Braves

By Paul

March 14, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Where’s DOB?

By Bradley G

March 14, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

To my knowledge, Frenchie has only had three plate appearances. If so, he needs to be with the Braves getting ready for the upcoming season. I understand supporting your country, but I’m supporting them behind my desk as much as he is (no disrespect meant).

By Solomon

March 14, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

After what devine did two games ago, I don’t want to see anyone else close but him.

By smitty

March 14, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

don’t trade betemit just when he’s reaching his potential…..the guy showed he could play last year with great numbers and was quite underappreciated…..if renterria(sp?) doesn’t work out, if chipper needs to move to 1st ( nobody’s mentioned that before), if giles gets hurt, the braves need to keep WB, especially for his bat in case all the rooks from last year go into sophomore slumps at the plate…..

By TennesseePaul

March 14, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

DOB has 3 days off or something like that. It’s tough watching baseball all day in the Florida Sun, and then talking about it and music in a blog. Man that guy has it made. I’d love to have that problem. It is lame that they wanted Francoeur on the team, but don’t use him. They could have picked anyone to do that. I could have filled that role. On that note, Guy, I could have pieced this blog together without a hitch. Is there any real dirt out there? Do you have any trade rumors?

By Patrick

March 14, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Buck Martinez is a horrible manager, that’s why he doesn’t have a real job except calling game for espn. It also might have something to do with why the USA might be eliminated

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

March 14, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

no offense to fellow journalist guy curtright but bland blog disappoint many readers. dob resting comfortably next to pool, guy curtright must take up slack. jimmy smith excluded from clubhouse today after toe article last night. no longer in position to reveal what is happening with team. what plans for laroche if he still hitting .125 in few days? jimmy smith concerned, very concerned, about pitching after dismal performance yesterday by thomson and obermueller. francoeur not have hit all spring, only 3 AB in wbc. much pressure on sophomore when come back. if everybody want trade, trade jordan and make way for young outfield. no value? diaz or jurries backup at first base? how defense up middle? things working well there? boyer getting stronger? him shut down? tough blog, guy, must be strong willed like dob with no conscience. journalism is jimmy smith life, also optometry and philately.

By causual reader

March 14, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

why did you post this blog, this was a terrible attemot to fill in for dob

By Tomahawkin

March 14, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Carroll, Are we the only one’s who still have no love 4 Reeksma, This guy should have been gone after the 2004 NLDS, I see him getting released after he gets his job handed down to one of the kids, Surely there is another Greg McMichael/Kerry Ligtenberg in one of those kids in the pen…

By Carroll

March 14, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

Is the game televised tonight? Ron ROberts commented on another blog that he is “looking forward to seeing Huddy tonight”. Anyone know?

By Kevrock

March 14, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

Whatever we do we should not trade Betemit!!!

He is our future third baseman and he will be a fine one!

By matt

March 14, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

SMITTY,

great post. it would be extremely foolish to trade betemit. i don’t think we could get much for him other than a reliever, even though a lot of teams could use a strong-hitting middle infielder like betemit. and relief help would be very beneficial if reitsma pulls up lame in august like he has over the past two years.

i have a lot of confidence in joey devine, and i think the sooner he gets the closer spot, the better. if it’s in april or may, he’ll be able to build up confidence continually throughout the year, and if he has a few bad outings, he’ll be able to take those occassions as learning experiences, just like last year. if he has some bad outings in the middle or end of the year, it might be harder to rebound from that. but then again, if reitsma pulls what he’s done over the past two years, i think devine would be ready to step in and take over.

By Kentavo

March 14, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

I’m with you guys on Reeksma. Can’t stand him. Can’t perform in a game that really counts. Don’t know what Cox sees in him. Trade him while he still has inflated value. I’d rather have Devine take his lumps that to see Reeksma blow 10 more saves.

By Glennbo

March 14, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

guy’s probably in atl, not in fla. cut ‘im some slack. smitty, i like the idea of chipper at first and mentioned it on one of the other blogs, too, but got poo-poohed by tennessee paul, i think. i think it’s a no brainer that c. jones shud go to first. he’s not a great third-baseman and he’s big enough to stretch for throws at first. his body would also fair better. he’s spent too much time on horses in cowboy boots, hence the ball of the foot injury and the hammy problems. i know he spent time with a personal trainer, but he’s also had two consecutive subpar seasons that indicates to me that he is on the downhill side of his prime.

By Glennbo

March 14, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

kentavo, reitsma may not be smoltz-like as a closer, but he’s made 160 appearances the last two years. he got injured last year, but still closed well for a month. i’m not saying he shud be the closer hands down, but he has been a big part of the braves for two seasons. and to crap on him like you have is a bit short sighted. if we had starters who could consistantly average 7 innings beside smoltz and hudson, he would have had better numbers.

By Xavier

March 14, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

Please tell me Mike Remlinger and Brian Jordan are not on the opening day roster !!!

Everytime “Remmie” pitches he gets lit up like a firecracker, and Bobby says he looks good, had good stuff, etc. I’m wondering if Bobby is even watching.

Hopefully John Thomson & his mediocre stuff is pitching elsewhere soon. I’d rather have Chuck James or Kyle Davies in his place. They will only get better.

By Carroll

March 14, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Glennbo: I have said this many many times in response to suggestions about Chipper moving to first. I think the assumption is that 1B is an easier, less important position. But think about it….Chipper has never had a trouble with his arm or with throwing to first…his troubles have all been foot/leg-related. Moving to first will only possibly cause MORE problems for him because he’ll have to shift back and forth between his position and the bag on EVERY play rather than contend with the handful of plays a third baseman gets during a game (which usually doesn’t involve a great deal of footwork).

Plus, he’s made it abundantly clear that he won’t move again.

By carl aven

March 14, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

Help Me ! What earthly good have “we” benefitted by our presence in the WBC ? We still need a closer! I am not knocking either Devine or Reitsema but a proven “healthy ” entity would be a real “RElief”. Anyway isnt this a great time of the year ! Carl

By Kentavo

March 14, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

I stick by it - I can’t stand to see Reeksma come in a game that’s on the line, especially during the playoffs. He does not have killer instinct.

By Marc Spoor

March 14, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

There is no way we should use Reeksma as our closer. He is to hitable, you need a closer to strike guys out. The more the ball is put in play, the more there is a chance for an error or a hit. Besides the bullpen, I think the Braves rotation is in trouble. Thompson is struggling, Ramirez stinks, and Sosa is risky. That leaves us with two strong pitchers. Plus I am not sold on the free swinging Giles to lead off, his speed and gap power would serve the team better in the lower half of the lineup. Plus, LaRoach will never be more of than a good defensive first basemen. He will only hit .250, and his long swing leaves him succeptible to long slumps. JS should trade for Clement and Nevin, or swing a deal for Tavares and Lidge from the Astros. I read that Tavares may not even start, and the Astros are loaded with relievers, making the trade possible. I think JS has his work cut out for him over the last month of spring training. I can’t quite figure out what his plan is so far, but he always seems to have one. The Braves definetaly have some holes to fill, and I hope JS does it.

What does anyone think?

By bobby

March 14, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

Marc, you are living in a dream world. Just wishing does not make it possible to trade for everyone you would like to see in a Brave uniform.

By ssiscribe

March 14, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

IN THE DARKNESS AT DARK STAR — Ah, the last stand, and what a matchup on the mound with Oswalt and Hudson.

Then, it gets real serious.

You think there’s some desperation on the stage tonight on American Idol? Check out who’s pitching for your Bravos after Hudson’s done: Remlinger, Baker, Paronto, Lerew.

Paronto’s OK, but he’s a longshot at very, very best to make the team. But Remlinger, Baker and Lerew are one more bad outing away from hitting the road to the minor-league camp (or, in Rem’s case, hitting the road for home).

Will be interesting to see how they fare tonight. Close to a regular starting lineup on the field. No Betemit at third, though. Crespo, instead.

Y’all ease up on Guy. I agree with him; Frenchy needs to be back at Disney getting ABs and, for that matter, Sosa needs to be back here too, getting innings.

Went to Tiger Town today for Tribe and Tigers. Only got to see two innings plus because it was taking forever. Final score, 14-10. Guess the Lions got a TD from Sanders late to edge the Browns.

By Storm and thenTornado

March 14, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

I thought DOB sucked until I read this dull,stupit column by this JACKA$$. Man is he a dumb writer or what? My 6 year old writes better and more fun the read his writings than this BOZO… BETEMIT IS A KEY to the Braves this season. He is the only one could play any position in the infield with balance than any one else in the team. Chipper is likely to get hurt,Rent-a-replayer is not certain..not proven to fit right in the system of this team..Betemit is a solid infielder and he would be a starter in any other team right now..Start Salty at first..He is going to beat La Loafer anyway…

By Marc Spoor

March 14, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Bobby, those are called suggestions. I don’t believe the Braves could or would make all of those trades. I merely threw tham out there for discussion. But, thanks for your very insightful criticism.

By john

March 14, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

You’ll pay dearly for trusting this new catcher. Took years to get a good one and now he’s traded. Let chippie get behind the plate and get his stupid mouth closed for the year.

By JimRomeYouAreNot

March 14, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

This bulls* “smackdown” talk you guys toss up here is juvenile. Some of ya’ll are out of hand. Let’s get you guys to list your real names and occupations & where you work so we can all drop by and make snide, back-handed comments about your pathetic work performance. Oh, that’s right, you’re too busy posting HERE to actually be accomplishing anything behind that Waffle House counter, aren’t ya?

Guy filled in. Deal with it. It was either that or nothing, and he brings up an awfully relevant subject for BRAVES fans to consider….Francouer’s not getting his ABs in the WBC and if he gets off to a sluggish starts and digs himself into a hole this season, we’ll have that to point to.

Also relevant is the play of Wilson Betemit, who’s once again showing that he’s ready for an everyday spot on an MLB team, whether it be ours or somebody elses. I’m thinking he’s ripe for a mid-season or trade-deadline deal for relief if we’re in a dogfight of a race.

By jimmy smith. ugandan journalist

March 14, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

IN MOONLIGHT THAT GLIMMERS OVER DRY POND - journaist jimmy smith spell much better than storm, probably storm’s 6 year old does, too. betemit not key if he not play. jimmy smith wonders how 3-17 laroche stay starter at first? have pictures of bobby cox? laroche liability on base paths when he infrequently arrive there. not run, not hit, must have pictures. skip caray say nobody on team hot but jurries, diaz, and betemit. none probably play much unless bobby favorite get hurt. reitsma not much to look forward to as closer.

By Del Young

March 14, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

23 innings and counting without scoring a run. Ouch !!

By TennesseePaul

March 14, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

GlennBo: I didn’t pooh-pooh you for the 1B move. I think that was for the fork sticking. I just don’t think Chipper would move to first. Plus, we have Salty charging up the system so fast, it’s either move him to first or move McCann out of town. I like McCann, so I’d rather keep a future hall of famer at third and put a future hall of famer at first and keep a possible hall of famer in McCann behind the plate. (OK, maybe I’m biased about the h.o.f. and braves. Go Braves!)

By j-man

March 14, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

I say trade Laroach, kelly johnson and a young pitcher for either Percivil or Freuntes from the rockies and move salty to first and keep betemit either for utility or teach him left feild just so he can get ABs

By Glennbo

March 14, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

tennesseepaul, banking on saltmaker to make it from single a to the majors is a tall order for 2007. i’m thinking, let him play 3 months in aa b4 we anoint him as the next frenchy.
and mccann still hasn’t caught a full year in the majors yet, so i wudnt count on him to be johnny bench. i’d be happy if he was 3/4 of johnny estrada. ( i hope cheepshot erstadd gets his one day.) as far as the poo-pooh, i forgive you.

By ssiscribe

March 14, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

DISNEY’S SHINING DIAMOND — How’s this for a role reversal: Andruw Jones drops a fly ball, while Mike Remlinger resembles a major league pitcher.

AJ dropped a Craig Biggio drive to center to lead off the game tonight at Mickey’s House, playing it into a three-base error that led to an unearned run off Tim Hudson, who was very, very good (two unearned runs, three hits, four strikeouts in four innings).

As for Remlinger, he may have extended his dream of making it to opening day with the best two innings of his spring, by a mile. Six up, six down, one strikeout, and he got the strikeout with a really good breaking ball.

Signs of life, also, from Adam LaRoche. Two hits tonight, a single and a run scored in the second, followed by a single in the third. He walked and scored during a two-run sixth that pushed the Braves’ lead to 5-2.

AJ, who also dove for a ball and missed it early in the game, doubled home Edgar Renteria in the third. Cesar Crespo, a late addition at third for Betemit (no word on why the change that I saw), had two RBIs. Brian Jordan had a hit, and James Jurries continued his good work with a pinch-hit sacrifice fly.

Now, the bad news: Giles left the game after his first at-bat; Paronto gave up a homer in the seventh as the Astros pulled within 5-4.

More later.

By TennesseePaul

March 14, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Glennbo, good call. I think it would take a horrible season for McCann to lose the job. If he can live up to the numbers he produced last year I’ll be happy. If anything, he’s faster than Estrada. And like you, I truly can’t wait for Erstad to get his. Frigin’ interleague!

Sscribe, thanks for the updates on the game. Remlinger doing well is a double edged sword. He seemed like a good guy, so I don’t ask for his demise, but I don’t want him to impress Cox either.

By ssiscribe

March 14, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

As good as it was for Rem tonight, it wasn’t that good for Brad Baker, who now seems destined to be heading to the minor-league camp.

A three-run eighth off Baker led Houston to a 7-5 comeback victory at Whatever The Heck They’re Calling What Used To Be Known As Cracker Jack Stadium, costing Tim Hudson a victory. Two of the three runs off Baker were unearned, as Salty dropped a throw at the plate that kept things going.

Don’t sweat Salty, though. Dude wasn’t gonna make the big-league roster anyway. He’ll head to minor-league camp (maybe as soon as tomorrow, when the first round of cuts are expected at Dark Star). But, he’ll be in Atlanta by September, I think, if not sooner. Switch-hitting catchers are hard to come by. I still think McCann’s the man behind the plate, until further notice, but Salty’s going to dictate something happen somewhere, and sooner rather than later.

Word is Blaine Boyer had a good session of BP today (I think jimmy smith, ugandan journalist/toe expert/Jags’ wide receiver, had that one). The way I see it at this point, I’ve went from having four locks in the seven-man pen, counting a healthy Boyer, to five, with Devine definitely going north with the big club. The young one from N.C. State pitches tomorrow against the Dodgers, as the closer’s race starts to get very, very interesting.

Oh, and JS, from the previous blog, I can’t do third person. That’s reserved for Jimmy Smith, and Rickey Henderson.

Later.

By ssiscribe

March 14, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

OK, y’all check out the Braves Notebook by the ajc folks tonight and have at it: Foster potentially hurt seriously, MRI upcoming, maybe gone for year. Wow, indeed.

In two appearances this spring, Foster gave up one unearned run on two hits against Houston on March 4, then gave up three runs on three hits with two strikeouts March 7 against Pittsburgh. Obviously, with Foster potentially outta here for a long period of time, the question is raised: Does Remlinger, coming off a really solid performance tonight, get the inside track to the second lefty slot in the pen behind McBride, or does somebody like Chuck James, who I figured would go to Richmond to start, get the nod?

What do y’all think? Personally, I thought Foster had the inside track over Rem to make the roster, but now, everything’s up in the air. Do you want Rem and his experience, or do you want James? Could be, at the end of the day, the toughest question that will have to be answered before opening day.

By geauxbraves2000

March 14, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Yet again the Braves get a lead and the pen can’t hold it. I know it’s only spring training, but it’s very frustrating.

By TheDamnSouthernJackassRadioPersonalityGoneHaywireRR_Savant

March 15, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

Damn!…Can’t even get an update on todays game…AJC…You might as well turn this all over to upa the idiot!!!…

By TennesseePaul

March 15, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this

I saw that. DOB posted an article. Guy is in here pinch hitting and punching them foul. DOB is out there hitting liners to the gaps with his articles. DOB reported Cox as saying James could make the pen. And having Foster flame out on a day when Remlinger was good is just disheartening. I’d rather see James starting than relieving. But, if it were a matter of continuing the winning streak versus taking the rebuilding phase to the lossing side of things, I’d rather have a winning streak.

By TheSouthernJackAssRadioPersonalityIs_ssiscribe

March 15, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this

Thanks TennesseePaul…

By mark

March 15, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this

JS and Cox are always stockpiling pitching during the winter because they knew this was going to happen. Chipper to first ? makes sense , but it aint gonna happen. Furcal made the jump from A ball , Salty can too if given the opportunity. Trade Betemit…….. curtwright YOUR FIRED !!!! The Koreans can play baseball ? They beat the U.S.A. ? It’s the end of the world as we know it….. and I feel fine ! Cox is about to make the first cut , its gonna get interesting from here on out.

By Glennbo

March 15, 2006 02:50 AM | Link to this

mark, ‘a’ ball to the majors after a position change? that’s quite a majic carpet ride. the way bobby cox likes to platoon 1b-men, i’m not so sure that its a good thing for saltamachia, anyway. he might still be stuck behind jordan.

as for rem or james, let james pitch like a starter in aaa. trade for another lefty or pray for rem to start juicing and masking.

tennesseepaul, mccann won’t be fast very long. and, are you ssuurre chippet is hof material. i got to thinking about it, and if he keeps going 21/72, he won’t make it to the hall. he’s been along for the ride for bobby cox’s hof run, but he’s only got one mvp and no gold glove. i think he has to get 500 hr to make it to the hall, because he’s not gonna get 3000 hits. and if he is not neccesarily a hof’er, shud the braves be treating him like such a sacred cow that he can’t move when asked? a .300 hitter is always needed in any lineup, and i think betemit has earned his chance with a good spring followup to a good rookie season.

By Miles

March 15, 2006 03:02 AM | Link to this

Glennbo, are you serious??? Chipper ranks 3rd all time in homeruns for a switch hitter and is a career .300 hitter with a .400 OBP, a .538 SLG%, a .939 OPS, an MVP award and a world series ring. Considering the credentials of some of these other hall of fame candidates who get in every year, I would be shocked if he doesnt get in. 2-3 more solid years and he will have over 400 homeruns and that should be enough to make him first ballot considering he is a switch hitter.

By Glennbo

March 15, 2006 03:40 AM | Link to this

miles, 2 consecutive slipping seasons for a 33 year old makes me serious. and define 2-3 solid seasons. does that mean 21hr and 72 rbi? as far as being a .300 hitter, that average has been going south the last two seasons.
and what if he misses an entire season due to injury? and when is the last time he made the all-star team? and besides, they didn’t have ops when chipper was a rookie. and that world series ring was that of a rookie along for the ride, not a team leader defining his career.

By brewerfaninATL

March 15, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

J-man: I hope you don’t mean Troy Percival! He blew out his elbow for the last time a few weeks ago and is probably going to retire.

By Paul Hamilton

March 15, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this

I have stated many times about Chipper’s hof status. I still think it’s about 50/50. I think there are only 12 3rd basemen in the hof, all time. Miles go check out the competition at 3rd base and then tell me he is a lock, he needs to have 3/4 more “old chipper” seasons before I would make that statement. Oh and I like chipper a lot, so please don’t get on here to flame me because I am discussing his hof status.

By Bryan

March 15, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

Damian Moss will be our lefty savior …

By Carroll

March 15, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this

Moss???!!! Yikes. This is gonna get ugly.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

March 15, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

OUTSIDE INFIRMARY DOOR - journalist jimmy smith reports bobby cox now has flu. cox well enough to tell jimmy smith ball go through andruw’s glove - andruw not miss ball. stay tuned for updates from jimmy smith.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

March 15, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

IN AREA WAITING FOR NEWS ON TODAY’S CUTDOWNS - scribe right about laroche having hits in game but bad baserunning not taking third - de ja vu. laroche slow like catcher. not sure he impressing boss. boss also have flu now. strong sentiment in clubhouse for lefty james make club. if james hard for braves to hit, hard for others to hit. kind words from bobby cox after game about “the old rem” being out there. bobby cox need remember “old rem” says it all. journalist jimmy smith with more updates throughout day.

By Glennbo

March 15, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

to whom it may concern, dob. there is no time off in baseball. baseball is time off.

By LeTwan Anthony

March 15, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

LeTwan asked the same question, Glennbo … if there is a .300 hitter that needs to be in the lineup why won’t Chipper move over to first and let him play? About that time Chipper restructured his contract and was regarded as the ultimate team player. LeTwan decided it was time to talk pie instead of moving Chipper to 1B. Hank Aaron moved to 1B, so LeTwan doesn’t see why Chipper can’t. Getting Betemit’s bat in the lineup seems pretty important to LeTwan. Right now, our 1B is sub-.200 for spring and LeTwan thinks he hit .188 against LH’s last year. Still, that swing looks like it could produce some long balls if he could make contact.

By Braves Apologist

March 15, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Glennbo, maybe the Braves should trade Chipper, while he still has value.

By Voice of Reason

March 15, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

LeTwan, I couldn’t agree more about Chipper. I’ve said it for months and caught slings and arrows because of it, but since you brought it up, I believe the Braves would be much better served by Chipper moving across the infield. WB may not be the prototypical corner infield power bat, but we’ll never know, will we? Moving Chipper to 1B solves several problems: It finally gives you the power and RBI from a switch-hitter that you want from that position, it would more than likely prolong Chipper’s offensive lifespan, it allows JS the flexibility to dangle LaRoche in trade scenarios (I’ll address that in a minute,) and provides an everyday opportunity for another switch-hitter who seemingly is proving that he can play everyday in the bigs. My real concern at the moment, however, is left-handed reliever. As much as I like McBride, his forearm soreness throws up several red flags (didn’t Hampton have “forearm tightness” last year?) Foster, who I don’t care much for anyway, apparently is done for the year, and there is no way I want to be relying on Remlinger as the lefty specialist out of the ‘pen. Could young Chuck James handle it? Probably, but we don’t know for sure, and I personally would prefer that he keep on track to join the rotation next year. The time has now arrived for JS to do what JS does and find the complimentary piece to stabilize a bullpen that was somewhat taking shape. Even if Reitsma opens as the closer with Joey setting up, it won’t be long before they swap to their proper roles. Joey has shown that he has the stuff (read: physically and mentally) to get it done. Too many question marks remain with just a couple of weeks remaining to be comfortable with the existing crop of candidates. With Boyer and McBride questionable and Foster done, JS has to act now. LaRoche could be a nice addition to a trade package given his experience and low salary. He’s not a bad player, just not a championship caliber player.

By braves fan

March 15, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

Buck Martinez is an idiot. He acts like he doesn’t want to put Francouer in for fear it might prevent the US from winning. News flash a*******hole, you aint winning anyway. In the limited time Frenchy has gotten, he has an outfield assist. Which is more than I can say for Wells or Holliday, who’ve looked awful in the outfield. I hope they lose, so we can get Jeff back and get him some at bats. Not that I want Bobby Cox to retire or anything, but maybe one of the next times they stage the WBC, he’ll manage it instead of a hack like Buck. What a joke!!

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

March 15, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

AT INFIRMARY DOOR - journalist jimmy smith regrets to inform half team infirm. latest is wilson betemit with strain rib cage. giles shoulder soreness, and bobby flu. foster done, mcbride tender, boyer tender, francoeur no at-bats … jimmy smith starting to worry.

By Carroll

March 15, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

Raisins: see my post above in re: Chipper moving to first…not gonna happen/shouldn’t happen. If you want WB in the lineup, just put him at first.

As far as Rem and the lefty situation out of the pen….pirty scary. Even in Rem’s hay-day he couldn’t get lefties out. James is a soft tosser kinda like FOster…won’t be very good out of the pen.

I agree that Roach should be traded….am so sick of him…didn’t even know he had ANOTHER baserunning blunder last night, so that’s just the cherry on the sundae for me. As Stephen COlbert would say, he is officially dead to me, as is Reeksma. And John Foster, you’re on notice!

By LeTwan Anthony

March 15, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

LeTwan says hello to braves fan and agrees Holliday looks inept in LF. He is a Coors Field wonder and doesn’t always hustle. Martinez broke the faith with Bobby because Bobby asked him to get his players some at-bats to have them ready and LeTwan understood he agreed.

Raisins, WB scored 36 runs, drove in 20, and had a higher OBP .359 than all but 2 regulars. 39 points higher than LaRoche. Makes sense to get him in the lineup, huh?

By Voice of Reason

March 15, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Makes sense to me…

By Gramps

March 15, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

I sure do miss that DOB feller…thats all Gramps has fer now.

By TennesseePaul

March 15, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

I like Caroll’s idea of Wilson at 1B. Chipper, I doubt will make another position move. Being the veteran that he is, he would have a serious say in the matter. And moving for Betemit, while Betemit is good, isn’t going to convince him. I do think Chipper will be in the Hall of Fame. He’s played his whole career todate with the Braves, been in the post season every year of his career and has better offensive numbers than Kirby Puckett. If Kirby gets in, Chipper’s in. And, as I posted a month ago, his per game averages are better than Mantles, which puts him in extremely elite company. Scott Rolen was injured last year and I can’t find a single article calling for him to be traded. Chipper will be back to form. At the beginning of last season, when he was healthy, he was getting on base 50% of the time he went to the plate. He was batting well over .300. He’s very valuable.

By Voice of Reason

March 15, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Carroll: Point taken; however, it seems a waste to take a guy who plays middle infield as well as does WB and plant him at 1B. Also, true enough that Chipper has not had any arm/elbow/shoulder problems as of yet, but he “ain’t gettin’ any younger” and I see less potential hazards at 1B. Yes, he has said he isn’t interested in moving, but I think that was the impetus for this topic: shouldn’t he be willing to. As to WB, LeTwan very aptly summed it up, “WB scored 36 runs, drove in 20, and had a higher OBP .359 than all but 2 regulars. 39 points higher than LaRoche. Makes sense to get him in the lineup, huh? ” Yes it does.

By Voice of Reason

March 15, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Just a random thought, here, but the Braves organization has a way of inflating a prospect’s status, trading him for value, and never quite seeing him develop into a Major League star with his new team. Bubba Nelson? Charles Thomas? Damian Moss? Adam Wainwright? The list goes on… There has been an awful lot of talk about Chuck James this spring, yet he is almost certainly destined for Richmond… Just a random thought, that’s all… No basis for it except to spur conversation…

By Glennbo

March 15, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

voice of reason, “aint gettin any younger” is right when it comes to chipper. and if he don’t produce this year, he’ll be at first next. the last two years were supposed to be prime years, and they were’nt. letwan, i think chip’s the ultimate playa, actually. he got a 4 mill signing bonus on top of that 11 mill salary this year, so its not like he’s taking a huge cut this year. he essentially hedged his bets about his options vesting for the next couple of years.
to his credit, though, he didn’t try to gauge the team and get all he could while he could.

By TennesseePaul

March 15, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

I think Wainwright is making a strong case to be on the Cardinals this year. Last year he was injured. But I just read something about how LaRusa is really high on the guy and how he is having a dominate spring. Of course, this was maybe last week, which is pretty early in spring and most of the big bats are away in the WBC. As for Chuck, his numbers are really impressive. 190+ K’s in a 160+ innings with a 2 ERA!? That’s good stuff. And, ironically, had he not dove off the roof into a pool and broken both wrists right before the draft he wouldn’t have been in the Braves orginization to begin with. I think he’s a keeper. Maybe he might need more seasoning in the minors, but I can’t imagine trading him. He has the potential to be a really good pitcher. And he’s young. So he could be a really good pitcher for a long time. I think it’s our middle infield depth which will be hyped up in the next few years for trades.

By Glennbo

March 15, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

voice of reason, i think you’re right about js doing what’s neccesary to inflate the value a little. but that inflation comes from bobby, i think. somehow, some way, rooks come up from the farm and just turn into ballers. i think its gotta be bobby’s patience.
on the other side of the coin, when the playoffs roll around, bobby doesn’t seem to crack a whip very well. of course, its hard to crack a whip on an over-achieving ball club with no bullpen.

By LeTwan Anthony

March 15, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

Not so fast, Raisins. LeTwan was surprised to find that Wainwright has a 1.35 ERA and is looking like the Cards number five starter. He may be one we end up missing. We gave up Wainwright, Ray King, and Jason Marquis for J.D. and Eli Marrero. One season wonders.

Most teams figure you prolong a career with the move to 1B. Hey, the Mick moved there! Betemit will play 3B better at this stage than a new position. Chipper will likely decline at 3B but could keep it going at 1B. He’s gonna be here with that new contract. LeTwan would rather see him at 1B with support hose than at 3B with a walker.

Glennbo understands what a lot of people argued against. Chipper restructured - now he’ll get his money and his tax breaks. He’s a Brave forever. LeTwan likes him at 1B with Betemit at 3B.

By Carroll

March 15, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

Raisins: I agree that WB is a fine middle infielder…in fact I was a lone voice sayin just give him the SS job after Fooky left. Instead we traded away a valuable piece (who could’ve AT LEAST been used to garner some quality arms) for a guy who will prolly prove to be above average and declining at his age. That said, WB would be just fine at 1B….much better than LaRoche…let’s just take baby steps. Just being rid of Roach makes us better…if that happens, I don’t care who plays where.

By Voice of Reason

March 15, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

I still believe LaRoche, mono-brow and all, is a decent player, he’s just not a star player. He does not even pose the same offensive threat that WB poses anymore. I know I’m repeating myself, but that one spot in the batting order prevents the Braves offense from going from “good” to “very good.” BTW - am I the only guy who thinks LaRoche resembles “Bert” from Sesame Street?

By Glennbo

March 15, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

letwan, js can’t win’em all. if he did, no one would play with the braves at the winter playground. as far as wb at 1b, i hate to waist his range. of course we already agreed on chipper moving to first anyway, but he won’t because he’s the new mike piazza. raisin, i b-leave that roche is ok too. isn’t it strange that a ss outweighs a 1bman by 15 pounds. maybe if roche ate more pie, he would get more hits.
what does letwan think?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

March 15, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

I think Francoeour should graciously ask to leave the WBC team because if he hasn’t gotten at-bats by now he isn’t going to get any in a semifinal and championship game. Its a nice honor but its not helping him out. I have to wonder why he was even chosen to the team if he wasn’t going to play.

By Voice of Reason

March 15, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

Francoeur is on the team simply because his mug graced the cover of SI last year as the second coming of (insert your favorite star here.) The WBC is a made for TV tournament contrived for the sole purpose of selling spring baseball to an audience other than fanatics such as you and me that are tuning in anyway. The self promotion of it on ESPN is almost nauseating. Every baseball headline is some propped up highlight from some meaningless game made to look ultra-exciting so that we’ll turn back to their network to watch. Francoeur is there so that some pimply faced teenage fantasy leaguer who heard his name last year might tune in to see the “guy everybody is talking about.”

By Excelsior

March 15, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

Moving Chipper to 1st is a bad idea. First isn’t that easy to play, for one, and Chipper is a better 3rd baseman than Wilson. Last year, WB played 3B in 63 games, had 94 assists and 6 errors. Chipper, on the other hand, played in 101 games, had 169 assists and only 5 errors. Cross multiply and figure out what I’m getting at. And don’t pull any of that “WB has more range and gets to more difficult balls so that’s why he has more errors” BS b/c you know that just ain’t true.

WB had a break out year, of sorts, last year. He still has no real value, so let him continue to fill in when we need him (he’s done a great job of that!) and if he’s still around and playing well when Chipper or Edgar are ready to move on, then give him his shot. He didn’t deserve OR earn the starting spot for 2006. But, if his value goes way up and we still have those two, then get what we can for him!

WBC has been as boring as I expected. Keep ripping them dingers, though, Chip!

By Excelsior

March 15, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

Voice of (No) Reason: A “made for TV tournament”? A number of the games haven’t even been shown live! USA vs. Korea, for instance. I knew the outcome well before the game was aired at 1 a.m. Plus, isn’t every headline for every sports promotion exactly the way you have described those for the WBC? Jaysus…

By Voice of Reason

March 15, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

No real value? In 115 games last year, WB posted a .305 AVG, .359 OBP, .435 SLG, and .794 OPS given sporadic opportunity. Seems kinda valuable to me…

BTW - I never said 1B was “that easy to play.” I never said Chipper was a stiff, either. That said, neither one of them is on the team for their stellar defense anyway.

By John Hoar

March 15, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith-BE CAREFUL OUT THERE. The way people are dropping you will be next and we cant’t afford to lose the last live reporter! Trade Laroche for a reliver journalist?

 Carroll, Voice, and a couple of other guys: you've answered my question, I think.  My question to myself for a while has been why not Betemit at first?, and thought that there must be some overwhelming obvious answer that I was reluctant to show my ignorance. Is it basically that he is over-qualified? That's what I'm thinking.

By Excelsior

March 15, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

He has no real trade value. Forgiveness, please.

By TennesseePaul

March 15, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

The game yesterday between Venezuela and the Domincan was pretty friggin’ exciting. I like the thing, just think it needs to be adjusted and tweaked. Find a better time to play, change the rules to resemble real baseball, get professional umps, maybe trim the rosters a bit so more playing time can be dulled out. I like the idea and I think it will get bigger and better over time. It’s hard to say what affects it will have on the regular season. it could be very helpful, it could be hurtful. Only time will tell.

By Excelsior

March 15, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

Nor should he even be asked to, as far as I’m concerned.

By Voice of Reason

March 15, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Excelsior: I’ll type slowly so that you might understand this time. ESPN, which airs the games live or not, begins every bit of baseball “coverage” with some overhyped and exagerrated story involving the WBC. The excitement described by their “analysts” is as overblown as Barry Bonds’ head. When I say “baseball headline,” which is what I said, I’m referring to so-called journalistic coverage on SportsCenter or Baseball Tonight, not commercial promotion (your word.) It’s the same as if the network news were to bring a “news” story promoting the evening TV lineup. The WBC is nothing more than an attempt to create another revenue source for MLB, whose team owners can’t control their spending and players can’t rationalize their demands.

By Carroll

March 15, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

John and Raisins: Remember that Julio Franco came up as a steady middle infielder, which equated to being a fabulous firstbaseman (good hands, feet, horse sense, etc). It is not an easy position but I think Wilson could make it look that way. And again, better he in the lineup than Roach (who is dead to me).

By Excelsior

March 15, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

Though slower, if indeed you really typed slower, you are no more clear. But, they say it is he who argues with the monkey who is the fool, and not the moneky. Thus, I will be brief in my rebuttal. ESPN or any other TV station that airs sports events does the same thing for whatever the contest might be.

I think what you’re referring to, and correct me if I’m wrong, is what journalists call a “story.” If you do not consider these “stories” surrounding the WBC to be all that exciting or engaging, then that is your own subjective experience w/ the WBC coverage; that is your own cross to bear. So be it. But don’t crucify journatlists for doing their job.

And since we’re being nitpicky, the WBC is also a chance for International Baseball teams to compete against one another; that much is self-evident.

By Glennbo

March 15, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

exa-bore, the wbc is a made for hype tournament that serves no real point except as voice said, to rake in laundered money for the owners to hide from the players.

and, 1st is less demanding. the 1bman rarely has to make a ranging throw to another base. first is also not the hot corner. the chief challenge at first is on bunts and balls hit to the firstbaseman where the 1b guy has to lead the pitcher. and no one ever talks about the first bagger being the best athlete on the team. with chipper’s propensity to go gimpy, he needs to go over.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

March 15, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

GAZING AT BEAUTIES LEANING OVER ONTO FIELD FROM STANDS - journalist jimmy smith glad to weigh in right now since VOR and EXCY now talking journalism - journalism is jimmy smith’s passion. jimmy smith think wbc so much crap. mlb players need be in camp get ready for season. braves get behind early this year may not catch up. pen weak. first baseman hit like girl. starters francoeur and sosa not ready for season. very bad.

jimmy smith one of last journalist standing. much oj available in florida and jimmy smith drink with vodka like good journalist. jimmy smith thanks john hoar for concern about jimmy smith’s health. Not to worry, john hoar, jimmy smith outlast dob, guy curtwright, and ssiscribe today, happy to provide journalistic service to dob braves blog. jimmy smith bring real news in short while. waiting for story to break.

By Adam

March 15, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

For anyone interested Joey Devine got the save against the Dodgers today pitching the ninth with 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1K. Is this a sign of things to come?

By Excelsior

March 15, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

I understand the intricacies of first base. It is a challenging position, as I said, but certainly less demanding, as not I, but you said.

You Republicans all live in a Green world. Sad.

By Braves Apologist

March 15, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Glennbo, would you just shut up. I’ve read your crap and you don’t make sense. Go and get your medication dispenser recalibrated and leave the Chipper-Jones-to-first-base argument in the crapper. Excelsior has already slammed your weak arguments into the middle of next weak. Do us all a favor and quit blogging.

By Glennbo

March 15, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

exa-bore, i am a libertarian. and if you think that democrats won’t poop where they eat and sleep, you should examine your water supply sometime. braves apologist, try developing your theme a little more on your own instead of relying on exador.

By LeTwan Anthony

March 15, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Glennbo has posed an interesting question about LaRoche and pie. LeTwan is happy to offer an opinion. LeTwan thinks pie would only mess LaRoche up more. Some people can handle pie, some people can’t - just like some players can hit left-handers and some players can’t. LeTwan would send LaRoche a pie but LeTean knows it would pack a few pounds on him that might slow him down even more. Somebody said first basemen don’t have to be fast, and Bream certainly wasn’t fast, but LaRoche could be timed with a calendar. DOB said in an earlier blog that mlb players don’t just change position - it doesn’t work that way. LeTwan thinks the Dodgers may have figured out a way to make that work with Nomar. Third to first and the best bats are in the lineup. Smart.

By Gramps

March 15, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

Yep, I sure do miss that DOB feller…..thats all Gramps has fer now.

By TennesseePaul

March 15, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

I have a feeling that Nomar to first switch isn’t going to be that smooth. Nomar already pulled a muscle off his bone just running the bases. Furcal has one of the most powerful arms in the majors, but it also isn’t the most accurate. Combine the need for Nomar to stretch to catch the throw, with stretching fast, and you have yourself another injury season from Nomar and another dismal season from the Dodgers. But, they have enough shortstops to cover almost the whole infield so I guess they needn’t worry too much.

This is baseball, not politics. There’s no politics in baseball.

By B

March 15, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

It is frustrating to see what Blaine Boyer is going through, especially since his shoulder dysfunction is very treatable. As a therapist, I have seen several pitchers with the same problem and have treated them successfully. Several have suggested that surgery may be an option, but I do not think he would benefit from thT t this time. Somebody should check his internal and external rotation, scapular mobility, thoracic mobility, sc joint, ac joint, gh joint, as well as first rib mobility. He would also require subscapularis and latismus Dorsi strengthening as well as core and LE strengthening. He would then benefit from neuro re-education to help improve motor planning, since he has probably altered his throwing mechanics secondary to pain. I would hate to see this young athlete struggle throughout the season with pain when it may be something that can be treated conservatively.

By V

March 17, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

Team USA manager Buck Martinez is a joke! I do not understand how you only give Jeff 3 at bats. If you are invited to join the team and miss out on valuble spring training time, I definately think that you should get more at bats than 3! If I was Bobby Cox I would be very p** at that clown Buck Martinez!!!