Braves

By TheWyzyrd

January 24, 2007 07:24 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, Welcome back. TheWyzyrd

By Jerald Holcombe

January 24, 2007 07:33 PM | Link to this

Just as the Philthies are ignoring the Braves, I’m ignoring the Philthies until they can prove that they aren’t underchievers. They’ve had a number of chances in this decade to take control and have yet to play up to their ability.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 07:34 PM | Link to this

And this one at 4:19 from screen name “Computer Guy”

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 too many people started giving Robert too much attention. System is functioning well

By N8

January 24, 2007 07:35 PM | Link to this

DOB

You stated:

“We all know that there is a vocal minority here _ actually, two or three guys….”

I’m not sure if you are lumping me in with the “vocal minority” or not. But I just want to make it clear to you and everybody (including Robert), that while I’ve been disappointed with THE BRAVES’ showing in the post-season on most years (just like I’m sure MOST fans are), I have ALWAYS APPRECIATED what he does for the team from the middle of February until the 162nd game has been played. I believe that he MANAGES “the team” just fine. He’s probably the BEST at that…..EVER. But one cannont help but second guess SOME of the moves (or non moves) that he makes once in a while.

Like I said, I’m not ANYWHERE close to being on the same page as Robert. But having said that, I find his humor to be enjoyable. Except sometimes, I don’t think he’s JOKING. LOL!

Now about this Jimmy Rollins “snub”.

You say they added the six-finger man! I hope that works out for them. There’s no doubt that the WHOLE NL EAST (other than the Nationals), will be tough. It’s gonna be a dogfight. One that I’m looking forward to.

We’ll see. I actually like being the “underdog” and needing a few things to go our way to succeed. Makes us appreciate it a little more I think.

L8R all.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 07:39 PM | Link to this

There was this one from Lew shortly after the 1 p.m. meltdown:

Now it’s one thing for the blog to disappear, but in the middle of a Krispy Kreme discussion? Sacrilege.

But I really lied this one from Stan a short while later: “Oh my God they killed the blog! Ba$#@%$*!”

By tth

January 24, 2007 07:44 PM | Link to this

By tth

January 24, 2007 07:48 PM | Link to this

Stinky mustbe to blame for the bloggin’ shortfalls.

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 N8

January 24, 2007 07:50 PM | Link to this

DOB

I forgot to give you my favorite reason for like the LaRoche trade:

Because Mr. Bisher is so vocally against it!

What’s he like? Seems kinda like a crabby old man. LOL! I’m just kidding. He appears to be a fan of the OLD SCHOOL thinking (when closers or stoppers went 2, 3 or sometimes MORE innings), just from judging by his “Mike Gonzalez, who comes to you by way of Pittsburgh. Got in 54 games, pitched 54 innings and became celebrated as one of those “closers.”” comment, it doesn’t appears as though he likes the bullpen “specialists” of todays game.

Can’t say I don’t blame him. But it is what it is. Teams need them. We didn’t have enough of them. Now we do.

By LeTwan Anthony

January 24, 2007 07:52 PM | Link to this

Eat pie sounds right. LeTwan will go for that.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 07:54 PM | Link to this

If anyone cares, the lost blog posts are now posted on the OLD BLOG. Great. And that probably means this one will soon lock up, too. Just an advance warning, in case we suddenly start filing posts that never appear.

By The Stranger

January 24, 2007 07:57 PM | Link to this

I’m sure I speak for all of us Braves fans here in the NW corner of the country when I say I am looking forward to watching Moyer “snake his way through the NL East this year.”

By AJK

January 24, 2007 07:57 PM | Link to this

DOB: Got an off-topic question, but since we seem to be searching for a topic in the post dead-blog hours, thought I’d throw it out. I’ve read the “top prospects” rankings on foxsports.com and sportsillustrated.com, and noticed that each only had one Braves prospect ranked in the top 75 (Elvis Andrus, around 53, I think.) What gives? I thought the Braves were supposed to have some very highly regarded minor league players. Are the all in the bigs, or gone to other teams, or have some (like Salty) just fallen down the rankings because of subpar years? How would you rank some of our top prospects in terms is future major-league impact? Thanks!

By Stinky

January 24, 2007 07:58 PM | Link to this

Thank you thank you. I’ll be here all week. Thank you.

By Tonight on TBS

January 24, 2007 07:59 PM | Link to this

The Last King of Scottsdale (2006)

Forrest Whittaker stars in an Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe-winning role as tyrannical 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 his own comfy chair in the Giants clubhouse), until he becomes painfully aware of Bond’s inhumanity — and the complicity of the media.

By Rosalynn

January 24, 2007 08:07 PM | Link to this

I have been trying to blog all aftahnoon. Jimma has been indisposed and left me heah to blog away. Everatime I clicked on Post, and thought my blog was on the way, it nevah appeared. Stan was right, they killed the blog. Is Stan that little boah on South Pahk? This blog is truly wondaful. I want to talk some baseball now. If Wicka weah to eat a whole lotta pimenta cheese would Wicka tuhn pink? If Wicka tuhned pink would he be as feahsome a closah? Seems like a pink closah would find it hahd to gain respect. Now, befoah I go, I would like to thank DOB foah staying on the folks at the AJC to get this blog fixed. I will probabla send Ann a canned ham in appreciation for this delightful blog. Canned ham seems to delight heah so. I’d send heah a cured ham but you can nevah tell what it had befoah it was cured.

By jc

January 24, 2007 08:13 PM | Link to this

To Rosalynn:

Hey little darlin’ Your love is legendary Love’s four letters Ain’t in my dictionary ‘Scuse my position but it ain’t missionary…

Walk on water wit me

Old chicks are hot!!!

By Odiferous

January 24, 2007 08:14 PM | Link to this

I am not “Stinky”, but I AM pretty stinky.

“I breathe the fragrance of myself, and I know it, and I like it, the distillation would intoxicate me also, but I shall not let it.”

Walt Whitman said that. He was a stinky poet.

By Don!

January 24, 2007 08:20 PM | Link to this

I hate to lose LaRoche, but look at what the Braves have in the mid-to-high minors — he’s much more replaceable than you think.

With the budget constraints the Braves have, and will continue to have until the ownership situation is resolved — we’ll need to get used to losing some of our favorite players.

After this year, Andruw is gone. After next, probably Smoltz … then Chipper.

The moves now, as painful as they may seem, are designed to build a good team now and keep a good team for 2010 as well.

I hate to say it, but to win the World Series, you don’t have to win your division. I think the Braves (and us fans) have put that goal further to the front that any of us are willing to admit.

With the infusion of talent in our bullpen, we should be more consistant throughout the season. And for better or worse, once you hit the playoffs it’s a crap shoot. The best team doesn’t always win — but the team that takes the most advantage of individual matchups and little breaks will win.

That’s what this winter’s moves mean to me. It’s all about giving Bobby Cox options. On an individual basis, we may have less talent than Braves teams of the past — but as a whole, this group has the potential to have more overall talent since the $100M teams of the mid-to-late 90s.

I’m not sure we’ll win the NL East — but I think we’ll be one of the four or five best teams in the NL … and it would be sweet justice to win the wild card, and then the World Series over some of the same teams that have beaten us in the playoffs and payrolls over the last few years.

Later,

Don!

By Odiferous

January 24, 2007 08:40 PM | Link to this

Odiferous and Stinky. Stinky and Odiferous.

“Out of the dimness opposite equals advance…always of knit of identity, always distinction, always a breed of life.”

By brian

January 24, 2007 08:44 PM | Link to this

The thing I do not understand about Rollins comments mainly revolves around pitching. Hamels is a great young pitcher with a ton of potential and a ton of hype. A non-Hollywood rookie lefty in Atlanta had every bit and more the rookie season. Moyer is now a member of the AARP. He is solid but will at best give 5-6 innings per start. I will take Hampton over him anyday. Adam Eaton - nice contract is the best thing I can say about his performance to date. Then there is Myers and Garcia versus Smoltz and Hudson. I like Myers a lot but he is not a healthy John Smoltz. Garcia is a very streaky pitcher, often having a higher ERA, who according to a lot of White Sox sites (biased of course) had already peaked. I would expect something like Hudson’s performance the last few years from him.

Bullpen, PLEASE. No discussion needed.

Offense is a different issue. Rollins is superb, Howard is a monster, and they have Rowland, Burrell (I think) and some other solid players but if the Thorman and Johnson play close to what the Braves expect of them, we are not far behind them there if not ahead of them.

The East is there for the taking. Every team has questions, a lot of them. It will be a fun season. To not mention the Braves is bulletin board material. Chipper are you listening?

By Chipper

January 24, 2007 08:51 PM | Link to this

Uh, I am laying in the weeds listening and waiting. Thanks for asking.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 24, 2007 08:57 PM | Link to this

AJK, I’m pretty sure I saw Escobar and Salty in the Sports Illustrated top 75 prospects. I think Escobar was in the 60-75 range and Salty was in the mid 30s or so. Those are the only three however. I think Lerew, Harrison, and Brandon Jones are all top notch players but none of them are listed among the top prospects. But, if you really look at those lists they are dominated by prospects from the Mets, Yankees, Angels, Dodgers, White Sox, and Red Sox. So, I think you have to take them somewhat with a grain of salt. I think it is obvious the implication from the teams that clog up those lists.

By Stinky

January 24, 2007 08:57 PM | Link to this

But what am I speaking of, it happens every day, whatever makes the path worn and our flesh torn makes it also happen that way…

By Bob Saccamano

January 24, 2007 09:03 PM | Link to this

That sounds just like Lairreee.

By Brad in MT

January 24, 2007 09:04 PM | Link to this

I must admit, I am not completely convinced that the Braves are the best team in the East, but I do think they are better then the Phils. For Rollins and the Phils to not even mention the Braves is just going to motivate an already motivated team. The Phils constantly underachieve, and there isn’t any reason to think differently about them until they prove otherwise. The Braves might not be quite as good as the Mets, but they are very close and if they don’t win the East they have to be the Wild Card favorite.

By Odiferous

January 24, 2007 09:05 PM | Link to this

“Great is Justice; Justice is not settled by legislators and laws…it is in the soul.”

By Robert

January 24, 2007 09:13 PM | Link to this

To whoever wrote the Dalai Lama post in my name

That was very funny :P

N8 - “I have ALWAYS APPRECIATED what he does for the team from the middle of February until the 162nd game has been played”

What if - there was someone who might not do as much from mid February thru game 162 - but who could manage to not singlehandedly fork things up for everybody starting with game 163. How would that sound?

By Alan

January 24, 2007 09:16 PM | Link to this

Welcome back, everyone! Boy, that was scary there for 7-some hours - a veritable black hole. It feels good to be back in Kansas, Toto. DOB, I read the Rollins piece and had the same reaction you did. The Phillies have improved, on paper anyway, but I have every confidence that they’ll find a way to mess up. They always do, don’t they? I mentioned on the “lost blog” how negative the fans in Philly are, and they have good reason. They are starved - famished - for a champion. None of their professional sports teams has won a title since the Phillies in the early ’80s (can’t remember if it was ‘80 or ‘83 - Rose, Schmidt, Maddox, McGraw, etc. - very good team - they beat John Schuerholz’s Royals - I think it was ‘83). Anyway, this year’s team definitely is a contender, but the bullpen (Antonio Alfonseca? Geoff Geary? Mickey Mouse?) is shaky and the manager (Charlie Manuel) is not going to make anyone (including Robert) forget Connie Mack, Casey Stengel and Walter Alston - or even Connie Stevens, Casey Kasem and Walter Cronkite, for that matter.

By BD Cooper

January 24, 2007 09:28 PM | Link to this

They say ev’rything can be replaced, Yet ev’ry distance is not near. So I remember ev’ry face Of ev’ry man who put me here. I see my light come shining From the west unto the east. Any day now, any day now, I shall be released.

By TennesseePaul

January 24, 2007 09:31 PM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for the new blog and all the effort. It’s the passion, the heart, that really shows through.

This underdog status is good for a change. But even still, I don’t think Rollins would so quickly lump us in the forgettables as he, or anyone for that matter, would the Nationals. Talk about a team with no hope. Zimmerman and Patterson. I think Patterson is recovering from an injury. That’s not good. Bravos will triumph. I look to see amazing things from every last Brave on the roster. I expect it. I’m spending my April flying to and fro to the ATL for the beginning of the season. I have full confidence.

Now to go back to the other blog and see what posts I missed. Love the AJC computer guy post. Clever.

By Alan

January 24, 2007 09:39 PM | Link to this

Hey, Mr. Cooper, aren’t your initials supposed to be DB? Just wondering …

By BD Cooper

January 24, 2007 09:41 PM | Link to this

Alan, the Phillies won in 1980.

By Lew

January 24, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this

Cole Hamels was overused last season, injured last season and is due for the traditional sophomore meltdowen or injury. Jamie Moyer isn’t going to snake his way through anything, nor is the rest of the Phillies staff as long as they have to pitch in Philadelphia. If Alphonseca is their bullpen salvation, they are in for a world of dissappointment. The Phillies offense is great, but it was last year, too and they still didn’t really make a showing. It is doubtful they will do any better this year. Rollins is right about the Mets staff, though. Old is definitely one way to characterize them. There are others.

By Metropolitan Man

January 24, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

Man, B. Cox has been getting robbed all these years by managing the braves. Now I see why Leo left, B. has a resume out of this world and still cant get paid. I still dont like who he manages but JS is robbing this guy blind. Thank goodness the braves are strapped!!!!

Daily News:

Had Randolph gone into the final year of his original contract as a lame duck under the original terms, he would have been in the bottom-third of managers, behind skippers including Arizona’s Bob Melvin ($875,000), Kansas City’s Buddy Bell ($825,00) and Philadelphia’s Charlie Manuel ($800,000).

Joe Torre leads major-league skippers with a $7.5 million salary in ‘07, dwarfing second-ranked Lou Piniella’s new deal with the Cubs, which pays him $3.5 million this year, and third-ranked Bobby Cox’s $3 million salary with the Braves.

Oh, and the Pilthies are talking trash becasue they have had the braves number the past couple of years. You guys should be worried about the Philthies.

By GTA

January 24, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this

As far as I see it, the Braves really are the team to beat in the East, I feel like they are the most complete from bottom to top in both the lineup, defensively (not as much as last year, but we’ll have to see about that), and pitching. The thing is, ever since our team has been relegated to an 80 million dollar payroll, we’ve been viewed as the underdogs, and every year (with the exception of last year), we’ve come out on top. So, we may not be the big dogs in the east anymore, but it should be an interesting season.

By MBATL

January 24, 2007 09:51 PM | Link to this

Who cares what Jimmy Rollins thinks? It’s not like he’s Dayn Perry or anything.

DOB, seems to me that if, as we’ve always assumed, the Braves have journaled Hampton at $8 mil per, we still have about $5 mil to spend this year. Any idea?

By Coloradobravesfan

January 24, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Look at this Mets loser.

ESPN.com news services

A Mets fan who impersonated a reporter last season was fined $1,000 on Tuesday and ordered to stay away from Mets home games for the next three years.

Ryan Leli, 18, was also ordered to stay away from Brooklyn Cyclones games, a Mets’ minor-league franchise, and the Mets’ spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Leli forged a press pass to get into the visiting clubhouse last season in order to interview Mike Piazza, the former Mets catcher who played for the Padres in 2006. Leli’s questions and request for a picture with Piazza got him ejected from the clubhouse.

He’s always been my hero, and I just wanted to meet him,” Leli said, according to The Times.

Leli also remained confident in his press-pass making ability. He examined a reporter’s credentials in court Tuesday and according to The Times said: “Not bad, but mine was better.”

By The Grinch

January 24, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

The Phillies aren’t going to do squat because they’re the Phillies. Why haven’t they learned this yet? I’m going to bed; I’m not well. Later, all.

By Odiferous

January 24, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

A Mets fan who impersonated a reporter last season was fined $1,000 on Tuesday and ordered to stay away from Mets home games for the next three years.

I didn’t realize it was a crime to impersonate a journalist.

jimmy smith - watch out!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 24, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

DOB, what have you heard about TJ Bohn? Has his name come up in any conversations you have had with Braves personel? He is another one of those guys who I wonder what the Braves would do if he had a good spring. It seems like there is a logjam in LF with no clear cut winner. And I still say that if Blanco outperforms all of them he should get the job simply because he would be the perfect leadoff hitter.

By N8

January 24, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Robert

You asked:

“What if - there was someone who might not do as much from mid February thru game 162 - but who could manage to not singlehandedly fork things up for everybody starting with game 163. How would that sound?”

In the past (with the STACKED roster we had), I would’ve been all for it. God knows the talent on those teams would’ve found a way to win more than they lost.

But I’m not so sure anymore (about April-September), I think Cox does a nice job, teaching the KIDS how to play the game the right way. I’ve NEVER had a problem with that. He got on Andruw to let him know not to “take plays off”, he sticks with the kids when they probably wouldn’t have the same treatment from other managers.

My biggest beefs with him in the past, is in the playoffs, when it’s WIN OR GO HOME, he treats the games like a game that’s taking place in April. I know Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Neagle, Milwood, etc… are (or were for some of them), all good pitchers, that MOST OF THE TIME can get out of jams. But I’ve always felt that managers should have a VERY SHORT hook in the playoffs. But that is NOTHING MORE THAN MY OPINION.

One of the other things that always bugged my was his loyalty to some and not to others. Jeff Blauser comes to mind. The guy would’ve had to have DIED to lose his spot. In fact had he still been a Brave when Furcal came up, I’m quite certain that Furcal would’ve had to wait for his turn to play. But then with a guy like Klesko, he would say EVERY offseason: “we’re gonna give him every chance to hit lefties.” But then come April, he’s back to platooning Klesko. Then when Klesko gets traded to the Padres, he hits lefties just fine and steals 20some bases. UNBELIEVABLE.

Again, those are a couple of things that “bother me” about Cox. But 9 days out of 10, I’m very happy with him as the manager. Having said that, ALMOST ALL of the “1 out of 10” days that I’m not happy with him, come in the playoffs.

So to make a short post long, with THIS roster and younger players. I’ll stick with Cox. With that veteran roster in the 90’s, I would’ve loved to have a guy like Leyland or Guillen that ON OCCASION would call somebody out just to let the fans know he’s paying attention. Having said THAT, I’m sure in the clubhouse, or when called into Bobby’s office, when he speaks the players give him their FULL attention.

Hope that clears it up. None of this, of course means that I don’t enjoy the donkey jokes. Laughter is the best medicine. I think you are funny, even though I rarely agree with you 100 percent of the way.

By Rob

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

This is all very simple…How many games did the bullpen blow lasy year? Did the Braves address that? Who won the NL East? Did they stay the same or improve? Did the Braves improve in other areas? The Braves DID address the bullpen in a major way! The Braves did get better simply by the addition of a healthy Mike Hampton, Hudson will NOT be as bad as he was, Chipper will HOPEFULLY stay healthy, Andruw is in a walk year(History tells us what that does to players). I’m trying not to wear the crimson glasses here folks, but it’s hard. Fact of the matter is the Mets don’t have Pedro until at least July(probably Aug). What did they do to upgrade? The Phillies? I will NEVER fear the Phillies until they prove me otherwise. The Braves have always eaten up soft-tossing pitchers. Freddy Garcia has never done anything in the regular season(post-season he has), Cole Hamels(Sophomore slump), Brett Myers? A wife a*-kickin’ stud right? Adam Eaton…Texas is straight up dying for pitching and they let him go? Come on guys, we’re returning to the post-season. Let’s get behind these guys this year! It’s ours for the taking!

By Robert

January 24, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

“That’s what this winter’s moves mean to me. It’s all about giving Bobby Cox options.”

1)Cox doesnt use options - He will keep pounding away trying to ram the square peg into the round hole - witness Marcus Giles, Chris Reitsma, Adam LaRoche

2)Options would just confuse him anyway. If you’re gonna keep him, definately got use the KISS principle, which is what worked in the regular season for the great 90’s teams.

All he had to do was to figure out which pitcher’s name top pencil in (and rumor has it Mazzone actually took care of this bit of business), walk the lineup card out to the ump, and then stay out of the way while the adults were working

By Alan

January 24, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Someone earlier mentioned that Mark Redman still is available and wondered if the Braves might be interested in him. I’ve been wondering the same thing. You’d think someone (Mets? Blue Jays?) would have signed him by now. Same with Ron Belliard (Raffy’s younger brother, BTW). He was the starting 2B for the WS champs last year. Speaking of which, I read earlier today that the Cards have offered Jeff Weaver a 2-year deal, but the Pirates (supposedly emboldened after acquiring LaRoche) also are courting him.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 24, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

esoteric tonight, aren’t we, stinky? high brow, low esteem. this journalist is not too worried about getting in trouble impersonating a journalist … now, impersonating -that is something stinky might watch out for. now, grinch in bed at 10 o’clock? oh, the humanity! bird flu! and did bob ever return to the blog or is mrs. bob still watching? and where is scalp’em tonight? much food has been discussed lately with no input from scalp’em. and what is deviled ham and how is it deviled? how can they get a ham in such a little can? and how long would it take wicky to go through a can of deviled ham? much to ponder. now, laroche … when he comes in from a huntin’ is he gonna be surprised!

By Robert

January 24, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

“teaching the KIDS how to play the game the right”

Gotta disagree with you. Andru, Ryan Klesko, Jeff Francoeur - thee very good players who made very little progress as hitters once they reached the bigs so long as they stayed in Atlanta uniforms

I’d be willing to bet Chipper Jones, as great a hitter as he is, wouldve become a BETTER big leaguer had he played for a different manager

I am firmly with BirdDawg on this one. A prospect will not reach full potential under Cox.

Cox can show the youngsters how to keep their diapers clean (starting with his own). Other than that, he has no useful baseball skill or wisdom that he is able to impart to his charges

By chef jimmy smith

January 24, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

here’s one that will make dob cry:

Deviled Ham & Cheese Ball

YIELD: 1 large cheese ball (approximately 3 1/3 cups cheese mixture)

2 cans (4.25 oz each) of UNDERWOOD® Deviled Ham Spread 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons freshly minced onion 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (WRIGHTS® Hickory Liquid Smoke preferred) 3/4 teaspoon celery salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1/2 cup radish slices 1/2 cup pecan halves

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except nuts. Chill until slightly firm. Form into desired shape and garnish with nuts, radish slices and pecan halves. Chill several hours or overnight. Serve with crackers.

“form into desired shape” sounds a little repulsive but on the balance, this sounds like a tasty treat.

By Robert

January 24, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Hey N8 - laughter IS the best medicine. It’s nice that some folks can disagree with each other in a civilized manner

N8 - The Klesko example bugs you. It should. How can you say he shows young guys how to play the right way, and then admit that Klesko got SIGNIFICANTLY better the moment he left Atlanta

I am pleased with Cox somewhere less than 1 out of 10 but probably more than 1 out of 100 times. (it would be 1 to 200 or more if I werent so pleased when he gets himself ejaculated from the game)

When he pulled Andru out of a game for dogging it is one of the rare times I think he taught a player a needed lesson.

Other times, he tends to be more loyal to veterans - he only plays with and sticks with rookies when he has no option - and at those times, he throws them out there but doesnt teach them anything not having to do with Huggies

“when he speaks the players give him their FULL attention.”

Of course. If they dont, then you get run outta there - like Kenny Lofton, Gary Sheffield, and Fred McGriff did

We never hear about that tho - You speak out to or against Cox, you disappear fast - Of course, Rocker, who was the one real cancer who deserved to be run out, gives him an excuse to label anyone who doesnt toe the line as a problem child

The problem is that even if you pay full attention, very little of what he hee-haws makes any semblance of sense

By Robert

January 24, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

“But then with a guy like Klesko, he would say EVERY offseason: “we’re gonna give him every chance to hit lefties”

Every chance defined as one at bat against a UGA or GaTech pitcher - and if he didnt hit a leadoff grand slam, the experiment against lefties would be done for the year

The man runs the same experiment the same way every year, and expects the results to change. He is either the dumbest mofo in baseball, the stubbornest mofo in baseball, or (my belief) both.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 24, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Rob, you make some very good points. The Mets did not improve themselves. Alou is an upgrade over Floyd but not much of one. And, Alou is just as susceptible to injuries as Floyd is. Alou has spent time on the DL every season for the last five or so seasons. The starting rotation didn’t get better. While Trachsel was nothing to write home about, he did eat up innings and won 15 game (I believe) last season. Pedro won’t be back until the All-Star break….maybe. El Duque is a year older and you can be certain he is likely to have some more of his stuff. Jorge Sosa isn’t what I would call a quality pickup. If he was so good, the pitching depleted Cardinals would have kept him. The bullpen is about the same. It could be a little worse.

Now, take the Braves. The offense did take a hit with the loss of LaRoche but Thorman and possibly Wilson platooning with him will make up at least 85% of that loss. Kelly Johnson will be a much better option at the leadoff spot than Giles was. If he can play adequate defense you would have to consider the position an upgrade. The rotation gets Chuck James for an enitre season and the additon of Mike Hampton. And as Rob said surely Hudson will pitch better. The bullpen is a no-brainer. With Gonzales, Soriano, and Wickman at the backend of the pen it has to be considered one of the best in baseball. Not even the Padres have that strong of a threesome. McBride, who was death against lefties last season, should onl get better.

The Phillies did improve in the starting rotation. However, that bullpen is awful and they have nobody to bridge the gap to Gordon. The offense is very good but I wonder if they won’t miss Abreu. I think the surge they had the last two months of last season was due to “what do we have to lose attitude” since everyone including themselves had written them off.

The Marlins offense will improve by the mere fact all of those youngsters have a season under their belt. The rotation is still strong. And the bullpen hasn’t gotten any worse.

Reality is the NL East is up in the air. But, I have the feeling the Braves will be picked 3rd or maybe even 4th. I hope they do. That will give them motiviation, which will go along with their hurt pride, that will cause them to focus even harder and want to prove everyone wrong.

By Rob

January 24, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

This is exactly why ATL is consistently voted the worst sports town in America. WTF has Klesko done since he left the Braves? I love Ryan Klesko, but the answer is nothing! Bobby Cox is the best manager in baseball and you goat-humpers are too stupid to realize it. We just finished up with the greatest sports accomplishment ever, and you sister-mollesters can’t even see it. God no wonder people don’t wantr to live in Georgia…..the winters are too freaking harsh! You have nothing else to get out and do. All I have to say is if incest is the topic, you f^%%ING people have the market cornered!

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB), people keep forgetting about Bohn _ I’m sure many don’t even know the Braves have him _ when discussing the LF situation. But he could be a factor with a good spring. He hit .283 with 20 doubles, nine homers and 15 steals in 97 games (378 at-bats) in Triple-A last year in Mariners organization, and in 2005 he hit .310 with 33 doubles, 13 homers and 31 steals (40 attempts) in 135 games in Double-A and Triple-A, most of it in Double-A.

I’ve got a feeling we should keep his name in mind, that he’s going to be a factor one way or another. And yes, his name has come up in a few conversations, including at winter meetings, when I asked about OFs.

Anything can happen. Someone could get traded. Braves could decide (though I’ve got no reason to believe they’re leaning this way) that Diaz has some trade value now and might not later if he doesn’t repeat last year’s performance. Who knows? Just too early to tell.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

By the way, I called Thorman tonight in Canada, for a story I’m gonna do in a week or so. He’s excited, but at same time not taking anything whatsoever for granted. Dude says he’s going to spring training with both his gloves (OF glove and 1B mitt) and just trying to do everything he can to win a spot on the opening day roster.

Gotta like the attitude. Good guy. He’s been hitting with Pete Orr at a batting cage near Toronto that’s halfway between their houses (they live about 1-1/2 hours apart).

By Robert

January 24, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

“Dude says he’s going to spring training ….. and just trying to do everything he can to win a spot on the opening day roster”

Keeping some sugar cubes and apple slices in his uniform pockets cant hurt

The way to a donkey’s heart is thru his stomach.

By Ron

January 24, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Who cares what Rollins says. The Phillies is the biggest underachievers in Baseball over the last few years. They thought they were goin to win the World Series back when they signed Jim Thome, and ended up not even makin the playoffs. They were favored by many to win the World Series. Let the Phills keep talkin and NYM keep talkin, we will see when the Playoffs start. Oh yeah NYM, PAYBACKS A B***!!!!!!! You will find that out when we kick the Mets asses this year.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 24, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Thanks, DOB, for the info. I have a feeling that Bohn and Blanco are going to throw a huge monkey wrench into the LF situation and just may force Cox and JS’ hand. If I were Diaz and Langerhans, I sure wouldn’t come to spring training thinking they have the slot in the bag.

By Sir Stealth

January 24, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Well DOB, I knew you liked good food, but when you posted that East NC barbecue was the best, I was impressed. I knew you liked a lot of good music, but posting “Ft. Worth Blues” goes beyond that. I think that Ft. Worth Blues is probably the best Steve Earle song there is, pre or post-jail, and really gets to the heart of what he represents in his music (which puts it up there on the list for best song ever period).

Thing is, you’ve been so dead on that I’m really starting to worry about the Laroche-Gonzalez trade and you saying you wouldn’t have done it, even though your disapproval isn’t strong. Please ignore anyone who incorrectly and ignorantly accuses you of homerism and post as much positive material as you can about that trade or the upcoming Braves season in general.

All right, I’ll ease up on the praise now and get back to worshiping the real one true god - Bobby Cox.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 24, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

DOB, another question. I was also wondering about Lerew and Harrison. If they have great springs and Davies and Cormier struggle or even have great springs as well, what (in your opinion) would the Braves do with Harrison and Lerew? Has either of their names came up in conversations?

By Robert

January 24, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

RJIB - Rest assured. JS has had sixteen plus years of experience in trying to compensate for a bone throwing a monkey wrench into his plans

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Hey, how ‘bout those Dawgs tonight? From 17 down to beat Kentucky by nine in overtime. Impressive, even if UK is reeling a bit….

Is anybody else hooked on Friday Night Lights? Really good show. But they shoulda given the RB a better nickname than “Smash.” I mean, he goes around referring to himself in third person as Smash.

But again, it’s a really good show. And the coach, uh, did alright for himself, didn’t he?

By futurebravesgm2413

January 24, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Thats sad how Orr and Thorman are good friends. Looks like Orr may not have a roster spot.

By Canuckbravesfan

January 24, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Can’t help wondering why everyone seems to be so critical of Diaz’ defense. When you look at the stats, he had the 2nd best Range Factor of the Braves outfielders. Andruw best at 2.61 but Diaz right behind him at 2.56 with Francouer at 2.08 and Langy at 2.15

Also interesting to look at home and road B.A.’s for Francouer and Langy. Langy hit .296 at home but only .186 on the road. Francoeur .305 at home but only .217 on road. What causes the great disparity ???

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Harrison probably needs more minor league seasoning. He’s going to be really good, but he’s only 21 and there’s no need to rush him. Double-A hitters batted .272 against him after his promotion from A-ball last summer….

Lerew just hasn’t impressed with any consistency in Triple-A (3-5, 7.48 ERA last season) or his limited chances in the majors. Not yet.

Braves know what they have in Villarreal and Cormier. They’re not sure what to expect yet from Lerew.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 25, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

I found the following to be quite an interesting little nugget. It was in a Ken Rosenthal article on foxsports.com.

A National League G.M. says of the Braves, “People jumped off the bandwagon too soon. Even before the (LaRoche) trade, they were underestimated. They were a very good run-scoring team last year. They fixed their glaring weakness – the bullpen. And the rotation is OK. They’ll have Chucky James the whole year. (Tim) Hudson should be better. And Smoltz is Smoltz. There really isn’t any weakness.”

By Kieran, Long Island Brave Fan

January 25, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Do you have knowledge as to whether Martin Prado is playing Winter Ball at all?

Also is there often a concern after a young hitter like Kelly Johnson goes a year without seeing major league pitching because of an injury and then is tossed back into the action? Or once you’ve seen it you’ve seen it, and theres not much of a layoff?

If Prados playin ball down there and Johnsons been on the MLB shelf for over a year, you might see two guys who are competing for a position in two very differant places. I wonder if Johnson will have the support of the front office if he can;t hit the broad side of the barn in the Spring. I know the Braves are usually extremely patient with young players, but when you have hot competition… well, it will be interesting.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 25, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

I have said and will continue to say that this team could be better. I know it isn’t going to happen but I would love to see Jacque Jones, Rocco Baldelli, or Alex Rios in LF. I would even like the Braves to maybe take a chance on BJ Upton and if they could somehow get Delmon Young that would be a steal. (Side note: I don’t understand why the Devil Rays would want to get rid of Young. That kid is a superstar in waiting. He’ll be bigger than Puljos or Howard or Ortiz.) However, I think the team as currently constructed is very good and as good as any team in the NL East. Like this scout said there are no glaring weaknesses. The Phillies have the bullpen, the Mets have the starting rotation, and the Marlins have some offensive issues and the bullpen isn’t very good. The Braves, on the other hand, have a decent rotation that could be dominating. They have a terrific bullpen that could be the best in the majors. And, they have an offense that is very good and if Kelly Johnson and Scott Thorman do what the Braves expect them to do and quite frankly what I think they will do this offense will be more balanced and thus more dangerous. Before anybody says I have been on the fence about Johnson, I was on the fence about his defense but if Hubbard says the kid is ready then he is ready.

Part of me really hopes Bohn or Blanco shine in spring training. If Blanco gets the LF job then the leadoff slot is filled without any worries and if it is Bohn then we could be looking at a guy capable of 20HR/.295avg/20-30SB

By Tomahawkin

January 25, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

D.O.B. many of the cats I’ve talked to on da phillies blog, are giving us props that we are gonna be tougher in the N.L. that most of the “experts” on ESPN will give us credit 4…

KC You stated that the most improved teams will be the Flubbies and us Bravos…I agree wit ya on that, especially since I think Cliff Floyd will clown this year at Wrigley…

However, when The Athlon sports Baseball annuals come out in about 10 dayz, I bet they will differ…

Grinch in response to ur post in da last blog…

“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. “

You damn rite, playa! I was doin it big! U shoulda been there, you would’ve had U some big fun…

Where’s Carroll At? Haven’t heard from dat cat in a grip! I conjure the image of Carroll, cussing out the TV at Loud Audibles, much Like I do…

SEC Baseball will B here in 2 weeks, Can’t wait! College Baseball games are the shyt…Everyone and dey mama be at the games gettin tipsy and getting they chill on…

By Tomahawkin

January 25, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

D.O.B. I heard stories at the end of da last blog about, maybe one of the relivers getting put on waivers or traded…And I just heard U quote that you been doin this 4 about 6 years now…I usually keep up with the wherabouts of the spring training “Flash in da pans”, but I lost sight of Travis Wilson, I remember the TBS commentators giving him high praise 4 his bat…Anyone knows where this cat is doing now?

By Head Coach

January 25, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Lets see.We know what the Braves bullpen is airtight , the rotation could dominate or implode , the offense is more than edequate and the defense is questionable. The Phillies pitching is much improved with a fine offense and closer to back them up. The Mets have the best offense in the N.L. but their rotation is a mystery and the bullpen is still outstanding. The Marlins are a year older and less a closer with a new manager who knows the Braves inside and out. The Nationals are a doormat. I would have to agree. Very , very , very interesting. My prediction : A DOGFIGHT from start to finish and I have no idea who will come out on top other than to say the wildcard will more than likely come from the N.L. east.

By Tomahawkin

January 25, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Robert, I think Jacque Jones would be too expensive to trade 4…I like the Idea of Baldelli better…And I will probably get clowned 4 this, but I’m sticking by my idea of Corey Patterson…But at this point in the offseason, I’m living fantasies right now…because I know this is what we will have barring a few samll deals or two heading into Opening day…

By Tomahawkin

January 25, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

We thought the Nats were out doormat last year, and dey played us tough all year…

By N8

January 25, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

Rob

You said:

“This is exactly why ATL is consistently voted the worst sports town in America. WTF has Klesko done since he left the Braves?”

A) I’m not from Atlanta, don’t live in Atlanta, and NEVER plan on moving there. So that point is irrelevent.

B) IMMEDIATELY upon leaving the Braves, Klesko’s numbers ALL went up.

1998 with Braves: 18-HR, 70-RBI, 5-SB 73-AB against lefties.

1999 with Braves: 21-HR, 80-RBI, 5-SB, 56-AB against lefties

2000 with Padres: 26-HR, 92-RBI, 23-SB, 137-AB against lefties

2001 with Padres: 30-HR, 113-RBI, 23-SB, 186-AB against lefties.

Now, one could argue that as he got older, he matured as a hitter, thus having more success against lefties….OR…one could argue, that once he was given the chance to play EVERYDAY, he relaxed and performed better ALL THE TIME. Also, I’m guessing he just didn’t ALL OF THE SUDDEN become “quicker” as in 21 MORE SB’s QUICKER!!!

On the flip side, the player we traded (one of them) for Klesko, Reggie Sanderrs, he went from 36 SB’s in 1999 with the Padres to 21 with the Braves in 2000.

So the next time I hear or read that Bobby would “love to have a running team, but he just doesn’t have the horses to do it”, I’M GONNA PUKE! I’d rather Bobby just say: “I like Pitching, Defense and as many 3-run HR’s we can get”. If it’s not his style than fine. People will also say “look at Furcal”. YUP. Look at him. The kid had 96 SB’s (combined at many levels) his last year in the minors. What was his “Braves High”?

Again to ALL THOSE THAT DIDN’T SNAP BACK ABOUT RYAN KLESKO, I appologize, I’m not really bashing on Bobby. But for those to assume that he is perfect, that doesn’t sit well with me either. Like I’ve said, I LOVE THE WAY HE “MANAGES” THE TEAM. As in how he keeps egos in check, and such. Just not a big fan of some of his “on field” decisions. That’s all.

As far as what Klesko has done lately? That wasn’t at issue. What was being discussed was

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 25, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

N8, I agree with you about Klesko. I think Bobby made the same mistake with him that he was making with LaRoche until Jordan’s injury forced his hand. I also fear he will do the same with Thorman though I’m not totally against a platoon with Wilson, at least for the first couple of months of the season. You can’t know if a left handed hitter can hit left handed pitching until you let him do it. In most cases I view platoons like NFL quarterbacks. If you have “two” starting quarterbacks then you really have none. Same with platoons. In most cases.

By Head Coach

January 25, 2007 01:55 AM | Link to this

Thorman is the starter and Wilson is the backup until proven otherwise. I believe McCann should bat cleanup and Andruw fifth. McCann and Chipper are the two toughest outs on the team and Andruw is a better slugger than McCann. Andruw batting fifth would make it impossible to pitch around Chipper and McCann not to mention that putting the two toughest outs back to back in the lineup only enhances the offense.

By Zac

January 25, 2007 02:48 AM | Link to this

This blog was probably falling because of the amount of replies clogging up bandwidth. I’ve always noticed the longer the blog, the larger the page load. If you see this Dave, what has Devine done this offseason? Did Pendelton not receive any other job considerations this offseason or does he want to be Bobby’s heir? Just heard the new Bright Eyes ep 4 Winds, good stuff.

By Robert

January 25, 2007 03:15 AM | Link to this

“I’d rather Bobby just say: “I like Pitching, Defense and as many 3-run HR’s we can get”. If it’s not his style than fine. People will also say “look at Furcal”.

You want Bobby Cox to say something that logically explains what he has done or what he is (God forvid) THINKING?

Well, that’ll be the day, when you say goodbye Yes, that’ll be the day, when you make me cry You say you’re gonna leave, you know it’s a lie ‘Cause that’ll be the day when I die

By Robert

January 25, 2007 03:25 AM | Link to this

Caption this photo

http://www.bravesbeat.com/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=toprated&cat=-128&pos=0

By Zac

January 25, 2007 03:31 AM | Link to this

Robert, you are a retard. People more involved in baseball, more informed about the structure of baseball, more closely related to Bobby Cox, all rank him very, very high amongst major league managers. What makes you think you are so much more right than multiple people so much more informed than you? A better question, why do you think this anti-cox (we know you aren’t anti-cocks) bs is going to convert people on an Atlanta Braves blog?

By Robert

January 25, 2007 03:31 AM | Link to this

The look on Mazzone’s face in that picture is absolutely priceless

By Zac

January 25, 2007 03:42 AM | Link to this

[By Robert

January 25, 2007 03:25 AM | Link to this

Caption this photo](http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f38/zaphrodesiac/gheys.jpg)

By Robert

January 25, 2007 04:16 AM | Link to this

“A better question, why do you think this anti-cox bs is going to convert people on an Atlanta Braves blog? “

Well, since I dont expect any other team’s fans to campaign to solve the Braves biggest problem …… (use that Einstein mind of yours to figure out the rest)

The Photoshop shop was cute. Can you make one where Bobby says “Hee-Haw”?

By Robert

January 25, 2007 04:21 AM | Link to this

“Robert, you are a retard”

Zac, I swear I am NOT really Bobby Cox

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 08:48 AM | Link to this

So the next time I hear or read that Bobby would “love to have a running team, but he just doesn’t have the horses to do it”, I’M GONNA PUKE! I’d rather Bobby just say: “I like Pitching, Defense and as many 3-run HR’s we can get”. If it’s not his style than fine. People will also say “look at Furcal”. YUP. Look at him. The kid had 96 SB’s (combined at many levels) his last year in the minors. What was his “Braves High”?

I hate to get into the Cox debate. I’d really like to take O’Brien’s advice, but this response may explain some of the flaws in Robert’s thinking. And is more specific that just saying “Cox is a good manager because of overwhelming consensus by people knowledgeable about the game (though I think those two reasons are more than valid).:

Could it be that Cox understands the value of the steal perhaps better than most others? This is just a thought, but maybe he just understands that it’s dumb to run yourself out of a big inning to advance one base. I mean, look at how many times the Braves have been near the top in the caught-stealing rankings—2000 they were 2nd, 1999 the were 4th, 1992 they were 6th, 1991 they were 3rd. Other than those four years, they’ve never finished in the top 10. They’ve only been in the top three twice.

We’d have to look at how that compares to other managers but maybe Cox just understands the right level of aggression to apply.

By Harry

January 25, 2007 08:52 AM | Link to this

DOB- Ft Worth Blues- good stuff. El Corazon is a great album. Earle songwriting seems to have faded a bit. Have you ever seen the performance of Ft Worth Blues on Austin City Limits tribute to Townes Van Zandt? Now, that boy could write a song.

By Alan

January 25, 2007 09:16 AM | Link to this

All of you guys criticizing Bobby Cox for platooning players do realize that platooning has been going on since the beginning of time, don’t you? Barney Rubble never played when a lefthander started in the old NFL (National Flintstones League). Seriously, every “oldtimer” knows that Casey Stengel almost always used a platoon system in left field. In spite of that “shortcoming”, he was considered a fairly good manager in his day. Have you guys forgotten who platooned in left with Klesko in late ‘95 and throughout the postseason? Yep, Mike Devereaux, who was MVP of the NLCS that year. So, Klesko “blossomed” when he was traded to the Padres. Good for him. The Braves didn’t exactly give him away. It was a bold move at the time. (As I recall, that was when the Braves got Veras and Sanders to add speed to the top of the order, something many of us would like to see happen now - add speed, that is), and it didn’t work out. That happens occasionally. The manager has to work with what he has. That year (‘98) when Sanders was here, the Braves acquired BJ Surhoff to - yes - platoon with Sanders because Sanders was having a terrible time. If I remember correctly, Surhoff ended up getting the bulk of the playing time against all pitching. Point is, Bobby Cox (like most managers) “plays the percentages” a lot, but not all of the time. If he played percentages all of the time, he wouldn’t have let LaRoche hit against lefties last season, would he? I know, I know - that’s only after Jordan got hurt. Whatever. He could have put Pratt at first. Or Diaz. But he didn’t. He stayed with LaRoche. And he gets no credit for that. Just dumb luck. Right.

By Lew

January 25, 2007 09:34 AM | Link to this

Good Lord-Eight hours sleep and I return and it’s the same old crap again and again and again. Quit responding to the one trick pony(who really doesn’t do that one trick very well). There is nothing you can say to change his mind. Any mention whatsoever of his favorite topic just sends him into waves of orgasmic pleasure. It’s just plain time to change the subject. It’s all a zero sum game arguing with this logicless person. He’s a flippin’ fanatic and you can never change a fanatic’s views. They just KNOW they’re right. We’ve managed to make it with only very occasional mentions of Carl Crawford based trades. Let’s try to do the same with this other unmentionable topic. I mean, we almost have gotten Shaun toned down on the stats. It just might work with this lunatic, too.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 09:37 AM | Link to this

To avoid the Topic That Shall Remain Nameless:

It’s obvious the Braves want Kelly Johnson to earn the 2B/leadoff spot. Renteria will bat second. Then it’s probably Chipper, Andruw and McCann in the middle. Then Francouer, Thorman and Langerhans/Diaz. Unless Cox wants to bat Thorman 8th to take some pressure off.

Offense may not drop as much as some think. Take a look at Kelly Johnson’s OBP throughout his pro career—very impressive. And his natural position is SS. He did make quite a few errors at short in the minors but hopefully he can handle 2B at least adequately so he can get in the lineup everyday.

Another thought, and most of us realize this but it’s worth some praise on this blog, for what it’s worth: The Braves should get a lot of credit for not shying away from playing young players. And they’ve been rewarded for it. How many teams would trade a pretty cheap, slick-fielding, good-hitting firstbaseman in his prime and go with a rookie at that position? But the Braves no Thorman can hit and know they will likely be better off with Thorman and Gonzalez than with just LaRoche.

They realize that two good players are better than one really good one. And they also realize that if you trust scouting reports and minor league stats, you’ll be rewarded.

A lot of teams think you have to prove yourself in the majors before you deserve a chance. The Braves understand that ability is much more important than experience, trust their talent evaluators and minor league numbers to reveal a player’s ability, and insert talented players who lack experience into the lineup. This kind of thinking is what makes John Schuerholz one of if not the best GM in baseball.

By Puplwood Smith

January 25, 2007 09:41 AM | Link to this

DOB, will I be seeing you at the Lucinda Williams show March 17 at the Tabernacle. Great, great performer and sonwriter, plus a great venue.

By Lew

January 25, 2007 09:42 AM | Link to this

Sorry Shaun-Didn’t mean to make it sound like you’re a lunatic, too. You’re not, just a little over the top sometimes.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 09:47 AM | Link to this

Lew,

Yes, my SPP (Stat-Posting Percentage) is down to .856. Aren’t you impressed that my last couple of posts only featured minor references to stats?

I’ll never stop with the stats because they are our best source of objective evidence about player ability.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 09:55 AM | Link to this

My goal is to bore everyone on this blog at least twice a week.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 09:56 AM | Link to this

Actually, my goal is for someone important to read this and make me the Rob Neyer of the ajc.com or an official Atlanta Braves numbers cruncher.

By Lew

January 25, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this

Shaun-I’m proud of you son. Keep up the good work.

By Lew

January 25, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Shaun-That’s alright. A little eccentricity is good for the soul.

By BUSHWACKER

January 25, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

The pitching staff better be perfect because this team will be lucky to score 2 runs a game.

By Lew

January 25, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Bushwacker- Are you serious? We still have Chipper, Andruw, Francoeur and McCann, who all hit between 25-41 HR and are all quite capable of knocking in 100 Runs each. I fail to see this point of view that the Braves will score no runs. It’s an absurdity.

By Matthew

January 25, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Had to post this from jjs on the old blog:

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.”

JJS, scientists are investigating how Krispy Kreme residue gives Wicky an unfair advantage on his breaking ball. We are hiding the evidence in Ark. No one will think to look for it here. As for Krispy Kreme, the cruellers are the best. I can remember my grandfather getting them from Kroger (not as good as fresh, but still outstanding) and we’d share them over coffee and oranje juice while reading how the Braves won the pennant, or how the Hogs were winning the national championship in ‘94. Good times.

Now cheese. My wife made a ham and cheese omlet for me as a late dinner last night (our church services went way over, so it was around 9:30). Sharp cheddar, ham, bacon bits, and sauteed onions gave this history teacher weird dreams. All I can say is that George Washington text messaged me, asking me to come to Philadelphia and save the Continental Congress…

Omlets at 9:30 are not to be trifled with. And please, no more mention of just Bob blogging from the tub. I don’t need any more bad dreams.

By Lew

January 25, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist Jimmy Smith-I assure you that the Wurlitzer portrait is finished and awaits it’s February 16th presentation at Spring Training. I’m not saying who the subject of the portrait is, but the name Englebert figures prominently.

By The Grinch

January 25, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Morning, all. I am still not well, but better; thank you all for your obvious concern. Knowitall and Robert(JTIB), I haven’t given up on Vick or the receivers yet, and I do believe their lack of sucess was due to poor coaching. I’m just stating the reasons why the trade is tempting to most.

Robert, I’ll give that caption a shot:

Bobby: Hee-haw!

Leo: Bobby, for the last time, I don’t have anymore sugar cubes…quit nuzzling in my left jacket pocket! I’ve told you a thousand times to make them last 9 innings; it’s nobody’s fault but yours.

Bobby: (nuzzles pocket) Haw?

Leo: It’s the seventh inning and Hudson’s gassed…this important, Bobby. Can’t you at least wait ‘till the inning’s over?

Bobby: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaw!

Leo: Oh, for God’s sake, check the right pocket.

Bobby: (exitedly) Haw! Haw! Haw! Haw!

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

BUSHWACKER,

Yes, the offense may drop some—Thorman may not replace LaRoche’s production and secondbase is kindof a mystery at this point—but the Braves still have Chipper, Andruw and McCann in the middle of the order, so they should score enough as long as the pitching staff improves.

The Braves were 2nd in runs, 2nd in AVG, 5th in OBP and 1st in SLG in 2006. Thorman is going to be better than expected and Giles had a down year so the 2B production shouldn’t drop very much. McCann will likely drop a little bit, but he’ll still be very productive. And Francouer is likely to improve. Plus, Langerhans is at exactly the right age for a career year.

The Braves will be fine offensively. If their pitching/defense can jump to at least 6th or 7th in fewest runs allowed (as I think they can) they’ll contend for a playoff spot easily.

My guess is at least 4th-5th in runs scored and at least 6th-7th in fewest runs allowed, around 86-90 wins. Mets, Phillies will likely project around the same amount of wins or a few more, so I think the division will come down to who gets the breaks—injuries, good fortune, etc. I think the Braves key players are more likely to stay healthy/have big years. A lot of the Mets and Phillies’ key players are either old or are due to decline from their 2006 numbers because they played over their heads.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

The Braves scored 5.24 runs/game last season. How are they going to drop to under 4.27—what the bottom team, the Pirates, scored in ‘06?

I hope that 2 runs a game was hyperbole. It’s virtually impossible to average that few runs a game in this day and age.

If they drop to 5 runs a game, it will be a shock and 5 rpg would have put them at 6th in the league in 2006.

By Mitchie-san

January 25, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Well, its good to see the blog back. I thought it was my connection on the ship. You know, its a little tough to keep connectivity in the middle of the Pacific….

I am going to keep my opinion of Bobby to myself. I dont want to cause anymore waves.(no pun intended)

By N8

January 25, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Alright here goes.

Once again, I’d like state for the record that I’m not on a FIRE BOBBY COX crusade. But sometimes question his “in game” decisions (like I’m sure most fans do of ALL managers/coaches), and some of his decisions on who plays and when. Like bringing in Remlinger REPEATEDLY to face lefties because the “book” says to, but Remlinger’s numbers against lefties say otherwise.

Earlier I posted some stats on Ryan Klesko about how he was never really given the chance to face lefties on a regular basis.

I was just on the official Braves site and read Mark Bowman’s newest article, discussing who should (could) play in LF for the Braves, out of the players currently on the roster. This next line is a quote from his story about Ryan Langerhans:

“Complicating any plans to once again use Langerhans in a platoon role is the fact in his first two seasons, he’s hit .304 against left-handed pitchers and just .245 against right-handers. At the same time, it should be noted that 555 of his 657 career at-bats have come against right-handed pitchers.”

So let me get this right. In 102 AB’s against lefties, he has hit .304, yet it’s STILL a matter of platooning him? Hell, if Bobby INSISTS on platooning him, it looks to me as though he SHOULD BE THE GUY THAT FACES LEFTIES.

IMO, his defense alone warrants him getting more playing time over the others. If JS is confident that some combination of Renteria, Chipper, Andruw, McCann and Francouer can carry the load with Giles and LaRoche out of the mix and wants to RETURN to Atlanta’s PITCHING AND DEFENSE tradition, it ONLY MAKES SENSE to put the BEST defensive unit on the field.

But just watch. Bobby will go with a platoon in LF (which I have no problem with - I think platoons are good if you have guys that hit well within the righty vs lefty and lefty vs. righty theory - not to mention it keeps your bench guys fresh), but mark it down. Bobby will sit Langerhans against the lefties, while playing him against the righties. Then when he’s hitting around .245, everybody will say “man, Langerhans just hasn’t developed yet, what a dissappointment”.

But yet everybody (including myself), still stands on the mountain top, proclaiming that Bobby ALWAYS puts his players in the best position to succeed. Unreal.

Of course, I’m still hoping that Gregor Blanco has a MONSTER spring and wins the LF/leadoff spot outright. Then Kelly Johnson can bat at the bottom of the order and give us a nice bat down there. But that’s just me.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

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

Grinch, You got the Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie-Woogie Flu ????? Shoulda stuck with the domestic beer, brother ;)

By Michael

January 25, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

ANY CHANCE THE BEST DEAL OF THE OFF SEASON FOR THE BRAVES IS THE METS SIGNING OF JORGE SOSA?

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Harry, just downloaded El Corazon and Transcendental Blues into the Ipod laaate last night and listened to several Earle gems I hadn’t heard in a while. Such a great songwriter. We’ll wait to see what his next album offers before I jump to any conclusions about him fading. I mean, there were a few great ones on his Jerusalem album in 2003.

Couldn’t agree more on Townes _ him, Hank and Mr. Zimmerman are, to me, the greatest to pen tunes.

By Adam

January 25, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

NB, I agree with a lot of what you said. I like Bobby Cox, I don’t think he is the best manager of all time but I do think he understands how to manage a team for season better than anyone else. The Braves are always an even keel team. Obviously this works great for the regular season because it is such a grind, but the Braves playoff record shows that the playoffs aren’t the same as the regular season.

I have always thought his approach at platooning lefties was a bit dramatic. When Klesko was with the Braves, there was no one in the line up that could touch his power potential and he did hit for a good average his rookie year but Bobby wouldn’t let him play against lefties. It’s almost like the good left handed hitters the Braves bring up develop a complex about hitting lefties because they know if they don’t have instant success, Bobby will have a platoon waiting for them. Truth is you can’t hit lefties unless you see them on a regular basis and learn there release points and pitching patterns. I was shocked when Bobby let LaRoche play against lefties regularly last year. I wish he would make that type of decision the norm and not the exception.

By N8

January 25, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

DOB

You mentioned that Thorman and Orr have been hanging out together this offseason.

What are Orr’s “options”? Is he likely to be left off of the opening day 25 man roster. Or will he be battling with Woodward for the 2nd utility roll (behind Aybar), or are ALL THREE of them fighting for 2 spots?

By Alan

January 25, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Grinch, very funny exchange between Bobby and Leo. You REALLY should write a screenplay. Shaun, I agree with your assessment of the Braves’ chances v. the Mets and the Phillies. I am a bit concerned about the infield defense: Chipper’s and Edgar’s range; inexperience on the right side. I’m slogging my way through JS’s extremely self-serving book, “Built to Win,” wherein he makes a big point of reconstructing the ‘91 club around experience and defense - hence the early signings of Pendleton, Belliard and Bream. He’s strayed off-course a bit this season. We’ll see how this goes. I still think the Braves will pick up another vet (Ron Belliard?) to play 2B.

By N8

January 25, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Adam

I hear you. The part that even I left out (I kind of mentioned it by saying maybe Klesko was a “late bloomer” hitting against lefties), is that he DIDN’T have success against them in the limited opportunities. But looking at Langerhans, HE HAS. So I’m not sure why Bobby would sit him against lefties and continue playing him against righties, just because the book says to. It’s almost like sometimes he doesn’t actually look at the “current” results of certain players in certain situations (see Mike Remlinger), THAT is what frustrates me.

Now having said that, it would be REALLY HARD to argue that Diaz didn’t deserve playing time against lefties. He certainly does. Hell, the same questions could be asked of why Diaz didn’t get REGULAR time against righties AND lefties.

If the platoon comes down to Diaz vs. Langerhans. Based on OVERALL offensive results, my vote would almost be to play Diaz everyday, and bring Langerhans in for late inning (with a lead) defense. I just don’t think Langerhans gets nearly the credit from the fans as being and outstanding outfielder. On that note, if Langerhans would have a “breakout” kind of year, even though he is a little older, he could BRIDGE that gap in CF if (when) Andruw leaves. Langerhans is MORE THAN CAPABLE of playing well above average CF. It’s just a matter of if he’s gonna hit enough to be an everyday player.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Alan, good points on platooning.

Not to let actual facts stand in the way of pontificating by a few here, but those labeling Cox as a serial platooner … uh, well, he’s just about at the midpoint of managers over the past decade or so, in terms of platoon frequency.

Here’s how Stats Inc breaks it down: By “platoon advantage percentage” at the start of games. In other words, the percentage of a team’s batters who had a righty-lefty or lefty-righty matchup at the beginning of the game.

By that measure, hitters on Cox teams since 1994 (when they started keeping the stat) had such matchups 60 percent of the time, which includes lower figures in recent seasons _ 48 percent in 2002, followed by 52 percent in ‘03, then 70 percent, 69 percent and 58 percent for last season’s Bravos.

(Hope I’m not losing anyone with this rather esoteric statistical essay, but it’s the closest that Stats Inc comes to a direct stat on the matter. The only thing that can throw it off a bit is use of switch-hitters, who always have the advantage _ and remember that for most of those years Cox had two switch-hitters in the lineup most of the time, so his actual “platoons” would be lower.)

OK, getting back to the point: Cox had a 60-percent figure since Stats Inc. started keeping the stat.

Here’s some examples of other managers since they began keeping the stat: Terry Francona (59 percent), Ron Gardenhire (62 percent), Phil Garner (56 percent), Mike Hargrove (57 percent), Clint Hurdle and Tony La Russa (each 53 percent, lowest of the long-term guys), Jim Leyland (56 percent), Charlie Manuel (63 percent), Frank Robinson (62 percent), Bob Melvin (65 percent), Mike Scioscia (62 percent), Buch Showalter (62 percent), Jim Tracy (57 percent), Eric Wedge (66 percent), Joe Torrie (65 percent, highest of the long-term guys).

Again, Cox is at 60 percent since ‘94. Now, back to the mid 1980s, Cox was known to use to use five platoons a lot of the time, and the serial platooner lable was well-earned. That was an era when bullpens were smaller, benches deeper, and a lot of managers, maybe most managers, used 2-3 platoons, at least.

But in the past decade, he’s just about in the middle in terms of platoon usage. Sorry to disappoint, but he just is.

Now, I’m sure that fact won’t stand in the way of a few mule-stubborn folks here who know everything, and they’ll poke holes in that stat somehow. It is what it is. Now get to work explaining it away.

Look out, you guys, or Brian Jordan will be platooning with Thorman. And there’s a monster under your bed.

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

2 Runs a game. That’d be near impossible even if we replaced LaRoche with a 50 year old Belliard. The Bottom of the order would stink, but the rest would be fine. I think Langerhans is going to be solid this year. The guy wasn’t a bad hitter in the minors and did win some single season minor league awards. On top of that, he really, really improves the out field defense. That’s key since we have some fly ball tendancies in these young pitchers. We’re looking at a possible line up of…
Johnson, Renteria, Chipper, AJ, McCann, Francoeur, Langerhans, Thorman.
That’s a pretty solid line up.
Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James, Davies as the starters.
Wickman, Soriano, Gonzalez, McBride, Yates, Villarreal, Paranto in the pen.
Wilson, Woodward, Pena, Aybar, Orr on the bench.
That leaves: Boyer, Cormier, Diaz, and Prado fighting for spots on the team with Sturtze recovering from injury.
The offense on the bench with Aybar and Wilson is promissing (toss in Diaz and it only gets better), but I must say, there really isn’t that defensive guy there. Prado was probably the best defender on the bench last season. Orr wasn’t bad, and he offers speed (he’s about the only one that really offers speed). It’ll be interesting to see how this pans out. Lot of guys left over that are good but we just won’t have room for. I guess we’d need a list of guys with options left and how many options that is. I’m starting to think Woodward wasn’t really needed. The pitching depth is great. And since Boyer is coming of a season of inactivity, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the minors at the start of the year. Just wish the season would hurry up and start.

GO BRAVES

America loves speed. Hot, nasty, bad@ss speed.
—Eleanor Roosevelt, 1936

By Alan

January 25, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Adam and N8, you both make a lot of sense. No one should be surprised to see platoons at 1B (Thorman and Wilson), 2B (Johnson and Prado), and LF (Langerhans and Diaz) - at least throughout Spring Training. If someone breaks from the pack or someone else (like Gregor Blanco) has an outstanding spring, things could change when the regular season begins. Langerhans had a very strong season (especially the second half) in ‘05, and he hit well in the Division Series against the Astros. If he did play hurt last year (as has been reported lately), maybe he’ll turn it on in ‘07. Wouldn’t that be nice. He’s a terrific defensive player and he runs well, too.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

N8, that utility stuff will play out in spring. Total speculation now, for no reason really. Someone could get hurt, someone could interest another team in trade, etc. Haven’t heard anything yet.

I think you can be assured that Woodward and Aybar will be on the team, though, barring injury. I sure don’t think Orr’s assured a spot, but no one’s told me that.

By Harry

January 25, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

DOB: did you catch Ron Sexsmith at Smith’s last weekend? Also, Gillian Welch is coming to the VP next month.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 25, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

dob: “He’s been hitting with Pete Orr at a batting cage near Toronto that’s halfway between their houses (they live about 1-1/2 hours apart).”

hitting with pete orr? oh, the humanity! how is this going to help thorman? that’s like hitting with julia child!

and ajc.com reports that julia child will enter the hall of fame. this journalist is outraged! surely dale murphy should get in before julia child!

and now, matthew … has matthew tried the deviled ham cheese ball yet? and what form did it take? imagine a deviled ham cheese ball in the dugout! make it look like a cooler. imagine the mess if dan kolb destroyed a deviled ham cheese ball cooler!

and now, the subject of bobbycox … controversial as it may be this journalist must weigh in on this topic. bobbycox is regarded by many as a baseball genius. and what is a baseball genius? ponder that and journalist jimmy smith will pick up the discussion later.

and now, the thought of a deviled ham cheese ball wurlitzer comes to mind. does lew sculpt?

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Actually, my goal is for someone important to read this and make me the Rob Neyer of the ajc.com or an official Atlanta Braves numbers cruncher.

You must be impressing them with your dedicated work ethic, bloggin all day long. But it’s a helluva dream Payne. I’d be happy with some free tickets, or at least a voucher for a free beer and maybe one of those foam fingers.
I am curious to know more about these free Krispy Kreme doughnuts Lew was talking about the other day. They opened up a few of those shops here in SoCal about 5 years ago. Lines around the block for ‘em. I was excited to see some of the staples I grew up on making it the left coast, but I wasn’t pleased with the bandwagon consumers creating the long lines. Couldn’t blame ‘em though. Those are some tasty treats.

By Russell

January 25, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

I hate to be a false rumor mill, but couldn’t the Red Sox use Mike Gonzalez more than the Braves? Would it be unreasonable to think that the Braves are shopping him (or at least listening) for some young talent. Some trade possibilities I think both might be interested in:

Sox get: Gonzalez Braves get: Jon Lester (no one will probably touch him now after cancer treatment but the Braves once coveted him) and Craig Hansen or Braves get: Craig Hansen and Coco Crisp

How crazy is this?

By Matthew

January 25, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

DOB

Thanks for the stats. I’m surprised though, that Shaun didn’t get to that before you.

Shaun, if you have time, what are the steal/caught stealing ratios of the last two or three World Champions? I’m curious as to the real impact that stolen bases have on the game. I know that when we talk about a speedy leadoff hitter it’s more than steals, but I’m curious to see how important steals really are in winning a WS. Thanks.

Now I’ve gone and done it. I passed the cage marked “Don’t feed the sabermatician” and I fed him. No dessert for me.

By Sir Stealth

January 25, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

I think that Jerusalem was a great album and possibly even his best, although “Ft. Worth Blues” alone makes it hard for any Steve Earle album to be better than El Corazon in my opinion. There were a couple throwaways, but I think that The Revolution Starts now was a damn good album as well. The Steve Earle album that I listen to the most is actually live at Austin City Limits with all his 80’s material.

Braves seem like they have a lot of competition for left field, second base, and the remaining bullpen spots. Hopefully this will cause whoever wins it to rise from “ok” to “real good.” It seems like with a lot of options, something should pan out well.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

N8,

I think platooning Klesko had more to do with the fact that he wasn’t really a LF. He didn’t want to throw him out there every game.

Was it a mistake not to play Klesko more? Probably. The Braves have probably put more emphasis on defense than is necessary. But they also won with run prevention in those years, so defense was pretty important.

As far as Langerhans, I think Cox platooned him because he was still young. He’s a good hitter, but he’s not so outstanding that you have to get him in the lineup everyday no matter what at an early age.

Also, just over 100 at bats is not many at all in the grand scheme of things. It’s hard to make any definitive judgments about Langerhans’s ability to hit LHP by just over 100 AB’s.

Do I think Langerhans deserves more playing time? Probably but it also depends on who the Braves have as his platoon partner. Diaz is probably just as good a hitter at least, so why not platoon them?

By Russell

January 25, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

What are the chances that Orr makes the opening day roster? He’s like 32/33 now and he’s a career pinch runner. With the signings of Chris Woodward and the potential KJ/Prado 2B solution, with Aybar filling in on the left side of the IF, is there room for the Bravos to carry Orr? I’d say not. I figure the Braves will carry 12 pitchers, maybe 11 at the least, and the bench spots go to Diaz/Langerhans platoon, B. Pena, Wilson, and that infield. What do you think the opening day roster will look like including relievers, if you had to guess?

By Matthew

January 25, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

JJS:

I don’t care for cream cheese at all.

Can you make it with sharp cheddar or Velveeta?

By journalist jimmy smith

January 25, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

the more jimmy smith thinks about this the more this journalist likes the idea of a deviled ham cheese ball wurlitzer. first, if lew can draw, lew can probably sculpt. a deviled ham cheese ball in the shape of say, johnny cash, would be a converstation starter and a trophy worthy of a wurlitzer winner. knowing how journalists enjoy their cheese … and knowing how ham is a favorite in the cox family … this journalist believes a deviled ham cheese ball wurlitzer would likely be the best wurlitzer ever! now, what would happen if the old journalist came upon the deviled ham cheese ball wurlitzer? let’s just say this journalist would not want to take that chance! and this journalist would never ride an elevator with the old journalist if the old journalist ate any of the deviled ham cheese ball wurlitzer. imagine the trip back to st. simons in the car with the old journalist! oh, the humanity! alas, maybe lew should stick with a drawing.

By MBATL

January 25, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Based on what we know now (prior to spring training), I would hope Langerhans gets the majority of time in LF.

Our infield defense won’t be a disaster, but not much range there, so I’d like to see Langy, AJ, and Francoeur as the best OF in the league, most of the time. But I do think we should play Diaz and Wilson some, so I guess that means “platoon.” With Langerhans starting though, Wilson and Diaz represent some pretty good pop off the bench.

Sounds like Thorman will get a chance to play every day, which is good… but if he struggles with hitting lefties, I have no problem with playing Wilson some against them. The first objective is to win ballgames. The LaRoche/Franco platoon was pretty effective in Adam’s rookie year.

By N8

January 25, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this

DOB

“Now, I’m sure that fact won’t stand in the way of a few mule-stubborn folks here who know everything, and they’ll poke holes in that stat somehow.”

I hope that wasn’t directed at me. LOL!

As I’ve stated, I’m all for a good platoon (anybody remember Brian Hunter/Sid Bream?). Nothing wrong with MAXIMIZING the team’s ability to succeed in the lefty/righty matchups. I’ve got no problem with platoons, when the statistical anaylisis favors the “platoonies” in those matchups.

Like I’ve said many times, it’s when Bobby does somthing “odd” like with pitching matchups (Remlinger vs. lefties or Klesko NOT facing lefties, then proceeding to succeed in doing so elswhere).

I’ll even admit, that MOST of the time, Bobby is correct in these assesments. In fact if it seems like I’m prolonging my argument reguarding Remlinger…I AM! LOL! Night after night he’d bring him in to face the ONE LEFTY in the lineup (because the book says so), meanwhile Sutton and EVERY OTHER Brave’s announcer are firing off stats that go hand in hand with assuming only a MADMAN would continue to do so. (My quote, not theirs. LOL!).

I of course realize that during last season NOBODY in the bullpen did a very good job. So it’s a moot point.

I’m also full aware, why I’m sitting on computer typing on blogs and Bobby is the manager of the Atlanta Braves. :)

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 01:09 PM | Link to this

Shaun, if you have time, what are the steal/caught stealing ratios of the last two or three World Champions? I’m curious as to the real impact that stolen bases have on the game. I know that when we talk about a speedy leadoff hitter it’s more than steals, but I’m curious to see how important steals really are in winning a WS. Thanks.

Here’s an excerpt from “Baseball Between the Numbers: Why Everything You Know About the Game is Wrong.”

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=betweenthenumbers/billybeane/060405

Not much correlation between steals or speed and World Series or playoff success.

It’s been studied and if someone’s stolen base success rate is less that 75 percent, it’s not worth the attempt because that’s going to cost the offense runs.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2607

A runner on first with no one out is worth .9116 runs. A successful steal of second base with no one out would bump that to 1.1811 runs, a gain of .2695 expected runs. If that runner is caught, however, the expectation—now with one out and no one on base—drops to .2783, a loss of .6333 expected runs. That loss is about 2.3 times the gain.

The main point is that in considering stealing bases, you have to consider both the benefit and the cost. In all but the most specific situations, outs are more valuable than bases, which is why the break-even point for successful base-stealing is so high.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 01:14 PM | Link to this

All-in-all, I think Cox has some pretty good reasons for platooning the players he platoons. Do/did some of those guys deserve more playing time? Yes. But Cox had some fairly valid reasons as to why he platooned them.

By Jack In Macon

January 25, 2007 01:19 PM | Link to this

I’m stoked and ready for spring training to get started. I’m sure there will be some surprises and someone may make the opening day roster that we aren’t even considering. We may even see a trade that makes the team better. It’s just going to be fun seeing how the opening roster will shakeout.

The season going to be fun and I say to the other teams…bring it on!!

By Brent

January 25, 2007 01:21 PM | Link to this

Dave - Just wanted to give you a heads-up about the potential ramifications of the Extra Innings/DirecTV deal for Braves fans in North Carolina. As you may or may not know, Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, unlike basically the rest of the entire state of NC, is considered to be Orioles/Nationals territory. This is ridiculous, as I have lived here my entire life and never met an Orioles fan, but that’s the way it is. Thus, we get Orioles games on our local Fox Sports affiliate rather than Braves games.

As a cable subscriber, I’ve relied on Extra Innings to bring me Braves games throughout the season. By granting DirecTV sole rights to Extra Innings, this means that Braves fans in central NC will no longer be able to watch non-TBS televised Braves games (which are obviously becoming the vast majority of games given TBS’ changes) unless we have DirecTV or want to sit alone in front of a computer every night.

I grew up in the ’80s watching the Braves, falling in love with Dale Murphy, and continued following them throughout the 90s and today. However, I am not going to let MLB dictate my home entertainment setup, nor am I going to alienate my wife by sitting in my home office watching a game on my laptop every evening. So, I am truly facing the prospect of not being able to see 80%+ of Braves games from here on out. And that is profoundly depressing to me.

Anyway, just wanted to give you the heads-up on the situation from central NC. This Extra Innings deal is absolutely miserable and I hope MLB wakes up before signing on the dotted line. In the alternative, if you could please tell Mr. Scheurholz to fight against the Orioles/Nats a little harder for the Raleigh territory, I would appreciate it.

By MBATL

January 25, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

Anyone ever notice how similar Kyle Davies numbers are to Greg Maddux’s at the same point in their careers? Their minor league numbers are almost identical, and MadDog struggled his first year and a half in the majors, posting numbers very similar to Kyle’s, and at the same age. It wasn’t until Maddux had about 35 starts under his belt that he got a grip on things (and never let go).

I’m not saying Davies is Maddux… please… but it is an interesting comparison. thebaseballcube.com is a good place to compare because they show detailed stats for majors and minors together.

I read this comparison on another blog - and found it really interesting. Maybe Davies is ready to “come into his own.” Wouldn’t that be nice!

By beachcomber

January 25, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this

Been way too busy and missed the infamous meltdown (during which I understand there was a Krispy Kreme discussion). This leads me to warn any of you bloggers who are headed for spring training that civilization as we know it has ended in the Phil’s spring home of Clearwater. Their KK operation closed down this past year. To borrow from another blogger - “Oh The Humanity!” On the plus side is the Braves are coming to Clearwater for a game for the first time in about 3-4 years. So bring your KK’s with you. The nice ballpark in Clearwater does have a good Philly cheese steak and a Krystal- like burger called a Shorty burger from a sister company of the Hooter’s chain. See you at the park with or without the KK’s.

By Brad in MT

January 25, 2007 01:37 PM | Link to this

Brent…the Direct TV deal is really depressing. The only way I can get Braves games that aren’t on TBS is through Extra Innings on cable or MLB.com, but watching games at my computer really isn’t the same. MLB is really going to hurt a lot of fans across the country by this deal, fans who were willing to pay good money for Extra Innings and won’t even have that option now.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

Russell wrote: “I hate to be a false rumor mill, but couldn’t the Red Sox use Mike Gonzalez more than the Braves? Would it be unreasonable to think that the Braves are shopping him (or at least listening) for some young talent.”

Yes, it would be. Unreasonable, that is.

By Dan

January 25, 2007 01:42 PM | Link to this

Ryan Klesko platoon splits from baseball-reference

ab, avg, obp, slg vs.rhp 4032 .292 .386 .548 vs.lhp 1217 .239 .324 .371

By Matthew

January 25, 2007 01:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks Shaun.

JJS, am I now in the corner for not liking cream cheese? Oh, the humanity! I have to explain to my dear wife and precious son that I have been put in the corner for my distaste of cream cheese!

Carolina Lady, please vouch for my character and help to free me from the corner!

How about a statue of Bobby Cox picking his nose with one hand and calling the bullpen with the other. Robert, would you like that?

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this

Harry, I sure did catch the Sexsmith show, and it was outstanding. Sang all but about 2-3 of my favorites of his, and the encore included Secret Heart, the song he wrote that Feist sang on her album last year.

By Sam

January 25, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this

Brent, sorry about DirecTV. That blows. I would never have even found the Braves if not for TBS and 150 games a year on cable. Growing up in eastern NC, we had no team and the Braves filled the gap nicely. Like you, Murph and the gang were my introduction to baseball. Fortunately I live in ATL because doing without the Braves on TV would be awful. Meantime, ESPNYC is at it again. They have a story about how adding Randy Wolf and Jason Schmdit might help the Dodgers challenge the Mets for best rotation in the league. To wit, Tom Glavine (L) Orlando Hernandez (R) John Maine (R) Oliver Perez (L) Mike Pelfrey (R). That’s the best rotation in the NL? The view of Queens from Bristol must be through rose colored clouds.

By beachcomber

January 25, 2007 01:48 PM | Link to this

Brent - Share your pain and thoughts. The Raleigh-Durham area is about as much an O’s fan base as Saudi Arabia. Was in the area over the holidays for a Duke game - wearing my Braves jacket and got all sorts of smiles and “Go Braves.” This Direct TV thing is awful. Many of us live in communities or condos where a dish is not allowed and you’re so on point - watching a game on your computer just isn’t the same. Big mistake by MLB!

By Shaun

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

Why are folks so high on the Cubs? There’s an article on espn.com about teams that could win the World Series in ‘07. Here’s what they say about the Cubs:

2.Cubs: They had a busy offseason and bought Soriano for $136 million and retained Ramirez for $75 million. The rotation deepened with the signings of Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis, but the real hero will be new manager Lou Piniella if he turns these guys into lovable winners.

And someone yesterday posted something from Scott Miller or somebody praising the Cubs for improving their team.

The Cubs finished next to last in runs scored and 3rd in most runs allowed in ‘06. Soriano could help the offense, but how are they going to make that much of a jump by adding one player? And how are Lilly and Marquis going to subtract a significant amount of runs from ‘06 to ‘07?

I just don’t see the Cubs improving enough to be considered serious contenders. They better hope Prior and Wood find some kind of miracle treatment or there are going to be a whole lot of disappointed Cubs fans.

By Harry

January 25, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

I, too, thought that Sexsmith was solid, even though he was clearly ill. I read that most songs that night were played in a lower key due to his voice issues.

By Brent

January 25, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

Glad I’m not alone on this. Again, to clarify, probably 3/4 of NC is considered to be in Braves territory. This makes a lot of sense to me, as NC is basically equidistant from Atlanta and Baltimore, but (1) North Carolinians seem to relate more to a “southern” city like Atlanta rather than Balitmore and (2) the Durham Bulls were affiliated with the Braves for a long time, and the Braves used to stop through NC during its annual winter caravan.

All that said, somehow the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area got singled out and classified as Orioles/Nats territory. It makes no sense to me. Agreed with beachcomber above — I have never met a single Orioles fan here. Rather, I see of ton of Braves gear around, and the local newspaper and television stations all cover the Braves before any other MLB team.

I got so frustrated with this “home territory” nonsense that I did write MLB a few years ago complaining about it, and they wrote back and told me that territories were negotiated by the teams. Thus, I suppose I need to write to the Braves to ask them to negotiate harder with Peter Angelos.

If it wasn’t for this territory thing, the Extra Innings situation wouldn’t impact me as much, because we would get the Braves on our Fox Sports affiliate. As it stands, however, by this change I will only have access to Braves games on TBS and ESPN, which are becoming few and far between. It really is outrageous.

By Tonight on TBS

January 25, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

Don Quixote (1999)

Cervantes’ masterpiece tells of Don Quixote (Bobby Cox) an aging, noble baseball manager who seeks to reclaim the glory of years gone by. Unfortunately, his squire, Sancho Panza (Robert), repeatedly explains to him that he is simply tilting at windmills and that his hope for another appearance in the world series is an impossible dream. (In Spanish with English subtitles).

By Lew

January 25, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-Lew will stick with drawing. Sculpture is reserved for if I go totally blind and have to do things by feel. I doubt that deviled ham cheese balls would be my medium. I think it’s the deviled ham that would make it objectionable. Gouda or Edam on their own would probably sculpt well. Perhaps a bust of Bob Dylan in Provolone?

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

Brent, I guess I’ll stop writing “Hello Mom and Dad” on the sheet I hang from the pressbox, if my folks in Wilson, N.C., aren’t going to be able to get the games….

But seriously, that does blow, man. Why can’t TV people just do the right thing most of the time, instead of screwing people with illogical moves like that. Money, money, money. Always…

Just saw a great stat in Sports Weekly regarding Mike Gonzalez and his 24-for-24 saves last season. Every other pitcher in majors who saved at least 3 games last year blew at least 1. Also, only other pitchers to be perfect in 10 or more save opps in past five seasons where Rod Beck (20-for-20 in 2003) and Gagne (55-for-55 in 2003).

Should be noted: Gonzalez, I’m told by Pirates observers, was protected a bit early in the season, when they’d bring in Roberto Hernandez or someone else to bail him out in a few occasions when Gonzalez got in some trouble.

They did a great job grooming him, avoiding blown saves early, building his confidence to where he just took over the role by midseason and never needed any more help in tough situations.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

Usually when teams make a jump from the bottom of the standing to the top, it’s because they get an influx of young talent (usually pitchers) coming in at the right time and they sign a few key free agents. The Cubs signed one impact free agent but don’t really have an influx of young talent that I know of.

1969 Mets—Seaver and Koosman led an influx of young pitchers.

1991 Braves—We all know about this team.

2006 Tigers—Verlander, Bonderman, Robertson, Zumaya

Do the Cubs show any signs of this happening to them? Don’t think so. In fact, it seems signing Lilly and Marquis decreases the chances of the Cubs doing anything anytime soon.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 02:15 PM | Link to this

Just put John Hiatt’s “Bring The Family” CD in the Ipod, and it’s only the second CD that I’ve put in whole, without deleting a song. That’s how amazing that album is, which I so highly recommended to those music fans who might not have any Hiatt in their collections. Amazing album.

(London Calling was the other that went in whole, by the way).

OK, carry on. Didn’t mean to bore any of the hardcore seamheads in our audience.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 02:15 PM | Link to this

Do the Cubs have a GM or just monkeys humping footballs in their front office?

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

No, wait, that’s not true. Lucinda Williams’ “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” went in intact, as well.

Hey, ONE OTHER STAT: LaRoche had the second-highest slugging percentage in the NL after the All-Star break (.655), albeit a distant second. Ryan Howard (.751) was ungodly. By the way, Pujols was at .642 after break, Bonds .596.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 25, 2007 02:22 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy Smith, Chipper may want to relocate his ranch.

http://www.arkoutdoors.com/forum/index.php?topic=4825.0;topicseen#top

Anybody live close to this place- Morgan, Georgia?

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 02:30 PM | Link to this

MBATL: So stoked you brought up the cube. I love that site. It covers so much of the player for free and it’s easy to use. The splits are great, but a year behind. Too many ads though, but you gotta feed the monkey.

Payne: Why are people high on the Cubs? You’d think that after 100 years… (the real curse is Merkle, but no one ever speaks of it.) To their credit, they did boost the offense with Soriano. And they kept their 3B. A full season of Lee should help as well. But they still have all the other issues… That division isn’t so hot looking so I guess they have a chance.
The one that boggles me is the Dodger hype. I just don’t see how Wolf and Penny are that spectacular. On top of that Lowe and Schmidt? I don’t buy it. To me it looks like a bunch of average pitchers that occasionally put out a good game. Scout.com made an odd evaluation of them compared to the Padres. The Padres, at the time, hadn’t signed Wells. So they had Peavey (which the article called the best power pitcher in the NL), Hensley, Maddux, and Young. 3 of those guys are never on the DL. But the article said it was the most susceptible to injury in the division. Then praise the Dodgers for building around DL trippers Schmidt, Lowe, Penny, and Wolf claiming it was the least susceptible to injury. Based on what? Schmidt’s 13 DL trips, Lowe’s history? Penny’s nerve endings? Wolfs arm surgery? Please. And they have no outfield defense, no power hitter either. They should hang in there, but I don’t see them as the power house that I’m reading about. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see the D’Backs make a serious run for it. That whole division doesn’t look too threatening, but it should be a tight race all the way down to the wire. As it is now, all 3 NL divisions look like they could make for some fun races, but we’ll see. It is a guarantee that at least one team in each league (if not division) will suffer a big meltdown each year.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 25, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

Now I’m sure you have some stats or something to shoot me down, but the Cubs added more than just one offensive player. Mark Derosa, Cliff Floyd and a healthy Derrek Lee should bolster their offense significantly. Now I know these guys aren’t the superfriends or anything, but look at who they are replacing. If I recall, Todd Walker was one of their biggest offensive threats last year.
Now with that being said, I do think they have a snowball’s chance in hell of making the playoffs.

Pagan ???, Pierre???, Ronny Cedeno???

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 02:41 PM | Link to this

Damn, Shaun, this was great: “Do the Cubs have a GM or just monkeys humping footballs in their front office?”

Take sabermetrics out of the boy and we’ve got an irreverent sense of humor. Just gotta chip away at the “win shares” to find it…. (kidding with ya)

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 02:43 PM | Link to this

I saw that DirectTV deal. That is a bummer. I hadn’t purchased the Cable package yet, but I was considering it for this season. Then I saw that and descided I’d wait and see if it goes down. No way am I going to buy it, get hooked and then have it taken away. I will not be a DirectTV guy anytime soon. I’d have to move out to the middle of nowhere to buy into that. I like the internet, phone and TV service I have coming from one source. On Demand is incredible too. And it’s cheap. Plus, cable wants my business so bad, they move with me free of charge and I keep the same great rate. Call your cable company today!

Alright enough of that. It is 700 million dollars. That should boost payroll. That alone could be enough to resign Andruw and Smoltz. So it has it’s pluses. I guess though it wouldn’t matter. They could raise the dead, but if you aren’t ever going to see them play what’s the point?

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 02:48 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Well, I can kind of understand the Dodgers…much more than the Cubs anyway. They were 4th in runs scored in a pitchers park and fourth in runs allowed last season. I think Schmidt was a decent signing. But they have some quality prospects who could step in if their veterans get hurt.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 02:50 PM | Link to this

Here’s a very cool article:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/features/263092.html

By Brent

January 25, 2007 02:51 PM | Link to this

I think it is silly to overlook the Braves this season as an NL East Rival. there is no doubt the Phillies have an interesting starting rotation, but that is as far as I’ll take it. Myers is the only pitcher I would count on for consistent performance. While Cole Hamels definately has great stuff, he would need marketable improvement over last year to make a big difference in the race. Last year he looked very raw, with good stuff but bad control over it, the kind of attributes that experienced hitters will feast on in their second time through the order. Garcia and Moyer could be good, but I don’t see either of them stepping up to more than a number 3 starter. Garcia has had steadily decreasing production over the past 3 years, and I see no reason for a turn around in hitter friendly Philly. Moyer and Lieber are similar, as it looks like age has caught up with these guys over the past 2 or 3 years.

The Braves rotation is at least as good and probably better. While Smoltz is certainly aging, his age has had little affect so far on his pitching. Unlike Hamels, Chuck James has already shown much success at the big league level, and I see little reason to expect anything less out of him this year. Hudson is the wildcard in our staff, and his production could make or break the division race. I think we can expect at least as much out of Hampton as the Phillies do from Moyer. and who knows about the fifth starter spot?

My bigger concern is our lack of pitching prospects right now. We have loads of position players in the minors, but I haven’t seen any pitchers who seem like future stars. I hope we are able to trade for/draft in some top notch pitching prospects to build our future around once Smoltz/Hudson/Hampton are gone.

By Sir Stealth

January 25, 2007 03:00 PM | Link to this

Brent and beachcomber:

I feel your pain. I went to school in the triangle area and nearly threw my TV out the window every time the Orioles were on instead of the Braves. The decline in games shown on TBS hurts really bad when you’re living away from Atlanta.

By Sir Stealth

January 25, 2007 03:02 PM | Link to this

Brent and beachcomber:

I feel your pain. I went to school in the triangle area and nearly threw my TV out the window every time the Orioles were on instead of the Braves. The decline in games shown on TBS hurts really bad when you’re living away from Atlanta.

By Thrillhouse44

January 25, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

Brent/DOB/Anyone, At the risk of sounding dumb, how can you watch games online? Does it cost money? I’m in SW Virginia and used to be glued to TBS every night the Braves played. Last year I relied on internet radio. I’d much rather watch the games though. Thanks in advance.

By Brent

January 25, 2007 03:08 PM | Link to this

MLB TV, it costs $15 a month or so, and gives you all games that aren’t regional. The quality is good but not great

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 03:08 PM | Link to this

Arkansas Hillbilly,

I like DeRosa as much as the next guy, but do you really think he’s that big of an upgrade over Todd Walker? And, yes, the return of DLee should help, but the Cubs were ninth in runs scored in his best season when their offense was better than it is now.

And Ronny Cedeno’s career OBP is .283! His OBP in the minors was .316!

And while we’re on the Cubs, Soriano could be one of the most regrettable free agent signings ever. He’s posted an OBP over .338 exactly once in his career. His career OBP is .325. Take away one year and it’s even worse. He has those “old player” offensive skills I wrote about a week or two ago. And he’ll be 31 on Opening Day. Maybe he has one or two more good seasons left, but he’s the type of player that’s likely to take a free fall very soon (see similar players Howard Johnson and Tony Bautista).

By ernesto

January 25, 2007 03:11 PM | Link to this

if that DirecTV deal goes through, I’m done with baseball. I already spend waaay too much time and money following teh Braves (according to my wife anyway), but if MLB tells fans like me (stuck in NYC in an apt only gets Time Warner Cable) taht it doesn’t want my business…screw them, I’ll definitely find another way to fill my time.

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 03:11 PM | Link to this

Payne: True. But they also have Ned, who is more likely to trade said prospects in the event a veteran struggles. He did learn from Sabean after all. And last year, they went on that 19 game losing stretch prior to the trade which brought the winning back. They are still just as capable of losing all those games with that team. The rotation leans more towards fly balls and they have a poor outfield. We’ll see. I think the Padres having Maddux in there with Young, Hensley and Peavy is going to be bigger than adding Schmidt and Wolf.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 03:16 PM | Link to this

Seriously, your team just finished near the bottom in W-L, runs scored, near the top in runs allowed. You know you have a long way to go. Why would you blow your wad on mediocre pitchers and a hitter with a skill set that indicates his production is soon to plummet? Please, if anyone from the Tribune Company can find this, let me take over the Cubs! Can’t be any worse than what you have?

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 03:16 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse44: Two ways on mlb.com at least. 1 is to watch with Gameday. Not too exciting, but free. The other is to subscribe to MLB.tv. MLB.tv is what it sounds like, over the internet (broadband required) feed of baseball games. Some Blackout dates included. But you can watch everything. And they included the mosaic last year so you can over load by watching 6 games at the same time. It’s like having up to 6 tiny little TVs with grainy images right at your finger tips.

By Damon Berryhill

January 25, 2007 03:23 PM | Link to this

DOB, I know there is probably none, but do you think the Braves would have any interest in the remaining free agents? I know there are no great names left, but if a Steve Finley, Preston Wilson, or Ronnie Belliard would take a smaller contract we could use the veteren insurance at our two weakest positions.

By Adam

January 25, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

Has anyone else heard the nasty rumor going around that the “Extra Inning Package” is preparing to sign an exclusive agreement with DirecTv? If this happens the only way I will be able to watch Braves games this year would be on the internet. What a crock! DirecTv only has like 3 million subscribers and cable TV has many more millions. I think MLB would be extremely short sighted if they make a deal like that.

By Reality Check

January 25, 2007 03:28 PM | Link to this

Eric Gagne — 55-for-55 in save opportunities.

Even factoring in that he did blow a save in the All-Star Game that year, this is simply a mind-boggling statistic. And to think he took it up to like 84-for-84 before he finally blew one! Just an amazing run that wasn’t properly appreciated at the time or since.

I’d go so far as to say it’s an unbreakable record because, incredibly impressive as it is, a good bit of luck had to be involved, too.

Anyway, even though he’s not a Brave, let’s tip our hats to Mr. Gagne. Good luck getting back on track in Texas, Eric.

By Raleigh Brent

January 25, 2007 03:28 PM | Link to this

TN Paul - regarding the DirecTV deal raising the Braves payroll enough to keep Andruw and Smoltz, the deal works out to an extra $1 million per year per team. Thus, I’m pretty sure that the DirecTV deal will have no impact on keeping those guys.

And, as you mention, even if it were enough, if keeping Andruw/Smoltz requires losing fans like me who have followed the Braves their entire lives, then what’s the point?

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 03:36 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

Pads could be interesting. They added pitching but they already led the league in that category. And they were 13th in runs scored (although they were in a pitchers park). A lot of it will depend on how Kouzmanoff does at third, their LF situation and if MGiles can return to form.

They finished 9th in OBP in a pitcher’s park, so that’s a good sign.

I’m just looking forward to seeing what Peavy does. He’s pitched much better than his stats indicate the past two seasons, with little to show for it. I think he’s my early favorite for the Cy Young. Look at his per 162 game averages: 34 GS, 212.7 IP, 209 K, 68 BB, 88 RA, 24 HR. 8.85 K/9, 3.04 BB/9. He’s amazing if you ignore the W-L record.

By Porkins

January 25, 2007 03:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, if I ever need a reason to trust your judgement I’ll remember that you watch Friday Night Lights. It has edged its way into the number one spot on my all time favorite TV shows list. I can’t say enough about how perfect it is. And, yes, Coach Taylor’s wife is the hottest woman alive. Not just the looks, but the character is great, too.

Have you heard the band Menomena? I’ve been hearing hype about them, so I finally listened to an album stream online. Excellent, creative stuff - kinda like Flaming Lips. Definitely going to buy it.

By Reality Check

January 25, 2007 03:38 PM | Link to this

From reading this blog, you’d think the only organization in baseball with any idea what it’s doing is the Atlanta Braves. Yet every October on my TV set, I see some other team’s owner, manager and general manager being handed the World Series trophy.

Still, it’s never the Cubs getting the trophy, either, so fire away, I guess.

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

according to a report in the New York Times, will fork over $700 million for seven years

That’s 100 million a year, bringing it to just over 3 million per season per team according to the NYTimes. AJ said 3 million would do. So maybe it isn’t enough to include Smoltz. D@mnit! But what’s the point if I can’t see them play.

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this

From reading this blog, you’d think the only organization in baseball with any idea what it’s doing is the Atlanta Braves.

Imagine that? Go to a Braves Blog and the posters are Braves fans… what is the world coming to?

By Reality Check

January 25, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

Why in hell should DOB fret about someone named Porkins questioning his judgment?

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 03:49 PM | Link to this

Reality Check,

Well, there are a lot of organizations that do know what they’re doing—Twins, A’s, Red Sox, Yankees, the Braves would probably fall into that category.

It’s not just about winning every year, although that’s a huge part of it. It’s also about know when to go after free agents and when to hold back, when to bring up your prospects, what you should spend on free agents, when to let go of your veterans, etc. If you do all this the right way, you are usually going to have a chance to win at least every so often.

The Cubs have been pretty awful at doing all the things that need to be done to run a successful franchise, for the most part, for a while now. But it’s not just the Cubs—there’s the Pirates, the Rockies, the Royals, the Orioles.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

Reality Check,

Also, I think regular season success is about as telling as post-season success when it comes to organizational success. I mean, look at the Yankees since 2001. I wouldn’t put the Yankees in the same category as all the other teams who never won the World Series, as far as the way their organization has been run.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 25, 2007 04:06 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I think you misunderstood my mentioning of those last three players. I definitely wasn’t plugging Ronny Cedeno. I guess I should have clarified that a little better.

My point was, OBP’s and ERA’s aside, the personnel they had last season was definitely not gonna get the job done. No matter how much of an upgrade the new players may or may not be, the Cubs were in dire need of a complete overhauling. Even if it meant trading for a new bat boy, they had to do SOMETHING. Don’t you agree?

And I know your original point was that they’re not WS Champ material, which I agree with. I just disagreed that Soriano was the ONLY significant acquisition they picked up this offseason. Any clothes will fit a naked man.

By Porkins

January 25, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

Reality Check,

Ha. Fair question. I guess it doesn’t help that it’s taken from the name of a very minor character in Star Wars. NERD ALERT.

By mr baseball

January 25, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this

The stats regarding managers’ platoon preferences are a little deceiving, because it all depends on personnel. Most platoons involve players of mid-level abilities. When you have a bunch of everyday players, which has been the case with the Braves since ‘93 or so, you don’t platoon as much because you don’t have to.

Until the team’s budget became an issue, Cox never displayed much patience with youngsters trying to break into the lineup who were not ready to play in the majors from day one. Guys like Chipper, Javy, Klesko, Andruw and Furcal went straight into the lineup and stayed there(only against RH pitchers in Klesko’s case). If your name was Graffanino, Simon, Helms, DeRosa, etc., Cox was always going to go with a veteran as first choice, even if it was Keith Lockhart, Rico Brogna or a broken down Ken Caminiti. We saw Cox’s love of washed up vets re-surface a few years when he opened the season with Jordan & Mondesi as his corner OFs. Fortunately for him, the farm system bailed him out and got the team into the playoffs, as it had ever since ‘91.

Budget constraints have now forced Cox’s hand and he has no choice but to play the youngsters. But he still doesn’t completely trust ‘em. The Braves may say that Wilson was acquired primarily to play LF, but watch how quickly he winds up as a co-starter at 1B if Thorman struggles early.

Props to the poster who cited the Bill James numbers about the correlation between stolen bases and playoff qualifiers. The Joe Morgans of the world have droned on and on for years about the importance of speed, but the facts simply aren’t on their side. Speed is a nice thing to have, but a whole lot of teams have done very well with very little of it.

Some people seem to think that there are only two ways to play baseball — small ball vs. waiting for the 3-run HR. There is a happy medium and it’s pretty simple. Get men on base, and drive them in once they get there. That’s why the Braves were so successful last year. 3 of their 7 main offensive players hit .320 or better with RISP. 3 of the other 4 were over .275.

That brings up some questions for ‘07. Can McCann & Francouer hit .346 and .320 again in that stat? Will the team hit as well as a whole without Giles & LaRoche? For all theb trashing of Giles as a leadoff hitter, he hit .322 w/RISP. The improved pitching should offset the expected drop in runs scored, but if Chipper goes down for an extended stretch, this team is going to have serious trouble scoring runs.

Everybody seems to think Andruw will have a huge season in ‘07 because it’s a contract year, but that applies more to players without Andruw’s consistent record of production. He doesn’t need a monster season to get big bucks. He just needs to weigh a little less than your average NFL offensive lineman.

By Raleigh Brent

January 25, 2007 04:13 PM | Link to this

TN Paul - Under the DirecTV deal, each team would get about $3 million per year. Under the InDemand deal (the company that currently owns the rights), each team would get about $2 million per year. Thus, the $1 million per year per team figure. Again, I don’t think that extra $1 million is going to be the difference between Andruw staying or going.

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 04:18 PM | Link to this

Some people seem to think that there are only two ways to play baseball — small ball vs. waiting for the 3-run HR.

Excellent point!! In spite of what a lot of people think, I do believe baseball is situational.

While I think the sac bunt and the steal are overused strategies, I do think there is a time and a place for them.

By ObiWanKobe

January 25, 2007 04:20 PM | Link to this

his year’s Bonnaroo lineup reportedly leaked from a source within the Manchester Times! If the lineup holds true to the rumors then you can count on seeing me back for Bonnaroo Round 3:

The Police (headline) Bob Dylan (headline) Pearl Jam (headline) Tom Waits Willie Nelson Umphrey’s McGee Bela Fleck and the Flecktones Modest Mouse The Black Crowes Ryan Adams My Morning Jacket Arcade Fire Keller WilliamsBand Hot Chip America TV on the Radio Fountains of Wayne Les Claypool The Shins Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Toots and the Maytals The Roots The Decemberists Of Montreal Cat Power Ozomatli Perpetual Groove Band of Horses John Butler Trio Nickel Creek Medeski Martin and Wood Lily Allen Neko Case Keiren Hedben (Four Tet) & Steve Reid The Hold Steady Earl Scuggs Charlie Louvin Man Man Grizzly Bear Konono #1 The Slip Rodrigo y Gabriela Uncle Earl Annuals Beirut M. Ward Cold War Kids Girl Talk

By Shaun

January 25, 2007 04:25 PM | Link to this

Arkansas Hillbilly,

Yeah, the Cubs need an overhaul. You’re the GM and your team just finished near the bottom in W-L, runs scored, near the top in runs allowed. You know you have a long way to go. Why would you blow your wad on mediocre pitchers and a hitter with a skill set that indicates his production is soon to plummet?

The point is, the Cubs are just throwing a lot of money away at this point. They are signing guys that may or may not lead to a few extra wins when they are a ton of wins away from contention. Why not take that money and sign 4-5 really good players that could remake the team instead of one superstar whose production will likely plummet soon and a couple of mediocre veteran pitchers?

By Reality Check

January 25, 2007 04:33 PM | Link to this

Shaun, haven’t the Yankees won their division like the last nine years running? That’s outstanding regular season success. But I don’t think they’re satisfied with that, and you wouldn’t be, either, if you weren’t saddled with that most daunting of stats — 1-for-14 in the postseason. So you’ve got no choice but to try to make sweet lemonade out of the most bitter of lemons, i.e., emphasize simply getting to the postseason over the true purpose of getting to the postseason.

TPaul, I’m a Braves fan, too, but that allegiance doesn’t rob me of all objectivity like it does you. And if your arguments are completely skewed by team loyalty, why should anyone here (except similarly starry-eyed fans) respect a single thing you have to say? Your credibility’s shot.

If you’re not a fan of baseball first and a certain team second, you tend to say all sorts of silly things and chase rainbows.

But it IS a Braves blog, so, hey, man, dream on. Sorry I rained on your upcoming summer of love. I’ll confine myself to chatting with those who have something to say worth reading.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 25, 2007 04:36 PM | Link to this

Billy: Hey, Pippen. I see ya’ got Charlie Crawford down there with ya’!!!

Pippen: Yeah we got a whole lotta….(POW!!!!!) Oh my god!!!

Billy: Hey, Pippen. Charlie Crawford ain’t with ‘ya anymore!!! Heh HA HA HA HA….

My wife bought me one of my favorite movies of all time yesterday. How many of you can name it???

By TK

January 25, 2007 04:41 PM | Link to this

I just read the article on Kelly Johnson. Very good. I hope he turns out to be the answer at 2nd. BUT…he played very little last year. He has not played 2nd and has not played in the infield since 2004. Does anyone else not think maybe going to the minors first might not be a bad idea??? Get his batting timing back after missing last year…see how he does in a live game at 2nd (not just spring training) and maybe take some pressure off him! The Braves seem to be asking a LOT of him. Play a postion that you have not played in the majors and while your at it lead off!?!? Good luck young man…I hope you have a great year!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 25, 2007 04:45 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

Sadly those mediocre pitchers ARE a vast improvement over the previous alternative. Give me an example of 4-5 players that you would have blown your wad for as Cubs GM and then I’ll just leave it at that and return to music and SEC basketball discussion.

By Ron Roberts

January 25, 2007 04:46 PM | Link to this

Hell, I’d just be happy if I could get SportsSOUTH since i live in Louisiana, which last I checked was in the SOUTHern United States. Then I’d get most Braves games.

By no time for sergeants

January 25, 2007 04:46 PM | Link to this

this is the best danged blog on the whole danged internet!

By Chop Chop

January 25, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this

When I get my copy of Baseball Prospectus 2007, I shall also regale the blog with cheeky witticisms on the utter stupidity and ineptitude of the Cubs’ front office.

I have a song lyric/mythical baseball quote to share today:

“The sun’s not yellow. It’s chicken!” - George Steinbrenner

I’m throwing down the gauntlet to all bloggers right now. In order to seamlessly (ha) blend the worlds of music and baseball, let us all try to come up with song lyrics that fit people in the baseball world. It could be interesting…or annoying as hell. Either way, some of us might have some fun with it.

By Mitchie-san

January 25, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

TK…You are right it is alot to ask. I do have a good feeling about him there, though. @nd isnt too different from SS. With Hubbards help, I think that part will come to him naturally. Now leading off? I think that is what might get into his head. But you gotta remember, he is a young kid trying to make it in the bugs. This is one big shot to prove himself. I hope he will tear it up. I think he will…..(fingers crossed)

By Mitchie-san

January 25, 2007 05:10 PM | Link to this

wow, I must be tired. it was supposed to say “2nd isnt that different” and “young kid trying to make it in the bigs” not bugs. Geez, Navy’s finest at his best.

By Head Coach

January 25, 2007 05:12 PM | Link to this

DAVID O’BRIEN , Tis the mystery that is Matt Wright ? This kid spent seven seasons in the Braves system. He is a 6-4 220 pound right hander with a minor league record of 46-47 as a starter and a 3.68 ERA . The Braves left him off the forty man roster and he was allowed to become a minor league free agent and signed with Kansas City. Did the scouts just give up on this kid ? The Braves have cannon fodder pitchers like Jonathan Johnson , Peter Moylan and Phil Stockman on the forty man roster and they let this kid walk ? Whats up with that ?

By John Adcox

January 25, 2007 05:14 PM | Link to this

I honestly don’t think it’s fair, based on past experience, to assume that Bobby Cox will sit Thorman for Wilson if he struggles early. Remember Kelly Johnson? The key, with Johnson then and Thor now, is now the at bats go. Solid line drives, “at ‘em” balls, walks and such will likely keep Thor in the lineup, at least against righties, even if he struggles with the batting average.

That said, I imagine Wilson will se plenty of playing time—at first, in left, and as a critical weapon off the bench. But I don’t expect Diaz, Langey, Thor, or anyone else to suffer for it.

That said, if Blanco tears the cover off the ball in ST and AAA this season, that left field situation is gonna be interesting. Same with Prado and second. Options are grand things.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 25, 2007 05:40 PM | Link to this

matthew, this from the cream cheese website: Cream cheese originated in the United States in 1872 when a dairyman in Chester, NY, developed a “richer cheese than ever before,” made from cream as well as whole milk. Then in 1880, a New York cheese distributor, A. L. Reynolds, first began distributing cream cheese wrapped in tin-foil wrappers, calling it Philadelphia Brand.

But why did he call it Philadelphia? The name “Philadelphia Brand cream cheese” was adopted by Reynolds for the product because at that time, top-quality food products often originated in or were associated with the city, and were often referred to as being “Philadelphia quality.”

Rich and creamy, Philadelphia remains adaptable to an infinite number of combinations and occasions. In many European countries, Philadelphia is eaten as a cheese, rather than a spread, and is served on cheese trays. For example, in Italy, chunks of Philadelphia are served in fresh salads. Japanese consumers put Philadelphia on crusty bread. In New York, could anyone imagine anything but Philadelphia cream cheese being spread on a bagel? And of course, all of the best cheesecakes are made with Philadelphia cream cheese.

first, naming it philadelphia does not help here. oh, the humanity! philadelphia is known for cream cheese and cheese steaks, and what food is atlanta known for? go ahead, journalist is waiting …

now, hillbilly, that is quite a buck! uh, chipper would be proud to have such a buck on the double dime. and where would chipper sign such a buck? where does chipper autograph any buck? this journalist recalls that chipper charges $70 to autograph balls. oh, the humanity! that could be taken wrong! forget that jimmy smith ever said that!

now, the laroche bobblehead … a bobblehead that forgets to bobble. this will be a collector bobblehead and jimmy smith must find someone to get one for this journalist. and now another impure thought - a deviled ham cheese ball adam laroche bobblehead.

and what of the toe tap? is pete orr teaching thorman the toe tap? and what is the toe tap called in canada?

By Bobalicious

January 25, 2007 06:00 PM | Link to this

Until AOL/Time Warner goes backrupt… and they will… the Braves are doomed to being a second division baseball team where other teams go to get a bargain by way of a trade. We’ve given away the right side of the infield for a 54 inning pitcher and Cash… next we’ll be giving away an allstar centerfielder for Cash and a couple of “A” league prospects… this Cash dude better be one hell of a player… sigh

By Chop Chop

January 25, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this

“Toe tap, eh.”

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 06:10 PM | Link to this

Your credibility’s shot.

Damnit. I thought it was at it’s highest level. I can see the legions of followers drifting away. ESPN, SI, FoxSports, DOB; they’ve all called and canceled the interviews. My book deal has tanked.
I don’t know how it even got this far. I suppose you just can’t question Schmidt. Or doubt if the Cubs will actually win for the first time in 100 years. Or point out that the Padres have a fine staff. Or think the Mets rotation is thin at best. Or percieve a level of balance in all three divisions among the top 3 or four teams. All while thinking the Braves are a balanced team, not a power house mind you… I haven’t started drinking yet. Actually that last part’s not entirely true… sorry it took so long to get back.

By journalist jimmy spliff

January 25, 2007 06:18 PM | Link to this

must admit jimmy smith funnier than gallagher but not as funny as whoopie cushion

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 06:21 PM | Link to this

Raleigh Brent: Ah. I did not know that. Thanks for the Net Benefit Analysis.

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2007 06:40 PM | Link to this

Cox seems to have a preference for righties if anything. KJ came up without the platoon, but nearly every young lefty comes in with a platoon. There’s a stat I’d like to see. I can’t think of a lefty that wasn’t a platoon. Even McCann was being platooned at the beginning of the year. I think him getting hurt in Arizona worked to his favor. Cox had to see Pratt on a daily basis and we went into a June swoon. After that, McCann was pretty much in there all the time, save the needed day of rest catchers should get.

By Tomahawkin

January 25, 2007 06:48 PM | Link to this

Brent I ain’t never seen U in here before…Welcome…On a further note Brent, Try living up here in Cardinal Country, and You’ll be blessed that you live in N.C….

I’m high on the cubs becuz I hate the cardinals that much, Nuff said…

By Tomahawkin

January 25, 2007 06:52 PM | Link to this

Headcoach Did U get the Image I conjure up of you, from reading ur rants about throwing empty beer cans at the TV last year…Classic, We need to catch a game the Next time I come down to da “A”…

By Tomahawkin

January 25, 2007 06:55 PM | Link to this

Someone on da philly.com blog posted this, It sounds interesting…If this happens to them dis year, I like our chances because I think our bullpen is gonna be cold…

“You do realize that the Mutts beat the Phillies by 12 games last year in the division behind pitchers like….”

Trachsel - 4.97 ERA (15 wins) Hernandez - 4.66 ERA (11 wins) Pedro - 4.48 ERA (9 wins) D.Williams - 6.52 ERA (5 wins) Perez - 6.55 ERA (3 wins) Bannister - 4.26 ERA (2 wins) Solar - 6.00 ERA (2 wins) Zambrano - 6.75 ERA (1 win)”

What a crappy rotation, Thoughts?

By Tomahawkin

January 25, 2007 06:57 PM | Link to this

oh yea…

“That doesn’t include Maine and Glavine who will be back this year. Both had sub-4 ERAs.”

By Phillip

January 25, 2007 06:59 PM | Link to this

Great blog, Dave.

By Phillip

January 25, 2007 07:17 PM | Link to this

With our “plethora” of relievers/bench players, it stands to reason that some feelings are going to get hurt in spring training…I just wonder who will go down to AAA & who’ll get traded…hmmmmm?

Switching gears for a second; if you guys could be the frontman for an all-star band, comprised of anyone living or dead, who would you have in the band?

I’d probably go with: Stewart Copeland(drums),Geddy Lee(bass),Tony Banks(keyboards),& David Gilmour(guitars…1 of the most underrated guitar players ever…plus he has a great voice)

Okay, I read the blog everyday, but only post about twice a year; so it’s time to head back under my rock.

By Tomahawkin

January 25, 2007 07:26 PM | Link to this

Ok Yooz guys, check ya later, gotta go throw down on a Big-Boy Triple Whopper, with all da fries you can give me….And then Its Party Time Homes…

By dougp

January 25, 2007 08:12 PM | Link to this

I saw Matt Wright start the Southern League all-star game and he was lights out. 1 2 3 first inning. even got his autograph before the game at a special autograph session, my company sponsered the game. very disappointing to learn he was let go. i guess i can let my kid play with that ball now.

By Coloradobravesfan

January 25, 2007 08:13 PM | Link to this

Hey, the METS blog has a ROBERT…iinsert cox for Randolph..

If you don’t care what people think about you, then why are you even posting here in the first place? If you like your opinions so much, but don’t care what others think, then you can write them on a bunch of post its around your house. That way you can remind yourself what you think every day you wake up.

Meanwhile, if you want to avoid these endless confrontations with me, do yourself a favor and stop responding to me. You can act like you’re taking the higher road because you don’t use words like “simpleton” like I do, but your constant need to contradict me day after day serves as an instigation. Besides the fact that for the better part of two years, you have written regularly about how much you hate Randolph, and how terrible of a manager you think he is. Why you feel the need to state this in every post of yours is beyond me. And the fact that you’ve been essentially non-existant this off-season metsblog, only to arrive back the same day tht Randolph’s extension is announced, only goes to show that your goals on this blog is simple — it is to come on here every day and remind people why YOU think Randolph sucks. In my opinion that makes you a troll, but obviously that’s completely subjective.

Meanwhile, to actually argue BASEBALL with you, to argue that the entire series came down to the simplest common demoninator is an absolute cop-out and totally scapegoating for your conveience. In my opinion, the game was lost when Jose Valentin struck out in the 6th inning. Does this mean I pin the entire series loss on him? Of course not.

And just as an addendum to all this, I would wager a million bucks that if Randolph sent Glavine or Anderson Hernandez up to bunt, and they either a) got the runners over but they never scored or b) failed to get the bunt down, you and others of your ilk would be on here the next day arguing how Willie played by the book and failed. And how conservative he was. And how it was a two-run game so the bunt doesn’t do us any good here. How you never give up an out in an RBI situation. You’re just monday morning quarterbacks, and your constantly on this blog twisting the scenario so it works to make your point about Randolph.

On a personal note, I really wish you’d just go away, because you clearly add nothing to this site except get people like myself, Darkstar and others agititated and disgusted with our fellow fans. I know that won’t keep you from going away, and I know I would be better off ignoring you, but I find it abhorrent that there really are people out there like you who call themselves “fans.” Reply Re: Recap: Willie on WFAN

By ellaguru

January 25, 2007 08:18 PM | Link to this

Dave, Dave, Dave:

10/10ths albums for your IPod: P.J. Harvey’s first album “Dry”. There are many others but that’s the one I’m listening to right now. Just, just brutal. I admit it, I’d rather stand in against Nolan Ryan than PJ. I’m not man enough for her.

By Coloradobravesfan

January 25, 2007 08:33 PM | Link to this

Robert the MET says..

I completely disagree with the extension to Willie. He is an average manager, at best. When it really counted, he made 5 judgement call mistakes in the same inning. And when do you hear players say the Willie “turned their career around” or “that without Willie, I wouldn’t be the player I am today”… You never hear anything like that, even from guys like Reyes and Wright. He just fills out a lineup card (poorly if you ask me) and hope for the best. I can’t believe we’re stuck for 3 more years with that mediocre manager, especially when Sweet Lou was available. Another giant blunder by Genius Minaya…

By ernesto

January 25, 2007 08:49 PM | Link to this

I’d put Steward Copeland in my band too, then I’d make him buy me a bunch of lottery tickets. Luckiest Mofo walking. Sting made that man rich…so many better drummers in the world I dont’ know where to begin.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 25, 2007 09:02 PM | Link to this

I finally heard the tele conference from last week with JS and reporters about the the LaRoche/Gonzales trade. After hearing that I still think another deal or two will be made. I’m thinking one more before the spring training and one more during. I do like the depth we have. I like that fact that 2B and LF will at least have some adequate players competing for the positions. I still say that Bohn and Blanco will make the LF choice very hard. I also think Aybar may force their hand at 2B and we could see a platoon there.

DOB, I have to say you didn’t sound like I thought you would.

By ellaguru

January 25, 2007 09:17 PM | Link to this

With respect, ernesto, there are a lot of good drummers in the world but Copeland must rank as one of them. But there’s no talking to a Schting fan, eh?

By David O'Brien

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

ObiWan, that’s an amazing lineup. Wow. Now if they can just build an eight-lane road directly to the site….

By ernesto

January 25, 2007 09:29 PM | Link to this

I’m not a big “Walk throught field’s of gold man”, but I do think he was the genius of the Police. Stewart was alright, but there sure are a whooooooole lot of better drummers than that man. On a best bassist of all time note, my work crosses paths with a studio guys all the time and I regularly hear that McCartney is thought of as one of the best bassists of all time. I had no idea.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 09:56 PM | Link to this

EllaDon, P.J.’s a bad chica, no doubt….

Just finished putting Social D Live at the Roxy in the Ipod. Damn, those dudes flat-out rock with bad attitude. Saw ‘em once at a dive bar in Hollywood (Fla), and from what I remember, it was fantastic….

Phillip, REGARDING THE DREAM BAND:

I’ll take Hendrix, Jimmy Paige and SRV on guitars (fantasy team here, right?), with Keith Moon, Bonham or Jim Keltner on drums, and Jack Bruce or Larry Graham on bass, or maybe Les Claypool or Flea …

Let’s have the Muscle Shoals Horns, and on keyboards let’s get both Gregg Allman and Ray Manzarek (since Gregg can also do some singing).

Now, if we can get them to all get along and if we can keep the drug dealers away during the recording session, we’ve got something.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

The event organizer just told me that Dale Murphy’s been added to that Braves annual banquet/fundraiser thing. I had the details on the last blog, if you want to go back there and check the time and location, etc (it’s at an Atlanta Marriott)

By Choppin Bob

January 25, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

DOB: whats your take on Ween?

By Lew

January 25, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

DOB-I just got the Sadies Live tonight. Only listened to the first CD, but it sounds good. It’s a good thing I’m in a Southern Rock frame of mind recently. If I were getting into real hard rock or metal, it would have been like hitting a brick wall. I’m really not familiar with many of the musicains, but they are all world class. Anyone who gets into the Outlaws, The Band, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Poco, etc., should love this disc. It’s the best concert of it’s kind since I saw Nitty Gritty Dirt Band years ago in an extremely altered state of being. Your mention of SRV brings something to mind. If you like Stevie Ray, check out a guitarist named Sean Chambers. He used to play in a SRV tribute band in the Tampa/St. Pete area. He broke away and started doing his own stuff. This kid smokes. He sounds like a mix of SRV, Billy Gibbons and Johnny Winter (who I’m going to see tomorrow night in Burlington). He even does a wicked cover of Mean Town Blues on his first CD, which I believe is called Strong Temptation. Check it out.

By Lew

January 25, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Also on the Sadies. I kept expecting them to announce Hughie Thompson and Henry Paul aned break into Ghost Riders in the Sky. I got a lot of Outlaws feel to this cd.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

OK, again the public service announcement … with guitars! (and again, I couldn’t resist the Clash line).

It’s the Braves 400 Club winter banquet and fundraiser, Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center, 2000 Century Blvd.

Scheduled appearances by Phil Niekro, Gene Garber, Sid Bream, Alejandro Pena, Dave Bristol, emcee Pete Van Wieren, and now Murph added.

Make reservations at www.braves400.org or by mailing a check to the Braves 400 Club, P.O. BOX 7689, ATLANTA, GA 30309.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Lew, the second disc is the better of the two, because it’s more rockin’ and they bring in all the guests like Neko Case, Garth Hudson, etc. The first disc was more the Sadies and their country/bluegrass stuff including the instrumentals. Not very much of that on second disc. Both are great, but to me the second is better.

Let me know what you think. Those boys can really play, though, can’t they?

By The Stranger

January 25, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

I’m a little embarassed to admit I just got my first DBT album, “The Dirty South.” It’s on my ipod, in full. RL Burnside, “Come On In,” John Hammond channeling Waits on “Wicked Grin,” and Gillian Welch, “Revival” are three others I think are solid enough to go on in full.

By Choppin Bob

January 25, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

“So I jumped ship in Hong Kong and made my way over to Tibet, and who do you think they give me but the Dali Lama himself?”

By BigBlogModerator

January 25, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Absolutely unbelievable!—what are you afraid of DOB?…

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Uh, needles and snakes? I don’t know. Is this a trick question?

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Alright, got an Office rerun on, one from last year that I missed.

Later

By Choppin Bob

January 25, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

No. Needles was in “Back to the Future 2 & 3. Snakes was in “Home Alone.”

By BigBlogModerator

January 25, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

No trick question—just wondering if you and that “esteemed journalist” have some type of “special” relationship going?…but it’s obvious I guess.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Pardon this potential double-post, but apparently this got sucked into the ether the first time I posted, since I still don’t see it up:

The more I look at the Mets’ projected rotation, the more I’m astounded that that’s what they’re going to spring training with _ and presumably to the regular season.

I mean, an injury to either of the old guys at the top _ Glavine and El Duque _ and it’ll be one of the worst rotations in the league, no question, at least until Pedro returns. And that’s probably not going to be until well after the break.

Good thing they’ve got an incredible lineup and solid bullpen. They’re going to need both….

Stranger _ damn, good to know someone else with a copy of Hammond’s Wicked Grin. Is that a stellar CD, or what? Love that. And Revival _ Gillian’s best.

Hey, it’s not that I don’t have tons of CDs worth of going in in full, it’s just that the thing only holds 2,000 songs and I’m already up to about 1,700, with loads more stuff I haven’t even touched yet that I want to put in. Gotta complete the downloading before leaving for Fla.

By Choppin Bob

January 25, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Hahahaha!

Where has he been? I’ve only seen him when times we’re tough, which was like once. What up now?!? Kiss my bullpen NL East. Oh wait, we just don’t play them anymore. Inerleague ruined it. Oh well,………….

By journalist jimmy smith

January 25, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

stinky, for months now you have blogged as journalist jimmy smith along with assorted other monikers. none make you charming. despite your denials and protestations dob revealed you had posted with 19 different identities in about 24 hours. maybe you could add something to the blog but instead you choose to be a pest. this journalist finds no satisfaction in blogging with you - and will respond to your prattle no more. as the old journalist would say, selah.

By Matthew

January 25, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Whoever brought up no time for sergeants needs a wurlitzer (I still don’t know what the heck that is). JJS, I’m grateful for the history of cream cheese, but with the dream I had yesterday, I want to stay as far away from anything related to Philadelphia as possible. I’ll keep my sharp cheddar.

I still am trembling at the thought of Pete Orr being in a batting cage with our new 1st baseman. Pete, we love your speed and heart, but go out in the infield and field Thorman’s grounders, eh?

I’ll tell you all this though. Every player on the Braves roster could use a double shot of Orr’s heart.

JJS, Carolina Lady, and Bob, I’m sending you a baptism video to your e-mail. Be looking for it-it’s hilarious.

Go Braves!

By Choppin Bob

January 25, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Dear JJS,

I am neither who you think I am but only myself, that is if your talking to me.

By Scalp 'em Braves

January 25, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Have been away for a week - missed the banter, good comments, etc. Missed the blog melt down - guess my absence caused it to lock up?? I think not.

I don’t blame Rollins for being positive about the Phils chances, even bordering on being cocky. They’ve got a good lineup, from top to bottom, decent pitching, and God knows, Rollins has worn us out in the last couple of years. If we are victims of Phil/Kill the first series, who cares? That’s why the season is 162 games long.

The Muts, well, guess we’re going to look at them as others have looked at us the past few years. Doubting they can do it, because of age/injuries of starting pitching, etc. But, you can’t count them out - they have some awesome talent, offensively and defensively (read: Reyes, Wright, Beltran, et. al.).

I think that this year, unlike last year, will see the East Division being highly competitive, at least as between the Muts, Phils and Braves. The Fish don’t have much, but have learned in the past you can’t just dismiss them (they have 2 WS championships to our one, on lesser talent, after all). Nats will be the Expos of yesteryear - no worries there.

Looking forward to DOB’s keeping us up to date from Spring Training. In the meantime, the “Second Season” of college football is upon us (e.g., recruiting). Just can’t freakin wait to see which cap some 17 year picks up and puts on his head at a news conference (rolling eyes & sighing). Bring on baseball - hot stove league was hot (breifly) and cold (most of the winter). I think we’re going to be a team to reckoned with. Can’t wait for Rollins and Company to come south. Just not sure where the hell I’m going to be able to watch the games on the tube. Maybe the Ouijai Board will have the answers.

By Matthew

January 25, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

DOB and others:

We must fear the Mets now-they have signed Aaron Sele.

http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070125&contentid=1786808&vkey=newsnym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym

The end of the season already-we might as well give up…heavy sigh

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 25, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

The Mets have the fourth best rotation in the NL East, it could be argued that they only have the second best offense and maybe even third, their bullpen is at best equal to the Braves, and defensively they are no better than the Braves or Phillies but how much you want to bet they are picked to win the east.

I have nothing against Minaya but I just don’t see how this offseason couldn’t be judged as a complete disaster. Yes, they signed Alou but lets be honest about that. Who was going to give a 41 year old OF who has at least two stints a season on the DL $8 million? They did nothing to upgrade 2B. If K. Johnson can play adequate defense he will be considered better than Valentin. They didn’t upgrade in RF. Shawn Green is not the answer. C’mon.

In fairness, the Mets still have nine weeks before Opening Day and trades can be made. But, the problem the Mets have is that everyone knows they are DESPERATE for starting pitching and are asking for the farm. Milledge, Heilman, Humber, and Maine aren’t enough individually or even as a two man package. The A’s were willing to trade Haren or Blanton if the Mets gave them Heilman, Milledge, and Humber.

Even the most ardent of Mets fan cannot possibly think that rotation is strong. (Glavine, Hernandez, Maine, Pelphrey, and Perez/Sosa) Get real. That rotation isn’t better than the Braves, Phillies, or Marlins. Hell, it isn’t that much better than what the Nats are likely to throw out on the mound. Foxsports.com said that the bullpen will help support the lackluster rotation. I’m sure that is true. But, when August and September comes will that pen have anything left?

By Wayne in UT

January 25, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

We gonna get Carl Crawford for Diaz and Cormier (with the price of starting pitching escalating??)?

(just kidding………..)

DOB What’s the story on Doug Clark for the OF mix. Seems with Bohn and Clark, we might be looking for 07’s version of 06’s Diaz.

By Choppin Bob

January 25, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Dear Matthew:

Thank you for wasting my time, er go, giving me a good laugh. We often sit here wasting our time conjouring up # 5, and are supposed to be worried about 4 & 5 in Queens?

By Wayne in UT

January 25, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

KC says Reggie “odd year” Sanders can be had!

Boy I am excited.

In all seriousness, is there something to his even/odd year swings. Look at his stats. It’s eerie.

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/players/playerpage/8046

By Mustard Man

January 25, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

I bet $1m we have the division locked by June. #7 Frenchy

By DAP

January 26, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

i tried to post this on bisher’s blog, but it wouldnt let me. DOB, why do they let that guy write?

this is a good trade. what does a team that wins 65 games a year need with a lights out closer? and what does the best offensive team in the NL need with 32/90? both teams benifited.

first, our offense did not recieve a death blow by trading our 5th best hitter. besides, thorman will probably hit 20, and wilson will probably hit 10-15 from first so we really didnt lose anything. johnson’s numbers at second will blow away giles’ last year. our offense will still be great.

our bullpen is awesome, and will enable our starters to win more games and be fresher down the stretch.

bisher, you cant really use fielding percentage to evaluate a 1st baseman’s defense, because its misleading. most 1st baseman will hover around the same number. laroche made plays most 1B dont make, but if he doesnt make those plays, they usually arent errors, because no one expects the 1B to make many of those plays. im not gonna worry about thorman at first. he wont be laroche, but its not gonna kill our team. and if johnson wasnt going to do well at 2nd, he wouldnt be in there.

also, bisher, this trade wasnt about money, and what you said was misleading. laroche was gonna cost a little more than 3mil. we traded him for gonazalez who will earn about 2.5 mil. (yes we still have to pay him. no one has calculated his salary in this) and then we signed wilson for 2mil. thats about 1.5mil. MORE than we were spending before the trade.

yeah, we all know the giles issue was because of the budjet, but THIS trade didnt have to do with money. it had to do with having a lights out bullpen. notice how the mets won last year. now we have better starting pitching than they had, and a better bullpen than they had. its looking good. this team is very complete in offense, defense, and pitching.

i will miss laroche though. hope he does well.

By flbravesgirl

January 26, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

Has anyone heard any more info on the proposed MLB ExtraInnings deal? Are they really going to do this? I got digital cable just to get ExtraInnings. Satellite is not a good option here because of the daily summer storms. The piddly few games on TBS are not going to cut it.

How long will it take for Bud and the owners to realize that if they alienate all the fans, there won’t be anyone left for them to make money off of?

By The Stranger

January 26, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

No Reggie.

Not on an odd year. Not even on leap year. Some of us are old enough to remember the 2000 season.

I’d put Barry Sanders in left before Reggie.

By D Rock in Scotland

January 26, 2007 06:07 AM | Link to this

DAP - In my view you are way off base putting down Bisher. He’s been consistently great for many years, and one of the reasons I started reading the AJC.

I’d like to share my frustrations with the new TV deal as well. I’m overseas, and it’s nearly impossible to get any kind of decent coverage. The internet just doesn’t cut it. This really sucks for you folks back in the states. The braves will regret this, as it was TBS and being able to watch any braves game I wanted that got me hooked as a fan. I was living in Kansas at the time. Ridiculous.

By Mitchie-san

January 26, 2007 06:13 AM | Link to this

hello???

By ncscoots

January 26, 2007 06:39 AM | Link to this

Luckily, Furman Bisher’s spot in the sportswriters’ Valhalla doesn’t come up for a vote from folks such as DAP. He’s already earned it. The man was arguably one of the five or six best sportswriters in America in his prime, and may still be, for all I know (I don’t get to read his work regularly anymore). But I wouldn’t expect DAP has read folks such as the Lardners, Shirley Black, Stanley Woodward, etc., so I doubt he can make any valid judgment on Furman Bisher. Disagree with him, if you like, but the excellence of his work is beyond question.

By Mitchie-san

January 26, 2007 06:46 AM | Link to this

I for one am mad at TBS. The whole reason the Braves are “America’s Team” is because almost everyone in America can watch them play!! So now that they have millions of people who love the Braves, they are now going to tick off every one of them. Smart business move, guys.

By Richard Cory

January 26, 2007 08:11 AM | Link to this

ncscoots——Amen!!!

By Shaun

January 26, 2007 08:41 AM | Link to this

Shaun, haven’t the Yankees won their division like the last nine years running? That’s outstanding regular season success. But I don’t think they’re satisfied with that, and you wouldn’t be, either, if you weren’t saddled with that most daunting of stats — 1-for-14 in the postseason. So you’ve got no choice but to try to make sweet lemonade out of the most bitter of lemons, i.e., emphasize simply getting to the postseason over the true purpose of getting to the postseason.

I’m not saying they are satisfied. When I criticized the Cubs someone said something about everyone here thinking the Braves are the only franchise that knows what they’re doing but the Braves haven’t won a World Series in a while. I brought up a few like the Yankees, A’s, Red Sox, Twins, Braves, Indians could be thrown in as teams that have been nicely ran.

My point was just because a team hasn’t won a World Series in a while doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t know what they’re doing or their management is doing something wrong. We shouldn’t rank the Yankees’ management in the same class with the Cubs or Pirates management just because the Yankees haven’t won the World Series since 2001. The Yankees’ management has put the team in good positions virtually every year.

By dougp

January 26, 2007 09:05 AM | Link to this

reading overnight posts first thing in the morning at work. more important than checking cnn.

anyways, this has to be repeated, JJS say last night about the Laroche bobblehead, a bobblehead that forgets to bobble, oh the humanity.

Props to JJS, very good stuff.

By Shaun

January 26, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Sadly those mediocre pitchers [Lilly and Marquis] ARE a vast improvement over the previous alternative. Give me an example of 4-5 players that you would have blown your wad for as Cubs GM and then I’ll just leave it at that and return to music and SEC basketball discussion.

They may be “vast improvements” but that doesn’t mean they are enough to make the Cubs contenders. And why blow your money on players that aren’t going to push you into a pennant race.

I think the Cubs’ biggest move was retaining Aramis Ramirez. He was obviously one of if not the best hitter on the market. And he’s young for a free agent.

I don’t think going after Soriano was bad, but eight years at $17 million per?! That’s a desperation move and they will most likely regret that after about two or three years. I’d be very shocked if he’s still anywhere close to a $17 million-a-year player within two or three years.

If I were the Cubs’ GM I would have gone after Lugo because my current SS can’t hit his way out of a soaking wet paper sack.

I probably would have made a run at Schmidt or Matsuzaka. Probably put the full-court press on Schmidt. And maybe gone after some cheap, under-the-radar guys that would give me solid innings like Bruce Chen, Tomo Ohka, Jason Johnson, Jerome Williams, Kip Wells—guys that I wouldn’t have to commit much money or a lot of years to, but may give me something unexpected.

The CF job would have been Felix Pie’s to lose (.294 AVG/.353 OBP/ .459 SLG, over 19.5 SB a season in the minors). Probably would have inserted Angel Pagan into the lineup and gone with the Murton-Pie-Pagan young outfield and signed a solid, cheap veteran or two to platoon/backup the youngsters—Jose Cruz Jr., Jay Payton, Trot Nixon.

I would have gone after either Marcus Giles or Mark Loretta to play 2B instead of a .273 AVG/.331 OBP/.404 SLG career hitter (DeRosa).

I would have gone after Speier, Mike Stanton, Joe Borowski and hopefully signed one or two of these guys to help solidify the bullpen.

Summary: C Barrett 1B Lee 2B Giles or Loretta 3B Ramirez SS Lugo LF Murton CF Pie RF Pagan and/or Trot Nixon, Jose Cruz, Jay Payton

SP Schmidt, Zambrano, Angel Guzman, Rich Hill, Bruce Chen (or someone similar)

RP Dempster, Speir, Howry, Stanton, Borowski

I may not win many more games, but I wouldn’t be flushing my resources down the toilet and tie my hands to only gain a handful of wins.

It’s not that the Cubs can’t afford to blow money on guys like Soriano, Lilly and Marquis—it’s that their hands are tied because those guys use up roster spots. And it may not be bad for those guys to use up roster spots next year or the year after, but in the 6th, 7th, 8th year of Soriano’s contract, it’s likely going to be a waste of a spot. And it will likely tie the Cubs’ hands to do what they need to do when they do have the talent to contend.

…okay, this is not a Cubs blog so I’ll quit. It was fun playing GM for a team seemingly ran by apes at this point. (I do feel a faint connection to the Cubs because I graduated from the same high school as Matt Murton.)

By Shaun

January 26, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from watching the Braves, it’s that developing and trusting young players is vital to long-term success.

If you don’t trust or know when to insert young players into your lineup, you are going to overspend on free agents, trade away solid young talent for guys in the twilight of their careers, ignore talented young players you could get from other teams.

The perennially bad organizations are usually the ones who don’t understand how to phase in their young players, either because of lack of trust or desperation.

By Miss Manners

January 26, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

ER GO? False intellectual exposed!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 26, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Did everybody fall asleep or are the posts being trapped in blog purgatory again????

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 26, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Grinch, you still down? You want us to pitch in and send you a couple of “nurses?”

By Shaun

January 26, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Oh, I know some of you are going to have problems with the last post about the Yankees organization because you feel the Yankees should be held to a higher standard than every other organization. Well, then just insert the A’s or Twins. No way they should be winning more than the Pirates or Royals. Even though they haven’t won the World Series, their management isn’t in the same class.

By Mitchie-san

January 26, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Is the blog broken again?

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

DAP, your unfair assessment of the venerable Mr. Bisher has stirred bad karma and brought the discussion to a halt (OK, so I’m just blaming you because it’s convenient).

Anyway, I was up realllly late and just checking the blog. Nothing to even respond to, no questions, no nothing. Hey, guess we do need to start playing some ball now since the trade rumors ring kinda hollow at this point.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

I take that back. Just looked and there’s a dozen or so unposted comments. Blog’s messed up again. Geez, this is very uncool.

By Not-A-Blogger

January 26, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

DOB - My humble submission to your list of greatest guitarists would have to be Steve Morse.

Guitar Player Magazine Guitarist of the Year several years running when he was in his early 20’s.

Co-founder of the Dixie Dregs, later played lead for Kansas and Deep Purple (man’s gotta eat), many solo and project albums.

Heard him play Black Mountaninside on acoustic when he was fifteen, made the little hairs on my neck rise. Astoundingly fast player with classical training to boot.

Dregs’ Unsung Heroes should be a must for your I-pod, IMHO, but for just one song, Peaches En Regalia with Dweezil from live Dregs California Screamin’ disc.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

I really like LaRoche, but that comment about his bobblehead forgetting to bobble _ that’s hilarious.

I’m gonna run that one by him. I know he’ll laugh.

By chip

January 26, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Here’s what I’d like to know, Dave… Take a look at our 8 position players. Do they rank ABOVE average for the NL? BELOW average? Or just average? Then do the same with our starting pitching, bullpen, and bench. Because I’m not seeing it. A better-than-average bullpen, too many question marks with starters, no bench, and a starting lineup hampered by two giant contracts. Makes me think the only way out of this mess is to trade Andruw, not keep him (though I’ll admit he’s a great player). Would love your thoughts. -chip

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 26, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Commenting closed on the blog. Now back open again. Posts being contained in a holding cell. Grinch going to bed at 10:00. No Robert rants in over 24 hours. Shaun cracking stat free jokes about the Cubs front office/monkeys/footballs. “Dogs and cats living together,…MASS HYSTERIA”

By DonCoburleone

January 26, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

I haven’t noticed anything wrong with this blog DOB…

By DonCoburleone

January 26, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

“The Yankees’ management has put the team in good positions virtually every year.”

Give me $200 million to spend on a team and I guarantee I’d have them in good position every year too!

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Folks, here’s part of the explanation I got from one of the tech people in charge: “The problem we are experiencing is a result of CoxNet’s current resource capacity issues. Being the most trafficked blog, the problems there are most evident in the Braves Blog.”

No easy solution, apparently (other than to blow up the system and start over, which sounds like a reasonable proposal at this point).

Seems like the only thing that works is to post a new blog. Once the season starts, we can only hope the thing doesn’t go down every time we get 250 posts in 24 hours or whatever (that seems to be about the critical-mass point for meltdown lately).

One tech guy said that 10 repetitive posts from Robert or 10 in the Stinky-JJS wars (if they’re not deleted promptly) also trigger a meltdown.

OK, kidding on that last point.

By TheSouthernJackAss

January 26, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

This blog is now experiencing the “curse” of the JackAss!!!…

By DonCoburleone

January 26, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Great question Chip. I think I’ll go ahead and take a shot at it: I’ll have a rating scale from Bad to Below Average to Average to Above Average to Good and finally to Awesome (Awesome meaning top 3 at the position in the NL):

1B - Thorman/Wilson: BELOW AVERAGE

2B - Kelly Johnson(assumed): BELOW AVERAGE

SS - Edgar Renteria: GOOD

3B - Chipper(75%)/Aybar(25%): GOOD

Catcher - Brian McCann: AWESOME

LF - Langerhans/Diaz/Wilson: BELOW AVERAGE

CF - Andruw Jones: AWESOME

RF - Jeff Francoeur: ABOVE AVERAGE

Pitching is definately going to be tougher… I’ll give it a shot later…

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Not-a-blogger: Thing is, you’re probably coming at it from a technical-wizadry angle, or maybe purely a musician’s perspective.

I’m just not into the tech-genius players simply because they’re so technically proficient. I’m much more into modest players if they or their band produces great music that has soul, feeling, something that resonates with me. Don’t know how to describe it, really, but when I hear it I know what I like.

Now, Stevie Ray, Jimi, Paige _ those guys were all technically brilliant, right? But to me, they and/or their bands also produce music that doesn’t depend on technical perfection so much as it does emotion, feeling, soul. I don’t know if I’m making any sense _ because again, I’m just a music fan, not a guitar player.

I know those guys like the Steves _ Morse and Vai _ and a handful others are technical whizzes, far superior to most of the guitar playing singer-songwriters or to the guitarists in bands I prefer. But that doesn’t mean anything to me. Not really important. Just personal tastes, though.

Gimme the guitars in The Clash or the Drive-By Truckers anytime.

By Shaun

January 26, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone,

See the following post:

By Shaun

January 26, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Oh, I know some of you are going to have problems with the last post about the Yankees organization because you feel the Yankees should be held to a higher standard than every other organization. Well, then just insert the A’s or Twins. No way they should be winning more than the Pirates or Royals. Even though they haven’t won the World Series, their management isn’t in the same class.

By Justin Woerz

January 26, 2007 01:06 PM | Link to this

I am starting a website called www.SaveAndruw.com where it is going to be a forum for fans to state their frustrations towards the Andruw-Jones-Is-In-His-Walk-Year discussions. It will have a place for fans to comment, vote, and other interactive areas in attempt to pursuade Liberty Media, (who only wants the team for tax purposes) to kick up payroll so that his contract is no longer a question mark. It will be up by Feb 1. I urge you all to tell the Braves fans you know about the site. Thanks. Go Braves!

By Braves20

January 26, 2007 01:09 PM | Link to this

Beginning the season with a Canadian first baseman. Seem to remember we began last season with a Canadian closer. Remind me again how that worked out? Ehh.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 01:13 PM | Link to this

CHIP asked: Take a look at our 8 position players. Do they rank ABOVE average for the NL? BELOW average? Or just average? Then do the same with our starting pitching, bullpen, and bench.

MY quick ratings: Position players as a whole: Above average.

BULLPEN: Well above average

ROTATION: WELL ABOVE AVERAGE if Smoltz repeats his performance of past two seasons and Hampton can stay healthy most or all of season. AVERAGE if one of those two things doesn’t happen. BELOW AVERAGE if neither occurs.

This assessment also is with expectation of 14-17 wins from Hudson, 12-15 wins from Chuck James, and modest production (8-12 wins) from fifth spot.

By Matthew

January 26, 2007 01:13 PM | Link to this

DOB, what about Santana? He is definitely unique!

I like guitar that has soul, not a techno type playing. I really enjoy acoustic, and coming from a Christian perpective there are a few Christian bands/artists that do the guitar very well. Third Day (a Georgia group by the way) and Todd Agnew both use the guitar really well.

By DonCoburleone

January 26, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this

I’ll give our pitcher’s a shot now… Same rating scale from Bad to Below Average to Average to Above Average to Good and finally to Awesome (Awesome meaning top 5 at the position in the NL):

SP - John Smoltz - AWESOME

SP - Tim Hudson - AVERAGE

SP - Mike Hampton - NO CLUE! (If I had to, I’d put him at AVERAGE).

SP - Chuck James - ABOVE AVERAGE

SP - Davies/Cormier/Villareal - BAD

Relief Pitching: RP - Bob Wickman - GOOD

RP - Mike Gonzalez - AWESOME

RP - Rafael Soriano - GOOD

RP - MaCay McBride -BELOW AVERAGE

RP - Tyler Yates - BELOW AVERAGE

RP - Chad Paronto - BELOW AVERAGE

RP - Tanyon Sturtze - NO IDEA! (probably put him BAD if I had to)

What does everyone think? I’d love to put Yates/McBride/Paronto into average, but I just can’t do it…

By Shaun

January 26, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

Chip,

I expect the offense to drop from 2nd in runs to about fifth or sixth because of players they lost and because I don’t think we can expect some players to repeat their ‘06 performances. But I expect the pitching staff/defense to jump from 10th in runs allowed to about sixth or seventh because of hopefully healthier pitchers and an improved bullpen.

The Braves had the run differential to go about 85-77 (obviously they didn’t because of their record in close games, and it’s arguable whether that’s just bad breaks or some other cause like the bullpen or a combination of both). I’m assuming the Braves will be at least that good or better next season—so I’m saying at the very least 85 wins. I’ll say 88-92.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 26, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith hopes laroche can take a joke if dob is going to reveal the identity of this journalist over the bobblehead remark. it is well known that adam laroche has high powered weapons and is a crack-shot. there is a photo on the internet of laroche with a mighty buck downed while laroche was a huntin’. it was a fresh photo because the buck had not yet been autographed. now, hung up blogs … jimmy smith hopes this journalist has not contributed to the slowness of this blog. journalist will no longer use paragraphs in order to save space for others. now, baseball … it is a good observation by braves20 that the braves will have a canadian first baseman. and how will this work? a canadian first baseman tutored in hitting by a “p” player. and speaking of first basemen from far away lands, who recalls the michael ken-wai lum our first hawaiian first baseman? there is another hawaiian first baseman in the pipeline - oh, the humanity! - journalist has done it again - again, unintended! can’t be sure he’s a surfer. now, cheese … how does lew know the best cheese for sculpting? lew has done research! will we see a cheese ball wurlitzer?

By michael

January 26, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this

DOB, I agree with you about the guitarist deal. I know that technically, it’s hard to compete with the likes of Vai or Joe Satriani. There are those out there that can take a simple riff and make you feel it at a different level. Slash & Stevie Ray come to mind. Something about taking the notes you’ve heard a thousand times before and blowing you away with them. Really…how long has BB King been using the same scale for everythig?!…but there’s just something more to it. Go figure.

By Robert

January 26, 2007 02:03 PM | Link to this

Grinch - that captioing was hilarious

By Shaun

January 26, 2007 02:07 PM | Link to this

Same folks that built the software for this blog must be running the Cubs.

By flbravesgirl

January 26, 2007 02:11 PM | Link to this

Good work with the rating system, DonC, although I sure hope some of the pitchers are better than you project. Someone will surprise us (hopefully in a good way, rather than being worse than we thought).

Anybody heard from the Grinch yet? I’m getting concerned.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I agree. It’s frankly a bit embarrassing. In this era of blog prolifferation, a multi-billion-dollar company can’t have software that allows for a few hundred blog posts in 36 hours without the whole thing jamming up. But I know they’re trying like crazy to figure out the problem.

By The Grinch

January 26, 2007 02:17 PM | Link to this

The Grinch is better, but still not well…won’t know how sick ‘till Tuesday morning (specialist time). Blah! Greener than usual, and not in a healthy-plant like way. I suppose some here will be happy with me in a reduced dose. :-)

However, I must weigh in on the guitar discussion. This is the kind of thing that would cause fist fights with me and my friends 15 or 20 years ago about “Who’s the best,” but it’s just so incredibly subjective (who’s a better singer, Jim Morrison or Pavarotti?) there’s no reason to argue anything at all. Just toss out who you like to listen to, and that’s enough. I’ve got stacks and stacks of guitar-oriented music (that’s almost all I listen to) and I’m just as likely to pop in John Lee Hooker as Yngwie Malmsteen. Albert Haynesworth or Iron Maiden. Warren Haynes or Chet Atkins or Kerry King from Slayer. Depends on the mood, and if you play you can learn from all of them. Versatility is a good thing.

By Matthew

January 26, 2007 02:25 PM | Link to this

DonC:

I won’t comment on all of your picks for the pitching, because I agree with most of them, but I’d have to move Villareal into the Average category at least. He worked as a closer in the Mexican Winter League and was lights out. Here are his 2006 stats with the Braves:

9-1 with a 3.61 ERA in 58 appearances (92.1 innings)

55-27 K/BB ratio(2.03-1)1.30 WHIP, and a .261 average against. Those aren’t outstanding numbers, but they certainly are average/serviceable.

I too don’t know what to expect from Hampton, but considering he’ll have the full 18 months to recover that doctors advise, and considering how good he was before the injury, I’d go ahead and put him down as average before he ever takes the mound.

By Lew

January 26, 2007 02:28 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-No cheese ball sculptures! I am on a diet and much less likely to eat my pencil and much more chance of eating the cheese. Not A Blogger-I’ve seen Steve Morse with the Dregs, with Kansas and with Deep Purple. He is good, but I could list 10 better that I have seen over the years-maybe more. I would go with Jeff Beck (best I’ve ever seen and I saw him with SRV), Ritchie Blackmore, Johnny Winter (who I’m on my way to see after I post this), Leslie West, Mick Ronson, Robin Trower, Hendrix, Ted Nugent, SRV, Jimmy Page, Robert Fripp, Eric Johnson, Peter Green and I could name more.

By Shaun

January 26, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this

O’Brien,

I’m just glad it’s not an IRS computer or some kind of government security system—just entertainment, thank God.

By Matthew

January 26, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this

Grinch:

Don’t know if it means anything to you or not, but I’m prayin’ for ya.

Hope you get back to your usual shade of green soon.

By Mike

January 26, 2007 02:40 PM | Link to this

everyone’s forgetting that blaine boyer’s going to be in the mix again…he showed a lot of promise in 2005 and i dont see any reason why he shouldnt continue that success now that hes healthy…he throws 95 with good control and he’s a devoted christian…its going to be wickman, gonzalez, soriano, boyer, oscar villareal, macay mcbride, and tyler yates…tyler yates maybe average but mcbride definitley isn’t…he did a great job last year, especially after a slow start

By The Grinch

January 26, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

FBG, thank you for the concern…you and Hillbilly are my only friends now (sniff,sniff). Lew, I cannot advise you to eat your pencil.

By The Grinch

January 26, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this

Looks like the blog done be broked again. Oh, well; got to get some stuff done anyhow. Dave, I got a couple of friends in Statesboro who are pretty good with tech support, should I give them a ring? Seriously. Couldn’t hurt.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 03:34 PM | Link to this

Shaun, correct. But nonetheless frustrating, because people aren’t inclined to post if they don’t know if/when their posts will ever show up here. As you can see from the slowdown today, due entirely to the sporadic system that spurts them out five posts at a time, every half hour or so it appears.

By Brad in MT

January 26, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

I think that for the most part our posistion players are pretty good, with the exception of 2b, 1b, and lf they are all at least average, and most are probably much better. If we get good production out of Thorman and/or Kelly Johnson they could easily jump up. The bullpen has to be considered way way above average. The rotation is also very solid, and looking at the Mets rotation it would be considered amazing. Overall I think we have a solid team all around and a whole lot of potential!

By journalist jimmy smith

January 26, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

grinch, please inform jimmy smith of your symptoms and this journalist will make some phone calls and save you the expense of a specialist. now, journalist must call uganda and find doctor friend there for grinch.

and if deviled ham is not in favor, what about potted meat? vienna sausages? all with soda crackers. perfect meal for a huntin’. perhaps grinch got into some bad sausages?

By michael

January 26, 2007 03:51 PM | Link to this

What’s faster…this blog,or Adam LaRoche?

By Reality Check

January 26, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

Top-10 Greatest Guitarists:

1. Eddie Lang

2. Bernard Addison

3. Teddy Bunn

4. Dick McDonough

5. Carl Kress

6. George Van Eps

7. Eddie Durham

8. Lonnie Johnson

9. Charlie Christian

10. Django Reinhardt

By Reality Check

January 26, 2007 03:58 PM | Link to this

he throws 95 with good control and he’s a devoted christian

Sandy Koufax was Jewish. How do you explain his stuff, Mike?

By WALKING BEAR

January 26, 2007 03:59 PM | Link to this

I want to cast my vote for Robert, potentially the greatest manager of all time. Bobby Cox finishes 327th according to his number one competitor. Of course Cox has a few wins to his credit to none for Robert but you just wait. It ain’t over til it’s over.

By Reality Check

January 26, 2007 04:01 PM | Link to this

Actually, Sandy Koufax IS Jewish, I should say, and still looking great at 71.

By The Grinch

January 26, 2007 04:05 PM | Link to this

Matthew, your 2:39 just has shown up on my computer; much obliged. Later, all.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 26, 2007 04:30 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

Stick to the domestics this weekend and everything will turn out alright.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

January 26, 2007 04:33 PM | Link to this

My guitar preferences (How’s this for diversity?):

SRV

David Gilmour

Hood/Isbell/Cooley

Clapton

Tom Morello (one of those Techn-genius guys that DOB was talking about but Rage Against the Machine still kicks a$$ none the less)

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 04:41 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, don’t know if this comment will every actually get posted on our dysfunctional blog, but:

Completely agree on Morello. That’s tech wizadry put to good use. Amazing what that dude can do with a guitar. And I always liked Rage and Audioslave.

By Reality Check

January 26, 2007 04:46 PM | Link to this

My lovely guitar submissions appear in reverse order! Allow me to resubmit:

1. Django Reinhardt

2. Charlie Christian

3. Lonnie Johnson

4. Eddie Durham

5. George Van Eps

6. Carl Kress

7. Dick McDonough

8. Teddy Bunn

9. Bernard Addison

10. Eddie Lang

There. That’s better.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

No one’s mentioned arguably the greatest, and definitely one of the greatest players in rock history: Duane Allman. Phenomenal, and extremely soulful.

I’d put him right up there with Jimmy Page and Hendrix, all obviously completely different styles.

And what about Dickey Betts? Warren Haynes? And from a different rock genre, Bob Mould’s pretty damn fierce, too….

And I don’t know how I forgot Bootsy Collins in the list of bass players last night….

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 04:50 PM | Link to this

Oh, and another on lead axe, the Motor City Madman, Tight-Teeth Ted….

ok, i’ll stop with the guitar players. just testing the blog to see if my comments show up, really.

Until it’s up and running smoothly, don’t want to waste these good stats I’ve been crunching on the left fielders and what I think will happen, or could happen, with the playing time out there.

I’ll write that in a new blog later, and hopefully that’ll solve our problems again, at least for the first 250 or so posts.

By Chuck Berry Is On Top

January 26, 2007 05:00 PM | Link to this

Hey! Where’s the love, Dave?

By journalist jimmy smith

January 26, 2007 05:17 PM | Link to this

don ho. ukelele. tiny bubbles.

By DonCoburleone

January 26, 2007 05:18 PM | Link to this

“I won’t comment on all of your picks for the pitching, because I agree with most of them, but I’d have to move Villareal into the Average category at least. He worked as a closer in the Mexican Winter League and was lights out. Here are his 2006 stats with the Braves:

9-1 with a 3.61 ERA in 58 appearances (92.1 innings)

55-27 K/BB ratio(2.03-1)1.30 WHIP, and a .261 average against. Those aren’t outstanding numbers, but they certainly are average/serviceable.”

Agreed, but I had him projected as a starter, which is why I gave him a “BAD” label. As a reliever I’d probably put him at “ABOVE AVERAGE” or even “GOOD”. I put him as a starter because I honestly think Davies is either going to a) not even win the starting job in Spring Training or b) get hurt again and/or struggle and have to be replaced…

By The Stranger

January 26, 2007 05:21 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m considering a trip to the Dark Star this spring. Other than your updates, it’s a little tough to get good spring training coverage here on the Left Coast. What’s the best time in March to catch a glimpse of the starters? I’d like to avoid split squad days if I can. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

By David O'Brien

January 26, 2007 05:37 PM | Link to this

Stranger, regulars play more as spring progresses and roster cuts eliminate the fringe guys and guys just around to make sure there’s enough players for split-squad games.

I’d suggest mid-March, though you should see right now if there’s any tix left for the Cardinals games March 15-16 (friday night-sat afternoon) at Dark Star because last time I checked there were only lawn seats left (which are fine, especially if weather’s nice as it usually is by then).

There’s a home split-squad game vs. Tigers at Disney the next day (Sunday), and should be plenty of regulars in that game for Braves. Then Cleveland’s in town the next day (Monday, 18th).

So that’s a great four-day stretch there, provided you can get tix for Cardinals.

By DonCoburleone

January 26, 2007 05:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, just a little FYI for everybody… I just heard Willie Randolph on Mike and Murray radio show (Sirius) and he was talking about Oliver Perez. Apparantly both him and Minaya really think highly of this guy. I would ask them both to speak with Pirates management on that one… Or look at his 4.7 career ERA or his career 1.5WHIP. Not to mention the fact that last year his final statistics were 3W - 13L; 6.55ERA and a 1.75WHIP! Oh, but he had 1 solid game in the playoffs! Crown him the next Sandy Koufax!!!

By Stanky

January 26, 2007 05:51 PM | Link to this

Listen “test” - whoever you are. I think I speak for many on this blog who disagree with your “comment”. I am not going to honor your request, so I WILL NOT ignore you. OK.

By Fact Check

January 26, 2007 05:58 PM | Link to this

Sandy Koufax was Jewish. How do you explain his stuff, Mike?

I’m not Mike, but I think one can say Koufax’s “stuff” was good because he had talent. How else would one explain anyone’s stuff other than talented or not talented? Is there another way?
Reading Mike’s post it sounds like Mike was saying Boyer has talent as well as other qualities he finds favorable.

By DonCoburleone

January 26, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this

“The Mets still have mostly the same lineup that won 97 games last season. But 60 percent of the rotation is 40-53 lifetime. The other 40 percent? They’re both over 40.”

That was from a Fox Sports article today… thought it might cheer everybody up (the last 2 sentences anyway)

By The Stranger

January 26, 2007 06:22 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the quick response, Re: Dark Star. Lawn seats don’t sound too bad, especially without mosquitoes.

By DonCoburleone

January 26, 2007 06:36 PM | Link to this

Braves have build a better back end

By Mike Berardino - SportingNews

Back in the dying days of September, with his Braves uncharacteristically playing out the string with no hope of making the postseason, Bobby Cox was asked how the franchise would get back on track.

ADVERTISEMENT

The ever-optimistic manager, who makes Tony Robbins look negative, smiled and talked about “fixing the pitching like you want it” and made it clear the Braves weren’t that far away, even if they were about to finish 18 games out of first place in the National League East.

Four months later, consider the Braves’ pitching fixed and their division foes warned.

The latest boost came with the completion of a long-discussed trade with the Pirates. Yes, the Braves will miss 30-homer first baseman Adam LaRoche, but they needed a shutdown lefty reliever like Mike Gonzalez even more.

Who won in the deal?

“I would say under the Braves’ situation, with their bullpen last year, I think they won it,” a rival personnel man says. “They had more bats to give up than they did bullpen pieces. Plus, Gonzalez represents a closer they’ve needed since they took John Smoltz out of that role.”

Gonzalez has converted all 27 of his save chances the past two years and eventually could take over closer chores, provided his late-season bout with elbow tendinitis is indeed behind him. But for now, he’ll join a bullpen that boasts veteran Bob Wickman at the back end and hard-throwing righthander Rafael Soriano — acquired from the Mariners for lefty Horacio Ramirez — in a setup role.

The Braves also signed veteran Tanyon Sturtze to an incentive-laden deal with the hope he could be ready in May. If Sturtze’s shoulder cooperates and the righthander returns to the form he flashed at times with the 2005 Yankees, the Braves will have another competent innings-eater in the bullpen.

Throw in holdovers Oscar Villarreal, Macay McBride and Chad Paronto and the Braves have seemingly completed a dazzlingly successful overhaul of their greatest weakness last season.

No way these Braves again blow 29 saves, the most in the league a year ago.

No way their bullpen finishes 25th in the majors in strikeouts per nine innings, as it did last year.

No way they undercut the work of a rotation that figures to be in the upper echelon now that Mike Hampton (back from elbow surgery) is about to rejoin Smoltz, Tim Hudson and impressive young lefty Chuck James.

And no way they go down without a fight in their quest to prove 2006 was nothing more than an aberration.

“All of a sudden, they make it a six-inning game,” the personnel man says.

Everybody goes looking for bullpen help every winter. That’s where the performances vary the most from year to year and where the turnover is greatest.

Braves general manager John Schuerholz decided to deal from strength. Parting with Ramirez, who was 18-18 after a strong debut in 2003, won’t hurt the rotation much.

As for first base, the Braves are gambling that Canadian prospect Scott Thorman, despite his .263 on-base percentage in 128 big league at-bats last season, is ready to replace LaRoche. Just to be safe, they wisely signed former Pirate Craig Wilson to a one-year, $2 million free-agent deal as a potential platoon partner.

A rival scout compares Thorman to a young Sean Casey in terms of his potential to hit for average without a ton of power.

If that comparison holds — and if their refashioned bullpen is as strong as it appears — the Braves will have had a very successful offseason.

By Matthew

January 26, 2007 06:52 PM | Link to this

DonC:

Sorry about that-I guess I missed where you had Villareal in as a starter. I’m not sure of his numbers just as a starter, perhaps Shaun would like to let us know (“no, stop feeding the sabermatician!”)

JJS, did you ever eat the steak with brown gravy that Campbell’s used to make? When I was small, we’d take that and spread it over white bread for dinner-the budget was a little small then. We did the same thing with mushroom gravy, still the only way I can eat mushrooms!

Grinch, if it makes you feel any better, my four month old kept us up all night with RSV (some kind of virus I’m told-I’m such a typical father) so I took it out on my students today. A quiz AND homework? I must find my way to the altar Sunday morning.

And I agree with the poster who suggested that Mike mentioned Boyer’s Christian faith as a quality he admired, not necessarily the reason why he is so good. I’ve always admired Hank Greenberg for instance, who refused to play on Yom Kippur because of his faith. Same thing with the dude in Chariots of Fire.

On the faith subject, maybe we can get Christopher Lloyd to help us out, sort of an Angels in the Infield (since we’re replacing half our infield).

Go Braves!

By Robert

January 26, 2007 07:12 PM | Link to this

“The problem we are experiencing is a result of CoxNet’s current resource capacity issues”

Go figure. Cox screwing it up for eveybody

By Robert

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

As for guitarists, there’s a bunch of em that can play - fast and/or loud - but to be really GREAT, you have to have something more. Like with anything else, favorites are subjective, In hard rock, I think two guys stand out

One is Randy Rhodes. The other is the tonemaster, Eddie Van Halen.

Two other guys that dont get much mention but who I love are Alex Lifeson and Rick Emmett

(OK, I fess up - I have a thing for Canadian guitarists)

“Here’s an excerpt from “Baseball Between the Numbers: Why Everything You Know About the Game is Wrong.””

Folks on this blog will take that to read “everything you know about baseball is wrong EXCEPT your illogical assumption that Bobby Cox is god”

By Tomahawkin

January 26, 2007 07:28 PM | Link to this

What It Do? U guys?…I’m so ready 4 Spring Training, I not gonna comment much til I see ESPNs biased reports against us…

Read some of the fantasy magazines earlier, and most of them are really High on the Baby Braves…(McCann, Frenchie, and LaRoche even though he was traded before most of the mazazines came out, Also they are really high on Mike Gonzales…I think that he might be better than most Braves fans think since he really didn’t get no TV exposure, because he was on such a gawd awful team…

And while thinking on that, most people who complain and rant about our shortomings over the last couple of years, just need to think of what its like beinga pirates fan, all they have to look foward to is Opening day and then the team is out of the race by may, and all the Steeler talks begin…What I really meant to say is Support Dem Braves!!!…sometime’s you have a way with words….

Does anyone know the broadcasting format TBS is gonna use this year, now that Sutton is gone…?

If I ever meet the guys who thought it was a good idea to make all the changes to TBS at the end of 2001, I’m gonna kick their A-S-S…

By journalist jimmy smith

January 26, 2007 07:30 PM | Link to this

yes, gravy. this journalist is familiar with many gravies. jimmy smith enjoys biscuits and milk gravy in the morning. some call that sawmill or sausage gravy. red-eye gravy is also quite tasty. for dinner there is the nice brown gravy. the mushroom gravy that matthew refers to is most tasty with ground steak. in uganda, rabbit gravy is very popular. now baseball … some would say jd drew caught the gravy train today. let’s hope the shoulder repair holds up and jd does not suffer a giblet ending injury.

By Eugene

January 26, 2007 07:35 PM | Link to this

What’s that large hole on the left side of the outfield. I know its 10Hrs and 50 RBI’s produced by 2 players.

By Tomahawkin

January 26, 2007 07:36 PM | Link to this

D.O.B. out of curiousity, how many CD’s do you own…? I bet you have you own little Rock N Roll Hall of fame at your Pad…

I used to be like that with baseball cards, Til the hobby became a business…I used to get obsessed wit them, My collection is about $50,000

By Not-A-Blogger

January 26, 2007 07:44 PM | Link to this

DOB - Thanks for the thoughtful reply. As I’ve said before, the time, effort and passion you invest in this blog never goes unappreciated.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I have to differ with you and Lew about Morse not playing with “soul.” A lot of the Dregs’ tunes were jazz-based, as they were heavily influenced by the “new” jazz musicians in the 70’s such as John Mclaughlin, Jaco Pastorius, Jean-Luc Ponty, etc.

But about a third of their of their stuff is straight-up rock and roll, just without the vocals. Technical proficiency and the “emotion” you refer to are not mutually exclusive. If you’d seen him jam with Carlos Santana at the Fox, I think you’d have gotten that “feeling”. I suggest you sample his live cover of Jessica, or a couple songs like Take It Off the Top, Rock & Roll Park, or Broad Street Strut before you write him off.

Sorry for the long retort. As music lovers, we want to share the joy, thus the music component of this Blog.

And Lew, as an aging head, I’ve seen Hendrix, Clapton, Page, Duane, Beck, Randy California, Santana, Winter, Trower, Jorma Kaukonen, Steve Miller, and on and on. I agree to disagree on Morse, but while Ted Nugent made a lot of noise, he couldn’t carry most of those guys’ guitar strap.

Good luck with that diet.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 26, 2007 07:49 PM | Link to this

Alright, here is my assessment of the Braves as they stand right now. I think Don was perhaps a bit too harsh in his assessment. I wlll judge on a scale from 1-10.

1st base(Thorman/Wilson?): I would give this position a (5) right now. I think it could increase to a 6.5 or so, but I think Thorman does have some proving to do. Honestly, if Wilson platoons with him I would move it up to a 6.

2nd base (K. Johnson/Aybar?): I would give this a (4) right now. I think Johnson has the offense but until I actually see him play defense I’m a bit worried. I have stated many times this winter I thought the Braves would have been better served to sign a Mark Lorretta or Ronnie Belliard but it is obvious JS thought differently. This is another case where I think a platoon would actually be a good idea. I like the idea of Aybar platooning with Johnson. If that happened, I would increase my rating to a (5.5).

SS (Renteria): I give this a (7). Renteria is solid defensively and very good offensively. I think he will be even better this year with Aybar and Woodward there to give him more rest and the Braves not having to woory too much about a substantial decrease in production on that given day.

3B (C. Jones): If Chipper can stay healthy and play 120 to 125 games, I give this position a (9). Otherwise, I will say a (8). Chipper proved last year that he is still one of the elite players of the game. That torrid July showed that Chipper is still one of the top 10 or 15 most feared hitters in the majors. His defense, while not gold glove, isn’t as bad as some on here make it out to be. I think having Aybar and Woodward to spell him once or twice a week will allow Chipper to hit .330/30/110/.400 OBP.

LF (Diaz/Langerhans/Wilson?): I would give this position a (5). To me this is the position of the most concern for the Braves. I like Langerhans and his defense is excellent but offensively I worry. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt last year that the broken bone in his hand contributed to his hitting struggles but I’m not convinced of that. I like Diaz but I think his numbers last season will not be duplicated this year. I think of the three “problem” position areas for the Braves this is the one that needs to be fixed the most. I have advocated all winter that the Braves acquire somebody through trade and I will continue to do that. Baldelli, Rios, Looney, Hawpe, Upton, and Thames are all guys that I think would greatly help the Braves and would be an upgrade over what is currently in left field. I also think Blanco and Bohn could be upgrades as well. I find it stunning that Blanco doesn’t even seem to be on the radar. Here is a kid who hit .285 or so and had a OBP of .400 at AA, then went to AAA and hit .290 or better and had an OBP of .403. He would be a better option at leadoff than K. Johnson. In Bohn’s case he looks like a well rounded player. He can hit .285-.295, hit about 15-20 HRs, and steal about 30 bases. But knowing Bobby, Diaz and Langerhans would have to each hit .050 this spring for them to even be considered to be dropped from the lineup.

CF (Andruw Jones): I give this position a (9.5). I would give Andruw a 10 but he does struggle in run scoring situations. Everyone slams Francoeur for his wild inpatient swings but Andruw is just as bad. Compare Francoeur’s and Andruw’s numbers with runners in scoring position and tell me who just may be more impatient. That being said Andruw is the best centerfielder in the majors hands down!

RF (Jeff Francoeur): I would give this position a (6.5). I think it could wind up being about an (8). Frenchy’s defense is terrific and he has the best outfield arm in baseball. I really do believe that he will raise his average to .275 or so at least. If he does that, his OBP will rise to .308, which of course is still horrible. I was encouraged in September by Frenchy’s patience. He did show a lot more patience at the plate and I think he saw it pay off. He was able to raise his average to .260 and his OBP to .293. Going into August I was worried if it would get to .280. I believe Frenchy has a .275/30-35HR/110RBI season ahead of him.

Catcher (Brian McCann): I would give this a (8). I would like to McCann a higher grade but he has to improve his percentage at throwing runners out at 2nd base. I don’t expect him to have quite the offenseive numbers he did last year but I do expect him to an even better “clutch” hitter. Honestly, he could duplicate or even surpass his numbers from ‘06 if Brayan Pena plays like I think he can. I think Bobby can give McCann two days off a week until late August or so and that way McCann will be fresh for the stretch run and hopefully October. This kid is the best catcher in the NL and I think he will only get better. He is the heart and soul of this team.

Starting pitching: I would give this position about a (6) right now. It could be as high as a (9) but for right now a (6) is where it is. I think Hudson will be better because he is driven to prove he is still among the elite. Smoltz will probably fall off a bit but he is too competitive to allow himself not to still be an elite pitcher. James is for real. I knew this kid was the real deal when he had the fiasco of a start against the Mets and then struggled in his next start, but came back and threw that one hitter against the Mets in Shea. In fact, he was on cruise control from that point on til the end of the season. I believe Hampton will be strong as well. He has had the recommended 18 months. It will be up by the time pitchers and catchers report in three weeks. All of the normal setbacks will have come and gone. Hampton can win 15 games. Especially since the improved bullpen will allow Cox to better monitor Hampton’s pitch count. Davies is the question mark. I don’t think he was ever healthy last season. I believe if Horacio hadn’t gotten hurt that Davies would have never pitched in August and September. I also think that Davies put too much pressure on himself to perform. You could see him overthrowing at times. I have a feeling he will be good this year. He will probably post a 4.15 or so ERA and get 10-12 wins, which is quite a bit of production from the #5 spot in the rotation.

Bullpen: I think this is a (8) and could approach a (10). Wickman isn’t an “elite” closer but he sure is damn effective. Look at his numbers. They are right there among the best over the course of the last four or five seasons. Having Soriano and Gonzales as setup guys and backup closers makes this bullpen among the best in the majors. Right up there with the Tigers, Padres, Mets, and Dodgers. I think McBride is an excellent closer. I was a bit surprised at Don’s saying he was bad. His numbers against lefties last year was just sick! Paronto and Yates stuggled at times but their numbers prove they were more than adequate. Villareal was perfect in his role and has only cemented how good he can be with his performance in the winter league. If Boyer is truly healthy, the Braves have a guy who can throw 95mph heat, which will be quite nice to bring into a game after having the opposing offense face the likes of Hampton and James. This bullpen is good. As worried and sick as I was about the bullpen going into last season, I’m as excited and confident going into this season about the bullpen.

Bench: The bench is about a (6). I don’t think it is as bad as some do. I will give Woodward the benefit of the doubt. He was hurt all last year and his numbers from the previous three or so season indicate he was a good player. Aybar is terrific off the bench. Despite some folks on here ripping Craig Wilson, his pinch-hit numbers are great and he has shown that he can be effective off the bench. I love having Pena as the backup catcher. He should have been the last year instead of Todd Pratt who couldn’t outrun Skip Caray to first.

Overall I think this team is fairly good. It’s not mind blowing but then again this is the National League. They don’t necessarily have to be. I think they have a better than decent shot to win the NL East and they definitely have a shot to win the wild card. Can this team be improved? Most definitely. And, I think JS will. I think at least another deal will get done and perhaps two before Opening Day arrives. I look at the rest of the East and I don’t see one team that can honestly say they are decidedly better than the Braves.

By Stinky

January 26, 2007 08:05 PM | Link to this

Grinch, glad you’re better. But if you die, can I have your speakers?

By Stinky

January 26, 2007 08:31 PM | Link to this

Mike Berardino is a b***’s b***.

By snowball's chance

January 26, 2007 08:39 PM | Link to this

Steve Cropper

By Tomahawkin

January 26, 2007 08:47 PM | Link to this

Aight guys, I’m out, I’ll be at da spot, gettin my swerve on, Catch u cats Sunday…

By Matthew

January 26, 2007 08:49 PM | Link to this

I like the sausage gravy on biscuits as well. Perhaps Wicky is acquainted with such things?

JJS, did you get the video I sent you?

By Choppinmama

January 26, 2007 08:51 PM | Link to this

Stranger: RE: spring training games, consider going to some of the away games to see our boys. Some of the parks are within reasonable driving distance, and lot of the other parks aren’t sold out like WWSports seems to be this season. There are more and more season tickets sold at WWS as the years go by, and LOTS of families doing the baseball/mouse tour that time of year.

I’ve even done the Tampa trip to see us vs. Yankees, but those 1:05 games end during Tampa rush hour - brutal!

By TennesseePaul

January 26, 2007 08:54 PM | Link to this

Matthew: Villarreal as a starter has the following line:
W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR HBP BB SO
1 0 3.50 4 18 18 8 7 2 0 3 10

As a reliever
W L ERA G IP SVO SV H R ER HR HBP BB SO
8 1 3.63 54 4 0 75 33 30 11 5 24 45

He was a good long reliever. I can’t see any reason he won’t be on the opening day roster (not that anyone said he wouldn’t), barring injury or kidnapping.

As for the Langerhans, Diaz combination… Diangerhans put up this last season:
AVG OBP SLG HR R RBI
.283 .425 .355 14 83 60
That isn’t too bad.

By TennesseePaul

January 26, 2007 08:59 PM | Link to this

DOB: Everytime this blog loads, for 5 minutes I’m forced to re-read the first 3 paragraphs while waiting. I get to the Great Blog Crash part and I think of that kid from Kindergarden Cop. Arnold has them all stand in front of the class and tell what their father does. The kid just stands there for a second and then says: “My dad hasn’t done anything since The Crash.”
Makes me laugh every time.

By Steve

January 26, 2007 09:00 PM | Link to this

I really think that the Braves can win 95+ games this year. They have great potential, and I think JS needs to add just one more piece to make everything fall into place. BTW, my greatest guitarists, no particular order. Eddie Van Halen, Slash, Vai, Randy Rhoades, and Jimmy Page. My ultimate band: Leads, Eddie Van Halen, Rhythm Slash, Bass Duff McKagan, Drums John Bonham, and Singer ??? (add your own, I guess)

By The Stranger

January 26, 2007 09:08 PM | Link to this

Choppinmama, thanks for the tip. With so many parks in the area, that is an option I will definitely keep open.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 26, 2007 09:08 PM | Link to this

matthew, did you send jimmy smith the right video? why is that german shepherd wearing black socks and why does he keep running in and out of the picture? oh, never mind that video was from grinch. yes, jimmy smith did see the cannonball hit the water! whoa! jimmy smith is used to sprinkling so such a dive was most impressive. now, sausage gravy and biscuits will put a few pounds on a journalist but they are s-o-o-o good. wicky looks like it may have been more than just biscuits and gravy - say a small diner. and what has become of journalist just plain bob? perhaps bob’s computer is wet again. now, the blog … robertjitb must have been saving that one up. thoughtful analysis but no mention of toes. this season could hinge on good toe health - not sure how many toes, though. just a rumor.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 26, 2007 09:24 PM | Link to this

no one else likes don ho? when our hawaiian first baseman comes to the plate in the future we shall hear some fine ukelele music. anyone know the world’s most famous ukelele player?

now, from chipperjones.com: “Some people ask why I use two different bats from the left and right sides of the plate. It wasn’t by design that I began using a black bat while hitting right-handed, or a blonde bat while hitting left-handed. It has just worked out that way. Because I know that people like to choose which color they want autographed, I am offering both black and blonde autographed bats for purchase on the website. The blond bat is signed in blue or black ink and the black bat is signed in silver ink.”

uh, i am practicing signing the blonde bats with my left hand and the black bats with my right hand. some signatures are done wearing batting gloves and some uh, without. full name extra.

By Robert

January 26, 2007 09:33 PM | Link to this

Journalist kimmy smith’s sarcastic comments about Chipper’s autograph habits got me wondering

Does Bobby Cox sign with an “X” or does he sign “Hee Haw”?

By LeTwan Anthony

January 26, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

Chipper and LaRoche got a pilot to fly them into the far north for elk hunting. They were quite successful in their venture, and bagged six big bulls. The pilot came back as arranged to pick them up.

They started loading their gear into the plane, including the six elk. But the pilot objected, “The plane can take out only four of your elk. You will have to leave two behind.”

Chipper pushed forward and said, “Uh, last year our pilot let us take out six elk. It was the same model plane, same weather conditions, and everything. What’s with this? We want you to allow us to fly out just like last year.

Reluctantly the pilot finally permitted them to put all six elk aboard and the men all climbed in with their gear. But when they attempted to take off and fly out of the valley, the little plane could not make it. They crashed in the wilderness.

Climbing out of the wreckage, Chipper asked LaRoche, “Do you know where we are?”

“I think so,” replied LaRoche. I think this is about 100 yards further along than where we crashed last year!”

By Richard Cory

January 26, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

**journalist jimmy—-Arthur Godfrey??

By Robert

January 26, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this

Check this out from the ajc’s article on the Panda cub at the zoo

“Mei Lan also recently reached another milestone, the bathroom variety. The cub is learning to urinate and defecate on her own. In the past, Lun Lun had to help the kid along, licking the cub’s private parts to get Mei Lan to evacuate.”

And here I have been wondering where Bobby Cox developed the tactics that make him so good with the young players - you know, teaching them the right way to do things

By Bryan

January 26, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Tennpaul do you have firefox? you got to get rid of internet explorer and pick up the fox.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 26, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

hint: not tiny tim.

By flbravesgirl

January 26, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Ewwwww, Robert!

Stranger, the Braves are playing the Pirates at McKechnie Field Mar.9. About an hour& 40 min. drive from Disney, plus we have really nice beaches.

By TennesseePaul

January 26, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

I had firefox. Wasn’t to keen on it. Got it when I heard it loaded fast. But that didn’t last long.

By Scalp 'em Braves

January 26, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Lew:

Gotta call you out on including Nugent on your 10 best guitarist list. The wicked licks on his records (Hey Baby, Strangelhold, etc.) were not played by The Hunter/Killer. I don’t know the name of the guy who played them, but Ted is a strummer, and is an awesome front man/showman.

Best guitarists in my opinion (in no particular order) - Clapton (simply cannot argue against the man’s body of work over 40 years); Hendrix (a real innovator); Brian May (made his first electric guitar from the fireplace mantle in his home, uses a coin for a pick, and absolutely rips); Stevie Ray (the guy could flat play like nobody’s business); Randy Rhodes (Ozzie would have never been po;ular without this guy providing rock rip); Duane Allman (nobody, and I mean NOBODY ever has, or ever will, made a guitar cry with a slide like Duane); Jimmy Page (like Clapton, his body of work is just awesome); Pete Townsend (both as a writer and player - intro to Eminence Front is the greatest of all time, in my opinion);Larry Carlton/David Spinozza - neither is well known, though both have albums out - mostly in the background as studio musicians - but if you ever listen to them, you will be overwhelmed with their skill; and, though not a great guitarist (but a good one), and because she was freakin HOT looking in the 80’s, Nancy Wilson (Heart) - she wrote a lot of good music, let her big lunged sister take the front stage to belt out the tunes, but the girl could play a mean lick, write a good riff, and was absolutely dynamite in the looks/sexy department.

As Grinch said earlier, no arguments over many cited as great guitarists - just one man’s opinion, subject to debate - and its all subjective. But fun to talk about nonetheless.

BTW- Grinch, do REALY understand Vick’s folly now? ;o)

By Scalp 'em Braves

January 27, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Robert:

It’s hard to compress all of the great guitarists into a list of ten. Went back and read some “middling” posts I skipped in order to express my opinion. Gotta agree that Eddie Van Halen is/was one hell of a player.

Santana - he has done great work, and mediocre work, at times. But, gotta admit his guitar solo on “Europa” is one of the most inspiring I have ever heard. The man can play when he sets his mind to it, no doubt.

Robert (again) - beward if YOU ever ask BC for his autograph. If he turns his back to you, the donkey is going to fire two hooves into your chest. How is the “www.firebobbycox.com” website coming along?

JJS - damn fella, cheese ain’t meant to be sculpted, it is meant to be eaten! And you had to mention biscuits and gravy - cooking for 200 at church Sunday - I’m now inspired to give my fellow Christians fat/cholesterol laden biscuits and sausage gravy (with chunks of sausage in the gravy, of course). They will have you to blame (or thank) for their cholesterol levels shooting through the roof. Perhaps they can bless the food, and pray that it goes to their butt, and nor their heart? Oh, the divinity!

By Lew

January 27, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Conceret review time from the land of 14 below zero. How appropriate a time for a Johnny Winter concert. Johnny Winter done went and got old. He is almost bent double shuffling on and off stage. He now sits down for the whole set. However, he still kicks a$$. He did a lot of songs I was unfamiliar with, most from a CD called “I’m a Bluesman”, which I had never heard of and was unable to locate anywhere. He did hardly any original material. He covered two Ben E. King songs, including Tore Up. He also did covers of a Ray Charles blues tune I was also not familiar with and Hoochie Coochie Man by Muddy Waters. He did not even use the slide until his two encores-Mojo Boogie and an extremely rousing rendition of Highway 61 Revisited, that ended the show. This will probably be his last tour (maybe) as he is extremely frail and does not look well, whether from his albinism or some thing else. He can still rip up a guitar, though. Glad I went, even if I did freeze my butt off.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Damn good list, Scalp ‘em _ and I wholeheartedly agree about Nancy Wilson in the late 70s _ smokin’ hot. I really like inclusion of Townsend, too. The man was/is a rock god.

Speaking of great rock, just got back from a fantastic show at Variety Playhouse _ The Dears, a great band from Montreal that has put out two strong albums in the past few years. As good as the records are, they don’t do justice to how rockin’ this band is live. Really, really good. And two very hot girls on keyboards, to boot. Something about those Montreal women with the sophisticated, edgy looks….

But the rhythm section and the lead singer’s huge, powerful voice are what make the band. If you get a chance to see them in your parts, by all means do. One of the better shows I’ve seen in a while.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Lew, we were posting concert reviews at the same time, my man.

Funny you mentioned Johnny Winter and Hoochie Coochie Man … I was thinking about how you’d said you were going to see Johnny Winter when I was downloading Muddy Waters’ “Hard Again” CD into my Ipod the other day. I was reading the liner notes to the record and Johnny Winter not only produced and played guitar, but was responsible for much of the background shouting in the middle of songs, including “Mannish Boy,” when he kept yelling “Yeah!” and “Awright!” as Muddy tore up that tune…. anyway, them Winter boys got some soul, for sure.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

Howdy, all; back from an evening at the theatre (someone else drove, thank god). Yes, Scalp ‘em; most amusing. I had wondered some of those same things myself. And I agree about Nancy Wilson; she helped me get through puberty.

DOB, I mentioned Warren Haynes earlier and Lew mentioned Uncle Ted (who I’ve seen live three times with a trained eye; if he was faking his solos it was a mighty good job).

Matthew, thanks for the prayers but I doubt I’ve built up much stock with the holy one.

Jimmy Smith, I imagine it would be cheaper to visit your doctor in Uganda than what this shyster’s gonna charge me in Sandy Springs. Unfortunately, my alcohol consumption’s been put on hold ‘till afterwards, so it must be done (which means it may be domestic after all, Hillbilly). And sawmill gravy too, alas.

Robert, good call on Rik Emmitt, and his voice was almost as good as his playing.

Stinky, good call on Django Reinhardt. I’ll have to think about the speakers.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

Stranger, maybe we can get flbravesgirl to take us to the beach in Bradenton….

But even if not, then you still would really enjoy a game at McKechnie Field vs. the Pirates. Great setting, and there’s a kicka*# diner right there next to the entrance to the stadium. Great breakfast. And a blues joint that looks like a great dive also right next door to the entrance, though we didn’t stay long enough to stop by there.

By Scalp 'em Braves

January 27, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

DOB:

Not gonna invite this list now - but sometime soon, need to list/debate the best songwriters/performers. I’ve got my ideas, and I know others do as well depending on one’s taste in music/genre.

Well put regarding Townsend - I listened to Quadrophenia (sp?) last night - a little scratchy (yes, I still listen to ALBUMS at home), but lord, what a record.

Speaking of hot women - Vanessa Williams on the Jimmy Kimmel late night show - love her (for having posed nude pre-Miss America), or hate her (for taking on any advertiser, show, etc.), the women is absolutely gorgeous.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Stranger, CHOPPINMAMA, besides having the most provocative screen name on the blog, also is dead-on correct about Tampa traffic. Do NOT get caught anywhere near downtown anytime near rush hour. And the same can be said for I-4 in Orlando near rush hour. Avoid at all costs.

And if you’re there during Daytona 500 week … oh, the horror. Traffic to slit your wrists to.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Just in the late 70’s Dave? Those high leg kicks in black stockings really did something for me in all those videos off the “Heart” alblum (the 9th one, I think about ‘85 or 6). Hell, she didn’t look too bad in that Vh1 “Where are they now” thing a couple of years back, for that matter, and she had to be in her mid forties. Her sister on the other hand…yowch.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

I find “Choppinmama” to be a rather frightening screen name myself; dating enough crazy women will give you castration anxiety (No offense, ma’am).

So, Dave, you think FBG will be waiting there at the beach with a cold beer and a thong? Live up to your journalistic credentials and snap us poor fellows a photo or two. :-)

Scalp, they let you in church without burning an X in your head?

By Lew

January 27, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

DOB-They were talking about Johnny Winter having produced three of Muddy Water’s albums-he won Grammys for them, too- during the show. The drummer and bass player did a bit of the talkin. Probably good they did, too. That’s why I didn’t understand what half the songs were. Johhny can sing, but I couldn’t understand half of what he said and I speak Southern. He’s really aged a whole lot. It’s a shame-the stage show just isn’t what it used to be, but the man can still play a guitar. There were two other guitarists there tonight and Ole Johnny blew them right out the door into that sub zero weather.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Robert (JIB), I’d go along with most of your assessments, give or take a point here and there. But as much as I like Frenchy’s potential and his big-hit penchant and raw power, you overstate his defense. It’s not exceptional at this point, because it’s too erratic for that high a grade. He’s got a very strong arm, but not the best arm, not yet, simply because he makes too many wild throws. But he could certainly get to that elite status with a little more consistency, fewer throws to the backstop, smarter decisions on not diving for a few balls that he should keep in front of him for singles….

T-Hawkin, I haven’t counted in several years, but I’d guess somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000. And about 500 LPs. And yes, a great security system, too.

By Kentavo

January 27, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

I concur with Townshend assessment. He’s mostly known for power chords'' but get a copy ofLive at Leeds” and you’ll see the man has some tasteful lead chops, especially on “Young Man Blues.”

Hey, D.O.B., I think one of those Mets fans said the other day that we should fear the Phillies, and although I tend to agree, what is the Braves’ record against the Phillies in the last 3 years or so? I’m only counting the last 3 years because that’d be the core of the club now - with Rolen, Abreu, Wagner, Thome, Bell, Wolf and Padilla gone, I think it’s a little different team.

By The Stranger

January 27, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

You’re a lucky girl, flbraves. McKechnie Field looks like a great park to get close to the action.

Wish I had a month to tail the Braves and see all the grapefruit league parks.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Scalp Em-Didn’t say the Nuge was one of the ten best, just one of at least ten better than Steve Morse that I have seen. I did mention eleven, didn’t I? Come to think of it, I’ve seen two other guitarist with Kansas that are better than Morse-Kerry Livgren and Richard Williams. I still think Jeff Beck was the best I ever saw. I saw him open for SRV about a month before Stevie was killed. THAT was a show. I would also add Alvin Lee to the list before Morse. Adrian Vandenberg, too. I saw Duane Allman two times.That was a major mistake, not adding him to my list.

By Scalp 'em Braves

January 27, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

Grinch:

I’m Episcopalian. They’ll let anybody in the door without any marks. The beauty of the religion is that forgiveness is readily given. As compared to Catholics, we have all the pomp and ceremony, and none of the guilt. ;o) Come see us brother - God loves us all, even you, me, Stinky and SJA. (not meaning to lump you into the same category as them, but, we’re all God’s creatures).

And by the way - quit flirting with FBG - though I would love to see her, I won’t be so sexist to insist or suggest that she be skimpily dressed. As long as she shows up with her Red Velvet Cake, a knife, paper plates and plastic forks, I will be forever in love with her.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

I saw Heart on their Bad Animals tour. Nancy Wilson did one of those leg kicks and landed flat on her cute little butt.

By flbravesgirl

January 27, 2007 01:06 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Scalp ‘em.

Grinch, you are in big trouble. You know me better than to suggest such a scenario. And here I’ve been worrying about your health.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 01:12 AM | Link to this

Sorry, dude; the day I quit flirting is the day I know it’s time to hang it up. And the sexism is part of my rustic charm. Strange women only pretend to be mad when you give ‘em a pat on the behind and call ‘em “Sweetie”. :-) Episcopalian, huh? Catholic Lite. Man, that would be quite a service with Stinky, SJA and 200 sausage buscuits. Oh, the humanity! I must admit Catholisism and Episcopalianism (I guess that’s a word) do hold one practice close to my heart; the employment of a bong during services. Man, I’m more tired than I thought; time to sack out.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 01:15 AM | Link to this

Oops…I thought she’d already gone to bed. D’OH! You know I love you sweetie (whack!)…

That probably didn’t work. Ummm, how ‘bout them Bravos? :-)

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 01:25 AM | Link to this

FBG, you’ve got mail. To sleep I must go. Night, all…

By Nelson Hawkins

January 27, 2007 02:33 AM | Link to this

Top o’ the head list of my favorite guitarists, and their cred:

Robert Johnson—coalesced the elemental Delta Blues styles of Charley Patton, Son House, and Skip James, and added pop sensibility and ambition.

Muddy Waters—THE BRIDGE from acoustic to electric blues, and the greatest slideplayer ever (with all due respect to Duane).

Chuck Berry—the electric guitar is rock n’ roll’s instrument and birthright => he invented rock n’ roll guitar.

Jimi Hendrix—the protean electric guitarist, all else flows from his waterfall, like civilization from the Tigris/Euphrates.

Keith Richards—he is Keif, therefore he am…nuff said (I’m listening to Aftermath right now).

Johnny Thunders—if Keith was born in Queens and loved being a junky too much—the trashiest riffs the junkyard ever spit up, and as much a ground zero for punk as the Velvets, Stooges, or Ramones.

Tom Herman—Pere Ubu was there for the original explosion of punk, with eyes already to the New Wave, although their vision always encompassed so much more; the New Wave revivalists that pass for rock n’ roll these days would do well to go back to this guy and his band.

Kurt Cobain—In his playing I hear the whole of rock guitar’s history coalesced: the overtones you’d hear if you walked into heaven’s rock n’ roll hall of fame, and heard all the greats playing at once…and for me there hasn’t been a great rock band since—maybe Nirvana crystallized rock n’ roll as well as it will ever be.

Vernon Reid—personal pick, although he should be largely credited with finding a way to make avant jazz work in numerous different rock contexts. I started playing guitar 19 years ago after I heard his solo on “Cult of Personality”.

By jed

January 27, 2007 05:10 AM | Link to this

guitarists? i hate eric clapton. you’d have to pay me 100 dollars and ply me with drugs and an open bar to get me to sit through one of his shows. a technical master, yes, but boring as it gets. neil young’s kind of the anti-clapton: not the most proficient but riveting. i outgrew the dead years ago but i cant believe no one’s mentioned garcia. if yall start talking about drummers next, all the goobers are gonna start yelling about that guy from Rush. i just cant take that. how bout we discuss our favorite philosophers? i mean, somebody flips past the braves board and we’re talking about heidegger? hilarious!

By jed

January 27, 2007 05:26 AM | Link to this

and could the people at tbs make any stupider decision than picking chip caray as their main play by play announcer? i’m all for joe simpson, but chip is an absolute doofus—a soulless nitwit…hologram of a human.

By Robert

January 27, 2007 07:18 AM | Link to this

and could … people …. make any stupider decision than picking chip caray as their main play by play announcer?”

Picking Bobby Cox as their manager

By flange1

January 27, 2007 09:03 AM | Link to this

Hi All,

Been in bed with the flu, have to check in on the guitarist thing!

Lew, glad you got to see Joknny Winter. I saw him awhile back here in Atlanta and he was good, but as you say OLD! I bought the album that he is touring to support and it was fair not as good as any past stuff.

Ted Nugent ALWAYS played lead on records. He did not sing early on that was Atlanta resident Derek St. Holmes, I still think Hey Baby is a great song.

Larry Carlton is a great pick, great jazz guy but we all know him for recording wonderful solos for STEELY DAN. (along with Jeff the SKUNK Baxter)

My top guitar players are Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Scotty Moore, James Burton, Steve Cropper, Chuck Berry, Luther Perkins (MAN IN BLACK!)and David Gilmore.

The technical guys do nothing for me. In fact, while he is an awesome player, I HATE Eddie Van Halen. I think he is a bit**, and he caused the entire non melodic play 600 notes per minute solos that I think helped to ruin hair band music in the 1980’s.

so, that is my 2 cents!

By Lew

January 27, 2007 09:45 AM | Link to this

Let’s not forget Progressive Rock, either-no one has mentioned Steve Howe or Steve Hackett. Another excetionally good Progressive guitarist is Mick Rogers, who used to play with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (don’t kid yourselves, MMEB put on two of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen-at the Tech Colisseum and at the Fox. This was pre-Blinded By the Light. Rogers left the band before then to pursue a career as a jazz guitarist. Don’t want to forget Frank Zappa, either. Zappa was definitely eccentric, but knew music better than most guitarists in rock/pop music.

By Michael

January 27, 2007 09:59 AM | Link to this

Hi to all. 1st Post

Let’s not forget about the pickers who get their tone the old-fashion way. Here’s 10 in no particular order.

1. Django

2. Robert Johnson

3. Merle Travis

4. Jerry Reed

5. Tommy Emmanuel

6. Clarence White

7. Jose Feliciano

8. Howard Alden

9. Arlen Roth

10. Tony Rice

I wonder are their any guitar players on the Braves roster???

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Morning, all. Wow, Nelson; that’s quite a ringing endorsement of Kurt Cobain. Never heard anyone talk about him like that (at least not as a guitarist). You seem to know what you’re talking about otherwise, though, so I’ll have to go back and listen to him again; I always thought he was an average player in my fourth favorite Seattle grunge band (behind AIC, Soundgarden and STP). I must have missed the boat; any recommendations on particular songs? I’ll admit since I didn’t dig them all that much in the first place I haven’t listened to any of their alblums more than once besides “Bleach” (which I thought was quite good and quite underappreciated) and the unplugged one.

Lew, I thought you said Vandenburg sucked live. Or does that mean you really don’t care for Steve Morse?

By Lew

January 27, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

For the country people, Roy Clark needs love, too. He is a world class musician on any stringed instrument. No one has mentioned Brian May of Queen, either. The man plays the perfect guitar solo for every song he plays. A true genius.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Zappa, most definitely. “Shut up and Play Your Guitar” Volumes 1 and 2…good stuff.

Michael, good call on Tony Rice. Thanks for Jerry Reed; now I’ve got that song from “Smokey and the Bandit” in my head. Makes me want to make a run to Texarkana and grab some Coors. :-)

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Roy Clark is criminally underappreciated, but it’s his own fault for being on Hee-Haw with Buck Owens during its entire run. “I’m a’ pickin’,” “And I’m a’ grinnin.” All they were missing was Chipper. “And I’m a’ huntin’.”

By Michael

January 27, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Yes Grinch, Jerry’s Breakdown ROCKS, and anybody who is good enough to play it deserves to be on a list somewhere.

Come in Snowman. You got your ears on?

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Man, for anyone who thinks this is a poorly run organization, check out Seattle. They’re fixing to give Jeff Weaver a year at 8.5 mil, after trading Soriano to us for HoRam and giving Miguel freaking Batista a 3-year, 25 mil contract last month. And they’re EXCITED about all this, according to management. No wonder their fans all sounded like they wanted to hang themselves on their message board; I just thought it was all the rain up there. Later, all.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Grinch-Vandenberg sucked the first time I saw him, but he had just joined Whitesnake mid-tour (at the end of the tour, actually, after Coverdale had fired John Sykes and apparently Vivian Cambell as well). When I saw him on the Slip Of The Tongue Tour, he was one of the most improved guitarists I have seen. I always figured he didn’t really know the songs very well the first time I saw them. Maybe they just should have cancelled the end of the tour. I guess they were just making way too much money with all of those Tawny Kitaen videos as promo. Morse is not a bad guitarist. On the contrary. He is quite good. My point. however, was that I could name many guitarists I have seen that I liked much better than Morse. I enjoyed what he did with the Dregs, but that was HIS band. I saw him with Kansas AND Deep Purple, but he really added nothing to these bands and was barely adequate as a replacement for Kerry Livgren and Ritchie Blackmore. Kansas even had him playing violin on Dust In THe Wind (the Most unrepresentative song Kansas ever did). I mean, would you rather see Deep Purple with Blackmore or Morse? Grinch. Buddy. I think I already know your answer, and it isn’t Steve Morse.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Grinch-All that rain and way too much coffee. Maybe too much Grunge Rock, too. I’ve never figured out why so many people thought Kurt Cobain was the second coming. How much sense could he really have had? He was married to Courtney Love. And he really wasn’t ALL THAT, anyway. He didn’t do anything that hasn’t been done many times before-better. His angst wasn’t even that impressive. Another Seattle band, Queensryche, had two better guitarists than Cobain.

By MBATL

January 27, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Grinch, congratulations on making a reference to “I’m a’pickin’” AND Hee Haw in one post, without also referring to a certain somebody!

Surprised not to see Mark Knopfler on anyone’s list - he’s definitely on mine.

By Robert

January 27, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Gee - forgot all abnout Knopfler.

Sorry for the Bobby Cox moment

By brent

January 27, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Just a note:

I got up this morning and attempted to buy tickets for the Giants-Sox at Fenway the weeke-end of June 16-18th.

They just went on sale today, and I could never even get through (on-line) to purchase tickets.

This gives me a much better understanding of why Sox fans make fun of us so much when they can buy up all out tickets for games in Turner.

Yes, I understand that Atlanta is a transient city, that we have a larger stadium, etc. And yes, I’m happy to defend each of these points.

But come on! Not being able to so much as get through the ticketing system the day tickets go on sale, to purchase tickets for a game in the middle of June. Yes, I know it’s Barry, but it wasn’t just those games. I wasn’t able to get through - period!

EBAY :(

By journalist jimmy smith

January 27, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

a point well made by mbatl. “i’m a pickin’” could come from the dugout. “i’m a grinnin’” might come from center field, and “i’m a huntin’” could easily have come from either corner of the infield last year. now, to see if thorman is a good fit for this team - does thorman hunt? and what does he hunt in canada? please tell this journalist thorman is not an accursed seal hunter. no! he must not be a seal hunter. and biscuits and gravy - we already know scalp’em has a delightful biscuit recipe. this journalist might become episcopalian for some good biscuits and gravy. now, does no one appreciate the ukulele? why no discussion of ukulele legends? ever notice how the ukulele players draw women? no matter how fat or ugly the ukulele guy - the ukulele guy always attracts the hula dancers. and what has become of grinch? is grinch mellowing with this malady? journalist has talked with famed dr. ubuto and has a remedy for grinch. will advise - not for the squeamish on this blog. and now some sad news … it appears that mr. peanut is in poor health following domestic violence. assaulted peanut.

By snowball's chance

January 27, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

JJS, I don’t know if you were serious about Ukulele but maybe the greatest was Roy Smeck, on any stringed instrument. He was known as “The wizard of the strings”. The closest thing today might be David Lindley. Check out some of his videos on youtube.

Great guitarists not mentioned. Chet Atkins, Mike Bloomfield, Roger McGuinn. Albert Lee, Albert Collins,the late great Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown,and my favorite young guitarist David Grissom.

By MBATL

January 27, 2007 01:02 PM | Link to this

JJS, btw, did you know Tyler Yates is born and bred Hawaiian? I don’t know if he’s musically inclined, though, and the name suggests maybe the family wasn’t on the local historical register.

Chet Atkins! Man, forgot about him. I think my older brother has some LP’s… have to check into that next time I see her.

By MBATL'S OLDER BROTHER

January 27, 2007 01:16 PM | Link to this

I am not a “her”, but I do have some Chet Atkins, boxed away with my Peter, Paul and Mary and Jose Feliciano albums.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 01:38 PM | Link to this

Snowball’s Chance, since you mentioned a few of my favorites blues guitarists, including Albert Collins and Gatemouth Brown, I’ll also throw in Buddy Guy and Freddie King (no relation to Albert, and a huge influence on Clapton and Stevie Ray).

And by the way, guitarist Dan Auerbach, one-half of the Black Keys, is phenomenal and has actually been compared to Jimmy Page by some experts with a couple of major music publications.

By MBATL'S OLDER BROTHER

January 27, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this

Another name I’m surprised not to see is Robert Cray. I’ve got some of his stuff, and it kinda’ lacks emotion (the playing, not the lyrics), to me, but I thought he was considered one of the greats by people in the know. No?

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 01:54 PM | Link to this

Lew, you really, REALLY underestimate and oversimplify Kurt Cobain. I mean, all due respect, if you’d have been a bit younger when he and his band changed the face of rock, I dare say, you’d have gotten it. There was NOTHING that sounded like them when they exploded on the scene, and they’ve influenced an entire generation of bands. His angst wasn’t contrived like so many of today’s bands, and he was also a damn good guitar player, though that was way down the list of things that made Cobain a powerful presence, a rock star of highest order, and lasting influence.

Sorry, as much as I respect Queensryche, let me know when you find a bunch of bands today who cite them as an influence, and please tell me what album they recorded that had or ever will have the impact of the album Nevermind.

Hey, there are hugely influential bands that I don’t “get” the way some others do, but I’m not going to be so bold as to minimize them simply because I don’t get them. Not to lump you with Robert, but to downplay Nirvana, to act as though millions upon millions of fans and virtually every respected rock critic walking the earth was wrong … well, come on. Sounds a bit _ just a bit _ like Robert saying everyone else is wrong about Cox. Again, I’m only saying it sounds a bit like that.

You didn’t like them, why not leave it at that? Sorry, man, but Nirvana was great.

Oh, and before she let herself go to hell in a handbasket, Courtney Love was actually pretty damn good looking.

By Chris

January 27, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget Clarence White.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 02:15 PM | Link to this

Grinch, just got up to your post voicing surprise about Cobain mention. Yes, if you do a search for great rock guitarists, you’ll see him mentioned by plenty in surveys, many in the top 20 or so.

Now, getting back to your posts. Dude, how old are you? I only ask because it puzzles me where you could’ve been during the time that Nevermind hit, when that Nirvana tour-do-force blew all the pop-dance crap like Boys to Men off the radio and back to the teen dances where it belonged.

I mean, if you were a rock fan under 50 in 1991, how did you miss Nevermind? You said only Nirvana albums you played more than once were the unplugged one (good), and Bleach, which absolutely pales next to Nevermind. I mean, Bleach is like demos, like the band first getting together and practicing and trying to figure itself out, compared to what they produced with Nevermind.

I mean, seriously, not to harp too much on this, but Nevermind is regarded by many venerable rock critics (and I’m not talking about these 25-year-old guys writing for Spin and other mags these days) as one of the top 10 rock albums of ALL TIME. For good reason.

But all the surveys and polls 10-15 years after the fact have nothing to do with how so very many of us felt about it the minute we heard it in 1991, and for about the next 2-3 years when me and my friends were playing it over and over and over. It changed the game, bro.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 02:17 PM | Link to this

DOB-I have Nevermind in my collection. It is not, I feel, a bad album. I actually enjoy listening to it occasionally. I just don’t understand why so many consider Cobain to be so influential. I really don’t hear anything new or different when I listen to that CD. I hear angst and talent in composing lyrics (though Cobain’s hardly Bob Dylan), but I just don’t see Nirvana as being anywhere near the talent level or startling levels of innovation as a Hendrix, a Page, a Winter, or many of the same bands/musicians we’ve mentioned in the past couple of days. As you say, were I from a different generation, my views might vary considerably. This, however, is doubtful to me, as I have a great appreciation for the innovation and talent of Sinatra, Benny Goodman, or Caruso (Enrico, not David). I very much appreciate the contributions of Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Hank Williams, Sr. for that matter, though I really don’t enjoy that type of music as much as you. However, I truly believe that much of Cobain’s noteriety comes from his death and the manner, therof, as well as Courtney’s subsequent shenanigans. Sorry, Abiding Dude, but you won’t convince me otherwise on this subject, anymore than I’ll ever convince you of the validity of The Band That Shall Forever Remain Nameless On The Man In Black Blog.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 02:18 PM | Link to this

Flange1, just scrolled up to your comments. You’re a wise man. Love that list, especially inclusion of Scotty Moore. And Chuck Berry, mentioned by a couple others and obviously one of the greatest 10 rock guitarists ever. Period.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 02:23 PM | Link to this

Jed, agreed on Neil. I’ll take him and Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo over all the soul-less tech wizards any day of the week.

And you’re also right about anybody dropping into the Braves blog yesterday and wondering what the hell all this music discussion’s about.

Really don’t even know how we got to the top-10 guitarists list. I’m not the guilty one this time. I think someone asked about a dream-band lineup, and it somehow morphed into this.

But it’s all good, because you know what? In a couple weeks, it’ll be baseball overload, every day, every hour, for a long, long time.

By zimo z

January 27, 2007 02:28 PM | Link to this

Skimming the guitarist lists…

is it possible that no one has mentioned Stevie Ray Vaughan? (second only to Mr. Hendrix)

Jerry Garcia was not too shabby either.

You should also check out these recent “jazz” guitarists:

John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Charlie Hunter, and Marc Ribot.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 02:30 PM | Link to this

Nelson Hawkins, just got to your late night/early morning post. Your list is the best I’ve seen, in relation to my own tastes. Can’t argue with any you’ve put on yours, but I’d ask you about at least two other hugely influential guitarists who are both original in their sound and quite proficient in their abilities: Albert King and The Edge.

Robert Johnson should be near top of any list; glad you made that clear.

And by the way, if we’re talking country pickers, the best _ bar none _ were Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Sorry, folks, that’s not open for debate.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this

Lew, you wrote: “I just don�t understand why so many consider Cobain to be so influential. I really don�t hear anything new or different when I listen to that CD.”

Context, man, context. Absolutely NOTHING sounded like this when it came out. Name one band that sounded like them when Nevermind hit in 1991.

Of course if you play it today, 1,000 bands sound similar. Because so many of them are all either aping Nirvana or the bands directly influenced by Nirvana.

“Not a bad album.” Uh, no. Sort of like Exile on Main St. is “not a bad album.” Or The Velvet Underground and Nico is “not a bad album.”

By AdirondackDave

January 27, 2007 02:42 PM | Link to this

So long DOB and everybody else. I’ll be back when we start talking baseball again.

By BearNWolfsFur09

January 27, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

Here’s to the Braves winning the 07’ division title!

By zimo z

January 27, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

I recommend the 1998 Bill Frisell album “gone, just like a train”. The band is the trio Bill Frisell (guitar), Jim Keltner (drums), and Viktor Krauss (bass).

Listen to the track “lookout for hope”.

By journalsit jimmy smtih

January 27, 2007 03:07 PM | Link to this

gently weeps by jake shimabukuro is ukulele at its finest. this journalist has some fine chet atkins albums. jimmy smith saw chet atkins, floyd kramer, boots randolph - all together at chastain. most enjoyable. now, the proliferation of canadian ballplayers on the braves … and hawaiian. too. it is believed that the hawaiian first base prospect is the real deal. tyler yates may be the real deal given time. good hawaiians, both. reitsma was not a good ambassador for canadian relievers. pete orr may be teaching thorman to skate for all we know. imagine if thorman wears one of those funny beaver hats around here. having a canadian first baseman strikes fear in this journalist. now, laroche … soon laroche will be wearing the ugly uniform of the pittsburgh pirates - not as ugly as earlier uniforms but ugly, still. and won’t laroche have to cross a bridge to get to the park? is it a toll bridge (meant to say tole bridge)? if so, what if he forgets to have change in his pockets? will he miss games? will he pass go and collect $200? oh, the humanity! this will be a long season for adam laroche. now, jimmy smith wonders how the doctor’s appointment worked out for grinch. sandy springs has some fine doctors and this journalist hopes grinch found one. this journalist’s american doctor has his office in sandy springs - he also does one hour martinizing. is grinch being martinized? and why has no one mentioned leon redbone? guitar, right? how about the zorro looking guy on the tv? play by numbers - like paint by numbers. this journalist is really enjoying the drawing lew did for this journalist. jimmy smith absolutely cannot see the numbers! and now, cheese sculpture … why not?

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

From today’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

First baseman Adam LaRoche allowed to feeling “24 hours of disappointment” upon hearing of the trade that sent him from the Atlanta Braves to the Pirates.

But there was no trace of that yesterday, as he continued to express how pleased he was with the public reception to his arrival.

“It’s been terrific,” he said. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

LaRoche was asked if he might feel burdened by the palpable high hopes.

“We’ll find out,” he replied. “It takes a lot to get me bothered, to get me worked up about stuff like that. I’m not going to change. No matter what happens outside the game, I’m going to go out and have fun and try to help these guys win.”

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 03:18 PM | Link to this

And from story on J.D. Drew in today’s Boston Globe:

As for how Drew, whose desire and intensity have been questioned, will enjoy playing in the fishbowl that is Boston, he tried to assure the fans that their enthusiasm will only help him, will only make him play harder. He contrasted their passion with the sometimes lackluster support in Atlanta.

“That’s where you get home-field advantage,” Drew said. “Not to take anything away from Atlanta — I really enjoyed playing there — [but] sometimes the fan base, even when we played against the Red Sox when I was there, there was 70 percent Red Sox fans. It was tough a lot of times. I think you hear a lot of criticism from the Braves players, especially when the playoffs roll around and the stadium’s not sold out and things like that.

“Those are tough situations for a player, because that atmosphere every night’s not electric. I think that’s going to carry over. It’s going to be a lot of fun to play in.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Provided he plays well and stays healthy enough to participate in, oh, three-quarters of the games. Otherwise, let’s see how he likes the other side of those passionate Boston fans.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

Zimo, I’ve got Bill Frisell’s “Nashville” album, and it’s real strong. Mellow, but really good stuff to work to, read to, whatever.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-You are not the first to say you can’t see the numbers. I hide them well, don’t I? I’m still not convinced about cheese sculpture. Perhaps if we were from Wisconsin. Maybe for a Brewer’s promotion. Perhaps for the Braves we could sculpt in grits. The sculpture would certainly last longer and probably be waterproof. There’s nothing more unpleasant than wet cheese, after all. Now Nirvana. I will not rant like Robert with BC, however….There is no way anyone will convince me of Cobain’s greatness. No matter how many flannel shirt wearing Microsoft employees appear out of the northwoods to throw Starbuck’s cappacino on my front door. Comparing Nevermind to Exile on Main Street. Oh, the Humanity. DOB-are you having a bad day or something? Hung over perhaps? You’re reasoning is certainly not at it’s razor sharp level if that is your comparison. Abiding Dude, I’m appalled.

By journalist albert kivu

January 27, 2007 03:28 PM | Link to this

true ugandan journalist prefer endongo to guitar. favorite endongo player is sebunjo joel.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 03:33 PM | Link to this

No One has mentioned Les Paul. The man invented the electric guitar-and really knew how to play it, too.

By jed

January 27, 2007 05:10 PM | Link to this

dob—yeah…i hear ya…not much to talk about baseball- wise. music’s always fun. but i was serious about my chip caray diatribe. he’s an android. skip & pete are braves’ institutions and darn good announcers. why does tbs prefer going with a soulless nitwit like chip caray? what do yall think? does anyone actually like chip caray?

By Oil Soap

January 27, 2007 05:25 PM | Link to this

For me, the best modern day picker is Mark Knopfler. I feel like he has made a relatively unknown but strong resurgence over the years. “Ragpicker’s Dream” and “Shangri-La” are two particularly good albums.

Steve Earle…I like Steve Earle. I got into him when “I Feel Alright” was released. However, his writing got a little too political for me. I love ‘More than I can do’, ‘Poor Boy’, and even some of his “cause songs” like ‘Over Yonder’ (anti-capital punishment). But songs like his attack on Condoleeza Rice (Condi) and other direct attacks on the Bush administration….don’t get me wrong I am not a big fan of our executive branch either but Earle’s stuff on the subject is just sort of empty hatred. No interesting perspective or insight just the same kind of “Bush sucks” stuff everyone is saying. I mean….Paris Hilton thinks Bush sucks, doesn’t make her the next Dylan.

Finally, I read this post by John Donovan on SI.com:

The Braves have a bullpen now — a year too late, as it works out — but the right side of the infield has at least as many holes as Jeff Francoeur’s swing.

Is it just me or did SI go from over-hyping to over-criticizing the talent of Francouer in an awfully short period of time. Let the kid grow up.

By mr baseball

January 27, 2007 05:44 PM | Link to this

Glad somebody finally got around to mentioning Knopfler, About the only guy still worth listening to. Too bad to hear about Johnny Winter’s deteriorating health. He was definitely one of the guitar gods of his era. Johnny Winter And Live with JW and Rock ‘n’ Roll Rick Derringer may be the THE GREATEST live guitar album of all time. He’s just a notch below the Holy Trinity of Eric, Jimi & Duane.

A few names nobody has tossed out yet. For pure entertainment value — Rory Gallagher & early George Thorogood. For his unique stylings in one of the truly great but underappreciated bands — Lowell George. Ditto Donald ‘Buck Dharma’ Roeser (BOC), J. Geils & Robin Trower when he was still w/Procol Harum (too Hendrix derivative solo). Neil Young’s already been mentioned, but he’s on the list, too.

And one more name to elicit as many snickers as possible — Peter Frampton. Take a listen to his work on Humble Pie’s Rockin’ the Fillmore. He was a great hard rock soloist before success screwed him up.

And how can we forget the man who got more out of one or two chords than anyone ever — Angus Young.

Will resume trying to convince you Cox & Schuerholz worshipers that they are not worthy of your unadulterated adoration when there’s actually a baseball topic worth commenting on.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 06:13 PM | Link to this

Mr.Baseball-You’re the only other blogger to acknowledge Procl Harum. You have rare good taste. Broken Barricades is absolutely a classic.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 06:34 PM | Link to this

Back again. 1991 was right in my wheelhouse, dude; I was 18. I promise I didn’t “miss” Nevermind; that would’ve been impossible. In fact, I believe it’s at least partially because I wasn’t allowed to miss any of it on radio/VH1/MTV that I didn’t bother to buy it. I did like it, however; just not as much as Alice in Chains or Soundgarden (both of which I’ve completely worn out most of their early stuff, then and now). I know it may be hard to believe, but it is possible for some people to have different reactions to what’s popular at the time and what isn’t. I respected the innovative sound, but it didn’t do nearly as much for me as the other two I mentioned at the same time. I happened to be working 10-hour shifts at a machine shop then (with a walkman that only had a radio…therefore I often heard the same four songs by them several times a day for months); just chose to spend my free time with AIC. I wasn’t alone, either; most of my friends at the time had similar preferences. I actually liked “Bleach” because I didn’t hear it every day and it sounded raw (we’re usually on opposite ends of this argument; thought you dug the garage sound). By the time I was able to slow my lifestyle down, there were 20 other bands that sounded like them with guitar work that was a lot more challenging for me to learn, at least in terms of the radio stuff. But as I said, I’ll be happy to go back and revisit what I might have missed that was on the rest of the alblum.

Jimmy Smith, I have a 1930’s era Martin ukelele that my dad handed down to me, but it’s got a nasty crack in it. When I get enough free money up I’m gonna see if I can send it off to Martin and have it reconditioned. I hope it’s fixable; I have fond memories of it when I was little. My Granddad played Hawaiian steel guitar on WSB radio back when they first started.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 06:46 PM | Link to this

For the record (pardon the pun), AIC’s “Dirt” and Soundgarden’s “Superunknown,” both of which came out about a year after “Nevermind” when I was focusing more on music had a similar effect on me as that one apparently did on you; no need to diss me for not “getting” grunge. I still listen to both of them when I’m in the mood and thought they thoroughly kicked a* at the time.

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 07:42 PM | Link to this

DOB: I agree, Nirvana was very influential and huge when they came out.
We spent the better part of the 90’s listening to variations of a theme. But I don’t think it’s correct to say nothing sounded like them. The Pixies beat them to the punch. They had more melodies though. But the structure of songs were very similar and the production was very similar. Nirvana got the radio play the Pixies should of had.
Now, at that time music was begging to be re-invented. Hair metal and 80’s pop had sucked the life out of it. Some one needed to break the mold. Nearly everyone raised their hand to fill the void. GnR released Use Your Illusion (I and II) their last album(s) worth noting. A symbol of the end so to speak. Metallica released the black album: changing Metal while bringing it to a main stream audience. Pearl Jam debuted with Ten. And a year earlier Alice in Chains debuted with Face Lift. In 1992, Rage Against the Machine debuted. In 1992 Green Day release their second album, Kerplunk. The next 10 years was spent meshing these bands and sounds together. Nirvana gets the highlight, but I don’t know that they were totally alone in their sound. Music was ready to change.

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 07:47 PM | Link to this

Soundgarden released Badmotorfinger in 1991. Superunknown was released in 1994.

By Tonight on TBS

January 27, 2007 08:11 PM | Link to this

Tommy (1975)

This “rock opera” tells the tale of Tommy Glavine (Roger Daltry), who loses the ability to pitch, field and bunt after a tragic separation from his pitching coach Leo Mazzone (Peter Townsend). Nevertheless, Tommy is paid millions of dollars and becomes a messiah to Met fans. With Elton John as curveball wizard Pedro Martinez. Musical, 90 mins.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 08:19 PM | Link to this

Thanks for saying something, Paul; thought I’d broke the blog with my opinion. Went back and looked; didn’t realize Superunknown came out that late, though I do remember it coming after Dirt. I may be the only person on earth who prefers Dirt to Jar of Flies. Great alblum, if you hate everyone and everything (but yourself most of all). Being a teenager was great. :-) And what do you mean 80’s hair bands sucked the life out of rock? Don’t tell me you didn’t have a poster of Warrant in those matching white leather outfits with stars all over them…ok I tried to say that with a straight face; didn’t work.

By flange1

January 27, 2007 08:22 PM | Link to this

Hi Grinch,

The Martin Uke that you have is definately fixable. Martin probably will not do it because they rarely work on older items, but if you are interested I can hook you up with a top notch repair guy that will make her right!

Did you know that George Harrison loved ukelele? His last album had lots of ukes all over it!

By DAP

January 27, 2007 08:32 PM | Link to this

chip caray is a great announcer and were lucky to have him. when hes doing radio play by play, to me its just as god as watching it, he does such a good job f painting the picture. hes better than skip in my opinion.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 08:41 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, had every Pixies album before and after Nevermind, and preferred Pixies to Nirvana then and now. But I’ll stand by my original claim _ Nirvana’s Nevermind changed everything, because it not only got widespread release and was played on every type of rock, top-40 and alt-rock station, but also was the most heavily played video on MTV. Just hugely influential.

Now, Kurt, to his credit, gave all sort of props to Pixies for influencing the whole Nirvana thing. And the influence is apparent. But Nirvana also had a different sound, which is obviously why they were accessible to so many more people (as I said, I preferred Pixies’ overall body of work).

As enormous as Pixies were in alt-rock or college-rock circles, they didn’t change rock and roll simply because the vast majority of rock fans weren’t exposed to them the way they couldn’t help but be exposed to Nirvana. One “Smells Like Teen Spirit” can have more influence on a wider range of bands and fans than a far superior body of work like the Pixies produced. Just the way it is.

Much as GnR’s Appetite for Destruction had a wider influence simply because it was played every freakin’ place you tuned the dial, whereas you can find plenty of folks who call themselves rock fans who can’t name one song Metallica did, other than “that one that plays when Trevor Hoffman comes in the game.”

Not everyone has their ear tuned to all sorts of genres and all the great music that’s played outside of MTV and Clear Channel vanilla rock stations.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 08:45 PM | Link to this

Oh, and TennPaul, Nirvana “gets the highlight” for exactly the reason you chronicled: All those other bands had their breakthroughs AFTER Nirvana.

Sorry, but very few folks out there knew anything about Green Day until “Dookie” in 1994. “Kerplunk” was strictly an underground audience of hip punks, barely making a dent in sales until after Dookie came out and people went back and bought the earlier stuff.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 27, 2007 08:47 PM | Link to this

For all those here who rip me for my “wild and outrageous” trade proposals, wait until you get a load of one I read earlier on a Yahoo! blog. Some of you may be aware that Red Sox and Rockies are in serious negotations regarding Todd Helton. Okay, here is the rumor I read. Actually, proposed trade. This guy (an obvious Mariners fan) suggested that Mariners acquire Helton from the Rockies and then turn around and trade Richie Sexson (yes, I said Richie Sexson) for Andruw Jones. In his words, “then everyone would be happy.” Who would be happy? The Mariners would because they would be getting Helton and Andruw. What kind of dumbass is this guy. Does he really think the Braves would trade an All-Star like Andruw who has a huge contract for a overrated 1B in Sexson who also has a huge contract?

Along those lines it would be nice if the Braves could get Helton and then move Thorman to LF, but that would never happen because the Rockies wouldn’t eat the amount of the contract the Braves have to have them eat. I know some are down on Helton but I think he is still a good player. He was injured a good part of the season and still hit .302 w/81 RBI.

As for Andruw and the Mariners. The only way I would EVEN consider a trade is if the Mariners offered Jeremy Reed, Jose Lopez, and another prospect. And like I said it would take that to even open discussions.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 08:47 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Flange; e-mail me at voton1066@yahoo.com. I was not aware of Harrison’s Uke fixation. I knew he went through a sitar phase, though…he went to India to study with Ravi Shankar at one point, I think. I was never really a huge Beatles fan (here comes the abuse). Liked some of their stuff, but wasn’t obsessed like many I know. I was more of a Stones/Sabbath/Deep Purple kind of guy. And Cream. Yardbirds. Zeppelin. Tull. And then the 70’s…

By journalist jimmy smith

January 27, 2007 08:52 PM | Link to this

at last! ukulele talk. yes, grinch, the martin must be a classic. mahogany? koa? grinch must have it refurbished. flange1 seems to have the answer. now, it is true that george harrison had a fascination with the ukulele and traveled with two ukuleles at all times. now, ajc.com headline: nolan ryan hospitalized, in good condition if nolan ryan is in good condition why was he hospitalized? and now, chip caray overload!, chip caray overload! please, tbs say it ain’t so.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 08:59 PM | Link to this

Agreed, Dave; I can’t stand people who claim to be Ozzy fans and think Crazy Train was his only good song (of course, I’ve listened to about as much Ozzy as anyone and I haven’t been impressed with his direction since about 1986..again, subjective, though). Thought his stuff from ‘69-‘83 was fantastic; radio often destroys a band’s image and creative inspiration worse than anything, especially if they follow their own market for ideas. Nobody has worse taste than “the average person.” That’s what killed Kiss in my opinion; they totally jammed in the 70’s and very early 80’s, but they didn’t even try to hide the fact that they were trying to sell t-shirts and action figures more than they were trying to make good music. They started putting out alblums based on fan feedback to their marketing team, and they quickly sucked (and worse, didn’t care).

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 09:04 PM | Link to this

Lew, I should point out, you inspired me to get a remastered Mott the Hoople greatest-hits CD last week. Those dudes were outstanding. Great sound.

Bowie sure gave them a nice boost and helped make them a whole lot of money with “All The Young Dudes.” How’d you like to be a band and have a sugar daddy of sorts like that, to give you a breakthrough hit and produce it for you?

By journalist jimmy smith

January 27, 2007 09:07 PM | Link to this

grinch, since you are in need of a luthier and since jimmy smith thinks no luthier blogs here - it may be well to take up flange1 on the ukulele repair. anyone who can repair without the use of duct tape will be a better repairman than this journalist. and now, wet cheese … ever since lew mentioned wet cheese this journalist has been wondering why anyone would wet their cheese (can say that on the blog, right?)? lew is right that wet cheese sounds unpleasant. who would wet the cheese? canadians?

By MBATL

January 27, 2007 09:10 PM | Link to this

Grinch, funny about the Beatles; I don’t know anyone who listens to them, or would put them on the Ipod before being stranded on a deserted island. Everyone “acknowledges” them… they were definitely ground breakers… but no one I know really loves them (maybe it’s just my generation), or maybe we’ve all just heard it too much over 40 years. I’ve got all the “later” stuff… White, Abby Road, Let It Be, but haven’t listened to any of it in a couple of years.

RJIB, imagine someone throwing around crazy trade speculation like that :) I don’t think Seattle is the kind of environment AJ has in mind anyway, if he were to approve a trade.

If (as seems more likely) the Red Sox get Helton, that will be one fierce lineup if it stays healthy.

By Tonight on TBS

January 27, 2007 09:12 PM | Link to this

“It ain’t so”.

By mathra

January 27, 2007 09:23 PM | Link to this

t-rex > mott the hoople

vin scully > john miller >> chip > skip

any string instrument >> ukulele

grinch > stinky > journalist js > robert

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 09:24 PM | Link to this

DOB: Didn’t say they weren’t influential, just that their sound was not entirely new. Pearl Jam’s Ten came out in the same year and was massive. Played on the air and MTV like crazy. Both are reported to have sold 15 million copies. Both bands broke out that year. In fact, Pearl Jams albums sold more upon initial release. That is to say, they debuted at number 1 for three straight albums. The first three they put out. Nirvana had already released Bleach prior to Nevermind. It didn’t do so well.
Pearl Jam and Nirvana’s popularity pushed others out to the main stream that would probably have taken the Pixies route. Nirvana gets to be the face of the change, but the change was already there. I don’t think Nirvana influenced Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Green Day and so on. The combined popularity of both Pearl Jam and Nirvana pushed the others to the forefront of a wide open music scene.
I agree with you that Nirvana was huge and influential. I just don’t think they were a totally new sound.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 09:25 PM | Link to this

DOB-I just picked up a “Live Dudes” CD by Mott and a live “In The Light” Ian Hunter/Mick Ronson CD. I’m sure you would like them both. There’s this great little comic/record store by Dartmouth in NH that was started some years ago by two MIT students, called Newbury Comics. This has some of the more obscure CD’s I’ve ever seen. I got a double CD + DVD of Glenn Hughes “Soulfully Live In The City of Angels” that is also really good. He’s got a great voice.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 09:26 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB), Helton is no longer worth nearly what he’s getting paid. The guy had a huge slide and in a hurry. Humm…. After six straight years with 30 or more homers (including seasons with 42 and 49), he falls to 20 and 15 homers in the past two seasons.

His slugging percentage has declined for FIVE OF PAST SIX SEASONS. He peaked at an otherworldly .698 slugging in 2000 and also slugged .685 in 2001. Began to really erode three years ago, and hasn’t stopped. He went from .630 to .620 in 2004, then .534 and .476 the past two seasons.

Virtually every statistic has been in steady decline, though the fact that he still hit .302 with a .404 OBP last year tells you how great his numbers once were. Take him out of Coors and it’s scary to think how much lower they’d drop. He’s had huge career advantages in all his stats at Coors over his road numbers.

By Lew

January 27, 2007 09:32 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-You misunderstood me. I was merely saying that regionally, grits would make a better sculpture medium than cheese (except maybe cheese grits). I also contend that grits would likely be more weather proof, if the sculpture would be for outdoor presentation. Certainly you’ve forgotten to wash the grits pan immediately after preparation and had to try cleaning dried grits at a later time? Dried grits are almost a permanent substance on the same level as granite. If while on display outdoors, were a rainstorm to occur (a likely happening in Georgia), wet cheese would not hold up as well as grits (or cheese grits).

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 09:34 PM | Link to this

Grinch: HAHAHAH. No. I actually didn’t have a picture of Warrant. I was stuck on the Beatles and Led Zepplin all through the 80’s in protest. When I heard all these other bands making their way up the ranks in the late 80’s I started to come up for air. Hair Metal bummed me out. 80’s pop was a turn off as well. But I have been going back and listening to it like mad recently. There are some interesting bands in there with some great sounds. It’s going to pop up in the main stream more and more now that grunge has been completely run into the ground.

By Reality Check

January 27, 2007 09:35 PM | Link to this

And by the way, if we’re talking country pickers, the best _ bar none _ were Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Sorry, folks, that’s not open for debate.

Uh… Bill Monroe? Especially considering Lester and Earl would both have spent their lives behind a mule if not for Monroe.

Listen to Monroe’s “Raw Hide,” DOB, and learn from it.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this

MBATL _ I was thinking the same thing. For one thing, Seattle is obviously the absolute farthest Andruw could go from both his home in Atlanta (where I’d imagine he might keep a home, he’s so comfortable here) and his parents and other family in Curacao.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

It looks like Mahogony to me, Jimmy. Other than that, I really don’t know squat about Ukes; I’ve been meaning to do some more research on it. It may be older; all I know is my dad got it used when he was real little and he was born in ‘39; I’m assuming it’s a 30’s model. Maybe the luthier can tell me more. Too bad it’s not a small engine; I could turn Baby Seal onto a job.

Anyone who seriously thinks we ought to trade Andruw for Ritchie Sexson has spent the last three weeks straight smoking crack.

MBATL, the biggest Beatles fan I know is my most recent ex-girlfriend, who was 22 when I met her and absolutely obsessed. The Beatles, Tool and Nine Inch Nails. Go figure.

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

MBATL: I put the entire Beatles catalog on my portable music machines. (I have no iPod and refuse to buy one. Can’t stand Steve Jobs.) I even have the Beatles bible. It contains all the sheet music for every instrument in every song they ever recorded. I’ve learned most of them. I love the Beatles.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 09:54 PM | Link to this

Reality Check, I don’t need to learn from it. Monroe started it all, the pioneer, a fierce picker, no doubt. But being first don’t make him best. And for me, Flatt and Scruggs were the absolute best, just ahead of greats like Monroe, Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, Merle Travis.

By Stank

January 27, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

if thou DOB cannot defeat—DOB will just hit the button to “DELETE”!…

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

From Ken Rosenthal

The Braves
There is no team like them in the NFL — or, for that matter, in any other sport.

Their streak of 14 consecutive division titles ended last season with a 79-83 crash. But general manager John Schuerholz finally has fixed the bullpen, and the Braves possess enough minor-league depth, particularly at shortstop, to address any future shortcomings through trades.

This season could mark the end of an era; center fielder Andruw Jones and right-hander John Smoltz are in the final years of their contracts. The Braves’ latest changes include Scott Thorman taking over at first and Kelly Johnson and Martin Prado competing at second. You mean you haven’t heard of them?

While the NL East features three other quality teams — the Mets, Phillies and Marlins — the possibility for a Braves’ revival can not be dismissed.

Of course, if it doesn’t happen, manager Bobby Cox can always pull a Nick Saban, and go coach at Alabama.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Yeah, lost in the whirlwind of cheese that occured is the fact that there were a bunch of great musicians and a few good songwriters in the 80’s. Too bad so many talents were squandered. If you like technically accomplished guitar work to study, that decade was chock full…and not with much else worthwhile musically.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 27, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

yes, lew, dried grits are formidable. grits as a medium, though, does not seem promising. cheese could at least be sculpted - but lew is right about cheese left out in the rain … unpleasant.

perhaps something in sausage … sculpt, cook, and eat.

did grinch receive a diagnosis today or is grinch just being coy? and who will forget renowned guitarist coy carp?

this journalist is reminded that prince charles and camilla were in philadelphia today - puttin’ on the feedbag. here is more coverage: Camilla wore a periwinkle dress and a brown tweed overcoat and a broach, along with pearls and pearl drop earrings. Prince Charles sported a navy suit with a red, blue and gold striped tie, and a dark overcoat. high-brow baseball blog, huh?

By Stank

January 27, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

this is a baseball blog?

By chipdip

January 27, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

MAZZONE…FURCAL….GILES…LAROCHE……GONE….ITS A SINKING SHIP !!!!!!!!!!! FRANK ZAPPA…TRANS FUSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, by the way, all this talk of Nirvana made me curious, so I was looking up some stuff while ago. Bleach was made for just over $600, yes SIX HUNDRED _ and initially sold somewhere between 6,000-10,000 copies.

After their major-label debut Nevermind exploded, there was a subsequent run on the earlier records. Today, Bleach has sold more than 4 million copies.

By the way, you forgot to mention Radiohead’s hugely successful and influential 1990s records, including “The Bends” in 1994, which was another totally new sound _ and if you put that record on today, it still sounds fresh and amazing.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, a lot of the reporters I’m talking to are preparing their preseason stuff, and a lot of them are going to be saying the same kind of stuff Rosenthal said _ to not be shocked by a Braves revival, etc.

I was reading one of the first preview mags today, and Braves were No. 15 in their power rankings, done before the LaRoche/Gonzalez trade.

I think you’ll see them generally rated somewhere between Nos. 12-17 in most preseasson publications, maybe slightly higher in one or two.

By Reality Check

January 27, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

True, being first don’t make him best.

Having the originality and imagination to forge a new and original genre of music, having the talent to write as much great music (both instrumentals and lyrics) as any artist in country music history, having the dignity not to sell out to the Beverly Hillbillies or record Dylan tunes in the ’60s, but continue to create compelling and original work, all while also happening to be the finest instumentalist in the history of the field — all that makes Mr. Bill Monroe the greatest.

And there is much to be said for being first. Chuck Berry isn’t the most proficient guitarist in rock ‘n’ roll history, but he’s as great as any other because he showed all who came after how it’s done.

The same holds true for Monroe and bluegrass, except Monroe also is at least as proficient as any other instumentalist who’s learned from him. In his prime, no one — including Scruggs — could top him, although he and Scruggs complemented each other beautifully in the days they played together.

And I say all this with only the highest reverence for Flatt & Scruggs. They combined for with Monroe for a golden period to make up the greatest band in bluegrass history. I love their music after the split with Monroe as well — up until their early ’60s sellout, anyway.

You all can debate Seattle grunge until the cows come home and you won’t hear a peep from me. But don’t wade into the field of country pickers and fail to give the great Bill Monroe his props. He’s the greatest there’s ever been, and that’s not open for debate.

By journalist jimmy smith

January 27, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

the cheese just got wet. g’night, all.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Sorry, JJS; no diagnosis ‘til Tuesday. meant to mention that earlier. That’s why I’m at home tonight behaving instead of out making mischief. Your 10:10 reminds me of a joke. Shortened version. Snow White, Tom Thumb and Quasimoto were all in doubt as to their status regarding their respective physical attributes; they decided to journey together to the well of truth to find out for sure. Worried, Snow White (known for her beauty) dips her face in first. She pops up, excited and happy. “I am! I am indeed the most beautiful woman in the world!” Tom Thumb (known for his small stature) goes next. Worried, he lookes in and pops up excited. “I am, I am indeed the tiniest man in the world!” Quasimoto (known for his ugliness) looks worriedly into the well. He pops up with a confused look on his face and said: “Who the hell is Camilla Parker Bowles?”

Thank you, thank you; I’ll be here all week.

By MBATL

January 27, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Sounds like TennesseePaul and Grinch’s ex-girlfriend should hook up; all you need is love!

No disrespect meant to the Beatles, btw, just an observation.

Power predictions; from what I’ve read, no one is giving Hudson or Hampton much love; both are predicted to post mid-4 eras; and Davies might as well be Sosa, to read the predictions.

I don’t think it’s gonna go that way. If it does, we’re a very mediocre team. But if those guys can get the job done, we’ll be top 2 or 3 in the NL, at least.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

MBATL, for what it’s worth: Bill James projects Hudson 15-10, 3.75 ERA and 223 innings, and Hampton 7-7, 4.50 ERA and 130 innings.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Reality Check, fair enough, my man. You clearly sound like you know a helluva lot more about it than me. I’ll defer to your expertise, for sure.

But I still dig Flat & Scruggs. I bought a bunch of their stuff after seeing a special exhibit they had at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and started reading up on them.

By all accounts I’ve seen, Monroe’s the father of the genre. But Scruggs was also a pioneer, right? Perfected the three-finger banjo picking that so many others have emulated?

Hey, like I said, you know way more than I do about this music, clearly. But you tell me, aren’t there are a lot of experts who consider Scruggs right up there with Monroe as the giants of bluegrass?

Good stuff, man. Thanks for the input. Love the passion for a great genre of music that has a smaller but incredibly devoted audience, like you.

By Phillip

January 27, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Any of you guys ever listen to Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush? My dad had their live album on vinyl & I wore that out as a kid. That & Dark Side of the Moon, Eliminator(ZZ Top),Rebel Yell, & Hotel California. Those were some of the big records at my house in the early 80s. What about you guys? What vinyl records did your dad make you listen to?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 27, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

DOB, now you aren’t suggesting that Mr. Helton could’ve been on the muscle candy are you? LOL!

Also, I think Bill James’ predictions on Hampton are a bit off. I honestly think Hampton can win 12-15 games and keep his ERA around 4.15 or lower.

I think the Braves will shock some folks. While they don’t have a huge strength in any area excpet the bullen, unlike other teams they don’t have any glaring weaknesses. That is in their favor.

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

By the way, you forgot to mention Radiohead
That was purposely. I love Radiohead and think they are one of the best bands ever, but they didn’t shatter the world like Nirvana did. 1991 saw such a dramatic change in radio play music. All those bands were right at 1991. Pearl Jam and Nirvana mainly. Radiohead’s sound was unique at the time, but not as shocking? If that’s a good way of saying it. The lid had been opened so new sounds were popping up like crazy. But to their credit, the single Creep was released in 1992 with Pablo Honey soon to follow in 1994. They had their foot in the door.
One I did forget to bring up that came out in 1991, and I’m bummed I forgot, was Gish by the Smashing Pumpkins. I loved that album. Seen that guy play so many times. I followed that band from start to finish to rebirth. In fact, I was at the LA show (Machina tour) where he officially annouced the band was breaking up. Then I was at his solo act at the Henry Ford theater when he pulled Jimmy on stage and announced they were getting back together. Both times I was front and center. I could reach out and touch him, if the bouncer goones weren’t there…

$600!?! That’s ridiculous! I did not know that. I think we’ll start seeing some more of that in the coming years. Recording music is getting to be so readily available now it’s amazing. Pinback does there stuff in a bedroom at one of their houses. Good band, by the way… I’m fairly certian you’ve heard them.

By Reality Check

January 27, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, regarding your question that appeared oh so briefly on the blog before mysteriously vanishing, Earl Scruggs is indeed a pioneer, a three-fingered wizard, a musical god.

And you’re not alone in preferring Scruggs’ picking and Lester Flatt’s pleasant vocal stylings over Monroe’s mandolin and soaring high tenor. Flatt & Scruggs were all the rage during the folk revival, and many uninformed journalists at the time dubbed Scruggs the king of bluegrass, irritating Monroe to no end. F&S made money hand over fist in the ’60s with the theme songs to The Beverly Hillbillies and Bonnie and Clyde while Monroe scraped out an honest living by remaining true to the music he’d created.

So maybe I’m a little defensive on Bill Monroe’s behalf. But I think he’s the best instrumentalist ever in the country music field, and I think his body of work stands tall among the very most important in the history of American music.

By the way, I’m sure you know this already, but Ralph Stanley had an even more talented brother named Carter who died far too young. DOB, if the great Stanley Brothers aren’t represented somewhere in your 3,000 CD collection (and who knows — you didn’t possess any Lefty Frizzell discs until recently), then this gaping hole needs filling immediately.

For those not familiar with him, Carter Stanley is the artist who performs the marvelous lead vocal on “Angel Band,” which is played over the closing credits of O Brother, Where Art Thou? and is included on the soundtrack album. Most everybody owns that one; there’s much, much more Carter Stanley greatness where that one came from.

Forgive me — so often the music talk on this blog is stuff I’ve never heard. Tonight it meandered right into my favorite area, and I overdid it. Take it away, DOB.

Go Braves!

By Steve

January 27, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe I forgot to mention George Lynch…One of THE GREATEST players of all time.

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

MBATL: No disrespect taken. A lot of people don’t like the Beatles. The more time that passes the further away it all slips I suppose.
I’ve already found my woman, so need for the seconds. And she is a big Beatles fan. And an even bigger Zepplin fan.

By David O'Brien

January 27, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Reality Check, you didn’t go too far at all. Thanks much for the info and debate. And yes, Stanley Bros. and Ralph’s solo stuff both in the collection….

TennPaul, love the Gish album. And everything else the Pumpkins did.

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Typo: Pablo Honey was in 1993.

By superman

January 27, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

I noticed some talk of bonnaroo earlier in the blog. I live about 30 miles from there. Let me tell you it is crazy how this place goes from countryville usa to that and back so fast. I drive a delivery truck and have to drive right through that damn traffic a couple times a day but it is really worth it. Anyone who gets a chance to go should check it out. I promise you will never forget it.

By TennesseePaul

January 27, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Last weekend I was bequethed about a 100 new albums. Family is moving and this was meant to lighten the load for them. I got to go through a large collection and find the ones that I didn’t own. It’ so much music at one time, it’s a little overwhelming. I’m used to picking up a CD here or there, but this… this will take some time to consume.

By The Grinch

January 27, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Robert(JTIB), I think Hampton will do better than expected too. 12-15 wins isn’t unrealistic and if his ERA is over 4 for the year, I bet it’ll higher in the first half and lower in the second when it matters.

Steve, good call on George Lynch. He was/is phenomenal…certainly one of the top 5 of that decade (in terms of technical ability/accomplishment) which was a great decade for guitarists. Don’t tell DOB what band he played for, though, or you’ll get blocked. If you do, be sure to mail him 15 or 20 guitar magazines with Lynch on the cover from any time in the last 25 years (or mail him some tablature and tell him to play it); it might save you from complete ridicule. :-) Seriously, he isn’t exactly soulful, but trying to play his stuff with the same speed, precision and technique is an excersise in bloody fingers and futility. G’night, all.

By jed

January 28, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

one last attempt: I BELIEVE CHIP CARAY IS THE EMBODIMENT OF OUR DECLINING HUMANITY THROUGHOUT RECENT GENERATIONS. (ie, harry caray was a hoot; skip caray was no harry caray, but a reasonably likable smartass, and now we’ve got chip caray, the aforementioned android—a type favored by our modern corporate culture and who will soon be unleashed upon us as the voice of TBS.) COMMENTS?

By Head Coach

January 28, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Bill James understands the relevance of pitchers coming off tommy john surgery and the resulting first season struggles they undergo. I would have predicted a 10-10 season for Hampton. His career ERA is 3.97 , so an ERA of 4.50 this season might be expected. But I think the only thing that will keep him under 200 innings will be his removal to the bullpen. I of course am hoping the Braves medical staff and coaches know something we don’t. Such as , is Hampton’s velocity back to normal and how well is his pitch control coming along ?

By Reality Check

January 28, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Chip Caray lost me the day he uttered, “Renteria fields and steps on the pillow for the forceout.”

Such a smarmy bastard.

So no, I don’t care for him, either, but TBS never consults me about these things. Vin Scully’s about the only broadcaster left who’s not so in love with the sound of his own voice that he’ll allow the action on the field to do most of the talking during telecasts.

Comfort yourself, Jed, with the knowledge that things could be worse. After all, John Sterling once broadcast over TBS. I shudder still over some of the horrors he perpretrated on the air.

By mr baseball

January 28, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

DOB: Sometimes sugar daddies produce unintended consequences as well as big bucks. The audience that gravitated to Mott the Hoople after All the Young Dudes, was (how to say this) somewhat different than what the band, which consisted of a bunch of married guys with families, were accustomed to. It bothered Mick Ralphs so much he split to join Bad Company. Mott was a great band before & after Bowie. The use of All the Way from Memphis at the start of Alice Doesn’t Live Here Any More (movie, not TV show), made it one of the all-time great opening scenes.

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

Talked to Roger McDowell on the phone tonight. He’s very pleased about the additions to the ‘pen and the overall effect it could have on the team and the pitching staff, having guys in the ‘pen with set roles from Day 1.

I asked him about Huddy’s rigorous offseason strength and conditioning program (he said he agreed it was a good idea when Huddy proposed it at season’s end) and about Hampton’s return. He’s excited about getting Hampton back because he’s so competitive, such a proven veteran, and already has had big influence on Chuck James and the other young pitchers.

However, you can tell Roger’s been around a while and has been through surgery and recovery himself, because he stresses that while he’s cautiously optimistic about Hampton, he pointed out that some pitchers take 2 or 2-1/2 seasons to get completely back, mentally and physically, where they’re not worried about their arm anymore but just about making a bit pitch when it’s needed.

I’m going to write something on Hudson later this week before the pitching camp….

Mr Baseball, no question about Mott the Hoople _ they were great already, which is probably why Bowie was such a fan to begin with, and offered them a song (they supposedly turned down one or two others before settling on All The Young Dudes).

Anyway, weren’t they supposedly about to break up before All The Young Dudes became their biggest hit? I thought I’d heard that somewhere.

Going back to TENNESSEEPAUL and our discussion from earlier tonight (and I promise it’s last time I go back to it), regarding Nirvana and others in that fertile period of new, hard grunge and alt-rock around 1990.

You know who I forgot to discuss? They were right there with Pixies, making amazing rock that sounded totally original way back in 1987? Jane’s Addiction. Their live album (self titled) came out that year, had Pigs in Zen and Jane Says on it, among others.

Then Nothing’s Shocking came out in ‘88, with Jane Says (studio version) and a others that should have been huge hits, including Ocean Size. Great, great band. Too bad drugs and general infighting broke ‘em up after only three studio albums (though they got back together later and did a pretty good comeback album, and Perry Farrell also had some decent stuff with his Porno for Pyros)….

OK, back to baseball. I’ll probably put up a new blog tomorrow, got some stuff about LF and what I think might happen, etc.

By jed

January 28, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

hey Reality—yeah, exactly! “steps on the pillow?” it’s so smarmy, it just gives me the creeps. after a few innings of that crap, i start looking around for the gun, you know? if not for nepotism, he’d probably be doing traffic reports in a helicopter over richmond.

By snowball's chance

January 28, 2007 01:14 AM | Link to this

Grinch, your Martin is worth finding a qualified luthier to repair it. Try this link http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/uke-yak/Def ault.asp

There is a section where uke expert Chuck Fayne will tell you what it is worth and recommend someone in your area to repair it. You need to send a digital picture.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 28, 2007 02:45 AM | Link to this

Okay, nobody jump on me. I’m merely reporting the news. I just read on mlbtraderumors.com that Todd Helton has said he would approve a trade the aforementioned Red Sox, the Cardinals, AND the Braves. According to the report the Rockies are willing to eat more than half of Helton’s contract if they get the players they want. The report says the Braves and Cardinals are not interested.

I definitley see why the Cards are not interested because they have Puljos. I also see why the Braves wouldn’t be intrested because even with the Rockies paying half his salary or a little more it would still be a lot of money for Atlanta. He is owed $90 million for the next five years. That equals out to $18 million per. If the Rockies even agreed to eat lets say $60 million of that contract, that would still leave the Braves with paying $6 million per year.

While I still think Helton is a good player, DOB and others have a point that his production has steadily declined and he is 33. Now, in today’s game 33 isn’t that old. However, Helton has probably three good years left at being a top to above average player and then the last two or so years of the contract could be just throwing away money. I won’t lie and say I personally wouldn’t mind Helton on the team for at least a year or so, but who would the Rockies demand in retrun?

When it comes to acquiring Helton, if I were JS I would only consider trading salary dumps such as: Hampton (whom they are paying anyway; perhaps they could do a D-Backs/R. Johnson type deal where the D-Backs basically recoup their money), Hudson, or even Renteria. But, in reality as much as I think Helton could help despite his declining production, I just don’t see too many people I would give up. And, I would have to get something else in return. Like a good prospect or a pitcher.

In reality that is what the Red Sox are doing. They are offering Craig Hansen, who is a good young pitcher and one I wish the Braves could get. But, Hansen is somewhat expendable because the Red Sox have some pitching depth now. Matt Clement’s name has come up, but he would be a salary dump because he is making $8 mil or so and won’t be back until June. Another name floating around is Mike Lowell. Same thing there. He would be a salary dump. He is making $9 mil but in the last year of his contract.

Truth be told, O’Dowd (the Rockies GM) is in a bad position. The owner wants Helton’s contract gone. He doesn’t want to be potentially paying a washed up 37 year old 1B $18 mil a year. I think O’Dowd has probably been instructed to eat as much as $50-$60 million of the contract if that is what it takes to get rid of him. I, mean, $30 million is $30 million. Especially, if they can get a couple of quality players in return.

I”m surprised a few more teams don’t jump on this. They don’t attempt to fleece the Rockies. For instance, the Reds could use him. The Rangers could use him as a DH. Heck, so could the Mariners and O’s.

This is one of those instances when MLB probably wishes it was more like the NFL. The guaranteed contracts in MLB kill teams where in the NFL no contract is guaranteed and only part, if any, of the money is. When the Rockies signed Helton, it was said to be a bit too much but somewhat worth the risk. Well, now it isn’t. Even if Helton comes back and has a monster year he isn’t worth $18 million. So, now the Rockies are stuck with this contract for five more years and is financially strapped because of it. Just to get out from underneath it they will still have to pay at least half of the money. Helton could have some decency and offer to rework the contract so he would be more attractive in a trade but at the same time you can’t blame the guy for not giving up his money. It wasn’t him who agreed to pay him that money. It was Rockies management.

I think the Red Sox will get him and it wlll make their offense that much better. I think Helton is still capable of hitting .320/25HR/90RBI, which isn’t bad at all for a 1B.

I know I’m going to get ripped on this. I’m not saying I want Helton here necessarily. But, if the Rockies didn’t ask for the moon and were willing to eat $55 million of that contract, I would think about it. C’mon and tell me that Helton wouldn’t be worth $7 million a year in this market. If you don’t think so, just remember that Gary Matthews Jr. got a deal for $50 million at 5 years and Shea Hillenbrand and Aubrey Huff each got around $6 million or so and neither one of them are as good as Helton. Even Helton away from Coors.

By BravoTopper

January 28, 2007 03:01 AM | Link to this

New to the blog, read all the time but never posted. In regard to the Father of Bluegrass music, I’m actually from the hometown of Bill Monroe. Ask anyone around there and they will quickly tell who the father is. Although I don’t really have any proof (Not too big into it considering I’ve heard about it all my life), I’m sure I could get some information if needed.

As for the Braves, I am extremely looking forward to this year. I really think now that Hudson can restart his training regimen he always used in Oakland, and with Hampton coming back I think our starters are capable of being top-notch. The bullpen now is amazingly solid, with the 7,8, and 9th innings are wrapped up, with a lefty included so we don’t burnout McBride. If Francouer can just get on base a little more, I don’t think the loss of LaRoche will be that big of deal, with Thorman being capable.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 28, 2007 03:01 AM | Link to this

I guess there really is no point in me meandering about Helton because he will never play for the Braves and I would never advocate a trade for him unless it was salary dump for salary dump.

Here is some food for thought however. I wonder what the Yanks are going to do about Bernie Williams. They are going to have to make a decision here in the next week or so. If they do decide to keep him, that leaves no place for one Melkey Cabrera. I think the Braves would be well suited to go after him and I think an Escobar and Paronto or Yates deal could get it done. Lord knows the Yanks need arms in that bullpen. I can’t really believe they are going to go to spring training with that rag tag group they have leading up to Rivera. The Braves could even throw in another prospect (not Salty) to help sweeten the deal. Jo Jo Reyes perhaps. Cabrera would solve so many problems with one pull of the trigger.

I tell you what I don’t envy Cashman. Bernie is putting him in one hell of a position. You know Cashman wishes he would just retire and make his life easier. The fans want Bernie back but I think it is obvious the Yanks don’t or else they would have signed him by now. Bernie said that himself. What will Cashman do?

By Richard Cory

January 28, 2007 07:50 AM | Link to this

Gosh, I gave up on ‘rock’ when the Stones, got old—the first time.

By Robert

January 28, 2007 07:59 AM | Link to this

DOB said - “Context, man, context.”

Practice what you preach bro. In CONTEXT, beating four other teams, two of who usually outright suck in any given year, isnt that big an deal when your rotation is headed by three surefire future HOFers for a solid decade.

By Metropolitan Man

January 28, 2007 08:53 AM | Link to this

I know you guys love those braves to death but what do you think of the Aaron Sele minor league signing. I’m assuming it was positive for the METS becasue you guys didnt jump on it as a big mistake like you always do. I thinks its a good start becasue now we have more arms trying to get a spot in the rotation unlike trying to fill 1st base, second base, leadoff, and eventual centerfield repalcement. I’ve been checking the braves’ “vent” and do you guys really like Chipper and Hampton? after reading the vent you get a sense of nothing more than Chipper bashers and braves bandwagon jumpers. Is the end really that close for you guys????

By Metropolitan Man

January 28, 2007 09:00 AM | Link to this

Let’s take ‘em one by one …

National League

• The Mets still have mostly the same lineup that won 97 games last season. But 60 percent of the rotation is 40-53 lifetime. The other 40 percent? They’re both over 40.

• The Phillies’ rotation may be the best in the division. The lineup has sluggers, scrappers and some speed, too. But is Wes Helms the answer at third base?

• The Braves have a bullpen now — a year too late, as it works out — but the right side of the infield has at least as many holes as Jeff Francoeur’s swing.

• The Marlins were surprisingly good in ‘06. Much of that team remains. (Talk about surprises.) Who (Ricky Nolasco, Taylor Tankersley) is going to close, though?

• The Nationals are rebuilding (translation: they’ll be bad). The rotation may be the worst in baseball, consisting of John Patterson and four question marks.

The Cardinals will look mostly familiar in the field. That’s OK, too, if everyone stays healthy. But that rotation, with or without Jeff Weaver, is still real fuzzy.

• The Padres have been power-hungry forever. And they come up with Marcus Giles at second, Kevin Kouzmanoff at third and Terrmel Sledge in left. Huh?

The Dodgers have an awesome rotation — maybe the best in baseball — but look iffy at third (Wilson Betemit) and defensively challenged in the outfield.

These were the teams that made the playoffs in the NL last year plus the entire NLeast.

FYI the AL so called powerhouses.

The Yankees, after the top three, have a rocky rotation (pre-Clemens). And that platoon at first is iffy. The good news: Jason Giambi won’t be putting on a glove.

• The Blue Jays have a large hole at shortstop, where John McDonald (.218 as a SS in ‘06) and Royce Clayton (ugh!) will slug it out in spring — well, kind of.

• The Red Sox have a big question mark at second base, but the gap that looms largest is at the back end of the bullpen. Keith Foulke, where have you gone?

• The Orioles are solid in a lot of places but not very stellar in most. Kevin Millar’s a great guy, but he’s not who you want to start at first base after hitting only 15 homers in ‘06.

• The Devil Rays are always slapping a Band-Aid someplace. This year his name is Ben Zobrist, a green shortstop with little power and an awful lot to prove.

The Twins found a way to plug the left side of the infield last season. Finding power from Rondell White, or stability behind ace Johan Santana? Not so easy.

The Tigers, top to bottom, are the most solid team around. Stronger than ‘06. No holes. Really. As long as Sean Casey stays healthy at first, they’ll be tough.

The Tigers, top to bottom, are the most solid team around. Stronger than ‘06. No holes. Really. As long as Sean Casey stays healthy at first, they’ll be tough.

• The A’s have a hole in left field with Jay Payton moving on, but the biggest mystery is whether beat-up shortstop Bobby Crosby can stay healthy for once.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 28, 2007 09:46 AM | Link to this

MetroMan, to be honest signing Aaron Sele is the best pitching signing the Mets have made this offseason. What does that say? If Sele and Sosa is being counted on to provide some production your rotation is in trouble my friend. Your bullpen will feel the same effects our starters did last season. The bullpen will pull your arses out of the fire for awhile but by the time August and September arrive the pen will be taxed and the pitching in serious trouble. And,yes, I think you guys have the best (maybe second best behind the Phillies) lineup in the NL. To that there is no doubt. Honestly, man, can you look at your rotation as it currently stands and feel that it is better than the Braves, Phillies, or Marlins? And while you have a powerful offense, myself and other Braves fans can tell you how far that will get you. For your sakes I hope Minaya pulls off some magic.

Regarding Chipper and Hampton, all I can say is that some fans are unappreciative. I think Chipper gets unmercifully and unfairly bashed on this blog. I don’t really understand why that is. I compare Chipper to A-Rod in New York. A-Rod gets slammed but he has done nothing but put up good numbers. The man won a MVP for God’s sakes. Yes, he has sucked in the playoffs but so has everyone else on that roster not named Jeter. That includes the great Mariano Rivera as well. The Yanks fans will miss A-Rod when he is gone and I think Braves fans will feel the same about Chipper. While McCann is the heart of the team, Chipper is its confidence and driving force. I always felt that way but really saw it last year. When Chipper was in that lineup, the team had a cockiness and self-assurance but when he was out they looked like a lost team.

Fans should be careful what they wish for.

By Metropolitan Man

January 28, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Robert, nobody is counting on Sosa to produce much. The METS may not have grade A starting pitching, but we have a surplus of guys. Granted Smoltz is Smoltz, Hampton has those questions, Hudson has questions, and the rest is a toss up with not many candidates. Sure the METS have no names trying to make a name for themselves, but so did Glavine, Smoltz, Maddux and that Avery guy. So if you tell me out of a frshmen class of 4 that only 1 wont be MLB quality, I’ll take those chances. Good luck with your defense and pitching, we will slug it out with you and those sorry Philthies.

By Lew

January 28, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

MetroDude-Buddy. How you been? Now let’s see. You’re all heated up about Aaron Sele, are you? This is just one more piece of evidence of the desperation the Mets are feeling about the coming season. In the past four seasons, Sele is 30-33 with an ERA WELL in excess of 5 runs per game. Most of this time has been with the powerhouse Angels, too. Dude, we quake. Sosa and Sele. When Mets fans have to resort to saying that “The Mets may not have Grade A starting pitching, but we have a surplus of guys”, the end is approaching. A surplus of guys? Dude. Dude!

By yellowblood

January 28, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

How did this blog go so far off-track?

Dave tried to make two points: 1. Will the Braves compete ? Yes. I go on the belief that instead of,what, 29 blown saves we will have 10. There’s 19 more wins and enough to get into first place 2. Is Cox a great manager ? Of course.

By Robert

January 28, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Lew - The Mets may have to worry about us because the Braves will have a good team and will likely be able to win the divison

Any team we face in the playoffs looks over at our bench, sees El Burro sitting there making decisions, and knows they will be all right

By beachcomber

January 28, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Robert (JIB) - To your comments about Chipper - a hearty amen!

By Lew

January 28, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Robert-Yes, we are all aware of your feelings. Quite painfully so. I still think you’re Bobby Cox. Did your priest make you come on the blog and deride yourself as some sort of perverse penance for leaving Wohlers in in the Series?

By Metropolitan Man

January 28, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Lew, I’ll take the surplus over whos on 1st, and whos on second anyday. Your defense is down, offense down, no leadoff guy and your downing a surplus of pithcers??? Like I said no one is counting on Sosa unless none of our youngins work out. Sosa is a backup plan and will probaly end up a long releif man if that. Aaron Sele is a solid pick up, what has Hamton done the past 3 seasons? When I look at your rotation I see Smoltz who is solid but I ‘ll give him the same treatment you give Glavine, he’s getting old. Hudson is still looking for Rick Peterson to bring him back to form. The rest of your rotation is as much as a toss up as the METS with the exception that your guys have to fill the rotation becasue you have NO surplus. Would you rather have many possibles or guys who may not cut the mustard but will still make the squad becasue that is all the braves have to offer. Oh, we know the METS need bonifide pitchers this year, but hey we all said the same last year and we know how that went down.

By Brian Smith

January 28, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

You Tell it how it is. I like the underdog status. I think we can have a great year flying under the radar and can make a big surprise.

By Otto Kumawhala

January 28, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Who says no luthier blogs here? I am a luthier by trade and I will be happy to inspect and recommend needed repairs to the Martin ukulele. Martin first produced ukuleles in 1907 but the Martin ukulele did not find favor until around 1916. The 1930’s era ukulele mentioned may well be worth a considerable amount of money. If Grinch were to compose a poem using the word luthier (cannot use toothier) then I might donate my services. The poor wretched luthier is given no respect. A poem might set things straignt. Otto

By Head Coach

January 28, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

OK Metroman. I’ll break it down for you. Tom Glavine 290-191 3.46 ERA is outstanding , Orlando Hernandez 81-60 4.19 ERA is solid , Pedro Martinez 206-92 2.81 ERA is outstanding and(shoulder surgery) out indefinitely. Sele 4.59 ERA , Sosa 4.61 ERA , Perez 4.67 ERA , Schoeneweis 5.01 ERA are all four CANNON FODDER pitchers. Maine 4.58 ERA , Pelfrey 5.48 ERA and Williams 4.64 ERA are all three youngsters just getting their feet wet. All said , the Mets starting pitching stinks and it makes the Braves look good.

By Metropolitan Man

January 28, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Our staff of Fantasy Baseball experts has compiled the top 300 players to help you best prepare for your upcoming draft. These rankings will change throughout the spring based on news, injuries, trends, etc …

Note: Auction values in parentheses

CBS SportsLine’s Top 300 Players
1 Albert Pujols, STL ($44) 151 Ervin Santana, LAA ($8)
2 Jose Reyes, NYM ($40) 152 Bobby Crosby, OAK ($8)
3 Ryan Howard, PHI ($38) 153 Derek Lowe, LAD ($8)
4 Johan Santana, MIN ($38) 154 Chris R. Young, SD ($8)
5 Alfonso Soriano, CHC ($38) 155 Adam Wainwright, STL ($7)
6 Alex Rodriguez, NYY ($37) 156 Brian Fuentes, COL ($7)
7 Carl Crawford, TB ($36) 157 Mike Gonzalez, ATL ($7)
8 David Ortiz, BOS ($36) 158 Dan Haren, OAK ($7)
9 Miguel Cabrera, FLA ($35) 159 Scott Podsednik, CHW ($7)
10 Chase Utley, PHI ($35) 160 Kevin Millwood, TEX ($7)
11 David Wright, NYM ($33) 161 Mike Mussina, NYY ($7)
12 Derek Jeter, NYY ($32) 162 Brad Lidge, HOU ($7)
13 Joe Mauer, MIN ($32) 163 Eric Gagne, TEX ($7)
14 Chris Carpenter, STL ($31) 164 Brad Penny, LAD ($7)
15 Carlos Beltran, NYM ($31) 165 Cole Hamels, PHI ($7)
16 Grady Sizemore, CLE ($31) 166 Hank Blalock, TEX ($7)
17 Francisco Rodriguez, LAA ($30) 167 Joel Zumaya, DET ($6)
18 Vladimir Guerrrero, LAA ($30) 168 Conor Jackson, ARI ($6)
19 Miguel Tejada, BAL ($28) 169 Eric Byrnes, ARI ($6)
20 Hanley Ramirez, FLA ($28) 170 Matt Cain, SF ($6)
21 Travis Hafner, CLE ($28) 171 Freddy Garcia, PHI ($6)
22 Mark Teixeira, TEX ($28) 172 Dave Bush, MIL ($6)
23 Justin Morneau, MIN ($27) 173 B.J. Upton, TB ($6)
24 Manny Ramirez, BOS ($27) 174 Barry Bonds, SF ($6)
25 Lance Berkman, HOU ($27) 175 Aubrey Huff, BAL ($6)
26 Victor Martinez, CLE ($27) 176 Alex Gordon, KC ($6)
27 Mariano Rivera, NYY ($25) 177 Nick Markakis, BAL ($6)
28 Joe Nathan, MIN ($25) 178 Khalil Greene, SD ($6)
29 Jason Bay, PIT ($25) 179 Michael Barrett, CHC ($6)
30 Billy Wagner, NYM ($24) 180 Todd Jones, DET ($5)
31 B.J. Ryan, TOR ($24) 181 Ryan Dempster, CHC ($5)
32 Carlos Lee, HOU ($24) 182 Austin Kearns, WAS ($5)
33 Matt Holliday, COL ($24) 183 Juan Rivera, LAA ($5)
34 Bobby Abreu, NYY ($24) 184 Melvin Mora, BAL ($5)
35 Ichiro Suzuki, SEA ($24) 185 Josh Willingham, FLA ($5)
36 Huston Street, OAK ($23) 186 Carlos Quentin, ARI ($5)
37 Vernon Wells, TOR ($23) 187 Curtis Granderson, DET ($5)
38 Roy Halladay, TOR ($23) 188 Orlando Cabrera, LAA ($5)
39 Andruw Jones, ATL ($23) 189 Willy Taveras, COL ($5)
40 Brandon Webb, ARI ($23) 190 Brian Giles, SD ($5)
41 Jimmy Rollins, PHI ($23) 191 Jacque Jones, CHC ($5)
42 Adam Dunn, CIN ($23) 192 Ken Griffey, CIN ($5)
43 Derrek Lee, CHC ($23) 193 Jorge Cantu, TB ($5)
44 Roy Oswalt, HOU ($22) 194 Randy Johnson, ARI ($5)
45 Jermaine Dye, CHW ($22) 195 Marcus Giles, SD ($5)
46 Juan Pierre, LAD ($22) 196 Jorge Posada, NYY ($5)
47 Aramis Ramirez, CHC ($22) 197 Ray Durham, SF ($4)
48 Garrett Atkins, COL ($22) 198 Erik Bedard, BAL ($4)
49 Michael Young, TEX ($22) 199 Howie Kendrick, LAA ($4)
50 Brian McCann, ATL ($22) 200 Craig Monroe, DET ($4)
51 J.J. Putz, SEA ($21) 201 Jhonny Peralta, CLE ($4)
52 Rafael Furcal, LAD ($21) 202 Kevin Youkilis, BOS ($4)
53 Brian Roberts, BAL ($21) 203 Cliff Lee, CLE ($4)
54 Carlos Zambrano, CHC ($21) 204 John Patterson, WAS ($4)
55 Julio Lugo, BOS ($21) 205 Frank Thomas, TOR ($4)
56 Carlos Guillen, DET ($21) 206 Chris Capuano, MIL ($4)
57 Felipe Lopez, WAS ($20) 207 Wilson Betemit, LAD ($4)
58 Johnny Damon, NYY ($20) 208 Morgan Ensberg, HOU ($4)
59 Jake Peavy, SD ($20) 209 Ivan Rodriguez, DET ($4)
60 Ben Sheets, MIL ($20) 210 Edwin Encarnacion, CIN ($3)
61 Ryan Zimmerman, WAS ($20) 211 Mike Jacobs, FLA ($3)
62 Hideki Matsui, NYY ($20) 212 Mike Lowell, BOS ($3)
63 Robinson Cano, NYY ($20) 213 Paul Lo Duca, NYM ($3)
64 Bobby Jenks, CHW ($19) 214 Kenny Lofton, TEX ($3)
65 Trevor Hoffman, SD ($19) 215 David Dellucci, CLE ($3)
66 Chris Ray, BAL ($19) 216 Dan Johnson, OAK ($2)
67 Torii Hunter, MIN ($19) 217 Jim Edmonds, STL ($2)
68 Chipper Jones, ATL ($19) 218 Moises Alou, NYM ($2)
69 Chad Cordero, WAS ($18) 219 Shea Hillenbrand, LAA ($2)
70 Takashi Saito, LAD ($18) 220 Chris Duncan, STL ($2)
71 Gary Sheffield, DET ($18) 221 David DeJesus, KC ($2)
72 Chone Figgins, LAA ($18) 222 Randy Winn, SF ($2)
73 Jonathan Papelbon, BOS ($17) 223 Ryan Shealy, KC ($2)
74 Jim Thome, CHW ($17) 224 Milton Bradley, OAK ($2)
75 Delmon Young, TB ($17) 225 Jose Guillen, SEA ($2)
76 Tom Gordon, PHI ($16) 226 Cliff Floyd, CHC ($2)
77 Dontrelle Willis, FLA ($16) 227 Xavier Nady, PIT ($2)
78 Paul Konerko, CHW ($16) 228 Andre Ethier, LAD ($2)
79 Magglio Ordonez, DET ($15) 229 Jeremy Hermida, FLA ($2)
80 J.D. Drew, BOS ($15) 230 Wily Mo Pena, BOS ($1)
81 C.C. Sabathia, CLE ($15) 231 Ryan Garko, CLE ($1)
82 Jason Schmidt, LAD ($15) 232 Jason Varitek, BOS ($1)
83 Josh Beckett, BOS ($15) 233 Jon Garland, CHW ($1)
84 Bill Hall, MIL ($15) 234 Josh Johnson, FLA ($1)
85 Brett Myers, PHI ($14) 235 Armando Benitez, SF ($1)
86 Jason Giambi, NYY ($14) 236 Anibal Sanchez, FLA ($1)
87 Carlos Delgado, NYM ($14) 237 Roger Clemens, FA ($1)
88 John Lackey, LAA ($14) 238 Chris Duffy, PIT ($1)
89 Dan Uggla, FLA ($13) 239 Pedro Martinez, NYM ($1)
90 Rickie Weeks, MIL ($13) 240 Mark Prior, CHC ($1)
91 Barry Zito, SF ($13) 241 Jose Valverde, ARI ($1)
92 Bronson Arroyo, CIN ($13) 242 Jose Contreras, CHW ($1)
93 Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS ($13) 243 Joe Blanton, OAK ($1)
94 Aaron Harang, CIN ($12) 244 Vicente Padilla, TEX ($1)
95 Scott Kazmir, TB ($12) 245 A.J. Pierzynski, CHW ($1)
96 Scott Rolen, STL ($12) 246 Scott Olsen, FLA ($1)
97 Nick Swisher, OAK ($12) 247 Luke Scott, HOU ($1)
98 Jeff Francoeur, ATL ($12) 248 Javier Vazquez, CHW ($1)
99 Felix Hernandez, SEA ($11) 249 Tim Hudson, ATL ($1)
100 Troy Glaus, TOR ($11) 250 Chris B. Young, ARI ($1)
101 Eric Chavez, OAK ($11) 251 Daniel Cabrera, BAL ($1)
102 Mark Teahen, KC ($11) 252 Johnny Estrada, MIL ($1)
103 Chad Tracy, ARI ($11) 253 Bartolo Colon, LAA ($1)
104 Todd Helton, COL ($11) 254 Boof Bonser, MIN ($1)
105 Jered Weaver, LAA ($11) 255 Nate Robertson, DET ($1)
106 Prince Fielder, MIL ($10) 256 Scot Shields, LAA ($1)
107 Jason Isringhausen, STL ($10) 257 Casey Blake, CLE ($1)
108 Francisco Cordero, MIL ($10) 258 Akinori Otsuka, TEX ($1)
109 Rocco Baldelli, TB ($10) 259 Jeremy Sowers, CLE ($1)
110 Adrian Beltre, SEA ($10) 260 Brandon McCarthy, TEX ($1)
111 Alex Rios, TOR ($10) 261 Joel Pineiro, BOS ($1)
112 Adrian Gonzalez, SD ($10) 262 Ty Wigginton, TB ($1)
113 Josh Barfield, CLE ($10) 263 Taylor Tankersley, FLA ($1)
114 Ryan Freel, CIN ($10) 264 Joe Borowski, CLE ($1)
115 Corey Patterson, BAL ($10) 265 Keith Foulke, CLE ($1)
116 Lyle Overbay, TOR ($10) 266 Jonny Gomes, TB ($1)
117 Raul Ibanez, SEA ($10) 267 Scott Linebrink, SD ($1)
118 Gary Matthews, LAA ($10) 268 Jeff Francis, COL ($1)
119 Justin Verlander, DET ($10) 269 Bob Howry, CHC ($1)
120 Mike Cameron, SD ($10) 270 Kelvim Escobar, LAA ($1)
121 Curt Schilling, BOS ($10) 271 Jason Kendall, OAK ($1)
122 Michael Cuddyer, MIN ($10) 272 Tom Glavine, NYM ($1)
123 Dave Roberts, SF ($10) 273 Mark Buehrle, CHW ($1)
124 John Smoltz, ATL ($10) 274 Bengie Molina, SF ($1)
125 Richie Sexson, SEA ($9) 275 Ronny Paulino, PIT ($1)
126 Stephen Drew, ARI ($9) 276 Jake Westbrook, CLE ($1)
127 Adam LaRoche, ATL ($9) 277 David Weathers, CIN ($1)
128 Jeff Kent, LAD ($9) 278 Emil Brown, KC ($1)
129 Mike Piazza, OAK ($9) 279 Octavio Dotel, KC ($1)
130 Edgar Renteria, ATL ($9) 280 Miguel Olivo, FLA ($1)
131 Tadahito Iguchi, CHW ($9) 281 Rafael Soriano, ATL ($1)
132 Ramon Hernandez, BAL ($9) 282 David Ross, CIN ($1)
133 Brandon Phillips, CIN ($9) 283 Justin Duchscherer, OAK ($1)
134 Nomar Garciaparra, LAD ($9) 284 Fernando Rodney, DET ($1)
135 Brad Hawpe, COL ($9) 285 Gerald Laird, TEX ($1)
136 Kenji Johjima, SEA ($9) 286 Dan Wheeler, HOU ($1)
137 Russell Martin, LAD ($9) 287 Jason Jennings, HOU ($1)
138 Nick Johnson, WAS ($9) 288 Greg Maddux, SD ($1)
139 Bob Wickman, ATL ($8) 289 Chris Snyder, ARI ($1)
140 Pat Burrell, PHI ($8) 290 Kenny Rogers, DET ($1)
141 Chien-Ming Wang, NYY ($8) 291 Noah Lowry, SF ($1)
142 Coco Crisp, BOS ($8) 292 Rich Hill, CHC ($1)
143 Aaron Rowand, PHI ($8) 293 Pat Neshek, MIN ($1)
144 Andy Pettitte, NYY ($8) 294 Anthony Reyes, STL ($1)
145 Joe Crede, CHW ($8) 295 Zach Duke, PIT ($1)
146 Freddy Sanchez, PIT ($8) 296 Chuck James, ATL ($1)
147 Rich Harden, OAK ($8) 297 Jonathan Broxton, LAD ($1)
148 A.J. Burnett, TOR ($8) 298 Trot Nixon, CLE ($1)
149 Jeremy Bonderman, DET ($8) 299 Chris Iannetta, COL ($1)
150 Ian Kinsler, TEX ($8) 300 Placido Polanco, DET ($1)

No brave player until #39 and he is leaving next season.

By Lew

January 28, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-You seem happy in your delusion. Let’s see now. Smoltz won more than Glavine last year and if we had a bullpen last year, would have won 20 and the Cy Young. Glavine won 15. Hudson, despite having an off season and pitching for a team that was 4 games under .500, still won 13 games and had a winning record. Hampton, even coming off of surgery is still better than Sosa. Don’t you people realize what a joke Sosa is? We may have question marks on our team, but we have just as large a surplus of pitchers as the Mets do and ours at least have some kind of track record. I look forward to this season and watching the Mets go down in flames. It’s good that you realize your pitching last year really sucked and you were quite lucky your offense was able to pull your lousy pitching out of the fire. It won’t happen again. Your starters aren’t even iffy like a couple of ours-they’re flat out terrible. You lost three decent relievers while we gained three high quality relievers. It’s over, Metro Dude. You will not win two cconsecutive division titles, much less start a dynasty. It’s back to your annual mediocrity-as usual. We have plenty of extra pitching. Would you like a couple of ours? We know the answer is “Most definitely”!

By Robert

January 28, 2007 01:13 PM | Link to this

” Did your priest make you come on the blog and deride yourself as some sort of perverse penance for leaving Wohlers in in the Series?”

Lewis - are we finally admitting in public that this constituted a Cox mistake?

My man, you are begining to see the light. Join me on the dark side. You can not imagine the POWER of the dark side

Seeing the light of the dark side. Is that an oxycox or what?

By Lew

January 28, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this

Metro Dude-I’ll further your education some more. You mentioned our lousy infield defense. I rebut-Carlos Delgado, career .992 FA (Thorman-professional career .992 FA at first), Jose Valentin has 94 career games played at 2B (Kelly Johnson just starting, but is a natural SS), Jose Reyes 17Errors and .971 FA (Edgar Renteria 13 Errors, .978FA), David Wright career FA of .949 with an average of 18 errors per season (Chipper Jones career .953 FA with 18 errors last year). Metro Dude, it would appear on analysis, that the Mets’ infield defense is somewhat more lacking than ours. The Mets also have questions with infield experience, as Valentin has damn little time there over his career. As far as loss of offense, yes we let LaRoche go. Those 32 HR’s will be replaced by another 25 with our platoon. Big damn deal. Giles did nothing leading off last year. He batted .262 with 11 HR and we still had the #2 offense in the league. Not much to replace, is it? You need to hope Delgado stays healthy and Wright actually learns to play 3B. Maybe Valentin can play 2B full time-maybe.

By Lew

January 28, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this

Robert-I never said the best manager in the NL was perfect-far from it. I just don’t agree with your opinion of him. Nor do I intend to debate the subject with you-Bobby.

By journalist rosalyn smith

January 28, 2007 01:21 PM | Link to this

Last night Jimma and I werrah getting reddah to have suppah and I asked Jimma to pass the macaronah and cheese. Jimma has a big ol boat named aftah him, did I tell you that alreddah? Anahow, as Jimma was passing the macaronah and cheese he noticed that it didn’t have enough cheese foah his likin, so I offad to add moah to it. Jimma said I think we have some of that govment cheese left ovah from when I was the presdent. I said okay Jimma if you don’t mind would you cut the cheese please, and then that Jimma raised his right leg and blasted the biggest ol fawt that I have evah heard. Why it looked like somebodah had took a sandblastah and removed half the vahnish from off the seat of one of my new berch chairs. Then that crazy Jimma yelled out “Peace or Appahtide”! Filibustah! Filibustah! Filibustah! Oh I was afraid this would happen with all that stink Jimma has raised ovah his new book. Jimma went to bed last night with no suppah and fawted himself to sleep, poor dumb bastahd…

By TennesseePaul

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

DOB: I logged off before I saw that post. Janes Addiction. I totaly forgot about them. They were good. I remember when I got Nothing’s shocking. I listened to it for days without a break. Good call on that one. I had logged off to go file away all the new albums I had. Cleaned out a few duplicates I found in the collection. Re-orginized everything in Autobiographical order… just kidding. I had High Fidelity on while I ran through the albums. It’s the only way to do it.

By idiotdetector

January 28, 2007 01:34 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man—wouldn’t a simple link to all that crap been sufficient?—no wonder the blog is like molasses—don’t you have a Met blog to bog down?

By CharlotteDave

January 28, 2007 01:48 PM | Link to this

DOB: I have a question about the Brave’s TV situation. I saw the article in today’s paper, and I think for many of us the article probably leaves us with one big question: those 45 games that TBS will show locally next year. Will those of us living in other parts of the South have some way to see those games or is this the last year Brave’s fans can expect to see all of the games?

By Metropolitan Man

January 28, 2007 01:53 PM | Link to this

Screw the link. You guys dont read anything else but this blog, im just trying enlighten you but most peoeple here dont care to be well rounded, like the idiotdetector who detected he is an idiot.

By Robert

January 28, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

“Robert-I never said the best manager in the NL was perfect-far from it”

How in the world did the conversation turn to Phil Garner?

By Robert

January 28, 2007 02:15 PM | Link to this

Back to guitarists. One of ESPN’s new “NASCAR - It’s the Life” commercials features the intro to AC/DC’s “For Those About to Rock”

Angus Young might not have been the best guitarist ever, but noone else I’ve seen could play the axe in the midst of a full blown epileptic seizure quite the way he could

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

January 28, 2007 02:15 PM | Link to this

MetroMan, I saw that list yesterday and think its pretty dead on. Now, to the starting pitching. You forgot to mention Mr. Chuck James. That guy is for real. Do you remember him one-hitting you last season. This guy has gotten better at each level he has been elevated to. I’m not saying your pitching couldn’t be good. Pelphrey, Maine, and Perez may come on and be big time. But, that is a risk. The Braves have proven winners in Hudson, Hampton, and Smoltz. The fact is as medicore as Hudson appeared to be, he did win 14 games and would have won 18 or more if the bullpen wasn’t so sucky. Hampton’s critics keep pointing to the surgery but what they are forgetting is that Hampton has taken the recommended 18 months instead of the 12 months most pitchers do and has experienced all of the normal setbacks. I’ll give you that Davies is a big question. However, he was injured last season including August and September and he is the FIFTH starter and not the third or fourth starter. The offense will lose a little with LaRoche gone but Thorman can get the job done. I can’t argue with you about K. Johnson until he proves otherwise. But, keep in mind that relying on Moises Alou is naive at best. Perhaps, you should check his injury history. He makes ‘ol Chipper look like Cal Ripken Jr. I didn’t see anything in Shawn Green before or after his arrival that would make any Mets fan think that he is going to be super productive. And last but not least, keep in mind injuries can happen to the Mets just like they did the Braves. Lets see how great that offense is if they lose Reyes, Wright, or Beltran for any extended period of time. And God help you if Glavine or El Duque get hurt and have to go on the DL. For your sakes I hope it doesn’t happen because speaking from experience it sucks when you your stars or dependable guys are injured (Chipper, John Thomson, Blaine Boyer, Giles, McCann, Hampton, and Renteria). Keep in mind that aside from Pedro no Met of significance spent any time on the DL last season. Glavine missed a couple of starts and Delgado and Beltran missed some games long after the division had been settled. The Mets were injury free for the most part. Oh, Duaner (sp?) Sanchez was hurt but the Mets did have depth in the bullpen.

All I am saying, my friend, is that crap happens. Be fair. The Braves were decimated with injuries and still yet underachieved. Think about that for a minute. With all the injuries and key guys missing if the Braves had just one guy (Wickman) in that bullpen all season the Braves would have still won at least 85 or 86 games and still should have won more than that but just didn’t play up to par. Really, think about that.

By MBATL

January 28, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man, only in Fantasy Baseball is Jose Reyes more valuable than Johan Santana and Derek Jeter. I don’t think I’ll lose too much sleep over this list.

By brian

January 28, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

keeping us in suspense with your LF thoughts DOB?

What ever happened to Billy Pilgrim? I remember hearing them at Eddie’s Attic a while ago (Actually probably 10-15 years ago). They were great for an all acoustic group.

By Robert

January 28, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

Look, the arguing with Mets fans (and the few Phillies or Marlins fans that may show up every so often - and is there such a thing as Expos fans?) is pointless.

Our pitching and our lineup is better than theirs. This isnt really debateable, nor is it new

It comes down to how wide the talent gap will prove to be. If y’all can keep it close enough to where managerial decision making is the difference, then y’all will be ok. If it’s wider than a 10-12 game or so talent gap, the Braves will win the division again.

This is assuming that the rest of the NL East managers are mediocre. If one is really good, then his team can hang as long as the talent gap is less than about 25 games (a game a week)

This was the case with Girardi’s Marlins last year. This year, I dont see an NL East skipper that really excites me. It’s basically Dumb and Dumber

By Head Coach

January 28, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks Metroman. You have confirmed what I have known for years. The Braves are both the finest organization at developing talent at the major league level and a major league farm team. Andruw Jones 39 , Jermaine Dye 45 , Brian McCann 50 , Rafael Furcal 52 , Chipper Jones 68 , Jason Schmidt 82 , Jeff Francoeur 98 , John Smoltz 124 , Adam Laroche 127 , Adam Wainwright 155 , Kevin Millwood 160 , Marcus Giles 195 , Wilson Betemit 207 , Tom Glavine 272 and Chuck James 296 are ranked in the top 300. Although Smoltz did originally come from Detroit. All fifteen players started their major league career in Atlanta. Nine are now elsewhere with Andruw soon to follow. I said all that to give the Braves scouts a big HOOOORRRAAAA !! and John Schuerholz a big BOOOO for letting the talent get away , rather than just trying to keep the players we have .

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

I’ll write a quick new blog here in a second. Downloading some stuff into the nearly full ipod _ Leonard Cohen, Chris Whitley (anyone who likes hard-edged blues/rock and hasn’t ever been exposed to this guy, you gotta give him a listen), Zombies and Johnny w/June Carter (Jackson is simply one of the great songs ever)

By Robert

January 28, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

Head Coach - you are just a d*******. It’s harsh, but there aint no other way to say it

Those rankings are for fantasy baseball - where you either have a fixed budget that’s the same for every team, or no budget with a snake-style draft

Those values dont translate directly to how valuable players are in the real game

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

MetroMan, we really don’t need your definitive list of fantasy prices. We talk real baseball here, sir. And real guitarists. And pie. Real pie.

By Robert

January 28, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this

Kurt Cobain - something of a paradox. The guy couldnt play guitar worth a bean, and his singing sounded like a bobcat being put thru a wood chipper, but the music that came out was — meaningful

Nirvana’s music had emotion - mostly pain, which never stopped until his tragic death

Now take Nirvana’s level of pain and have it performed by musicians with musical TALENT, and you get Alice in Chains - Jerry Cantrell who plays a hammer and Layne Staley who might be the best male rock voice of the past 20 years

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

I’d rather see a list of the best freakin’ tambourine players than that mind-numbing list of players with their fantasy-baseball value. That stuff’s fine for those of you who participate, but please just keep it separate from discussion of real baseball, because they have absolutely ZERO to do with one another.

I’m sure there’s 374 or more blogs that focus on fantasy baseball. This ain’t one of them. It clouds the discussion of the real game, in my opinion. And I don’t want it here. Sorry, I just don’t. And yes, I do want music discussion here.

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2007 04:18 PM | Link to this

Robert, I’ve never heard Cobain’s guitar playing criticized quite like that before. In fact, when everyone was doing the lists of guitar players, I went to a few places online, music mag sites, surveys, etc., and saw his name listed among a couple of top-20 rock guitarist lists.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: I’m coming back into this entry to change this to a couple of top-20 lists. Not a “lot,” as I originally wrote, because as I looked through most of them, he was down near bottom of top 100 or in also-rans. So I don’t want to overstate it or mislead. Point is, his playing was praised by some, and to even make any list tells me there was something there. OK, back to the original entry…)

I’m no expert, so I’ll defer to them. I just know i liked what I heard. Of course, your criticism of Cobain’s guitar playing could be correct and so many others could be dead wrong, just like your criticism of Cox that flies in the face of all conventional wisdom.

Every the contrarian, right? By the way, we know your credentials (actually we don’t, but no worries) for bashing Cox, but what background gives you such expertise on Cobain’s guitar-playing ability? Again, I’ll defer to what I read by actual guitarists and surveys in music publications. But even if he’s not a top-20 guy like a couple of those surveys said, it’s sure seems an awful long leap to “The guy couldnt play guitar worth a bean.”

By Metropoitan Man

January 28, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

Sorry DOB, didnt mean to talk baseball on your baseball blog. What was I thinking. I dont listen to the music you guys ramble about so I’ll leave that alone. So the players I pasted were fantasy, but it was baseball. So continue your music blog on the sports page (I know the rules, baseball music and bbq not particulary in that order on this blog), but if you love the game like I do you will look for fans to talk about the game. The METS page is fun but we all talk about the same thing and down the braves fans on those pages like you do me here. It doesnt work, find a new tatic. So if you love the game show some love, if not blog on, drink a beer and be merry. LETS GO METS!!!!

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

By the way, I’m surprised how few people have listed Slash, Kirk Hammett, Jack White (White Stripes) or Johnny Marr (Smiths). And how about Bo Diddley (thankfully, someone did list the great Robert Johnson, and a few other blues legends).

Not to harp on Cobain, because he wouldn’t be on my untrained-ear list of top guitarists. But to say he couldn’t play is such an exaggeration. He had his own style, and like I’ve said, I’ll take guys who are good and play with style and emotion, who make the guitar say something, over the tech wizards whose music doesn’t make me feel anything.

Robert, here’s something from a website called MaverickTimes (I have no idea how good it is, just came up on Google).

They called it “An overview of extraordinary guitarists with the ability to emote, connect with listeners and tell rich musical stories through their playing.”

Kurt Cobain ~ Breaking through the airwaves with a dynamic guitar sound that united distortion and melody, Kurt Cobain singlehandedly changed the face of popular music with his undeniable talent.

By MBATL

January 28, 2007 04:33 PM | Link to this

I dunno, DOB; if Carl Crawford is the 7th best player in baseball and only costs $36, I think the Braves should pursue him.

Got to say, this has been a great offseason blog… I’ve been known to complain about ‘off topic’ posts (and been thoroughly chastised for doing so) and probably will again one of these days, but (1) there’s no baseball news and (2) you and some of these other guys have some great insight into music. It’s cost me a couple of bucks at Itunes but some interesting stuff.

On Cobain, I really like Nirvana. I never thought Cobain was especially talented on the guitar, except that he could evoke the emotions of his songs with it… kinda like Dylan with singing. I was surprised to see him on some “greatest of all time” lists, too, but have no disagreement with it. It’s art, not a technical skills contest.

Neil Young is another guy I’d put in that class… very good, but not great, technically, but his guitar is just as distinctive as his voice.

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this

MetroMan, what part of baseball vs. fantasy baseball did you not get. Talk all the Mets baseball you want here (though I think you’ll find most people have a limited appetite for it, but whatever), but talk real baseball here. Not fantasy baseball. That’s all. Not a big imposition, I don’t think, for me to ask that.

No need to apologize. I’m just telling you, for future reference. Of course, I can’t force you to stop talking about fantasy baseball, either.

By Shaun

January 28, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

I play in a fantasy league and got into this argument on the message board last year—fantasy baseball is a lot different than real life baseball. Seems pretty obvious, but then again you think players who put up big numbers in fantasy must be the best real-life players.

But it goes back to meaningful stats vs. meaningless stats. Many stats that are measured in fantasy baseball are either not all that important to actual production or are highly dependent a player’s spot in the batting order or the lineup he’s in.

Many fantasy leagues have RBI and R as categories. But RBI and R can be skewed greatly by who’s hitting ahead of or behind a player.

You’d think a lot of sabermetrics/stat-head types would be very into fantasy baseball, and a lot are. But they also understand that fantasy baseball and actual baseball are worlds apart and many fantasy players are faux sabermetricians/stat-heads/whatever you want to label them.

It’s kindof like folks who quote what a player does against left-handers in day games on the west coast. That’s not a sabermetricians, that’s someone who pays attention to meaningless numbers. A real sabermetrician finds which stats are important, which are not, and how they can be used to arrive at the truth about a player’s ability.

By Rosalynn

January 28, 2007 04:45 PM | Link to this

Jimma called my attention to the blog imppostah that is using mah name. At fuhst I was upset but Jimma knows a little ice cream and a shouldah rub will get me to purring pretty fast. Jimma chased down the ice cream man and bought me a hunka. That was about the best hunka I have evah had! Of course, then Jimma crawled up and down mah back with his commandah outfit on and rubbed on mah shouldahs. I feel like a new woman. Bet that impostah boy feels like a woman sometimes, too. He seems vera confused. Now, let’s talk some baseball and some guitahs. Hamilton Jordan could play a guitah with his toes! That boy could play a guitah in the dark with big oven mitts on his hands. Sometimes Jimma would have Hamilton come ovah to the White House with his guitah and we would have a sing-along with the Cabinet. I remembah that boy Cyrus Vance would whistle and yodel. We had such a time! Speaking of whistling … how is that whistling infieldah? I certainly hope he gets a chance to play some baseball this yeah for the braves. He must be down in the dumps since it looks like Kella Johnson will play second base. Someone should buy that boy a hunka and rub his shouldahs! Soon he’ll be whistling like a tea kettle. I made so much noise with the commanduh awhile ago that the secret service knocked on the doah. Jimma just gave em both a hunka and sent them on theah way. Where is the new blog?

By Metropoitan Man

January 28, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this

LMAO!! DOB, all the responses on this blog is fantasy baseball. I enjoy reading some of the worthy post from a few regulars on this blog. Some braves fans here actually make the rivalry worth being a rivalry. I may love the game a lil too much for peoples taste here, but I’m cool with that. With that said gooday to all. LETS GO METS!

By Dr. Tchock

January 28, 2007 05:33 PM | Link to this

I’ve been lurking at the Braves/Man in Black for a year, off and on now, but just thought I would give a little input, seeing as Radiohead and their influence on early 90’s rock came up.

I realize I’m a little late to that specific party, but the topic is still going to some extent, so why not.

If you want to listen to the albums with which Radiohead had a big influence on the world of music, you’re going to have to look a little later than The Bends. One of the guys in the band, Jonny Greenwood I think, who should get a long look as an incredible guitarist, said, when asked why they started dropping guitars out of their sound, that it was because the Pixies only had 5 albums. So that’s a little about both the Pixies AND Radiohead.

By Lew

January 28, 2007 05:34 PM | Link to this

DOB-Most of the music lovers on this blog are ordinarily rational beings. MOst of the time. I guess everyone has their moments of total irrationality. Lord knows you’ve come down on my case enough times about the Band Who Shall Never Again Be Mentioned On The Man In Black Blog, as well as a few others. But Dude, about Cobain, y’all are delusional. Frank Sinatra changed the face of music. Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Jerry Lee changed the face of music. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix changed the face of music. Kurt Cobain and Nirvana were a bunch of angst ridden, seriously addicted bunch of misfits that started a movement that entailed a half dozen bands from Seattle and thereabouts. I’m sorry, but this is not a band that forever changed the face of music. I just don’t see it.

By Robert

January 28, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this

DOB - Cobain had a sound, and he made very, whats the word, compelling? music - technically speaking, forget it, let’s not argue it - I said before, great music is whatever turns ya on

Now that list of tambourine players

1.Stevie Nicks 2.The chicks in ABBA 3.Mama Cass 4.Um, I’m stuck … help me

By Robert

January 28, 2007 05:43 PM | Link to this

“but what background gives you such expertise on Cobain’s guitar-playing ability?”

Hmm - I can play the intro to Hotel California, if that counta for anything

By Robert

January 28, 2007 05:45 PM | Link to this

By the way, I didnt realize that one needed to have credentials in order to have an opinion. I thought opinions were like bobbycoxen

By Rosalynn

January 28, 2007 06:22 PM | Link to this

Jimma is feeling bettah! The formah POTUS sent the secret service boys to Publix for some moah hunkas! Jimma knows a cold hunka goes right to mah brain! I cannot resist a tasta cold hunka. I would like to weigh in on the discussion about guitahs and who can play the best. Buhl Ives comes to mind. That boy could Jimma Crack-Corn! One time Jimma and Bobba Cox weah discussing foreign polica and Bobba said Jimma stayed with his stahtuhs too long. Jimma about hauled off and slapped Bobba Cox but thought bettah of it when Jimma realized we got into the pahk for free. Latah, Bobba apologized to mah Jimma and they shared a bag of peanuts. Diplomaca is a bag of peanuts between advahsarahs.

By David O'Brien

January 28, 2007 06:42 PM | Link to this

Robert, chill, man. Just razzin’ you. And I love your tambourine-player list. Short, but sweet.

Lew, to each his own.

Radiohead dude _ we were just pointing out when their first BIG albums came out, not making a statement about their most groundbreaking. To me, OK Computer is the best. Just listened to it last night as I was putting it in computer for transer to laptop. But I loved everything until they got away from guitars. Still liked them, but not nearly as much as the guitar-based sound.

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