AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > February > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStardom surely awaits ‘Salty’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After a week at Braves camp on the edge of Have Fun Or Else theme park, I’m here to report that your Atlanta Braves are not afraid of the Mets and the kid named “Salty” is going to be a star.
But you probably already knew that.
Here’s a couple of quick issues, developments, and observations from what’s been a quiet camp so far, but will get turned up several notches when full-squad workouts start Wednesday:
The Braves are extremely high on lefty Chuck James, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he’s in their rotation at some point this season. I’d go so far as to say that right now, he’s ahead of Kyle Davies and if something were to happen, injury or trade, to one of the returning five veteran starters, James could be in the rotation.
The closer job really does look like it’s going to be Reitsma’s, judging from everything I’m hearing from Bobby Cox and others. But Oscar Villarreal has looked very good so far in camp, and he’s going to play a big role as a setup guy and fallback option at the closer role, should Reitsma have any problems.
Andruw Jones is in great shape, the best shape he’s ever reported in. If he doesn’t hit 45 homers, I’ll be surprised. Yes, 45 — or more. Mark it down.
Chipper’s been sick as a dog, sort of a flu relapse (he lost 8 pounds in 8 days after coming down with flu in January, and got sick again). But he’s looked better last couple days and was well enough to play 36 holes of golf Friday and go to Daytona 500 in the pits. Still hasn’t said whether he’ll pull out of WBC, but I’d guess he’ll play. And the important thing that’s not been mentioned is the fact that his troublesome foot hasn’t been troublesome for some time now. Remember when he and everyone else thought he’d need surgery soon as season ended and some believed he wouldn’t be ready for spring training? Not even an issue anymore. At least not right now. Nevermind the lost weight; as long as his foot and hamstrings stay healthy, he’ll produce. After two injury-plagued seasons, I look for him to get back to 100-RBI form this year.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia is a big dude, and he’s got “Salty” tattoed down his left triceps. Just thought I’d let you know, since you who aren’t in the clubhouse can’t see it unless you look real close and see one letter poking from beneath his uniform sleeve. Oh, and by the way, he can absolutely hit, and hit for power. From both sides of the plate. His batting practices are special. If they have to make him a first baseman at some point, they should and probably will. He’s going to be too good at Double-A to keep down on the farm much longer, I have a feeling.
OK, a general thought to wrap this up:
When a team wins 14 consecutive division titles, they develop a vast amount of confidence, and those coming up in the organization latch onto just by looking around and listening to what the veterans are saying. Langerhans, Francoeur, McBride … they all hear Chipper and Andruw and Smoltz and Hudson talking about the Braves’ expectations and they all adopt the same approach. Already have.
So that’s good for, what, 10 games over the course of the season? And Bobby Cox is good for another 10 or more, if you believe Braves players, and plenty of players on other teams.
Going into the season with a figurative 20-game lead — that would help explain how the Braves held off challenges from the Marlins, Phillies and Mets in recent years and continued their absurd divisional title run.
Of course, once the playoffs start, that confidence is no longer a factor. Not only does every other team in the postseason feel good about themselves after advancing to the playoffs, but in many cases they probably will feel better about their chances than the Braves do, simply because they haven’t experienced playoff failure and don’t enter with the baggage and pressure the Braves probably feel after so many playoff disappointments.
But that’s a story for another time, a concern the Braves and their fans can only hope they once again have to face in October.
For now, it’s all about trying to get there again, trying to hold off what could arguably be the toughest opponent the Braves have faced in the NL East since, well, since the 1997 Marlins were assembled with the likes the Gary Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla, Moises Alou, Edgar Renteria, Charles Johnson, pitchers Kevin Brown, Al Leiter, Alex Fernandez and Robb Nen, and midseason additions Darren Daulton and Craig Counsell. Whew, what a group that was. But the Braves did hold them off, at least in the division standings. When the NLCS rolled around, it was a different story. The Marlins knew they could beat Atlanta, and did.
As for these Mets, their lineup is loaded. But take a look at that rotation, after Pedro and Glavine. Trachsel, V. Zambrano, Heilman? Come on. You spend all that money adding Carlos Delgado and Lo Duca to a lineup that already had Carlos Beltran, Reyes, Wright and Floyd, and adding Billy Wagner to your bullpen, you’ve GOT to put together a better rotation than that. Don’t you? Letting Mrs. Benson (and Kris) go was one thing — perhaps addition by subtraction, given the silly controversy that always swirls around the couple. But also trading away Jae Seo, now that was a move they’ll regret.
That rotation just doesn’t stand up, not even close, to the Braves’ rotation. And since the Marlins are going to be a non-factor, and the Phillies GM himself concedes that his team isn’t good enough to win the division, and the Nationals are the Nationals … well, folks, how many of you really believe the Braves’ streak ends this year? A show of hands, please.
Now, this surely will invite a barrage of anti-Cox bloggers who say it doesn’t matter if they win the division and lose again in the first round. Fine, just cut-and-paste your previous posts on that matter.
I’m not here to defend the Braves or try to convince you that every other team in baseball, with the exception of the Yankees, would gladly trade their last 15 seasons for the Braves. Believe that if you want, or convince yourselves that you’d prefer to win two titles like the Marlins and be awful every few years like the Marlins after they hold a fire sale. I know the few Marlins people who’ve been with the organization the longest, because I covered the team seven years.
And I’ll just tell you, every one of them, every time the Braves play Florida, shakes their head in wonder at what the Braves do, and every one says how miserable it is playing in front of 10,000 people in rainy Florida every year except the years they won the World Series. The Marlins would gladly swap their last 10 years with the Braves, and those who don’t believe that, well, you’re just wrong.
Do the Braves believe they should have won more than one World Series? Of course. It kills them inside that they haven’t. Absolutely, it does. I find it hard to believe they haven’t, looking back at all their chances.
But they also have a right to be proud of what they’ve done, don’t you think?
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By Kevin
February 20, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Dave Good information, I think that Salty will be moved over to 1st sooner rather than later and keep McCain at catcher. As for the closer role, if we need to make a trade at the deadline we can, enough talent and deep. Any thoughts about James becoming a closer? He reminds me of Billy Wagenr but not as hard a thrower. Would Cox consider bringing Salty up to start the season as the platoon at 1st base with LaRoach? Keep up the good work.
By Tomahawkin
February 20, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
Dave I think Chipper is goimg to clown this year. I think he has something to prove after 2 injury riddled seasons in a row. With Jeff Francoeur and Andruw being the face of the braves last year I think Chipper wants to get back to his mvp caliber form that we saw in 99.
I still Don’t like Reeksma as closer, I hope we get rid of him sometime in the near future and let either James, Devine, or Davies close.
I think this will be the make or brake season 4 LaRoche with Salty on his back he has to stop being so Ho-Hum about things and prove the naysayers (like me) wrong. I see Salty as a Septermber call up, and possibility in the lineup next year
D.O.B. any word on the TBS telecasts for spring training 06…I know WGN already has theirs posted
Go Braves!
By Voice of Reason
February 20, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
Solid lineup 1-8, 6 better than average starters, a wealth of good young arms in the bullpen, tremendous veteran leadership, versatile bench, Bobby Cox on the top step - I wouldn’t bet against them… And for those who minimize the accomplishment of Division titles, you gotta be in the post-season to win in the post-season.
By Chop Chop
February 20, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Braves fans, current and former players and everyone who has worked in the organization over the last 15 years should be very proud of what this team has accomplished. However, the lack of World Series wins is a big deal. Also, the Braves haven’t been to one since ‘99. That’s not a long time ago if you haven’t been to the playoffs often, but the Braves have been there every year. That means that they’ve wasted numerous opportunities to take advantage of their great accomplishments. I just hope the young guys who are up now and the ones who will be contributing later on this season and next can get a World Series or two before some of the old guard (Smoltz, Cox and Schuerholz, specifically) hang them up.
By Josh
February 20, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Very well said. I hear people ask from time to time who’s the more succesful team over the past decade and a half, Atlanta or Florida? You’re crazy if you’d rather sit through losing season after losing season for a couple of titles….when you could instead be in contention for one EVERY YEAR FOR 14 YEARS!!!
As for this 2006 team, I feel very strongly about their chances of winning a Division title and possibly even the World Series. If our biggest questions concern Marcus Giles ability to be a leadoff man, and Edgar Renteria’s ability to play shortstop, and a healthy Chris Reitsma’s ability to record 3 outs….I like our chances.
This lineup will be pretty special if injury can largely be avoided. It’s also my opinion that Horacio Ramirez still has some outstanding years ahead of him, and that Tim Hudson will contend for a Cy Young this year. Lastly, there are a lot of names people around Atlanta don’t know YET that I think will step up in our bullpen this year. You can call me crazy right now but it wouldn’t at all surprise me if Atlanta has one of the best bullpens in the league this year.
The offense is there, the defense is there, the pitching is there, the coaching is there…..I hope the fans will be there. See you at Turner Field, CHOP CHOP CHOP.
By Tomahawkin
February 20, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
To Be optomistic, It kind of feels like 95 again, with all da young cats, That team was fun to watch, hopefully it will be Deja-Vu for this squad
If the card work out right he could have a good bullpen, But as long as Reeksma is at the back end I’m not to optomistic on that regard
By derka derka
February 20, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
dave, show your column to sekou. please.
By MissHeavenSong
February 20, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
Bring on the Braves, i am soooooo ready for some baseball!
By David
February 20, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Braves winning their division: yes Braves winning the NL Championship: very possible Braves winning World Series: Highly Doubtful
The braves need another big bopper on this team. I like the players we have, but teams will do what they did (if Andy does what he did last year) at the end of the year and walk around Jones. If we can get another thumper I will have confidence that the team can get past the ever confusing NL and have a chance at the title. And for the closer situation…my predicting is Reeks going back to the 8th inning man after before the trade deadline…well thats what im hoping
By matt
February 20, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
“But they also have a right to be proud of what they’ve done, don’t you think?”
Absolutely. The playoffs are one thing, and yeah, it’d be great to win every year, but just getting there is hard enough. I think the division streak is one of the most amazing things that’s happened in sports. it sucks having to deal with disappointment each october, but it’s only been 10 years since the last world series title, 6 since an appearance, not 98/88 like the cubs, or 24 for the brewers, who i think are on the verge of becoming a great team. without question, the braves have a right to be proud of it.
By Stewart
February 20, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
Sorry Dave,
This Marlins fan would not trade our two world seris for the Braves 11 or so straight division titles. Now I have atremendous amount of respect for the Braves organization. But to be honest, when I lived in Atlanta, it seemed that the team leaders were more worried about their tee times than winning a world series. I’m not going to even attempt to justify the dispicable attendance of Marlins fans in off years..However, I am willing to bet that the Braves attendence will drop significantly once your run is over…Atlanta is no different than South Florida. The majority of the population is from somewhere else.
By Joshua Grady
February 20, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
I feel that Andrew will become the all time Home run leader besides a little change in how number one really won’t matter. Barry Bonds is to chicken to get the job down. Hank Haron would look at the time now that what’s up.
By mark
February 20, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
Thank you , DOB. This organization is finally focusing it’s resources in the right place. It’s just like 1991 , build through the draft and let the young talent play. Maybe JS will stop trading the talent and just believe in his own players , rather than coveting somebody elses player’s. The glass is half full as far as I’m concerned and if you keep getting to the playoff’s good things will eventually happen. This 2006 team has montrous potential and the division is weak , so enjoy the ride people. October is just a heartbreak away.
By Derek
February 20, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
Yippie! now if we can just get people to come to the games!
By JohnB
February 20, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
How’s LaRoche doing so far? Is he expecting more at bats against left-handers?
By Jamie in Richmond
February 20, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
David…What are the options surrounding Eddie Perez? Is he interested in playing in the minors with the Braves this year and serving as a player-coach, is he most likely being showcased to latch on to another team at the end of the spring, or do you think his arm will prevent any form of playing but he will instead be assigned a coaching job afer S.T. concludes?
By Derek
February 20, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
PS> Joshua ; As much as I like Andruw, hes never hit over 36 HRS in 10 yrs (except last year) and hes at 300 or so now. Lets say if hes lucky he plays 10 more years he’d have to average about 45 a yr to get the 450 he’ll need. Thats with no injuries or bad years, don’t see it happening and I’ll take that bet, You’d be better off betting on Alex Rodriguez or Albert Puljos!
By Carroll
February 20, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Other than the year we won it all, and the two years the marlins won it all, I don’t see any difference in our team and theirs over the last 15 years. Ultimately, we were both losers as the end of the day. The only difference is that our last loss was just a little more excruciating and embarrasing (because it was on a bigger stage) than theirs.
By Andy
February 20, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
I was reading on ESPN how changing Salty to a 1st base would weaken his position as a top prospect. I don’t understand how. I think for the braves let Laroache play one more year then trade him and make space for Salty who has a much bigger upside.
I agree that our bulpen just might be great not good.
The Braves have to do something with their starters. By next year they have Hampton/Davies and Lerew needing a spot. I would be fine trading Rameriez for some good propects.
I am really looking foward to this year.
I hope we can resign Andrew for long term.
We only have giles one more year right? Who takes his place from the minors?
By Tomahawkin
February 20, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
I dunno about you guys, but how long do U think John S. will go if Reeksma blows it again. Reeksma is responsible for the 2 remotes that I have broken while throwing them, and The welts on my legs that I have from kicking the TV everytime he fouled up in a big game (anyone remember the Grand Slam he gave up to David Eckstein and those (exepletive) Cardinals).
I was hurtin for about a month after that one
By Larry
February 20, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
I think Andrew will hit 100 home runs this year
By atl representer
February 20, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
a!!! 2006 is gunna be # 15 for them braves boy! andruw and chipper, lil jeff, my boy smoltz…we hold it down in the A-town. #15 for the ol NL East. please believe it!!!
By Brad
February 20, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
I really feel good about this years team with a healthy Chipper, Andruw in great shape, and all the young guys with a little experience are only gonna get better. Reitsma may not be the best closer, but last year he was really good before he got hurt and he could do it again. He wants the job, which makes me feel a lot better then someone like Farnsworth, who went out of his way to avoid being a closer by signing with the Yankees. You gotta feel good about number 15!
By Ron Roberts
February 20, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this
One Marlines fan’s opinion accounted for…what’s that leave, 8 more to ask?
Just kidding, fishy. I’ve hoped for better, stadium-wise for your team down there, and the politicians just can’t seem to make it happen.
Back to MY team, though… I think whatever bullpen problems arise, we’re in a much more flexible position to work out a deal this year than we were last year. Hearing that Chuck James is ready for a roster spot only makes him and/or Ramirez and/or Kyle Davies worthwhile trade bait to dangle out there if we feel the need to go get something we need down the stretch.
For my money, that’s the difference between us and the Cardinals and Astros the past few years… they’ve made mid-season key acquisitions and we really haven’t because we’ve been hamstrung salary-wise and trade-wise.
That could be the difference for us, this year; because aside from the ‘pen, I think this team is solid from 1-8 and the rotation.
By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist
February 20, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this
mr. dob, it is very pleasant to read your report. thank you for the information on james and villarreal. it is hard to understand about the top prospects who are touted then discarded and most never find their way. How is Salty different from Betemit, Marte, Bruce Chen, or Adam Wainwright? Is he the real deal? Will they keep him and play him? please explain more the insightful comment about expectations in the playoffs. how do the Braves rid themselves of the “baggage” and “pressures” at playoff time? a lot of us would like to feel better about the Braves in the playoffs -first time I’ve read that they don’t feel good about themselves going in. who could help them with that? lastly, it is good that chipper jones is coming back from the flu. everyone must establish his own priorities and though chipper was so sick and out of sorts it is good that he managed to play 36 holes and go to the race. hope he can line up and play when the season starts. toes ruined dizzy dean - let’s hope they don’t ruin chipper. mr. chop chop is right - the braves need to get it done before the old guys can’t spit anymore.
By Jeremy
February 20, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
It took me a while after last years implosion, but after the falcons blew it this year I have been looking forward to Braves baseball now. We need more consistancy at 1B. I would like to see how quick we can get “salty” in the majors and have him there at 1st. If Chipper and Hudson return to form the Mets will not give us any trouble in the NL East.
By Jamie in Richmond
February 20, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
Folks….he’s not a rookie anymore. Can we all please learn to spell #25’s first name correctly? It is Andruw, not Andrew…Got it?
By LeTwan Anthony
February 20, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this
LeTwan is back. Looks like the on-going dialogue with Southern Jackass and RR has come to an end - but hey, it’s only spring. Here we were trying to work Davies into the rotation and we find that he’s behind James. Suddenly we have so much pitching again. You can never have enough. Let’s hope the bullpen gets solved because these starters don’t go all that deep, and when they do (like Smoltz) their arms hang like little sausages at playoff time. LeTwan is very optimistic about the coming season. Go Braves!
By dawgfantillidie
February 20, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
Ever since ‘91(worst to first) season the Braves have always bounced back after trades. This year will be no exception the Braves will be make it to the postseason and a record 15th straight division title.
By TennesseePaul
February 20, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this
Anyone know if James is a Southpaw? It’s always good to see more depth in the pitching.
By TennesseePaul
February 20, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
“I’m happy to be with the Dodgers. But the Braves will still be good. Bobby Cox is a very good manager, and there are a lot of good young players coming up. I hope they win again and we do, too.” —Rafeal Furcal.
What a stark contrast from Farnsworthless. Still peaved he took the money and ran. His remark that the Braves didn’t counter the Dodger offer is kind of a ridiculous assertion. No one wanted to pay that much for a guy needing surgery, off field issues, and a shoulder injury at the beginning of last season. Well, no one but the Dodgers. That team loves the crutches. They got ‘em propped up all over the field.
By brian
February 20, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB for finally throwing me a bone with some props for Chuck James. That guy can flat out pitch. I still think a righty will be traded with James stepping in giving the Braves 2 lefties in the rotation.
By Cecil the elder
February 20, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why Mr. Ron Roberts is giving that Jackass guy such a hard time. If I remember correctly, in past blogs, Mr. Robert’s fecal tirades have been just as bad, or worse than Mr. Jackass. The only differences that I can tell is that Mr. Jackass appeared to be very bright, and he possessed of very eclectic sense of humour while Mr. Roberts comes across as a bit juvenile and obtuse.
By MIchael A.
February 20, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
Dave, I really enjoy reading your blogs, and I also enjoyed your running musical/cultural commentary this past winter. Keep it up.
By upa the reporter from zambia
February 20, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
upa don’t think the braves will give the closer job to reeksma. he is no good. la roach is going to be traded , he is no good also,chipper is ok. upa says chipper will gain his confidence. upa also says that salty is too good to be true. if it was so easy upa would have been be flying the bases of the diamond. it is not easy to be in the big leauge. big dreams big talent.andrew jones has big talent.upa says goodby for now he loves america and the braves.
By Scott
February 21, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this
Stewart you are an idiot and have no idea what you are talking about. The Marlins have had good teams and barely drawn over 1.5 million fans. The Braves have drawn over 3 million fans 6 times and over 2 million fans for 15 straight years. Only the Dodgers and Orioles have longer streaks. And the Braves division title streak is at 14, not 11. You don’t even know baseball and the Marlins will be in Vegas in a few years anyway, so you better start following those Devil Rays.
By mark
February 21, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this
I agree with you DOB , they should have three world championships 91-95 and 96. It’s all woulda , coulda ,shoulda but one World Series Championship, four N.L. championships and 14 division winner’s is still amazing. So you think LaRoche is keeping 1st base warm for Salty ? I agree , the rotation is deep and experienced. The line up is going to score a ton of runs and I’d bat Francoeur third ahead of Andruw. He would see a lot of fastballs in the third hole. Giles 2b, Renteria ss, francoeur rf, A.Jones cf, C.Jones 3b, 1b Laroche , Langerhans lf , McCann c. thats my lineup.
By Mike Clark
February 21, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this
First good analysis I have heard from you in a long time. And you didn’t bring up David Justice once!! Thanks, Mike Clark
By Johnny Bravo
February 21, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
Anyone who diminishes the importance of winning the division is not a true baseball fan. To me, the joy of baseball season is just that, the season. No other sport offers an entire summer of enjoyment. Something to watch every day! Sure, winning the championship would be great, but to me its just a bonus. I wouldn’t give up watching a season full of exiting, winning baseball for anything. Oh yeah, why does everyone keep hyping-up the Mets? think about it, they added THREE guys from teams who we handled with ease last year. Am I really supposed to be shaking in my boots because Paul Loduca is going to be catching for the Mets? What good is an all-star closer if their geriatric rotation can’t hold a lead? Sure, they got Delgado, but he’s no Bonds, and hes not going to carry the Mets. If they really wanted to strengthen their team by adding other players from the NL East, they should have looked to the team that has owned them for years now, Us.
By BB FAN
February 21, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
mark, You might be right about putting Francoeur in the 3rd spot. He probably would do well hitting in front of Andruw. (Who reported to camp early and in the best shape of his life) The only problem is that Cox will let Chipper hit 3rd because that is where he prefers to hit. The thing that Cox is guilty of is giving in to his veterans too much. Though I still think he is a great manager.
The Braves should do great this year. I think the only big “if” is health. Chipper, Smoltz and Hudson need to stay relatively healthy. If this happens, then they should win # 15. I think Cox and all managers will have to rest guys more often this year because of the new drug tests. Red Bull will probably be very popular in club houses. Hopefully Andruw realizes he needs to rest more regularly so he can finish strong. He was hitting .277 with 51 hrs last year with 2 weeks left. He just looked tired those last two weeks and finished at .263, which cost him the MVP. But I will say he picked it up in the playoffs for the 2nd straight year. With his new appetite for working out in the off season, I think he will be good for 40-45 HRs a year for the next 10. Of course as long as he stays relatively healthy.
By CecilTheElderISSouthernJackAss
February 21, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Cecil, get a clue, dude. I’ve never seen SouthernJackass add anything to the SPORTS dialogue on ajc.com.
At least Ron and the rest of the folks talk baseball instead of spewing insults at bloggers and Braves fans. Jackass’ remarks are nothing more than written drive-by moonings with a good middle finger for good measure.
Jackass, go back into hiding. You don’t have the stones to post with a legit name, and now you don’t have the rocks to use the stupid moniker you keep adding onto with (yet) more insults.
By Glennbo
February 21, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
If Jarrod Saltalamacchia has got stick, the surest way to mess him up is to keep him behind the plate. Move him to first and dump LaRoache somewhere down the line for a couple of relievers or prospects. (Not that I dislike LaRoache, he’s a good glove man with a slightly better than average bat that should get better with experience.) As for Reitsma, you bashers ought to ease up. He’s been overused for two years and I’d hate to have seen the Braves bullpen without him. The Braves only had 2 pitchers with 200 innings last year. And I’ll take Horacio Ramirez any day. He was the “other” pitcher who had 200 innings last year. And some thoughts on Leo Mazzone. Why was Steve Avery washed up at 25. Why did Smoltz need arm surgery? Why did Glavine just learn a curveball last year? Why did Jason Schmidt blossum after he left the Braves? Why did Jason Marquis give the Cardinals 400 innings over the last two years? And how long will it take for the Orioles to realize that they got something that wasn’t quite as advertized?
By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist
February 21, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
many journalists now on this blog should get lots of baseball news now and learn more about baby braves. baby braves to be preferred over old guys who have no stick left. in my country readers are anxious to know about young pitchers recently acquired who may make team and let foster and friends throw hr balls elsewhere. also, would like to read about how horacio cut down on hr balls from last year. new sinker in his future? bat chipper fifth and win more games when toe healthy.
By RRR
February 21, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
It’s spring baby, and hope springs eternal. Thank goodness baseball is back. It’s been a long winter…so let the games begin. 15 is a nice number, and I have a real good feeling about the Braves this year. Don’t underestimate the ‘pen. We have lots of good possibilites there…and we always find some diamonds in the rough. The lineup: solid throughout, and a great defense. Chipper has a real comeback year after working hard all winter…as Andruw did last year. Bring it on!
By Todd
February 21, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
How are Salty’s defensive and game-calling skills? Does he excel in these areas as well? And why is everyone giving up on LaRoche so quickly? The guy is a very good defensive 1B, and I for one am looking forward to seeing what he can do in only his third season (maybe .280, 25HR/90RBI?).
By OUTLAWED
February 21, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
We should go after Bagwell. First let the Astros pay his salary(17 mil)What are you guys think of that? Dump LaLoafer for a bullpen help.
By upa the reporter from zambia
February 21, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
upa says that jimmy smith is not ugandan. we have african names there. upa believes that jimmy smith is fake. upa been around too long to be fooled. upa also thinks that chipper is going to prove some people wrong this year. upa loves the braves.
By Captain Amazing
February 21, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, say Salty does get 1st base down, then who do you think will be a better option at first? It seems that we have three candidates in LaRoche, James Jurries and Salty. Is it too late to get rid of our new back-up catcher (Pratt?) and put Salty behind the plate every 3-4 games?
By TennesseePaul
February 21, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
I’d imagine, as good as Salty is, he would still need time in the minors. He only played A level last year. Ship him off to Mississippi and see if he can crank ‘em out of that park.
By TheSouthernJackassBitchSlapsARadioPersonalityGoneHaywireRR_SavantX2
February 21, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
Now we have 2 people that speak in the third person in these blogs—quite the coincidence…and Ron Roberts can be found under any rock or behind any glory hole!
By TheSouthernJackassBitchSlapsARadioPersonalityGoneHaywireRR_SavantX2
February 21, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Oh, and here’s a little baseball talk for you…..the Braves couldn’t get past the first round of playoffs even on Steinbrenner’s payroll…
By BB FAN
February 21, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackassBitchSlapsARadioPersonalityGoneHaywireRR_SavantX2, your last comment was a ignorant. You are a Mets fan and you are going to claim the Braves could not win with the Yankees payroll. What the he11 have your Mets done on a $105 million payroll?? The Mets spend more and more each year and STILL CAN’T beat the Braves. So what’s that saying about the Mets.
And if Cox had the Mets Payroll the last 5 years, he would have a few more rings. The Mets have spent $35.4 million more than the Braves the last 5 years, and how many WS titles do they have? How many division titles do they have? The answer to both is 0. Keep talking.
By BB FAN
February 21, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
And for all you Yankee fans: The Yankees have spent $315.4 million MORE THAN the Braves have the last 5 years and how many WS titles do they have? 0!!!!
$315.4 million MORE than the Braves!! That is ridiculous.
I think I know who is a better organization.
By BB FAN
February 21, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
Was supposed to be “your last comment was a little ignorant.”
By TennesseePaul
February 21, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this
“the Braves couldn’t get past the first round of playoffs even on Steinbrenner’s payroll”
Interesting point. Not even the Yankees can get through the first round on Steinbrenner’s payroll.
By Yank
February 21, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
World Series Champion New York Yankees in ‘23, ‘27, ‘28, ‘32, ‘36, ‘37, ‘38, ‘39, ‘41, ‘43, ‘47, ‘49, ‘50, ‘51, ‘52, ‘53, ‘56, ‘58, ‘61, ‘62, ‘77, ‘78, ‘96, ‘98, ‘99, and ‘00….26….World Series Champion Atlanta Braves in ‘95….1….ok?
By upa the reporter from zambia
February 21, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
WOW Yank knows how to count, you would be a president in zambia with that educaton Yank. upa says yankees are not even going to make the playoffs.
By TennesseePaul
February 21, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
The most memerable of all Yankee post seasons: Up 3 games to 0 against the RedSox, ninth inning, Rivera on the mound. Oh wait… Up 3 games to 1 against the RedSox, ninth inning, Rivera on the mound. oh wait… Down 4 games to 3 to the RedSox, worst postseason meltdown in the history of American Sports. Oh the memories.
By Paul
February 21, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
Who will Andruw play for when the Braves are matched up against the Netherlands national team on March 5th?
By Adam
February 21, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Boy are alot of yall going to look stupid when reitsma leads the league in saves this year! nevermind all the haters will have changed and be saying how awesome he is by the all star break.
By TennesseePaul
February 21, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
how awesome he is by the all star break This could very well be true. But come September he’ll be all tuckered out. In any case, there is enough young strong arms in the pen to offset this.
By jimmy smith. ugandan journalist
February 21, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
jimmy smith call news bureau and have them send this over for Adam. Reitsma post-season stats: Postseason Pitching
Year Round Tm Opp WLser G GS ERA W-L SV CG SHO IP H ER BB SO +—————————+——-+—+—+———+——-+—+—+—-+——-+—-+—-+—-+—-+ 2004 NLDS ATL HOU L 3 0 18.00 0-0 0 0 0 3.0 5 6 1 2 2005 NLDS ATL HOU L 4 0 16.20 0-0 0 0 3.3 7 6 2 0 +—————————+——-+—+—+———+——-+—+—+—-+——-+—-+—-+—-+—-+ 2 Lg Div Series 0-2 7 0 17.05 0-0 0 0 0 6.3 12 12 3 2 +—————————+——-+—+—+———+——-+—+—+—-+——-+—-+—-+—-+—-+
By EthiopianGazetteer
February 21, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
++++++++___+++++___*…meens upa kess ma azz….
By Yank
February 21, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
26 TO 1…
By Adam
February 21, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
i guess everyone has forgotten that reitsma was hurt the last part of the season. kinda ironic how he was mostly unhittable before the injury. if we hung our opinon on a pitchers last few apperances then no one would be great they would just be good then go to bad when they gave up a few runs, then back to good when they got a few outs. and yes reitsma gave up more than just a few runs, i know, but just wait…. here comes a 40+ save season from “reeksma”
By TennesseePaul
February 21, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
I’d love Reitsma to prove everyone wrong. But so far, history is not on his side. At the beginning of last year he gave up a grandslam in Dodger Stadium. He was good for a month or so, then got hurt. The year before, he was good for a month or so, then got tired. This year, he’s playing the WBC in March. This should make him tired by about late June or July. I guess that could be a good thing. Then he could rest during August and early September and come back refreshed for the post season.
By jimmy smith. ugandan journalist
February 21, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
take vote who real journalist on this blog. dob, upa, jimmy smith. most votes win. winner get to write next blog. Adam probably not vote for jimmy smith but js hope adam right about Reitsma. Big ERA may be deceptive make people think he easy to hit then he blow one past for strike. Two strike not that hard for Reitsma - it’s third one he has trouble with. jimmy smith remember pitcher for other team pitch with bloody sock and get people out. not go back to dugout sad like reitsma.
By upa the reporter from zambia
February 21, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
upa says ethiopian gazetter should be nice. why use bad language, low self esteem? upa thinks jimmy smith maybe realy is LaTwan? francour,mc cann are not being talked about why? upa thinks they are the future of the braves. upa hopes salty is good hopes he is not salty-free? upa says nice thing to the people who make fun of his name because upa have class.go braves upa says. by the way upa does have three goats back home.upa wife takes care of them.they give milk to upa’s family. i love america.
By upa the reporter from zambia
February 21, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this
upa not competing with jimmy smith. upa respects him. upa loves to see the braves go to world series and win it this time with smoltz on the mound game 7, unlike game 7 of 1991 against jack morris.upa remembers SID’S SLID wow man those were the days we all enjoyed watching the braves. upa drank a bottle of vodka that night by himself from joy. upa remembers barry bonds face.upa thinks barry bonds is not nice.upa also remembers fransisco cabrera’s awsome hit.upa don’t remember much of 1995 world series win but will never forget sid brim name, never. braves are a honorable club. braves manager is good men, players like him. upa says GO BRAVOS…
By TennesseePaul
February 21, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this
1995 was incredible. Justice had just talked crap on all the Braves fans for not cheering. The Indians had just beat Maddux and claimed they were on their way to win. “We beat there best, now it’s just finishing off the rest.” They were a pround bunch. Glavin tossed a one hitter. Justice hit in the only run of the game. A towering homer. Braves win! That year was amazing. The Braves were the worst hitting team in the majors that season but they were the best pitching team in the majors. I think Maddux was 19 and 2 with a 1.6 ERA. It was the last of his 4 straight Cy Young Awards. The Indians had the second best pitching and the best hitting. They had a monster line up. What a series. Sure would love to see another one of those. Go Braves!
By upa the reporter from zambia
February 21, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
upa thanks tennessee paul for the info. about the series in 1995. upa remembers but not the details.upa remembers the pitching and a justice homer. justice is ok he speaks his mind.go braves.
By TennesseePaul
February 21, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this
The numbers on Maddux were incredible during his 4 straight Cy’s. When compared against the league and then set side by side with Koufax he was incredible. Sandy’s ERA during his reign was about .5 less then the league and during the pitching era. Maddux, while throwing in the juiced era had an ERA that was over 2 runs less than the rest of the league!
By Yank
February 21, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
26 to 1…
By TheSouthernJackAss
February 21, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
So this is an example of constructive, imaginative, intelligent baseball bloggery—you rubes break me up man!
By brian
February 21, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
As a Braves fan since 1982, I don’t have anything to complain about. I remember the (good?) old days when all we had was Dale Murphy and a rotating cast of has beens (Ozzie Virgil), could have beens (Craig McMurtry) and never was (Brad Komminsk). After having been through that, I won’t complain about life since ‘91. The way I see it, I have had six months a year of baseball happiness since- every year without fail. Yes, there have been some disappointing Octobers where I have been yelling at Bobby Cox and pulling out my hair. But, I still have a full head of hair and will remind everyone that this is unprecedented in sports history.
By mb steve
February 21, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
yank-
Your numbers are skewed. The Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966. Let’s take away the Yankees 62-year head start and call it what it is…5 to 1.