AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > June > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFrenchy tries to reduce Ks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Francoeur was talking to a couple of us hacks before yesterday’s game and conceded that he wants and needs to cut down on his strikeouts. He said he expects to strike out 100 times a season as a power hitter, but that he’s struck out too often this year (46 times in 242 at-bats) to be as productive as he wants to be. He didn’t get all defensive over the line of questioning, didn’t roll his eyes or look at the questioner with a glare that said, ‘What do you know?’
And that’s another reason I like Francoeur as much as most everyone else does, and why I believe he’s going to be a really good player for a long time. He gets it, and he wants it badly, and he isn’t content to be a cover boy and star in his hometown.
I say this because some may have misinterpreted what I wrote about Francoeur in yesterday’s blog, how I think he should be rested now and then just like others, how he might benefit from a day off when he’s struggling, just like the others on the team. Because he’s not there yet, folks. He’s not above it all, not a star yet, and he knows it. For one thing, he’s got to start performing much better on the road before he can be branded a star.
That said, he’s been the best Braves player at Turner Field since he came up in July. Check out these mind-boggling numbers: In 67 home games since arriving from Class AA Mississippi last summer, Francoeur has hit .318 with 20 home runs, 63 RBIs and a fat .971 OPS. The 50 strikeouts/3 walks in 255 at-bats are overshadowed by the sheer productivity at home, not to mention his penchant for the dramatic hit.
OK, now consider this: In 61 road games since his arrival, Francoeur has hit .234 with five homers, 23 RBIs and a .722 OPS. That’s a severe dichotomy, folks. Really severe. The .257 career on-base percentage on the road and dramatically reduced production make the 54 strikeouts/6 walks in 244 road at-bats that much more noticeable.
But anyway… he’s 22. Keep reminding yourselves of that. It’s easy for me to remember because I see him in the clubhouse every day, see the unbridled energy and enthusiasm that simply cannot be maintained by someone older (well, except by maybe Marcus Giles, but he’s not normal).
Francoeur is you or me on 12 cups of coffee… well, that is if we had immense physical gifts including speed, strength, agility and ice water flowing through our veins.
OK, enough about Francoeur. Pencil him in at right field for the next 5-6 years or longer, if new ownership is smart.
What else? Wait, let me change this CD - the first Highwaymen CD. (I love putting that on time to time and hearing Johnny, Waylon, Willie and Kris K. sing like they’re sitting around on a porch, passing around a bottle. The sound of our country right there, folks.)
Oh, yeah … Saltalamacchia.
I DID NOT propose trading him for D-Train yesterday. I merely stated that if the Marlins WOULD trade him to the Braves and demanded Salty, I’d do it, provided the Braves believed they could keep him within their budget. He’s got two more years of arbitration before he’s a free agent, but his arbitration figures are really big.
Still, you could sign him to a multi-year deal, buy out those two years of arbitration and a year of free agency, and have a third ace to pair with Hudson and Smoltz next season, giving the Braves a true Big 3 again. And I think Dontrelle would fit in splendidly here, after seeing his interaction with Braves players around the batting cage and hearing Bobby Cox talk fondly of him so often.
And if next year is Smoltz’s last with Atlanta (I’m CERTAIN they will pick up the $8 mill option year on his contract for 2007, and Smoltz has been told not to worry about it by Braves higher-ups), then Willis and Hudson are at the top of the rotation in 2008, by which point Kyle Davies should be coming into his own as a consistent 15-game winner or more.
Hampton’s back for two more years, but I just don’t see how you can count on him being healthy and as good as he was before his elbow surgery. By the way, his recovery is going great and he’s going to start throwing soon, but still aiming for 2007 spring training.
The only way Salty should be untouchable is if the Braves have him penciled in to play first base next season, in my opinion. And I don’t know if that’s realistic when they’ve barely seen him even take ground balls over there in batting practice. While it’s reasonable to assume he could play the position, could he play it well? It’s a crucial position that people wrongly assume can be handled by any slugger.
A team built on pitching, which is what the Braves have been in the past and want to be again, needs strong up-the-middle defense and needs a good first baseman. I haven’t seen Scott Thorman enough to judge his defense, but he’s raking at Triple-A and it might be time to bring him up and see what he can do. As I’ve said before, B.J., great guy that he is, isn’t giving the Braves anything offensively or defensively.
Jordan is 3-for-30 with one RBI and nine strikeouts in his past 13 games.
And don’t look now, but Matt Diaz is 1-for-16 with one RBI and five strikeouts since May 26.
And Langerhans is 18-for-89 (.202) with two homers, six RBIs and - yikes - 29 strikeouts in his past 31 games.
Chipper’s not hitting like Chipper (it’s a “soft” .293 he’s hitting). Andruw’s as streaky as ever.
The Braves are hoping like crazy to get Brian McCann back Thursday, because their offensive funk began the day he got hurt May 20. With a few exceptions, an eight-homer game in at windy Wrigley here, a comeback win there - they have been in a malaise since he went down.
OK, gotta get going and get out to the park. Horacio going against a no-name pitcher (Shawn Hill) tonight, and we know how the Braves often do against the no-name pitchers. It’ll be interesting if Ho can make it three strong starts in a row since his return from the DL. If he does, then maybe, just maybe, he’ll be back to the pitcher the Braves thought he’d be by now after his solid rookie year a few years back.
Later.
Daily batting log for Jeff Francoeur (ROAD)
Totals
AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TBB SO SB CS ERR PA
.234 61 244 28 57 13 2 5 23 6 54 1 3 4 253
OBP SLG SH SF HBP GDP W/L
.257 .365 0 1 2 2 29-32-0
Comments
By Head Coach
June 6, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
Frenchy stinks at the moment as do the Braves. Now for some real interesting draft stuff. 21 players drafted so far , 16 pitchers 6 lefthanders and 10 righthanders , 5 position players , 8 high schoolers and 13 college players. As usual no suprise here , a pitching heavy draft again for Atlanta. 2 Georgia tech pitchers , Gary Hyde and Timothy Gustafson. A georgia southern pitcher, Dustin Evans and a Georgia Bulldog 1st baseman, Joshua Morris. Gotta get back to the draft.
By Submariner
June 6, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
I saw the video clip at FOX sports and Francouer says something like, “We all made some mistakes. I think all of us missed the cut-off once, but we played hard. That was positive.”
What was that?! They should play hard every freakin night! These guys are killing me.
By GOST
June 6, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
DOB the Braves are done and you know it. No name pitcher tonight and you know what happens, they lose to a no name pitcher, everytime. The Braves’ run comes to an end as we speak. FRANCOEUR is not a superstar material, average player at best. LaRoach’numbers right up there with Frenchy. WE need Fred McGriff kind of player who will set the stadium on fire, like it did back in 1993.Go Braves!
By ILL-logical
June 6, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this
A $65 milion payroll. Read it and weep people.This what the Liberty bean counters have deemed to be the necessary and appropriate budget for THEIR Braves.This is why everyone is in a funk;the end is upon us.
By Woogidy
June 6, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
DOB, I disagree with you on Andruw. He’s been the most consistent hitter in the lineup .281 april, .280 in may. He looks to me to be so much better with that breaking ball off the plate. Night and Day from last year. He also gets better as the game goes. I dunno… This whole team is under-achieving.
By 3pitch
June 6, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
Why are Chris Reitsma and Brian Jordan still on this team?????
By JJ
June 6, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
Why can’t we call up some guys from the minors who really want to play, who will provide a spark for this team. And please please please CUT CHRIS REEKSMA!!! And Brian Jordan. James Jurries can play first base now! Didn’t anyone see him at Spring Training?
By JJ
June 6, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Why can’t we call up some guys from the minors who really want to play, who will provide a spark for this team. And please please please CUT CHRIS REEKSMA!!! And Brian Jordan. James Jurries can play first base now! Didn’t anyone see him at Spring Training? Also, Chuck “Cy” James needs to be put in the starting rotation TOMORROW!
By Heath
June 6, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this
Even though pitching is our weakest length, i still think a lot of it can be overcome with some decent hitting. (Duh, right?) Giles at the top of the lineup just did not make sense to me back in spring training and it proving to be a bad spot in the lineup for him through today. Although I do not have numbers readily available, Giles just always seemed to be a much more productive hitter in the 2-hole. His opposite field swing was perfect for that position. Also, he just seemed to have better at-bats with guys on base versus the bases empty. I would like to see bobby switch things up and move giles down in the order. Although Langerhans is not exactly tearing it up right now, I would rather see himin the lead-off position and move giles down to the middle part of the lineup. I know a lot of you are going to grumble about it, but think about this. Giles has shown that he is capable of knocking guys in, but to this point, has not shown the consistent ability to get on bas and be the run scorer. If you move him down to a rbi position, it would reason that he would be more comfortable and the Braves might actually get some offensive production from him. 1. langerhans 2. renteria 3. chipper 4. andruw 5. mccann (when healthy obviously) 6. giles 7. francoeur 8. laroche 9. pitcher. La roche should be down at the bottom of the batting order due to his propensity to kill rallies. Just a though…any comments?
By Ron Roberts
June 6, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
Man, this run of good innings by Horacio reminds me why we all used to be so high on his future with this team back in his rookie year.
I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with him, much like it seems to have with Thomson.
Let’s hope otherwise.
And “LaDINGER” has contributed to tonight’s game in a positive manner. Love it.
By Ron Roberts
June 6, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
Man, just as soon as I speak… the one-man Brave-basher, Soriano, strikes.
By brian
June 6, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this
DOB-
any truth to the $65 million payroll comment? May as well call us the Marlins
By RW
June 6, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
I wonder that if they do reduce the payroll to $65 million, if that will also me that they’ll lower ticket prices. Hahahaha….whewww…made myself laugh.
I’d take the ‘91 Braves over these chumps any day.
By Woogidy
June 6, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
Alright, It’s time. We gotta bring up Scott Thorman. This guy is on fire, 2 more hits and an rbi tonight. He’s now hitting .313. He’s lefty too, so we coujld still platoon him with Jordan. Just kidding! That corpse needs buried.
By JJ
June 6, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
LaDINGER? Thats probably the gayest thing I have ever heard in my life.
By Woogidy
June 6, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
One more update from the farm, Will Startup 1 inning, no hits, no runs, 8 pitches, 5 strikes. Can you say closer?
By Submariner
June 6, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
Trade Reitsma, Remlinger, Laroche and Sosa to Richmond for 2 buckets of BP balls.
Go out and get Palmero off of the scrap heap to play first. We like re-treads.
Trade for Willis and Lidge.
Move Chipper to left and put Betemit at third.
Platoon Langerhans and Francoeur in right.
That’s better……..that’s better!
By Woogidy
June 6, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this
YeaH!!!! A RAY of hope after tonight’s game! Good to see him out there in the 9th. OH MAN!!! He’s the closer!!
By Ron Roberts
June 6, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
Startup sounds nice, but Ray did just as well in the MAJOR leagues, tonight. Let’s ride this as long as we get somewhere with it.
And when LaRoche hits homers and contributes, I’ll call him what I wish, JJ. It sure won’t be as f@ggy as the crap that’s been used, like “LaCrotch.”
Talk about limp-wristed.
By Beachcomber
June 6, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
Hip Hip HooRAY!!!
By Little Larry Teeball
June 6, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this
Coach, please don’t be so intenze. You should set a better example. Be nice to everybody and maybe we’ll extend your contract one more season. Little Larry
By Bob, journalist
June 6, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this
10 Paul, Maybe tonight’s win will cheer you up!
If you see this and have nothing better to do … my response to your old post to me is toward the end of the “There’s still a chance …” blog.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this
Head coach, where was the interesting part?
Oh, as for the $65 mill comment, I’m supposed to comment on a totally unsubstantiated and, near as I can tell, completely fabricated payroll figure from someone posting under the name ILL-logical? Uh, I’ll pass.
By Todd
June 6, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
Gad, who dropped a box of idiots on this blog tonight?
DOB, thanks as always for the great update. Can you please dispel the $65 million Liberty Media rumor before some bonehead reports it on ESPN Rumor Central?
By Todd
June 6, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
Woops, posting at the same time. Thanks DOB.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this
Todd, why would they post that on Rumor Central. It’s not even in print anywhere, not even written under anyone’s name. Come on, man, they don’t just throw rumors up on that thing that aren’t even published. This is JUST A FAN THROWING CRAP OUT THERE, nothing more. It’s not going to show up anywhere.
By the way, I have no idea why the comments posted from 3 p.m. to 7:08 p.m. got zapped. No earthly idea. Sorry if there were some good questions or whatever there that I missed. I just went back to read them and it’s all fried up to 7:08, when the coach posted his “interesting” draft update.
By John B.
June 6, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
Liked what I saw from HoRam tonight. Looked like he was on his game, bad call by the ump didn’t seem to phase him. Nice to see Andruw swing so hard that he falls down..and actually hit it. Maybe this’ll start something. Here’s to hope! Go Braves!
By Chop Chop
June 6, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see the AJC erase the asinine comments made on this blog, but I fear that mine would never see the light of day.
That’s me practicing “The Art Of Self-Deprecation” by Jeff Torborg.
By gotigers72
June 6, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this
Very good point DOB about Frenchy only being 22 yeasrs old. That’s what I always think about when I see that he is scuffling. He has some serious power and big RBI potential. I think by the time he is 25, he will be something special. I was one of the ones that advocated sending him back to Richmond when he was hitting below .200. Sorry Frenchy and Bobby. I was wrong. Shows what I know.
He reminds me a lot of Murphy when he first came up. Started slowly, but when Joe Torre finally got inside of his head and got him to hitting the other way, well you know what happened then. I think Frenchy will have that same kind of power to right and right center as he matures and starts to go that way more. I know he has made some errors this year, but that gun he has for an arm discourages runners and third base coaches from gambling. He saved a run that way tonight. Guy didn’t even try to score and Horacio got the next guy out. As I said before, he will be a special player before it’s all said and done.
By Antonio McNugget
June 6, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this
Hey Ron your boy had a good night. I still say hes not the 1st baseman you would want but if everyting else is working he is not the liability he sometimes seems to be. 5th is not where a good team would like for him to be but we all know thats Mcanns spot anyway. I did enjoy breakin your balls earlier though.
Maybe we have ourselves a closer. It sure was nice to not see 3 run Reitsma for once……
By Antonio McNugget
June 7, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
LaCrotch is a low blow. LaWhiff was alway my favorite anyway
By Todd A
June 7, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this
I agree that Frenchy has stardom written all over him.But for god’s sake,can we ship him down to Richmond for a few months where he’ll get some decent coaching?Remember,we also brought up Andruw prematurely back in 1996.But,instead of terrifying the rest of the NL ala Pujols,Jones has become a career .268 hitter.Not bad.Just far below the greatness that was projected for him.The names Clemente and Mays were being whispered about when Andruw was making his way up through the minors.The sad thing is,there is no telling how good he could have been,if Cox would have motivated him earlier in his career,instead of telling him how great he was when he hadn’t achieved anything yet.I just would hate to see Francoeur fall below expectations too.As much as I like Frenchy as a player,he needs a little dose of humble pie.There should be repercussions for just whailing away at every pitch thrown towards home plate.Sit him down for a few games or send him down to Richmond for a month.Being aggressive is one thing.Just being plain foolish is another.
By Head Coach
June 7, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this
O yea , I forgot. Dave O’brian isnt a braves fan and he wouldnt get fired up on draft day. DOB , take a look at the 2006 braves draft , its the scouts who find the talent and Roy Clark drafts them. The braves keep pumping out major league talent from the life blood of this franchise , the scouts and minor league infrastructure , so sorry you dont find this interesting. but , then again your a college basketball fan.
By Kentavo
June 7, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this
ooh, i’ve got one…..
Chris RELEASEtsma
By David O'Brien
June 7, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this
Head coach, can I ask what in the world you’re talking about. You’re telling ME that scouting and player development is the lifeblood of the organization? And you’re being serious?
Do you really think you need to stress to me the importance of the two componnents I wrote at length about in the blog the day Dayton left? I mean, really, how many times have I written that in the past year, in this blog and in the paper? Get serious, I’ve consistently called Roy and Dayton and the rest of the player development/scouting departments the lifeblood of the organization, for crying out loud.
My comment about your post had absolutely nothing to do with the draft and everything to do with the dismissive tone of your post, which was, “yeah, whatever … here’s something really interesting.” Then you proceed to list players you could lift off any draft site, without providing a word of commentary for anyone or anything that they couldn’t have gotten themselves. Sorry, but a list of names without any stats, any info, isn’t exactly interesting when the NAMES MEAN NOTHING TO ANYONE HERE.
These aren’t college football or basketball players that everyone’s familiar with after seeing them play on TV. They’re high school and college baseball players, the vast majority of them unfamiliar the folks here. So if you want to give us something “interesting,” then give us more than a dry list of names with no stats or anything else.
The more I think about it, the more I’m wondering why I just bothered answering to your childish post. Sorry your feelings were upset, Head Coach. Tell us more about baseball, Head Coach.
And It’s O’Brien, capital B and an “e.” You butchered that about as well as possible. “Then again you’re a college basketball fan….” Yes, weakest line of the day, dude. Absolutely weakest.
Thanks for the insight on the draft. I need to get some tips from you.
By brian
June 7, 2006 02:01 AM | Link to this
DOB just threw Head coach under the bus
By Head Coach
June 7, 2006 02:15 AM | Link to this
Holy cow , are you mad at the whole world or just me , lol ? Hey , It’s draft day and your writing about Francoeur ? Sorry I beat you to the punch , but draft day comes but once a year and its a worthy subject for at least one day. I’m not in the least bit upset at you , actually its nice to know you actually give a damn. I do enjoy reading your blogs more than any of the other writers in here. You want to beat me down concerning my post. well , I’ve mentioned more about the 2006 braves draft than any writer in the AJC so far and would have wrote more except I was busy writng down the names , positions and bare facts. I’m sure the AJC or Braves web site will have a full spread once the draft is done. I do apologize if I butchered your name David O’Brian it wasnt intentional.
By Head Coach
June 7, 2006 03:27 AM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brian , It wasnt my intention to be dismissive of your blog or the subject matter of Jeff Francoeur. I’m a 30 year year Braves Fanatic and its draft day and it wasnt my intention to hijack the subject matter of your blog. Your a beat writer who has the freedom to write about anything you feel is relevant concerning the Braves. I’m a baseball coach who enjoys watching these kids reach thier potential. I find draft day to be of great interest and wanted to share my thoughts with the rest of the fans. Jeff Francoeur is an enormous talent , great attitude , perfect team player and a draw for the fans. He reminds of a kid I had the pleasure of coaching in American Legion ball for one season in 1991 , Darin Erstad. I can Compare Francoeur to Erstad because they both have had the same potential at the beginning of thier careers. Enormous potential can be throw around liberally in the case of both players. So just a word of caution , injury’s and other off field distractions can potentially hurt a players potential. I took Andruw Jones almost a decade in the bigs to reach his full potential. Injurys have slowed Erstad down the past 3-4 seasons and we all know what has happened to Griffy jr . At this point Francoeur is a much better athlete than McCann. However , McCann is a polished , mature big leaguer already because of the years of coaching from his dad. It takes more than talent to hit major league pitching. It takes preparation , study , notes , video , coaching , experience and a few intangibles. I do envy DOB , getting to be around a major league clubhouse and experiencing something every Braves fan can only dream about.
By Bob, journalist
June 7, 2006 04:55 AM | Link to this
David O’B with an e … there’s a mighty interesting collection of folks that frequent these environs … especially the personas that emerge when they adorn cloaks of animenity … allowing the id to dominate the super-ego.
David, you misquoted Head Coach … he said “then again your a college basketball fan” … not “… you’re …”. Which, while admittedly weak … has some stiff competition for the top prize.
Here’s a message to fans from a coach … not a “has been”, a “never was”, or a “would like to be” … but a real head coach who loved all sports … especially fishing, tennis and badminton.
“This is one of our great American games. It is the duty and responsibility of each of us to see that it is kept in its proper perspective, and that it is protected. We should see that it is used to attain the objectives that mean so much to our way of life.
Fans can be most influential and instrumental in helping to achieve these objectives, if they’ll develop the right attitudes.
First, and foremost is the realization that in sport there must be a winner and a loser. The fan who recognizes this principle gets a great deal more enjoyment from the game than one who becomes irritated and aggravated when “his” team loses. We would never minimize the importance of winning, but it is very unfair to the manager, coaches, and the players when the fan forgets it is impossible to “repudiate the law of mathematics … that there must be a winner and a loser”.
It’s important that we develop the art of appreciating great plays made by the opposition. We should always give our opponents credit, rather than criticize our team when the opposition makes a great play. Perfection in the execution of a play is to be admired and appreciated, just as we appreciate and admire the work of a great artist in any field.
Fans should remember that players are just human beings. They perform at times under great pressure, and they, as all other earthly inhabitants, are likely to make mistakes. It behooves all of us to remember, To err is human, to forgive, divine.
Finally, we should always keep uppermost in mind that our sport, with all its glamour, glitter, thrills and chills, plus everything that makes it great, has one thing more important than all of these combined—that is, the young men who play it.”
Actually that’s my “edited” version of an old message from the “gray fox”. He didn’t just say it … he lived it!
By Head Coach
June 7, 2006 06:24 AM | Link to this
Love the plagiarism Bob , keep it up. I’m willing to bet you think Bobby Cox isnt a coach either or I’m a ditch digger. Would you keep Reitsma as your closer for two months ? Can everybody else be wrong about him and you be right ? Would you throw Joey Devine to the wolves fresh from college into the playoffs ? Cox did all these things and yes he screwed up , but he is still a coach. You say your a journalist ? Can I see your credentials please ?
By Head Coach
June 7, 2006 06:33 AM | Link to this
It’s David O’Brien , lol , holy crap , my dyslexia is killing me. I got it DOB , lol. Repeat after me , David O’Brien , David O’Brien , David O’Brien. I’m going to go make a gallon of coffee and screw my head on straight.
By old timer
June 7, 2006 06:37 AM | Link to this
Chase Fontaine. No way a kid with that handle can miss. Quote you’ll read in 2010: “It’s Fontaine’s team now,” said Chipper Jones.
By Tom
June 7, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this
Great blog, DOB. I’m continously impressed with what I read here each day. Great to see such an avid baseball/Braves fan running this show.
What are your thoughts on trading for Carl Crawford of Tampa? This is a guy that I feel would really have a trickle down effect on the lineup.
Crawford would lead off with Edgar in his customary 2 spot. Chipper 3rd, Andruw 4th, McCann, Giles, Francouer and LaRoche. You could always flip flop Frenchy/Giles/McCann depending on matchups. LaRoche as the #8 hitter looks pretty nice.
Crawford would add much needed speed at the top of the order and keep the top notch defensive outfield that we have.
How do we get him? I’m thinking Langerhans and a solid prospect COULD net him. That said, we’d still have to pare some payroll ‘cause I believe Crawford makes $4+ million.
Just a thought….haven’t heard Crawford’s name on here. Whatcha think, DOB?
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB….
You posted immediately after some jack@$$ named “Larry Little Leaguer” where he attempts to defame me… so you apparently noticed the malicious and slanderous post at some point and time…
…what keeps you from removing such crap? Why do I have to go all through the ajc.com website to find out how to complain about online content?
I think of myself as a fairly decent guy, here… I talk baseball, I usually don’t lower myself to name-calling with players, or crack jokes about Bobby Cox (his nose, his past incident with his wife, either), I don’t label other bloggers with such things as “child molester,” etc. Not only do I not deserve that kind of treatment, but nobody here does… not myself, you, any other blogger, frankly, the players and their extended family, either.
I’ve been a fairly standup guy, and it’d be nice if you (or somebody) would police the site better.
By Larry
June 7, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
When you talk about Braves starters for the future, you seem to neglect Ramirez. He had a great first year, so good, he earned himself a spot on a Frank Robinson coached international team. True to Mr. Robinson’s history, he does not know how to manage pitchers and Ramirez was over used and had arm problems (funny how none of the sports writers ever mention that - that would be a great research project - pitchers whom Frank Robinson has destroyed). Last year, Ramirez fought arm troubles - now he seems to have returned to the “next Tommy Glavine” status as was predicted before. Don’t be surprised if he is around for a while.
By BO
June 7, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
Tom- Crawford makes 2.4 million not 4 million and he would be great hitting lead-off for Braves. I totally agree with you. RON ROBERTS has always been a stand up decent guy on the blogs. DOB someone does need to police site better and stick to baseball.
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
Larry makes a couple of good points about HoRam.
He was over-used early on and has had to overcome arm problems, and in his rookie year (and so far this year), has been a pretty doggone-good pitcher, otherwise.
If this kid can maintain this level of competition, with another season of Smoltz (Braves will pick up the option), Hudson and Kyle Davies coming into his own (I’m using the Glavine-Maddux curve, which he surpasses at this point in his career), the Braves could be back where they were in early half of their 14-year run - pitching dominant the remainder of this season and all of 2007. And let’s not forget that Hampton’s coming back next year. If he’s back to the form he was at right before he was injured (didn’t he lead the league in ERA?* we could have one phenominal rotation in 2007!
By MGL
June 7, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
It is rather pathetic that the conduct of a few posters and imposters bring people to suggest that someone police this blog. If I were AJC management, I would shut it down before I would spend resources on policing every post.
The crude insults against the Braves players and other bloggers are ruining what should be a fun and interesting free exchange of ideas with a little humor from jimmy smith and others mixed in. Carolina Lady has already left due to the off-color remarks, and I expect that many others, including myself will also leave if posts continue to get nastier.
DOB does a fantastic job with this blog and I hope that it continues. It would be nice if people could keep posts clean and civil to keep this a positive experience for all.
By Riley Martin
June 7, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Fond memorys are sparked when Riley Martin sees the esteemed journalist’s words referring to Steve Avery and things of this nature. I am also fond of cheese.
It appears as if Ron Roberts will be notifying the appropriate authorities very soon.
Nice game last night. LaRoche paid attention for most of the game, Ho Ram looked fantastic, Francoeur had some hits and saw more that 3 pitches, John Smoltz proved once again that he has reestablished control as the games premier mustache grower. These things are very pleasing and a new name for Retisma has also been established by a fellow blogger. The only question is what shall we call 3 Run Reitsma when he is left in long enough to give up 4 runs????????
By Nobody
June 7, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
Just an interesting little tidbit:
Until Sunday afternoon, the home clubhouse at Applebee’s Park wasn’t much of a place to hang out. There was only one small television and an old, musty couch in the center. By Sunday evening, Roger Clemens had furnished the clubhouse with four new black leather couches, two love seats, a 42-inch plasma television, a 20-inch television, a microwave, DVD and a VCR. — Houston Chronicle
By Hal
June 7, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
In the spirit of sticking to baseball has anyone noticed how good that kid Pena has looked? Solid at bats and quick and agile behind the plate ! When Mccann comes back i wish he could be kept and Pratt traded but we all know that aint happin. Its not always the best player thats kept,but the one in whom the most is invested . Good Win last night HoRam was great and wonder of wonders a closer CLOSED
By Hal
June 7, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Riley……Have you considered 4 run Reitsma?lol
By Tony Almeida
June 7, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Franceour is the one you should be worrying about, Langerhans is striking out more then him. The boy can’t even put a bunt down.
By MGL
June 7, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this
Hal, I don’t think that it is a matter of investment with Pratt, I think that they believe that his experience is valuable in the further development of McCann. While Pena is doing great, and I really like the guy and his spirit, he did poorly in his trip up last year, and he has yet to throw out a major league base-runner. McCann is 10 for 22. I think Pratt is here for the rest of his one year stint and perhaps we may see Pena as backup next year if there is another minor league player ready if needed due to injury.
By Greg
June 7, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
We no longer need a closer. Ken Ray was awesome last night. Let’s get some starting pitching and a lead-off man.
By DrBert
June 7, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
MGL, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Pratt gone next year, Pena as the backup, and Eddie Perez in Atlanta as a coach to help McCann in his development.
By TennesseePaul
June 7, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
Bob: Thanks… I got it. But if that crapshoot comment was posted under my name, it wasn’t me. Where I do believe the hot hand wins the post season, and that the division series tilts the balance to the hot hand, I don’t think it’s a total crap shoot or that Cox is entirely to blame for every single post season early exit. How was he to know that Farnsworthless, a guy who was perfect in the regular season in saves for the Braves, wouldn’t be able to hold a 5 run lead in the post season against a team with a presumably weak line up?
After reading your post I understand the 1 in 8 probability. But that doesn’t take into account the first 3 post seasons when it was a 1 in 4 chance. But at any rate, I see your point.
Yes. The win did lift my spirits. It’s good to see HoRam tossing like a champion. I sure hope he can continue. IF he holds up all year like this and Death Ray solidifies himself in that closer role, then I think we’ll be in a good position to win again. We’ll just have to cut down on the strike outs, improve our situational hitting, and step up on the defense. The defensive side should come quickly. These guys are all good defenders but they’ve played sloppy so far. The hitting, that’s going to be the toughest part. But once McCann gets healthy and in that line up, we’ll be a lot better off. (If McCann hits .340 all season, I’ll start a petition to get his father hired as the hitting coach.)
HoRam and Death Ray could be McDowells first two success stories. No offense to HoRam, but Death Ray’s story is way cooler.
GO BRAVES!!
By Skeptical
June 7, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
Yes Roger Clemens is great and wonderful man. He always breaks for crossing pedestrians and has never, as far as i know, killed a squirrel or even a rabbit. My question is what would Mr. Selig do if a positive drug test passed across his desk. My money is on a cover up, Mark McGwire style. Why is it not obvious to everyone else that the man started juicing the year he left Boston. The numbers going into his 1st season with Toronto show that he had evolved into a .500 pitcher. If we have learned anything from Barry Bonds we have learned that if your nice to the media they act as if they dont know what is going on and if you are not they start writing books about you…. Just my 2 cents I am sure most of you dont agree but i didnt really expect for you too, nice guys are always given the benefit of the doubt.
By ILL-logical
June 7, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
Ok DOB,maybe “drinking the kool-aid “was a little strong. Let’s move on. Would like to get your thoughts re the possible/probable budget that the new owners will impose for their 2 years of ownership? Could this be one of the reasons some of the critical moves have yet to be made?
By Nobody
June 7, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
Skeptical, you’re very negative, aren’t you?
Did you know that Michael Jordan purchased a top-of-the-line luxury bus for the minor league team he played with? Was he juiced, too?? Skeptical’s theory: if you do something nice for a group, you’re hiding something.
By MGL
June 7, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
I sure hope that Smoltz comes out tonight and delivers one of his play-off caliber performances. Coupled with double dinger performances by the Jones boys and a good outing by everyone else, it would be a great way to end a rough homestand and be fired up for the Astros on Thursday. Go Braves!!!!
By ernesto
June 7, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or is Pratt just sucking up useful people’s oxygen? “Tank” has tanked, he’s not even a good back up. When McCann comes back keep Pena up here, he can’t possibly hit any worse, be any slower, make less plays at the plate.
By Robert
June 7, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Time for our wonderful manager to fold his ears up under his cap, tuck his tail into his uniform pants, and take the field
By Skeptical
June 7, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
actually Nobody you missed the point entirely. What i am saying is i think we are being fed a line of BS about Clemens. Has nothing to do with the man or his genorosity. Just eery looking at the guys numbers and how he went from being borderline washed up to the greatest righthander of all time all at such an old age. Again i dont care what he did for anyone. Thats crazy if you got that out of my post. Sorry if i wasnt clear. Just throwing something out there i have been thinking for a long time.
By JOHN B.
June 7, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
Skeptical,
You are right. The question should be asked. It’s because nobody gives a damn that 50% of the players that have failed drug tests have been pitchers. However, the public only recognizes hitters as cheaters. The media is partly to blame because you don’t see any books or articles on pitchers cheating. And of course Bonds being the jerk he has been to media and fans makes it easy to single him out.
I personally think that the numbers equal themselves out. There were just as pitchers juicing as hitters. So any records set are legitimate.
By ernesto
June 7, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
Sorry Hal, just noticed your exact same post.
By JOHN B.
June 7, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
That last line should be: “I personally think that the numbers equal themselves out. There were just as MANY pitchers juicing as hitters. So any records set are legitimate.”
By Sophia
June 7, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
I’ve lost some of my optimism in the last couple of weeks. Bobby Cox should consistently let Kenny Ray close for the next couple of weeks to see if our closer ordeal is over. Having him save a game once or twice a week won’t let us see if he can do this day in and day out.
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
The other thing that hurts, and it pains me to say it, is that fact that Chipper simply isn’t a threat anymore and scares no one. 5 HRs from the 3 hole is simply atrocious.
By Bw
June 7, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
Ive got to say that beginning of the year i agreed That Pratt was horendous. But i must say with him getting at bats every day (or at least 4 out of 5) he has been competent. He is good defensively and probably fits in good in the clubhouse. I agree that Pena is better, but with a healthy McCann i dont think you need another young catcher on the roster watching. He is much better served in AAA.
By Peter Walsh
June 7, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
Frency stinks, I don’t care if he is 22, the only consistent thing about him is his arm, its a gun, but he is horrible at the plate. He did nothing in the playoffs last year.
By Hal
June 7, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
Ernestio No Problem glad we are of like mind ! Also someone responded about Pratts veteran status and mentoring Brian although i think thats the braves thoughts also i dont nessarily agree .Mccann has shown to be an amazingly mature and baseball savy young man .He must have recieved some really great coaching on his way up ,from his dad ive heard .There are a number of other young players on our roster in need of the same kind of coaching .It rankles me that most of our hitters have no plan other then swinging as hard as they can on every pitch .Thats what pleased me most about Pena so far and yes i realize last year he struggled in the majors but he has hit at every level .I know its not going to happen just seems like he deserves a chance
By Bw
June 7, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
Hal think about it. If McCann come back and they get rid of Pratt Pena only gets to play once a week or at least once every 5 games. Is that what you want to do with a youngster. I say let him play every day in AAA and build trade value, assuming Salty progresses we shouldnt need him.
By ernesto
June 7, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Bw, $850,000 for a guy hitting .215? Pratt’s a stiff. I’ll bet you anything Pena can hit .215 for a whole lot less, and throw it into the “we need some help in the pen” kitty. Of course we’re on the hook for his whole salary (I know), but talk about an automatic out. There are guys on this team (more than one) that would be addition by subtraction. Pratt’s riding shotgun in that car, we all know who’s driving.
By student
June 7, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Head Coach. The draft is, of course, important, but as a fan its something I have a hard time getting real thrilled about. Its not like basketball or football where these players are going to be playing and probably contributing for your team next year. The vast majority of guys picked, even in the high rounds are never going to play in the majors and the ones who are won’t be there for 3, 4, 5 years. So, I look at the draft picks and I say huh, and then I move on. Of course its an important part of running a baseball club, but so is the accounting and decisons about parking and licensing and a hundred other things that I hope someone is doing well but I don’t really care to know a lot about.
By student
June 7, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
Pratt isn’t on the team to hit, he’s there to be a veteran backup catcher every 5 days. I guarantee you that no one on the Braves cares if he’s hitting .215. And why exactly does everyone seem to think Salty has any future as a catcher for the Braves? The enthusiasm for the next big young thing never ceases to amaze me. McCann was leading the league in batting before he got hurt and is by all accounts a much better defensive catcher than Salty. It doesn’t seem like the guy is ready yet (spring training is not the major leagues guys) but when he is, I assume the Braves will be either looking at moving him to first base, the outfield, or trading him.
By Smitty
June 7, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
I wonder how many Braves are gong to be called out in the BALCO case now. There has to be a few.
ugh!
By Zerevon
June 7, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
I heard a rumor that Twins sending pitchers Francisco Liriano,Jo Nathan and Shannon Stewart to the Braves for Marcus Giles and Sosa. I JUST HEARD FROM A FRIEND HAS SOLID KNOWLEDGE IN THE PAST ABOUT MLB TRADES. I just let you guys know, you heard it here first…!
By ernesto
June 7, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
student, Pratt isn’t on the team to be a guaranteed out either. Sosa plays less than every 5 days and has more dingers than this mirror-fogger. And I think we’ve got plenty of light-hitting veteran leadership in the clubhouse. I don’t know if Pena’s gonna hit or not, I just know I have at least a glimmer of hope. When Pratt’s up I know I’ve got time to hit the head and come back and hope the pitcher gets lucky. Seriously, do you feel at all good when Todd “I might as well be up here with a garden trowel for all the good this bat’s going to do me” Pratt is up there? All I’m saying is give the kid a shot. McCann handles the pitchers well. This we’re one injury away from disaster if we don’t send Pena down is bunk. Let’s play to win, not manage injuries.
By Todd
June 7, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Yyyyyyyyeah, Zerevon - are there pigs flying across your room? Little devils making snow angels? Monkeys flying out of your bottom?
By Bw
June 7, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Maybe I dreamed it but i thought since Pratt has been getting more at bats he had been hitting respectable… No worse than some of our everyday guys.
Hey DOB, Any thoughts on Zerevon’s trade rumor?
By johnny
June 7, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
dob,my main concern is chipper 5hrs a soft .294 avg.where’s the power.were chipper putting up his normal numbers would we be so far behind in standing.
By student
June 7, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
Oh, I see the point, and Pena is a much better option off the bench,and does give you a little more offensively. I can see them deciding to ditch Pratt although I don’t know if that happens, but my point is just that its a little unfair to Pratt to expect him to produce much offense and then sit around calling him a stiff when he doesn’t. He only has 65 ABs and has been a little dinged up as well.
By journalist jiminy smith
June 7, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
journalist must break story now. gray fox, aka bobby dodd, was flaming same sex aficianado. his lack of heterosexual activity is legendary. he also enjoyed cheese sandwiches and root beer. cheese sandwiches and rootbeer are genetic markers for, well, you know… as far as things known go, condescending bob, journalist ihoho, has been kind enough to demonstrate his arrogance with a 9 paragraph that inspires the question: wtfru taliking about, bob? or do you even remember at the end of your pointless overextended ramblings. in journalistic terms, you are burrying your lead. that’s a technical term that your tipical north avenue trade school graduate generally doesn’t pick up on. now baseball… ken ray was death-ray last night, but it was against AAAA washington nationals. two ks were encouraging though.
By David O'Brien
June 7, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
Zerevon (that’s awful close to Zevon, as in Warren Zevon, as in very cool), I’m not out there tonight. Had an all-day seminar at the office on sports business reporting, and flying to Houston early in AM.
But if you happen to check this blog again (the new one, by Guy, has been posted), then I’ll just let you know, that rumor is finally one that makes a lot of sense, and I’ll just say this: Betemit was taking ground ball at second base yesterday before the game, first time I’ve seen him over there in a while. So who knows? I’ll snoop around tomorrow, see what I can find out.
By Amber
June 7, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
Oh, Frenchy… here’s an idea to start cutting down on your K’s: Stop swinging at the first effing pitch!!!
By Bob, journalist
June 7, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this
Head Coach,
Call it what you will … but I thought plagiarism was falsely presenting someone else’s writing as your own.
For all I know you may well be a ditch digger, a scientist or a salesman. Your knowledge of the game and/or your ability to teach the fundamentals of baseball may be totally non-existent … or, they may be without equal.
If you are a head coach, I wish you well and I’m sure you want to set a good example for those in your care … and for those of us who have but a surface knowledge of the dynamics of coaching.
Your posts speak for themselves … what type of person would you expect to publically proffer a multitude of different solutions to the same basic problem with each shift in the winds of fortune … while at the same time, second guessing and being critical of players, coaches and team performance … and spreading words of impending doom to the supporters of the team?
When one couples that behavior with the entering into senseless, character defaming arguments with bloggers and the Blog host … you don’t wind up with someone well suited for being responsible for the growth and development of young athletes, regardless of the sport.
Coaches, especially Head Coaches, are expected to rise above such pettiness, regardless of venue, … and those who choose to so indulge would be well advised to identify themselves as coaches.
Put somewhat differently, “Would you point to your posts with pride … and provide them to your charges as good examples of how they should act?
Two simple truths are (1) if, upon reflection, I’m ever satisfied with my own behavior … then my standards are too low, and (2) people who cannot laugh at themselves are generally very insecure and have a very misguided sense of self-importance.
I started second guessing Atlanta Managers and Coaches with Dixie Walker and Whitlow Wyatt … and haven’t stopped since … but I don’t think that I was ever so bold as to say one “screwed up” … it’s expected that that they do their best and that they will make mistakes … and besides, success or failue is not infallable validation of the correctness of a decision.
Head Coach, I never said that I was a journalist … that title was confered on me, by some who enjoyed a few of the posts I made … and some who didn’t.
In actual fact, I have, from time to time, kept a journal … and when I’m in Atlanta, I read the Journal … though I grew up with the Constitution.
Seriously, I’ve only written one textbook, The Amazing Mister “X”, that was an introductory algebra book for “9-10” year olds.
It isn’t journalism but a few of my technical papers have been published and I’ve participated in numerous written technical discussions that found their way into different public and actuarial records.
During 1970-1972, I wrote monthly articles for a Georgia Daily newspaper … and I also wrote and edited copy for Mickey Mantle following his retirement from Baseball.
By Stinky Jones
June 7, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
1972? Was that before or after Guttenburg?