Braves

By TheSouthernJackAss

February 5, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Woogey Boogey!…

By brad in KY

February 5, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

It will only be a matter of time before everyone will be complaining about how overworked the bullpen is. This will especially be the case if the pen is nothing more than a three man show.

I hope the starters go as long as they are able and don’t come out early simply because we have such a good pen. Rather, the idea should be not to stay in too long since the pen is so strong. Perhaps that’s too fine a distinction, but you get my point I hope.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 5, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

this journalist had did it again … posted some award-winning journalism on the last blog just before this blog appeared. and let’s hope chipper does play 150 games - that should bode well for these atlanta braves. however, should toe issues arise, it is good to know that aybar remains available to play third base. still, will someone teach aybar to run the bases? and how does he arrive from the small-ball dodgers and not know how to properly run the bases? and are his base running problems toe related? just wondering. now, pie … nothing like pie at spring training. key lime pie is a favorite in florida along with the famous mind-altering fruit pies served at disney resorts. eat with caution.

By DAP

February 5, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

man, i cant wait till games start. im starving for baseball. last night i found a tape with an old game from ‘98 on it. im getting a much needed baseball fix from it. keep it coming DOB!

By journalist jimmy smith

February 5, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

brad in ky makes a good observation.

By Steve

February 5, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

If Chipper plays 150 games, and Hampton gets 25-30 starts. This Division and the WS is ours!

By Bigboi

February 5, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Is the Helton deal don yet?

By Porkins

February 5, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the write-up, DOB. Couple of random questions for you:

1. What happened to John Foster? It says on his Wikipedia page that the Braves released him in October. Do you think any teams will pick him up? I never got tired of that gag he pulled. Did anybody else notice that whenever they showed the bullpen, like when someone was warming up to come in, Foster would bust through the door and pull up his pants? He just sat there watching the broadcast in that room and waited for them to show the pen so he could do that. Stupid, but funny.

2. According to Bowman, Pete VW shaved off the classic hairdo we’ve all come to know and love. Is it weird seeing him now with a shaved head?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 5, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

FLBravesGirl wrote—” Love the shot of the little guy in the large helmet and full uni running the bases. “

Isn’t that Pete Orr in that picture? ; -)

By Head Coach

February 5, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

I saw the pic of Trey Hodges in mini camp. Is he on the Braves spring training invitee list ?

By Drummerdad

February 5, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

DOB, Several weeks back you mentionned speaking with someone who had seen Soriano pitch in Winter Ball. If I remember right, the report was that he still looked shell shocked from his experience. Have you heard anything further on this? Thanks.

By Jim

February 5, 2007 01:08 PM | Link to this

I expect the bullpen to be a strength, not only the big 3, but also McBride, Villareal for long relief, and Boyer (if healthy and returning to pre-injury form). The best news coming from these recent blogs is that Andruw has lost 15-20 pounds. I think it will improve all aspects of his game and reduce the nagging injuries that slow him down. (Now if he goes back to the 05 swing and stops falling over at the plate, I think he will have a great year.) The biggest question mark now is if Kelly Johnson can play 2B. If that is answered affirmatively, he can be a major contributor to the lineup with his patient approach at the plate.

By Voice of Reason

February 5, 2007 01:12 PM | Link to this

I am truly excited about 2007. I wanna see what Andruw can do in a contract year. I wanna see what Hampton can do if he’s truly healthy. I wanna see what Francouer can do with a full season and a full spring-training under his belt. I wanna see what KJ can do with a job that’s his to lose. I wanna see what the ‘pen can do with some actual talent out there. I wanna see what ChuckyJ can do over a full season. I wanna see what Thor can do with the apparent confidence of his manager and GM behind him. I wanna see some kid from outta nowhere busting his butt to make the team, reminding us all of what the game is really about. I’m ready for the Braves, baby. Bring it on!

By ssiscribe

February 5, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

What a difference a year makes.

Just for fun, I jumped back into the blog archives a few days ago and scanned some of the musings, debates and observations from spring training last year. For the first time since 2003, I will not be joining the festivities at Lake Buena Vista, but I’m not upset; I now reside a short drive from Turner Field, as opposed to the five hours it took to get from the my former home along the Georgia coast to the capital city, and I’ll get more than my fill of the ballclub from April to (hopefully) October.

Looking back at last March, the one thing that struck me was the race for bullpen spots. There will be competition down there again this spring, but the dynamics are so different this time around. Whereas Bob Wickman, Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez make for a three-headed monster that gives the Braves a chance to shorten games by one-third, last year there were names such as Brad Baker and Anthony Lerew in the running for roster spots.

And those were guys who DIDN’T make it.

What of the ones who did? With this revamped bullpen that puts the Braves right there with the best of the National League entering the season, what of folks like Chad Paronto, Tyler Yates and the Aussie righty, Peter Moylan?

I’ll go one better. What of Joey Devine?

When I was at camp last March, Devine was blowing through the Grapefruit League like a strong wind off the Atlantic. The kid talked about not being bothered by his unceremonious debut in the big leagues in 2005, but he had a horrible two-game stretch in San Francisco on the season’s first weekend and was sent down.

But look at Devine’s numbers upon returning to Atlanta in September. In eight games, Devine allowed no earned runs (after giving up seven in two April appearances), walked four and struck out eight in 5.1 innings pitched. He’s 23 years old with good stuff. I’d give him every chance this spring to make the big-league team, and I wouldn’t bet against it happening.

Looking at the current makeup of the bullpen, Wickman-Soriano-Gonzalez have three of the seven spots locked up. I will give the next two to Macay McBride and Oscar Villarreal. The final two spots? Hard to say right now. Blaine Boyer pitched very well in 2005. Yates has great stuff. Paronto gets ground balls. Moylan was a great story.

Last year, Yates, Paronto and Moylan pitched late in close games. But the trio could be off the big-league roster this year if Boyer proves healthy and Devine finds himself. And that doesn’t even factor in the arrival of Tanyon Sturtze sometime in May.

After the past two years, though, it’s comforting to think the Braves can really push for six innings out of their starters, instead of asking them to carry the game into the eighth inning. If you’ve got a great bullpen, use it, and for the first time in a long time, the Braves have a great bullpen.

This time around, there won’t be anywhere near the number of open auditions we saw last spring for the right to pitch in the late innings.

—30—

By Kentavo

February 5, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

Why would you want John Foster? He is terrible.

By chip

February 5, 2007 01:28 PM | Link to this

Here’s what I’d like to know, DOB… Even a blind man can see the Braves have too much money tied up in Andruw Jones. So do you think they (a) trade him in spring training [and I’ve heard zero talk about that, so I assume JS isn’t even considering it], or (b) wait until the trade deadline and get something for him, or (c) pay him his king’s ransom and let him walk to Boston or New York next year, getting nothing in return? My guess is “c,” but I can’t see why we’d wait and get nothing for one of the great talents. Andruw is still a superior fielder, but he’s slower than he used to be, he’s bound to get hurt more as he ages and lards up, and it seems obvious the Braves need to spend more money elsewhere. Your thoughts?

By TennesseePaul

February 5, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for the work and the new post. I’m so excited about this season I can hardly stand it.

GO BRAVES

By MBATL

February 5, 2007 01:48 PM | Link to this

If the ‘pen turns out as strong as it appears (i.e., most of the guys live up to expectations), I wonder if we’d consider sending Boyer down to Richmond as a starter (not an original thought, btw … one of you guys brought it up a while back).

He had a pretty good year starting at Myrtle Beach in ‘04. That’s where we could really use some depth for the future, and maybe we can afford the luxury of converting him back to starting.

Also, that would make it easier, initially, to keep Paronto - I think he’s out of options, so he’s on the team or likely gone.

By Jared

February 5, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this

Is there no chance of Phil Stockman making the team? I thought he was really good but he has seemingly fallen off the Earth and out of everyones’ minds.

I really hate that the team is going to keep people like Stockman and Devine out so they have roster spots for Tyler Yates and Chad Paronto. Ugh. McBride, Soriano, Gonzalez and Wickman should be able to cover for Yates however.

Either way, I really love what Schuerholz has done with his trades, especially for this bullpen. It feels weird having so much confidence in that group after the last two seasons. I think he should stop with anything big trade-wise now (which he probably has) while he is ahead. I give him an A for the offseason, and an A+ if he’d just extend Smoltz already.

By AdirondackDave

February 5, 2007 02:03 PM | Link to this

The team looks real good to me, as is. I do think we are setting the bar pretty high for the Big 3 in the pen. However, even if 2 perform up to expectations we will be fine. The offense looks well above average and the starting rotation can be exceptional. I’m not worried about Thorman and Johnson even if they are mediocre which they probably may well be. Things look good for Smoltz, Jones, and Jones to lead us into the playoffs.

By ernest densey

February 5, 2007 02:03 PM | Link to this

Will receive nothing for A. Jones? It was one thing to not receive anything for M. Giles but to not receive anything for one of the 10 best players in baseball is crazy! I mean we will keep C. Jones who is alsmost six years older and plays a less crucial position. Please someone break it down for this longtime braves fan!

By Porkins

February 5, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

Kentavo, I didn’t say anything about wanting Foster back. I’m just curious what a former Brave with a career-impacting injury is up to these days.

By beachcomber

February 5, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

dob - your opening remarks on this blog — quite possibly the best lead paragraph i have ever read.

By jschiller

February 5, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

chip, Andruw is a 10 and 5 guy (10 years of MLB service and 5 with the same team) which gives him no-trade rights. He can veto any deal the Braves might try to make, and with Scott Boras his agent, he likely WOULD veto any deal, hoping instead to put up gigantic numbers in a place hes comfortable and turn that in to a big pay day.

And the Braves don’t want to approach him with a possible deal, only for him to reject it, and at the same time, affect their relationship with him JUST IN CASE he really IS willing to give a discount to stay.

So JS’s hands are tied.

By ernest densey

February 5, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this

Whomever the idiot who commented that we have too much money tied up in A. Jones must be a couch potato and never played a inning of BASEBALL! There are atleast 3 Cy Young pitchers and a whole pitching staff that can thank him for their ERAs!

By jschiller

February 5, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

Andruw is a 10 and 5 guy (10 years MLB service time, and 5 with the same team.) This gives him no-trade rights. (He can veto any deal).

Scott Boras being his agent, Andruw would likely veto ANY deal, preferring to stay put, believing he’ll have a better year in the place he’s most comfortable, and turn that in to a huge pay day next year as a free agent.

The Braves don’t even want to approach Andruw with a trade, have him veto it, and at the same time offend him and effect their fragile relationship, JUST IN CASE he really will take a discount and stick around.

JS’s hands are tied.

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this

Head coach: No, Trey Hodges is at the pitching camp, but signed a minor league contract and was not invited to spring training.

Drummerdad: Haven’t seen Soriano’s exact numbers (I’ll look for them now), but all reports were that he pitched much better after a couple of rough initial outings, and he said he felt great.

Chip: No, absolutely no talk of trading Andruw, now or before deadline. No way Braves would trade him this summer if they’re in the middle of a playoff race, since you’re obviously not going to get an affordable veteran back who can do all that Andruw does. They wouldn’t dash their own playoff chances by trading him away for a lot of young talent that would help them in the future but perhaps cost them a playoff spot this year.

As for “larding up,” he’s lost between 15-25 pounds, according to those who’ve seen him. I’m not comfortable predicting what he’ll be like 2-3 years from now, but I think there’s a good chance he could still be hitting 40-50 homers and playing exceptional defense for at least that long.

By 3trees

February 5, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t have the stats to support it and no personal vendetta, but I’ve got agree with Kentavo about Foster. Don’t ever remember him being, well.., worth remembering.

On the other hand, I had a college roomie that was bent up like a pretzlel over a woman and he WORE OUT “Like a Hurricane”. Great tune (American Stars and Bars, right?) and I think there might be 3 very long solos on that tune. Good ‘ol Neil.

Hopefully, the only problem with the pen this year will be finding enough work for everyone to keep them sharp. The medium length guys might be needed in the early going to help Hampton get off to a good start and get his sea legs again. I do remember thinking Boyer has the attitude/stuff to be very effective. Sure he comes back strong.

Looking forward to finding out how it all comes down. Go Braves!

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

JSchiller, well said

By ssiscribe

February 5, 2007 02:21 PM | Link to this

Jared: I was remiss in not mentioning Phil Stockman in my analysis, even if I don’t think he’s got much of a chance, based on the number of spots left down there.

Still, Stockman didn’t do anything to hurt himself in four appearances last June, allowing three hits and one earned run in four innings with four walks and four strikeouts. You can’t take a whole lot out of four appearances in June, but the walks aside, he did fine.

Again, I just don’t think with only two spots really open and at least five guys (not counting Stockman) in the mix that he’s got much of a chance.

Other responses:

— Dave, I think we’re setting the bar so high because it was so low last year, an ant couldn’t limbo under it. I’m not really worried about burnout for the bullpen, and I’m certainly not saying you pull Smoltz after six innings if he’s thrown 65 pitches and the Braves have a 3-0 lead. But if he’s thrown 90? Do you send him out for the seventh? Last year, you had to. This year, you don’t have to.

And, you also have to realize the starters have the potential (provided Hampton is healthy, provided Davies recovers, provided Tim Hudson rediscovers himself) to pitch into the seventh most every night. Then, you’ve got plenty of options, both for matchups in the seventh and eighth, and for who to use in the ninth. If you’ve used Wickman two nights in a row, no need to use him in the ninth if you haven’t used Gonzalez in a day or two.

Put it like this: If you used Wickman in the ninth on Monday and Tuesday, and you only needed Gonzalez to pitch to one or two hitters combined those two nights, why wouldn’t you run Gonzalez out there to pitch the ninth on Wednesday? There is strength in numbers, my friend.

— Densey, the Braves really don’t have a whole lot of options on Andruw right now. He is a 10 and 5 guy (10 years in the bigs; five with the same team), meaning he has first right to refuse any trade. Why would he say yes to a trade in this, his contract year, when he’s playing in an environment he knows, playing where he lives, playing for a team that should be in the playoffs and potentially the World Series, all while trying to put up another great season to secure a long-term deal on the explosive open market?

If you see Carlos Lee get $16 million a year, if you’re AJ, what do you think you can get? More importantly, what do you think Scott Boras, AJ’s agent, thinks AJ can get? And, if you’re the Braves and your payroll is at $80 million, and you already have a lot of money invested in a few core players, your hands are tied.

No matter what Andruw says — and he’s not going to rock the boat; he has far too much respect for the organization to do that — he has to make a business decision after the season. And unless something major happens between now and then, I think he’s gone. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see a way right now that he’s here in ‘08.

—30—

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 02:26 PM | Link to this

Just went back and clarified comment about the Braves shortening games. Guys, it’s not like they’re going into each game going, OK, let’s just get six from the starter. That’s not what I meant. Especially won’t be the case with Smoltz, as you guys know. He’d never approach it that way.

OK, gonna do this XM radio thing right now with Steiner. Tune ‘em if you got ‘em.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 5, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this

Off-Topic mucic note alert:

DOB, I just heard “Suspicious Minds” on my way back to work and it reminded me of the last David Allan Coe concert that I went to, when he played it in his encore medley. I’m sure you’ve seen him play before, but if you haven’t, I’d put it on your “To Do List.” Man, you never know what or who he’ll end up playing. Or looking like for that matter.

http://www.arkoutdoors.com/forum/index.php?topic=3808.40

Here’s a link to some pictures of the concert. Scroll down toward the bottom. Note the two different color Converse All-stars he’s wearing. I’ve seen him seven times, and each show had its own unique flavor.

By StingerSplash

February 5, 2007 02:35 PM | Link to this

With the additions to the bullpen, all I have to say is….Boo-yah! (hey, as bad as SS is, at least we weren’t inundated with Mr. Chris “I jumped the shark about 15 years ago” Berman. And if my buddy and fellow Neil Young fan hadn’t dropped my best of Neil Young CD in a parking lot in Whistler, I’d listen to Like a Hurricane on the way home from work today.

By Spike

February 5, 2007 02:41 PM | Link to this

Before we go over the top here and talk about how deep the starters will go, and how much improved the bullpen will be, let’s don’t forget how much experience Yates, Paronto, and Mc Bride got late in the year. All had some troubles early, but they were all thrown into spots where they had to learn on the job, and at the end of the year they were up every day at some point, even if they didn’t get in. I think the Braves have improved dramatically with the addition of Gonzalez, but I hope these guys get a chance to make the big league club because they’ve earned it. I’m also not convinced that Soriano is for real. He’s still struggling to find the strike zone and Seattle didn’t bat an eye in trading him.

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 02:58 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash, so true about “The Schwam!” Insufferable.

Whistler? I’m envious. You go ‘boarding (or skiing) this winter at Whistler?

Frank Wren went with his family to Whister this winter. I hate you all. I didn’t go snowboarding anywhere this winter, despite the great snow and the fact that I have free access to my sister’s family condo in Summit County, Colo. Yes, I’m an idiot.

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 03:00 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, actually I haven’t see Coe. Dying to see him, though. He played here last fall when I was on a road trip, either with the Braves or during the postseason, can’t remember which.

By AdirondackDave

February 5, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

DOB — Could you comment on the role Bobby Cox has, if any, in decisions and more importantly, negotiations with key players? Particularly, given the sensitivity in dealing with re-signing AJ, would you think Cox (rather than JS) and Andruw do the preliminary dance (like to see you finish your career as a Brave, would a 5+option year contract work for you), etc.? It would seem that their very positive relationship could be a real help in at least the early stages of contract renewal. Or is it likely BC is out of the this part of the game?

By Rex Boaz

February 5, 2007 03:05 PM | Link to this

Rex from St. Lou. Can hardly wait for the Braves to get started. Do you know anything about Extra Innings, I haven’t seen any advertisement for the comming year. I hope it is still available. Go Braves.

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 03:06 PM | Link to this

Scribe, exactly right _ strength in numbers. If Wickman tired or a bit sore, or if he’s gone back-to-back, you just stick Gonzalez in one night and have no dropoff. Of ir you’ve got a save situation in which a team’s got two or three left-handed sluggers coming to bat in the ninth, you go with Gonzalez, who’s as close to unhittable vs. lefties as you can get.

Same for Soriano vs. righties.

It’s a great situation, and a huge luxury that most teams would kill for _ to have not one but two proven closers, and a third guy with closer-caliber stuff.

And yes, I should’ve included Stockman. He’ll get a shot this spring, for sure. I’m going to go back and insert him in the original post now.

By ernest densey

February 5, 2007 03:11 PM | Link to this

Thanks for shedding some clarity on my question about A. Jones. I understand that we have to remain competitive while investing and thinking about our future. We have alot of money invested in veterans older than he and honestly only Smoltzie earns his of the veterans mentioned.

A. Jones is only 30 and atleast 4-5 healthy years if not more. Don’t get me wrong I love Chipper but he in many ways like Hampton can’t play a full season. When A. Jones guarantees you 150+ games a year, a gold glove, 35+ home runs, 100+ RBIs and 10+ outfield assist

By Shaun

February 5, 2007 03:13 PM | Link to this

From the previous blog:

As for the age and when players peak… From everything I’ve read, the peak years depend on the skill you are speaking of. Different skills peak at different ages. Which is why I wouldn’t go with this blanket statement that you’ve laid out. But even still, I’d imagine the truly great players stay pretty even keal for the majority of their career only fading towards the end when they typically recognize it and retire “on top” as opposed to doing what Sammy Sosa is doing.

TennPaul,

I don’t even remember how this came up, but I agree that the way players age depend on their skill sets, and I think research backs us up on that. But the vast majority of major leaguers peak around 26-28.

As far as truly great players, most aren’t around the same value throughout their careers. As I said, the vast majority of players (goods ones, okay ones, bad ones) peak around 26-28. Most players, even great ones, aren’t as good at 22 as they are at 27. And are at least a little less productive at 34 than they were at 27.

The thing about truly great players is the years when they haven’t yet reached their peak or when they are in the decline phase are usually still head and shoulders above other players.

Take Chipper Jones, for example. Chipper’s best season was clearly his 1999 season, by pretty much any objective measure. He was 27. He has his best OBP and SLG and hit .319. If you trust RC, it was his best season by that measure. His “traditional” stats were also impressive (a career high 45 HR and 110 RBI, one off his career high). Plus he stole a career high 25 bases and was only caught 3 times.

Now Chipper was amazing before that and after that and he’s still a great player. But there is clearly an ascent phase, a peak phase and a decline phase, if you look at his career in total. His ascent phase and decline phase are/were just a lot better than a lot of players’ peak phases.

…oh, yeah, I think Adam LaRoche brought this up. LaRoche is 27 this season and we all know he had a great year last year. He should be at the very least close to as productive in 2007. I would guess he’ll be more productive given that 27 is often a better year than the age 26 season and given that Turner Field is a pitcher’s park and Pittsburgh is neutral.

By ernest densey

February 5, 2007 03:17 PM | Link to this

Guaranteed 150+ games a year (Knocking on wood), a gold glove, 10+ outfield assist, 100+ RBIs, 35+ Home runs and there is not another player on our roster that changes the aspect of the game other than maybe J. Smoltz. And he is only 30. Other than J. Smoltz who earns their check of the players over 30 years of age more than A. Jones?

His presence will only be felt after he is gone what he brings to the table. I still remain optimistic and hope we find away to keep him! Understand we have to continue to stay competitive while getting younger but he is young and a player to build a franchise around

By MBATL

February 5, 2007 03:18 PM | Link to this

I thought Nantz and Simms did a great job calling the SB. They weren’t (seemingly) caught up in the hype. Except for the long commercial breaks and halftime, the focus was on the teams and the game. I can’t watch Berman, Stuart Scott, or Michael Irvin, so just… didn’t.

DOB, do you have firm info on which of our marginal guys are out of options? It’d be interesting to know.

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 03:19 PM | Link to this

I also overlooked Devine. Gotta put him in the mix this spring, too. It really does appear like the Braves have both quality and quantity, plenty of good depth.

Last year they couldn’t even put together a solid seven, now they’re going to have about 9-10 legit guys available to choose from.

By BabeOnBaseball

February 5, 2007 03:19 PM | Link to this

I think the additions to the bullpen will allow players like McBride and Villareal to really thrive in the more competitive and stable environment that will form. I’m excited about both the starters and the bullpen and am pulling for McDowell to prove himself with this highly competent group.

Please visit my new blog for a female’s perspective on both the Braves and MLB in general: http://babeonbaseball.blogspot.com

By ernest densey

February 5, 2007 03:33 PM | Link to this

I truly believe the sky is the limit for this years Braves team. We are solid at every position.

I like K. Johnson at second and batting eighth. Only because I think we need a legit leadoff hitter, one that is gonna atleast put pressure on the opposing pitcher and catcher when he is on the base paths. 35-40 Stolen bases a year and a threat to score from first on a hit and run with E. Renteria

By ssiscribe

February 5, 2007 03:35 PM | Link to this

Yeah, like I wrote earlier today, what a difference a year makes down there.

Who knows what the end result will be, but I give Schuerholz a lot of credit. He knew there was no way in the world this team could go through the revolving door down there again. Injuries and ineffectiveness may rear their ugly heads again, but quality depth definitely is there.

And, I didn’t even think about Gonzalez’ effectiveness vs. lefties or Soriano’s vs. righties, but you’re right, DOB. Wow. Talk about the bullpen going from the outhouse to the penthouse, at least on paper as February dawns and the gates of Dark Star slowly open (somebody que up the hottie with the annoying voice who stands on top of the dugout down there).

—30—

By 22oz

February 5, 2007 03:38 PM | Link to this

I saw David Allan Coe a few years back at the Ga Theatre and he was basically a vegetable on a stool the entire show. Not to mention he was rather tubby and gross with an opened vest shirtless.

By Ernest Densey

February 5, 2007 03:38 PM | Link to this

I love C.James and think K.Davies has a positive upside but do we hold any “Power pitchers” in our farm systems that can touch the high 90s with some control? I remember J. Cappellan but had no movement on his fastball and we traded him for a closer that never brought his A game. So do we hold any power pitchers in our farm system?

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

22oz _ he ain’t exactly a handsome fella, is he? There’s rough, and then there’s David Allan Coe.

On the other extreme is the young lady referred to, the one who stands atop the dugout…. Makes the Empire a bit more tolerable.

By doc

February 5, 2007 03:54 PM | Link to this

brad, i said it several days ago and asked what the line is on what would break down first the ham(my) or toes of chipper or the pen? it will be one of the major issues with this team as its starters are 5 to 6 inning pitchers now rather than 6 to 7 which the hopeful expect. hampton, smoltz and hudson all have major issues along those lines and davies hasnt shown himself to be able to go for the long haul if he ends up in the number five slot.

two of those studs signed ended up on the injured list at the end of the season and one was rumored to be not throwing at his usual velocity. wasnt that the word on soriano david?

additionally it is sad to see cost management has left this team without a proven right side of the infield. will the 2 to 4 mil extra we didnt spend come back to bite us in the rear like it did with the non-aquisition of wickman in the off season last year? how, little depth, would have been resolved with getting back giles, keeping laroche and signing ward quickly in the off season. cost saving might cost them a fun in the post season again which was short sighted by the aol folks, seems like the gate might have been worth the wickman signing alone.

By Jeff R

February 5, 2007 03:54 PM | Link to this

Hope management doesn’t rush Harrison along. The minors are there for a reason: to make mistakes and learn how to pitch. Still think it was a mistake to rush Devine up to the majors.

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 03:58 PM | Link to this

Ernest, the Braves don’t have any overpowering Capellan-type power guys, but they’ve got a couple of fine lefty prospects who throw plenty hard and actually pitch, not try to overpower everybody.

The aforementioned Matt Harrison is more a Glavine type (seriously, I know the comparision gets tired, but it’s legit this time) who throws 90-92 mph with good sink, with a real good change-up, and also a good curve.

Jo-Jo Reyes throws a four-seam (straight) fastball in the low-90s, and 12-to-6 (overhand) curve and a good change. He’s supposedly got real good deception in his delivery, and deception can be huge (ask guys facing Chuck James why they can’t hit his 88 mph fastballs)

How many pure power pitchers did the Braves have during their golden era of pitching?

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 04:00 PM | Link to this

Jeff R, I agree with you on Devine _ too much, too soon.

They won’t rush Harrison to the majors until he’s ready, I really believe that.

By Hammy the Brave

February 5, 2007 04:01 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Don’t you think it would help the Braves to trade for a leadoff hitter with some ml experience, like Gathright or Freel? Also, shouldn’t they get a lefty power bat for the bench?

My feeling is the Braves sacrificed veteran offensive players this offseason, to upgrade their pitching. So, they should add a couple of offensive pieces to fill those gaps, and take pressure off the younger offensive players.

By Warren Haynes For President

February 5, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, great stuff as always. This is by far the best blog at the AJC. I always look forward to a new post.

By the way, have you heard the new tribute to The Band? If not, check it out. Pretty good stuff.

By Ernest Densey

February 5, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

No answers on our Power Pitcher supply in our farm system? Is Orr a potential candidate to steal atleast 35 bases? Is Big O gonna be a reliever or Starter?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 5, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

Yeah, every time I’ve seen Coe in concert, he’s been shirtless with an open black vest and moody as hell. I guess if you’ve lived the life he has, you have a right to be in whatever mood you want to, though. His physical appearance makes Wicky look like a choir boy.

By Ernest Densey

February 5, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks a million Mr. O’brien but unfortunately I have been given to the opportunity to watch plenty of Post Season baseball that did not include my Braves and noticed that no matter how good of a year a pitcher has, power pitchers dominate in the playoffs! Just wondered if we had any in the works. Plus with all the JUICE filtering through the major leagues right now it seems we have to try and match the power. Thus giving the juiced player less time to react to a pitch and launch one!

By james

February 5, 2007 04:13 PM | Link to this

DOB, is not anthony lerew considered a power pitcher. I heard his fastball is up there in the high 90’s. Also, what were Raefal Soriano’s offseason stats?

By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy

February 5, 2007 04:15 PM | Link to this

Somebody shoot out that spotlight.

Spotlights ain’t nothin’ but jive.

Roll me a smoke, gimme som coke,

Treat me like I am alive.

Tell all the ladies I’m single.

Tell Lonestar Beer that I’m dry.

Everyone’s lyin’ ‘bout livin’.

Everyone’s livin’ a lie…..

By BosnianBaseball

February 5, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

What ever happened to Jung Bong and Trey Hodges?

By Shaun

February 5, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

Jeff R and O’Brien,

It’s hard not to rush a guy to the bigs if you need a pitcher and he looks impressive. You look at guys like Francisco Rodriguez and Joel Zumaya, and think it’s hard not to take a chance on a guy who looks ready if you are trying to win a World Series.

But I do think it should have been a concern when he gave up those grand slams.

Young pitching is the biggest mystery in baseball. If someone could come up with something that can give you at least a little bit of an idea which young pitcher would succeed and which would not, you’d be loaded.

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 5, 2007 04:25 PM | Link to this

dave, nothing about saturday’s fanfest?

i don’t want to just complain about it, because it’s a great opportunity for fans to go out and meet players and coaches, go out on the field, and get excited for the season. it’s a special treat for us, and it’s really great of the players to come out and be a part of it. that said, if it’s for the fans, it would be nice if the braves’ organization went all out, which i don’t feel they did.

for one thing, scheduling all of the big names in different rooms during the same time limits the number of big-name autographs, and i found that to be disappointing. i mean this with no disrespect to the relievers, coaches and backup players, because those were the guys i met and some of them were pretty friendly. mike gonzalez was really kind, as was glenn hubbard; lance cormier showing me his pitching grips was a highlight of the day. however, having francouer and mccann in different rooms for the first session meant choosing between one of them, and for the third session, one had to choose among chipper, bobby cox, tim hudson, and chuck james. the second session’s only big name was renteria; other than that, it was a bunch of second-tier players. i think most people chose to spend the second session in line for the 3rd session, which makes the day all about standing in line. it would’ve been better if they moved one or two of those bigger names to the second autograph session.

i had a great time during the day, and i thought that the organization did very well by giving out free hot chocolate and having autograph booths in the lexus level and 755 club, thus keeping us warm. it would’ve been really nice to have a chance to meet smoltz, andruw, or wickman, but i understand that those guys have got their personal lives and weren’t able to make it.

all in all, i don’t feel that the organization made every effort to make it the best experience possible. it seems like they were more concerned with getting through the day. at 4:45, after i got bobby’s autograph, i tried walking to the hudson booth, but they had closed off that entire section of the lexus level, saying that everyone else had left and noone was even down there. the field was cleared by that time too, with no more pop-up challenge or bullpen throwing.

perhaps i’m sounding like one of the braves’ spoiled fans that laroche was talking about, but i consider myself to be one of the more dedicated fans. i never miss a game if i can help it, and i make a strong effort to attend as many games as i can to support them in person and to watch the game (not drink beer or do the wave). i’ve never given up on this team, even in june of last year, and i’m on the internet every day in the offseason looking at what they’re doing for the upcoming season.

By Ernest Densey

February 5, 2007 04:32 PM | Link to this

The couple of times that I watched A. Lerew pitched he didn’t touch the mid 90s . I could be wrong.

The leadoff position is crucial I agree. Is there not a possible solution via trade? Like Endy Chavez (Mets), Shane Victorino, Curtis Granderson or Carl Crawford?

A couple of years that rumor M. Texieria to the Braves, why did we never complete this one, thus giving us a 300/30/100 guy?

Lastly could we ever obtain N. Swisher or would we have to give up too much because I just like his game, everything about him! Would make a nice acqusition in left field

By Armstrong

February 5, 2007 04:43 PM | Link to this

Hey, this may not sound too smart, but I like the idea of Matt Diaz getting a shot for leadoff. I mean, he hits really well, has good speed and hustles. Whatever happened to the idea of him playing first from last year? Maybe have him and Thorman battle it out…

By MGL

February 5, 2007 04:49 PM | Link to this

Daybed, sound like you are a truely dedicated fan. I wish there were a lot more and we would not be living with the $80M payroll. Unfortunately, I live in the land of the Evil Empire, and business keeps me from going to games. Keep up the good work!!

By StingerSplash

February 5, 2007 04:54 PM | Link to this

With all the bullpen contestants once you get past Wickman, Gonzalez and Soriano, does that mean the Braves either hope someone or two accepts a minor league assignment, or are we looking at a possible deal to shore up another position of need? Everybody wants middle relief near the trade deadline. Why not in spring? And is Hampton expected to be ready to go on Opening Day, or is going to need some more time? He looked like he was just beginning to turn it around before the surgery.

By brian

February 5, 2007 04:55 PM | Link to this

Harrison’s minor league career sounds a lot like Chuck James. Hopefully he can come along just like Chuck. Not a bad 1-2 lefty combo in the starting rotation. If Davies pans out there is Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz for the next 5-7 years

By bruce

February 5, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

Dave, Please expound on what you mean when you write… because they completely shed the mental restraints and aren’t concerned with anything other than making a big pitch when they have to.

I am not sure I understand what you are telling us.

Wow… hearing these updates is really great and exciting… really looking forward to the season! Thanks! Bruce

By michaelmike

February 5, 2007 05:09 PM | Link to this

Bullpen sounds like a strength, but I worry about the starters. Smoltz was 16-9 last year with an solid ERA at 3.49, but he’s not getting any younger. I’d like to believe he can pitch until he gets his AARP card, but that probably won’t happen. Hampton was good but not great before he was hurt (13-9 with a 4.28 ERA). I’d love to see him go 22-4 like he did in Houston, but … see – there’s the second but. Hudson has been a real disappointment (13-12, 4.86 last year). No but this time but a maybe he can turn it around. Davies has a lifetime ERA of 6.38 in 151 major league innings. Is he a major league pitcher? Alas, I have little faith. Villareal seems like a good sort to have around, if nothing else he’s lucky, winning nine games last year and appearing in the leader boards early in the year like he was on par with Dontrelle Willis. I have my own nickname for Paronto, I call him Sad Chad which isn’t really fair or kind, but one must remember he gave up 53 hits in 56 innings. That’s my take.

By KC

February 5, 2007 05:18 PM | Link to this

michaelmike: “Hampton was good but not great before he was hurt (13-9 with a 4.28 ERA)”

I’m not sure what you’re going on there with Hampton. From the all-star break in 2004 until he went on the DL in 05, Hampton went 13-2 with a 2.54 ERA.

From the all-star break of 2003 until he went on the DL in 05, he went 26-13 with a 3.44 ERA.

So again… not sure where you’re getting that.

By Fed Up

February 5, 2007 05:30 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Of course, AJ has lost weight. I bet he comes into spring looking like Superman. After all, every RBI over 100 will be another $500,000 per year on his next contract with the Yankees. But for most of his career, he came in looking like Baby Huey, saying that he’d burn off the fat in the summer. No wonder we haven’t been back to the Series since ’99.

By michaelmike

February 5, 2007 05:31 PM | Link to this

KC, In 2004 Hampton was 13-9, 4.28. Sure he had a good streak before he was injured but pitching is cyclical. Hampton was dynamite in Houston, fair in NY, awful in Colorado – which is to be expected. And he’s been pretty good here. All I’m saying is that he wasn’t Sandy Koufax before he got hurt, not that he wasn’t a solid pitcher. And don’t forget, he can swing the bat as well.

By BamaBrave

February 5, 2007 05:33 PM | Link to this

Hey Bruce…Here’s my take on what DOB meant… the “mental restraints” come from lingering concerns about a surgically repaired elbow, and that it might “break” if you go all out. Until you have complete confidence that everything has healed and is OK, you’re gonna think about it to some degree. Here’s hoping Hampton gets past all that quickly…

By Oldtimer

February 5, 2007 05:35 PM | Link to this

DOB

I liked McCann’s “The Three Horsemen”. I hope it catches on. On Chipper playing with his kids instead of training, I wish he had at least said he was doing a lot of swimming. At least swimming lengthens the muscles making them less susceptible to injury. Lord knows he needs that.

By "Big Mac" Jones

February 5, 2007 06:07 PM | Link to this

Burgers swimming in grease. French fries swimming in ketchup. Will that lengthen the muscles?

By jschiller

February 5, 2007 06:18 PM | Link to this

I think that’s a great point about the effect of the bullpen on the starters.

If Soriano and Gonzalez and Wickman do what they’ve always done, we can hope for just ONE of these three to be true:

1.) Villareal has turned a corner and really is the pitcher that went 1.84 ERA in 15 appearances in Mexico;

2.) Blaine Boyer comes back from injury and pitches like he did as a rookie in 05 (3.11 ERA in 42 games.)

3.) This is the year Joey Devine puts it together and pitches like a first round draft pick is expected to.

Can you imagine if ANY of those guys was our FOURTH option? Then to have Macay McBride as the situational lefty..

That would make for the kind of bullpen that teams talk about in pre-game meetings. This kind of bullpen allows our starters to put it all out there, not pacing themselves for 7 or 8.

But it also puts pressure on the other guys, brings out the aggressivenes in their hitters, thinking ‘We better get to these guys before we get into the heart of that bullpen.’

Alot has to go right, but this bullpen really could have that effect.

By MBATL

February 5, 2007 06:27 PM | Link to this

We should really keep in mind that we can’t expect Wickman to post a 1.04 era next year, as he did in his time in ATL last year. Every reason to think he’ll be solid, but it’s not realistic to think he’ll be unhittable.

For his career, he’s been good, but not THAT good. He and Gonzo both give up some baserunners, meaning that it won’t always be “lights out.” I like both these guys and am glad to have ‘em, but let’s not assume they’re perfect.

By TennesseePaul

February 5, 2007 06:27 PM | Link to this

Smoltz was 16-9 last year with an solid ERA at 3.49, but he’s not getting any younger.

Last season we had no bullpen. So the starters records didn’t really reflect the goings on during their starts…Below you will find the game records for each starter, regardless of if they were awarded the W or L.
Player W L RA RS
Smoltz 20 15 3.94 5.00
Cormier 3 6 3.67 3.11
James 11 7 4.33 5.67
Davies 5 9 6.93 6.14
Hudson 21 14 5.06 5.94

Smotlz earned every L on there and was robbed of at least 5 W’s by the pen.
Cormier was very frickin good but recieved no run support. I think the bulk of that 3 run average per game he started came from one start. Typically, when he took the field, Pratt, Langerhans, Prado, and Orr were in the line up.

I think Smotlz is going to do well this season. Probably better than last season. He showed some fatigue late in the season, but that was after watching every effort he put up there get dashed to pieces. I expect a lot of these guys to still be in good spirits down the stretch run due to the improved bullpen.

By Head Coach

February 5, 2007 06:30 PM | Link to this

Elvis Andrus is A.W.O.L. I can’t find him on any of the Braves minor league rosters. Must be a glitch.

By DonCoburleone

February 5, 2007 06:41 PM | Link to this

“I am truly excited about 2007. I wanna see what Andruw can do in a contract year. I wanna see what Hampton can do if he’s truly healthy. I wanna see what Francouer can do with a full season and a full spring-training under his belt. I wanna see what KJ can do with a job that’s his to lose. I wanna see what the ‘pen can do with some actual talent out there. I wanna see what ChuckyJ can do over a full season. I wanna see what Thor can do with the apparent confidence of his manager and GM behind him. I wanna see some kid from outta nowhere busting his butt to make the team, reminding us all of what the game is really about. I’m ready for the Braves, baby. Bring it on!”

Well said, you just made me totally pumped for the season to start Voice of Reason. Especially now that football is over, baseball season can’t come soon enough…

By brent

February 5, 2007 06:53 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I think most baseball fans undersand what is meant by “shortening the game.” You shouldn’t be required to come in and explain yourself on every last word/statement.

That being said, let’s hope our offense if proficient enough to make the “6-inning game” a reality, and not just a dream.

Chipper: I have my concerns. He can say he wants to play 150 games; but, what we’ve seen the last 2 years is an inability to do this. If the situation last year was truly due to the anomaly of getting injured on a wet field in April, in San Fran, then so be it.

But, to me, saying, “Well, if his feet start bothering him, then we’ll sit him,” just begs for danger.

Why not allow him to rest his feet once a week, or so, and try to stave off these foot problems?

I hope that Cox’s comments and Chipper’s desire to play everyday, are founded in an understanding that his feet are not likely to start barking.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 5, 2007 06:57 PM | Link to this

While I have stated emphatically and repeatedly my belief that JS needs to make a trade for an everyday LF (Cabrera would be nice), I like this team a lot. Isn’t funny how things can change in the course of a year. This time last season we were all scared as hell about the bullpen. The only three guys we had any confidence in were James, Boyer, and McBride. James and Boyer got hurt. Boyer was lost for the season and James was forced into the rotation. McBride did come through despite a rough beginning. We had an uneasy feeling about the rotation and then watched it fall apart within the first two months of the season.

This year things are so differently. We feel as confident about the bullpen as we have in the last 15 years. Well, at least most of us. Some of us will never be happy. The rotation has some questions but because of the bullpen it doesn’t have to be great. Just good.

I also wanted to interject the whole “starters only going six innings” thing. DOB addressed it pretty well. People are just blowing comments out of proportion. Of course, the “big three” aren’t going to be in every game. That is asinine! The point of the comment is now the Braves can shorten the game to six innings when necessary. I think some are missing the big picture. This rebuilt bullpen will greatly help the starters. The starters no longer have to feel that they must go seven and eight innings, which backfires and they wind up only going five or so because they are overthrowing. I saw Hudson do it time and time again last season. Perhaps, his conditioning was part of the problem but the truth is he felt too much pressure because he knew the bullpen would blow the lead or a tie or allow a close deficit to become a blowout. The starters will have a completely different mindset this year. Think about how many times Cox had to push Smoltz, James, Horam, Thomson, and Hudson longer than he wanted to or should have. I can remember three or four starts last year that Ramirez went 8 innings when he should have been pulled after six. Besides its not only the “big three” that makes this bullpen strong but McBride, Boyer, Villareal, and either Paronto or Yates will only solidify the pen. All of those guys had strong seasons last year but it took them awhile to get in a rhythm. They were all depended on too heavily and they were simply either too young or too inexperienced or both to be relied upon that much. That is why any good bullpen needs some veteran presence. Insert Wickman and Sturtze and young guys who now have a good solid season under their belt.

Spring should be quite interesting since the Braves really have about six guys competing for the last two spots. Last spring they were taking applications like a Home Depot during the Holiday season.

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 07:00 PM | Link to this

Michaelmike, there’s realistic, there’s skeptical, and then there are the couple of posts you’ve put up this afternoon. My god, man, are you always so upbeat?…

By David O'Brien

February 5, 2007 07:06 PM | Link to this

Bruce, I was just referring to Roger being cautiously optimistic while pointing out that some guys coming back from T.J. or other arm surgery take longer than others before they stop worrying or even thinking about their arm when they’ve got to dig down for a little something extra to make a great pitch. He’s not saying that’ll be Hampton at all, in fact the Braves believe he’s so strong mentally that it’ll help him return to form quickly.

But he was just pointing out that some guys, when they come back, are still worried about reinjuring their arm, even though they needn’t be worried. It’s just natural. They might hold back a little out of concern or fear.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 5, 2007 07:15 PM | Link to this

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -Chicago Bear Brian Urlacher suffered a toe injury in the Super Bowl and will not play in Saturday’s Pro Bowl.

further proof that toes are not to be trifled with.

now, baseball …

say, for instance, chad paronto and tyler yates are neck and neck for the last spot in the bullpen - how can that be fair to paronto who has no neck?

and, doc, it is good to read doc is back on this blog. doc, the toe will go before a whammy to the hammy.

By KC

February 5, 2007 07:30 PM |