AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLaRoche: Braves, fans were spoiled
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves will hold their FanFest Saturday at Turner Field, and Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur and 15 other players are scheduled to attend and sign autographs.
Not on the list, of course, is Adam LaRoche.
After being traded to Pittsburgh last month, he was the star of the recent Pirates FanFest, and told me this week he was overwhelmed by enthusiasm from followers of a team that’s been a perennial cellar dweller for 14 seasons.
He also said this about Atlanta fans: “They got spoiled, and they’ve got to know that. Somebody’s got to have told them by now. They were spoiled, and we were spoiled as players.”
LaRoche senses a very different vibe in Pittsburgh than he left in Atlanta, both among his new teammates and fans. Some of that’s good, some he’s not so sure about.
“It was pretty crazy; those fans were so into it,” he said of the Pirates’ FanFest. “I got to spend a little more time with the GM and the coaches, find out the direction they’re going. It’s going to be fun. It’s not going to be easy. It’s a real young team, definitely going to be a challenge. Their goal right now is about change, almost like their goal is to try to be a .500 team, then try get to playoffs later. They don’t know whether it takes three years or five years.
“In my opinion, they need to get the .500 thing out of their heads and go for the playoffs.”
Spoken like a player who was drafted and developed by the Braves, a team that made 14 consecutive playoff appearances before watching the postseason from home following their disappointing 2006 season.
LaRoche is going from a team that had swagger and walked on the field expecting to win, to a young team trying to develop a winning attitude.
“It really is lot different, good and bad,” LaRoche said. “They want to win, but I think nobody’s real sure how to do it. They’re looking for a couple of guys to come in and show them. That’s going to be the fun part.”
LaRoche knew his name had been mentioned in trade rumors in November and December, but two weeks into the new year he thought the discussions were over. He thought he was safe and would be back with the Braves.
Then John Schuerholz called Jan. 17 and told him he’d been traded to Pittsburgh for left-handed closer Mike Gonzalez. “It shocked me a little bit, because I thought [the trade rumors] had died out,” he said.
He was widely popular with his teammates, and LaRoche said leaving them and manager Bobby Cox was the hardest part.
“Those are basically my brothers,” LaRoche said. “Bobby tried calling me three or four times, and I finally got in touch with him a couple days ago. He said what you’d expect_ ‘It was a great three years, sorry we had to do it, loved you here.’ That was neat to hear.
“I got to tell him how lucky I was to play for him, what an honor it was to play my first three years with him and the guys I got to play for in the organization, learning how to win from them.
“I’m looking at it like I was lucky to get to play there. I don’t know if anybody’s ever left that’s not missed [Cox]. I like [Pirates manager Jim] Tracy; there’s lot of similarities. Tracy talks a little more. They’re both pretty laid back _ just hustle and be on time, sounds like those are the only two rules for both of them.”
LaRoche said he’ll be pulling for his replacement, Scott Thorman, and believes the rookie will do fine. But he added that it might take some time for Thorman to get comfortable and produce consistently.
“As a guy, he’s awesome,” LaRoche said. “He’s going to fit right in, where he’s pulling for guys and everybody’s liking him. I really like him. It’s going to be up to him in between the lines. It’s hard for anybody to say what’ll happen right away at the big league level.
“He’s had some at-bats, but it’s a different comfort level when you’re going to be playing a lot, when you know you’re going to be out there getting your at-bats every day.”
LaRoche was always refreshingly candid, not one to use the standard clichés and filter all thoughts into safe soundbites that said nothing. Now that he’s gone, he had a couple more things to say about his Atlanta experience:
“I can say it now, because now I’m not there. It was disappointing not to get in the playoffs, but those last three weeks we pretty much realized we were not going to be there, and I was saying, ‘Maybe this is what we need, to give us a chance to sit back and realize how lucky we were, and that it’s not going to be easy in the future.’ How that should make us realize we needed do everything we can to put the best team on the field _ not be so conscious of the budget issue all the time, although I know it’s easy to spend somebody else’s money.”
“It’s not necessary to put stars at every position, but try to make moves to field the best team, make the right moves to put together a team….”
“We got absolutely thumped in that division race last year.”
“I hope the [Atlanta fans] get fired up [now] the way I heard they were six or seven years ago, or however long it was, where they truly are pulling for the team and it’s not going to be 50-50 [mix] at the park with some fans just coming out be at a ballgame.”
“That’s hard for 14 years when you get in the playoffs and [with the fans] it’s like, ‘Let’s hurry up and get season over, get back in the playoffs.’ Now I think they realize it’s not that easy, like ‘What they did there was pretty incredible and we need to back them more.’”
“They need to get that fire back like I think teams have that don’t win. And it’s weird _ I’m seeing it in Pittsburgh, and they haven’t even been over .500 in how many years? These fans are going crazy, they’re the underdog, and these are their guys. It’s almost like they’re part of it.”
“Everybody knows the talent there [in Atlanta]. I think the future’s bright, if they can keep ‘em together. If it’s me, I’m locking up some of those guys [to multi-year contracts]. They’re going to be there, they’re going to be good, they’ve got the right attitude, so lock ‘em up.”
Hudson vs. lefties
I wrote a story on Hudson for the Thursday Journal-Constitution, and didn’t have room for a bunch of stats that you guys would probably find interesting. One of them is Hudson’s yield against left-handed hitters over the years.
Specifically, it’s pretty telling to see what lefties hit against the right-hander in the past three seasons, compared to Hudson’s first five seasons in the big leagues.
Here it is, Hudson vs. LEFTIES: batting average-homers-OBP-slugging
2006: .281-17-.353-.493
2005: .285-9-.365-.427
2004: .298-5-.354-.422
2003: .229-9-.286-.317
2002: .283-15-.337-.448
2001: .256-11-.314-.382
2000: .231-17-.301-.405
1999: .234-4-.318-.340
”Houses on the Hill” by Ryan Adams and Caitlin Cary
Well I found a bunch of letters/that were written for the fellow/ who broke your momma’s heart
and the envelope folds/ smelled of her ancient perfume
I’ll bet she didn’t know/how to respond before the blankets of snow
caught him out wandering alone/no place to go
There were stars in the sky/there were houses on the hill/and there were bottles of pills that were easy to buy
to keep her warm from the oncoming storm
well I found them in the northwest corner/ of the attic in a box labeled tinsel and lights
didn’t know what I was I looking for/maybe just a blanket or artifacts
Eisenhower sent him to war/he kept her picture in his pocket that was closest to his heart
and when he hit shore/must have been a target for the gunman
There were stars in the sky/there were bunkers on the hill/and there were caskets to fill where he will lie
shrouded in the red white and blue with the stripes
there were stars in the sky/there were houses on the hill/and there were bottles of pills that were easy to buy
to keep her warm from the oncoming storm
Comments
By Big Al
January 31, 2007 09:10 PM | Link to this
So long, Rochey. We barely knew you, but we liked you - most of the time!
All the best with the Pirates!
By journalist jimmy smith
January 31, 2007 09:12 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! they have traded adam laroche! and when have we been exposed to so many refreshingly candid cliches? and dob, this just in: costco.com has the turntable for lp to digital for $89.99. and now, cheese … how many of you will have a super bowl cheese ball? better place your orders now.
By Lithoman
January 31, 2007 09:19 PM | Link to this
Oh how i yearn for the days of the same players on the same team for 10 years or more..but alas….Dave is the Gwinett arena a decent venue for concerts and sporting events? I live in south GA, dont get there too often.
By brent
January 31, 2007 09:38 PM | Link to this
LaRoche is gonna think spoiled, when his team is playing the “spoiler” the last month of the season, for the rest of his career.
By David O'Brien
January 31, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this
Lithoman, haven’t been to a concert there. It’s an arena, so it can’t be great for concerts. But it’s a relatively small one, and new, so it’s probably better for sound than most huge arenas….
JJS, thanks. That sounds awful low, if that’s the same one described in earlier blogs. Maybe I need to get a costco card. Haven’t had one in about, oh, 18 years.
By AdirondackDave
January 31, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
DOB - Great article on LaRoche. Adam is obviously a thoughtful guy who will be missed. I hope you can get past the cliches with more players. These guys need to know that the fans want and will be more enthusiastically connected to the players and club if they will cut the BS cliches and open up in interviews, cheerfully sign autographs, etc. And by the way, attendance can only be helped. This interview was a great start, Dave. And thank you, Adam.
By The Grinch
January 31, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
LaRoche is 100% right; I’m starting to like him more and more. Too bad. This team is really gonna jam this year, though; I certainly hope the fans get re-energized. I’m definitely gonna be there for more games now that I live 30 miles from the stadium instead of 200. Now, basketball. Why do the Hawks keep winning? Now we’re going to lose our first round pick!
By AdirondackDave
January 31, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
DOB - Great article on LaRoche. Adam is obviously a thoughtful guy who will be missed. I hope you can get past the cliches with more players. These guys need to know that the fans want and will be more enthusiastically connected to the players and club if they will cut the BS cliches and open up in interviews, cheerfully sign autographs, etc. And by the way, attendance can only be helped. This interview was a great start, Dave. And thank you, Adam.
By journalist hung whey lo
January 31, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
This just in: I see our resident journalist jimmy from Cordele is now an esteemed customer service rep. for Costco and is feverishly peddling discount lp turntables and selling stale cheeseballs on the side. Oh, the humanity! and now, …the minimum wage, hang in there jimmy, you shall achieve a higher minimum wage in the near future. Oh, the cliches!
By journalist jimmy smith
January 31, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
grinch, it is good that grinch stopped using the lavendar soap. read this:
BOSTON (AP) - Lavender and tea tree oils found in some shampoos, soaps and lotions can temporarily leave boys with enlarged breasts in rare cases, apparently by disrupting their hormonal balance, a preliminary study suggests.
While advising parents to consider the possible risk, several hormone experts emphasized that the problem appears to happen infrequently and clears up when the oils are no longer used.
had only this journalist discovered this article a few days earlier there would have been no need for grinch to see a specialist.
now, the departure from this blog of carolina lady … rumors only. carolina lady is blogging with us here everyday. rumor that carolina lady is stinky is baseless.
now, super bowl snacks … what will be your super bowl snack fare?
By Filthy
January 31, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
I see journalist jimmy smith/stinky will be blogging with himself again—so I’m outta here, good night all!…
By ssiscribe
January 31, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Greetings all, as I await to see (hopefully) my first snowflake since I was living up the mountains seven years ago.
Grinch, I hear ya bro on being close. Instead of being 300 miles from the ballpark, I’ll be 25. My wife asked me the other night if I was going to miss my normal week of spring training, where I’d cover a few games, attend a few games and just hang out by the pool.
“Honey, we’re right down the road now,” I responded. “I may go to 30 games this season.”
LaRoche, we’ll miss you, bro. One really genuine, nice, average joe type of guy in my few dealings with him. I love his candid responses about the fans, and he’s absolutely right. I won’t open the whole Atlanta fans/it’ll never be like 1991/can’t sell out the yard for the playoff debate, but I’ll say this:
What AL said about the fans needing to bring the fire, about the fans and the players being spoiled, and about how missing the playoffs last year should make everybody realize how precious and special making the playoffs is, all of that is spot on correct, folks.
Off to bed. Stay safe in your travels tomorrow morning, and only two more weeks until the doors are flung open and they roll the bats and balls out at Lake Buena Vista, aka Dark Star.
Later. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By journalist jimmy smith
January 31, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
touche! stinky is the ultimate copy-cat. ever had an original thought, stinky? now, about that sad episode at christmas …
g’night everybody. journalist out.
By Oil Soap
January 31, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
Looking at the pic of Laroche posted on the Sports homepage…I hope Laroche didn’t think leaving ATL meant no more ugly red jerseys. Is that their Sunday jersey? God, I hope its not the new standard uniform. He looks like he sells hot dogs on a stick.
By The Grinch
January 31, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
Dang, I can’t tell if the 10:24 is Jimmy Smith or not. How did he know my breasts were so big? Oh, well. Scribe, I had to go through the same conversation with my cat, but I pretty well knew in advance what the outcome would be. :-) Really, though; I’m looking forward to it. Especially since I’ve had to cancel my Spring Training trip now after handing two grand to my doctor last week(I don’t have insurance). Oh, the Humanity! I didn’t even get a hospital-sized tube of KY with that one, and my wallet’s still sore. That would’ve gotten a pretty nice big screen TV. Blah! What part of South Ga did you say you just came from? Seems like we’re about the same age and moved back here about the same time(thank god I left my woman there, though).
By Chris
January 31, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
Incredible Ryan Adams song David!!
Especially love “…Eisenhower sent him to war/he kept her picture in his pocket that was closest to his heart
and when he hit shore/must have been a target for the gunman…”
Brings up some strong emotions on how brutal war is.
By mcserge
January 31, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
LaRoche has a great chance to be a big time leader now. And he doesn’t even really know it. That is a huge bonus for the Pirates. That same attitude (and a good defense) turned this dump around in 1991 and carried it to the playoffs for 14 years. I don’t think he knows how much he can positively impact that team.
I like what LaRoche had to say about the Braves’ 2006 season. I am excited for 2007. 2006 was a wakeup call that was needed. The front office has responded. Hopefully the holdovers will. This could be a great year!
Also: Gwinnett Arena is great for hockey (haven’t seen a concert there. Husker Du rules!)
By Mark
January 31, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
While it’s partially true we were spoiled by expectations, it isn’t asking much for a player to hustle and go all out and LaRoche never comprehended those concepts.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
January 31, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Great blog, DOB. I’m going to miss LaRoche. I think in the end the trade will work out best for the Braves. I do believe LaRoche is the real deal and will do very well in Pittsburgh.
I know some are going to be upset about the things he said. But, he was right on every one of them. We as fans did get spoiled and we expected the division to just somehow come our way. I really do think that last year will help future teams. This team is hungry now. Guys like Chipper, Andruw, Hudson, and Smoltz are going to get refocused and they now know what its like to be on the other end of the stick. The young guys like Francoeur and McCann feel responsible for what happened last year and are going to come into the season to prove the Braves are not going anywhere. Those young guys know realize that the division title isn’t some sort of birthright. I think we are going to see a re-energized team. I just hope the fans are the same. People can say what they want but the fire and passion just wasn’t there last year. The stadium would be quiet when the Braves were in the midst of scoring rallies. I think the most telling thing was that Mets series in July. I know for all three of those games that there were at least as many Mets fans as Braves fans. I got ripped last year for saying this, but it is true. The reason the Braves played better on the road is because they had louder support.
My hope for the season is that people get out to the TED and cheer on these young kids and get them fired up. I will definitely be showing my support by following every game and you can believe me if I lived in Atlanta or anywhere close I would be attending some games and cheering this team on to a 15th division title in 16 years.
By Bryan
February 1, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
So, i think Atlanta is a completely different team to understand than a lot of major market teams in the league.
First, one must understand the change atlanta made as a city in the early 90.s Pretty much, the city of locals has disappeared and a city of transplants from around the US has taken there place,
Atlanta Braves are a regional team. On the radio, in 7 or 8 states, people still stay up late and listen to the braves on the radio - few, few teams have that kinds of support.
I honestly think that the braves has more fans than most teams - who live in a part of the country that doesn’t give them the chance to come to the games at the stadium,
people… atlanta has some of the best fans - they are all just an hr away from the city.
By David O'Brien
February 1, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
Grinch, that really, truly bites that you don’t have insurance. Man, that’s one thing I totally take for granted at work. You gotta get insurance, regardless of the costs and even if it’s all coming out of your pocket (as opposed to your employer paying part). Just imagine if someone runs a red light and T-bones you tomorrow, and they have no insurance. How you gonna pay for a few weeks in the hospital? Or even a few days? It’ll bankrupt you….
Chris, yes, Ryan Adams might act like a bratty punk in concert, but the dude can flat-out write a song _ and play and sing it, too. Talented young man, no doubt….
mcserge, yes, they sure did (Husker Du)
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 1, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
hey dave,
so far the players i’ve heard will be at saturday’s fanfest are andruw, chipper, hudson, mccann, francouer, and renteria (that’s what i’m reading from the notice on the braves’ website). do you know who else will be there? will smoltz? wickman? cox? soriano? gonzalez? hampton? chuck james? thanks.
By TennesseePaul
February 1, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
DOB: Nice blog. I like the LaRoche updates. I look forward to this season. I think a large portion of the rabbid Braves fans don’t live in the Atlanta area. I’m working on migrating over that way. I’ll see how many I can drag back when I do. Just need to secure a job that affords me season tickets. That’s all that matters in life, right?
GO BRAVES
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
February 1, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
I was talking on the other blog about how I think that JS did an terrific job at making the team competitive this year and for the next few. I do think one more move needs to be made and will be made. But, if Andruw does leave, here is how the 2008 lineup COULD look.
1B. Salty
2B. K. Johnson
SS. Brent Lillibridge
3B. Chipper Jones
LF. Scott Thorman
CF. Gregor Blanco/Brandon Jones
RF. Jeff Francoeur
C. Brian McCann
Rotation. Smoltz, Hampton, James, Davies, and Harrison
Bullpen. Gonzales, Soriano, McBride, Boyer, Villareal, Stockman, and Yates or Paronto
Bench. Bohn, B. Pena, Langerhans or Diaz, Aybar, and either Escobar, Prado, or a FA acquistion.
Now, that sounds like a good young exciting team. They should have payroll left over to fill any needs throughout the season and make a splash in the hot stove for the 2009 season. Johan Santana perhaps?
By di
February 1, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
Roache, You need to learn to play ball 100%. You loafed around the bases in the playoffs and you loafed to first last year costing us a game and potentially deflating the team with that horrible loss at home at a critical time. Learn from it and I hope to see you prosper in PA!
By Gil
February 1, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Yes Bryan you are right, I have 10 major league teams that are closer to me than the Braves but I have been a fan since ‘67 thanks to my Dad and TBS.
I will go root for the Braves when they play the Nationals as it is only a 2 hour drive.
Direct TV takes care of the void left by the reduction local Braves broadcast in my area.
As for LaRoach, he will help the Buckos big time. Jim Tracy is a great manager and they have some great young pitching. It is the Washington club that is going to turn the D.C. patrons sour on baseball before it has a chance to build a good fan base.
Of course, those folks are use to liars and wind bags but they ain’t seen nothing yet…..
By leviinalaska
February 1, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this
DOB, great blog. I appreciate Adam’s candor and your reporting it. If anyone else is willing to speak so honestly and freely…please get it online first chance you get. Thank you.
By Oil Soap
February 1, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
Animal House is on HBO Zone right now. A truly great film. How bout that Karen Allen?? No one ever talks about her. She made Raiders of the Lost Ark for me. Who’s with me on Karen Allen?
By superadam
February 1, 2007 01:25 AM | Link to this
dob are you going so be at fan fest
By stephenD
February 1, 2007 01:26 AM | Link to this
So long Adam. I will be giving you a standing ovation the first time the Pirates visit ATL this year
By matt
February 1, 2007 01:58 AM | Link to this
Wow, LaRoche, I don’t think I could’ve said it better myself. You’re absolutely right — the fans here in Atlanta have been spoiled and the games were very often a big disappointment to go to. Not because of whether the Braves won or lost, but because it was so hard to try to be a die-hard fan and have everybody around you just stare at you and act like they are in a library. Nobody starts clapping when Smoltz has a two-strike count on a batter until it is the seventh or eighth inning, people pay more attention to the kiss cam than a 3-0 count on chipper, the wave is more important than holding a late one-run lead. It’s like people would rather talk about Top Chef or American Idol than look down and see what’s going on in the game. I would love for us to get the old, loyal crowds back to the park.
By haha
February 1, 2007 02:10 AM | Link to this
boy you folks loved LaRoach when he was here but how quickly he is abandoned and trashed talked once he was traded. he wanted to here, he didnt leave they traded him. and yes the atl fans are spoiled. the braves won the division for so long you and the players expect them to even when the owners chop the payroll in half. the point i felt him making was the fans in Pitt support the team even when they are losing becasue they are fans of the team not just fans of the current division champs. remember the braves used to be the division doormats not to long ago and if they dont turn around soon they will be again. then what good players will want to play there no matter how big a contract they get.
By David O'Brien
February 1, 2007 02:23 AM | Link to this
Daybed, I don’t know that Andruw is going to be there, because he wasn’t mentioned on the release they sent out today. And they certainly would’ve mentioned him, I’d think, if he was scheduled to be there.
Here’s the list, taken directly off the release the Braves sent out:
WHO: Atlanta Braves including: Chipper Jones, Tim Hudson, Jeff Francoeur, Edgar Renteria, Brian McCann, Chuck James, Kyle Davies, Mike Gonzalez, Chris Woodward, Blaine Boyer, Pete Orr, Macay McBride, Lance Cormier, Kelly Johnson, Scott Thorman, Chad Paronto, Anthony Lerew, Joey Devine, Roger McDowell, Glenn Hubbard, Braves General Manager John Schuerholz, Braves Hall of Fame Broadcasters Skip Caray and Pete Van Wieren, and more
By David O'Brien
February 1, 2007 02:27 AM | Link to this
Oil Soap, I’m with ya.
Haha, I only counted two people who took shots at LaRoche so far, and the rest sounded quite supportive of him and his comments.
By Head Coach
February 1, 2007 06:10 AM | Link to this
Adam LaRoche. Class act , solid citizen and I could not agree with him more. He will be missed. Nice Blog , O’Brien.
By girardd
February 1, 2007 06:47 AM | Link to this
Lithoman - The Gwinnett Arena is a fantastic venue for a concert. I was the Eagles there in March 2004. Sound is good, visibility is good. Seats are comfortable.
By aman
February 1, 2007 06:54 AM | Link to this
He is right about our so called fan base. Spoilled silver spoon fed brats. We dont even have a real fan base like boston, chicago or New York. I hate coming to turner field sometimes because it seems more of an amusement ride than a baseball game. Lets get rid of all the Toons and back to base ball.
By Robert
February 1, 2007 07:17 AM | Link to this
SPOILED??? Well Laroche, now you are playing for a team that nobody cares about, barely puts 10,000 in the stands, and all the players play for is their stats with hopes that they can get traded to a “spoiled” team with “spoiled” fans! Give me a break!!!
By Thrillhouse44
February 1, 2007 07:28 AM | Link to this
DOB, thanks for the story on Hudson and the blog on Laroche. I hope all of us Braves fans pay attention to his words - they’re the truth. It may not be what we wanted to hear, but it’s definitely what we needed to hear.
By bravesfanbob
February 1, 2007 07:30 AM | Link to this
Rochy, we’re gonna miss ya. I hope you hit .290, go for 35 and 100, and make the Pirates a competitive club in the Central. But now with the starting staff we have healthy this year, if Hudson can return to form, and the 3 potential closers in the bullpen, (the trade helps make us light years ahead of last year’s bullpen, arguably the best in baseball), we may see many 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 ballgames. Kinda like the early 1990’s. Less pressure on the hitters to keep us in a 8-7 ball game will allow them to swing more freely, and this team will win 95 games. Excellent job, JS. You went back to your old ways and determined that pitching wins championships!
By bubbaball
February 1, 2007 07:44 AM | Link to this
LaRoche told the truth. We were spoiled, and so were the Brave players. They thought the playoff were a given, and forgot that the playoff and WS championships are hard work and a blessing. Look at some of the lax play the past few years. Chipper need I say more….
Oh well, I will miss Rochieeee, but go Bravos!!!!!
By D.S.
February 1, 2007 07:53 AM | Link to this
I couldn’t agree more with the comments about not getting excited about the team, but to me it comes down to the vibe I get from the ownership. It’s hard to get fully behind a team when it feels like the ownership doesn’t have the same values or goals. The Braves are just another item in their portfolio, and that really sucks. I fear that Liberty Media is going to be more of the same, but I hope I’m wrong.
I sure would have liked to see Arthur Blank buy the team. Hopefully the deal between Time Warner and Liberty Media will fall through before that deadline in May when the law changes and they can no longer exchange the team for stock.
By beachcomber
February 1, 2007 07:59 AM | Link to this
DOB and others - the turntable that jjs mentioned earlier in the blog is not the same one I’ve had so much enjoyment with. It is an Ion - ran me about $150. Have put about 400 songs on my ipod using it - top notch! on the other matter. Adam is right. my kids who grew up with Sid, Justice, the Lemmer and the rest plus the incredible starting crew have never experienced an October like last year. told them they should be like my parents and be Pirate fans - although the Pirates have won as many WS in my lifetime as the Braves have in history.
By Shawn Smith
February 1, 2007 08:07 AM | Link to this
Adam,
Way to dish the people that payed your salary while in Atlanta. Why is it my 6-year old T-Baller plays better fundamental baseball and hustles more than you or most of the rest of the Braves have done since you were his age? Here’s a refreshing thought; Try being thankful for making the major leagues, play like you are thankful for that opportunity every day (i.e. hustle!), and teach the younger generation like my son what baseball is supposed to be all about. Having spent several thousand dollars on Braves Season tickets the last several years, I have helped pay your outrageous salary; so I don’t want to hear you whine about the people who go out and watch you play and help support your half-hearted effort at the game of baseball.
By chipdip
February 1, 2007 08:10 AM | Link to this
ryan adams blows….gram parsons wanna be….get rid of the parasite contracts of hampton and hudson and sign andruw jones….RAMONES RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By JK
February 1, 2007 08:25 AM | Link to this
Someone remind me again why we should expect Salty to make the jump to the ML in 2008? A well below spectacular season at AA makes you a future star? If this kid has a decent year, he’s trade bait to replace AJ next off-season.
DO, enjoy the blog and insite into the Braves, but can we make a rule that there is no Salty or Carl Crawford talk for a few months?
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 1, 2007 08:28 AM | Link to this
thanks DOB. looks like a good, solid list, although it has a few glaring holes — specifically, andruw, smoltz, cox, and wickman. last year, i never saw smoltz’s name on the list, and then it turned out that he was there. hopefully the same will be true this year.
By Realistic Ricky
February 1, 2007 08:37 AM | Link to this
Lithoman…
I agree with giradd about Gwinnett Arena as a concert venue. I was there for an Eagles concert in March of 2005, and it was awesome. One thing I would add is that parking can be a problem, so be there early to be sure you get a spot.
By joe brave
February 1, 2007 08:38 AM | Link to this
Adam Who?
By tyyosh
February 1, 2007 08:38 AM | Link to this
Failure is such a great teacher. I think the players are going to be more into it this year, and the fans are going to be, too. The vibe from that last weekend series vs. Houston (we went to the Clemens game)… hard to describe, but it felt like maybe the fans decided it was time to wake up and come out to help their team win games. We’ll see what carries over, especially with the renewed commitment by JS and others increasing the anticipation.
By B. Scott
February 1, 2007 08:45 AM | Link to this
I believe that is a trade that will come back to haunt the Braves. I wish Adam much success with the Pirates.
By eware
February 1, 2007 08:53 AM | Link to this
Nice Whiskeytown reference DOB!
I’m going to miss LaRoche, so’s our offense.
By mike
February 1, 2007 08:55 AM | Link to this
adam see how you like itin april and you are out of the race good bye and learn to hussle on every play because the spoiled fans in atl did not get that from you
By KneeJerk
February 1, 2007 08:58 AM | Link to this
Please, no more mentions of 6-year old tee-ballers. We’ve heard it all before.
By 3trees
February 1, 2007 09:02 AM | Link to this
Matt @ 01:58 - Good points, I feel the same way at games. Its almost like being at a concert at Chastain (finger in throat emoticon here)!
Good comments, Adam. I think (not sure, help me here DOB) that the second bulleted quote should’ve been “Its NOT necessary to put stars at every position…”. I agree with his thoughts. Remember the O’s that Angelos put together? FA signings and they looked great on paper, but… And along those lines; there’s been a lot of turnover in personnel this year. Wonder how the “team” will come toegther? I guess, and I’ll incur Robert’s wrath here, that’s one thing BC does so well - make sure that everyone knows its a team - not an individual exercise. We do still have veteren leadership to keep everyone is line.
Husker Du was great and so were the Ramones and so were The Undertones and so were the Minutemen and so were…
By brent
February 1, 2007 09:04 AM | Link to this
Yes, the fans are spoiled. The well-heeled in the ENTIRE lower level rarely stand, occasionally clap, and always chat on their cell-phones. Really, the whole experience of attending a game is lacking…and I am totally repulsed by the $7.50 beer…and the $20 parking…and I make over $100,000. Maybe somebone in the organization will notice that attendance is half what it was 5 years ago and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
By SouthGaRebel
February 1, 2007 09:10 AM | Link to this
I agree with LaRoche. I grew up when it was painful to watch the Braves and we have been spoiled by their run of success. I remember in the early 90s when Fulton County Stadium was full day in and day out due to the “Comeback Kids.” With so many transplants in the metro area I would highly doubt if any were even around in the early years of the run.
By woody
February 1, 2007 09:10 AM | Link to this
“And it’s weird _ I’m seeing it in Pittsburgh, and they haven’t even been over .500 in how many years? These fans are going crazy, they’re the underdog, and these are their guys. It’s almost like they’re part of it.”
THERE IS REAL PRIDE IN PITTSBURGH THATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES AND ITS SO EVIDENT.
YOU ATLANTANS ARE A LACKLUSTER SORT. YOU HAVE NO PRIDE, BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN BEATEN DOWN SO MANY TIMES AND IN SO MANY WAYS. YOU HAVE GIVEN UP YOUR CITY AND YOU ARE ALWAYS ON THE RETREAT!
By KAYE
February 1, 2007 09:14 AM | Link to this
Adam makes sense but the fans are not spoiled. They are frustrated. Yes they have been the national league east champs for years, but how many world series or even division championships are there? Its frustrating as a fan to see your team get a player like LaRoche only to trade him to make your club better. You might get more fans in the seats if we were excited about the team. We as fans are not. We wanted to see LaRoche play this year, his first full year, but instead because of a 80 million payroll, the braves just traded the player who would pull people in. Makes no sense. If they want fans in the seats, I will say it one more time. Keep our LaRoche type players and fill in the holes with payroll. You wanted me, well I wanted LaRoche. This owner makes billions, he can and should have afforded a pay increase when the salaries went nuts. You want to complet and get your fans, well spend the money. Otherwise the fans will just watch on TV, maybe. Others will be walking out on you. Can you risk it.
Liberty better take head. Atlanta fans are fed up. They are fed up not being able to have pitching, hitting and defense at the same time. Without it your just another sub 500 team. Spend some money.
By bravehater
February 1, 2007 09:16 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB, what’s your preference, Stranger’s Almanac or Pneumonia? Both great albums but I’m a bigger fan of the latter…
By jeff
February 1, 2007 09:18 AM | Link to this
Boy you are special Brent……Over $100,000/yr…..Wow
By Shaun
February 1, 2007 09:19 AM | Link to this
Got some responses from a few things on the last blog then I’m through with Matt Diaz. I don’t think more highly of his abilities than he’s actually shown. I think a lot of people don’t realize his actually abilities because they see him as a guy who couldn’t cut it with TB and KC. Actually he proved himself throughout the minors and couldn’t cut it with TB and KC because those organizations didn’t want to give him a chance. Diaz is a good player, not great but solid. And a lot of people on this blog seem to be looking at him the same way TB and KC looked at him.
Shaun-I think you’re falling into the trap of thinking Diaz is anything MORE than a utility man. You point out his entire career, but he was dumped by the Rays and the Royals-two teams that can use any decent player they can get. Then he comes to Atlanta and hits .327, yet BC won’t use him as an everyday player when we need all the hits we can get. Somewhere along the line you just have to ask yourself why all these great baseball minds aren’t sold on him as an everyday player. Could it be because he has no power and can’t field worth a damn?
All these baseball minds aren’t sold on him because he’s not a great player, just a good one. And they would rather insert players that look like good players rather than trust the evidence and play actual good players. Why do you think organizations like the A’s and Twins and Braves are successful? It’s because many of the “great baseball minds” aren’t that great after all and organizations like the A’s, Twins and Braves can steal solid, cheap talent from them.
I’m not sure why you think so highly of Diaz. I remember having this conversation last year when you were saying he would replace Andruw’s bat if Andruw were traded. Matt Diaz is a platoon player/4th outfielder/pinch hitter and that’s about it. I would be absolutely shocked if he put up the same numbers as he did last year. Anywhere close to those numbers would be a shock. He may put up .275 Avg/.320 OBP/.425 SLG in 250 at bats but not much more. And he is horrible in the outfield.
I don’t recall ever saying Diaz’s bat would replace AJ’s. There’s no way I would even think that. And I agree that Diaz is only slightly about an average player. I think you are looking only at Diaz’s major league career. You aren’t taking into account his entire pro career (minors and majors) and looking at what the statistical evidence tells us about him—he’s likely going to hit at least .280 with a .340-.370 OBP and a lot of doubles for the amount of PT he will get; and he’s not going to K or BB all that much and his defense, while not good, is not as bad as his rep.
Diaz was not very good at the major league level with KC or TB. He was a good player though, as evident by his minor league numbers which were very impressive. He just never got a chance.
Yes, I know that Vlad is a better contact hitter. That’s why I called Frenchy a “poor man’s” Vlad. They are both free swingers capable of hitting balls outside of the strike zone out of the ballpark. In that way, they are very similar. Francoeur just isn’t nearly as good as Vlad just yet.
Both are free swingers but Vlad actually can make contact on most pitches he swings at while Francouer is not a contact hitter. Francouer is much closer to a Dale Murphy, Duke Snider than a Vlad Guerrero.
Wayne, thanks for the compliment. I wish I could be O’Brien for a while…well, have his job.
By Voice of Reason
February 1, 2007 09:20 AM | Link to this
LaRoche makes a comment about how the fans need to rally around the team more. The real problem is that the players act like they don’t care and play with zero emotion. Until that changes, the fan support will stay the same.
The Gwinnett Arena is the most acoustically fit venue in the Atlanta area. REM used it for rehearsals and to get their sound right before their last tour. Other name bands have used it as well.
By Gil
February 1, 2007 09:38 AM | Link to this
One great thing about being about being a southerner is the ability to always be able to talk about how great things used to be…. Face facts folks. The reason the Braves won all those titles was they were willing to reinvent themselves each year.
LaRoach was a great player when he would stay focused but how many times last year did we see those big early leads the Braves have get blown in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings by those quad A pitchers. It was 1990 all over again.
Chipper is never going to be the player he use to be. Even Andrew is a little slower. Twenty fewer pounds would do wonders for him and take a lot of strain off his back.
The extra time off for Hampton is going to pay dividens for the Brves this year. He is the best left hander in the league. That said the whole league is better which makes for great games.
Best advice I ever got was from a golfing buddy of mine who said “always keep your nose in your own bag”. Play the players you have.
I still remember the worst trade the Braves ever made. Brooke Jacoby and Brett Butler for Bert Blyeven. Two guys who who became allstars for a washed up pitcher with a bad arm who I think the Braves are still paying.
By Big Pimpin'
February 1, 2007 09:41 AM | Link to this
Spoiled by what ….. 14 playoff seasons and what …. 1 series title ?
It felt the same to me … missing the playoffs last year and getting beat out in the playoffs the prior 13 of 14 years.
No body cares if you finish 2nd or last.
Still couldn’t sell out a playoff game
By Jim E. Chonga
February 1, 2007 09:51 AM | Link to this
LaRoche, very good comments!
I’ll start going to Braves games when Chipper starts playing 100% in the 57 games he’s healthy each season. I guess I won’t be going to any Braves games.
In 2 years, Smoltzie will be applying for his A.A.R.P. card (people > 50 years of age). At least we have 3 relievers that can each go 1-2 innings each game.
I say we clean house later this year and get something in return for Andruw, Chipper, Smoltzie.
I’m sick and tired of Scheuerholzz using the excuse “a corporation controls the purse strings so we can’t spend the big dollars like others”. That’s so lame and he should be held accountable like the rest of us working stiffs. Can any working person here use an excuse with their Boss if they didn’t meet the expectations of their job? FIGURE out another way SLICK. You’ve gotten very complacent.
Let’s see if the Atlanta Braves can get fired up this year instead of being so “corporate”. Just thinking of the way the Braves act and play, I need a Nap now. Nightie Night!!
By The Grinch
February 1, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this
Hey Woody, just read your 9:10. Go %$#& yourself, you worthless piece of yankee trash.
DOB, I’ve actually got medical coverage through my car insurance($5000 deductible); it’s when I’m out of the vehicle I’m screwed. I got spoiled having State Merit for so long then Blue Cross/Blue Shield; I’ve only been without about a year and it sucks. After last week I’m definitely gonna find a remedy. Does Steve Wyche need a backup covering the Falcons? :-)
By joe brave
February 1, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this
I ain’t spoiled and that lazy sonsabitch LaZyroach can go to hE11!
By Shawn Smith
February 1, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Hey Knee Jerk,
Do you have a six year old like I do? Have you bothered to spend time and coach a t-ball team. Have you been to over 40 games a season the last three years and paid for others to go support the Braves as well? If so great, if not, get involved with the game of life instead of just criticizing others who are players and not spectators in life.
By Fed Up
February 1, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
DOB:
You seem to be totally discounting the work of Caitlin Cary on “Houses on the Hill.” Maybe this is why most of Ryan Adams’ post Whiskeytown stuff seems juvenile compared to his work with the band.
By Spider29
February 1, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Thanks for a great blog, DOB. Adam was right on in his comments. We are spoiled and it shows. I appreciated that he included the players as well as us fans. Unless there is a prolonged space of bad years, the euphoria of the 1991 season won’t be felt again. But we can certainly be more excited about our team when they do well. I truly believe that this year’s Braves will be good enough to win the division again and make it to the playoffs. I’m ready for spring training and the 2007 season. Go Braves!
By Shaun
February 1, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
I don’t know if it’s so much the Braves fans are spoiled. Every game I’ve been to the fans seemed pretty appreciative that the team won every year. Since about 2000, I think there is the perception that the Braves were good but not good enough to win it all. And I think you get that sense when you go to a game. It’s fun too see a team win a lot of games but, fair or not, it’s not quite as fun as winning throughout the playoffs and winning a World Series.
By Bigboi
February 1, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Breaking news, Todd Helton will be here by Spring Training.
By Rodger
February 1, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Gil, I wish we had gotten Blyleven-the worthless pitcher was Len “once threw a no-no” Barker.
mcserge, I was thinking the same thing reading this-LaRoche to Pittsburgh could have the same effect as Bream to Atlanta in 91 (neat kind of reversal, huh?)
The fans are spoiled, and frustrated, and current and potential future owners just don’t care. There will be more scrambling like this for the next few years, I’m afraid. Let’s hope the team can try to win or at least stay in it until we can do better.
Cant wait til spring training!
By JK
February 1, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
The payroll constriction is valid b/c when some of these larger contracts (i.e. Chipper’s) the rules were different. When those contracts were awarded the total payroll was higher, and since been cut back to the $80M, so those contracts now account for a higher % of the payroll.
I would like for most of you to do your job for a few years, then have your boss tell you that you can no longer use Excel or Word. Sure you can still do it, but a quickly & effectively?
By ATLER
February 1, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Let’s be honest with ourselves people. Adam was right, we are and have been for years spoiled as Braves fans. Is it just me or does anybody esle think our Braves are done? Sorry people I look at this line up and I don’t see the magic I used to see. Andrew is our only HOPE!!!!!!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 1, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
DOB (and others) - in the braves beat email i just received, here’s the list of braves scheduled to appear at fanfest:
chipper jones jeff francouer brian mccann andruw jones tim hudson edgar renteria bobby cox mike gonzalez mike hampton scott thorman kelly johnson chuck james kyle davies macay mcbride pete orr blaine boyer roger mcdowell joey devine lance cormier eddie perez chris woodward anthony lerew chad paronto brian snitker glenn hubbard sid bream
By Larry Orange
February 1, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Gil, that was Len Barker, not Bert Blyleven.If Blyleven was with the Braves, they would have won a lot more games in the early ‘80’s .
By bruce
February 1, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
Regarding vinyl LP to MP3 or WAV: Here is the Costco Turntable link that JJS mentioned in his 9:12 pm post last night. I am wishing I had waited for this one… Just bought a DAK 2800-PC mixer which goes between old turntable and PC and comes with software for $70 DAK Link When the other LP to CD turntables seemed to be sold out a couple of weeks ago at Best Buy, I decided to give this DAK approach a try. Used it yesterday for first time, just learning the software and think it will be good, and hopefully even excellent BUT just learned that my old turntable, a Pioneer PL-4 direct drive, is not running at consistent proper speed. What to do… (1)buy the Costco turntable and start over (2) replace the turntable or (3) bought PL-4 service manual last night on e-bay for $10 after google find of prospective fix of spraying contact cleaner on the rotary speed adjuster but not obvious how to open up the turntable. Hummmm….
It was really nice to hear some of the old vinyl… even if in parts the speed was not right. Think I’ll get some spray when the manual arrives and take it apart… maybe it’s be like the lawn mower I took apart as a kid and had parts left over when I put it back together. an adventure.
By Jaye
February 1, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
LaRoche was the answer at first base. Now, we’ll have to search for another one. I enjoyed him while he played wearing the tomahawk. Honestly, I think there was All-Star potential there for this season. Best wishes, LaRoche.
By bruce
February 1, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Dave: Thanks for great articles on Hudson and LaRoche. I am impressed with the candid statements that you got and your going beneath the surface with both guys to get their heart statements that fans really want to read/hear. … do you get a sense that Hudson believes he can repeat his 2003 LEFTIES averages with his off-season prep and determination not to repeat? or if not that great, near-ace-like performance? Thanks, Bruce
By Kieran from Long Island
February 1, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Phenomenal Interview David. The fact that he came out and said all of that is amazing. It really gives a birds eye view into the clubhouse. I miss him already, but I tell you what i hope he is very successful over there. I remember when he struck out with the basesloaded noone out, and Chipper openly got in his ear and barked at him in front of everyone. Next time up he came through big time. It’s time for him to go to Pittsburgh and do that to some of the younger guys over there.
But once again, great Interview, and I can tell you, noone in the New York Media up here could EVER get a player to be as open as Adam was in this one. There is just no trust whatsoever, and rightfully so. It is very refreshing to see such trust here, and then for you to portray im in the positive light he deserves. Well written, well done.
By TennesseePaul
February 1, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Payne: Diaz also had no depth perception with either of those teams. They had him in the field. Apparently that was like sticking Hans Mullman out there. Once he got to a superior team with excellent doctors, great management and a winning spirit, he was properly diagnosed as needing contacts and performed well. But, as you put it on the other blog, he did look lost out in LF. Now imagine that without depth perception. I doubt the Braves would of had him up for long if they hadn’t discovered his lack of depth perception. But we’ll never know, because they did discover the issue, which is a credit to the team doctors, excellent managment, and winning spirit. I should also note that Diaz was a good patient. We’ve had a few “bad” patients on the team. Guys who insisted on playing hurt and ruining themselves for no apparent reason. But I think they’ve learned the lesson.
Diaz’s hitting abilities are good. But his fielding abilities are poor. His lack of power make him less attractive as a DH. This, along with the affore mentioned eye issue, forced 2 AL teams to dump him. His age along with his less than stellar defensive skills are forcing him into a utility/back up roll.
None of that is to say I don’t like the guy. He seems pretty cool. But I’d rather have Langerhans out there. I think Langerhans is going to turn it around this year and put up solid numbers along with his stellar defense.
By Shaun
February 1, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Breaking news, Todd Helton will be here by Spring Training.
Are you serious? No way the Braves are going to take on that contract.
By Not-A-Blogger
February 1, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
I admire your taste, OIL SOAP.
A great Karen Allen movie is Star Man, with Jeff Bridges, and an astounding soundtrack.
If you really want to see “more” of her, check out Until September (wink-wink, nod-nod).
By bruce
February 1, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Kieran: You did a much better job than I did of describing why Dave’s articles/interviews are so much better than most others…
TennPaul: Do you really think Diaz has poor field abilities or just average or maybe just inferior to Langy? I think Diaz made some visible errors that hurt his rep, but maybe it is part of his “style” as in he also sometimes looked bad swinging at a first pitch then hit a single on the next. I am surprised that folks here seem to think it is more likely that Diaz’s batting numbers will fall this year from last and that Lang’s will rise…. might be that those folks just like Langy a bit more than Diaz and therefore have higher hopes. I like both alot and hope they both rip it up in Spring Training.
By sammy miller
February 1, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
I say place Sammy Miller at first and Thorman at second, would be deadly right side!
By Eugene
February 1, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
STILL NO POP IN LEFT FIELD… I GUESS WE WILL SETTLE FOR 10 HRs and 26 RBI and hope Chipper will remain healthy for 85 games. We are still a weak team on the edges. AND NO LEADOFF HITTER…
By David O'Brien
February 1, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
3Trees, thanks for catching that typo in the quote. Should be “not necessary.” Fixed now….
By TPM
February 1, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Don’t forge - Adam LaRoche - to take your ADD pills
By TennesseePaul
February 1, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Bruce: I do think Diaz is a poor defender. The difference in fielding and hitting is great. One can afford a “style” when hitting. But when fielding, you don’t get the ball hit to you 3 times before a play has to be made. He only has the one chance to catch the fly ball. I suppose you can have a “style” like Andruw or Bonds where they catch it with one hand. But you can’t have a “style” of missing a play and creating an error, allowing a runner to reach or advance. That’s just poor defense. Plus, his routes to balls were awkward. He could improve on it though. But so far he hasn’t shown himself to be anything but a subpar defender.
I have no problems with both these guys tearing it up in Spring. I think Langerhans will do better because I think he is a better hitter than he has shown. And, apparently he was playing with an injured wrist last year. I think people are saying Diaz will fall back because it’s hard to believe he really is a .330 hitter. Others believe every player declines at a certain age in every aspect of their game no matter what. But if Diaz is a .330 hitter then he is and no one is going to complain about it. He just doesn’t have that many at bats at the pro level (416 total) to make a fair judgment on how well he will do in the long run at this level.
By David O'Brien
February 1, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
Bruce, I definitely get the sense from Hudson that he’s got plenty of great, not good, seasons left in him. We’ll see, but it sures sounds like he believes it. And that’s a huge part of it, him believing it. I just wonder why it took him two years to get it figured out, if it’s really as simple as getting back to a different offseason program. But I do get a sense that he really didn’t do much last winter at all, something he simply couldn’t get away with at 30, with his slight build and all. Bit him in the butt in ‘06…
Bruce, I’m with you on the pops and non-digital sound of vinyl. With certain music, it just sounds better, more authentic or real or whatever. If we could only find a way for it to be as easy to play a full-length album as it is to put on a CD. Talk about spoiled … that’s us with CDs, compared to the actual effort that went into cleaning an LP, putting it on, turning it over after 4-5 songs, etc….
Kieran, thanks much….
By brent
February 1, 2007 12:33 PM |