a better ability to get on base so far. I will admit that Anderson has done pretty well so far, better than I thought he would. However I believe if he plays regularly he will regress to his MiLB norm. No matter how you cut it, our current choices could end up being a cats-asz-trophy
By Maturin
February 5, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
Wasn’t it Gorkys Hernandez and not Diory Hernandez that had all those stolen bases?
By Moby Grape
February 5, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this
I thought to myself, this is perhaps the greatest lefty reliever of a generation, a real difference-maker, the one player who can make the Braves a “major player in the NL East division.” That’s what I thought to myself.ButchH
that’s amazing, I thought exactly the same thing. Like Koufax as a reliever.
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this
For what it’s worth, Ohman had the highest ERA on my PS2 video game. Soriano had 41 saves. Gonzalez and Moylan lead my team in holds, I won 20 straight during the season, and won the world series, and was last in the league in Home Runs
By Butch Haynes
February 5, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this
My sources tell me that if the Braves sign Will “Oh man, he just gave up an 8th inning homer to Randy Winn” Ohman, then all my dreams will come true! Plus, my sources tell me that he likes the Big Lebowski - gaaaw, that is so cool! I should totally to hang out with him and talk about cool movies! Move over Iverson, Will Ohman is the new Answer! The Answer to all my damp dreams!!!!!!!!!
By Anders
February 5, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this
Moby Grape
Koufax might be back. Apparently he got caught in the Maddoff scandal net as well.
By BA
February 5, 2009 4:37 PM | Link to this
Funny how, when the Braves snatched Lowe from the Mutts grubby hands, Anders was no where to be found, for weeks.
Now that Minaya has done NOTHING the entire offseason to make his gutless roster any better, this guy Anders is back, talking about how the Mutts finished in front of the Braves the last two years, disregarding the fact that they lose to Atlanta every year head to head, and the fact that they choked up their chance to go to the playoffs during those two years.
K-Rod? No better than Wagner. Putz? Better than Heilman, I suppose, but what about the other four or five spots in the pen? Still a question mark.
To pretend that Mutts ownership isn’t broke is disengenious at best. So the big move was to bring back Oliver (I’ve never been consistent) Perez? Rotation is a HUGE question mark.
Lineup? Wright and Reyes (when he’s in the mood to play) and little else. Ryan Church? Brian Schneider? Seriously? A NEW YORK team is going with these guys in the STARTING lineup? Let’s wheel out Delgado one more year…
If I were a Mutts fan (you know, one of the savages throwing batteries from my nosebleed seat) I’d be furious. A new stadium, after two years of gutless futility, and they’re going with Ryan Church and Tim Redding?
I call BS on Anders- surely your not dumb enough to accept this as a competitive team. You’re playing devils advocate, for sure- but no self respecting baseball fan would accept this Mutts offseason as being anything short of a huge embarrasing failure.
By Chris R.
February 5, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this
Lo
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
If the Braves fall out of contention do you think they will package up Chipper and try to get his approval for a trade!
By BA
February 5, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this
nolie, you never hear Diory Hernandez mentioned as any kind of legit prospect, but he had a really good year for an awful Richmond team in ‘08. But like you said, with Infante and Prado, I don’t think he’s got a shot to make this Braves squad.
By Chris R.
February 5, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
“Where did you get all those Q’s?”. “Don’t worry about it!” Look at that, Shaqtus!
By nolie
February 5, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
nolie
I hope you’re wrong about what the Braves offered Ohman, but it wouldn’t shock me. Nor would it shock me if the Mets or the Phils beat an offer that low.BFIR
Why would they have offered much more?It was early in the off-season and they knew that he liked it there. They likely assumed if it got beat that he would get back to them. If they upped it B4 now they would just have been bidding against themselves.
He has not been that consistent over the years. Millions of relievers(well maybe not millions) have a good year followed by a mediocre one. I would not give him more that 2 years @ 3mil each. Add their long history of filling out the pen on the cheap and IMO if he gets a strong offer the Braves will not beat it.
Not saying that I wouldn’t want him back, just that most relievers are too much of a crap-shoot to sign for 3 or 4 years. I could be totally wrong about him though.
By Anders
February 5, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this
I think I just figured out what BA stands for.
By flange1
February 5, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this
Anders,
totally agree with you on the WBC. Move it to November and let’s see who wants to play for their country!
Nolie,
I hear you on Anderson and Blanco. In my perfect outfield world, the Braves would not have signed Diaz! I would want to sign a full time left fielder (preferably RH), give the CF job to Schafer and get a RH speedster that can play ALL OF positions for the 4th outfielder position.
I like the speed that Anderson brings, I like his defense, but when he gets 2 strikes on him, he might as well sit down.
Blanco has improved every year he has played (except last year moving to the ML roster). I don’t like the way he throws across his body and I think he should be a better base stealer with his speed.
It would be a shame to end up cutting Anderson, I doubt he would clear waivers.
But then again, I have a real problem with thinking all Braves prospects are great and will succeed!!!
Do you think the Braves will go with Schafer in CF if he has a good spring?
By Thrillhouse44
February 5, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this
What if this happened to Chipper or in my case Wright during the WBC? Anders
Nothing can hurt David Wright, not even David Wright.
David Wright doesn’t feel pain. Pain feels David Wright.
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this
Canadianbrave: No, I don’t think that will happen.
By Neon Deion
February 5, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
Wher McCarver at?
By getnathan
February 5, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
The MUTTS. I like the sound of that.
Okay Braves fans. Give me some NL East season series predictions. here are mine..
Braves vs. Phillies 9-10 (4-15 last season) Braves vs. Marlins 11-8 Braves vs. Nationals 14-5 Braves vs. METS 12-7
By nolie
February 5, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
If the Braves fall out of contention do you think they will package up Chipper and try to get his approval for a trade!Canadian
I kinda doubt it, but perhaps. I don’t think they would get all that much though unless they lucked into a contending team that really needed a third sacker. His injury record over the last 4 seasons or so is gonna lower his value some. I kinda hope not. I’m not a sentimental guy but Chipper is my favorite player and I would like to see him stay.
By nolie
February 5, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this
Scoots
I haven’t seen Diory play more than a few games. I can’t get around to games nearly as much as I used to. What I saw pretty much agreed with what you said and with his rep. Not a bad player but so far nothing special either and little patience as BC said.
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
Real shocker about Sheets. Well, that is, unless you paid attention last fall when he could barely pitch two terrible innings each time he tried to pitch in September, then couldn’t pitch at all in the postseason.
Seriously, all those who thought the Braves and other teams should have just signed him anyway, even though he couldn’t pitch in the most important games of the season … did you really think he’d just heal and be a good gamble for a team? Look at his history, folks.
And the reports after the season were that he might have shoulder problems in addition to the elbow issues.
By Brian
February 5, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, at this point who do you think is more likely to be our LF.. Abreu or Swisher? I’d think Swisher might make more sense to Wren because he can play more positions and they’d have him for longer. I guess it depends on how much the Yanks would ask, but Prado, B. Jones, and maybe Reyes sounds pretty fair. What do you think?
By Anders
February 5, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse
Apparently you’ve been talking with Chipper about Mr. Wright.
By BA
February 5, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
I’m sure that despite the WBC, Wright will be healthy enough to throw away clutch at-bats at the end of the season. Here’s to hoping the Mutts stay healthy enough to blow it, like usual.
By nolie
February 5, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this
Blanco has improved every year he has played (except last year moving to the ML roster). I don’t like the way he throws across his body and I think he should be a better base stealer with his speed.
It would be a shame to end up cutting Anderson, I doubt he would clear waivers. Flange
I agree with those comments re Blanco, and if there are no additions B4 then and it is close between Josh and Gregor in ST, the option differences might give Josh an advantage
I like Blanco’s numbers from winter ball. Yes it is nowhere near MLB ball, but some namebrand guys didn’t do as well.
By Anders
February 5, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this
Round about July 1 2009 on a Red Sox off day up in Nantucket.
“Hey Jawhnny, Jawnny Smaaltz. Any chaunce you could get Chippaw to waive his no trade and come up here to help us fellaws catch them dawmn Yawnks?”
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this
For those who might be wondering, Chipper was voted Braves Player of the Year by the local BBWAA chapter, for the second year in a row. He got 14 votes and Brian McCann got five.
By bravo1966
February 5, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
For all those question about a LF, I have seen many reports (The latest from Olney’s blog from today), that state the Braves are not in the market for a LF, and are instead looking at internal options. Anderson and Diaz were specifically mentioned. It does not appear that the Braves will be landing Dunn, Abreu, Swisher or Nady and your 2009 Braves outfield will most likely consist of Frenchy, Anderson/Blanco, Diaz/Jones. Maybe Diaz has a bounce back season and the outfield can muster more than 26 HR combined. That is of course dependent of Frenchy having a break out year as well.
By bravo1966
February 5, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
For all those question about a LF, I have seen many reports (The latest from Olney’s blog from today), that state the Braves are not in the market for a LF, and are instead looking at internal options. Anderson and Diaz were specifically mentioned. It does not appear that the Braves will be landing Dunn, Abreu, Swisher or Nady and your 2009 Braves outfield will most likely consist of Frenchy, Anderson/Blanco, Diaz/Jones. Maybe Diaz has a bounce back season and the outfield can muster more than 26 HR combined. That is of course dependent of Frenchy having a break out year as well.
By BA
February 5, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
Anders 5:04 pm post was at least as funny as Dane Cook.
By ryan c
February 5, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this
I just turned 30 and have now lived Uptown in New Orleans for 7 years. If you need recommendations of places to go, things to see, and especially food, shoot me a line at cothrjr@hotmail.com. My wife and I are very active in the community and know all the neat little places that will make for a splendid trip.
By brian
February 5, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this
Obama wants to limit executive pay in companies that receive bail out money to $500,000. If I were to take that further, many of these companies support major league sports through sponsorships such as the upcoming Mets Citi stadium sponsorship. The Mets will thus be getting bailout/stimulus, etc money. Will Obama make the Mets and for that matter all of sports, have maximum salaries of $500,000 since they will directly or indirectly receive bailout money.
What would Scott Boras think of that?
Why, in this economy and in this free agent market, would Manny Ramirez decline a 1 year $25 million contract? One year for the economy to improve and 1 year for Manny to try and rebuild his shattered image (if there was much of a team player image to start with).
By Chuck James was Solid until the 6th!!!
February 5, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this
doggsbrekky You are in the pit of tourists where you are staying…However, the good news is you’re only a few miles (if that) from the phenomenal local bars with free music and wonderful food. First of, for free music, you MUST see Coco Robicheaux at the Apple Barrell, located at 609 Frenchmen Street. Call in advance to see when he is playing @ 504-949-9399. Seeing him perform is something I will never forget. It’s a great spot to hit after dinner and grab a few drinks and take in his great music! That spot is located about 1.5 miles from where you are staying..
I don’t know where you are staying or where you are from (I live in the Tri-State) but for my Italian fix I always went to Mona Lisa’s down on Royal Street. About 2 miles from where you are. Their shrimp pizza is amazing! Ofcourse another spot to hit is Jean LaFitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street) on the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Phillip Street (no more than a mile from where you are). You MUST go there at night to relax and grab some beers and go upstairs in the back and sing with the piano lady. (That will get you some points with the wife) I just hang there and don’t sing and watch people make fools of themselves. But the lady who plays the piano is awesome and very friendly! And, oh yeh, the MAJOR reason to go there is it’s THE FIRST “bar” in the USA! Order a “Purple” for me!!! Very cool candle lit cozy place to spend an hour or two as a nightcap…(Please don’t confuse this with Cafe Lafitte’s in Exile which is the countries oldest gay bar…)
Eat at Brennan’s located at 417 Royal Street for some dynamtie Creole food, I usually stop in their for lunch…For Cajun food that is off the walls a must is K-Paul’s Louisana Kitchen located at 416 Chartres Street, about a mile from where you are as well…
All of those places are great and will not dissapoint!! Hope you have a great time!!
By Aristotle
February 5, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this
Please allow me the honor of giving you a brief lesson in Anders’s many incoherent attributes. So, without further ado, I present you with this all-important piece of information: If they could speak, the birds, snakes, and other creatures who are our Earth brothers and Earth sisters would decidedly say that Anders finds enemies everywhere. I could write paragraph after paragraph on the subject, but this should suffice. It’s easy to tell if Anders’s lying. If he’s posting here, he’s lying. The moral of the story: Anders’s lalochezia is downright annoying.
By Bayou Brave
February 5, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I assume you were not allowed to vote per AJC guidelines…though we all know you would succomb to your man crush and vote for Hoss.
By mbatl
February 5, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this
“If they could speak, the birds, snakes, and other creatures who are our Earth brothers and Earth sisters would decidedly say that Anders finds enemies everywhere.”
Aristotle, I’d guess that if birds and snakes could speak, they’d say something like, “give me food.” But maybe they’d say something about Anders.
By Canadianbrave
February 5, 2009 5:51 PM | Link to this
To all concerned thanks for the info on Diorys Hernandez.
By KC
February 5, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this
flange1: You weren’t necessarily wrong about Sheets. When any of us suggest that a player might be a good fit, we assume they’re going to get a thorough physical exam. Sheets never would have cleared such an exam.
By 74Dawg
February 5, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this
Re: Christian Bale-can you say Holy Psycho Batman! Re: The Pilgrim,every song on the album “The Silvered Tongue Devil and I” is a keeper.Great stuff. Re: Braves-Spring traing can’t get here soon enough-hot stove league is running out of gas,I’m running out of old baseball movies to watch,and we all need something to micro scrutinize besides the damned economy.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
February 5, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44 @ 4:47—
LOL!
DOB @ 5:07—
Thanks.
By 74Dawg
February 5, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
OOps. Make that The Silver Tongued Devil.
By Brian
February 5, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this
bravo, I hope you’re kidding! That’s rediculous unless the Braves feel that Frenchy can repeat 2 years ago, or they’re just about broke. To me, another bat is almost as important as getting Lowe was. Man, if Furcal had not been such a prick, or his agents, I’d be cool with him at 2nd and Kelly in left, but now you’ve got a K machine at leadoff in Anderson, and way too many ?’s in the OF. I’m not liking the offense for ‘09. Looks like a wait and see game with Wren, and probably a summer trade for a bat.
By ccrider
February 5, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to throw a longshot in the race for Centerfield or a leftfield platoon spot: Matt Young! A great Arizona fall league and from the reports I have read, he does everything well but nothing great. He has some power, plays great D, steals +20 bases, high OBP, around .300 avg. and is the kind of catalysis that could lead -off. If he gets some opportunities in some spring games with the minor leaguers that get involved from time to time, he might open some eyes!
By rotty
February 5, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this
Onley is speculating based on scraps of sound bites from mgt.
Can’t blame him but the ESPN machine has a low BA when it comes to predicting anything.
Also if Wren is playing poker with OF FAs the last person he is going to do is blab to the media about what he is going to actually do.
I think he has learned his lesson after the Peavy, AJ and Furcal face plants.
His best bet is to say very little and let the market come to him.
That said at some point he will need to make a move b/c only a Braves polly-anna could believe that any internal options are with work considering for April 1st.
Dunn will hit more HRs than Diaz, Blanco, Anderson, Schafer, BJones and JF combined in 2009.
Drop JF from that list and you can say combined for the 2009 & 2010 seasons.
That is how offensively weak the OF options are today. If Wren cannot see that it will be a long painful season with solid SP pitching, a fresh pen and no offense.
If Wren does nothing he is either broke or wearing rose colored glasses.
By StingerSplash
February 5, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Gotta agree with ya — the Sea to Sky Highway drive is unbestinkinlievable. Loved, just loved Whistler (went in late spring, early summer for the golf). Vancouver is quite awesome. Haven’t spent much time in Toronto (other than passing Jacques Demers on the street and watching Patrick Roy and his son’s midget team try to get a look at the 16-year-old restaurant hostess who was wearing the shortest skirt I have ever seen). But Montreal? Wow. Love that city. I, uh, hear, that, uh, St. Catherine’s Avenue can be, um, fun. Managed to see a Canadiens game at the Forum and at the Molson (now Bell) Centre. Les Expos weren’t in because we went in March every time we went to Montreal.
By dogsbrekky
February 5, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this
* New Orleans THANKS for info*
I have lived in USA for 6 years now, between NY and Las Vegas so have driven through 43 states but never got to NO (have been to Shreveport a few times up north) so am very excited..
BEN SHEETS Someone should shoot his agent, probably him (for knocking back arbitration) and 2, the teams they lied to about his health report/s
By Steve from OH
February 5, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this
DOB, who are the members of the local BBWAA chapter?
By flange1
February 5, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
KC, Thanks! But I am one of the guys that listen to the agents garbage that both elbow and shoulder were healed….
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 7:35 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH, I really don’t want to list all the AP, AJC, SI.com and others who are in BBWAA. But we did just add a handful of Sporting News writers to our chapter (they moved offices from St. Louis to Charlotte, so we’re the closest chapter)
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this
BA: I’d say Anders’ 5:04 was equally funny to Dane Cook’s top-notch material.
By Embizzle
February 5, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this
DOB — Saw the Wrestler last night… It. Was. Amazing. Forget watching TV and seeing movie previews… I’ll just read this blog. Up next… Gran Torino.
By Rico Bologna
February 5, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this
DOB- please rent/ watch/ buy Zach Galifianakis: Live @ The Purple Onion. It is one of the funnier stand up dvd’s I’ve seen in a long time. Dude is hilarious. In a couple of b-rated movies….
Cheers, Ken Oberkfel
By Ryan
February 5, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this
i hope olney is wrong about us not looking to add a outfielder….. i mean even if its not Abreu, Dunn, Nady of Swisher there still are some proven vets that will surley come alot cheaper and provide actual experience, Luis Gonzalaz, Jay Peyton, Jim Edmonds, Moises Alou, Garret Anderson, Jaque Jones, all would be better than a rookie in a platoon , and could be a high reward from any of these guys. what do yall think.
By Ryan
February 5, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this
i hope olney is wrong about us not looking to add a outfielder….. i mean even if its not Abreu, Dunn, Nady of Swisher there still are some proven vets that will surley come alot cheaper and provide actual experience, Luis Gonzalaz, Jay Peyton, Jim Edmonds, Moises Alou, Garret Anderson, Jaque Jones, all would be better than a rookie in a platoon , and could be a high reward from any of these guys. what do yall think.
By Frank
February 5, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this
Canadianbrave
Whoever said that Montreal had some of the most beautiful women….I think that it goes for all of Canada, IMO.
Shania Twain for one!!!!! :>)
Shania Twain and the Atlanta Braves. Pretty good mix, I would say.
By winterville
February 5, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this
Boog is calling the Temple/Xavier game on ESPN if anyone is interested.
By Steve from OH
February 5, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this
DOB, that’s cool man. That actually sort of answers my question anyway. It appears that you’ve got a lot of folks, whereas I figured it was more on the order of about 10 or so guys.
By Dadgum
February 5, 2009 8:28 PM | Link to this
Anders I am standing to applaud your 4:15 post my friend. If I was owner/GM of the Braves I would not allow any Braves players to play in teh WBC as it is configured today. It is a joke. Chipper and all other Braves players should pull out. Nobody cares about this tourney. I will bet that 75% of this blog could give a rip. Maybe Coach cares. Just my two cents.
Glavine. Please retire. Now. Thanks. A new era is beginning with the Braves and finally there is no Glavine, Smoltz, or Maddux in the mix. The tide has turned and it is about time. Wren has done an excellent job of getting a pitching staff to compete and go deeper in games. Hopefully. Let’s see if the Braves have the “balls” to insert Hanson in the #5 slot. Betting odds are that Hanson will win that #5 slot regardless from the get go. One thing you can take to the bank…it won’t be Glavine.
Rock on……yeah you are right. I am not a Glavine or WBC fan.
By Wayne in Utah
February 5, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
Personally, I didn’t want to sign Ben Sheets, before I did want to sign him.
By spotts
February 5, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
Ryan - I’d rather have a scarecrow play the outfield and bat than any of those guys.
Hey who was it that ran into Estrada and allowed McCann to come to the majors? Erstad? We should send him a muffin basket or something. Has anyone seen Estrada now? I think he’s been eating with Andruw over the offseasons.
By mitchie-san
February 5, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this
Ryan Jaque Jones?? Really?? I would rather have Andruw out there than him. Atleast he might get lucky and knock one over the wall.
He signed a deal with the Reds anyway I think.
By spotts
February 5, 2009 8:50 PM | Link to this
Speaking of which, can you imagine if we still had Andruw, Wickman, Ray King, and fat Estrada on the team? The post game meals would be tremendous
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this
just in time, before the inevitable crash … NEW BLOGGAGE. That’s right, (relatively) late-p.m. bloggage
By Ryan
February 5, 2009 9:00 PM | Link to this
look i was just naming a few vets that have actually played in the big leagues and have had success, our outfield is a mix of minor leaguers, if Jeff doesnt rebound were screwed, yeah we’ll play sound defense and run the bases a bit, and to knock Garret Anderson thats a joke come one man he is a profesional hitter, i just think we should at a vet in mix with these outfielders we have.
By Efrim
February 5, 2009 9:14 PM | Link to this
Baseball Prospectus has an interesting article up about certain teams in the NL and some solutions for their needs. Here’s what they said about the Braves:
“Free-Agent Fix #1, Atlanta Braves: Atlanta’s outfielders combined to hit just .260/.324/.367 with the majors’ lowest OPS of any outfield crew last year, a serious handicap for an offense. It could be more of the same given that PECOTA doesn’t hold out much hope for anyone in the left- and center-field slop-fest (Matt Diaz, Josh Anderson, Gregor Blanco, Brandon Jones) to better a .260 Equivalent Average. Having made impressive gains in the rotation this offseason, the Braves owe themselves a shot at upgrading their offense, and the most affordable quick fix may be provided by Dunn, whose park-neutral projection (.255/.387/.528) would be better than any Brave this side of Chipper Jones in the OBP and SLG departments.—Jay Jaffe”
The key point I take out of that is this:
“Having made impressive gains in the rotation this offseason, the Braves owe themselves a shot at upgrading their offense…”
Agreed. I’m glad Wren has patience right now, because obviously, Dunn and Abreu are still asking for too much on the free agent market and Brian Cashman is asking for too much in trade for Swisher or Nady. That said, I don’t think the Braves can wait until June or July, I think they need to get a banger before opening day.