Braves

By Thomas

January 22, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

Hi, DOB…

Good article as always, and youre right Franceour is going to be one of the elite outfielders in the game, if he isnt already. He is a great fielder with the best arm I have ever seen(in the outfiels), he runs above average, he can hit for power, he is clutch, if he some learns patience he has it all.

Changing the subject whats your opinion on the Adam Laroche trade? I think the pirates won in that trade, because they needed a lefthanded firstbaseman who could hit for power, Adam fits in perfectly in those aspects, but the Braves have players like Scott Thorman, Jarod Saltalamachia(who’ve heard was turning into a first baseman), and they sign Craig Wilson who will get the job done, and most importantly they got a great lefthanded pitcher who did a great job for the pirates this season he is still under his 30’s and when Wickman retires, or end his contract with the braves, they already have his replacement.

By Troy

January 22, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

Nice article DOB:

I think it can be argued that Franceour is the most productive RF in the NL, he’s young athletic and brings a lot to the table when you factor in his defense and right arm(cannon). He’ll continue to get better and will soon get top five MVP votes and may win one down the road

By BamaBrave

January 22, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

Thanks for discussing something - anything - besides the LaRoche trade. Anyway, I ended up enjoying the Classic last year as well…the enthusiasm of the Latin American fans was downright contagious and plain ole fun to watch. An uninterrupted spring training will be good for all the Braves I suspect, and may help them get off to a better start. Besides helping Francoeur, I’m hoping it allows Chipper to regulate his build-up to the regular season and stay healthier longer into the season.

By rammerjammer

January 22, 2007 04:26 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Interesting lyrics…made me think of my dad, passed away 15 years ago and I was far too young to appreciate him.

Good story on Frenchy.

By Troy

January 22, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

DOB: What do you know about Clint Sammons? I had a conversation with someone today that knows him and his family, and just wanted to learn a little more about him.

By GermanBravesFan

January 22, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

Even though it’s not related to this blog, but I read an interesting article on the Braves website about Andruw’s desire to stay in Atlanta:

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070118&contentid=1781887&vkey=newsatl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

By scott

January 22, 2007 04:32 PM | Link to this

Thomas - reading your blog, I think you almost debated your own belief that the Bucs won in the trade deal. While LaRoche will be a stellar 1st baseman for years (likely Gold Glover), his offense might not improve much. His swing is pretty to look at, but not fundamentally sound. As the pitcher releases the ball, many batters “wag” the bat (ala Sheffield and others) towards the pitcher so that their hands and wrists are always cocked and in a hitting position. LaRoche does a waggle PERPENDICULAR to the pitcher which is anything but in a hitting position (unless you’re bunting, and we’ve seen what happens when DL thinks about bunting). He has to move the bat back towards his shoulder just to get the bat back into position to swing - a waste of time and effort. If his timing is off just a little, and it definitely will be over the years, he will not hit consistently. Pitchers will figure out his hitting zone is very small and give him little to go after.

Regarding Frenchy, everybody just has to give this kid some time to mature and develop his game. Loads of talent. He’ll get tired of striking out so much, and get some patience on the first pitches. Perennial all-star for sure.

By blah

January 22, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this

Francoeur needs to learn how to take a walk or he will be and even bigger disappointment than Brad Komminsk.

By MBATL

January 22, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this

DOB, I agree that the Braves shouldn’t put any “take” signs on Franceour on first pitches; his numbers when swinging at the first pitch are .366/.390/.649, with 10 first-pitch home runs (of course most hitters have good numbers on 1st pitches).

However, from being around him and the coaches; do you know if he acknowledges the need to be a little more selective, and does he work on it, or does he seem oblivious to it?

He’s such a natural athlete that I get the sense that he’s never had to work real hard to succeed.

By TennesseePaul

January 22, 2007 04:43 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the hard work DOB! Much appreciated. I’m going on 1+ years on this blog and it keeps me coming back. Maybe it’s work. Maybe it’s my love for the Braves and music. In all likelihood it’s a well balanced combo of all three.

By joe fan

January 22, 2007 04:44 PM | Link to this

I am going to the song writers tour tonight in Greenville. I’ll let you know how it goes.

By Kieran from Long Island

January 22, 2007 04:50 PM | Link to this

Why is it that JS and others are so aggressivly pushing the idea of Kelly Johnson as the starting second basemen. Is it because they have such little faith that Martin Prado is going to be a quality player? It doesnt seem fair to me that a GM is talking to the press about who he expects to play where, even if he follows it up by saying “Ultimatly its up to Bobby Cox.” If I where Prado, who played pretty decent in limited work last season, I would feel a little miffed that the front office is pushing a guy who was out all last season with an injury and has not proven all that much more then Prado has. Is he thought to be not much more then a backup infielder?? I just dont understand all this Kelly Johnson madness. I hope I’m wrong and he ends up to be a great hitter, but I just didnt really see much from him when he got an extensive amount of playing time in ‘05 from an infinatly patient Bobby Cox. Fill me in if I’m off here…

By TennesseePaul

January 22, 2007 04:51 PM | Link to this

The Braves might want to stress pitch recongnition and strike zone awarness over taking pitches. I think he’ll be good this year though.

DOB: Are you going to get an interview in with him or McCann before spring break?

By Jim

January 22, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this

Francouer’s “sweet zone” seems to include pitches that aren’t strikes (especially pitches below the knees.) There are a lot of bad balls that he can drive. What he has to learn is to distinguish between the bad balls he can drive and those that he can’t hit. He also needs to know when not to swing when he’s ahead in the count — when getting on base is more important than taking a chance on making an out (even if it “his pitch” he still has a better than 50% chance of making an out.) He did become more selective in the second half. Let’s hope that trend continues. (He also needs to become more selective about showing off his arm in situations where he has little chance of getting the runner and a higher chance of airmailing the fielder.)

By rupert

January 22, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this

dob, does wilson get most of the at-bats in left field with langerhans coming in for defense in late innings? or is it more of a platoon? what about diaz? he had a decent year, does he have any trade value?

By roan st

January 22, 2007 04:56 PM | Link to this

I hope the Braves will finally try and move salty to first base. The refusal of moving salty to first is befuddling, especially since they had no problem moving kelly johnson into a brand new role as the second baseman. McCann is young and he isn’t going anywhere soon so move salty to first base or trade the damn guy. I understand the braves financial constraints but I have to laugh when I here shuerholz automatically annoint thorman at first base and johnson at second. He has also penciled in johnson as the teams leadoff hitter as well. The problem I have with this logic is that both guys have combined for less than 500 major league at bats. There are no real gaurantees that either guy will pan out in their respective roles. Like bill parcels says lets put the annointing oil away until they actually prove something.

By BirdDawg

January 22, 2007 05:07 PM | Link to this

Here’s the thing I’ll never understand about you Braves Apologists (helped along by the obviously partial Mr. O’Brien):

Bobby Cox and his idiot coaches are making the SAME mistakes with Jeff Francoeur that they made with Andruw Jones.

What else should I expect from a manager who stupidly did the same thing come October over and over and over again, only to lose, over and over and over again. What was it Einstein said about doing same task in the exact same way everytime, yet expecting a different result each time?

By I digress.

Bobby Cox ruined Andruw Jones at the plate because he refused to make Andruw a more disciplined hitter. Now, his pattented excuse for Andruw’s lack of batting average and on-base percentage is that, “Well, shucks, he saves two runs in the field every game, so why should I care about all of his strikeouts with men on base or inning and rally-killing double plays?”

Now, Bobby Cox is doing the same thing with Francoeur.

Andruw Jones should be like Albert Pujols. But no one made him be disciplined at the plate. They made excuses and they were enablers because of his raw talent.

The same thing is going to ruin Jeff.

No one is going to hold him accountable, just like no one held Andruw Jones accountable.

So, while Jeff Francoeur should be the next coming of Ted Williams or Mickey Mantle, he’s going to be the next Andruw Jones.

Yeah, he’ll hit 30 homers a year and drive in just at 100 runs, when he should be able to hit 45 homers and 130 RBI with a .340 BA and insanely high OBP and Slugging Percentage. We’re talking Manny Ramirez numbers at the plate, but he’ll never get there.

Because Bobby Cox is going to do what Bobby Cox does best. Sit back, pick his nose, and let his players do whatever the hell they want to do.

Why do you think players love playing for Cox? Because, other than the no music in the clubhouse (so he can take his senior citizen naps), he doesn’t tell them what to do. He doesn’t hold them accountable for their production, or lack of production; for their lack of plate discipline.

The Braves have been in dire need of a manager for a decade who would hold this team’s feet to the fire. Jeff Francoeur needs to be pushed and molded. All great raw talent does.

That’s why it’s called raw talent. Raw talent will never get any better unless someone comes around to give it shape and purpose, like a sculptor and a sculpture.

But Bobby Cox and his coaches aren’t those guys.

Look at Andruw Jones. He’s an unfinished sculpture. No one ever shaped him or gave him purpose at the plate, except sporadically. He’s unfinished.

Jeff Francoeur is a block of marble. And because of Bobby Cox, that’s all he is ever going to be. He’s going to hit only 30 homers a year, and only 100 RBI. He’s going to be a strikeout machine. He’s going to kill rallies. He’s going to choke in the big moments (God knows this team needs more guys like that).

And it’s unfortunate. Because if Francoeur was playing under a guy like Guillen, Leyland, or Scioscia, they’d mold him and make him a force at the plate. They’d make that block of marble into David.

And I know you Braves Apologists, including Mr. O’Brien are going to attack what I say. Go right ahead. Y’all are just as bad as Cox with your enabling.

But the fact of the matter is, Andruw Jones should have been Albert Pujols or Manny Ramirez at the plate, but no one ever held him accountable, no one forced him to be disciplined.

And what Terry Pendleton is saying about Francoeur should make every single one of you Braves Apologists tremble at yet another premier talent going untapped. Un-shaped. Un-molded.

Another undisciplined, shapeless mass of strikeouts and the occasional monster homer… when he could be so much more.

It really is a pity. It really is sad.

But I expect nothing less from Bobby Cox.

By Carolina Lady

January 22, 2007 05:09 PM | Link to this

DOB, I appreciate what and how you write. We are indeed fortunate to have you!

Off topic: When a woman wears leather, a man’s heart rate increases, he gets weak in the knees, he gets all glassy-eyed.

Why? The smell of the leather reminds him of a new TRUCK! (Heard it on the radio today.) :-))))

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 22, 2007 05:18 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately for Francoeur, with the trade of Adam LaRoche, John Schuerholz has made it clear that the Braves can’t afford to give him a whole lot more time. Obviously he is very talented and will take some time to develop, but with that trade it’s apparent that they want him to step up and become a .300/30/100 guy in the 5 or 6 spot in the lineup this year, to replace LaRoche’s production. Because if he gives us a repeat performance of last year, the Braves are going to have a really hard time scoring enough runs to contend for the division.

By MGL

January 22, 2007 05:25 PM | Link to this

While it is a concern over losing a known quantity such as LaRoche’s statistics, it is quite possible that this team could put up even better offensive numbers that last year’s. Assuming Kelly gets the 2nd base job (I think he’s favored due to superior athleticism, power, and minor league track record over Prado), the tandem of Johnson/Thorman has the power to outdo Giles/LaRoche. It is also likely that McCann/Pena will outdo McCann/Pratt. With the addition of Wilson against lefties, if everyone else holds their own (odds are Andruw and Jeff will do better) this could be an outstanding offensive force. Let’s just hope that Johnson and Thorman hit the ground running.

By David O'Brien

January 22, 2007 05:34 PM | Link to this

Joe Fan, looking forward to your “advance scouting report” on the songwriters tour. I’ll be curious to hear how much they play, how much they talk, how many songs they do together, etc….

Roan St, you wrote (in part): “McCann is young and he isn’t going anywhere soon so move salty to first base or trade the damn guy. I understand the braves financial constraints but I have to laugh when I here shuerholz automatically annoint thorman at first base and johnson at second. He has also penciled in johnson as the teams leadoff hitter as well. The problem I have with this logic is that both guys have combined for less than 500 major league at bats.”

Couple things: 1. Both Thorman and Johnson established themselves with very good seasons in the high minors before getting their major league callups, while Salty struggled mightily for most of his first season above A-ball.

1. It’s not as if Kelly Johnson hasn’t played the infield _ the Braves drafted him as a shortstop and he played there a couple years in the minors. If he weren’t showing this winter that he could handle it, don’t you think Glenn Hubbard would tell the Braves, it ain’t working or he’s not very good there? Of course he would. Hubby’s not the type to bit his tongue, believe me. And he told me Kelly’s made real progress and can be good there. If he didn’t want to praise him, Hubby would’ve just not returned the call or said no comment.

You forget that Kelly Johnson had a helluva couple months as a rookie. Remember, NL Player of the Week award? Repeating, Salty hasn’t excelled above A-ball yet. I think Salty’s going to be good, but he’s done nothing yet to justify a major league callup, and I don’t think Braves want him learning a new position while trying to have a good offensive season after last year’s struggles.

But on top of that, most importantly, why would they convert him to 1B when his value’s so much higher as a 230-pound switch-hitting, slugging catcher, long as he’s good behind the dish (and he’s not bad back there). Again, it’s not like the Braves have a desperate need at 1B; if they thougth they did, they wouldn’t have traded LaRoche, or would have tried to find another 1B when they decided to trade LaRoche. They really have confidence in Thorman.

Maybe when Salty has a year like Thorman had in upper levels of minors, you can talk about how he deserves a shot. Until then, he’s a top prospect who has a ton of potential, but hasn’t translated it to results above A-ball (and I’m not counting six games or whatever it was in Arizona Fall League, before he got hurt).

There’s no rush. Just because McCann is the catcher for now and the future (barring injury), doesn’t mean the Braves have to move Salty in order to satisfy those who’d like to see Salty’s path to the majors cleared. That’s not at all part of their concerns or mission statement, as it were.

Someone asked about Prado _ the Braves’ desire for Kelly to win the job is more to do with Kelly than a knock on Prado. Again, they remember what Kelly can do with a bat, what he’s done, albeit in a couple of months, against major league pitching. Prado hasn’t done that. Kelly, if he does what they believe he can do, will hit for a high average and perhaps 15-20 homers. Folks, that’d be a helluva good first year for a young 2B.

By Andy

January 22, 2007 05:45 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know the entire list of Braves/Ex Braves that will be signing at Fan Fest? Thanks!

By David O'Brien

January 22, 2007 05:47 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg, I’m not going to attack what you said. You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, and I think you’re right _ to a small degree. I do think they should be more forceful in expecting and asking for more plate discipline from Francoeur, and even from Andruw, though it’s kinda hard to make demands of a nine-time Gold Glover who hasn’t turned 30 yet and is on pace to hit 500-600 homers (I’m not being sarcastic, just realistic). Also, you going to be a real jerk to him this year, demand he change his game, then also expect Andruw to stay with Atlanta at a hometown discount?

There’s something to be said for the notion that Andruw plays every day, plays hurt, and took less than market value on his last contract, because he loves playing for Cox. Say it’s because Cox allows him to slack off _ I have a feeling you or someone will say that _ but I can assure you that Andruw works very hard, despite his less-than-ripped physique. He works hard, he never pulls up on a ball (sprints, dives for anything he can possibly get to) and does as much or more analysis and studying of pitchers on his laptop than anyone on the team.

I’m not apologizing for him. I agree with you that he could be a better all-around hitter _ far better, maybe. But you can’t compare guys to Pujols. You gotta understand, Pujols is a once-a-decade hitter, maybe once-a-generation hitter. He’s phenomenal.

And Pujols, though solid defensively pales next to Andruw’s defensive impact on a game. So give the guy credit for having an all-around game _ that’s not just natural talent that allows him to get those jumps and to set up the other outfielders, to let his teammates know where a guy’s going to hit a ball and to let them know they’re out of position.

To call me a Braves apologist _ that’s lazy and absurd. I’ve questioned or ripped a dozen moves or decisions they’ve made, said I didn’t like the LaRoche trade, said they should’ve picked up Smoltz’s option before it became a public issue, said that Schuerholz should’ve just called Andruw (especially once it became public) and explained to him the waivers process and told them that other Braves stars before him had gone through the same thing.

But I’ve also ripped them or questioned some other moves, and in the end I was dead wrong. More often than not, I gotta say, Schuerholz knows a hell of a lot more than me about putting together a team. But he could use a few pointers in public perception (of course, he doesn’t really care too much about that stuff, either, a luxury you can afford when you’re regarded as highly by your peers and your bosses as he’s been).

By roan st

January 22, 2007 05:50 PM | Link to this

Yea birddawg, bobby just sit back and picked his nose and let the players do whatever they wanted en route to 14 straight division titles and a world championship. If that is his magic formula maybe we should all go to work tomorrow and pick our nose and tell the boss everything is under control while we sit back and do nothing.

By Jay

January 22, 2007 05:50 PM | Link to this

“Francoeur hit .260 with an unsightly .293 OBP”

Thats scary. And he did this with LaRoche giving him protection. Now he has no one backing him up…its going to get worse before it gets better.

And thus why Im not too keen on our offense next year, and especially the year after. We can count on Renteria being a solid .280-300 hitter, McCann hitting above .300…but then what? Chipper is going to miss at least a month’s worth of games. Andruw is still going to strike out a lot and who knows how his contract year is going to effect him. We dont know what we’ll get out of 2nd, 1st and left. Frency is similar to a-jones to me…30 homers, lots of strikeouts, .260 average. Difference is Andruw plays better defense and draws walks.

Out of our eight position starters, we have 2 that we can count on having high obp, all the rest are tossups (chipper included because of his health). That doesnt sound good.

I know I know…we scored a lot of runs last year.But we are also subtracting two good players for most likely less production, chipper is a year older, andruw’s back will probably cost him a couple more games. And our offense was homer-happy. You know how that goes…you live by the homer, you die by the homer. Assuming we make the postseason (definately not a given but surely a possibility) I just cant think of that many teams that have slugged their way to victory. Go through the last several ws champs (cards, both sox teams, marlins, angels) and you’ll see that their offenses didnt rely on the homer.

By MGL

January 22, 2007 05:51 PM | Link to this

Those who want to rush Salty up for 1st are probably the same folks that were pushing for Jurries to replace LaRoche last year.

By MGL

January 22, 2007 06:00 PM | Link to this

Interesting evaluations of GM’s

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6392576

By TennesseePaul

January 22, 2007 06:02 PM | Link to this

DOB: If you haven’t already picked your days off for covering the Braves, I’d highly recommend taking the weekend of April 27th through the 29th off and coming out here to SoCal. I’ll be heading up to the Coachella Festival. A few years back I went and thought nothing could top it. I saw Beck play (he took requests and I was up front and center), followed by Death Cab, then the Pixies and finally to cap off the day, Radiohead. Best show I’ve ever been to for $70. Hot as hell though. Any who, This year is a MUST see event.
Day 1: Bjork, Interpol, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Artic Monkeys, Sonic Youth and more.
Day 2: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, Black Keys, and more.
Day 3: Rage Against the Machine, Air, Willie Nelson, and more.

Unbelievable line up. Runs about $250 dollars. Good news is, they moved to to April so it isn’t as hot. But same rules apply. No outside water. 6oz. water sold inside for $10. You gotta go. Braves are on the road and finish up the trip in Colorado that weekend. Looks like it’d be a perfect time to take a weekend off. Also looks like a sh!tty schedule. They go from Florida to Colorado and then back to Philly. But there is the off day on Thursday making your planning that much simpler. Tickets will go fast.

By David O'Brien

January 22, 2007 06:09 PM | Link to this

While I’m thinking of it (appropos of nothing), anyone who wants to hear a freakin’ hilarious and well-written song, download Todd Snider’s ode to Iron Mike, “Mike Tyson’s Main Man’s Last Request,” off of Snider’s wall-to-wall solid “East Nashville Skyline” album from 2004.

I’m telling you, if you haven’t hear it, that song, and the one after it (“Conservative Christian, Right-Wing Republican, Straight, White, American Males”) on that album, will make you smile like a slightly unhinged person as you’re driving around alone in your car and the person next to you at the light is going, “Okaaaay.”

There’s also a great cover of Fred Eaglesmith’s “Alcohol and Pills” on there. Great album, period.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 22, 2007 06:10 PM | Link to this

whew! today is diane lane’s birthday and this journalist has been on the phone with her three times! unfortunately, this journalist will not be able to visit her for her birthday so a nice cheese sampler has been ordered along with some beautiful roses. it is very nice of diane lane to send these to jimmy smith on her birthday! journalist intends to have some cheese and crackers right after this post. now, francoeur … why do baseball people not want players to think at the plate? it seems a thinking man might be a more formidable hitter. should one question why the braves are so concerned about francoeur’s thought process? and will francoeur be taught the toe-tap? the toe-tap seems to have worked well with at least one 23-year old brave. and which toe will francoeur tap? and from how many toes can he choose? remember mccann hurt “both toes” last season. and this journalist was just looking at the knife that jimmy smith’s daddy used to carry. case knife. good memeories. now, pie … how did scalp’em fare with the midget pie? no sickness? and what holds the pecans in? special sauce? oh, the humanity! pitchers and catchers will soon report!

By glorydays

January 22, 2007 06:10 PM | Link to this

I read the article about Andrew’s desire to stay with Atlanta, I think AJ is being very fair. He admits he doesn’t need the money and hopes for an offer near his market value. Who can ask for any more from him. Everyone deserves compensation near market value, it’s not AJ’s fault, the market is crazy, not Andrew. I wish him the best where ever he ends up. I hope it’s with us.

By David O'Brien

January 22, 2007 06:13 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, that’s the outdoor festival I haven’t been to that I really want to see (been to a couple of JazzFests in New Orleans, and those are tremendous). But I don’t know about those dates _ my sister lives in Colorado, so I always take the ‘Rado trip, see her family while i’m out there, etc. But we’ll see. That is a helluva lineup.

By TennesseePaul

January 22, 2007 06:16 PM | Link to this

MGL: Check out ESPNs rankings. They put Ryan above JS. Now, I don’t mind that so much. Ryan has done a fabulous job. But if you are going to rank someone ahead of JS, you can’t then put JS in a tie with 2 others. If anything he’s tied for tops with distant seconds. I will say this though, that’s the first Dayn Perry article I liked.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 22, 2007 06:17 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to touch on a couple of things. Couldn’t respond because I was at work.

1. DOB, do you think the Braves would pursue the likes of a Delmon Young or BJ Upton instead of Baldelli, if the Rays reduced their asking price a little? Or are the attitude problems these guys have had too much for the Braves to want to handle?

2. Regarding Francoeur. Francoeur’s problem isn’t overaggression. It is a lack of knowledge of game and hitting situations. He needs to learn when to reign it in a little and take a pitch. In any run scoring situation after the sixth inning when the game is in question, Francoeur needs to learn more patience and willingness to take a pitch or two. I think that will come with maturity. Now, he could learn some patience overall but it kills the team most in those situations. I actually saw some great improvement in September. Like DOB said, it happened sporadically during the season but he would always slip back into his old mod. But, in September he seemed to stick with it and because of it raised his average to .260. I honestly think with a full spring training, some veteran advice from Chipper, some encouragement from McCann, and what I perceive as a willingness to learn he will be a much better hitter this year. I fully expect a .270-.275 avg/35 HR/ 110+ RBI.

3. To Head Coach. With all due respect you are obviously unknowledgable of NFL interference rules. The Patriots defender (Ellis Hobbs) did committ pass interference. It clearly states in the rule book that if a defender puts his hands up in the face of a receiver while his back is to the ball and he DOES NOT ever turn his head around to play the ball. That is called face guarding and is illegal in the NFL and college football. It is quite obvious that is exactly what Ellis Hobbs did. He had his back to the ball and put his hands in Wayne’s face when he saw Wayne raise his hands to catch the ball and never once turned his head towards the ball. If he had just turned his head back toward the field, that call probably would have not been made. The Colts deserve to be in the Super Bowl. It is asinine to suggest that they don’t. They made the biggest comeback in NFL conference championship history and Peyton showed the poise of a champion when I am sure many (including myself) thought the Colts were on their way to yet another disappointing playoff loss. The Patriots are the team that allowed 32 2nd half points and choked on many occassions that they had to put the game away. Caldwell’s dropped pass with over 3:00 left and Brady’s interception throw are what cost the Patriots the game. Not a bad call that was in fact an easy call to make.

By glorydays

January 22, 2007 06:17 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, how can you pay $10 for 6 oz water. I’m not sure a baseball team owner would pay that and we know what they are capable of. Yes, I’m cheap and I enjoy CDs,

By TennesseePaul

January 22, 2007 06:19 PM | Link to this

It is DOB. It is. This is the only show Rage said they’d do. We’ll see of course. But Willie Nelson!?! Sheeeesh! Sounds like you need to drag your sister out to the desert.

By Ray

January 22, 2007 06:22 PM | Link to this

The Braves need Francouer to take another big step forward this year and that would most likely require him to be more selective and gets better counts. Francouer seems like the kind of guy who wants to improve so I think he will work on this. Just need enough early positive feedback when he becomes more selective for it to stick.

By Barrett

January 22, 2007 06:24 PM | Link to this

First let me start by saying that in contract years, players normally have the biggest seasons of thier careers. (ex. Javy Lopez, JD drew) Being a contract year, AJ is more determined to do well.

Secondly, I hate how some of you people are so big on LaRoche. I know that he was good… last year. Yes he was outstanding the second half of last year. During the first half and before last year, he was less than average. Like MGL said, most people wanted Jurries because of his good spring… See my point? Maybe LaRoche continues to grow into an elite first baseman… Or maybe he just goes back to his old ways. No one knows. But I personally think that it is insane to regard someone as an elite first baseman after one half of good play. It just doesn’t make sense.

Bird Dawg: You said, “Bobby Cox ruined Andruw Jones at the plate”.. When did Andruw get ruined at the plate? Last year he was second in MVP voting and probably would have won if people didn’t feel sorry for Pujols getting ripped off by Bond the previous years… I would absolutely love for Francouer to turn out like AJ. I think that 99% of the possition players in the league wishes they had the batting abitlity of AJ. What about Murphy? He didn’t walk too much until a little bit later in his career. And what if AJ and Francouer are just maxed out? What if AJ is just as good as he was supposed to? Why is it Bobby Cox’s fault? Give me a break. I know that he only won one world series. Some people think that he choked. I think the teams that he got into the post season just wasn’t as good as the teams they beat. The only one that they lost that was poorly play was the 96’ series… stupid jim leyritz… The others they lost: 91’- the best world series in baseball history in my opinion. Both teams were evenly matched thus the series. 92’- Have you seen the Blue Jays line up? Pitching? Much better team. 99’ The yanks had clemens in his ‘prime’ Pettitte, Cone, El’ Duque when he was good, tino Martinez, Check Knaublach, B. Williams when he was one the best outfielders in the game… Oh, and that shut down pen’ and the braves have Walt Weiss…. Lets stop on the Cox hating.

I don’t know who said that Francouer doesn’t have anyone hitting behind him, maybe you have heard of him: Brian McCann…. I dunno. The Braves are going to be fine. Fact is, they could have last years AL all star team and some of you people could still find something wrong with the team. It’s a pretty good team for 80 Million.

By Barrett

January 22, 2007 06:29 PM | Link to this

year before last* My appologies

By Jim

January 22, 2007 06:29 PM | Link to this

THAT is your favorite Guy Clark song? It is a massive ball of cheese. I’d take any song on “Boats to Build,” and most of the songs on “Dublin Blues,” over that one.

And L.A. Freeway:

Say goodbye to the landlord for me That S.O.B. has always bored me.

By TennesseePaul

January 22, 2007 06:36 PM | Link to this

glorydays: Go spend a day out in Indio. You’ll pay whatever they ask to get a drop of water. I hate it. I walk in knowing it. I’m looking into going out there early, digging a hole and burying a case of water then digging it back up in April once I get in. Still need a little more R&D before I set the plan in action.

By Jack In Macon

January 22, 2007 06:42 PM | Link to this

Dave, I have no idea what type music you like when you mention most of these group. I’m 58 and my life right now is centered around being the full-time caregiver to my terminally ill wife, so I don’t have the time to keep up with music. Having said that, I want to take a shot at a couple of CD’s that you may like. One is “Return of the Grievous Angel … a tribute to Gram Parsons” and the other is “Cannonball” by Pat Green.

Grievous Angel has been out for a few years and was produced by Emmylou Harris who was once Parsons’ lover. The CD is thirteen Parsons’ songs performed by various artist. The featured artist are Emmylou, Pretenders, Cowboy Junkies, Beck, The Mavricks, Julianna Hatfield, Steve Earle, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Whiskeytown and others. Good Music!!

I first heard Pat Green on the “Wide Open Country” segment on CMT. I liked what I heard and later read a review of the album, and he was described as the Texas version of Springsteen. The more I listen to the CD, the more I like it and the more I want to hear it again. There are fourteen tracks (like them all), and most are co-written by Pat Green. My three favorite tracks are “Dixie Lullaby” , “Finders Keeper” (Duet with Sara Evans) [their voices compliment each other like fresh turnips & cornbread], and “Love Had Something to Say” (written by Radney Foster).

“Dixie Lullaby” is an ode to a father who died and that the love of family is a beautiful life just like a dixie lullaby. 3rd verse” ” My father was a mountain of a man - That was the description that I gave - The morning I laid him in the grave - There with my mama by his side - I said my last goodbye - To a man I thought would never die - As I stood there in that field - Of amazing grace - Oh how the tears ran down my face - Chorus - And I sang him a Dixie Lullaby - We’ll meet again by and by - Oh what a beautiful life - Just like a Dixied Lullaby - Oh what a beautiful life - Just like a dixie lullaby.”

“Love Had Something to Say” speaks to the need for love just like the need for water. “Nothing lives without water - You live without love so long - you think you oughta - Now that is the dumbest lie we ever tell ourselves - I’m not trying offend you baby, just show you to the well - But love had something to say about it - Love had something to say about it”

About the Braves: After the Soriano trade, I hoped the Braves would go ahead and trade LaRoche for Gonzalez, especially if we could get another good player (not necessarily a front-line player). My feeling was that a dominate left-hander would not only strengthen our bullpen & starters but also take pressure off our starting pitching. Just compare the pitching staff we had last year with the staff we will have this year. I’ve been a Braves fan for the past 35 years, and I’m not sure many of the younger fans appreciate that we have the opportunity to watch probably the best GM and manager in all of baseball, both individually and collectively. If these two think our new pitching staff is what we need and that Thorman will be a productive player, then I’m not going to doubt them. Even if this trade doesn’t work out perfectly, I’m sure they both truly believe it’s in the teams best interest, and they’ve earned that respect. I only wish they would go a little further and make a trade for Baldelli in Tampa, even if it cost us Davies (not James). We can get by with either Cormier or Villarreal as the fifth starter. All we will need is five innings from the 5th starter.

By Jim

January 22, 2007 06:45 PM | Link to this

Right on Barrett about the ‘99 series. That is not on Cox. Getting them there was an amazing feat in itself.

By Robert

January 22, 2007 07:16 PM | Link to this

It’s not quite so easy as to say that Francoeur needs to learn how to take a walk.

What he needs to do is to develop better plate discipline, but to do that while retaining the aggressiveness (on the hittable pitches/ when the count is in his favor) that is part of what makes him as successful as he is as a hitter

IOW - he needs good teaching

“Hee Haw” and a blank stare into space aint gonna get that done, unfortunately

By Daybed Wagmoe

January 22, 2007 07:26 PM | Link to this

DOB, you said — “But on top of that, most importantly, why would they convert him to 1B when his value’s so much higher as a 230-pound switch-hitting, slugging catcher…”

what would versatility and the ability to both catch and play first do for his value? i can understand the need for him to stay behind the plate and improve on his mechanics and game-calling. let’s say that, once he’s gotten improved enough to satisfy the braves, they try him at first every so often so that he learns over there and can play there once he’s up in the bigs?

also, wouldn’t his value as a switch-hitting, slugging 1B be high also? i know that 1B is typically a position of power, but how many switch-hitting, slugging 1B are there? there’s teixiera and berkman…are there many others?

By BirdDawg

January 22, 2007 07:30 PM | Link to this

Dave, yeah, you’ve ripped them for certain things, but not what really needs ripping. It’s like happy hour at this paper when it comes to the Braves.

No one questions Bobby Cox. Ever.

How could you not have been a) Horrified and b) incredulous about what Pendleton had to say about Francoeur?

We’re not going to interfere?

Might as well say we’re not going to do our jobs and be happy with this kid never getting any better.

That’s where you should rip the Bobby Cox way of doing things.

But I understand. As far as the AJC goes when it comes to Bobby Cox, everything smell’s like roses, and he never took some of the best teams in recent baseball history and completely bombed in the playoffs.

But this with Francoeur, this should be a last straw, even for some of y’all ardent apologists.

We are going to see supreme talent wasted, again.

And Mr. O’Brien, another thing that apologists do is downplay things. They downplay Bobby Cox’s implecitness in this team’s October failures. And they downplay the awesome raw talent that Andruw had as a 19 year-old phenom.

I’m sorry, Dave, but I say Andruw, as a raw talent, is just as talented as Pujols.

The difference?

Andruw had coaches which didn’t feel the need to mold him.

Pujuls had coaches which did so. They taught him. They molded him.

I’m sorry, but Andruw did have the ability to be a Pujols or Ramirez.

But Bobby Cox screwed it up, and screwed it up big time.

And now he’s going to do the same thing with Francoeur.

What was it I said about performing the same task in the same way, yet expecting a different result every time?

Bobby Cox NEVER learns from his mistakes.

That’s why this organization, which should have at least 3 or 4 World Series Titles doesn’t, and that’ why Andruw Jones never got any better at the plate, and that’s why Francoeur is going to be the next waste of raw talent.

Bobby Cox, most overrated button pusher in the history of baseball.

What a shame. Andruw and Jeff… they coulda, shoulda, woulda been contenders. They coulda, shoulda, woulda been great.

Now, they’re a couple of guys who will hit 30 homers and only 100 RBI a year, when they should be hitting like Pujols and Manny at the plate.

Hope y’all like strikeouts, double plays, pop ups, and mind-numbing, rally-killing at bats.

Because of Cox, that’s what this team will get from those two.

By Carolina Lady

January 22, 2007 07:39 PM | Link to this

Jack in Macon, salute! God bless you, my friend.

By Barrett

January 22, 2007 07:46 PM | Link to this

Some times I wonder if you people actually watch baseball….

DOB- Built to spill’s you in reverse. It was one of the best albums of 06’. Also ben Kweller, pete yorn, and Miracle of 86’ (even thought they are named after the mets)

By TennesseePaul

January 22, 2007 08:13 PM | Link to this

As I recall, AJ is a pretty stuburn guy. For instance, his batting stance took 8 years to correct. It wasn’t for lack of some one telling him either. I love AJ and think he’s amazing, so none of this is meant to be a knock on him. But from what I read, it sounds like he’s his own man; he’s going to do what he’s going to do. Even in those interviews about the contract situation, he says he’s his own man. I don’t know that I could blame anyone for AJ’s hitting abilities any more than I could blame Boras for AJ pushing him aside and signing a below market contract. I don’t know that I have too much to complain about either, what with his 40+ homers and 120+ RBIs.

Barrett: Ben Kweller is a tough call. He has the sound, but he has some of the lamest lyrics… “…the butterflies are passive aggressive, they keep their feelings on the shelf…” Sometimes it’s just that unbearable.

By David O'Brien

January 22, 2007 08:17 PM | Link to this

So sorry, Jim. Didn’t mean to insult your intelligence with that “ball of cheese” Guy Clark song.

Personally, I don’t know that Guy Clark has written a bad song in his life, much less a “ball of cheese” song.

But then, I’m not quite the pretentious musical snob that you apparently are.

Again, sorry I didn’t pick one of your favorites. Of course, I also never said it was my favorite of his, did I? It is, however, one of my favorites.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 22, 2007 08:18 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg, you and others on this blog kill me. Kill me! I have criticized many things that Cox has done. I think Cox platooning Jordan with LaRoche, having Pratt as the backup catcher, and not taking more of a “small ball” approach at times had quite a bit to do with the team’s struggles last season. However, the man does know how to manage. He won 14 consecutive division titles. That isn’t luck. Not to mention that he receives universal praise outside of Atlanta. What?! Everyone outside of Atlanta or the Braves’ fans inner circle is wrong. If people believe that, then people are more disturbed than I feared.

You can look at any manager and point to their mistakes. Leyland messed up a couple of times in the WS. Torre has made the wrong decisions several times. And it is not an excuse to say that Cox got more out of some of his teams than maybe what was really there. I want all the people on here to tell me of one other mangaer that could have won a division with 18 rookies. And don’t give me that bs about it was a weak divison. Scioscia had the most talented team in the AL West and he couldn’t win it. He is considered one of the best there is.

While Cox deserves some criticism, he sure doesn’t deserve the day in and day out ripping he gets from some here. I know some will come back at me with all sorts of witty comments and ripping me apart. But, I could care less. Of all the current major league managers I can only think a few that I would even consider running this more than Cox. His players love him and they love him because he knows the game and does what he can do to relate to them. That can’t be underestimated. And before anyone starts with that “he is a player’s manager and that is why they like him” crap remember “player’s managers and coaches” get fired all the time because they fall out of favor with their players. So many of you love Sweet Lou and I as well like him. But, lets see how great ‘ol Sweet Lou is if the Cubs get off to a rocky start. I think Pinella got somewhat of a raw deal with the Devil Rays but one of his real problems was that he simply couldn’t relate to young players. Everyone brings up A-Rod when you say that but he also had veteran players like Edgar Martinez, Griffey Jr., Jay Buhner, and Harold Reynolds to help out.

For what my two cents are worth. I believe the only postseason failures that could be directly attributed to Cox are: ‘92, ‘93, and maybe 2001. You can’t lay ‘91 on him. It is not his fault Lonnie Smith is an idiot. You can’t lay ‘96 on him. Nor ‘97. The Braves got ripped by the umps. That ‘99 team simply got beat by a better team.

By David O'Brien

January 22, 2007 08:26 PM | Link to this

Barrett, I liked the Built To Spill album a lot. I’ve liked several of theirs, including the live album with the incredible cover of Powderfinger.

Loved Yorn’s first album, hated the second one, and like the one that came out last year.

Not a fan of Kweller and never heard Miracle of ‘86.

Wait, let’s ask the arbiter of good taste: Jim, is Built to Spill any good, or ball of cheese?

BirdDawg, glad you set me straight on what the “AJC does” and what “apologists do.” Love how guys like you actually think someone at the AJC EVER tells me what slant to take or tells me even the slightest direction they’d like me to take. I have never, EVER in six years covering the Braves, had a person from the office tell me to either go harder or easier on a Brave, on the result of a game, on someone’s personality, anything. Never. Not once. So anything you feel about me being soft on someone, it’s coming from me, certainly not from the AJC.

And I’m glad you’ve decided AJ is as talented a hitter as Pujols. I’ll make sure to spread that word around to those who might not be aware of that.

Where does A-Rod rank compared to Pujols? Or Sheffield, where does he rank next to Pujols? And next to AJ for that matter? Just curious, since you apparently know.

By Choppinmama

January 22, 2007 08:26 PM | Link to this

DOB: Can you supply any insight as to why Fanfest is only one day this year? I guess this is better than zero days as in the past, but I sure enjoyed those 2-day weekends, standing in line in the frigid concourse wind tunnels, meeting other fans and talking baseball, and getting to see the new players before the season started.

RE: ST - I’ll only be able to pack my suitcase for a week, but will definitely need a roster printout to ID all the new faces. Can’t believe I was on the phone with Tickemaster (I’m shaking with loathing as I type their name) at 10:01 a.m. on the day ST ticket went on sale, and all the Braves side lower level seats were gone! And, NOTHING left in any reserved seating for the 3/17 Saturday game vs. Seattle! A pox on all of the ticket brokers.

Don’t you think that after this season in the clubhouse with the Giles bro’s, and Wells and Maddux trying to out-gross each other, David will have to add a couple of post-career chapters to the next edition of his book?

By parks

January 22, 2007 08:30 PM | Link to this

Jones never was or could have been the Hitter that Pujols is. Pujols more than likely will go down as the greatest hitter that ever played .

I know you have convinced yourself, but you are going going to have a hard time convincing anybody else that

By David O'Brien

January 22, 2007 08:32 PM | Link to this

Daybed, there’s more slugging 1B, period, than there are catchers. Why the obsession with moving Salty, by the way? So impressed with his Double-A stats last year that you’ve GOT to see him with the Braves this year? I tell you, I’m missing something with that line of reasoning.

And you don’t move guys back and forth between 1B and catcher when they’re 22 years old so they can get versatility. If they move him to 1B, it’ll be because they don’t think Thorman is the answer. Otherwise, most would agree his trade value’s higher as a slugging catcher.

By dadgum

January 22, 2007 08:40 PM | Link to this

DOB…many blogs ago I asked about the band Nantucket. Found them with a My Space address among other sites. Sure brings back the good old days. Gotta believe you saw Nantucket in Eastern NC back in the day as they hailed from Jacksonville/Wilmington. They were pretty well respected and opened for AC/DC, Molly Hatchet, among others. Oh well just passing that along.

Andruw had some interesting quotes recently leading some to think he will give a home town discount to teh Braves. Not a lot granted. To a point he said he wants to stay, as we all know, but he is also not wanting to play for losers. This could easily happen at all the projected places he could wind up.

So staying with Bobby and crew and making 15-18 mil over 5 years ain’t bad and at this point if the team pans out as we all hope he may find Atlanta the best place to win. Especially if the 80 mil payroll is increased by Liberty.

By David O'Brien

January 22, 2007 08:40 PM | Link to this

Man, had to look at that post again about Guy Clark’s “ball of cheese” song. Dude, that critique was dripping so heavily in pretense, we may need to shut the blog down for a few minutes and get out a squeegee.

You a fan of Hank Williams? I only ask because I’m wondering if his songs might be a bit simple and cheesey for your erudite tastes….

By TennesseePaul

January 22, 2007 08:42 PM | Link to this

DOB: Just saw this on Ben Maller’s page. This source claims Vlad had the top spot on first pitch swings with 50.2. I don’t know the source on either, so which one’s the real figure? I suppose, in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t really matter. I’m just curious.

By morris

January 22, 2007 08:49 PM | Link to this

Birddawg is without a doubt the biggest hypocrite on the ajc sports blogs. He has the nerve to come over to this blog and call braves fans apologist? He is the biggest mike vick apologist that I have ever seen. He criticizes bobby cox who won 14 straight division championships and a world championship, yet he worships and kisses michael vicks a*, a QB who has never won anything and finished last in the league in passing. I’m not saying that I dislike vick but how can any sports fan in this city rip bobby cox and turn around and praise an erratic QB who has never won anything. Birdbrain, please go back to the falcons board and apologize for mike vick’s shortcomings.

By David O'Brien

January 22, 2007 08:58 PM | Link to this

TennPaul _ Vlad 49.2, Francoeur 52.2, according to Stats Inc….

Dadgum, haven ‘t heard Nantucket. But you gotta remember, I lived in Eastern NC when I was a kid, through 1974, I believe it was. I wasn’t old enough to know that stuff, just what I heard on Top 40 radio back when Top 40 radio was great….

By the way, for those who might not have any Guy Clark stuff, he wrote Desperados Waiting for a Train and L.A. Freeway, and among other songs that were hits for others who recorded them. “Randall Knife” came off his great Dublin Blues album, and was a song he wrote mourning the death of his dad.

It’s considered to be one of his most enduring tunes by most of his fans (not all of them feel that way, apparently), and when you hear him sing it, the emotion in his voice, it’ll damn near make you cry the first time you hear it.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 22, 2007 09:21 PM | Link to this

ball of cheese? what kind of cheese? if dob is testy it is because jim is talking music and cheese together and these are two of dob’s favorite things. careful! now, what cracker is best with cheese? ritz cracker (matthew), soda cracker (“saltines” for yankees), or fancy crackers? and is cheez-it the perfect cracker, or what? now, bloggers … it has been a long time since the blogger named booger was here. not picking on him … just remarking that he hasn’t hung around here lately - may be stuck on another blog. and what has become of hk? a few quick stats and now he is gone. hello, hk, wherever you are. now, baseball … it is diane lane’s birthday and jimmy smith is buying her a huntin’ trip to the double dime. gonna get her a randall knife so she can field dress.

By joe brave

January 22, 2007 09:21 PM | Link to this

I would ask ? who’s team did J.Torre take to the N.L. WEST TITLE IN 1982? just a little trivia for the asinine morons on this blog who think the irreplaceable Bobby Cox is the worst manager in history!! answer Bobby Cox team that’s who! who gets the most credit for the 91 World Series J.S. BUT WHO’S TEAM WASIT BOBBY COX’S TEAM THAT’S WHOSE TEAM are you people so ignorant,that even Ted Turner admitted firing him was the worst mistake he ever made,then rehired him to be G.M. before begging him to go back to the dugout so unless you know what your talking about:just SHUT THE HELL UP IDIOT!!!!!

By joe brave

January 22, 2007 09:24 PM | Link to this

aND FURTHER MORE Mike Vick SUCKS as a Q.B.

By The Stranger

January 22, 2007 09:24 PM | Link to this

I’m wondering if “Ball of Cheese” isn’t maybe some sort of journalistic euphamism for song so good it made me weep?

“Randall Knife,” Jim, just happens to be re-recorded on Dublin Blues. I’ve never heard the original cut from Better Days, maybe Guy really stunk it up on that album. Or maybe you just didn’t sing it right, DOB.

Yet another legend out of the Lone Star. Thanks for the Guy Clark tribute.

By scoreboard

January 22, 2007 09:25 PM | Link to this

DOB:

I’ve lurked on this blog since its inception, and I’ve even posted a few times when the mood struck. You are obviously the most dedicated blogger at AJC by a mile. And we Braves fans are lucky for that.

You obviously have a passion for music which is shared by some bloggers here. I don’t share your musical taste, but (as you have suggested many times) I just skip by it and search for baseball stuff.

But one of your recent “musical” posts was more about politics than music. That one was a little harder to skip over without comment. But it’s your blog, and you scored a jab for all the poor oppressed liberals out there - because you could. You can do that without fear in this country. I just want to know that those types of comments will lose readers for you a lot faster than than music stuff ever will. Just a little food for thought…

While I’m sure this comment will spur one of your self congratulatory (“I put wayyy more time than required…”) and proprietary (“It’s my blog and I’ll whine about politics if I want to…”) posts, I just wanted you to read the thoughts of one of your “Conservative Christian, Right-Wing Republican, Straight, White, American Male” readers.

Is this a great country, or what??

By Miss Manners

January 22, 2007 09:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, it is C-h-e-e-s-y. Not cheesey! Thank you for your kind attention. Miss Manners

By Rex Boaz

January 22, 2007 09:28 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves are a good team. KJ and Thorman are not going to be a problem area. The Braves weakness is with the two pitchers (Hudson and Hampton) and the shortstop. If you saw Hudson last year there were times when he was scared to throw a strike because he knew it was going to be hit hard. Hampton will not make a comeback. I don’t think Hampton was ever that good. The shortstop can only play half a season because I think he older than he admits. I think John and Chuck can be 20 game winners if they become 6 inning pitchers. By the time Bobby recognizes what is going on it will be too late.

By joe brave

January 22, 2007 09:36 PM | Link to this

AND NOW BOBBY COX IS BLIND AND RETARDED!! OMG WHO LET YOU IDIOTS OUT OF THE SANITARIUM?????

By The Stranger

January 22, 2007 09:42 PM | Link to this

WHOA, there, scoreboard, just a little context to put things in perspective.

None of my business of course, but the “jab” you speak of is as ludicrous as calling “The Randall Knife” a ball of cheese.

“Conservative Christian, Right-Wing Republican, Straight, White, American Males” is the name of a song. Now don’t you feel silly, like a big ‘ol ball of cheese?

Here is the passage you refer to from DOB: I’m telling you, if you haven’t hear it, that song, and the one after it (“Conservative Christian, Right-Wing Republican, Straight, White, American Males”) on that album, will make you smile like a slightly unhinged person as you’re driving around alone in your car and the person next to you at the light is going, “Okaaaay.”

One of the primary and only rules of the Braves/Man in Black blog is NO POLITICS.

The Stranger wishes you peace and enlightenment.

By joe brave

January 22, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

Now before some of you get irate,you have the right to see things your way,but others on this blog and in this country have the same right.So befopre the eternal A*******CLOWN George Bush is hailed hereyou should take your moral fabric down to the bank and try to cash it.. as for me anyu one any where can take their Bush loving morals and shove good ol GEORGIE and those morals up your a*******E$

By Ron

January 22, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this

Let me tell yall the years the Braves made the playoffs and actually had a shot at winning. 91, well any other year, any other game seven we win the world series, it aint Bobby’s fault that Jack Morris was unbelievable. 92, the Blue Jays had an incredible lineup, the Braves did lose alot of one run games though, hell if the Braves could have caught a few breaks the Braves might have won that, but BC is not to blame for that. 93, the Phillies were a very good team, so was the Blue Jays, no way you can blame BC. 95, they won the World Series. 96, Still cant believe they lost that World Series, How can you blame BC for that, he had a 2-0 lead heading back home and he had Smoltz on the mound, it aint BC fault they lost 1-0. BC brought Wholers in the 8th inning of game 5, but Wholers gave up the three run bomb by that damn Leyritz, BC played that series very good, but it did not go his way. 97, Balls were a foot outside and they were being called strikes on the Braves, how the hell can you blame BC for that, even Glavine and Maddux did not get those calls. 98,99,00 would those years have even made a difference, hell no, did yall actually see the Yankees play those years, UNBELIEVABLE! 01 Schilling and Johnson enough said, hell even the mighty Yankees could not beat them. 02, Glavine choked severely, but will not hold it against him, mainly because of what he did in 95. If Glavine would have pitched like he did in the regular season the Braves would have won that series, and who knows might have won the World Series, because the Giants and Angels went to game 7. Not BC fault that Glavine stunk it up. 03, those damn Cubs, the Cubs should have won the World Series, but they choked all because they blamed Bartman, what a pathedic franchise. They should have beat the Marlins, they were better than the Marlins, but choked really bad. Only if the Cubs would have choked against the Braves, the Braves probably would have won the World Series, because the Braves had that incredible offense, but the Cubs did have that unbelievable staff with Wood, Prior, and Zambrano. It aint BC fault that the Cubs choked agains the Marlins and not against the Braves. The Cubs were the only team that I think that could have beat that incredible offense, with good pitching and a solid bullpen. 04, We just did not have enough to win, and plus we lost Lopez, Maddux, Sheffield(goodridence to Sheff), Castilla(had a good year that year), Fick(solid player that year). Thats alot to lose, and they still made the Playoffs. 05, That was such a young team, it was AMAZING in itself that the Braves even made the Playoffs. 06, PATHEDIC BULLPEN, again not BC fault. You people are such idiots that think that BC is no good, hell Torre is basically similar to Cox but he was with the Yankees, last I checked he has 4 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS, things has went his way more than it has for BC, plus The Yankees from 98-00 were just UNBELIEVABLE. It aint BC fault that people has not come through in the CLUTCH, and Torre has had people come in the CLUTCH. yes the Braves could have won in 91,92,96,02,and 03 but if you read what I wrote you can understand why they did not. When BC leaves this team, it will be a dark day in Atlanta Braves history, and you people that keep saying that he is a piece of crap will realize how GREAT he truly is. Yall do remember he was the GM of the Braves before JS came here. BC built this team from a piece of CRAP organization to an ELITE DYNASTY.

By joe brave

January 22, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

Now on to Baseball,Thorman will be a stud for the Braves,and K.J. will not embarass himself at 2b either !also what’s wrong with Renteria? that post was stupid!!!

By Lew

January 22, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this

Squeegees and cheeseballs, peace and enlightenment. It’s all good if it sits on a Ritz.

By Jennifer

January 22, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

ARE YALL READY FOR SOME BASEBALL?!?!?! I KNOW I CAN’T WAIT!!!!

By Daybed Wagmoe

January 22, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

dave, it’s not that i’m so impressed by salty’s AA stats that i have to see him in atlanta this year. in fact, i don’t expect to see him in atlanta for a few years, and i don’t have an obsession with moving him to first. i was only asking if his value would be higher as a slugging switch-hitter who can both catch and play first, or if his value would be high as a slugging switch-hitting 1B.

another question: if brayan pena gets hurt, who would become the backup catcher? salty? not asking out of my “obsession” to try to envision any scenario where salty would play in atlanta this year.

By Maine Braves fan

January 22, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

I am a braves ajc blogger of only six months. I thnik alot of people who write in on these bloggs that dob does say things that are good or make sense. BUT you get the people like birddog who says things about a great manager. I would have to say that DOB is the GREATEST SPORTS WRITER EVER. I feel like he says things that are true. Stop dumping on the management. The braves have a great team right know. We have two quality closers. I think that the braves have the best bullpen in mlb. So lets see how everyone is when we start playing baseball.

By AdirondackDave

January 22, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg — I thought DOB responded better to you than I could, except to say he was more patient with you than I would have been. Not only were your points greatly exaggerated, but you repeated them over… and over… and over… and over. If you need to comment further, try to spare us all the unnecessary verbage. Otherwise, guy, we can’t wait for your next contribution.

By scoreboard

January 22, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Hello Stranger:

Read the lyrics of the song before you decide to enlighten me.

My post was meant to discourage political comments from appearing on this blog. I should have known that my effort would backfire. As you can see, the fringe has already chimed in with insulting rhetoric. I’ll just shut up and go away - not because I am the least bit scared of a substantive discussion of politics - but because such a discussion isn’t appropriate for this blog. And that was my whole point of my post…

So I’ll make a deal with you all. I’ll shut up and go away in hopes that you all will concentrate your comments on baseball…and music…if you must.

I’m already sorry I brought it up. Forgive me.

By The Grinch

January 22, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, different crackers serve different purposes. I think for the purpose of enjoying whatever it is that sits on top of the cracker, I.E. cheese, dips, spreads, meats, etc., it is difficult to beat Carr’s table water crackers (I especially like the kind with cracked pepper mixed in). The texture, thinness and lack of flavor truly enhance whatevers on top (stoned wheat, sesame, and all those other thick “flavored” crackers confuse the palate when topped, with the exception of Triscuits, which are fantastic and can be eaten alone or with toppings). They (Carr’s) are not good by themselves, however. They are also not good with peanut butter (I would have to vote graham crackers as the best with pb, followed by soda crackers and ritz). Cheez-it’s and goldfish are the best if you’re just going to sit around eating crackers (not big into wheat-thins). Hope this has been helpful.

Richard Cory: Reche Caldwell, along with Jabar Gaffney are ex-Florida “system receivers” who are not NFL caliber, as is evidenced by one glance at either of their carreers in the bigs. Bellicheck has a way of coaching these kind of guys up and making them play beyond their potential, but sometimes the overmatched young man pops through in big situations. Florida’s QB’s are the same way. Wuerfful, Doug Johnson, etc. do great under Spurrier (thank god he’s gone) and not worth a hoot in the NFL. Rex Grossman is another example. His teams going to the superbowl despite him, not because of him. Doesn’t mean he won’t make some pretty throws, but he’ll balance them (or cancel them out) with something hideous.

Hillbilly, I’ve consumed enough Budweiser, PBR, Icehouse (and back in the old days Black Label, Meister Brau, Schlitz, etc.) to float a nuclear aircraft carrier and I surely ain’t done. However, they’re just not as good to me as German (or most foreign) beer…can’t help it. No offense, and if I ever see you in public you won’t see me complaining as I down a few frosty ones. Just like with women: I have good taste but low standards. :-)

By Rosalynn

January 22, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

I think a sodah cracka is the best cracka with cheese. Jimma used to sing to me when we wehe dating “Premium Saltines, reclosable pack, you open up, and you close ‘em back …” Jimma also sang a little song about cheese but that song was ugla. I nevah liked it. Jimma was quite the couhtah. He was couhting me at a time it was hahd for Jimma to buy a box of Saltine crackas. Manah a date was spent eating sodah crackas and potted meat. I don’t know why people call ‘em soda crackas but that’s what they ah called in Plains. And Co-Cola is nevah a soda. Nevah. Jimma was distuhbed by the cheese ball talk going on heah todah. Jimma won the Democrat primarah in the Cheese State in 1976 and gained some momentum for the nomination but those stinkas did not vote for Jimma in 1980. Still, Jimma likes his cheese and crackas and is partial to Wisconsin because it is the home of Lawhance Eaglebuhga and Liberace. Famous ballplayahs from Wisconsin ah Harva Kuenn and Bobba Uecka.

By The Grinch

January 22, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

No politics! Please. Most of us are friends now, I’d hate to see that ruined.

I will defend BirdDawg to the point that while his posts on the Falcons blog are somewhat brutal, stubborn, cynical and overbearing, they’re usually pretty spot-on. Najeh Davenpoop even more so (with a bit more subtlety); those are the two I find myself agreeing with most often. After I read Davenpoop’s, I often find I have no need to post (that really sounds kind of odd, doesn’t it?). Man, I’m hungry now after all this cracker talk.

By dannycardwell

January 22, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

bobby cox and sparky anderson are the 2 best managers ever. hampton will be fine. its not a big deal if andrew stays. if he cant stay for 12 million a year the money is best spent elsewhere. langerhans can play center just fine and the difference in homers can be made up in other positions. trust cox and the kids. this will be a great year. david obrien will be pretty good too.

By Rex Boaz

January 22, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

DOB: I thought we were going to talk baseball. (Braves) Some of this junk isn’t worth the time to read it. Don’t you screen any of this stuff.

By Tomahawkin

January 22, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

D.O.B. Ur quote

“I tend to conjure these images of what some of the regulars here might look like, where they’re blogging from, etc (hey, just being honest), and I gotta tell you, I smile over this image I have of T-Hawkin’ in some dorm or apartment at G-Tech (that is where you said you matriculate, right?), getting ready to go out partying _ or “to get his drank on” _ and it makes me smile.

That was funny when I read it…”

I get the same glipses of what some of these people do once they are watching the games, Headcoach for instance, I see him drinking bud light all day, and always throws the cans at the TV everytime we blow a lead, Classic imagery…

The Boom Boom Room is a little sumptin, sumptin, me and my crew threw up together…There’s gamblin, gals…etc. For instance U shoulda been dere last Saturday…The apartment was thick as hell…I mean Shoulder to Shoulder thickness, U couldn’t even move… Da dope jamz with Broads dancin on tables

And the chicas love our patented “Jungle Juice” gets ya f-kud up…

As far as I was, I’m walkin down there in my braves garb wit my red-foam Tomahawk in my hand and I’m hittin chicas on the arse da whole nite, had my little braves crew doin da chop out on da deck…all in anticipation of Spring training…and I was beyond throwd the whole nite…

Frenchy is definitely one of the best bad-ball hitters in the league, but I think I’d hafta see him more, before I compare him to Vlad, becuz he is in a league of his own…

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 22, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

I hate to even bring this up, but I will. It looks like some people owe Michael Vick an apology. Everyone assumed he was guilty of having weed when in fact the substance in his water bottle wasn’t illegal at all. Of course, people won’t apologize. They will just continue their ridiculous insults and in some cases racist insults. The Falcons front office were the ones leading the charge of assuming guilt before the evidence was investigated. I wonder what they said to him today after he was exonerated. I heard on ESPN News that Arthur Blank was not at all happy with Rich McKay and the way the entire situation was handled.

By Tomahawkin

January 22, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Oh yea, someone mentioned going after Dmitri Young, and seeing if we can hustle him into a minor league contract. I’d think he’d be a great bat off da bench…

but If we don’t I won’t twisted the way I was after seeing that we did not go after Tony Womack…

WTF…I just checked TBS’s website to see If I could get a schedule, and those turds don’t even have it up…Shows how much dey care about us choppas…

D.O.B. U Should do a TBS protest blog (or a reminiscant blog of the good dayz of TBS) while were gettin closer to spring training…

By Robert

January 22, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

A toast to Bird Dawg , who gets it

I have only one correction to make to his inciteful post

When he said “Jeff Francoeur is a block of marble. And because of Bobby Cox, that’s all he is ever going to be.”

That’s technically incorrect.

He’ll end up being a s**-stained block of marble

By Robert

January 22, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB) _ There was a typo

You said “Of all the current major league managers I can only think a few that I would even consider running this more than Cox”

You meant to substitute an i for the first n

“Of all the current major league managers I can only think a few that I would even consider ruining this more than Cox”

That makes much more sense

By Robert

January 22, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

” who’s team did J.Torre take to the N.L. WEST TITLE IN 1982? just a little trivia for the asinine morons on this blog who think the irreplaceable Bobby Cox is the worst manager in history!! answer Bobby Cox team that’s who! who gets the most credit for the 91 World Series “

Earth to joebrave. Come in joebrave. Are there any neurons working in there?

In 1981, El Burro was able to guide his team to a fifth place finish

In 1982, Joe Torre came in and guided the same team to a FIRST place finish

And yet you think this shows that Cox should NOT be considered a maroon?

Bird Dawg - if ONLY Cox were just an overrated button pusher. A button pusher could be compensated for. Bobby Cox (aka El Burro) is a DESTROYER

He is the guy who comes over to babysit and your kids love him becauyse they had fun but your $2 million home needs to be condemned when he is done

The logic of calling Cox great because of 14 division titles is so incredibly FLAWED it’s ridiculous

If you and I have baseball teams, and I have all the good players and you have all the nerds, sportswriters, and DOB bloggers, and then I win one WS and you sneak in a division title every other decade, chances are YOU actually did the better job managing

This is so frickin BASIC - that ability can be judged based on success only if things are taken in CONTEXT

ABC

Anybody But Cox

By Tomahawkin

January 22, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

I am sure as curious to see what shape deez guys are in, when dey report…I’m interested to know if anyone has put on any weight in terms of muscle this offseason…Knowing that A. Jones is in a contract year, I bet he has worked out just as much if not more than he has the previous years…Time will tell…

And 2 boring weeeks of Dat Mindless Super-Bowl Drivel, ESPN will spit to us…I’m protesting the Game…Too many Commercials, and most of the players care less on effort in the game, most of dem are just there for the corporate party…The Conference Championships are da best…

By Robert

January 23, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Ron - that Cox apologist stuff is SICK

Do you actually BELIEVE the b****** excuses you spew?

Dude, Cox’s mom doesnt just him THIS much slack

If it aint Cox’s fault that Jack Morris stepped up, then maybe it IS Bobby Cox’s fault that in fourteen tries, rarely did a Brave not named Smoltz STEP UP in the playoffs.

The 92 Blue Jays had such an incredible team that I often find myself debating whether they wouldve swept the 27 Yankees or maybe lost a game - NOT!

The 93 Phillies were a very good team. The 93 Braves had the player personnel to be a much better team.

The 94 Braves wouldnt have made the playoffs. The Expos were a decent team, run by a VERY good manager. They were running away from the juggernaut led by a donkey that was the 94 Braves

95 Braves - not a full season. And geez, let the pitchers run the table three times in a row and toss in a one hitter to clinch it and Harpo Marx couldve managed that team toi a ring

96 and 99 were pure and pure Cox idiocy that in one case made a blowout into a close series and then a loss and in another turned what shouldve been a close series into the most embarassing humiliation I have ever seen put on a supposed championship caliber team in any sport anywhere

Except maybe 97 and 98 - when one year the Braves were whining about the balls and strikes calls instead of focusing onn winning and in the other year they had the FBI out searching for 25 missing persons in early October

From what I can tell, El Burro’s master strategy is making faces, turning various shades of red and blue and plucking turfds out of his nose and then running out on the field with the carrot on a stick dangling from his cap - all to show his displeasure for the umps strike zone)

By Robert

January 23, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

That block of marble quote is so right on target

Picture all the managers given a block of marble. And a month later the unveiling

Joe Torre pulls the curtain open and reveals a beatiful sculpture of the Venus de Milo

Jim Leyland has created an wonderously ornate birdbath

Whitey Herzog has fashioned a small scale replica of the White House, complete in every detail

Bobby Cox ends up with a pile of those little rocks you use in landscaping your garden

By The Grinch

January 23, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Robert(JTIB), I agree about Vick. He doesn’t deserve anywhere near the crap he gets from this town, fans and media alike. However, he does put himself in situations he shouldn’t knowing how high-profile he is. No, the water bottle didn’t have dope in it, but why bring that much attention to yourself? Why not just bring a regular water bottle or order one on the flight? It’s not like he was going to New Zealand, he was flying from Miami to Atlanta. If you’ve got herpes, take Valtrex and use a condom. Don’t give it to someone who can sue you and ruin your image. Smoke your blunt at home and then ride around town, don’t be sitting there when the door to your limo opens holding the dang thing with a goofy look on your face; you’re Mike Vick. Someone may photograph you at any time. He’s human just like everyone else, and he’s had more pressure on him at a younger age by far than most people ever will, but just use some common sense, you know? I love the guy, I hope we keep him and I hope he fulfills his potential under this new coach and we go all the way finally. He’s a decent guy, and a phenomenal athlete. He’s just got to get his head out of his a*.

By Robert

January 23, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

And then wins “Best of Show”

It is the longest running most viciously ridiculous inside joke in all of sports

By Robert

January 23, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

You know, if I made $130 million, I’d have one guy in my entourage whose only job is to get my drugs past airport security

By Robert

January 23, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

“But from what I read, it sounds like he’s his own man; he’s going to do what he’s going to do.”

Then a good manager wouldve seen to it that as a young man, he did his thing on the bench or in the minors until an attitude adjustment took place

By Robert

January 23, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

Cox actually did it once, way back when he pulled Andru out of a game, making him take the to the bench after dogging it particularly badly on a play

Still, and likely forever, the only time I have applauded Cox for properly disciplinging a player for lack of hustle or effort

By dayf

January 23, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Good Lord… I come in here because I’m in the mood for a nice calm sports discussion and I see Dave eviscerating someone over a throwaway music comment and a George Bush flamewar breaking out.

Geez, if I wanted hatred and vitriol I’d just click on a Falcons blog. I’ll be back later when you guys are back in your happy place…

By Robert

January 23, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

“ELITE DYNASTY.”

Elite dynasty?

ONE World Championship.

ONE

Let’s please recognize the differences between a one hit wonder, a perennial underachiever, and a dynasty, much less an ELITE dynasty

Elite dynasty. That may be the rank stupidest thing I have ever seen posted on this or any blog

If they had won TWO world champioships, or 7342 consecutive Little League games, what would they be then?

An EXTREME dynasty?

By Robert

January 23, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

“I have never, EVER in six years covering the Braves, had a person from the office tell me to either go harder or easier on a Brave, on the result of a game, on someone’s personality, anything. Never. Not once. So anything you feel about me being soft on someone, it’s coming from me, certainly not from the AJC.”

DOB - I challenge you. Post a blog harshly critical of Cox and questioning his greatness and then let’s see how long you keep your blog

Just cuz you havent been threatened with the long arm of the law doesnt mean you dont know the unwritten rules

By Head Coach

January 23, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

To reiterate my previous comment in the blog before this one. Francoeur contributed 474 outs in 651 at bats last season , thats 100 more than any other braves player who played last season. Of the 1,885 players who swung a bat in the major leagues last season , Francoeurs 474 outs were number one. The kid is an enormous talent , he just needs time to develop a proper approach at the plate.

By The Grinch

January 23, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Robert, you’re an intelligent guy, and your rants about Bobby are often creative and amusing, but the sheer, untempered, unrelenting vitriol in a forum where almost everyone staunchly disagrees with you (not I, I’m somewhere on the fence) is just a bit curious to me. You kind of remind me of a hippie that consistantly goes to conservative redneck bars and starts ranting about peace, love and the evils of Republicanism and doesn’t mind the possibility that he might get his a* kicked each and every time if he can “…educate JUST ONE PERSON” about the evils of nuclear weapons, or whatever…only the subject you’re ranting about isn’t important. At all. Which makes me so curious…at the risk of sounding like an a* (which I really don’t mean to), is Bobby your stepdad or something and did he run off and leave you and your mom at some point without an income? Once again, I’m not jumping your case; just trying to figure out what he did to make you consume so very, very much of your time and creative energy emasculating the man. “I don’t like Bobby Cox and I think he couldn’t manage his way out of a paper bag” would do for most, unless, as I said, they have a vested interest. I could go on for hours how much I’d like to kick my ex-best friend’s a* for living with my ex-girlfriend now, but it would make sense to one and all, even him. Please enlighten me, if you feel like it.

By The Grinch

January 23, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Dayf; Dave can be a wee bit sensitive when you check a band he likes. He jumped on me when I did that about a band I didn’t even know he liked until after the fact; even caused him to post a new blog highlighting and defending them…glad we weren’t in a bar; he probably would’ve pulled a knife. :-)

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:26 AM | Link to this

Regarding the anti-Cox rants, Grinch I think you summed it up succintly with one line: “only the subject you’re ranting about isn’t important. At all.”

Those kind of repetitive, detailed and obsessive rants … that’s a whole lot of mental energy going for something one’s not being paid for. I mean, if Robert was a lobbyist expending that kind of effort to make a case, or an attorney defending or prosecuting someone and getting paid quite handsomly for it, that’s one thing. But to do it for free, to a mostly unreceptive audience (unreceptive only because they mostly disagree) … is a tough one to figure out.

Hey, but it’s passion. And that’s always good. Well, almost always. Maybe.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:28 AM | Link to this

These damn Comcast DVRs are a bit complicated _ made more so when the 25-year-old kid who they sent out with it today forgot to bring a manual. “Oh, I don’t have any of those with me. I’ve got some channel guides, though.”

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:31 AM | Link to this

Robert, just scrolled up to this one: “DOB - I challenge you. Post a blog harshly critical of Cox and questioning his greatness and then let’s see how long you keep your blog.”

That’s asinine. I’m going to post a harshly critical blog of Cox to please you, when I believe Cox to be one of the best managers in baseball? Yeah, makes sense, Robert.

Up the meds, bro.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:34 AM | Link to this

I would agree with the post above that asinine request, however, the one where you questioned calling the Braves an elite dynasty. Personally, I don’t think you can seriously call them a dynasty at all. Got to win a couple more World Series during that run to be a dynasty, and a few more pennants to be an NL dynasty.

They were a divisional dynasty, if there’s such a thing. But that’s about it. Helluva run that will likely not be duplicated in our lifetimes, but not a dynasty. Very few of those these days in any sport.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:36 AM | Link to this

Dayf, just got to your post. Let’s see, I hadn’t been online in, what, five hours? I watched Prison Break, 24 and Studio60, and listened to a Tom Waits album, and spent two hours trying to figure out the nuances of this new DVR. Sorry if folks weren’t in a happy place in the interim.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:40 AM | Link to this

T-Hawkin’ directions to the Jungle Room…. Send to my regular e-mail address.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:43 AM | Link to this

DannyC, you wrote: “bobby cox and sparky anderson are the 2 best managers ever.” I don’t know if you read what Sparky said during the World Series, but he said La Russa or Cox had to be considered the best manager _ and he said EVER.

Hey, just telling you what the dude said.

By The Grinch

January 23, 2007 02:04 AM | Link to this

That image of T’hawk bouncing around in full Braves regalia and whackin’ chicks on the a* with a foam tomahawk is hilarious. Live large while you can, man.

Dave, re: your 1:36 post…you mean when an argument breaks out on this blog it doesn’t send up a “DOB” signal on the night sky causing you to drop down into your blog cave and fire up the laptop? :-)

Later, all; got some sheep to count.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 02:08 AM | Link to this

Scoreboard, just got all the way up to your post at 9-something about the Todd Snider song.

Hey, it’s just the title of a mostly tongue-in-cheek song, one that’s hilarious, whatever your beliefs are (unless one absolutely don’t like to laugh at oneself). How can you seriously be offended by a song title? If I’d known it would offend, I honestly wouldn’t have put it in the post.

But, I mean, it didn’t say in the song title that those folks are good, bad, smart or stupid, it just described a very group of people in our society, period. Again, it’s a song. A funny song. But sorry if it offended.

I’m first and foremost the one who’s kept this place as free of political discussion as possible, and I wasn’t inviting it. Don’t want it. Not here. In my private life, sure, all the time. But not here. This is a place for everybody to discuss, debate and attack each other about everything BUT politics.

However, for all you know, it just might be a song about how great and oppressed THAT group of people is. Unless you’ve heard it, how would you know? I really, really wasn’t making a political statement. You just read it as one.

But again, sorry to offend.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 02:17 AM | Link to this

Conjured that same image of T-Hawkin. And I did like his visual of Head Coach throwing empties at the TV screen.

Or how ‘bout Robert, with a voodoo doll and dart board featuring the “other” Robert, the one who goes by Bobby….

By Robert

January 23, 2007 02:25 AM | Link to this

Grinch, fair question - so hear’s an answer

Trust me, I do not spend my waking days in my offline life ranting about, or obsessing about, or thinking about Bobby Cox. Now if I’m watching a game and he is on camera, then snide comments abound

What happens, is that I come here and read folks who think he is such a genius and it gets under my skin

Mostly it’s because the REASONS people think he is great are so obviously flawed.

The second trigger comes from being a Braves fan. A real Braves fan. One who has suffered thru these past sixteen years of wasted opportunity. The apologism for Cox boils my blood

This is a forum about the Braves, for folks who love and respect the Braves. To my way of thinking, there has to be a point where excuses just arent allowed. To do otherwise is, in reality, to disrespect amnd/or underappreciate the great teams, players, and opportunities this franchise has had.

To think and espouse that a rotation of Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, backed by star studded offenses, was consistantly outclassed in the playoffs, or to think that such a team needed ANY manager to make them achieve what they did, is disrespecting greatness.

The attitude here gets to the point where you’d think the 90’s Braves woulda been nothing without a genius leader. That is so ABSURD it gets me ticked off

The success this franchise has had has been due to

1)The players it has been fortunate to feature 2)The remarkable long term overall health of one of the greatest pitching trios in history 3)The vastly underappreciated (and in hindsight poo-pooed) work of Leo Mazzone, who IS a remarkable teacher and pitching coach 4)The groundwork laid by Bobby Cox AS GM - a role in which I have repeatedly said he did a pretty darn good job 5)and IN SPITE OF a flawed overall playoff philosophy and IN SPITE OF a consistantly repeated pattern of predictable and oftentimes misplayed in-game strategies

Now, let’s go to the issue of how much the players like Cox. Ok, it is possible that a few of the weaker Braves teams might not have made the playoffs if they had major clubhouse controversy or personality issues between players and the manager. Maybe. So what. That means that if they had a divider like Bowa, they would have stopped playing four days earlier than they did

To my view, this isnt really relevent. I dont judge success or failure based purely on won-loss records, playoff appearances, or divbision titles.

Success or failure is based on 1)whether the team did better or worse than expected 2)CHAMPIONSHIPS

A team that is 1 for 7 in situations where they had a real claim to glory is not necessarily better managed than a team that hasnt ever made the playoffs because the personnel isnt in place to do so

Shottenheimer (Coxemheimmer) is the only other coach or manager I can think of, who, when his teams fortunes come down to his strategy or on field decisions, has as predictable a negative effect on team outcome as Cox

Do you HONESTLY think that Cox is in the same zip code with Torre and his four rings? That it was cursed wicked bad luck that led to the downfall of the genius Cox?

Do you believe that the guy the kids like best is obviously and without question the best choice as your babysitter?

The LOGIC (or lack thereof)that is cited as “proof” of Cox’s ability or genius - it’s so damn stupid it’s ridiculous

There, I said it - With all due respect to other bloggers, and I do respect opinions and know everyone is entitled to one, but if winning more games without regard to the innate ability of your charges is evidence to you of greatness, that’s just plain ignorant. It’s why I keep asking for real evidence - not what “they” “say”, not what the kids like, but solid evidence

Which isnt easy to do, and the evidence is scant but here it is

Russ Nixon’s Braves in 1989 finish a game ahead of Cox’s version of the same team

Joe Torre’s 1982 Braves, essentially the same team as Cox’s 81 version, finish 11 games ahead of the Cox team

The evidence cited for Cox’s greatness is so obviously lacking a proper control, and there are so many question marks that you either apologize away or that make you stop and wonder - that in infuriates me to see people continue to ignore all this and ignorantly bow down at a donkey’s feet

By Robert

January 23, 2007 02:47 AM | Link to this

DOB - let’s compromise and talk reasonably -

1)Funny how when you dont agree with me I need more meds, but at other times you think I’m right on (makes me think we might could share some of the meds) :P

2) Yes, the Braves have had a heckuva run - The kicker is that at the same time they have been a heckuva underachiever -

THERE is the quandry. And in simplest terms, I dont think it took a genius to get a heckuva run of division success with the rosters they had. Give me ten years of Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz and maybe one real good team every other year in the division, and just about anybody could run up a heckuva run (be it eight or nine in a row vs 14, or 36 instead of 14)

ON THE OTHER HAND - SO MANY chances, so many failures, such a consistant pattern of not stepping up when it’s neded, of being the victim of an opponent that did - how can you NOT question the manager, just cuz he won losts of games with a great lineup?

By Robert

January 23, 2007 03:01 AM | Link to this

“only the subject you’re ranting about isn’t important. At all.”

It concerns the Braves. To me, it’s got importance, because I’mm a Braves fan.

If the Braves arent important to you, what are you doing here?

By jed

January 23, 2007 03:52 AM | Link to this

i sure hope the best for thorman, but i’ve watched that guy in richmond and in atlanta and he is as clumsy as they come. he makes klesko look graceful. i sure hope he surprises me at the plate, because i promise you he’s gonna hurt us at first base.

By D Rock in Scotland

January 23, 2007 04:04 AM | Link to this

Built to Spill are excellent. The last album ventured a bit into “jam band” territory, but I still liked it a lot. Excellent Guy Clark reference as well. In my view, Bobby Cox is one of the greatest managers of all time. He does things the right way. I think his approach can teach us a lot about how to go about your business. He doesn’t make excuses, and just takes everything one day at a time. For some of his critics, why don’t you give us some specific examples. I mean, the New York Yankees were loaded with hall of fame candidates last year, and they seemed to have “failed”. Only one team wins the world series.

By Reality Check

January 23, 2007 04:59 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Fred Eaglesmith’s “Water in My Fuel.”

No ball of cheese, that.

Guess Nurse Ratched’s given Robert his medication now.

By woogidy

January 23, 2007 05:20 AM | Link to this

To the contrary, Robert. I believe the Braves overachieved during their divisional streak as much as they underachieved. Lets see here, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2004, 2005 all years in which in my opinion they over achieved. Some years they just lived up to themselves.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 23, 2007 07:48 AM | Link to this

Robert, seriously. Is Cox your real daddy who has shunned you all your life and now you are getting back at him. Really? It is just relentless. It never stops. Again, I ask. Everyone outside of Atlanta thinks Cox is one of the greatest managers to ever live, so are ALL those people wrong and you and a handfull of others are right? C’mon, man!

By Robert

January 23, 2007 07:58 AM | Link to this

“Everyone outside of Atlanta thinks Cox is one of the greatest managers to ever live, so are ALL those people wrong and you and a handfull of others are right? C’mon, man!”

Everyone outside Atlanta does NOT think this.

Everyone who thinks Cox is one of the greatest managers ever IS wrong

In 1491, everyone thought the earth was flat

What is relentless and never stops is praise for a guy who has done as manager NOTHING to make the Braves better

“1991, 1992, 1993, 2004, 2005 “

Let’s say I agree with you on 91, 92, and 04 - Three years out of sixteen. One fifth of the time overachieved vs maybe one fifth on par and three fifths underachieved. That’s great managing? You have low standards my friend

By KC

January 23, 2007 08:24 AM | Link to this

Robert: I will say only this on what has become a very tired subject… Nearly every player that has ever played for Bobby Cox says he’s as good a manager as they ever played for. Bobby is one of the most respected managers of our era throughout the game of baseball.

I guess they’re all wrong. How blind they are!

Many players have made sacrifices to come to or remain in Atlanta, citing “playing for Bobby” as a key reason… most recently, Bob Wickman.

By KC

January 23, 2007 08:27 AM | Link to this

Robert: You’re right… Bobby should replaced as manager of the Braves. He should go find another job.

BOBBY COX FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008!!!!!

lol

By Robert

January 23, 2007 08:35 AM | Link to this

KC - A great manager to play for, as defined by players, does not equate with a great manager to bring out the best in a team. Read Bird Dawg’s excellent post from 507PM yesterday that explains why players might love Cox, and why this might not be best for a team

Cox for President. I’d vote for him for two reasons

1)It was end his tenure as Braves manager 2)He’d be better at the job than George Bush

We have two. TO paraphrase Arlo Guthrie, if we find one more supporter of Cox for presidnt, we’ll have ourselves a movement

As tired as this arguement may have become, the sixteen years and running tenure of The El Burro Follies is exponentially more tired

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 23, 2007 08:47 AM | Link to this

FRAT-HOUSIN’ KEG-TAPPIN’

SHIRT-TUCKIN’ BACK SLAPPIN’

HATERS OF HIPPEES LIKE ME…..

By scoreboard

January 23, 2007 08:48 AM | Link to this

DOB:

I appreciate your apology, but none was necessary - because I wasn’t offended.

I’m not furthering a taboo subject here - just clearing up the notion that you and another poster tried to propagate about me being “offended” by “just a song title”. That is simply not the case. I was merely pointing out that you applauded a song that quite clearly expresses a certain point of view (yes, I’ve heard it), and that your expression of approval of that song could quite easily be contrued as a particularly inappropriate sort of comment for this blog. You and I agree. Neither of us wants that sort of thing on this blog. I’ll take you at your word that your comment was innocuous. I should have never brought it up. Even though my intentions were good, I should’ve realized that it would backfire.

Having said that…let’s talk about the bullpen. After Wickman, Gonzalez, Soriano, McBride, Sturtz (God, help me), and Villarreal (assuming he doesn’t start), who do you see filling out the other spot or two? With Paronto, Devine, Yates, Cormier, etc. all vying for one or two spots, there sure will be a lot of disappointed pitchers - which isn’t a necessarily bad thing with that bunch.

By The Grinch

January 23, 2007 08:53 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the explanation, Robert. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said “not important at all” but rather “not important enough to beat one’s head against a wall day in and day out for months” (or longer; I’ve only been here since May). Perhaps if he was running the team into the ground, it would be. For the record, I agree with you that his teams tend to underachieve in the post-season and all things considered we should have another ring or two (and made it past the first round a couple of times we didn’t), but it’s not exactly to the point where they suck (they have had a certain measure of success, you know, whatever the reason…the Phillies and Mets have been picked ahead of us in the division several times), so that’s why I don’t join you in your rants. Do I think Leyland would do a better job with the same cast? Certainly. But Leyland isn’t our manager, Bobby is, and he isn’t likely to be fired. Therefore, I try to appreciate the things he does well…pick his nose, encourage batters, and yell at umpires (you have to admit his ejection total is impressive). Unlike with politics (which I will not discuss, no matter how tempting), we don’t get a vote here. I will also agree with you Mazzone was vastly underappreciated. BTW, I only got six hours of sleep and I left before you did and came back later. Catch a nap if you can, dude; it’s good for perspective. :-)

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 23, 2007 08:56 AM | Link to this

Throw out those LA papers,

Moldy box of Vanilla Wafers,

Adios to all this concrete,

Gonna get me some dirt-road back-straights….

If I could just get off of this LA Freeway

without gettin’ killed or caught.

Down the road in a cloud of smoke,

for some land that I ain’t bought, bought, bought…..

By Alan

January 23, 2007 09:04 AM | Link to this

Robert, what wonderful in-game strategizing does your man, Joe Torre, do that separates him from Bobby Cox? You criticize BC for sitting in the dugout picking his nose (which probably is a sign, by the way - no, not really). Well, JT sits there, too, with his perpetual frown, unscrewing the cap from his water bottle, sipping, then re-screwing (also a sign to his third-base coach, no doubt). Yeah, JT and the Yankees had an incredible run in the late ’90s, but what have they done lately? Is he now less a genius than he was 7-8 years ago? I agree with DOB and Grinch - there’s got to be more to your ranting than just your “unbridled love” of the Braves. You must be BC’s illegitimate son or maybe his paperboy (Is he a lousy tipper?). Point is, 98.6% of your fellow bloggers here disagree with your assessment of Cox’s ability. Why, oh why, don’t you give up already and take your business to another blog? Or re-energize the blog you probably started several years ago: . Or do something really constructive - like pick your own nose.

By kdbanks

January 23, 2007 09:09 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Any numbers on KJ batting leadoff? I’m sure he got few if any at bats in the majors at the 1 spot, but what about the minors? Why is he considered a better option at leadoff than the other 8 everyday guys?

Also, just a reminder, theirs a good show at Smith’s on Friday - The Beggar’s Guild. They are actually the opening act, but they were awesome opening for The Damnwells a couple months ago.

KDB

P.S. My favorite Snider song is “Liberal Unitarian, Left-Wing Libertarian, Bi-Sexual, Purple, Equadorian Tranny”, but I don’t want to offend anyone by saying so, so I won’t.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 09:12 AM | Link to this

If anyone has the espn.com insider, they give a nice little hitting zone chart of every hitter—what they hit on pitches in certain areas of the strikezone. Unfortunately it doesn’t show what they hit on pitches outside the zone but it does show the percentage of pitches chased within certain zones outside the strikezone.

Here’s a summary of Francouer inside the strikezone:

Down the middle: .400 Middle, high: .383 Middle, low: .278 Inside, high: .300 Inside middle: .244 Inside, low: .247 Outside, high: .163 Outside, middle: .279 Outside, low: .221

Here are the percentages of pitches he chased within certain areas outside the strikezone (Again, unfortunately it doesn’t tell us how many of these pitches he hit or his average on these pitches):

Low middle: 66 percent Low and inside: 34 Low away: 36 Middle inside: 43 Middle outside: 32 High and inside: 46 High and outside: 34 High middle: 58

Here’s what he did with different types of pitches:

Fastball: .317 Curves: .214 Sliders: .229 Changeups: .358

Seems like Francouer is not that great a contact hitter to begin with, which means he wouldn’t be a great bad ball hitter (it’s pretty much impossible to be a great bad ball hitter without being a great contact hitter).

But, O’Brien is right in that Francouer needs to lay off more pitches outside the zone and swing at more pitches he can handle.

If he learns to only swing at pitches he can handle, his average will go up, his walk total/OBP will go up and he will probably hit for even more power.

By The Grinch

January 23, 2007 09:14 AM | Link to this

Scoreboard, I know you directed the bullpen question at DOB, but I just feel like throwing my two cents out there. I think Villareal should and will be the fifth starter (Davies needs another year in the minors, IMO). I also think Sturtze was picked up as insurance because JS was (and hopefully still is) trying to package Diaz or Langy, Davies or Cormier, and one of our infield prospects for Baldelli or someone similar. I don’t think the trading’s done yet. If that (or a similar) deal doesn’t get done, then we do have a glut. I’d use Paranto, but the last spot is a hard one. Devine’s not ready, Sturtze isn’t good enough (but he’s got guaranteed money), Yates and Cormier both deserve it but there isn’t room. Does anyone know which of those two still have minor league options?

BTW, it doesn’t say anything about this on the site, but I got an “AM Breaking News” e-mail saying the Raiders are offering Randy Moss, Joey Porter and the 1st overall pick this year for Vick and our 1st rounder. Whew. I think we should keep Vick, but that’s AWFUL tempting. We could pick Brady Quinn, groom him a couple of years behind Schaub, and have two new receivers who are better than anyone we’ve got now to fit Petrino’s new offense. Yikes, I’d hate to have to make that call.

By Alan

January 23, 2007 09:25 AM | Link to this

Now, to the point of DOB’s original post: Francouer is going to be a superstar. Don’t forget, folks, he was rushed to the big leagues in ‘05 (along with McCann, of course) from AA ball, a full 2 years ahead of schedule. Actually, he (as well as McCann) should now be beginning his rookie season. He is a tremendous talent, a bit undisciplined obviously, but he is likely to improve in that regard this year and every year thereafter. I’m concerned that he’ll have Thorman - rather than LaRoche - hitting behind him this year, so pitchers probably will give him even less of the plate than he got last season. For that reason alone, I expect him to show more patience and produce a much higher OBP in ‘07.

Music-wise, I submit this song for your consideration as an ode to a departed father: “In the Living Years” by Mike and the Mechanics. Don’t know who wrote it, but every time I hear it, I think of my dad, who passed away in April of ‘89. Great man even though he was a Giants fan. Loved Willie Mays. Who didn’t?

By Lew

January 23, 2007 09:26 AM | Link to this

Well-Isn’t it just delightful to come onto the blog every morning and read Robert’s Rants? I live for it. All I can say about the subject is that if you don’t win you have no chance to achieve a championship and the Braves have bee in that position more than anyone else in the past 15 years. Shame we didn’t win more, but ask Jim Kelly about that. I’m surprised Robert doesn’t add Marv Levy to his all burro list. Whatever. I never heard a more meaningless rant in my entire life. Don’t you just love Robert’s “Everyone’s out of step but me” attitude? Personally, I think it got old a long time ago. A long, long time ago.

By Lew

January 23, 2007 09:36 AM | Link to this

Alan-It was written by Mike Rutherford, guitarist of the band Genesis. Mike and the Mechanics was his solo project. Another politically based song is Monster by Steppenwolf. I listened to it the other day and it could have been writen in 07 rather than 1969. History repeats itself. Either that, or it never really changes.

By scoreboard

January 23, 2007 09:40 AM | Link to this

Hey Grinch:

All baseball comments welcome :-)

I think the majority of the trading is done - at least as far as the Braves are concerned. But you may be right. Who knows? I just can’t make myself believe the Braves are really close to getting Baldelli, etc. At least not without giving up James - which I would really hate to do unless the deal was insanely lopsided in the Braves’ favor.

About your Raiders/Vick stuff. I don’t believe it for a minute. But if it was real, I would jump on it with both feet. I realize you can’t write anything critical of Vick on an AJC blog without getting assaulted, but here goes… I’m tired of waiting on Vick to become the QB most people think he is destined to be. That supposed offer from the Raiders would solve all sorts of Falcon problems. It would immediately improve the WR corps. It would relieve the Falcons from Vick’s crushing contract. It would allow Schaub to bloom with the Falcons instead of another team. And it would allow Vick to get the proverbial “fresh start” that we are often told athletes need…

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 23, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Forget about your first wife

she was no good for you.

She was a gold-diggin’ bi**h

and her mom was too, Hey Iron Mike…

Don’t let them get you down…..

By TLJ

January 23, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Good morning everyone, thought I would comment about Robert’s putting down BC. I’m not sure what his expertise is but the baseball experts ( GM’s, Managers, Coaches, etc. place BC in the top 5 managers in the game today ). I’m more likely to listen to them than someone who is a wannabe.

I’m not sure how Joe Torre got into the conversation but he wasn’t a considered a good manager until he became manager of the Yankees. In reality both are good managers and both will wind up in the HOF.

That’s right Robert BC will be in the HOF because the baseball experts beleive he is truly one of the best managers in baseball.

You can say what you want (it is a free country) but it still comes from a wannabe and does not carry any weight. Have a nice day

By Jim

January 23, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

DOB, sorry for harshing on you about “Randall Knife.” Guy Clark fans are so few in number (undeservedly so) that we can’t afford to get nasty over minor differences of opinion - I apologize!

It pained me to hear his “I Don’t Love You Much, Do I?” in use in a commercial recently for some food product.

Thanks for the smart, thorough commentary on what the Braves are up to.

Question: What do you think of “Moneyball?” Is the “misvaluing” of ballplayers by people at high levels as widespread as Lewis contends?

Jim (fan since ‘71)

By Jim

January 23, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

DOB, sorry for harshing on you about “Randall Knife.” Guy Clark fans are so few in number (undeservedly so) that we can’t afford to get nasty over minor differences of opinion - I apologize!

It pained me to hear his “I Don’t Love You Much, Do I?” in use in a commercial recently for some food product.

Thanks for the smart, thorough commentary on what the Braves are up to.

Question: What do you think of “Moneyball?” Is the “misvaluing” of ballplayers by people at high levels as widespread as Lewis contends?

Jim (fan since ‘71)

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

TLJ,

Robert isn’t going to listen to anyone. The fact that Cox has the 3rd highest winning percentage of all time and 99 percent of everyone who knows anything about baseball believes strongly that Cox is probably one of the top 3-5 managers ever. Everyone is wrong except for him.

Don’t you know that losing in the post-season has nothing to do with anyone in the organization except the manager? Never mind that players actually play the game and the general managers actually picks the players. And never mind that the post-season is only 19 games a year, at the most, out of a possible 181 that matter.

By Thrillhouse44

January 23, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is the greatest. I’d trust him with my life. In fact, if I ever have a kid, I want Bobby to deliver it…Sorry, I just wanted to raise Robert’s blood pressure.

By NYM

January 23, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Does anybody know what LaRoche’s stats were against the Mets?

By Navigator

January 23, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

First isn’t it amazing that our catcher played with Frenchy (in the leagues) growing up, and Frenchy was the star. Now the rolls are reversed, and Frenchy isn’t the star. Second can Frenchy be coached? So far he’s showed that he can’t, barely paying attention to what the coaches are telling him. How difficult is it to take the first pitch, until he gets this discipline. My opinion is that he never will get the discipline, until he gets over himself as the star.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

What do you think of “Moneyball?” Is the “misvaluing” of ballplayers by people at high levels as widespread as Lewis contends?

Jim, I’m not DOB, but I think I’m this blog’s unofficial spokesperson for the sabermetric/objective/statistical/whatever? approach.

There are always going to be overvalued and undervalued skills. It used to be OBP but now OBP is pretty correctly valued so guys like Billy Beane has moved on to defense, which is now undervalued. The theme of Moneyball is that in any market there are going to be things that are under- and overvalued. It’s important for poor teams to be more efficient than rich teams, so putting correct values or trying to find undervalued skills is more important to those teams.

The trick is to stay ahead of the curve and find things that are undervalued. Eventually, it’s possible that everything will be correctly valued, but it seems there is always going to be certain aspects of the game that are undervalued.

Look at free agency and the ridiculous contracts given to a lot of mediocre players past their primes. Teams will always be desperate and always be willing to overpay for what they feel they need.

By Alan

January 23, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Back to the Bobby Cox bashers, namely Robert and BirdDawg. Yesterday, one of you took a shot at Andruw Jones’s “underachievement” (my quotes, but that’s what you meant) and laid the blame on Cox and Pendleton (where it should lie if it’s true, which it is to some extent). However, you said essentially that that would not have happened under the tutelage of “superior” supervisors such as Leyland, LaRussa, Scoscia and even Guillen. Really? How come you never talk about Leyland’s Pirates (with all of their talent - Bonds, Bonilla, Drabek, etc.) being beaten by Bobby’s Braves in ‘91 and ‘92. And what happened to Leyland in Colorado? Oh, yeah - the altitude got to him. Right. So last year he did a great job with the Tigers - last to first (just like the Braves in ‘91) - but how did he do in the WS? Weren’t the Tigers overwhelming favorites against LaRussa’s Cards? They barely showed up. Is that Leyland’s fault? I can only imagine the ranting if Cox managed the Tigers. And LaRussa. How many titles did he lead the Bash Brothers to? Exactly 1. Remember what the underdog Reds did to them? I’m not sure of the year, either ‘88 or ‘90, but I’ll never forget the result: a 4-game sweep! Was that LaRussa or Cox managing the A’s? And Scoscia. How many titles has he won? Ozzie Guillen? 1 World Series. Great. Favored to return in ‘06. Failed to make the playoffs. Underachieved. Should have been fired, according to your twisted logic. You give Cox no credit for developing talent - when in fact it was he who rebuilt the Braves’ farm system in the late ’80s that produced Glavine, Mercker, Avery, Justice, Gant, Lemke, Blauser, etc., etc. And whenever it suits you, you say he can’t compare with the likes of Torre, LaRussa and Leyland. Someone even mentioned Whitey Herzog, for crying out loud. How many championships did his teams win? How about Earl Weaver? Good grief. Give it up already. Go play somewhere else.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Navigator,

I’m not sure if Frenchy will improve his plate discipline, but my guess is he will. Why? Because he won’t be able to survive in the bigs for very long if he doesn’t and people do whatever it takes when they start getting desperate. You can’t stay in the majors making an out in 70 percent of your plate appearances.

Most great athletes are very good at making adjustments. Francouer has made it this far and has always been a great athlete, so I’m guessing he’ll be able to make necessary adjustments to become an adequate regular player if not a star.

And I don’t know Francouer personally or anything, but he doesn’t seem to be so stuck on himself that he’s going to get in his own way. You see him talking to Chipper and Pendleton all the time and he did improve his patience a little towards the end of last season. I think he’s going to be fine.

By rammerjammer

January 23, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

I thought it was interesting that JS made a point of mentioning Thorman’s hustle and aggressiveness. Kinda got the feeling he thought those attributes had been missing from 1B.

By David Gardner

January 23, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Good points. I hope the Braves coaches will just leave Francouer alone, and let him develop naturally. It would ALWAYS be good if young hitters had excellent strike zone control…but many (maybe even “most”) of them don’t. And the worst thing you can do is obsess over it. Remember a few years back when the Braves decided to bat Andruw Jones leadoff, and pestered him about swinging at bad pitches? He had a horrible season, until Bobby Cox finally just moved him back to the fifth slot and told him to swing away.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Alan, etc.,

I think Andruw’s perceived underachieving had more to do with everyone expecting him to be Willie Mays, Joe D and Ken Griffey Jr all rolled into one. And (to go back to the last few days) the fact that many people overrate strikeouts—many think you can’t be a great player if you strikeout a lot. Also, it has to do with the way Andruw makes/made everything look relatively easy and the fact that he failed to hustle on a few plays when he was really young.

Andruw has basically been as much as or more than any reasonable person could have imagined. He’s been the best defensive CF maybe in history, a solid power hitter and a decent out-avoider. He’ll likely go into the HOF one day because of his defense and power. If anyone say he’s an underachiever, I would argue you are being unfair and a nitpicker.

By eware

January 23, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

DOB, have you heard the Spencer Dickinson album? It’s Luther and Cody Dickinson from North Mississippi Allstars and John Spencer of Blues Explosion.

I picked it up this morning and its rockin’! Some of the songs are CRAZY though. Check it out if you haven’t already.

Also, thanks for the rec on Honky Tonk Heroes, I’ve passed it out to all my friends - they love it too. Don’t tell any record companies - can’t deal with the lawsuits.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 23, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Couple of questions to expose my ignorance this morning.

First, In my limited opportunities to watch Braves games anymore (thank you TBS, can’t wait for another episode of the family guy >:0)apparently I missed any chance to see Martin Prado play much. Exaclty what is his upside? I mean, what type of hitter is he? comparable to who? speedy? defense? I really don’t know much about the guy.

Second, could somebody give me a comparison between Cormier and Villareal. Everyone (on the blog) is blackballing Cormier off their rosters, and I’m not taking anything away from Oscar, but I thought Cormier was equally impressive filling in last season. The numbers may prove me wrong. I know there’s not much room for him but, until Davies proves himself, what are his chances?

Third, DOB, I only have one Guy Clark Album—“Keepers” that I bought because there are four songs on it that Jerry Jeff Walker recorded, and it also had “HomeGrown Tomatoes” on it. My question is where does it rank on his top albums? —Look out here she comes, she’s coming. Look out there she goes, she’s going….

By ncscoots

January 23, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Navigator, how do you know what Francoeur has or has not listened to from coaches?

In any field of endeavor, one’s opinion of his or her skills and proper utilization of those skills will always far outweigh the opinions of others, and rightly so. As to the correctness of the opinions from either side of the equation, that usually is arguable. But to expect anyone performing at a high level in his or her chosen field to allow someone else to make the decision on his or her methods of success is ludicrous.

If Francoeur (or any ballplayer) thinks that a tip from a coach will help him perform, he’ll utilize the information. Otherwise, he won’t. His decision. He’s the guy getting paid to play, it’s his performance that will determine how well he gets paid, it’s his career. Not the coach, not the manager, not even his teammates’. His. If he makes bad decisions, he lives with the consequences. But it’s still his right to go about his craft in the manner he desires, and which, to his mind, will afford him the most success.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 23, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

A man named John was stopped by a Federal game warden in Georgia recently with two ice chests of fish, leaving a river well known for its fishing.

The game warden, who just transferred to the south from Pennsylvania, asked the man, “Do you have a license to catch those fish?”

“Naw, Officer Littlefield, I ain’t got no license. These here are my pet fish.”

“Pet fish?”

“Yep. Every night I take these fish down to the river and let ‘em swim’ round for a while. Then I whistle and they jump right back into this ice chest and I take ‘em home.”

“That’s a bunch of bull! Fish can’t do that!”

John looked at the game warden for a moment and then said, “It’s the truth. I’ll show you. It really works.”

“Okay, I’ve GOT to see this!”

John poured the fish into the river and stood and waited.

After several minutes, the game warden turned to him and said, “Well?”

“Well, what?” said John.

“When are you going to call them back?”

“Call who back?”

“The FISH!”

“What fish?”

—We in the south may not be as smart as some, but we ain’t as dumb as most. You smart ones have a good day.

By Not-A-Blogger

January 23, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

“Pack my bags Don’t be too slow I should have quit you baby A long time ago Left you flat And split for Mexico

Don’t try to stop me Child, you’re talkin’ too fast You and your friends babe You are a thing in my past You’re much too slow I’m goin’ to Mexico

I’ve got four or five hundred miles to go Down that southbound highway ‘53 Studebaker goin’ for broke I’m pushin’ it night and day I’ve had enough of your lies To last a long, long time You and your mother, babe You’re like a nursery rhyme You’re much too slow I’m goin’ to Mexico”

(Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs)

By Jerald Holcombe

January 23, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

I have no intention of getting involved heavily into the argument that seems to always go on about Bobby Cox and his place in history. But, does it not say something for Bobby when someone like Gary Sheffield can play here for an entire year and never cause a problem and even go on record as saying that he has the upmost respect for “Mr. Cox”? The fact is this, those of you that are always clamoring for his job would find something wrong with anyone who manages the team.

By Dirty Dawg

January 23, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Off speed and off the plate and Francoeur won’t hit his weight. It’s only when pitchers get greedy and try and throw him a fast ball, or even a breaking pitch, around the strike zone does he make reasonable contact. He doesn’t have the discipline to take walks so he’ll just flail away and go sit down.

And while I’m here, to those that think LaRoche shouldn’t have been traded, guys, this man is absolutely the slowest position player in the game. He couldn’t outrun any catchers and damn few pitchers. The only reason he’s considered a decent player is that he’s got good hand-eye which results in making contact with pitches in his zone and catch balls that come right to him. When have you ever seen him dive for a ball and make a play?…It just ain’t in him.

When I was growing up my dad used to joke that I had deceptive speed - I was slower than I looked. I always took that to mean that while I at least tried to run hard and fast, it didn’t, in fact, make me any faster. LaRoche on the other hand knows he’s slow but to make up for it, just coasts along trying to act like ‘Mr. Cool’ that couldn’t be bothered with ‘picking ‘em up and laying ‘em down’…it’s as if Pete Rose had taken his walks to fist like Barry Bonds does. No, LaRoche’s style doesn’t make for a quality ballplayer…give me the Throman kid and his hustle - combined with whatever talent he brings - every time.

By 22oz

January 23, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

I hate to add ammo for Robert, but Bobby Cox was interviewed on MLB Home plate this morning on XM and he said the Braves could get 30 hr/100 RBI out of a PLATOON at first base! Argh, did he learn anything from LaRoche last year? That is my only argument against Cox, he think left handed hitters are handicapped. I don’t know what Schuerholtz was thinking the other day when he said Thorman wouldn’t be platooned, since Cox lives and breathes for it, especially with young players. It can be so frustrating!

By TennesseePaul

January 23, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Sometimes, reading this blog is like flipping channels on the TV. You see a show pop up that you’ve seen a trillion times and have really no desire to see again (it’s tired, worn out, and you know it ultimately leads no where), you just change the channel. Here, you just scroll past. The only bummer is, it takes longer to load the page.

By Fan with No Name

January 23, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

If Francoeur could just get his road stats more in line with his home performance, his overall numbers would be fine. Sure, I’d like to see him develop more patience, but I was really surprised to see just how good he was at Turner Field and just how awful he was away from home. At home, he hit .305 with 19 homers and 65 RBIs, and had an OBP of .340 and an OPS of .874. Those are very solid numbers people. However, he was terrible on the road: .217 AVG, 10 HR, 38 RBI, .248 OBP, .617 OPS. (Interestingly, he did hit every one of his triples on the road.) I don’t know how you fix stats like that (maybe they just come around with the aforementioned time), but when he can close the gap between his home and road stats, I don’t think we’ll care about his first-pitch swinging anymore.

By ronp

January 23, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Sorry to dissent but Jeff Francoeur will just be another flash in the pan unles he learns…really learns discipline at the plate..truth is that he can be a lot more “aggressive” (and successful) ahead in the count than behind in the count..can’t watch him wasting his talent…where’s a hitting coach when you need one?

By Fan with No Name

January 23, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Arkansas Hillbilly:

Cormier was 4-5 last year with a 4.89 ERA, but more importantly, he gave up a .314 opp. BA and averaged nearly 2 baserunners per inning. Looks like he only had one month last season where he gave up an opp. BA of less than .300 and that was .298 in Sept.

On the other hand, Villareal went 9-1 with a 3.61 ERA, averaged less than 1.5 baserunners per inning and gave up an opp. BA of .261. After the all-star break his ERA was 2.63. (Cormier also improved in the 2nd half, but like I mentioned he was still giving up lots of hits.)

PS - Go Hogs!

By TennesseePaul

January 23, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Prado, from what I saw, was amazing on defense. His hitting at the pros was a little lacking. His speed was nothing that eye popping. Not like Orr. That guy is a wiz on the paths. So frickin fast. But in the minors it looks like Prado was a solid hitter.
Minor league numbers over 4 seasons
AVG OBP SLG
.296 .348 .386

No power. He had 11 homers over all those season. 39 SB with 32 CS.

Kelly Johnson looked like this in 7 minor league seasons
AVG OBP SLG
.281 .366 .464

You can see why they hope for KJ over Prado. KJ has better power. He had 72 homers. 73 SB with 38 CS.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

I think the goal should be aggression within the strikezone and an organization needs to preach this at all levels. Some hitters are better contact hitters than others. If a guy is not a great contact hitter (Francouer) it’s even more important for him to avoid aggression outside the strikezone.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, there’s a two-CD set, “Craftsman,” that’s a complilation of three records he put out for Warner Brothers in late 70s-early 80s: a self-titled album, The South Coast of Texas, and Better Days.

But I like his first couple of albums before that, Old No. 1 and Texas Cookin’ on RCA, which were much more raw country sounding, not as slick as the production got on some of those Warner Bros. albums. A lot of people prefer the Warners stuff, but I like the rootsier stuff he did earlier and later, after he left Warners. After a slow period of several years, he came back STRONG with Dublin Blues in the mid-90s, and to me it’s a great one for anyone into pure songwriting and non-commercial sounding country/folk/whatever.

He put out a great album just this winter (or fall?) called Workbench Songs. And the live thing he did with Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt, together at the Bluebird Cafe, is absolutely a must-have for fans of great singer-songwriters. I think that came out in 2000 or 2001.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Eware _ waiting to hear someone who had Spencer Dickinson. My man Don at EllaGuru gave it a great rec, but I didn’t want to pay full price for new copy unless I knew it was great. So it’s worth getting, huh?

You ever hear the Soledad Brothers? Band out of Detroit, raw and straight-ahead rockin’. Just listening to one of theirs this morning that I got when Tower was closing. Still got a small stack of unopened CDs I got in those closing weeks of Tower, going through them slowly, giving every one a good workout for a day or two of repeated listening.

By Hello,.....

January 23, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

…is there anybody in there?

just nod if you can hear me.

is there anyone home?????

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Shaun, you wrote: :”I’m not DOB, but I think I’m this blog’s unofficial spokesperson for the sabermetric/objective/statistical/whatever? approach.”

That title is yours, unopposed.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

NYM, you asked about LaRoche vs. your boys. He was 6-for-50 (.120) with two homers and seven RBIs against them last season, his worst stats against any team in three or more games. For his career, he had a .207 average (29-for-140 with six homers, 21 RBIs and a .682 OPS in 47 games against them, his worst against any NL team except Arizona.

By BB FAN

January 23, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I completely agree with you on Andruw. The guy averaged ~ 33 homers and 98 RBIs and collected 7 gold gloves in 7 years from 1998-2004. He did that while hitting 6th or 7th most of the time.

In 2005, at age 28, he hit 51 homers with 128 RBIs, won another gold glove. He followed that up with 41 homers, 129 RBIs and another gold glove in 2006 at age 29. He has accomplished these numbers as one of the few power hitters not suspected of performance enhancers.

He did all that while having the pressure of being the next Willie Mays.

I would say he has lived up to most expectations. The one he missed is hitting for as high an average as Willie Mays. However, the game is completely different today than it was in the 50’s and 60’s.

He is generally considered the best defensive centerfielder ever. Like Ozzie Smith was at shortstop.

Albert Pujols may be a better hitter, but Andruw’s a much better defender. And Andruw play’s a much harder position. There’s no comparison between centerfield and firstbase.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this

Jim, no problem. Just glad to hear back from you. I knew a Guy Clark fan couldn’t be so elitist as you came across in that first one bashing my choice of songs. If you’re a fan of his, figure you must be cool.

Moneyball, I think was way overblown and it’s already shown in subsequent seasons and in the Athletics’ own willingness to move outside the supposed blueprint that book described for team construction.

To me there has to be a balance between reliance upon esoteric stats and reliance on scouts who see it with their own eyes and know a player when they see a player. Neither is foolproof. But I agree with the notion that OPS and on-base percentage are at least as important as batting average, in most cases more so.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:04 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, how great is Todd Snider’s ode to Mike? Man, is that a great song….

Who washed every car in this 10-car garage?

Who carries the boombox and the entourage?

Me Mike, %$#dammit… me!

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:06 PM | Link to this

Lew, regarding this line: “Don’t you just love Robert’s “Everyone’s out of step but me” attitude?”

It’s Robert’s world, brother. (Bobby Cox is bad). We’re all just visiting. (Bobby Cox is bad)….

By Ron Condon

January 23, 2007 01:08 PM | Link to this

How can the Braves possibly let Andruw Jones get away after 2007? After reading the article on him on the Braves web site, it should be obvious to John Shuerholz et. al., that we need to keep this future hall of famer who is just now entering his prime. Andruw is an Atlanta treasure in that he’s humble, he’s generous, he plays hard every game and he puts up tremendous numbers. Who wouldn’t want someone like that, and the fact of the matter is that Andruw wants Atlanta. Greg Maddux said it best. Andruw is worth one run every night in center field, some nights three! So, JS, get the deal done now. Don’t wait ‘till next October when Scott Boros has the Red Sox and the Yankees salivating. And while you’re at it, get Turner Broadcasting to up the budget. You’ve been a miracle worker with that 80 million, but you shouldn’t have to be. Get it “upped.” Your real competition is the Mets and all those American League teams who spend 200 million a year.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:12 PM | Link to this

Scoreboard: How can anyone NOT like this bullpen? I mean, you start with those first three, plus McBride and what the Braves hope will be fully recovered Boyer … that’s nasty, man.

No shirt-tuckin’ back-slappers in that bunch! (wink)

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this

KDB, that was a damn funny line about your favorite Todd Snider song. Some irreverence and absurdity is good for us all.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 01:16 PM | Link to this

Robert, you wrote: “DOB - let’s compromise and talk reasonably -“

Naah, why start now?

By ernesto

January 23, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this

Alan, brave effort my man. But trying to talk sense to Robert about BC is only going to get you this-

“you’re a lemming, BC sucks, hee-haw, donkey, donkey, donkey.”

That’s the extent of his argument, and he’s made it over and over and over and over again…ad nauseum. Plus another 10 to 15 times today.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 01:19 PM | Link to this

Something else to continue to discussion and annoy everyone: I found something on baseballreference.com—the active leaders in AB/K.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/ABpSO_active.shtml

Most of these hitters are solid, but with the exception of the amazing Albert Pujols, Gary Sheffield and maybe Nomar Garciaparra, none are really perennial all stars or Hall of Famers or anything.

There’s really no relationship to the rankings on this list and overall offensive ability.

The number one player on this list is Juan Pierre, who has been an average to below average hitter throughout his career. His career AVG is slightly above average but his OBP is about average and his SLG is well below average. According to Runs Created, Pierre hasn’t been all that good offensively.

Now if good things happen when you make contact and contact is so important, wouldn’t you expect the number one player in baseball at making contact to be somewhat significantly above average in avoiding outs, etc.

Maybe he’s reaching base on a lot more errors than I realize, but aside from that he’s reaching base about 35 percent of his plate appearances—nothing special.

It’s even surprising to me that Pierre is just average because I would think a speedy guy who makes contact that much would be on base all the time. Seems that power/hitting the ball hard is even more important than even I thought.

By snowball's chance

January 23, 2007 01:26 PM | Link to this

Why does Robert rant? Because it works. He has monopolized a good portion of this blog. I think that is is his goal.

I have enjoyed DOB’s articles on Gonzales and KJ. I can’t wait for the season to start.

I tried to think of my favorite Guy Clark song but it is impossible because he has written so many. The rendition of Randle Knife on Together at the Bluebird Cafe is powerful. Every time I cash a check from my rental I think of LA Freeway. I like songs which could be short stories and Strangers Waiting for a Train fits the bill.

By Sam

January 23, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

Brilliant post Alan. It’s about time somebody laid out the facts. We all wish Los Bravos had more WS titles, but to call Cox a failure is absurd.

By Mitchie-san

January 23, 2007 01:42 PM | Link to this

Well, my ship is underway for a few months, so my posts will be sporatic at best…

Quick notes: Francour is a stud, his average will go up and his strikeouts will go down. Everyone things that he has been around forever, he is only 23….give him time!

By kg

January 23, 2007 01:45 PM | Link to this

My feeling is that Francour is still young and very athletic. He’s made it so far on his athletic abilities, just like Andruw in his younger years. They’re young, stubborn and think they’re invincible. They want to do it their way. Guys like that need to fail or hit a wall before they are open to change. A couple of years ago, Andruw got serious about his off season workouts. It may take Francour a couple of more years before he smartens up. If a guy is coming at it from that stand point, a good coach waits until he’s ready for the input. IF you try to force him to do something like becoming more disciplined, then it would probably backfire and you have really ruined him. As good as Leo was, I think that his abrasive manner ruined some good pitchers and forced the Braves to trade them. It was Leo’s way or the highway. That type of coaching mentality probably works better in football than baseball.

By KC

January 23, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this

By Scott Miller-Sportsline.com:

“Most improved teams:”*

“1 - Chicago Cubs. Not just because they spent the money. They lost 96 games last year, and they can’t be that bad again. They invested in Aramis Ramirez returning, they signed the best player on the market in Alfonso Soriano, and though Lilly and Marquis aren’t exactly Claude Passeau and Ferguson Jenkins … they’ll help.”

“2 - Atlanta. Acquiring Gonzalez this week from Pittsburgh was the masterstroke. The Braves badly needed bullpen help, and in Gonzalez and Soriano, they’ve gotten it.”

The article goes on to rank Boston-3, Phili-4, and Cleveland-5.

By KC

January 23, 2007 01:51 PM | Link to this

I agree with Scott Miller’s take on the most improved teams through personnel moves. But overall, when you factor in the return of Mike Hampton… I think Atlanta will be the most improved team in total (from the previous season).

If Hudson bounces back strong (no, I’m not talking about a Cy Young… just a return to his 04/05 form would be enough), then this team could go from a losing record in 2006 to over a 100 wins in 2007.

By KC

January 23, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this

DOB: Don’t leave Tyler Yates out when talking about potentially “nasty” relievers on this staff. Outside of his lousy month of August, he posted a 2.17 ERA last year with the Braves… and finished strong with a 2.70 in September.

I’m not saying “don’t count his August numbers”. I’m just saying that he was very nasty 3 of the 4 months he spent in Atlanta, and if he shows more consistency next year… he could wind up making the Braves more comfortable with the thought of moving Soriano to the rotation in 08.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

SI.com did a list of “Top 10 Reliever Pickups” of the winter, and the Braves and Indians each had two of the top five. Cleveland had Nos. 4 (Joe Borowski) and 3 (Keith Foulke) and Braves had Nos. 5 (Rafael Soriano) and their No. 1, Mike Gonzalez….

Man, you forget how great a CD is sometimes when you haven’t played it in a while. I’m loading “Fathers and Sons” into my computer for Ipod, and it’s just just an astounding album. Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Michael Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Sam Lay and Buddy Miles _ a blues lineup for the ages….

Oh, a just reallized I wrote something like “it’s a three-CD set of a two-CD compilation” earlier about Clark’s “Craftsman.” Meant to say, it’s a two-CD set that compiles his first three albums on Warner Bros.

By tokyobrave

January 23, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

So,let me see if I have it all: According to some… Bobby Cox is one of - if not the worst- Manager of all time - not a clue how to play small ball or teach or coach or manage a game or lead men, Francour (all 1 and 1/2 years in the bigs) is going down the crapper because of Cox and TP because hey, the kid just swings at way too many bad pitches, JS hasn’t a clue what is going on - doesn’t know a good trade if it were handed on a silver platter, certainly can’t manage a salary cap Chipper is just automtically going to miss a month maybe more. lots of psychic Dr.s in the house today, Kelly Johnson w/ potentially 20HR’s and .350+ OBP over Prado/Orr and their 2 HRs and ?OBP should not be given a chance to return to the infield where he has played for 95% of his baseball career and has had the best tutor in basebll, McDowell/Cox is the root of all 29 blown saves, Salty is the second coming of something - can’t hit the floor getting out of bed against any type of decent pitching - saw him out here in Phoenix….he needs ABs folks Andruw is a huge underachiever(projected HR total at 38 years old is just shy of 600 -AT 38!) with what about 18 Gold Gloves and apparently that’s Cox’s fault too - terrible guy this Cox. Gotta get rid of him for sure. And oh yeah, the most grevious, for sure gotta be true statement - the AJC tells DOB what to say and how to say it…be careful DOB those powerful AJC folks just love to take over a man’s thoughts…. About cover it? You guys need to start rooting for the Cubs or the Royals or the DRays. How do you think they feel? Would love to have our disasters I’m sure….. Lord have mercy. How do you folks get on with your day for surely the world is about to end. Is it Feb yet?

By TennesseePaul

January 23, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

none are really perennial all stars or Hall of Famers or anything

True, not everyone is a hall of famer. Most of those are just what we call “tough outs”. The types you don’t necessarily want to see in late innings with runners on exactly because they don’t strike out much. They put pressure on the defense. It’d be interesting if you could do a further analysis for everyone Payne (instead of the one deminsional one you’ve been preaching for the past week). Find out who these people were hitting in front of or behind and how well those players are doing. Pierre will probably be lack luster considering he played for the Cubs last season.

By eware

January 23, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this

DOB, Yeah I dig the Soledad Bros. I got their CD earlier this year - didn’t like it at first, but liked it more and more with every listen.

I don’t know if I’d feel comfortable recommending that you buy the Spencer Dickinson album at full price, but…

You did recommend that horrible Mason Jennings album, which I bought, so maybe this could be payback…

Naw, I bought that album for only $1. So, no payback needed. (ha!)

Anyways, buy the album at full price.

By NYM

January 23, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this

Thanx for the stats DOB. I was just wondering if there was an advantage for the Mets in the LaRoche trade.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 02:21 PM | Link to this

Moneyball, I think was way overblown and it’s already shown in subsequent seasons and in the Athletics’ own willingness to move outside the supposed blueprint that book described for team construction.

To me there has to be a balance between reliance upon esoteric stats and reliance on scouts who see it with their own eyes and know a player when they see a player. Neither is foolproof. But I agree with the notion that OPS and on-base percentage are at least as important as batting average, in most cases more so.

O’Brien,

I’m not anywhere near the A’s front office so I don’t know for sure, but it doesn’t seem to me the A’s have moved away from the “Moneyball” philosophy. Their philosophy is more about finding value than stats or OPS (although most of the way they find value is with stats because so many organization have a disdain for in-depth stat analysis).

The common misconception is that Moneyball was about OBP and power and ignoring defense and not bunting and firing scouts, etc. Actually it’s about finding value where others don’t see it. And about payroll efficiency—the A’s can’t afford to overvalue things or even spend a lot on things that are accurately valued so they must find undervalued things.

OBP has become fairly accurately valued throughout most organizations in the game, so Beane has switched to other undervalued skills, like certain aspects of defense.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 23, 2007 02:25 PM | Link to this

Hog Fan with No Name,

Thanks. You in the witness protection program??

Tennessee Paul,

Thanks. So you see Prado through the same eyes that I do.

DOB,

Thanks. I went home at lunch and dug up my East Nashville Skyline c.d. and Played me a Train Song all the way back to work….Now that, my friend, is as good as it gets.

By South Dakota Braves Fan

January 23, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

ROBERTS! there are 3 people according to me that you do not talk s** about! #1 Jesus our Lord and Savior #2 My Mother, God Bless Her! and #3 Bobby Cox, the best manager to ever step foot onto a baseball field! so why dont you find somewhere else to talk s**!

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 02:41 PM | Link to this

Yes, Yates and even Paronto was quite tough at times. But yes, I’d pencil in Yates for one of those final bullpen spots, if I was asked to predict now.

By Casey

January 23, 2007 02:48 PM | Link to this

The runs he takes away from the opposing teams, with his defense, are just as good as RBI’s.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 03:07 PM | Link to this

Nevertheless, he still hit 29 homers and drove in 103 runs. He’s a bit unusual himself, obviously. It’s tough to have a .293 OBP and nearly six times as many strikeouts as walks (23) and still say it was a productive year, but it was.

O’Brien,

If you cost your team an out in 70.7 percent of your plate appearances and you come to the plate more than anyone on the team, you are not productive offensively.

I’m not trying to bash Francouer (I think he’ll become a star soon) but 2006 was not a good year for him offensively. Francouer made 507 outs—that’s the equivalent of 169 scoreless innings. Francouer cost the Braves 169 innings without a run this season. He did it in 686 plate appearances. Most of the other players who made that many outs in a season did it in over 700 plate appearances.

The HR are good but the RBI were because he hit behind guys like Chipper, Andruw and McCann—guys who were often on-base for him.

The good things about Francouer in 2006 were his power, defense and salary. Plus the fact he was in the majors everyday learning. But it’s hard to do enough to make up for an out in over 70 percent of overall plate appearances—in terms of being better than your average fringe rightfielder.

By Kieran from Long Island

January 23, 2007 03:11 PM | Link to this

A bit of a Trivia Question….

I was looking up the old Box Scores from the 1995 World Series and was suprised to find that Rafael Belliard started all 6 games at SS for the Braves. He went 0-16 and was replaced by a Pinch hitter once, with Mike Mordacai taking his spot in the field. I was only about 11 when the World Series happen, so i didnt remember that Blauser didnt play in the World Series. He played in the NLCS so I’m guessing there was an injury somewhere inbetween. Can someone help refresh my memory on how Blauser went down?

Belliard probably went down as the weakest starting shortstop for a World series winning team, (I remember his great glove too, but 2 errors for Rafy in the ‘95 series, not good)

Here is a great article I dug up on the 95 world series, highlighting Glavine outstanding performance, and the bitter feud between the Braves and the Indians. It’s a great read, check it out…

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/features/1998/wsarchive/1995.html

By kinley

January 23, 2007 03:21 PM | Link to this

KC: I’d also like to point out that if Kyle Davies can stay healthy over a full season and keep his head on straight, then he should become yet another upgrade to the rotation. He’s got promise, but he needs some things to fall in his favor.

By bruce

January 23, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this

Please Recommend a Hotel in Atlanta

I live in DC area and catch Braves vs Nats, Phillies and Bucs (maybe Mets this year too). Been years since I made roadtrip to Atlanta, ready to make plans now. Looking for hotel that is walking distance to Marta and reasonable price. Trying to completely avoid rental car. Thanks! Bruce

By scoreboard

January 23, 2007 03:31 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Don’t get me wrong. I do LOVE this ‘pen. I was just interested in your professional opinion of who would fill the last spot or two. I wasn’t sure if Boyer was completely healthy, but it sounds like he may be. That can only be good news.

Really…when was the last time a Braves team went into a season wondering who they would leave out of the ‘pen - rather than who they can scrape together? I’ve been following the team since the early 70s, and I don’t remember the Braves ever entering a season with such potential in the relief corps.

By Ron Roberts

January 23, 2007 03:36 PM | Link to this

I’ll go on the record as saying that the Braves had no business being in the playoffs, were it not for Bobby Cox, in…

1991

1993

2002

2004

2005

After that, you can take the nine other postseason Braves’ teams and nit-pick about playoff results, all ya want.

1991…probably tbe best World Series of all-time, and hard to question anything anybody did aside from the ump who watched Hrbek tackle our runner, and Lonnie Smith for booting the game 7 clinching run he’d have run in.

1992…I still think this team was over-achieving this season, but I think we lacked a second shut down starter that year, and faced a better-hitting squad in Toronto.

1993…the year we overcame the Giants’ 100-win season to clip ‘em on the last weekend of the season. You kiddin’ me? They were flat worn-down by the pennant run. Pure and simple.

1995… won the World Series despite not being the better team, top-to-bottom in the series. Clearly, that was s’posed to be Cleveland’s year, right?

1996…still stings to recall this one, but Cox did what he was supposed to do…he counted on his closer to close out a win at home, and it didn’t work - which was rare that season. Mark Wohlers was an assett to that team that year, and it’s a shame this is all we remember about him.

1997…we got jobbed in the NLCS in Game Seven. And let’s remember, Huizenga spent beaucoup bucks to “win” the Series that year, and still didn’t do enough to beat Atlanta in the regular season.

1998…I’ll never forget the one Cox blunder I’ll always question… Ryan Klesko at first? This is a series we should have won.

1999…amazed we got to the World Series… we lacked offensive firepower big time, and it got us against the Yanks.

2000…SO let-down by the team’s performance against the Cardinals. This was the start of the no-shows at home playoff games, too.

After that, you could argue (with much validity, I say) that the Braves were outmanned in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005. The 2003 squad could have done better, but when you think back to that rotation, it’s scary to consider that our shut down guy was Mike Hampton, who wasn’t back at the top of his game like he was before going to Colorado. Smoltz pitched out of the ‘pen back then, and we countered Cub pitchers’ heat with corner-painting Maddux and Russ freaking Ortiz!! Oh, and Shane (fifth starter) Reynolds. shudder

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

Simple request: Could someone tell me if you’re seeing posts since 2 p.m., because within the office and our company intranet (which I’m on), can’t see any since then, even though plenty are showing up in the backlog place where they go for the 5-minute delay (sorry if I have no idea about the tech terms for these things).

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this

OK, nevermind, now they just came in a one-shot posting of everything since 2 p.m.

Did you people see anything posted between then and now, or did you, too, just get them in one shot?

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 03:49 PM | Link to this

KC,

I’m a little skeptical about Soriano, Lilly and Marquis being worth the money and making that much of a difference. The Cubs finished next to last in runs scored and allowed the third-most in the NL. Same old song and dance with them—if Prior and Wood are healthy, they might be okay, but that’s looking less and less likely every season.

The good news is they were so bad, the only way to go is up. The bad news is they haven’t really done much to go up all that far.

The Braves improved their pitching and took a hit offensively. The bad news—the loss in offense may have negated the pitching improvements. The good news—even if they finish with a similar run differential as they did last season, they should finish with a better record for the sheer fact that they should be more fortunate in close games.

By Fan with No Name

January 23, 2007 03:55 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly: After the way the Hogs finished the football season and with the current junior-high drama surrounding the “Springdale Connection”, I feel like going into hiding. But in reality, just a big fan of Clint Eastwood’s “man with no name” and liked the play on words.

Oh, and by the way DOB, can’t remember if I ever thanked you for the McMurtry recommendations. Didn’t expect his lyrics to be so raw on occassion, but he’s a great songwriter and I really like his “sing-speak” style.

By MBATL

January 23, 2007 04:01 PM | Link to this

Regarding the ‘pen… does anyone know if Paronto is out out of options? I think he he is, so will get a longer look for a spot.

I would assume that Wickman, Soriano, Gonzalez, McBride, and Villarreal have 5 of the 7 spots locked up, assuming no surprises or injuries.

Seems that Paronto probably will get a spot if he’s out of options, and then it’s between Yates, Devine, Cormier, and Boyer for the final spot.

I really like Yates - he may have the best stuff out there. But I’d like to see Boyer and Devine get a shot too. Cormier strikes me as a guy you call up if one of your starters goes on the DL.

Last year, we used 26 pitchers! Of course, trades and demotions caused a lot of that and hopefully we won’t approach that number in ‘07, but there’s no harm in having a couple of good arms down on the farm for when guys get hurt.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 04:06 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

You say contact = tough outs. If this is true, you’d expect the contact rankings to be at least somewhat similar to the OBP rankings (since OBP is basically the measurement of how good a player is at making outs).

Looking at the two lists side-by-side, I don’t see too much of a similarity there. I know this is not scientific or anything, but it seems to me that contact ability doesn’t have too much of a relationship with being a tough out.

By geauxbraves2000

January 23, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

If I recall correctly, Blauser was hurt and actually not even on the WS roster. That play by Belliard in the clinching game 6 was the key to the entire WS; it kept a pesky Kenny Lofton off of base that inning, then a few pitches later the Braves were WS Champs. I don’t think anyone else on that team makes that play besides Belliard. A gold star to Glavine, Justice, Wohlers and Belliard for that game.

Good times.

Geaux Braves!!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 23, 2007 04:22 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I’ve had hour long blog delays at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m. today.

By michael

January 23, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

WOW! Reading that story about the ‘95 series was great. Kinda hurt a little though. I’m a lifetime Braves fan that agonized over every pitch of the previous and later attempts at a WS title. Wouldn’t you know they’d win it all while I was at boot camp and couldn’t watch it!!!! I heard about it 2 days after the fact! Still waiting to see a WS win for myself.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 23, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

Actually longer than an hour. Closer to two hours…..

By Fan with No Name

January 23, 2007 04:26 PM | Link to this

Yes, one shot. Same thing seemed to happen between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.

By Shaun

January 23, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Don’t get me wrong—a lot of the guys on the AB/K list have respectable OBP’s but not many of them are also on the active OBP list.

And many of the guys on the OBP list don’t strikeout a ton but not many are in the list of the best AB/K ratios.

So, avoiding strikeouts is relatively important because strikeouts are outs. But it’s not too much of a concern if outs are made via the strikeout.

I would rather have a team made up of the OBP leaders as opposed to a team made up of the AB/K leaders. I would no doubt score more runs with the OBP leaders.

By scoreboard

January 23, 2007 04:30 PM | Link to this

DOB:

In answer to your question - although the blog has gotten quite bogged down, I did not see the symptoms you describe. To me, the posts seemed to appear in a relatively timely fashion.

By Joe Fan

January 23, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

Ok so here is my adcance scouting report on the songwriters tour.

BTW, I only new their names not their music, I was going in someone elses place. The seat was second row of the orchestra pit. The show was very very good. I’ll be checking out more of them all.

Ok so each artist took turns playing in alphabetical order, they each played 4 songs then they played a song together. John and Joe sometimes joined the each other or Lyle of Guy while they played.

Lyle covered a Guy Clark song and some song writer from Spartanburg those were the best two songs of the show.

Also, the second song John Hiatt played with Riding w/ the Kind. Each musician talked before each song. Lyle is very awkward when he talks on stage, it is almost embarassing to watch and when he talks to John Hiatt, John then gets real awkward and tongue tied as well.

The enconre each played one song then they played a Jesse Whinchester song together to end the show.

By rammerjammer

January 23, 2007 04:32 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I was having the same problems. Hit “refresh” and kept getting the same page with the last post at 2 p.m.

It’s done that a couple of times today.

By dgd

January 23, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this

Dave—Someone asked you a while back about the minor league catcher Clint Sammons. Did I miss your reply? I’m also curious what you hear from the Braves braintrust about his potential as a major leaguer……

By TennesseePaul

January 23, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this

You say contact = tough outs. If this is true, you’d expect the contact rankings to be at least somewhat similar to the OBP rankings

No. I’m saying, a striking out is an easy out. Easy out is a strike out. Why? Because it has 1 possible out come, it’s an out. Anything else has more than 1 possible out come. The strike out requires the fewest defenders to complete, less chance of error. Less chance of a runner scoring or advancing or reaching base.
And no, I wouldn’t expect a lot of contact to result in a high OBP. You still miss the point every time don’t you Payne?

DOB, yes. The posts have been popping up in massive groups. Makes conversing complicated.

By Choppin Bob

January 23, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this

DOB there was a problem but I went back to main page and came back in and we were in business like the new bullpen.

By just Bob, plain and simple

January 23, 2007 04:40 PM | Link to this

David, a pinched nerve in my neck greatly inhibits my computer activities these days but I thought I’d get on for a few minutes while my wife wasn’t looking … I just read the lead topic and a few of the posts.

Good read on Frenchy … I personally don’t like the strong “I gotta be me” song he sings but it might just allow him to retain his boyish emtheusium throughout his career while others quickly exchange that for a “businessman” approach.

You and Lew should go easy on Robert … he obviously has focus and is a man of strong belief!

Besides, getting your players to give their best year-in, year-out isn’t his criterion for evaluating a manager … winning short series, now that’s managing!

“Dear God, Thank you for the baby brother … but what I prayed for was a puppy!”

Carol just caught me … goodnight Gracie

By Kieran from Long Island

January 23, 2007 04:47 PM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000, thanks for that fill-in, another one of those instances of something that doesn’t show up in the box score.
Every so often ESPN Classics has that game 6 on, hopefully they reair it soon, I’d love to give it anotehr look.

Blauser def was not on teh roster, i was just wondering how he got hurt in that NLCS sweep of the Reds.

He was definatly one of my all time favorites him and Lemke flew under the radar nearly all of their successful careers.

By crs

January 23, 2007 04:50 PM | Link to this

The problem with the braves today is the same two problems we have had for the last 15 years. One, this team has no speed and can not manufacture runs. Two, the whole team is a freeswinger certainly just not Francoeur. You top that off with the pitching not being anywhere close to the heydey when we had Glavine, Smoltz and Avery or Maddux. Bobby Cox plays what I like to call American League Home Run Ball in other words sit back and wait for the three run homer, the only problem is we play a man down because we do not have a DH. Based on what I see now, this team will not win 70 games next year.

By Tonight on TBS

January 23, 2007 04:54 PM | Link to this

First time on cable, Oscar nominee for best screenplay:

Children of Mets (2006)

In the year 2027, the Mets’ youngest minor leaguer is 35 years old and has just been called up to the big leagues. Their farm system is facing the likelihood of extinction. Children of Mets follows the unexpected discovery of a lone prospect, the grandson of Pedro Martinez, and the desperate journey to deliver him to spring training and restore hope of a future for New York’s other team.

By knowitall

January 23, 2007 05:03 PM | Link to this

I’m a little behind on the blog so forgive me for bringing up a subject that may already be closed but I’m just curious: Even though it is not going to happen, why were people getting so excited about the Vick for Moss/Porter rumor? People in Atlanta critisize Vick for not being a leader, being a thug, etc. And just what is it about Moss and Porter that makes you think they are any different? True Moss has all of the talent in the world but he is older than Vick and hasn’t lived up to his potential. Moss has openly said that HE PLAYS WHEN HE WANTS TOO. Yeah, sounds like he’s a leader to me. I just don’t understand it. I mean what has Randy Moss done since he went to Oakland that makes anyone believe that he would be an upgrade over the current receivers we have? I won’t even discuss Porter because he essentially just sat out a year. Yes, Vick could have handled some situations differently but in truth has he done anything to rival trying to hit a police officer with a car? The person that you want as your new team leader has done that.

By Fodor Freeman

January 23, 2007 05:04 PM | Link to this

Please Recommend a Hotel in Atlanta Dinkler Plaza

Looking for hotel that is walking distance to Marta and reasonable price. Dinkler Plaza

By ernesto

January 23, 2007 05:04 PM | Link to this

Last comment on Robert’s rare case of “Bobby sucks” Turret’s - if Torre is such a genius (and I like Joe) compared to Bobby, why hasn’t Joe won since, what 2000? With that payroll? And an All-Star at every base? He must be one really, really lousy manager to have not managed to pull a good performance out of those stud players for the last 6 years.

By Mitchie-san

January 23, 2007 05:18 PM | Link to this

As far as I am concered, keep Porter and Moss. I would want that #1 overall pick. Id do it straight up for him. To be able to get out from underneath that ridiculous contract he has is motivation enough. He had his shot to lead this tea, and he hasnt. Simple as that. But I digress…..

We now return you to our regularly scheduled blogging. (baseball)

By TK

January 23, 2007 05:20 PM | Link to this

OK…I am going to start this up…again. I think the Braves should call Tampa and offer any number of the excess inf’s or rp’s even Diaz…Pena, Orr, Devine…for Crawford. He IS a leadoff player…just been hitting lower cause the Ray’s stink. You go in make the offer…if they say no way…punt them for the rest of the year. The Rays need to look at what JS did with Pittsburg. JS had a ace card in Adam and got what he wanted and needed.

By CC Rider

January 23, 2007 05:21 PM | Link to this

Dear Robert, I am a former member of the “Bobby Cox is an Idiot Club”. I am now a reformed member after pulling my head out of my “A**. I have been a faithful and often foolish fan since the Braves moved here. I too cursed and ranted at the game decisions and personel choices during the 90’s that Bobby made in the playoffs and still feel that is the weakest part of his “game”. What may you ask changed my mind from cursing him to respecting him for the job he has done? It is looking at the overall history of sports and baseball in particular. Every manager and head coach like every player is incomplete or flawed. Bobby Cox is too. The revelation that I finally arrived at is his strong points far outweigh his shortcomings. You mostly point to his playoff mistakes that upset you the most and yes there are many, but the fact is if you go back to any manager ( JOE TORRE for example leading 3-0 and being the first in history to lose) and you will also find ,depending on how long they survive, just as many screwups. The conclusion I came to is this. Bobby Cox may be the best manager or coach in the history of sports in one very important area. He has coached great players, bad players and problem players with a great degree of success because he has a style that allows his players to play to their potential with a supportive manager and teammates and not the devisive atmosphere that prevades most lockrooms and dugouts. It is his handling of the players that has made them so consistent and harmonious even in years like last year when so much went wrong. This tends to make them overachieve in the regular season and when they face the pressure of the postseason the pressure becomes selfimposed and they struggle or they face superior teams and can’t rise to the occasion. Robert, you can talk about any manager you would prefer to Bobby, but the fact is they are also flawed and don’t point out the Yankees of the late 90’s. They were able to do what the Braves couldn’t. The payroll greatly increased and they were able to fill all the holes on thier team: Bullpen,Bench Starting rotation and Starting lineup. The Braves always had a couple of weak positions in the field, bullpens or both. So join the reform movement, pull for the team as a whole, because if you ask the players ( and they are the ones that count) Bobby has made it just that, A TEAM, not a group of separate parts and a group that plays, practices and goes to war together as a team will come the nearest to reaching their potential and the Braves have done that for 15 years.

By accountant ronnie smith

January 23, 2007 05:41 PM | Link to this

according to accountant ronnie smith tabulations, much space on blog is wasted on lengthy tirades from “robert” about bobby cox. accountant has spreadsheet to prove this.

donkeys typing at random have higher probability of creating more intelligent posts than robert.

DOB allows “robert” to get away with this because he is liberal member of media. new york post would crack down on “robert”, maybe have donald trump do op-ed, call him slob.

By Lew

January 23, 2007 05:51 PM | Link to this

DOB-Is it at all possible, given the depth of the bullpen, that Boyer be sent down to Richmond as a starter? I thought I had heard once that he had started in the past. If he is capable, it seems like it might be a worthwhile move, especially with Smoltz and Hampton’s contracts up in a couple years.

By Head Coach

January 23, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this

Lew , not a bad idea. They should go ahead and send Cormier to Richmond after spring training. Then put him in the rotation because he would provide depth for the starters and because he has no chance at making the Braves 25 man roster.

By Robert

January 23, 2007 06:23 PM | Link to this

“Perhaps if he was running the team into the ground”

Grinch, what exactly would constitute running the team into the ground? I mean, he wouldve had to shoot at least five guys in the foot (besides himself) to keep the mid 90’s team from getting to the playoffs. He’s a donkey, not a felon

By MBATL

January 23, 2007 06:29 PM | Link to this

I think Cormier is also out of options… if we’re gonna play pretend GM, gotta play by the rules… so if we don’t put him on the 25-man roster we risk losing him. I don’t know if that’s a great loss or not. He’s versatile, but pretty mediocre in all roles.

Lew, good thought on moving Boyer to starting. I do think he started some in the lower minors.

By Don

January 23, 2007 07:00 PM | Link to this

No Robert, he’s not a donkey. But you’re an idiot.

Since you continually shriek for attention and throw $hit against the wall, your new name is Monkey.

Oooh oooh ah ah

By ernesto

January 23, 2007 07:05 PM | Link to this

As much as I hated seeing French lunge for teh low and away pitch (3 inches above the dirt, 18 inches into the oppostie batter’s box) you’ve got to give the kid props for what he did in his first MLB full season. I mean we’re counting - COUNTING - on this kid giving us super star numbers and last year…he had more RBI than some superstars like Manny Ramirzez, JD Drew, Jeter, Big Mig,,,the list goes on. He was 33rd in RBIs in all of MLB. Not bad for a sophmore slump year. Now if he’s just quit diving at that low and away ball…

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 23, 2007 07:06 PM | Link to this

I know this is a Brave’s blog, but I have to chime in on this. This rumored Porter/Moss/#1 pick for Vick trade is 1,000 times more laughable than any of my “proposterous” trades concerning the Braves. I cannot believe that I have actually read where people on here are advocating this trade! Are you fing serious?!!! Let me get this straight. You want to trade a player whom granted has not lived up to his potential yet and whose worse offense really is that he flipped off some jackass fans who were razzing him for Randy Moss and Jerry Porter. Perhaps, you folks are unfamilar with these find upstanding young men. Randy Moss once said he only plays when he wants to play and has never apologized for that statement nor backed away from it. This is the same guy who tried to hit a police officer with his car! A police officer! With his car! The same Randy Moss who actually was caught with weed. Not a substance that “has a similar aroma”. This is the guy who went on national radio back in the early part of the season and said he simply wasn’t trying when he played. He didn’t try hard at practice or the games. He just really didn’t give a st! Now, what about Jerry Porter. Here is a guy who repeatedly butted heads with Jon Gruden because Gruden chose to start two future Hall of Famers (Rice and Brown) ahead of him. Here is a guy who told his coach to go “f*k himself. Here is a guy who refused to play a game this year and then stood on the sidelines and cheered for the other team.

These are the guys you want on the Falcons? These are upgrades over Michael Vick? Vick is a thug? You’re right. He is so much worse than a guy who attempted to hit a police officer or a guy who openly cheered for his team to lose.

I want all these people who want Vick gone so bad and Moss and Porter to arrive to answer me this. How many times has Vick cheered for the other team? How many times has Vick refused to play a game? How many times has Vick went on a national radio or television and said that he only plays when he wants and he doesn’t even try that hard?

The hatred for Vick in this city is almost as perplexing as the constant ripping of Chipper Jones. It is damn near sickening. You know what? As much as I love the Falcons, I hope the trade goes through. I hope all of these “critics” get their wish. Two weeks into the season we’ll see how you are feeling. We’ll see if you still love your new additions. I hope the Falcons have a great season with a known criminal and malcontent and another guy who refused to play a game.

Oh, and those wanting that #1 pick to get Brady Quinn. I think Quinn will be a good quarterback but take it from someone who lives 30 minutes from his stomping grounds at Notre Dame, if you think Vick is arrogant wait til you get a load of this guy. The only reason he wasn’t even more openly cocky than he was was because he knew Weis would whip his a**.

Hope the trade goes through and good luck!

By Robert

January 23, 2007 07:21 PM | Link to this

“I’m surprised Robert doesn’t add Marv Levy to his all burro list.”

Marv Levy - the guy who had his team so prepared for the Super Bowl that their star running back ran onto the field without his helmet

Levy IS a burro. But I dont give a hoot about the Buffalo Bills, so his stupidity doesnt bother me

The only reason I mentioned Shottenheimer was that watching his team lose a game it had no business losing just reminded me so much of Cox. I could care about the Chargers, or Shottenheimer, so long as the Falcons dont hire him

“For the record, I agree with you that his teams tend to underachieve in the post-season and all things considered we should have another ring or two (and made it past the first round a couple of times we didn’t), but it’s not exactly to the point where they suck “

Grinch, I just dont see how you can love the team, agree to this extent, and then not point a finger at the burro and not even care that they dont replace him

It seems to me that folks fall into four categories

1)Folks who see the problem and resign themselves to the Braves never winning another ring

2)Folks who see the problem but content themselves with RELATIVE (as compared to expectations) mediocrity, cloaked in the guise of a division title streak

3)Folks who remain blind to the problem, either because they dont WANT to see it, or because they have bought into the apologist theories so thoroughly that they are blinded to it

4)Folks who think Cox really is a good manager

It aint easy being a number 1

It’s VERY easy, but sad, to be a number 3

I cant help you if you’re a number 4. (I’d be surprised if you can read this if you are REALLY a number 4) - Most 4’s are actually 3’s who dont know it yet, or wont admit it to themselves

If you’re a number 2 - How can you call yourself a true fan if you cant get passionate about a glaring problem with your team. The arguement might be that so close so many times in a row somehow makes up for squandering golden opportunities that many a major leaguer would give his nonthrowing arm for to get just ONE chance, let alone umpteen. I dont buy that, and never will

By Bruce

January 23, 2007 07:25 PM | Link to this

Fodor: Thanks! Here is what I found…

Atlanta’s Dinkler Plaza Hotel was razed in 1972, and the acre of land on which the hotel had been located was sold for a reported $7.7 million in 1988.

By Robert

January 23, 2007 07:25 PM | Link to this

“Bobby Cox is the greatest. I’d trust him with my life. In fact, if I ever have a kid, I want Bobby to deliver it…Sorry, I just wanted to raise Robert’s blood pressure.”

Your lack of sense and lack of respect for your own life doesnt raise my blood pressure one bit. I do feel sorry for your children

By Robert

January 23, 2007 07:29 PM | Link to this

By South Dakota Braves Fan

January 23, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

“ROBERTS! there are 3 people according to me that you do not talk s* about! #1 Jesus our Lord and Savior #2 My Mother, God Bless Her! and #3 Bobby Cox, the best manager to ever step hoof onto a baseball field! so why dont you find somewhere else to talk s*!”

Oh oh. Sounds like someone is gonna cyber-kick my butt if I dont stop.

By Robert

January 23, 2007 07:40 PM | Link to this

CCRider - I agree with you that this is the strong point of Cox’s style. I disagree, however, about its relative importance among the set of skills a manager needs to possess

These are big boys he is managing. What you are saying is that Cox lets the spoiled brats run wild. I agree with Bird Dawg’s assessment on this

Bottom line is results. Y’all will keep saying that the winning pct and division title strike show results. I will continue to assert (not contend, but assert) that with the teams he had, 1 for 15 is a far stronger indicator of INcompetence than 14 straight is an indicator of greatness (or even basic competence)

That’s what this will always come down to.

Y’all think that a guy who gets dealt pocket aces every hand is the best poker player in town and that it’s proven because he once won a single poker tournament. This belief is so ridiculously flawed -

I guess I cant expect anyone who cant see the flaws of this line of thinking being able to understand logic

By Robert

January 23, 2007 07:45 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts - The 1993 Braves got 973.1 innings with a 3.01 ERA out of their top four starters. BESIDES adding the reigning and to-be NL Cy Young winner to future HOFers Glavine and Smoltz, they were treated to Steve Avery’s best season ever - 18-6, 2.94, 223.1 IP

Besides that they had four reliever sgive them over 250 more innings with individual ERA’s of 2.86 or lower

And they added a HOF bat in the prime of hos career at mid-season.

To contend that the 1993 Braves had no business making the playoffs were it not for managerial genius is patently AB-frickin-SURD

By joe brave

January 23, 2007 07:53 PM | Link to this

Here’s a better idea Robert how bout you buy the Braves and hire your own damned manager until the shut up b/c you’ll never e in the category of Bobby Cox!!!! ever monkey boy

By Fodor Freeman

January 23, 2007 08:03 PM | Link to this

Bruce, sorry for the bad info. I was looking at an old Fodor issue. You may want to try something close to the Georgia Aquarium - then take the Aquarium Shuttle to the game. Check out the Omni Hotel at CNN Center. Fodor

By Greg in TN

January 23, 2007 08:14 PM | Link to this

Hey everyone…

I think Francoeur is going through the same adjustment and growing pains that most guys do when they play during their first few years in the league. The assertions that Frenchy is going to be ‘ruined’ by BC or Pendleton is as laughable as the assertion that AJ was ‘ruined’ on the same premise.

I look to 2007 with hope that Salty will have a better time at the dish than he had last season in Mississippi. Was wanting to try and catch a Tennessee Smokies homestand when the Braves were in town but never got untangled from work and other things going on to get over there to see him. Got to get over there this year and show the AA Braves some love.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 23, 2007 08:21 PM | Link to this

Robet, your obsession with Cox is beginnig to be quite disturbing. I will respectively disagree with your view of Cox. I’m just curious. Who do you think should be managing the team?

By Reality Check

January 23, 2007 08:47 PM | Link to this

If you people are going to continually feed Robert’s sick obsession by responding to his rants or even — God in heaven, NO! — ask for his opinion, then don’t turn around and get upset that he never shuts up.

It’s called being an enabler, people.

By Robert

January 23, 2007 08:49 PM | Link to this

“Who do you think should be managing the team?”

Short answer, medium answer, or long answer?

Short answer - Anybody but Cox

Medium answer - Anybody but Cox, Hargrove, Valentine, Bowa, Head Coach, Tennessee Paul, or Carolina Lady

Long answer - There are only so many games a year where a manager can really affect things positively. More than anything, his job is to get the team ready, to put people in position to succeed, and to be able to analyze and to come up with a rational and logical REASONING for what he is or is not doing. Managerial decisions will sometimes backfire - and this doesnt always mean the manager did wrong. In the same sense, managers get very lucky and escape a mistake. (Endy Chavez kept the jockey silks off of Willie Randolph last postseason, for example.)

That said, there a very few standout managers - When you have a chance to hire one, you persue it aggressively.

Was Leyland available to the Braves? If so, he shoulda been hired. If Torre becomes available, he should get a long look. This past offseason, I personally would have been after Girardi like a fly on stink as soon as the Marlins let him go

At this point, anything that would purge this organization of the ever-permeating but totally flawed lax attitude and playoff crapshoot philosophy would be a start.

You collect and throw out the trash and see what’s left of the infrastructure before you make your final plans for redecorating the house

I can see that someone who has been brainwashed by the apologists but who has some doubts about Cox (tho they may not be ready to come out into the open yet for fear of ridicule), I can see where such a person might think that he has to know who the replacement will be (to justify it to themselevs by being certain the replacement will be an improvement)

I’m not in that camp. Fix this problem, on an interim basis if you want to be sure proper due diligence is done before a replacement is hired

Anybody but Cox

By Robert

January 23, 2007 08:59 PM | Link to this

“so consistent and harmonious even in years like last year when so much went wrong.”

Consistant and harmonious can help get a team to the playoffs.

Cross the fine line to complacent and unmotivated and it will keep a playoff team from attaining its true potential

This is the problem. The issue is to correct it, without altering it to such an extent that you lose it’s positive effects.

In other words, it’s cool to have a harmonious clubhouse. It’s cool to show up your players. It’s cool to keep team business team business.

If Cox a plus as a manager, it is in fact this. Every wary and practical joke doesnt become a National Enquirer Headline

Cox has, however, taken it too far. His players SHOULD be respected and happy to be in a good work environment. They have, however, as a whole, become fat and happy with extending a division title streak, because it can be attained with relative ease and without giving up the comforts of the lax but harmonious clubhouse.

If things have to get a little acrimoniuous and unpleasant in order to get the job done, then the Braves players are more than content to leave it at a division title.

And Cox is not about to rock the boat

This is the flaw

Any professional athlete that calls themselves a true competitor can have nothing but contempt for it - I dont care what they say in public to be politically correct to the good ole boy club

Tell me if you think the 96 and 99 Braves (or the 97 Marlins or the 98 Padres by the time those Series ended) respected the Braves as real contenders - If you do, you are completely disillusioned

If they got down a run or two or a game or two, they looked over at the opposing bench and knew they’d be ok

By 04, that healthy contempt (this time for the Red Sox) had crossed another fine line, to arrogance. And thus the Yankees lost after leading 3 games to nil

Another story. Another team’s problem. Not a reason not to solve our team’s problem

By Robert

January 23, 2007 09:03 PM | Link to this

That should say “It’s cool to not show up your players”

By Robert

January 23, 2007 09:16 PM | Link to this

To put it the context of parenting, Cox’s kids always love him. But when they are growing up, kids should at times, at the moment, not feel that way - Every kid (every ballplayer) has times when what the manager has to do is something the child wont like (at the moment)

He doesnt give the tough love players need. Put that together with truly low level abilities as an ingame startegists, and it’s the perfect recipe for having to create excuses for a string of playoff teams

I just cant fathom this “They were so good and he is so great” (that they got to the playoffs 14 years running) and at the same time “They just werent really that good” (to explain why they constantly flopped in the playoffs)

It’s such a glaringly self-contradictory philosophy, and yet the majority of this forum’s readers and bloggers are brainwashed by it to the point of not just believing it but vehemently defending it

The bile that is spewed at ME. The constant repetition of questions that I have explicitly and clearly answered time and time again, only have them reasked - It tells. Y’all dont want to consider my reasoning and my answers possible, because to do so would force you to realize this contradictory philosophy y’all continue to live and espouse. And you cant deal with it

A few of you know it (and you know who you are) - and express it cautiously, ever so careful not to blaspheme against the donkey deity and thereby earn the rancor of the lemmings

Myself and Bird Dawg - we’ll continue to shout the truth from the rooftops, public opinion be damned.

Lead em to the water, and fork em if they refuse to drink

By N8

January 23, 2007 09:19 PM | Link to this

Robert

You said:

*”Y’all think that a guy who gets dealt pocket aces every hand is the best poker player in town and that it’s proven because he once won a single poker tournament.”

Brilliant. What about the poker player that gets dealt 5 ACES? LOL!

While baseball can be a game of cat and mouse (between pitcher and hitter), I’m not sure you can apply “bluffing” and check-raising to Baseball. But fair enough.

Imagine this scene at the poker table:

Bobby: “I see it’s the 8th inning. I’ll raise you ‘2 innings of Mark Wohlers’.

Joe Torre: “Oh yeah. I’m all in.”

Torre then proceeds to flip his cards over. All he has is a Jim Leyritz.

The flop is: Fast ball, Fastball and a fouled off fast ball. (a VERY good flop for Bobby)

The turn comes……whew! Another fouled off fast ball. We’ve got em’ right where we want em’. (Joe Torre only has one out.)

Bobby sweats as the dealer burns a card and is about to show the river……..Oh! NUTZ! The ONLY card in the deck that would do him in. It’s the dreaded “hanging slider”.

Hand and tournament over. All in one swift flip of a card.

By KC

January 23, 2007 09:20 PM | Link to this

Robert: My God man… you have got to seek professional help for your Bobby Cox fixation. Please tell me you’re not sending him threatening letters, because you’re starting to scare me!

By Robert

January 23, 2007 09:26 PM | Link to this

If he’s so good at keeping the peace and all, dress him in silks, give him a whistle and some pom poms, and let him lead the cheering section

Just remove game stategy from his list of responsibilities

By Eric

January 23, 2007 09:30 PM | Link to this

Hey BirdDawg are you stupid. I live in Missouri and I saw Pujols when he was in college and guess what he was great. He had great decipline and it wasnt taught to him. With that being said Andruw Jones is a better player than Pujols. Andruw hits more homeruns and knocks in more runs than Pujols. Isnt scoring runs the goal in offense not being on base. Also dont forget Pujols has one of the greatest third basemans batting behind him and Andruw had a catcher in his first full big league season. Oh by the way, check how many double plays Pujols hits into since he has been in big leagues. Then compare that to Andruw. Also wasnt it Francouer who didnt hit into a double play until like June last year. Yay it was.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this

My goodness, Robert, I’m starting to get concerned about you: Check the posts, man. You’re talking to yourself for more than an hour now, completely dominating the blog. Dude, chill. Relax. Get a hobby. Get another topic, for the love of mankind!

Actually, this is a perfect metaphor, or whatever you’d like to call it (insanity might be better term): The State of the Union address is on, and for the entire first 40 minutes, Robert has given us his state of the manager speech _ the one he’s provided 4,329 times so far, without converting a single soul. Not one, near as I can tell.

Oh, and by the way, there’s been no discussion whatsoever about changing managers. But feel free to keep expending your energies and tilting at those windmills, Don Quixote.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 09:56 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Robert (JIB), you’re responsible for this latest rash of mind-numbing missives. You encouraged him.

On a bright note (I guess), it usually takes me an hour or so to read and reply to all the posts when I’ve been away 5-6 hours. This time, I was able to completely skip past three-quarters of them simply by glancing at the screen name.

For while I love listening to some CDs again and again, and watching a good movie several times, I’ve read this script too many times to have the least bit of interest of get anything remotely enjoyable out of it. So I’ll pass.

By Alan

January 23, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Robert, do you honestly think that any professional baseball team can be “complacent and unmotivated” when it reaches the playoffs? And do you honestly think the manager (Bobby Cox in this case) really makes a difference in his team’s attitude come playoff time? You must be manager of a little league team because that’s what you sound like. So, according to your logic, the Yankees have been “unmotivated” since their last WS win because clearly they’ve had the most talent in baseball all these years. But the year they had the Red Sox down 3-0, you cite “arrogance” as the culprit. What?! No blame for the manager - the all-knowing, all-powerful Carnak - oops - Joe Torre? And again, how do you explain the Tigers’ meltdown against the Cardinals? Did they also get complacent, unmotivated, arrogant? How could the all-knowing, all-powerful Jim Leyland have possibly let that happen? When the Braves fall short, it’s all Cox’s fault, but when the Yankees and the Tigers falter, it’s the players’ fault. Right. And you’d hire Torre or Leyland in a heartbeat to lead the Braves. Why? Because they’re winners? When was the last time either one of them won a World Series? And if Joe Girardi is so special, how come he’s not managing right now? I’ll tell you why - he’s a loose cannon - he’s immature - he needs to grow up. Kind of like you.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Bruce, there’s a lot of hotel options now within a couple blocks of the aquarium, including an Embassy Suites, the Omni, the Westin and a new Marriott, which used to be a Wyndham.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Coming soon to a theatre near you, The Fan Pt. 2, starring….

By Don

January 23, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Good God, the Monkey has probably banged out 5000 words on his keyboard in the last 24 hours on his obsession. Please, somebody get him a banana. Or better yet zap him with a tranquilizer dart.

By Ron

January 23, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

MBATL, Paronto and Cormier are both out of options, so I would figure that the Braves would put Paronto, and Yates on the 25 man roster. Maybe trade Cormier, Diaz, Orr, or someone else for a Lefthanded Power Bat off the Bench similar to Darryl Ward. Robert, Everything will be alright dont have a stroke dude. When BC retires it will be a Dark Day in Atlanta, because who the hell will replace him. Girardi, he treats his players like s**. I know a dude that knows Tankersley and Tankersley hated Girardi because he was an a*****. Nobody hates BC, except you, and that damn Birddawg. Torre, haha, dont make me laugh, they aint won s** in years, and their payroll was 200 million 2 years ago. If BC had that payroll, I guarantee we have alot more than 1 championship. Leyland, yeah dude keep smokin that s**. Leyland only has one championship, and the Marlins owner bought that Championship, and the Braves got screwed by the Umpires the Entire Series. What is your damn point dude!!!

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Fan W/No Name, glad you’ve dug the McMurtry. He should play on the next songwriters tour….

Joe Fan, thanks for the scouting report. I’m leaning toward going to that show Saturday. I can imagine Lovett being a bit awkward. He’s a bit different than those other three dudes….

Oh, and BRUCE: You could stay closer to the ballpark and just take a $5-7 cab ride over. There’s a Sheraton and a Marriott Courtyard on that side of downtown, real easy cab to Turner Field….

By MBATL

January 23, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Ron, thanks for a baseball response to a baseball post! I suspect any trades of that (small) magnitude will be for prospects, not guys to play this year… but I do expect there’ll be a couple of trades like that.

To the rest of you… keep feeding the monster and he’ll keep eating. If this was a board room, Robert would be ruled out of order and not allowed to speak; but since it’s a blog, he’ll keep going as long as you keep arguing, one person holding an entire discussion hostage.

By Ron

January 23, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, got a question for ya. You think that after Spring Training is over that the Braves will end up trading Cormier, Diaz, Orr, or someone else for a Power Lefthanded Batter off the Bench?

By Alan

January 23, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, you’re right about Robert taking us away from the State of the Union speech. Speaking just for me, of course, but that’s a good thing. The Union has been in better shape - like the Braves, right, Robert? Thinking of Pres. Bush reminds me of another adjective to describe Joe Girardi and our pal, Robert, as well: Pig-headed.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Oh, and here’s my public service announcement … with guitars! (OK, that last part was an inside line for Clash fans).

Anyway, promised a guy I’d give ya’ll a heads-up, anyone who wants to attend the annual Braves 400 Club winter banquet and fundraiser: it’s Saturday (Feb. 3) at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center, 2000 Century Blvd (don’t ask me where it’s at, because I’m clueless on that one).

They’re going to show a video of great moments in the Atlanta Braves’ 41-year history, give out a bunch of presentations, etc., and have appearances by Phil Niekro, Gene Garber, Sid Bream, Alejandro Pena, Dave Bristol, emcee Pete Van Wieren and others.

I’ll take this last graph right off the media release, since I’d never used the term “well-stocked goody bag” without letting you know I didn’t write it:

Admission is open to the public at a cost of $65, which includes dinner and a well-stocked goody bag.

Make reservations on the club website www.braves400.org or by mailing a check to the Braves 400 Club, P.O. BOX 7689, ATLANTA, GA 30309.

Information is available on the website or by calling the Braves 400 Club’s hotline, 770-416-4539, to hear a recorded message.

NEVER LET IT BE SAID I’M NOT A HELPFUL SORT.

By Kentavo

January 23, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

DOB, any word on Javy Lopez? Is he finished, or would the Braves consider inviting him to spring training on a minor league deal?

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Alan, please: NO POLITICS. We all have our opinions, many of them passionate. That’s good. But take it elsewhere, please. Just nothing good can come out of bringing it here.

Now, back to bashing Robert…. Kidding, Robert, kidding. No worries.

By mr baseball

January 23, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Even though I’m sort of on his side, I can understand why most of you are so fed up with Robert. His redundant redundancy is getting old, but he is not entirely wrong. There are two primary elements to managing. Cox is extremely good at one, certainly one of the best ever in that regard. But in the more visible part of his job, he is not nearly as skilled.

The 14 consecutive division titles are a testament to Cox’s ability to run a clubhouse. He has been able to keep teams on an even keel year after year, and you never hear a discouraging word from his players, which is pretty amazing (although that may have something to do with the local media, which mostly seeks to praise the manager, not bury him.). His teams never panic (at least not during the regular season), never give up and never whine. That’s largely due to Cox’s leadership, although the GM has made an effort to keep malcontents out of the clubhouse. (Sheffield a rare exception.)

However, when it comes to what fans can actually observe — how he manages a game — Cox is not nearly as proficient. Not saying he’s terrible at it, but over the years he’s made a lot of decisions that have resulted in Braves’ post-season losses, and the team’s fans who adore him don’t seem to want to admit that. The only thing they think he does wrong is not bunt enough, when in fact he bunts too much with the wrong people. He likely lost Game 4 of the ‘05 series with the Astros with one of the dumbest bunt decisions any manager has ever made.

If someone wants to research it, take a look at the Braves’ record in 1-run games over the last 16 seasons. It has frequently been pretty lousy for a team consistently winning around 100 games a season. Cox’s defenders point to sub-standard bullpens, but for almost the entire run from 1991-2005, the Braves bullpen was almost always among the NL’s best, contrary to popular belief.

Cox occasionally has a hard time putting together a lineup that makes sense. Brett Boone hitting second. Ozzie Guillen & Walt Weiss leading off. Wally Joyner batting cleanup on the days he played for Gallaraga. He has a hard time properly utilizing his bullpen, the last two playoff series against the Astros prime examples. He helped cost the team the ‘04 series by bringing in Tom Martin to pitch to Lance Berkman because he wanted to make Berkamn hit right handed. The only problem was, Martin was incapable of getting RH hitters out (he failed to retire a batter in either appearance), something that evidently never occurred to Cox, just like he couldn’t get his head around the fact that Remlinger was more effective against RH hitters than lefties.

In ‘05 against the Astros he repeated his mistake from ‘96, bringing in his closer in the 8th inning of a game the Braves had a decent lead in. Farnsworth was very effective for the Braves that season, but Cox evidently never checked his history with Berkman, who flat owned him. Instead of waiting until after Berkman hit to get Farnsworth in the game, Cox put him in too early and we know how that turned out. There are more examples, but I’ll leave it with this.

Baseball’s best strategists — Earl Weaver, Whitey Herzog, LaRussa, Torre, Leyland — manage from the 9th inning backward. The moves they make in the 6th, 7th & 8th are predicated on what they think will happen in the 9th. Cox manages by the seat of his pants, making whatever moves he thinks are the right ones at the time regardless of the impact they might have later.

Overall, Cox has been much more of an asset than a liability for the team (sorry Robert). But no matter how highly people who don’t watch the Braves on a nightly basis think of him, that does not take away his shortcomings in the strategy department.

There is some Latin phrase that best explains why Cox is held in such high regard. Because the Braves have been so successful for so long, it is assumed that Cox must be a great manager. In some ways, he is. But even the most ardent Cox supporters have to admit that if there was someone else in the dugout making the decisions in so many of the post-season heartbreakers, things might have turned out differently on more than occasion.

I would really appreciate someone who is a big Cox fan make the case on his behalf on why they think he has been so successful since ‘91. Again, I don’t think he is anywhere close to being a donkey, but I do think he has been given more credit than he deserves, at least as manager.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Ron, I wouldn’t expect much of a “power left-handed bat” for Lance Cormier. Not unless he has one helluva spring training.

By Robert

January 23, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Good point Alan, I think that I am leaning toward actually liken BC. I cant help that I am an idiot, my momma dropped me on my head when I was a baby. I weigh 450 pounds and all I do is talk about the Braves and eat bon bons.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Kentavo, Javy Lopez signed with Colorado a couple weeks ago, for less than $1 million if I remember correctly. And yes, it appears he’s about done. He hit .251 with eight homers and a .297 OBP last year in 342 at-bats for the O’s, much of it as a DH.

Hit only hit .245 with a .677 OPS vs. righties. Ouch.

And hit .223 with a .633 OPS in road games. Yikes.

By Dennis

January 23, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I heard name which can by the type of guy the Braves seem to jump on. Ryan Garko of the Indians. He knocked in 45 RBI’s in 50 games for the Tribe last year. Problem is they have 5 OF and a DH who does not play 1B at all. He may not stay up with the club. Is he the kind of player we could pick up on the cheap and use at 1B and OF. He is actually a former catcher as well.

By Alan

January 23, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, mea culpa re: politics. It won’t happen again. No more bashing of Robert any more, either. At least until tomorrow morning, anyway. G’night, all.

By Ron

January 23, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Is this the Robert article, I mean did he right about Francouer, because damn his name is everywhere. How did we come from DOB talkin about Francouer to Robert talkin about how he hates BC. MBATL, is right lets just ignore Robert, and let him and Birddawg keep talkin, and we will keep talkin about other Braves stuff, not what does not matter, like what Robert, and Birddawg are sayin. Hell I miss the good ole posts by Robert(Justice Is the Best), even though some of his trade rumors were off the map it was alot better to talk about than what Robert and Birddawg are talkin about. Alot of us and myself have all stated how great BC is. So lets leave it at that.

By bruce

January 23, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

Dave: Thanks so much for the ATL hotel suggestions… was just looking into aquarium area… maybe more to do around that area walking distance during the day than over by the stadium…?

Javy Lopez signed with Colorado here is a link

By areliuga

January 23, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Christina Aguilera’s Most Revealing Moments in Film [URL=http://greatsam.info][b]Click here![/b][/URL]

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 23, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, I sincerely apologize for egging Robert on. Lord knows he doesn’t need any help in his obsession with Bobby Cox.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Ron, agreed: i’ll never complain again about Shaun’s sabermetrics-intensive posts or Robert (JIB)’s trade rumors. Please, bring them back, en masse. Dilute the other stream….

Bruce, yes, definitely more to do around the aquarium area.

By Brad in MT

January 23, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

I must say I really enjoy reading through all the posts on this blog as often as I can even if I rarely comment, but reading through Robert’s posts about Bobby Cox are frustrating and a waste of space on the blog…he has some serious issues and is wasting a lot of space on the blogs…to the rest of you, esp. DOB I really enjoy everything, keep it up!

By Reality Check

January 23, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Remember that classic scene in Annie Hall when Woody Allen’s in line at the movies arguing with the smug “TV, Media and Culture” professor from Columbia and Woody brings Marshall McLuhan out from behind a display in the lobby to tell the professor he’s an idiot? I wish I could get Robert and Bobby Cox together for such a scene. Robert would get quite an earful and come away completely cowed by the burro, I assure you.

And I sure as hell wish I could bring Bill James out of hiding to tell Shaun how far he’s gone off the beam.

As Woody says at the end of the scene: “Boy, if life were only like this.”

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Reality Check, funny stuff.

Brad in MT, welcome. Do we have many regulars here from Big Sky Country? Utah’s part of that, right? Then we’ve got at least one….

At the risk of being accused of self-promotion, those who like the music portion of our humble blog here may want to check out an interview the dude did with me from www.deadjournalist.com (and a few others will probably wish deadjournalist was more than a catchy name for the website).

Our music conversations have been noticed by a hipster from the music-and-culture corner of the blogosphere. Alas, six weeks at Disney awaits to erase any hip cache we might have stumbled into.

By N8

January 24, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Ron

You said:

“Leyland only has one championship, and the Marlins owner bought that Championship….”

1997 Payrolls:

Atlanta Braves: $50,488,500.00

Florida Marlins: $47,753,050.00

Looks to me like the Braves were trying to buy the title too, but failed.

While I see some of the faults that Robert chooses to obsess about, when it comes to Bobby, I don’t think he’s been all bad for the Braves. During the regular season he has a “calming” effect (most of the time), that keeps the team from getting too high, or too low. Not a bad quality from April-September. But in the post-season, he sure has seemed to “fail” more than he has succeeded, especially with the future HOF players he’s had on his rosters.

If you think that Leyland only won in 1997 because ownership “bought” it for him, keep dreaming. I’m guessing DOB (since he covered the Marlins that year), would attest that Leyland had that team KNOWING they could and would beat the Braves. That team was BUILT to beat the Braves. They just happened to ride the NLCS victory to a WS title.

For the better part of the 90’s we (The Braves), were in the Upper percentile of Team Salary. How many titles was Ted able to “buy” us?

Sorry dude, say whatever you’d like about Robert. I don’t really care, he can stick up for himself. But to make a comment like that is just silly.

And as far as the:

“…and the Braves got screwed by the Umpires the Entire Series.” comment?

I don’t really recall “getting screwed the whole series”, I do however remember Eric Gregg’s strike zone for Livian. Horrible? Absolutely.

But you know the only thing more horrible than that strike zone? The fact that a Bobby Cox and a Clarence Jones coached team, COULDN’T (or wouldn’t) adjust to a CONSISTANT strike zone for 9 innings, like the Yankees and ALL OF THE TEAMS that shouldn’t have beat the Braves but did, did against Maddux and Glavine when THEY WERE GETTING CALLS 8 INCHES OF THE PLATE!

Your excuses and arguments are weak, my friend.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

Lew, thankfully you didn’t mention Night Ranger in any of your posts the day that Chuck from www.deadjournalist.com stopped by our blog and decided to do an interview….

By DAP

January 24, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

i think there is some interesting talk about andruw and pujols. pujols is a dang good hitter, and one of the scariest guys to see at the plate.

many of andruw’s stats are pretty similar to albert’s, including walks, runs, HR, and RBIs. pujols is really good, but andruw is an elite hitter himself. could he have done more in his career? thats really impossible to say, but he has some numbers that most players wont even get close to, so lets not mourn for him.

besides, who is the more valuable player? i think it is debatable. pujols got the MVP in ‘05 out of sympathy…it should have been andruw’s. some of alberts numbers are alot better than andruw’s, but most are pretty close, and andruw plays center field beautifully. if i had to choose which of these guys was more valuable, it would be close, but i think id have to go with andruw. the hitting stats he lacks are more than made up for over the course of a year in centerfield.

By DAP

January 24, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

i got a chance to meet francour tonight in athens at an FCA banquet. he was a really nice guy. when he got up to speak, he talked alot about his struggles to get to the majors(getting hit in the face with that fastball in AA ball), his grandfather passing away, and his terrible 2 for 36 streak at the beginning of last season.

he said that he got called into bobby’s office, and he thought he was getting sent down or something, but bobby just told him that weather he went 0 for his next 16 or 16-16, that he was the right fielder for atlanta. after that, things started to go better.

THAT is why guys love playing for bobby, because he treats them with respect. he puts faith in them, and when they know hes believes in them, the pressure is off, and they can do a good job. players love bobby not because he lets them do whatever they want, but because he is not the judge ready to slam the gavel when something goes wrong. that is that RIGHT way to lead people, because it gives them internal motivation, and that is the only kind of motivation that lasts.

that being said, jeff’s average will go up about 20 percentage points this season at least. im predicting .280/35/115 for him this season.

By Wayne in UT

January 24, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Just checking in. Some of us actually work away from our computers/DSL connections!!

:-)

Brad in MT What part of MT? I covered the entire state (salesman) for the good part of a year back in 05. Love that state! Now I am stuck with Utah, Idaho, Western Wyoming and about 2/3 of Nevada. I miss Montana.

What brings a Braves fan out west?

What’s up with the Robert bashing tonight??? (just kidding RJITB, you are one of my “favs” to read).

Dave, one of these days I will check out some of this music you are talking about. I am an old early 70’s rocker, but some of the new stuff has just passed me by. I still dig on Zepplin, Chicago, and The Eagles. Also like my Southern Rock. (a quick quiz for to see if a person really knows his southern rock: Ask them what color is Dickie Betts guitar? By the way, what is Dickie doing these days. Heard the Allmans Bros fired him a few years back.

Sorry for the incessant rambling……

By Head Coach

January 24, 2007 01:02 AM | Link to this

Iv’e noticed the complaints about the blog getting bogged down. Mozilla firefox is a much better browser and it loads a whole a lot faster than Internet Explorer ever will. Give it a try , you might like it.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 01:03 AM | Link to this

DAP, he’s a good guy, isn’t he? Anyone who’s met Francoeur knows there’s no need to worry about him mentally. For a guy who could own this town if he wanted to, he’s as down-to-earth a guy as you’re going to meet. And some have asked if he’s stubborn. I wouldn’t say that so much as confident and aggressive, and reluctant to back off that aggressiveness because it’s served him so well since he was a kid in every sport. I mean, being aggressive at all times helped make him a prep All-America d-back in football and it’s helped him deliver more dramatic hits than some guys have in a career.

Again, I think we just need to give him a little more time to get comfortable and learn he doesn’t have to always be full-throttle in everything he does, including his approach at the plate. He’ll never be patient like Chipper, but few are.

Francoeur says he knows he can learn a lot from his roommate, McCann, and has listened to him and tried to apply those lessons. But doing it when the bright lights are on and the crowd’s pumped and you want to deliver a big hit, that’s tougher than doing it in B.P. or only in theory. Give him time.

By The Stranger

January 24, 2007 01:06 AM | Link to this

You have officially arrived, Mr. O’Brien.

By Lew

January 24, 2007 01:09 AM | Link to this

I promise never to mention them ever again.

By Wayne in UT

January 24, 2007 01:13 AM | Link to this

So, you guys think we could get Carl Crawford for Cormier and Diaz (JUST KIDDING!!!!!)

Jeez I hate waiting for the spring!!!

By Wayne in UT

January 24, 2007 01:18 AM | Link to this

Dave (and all)

Have you guys checked out the total weirdness of Reggie Sanders stats? Even year: bad year, odd year: good year.

Would he be a good part-timer/platooner for the Bravos? I bet he could be had for someone like Moylan or a mid level prospect (Scalamandre or Basner?).

That odd year’d magic might be good off the bench and spot starting?????

By Wayne in UT

January 24, 2007 01:22 AM | Link to this

Someone mentioned a 1B from Cleveland named Ryan Garko in an earlier post. His stats from last year look good. He might could be had, but I don’t think you get him cheap.

By Head Coach

January 24, 2007 01:40 AM | Link to this

Wayne , if I were an A.L team looking for a cheap option for a DH , Matt Diaz would be my man. His .305 AVG in seven minor league seasons with 83 HR’s and 853 OPS is just outstanding. He hit .327 in 300 at bats last season for the Braves. He can’t play defense worth a plug nickel , but he can flat out rake it with the bat and he is one of the best two strike hitters Ive seen in a long , long time. Those A.L. scouts should wake up and smell the coffee.

By Wayne in UT

January 24, 2007 01:53 AM | Link to this

Coach

Agreed, but I also think he might be one of those guys who needs to sit some to be at his best??? A 300-400 AB per year guy. Just a theory. I suspect someone like Minnesota or Oakland could use a guy like Diaz. But then again, if we don’t get Reggie Sanders (smiling!), maybe we should keep him. I just wish he would pronounce his name correctly…. :-)

It sounds like the blog is getting very quiet. It is near midnight here in Utah. All the mice are asleep, so maybe I should join them.

By Wayne in UT

January 24, 2007 01:57 AM | Link to this

I know everybody says Diaz is lousy on defense, but he didn’t look as bad as say, Chipper did or Klesko did. So, I am not about to give him a golden glove, but I also don’t feel like we are on the bitter edge when he is in there. I suspect Craig Wilson is not much/any better on D. Just a hunch.

Craig Wilson I think is a gamer, but that kid is about a dozen Krispy Kremes away from entry into the Refridgerator Perry’s Home for Overeaters!

By Robert

January 24, 2007 02:12 AM | Link to this

“Bobby: “I see it’s the 8th inning. I’ll raise you ‘2 innings of Mark Wohlers’.

Joe Torre: “Oh yeah. I’m all in.”

The two inning Wohlers bet gave Torre the proper pot odds, no matter what cards he held

By Robert

January 24, 2007 02:23 AM | Link to this

“The 14 consecutive division titles are a testament to Cox’s ability to run a clubhouse”

No. For the umpthousandth time NO.

The 14 consecutive division titles are a testament to the teams he was handed. The 11 early playoff exits are a testament to his inability to manage his way out of a feed bag

“His teams never panic (at least not during the regular season), never give up and never whine”

Panic isnt productuive, but sometimes it’s time to get motivated and do - or go home. This is when the Braves always go home

Never give up and never whine - Well, you have to SHOW up before you can give up, and if game 6 of the 97 League championship series wasnt whining, then I dont know what is.

“And you’d hire Torre or Leyland in a heartbeat to lead the Braves. Why?”

I’d hire them in a heartbeat partly for the same reason I’d hire you in a heartbeat - cuz it would mean Cox would be fired

By Robertq

January 24, 2007 02:27 AM | Link to this

“And if Joe Girardi is so special, how come he’s not managing right now?”

Cuz the Marlins’ owner is damn near as dumb as Bobby Cox

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 02:34 AM | Link to this

Wayne, Diaz actually was a lot better than anybody expected last year in the outfield, which may have been in part due to contact lens situation in spring, when a Braves optometrist consultant diagnosed a contact for one eye to improve Diaz’s awful depth perception.

Diaz said his vision in the outfield and his ability to get better jumps, especially in day games, was helped dramatically. Also might have helped him some at the plate, because before the Braves got him he was considered strictly a backup and platoon guy.

There are a few teams, probably, that would have interest in him this spring if the Braves decide to go with Langerhans/Wilson in left, though I don’t know for sure which way Braves are leaning. I know Cox really liked Diaz’s bat last season, and save for one or two bad plays, he wasn’t a detriment in the OF. Of course Langerhans’ defense is on an entirely different level than Diaz’s D.

By Head Coach

January 24, 2007 02:38 AM | Link to this

DAP , comparing Andruw to Pujols is like comparing apples to oranges. both are fruits , just different. Andruw is a perennial gold glover(nine straight and counting) and a streaky hitter with solid offensive output who is all but a lock for the hall of fame already. Albert Pujols is a freak of nature. A 1999 13th round pick with one season in the minors. The scouts were asleep at the wheel. He is already halfway to 500 HR’s with just six seasons under his belt. A ROY award , MVP award , one gold glove and three silver sluggers awards. A career .332 AVG , an astounding 1048 OPS and he is only 26 , are you kidding me ???? It doesnt take a genius to figure out that if he stays healthy he will probably smash just about every offensive category we have and he has the potential to be the greatest offensive player of all time. Notice I said POTENTIAL , get back to me in five years and we will see if he keeps this pace up.

By Robert

January 24, 2007 02:38 AM | Link to this

“I would really appreciate someone who is a big Cox fan make the case on his behalf on why they think he has been so successful since ‘91”

Dude, thats easy. They say “14 straight blah blah blah”

I love the examples you gave. Personally I dont understand how you can have all these examples at your fingertips, and yet claim the assets outweigh the deficincies - but other than that - your arguement was excellent

Of course, since it is based on logic and backed by specific examples, it will be ignored or met with venomous retorts.

“Girardi, he treats his players like s. I know a dude that knows Tankersley and Tankersley hated Girardi because he was an a*.”

The 06 Marlins exceeded expectations by somewhere between 20 and 30 games. Some of the players hated the manager. I guess the question to ask is - are they being paid to win ballgames, or to be happy at work? If a manager gets a team to overachieve that much, I wouldnt give a donkeys behind if every player on the team despises him. I’d keep the ones that would be willing to make that sacrifice to win a title, and trade the rest to the Braves for a malcontent like Gary Sheffield

By Robert

January 24, 2007 02:57 AM | Link to this

“During the regular season he has a “calming” effect”

In the postseason, it’s more like a general anesthetic effect

I’d love to know the Braves record in games that are tied when Cox is ejected. I’d bet big that their winning pct in such games since 91 exceeds their overall win pct since 91

By GermanBravesFan

January 24, 2007 03:02 AM | Link to this

Hello all… Seems like Robert has been taking too many sips from his favorite alcoholic beverage! Either that or he is on something else. Give it a break, Robert! Chill… go for a walk… do something, just quit posting the same rants all the time!

DOB: do you think the roster will undergo any other changes through trades before spring training or will the Braves go with what they have for now and re-evaluate after the first month of the season?

By GermanBravesFan

January 24, 2007 03:04 AM | Link to this

CAN WE GIVE ROBERT HIS OWN BLOG SOMEWHERE ELSE? somewhere where he can talk to himself…

By Robert

January 24, 2007 03:07 AM | Link to this

“How did we come from DOB talkin about Francouer to Robert talkin about how he hates BC. MBATL, is right lets just ignore Robert, and let him and Birddawg keep talkin, and we will keep talkin about other Braves stuff”

This post is the epitome of the attitude of the average ignorant Braves fan. Misunderstands things (I dont hate Cox, I have contempt for Cox - two totally different things), and ignore the facts you dont like

Now before you go and rip the license plate off your house, tack it onto the pickup truck and siphon some gas from the neighbors so you can come to Oklahoma and get me, notice that I did NOT say that all Braves fans are ignorant

By Head Coach

January 24, 2007 03:29 AM | Link to this

Here is a suggestion for the esteemed DAVID O’BRIEN and the AJC. It would be wonderful if we as individual bloggers had the ability to filter certain bloggers. If software were available to download so we could just filter out the narcissistic among us it would greatly improve the quality of the conversation and encourage more of the people who only read this blog to chime in with thier own thoughts. thanks.

By Shaun

January 24, 2007 09:00 AM | Link to this

DAP,

As much as I love AJ, I don’t think it’s fair to compare him to Pujols. Pujols is number two among active players in AVG, fourth in OBP and first in SLG. Andruw’s defense is amazing and offense is good, but not enough to make up for the huge difference Pujols holds. Pujols offense is obviously amazing and his defense is actually pretty good. (Pujols is head-and-shoulders above pretty much everyone right now.)

Here’s baseballreference.com’s list of most similar players to Pujols through age 26:

1. Jimmie Foxx

2. Frank Robinson

3. Joe DiMaggio

4. Ken Griffey

5. Vladimir Guerrero

6. Hal Trosky

7. Hank Aaron

8. Mickey Mantle

9. Orlando Cepeda

   1. Lou Gehrig

By Lew

January 24, 2007 09:29 AM | Link to this

Robert-No, it’s the epitome of people being about sick and tired of your same old rant. Dude, we get it. We don’t agree with you, but it has been bludgeoned into every molecule of our being that you can’t stand Cox. You don’t like his managerial style. You don’t like anything about the job he has done for all this time. WE GET IT. Now please go on to other subjects. Please.

By rammerjammer

January 24, 2007 09:59 AM | Link to this

Robert,

Thanks for adding AJC sports writer David O’Brien to your blog. He really brings an “insider’s” perspective. Great idea!

By FILLMORE BREWSKI

January 24, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Francoeur has to improve his onbase percentage if he is to become a net plus in the lineup.Defense is not a problem but an obp under 300 is a hole in the lineup.The stat I look at above all is ops, it is the most complete of the commonly looked at numbers.give me a team that averages .950 ops 1 thru 8 and you can take any other measure of hitters,I’ll like my chances.Jeff is still a pup and I think he has a chance to be an allstar but he has to bacome more patient at the plate.I’m not going to predict the outcome,but I’m pulling for him.

By Lew

January 24, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Where is everyone? Did Robert scare everyone away?

By MGL

January 24, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Robert, I have a request for you. You seem to be a fairly intelligent person but your continued depraved rants about Cox have me completely down on your posts and I now skip them entirely. However, I seem to recall a rare occasion or two when you actually had something meaningful to contribute. Perhaps you could use the name RobertCB when you intend to bash Cox, and just Robert when you have something else to say. Then readers such as myself who are not interested in your anit-Cox sentiments anymore would not miss any valid tidbit you might submit.

By Not-A-Blogger

January 24, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

It’s that same thang, that make a preacher-man lay his bible down.

Muddy Waters, there’s another mule kickin’ in your stall.

DOB - I still have Fathers and Sons on double vinyl, from 1972(?). Greatest gathering of bluesmen ever.

By Matthew

January 24, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

So Robert, what do youreally think of Bobby Cox? Go on, don’t hold back.

Good grief, no wait Robert, that was intended to be a SARCASTIC remark.

DOB, thanks for putting your posts in the bold blue color. That tells me when to stop scrolling past other bloggers.

Just Bob, glad to “see” you back. Hope you get better soon.

And JJS, Ritz crackers are best with either sharp cheddar or pimiento cheese spread. To’s are not to be trifled with.

Go Braves!

By Eric

January 24, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Robert are you kidding me.You want Valentine(worst manager in history)or Bowa, who wore his players out that every August and September they choked, to manage. You are insane.

By Mitchie-san

January 24, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Hello all… There should be no wondering who the next manager is going to be. He is already in the dugout…Terry Pendleton. I cant wait a few years and hear Robert complain about him too! Just kidding Robert…..

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 24, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

SEC Basketball at its finest.

Alabama gets beat by 20+ AGAIN. This time by Auburn, who got beat by Miss St. but beat #24 Tennessee.

Now Alabama ,#12 in the nation, has gotten beat three times in SEC play by more than 20 points. Once by Vanderbilt (who also beat Kentucky, and Tennessee), and once by Arkansas.

Georgia after being up by 19 points got beat by Bama on a last second shot (how many steps can a player take without dribbling the ball before he gets called for a walk?) But Georgia beats Arkansas who beat #16 LSU but got beat by Ole Miss, who got beat by LSU.

Is this confusing yet? I LOVE SEC BASKETBALL!!!!

By Rivers

January 24, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

DOB, great interview on deadspin….keep up the great work! I really enjoy your insight on a lot of different topics. Alos, I recomended you check out Jonathan Byrd since you are such a steve earle fan and I was curious as to what your thoughts are. Check him out at www.jonathynbyrd.com . If you like what you hear he is playing in Roswell, Ga on Feb 2nd…this guy is great live too.

Keep it up brother!

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan, you asked: “Do you think the roster will undergo any other changes through trades before spring training or will the Braves go with what they have for now and re-evaluate after the first month of the season.”

Maybe something in-between _ in other words, I think they may go to spring training with this roster, then make a deal or two during spring training if necessary or if someone comes knocking with one that interests the Braves. They’ve made several trades late in recent spring trainings, so they’re not averse to doing that.

By TennesseePaul

January 24, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Head Coach: Such a good idea. I’ve seen this option on other blogs. You can click right next to the name to hide all posts from that blogger. The page loads faster too, since it skips that blogger. You can go back and make them visible at any time, but really, why would you? Whatever the case, I know it’s doable. Might require the AJC IT department to get creative with the application development, but it’s worth it… but I suspect the AJC outsourced the building of this site, in which case it would cost a pretty penny to have the company add in the new feature.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

I’D LIKE TO OFFER A SINCERE APOLOGY to all who are frustrated by the ongoing technical glitches that appear to be confined to this blog and this one only. Specifically, your posts (and mine) are sitting in a holding-pen type place, backed up until I call someone (third time in two days I’ve done so) at the office to point out the fact that no posts have been put on the board since 3:29 a.m. and that there’s more than a dozen sitting there in that place, unposted.

FRANKLY, I’m surprised _ and grateful _ that some of you have the dedication to keep posting when some posts aren’t showing up in a timely manner here. For that I really do thank you. Wish I could say we’re getting to the bottom of this, but I don’t know if we are.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 24, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

robert is catching the grief but robert may not be making all the robert posts. not sure - but maybe. there is a sick puppy here who often posts as others. he has posted many times as this journalist. and he is well known to blog with his own sick self. so, jimmy smith asks robert … is robert making all these bobbycox posts? or is an impostor at work? robert, please respond. now, baseball … francoeur is spokesman for delta - who will endorse krispy kreme? alas, no more bobby dews.

By Alan

January 24, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

It appears that everyone is worn out from yesterday’s exchanges, and I really don’t want to add more fuel, but I must say that Mr. Baseball’s post at 10:34 p.m. was intelligent and thought-provoking. I happen to agree with much of what he wrote. That said, I now promise never again to reply to any rants about Bobby Cox, pro or con. After all, the guy is going nowhere until he chooses to retire. Now, though, to whoever is suggesting that the Braves take a flier on Reggie Sanders, my reply is: “Why?” They already have Matt Diaz, who’s younger, cheaper and better, and they just signed Craig Wilson, who’s also younger, cheaper and better. What the Braves could use is another left-handed pinch-hitter such as Daryle Ward - and it’s a shame they let him get away. Ward and Wilson would have been a nice combo. Add Chris Woodward and you have the 3 W’s.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

JJS, I can assure you, they’re all Robert (so far; now that we say this, we’ll inspire some idiots to post as Robert, though considering the time and energy it takes to pull off a Robert-worthy diatribe, maybe not).

He posted six times in a 55-minute flurry beginning about 10 minutes after 2 a.m. And get this: 17 posts by Robert from the same computer between 6:23 p.m. and 3:07 a.m.

So tip your cap to him for this: The man is absolutely dogged and prolific. Also unbelievably redundant, but that’s stating the obvious.

By DonCoburleone

January 24, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Robert, you constantly go on and on about the same BS. But when I ask you a tough question you totally dodge it… Now, other than 1996 (where I agree we should have won the WS, cuz we had the most talented and most experienced team) what year should we have won the World Series? Please, give me a year and your reasoning as to why Bobby Cox cost the Braves another ring… JUST ONE INSTANCE!

By BB FAN

January 24, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

I hope Bobby Cox “ruins” Francoeur like he did Andruw Jones.

Jones only has 342 HRs and 1023 RBIs and 9 Gold Gloves and he is not even 30 years old yet. And his 92 HRs, 257 RBIs over the last 2 years is just horrible. And he “only” won 2 more gold gloves to make it 9 in 9 years. I can’t believe how “bad” a player Jones turned out.

Only in Atlanta do players the caliber of Andruw Jones and Chipper Jones get ridiculed.

By Matthew

January 24, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Hmm, I wonder how Robert really feels about Bobby Cox…

I don’t think his argument is totally without merit, and I do think that there have been times where Cox has made errors in judgment. I suppose the great Joe Torre never has, but that is irrelevant. The fact remains that Cox has proven over the last two plus decades that he is a successful manager and a Hall of Famer (likely first ballot). The fact that he doesn’t measure up to Robert’s unreasonable expectations is beside the point, and I won’t fuel his fire by responding to the more ridiculous arguments he makes. In fact, I won’t respond at all. Robert doesn’t get a Hall of Fame vote because he is not an expert or anyone closely connected to the management of baseball. Those who are experts in the field will continue to give the credit that Boby cox deserves when he is enshrined in Cooperstown.

One thing more about Robert’s arguments, and then I will stop. Though I vehemently disagree with you, I do appreciate the humor. “picking turds out of his nose” is quite funny, though I don’t recommend eating anything, even cheese or pie, while reading Robert’s arguments. It is a dangerous combination.

Okay, I’m done responding to the artist formerly known as Robert. Let’s focus on the good, like the fact the our Bravos have, without doubt, the best bullpen in the NL and are headed for the playoffs in 2007.

Go Braves!

By The Grinch

January 24, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Has nobody commented on this blog for the last nine hours? That’s bizzare. The last post I see is 3:29 AM. Anyhoo, hilarious post at 9:19 yesterday, N8, and insightful post at 10:26, Mr. Baseball. That’s one of the biggest hang-ups…no, THE biggest hang-up I’ve had with Bobby over the years is sticking to the righty-lefty matchup NO MATTER WHAT the capabilities and tendancies of the players in question actually dictate is the best move. It seems like someone at some point would have pulled him to the side and explained to him “Look, I know this guy’s a lefty, but in 10 years in the bigs he’s never gotten a lefty out though he’s great against righties…see what I’m getting at?” Then going the opposite way with bunting. Pulling the no. 6 hitter in a key situation to stick in Glavine ‘cause Glavine “Bunts well for a pitcher.” Ok, so he bunts well for a pitcher, but his numbers are still 40 points lower than the guy you’re pulling. Blah! Oops, I just put more fuel on the fire. My bad. So, how ‘bout them Falcons?

Robert(JTIB), the key element in the proposed trade is the 1st overall pick, not the two receivers. It’s a chance to do over what many feel was a mistake, and pick Calvin Johnson who may be the best WR to come out of college in the last 15 years. Then, to run Petrino’s spread offense our WR’s go from being Michael Jenkins, Roddy White, Finneran with a blown knee and then someone off the practice squad to Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Joey Porter and our current no. 1 as the no. 4, with Matt Schaub (an unexciting but smart and accurate QB) throwing it to them, cutting loose that mega-contract and leaving the rest of our picks for offensive linemen instead of new receivers. I still think we should keep Vick, but it is tempting.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Grinch, check my post above _ the blog has severe glitch, apparently confined only to this blog, whether because of traffic or whatever. All those who posted after 3:29, their posts just sat in the system unpublished until I logged back on while ago, noticed no posts, and called the office to tell them that the same problem that happened several times yesterday had happened again. We’re so short-staffed in the online dep’t that until it’s called to their attention, the problem isn’t noticed by anyone but us (and you guys obviously don’t have a list of people to e-mail and bring the matter to their attention, nor would or should you be expected to).

Anyway, hopefully this crap gets straightened out. It’s maddening, and it just cripples the blog, literally and figuratively _ it brings the posts to a grinding halt, because people stop posting when their comments stop appearing. So it’s a catch-22, if you will. Their posts don’t show up because of the system glitch, and then the posts slow down and eventually stop because they’re not being posted.

By Alan

January 24, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

I’m with you, BB Fan. Andruw and Chipper are terrific players, and I believe they’re both headed for the Hall of Fame. Francoeur has the same potential - he’s a true 5-tool player - I look for him to have a really good season this year. However, it’s not only in Atlanta where fans “rag” on great players. Check out Philadelphia, which isn’t too far south of where I live. Those fans are incredible. All the venom that’s been spouted here about Michael Vick? It pales in camparison to what they’re yelling about Donovan McNabb in Philly. Folks actually are touting Jeff Garcia as the Eagles’ QB next year. Seriously. How many playoff wins did Garcia lead the Eagles to? Exactly one. He’s 37; McNabb is 30. Let’s see, who should be the QB? Point is, a lot of bloggers - just like callers into talk radio - are supremely negative. The grass is always way greener elsewhere. In Philly, what little grass there is, is brown and stained with you-know-what. Be thankful you’re in Atlanta.

By Shaun

January 24, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

BB FAN,

Amen to that! I get tired of hearing my friends who are casual fans asking when they are going to trade Chipper. Or “what do you think of Chipper?”

And I remember sitting in front of someone who made a comment at the way AJ caught a fly ball.

I guess that’s part of being a sports fan—dealing with the casual fans who judge players based on one or two plays or based on their own ideas of how a player should look and act when he’s making a play or those who say “he’s making x amount of money, he should be able to do this and that.”

By Matthew

January 24, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

The new spokesmen for Krispy Kreme?

Bob Wickman, Chad Paronto, and Craig Wilson

Heck, if it means free donuts I’ll be the spokesman!

By Shaun

January 24, 2007 01:08 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone,

The biggest question Robert can’t answer is how Cox has put together the 3rd highest winning percentage of all time if he is one of the worst managers in the game, as he purports. Sooner or later you’d think Cox’s luck would have run out if he was just a bad manager.

Another is how 99.9 percent of everyone who knows anything about the game thinks he’s one of the greatest managers in history.

Another is how players who would criticize a lot of organizations and managers never say anything but good things about Bobby Cox and the Braves.

I’m not closed off to the possibility Cox is a bad manager but the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of Cox as a Hall-of-Fame-caliber manager. Based on what we know, it’s almost impossible to imagine that Cox is bad manager who got extremely lucky for a lot of years.

By The Grinch

January 24, 2007 01:10 PM | Link to this

Everything looks ok now. Got to go get some work done, though. Y’all be nice to each other while I’m gone. :-)

By Alan

January 24, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m sure you’ve covered this in the past, but I’m wondering how Francoeur’s stats compare with Dale Murphy’s at a comparable stage in Murph’s career. Francoeur reminds me of Murphy - his size, his skills, even his batting stance a bit. I’m guessing that their early-career stats are closely aligned. I’m sure Murph drew more walks, but I’ll bet he struck out nearly as often. HRs and RBIs? I’ll bet Francoeur had more. Will you please let us know? Thanks.

By MBATL

January 24, 2007 01:22 PM | Link to this

Someone made the comment that maybe some consider AJ a “failure” because he didn’t turn out to be the type of hitter we expected 10 years ago (or something like that).

Have to admit, I’m guilty of that. I really thought he would be a .300/30hr/30B kind of player. And, guess that expectation has always been in my head even though it’s pretty clear he’s more of a power hitter. There’s nothing wrong with his production, obviously, and his defense is unparalleled, but I’m always “demanding” that he hit .300… need to get over that!

BTW, I read somewhere a suggestion that, if we don’t resign AJ, Lillibridge has the tools to play CF quite well, and has some experience in the OF in college… wonder if that could be part of JS’s thinking in acquiring him.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

Pardon me if this shows up twice. I posted it first at 12:56 p.m. and it’s still not on the board, so I’m posting again:

Check out the first paragraphs of this story from the Philly Inquirer today:

Jimmy Rollins typically is one of the coolest customers in the Phillies’ clubhouse, but even he sounded excited about their April 2 season opener against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park.

He likes their chances.

“I think we are the team to beat in the NL East,” the shortstop pronounced yesterday at a media luncheon at the ballpark. “Finally.”

“But that’s all on paper,” he continued. “You look at the Mets’ staff. When I look at them, I’m like, ‘They’re getting older.’ We have the young guns. Everybody is in their prime. Brett [Myers] is going to be looking to show that he’s still No. 1, which is going to push him and Freddy [Garcia] in a friendly competition. You’ve got Cole [Hamels], who’s just a superstar Hollywood stud. Adam Eaton throws darts. And you’ve got the veteran in [Jamie] Moyer, who’s going to snake his way through the NL East this year.”

The New York Mets won the National League East by 12 games last season, so the Phillies have considerable ground to make up. But in their two media luncheons in the last two weeks - Rollins, Ryan Howard, Hamels and Aaron Rowand attended yesterday - the theme has remained constant: They think they have the starting pitching to be a legitimate contender in the National League….

*ME TALKING NOW: That mention of the opener vs. Atlanta was only reference to the Braves in the entire story, which went on for another 10 inches or so and talked more about the Phillies, their bullpen and addition of Alfonseca, and about the Mets. But nothing else about the Braves.

So it’s official: The former NL East bullies are viewed by everyone as underdogs now, or at least non-favorites. Not surprising, I guess, but still a bit jarring to see in print in this context. And I’m just betting the Braves will love being able to rally around that underdog status.*

By reverend run

January 24, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this

I love Vick and I love Frenchy. I think they are both very similar in many regards. Both are physical athletic freaks. Both are flawed in ways that hurt overall effectiveness as a player and also make statheads very uncomfortable. Both still manage to do some incredible things despite their glaring flaws. Both are accused at times of not being the sharpest tools in the shed. There are those who think neither one will correct their glaring flaws because neither is bright enough to do so. I love both guys and would want both of them on my team. But i am wondering how much Frenchy will get villified in this town like Vick if there is a lack of progression by Frenchy. If the ATL does not jump all over Frenchy, then the racial issue will have to be raised. Fortunately, we still have 4 years left before we can get to the potential ugliness we have with all the Vick haters and lovers.

I hope we all can just enjoy the kid for all that he does with his HRs and RBIs (don’t call them RBI like ESPN is trying to force on everyone; i was raised on RBIs not RBI, ESPN. Sorry. that is so freaking annoying!).

Frenchy, like Vick, may never be perfect or protypical but you had better appreciate what you have and not focus and what is wrong with them.

I heard Belicheck do an interview one time and he was asked why he does so well as a coach, and he told the interviewer that i do not want to hear what my players or potential players can not do, just what they can do and then i take advantage of what they can do and not worry about what they can not do. That sounds like what we should do with Frenchy and Vick.

The only real major difference between Vick and Frenchy to me really is that Frenchy appears to be much more of a leader. He is always doing the rah rah stuff trying to keep his team in it and their spirits high. Vick never does that. He just sits on the bench between series staring at the big screen. AGGRAVATING! But i do have concerns about the way Frenchy goes about the rah rah stuff. Him and Giles would get extremely violent with each and with others. That was kind of real concerning. I think Chipper actually may have hurt his back one time last year with that garbage. (but really, post steroids, Chipper tears a ligament in his fingers when he covers his face when he sneezes). Frenchy really is not my kind of leader if I were on his team because it seems too darn juvenile. But i do love the zealous energy and the will to win and compete and to be the best by frenchy. he went out there for all 162 last year without complaint even though he was not doing great, the team was not doing great, and even though for performance sake he probably should have been allowed a day off twice a month or so. BUT Frenchy never quit on himself, the team, his manager, his coaches, or the fans. The same cannot be said of vick: panthers game in 2005, bears game with his big winter coat in 2005, eagles game in the conference championship in 2005 with his big winter coat in 2004, cowboys game in the last series this year with his little injury, and the eagles game in the second half this year in the last game.

Frenchy never quits and has the potential to be a leader (if he is not already!).

Vick does quit at times and is not a leader!

other than that, they are very similar in terms of raw ability and perceived intelligence

By BB FAN

January 24, 2007 01:29 PM | Link to this

Robert,

Why are you are so in love with Gary Sheffield? The guy never performs in the postseason. I think he was 3-30 in 2 years for the Braves and not any better for Torre and the Yankees since then.

Speaking Joe Torre, why do you think he is so much better than Cox? The guy has 4 rings but should have 11. He has had the highest paid team since he took over the Yankees and has only won 4 times. In the last 6 years, he has had an all-star at every position too and hasn’t won sh!t. In 2004, his team was beating Boston 3 games to none and lost the series. That is tough to do. In fact, it had never been done before and I doubt we’ll see it again any time soon.

By The Stranger

January 24, 2007 01:35 PM | Link to this

The long, late-hour shifts Robert pulls makes me wonder if maybe he’s a customer of old Uncle Slayton? Or maybe he’s kin? No shine I’ve ever had make a man that crazy.

By Lew

January 24, 2007 01:39 PM | Link to this

I’m with Matthew. Krispy Kremes are almost considered a delicacy here in New England. Kind of like Coors used to be before they shipped it everywhere. Free donuts works for me.

By Reality Check

January 24, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

You folks are far more obsessed with Robert hating Bobby Cox than Robert is with hating Bobby Cox — and that’s saying something!

This insidious, joy-killing cyber-virus will never move on to something else (or, even better, somewhere else) as long as you keep feeding his ego on this issue.

Can’t we all just not respond? Work with me here for the good of the blog and let this entry be the last that addresses or references that awful name we’ve all come to dread seeing at the top of most every post.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 24, 2007 01:42 PM | Link to this

matthew, this journalist has been thinking pimento cheese ever since your post. nothing like a pimento cheese sandwich in the summertime - or the wintertime - or whenever. they are especially to be enjoyed at augusta national where this journalist enjoys a pimento cheese sandwich wrapped in green wax paper. journalist does not eat the paper! now, krispy kreme … matthew has some good candidates for the krispy kreme spokesperson. wicky seems to lead the field, though. would krispy kreme residue make the baseball move funny? a thought to ponder. now, robert … dob confirms robert made all those posts. hmmm… if stinky gets hold of this it could turn ugly. now, baseball … bobbycox looked at francoeur, reached into bobbycox’ nose and said, “kid, i’m sticking with you.” is that how it went? and what has happened that journalist bob now seems hen-pecked? having to hide journalist bob’s blogging activities from journalist bob’s wife? let’s hope journalist bob is not blogging from the tub again! now, scribe … where is scribe and how will this journalist get a break in journalism without the help of scribe and dob? jimmy smith has did all jimmy smith knows how to do to become a journalist and jimmy smith has been doing journalism here on this blog for three years, last year and this year. what does it take to get a break? paragraphs, perhaps? and what of bobby dews and who will grow tomatoes in the bullpen? and will the wurlitzer be ready for presentation on february 16? and will the wuritzer be a manilow or a cowboy hat singer? much to ponder.

By Lew

January 24, 2007 01:51 PM | Link to this

Now it’s one thing for the blog to disappear, but in the middle of a Krispy Kreme discussion? Sacrilege.

By Hammy the Brave

January 24, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Are you sure that BC has to have 7 guys in his bullpen, no matter how strong his overall staff may become? I believe he needs to save that spot for a veteran lefty power bat off the bench, since much of the lineup will be so young.

Also, don’t you think it would be wise for the Braves to sign Dimitri Young(switch hitter off bench) and Mark Redmond or Bruce Chen(lefty starter to hedge against Hampton comeback, or provide depth at Richmond)to minor league deals, for added depth?

By Mitchie-san

January 24, 2007 02:07 PM | Link to this

I wish Robert would not hold back and truely express his feelings about Bobby….

By DonCoburleone

January 24, 2007 02:18 PM | Link to this

Craig Wilson is a fatty too??

By Stan

January 24, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

“Oh, my God! They’ve killed the blog! Ba$%$%^ds!”

By knowitall

January 24, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

You say that appealing part of the Vick trade proposal is starting over with a better corp of receivers and a more accurate QB. But, how can you really asses the current talent that we have. Do you think that it is merely coincidence that none of the Falcons offensive players showed any developement under the former coaching staff. I mean when you have 2 first round receivers who aren’t getting open and a QB who has regressed, you have to wonder if it’s the players.

I say upgrade the offensive line and roll with the skill players that we have. By mid-season I think we’ll be able to tell if the players are busts or if they just weren’t getting good coaching.

By ObiWanKobe

January 24, 2007 02:29 PM | Link to this

DOB- You hear the Rage Against the Machine is getting back together for the Cochella Arts & Music Festival in the Southern California desert (7 year hiatus). Any thoughts?

By Head Coach

January 24, 2007 02:35 PM | Link to this

While Bobby Cox may not be the greatest tactician , he is unarguably a first ballot hall of fame shoo in. In a 162 game season I tend to blame management for failure during the season . The 19 game postseason is a crapshoot dictated by the players who either get it done or fail to live up the expectations of their athletic ability.

By bobby

January 24, 2007 02:47 PM | Link to this

I have heard all this weeping and wailing for months about who the braves should get for a leadoff hitter. What difference does it really matter? Chances are he is only going to lead off an inning one time a game anyway.

By ernesto

January 24, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

Robert’s dream skipper is Leyland, but I believe Cox is up on Leyland in postseason 2 series victories to 1. Unless I’m mistaken, since we’re just judging managers on postseason wins and losses that makes BC better, no? And it doesn’t matter that Leyland’s been a Manager of the Year 3 times to BC’s 4, that’s just a popularity contest among a bunch of nothings, unlike Robert.

By Brad in MT

January 24, 2007 03:07 PM | Link to this

Wayne in UT, Billings, MT here…originally from a small town in central montana…I’ve been a fan since I was old enough to watch them on TBS, its really too bad I have to buy the MLB.com package to watch now, but the blog is a great way to keep up since there isn’t a whole lot of Braves fans out here!

By DAP

January 24, 2007 03:31 PM | Link to this

head coach, yeah man, i agree with you. pujols is a bad man…i wasnt the one who began the comparisons though, i just gave my opinion. i love pujols, and i believe he will break all those offensive records, because hes a freaking first baseman. hes got the least strenuous job on defense. i was a first baseman myself, so im not hating, or that 1st baseman arent athletic, because they are. im just saying 1st base doesnt do alot of wear and tear, and enables you to play more. everyone knows that.

that being said, i thought for awhile that overall, andruw is one of the most valuable players in the majors. MORE valuable than pujols. thats because of his great offense, and his even great defense at a very difficult position.

By D-rock

January 24, 2007 03:45 PM | Link to this

That’s a shame about the technical issues. We really should get the AJC to spring for a decent platform for this, because it’s a lively little community.

By AdirondackDave

January 24, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

DOB - I see there has been some recent discussion comparing Andruw to Puhols. In some ways this doesn’t really seem fair to either or relevent considering AJ has done it for 10 years and Puhols for 4 (I think).

Anyway, this is my question. Based on your experience and comments you may have heard, is Puhols generally surly or does he just look surly?

Many thanks for all the good stuff you do and I’m really looking forward to your reports and comments from Florida.

By Thrillhouse44

January 24, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you think creating a new blog will fix the glitch? Perhaps the topic can be how blogging can become unhealthy for certain individuals. I suggest you mention posting “six times in a 55-minute flurry beginning about 10 minutes after 2 a.m.” is an unhealthy, sad behavior.

By Tonight on TBS

January 24, 2007 04:05 PM | Link to this

The Last King of Scottsdale (2006)

Forrest Whittaker stars in an Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe-winning role as oppressive Giants slugger Barry Bonds. During spring training, a journalist, Dave O’Brien, impresses Bonds with his insightful baseball blogs. Installed as the sluggers’ personal biographer soon thereafter, O’Brien enjoys the perks of his new position (including a comfy leather chair in the clubhouse), until he becomes aware of Bond’s inhumanity — and the complicity of the media.

By The Grinch

January 24, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this

Man. I come back at 5:07 and it’s the same problem. Nothing since 12:55. Dave, doesn’t the AJC make enough money off us here on the blog to hire some tech support? :-)

By computer guy

January 24, 2007 04:19 PM | Link to this

I am one of the people who helped install the computer system at the AJC. One of the parameters set up in the initial programming, was for the system to shut down once to many people started giving Robert too much attention. System is functioning well

By Robert, zen master

January 24, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this

DOB - here is yet another comment about the Dalai Lama:

No one ever questions the Dalai Lama. Ever. But I understand. As far as the AJC goes when it comes to the Dalai Lama, everything smells like lotus petals, and he never took some of the most enlightened souls in recent history and completely bombed in terms of karma. Now if Francoeur decides to become a Buddhist and study with the Dalai Lama, this should be the last straw, even for some of y’all ardent apologists. We are going to see supreme striving wasted, again. Probably turn him into a friggin’ materialist. What was it I said about performing the same task in the same way, yet expecting a different result every time? The Dalai Lama never learns from his past lives. He is the most overrated spiritual leader in modern times. I’ll take any pope or imam over this dude, anytime. No way this DaLai Lama achieves nirvana. I say he reincarnates as a donkey.

By mitch

January 24, 2007 06:01 PM | Link to this

Francouer Sucks! Of course I’m a Mets fan. Lets go METS WHO lets go METS

By Robert

January 24, 2007 06:46 PM | Link to this

“Robert are you kidding me.You want Valentine(worst manager in history)or Bowa, who wore his players out that every August and September they choked, to manage. You are insane.”

I said anybody BUT those guys. You are now on the anybody but list as well

“Dude, we get it. We don’t agree with you, but it has been bludgeoned into every molecule of our being that you can’t stand Cox”

Until you understand that I do not have any personal feelings for or against Cox, you do NOT get it

“Perhaps you could use the name RobertCB when you intend to bash Cox, and just Robert when you have something else to say. Then readers such as myself who are not interested in your anit-Cox sentiments anymore would not miss any valid tidbit you might submit.”

Request denied. You have every right to ignore the truth but I will not enable it for you. Read me or dont read me, I could care less either way

“robert is catching the grief but robert may not be making all the robert posts. not sure “

I claim all posts in my name (so far).

DonC

The Braves were the best team in baseball in 93,95,96,97, and 99. They were darn close to it in 98 and ‘02. Give em 3 of 5 for then and then one of two (the best team doesnt always win the WS if it’s close or their are many similarly able teams in the field) - That makes 4

One thing to note. Amazing how y’all claim I am redundant, and yet ask the same questions over and over (that have been answeredc - logically to my view, redundantly to y’alls)

I disagree with some posts. But I dont tell them to not post any more because I disagree with them.

Those who complain about my posts or who think I have some deep issue mostly have their own issue - not liking to hear opinions that dont jibe with theirs

By the way, if I had personal issues with Cox, there’d be better things to talk about to tarnish his image than trying to show how his managerial record doesnt support a claim of competence in that field. His alcohol issues and domestic violence issues would be much easier targets for any kind of personal vendetta. Other than to mention that I dont talk about those, I havent ever brought them up.

I dont HATE Bobby Cox

Anyone who thinks I do - just skip my posts cuz there’s no way you’ll get it

By Alan

January 24, 2007 06:58 PM | Link to this

I think we’re frozen in time. I’ve been trying since mid-afternoon to see something new, and at one point I tried to pose a question to DOB about comparing Frenchy’s stats to Dale Murphy’s at a similar time in Murph’s career, and the last post I see is from Matthew at 12:55 p.m. According to my clock, it’s exactly 6 hours later now. Here in Pennsylvania anyway. How are things in Atlanta? DOB? Grinch? Matthew? Lew? JJS? TennPaul? Robert? Anyone home?

By tth

January 24, 2007 07:21 PM | Link to this

I remember the year that clayton delaney died They said for the last two weeks that he suffered and cried It made a big impression on me, although I was a barefoot kid They said he got religion at the end and Im glad that he did

Clayton was the best guitar picker in our town I thought he was a hero and I used to follow clayton around I often wondered why clayton, who seemed so good to me Never took his guitar and made it down in tenn-o-see

Well, daddy said he drank a lot, but I could never understand I knew he used to pick up in ohio with a five-piece band Clayton used to tell me, son you better put that old guitar away, There aint no money in it, itll lead you to an early grave.

I guess if Id admit it, clayton taught me how to drink booze I can see him half-stoned a-pickin out the lovesick blues When clayton died I made him a promise, I was gonna carry on somehow Id give a hundred dollars if he could only see me now

I remember the year that clayton delaney died Nobody ever knew it but I went out in the woods and I cried Well, I know theres a lotta big preachers that know a lot more than I do But it could be that the good lord likes a little pickin too Yeah, I remember the year that clayton delaney died

By Stinky the thief

January 24, 2007 07:26 PM | Link to this

its a hard way to findout. but it makes me feel better each time it begins. callling me home, the hickory wind

By Mostly Sober

January 24, 2007 07:31 PM | Link to this

you have to earn a proper buzz. otherwise you’re just a drunk or head trying to capture the cool that you never were. es&d all posers who would dare and fail and shrug without the proper penance.

By Robert

January 24, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

“Robert are you kidding me.You want Valentine(worst manager in history)or Bowa, who wore his players out that every August and September they choked, to manage. You are insane.”

I said anybody BUT those guys. You are now on the anybody but list as well

“Dude, we get it. We don’t agree with you, but it has been bludgeoned into every molecule of our being that you can’t stand Cox”

Until you understand that I do not have any personal feelings for or against Cox, you do NOT get it

“Perhaps you could use the name RobertCB when you intend to bash Cox, and just Robert when you have something else to say. Then readers such as myself who are not interested in your anit-Cox sentiments anymore would not miss any valid tidbit you might submit.”

Request denied. You have every right to ignore the truth but I will not enable it for you. Read me or dont read me, I could care less either way

“robert is catching the grief but robert may not be making all the robert posts. not sure “

I claim all posts in my name (so far).

DonC

The Braves were the best team in baseball in 93,95,96,97, and 99. They were darn close to it in 98 and ‘02. Give em 3 of 5 for then and then one of two (the best team doesnt always win the WS if it’s close or their are many similarly able teams in the field) - That makes 4

One thing to note. Amazing how y’all claim I am redundant, and yet ask the same questions over and over (that have been answeredc - logically to my view, redundantly to y’alls)

I disagree with some posts. But I dont tell them to not post any more because I disagree with them.

Those who complain about my posts or who think I have some deep issue mostly have their own issue - not liking to hear opinions that dont jibe with theirs

By the way, if I had personal issues with Cox, there’d be better things to talk about to tarnish his image than trying to show how his managerial record doesnt support a claim of competence in that field. His alcohol issues and domestic violence issues would be much easier targets for any kind of personal vendetta. Other than to mention that I dont talk about those, I havent ever brought them up.

I dont HATE Bobby Cox

Anyone who thinks I do - just skip my posts cuz there’s no way you’ll get it

By Braves fan 202

January 25, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Robert u do need to stop posting, how has nobody posted on the 25th. First of all, if u dont hate cox fine, but u are an idiot if u dont love cox. won a pennant in the AL and NL, 14 strait. Are u even a braves fan, ne ways. Good post on Francouer, hopefully he will step it up this year

By chipdip

January 27, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

MAZZONE….FURCAL….GILES….LAROCHE……ITS THE BEGINNING OF THE END…..KELLY JOHNSON BLOWS!!!!!!!!!! frank zappa rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Fans with $hit for brains and sport writers

January 28, 2007 09:19 AM | Link to this

AJC you are still lynching vick in the press as of 1-28-07 KKK Jeff Schultz and the rest of the sports writer in this town . Vick Has not made 137000000 till 2013.U.S.A. Lynch Mob AJC Sports writers.

By ron penn

January 28, 2007 09:25 AM | Link to this

Francouer’s a joke…he can be more aggressive hitting ahead in the count than hitting behind in the count…somebody please tell him that if he keeps practicting the wrong thing that eventually he will be excellent at the wrong thing..Frankie..get with it..