Braves

By Voice of Reason

February 9, 2007 07:52 PM | Link to this

Let’s play two!!!

I guess it’s still a little early for that, huh? Anyway, As I sit here wearing my newest Braves’ cap, I am anxiously awaiting Spring Training and the start of the new campaign…

By David O'Brien

February 9, 2007 07:54 PM | Link to this

A few minutes after I filed this blog, I got an e-mail from Smoltz’s agent, Lonnie Cooper, a one-paragraph statement that says John and his wife Dyan are getting a divorce. Just thought I’d let you guys know.

The statement asks that we respect their privacy and says they won’t be commenting on the matter.

The Smoltzes have four children.

By MEB

February 9, 2007 08:02 PM | Link to this

“Holy cow!” Not bad for just using the margins of the brain DOB. Enjoy the weekend because we are really ready for some Braves baseball!

By MBATL

February 9, 2007 08:07 PM | Link to this

Too bad about Smoltz (and his wife and children). I guess we don’t want to pick it apart too much … but it’s got to be tough to keep a family together on a baseball schedule.

As to the rotation, my biggest concern is the 6th starter; the guy who replaces whoever gets hurt or struggles - because someone will. Seems like we’ve got very little there. I know Cormier is an option, and Villarreal (but he’s really needed in long relief) but I still wonder if Boyer might be moved back to starter (initially at Richmond).

“Great Blog, DOB”

By Head Coach

February 9, 2007 08:14 PM | Link to this

Cautious optimism concerning the rotation , Ditto O’Brien. Smoltz , Hudson and James are money. Hampton and Davies are question marks. Villarreal is the only one with an era(3.53) respectful enough to be added to the rotation on a full time basis should he be needed. Four quality starters is the bare minimum needed , do the Braves have it ? We shall see. I’m so sorry to hear about John and his wife , here is hoping they reconsider for their children’s sake. divorce is an epidemic , what ever happened to : till death do we part.

By Greater Song of Longing Than the One DOB Posted

February 9, 2007 08:15 PM | Link to this

LOOSE CHANGE by Bruce Springsteen

Met her at a friendly little bar down along the coast

She said it was her birthday, so we had us a nice little toast

Sat around for a while, smoked a few cigarettes

Took her back to my place, she slipped off her party dress

We sat for a while on the edge of the bed just talkin’

Loose change in my pocket

Loose change in my pocket

Pint of gin in my bootcuff, I’m drivin’ for a drink and a dance

Sittin’ on the next stool is Miss A Little Time on Her Hands

She sure looked like trouble, but trouble sure was lookin’ fine

When I held her close, what I knew kinda slipped my mind

We lay in bed, watched the moon come up crawlin’

Loose change in my pocket

Loose change in my pocket

I pour another drink, wait for the night to get through

Stars are burnin’ in that black void so far away and blue

Now I’m sittin’ at a red light, I feel somethin’ tickin’ way down

The night’s movin’ like a slow train crawlin’ through this sh*thole town

Got my bags packed in the back and I’m tryin’ to get goin’ again

Red just turns to green and green turns to red and then

The only sound’s the clock on the dash tick-tockin’

Loose change in my pocket

Loose change in my pocket

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 9, 2007 08:16 PM | Link to this

I so badly wanted to get in on the discussion about intangibles but haven’t been able to get to the computer until now. And this is only for a minute. Anyway, Shaun, man I love you but you’re totally missing the point that DOB and others are making. Look, stats are great and often tell the whole story. But, not always. Some players don’t have great numbers but bring a certain presence to a team or have a knack for making the big play. Some just have those “intangibles”. No better example than Derek Jeter. Last year withstanding, he has never had mind blowing numbers. As good as he was he was always a step behind the likes of Nomar, A-Rod, and Tejada. But, Jeter has that special something. He brings a certain fire and grit to the team. He isn’t the best player on his team. I would argue A-Rod, Matsui, and Abreu are better players. But, none of them have the fire, passion, and knack for the clutch like Jeter does.

Guys like Counsell and Eckstein are other examples. They are winers. Everywhere they go they win. That isn’t dumb luck. It says something about them.

Perhaps, the best example of this is in the NFL. The New England Patriots. The only bonafide star they have is Tom Brady. Yes, they have some very good players but they aren’t “stars” like the Colts have or Chargers or Bengals or even the Bears. They have a team full of “lunch pail” players who come to work everyday ready to go. In all three Super Bowls the Patriots won they were not the more talented team on the field nor did they have the best stats. They just won football games. Guys like Brady, Bruschi, Dillion, and Troy Brown work hard and play the game right.

You know, it goes to something Bobby Knight once said. He said, “I would rather have five guys that know how to play the game than five guys who have the talent to play the game.” What he meant was he would rather have five guys on the court who might not be all that talented but who hustle and know how to get it done than five guys who are super talented but don’t really know how to play the game. Baseball is no different. Eckstein is far from one of the most talented players in the game. But, the guy knows how to get it done and he knows how to win. That was the one thing I always like about Lemke. I always knew when the game was on the line that if he was at the plate he would find a way to get the big hit or bring home the big run. I see those “intangibles” in Francoeur and McCann. Honestly, I see them in Diaz and James as well. I don’t care what anybody says about Frenchy. And I know Shaun hates the term “clutch” but oh well. When you have the ability to drive in runs when they truly matter most or when the pressure is the highest and most intense, I think that says a lot about you. I’m not happy about some of his stats and I believe they have to improve. But, if I may be 100% honest, I have to say that when the game was on the line late and Frenchy was at the plate I always felt the Braves had a chance to win. And, while he failed and struckout at times he dusted himself off and came right back the next night and came through. Shaun, you’re right about you can’t field a team full of guys with “intangibles”. But, you sure as hell better have two or three on your team because if you don’t, you won’t win. Just ask the Cards about Eckstein. The White Sox about Igucci. The Marlins about Pierre in ‘03. Hell, the Yankees about Cabrera last season. Torre himself said the Yanks would have not made it to the playoffs if had not been for Melkey Cabrera. His numbers were good but by no means staggering. However, he brought that something special to the team. All of the Yankees said that.

By Lew

February 9, 2007 08:24 PM | Link to this

I would not be uncomfortable with Lance Cormier in the rotation. I still think we will be really happy with that trade for Estrada before all is said and done. Shame about the Smoltz family. Glad it’s not me.

By hk

February 9, 2007 08:24 PM | Link to this

… way off topic, but a couple of days ago Yahoo came out with a new Sports page design, just awful, trying to imitate ESPN I guess (who they trail in the Alexa ranking in that market segment) … they did a new TV page a couple of months ago, even worse … for me, Yahoo’s attraction has always been in its simplicity and uncluttered look …

… so, came up with some weighted criteria, and graded out (0 to 100) the Yahoo Sports and Yahoo TV web pages before and after the changes, along with the comparable pages for ESPN, CBS, SI.com, Fox, USA, MSNBC and TV Guide … sent it to them, here it is …

http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/yahoo.xls

… (or) …

http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/yahoo2.htm

… jazzy eye catching stuff is OK for TV and maybe for internet newcomers, but gets old real fast for seasoned users, and that’s their market long term …

By Drummerdad

February 9, 2007 08:31 PM | Link to this

BIG drag on the news about Smoltz. Sorry to hear it.

By Head Coach

February 9, 2007 08:38 PM | Link to this

Cormier ? 5.72 ERA , comfortable. Lew , I hope you don’t have a fantasy league team with him on it. you are flipping a coin when Cormier steps on the mound as a starter. He won’t even make the 25 man roster , send him to Richmond and put him in their rotation as added depth.

By TennesseePaul

February 9, 2007 08:42 PM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for the new blog. So bummed for the Smoltz’s. Sorry to hear that. I gotta go drink.

By MBATL

February 9, 2007 08:46 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’m a “homer” all the way and sure don’t mean to hate on Cormier. But the guy’s got a 5.72 lifetime era. He did a serviceable job as a starter last year, but gave up 64 hits, 20 walks and 7 HR in 48 innings as a starter… that ain’t gonna get it done. Somehow he managed to keep his era down to a respectable number (maybe he’s got intangibles!).

I don’t hate the guy; if he gets the ball and performs, that’s great. Just don’t have a lot of confidence in him as more than a spot pitcher, or long reliever, to burn some innings. We’ll see, I guess.

Looked at your site, btw. Very nice stuff - good for you!

By brian

February 9, 2007 08:50 PM | Link to this

No way Boyer gets moved back to the rotation. He really hit his stride when he moved to the bullpen and could focus on 2 pitches. He is lights out. I bet the Braves still have him in their plans for closer in the future - not simply if Soriano does not pan out. Boyer also gives them the option of moving Soriano moving back to the starting rotation. A rotation 3 years from now of James, Davies, Harrison, Soriano, and ??? looks pretty promising.

Still there are a lot of ifs in the starting rotation and JS did the best thing he could do (agree with above) - stack the bullpen. So much less is going to asked of our starters this year - 6-7 strong innings, not a complete game. I agree with all the ifs - a 40 year old ace with injury history, an underperforming ace, a lefty returning from Tommy John surgery with other frequent injuries, a promising young lefty with less than one year of major league experience, a young righty who has not come close to his potential.

Still, I take the Braves rotation over everyone’s in the East except maybe the Marlins (who lack experience and have NO bullpen).

By Lew

February 9, 2007 08:50 PM | Link to this

Head Coach-Did you know that in the 12 games in which Cormier pitched 5 1/3 or more innings, he had an ERA of 2.82?

By Lew

February 9, 2007 08:52 PM | Link to this

And BTW, Yes, i would rather trust Cormier than Davies.

By David O'Brien

February 9, 2007 08:56 PM | Link to this

yeah, I felt bad having posted those song lyrics literally a minute before i got the e-mail about Smoltzy.

Divorce is never easy, but sure is much simpler when you don’t have a kid, much less four kids. I feel really bad for him and Dyan.

Knowing Smoltz, wouldn’t expect it to affect him one iota on the field, however. The man is as focused as any athlete I’ve been around.

By Big Al

February 9, 2007 09:04 PM | Link to this

From what I have heard, Cox is going to give Cormier an equal chance to win the fifth spot in the rotation. Its a decent bet that he will be the fifth starter and Davies will the one sent to Richmond to work out his control issues.

By N8

February 9, 2007 09:05 PM | Link to this

Lew

U said:

“And BTW, Yes, i would rather trust Cormier than Davies”

Me too, my brotha. Though since I recall somebody (maybe DOB) pointing out that through the same ammount of starts in their careers Davies and Maddux had about the same numbers.

Not saying Davies will be Maddux, but I do believe it’s too early to give up on him. I’d just as soon see a FULL/healthy season from him (of course that could be the problem - maybe that will never happen), before I pass judgement.

If were gonna give Hudson a “flyer” on being injured the last year in Oakland and the first couple in Atlanta, the least we can do, is wait for Davies to be healthy before we determine whether he’s a lost cause or still has upside.

As for Cormier, he impressed me in his starts last year, and it’s not like he’s 40 years old. So why not give him a shot. I’ll assume, DOB, that Cox and JS would love for Davies to win that 5th spot and have Cormier be trade bait or a swing man along with Oscar. But Cormier is not a bad “fall back” option in case Davies fails miserably this spring.

By Big Al

February 9, 2007 09:08 PM | Link to this

“Knowing Smoltz, wouldn’t expect it to effect him one iota on the field, however. The man is as focused as any athlete I’ve been around when he’s on the field.”

Well, I don’t suppose he has ever gone through a divorce before though. We will have to see how distracting it is for him. But on any number of levels, this is not good.

By Lew

February 9, 2007 09:12 PM | Link to this

N8-Yes, and Davies has options.

By MBATL

February 9, 2007 09:18 PM | Link to this

brian, how about James, Davies, Harrison, Soriano, and Boyer, with Devine, Gonzalez or Startup as closer.

Anyway, don’t mean to argue it too hard. I sorta think we’re bullpen heavy for the future, and with our depth in the ‘pen right now could afford to explore Boyer as a starter.

Of course, I’m the one who thinks McCann should be moved to 1B, so he can get 600 abs and Salty can start at catcher.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 9, 2007 09:25 PM | Link to this

I truly feel sorry for Smoltz and his family. I hope that their privacy is respected. As far as DOB’s comments that Smoltz won’t let this bother him on the field, I totally agree. I think what some of us fans tend to forget sometimes is that these players are actual human beings. They go through things like this all the time. They deal with this and every other life issue that you and I deal with during the course of a season every season. How many of us go through such things without it affecting our jobs? Sure some struggle and have issues but the majority of us manage. Same with players. Smoltz is a very focused athlete who leaves personal matters off the field. Despite his many flaws that is the one thing that Barry Bonds does exceptionally well. Once he steps on the field everything going on outside of it doesn’ exist for those three or so hours. I think Smoltz will be the same.

By Steve-O

February 9, 2007 09:29 PM | Link to this

I live in the New York area and go to school in the enemies territory (Queens). I am fortunate enough to get to listen to two of the smartest baseball analysts in the business, Mike and the Mad Dog. However, They’ve been having these former and current Met players on (David Wright, Ron Darling, John Franco) They talk about this upcoming year and I have found it funny they are quick to mention the Phillies and Marlins and make no mention of the Braves. Up here in NY they think the Braves are done. If this bullpen and Hampton hold up and the lineup does its thing I can’t wait to see them recapture the title and get back to the postseason.

Thats a shame about Smoltz, I hope everything works out for him, although I dont know him personally he is an idol of mine for the leadership and characteristics he displays both on and off the field and I really respect and admire him.

I REALLY hope he maintains his focus however, he IS all of our hopes, without him Braves got no chance. I think your right though DOB if I could pick one player in sports to maintain the most intense focus it would be Tiger and Smoltz.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 9, 2007 09:33 PM | Link to this

The rotation is definitely a questoin mark. Now, if Hudson reverts back to form and James doesn’t regress then the rotation will have at least three top starters, which is more than what most have. With the bullpen to bolster the rotation the pitching will be fine. Look, at the Padres and Mets last season. They had okay rotations but shut down and deep bullpens that gave the starters adequate support and allowed the offense to win games. I think the Mets are banking on the same strategy again. Its just that there pen isn’t quite as strong as last season if you ask me.

I honestly think Hampton will be fine and that Davies will too. I think a lot of what we saw last season was the result of injury.

By Steve-O

February 9, 2007 09:33 PM | Link to this

I found this pretty ironic, the second I went to www.AtlantaBraves.com, top article Smoltz Relaxed and Focused for 2007

By JasonInMaine

February 9, 2007 09:37 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the new Blog and the information. I am praying for a miracle and hope the Mr. & Mrs. Smoltz can reconcile. I sure hope they can.

Regards,

Jason

By Jared

February 9, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this

That article on Smoltz mentioned again that he may leave after this season. I think the Braves Beatwriter has said this 3 times now. Why would Schuerholz let Smoltz leave? Are they both still angry over Smoltz calling Schuerholz ‘the homeboy’?

By journalist jimmy smith

February 9, 2007 09:51 PM | Link to this

still not buried … james brown. this leads to speculation if lew has a special wurlitzer for dob this year. put it next to the elvis lamp. should stand alone by now. and now, pimento cheese … grinch may not have seen the colorful pimento cheese post on the last blog. grinch is encouraged to share his recipe with all bloggers. and now, how does the pimento get into the olive? and, for the deep thinkers of this blog … what is that little x-shaped thing at the bottom of the olive? grinch is asked to leave this one alone as journalist already knows what grinch thinks it is. now, a quote from chipper jones: “I find it shocking that we’re being overlooked,” third baseman Chipper Jones said. “I would love to be standing on the field in September as Eastern Division champs again, looking down at everybody.” hmmm…

By Head Coach

February 9, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Lew , remember. you asked for it. Wrong , Cormier didn’t make 12 starts he made 9. He went 2-4 as a starter , the team finished 3-6 in his nine starts. He averaged 5.1 innings a start. He had four quality starts out of nine , which is barely respectable. His ERA as a starter was 4.31 , again barely respectable. Seven of his starts were with Wickman and Biaz backing him up. Dude , you lost this argument.Give it up already.

By MS

February 9, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

DOB, the stat I’d like to find out is the average number of innings our starters went last year. Do you know what that was? That’s what killed us last year, with all the injuries to the back end of the rotation; we suddenly had either young guys or converted relievers making up the last three spots so you’d consistently having guys go less than 5 or 6 innings a start. How many times (especially through June, July, August it seemed) would we have Villareal have to start and go 4-2/3, and then Cormier would start the next day and give us less than that? It just ravaged an already extremely vulnerable ‘pen and in turn affected the entire pitching staff.

You’re right DOB, in throwing out all of those IP numbers. That’s what it’s going to come down to. If our starters consistently average 6+ IP a game we’re going to be fine with this ‘pen. If Smoltz can stay healthy and Hampton can throw 180+ innings I like our chances.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 9, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Personally, it does’t bother me that nobody is taking the Braves seriously or mentioning them as having a chance to win the NL East. I think those slights and blatant disrespect will only tick the team off and motivate them even more to play at optimal level and prove just how good they are. I think the arrogance of the Mets and Phillies will come back to bite them in the a** and I can’t wait to see what is said then by those players like Rollins and Wright.

By Wayne in UT

February 9, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Thanks Dave for the article. Smoltz has been my favorite player since Dale Murphy left.

Guys, as for potential starters after 2007, a couple of additional names to the list that have not been mentioned are McBride and Lerew. How about a staff of Hudson, James, Soriano, Harrison and Davies, with McBride and Lerew as possibly candidates. I too like Cormier’s upside, and let’s not forget about Villarreal. Oscar might be a gem in a couple of years. I think if 1/2 of these guys live up to their potential (starters and the pen) we will have a strong staff for the next 5-10 years.

By Wayne in UT

February 9, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Hey, SE Georgia folks. Just spent the last two days in Savannah at a business conference, and has dinner tonight at The Pirates’ House. Great grub! Nice city to visit, but not enough time here to enjoy it.

By ESPN Insider

February 9, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

From Chat with Jayson Stark Jayson Stark: The Braves are as intriguing this year as they’ve been in any season since 1991, for me. They won’t be picked by anybody. But they’ve totally reworked their bullpen. And a Smoltz-Hudson-Hampton (healthy Hampton) rotation isn’t a bad place for any team to start. I don’t know what to expect from the right side of their infield. But this is a more dangerous team than people think.

By ugapip

February 9, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

I am sorry to hear about Smoltz. I am shocked, really. Like a blogger said before, divorce is an epidemic. I hope they work it out. He is one of the baseball players that I respect the most. He does so much for the Atlanta community. He is also a christian but unfortunately divorce is common-place for christians, too. So sad.

Looking forward to the season though. I think Chuck James will have a break-out season. I can’t wait to see it happen. I really don’t think Davies will be more than a 3rd starter during his career. I hope I am wrong! Go Braves & Dawgs, of course!

By Alan

February 9, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

MS’s post at 10:00 says it all. The Braves’ rotation is really “iffy”: If the starters average 6+ IP, If Smoltz can stay healthy, If Hampton can throw 180+ innings … I’d add these, as others mentioned earlier: If Hudson can pitch like he did in Oakland, If James continues to pitch like he did 2nd half of last season, If Davies shows that he’s the real deal, etc., etc. On paper, this rotation looks good but it really, really is iffy. Good news is, every other team in the NL East is dealing with similar “iffyness” - and none of the others has a bullpen (especially the back end) even remotely as good as the Braves’. I think all-in-all the Braves’ pitching will be fine in ‘07 - starters AND relievers.

By Jared

February 9, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Villarral and Cormier, CORMIER!? Are you kidding? Neither should be considered more than a spot-starter. And Cormier shouldn’t EVER be considered as a starter unless the Braves are extremely desperate. Upside? What the heck? What has he ever done over a good stretch of time?

By The Grinch

February 9, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

How does one look down on everybody from the field, which is the lowest point in the stadium? A member of MENSA, he ain’t.

JJS, I’m not at home so I don’t have the proportions handy, but it requires grated sharp cheddar(about 95% of the recipe), an unhealthy amount of Hellman’s mayonnaise, coarse ground black pepper, a few pimentos and believe it or not, poppy seeds. Another brand of mayonnaise may be substituted if Helmman’s is not available, but anyone who attempts to use Miracle Whip for this or any other recipe, sandwich, or even owns a jar that they never use deserves to have their cooking privaleges revoked, as they are obviously not of sound mind and body. It should be left lumpy as well, not beaten into a paste like store-bought pimentoe cheese. Toe cheese? Oh, the humanity!

By Head Coach

February 9, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Jared , Cormier should only be considered an emergency spot starter of last resort. Villarreal is a different story. His career ERA of 3.61 is great. He went 9-1 with an ERA of 3.53 last season , but his win total is deceiving. He made four starts going 1-0 with an ERA of 3.50 , his other 54 appearances were as a relief pitcher with a record of 8-1 and an ERA of 3.64 . That said , Villarreal is a viable option as a starter if needed but the Braves would much rather have him as a long reliever or spot starter.

By brewdawg

February 9, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

In the article about the Smoltz divorce, right after the line about how the Smoltz’s asked that their privacy be respected, does it say that John Smoltz was unavailable for comment? Why would he be available if he requested privacy on the issue? Tell me DOB, is this just one of the uglier sides of journalism, where your job requires that you at least attempt to get a comment after that kind of request? Not trying to be condescending or anything here, since I know nothing of being a journalist, I’m just honestly curious. When I was growing up, all I wanted was to be a sports writer. If the job requires blatantly invading requests of privacy, I’m glad I didn’t go that route.

By AdirondackDave

February 9, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Steve-O — That was a great “Yogi-ism” you gave us a little while ago: “If I could pick one player in sports to maintain the most intense focus it would be Tiger and Smoltz.” Gave me a nice chuckle, thanks.

By TennesseePaul

February 9, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Cormier deserves some credit I think. The guy did well in the minors. He had a good ERA, and what appears to be good command (2.5 K/BB — better than Villarreal). He had an average run support of 3.1 runs a start compared to 3.67 runs allowed. That was the worst on the team last season (for guys who started more than one game). I think he’ll be a solid guy.
Davies had an even better minor league record and has less MLB experience. There is a reason why this guy is held in high regard by the top brass for the team. He has the makings of a fine starter at the top level. He just needs to focus on pitching instead of throwing. That was the one thing I noticed about him last season. He tended to just throw the ball and not pitch it. It isn’t about the speed as much as it is the location and the set up. I think he can learn it and will learn it and be a fine starter.

This Smoltz business is still bumming me out. He’s my all time favorite Brave. I understand things happen and so forth, but it still bums me out. The Smoltz family will be in my thoughts and prayers. After reading that MLB.com article by Bowman (was Bowman just trying to pile on my pain?). I hope Smoltz sticks with the Braves till the end. If it were me in charge, I’d work out some deal to keep him in a Braves uniform until he could barely stand.

GO BRAVES

By Lew

February 9, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Head Coach-He pitched 5 1/3 innings or more 12 times. I never said all of those appearances were starts.

By AdirondackDave

February 10, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Thanks for a fine Blog, DOB. Also appreciate your thoughts on Smoltz, focus, etc. That said, divorce at 40 after a long marriage with 4 children has to be a pretty shattering experience. It definitely tempers my optimism for John this year and as John goes, so goes the club. That’s the way I see it, sorry to say.

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

Lew , mixing and matching starts and relief appearances in order to fabricate that ridiculous ERA(2.82) is not funny. I’ll give it to you straight one more time. Cormier went 4-5 with an ERA of 4.89 appearing in 29 games. As a starter : 9 starts 48 innings 23 earned runs 2 wins and 4 losses and a 4.31 ERA. As a reliever: 20 relief appearances 17 earned runs 25.2 innings and am ERA of 6.11 ,OUCH ! 11 hits per nine innings , 4.76 walks per nine innings , 5.25 k’s per nine innings and last but not least a WHIP of 1.75 . Those are brutal numbers my friend. Basically , he stunk. You keep arguing , I’ll keep smiling , especially when Cormier is left off the 25 man roster when the season starts.

By David O'Brien

February 10, 2007 01:03 AM | Link to this

Adirondack, agreed on it being a brutally tough experience to go through, especially with all the kids involved. Hey, I know how terrible it was to go through with no kids and a six-year marriage.

But I just think Smoltz is the type that can compartmentalize things and not let it disrupt his pitching. I really do.

Brewdawg, I had Smoltz’s cell number and home number. No way I was going to call the home number, but I thought I’d try the cell just to see if John might be willing to talk at all. If he wasn’t I was going to say, “Hey, I completely understand, and sorry to bother you.”

But his cell’s been changed, and that’s what I meant when I wrote he couldn’t be reached. I didn’t try his home number, and wouldn’t have even considered doing that given the request for privacy.

By OddJob

February 10, 2007 01:39 AM | Link to this

Hudson,Hampton,James and now Smoltz all with big question marks.Well it should be interesting!

By Billy Austin

February 10, 2007 01:47 AM | Link to this

Last year we had John Thompson out almost all year, Hampton was and Kyle Davies gone most of it. Ramirez missed more than half. I think we got the best pitcher in that group back in Hampton. Even if Hampton doesn’t come around fully until the second half I like our staff much better than last year’s. We will have Chuck James for a full season ( and I still think he had a great deal to do with Schuerholz not really going after Glavine) I think that it was the politically correct thing to do to appear like the Braves were going to make a play for Glavine so it wouldn’t seem like they didn’t care about him finishing his career in Atlanta. But I think JS thought he had a very good chance of getting a similar if not better season out of James for a small fraction of the money with relatively a balanced risk. (James youth and inexperience vs. Glavines age and decline) Both pitchers carry some risk but James has a much bigger future upside. I’m only speculating of course but I think the way Glavine left for New York the first time over a relatively small difference in salary with no return call to the Braves to give them a chance to counter the Mets offer showed he cared more about money than the Braves. With that being established I think JS cared more about the Braves future than letting Glavine come back and finish his career in Atlanta just because it was easier on Glavines family witht he travel schedule. My hat is off to JS for putting the team first and not giving in to Glavine. I don’t think he ever planned on making him an offer and Glavine probably sensed that and just signed with the Mets before they got serious about Barry Zito. I think Hudson will be better probably a really good #4 pitcher and Smoltz, James and Hampton with be a good 1,2 3. Davies or Villareal will be fine at #5. I think we will be in a lot more games into the 7th and because of the vastly improved bullpen we will win many more of those than we lose. It’s going to be a fun year for the Braves…

By 7 Feet of Snow

February 10, 2007 02:05 AM | Link to this

This rotation is more solid than a decent (98, 03) one in years past. Neagle? Reynolds? We got James in the 4th, but will be #2 soon, who are we kidding?

By mike

February 10, 2007 02:12 AM | Link to this

DOB- What happened to your “scattered thoughts” on Chipper and Andruw?

By DAP

February 10, 2007 02:32 AM | Link to this

im really sad to hear about the smoltzes. i like up to smoltz more than any other guy on the team. hes definetly my favorite. if he ever leaves atlanta to play for another team, i will cry, i promise. schuerholz, if youre reading this, do NOT let him get away, no matter what he says to the media! it would be pathetic for him to end his career anywhere else! extend him now!!!! please!!! and DOB, tell john we couldnt stand to see him go.

as for the starters this year…if you think about it, every player on every team is an if every year. thats how baseball is. but if you are reasonable, i think you can expect this rotation to be good. chuck james won 11 games in half a season last year! hes a tuff cookie too, and nothing would make you think he will be like sosa. hes gonna help us big time. and smoltz will be smoltz. yeah hes old, but there are plenty of guys out there older or around the same age that are doing it. i think the other guys in the rotation are gonna do fine, and produce well for us, even davies, but even if they dont do great, i dont think they are going to perform so badly that they hurt us real bad. besides, with our bullpen the way it is, its like having a dependable ace on our staff. they will make a HUGE difference.

i think the bullpen will be used well to help hampton get comfortable again, and by mid season, he’ll be rockin’

By brent

February 10, 2007 03:10 AM | Link to this

I think it’s a shame that you have a guy like Smoltz, who has been such a promoter of his faith, and he can’t even stay married.

I have no idea what happened, and it is none of my business (other than what is in the paper).

I just think it’s sad that someone who promotes his Christianity, now must publically come out and state that he and his wife cannot keep their marriage vows, which were made before God.

By mike

February 10, 2007 03:56 AM | Link to this

im sure that being on the road all the time is the main cause for the divorce…i dont think smoltzie’s being a hippocrit for promoting christianity and then getting a divorce…his faith is important to him but even more important to him is his four kids, and thats what i bet the couple was thinking about…as far as the rotation goes, call me an optimist but i really don’t think theres any question marks…first off, everyone knows what we’re going to get out of smoltz, no one even questions his abilities/performance/desire…its also safe to assume that most people feel that chuck james is a superstar in the making…now as far as tim hudson goes, if regression towards the mean is any indication of performance then that would tell me that hudson is due for a big bounce back year this year…hampton will start off slow probably but is such an exceptional athlete that he’ll win 13 games…and davies couldn’t possibly be any worse than last year..by my calculations, the starting rotation is due for 74 wins…smoltz and hudson 18 a piece, hampton 13, james 15, and davies 10…its going to be a memorable year guys…

By ncscoots

February 10, 2007 07:06 AM | Link to this

I’ve been saying for weeks that the rotation could be anywhere from brilliant to brutal (usually as a counterpoint to KC’s optimism, LOL). In many years past, the probability that the rotation would be excellent was high, but I’d put that number lower this year. If the planets all align, sure, these guys could be devastating, and the Braves are certainly due some good karma after last year. But it might be a little much to expect that EVERYTHING will break the Braves’ way.

Certainly none of the pundits are going to pick the Braves to win the division based on the perceived strength of the rotation. They’ll point to Smoltz’s age, Hudson’s recent mediocrity, Hampton’s surgery, James’s and Davies’s youth…add in the loss of LaRoche, Chipper’s health, the right side of the infield, and the question mark in left, and it will be easy to file the Braves away in third place. I don’t agree with that assessment, but expect no pre-season love from the pickers this year. Might make for good bulletin board material in the clubhouse, though.

By Wayne in UT

February 10, 2007 07:09 AM | Link to this

I love all the negativism on issues like Cormier’s chances. Yes, he might NEVER pitch again in the majors, but again, what did Glavine do in his first couple of years? What does any pitcher do before he puts it all together.

I base my optimism on two things. One, I am a Braves fan, and am obligated to be somewhat optimistic. Two, he did show some flashes of potential in a few of his starts. So, you nay-sayers are right, what he has shown is next to nothing. So, obviously, that means he will NEVER show anything. Good logic. My ascertions are based on being a Braves and baseball fan (Fanatic at times).

By Wayne in UT

February 10, 2007 07:39 AM | Link to this

Looks like the Mets just locked up the World Series; they signed Chan Ho Park!!! Now their rotation is set for 5 years.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 08:35 AM | Link to this

Head Coach-This is another zero sum argument, just like most we have with Shaun. I’ll only respond once more to say that taking all appearances over 5 1/3 innings is not mixing and matching, no matter what you think. Whether or not Cormier and his performance pleases you or me is hardly relevant. I was just trying to make a point about Cormier when he goes a certain distance. Maybe he gets a little stronger when he pitches more. Who knows? I was hardly holding him up as a number one starter. Whatever. We’re talking 5th starter here and Davies is hardly any better. What will be will be. Trouble yourself no more on this score.

By Salty

February 10, 2007 08:49 AM | Link to this

Grinch Classic ‘Miracle Whip’ comments…thanks for starting the day with a good laugh! Disgusting stuff!

By BabeOnBaseball

February 10, 2007 08:54 AM | Link to this

I think the only two starters we can be confident about at this point are Smoltz and James. However, I like the idea of being “cautiously optimistic” because I’m an eternal optimist. I’m hoping Hampton will return to his former glory. I think that once surrounded with several other quality starters, Hudson will sink or swim so-to-speak. Either he’ll thrive on the competition and step it up a notch or he’ll crumble and we’ll have to depend on one of the younger guys.

I think if they’re on, Smoltz-Hudson-Hampton can be nearly as strong as the Smoltz-Glavine-Maddox rotation. I don’t think any trio will ever live up to that one in our collective minds, but I think the current trio has the potential to come close if they’re all bring their A game.

And I absolutely agree with whoever said that Villarreal was needed more as a long reliever than as a starter. I really liked what I saw out of him last year in that sort of role, so hopefully the starting rotation will be solid without him.

http://babeonbaseball.blogspot.com

By Tom

February 10, 2007 09:01 AM | Link to this

No reason for handwringing over a fifth starter in February. Fifth starters don’t win pennants. This team has a potential for a deep shutdown bullpen that can shorten games and cover up a ton of weaknesses in the back end of the rotation. This team has plenty of capable pitching to be in the thick of things deep into the season. The shame will be if the ownership won’t shoot the lock off its wallet and let JS make an impact move at the trade deadline. This team has to go for it this year with AJ and Smoltz’s pending FA. Agreed with Wayne on the Mets staff…..atrocious, Omar has put together a collection of castoffs to replace Pedro’s innings. Randolph is gonna have shin splints from marching back and forth to the mound.

Best wishes to the Smoltz family…..sad news.

By braveheart

February 10, 2007 09:03 AM | Link to this

bible beaters and jesus freaks usually scare me and are usually more untrustworthy than most people. there is absolutely nothing wrong with being deeply religious and having a deep faith in God because we all do ( at least, i hope many of us do). i am always turned off however by people who need to tell me how religious or christian they are. i am a christian but the more someone tells me about their christianity and the bible and jesus, the more skeptical i become about the person who keeps telling me about that stuff.

usually these types of pseudo religious people are merely hiding behind the bible. they use the bible as a shield to hide their many indiscretions and insecurities and inabilities and then use the bible also as a sword - as a weapon to attack you with because they say you are not religious because you do not walk around like them as a mindless sinning unrepetant moron who thinks he can quote a few words from scripture and fool everyone into believing he is a great man and a good christian. thus, when they attack you with the bible or tell how religious and righteous and holier than thou they are, what is really going on is that they are only usually trying to divert the attention away from how sinful they are in their personal lives.

now, smoltz, i believe is probably a very good man, a very good christian, a good father to his children, and more importantly, a great baseball player and a loyal brave ;) these things unfortunately happen all too often in life and marriages - even to good people who probably never ever envisioned themselves ever becoming the divorcing kind. it does not mean he is not a good man or a good father or a good christian or anything like that. no one knows what is going in that family and what went wrong or what is going wrong. hopefully, they will all work this out. maybe they already have tried very hard to work this out. maybe that is why smoltz has increasingly become more vocal about his christian beliefs - maybe he and his family were going through significant troubles and part of their attempts to save the family and marriage was to become much more devout in their religious beliefs. who knows? none of our business either - unless he loses focus because of it and stinks it up this year ;) divorce can emotionally destroy your sense of self worth and your work ethic and your work performance no matter how laser focused you have always been - anyone remember how distraught Matt Williams and Mark McGwire became at their divorces and how damaging that was to their careers for a 1 or 2 year stretch for each player?

unfortunately, sometimes, love and christianity and children and money are not enough to save a marriage. too bad and too sad. wishing the best for smoltz and his family. i can imagine the last thing he and his family needs and wants is for me and others like me to be blogging it up about his personal life. i’m sorry about that.

By N8

February 10, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Head Coach

you said the following reguarding Cormier:

*”His ERA as a starter was 4.31 , again barely respectable.”

About 3 months ago, me and you went ROUND AND ROUND about Tim Hudson.

Tim Hudson’s 2006 ERA in 35 STARTS was 4.86.

What category does that fall in to?

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 10, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

that’s really a shame about john and dyan. hey, at least you didn’t post the lyrics to “jack and diane.” i hope for the best for both of them and their kids.

just wondering — at the start of your blog you mentioned “a few scattered thoughts on chipper, andruw, hudson…” you included all that about hudson, but i didn’t see anything on chipper and/or andruw. anything you forgot to include?

By Kristy

February 10, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Yea Yea Yea. Are these and is this the same person who was afraid Smoltz would fall apart at the mound if he became a starter again?

Quit with all the negative posts. Its getting old.

Smotlz, Hampton, Hudson, James and Davies are as solid as other teams. Give them a break.

By MBATL

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

I think Cormier and Paronto are out of options, meaning that they either make the opening day roster or we likely lose them.

I wonder if Bobby might go with Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James and Cormier as starters, with a bullpen of Wickman, Soriano, Gonzalez, Villarreal, Paronto, Boyer (or Yates) and McBride. (of course, a lot depends on what happens in spring training).

I’m not so impressed with Cormier (as stated above), but who knows? I could certainly pull for him.

That would allow Davies to pitch every 5th day at Richmond, rather than sporadically as a 5th starter - and he could probably use the regular work; he’s been rushed through the system as it is. And, you could always call him up if one of the starters goes down.

Seems like we’ve got to put those 2 guys on the roster or trade them. Florida or Tampa Bay (or someone else in need of pitching) would be all over them if we tried to pass them through waivers.

By Spider29

February 10, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

I never thought I’d be shocked about someone getting a divorce but the news about the Smoltzes did shock me. I’ve met them both and they seem like really nice people. I wish them both the best in the future. The baseball season is just around the corner and I think all fans are ready for it to begin. The Braves will have a much better year. It doesn’t bother me that some “experts” have forgotten us already. I think the Braves will prove the naysayers wrong. Go Braves!

By eric the elder

February 10, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Interesting commentary, braveheart, but I really don’t think marriage and religion are all that related. Clueless young men become infatuated and they marry without giving it much thought. Women start planning their weddings from the time they are little girls. A woman doesn’t marry a man, she marries a concept. She goes into a marriage with a laser-like idea of who and what she wants her husband to be.

Typically at weddings, we sprinkle a little holy water on the union, but in reality, marriage is nothing more than a legally binding contract. When two married people find that they are no longer meeting each other’s needs, the “marriage” is over both in concept and in fact. The termination is not handled by God, it is litigated in a court of law.

Even the wedding vows make no sense. “Do you promise to love, honor, and obey …? Isn’t that future tense? Don’t you love the person already? And are you really going to “obey” that person? It’s all fantasy stuff that has no role in reality. As one who has been married for 31 years, I can say that we are very fortunate when the evolution of ourselves and the evolution of our marriages can be synchronized.

By NO CHOP ZONE

February 10, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

How Many games behind the Mets are the Braves going to finish in 2007?? I guess with an improved bullpen it should be less that the 18 in 2006.

By Steve-O

February 10, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Mets Rotation

Glavine, El Duque, Oliver Perez, John Maine, Chan Ho Park

Bullpen lost Chad Bradford (Your 2nd best reliever) and lost Guillemrememeoro Moto for 50 games because he was CHEATING for the Muts when he went on that great 20 inning tear for your team. So CHEATING assisted your beloved Muts in LOSING the NLCS this year. Alot to be optimistic about this year and alot to be proud of from last!!!!

The Chop proceeds………

By Giordano

February 10, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

braveheart, start to finish that was the most ignorant, moronic, and flat out obnoxious post I have ever seen on any of these blogs. congratulations. now please go away.

By NO CHOP ZONE

February 10, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

In 2006 the Mets rotation didn’t scare anybody either. But that rotation buried the braves. So you can go on and on about their rotation this year……..SO WHAT?

By Kentavo

February 10, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

I have been hoping the Braves would go out and get an innings eating type veteran such as Trachsel, just to give the rotation some more depth. I see that the Mutts signed Chan Ho Park. In years past we’ve had the reclamation projects - Burkett, Reynolds, Wright - perform well for us.

By Steve-O

February 10, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Probably, the worst comeback I have ever heard. Oh yeah, Kentavo reminded me, you lost your 2nd best starter too in Trachsel. This season can’t come quick enough.

By Jeff R

February 10, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Hey, teams can lose games in the first six innings as well as the back three. I think the quality of the Braves’ rotation hinges on health, not talent. Does Smoltz have enough gas in September? Does Hudson have a season free from nagging lateral muscle troubles? When does Hampton hit full stride, or does he do so at all? A sophmore jinx for James?

If the answers are all positive, the Braves will compete with the Mets and Phillies. If not…

By NO CHOP ZONE

February 10, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Will the braves get to .500 in 2007? that’s what you should be concerned with and not the Mets rotation. Their lineup will score enough runs to make any pitcher look good. Look at Trachsels numbers for proof.

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

N8 , Hudsons career ERA is 3.53 , Cormier has a career ERA of 5.72 . 2006 is history , if you expect Hudson to have an ERA of 4.86 again , you might want to take up table tennis as your sport of primary interest. Again , let me repeat myself. Hudson is a multimillion dollar starter , Cormier is cannon fodder and he will either be in Richmond or elsewhere. Lew , you just can’t admit when your wrong can you ?

By Robert Cady

February 10, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

I’m thrilled over the bullpen, but the starting pitchers are still jury-out. There’s not a proven…or should I say Braves proven..pitcher in the lot..except for BIG JOHN. Everyone is either coming off a first season or a veteran who didn’t do so well, or recovering from serious surgical reconstruction…excepting Schmoltz, who would have won at least 6 more if this new bullpen had been in place.

But now John has announced a divorce. I predict that John will have a lesser year than last simply because of the impact of GTAD (Going through a divorce). It seems a simple thing, especialy when the word is ‘mutual’. Why.. we sit down, discuss things as adults, reach a agreeable conclusion…Right! It’s not quite as easy as making a list. Lawyers are involved, and, at some point, her lawyer says, “I know you both agree, but we want to make sure the settlement is fair to you and you are not getting taken advantage of. After all there’s a lot of money at stake here and (then the words that start the anger, frustration, mis-communication) “We want to be sure your children are taken care of, don’t we? You hired me to watch your interests. That’s my job.” His lawyer, says,”I know her lawyer and we have to fight tooth and nail to make sure you don’t get (macho sportsman’s word description for being taken advantage of)!” Then there’s the separation, the kids not there on schedule, and the grieving. 16 years will take a lot of grieving despite the reasons for splitting. Sports lovers pretend macho , but all the sports lovers who have gone through a split will privately say its a serious rough patch in one’s life. Take’s a while. How about two years? It will not be easy and the pain and anguish will affect John..even if it is mutual and the lawyers are wimps and don’t butt in… and he’s the only winner we have..for sure. We’ll see if I’m right. I want John to do well and the Braves back on course but I’m afraid that pitching will still be a major issue in 2007. The head office needs a back up plan they can put into effect early in May. Let’s hope they don’t have to use it. rpc

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Chuck James is 11-4 with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP as a big leaguer ,His minor league numbers are : 26-13 with an ERA of 2.09 and that infintisimal 0.95 WHIP. The kid has done nothing but WIN and WIN and WIN in five seasons of professional baseball. Sophomore slump ? only in the dreams of Mets fans everywhere.

By David O'Brien

February 10, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Daybed and Mike: Sorry, the scattered thoughts on Andruw and Chipper got scattered before making it to the laptop. I’ll gather them again and file them in the next blog, since they want another Monday anyway….

NOW TO BRAVEHEART. Just a few thoughts on your soliliquy on Smoltz:

You wrote: “now, smoltz, i believe is probably a very good man, a very good christian, a good father to his children, and more importantly, a great baseball player and a loyal brave ;)”

Braveheart, is that really your priority list? Really?

You wrote: “maybe that is why smoltz has increasingly become more vocal about his christian beliefs - maybe he and his family were going through significant troubles and part of their attempts to save the family and marriage was to become much more devout in their religious beliefs. who knows? none of our business either - unless he loses focus because of it and stinks it up this year ;) “

I think before writing this, before making groundless, irresponsible speculation about a person’s private life, about his beliefs or motivations, you should have followed your own advice from the last sentence: *none of our business either *

By Don't drink and type

February 10, 2007 01:01 PM | Link to this

What do you drink before you blog Dave, spilling your sad songs and ex-wife onto the sports(?) pages?

By Ron Roberts

February 10, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

For the Cormier nay-sayers…

His worst two starts came in the June swoon every Braves player was apparently affected by.

After that, he went 2-2 with a 3.75 ERA in seven starts. Uh, I’ll take that in my fifth starter, thank you very much!

Besides, with Kyle Davies comng back from a prolonged injury, don’t we have enough to worry about with Hampton doing the same?

By Yars

February 10, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to think that the 5th starting rotation spot is going to be problematic for Atlanta. If Davies can’t get it going in spring training, he likely will pitch in Richmond for this season. I know some say that the #5 starter isn’t really important, but this season it will be. The NL East is stocked with good teams. Both the Mets & Phils are to be taken seriously. Even the Marlins may surprise some. I expect the Fish to actually be better this season than last. I’m more afraid of the Phils than the Mets. New Yorks starting rotation takes a back seat to Atlanta’s. The Braves have the edge. Their offense will be the NL’s best only if Chipper stays healthy, Francoeur shows more patience at the plate, Thorman puts up average numbers. Nobody expects Thorman to have a ‘LaRoche ‘06’ type season. If Thorman hits .283/20/75 with above average defense, I’ll be happy. As for LF, I predict if Matt Diaz tears it up in spring training games, he will be the opening day LF.

By David

February 10, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this

I keep seeing all of these comments that the Braves will have our best bullpen since 1990. I find these remarks surprising since we aren’t that far removed from the 02 season. We had three guys with ERAs under 2 that year. I don’t expect us to be topping that.

By Gil

February 10, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

Sports blogs are a bad place to mix in religion or politics as additional topics. Too much temperment overload for one venue. With that said, it is with a heavy heart to learn of John and Dyan Smoltz’s pending divorce. There will be no winners when it is done.

DOB… Nice piece today on the ten things that must occure for the Braves to be successful this year. One thing I hope the Braves will improve upon will be baserunning. It is not like they do not have some speed.

Langerhans and Jonhson and Francour all have decent speed but they do not seem to have good base stealing smarts. Aybar just needs to learn to tag each base as he goes by…..

By Lew

February 10, 2007 02:47 PM | Link to this

Head Coach-I really don’t give a flying whatever if you think I’m wrong or not. You and I just never have gotten along. If you’d rather have Davies as #5 than Cormier, fine and well. However, you might just want to realize that last year, Davies was 3-7 with an 8.38 ERA and Cormier was 4-5 with a 4.89 ERA. Davies is 10-13 for his career with a 6.38 ERA and Cormier is 12-12 with a 5.72. Which do you feel is better, especially given that Davies has options and Cormier doesn’t? You can also factor into the equation that Cormier has improved his ERA each year he has been in the bigs. Like I said, my point was to show that when he goes 51/3 innings or more, he is appreciably better than when he goes less. He is not a good reliever, but seemingly does better when he goes deeper. Who knows, maybe Villarreal should start and Cormier do long relief. This is not how BC intends to do it, though. You can keep telling me how wrong you think I am, but the point I’ve been trying to make is valid and legitimate, despite your own feelings on the matter. Get over yourself-you’re hardly any more expert than anyone else here, despite what you may think.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this

Stinky-You Whiny Little Jerk. Cool it before you get wound up and have another serious meltdown. Why do any of us consider it even necessary to discuss Smoltz’s marriage difficulties? Didn’t he ask for privacy? It’s none of our damn business. If he has a serious drop off in production, then we’ll know why. Otherwise, it doesn’t concern us.

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 02:57 PM | Link to this

Nice article today , O’Brien. On another note , I was reading an article from the USA Today website about Juan Gonzalez that just about knocked me out of my chair from laughing so hard. Gonzalez was offered a 140 million contract from Detroit in 2000. He turned it down and made 46.1 million from 2000 to 2005. He says he doesn’t regret losing out on another 93.9 million ? O my freaking God , somebody tie this guy up in a straight jacket and medicate him. 93.9 million and he doesn’t regret losing it , I believe that and Elvis is going to pitch for the Braves this season.

By MGL

February 10, 2007 03:02 PM | Link to this

Lew, right on on both points!!

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

Lew my friend put a cork in your temper. You made up that 2.82 ERA number for Cormier and got caught. Your busted , get over it. I’m not that much more confident in Davies but Cox and company are. I’ll take their expertise over mine any day of the week and twice on sunday.

By MBATL

February 10, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

Lew, I would just argue that Davies is younger than one of the Met’s “super” prospects - Humber - and only 4 months older than the other - Pelfrey. And his minor league numbers are pretty much equal to either. Those guys both pitched a few years of college ball; but if they’d been thrown into the majors as starters at age 21, would they have performed any better?

I wouldn’t mind seeing Davies in Richmond if he struggles in spring and someone else steps up, but regardless I think he’s got great potential.

If Cormier can prove capable, I have no problem using him - it just depends on performance in the spring. But Davies was hurt last year; I wouldn’t assume too much about him based on 2006.

btw, I would guess that most pitchers have better numbers in their longer performances… you don’t usually last 5 2/3 if you’re getting hammered.

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

I forgot to thank Lew for backing me up on Davies. My only two comments in this blog concerning Davies were : that he is questionable and I’m not that confident in him yet. Lew just enforced that , thanks dude.

By Dr. Jay

February 10, 2007 03:26 PM | Link to this

While you hate to hear of divorce when kids are involved, I find it mildly ironic that Mr. Christian now becomes a “free agent”. I don’t blame you, Mrs. S…I’d have dumped the guy the millisecond he started moonlighting as a preacher.

By David O'Brien

February 10, 2007 03:27 PM | Link to this

To the person with the screen name “Don’t drink and blog”:

I think you’re confused. This isn’t the “sports pages,” it’s a blog.The sports pages are in the section labeled Sports in your paper.

And the sports section of ajc.com contains many things including news stories, game stories, game sidebar stories, columns by sports columnists, etc.

What you’re reading now is none of those things. Are you with me so far? What you’re reading now is a blog, short for web log.

Since you’re hazy on the differences, I’ll give you a few definitions for blog that I found online:

“Blog is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter) that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the Web site.” _ www.bytowninternet.com/glossary

“A public web site where users post informal journals of their thoughts, comments, and philosophies, updated frequently and normally reflecting the views of the blog’s creator.” _ www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/elearning-glossary.htm

“Web LOG is a journal kept on the internet. This journal is often updated daily and contains all information that the person maintaining the BLOG (Blogger) wishes to share with the world. Also applies to websites dedicated to a particular topic and being updated with the latest news, views and trends.” _ www.optymise.co.nz/resources/glossary.asp

Perhaps that will help you get a better understanding of what we’re doing here. Or maybe not. If it suits you, keep reading. If not, well, sorry, bud. I’d suggest you not read it. Like turning the channel instead of whining and complaining about a TV show.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 03:28 PM | Link to this

Head Coach-I’m not pi$$ed-I really don’t care enough about you to let it affect me that much. However, I was wrong about the 12 appearances-it was 6. I was correct about the ERA, though. On June 2, Cormier went 52/3 innings and gave up 3 runs against the Rays in St.Pete. On Aug.20 he went 6 against the Marlins in Ft.Lauderdale and gave up 3 runs. On Sept.3 he went 7 in Philly and gave up 1 (against Howard and the wrecking crew in THEIR stadium). On Sept.10 he went 7 against the Cubs at Turner and gave up 1. On Sept.20 he went 61/3 in DC and gave up 2. On Sept.30 he went 51/3 against the Astros and gave up 2. Thats 6 appearances where he went 51/3 or more, totaling 371/3 IP and giving up 12 ER, for an ERA of 2.82. You do the math. Also, from August 20, during the stretch where the Braves were fighting for a playoff spot (futilely, it turns out), Cormier pitched 5 games over 51/3 IP, with an ERA of 2.57. In September-crunch time-he went that much 4 times, 25 2/3 IP and gave up 6 runs, for an ERA around 2.00. He kept getting better. I’m certainly not making this up. I score EVERY Braves game. I have the records. So, again, believe what you wish. Put whatever spin on it you wish to. But these are facts, Dude. I didn’t make them up-they happened. Live with it.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 03:33 PM | Link to this

MBATL-I’m certainly not giving up on Davies. I just see Cormier as having a utilizable upside-maybe moreso than some others see in him. Davies was brought back way too fast after his injury. I even remember Jeff Schultz writng an article for the AJC saying Davies was our LAST chance to win a playoff spot. Pressure? Davies has options-Cormier does not. We’ve already given up Giles with no return. I don’t want to see this happen with Cormier, who I think can be a decent #5 starter-not a 1 or 2, but a decent #5. I fail to see why I have received the grief I have for this point of view.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 10, 2007 03:36 PM | Link to this

lew is right. spotted him didn’t you? now, baseball … here are a few scattered thoughts on andruw and chipper until dob gets around to it. cheeseburgers, pies, ice cream, baseball. toes, back, oblique. rotator cuff, homeruns, rbi’s, gold glove and mizuno glove. new shoes, black bat, blonde bat, carolina club. huntin’.

By MBATL

February 10, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

Lew, can’t argue with any of that. (Davies was also apparently pitching with pain even before he went on the DL… remember, Cox was p__ssed that he didn’t tell anybody about the sore groin).

Took a look at Cormier’s September stats… he was consistently very good in September (except for one bad day against Florida). Take away that 2 IP, 4 ER game, and he was excellent.

Live and learn. No grief intended on my part, just talking baseball.

Hey, I HOPE he’s good… however it plays out, that would be a good thing.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 03:47 PM | Link to this

Elvis won’t pitch for the Braves this year, but he just might show up at Spring Traininone way or another. I have it on the authority of Willard Wurlitzer. He’s always right.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

MBATL-I truly believe that if Cormier is given a shot and if Langerhans is allowed to play full time, we will have a better team and they will impress us with what will be perceived as major improvement. Who knows for sure? Certainly not me. But I would like to see them both get the chance. I was wrong last year about Langerhans, but I think he had physical issues. We shall see. That’s why they actually play the games.

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 03:56 PM | Link to this

Lew, wrong again. Cormier made 9 starts. 9 starts and 20 relief appearances. your trying to single out six games and ignore the other 23 he appeared in ? Your being asinine. I’ll do it your way. 6 games 12 runs 37 1/3 innings 2.82 ERA and include the rest that YOU CONVENIENTLY LEFT OUT , 23 games 36 1/3 innings 28 runs and a heart stopping 6.98 ERA. There you go , do the math. Read it and weep. Have a nice day LEW !

By braveheart

February 10, 2007 04:06 PM | Link to this

well said eric the elder

By Stating the Obvious

February 10, 2007 04:06 PM | Link to this

Neither Lew nor Head Coach likes to consider the other fellow’s point of view.

It’a a little thing called ego.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 04:07 PM | Link to this

Head Coach-Whatever. How’s that for restraint. You have a nice day, too.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this

Head Coach-Just remember, it’s better to be asinine than to be a complete and utter a$$ like you.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

Oh Yeah-So much for the restraint.

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 04:20 PM | Link to this

Lew , I’m just the messenger. Just pointing out the numbers , they don’t lie. So , remember this. When Davies makes the rotation and Cormier is either in Richmond or elsewhere , I promise you this one thing. I will spend all season reminding you of just how wrong you were for thinking that Cormier would be a part of this team. Or was it that you were not propping Cormier up and just could not admit that you are wrong ? Which is it LEW ?

By The Pope

February 10, 2007 04:30 PM | Link to this

O’Brien—why did the averred divorce of John Smoltz have to be reported in the sports section of ajc.com? What does it have to do with sports, baseball, or your retarded “weblog”? This is a personal matter having nothing whatsoever to do with anyone in this blog, including you. AJC overstepped their bounds on this one, and O’Brien, you are a spoiled instigator of the worst order sir! You have the class of a slug! So hurry and delete this post before anyone has time to read it and make their own judgements concerning it’s content!……

By CatFight

February 10, 2007 04:36 PM | Link to this

Another cat fight in “weblogland”!

By David O'Brien

February 10, 2007 04:56 PM | Link to this

The Pope: Smoltz’s longtime agent sent out a press release last night at 8 p.m. about the divorce. We did not ask about it, we got a press release.

Were we supposed to get the press release and keep it to ourselves? Do you understand what a press release is? It’s an announcement of news or information for the press to use. It’s not a secret sent out via the internet to hundreds of news agencies in hopes that it will never appear.

But thanks for the clueless suggestion. And why would I delete your post? It’s priceless entertainment.

By Shaun

February 10, 2007 04:57 PM | Link to this

By Robert(Justice Is The Best),

I think to talk about intangibles is to assume and speculate. I’m sure things like confidence and desire—things you can’t measure—play a role in players abilities but the abilites themselves are largely measurable. In other words intangibles are part of the whole package of a player. I would argue talent is a bigger part of the package although intangibles are important. But stats reveal the whole package.

An example is Sammy Sosa. Sosa began working with hitting coach Jeff Pentland in Spring Training of 1998 and had his best season ever. It would be difficult if not impossible to measure Pentland’s impact, but obviously he made some difference in Sosa’s approach as Sosa greatly improved his out-avoiding and power (things that are measurable) from 1997 to 1998.

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-8-2003-43984.asp

And, yes there are some instincts that are difficult to measure that will impact a game. Derek Jeter coming across the diamond to relay the ball to Posada and get Giambi at the plate is a prime example. But how often do those things really matter? That was a great play and I don’t want to take anything from Jeter for making that play, but you could argue that the A’s had plenty of opportunities to win that series. One play, as great as it might be, doesn’t a series make.

You could argue that Jeter’s play gave the Yankees confidence, but what about all the times in history where good teams make great plays and don’t seem to win? What about the Braves dominating in the first two games of 1996. What about the Fisk homer?

The Jeter play was a turning point but the Yankees had a lot of ability that helped them out in a lot more plays.

By David O'Brien

February 10, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

Oh, and “Pope,” aka “CatFight,” why do you use so many screen names? And why not ever add anything of substance to the discussion, instead of just whining and taking potshots at people, trying to stir up fights?

Always from your address, always the same. You get deleted because you don’t debate anyone or add to the discussion or say anything remotely interesting or funny, you just spew your bitter little tirades and take unprovoked shots at everyone. Sorry, not amused.

By Steve-O

February 10, 2007 05:03 PM | Link to this

Whoever is acting like a 3 year old on here, leave. DOB you don’t need to defend yourself, providing responses is what that person wanted. EVERYBODY end all talks about Smoltz’s divorce It’s pointless to talk about. I rather get caught up in the rambling that Lance Cormier is an answer for anything.

By Shaun

February 10, 2007 05:12 PM | Link to this

Head Coach and Lew,

I’m coming in at the tail end of this but here are my two cents:

Seems like you both are bringing up major league numbers for Cormier and Davies without looking at their pro careers as a whole. Which would be fine, except both pitchers are well under 200 innings in their major league careers. And both are young. It’s hard to judge them based on that few innings.

Davies has a much better K rate (which is a good indicator he could become a better major league pitcher; he’s better at keeping the ball away from bats) and a better HR rate in the minors. Cormier has an edge in BB rate but it’s not all that big an edge.

Young pitching is tricky mostly because of the possibility of injury, but if I had to put my money on just one of these guys, it would be Davies.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 05:14 PM | Link to this

Stinky-Everyone knows it’s just you, You Whiny Little Jerk. Careful now, we don’t need a repeat of the Christmas meltdown. Head Coach-Remind me of whatever you want to for as long as you care to. I promise hereafter to ignore you. It really shouldn’t be too hard, we rarely agree on anything anyway. Your objections to any position I take has much less to do with what I say as to what you think of me. I believe by this time we don’t think much of each other. So be it. I can live with it. Can You?

By Lew

February 10, 2007 05:15 PM | Link to this

One last thing Head Coach. I realize I’m an a*******hole and revel in it. Your problem is you don’t think you are. If only you realized how wrong you were, you just might be alright.

By David O'Brien

February 10, 2007 05:18 PM | Link to this

On this day in baseball:

2006 _ The Nationals’ just-acquired Alfonso Soriano, after hitting .268 with 36 homers and 104 RBIs for Texas in 2005, sets a record for the highest salary ever awarded by the process, beating Andruw Jones’ previous mark. The All-Star second baseman, who will be be asked to play the outfield in Washington, received a $10 million salary (he asked for $12 million), surpassing the $8.2 million awarded to Jones in his successful 2001 arbitration hearing.

By Steve-O

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

Yeh, wait till Andruw starts getting 18 mill per after this year…..

By N8

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

Head Coach

“N8 , Hudsons career ERA is 3.53 , Cormier has a career ERA of 5.72 . 2006 is history , if you expect Hudson to have an ERA of 4.86 again , you might want to take up table tennis as your sport of primary interest.”

OK, where to start?

“2006 is History” Really?

1) I would say 2006 is the most RECENT HISTORY to make any logicial assumptions of what a player may do.

“Hudsons career ERA is 3.53 , Cormier has a career ERA of 5.72”

Like Lew said, Cormier’s has been going DOWN as his career has moved along. Hudson’s has been going UP. You can’t possibly argue with THAT, can you?

“you might want to take up table tennis as your sport of primary interest.”

Actually I rather enjoy table tennis. Have one in my basement. Love playing with the kids. But I suppose if you wer to get into it, you’d be arguing that Werner Schlager is a better player than Wang Liqin, wouldn’t you?

Never mind.

By braveheart

February 10, 2007 05:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, of course, that was not my priority list. just being stupid and silly - hence, the wink wink smiley face after that. the reality is as a fan though that all i should care about is his performance on the field. all of the other stuff really does not matter for me as a fan. i certainly do not wish stuff like this on anyone though in their personal lives. if anyone thought i was being judgmental of smoltz, i am sorry. i was actually not being judgmental at all of him (despite how it may have been read) - it was actually just my poorly written response to what i perceived as people judging smoltzie. that really irritated me. as for your other rightful scolding of me DOB, you are right. I should not have speculated without any basis. i think brent at 3:10 a.m. just set me off on an incoherent ramble. i think another blogger tried to imply that smoltz had not tried hard enough to work things out with his wife - which just irritated me even further. thus the irrational, incoherent rambling and speculation on my part. i just did a rather poor job of defending him. (perhaps, even worse than T.O.’s P.R. girlie did in defending T.O. a few months back).

DOB mentioned that he thought Smoltz could compartmentalize the issue and maintain focus. you may be right about that one DOB because my thing with Smoltz is that I have seen Smoltz talk alot - far more accessible and brutally honest about things than 95% of the ballplayers out there. Smoltzie is a guy who i have always perceived as a cool dude and a good man who also happens to be devout but does not impose that on anyone or judge anyone for what their beliefs are or are not. i have never seen him come off to me as a bible thumping holier than thou jesus freak. he has never come off as a hedonistic immoral lowlife either. he just seems like a regular dude like you and me and the rest of us - when it is time for work, he works, when it is time for baseball, he balls harder than anyone, when it is time for family, he is a family man, when it is time for religion, he practices his faith and uses his unique opportunity due to his status to promote his faith without trying to impose it upon others - tough balance to strike - too many people are unsuccessful with it. SO, when he does speak up about christianity and such, he never offends me - unlike many other athletes like reggie white, charlie ward, chad curtis, et al. who have worn out many a fan and teammate and clubhouse with their imposition of their judgmental religious beliefs.

someone up above said that religion and politics should not be discussed on a sports blog. they are right. but really religion, race, and politics really are not conducive to being talked about on any blog at all. those 3 issues are incredibly complex and personal and really deserve to be written about or discussed at length for a true discussion to be held - (too many harmful miscommunications otherwise due to the limited space allotted for responding on a blog). so, i will TRY to refrain from any further religious or political or race drivel. i will stop being longwinded and stop not making sense now and go back to having a good weekend. peace out DOB, keep doing the great job you do - best writer/blogger around and you still somehow manage to police your wayward bloggers - admirable stuff.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 05:31 PM | Link to this

Steve-O-No one thinks Cormier is an “answer” to anything. My point all along has been that I would prefer to see him get the shot as #5 starter—#5 NOT 1, 2, or 3. He is also young and Davies has options left, which Cormier does not. Wouldn’t Davies be better served to spend time in the minors again, getting stronger from his injury (which was way more serious than most realize) and working on perfecting his game, then waving goodbye to Cormier, who must have SOME upside or BC wouldn’t be considering him for the #5 spot? I’ve never said Cormier is a great pitcher. I am well aware of his record and his seeming inadequacies. I personally, would rather see Oscar Villarreal take the fifth slot, send Davies to Richmond and let Cormier do long relief. Hopefully we will not have the need for a long relief pitcher all that much this season, anyway. The point I tried to make all along was that Cormier’s numbers were way better when he pitched for more than 5 1/3 innings. Maybe that’s playing too much like Shaun with the numbers, but if you are going to ask a guy to go that long in games, maybe it’s relevant to see how he did in similar situations. Then again, maybe not. What do I know? Not much according to some.

By Pope

February 10, 2007 05:32 PM | Link to this

Woogey Boogey!…

By Matthew

February 10, 2007 05:33 PM | Link to this

Considering everything that John Smoltz has done for the Atlanta Braves and the city as a whole, and given that he has always done more than what was asked of him since he got here, my personal opinion is that he and Dyan deserve their privacy. And before ANYONE gets on here suggesting that Smoltz’s Christian faith causes this decision to make him look worse than anyone else, let me remind you that Christians are nowhere near perfect, and we will not be until Christ Himself returns to perfect us. Until then, we have no right whatever to interject our condemnation on someone we have never met. And let me say this also, to every blogger here. If I or any other Christian have EVER insulted you, by accident or on purpose, then I am deeply sorry. In our effort to help, sometimes our zeal cause more harm than good. St Francis reminds Christians to preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, to use words. I hope you all can see that.

I am a Jesus freak, and I will not apologize for it, but neither will I grab a big leather Bible and pound you over the head with it. Everyone has to make up their mind on their own.

Now, as to the 5th spot in the rotation (great transition, huh?). If Davies is out of options and Cormier is not, then it seems like our hands are tied. Give Davies a little more seasoning, and a spot will inevitably open up. Perhaps Cormier can be traded, or moved to the bullpen if necessary if Davies outperforms him. I’d hate to lose any player simply because they were out of options, but then again, JS and Bobby Cox are aware of where everybody is.

Carolina Lady, come back please!

By David O'Brien

February 10, 2007 05:37 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I didn’t know that was a smiley face. Wish I had, but to me, on my computer, it just looked like a semi-colon and end parenthesis. Just thought it was a typo or something.

Anyway, no worries. Thanks for the epic reply.

By Matthew

February 10, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, please don’t delete my last post. After reading braveheart’s 5:29, I realize that I too may have come across the wrong way. Since Jesus is such an important part of my life, I don’t want to leave Him out of any discussion. But as Ecclesiastes (or the Byrds, if you like) warns us, to everything there is a season, and a sports blog probably isn’t the right forum. If anyone wants to discuss this further, you are welcome to e-mal me at mattunion99@yahoo.com.

Oh, and one question for all the bloggers. I have DISH Network. Will I be able to get the MLB package there, or am I confined to DirectTV or the internet. Thanks for any help!

By braveheart

February 10, 2007 05:41 PM | Link to this

well said matthew. and BTW, that was indeed a great transition:)

By brent

February 10, 2007 05:44 PM | Link to this

FWIW,

From a purely sports perspective, I think that John Smoltz has that “Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant/Tiger Woods” ability to focus in on the task at hand and push out the negatives.

It’s what makes him such a great competitor.

Because of the Braves’ post-season difficulties over the last decade, we’ve had a tendency, I think, at times, to lose sight of just how amazing a competitor Smoltz is.

He has a different gear reserved for the select few. Just think about his performances in Game 2 of the ‘04 NLDS, and Game 2 of the ‘05 NLDS.

It’s not uncommon for Smoltz to be our lone bright spot in a disappointing play-off series.

By Mackey Sasser

February 10, 2007 05:48 PM | Link to this

If you were not yet concerned about Liberty as a potential owner, it’s time to get concerned. A really terrific management blog called management by baseball has this review of owner to be John Malone…

if Time-Warner’s sales of the Braves to Liberty Media finally closes, the excellence engine that is the last fifteen years of the Atlanta franchise will be tested against one of the most arrogant owners in North America: John Malone (background), the closest comparable I can come up with being Vladimir Putin. What is it about Malone that makes him so exceptionally destructive of excellence?

First, there’s the personal. He’s a squawky, demanding martinet…kind of Buck Showalter, but armed with a sense of his own perfection combined with access to enough money to buy Uzbekistan or Mississippi twice over. It’s hard to pursue excellence when you have no/little functioning self-discernment or empathy.

there’s more on the site. I really hope Liberty will flip the team when the sale closes. DOB, I think I recall you don’t cover that specifically. Have you heard anything though?

By Lew

February 10, 2007 05:57 PM | Link to this

Matthew-It is my understanding that Direct TV got exclusive rights for the MLB Extra Innings Package by bidding $700 million for it. Apparently cable’s deal was for $70 million. I can see why baseball wants to make the additional money, but there are at least 100 times more people with cable than Direct TV. These people, myself included (I’ve had the package for 5 years), just got the wrong end of the stick. I think MLB is being extremely shortsighted in their view of the situation. Yes, they’ll get their money, but it may well alienate so many fans that MLB will lose in the end. The powers that be better just hope that no one decides to come up with a concerted effort to show them the error of their ways. I, for one, am not switching to Direct TV. I guess I’ll do it the old fashioned way with XM and listen to Skip and Pete broadcast on the radio.

By braveheart

February 10, 2007 05:59 PM | Link to this

mackey sasser:

have you yet gotten over that mental block yet and learned to throw the ball back to the pitcher from behind home plate??!?!?!

By The Grinch

February 10, 2007 06:03 PM | Link to this

Howdy, all. I just came back from the Louvre Atlanta exhibit; let me tell you, a Rembrandt looks a lot different in person than on a page. Of course, there were so many fine-a$$ honeys there, it was difficult to focus. This was not lost on my date. :-) Matthew, thanks for representing the very, very few Christians that I can stand to be around. Jesus would be proud some of you actually payed attention to his teachings. And no, that wasn’t intended as an antagonistic remark in any way; just my personal obsevation.

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 06:12 PM | Link to this

N8 , Cormier in 2004 with Arizona 8.14 ERA , 2005 with Arizona 5.11 ERA , 2006 with Atlanta 4.89 ERA / Hudson in 2003 2.70 ERA , 2004 3.53 ERA , 2005 3.52 ERA , 2006 4.86 ERA…….. And you didn’t think I could argue in favor of Hudson ? Think again table tennis man , think again.

By Jeff R

February 10, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this

Liberty Media. Old reports state that this is a pure tax dodge (strictly legal, of course)for both Time Warner and Liberty Media. Liberty Media would have to hold the Braves for a couple of seasons to satisfy the law and qualify for a substantial tax savings.

My guess is that Liberty Media will attempt to resell the team as soon as its legally able. Neither corporation gives a fig for baseball, much less the Atlanta Braves. The Braves could be a Savannah papermill, for all the suits cared. They just want the moola.

Whatever happened to the old “Best Interests of Major League Baseball?” Does Selig really think that the sale of the Braves to Liberty Media is actually in the interests of baseball, the Braves or Atlanta?

Perhaps Liberty Media will suprise and pump a little more dough into the franchise to make it attractive to future prospective buyers. Likely, they’ll just maintain the status quo and try to offload the francnhise ASAP.

Time will tell.

By Matthew

February 10, 2007 06:20 PM | Link to this

Grinch:

I think a lot more people would surrender their lives to Christ if we Christians sometimes would get out of the way. Jesus definitely preached a radical message, that no one could find favor with God unless they followed Him (John 14:6). But at the same time, Jesus was never one to be prideful or beat it into people. He shared His message, knowing that each person had to answer for himself or herself. If I can faithfully share the good news with a non-Christian, then the results are up to God. I can be glad that God used me and pray that He will see that individual to faith in Christ.

Oops, I said this wasn’t the right place for that. See Grinch, you got me started!! :)

Lew, I agree with you. I’m not switching to DirectTV-I’d rather listen to Skip and Pete anyway…

By Matthew

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

JeffR:

Bud Selig apparently doesn’t care-he’s getting paid and the Brewers are getting better. He’s happy.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 10, 2007 06:26 PM | Link to this

grinch at the louvre exhibit eating a pimento cheese sandwich and admiring the honeys … seems to fit. now, the pimento cheese is gone at this journalist’s house - lasted about as long as a stinky post lasts on this blog. poof! gone! and now, rembrandt? rembrandt did the johnny cash portrait, right? and what has happened to willard wurlitzer - willard wurlitzer will not answer willard wurlitzer’s phone. and mattehw is getting transition down - this will be important if this journalist must call on matthew to substitute for this journalist if this journalist is unable to substitute for dob if dob becomes indisposed and carroll rogers is not working that week. now, bobbycox is heading to spring training today. let us hope bobbycox can inspire this team to a pennant. should any of you attend spring training games, beware shaking hands with bobbycox.

By Journalist Apprentice Matthew

February 10, 2007 06:32 PM | Link to this

Thanks Jimmy!

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 06:35 PM | Link to this

Lew , if you can show me anywhere in the career stats of Cormier a 2.82 ERA other than your dreamed up selective thinking process. I’ll admit that your not telling a little white one , ok ? By the way , were you and Lance separated at birth or something ?

By Now Playing on WTBS radio

February 10, 2007 06:37 PM | Link to this

Little ditty, about Smoltz and Dyan

2 American kids growin up in the heartland

Smoltzy goin’ be a baseball star

Gonna get a fancy house and a great big car

Gonna let it rock, let it roll

Let the bible belt, come and save my soul

Holdin on to 16 as long as you can

Changes come around real soon, make us women and men.

Oh yeah, life goes on

Long after the thrill of livin is gone

Oh yeah, they say life goes on

Long after the thrill of livin is gone

Little ditty, about Smoltz and Dyan

Two American kids doin’ best they can

By Gil

February 10, 2007 06:49 PM | Link to this

All the focus on who is going to be the fifth pitcher on the staff is still a bit premature.

Depends on who has options left almost as much as who is pitching well.

I am not convinced the Braves are not shopping Cormier and Davies. They have been laying up some talent in reserve it appears to me for just such a senerio.

Just remember guys, Grapefruit league games count zero in the standings no matter what the pundits try to tell you otherwise.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 10, 2007 07:46 PM | Link to this

it is saturday night and this journalist is home with a sick baby seal. it was almost a year ago that this journalist was called upon to cover the seal clubbings in canada (for an international sports magazine) when this journalist found out what seal clubbings really are! some may remember this journalist going on the dl for a few days after tangling with an unhappy seal. but, it was worth it, because that is how jimmy smith came to adopt baby seal. and now, seal clubbing begins this year in only 42 days. jimmy smith is uncertain whether this journalist should again cover such an event. instead, this journalist would prefer to watch wicky come out of the pen with a big ol’ chaw and an attitude. almost as dangerous as an angry seal. almost as ugly.

so a seal walks into a club … stop journalist if you have heard this one …

and now, baseball … jimmy smith was wondering about jay powell who suffered such a bad injury on the mound with the braves. is jay powell still in baseball?

and now, “compartmentalize” may be the longest word used on this blog in awhile. what happened to the single syllable bloggers? oh, yeah … deletions. and now, dob has made a list of 10 things needed without mention of mccann. seems to this journalist that mccann must continue to give the team great offense and solid work behind the plate if the team is to contend. with giles and laroche gone mccann’s bat needs to remain strong. journalist thinks it will remain strong. also, mccann is running chipper a pretty close race for best hitter. still, chipper has done it for the long haul and mccann is just getting started.

and robertjitb, how is this for a long post from jimmy smith?

By rocky bball

February 10, 2007 08:01 PM | Link to this

It seems to me that the Braves problem, as a team, is that they are not manly enough. Just look at the names of the players.

I think it was Johnny Cochran who said “if your name is effete, you are doomed to defeat”.

So lets rank the first names (or nickname as appropriate) of Braves currently on the 40 man roster - from least effete, to most:

Mike, Bob, John, Matt, Pete, Tony, Brian, Phil, Tim, Jeff, Jose, Joey, Oscar, Anthony, Gregor, Manny, Peter, Andruw, Rafael, Jonathan, Edgar, Willy, Chuck, Martin, Craig, Chris, Scott, Kyle, Ryan, Chad, Lance, Chipper, Tyler, Kelly, Brayan, Blaine, Tanyon.

I’m not quite sure what to do with Macay since it begins with Mac but ends with Cay - so it probably belongs in the middle somewhere.

At any rate, if the Braves are to play more aggressively they need to immediately get rid of everyone from Chad on downwards.

Unless we wanna be all like: i just got back from the mall, and like i went shopping with my girlfriends kelly, brayan, blaine, and tanyon, fer sure.

By The Grinch

February 10, 2007 08:01 PM | Link to this

Man, oh man am I stuffed. Time for a nap. Matthew, sorry to lead you on like that; I should’ve just e-mailed you. Jimmy Smith, I’d forgotten all about Jay Powell. Time certainly does fly. You say all the pimentoe cheese is missing? Has Virginia Madsen been sighted lately? Best check the ice-cream freezer as well. Ho’s are not to be trifled with. Oops! Uh, I meant toes. :-)

By mr baseball

February 10, 2007 08:02 PM | Link to this

Lew: I’ve noticed on this blog that sometimes the focus on stats gets so narrow that common sense is ignored, and I’m afraid that’s the case with your argument on behalf of Cormier. The reason his numbers are better when he pitches 5 1/3 innings or more is simple. He was OK those nights, the rest of the time he was terrible and couldn’t make it that far. Basically, your argument comes down to: when he pitches good, he’s pretty good; when he doesn’t pitch good, I’m going to try & ignore it.

I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here in guessing that the Braves would much prefer that Davies win the No. 5 starter’s job. His numbers last season aside, he has had nights when he looked like a big time pitcher, and appears to have a reasonable chance of developing into a quality front line starter. The best the Braves can hope from Cormier is that he is a competent 5th starter, or more likely, insurance if something happens to 1 of the 5 guys ahead of him, which is a likelihood at some point during the season.

Unless he has a very strong Spring, there is a decent chance that the Braves could return him to the minors without his being claimed. There are a whole lot of Lance Cormier types in baseball, and I don’t think he’s going to make a whole lot of difference to bottom feeders like Tampa or Washington.

Don’t be surprised if the Braves pick up a fringe veteran starter or 2 in the Spring as insurance, because there doesn’t appear to be much depth after the handful of candidates for the 5th spot. On the other hand, the Mets starting rotation may not look like much, but they’ve certainly got a bunch of formerly live arms to choose from, and if 1 or 2 of them are just decent, they might not be as bad as some of you guys seem to think. If Oliver Perez has a big season, don’t say you weren’t warned.

By MBATL

February 10, 2007 08:45 PM | Link to this

Man, (for those that care) Dawgs’ guard Mike Mercer just wrenched his knee in an ugly way… ugh. Pretty bad when they have to bring out a stretcher for a knee.

mr baseball, good post. I actually agree that by committee the Mets pitching will probably be pretty good (or at least decent). I don’t agree that Cormier would clear waivers, or that he’d accept an optional assignment instead of becoming a free agent.

By Lew

February 10, 2007 09:01 PM | Link to this

People-I really don’t care if Cormier is selected as 5th starter or not. After all the BS this whole thingn seems to have stirred up, I hope the hell he gets traded for the provebial bag of balls. Does this make you all happy? I really think Davies needs more time in AAA and he has options. As stated before, I would prefer to have Villarreal in the #5 spot with Cormier doing long relief. If it comes down to a choice between releasing Cormier like we did Giles, I would much rather see him open at the back of the rotation and Davies get some more minor league experience. At the beginning of the season, the number five guy is going to get passed up more times than not. Davies could use steady work, which he is more likely to get at Richmond. Would y’all rather have the problem of Cormier or Davies at #5, or would you prefer the Mets’ situation with Chan Ho Park and Jorge Sosa going for number 3 and 4?

By Get real

February 10, 2007 09:04 PM | Link to this

In re: Smoltz’s divorce, gosh it’s such a good thing that gays can’t marry and screw up this wonderful, sacred institution…what with the 60% divorce rate, rampant infidelity, epidemic-level domestic violence and so forth. I’m so glad that good Christians like John Smoltz aren’t just trying to tell people how to live their lives, their also setting a positive Christian example.

By Robert

February 10, 2007 09:17 PM | Link to this

The Braves 2007 season figures to reach a crucuial point next week. If manager Bobby Cox reports for spring training, the Braves will be mathematically eliminated from World Series consideration

By helo pilot

February 10, 2007 09:32 PM | Link to this

Folks I am an avid reader (watcher) of DOB’s blogs, and I have to say, this one is not fun to watch. There are alot of stones being cast at the Smoltz family by people that I’m quite sure are not perfect (read above judgement). As for the 5th starter talk, this is getting WAY down in the weeds over something that I’m quite sure BC and JS are capable of making the right call, even if that means someone gets traded, sent down, or whatever. It is bad enough when idiots like the pope or whoever he is comes on here and spouts stupidity, but when die hard braves fans start fighting over who the best fifth starter is, instead of keeping it upbeat and promising, it starts to become no fun. I really don’t want to go over and check out Moores blog in hope it is more upbeat than DOB’s. Blasphemy!

By Matthew

February 10, 2007 09:32 PM | Link to this

Get real…nevermind. You obviously know exactly what went on in the Smoltz home (infidelity, domestic violence, etc.) I wonder what you would say to John Smoltz face to face. Probably something like, “Uh, um, uh, nice to meet you. You’re my number one fan..uh, um, I mean…”

Give it a rest already. It’s easy to snipe at people when you’re hiding behind a blog. It’s even easier to blame the world’s ills on Christians instead of looking at the individual responsibility of every human being. Divorce, infidelity, domestic violence, and the like are all awful results of living in a sin-infested world, and they existed long before Christianity was founded. In fact, one of the first people that Jesus Himself changed was a woman who typifies your assessment of Christians (divorcee, unfaithful, etc.) Check it out yourself in John 4.

It’s time we all get real, and respect the man’s privacy. Unless you just needed another excuse to bash people whom you don’t know.

DOB, I’m sorry. I’ll try to behave from now on…:)

By ssiscribe

February 10, 2007 09:37 PM | Link to this

Good evening, all. I had a long, detailed post on my thoughts about the Smoltz situation this morning, until my computer crapped out and I lost it as I was trying to post. Whatever. Everybody’s covered what I was going to say, anyway, so I won’t knock out a full post on it.

All I’ll say is divorce must be the hardest thing in the world to go through, and we’ll keep the Smoltz family in our prayers.

Time to run, as all is right in the Scribe’s world. The little guys are sleeping, the Thrashers are coming on, wings and a cold drink are waiting for dinner, and my fantasy baseball draft is 14 hours away.

And spring training, for all intents and purposes, is here at last.

Off to study for my draft — and work on my transitions, since JJS gave me no props in his last, and rather lengthy, post, for the Scribe’s transition skill. And I agree, Grinch, that ho’s, not to mention toes, are not to be trifled with.

Can I get a Go Braves from the congregation? Amen.

Peace.

—30—

By David O'Brien

February 10, 2007 09:40 PM | Link to this

OK, enough on the Smoltz divorce. Way too much, in fact. Cases have been made, you folks who feel compelled to hoist your opinions into the matter without knowing anything whatsoever of the situation, you’ve done that. Let’s move on, if you don’t mind.

By Journalist Apprentice Matthew

February 10, 2007 09:41 PM | Link to this

Now baseball… (I’m getting this transition thing)

With the bullpen we have, we could sign Charlie Hough to go out there every fifth day. Folks, do you realize how DOMINANT this team can be? I’m thinking about the Smoltz who would’ve won 20-plus games last year, the Hudson of Oakland days, the Hampton who was FILTHY before injury, and the first outstanding season from Chucky James. With Andruw in a contract year and Chipper healthy, not to mention the growth of McCann, Franceour, and Langerhans, we are looking a the potential for a World Series Championship!

Man, I am STOKED! How long must we wait?

By Lew

February 10, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

GO BRAVES

By journalist jimmy smith

February 10, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

scribe, three things that transition can do for the journalist- give the reader a clue toward understanding, and build a little bridge for the reader to cross. journalist jimmy smith has did transition since last spring and has gotten better and better at it, much like matthew now. but, scribe is the master of transition when not counting dob, guy curtright, journalist bob, carroll rogers, jimmy smith, and matthew. perhaps the old journalist should be included in that group as well. and how is the old journalist (transition just made by this journalist)? once, the old journalist was kind to this journalist and it has not been forgotten. and does scribe enjoy pimento cheese? and now, (transition, again) astronauts … could an astronaut have fathered the baby of anna nicole smith (smith, but not related to this ugandan journalist)? and some may know that wicky wanted to be an astronaut but he was too “tall” to fit in the space shuttle comfortably. that is how wicky became a baseball reliever.

By Twon

February 10, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

DOB! Ease-up friend. Take a straw poll, but most of us got that Braveheart had sarcasm/a geniune POV. Plus you edited out the balance of his original post and went straight for the jugular. Me thinks some of your personal life is bleeding into the Smoltz issue. Granted, that’s fine, it’s a blog. But so is my response. And Braveheart shouldn’t have to apologize for anything, you should be apologizing to him. Twon

By ssiscribe

February 10, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

JJS: No pimento cheese for this Scribe. Ate it one time, the one time I covered the Masters, and that was that. Pimento cheese was not good, and neither was Tiger that weekend.

Speaking of the Masters (note: TRANSITION!) I definitely think the old journalist should be included as masters of transition. And you are a master (TRANSITION!) of the Braves/Man In Black/BBQ/Pies/Toes blog, a classic in and of yourself.

Now, hockey (MORE TRANSITION, SOMEBODY COOL OFF THE SCRIBE!) Thrashers lucky to be down 1-0 after a brutal period. Baseball cannot get here soon enough (MORE TRANSITION, OH THE HUMANITY!!). Somewhere, DOB packs for Dark Star, Lew sketches members of the hometown nine, Grinch drinks and eyes honeys, and the Scribe studies for his fantasy draft.

Good night all.

—30—

By LeTwan Anthony

February 10, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

DeRosa, Vinny, and Chipper were at Spring Training. They were eating lunch and DeRosa said, “lasagna! If I get lasagna one more time for lunch I’m going to jump off a building”

Then Vinny opened his lunch box and exclaimed, “Burritos again! If I get burritos one more time I’m going to jump off, too.”

Chipper opened his lunch and said, “Bologna again. If I get a uh, bologna sandwich one more time I’m jumping too.”

The next day DeRosa opened his lunch box, saw lasagna and jumped to his death.

Vinny opened his lunch, saw a burrito and jumped too.

Chipper opened his lunch, saw the bologna sandwich and jumped to his death as well.

At the funeral, DeRosa’s wife was weeping. She said, “If I’d known how really tired he was of lasagna I never would have given it to him again!”

Vinny’s wife also wept and said, “I could have given him tacos or enchiladas! I didn’t realize he hated burritos so much.

“Everyone turned and stared at the Chipper’s wife.

“Hey, don’t look at me,” she said, “He makes his own lunch.”

By Head Coach

February 10, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Lew my friend , your backing up big time. Mr.Baseball took you to task and your running for cover. In one blog you went from having Cormier as your fifth starter to , lets trade him for a bag of balls ! Wow , dude thats a real 180.

By braveheart

February 10, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Twon, thanks for the support but DOB does not need to be apologizing to me. i went overboard on it - it was not a well written post, so my point got all fudged up. but thanks for the love. i think DOB just feels the admirable burden as the gatekeeper of this blog to make sure we do not act like a bunch of irresponsible niwits speculating and taking cheap shots at the poor guy about such a sensitive issue - i sure wish mike vick had a similar gatekeeper who could keep the falcons bloggers focused and responsible - at least then all of the race baiting from both sides would not be so darn prevalent and we all could just have fun debating the numerous pros and cons of MV7.

besides, i think DOB and I made our peace.

By braveheart

February 10, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

as for the fifth starter, if all we are worried about is the fifth starter, then we are in good shape. first, second, left, and the leadoff spot seem like big problem areas though.

hopefully, smoltzie, hamp, and huddie will all stay healthy and james will continue to be a solid starter.

baseballreference.com time: over the last 222 starts for smoltz, hampton, hudson, and james, the braves record is 134-88, a 60% winning percentage (96 or 97 wins over 162). the braves are 42-26 when smoltz starts the last two years, the braves with hudson as a starter(with all of his underperformance) are a combined 38-26 the last two years (59% winning percentage), the braves with hampton since he became a brave are 43-29 when hampton starts, a 59.7% winning percentage and 11-7 when chuck james starts (61% winning percentage). this is even with a bad bullpen. last year, in the starts of smoltz (20-15), hudson (21-14), and james (11-7), the braves were a combined 52-26 when those guys started and, of course, 27-57 when the other bums started. if the braves have the same continued success with these guys starting 140 games this year, then you should be about 84-56. then all you really need out of the fifth starter is some innings and a .500 record when he starts. if the fifth guy gets the braves 11-11 in the other 22 starts, the braves have a 95-67 record. even if there is a slight slippage with the formidable four, maybe the stronger bullpen can be the difference in keeping the winning % the same for the braves.

By KC

February 10, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

I have one thing to add on the topic of John Smoltz’s devorce. This is the first and only thing I’ll say about it. My question is this:

Why is this even a topic of discussion here?

If a person runs for public office, we are justified in expecting that all cards be placed face up on the table, since it could be argued that personally affairs could be tied to one’s character and leadership ability. But John Smoltz is a baseball player. How is his marriage any of our damn business?

It’s cheap gossip. It’s pathetic.

I’m a little disappointed that there was even a feature headline on this here on the AJC Braves page. DOB, I’m just one guy… but I would respectfully request that news of Smoltz’s divorce be removed from the AJC site.

By Journalist Apprentice Matthew

February 10, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

The scribe has transitioned a record four times in three paragraphs. Methinks I shall be an apprentice for a LONG time.

With that in mind (oh, there we go) I am reading a biography of William Wilberforce, the force (no pun intended) behind getting slavery abolished in England in 1807. He actually was an apprentice for a while in his early years, before his conversion to Christianity. If a good biography interests you, then check out the book Hero for Humanity: A Biography of William Wilberforce, by Kevin Belmonte. I believe a movie based on Wilberforce is due out soon as well.

Back to my inspiration for transitions, (there’s two) I thought jjs would enjoy the fact that humanity was brought back to the blog through the title of this book.

10:41 in the Central Time Zone, and I have to preach in twelve hours.

“To sleep, perchance to dream- ay, there’s the rub.” The rub must be in reference to my eyes, for I am SO tired.

Goodnight all, and GO BRAVES!

By KC

February 10, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

DOB: Looks like MLB’s friutless steroid investigation might crash land this issue back on the steps of Capitol Hill.

“From the very beginning, when commissioner Bud Selig appointed former senator George Mitchell to lead the inquiry, we knew that this could well finish in front of a bunch of angry, indignant Congressmen again. Now, with Mitchell bumping into too many people with their backs against the closet doors, refusing to reveal their skeletons, the ending seems all but pre-ordained. If the truth is to be known — how prevalent were steroids in baseball, how damaging, who knew about their use, how were they allowed to take hold and, maybe, take over the game? — D.C. might be the only place it’s to be found.”

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/john_donovan/02/08/vincent.steroids/index.html

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

KC, the steroids thing is an absolutely convoluted mess, with no easy solutions and, i’m afraid, no ending in sight _ at least not one that’ll satisfy anyone….

Speaking of drugs … how ‘bout that Gonzaga hoops team? “Party on, Garth.” “Party on, Wayne….”

Hey, KC, not my call on Smoltz, but I can guarantee you it won’t be removed. I just noticed it was the most well-read story on the entire website today.

A lot of people want to read about one of the most visible athletes in Atlanta. And it wasn’t gossip at all, at least not what I wrote. I wrote a straight-news story after getting a press release from the agent notifying me and every other media outlet that the Smoltzes were getting divorced. Nothing gossipy.

And in case you didn’t check ESPN.com’s baseball page today, they had the AP wire story on the Smoltz divorce posted all all day out front with their main baseball headlines, and that story was at least three times longer than the one I wrote, and with a lot more non-baseball details about them.

By the way, do you know how many of our readers would have accused us of covering for Smoltz if we’d not written a story about the divorce, after it was released by the player’s own agent and after AP wrote a 20-inch (or longer) story about it that was featured prominently on most sports websites today? Can you even imagine how many people would have accused us of showing favoritism to Smoltz over other Atlanta athletes? Think about it.

It was a 10-inch straight news story, no opinion interjected, no no gossipy details, no sensationalizing. Period.

That’s our job, KC. He’s a public figure. Not the mayor, no. And he didn’t commit a crime or anything else. But if an actor, a famous musician, a famous local model, an athlete, or any other public figure _ especially one we right about all the time like John, one as prominent as he is _ gets divorced, it’s going to make the papers. Just the way it is.

And by the way, if I got that press release and didn’t write a story after being told to write one, I would not be covering this beat very much longer.

By MEB

February 11, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Bologna sandwich for Chipper… I would suggest that Chipper is more capable than LeTwans’s joke would suggest. Chipper is fully capable of preparing a cheese sandwich (Kraft singles of course), a peanut butter sandwich, a jelly sandwich, and on special occasions a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The Thrashers are flying all over the ice! Kovulachuk is amazing!!!

By N8

February 11, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Robert

“The Braves 2007 season figures to reach a crucuial point next week. If manager Bobby Cox reports for spring training, the Braves will be mathematically eliminated from World Series consideration”

Sorry EVERYBODY…..but THAT is funny. LOL! I disagree, but it’s STILL funny.

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

what i think is that all of the feds involved including Congress and the FBI have actually been the ones themselves who have curtailed complete honesty from the players about the steroid era.

the balco investigation by the feds was really the watershed moment that made the media wake up and do their jobs. but since then all the feds have accomplished is absolutely nothing. what fruitful prosecution of any significant athlete has come out of the balco madness? millions and millions and millions of taxpayer’s money spent and all we have is leaked testimony about what bonds and sheff and giambi supposedly testified to. what a joke. waste of money.

the balco investigation was important at its initial stages and then the senate hearings were important in getting a better drug policy but i think that if the feds would step aside and let the media and the fans and the players handle it from here on out, that the media and the fans and the players could do a much better job of handling the steroid issue amongst ourselves.

the media and the fans at this point have more power over these players legacies. but prison time threats keep getting in the way. because of steroids, many of these players have HOF numbers. but they ain’t getting in because the media and the fans are not going to let them in (and rightfully so.)

i think if people like mcgwire and bonds, et al., were not so afraid of having a federal case made out of anything they say, they would have already admitted. i think mcgwire would have told the fans and the media i did it, i am sorry, this is why i did it, unfortunately everyone was doing it, my career was fading after 4 or 5 years in the bigs, i kept getting hurt, i was going to lose millions, and i could not let that happen to me.

if i was bonds p.r. guy, i would have told bonds the best advice a long time ago: just affirm everything that was said about you and why you took the steroids leap after the 1998 season in the game of shadows book. if bonds just said this, i was a HOF already, i was sitting there and watching big mac (who i was far superior to every year since we were in college 15 years prior) and sammy freaking sosa get all the shine, get the all time great moments, get all the money and acclaim, i was getting overshadowed, i was losing money, hell i did not even make the all century team even though griffey did, i could not stand for it, i let pride and money and fame get in the way, and i unfortunately took steroids. i was always better than those guys and when i took steroids like everyone else was taking it, you saw how obscenely better i am than mcgwire and sosa from a talent and performance standpoint. i merely evened the playing field with those guys and made them look like chumps. hell, don’t forget, i never took them for the first 13 or so years of my career even though the rest of them were taking it. i am sorry. it was wrong. never should have done it. forgive me.

giambi would have openly confessed to what it actually what he was openly confessing to.

i think the media and fans would have been sympathetic and would have appreciated them finally being honest and probably would have understood the reasons and pressures that caused the steroid abuse. the fans and the media may then have let them in the HOF.

it ain’t gonna happen now and it is too late for it to happen now. unfortunately, congress, the FBI, the US Attorneys, MLB, and the player’s union have all gotten in the way of a meaningful dialogue and reconciliation occurring between the fans, the media, and the players involved and/or merely suspected.

steroids are illegal but at the end of the day all they did was rob us of our precious numbers and we want to hear them say sorry and tell us why even though i think most of actually know and understand the whys involved.

just my two cents on the matter.

By N8

February 11, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

DOB

You mentioned somthing in your latest story on the Braves page. The very last of the “10 things” was Langerhans producing offensively. While one can’t argue with you that he’s been a dissapointment offensively, one could argue that since the Braves get SO MUCH offense from the Catchers spot with McCann (a position often held by ALL DEFENSE/no hit people), couldn’t it be a reasonible arguement that just having Langerhans’ defense in LF (as long as KJ holds down 2B/Leadoff), would be enough with the emphasis being put back on pitching and defense?

Your point was that the Braves had the least RBI and the second worst HR totals from their LFr’s. I would have to imagine that the Braves were, however, considerably ABOVE AVERAGE against from the Catcher position, NOT?

I mean, I’ll assume that JS/Bobby want “some” offensive production out of LF, but in your best estimation, would they be happy if Langy hit .270 with 15 HR and about 70 RBI, considering how good his glove is?

I’m really hoping that he wins the LF job in spring, cuz I want that defense out there.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

By the way, I can say with absolute certainty, that rec from Matthews was the first recommendation in this blog’s history for the biography of William Wilberforce.

I remember when someone cracked on me for recommending the Leonard Cohen movie six months ago. Now, the bio of William Wilberforce….

Oh, the eclectic culture! Oh, the litra-ture! (nod to Rosalynn)…

By the way, either the Gonzaga basketball team spiked my tea or tonight’s Saturday Night Live with Forest Whitaker hosting is actually pretty funny. Been a fairly dreadful season overall for SNL, but the shows with Andy Garcia, Justin Timberlake (can’t stand his music, but he was quite good as SNL host) and now Whitaker have been good.

Sorry about the game tonight, Kentucky fans. I was seriously pulling for the ‘Cats, hoping UK could do to the Gators what KU did to them in November. So close on that last 3 attempt tonight, so close to sending it to overtime….

By KC

February 11, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

DOB: I understand that you had to post the story.

My “gossip” comment was direct not at you, but at those who are spending a great deal of time talking about it here (especially those who have taken the opportunity to make negative comments about Smoltz or have fun at his expense).

My “please pull the story” request was my way of offering feedback. I don’t expect the story to come down just because I feel it should. Just throwing in my 2 cents on that.

As for the steroids thing… I’ll be satisfied if we could start by making public the names of those who have tested positive for steroids.

Since there was no policy in place at the time, there can be no official punishment… but simply having that information publicized would be a form of punishment. A small measure of justice, if you will.

That could happen now that there’s been a court ruling allowing the goverment access to those test results.

By KC

February 11, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

(AP) NEW YORK — Chan Ho Park is joining the expanding list of pitchers trying to earn spots in the New York Mets’ rotation.

Park and the Mets agreed Friday to a $600,000, one-year contract, giving the team another option for its starting rotation heading into spring training. In addition to his base salary, Park could earn $2.4 million in performance bonuses based on innings.

“We’re happy to add a veteran pitcher like Chan Ho to our staff as we approach spring training,” Mets general manager Omar Minaya said.

UH OH!!! WE’RE IN TROUBLE NOW!!!

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 01:03 AM | Link to this

N8, you make a valid point _ if this was last year’s team.

Remember, you can’t count on similar 2B production this year (Kelly or someone else might produce similar to Giles, but also good chance they won’t) and you can’t expect the same production from 1B that you got last from LaRoche.

So all of a sudden, I don’t know that you can just accept defense and little run production from LF (if it’s Langerhans in there often) and presume you’ll get all the homers and RBIs you got from 1B and 2B last year.

Not that Giles was a dynamo in 2006, but he did have 45 extra-base hits in a “down” year for him, and a whopping 64 in 2005). I do think Kelly will hit more than 11 homers (Giles’ 2006 total) if he’s the 2B, which I think he will be.

You also can’t even assume you’re going to get a repeat from McCann _ he’s a damn good hitter, but you just can’t count on that many RBIs again from him every year.

He tried to point out to anyone who’d listen that everything fell for him last year, that it was a magical season for him. I mean, he never hit above .290 in the minors, and hit .333 last season.

That said, N8, I wrote 10 things that would make it a PERFECT spring for the Braves. I’m not expecting it to be a perfect spring.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 11, 2007 01:04 AM | Link to this

Look, this Braves team does have some big questions that require answers. Hampton should be back to form since he took the full recommended time of rehabilitation. But, will he? Kelly Johnson should be able to switch to 2B considering he is a natural SS but again will he? Thorman was a solid defensive 1B in the minors and an offensive force but will he be at the major league level? Is Davies the stud most of us think he is or is he the “dud” we saw last September? Can Chipper stay healthy or at least healthy enough to play 135 games or so. Will Andruw really have the typical “walk” year? Is the patience Frenchy showed in September going to translate into something more common or will he revert back to his old ways?

But, the one thing is all the other teams in the NL East have just as many questions. Let’s be real. Freddy Garcia is a good pitcher but can he pitch effectively in that ballpark in Philly. He really didn’t too well at US Cellular, which is considered a hitter’s park. Was the Phillies team we saw in August and September the real Phillies team or a team that was playing off of emotion? The Mets rotation is as pieced together as you can get. Despite their fans’ claims the bullpen isn’t as good as it was last year. Is it good enough to cover for that marginal rotation? Are the Marlins really that good or did they simply overachieve last season?

So many questions! And, I still say that JS will make a deal of significance before Opening Day.

By N8

February 11, 2007 01:17 AM | Link to this

DOB

After I hit post, I was thinking the same thing, as far as compairing this year to last year. I’ll agree with you about Thorman vs. LaRoche (as far as offensive numbers), nobody can reasonibly expect Thorman to match those numbers in his first full season.

I’ll (optimistically), disagree with you about 2B. Once KJ got comfortable with being in the BIGS, he looked like a guy that knows how to hit. I think (from what little I’ve seen) he’s a better pure hitter than Giles ever was. Quite honestly, I think he’ll turn into a double machine just like Giles. I do however believe (just like with Thorman), the biggest dropoff will come on defense. Though if KJ is as much of an athlete like everybody says he is (and I would imagine other than footwork of turning a double play), he’ll probably be more comfortable at 2B than he was moving to the OF.

THAT is why (KJ’s and Thorman’s defense) is why I think it would/could be essential to have Langerhans in LF. I really, really believe, that if we’re lucky (Chipper staying healthy, Francouer further developing, Andruw playing for his next contract, and McCann being….well, McCann), we “might not” notice the offensive drop off from LaRoche and Giles leaving.

Add that with the “new and improved” bullpen and I think things (barring major injuries) should be just fine.

Enough to overtake the Mets? Not sure. But certainly enough to be “in it” late into the season.

Thanks for the response. Time for some ping pong.

btw: for the record, I have NO CLUE who the two Ping Pong Champions that I listed earlier, acutally are. I do like watching those guys do their best Forest Gump impersonation, but couldn’t name one of them if my life depended on it. Just thought I’d try and annoy Head Coach.

God bless the internet! LOL!

By The Grinch

February 11, 2007 01:17 AM | Link to this

Just got done watching Bob Mitchum in “Night of the Hunter.” Good flick. MEB, are you sure both peanut butter AND jelly wouldn’t produce a, uh, quandry? Night.

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 01:58 AM | Link to this

not that anyone cares but i made a mistake above in my math: the braves were 52-36 when smoltz, hudson, and james started last year, 27-47 when they were not starting. the braves were 5-9 when davies started, 3-5 with cormier starting, 5-10 with thomson starting, 8-6 with horacio starting (24-31 last 3 years), 3-1 with villereal; 3-10 with sosa; 0-3 with shiell; 0-2 with barry and smith starting.

By mr baseball

February 11, 2007 02:07 AM | Link to this

braveheart: You get an “A” for research but I’m afraid you flunked math. You shorted Smoltz, Hudson and James 10 losses and gave them to the rest of what passed for starters here last season. Good point anyway. If the Braves’ 3 veteran starters just pitch to their established standards and James at least appoximates what he did as a rookie, they should be good for a minimum of 60 or so wins with reasonable health.

The Braves were a great team (regular season at least) for 15 years mainly because of a dominant starting rotation. It is highly unlikely anybody will ever match what the Braves got out of their starters for almost that entire span, but this could be the best group the Braves have sent to the mound since the days when Maddux, Glavine and Millwood were together with Smoltz behind them.

I hope that’s optimistic enough for those of you who believe being a fan is always looking on the bright side. For a lot of us, pulling for a team doesn’t equate to blind loyalty and no criticism. As much as we would like to see our team win, that does not require us to applaud the general manager when he makes what we think is a questionable trade or move, or to ignore managerial blunders when we think one has occurred, and occur too often.

The sometimes infuriating financial restraints that the team has operated under in recent years has made some of us a little grouchier than we once were, and has placed reality in a dominant position relative to optimism. There is legitimate cause for optimism this season, and this could be an especially sweet year as the Braves have the rare opportunity of proving the skeptics (and there a whole bunch of them in Philly and NY) wrong.

Unfortunately, there is also a real possibility that all the efforts to upgrade the bullpen will not mean much if the starting rotation falls apart due to one reason or another. We can all hope for the best, but this ain’t the mid-90s any more, when the Braves (and their fans and just about everybody else in baseball) went into the season knowing they would win their division and probably get to the World Series.

It’s still root, root, root for the home team, but if they lose, it’s more than just a shame. Rightly or wrongy, some of us are going to look for someone to blame.

By mr baseball

February 11, 2007 02:12 AM | Link to this

braveheart: Sorry for the failing grade. Your post came up after I finished with mine. Nevermind.

By TennesseePaul

February 11, 2007 02:20 AM | Link to this

So, after a long day of Baseball here it is. Corder again lit up the joint. The Dirtbags conquered the Texas Long Horns today. Amazing game. After 3 innings they were down 7-0. Then, they posted a 5 spot. Another Long Horn run plated and the Dirtbags came back and took it in 10. Back to Back come back games. Amazing. Simply amazing. Dirtbags are marching on up. And Corder keeps knocking them out. so much boozin at the games… aaahhhh well, time to hit the tunes.

By Head Coach

February 11, 2007 02:49 AM | Link to this

Well , We have three veteran’s at 3B , SS and CF surrounded by youth. Second year starters at C and in RF. 1B and 2B will have rookies. LF is still up for grabs but Langerhans and/or Diaz should be productive if one or both play. It’s a young team , no doubt about it. Like I have said before , give them spring training and 6-8 weeks of baseball before making a concrete assessment. DOB , Brian McCann has perennial all-star written all over him. 2006 was his first full season as a starter and he is a legit .300 hitter. You are forgetting that he came straight out of high school and he is just starting to mature physically while playing the toughest position in baseball. His 59/80 BB/SO ratio in 189 games screams .300 plus hitter. I know McCann’s minor league numbers don’t reflect it but I really believe he is a great hitter. McCann hit .333 at the age of 22 , Chipper had his first .300 season in the majors at 24. Another example is , Chipper averaged .312 in the minors and has hit .304 as a pro. In contrast Andruw hit .302 in the minors and has a .267 AVG as a pro. I just know that McCann is the exception , I can’t prove it with stats but my gut and 40 plus years of baseball experience is screaming superstar behind the plate.

By ssiscribe

February 11, 2007 08:00 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning on draft day Sunday, yet another sign that spring officially has arrived in the world of the Scribe.

Looking over the discussions held as I studied for my draft and watched the Thrashers wake up too late (and keeping me up too late), I think even with the new right side of the infield there is a lot of reason to be optimistic about this bunch as everybody heads south to Central Florida/Mickey’s World this week.

Certainly, I don’t think KJ will have the type of offensive year Gilly had when he was putting up his really big numbers, but I think once he settles in, he’ll do well enough. Thorman won’t put up LaRoche numbers, but I think he’ll provide some pop and be serviceable enough defensively.

Fifth starter? Kyle Davies’ to lose. Kid needs to have his breaking ball and his confidence ready to go. Still think he can be something special, that 2006 was just a combination of injury and sophomore slump (a slump that, I know, started in 2005).

Now, fantasy baseball (first transition of the day, sweet!): Good food, good times and fellowship today at some restaurant in Buckhead. Must hit the Internet and get directions. Used to do a wing place right down the street from where I now live. Of course, used to have to drive 600-plus miles, round-trip, in one day, for the festivities.

Off to church. Selah.

—30—

By Metropolitan Man

February 11, 2007 08:13 AM | Link to this

March 22nd will be your first reminder that 2007 will be a long season of chasing the METS!!!!! Hope you can keep up with the Philthies.

By Ace

February 11, 2007 08:30 AM | Link to this

There are at least two people who are reading both this blog and the biography of William Wilberforce. “Amazing Grace,” a Wilberforce biopic, is due out the 24th. Wonder if Wilberforce could pitch…

What are the odds that Braves pick up a 5th starter via trade of one of the LF and young middle infielders?

By Richard Cory

February 11, 2007 08:44 AM | Link to this

Twas the week before the Super Bowl that the Falcons were in. My cable went out that Saturday morning, and was out till Tues. My calls were all met with rudeness and incompetence from ‘customer service’ folks. I resolved—‘no more’ and within two weeks I was hooked up to DirecTV. I still have DirecTV, and have had ‘zero complaints’ concerning them. Yes, I have had some small [very small] service outages, but never failed to receive proper ‘customer care’. There may be some ‘horror’ stories out there, but mine isn’t. The situation concerning the broadcast rights goes directly on MLB. It’s all about the money. If cable had some kind of exclusive broadcast, then I couldn’t watch the games either. The days of free entertainment are long gone[except for watching the grass grow, paint dry, etc. etc.] I know some people can’t get satellite tv,[appartments etc] but where I now live I couldn’t get cable. Hopefully, someday soon, we can all get what we want for a reasonable price, then again maybe there will be world peace.

By LivininAL

February 11, 2007 08:53 AM | Link to this

I keep seeing- trade Diaz or Langerhans. What would you trade for at this point?

By journalist jimmy smith

February 11, 2007 09:05 AM | Link to this

yes, william wilberforce … was also known for impeccable manners. therefore, one must wonder how william wilberforce found his way to this blog. not saying there are no manners on this blog but, hey, william wilberforce would probably not hang around long. now, transition to music … james brown - still not buried. will james brown attend spring training? and how about barbaro? (transition to sports) call it the ultimate put down. buried? going to spring training? and now, what ever happened to the young lady who was looking for a can costume so she could join mccann’s cans? did she find such a costume? will she be a can this season? are there any cans blogging here today who can tell us? are there any cans who would admit to being cans? beer can do many things to people. loosen ‘em up for the louvre. william wilberforce would not approve. now, baseball … at what temperature will the baseballs be stored this year? and without bobby dews who will take the temperature of the balls before they go in play? and william wilberforce is probably appalled by now.

By Mackey Sasser

February 11, 2007 09:26 AM | Link to this

Met Man, is March 22nd the day Chan Ho takes the mound? If so, good one. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Go away.

By Lew

February 11, 2007 09:36 AM | Link to this

MetroDude-How you doing today? Are you all warm and fuzzy because the Mets signed ole Chan Ho Park. Dude, I really ove your enthusiasm for your team. You and KC are both possibly your respective team’s biggest fans, but you can’t truly be comfortable with the rotation Omar has pieced together. Like DOB said earlier, the whole division has questions, but that rotation will take a major overachievement to be successful. Your bullpen is weaker, also. You better hope for miracles from Maine and Pelfrey. Not saying it won’t happen, but Dude, ain’t no one going to be eating Mets’ dust this year. If you even make it to first for an appreciable length of time, it will be by a very small margin. But hey, Head Coach would like to give you Cormier.

By Lew

February 11, 2007 09:49 AM | Link to this

I just did a bit of research and found out something interesting. Now much has been said and written about the supposed dropoff in defense at 2B this coming year. I always considered Giles to be an above average defender-maybe one of the best. However, the numbers do NOT bear this out. For his career, Giles Fielding Average is two points BELOW league averages. Only in 05 and 06 did he exceed league averages and those were only by a single point. I’m afraid we have to face the facts that what we are replacing is a 2B who was, at best, an average defender, who only hit an anemic .262 last year. Not a typical season, for sure, but that’s what KJ has to try to exceed. I don’t think we’ll have a huge dropoff, if any. As far as replacing LaRoche. Yes, Roachy has an excellent breakout season-The SECOND HALF of 06. For the first half of 06, Roachy was mediocre at best, maybe not even that. If Thorman is able to put together a season that is steady throughout the entire year, we may actually come out a bit ahead. If we had won more the first half of last year, we may have taken the wild card.

By Metropolitan Man

February 11, 2007 09:57 AM | Link to this

Whats popping Lew. I’m just too excited about this season. There are no clear favorites (Except the METS) so I can go with that. Not one METs fans is jumping up and down for Chan Ho, but we are excited because we have more arms. Anyway after reading B. Cox’s assertion, your bullpen will be burnt out by halftime.

By Rosalynn

February 11, 2007 09:57 AM | Link to this

I do not know William Wilbafoahs but I like him alreada. We need betta mannas on this blog. Jimma and I honamooned at Chimna Rock Pahk yeahs ago. They had some of the nicest mannas! I alwahs will rememba Chimna Rock Pahk. Jimma was just a poah sailah when we weah married. We weah lucka to honamoon at all, much less at Chimna Rock Pahk. oh, well, that is my stora foah todah and I hope you all will have a pleasant day. But befoah I go, have any of you heahd how Chippa’s feet ah as we approach Spring Training? That boah will need some healtha feet if this team is going anywheah this yeah. One time, Jimma had a soah toe. It was so soah, that Miz Lillian came ovah to the Govanuh’s Mansion to appla some of heah famous toe salve on Jimma’s soah toe. That salve was just wondaful! Soon, mah Jimma was running around and kicking and back in a paih of shoes again. Jimma had to weah socks evahwheah foah awhile when his toe was soah. Oh, well, heah I go running off again when it is time to go fix Jimma some brunch. I hope to blog with all you bloggas some moah todah. Now, I must go ccok some brunch for mah Jimma.

By Lew

February 11, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

etroDude-Don’t worry, the bullpen won’t be any more overused than the Mets’ was last year. Can you say Steve Trachsel? Oh yeah, I wanted to congratulate you on the aquisition of Ruben Sierra. Still another ancient player. Great youth movement, especially with the Mets’ limitless money. Do you have enough wheel chairs in the clubhouse? Recliners?

By The Grinch

February 11, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Metroman! The original violinist on the Titanic. Howya doin’, holmes? I say we rekindle the idea of the sportsbar meeting for Glavine’s first start against the Braves. I’ll do a shot every time Bobby’s caught on camera picking his nose, you do one every time Glavine’s changeup gets figured out. Should be about even. :-)

By KC

February 11, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

“March 22nd will be your first reminder that 2007 will be a long season of chasing the METS!!!!! Hope you can keep up with the Philthies.”

Metro Man:

Thanks for that! I can always use a good laugh in the morning.

By Metropolitan Man

February 11, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

I’ve already told you guys. I cant wait to sit amongst you guys either at the Ted or a sports bar. When the METS come to town, I am there no matter what. Before the each series I will let you know where my seats are and then you guys can do whats best for you. As you can see there is no bragging on R. Sierra or C. Park. We now have a team that has gelled for the past couple of years. Besides Minaya is bragging on how much money he has to spend at the break for whatever is needed. How much can you guys spend at the break when you are 7 games out and in need of an MLB ready rightside of the infield.

By matt

February 11, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

what happend to A.lerew? he’s suppost to be a top pitching prospect so y doesnt he get a chance for a spot or bullpen spot

By The Grinch

February 11, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

We may be seven games out at the break, but the Phillies won’t be that hard to catch. They’ll melt down the stretch as usual. BTW, another great baseball article from the Onion: http://www.theonion.com/content/newsbriefs/piratesgmbeginsmaking

By dcarp23

February 11, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

DOB-Are the Braves looking at Kelly Johnson in left as well as at second? He seems to have the most proven track record of the guys at that position, particularly considering the need for a leadoff hitter. Or did the surgery eliminate that as an option?

By Metropolitan Man

February 11, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Here something to get you guys going until the season starts. No need to thank me.

http://www.newyorkmets.org/images/meetmets.wav

By Phillip

February 11, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB, you gonna watch the Police at the Grammys tonight? I think they’re opening the show, so I might tune in to see that. I can’t stand any of those other “artists” though, so the TV will be off five minutes after I switch over.

By KC

February 11, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

I won’t be watching the Grammy’s because I can already see the politics that will sneak into it. Actually that’s already happened. The Dixie Chicks didn’t sell many albums this year and had to cancel concert dates like crazy due to lack of interest. Usually when that happens, a band is labeled a “has been”, and they wouldn’t be performing at the Grammy’s.

The Dixie Chicks could only have been invited because of their politics. It certainly couldn’t have had anything to do with recent success. Not interested in political commentary that’s likely to be woven into the program.

By The Grinch

February 11, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Here’s one 4 ya, MM; it’ll look like this before the season’s over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMMzKTrXs5Q

By dougp

February 11, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

What is the condition of Kelly Johnson’s elbow? Can he make the throw from second turning a double play? Can he put anything on said throw, and if he does any chance he could blow it out? He didn’t have as long as Hampton to recover from the surgery, so I have to question his ability to make the throws, and to play everyday. When I say make the throws, I mean good solid line drive throws, not just lobbing the ball over there.

A second baseman has to throw across his body alot, and has to make some pretty hard throws. Like going to his right to get a speedy runner, or turning two.

Also, is he hitting now. Do we know if the elbow is ok enough for him to bat, or if it has altered his batting style? Along the same lines, can we expect Hamptons elbow to affect what a good hitter he once was (for a pitcher anyway)?

Thanks.

By Metropolitan Man

February 11, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Hey Grinch, all of your links are taking me right back to the AJC, what gives??? Since I never have anything to say about music, here are links to my favorite songs.

http://www.newyorkmets.org/images/LetsGoMets.mp3

http://www.newyorkmets.org/images/METS.ra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RU6o62BvAA

http://www.newyorkmets.org/images/1984.wav

Now this is good music, enjoy!!!

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

DougP, Kelly Johnson has been throwing for more than two months, and for most of that time he’s been throwing with full effort, making all the throws necessary from his position and from the various angles he’ll have to throw from while sprinting to his left or right, while falling, popping up from his knees, etc. I was assured by both Kelly and Hubbard that he’s had no problems since taking a couple weeks off around Thanksgiving, as he was directed to do by Dr. Andrews, to give the elbow a rest after his initial couple of weeks of throwing.

He’s been hitting for most of the winter and said he’s had no problems whatsoever with that.

As for Hampton, I can’t imagine how his elbow would affect his hitting, if it’s healthy enough to withstand the rigors of throwing 90 mph off a pitcher’s mound. But frankly, the subject hasn’t come up because it’s so insignificant compared to the main question _ is he ready to pitch a lot of innings in real games? That we’ll find out soon enough.

By Metropolitan Man

February 11, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Had enough, heres one for you older heads

http://www.newyorkmets.org/images/NATIONALLEAGUETB14NL.mp3

By Lew

February 11, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

DougP-KJ has been working out at second all winter with Glen Hubbard. If there was anything wrong with his arm or he wasn’t ble to make that throw, I’m sure they would be looking elsewhere to fill the position. Apparently position players take less time to rehab from this surgery. Probably due to the fact that aa second baseman may make 8 or 10 throws in a game (?) as opposed to how many a pitcher routinely throws. I wouldn’t be surprised to see KJ as a left field option when one of the kids like Lillibrun is ready to take over in the infield.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

KC, we’ll let you know how the Grammys are. I’m looking forward to the Police reunion, among other things. I always enjoy the Grammys. That and the Oscars are about the only awards shows worth watching in their entirety.

Oh, and I don’t own any Dixie Chicks albums (I like hard, traditional country), but out of curiosity, because of your post about their record sales, I just googled Billboard’s top CD sales for 2006.

I saw that The Dixie Chicks had the 16th-highest-selling CD, “Taking The Long Way.” It sold 1,701,374 copies, right behind No. 14 Black Eyed Peas “Monkey Business” and No. 15 Jamie Foxx “Unpredictable.”

Hey, I don’t own any of those (in fact I don’t own any of this year’s top 23-selling CDs (I do have No. 24 Red Hot Chili Peppers “Stadium Arcadium”), and I could take or leave the Dixie Chicks’ music, but obviously a lot of people are buying it.

Are you one of those who doesn’t like recording artists to take stances on politics? Man, if so, that sure trims a helluva lot of bands and artists from your list of listenable acts over the past three decades or so, doesn’t it?

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Phillip, just scrolling up and saw your Police reference after I’d typed that last post. Yes, looking forward to that (but not getting hopes up too high). Also looking forward to seeing the Chili Peppers and Gnarls Barkley. But I just like seeing who wins the cooler awards and seeing who’s in the crowd, what the ladies are wearing, etc.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Dcarp, no, they’re not looking at Kelly in left.

By KC

February 11, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Metro Man: Let me break this down for you (honestly… no bravado). Here’s what’s going to happen:

THE METS:

As good as the Mets were offensively last year, they will be slightly better this year, and will finish 1st or 2nd in the league in runs scored.

However, with their failure to upgrade a rotation they already had to win in spite of last season, and a slightly diminished bullpen… the Mets are likely to add at least 3/10 of a run to last season’s 4.14 ERA. Keep in mind that the average NL team ERA last year was 4.49. So if your team ERA slips this season, the best you can hope for is a slightly above average pitching staff.

THE BRAVES:

The loss off Adam LaRoche will be enough to dethrone the Braves as best offensive team in the NL, but there’s still enough firepower to keep the Braves in the same neighborhood as the Mets and Phils offensively. I look for Atlanta to finish 3rd or 4th in the league in runs scored this season.

As for the pitching… this should be the best bullpen the NL has seen since Cincinnati’s “Nasty Boys”. The starting staff offers a high (virtually no) ceiling, but few guarantees. Every team has X-factors, but the Braves probably have two of the bigger X-factors I’ve seen in a while in the persons of Hampton and Hudson. If the Braves don’t get very much… say… an ERA between 4.00-4.50 from both of them this season, I would look for Atlanta to trim about a half-run off their 2006 ERA (on the strength of their bullpen alone), and finish in the top 4 or 5 in NL team ERA.

If both of those guys come through for Atlanta this season… they will trim a full run off their ERA and will be hands down the best pitching staff in baseball, and this team would win well over 100 games. Of course, that’s a lot to hope for. So my prediction is somewhere in between the best and worst (reasonably speaking) case scenarios.

Okay… I’ll go on record now. Here are my predictions:

The Mets: Will finish 6th in NL pitching with a 4.43 team ERA (720 ER allowed), and 1st in runs scored with 883 (5.45 runs per game). Run differential will be plus-1.01. They will finish 2nd in the NL East with 94 wins.

Braves: Will finish 2nd in NL pitching with a 3.80 team ERA (617 ER allowed), and 3rd in runs scored with 814 (5.02 runs per game). Run differential will be plus-1.22. They will finish 1st in the NL East with 97 wins.

By Lew

February 11, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

I’m not a Dixie Chicks fan, myself, but only because I don’t care for that type of music. As far as their politics-They were right, weren’t they? Here ends the political discussion. Just listened to Ben Harper and some old Black Oak Arkansas (just for you, Hillbilly). Good way to spend a Sunday.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Matt, Lerew’s going to get a chance this spring, believe me. He was just so wildly inconsistent last year that they’re not counting on him yet.

Grinch, I was excited when I saw the link to an Onion article. Alas, link got screwed up and it took me right back to AJC….

Alright, got to get out to the last day of the motorcycle show at the North Atlanta Convention Center. (Lord, please stop me from impulse shopping.)

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

METRO MAN: 40 year old glavine, washed up duque, maine the win drain, disabled pedro, chan oh no, walk the park oliver perez, pill popping steroid injecting mota, disgruntled heilman, taxi driver sanchez, the immortal jorge sosa, choke in the clutch wagner, a.k.a. chipper’s beeeoch, 5.01 career ERA schoenweiss, this is your rotation and pen? lol! gimme a break. the mets will not get the lucky breaks this year. the whole team can not consist of reyes, wright, delgado, and beltran

By Metropolitan Man

February 11, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

KC, we have all hit these points before all winter long. You guys seem to 4get all about our 3 X-factors. 1) Pedro coming back healthy and domniating. 2)Buckoos of money to spend at the break for wahtever is needed to PAD the lead. 3) Lastings Millege will either be traded to fill a void or will be lighting up the NL pitching. There is no pattern to follow this year so good luck to all. To tell you the truth as much as I enjoyed watching the METS run away with the division, it made it pretty boring baseball down the stretch until the playoffs. So stay healthy at least and try to keep up in 07.

By Metropolitan Man

February 11, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: No leadoff man, aging error prone SS, Second baseman dont know if he should use an catchers mitt or a second basemans glove, Chipper will chip his toe and take his normal 2 weeks a month vacation, Smoltz has other issues ( a lil respect here), Davies pysche is broken, C. James is the new Hype Man, Francoer still owns a swiss cheese bat and your left fielder will be revealed when you actually have a 40 man roster. Your whole team cant be A. Jones and Mccann….can it??????

By KC

February 11, 2007 01:12 PM | Link to this

DOB: I stand corrected on the Dixie Chicks albums sales. Still… not what they used to be in album sales, and a lot of concerts canceled. And there is no doubt in my mind that their politics is a big reason why they were invited.

“Are you one of those who doesn’t like recording artists to take stances on politics?” No. I listen to many politically outspoken artists, but the Dixie Chicks just get on my nerves in a way I can’t describe.

It’s not just that they held a certain political viewpoint. Heck, half the country agreed with their view at that time. But many, including myself, felt they were a bit obnoxious in the way they went about expressing it. Then when many fans began expressing displeasure with the Chicks for that… Natalie, the lead singer, didn’t take it well. She came out and slammed the very fans that had made them so successful… not just the ones who were criticizing them, but all country music fans.

Her statement was something like… “I guess I was just blind to the fact that many of the stereotypes about country music fans are true”. In other words, country music fans are idiots. After that, they lost a great deal more of the fan following that put them where they are today, which resulted in many canceled concert dates due to lack of interest.

The thing I found most aggravating of all, was that Dixie Chicks documentary that came out a few months ago. I actually had to sit through a preview for it and was seething the entire time. They were making it seem as through some how their right to free speech had been violated and they were victimized. The reality is that they fully exercised their right to say what they wanted. But when fans exercised their rights and fired back, both with their words and their wallets, the Dixie Chicks felt they had been wronged in some way.

It seems like they are essentially saying “free speech is great until you disagree with me. Then you’re just and idiot.” I was never a Dixie Chicks fan to begin with, but now… I can’t even stand to look at them.

I too am looking forward to the Police reunion, though I’m not sure if I’ll watch the Grammy’s to see it. I may TIVO it and watch only that. They’re going to be doing a tour, aren’t they? I thought I heard that somewhere.

By KC

February 11, 2007 01:33 PM | Link to this

Metro Man:

I would define an “X-factor” as a player with the definite potential (but is not sure thing) to play a huge role… to be a team-changing player.

Pedro would certainly seem to fit that description. However, the thing is… you’re only going to have him for a half-season at best. If he comes back at the top of his game (which is a lot to hope for after a shoulder surgery), the best you can hope for is 8 or 9 wins from him.

Pedro would be a big X-factor if he were due back in March or April. But he won’t be back until sometime around the all-star break… and then you have to expect some re-acclimation period.

Now… if he can round into form before the stretch run in August/September, he would be a very important piece for the Mets. And if the Mets get to the post-season (there’s an excellent chance that they will… I predict as the Wild Card), then Pedro could be huge in your post-season hopes.

As for the buckaroos to spend for help down the stretch… weren’t you the same guy telling all of us how much money the Mets had to spend this winter? You already had Zito penciled into your rotation. Money means a lot more over the off-season(though it didn’t mean all that much for the Mets this winter) than it does in the summer. In order to acquire help by the trade deadline, you’ll still have to give up talent in return.

Yes, yes I know… you have Lastings - the second coming of Jesus - Millege, who is such a surefire mega-star in the making, that Manaya is going to ship him off at the first opportunity to get veteran help down the stretch.

Question… why would you need to ship off such a talented kid if you’re already going to have a 27 game lead in the East (as you seem to suggest) when the trade deadline rolls around???

Metro Man, the Mets are the only team with prospects to deal. That’s not an X-factor.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 01:35 PM | Link to this

KC, you wrote (in part): “The thing I found most aggravating of all, was that Dixie Chicks documentary that came out a few months ago. I actually had to sit through a preview for it and was seething the entire time.”

Man, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how deep the scars went with you and the D. Chicks. That sounds rough.

“I was never a Dixie Chicks fan to begin with, but now… I can’t even stand to look at them.”

Again, I don’t own any of their albums, only know a couple of the songs that were played so widely before they said the wrong things for radio programmers. However, as for looking at them … a couple of them are actually quite attractive, don’t you think? None are bad looking, but the tall one particularly … easy on the eyes.

Then again, I generally like tough, outspoken women.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 11, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this

MetroMan, your Mets are the NL East champs until somebody knocks them off. I will give you that. However, can you honestly say that you feel better about this team this year going into spring than last year? Do you really think that starting rotation is as good as the Braves, Marlins, or Phillies? Seriously. Look, I’ll be the first the admit I have my own reservations about the Braves. In particular, Kelly Johnson at 2B and my belief that LF needs to be upgraded. While the Mets are still good, they are not as good as they are last year while the Braves and Phillies have improved and the “baby” Marlins have a year of experience under their belt.

I admire your passion as a fan because I have the same for my beloved Braves. But, I have to be honest with you. Omar and the boys are saying the same things about that rotation that the Braves said about the bullpen going into last year’s spring training. We all saw how that worked out. Just like the Braves did last year with the bullpen, the Mets are stockpiling arms hoping that somebody…ANYBODY will stick. You’re resting your hopes on Oliver Perez, Jorge Sosa, Chan Ho Park, and 92 year old Aaron Sele? Ask any of the Braves fans on this blog about the effectiveness of Sosa. To say he is a head case would be putting it mildly. And, he is going to be playing in New York. Oh, I see the meltdown coming and it isn’t going to be pretty. Damn funny, but not pretty.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 01:39 PM | Link to this

OK, bike show ends at 5:30 p.m.

Later (and KC, just being devil’s advocate with you, just friendly debate.)

By KC

February 11, 2007 01:48 PM | Link to this

Metro Man: “No leadoff man, aging error prone SS, Second baseman dont know if he should use an catchers mitt or a second basemans glove, Chipper will chip his toe and take his normal 2 weeks a month vacation, Smoltz has other issues ( a lil respect here), Davies pysche is broken, C. James is the new Hype Man, Francoer still owns a swiss cheese bat and your left fielder will be revealed when you actually have a 40 man roster. Your whole team cant be A. Jones and Mccann….can it??????The Braves didn’t have a leadoff man last year either, and still score more runs than the Mets.”

Renteria is only 32. He is a multiple gold-glove winner who is coming off of an all-star season in which he posted the second best fielding percentage (over a full season) of his career.

Kelly Johnson is a life-long middle-infielder who only recently converted to the OF. And… we’ve only got 7 other strong candidates for that position.

Chipper spent significant time on the DL last year as well, and again… we still scored more runs than you.

And… ya know what? Screw this line-by-line response to your ridiculous statement. You’re getting defensive because you know full damn well that the Mets have no edge whatsoever heading into this season. You’re nervous. I don’t blame you. T

he Braves will still hang with the big boys offensively this season, but will pitch circles around both the Mets and the Phillies. The pitching gap between the Braves and Mets will be wider than the offensive gap… and you know it. That’s why you’re worried.

By eware

February 11, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this

DOB, have you heard anything about the band Vietnam? They’ve gotten some good reviews lately. I’m jonesin’ to buy a CD, but am a little unsure of what - thought they might be good. Been on an Americana kick lately, but need something rockin’. Any recommendations from your end?

By KC

February 11, 2007 01:54 PM | Link to this

Meant to say… “the Mets are not the the only team with prospects to deal”.

By KC

February 11, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this

In NBA news… did you guys hear about this idiot?

WOAI.com: After being chosen for the NBA dunk contest Tyrus Thomas said, “I’m just going to go out there, get my check and call it a day. I’m just into the free money. That’s it. I’ll just do whatever when I get out there.”

Amazing.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 11, 2007 02:03 PM | Link to this

dixie chicks once stopped by and visited this journalist when in town. apparently, a little gossip was started by diane lane and these dixie chicks had to see for themselves - but jimmy smith is not that kind of journalist - jimmy smith had just met the dixie chicks. anyway, jimmy smith told the dixie chicks that the offer was a nice one but this journalist still has feelings for diane lane and for virginia madsen and it would be inappropriate to be with three dixie chicks at one time while still harboring these feelings. if diane lane could learn to prepare a decent banana pudding this journalist would take her back. if virginia madsen would not eat so much ice cream this journalist could be persuaded to take her back as well. that would leave journalist with two actresses and no country music singers as soon as carrie underwood leaves. now, baseball … who cares if kj is the perfect 2b? the braves must think he is the best of the prospects and that makes this journalist worry about the quality of the middle infielders that have been bragged about for so long. remember, andy marte was once the top prospect at 3b and betemit was once the top prospect, too. neither figured in the plans for these braves.

By Metropolitan Man

February 11, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this

Never worried KC, jusr excited. Becasue everyteam has holes I am very optimistic. Even though the METS pitching is suspect, after last year I’d be a fool to panic like some METS fans did last year when Pedro, El duque, and Glavne took time off. Just like I’m looking for a starting pitcher to stick, you guys need a second baseman to stick, a left fileder to stick and pray Thorman is not all hype. Look at this group to chose from, my pool is deeper than yours.

Park will compete with John Maine, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Aaron Sele for jobs in the Mets rotation behind Tom Glavine and Orlando Hernandez. Pedro Martinez is expected to be sidelined for the first half of the season, and Dave Williams likely will be sidelined until June following surgery last week to repair a herniated disk in his neck. They maybe broke but there is strenght in numbers.

By KC

February 11, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

DOB: The only reason I was “seething” is that I didn’t appreciate paying good money to see a comedy, only to find myself a captive audience for a 3 minute effort to turn the Dixie Chicks into free-speech martyrs. I understand that many would be just as unappreciative of being forced to sit through several minutes of blatant conservative propaganda. My wife and I had just spent close to $20 to the movies and laugh. We were just peeved that we first had to sit through that.

By MBATL

February 11, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

I’m still wondering if the Braves feel like they can keep both Diaz and Langerhans. I’m pretty sure Diaz is out of options.

If we keep both, that leaves Aybar and Woodward to back up 3B, SS and 2B. Is that adequate given Chipper’s injury history, and the uncertainty surrounding KJ? (all of this is assuming no surprises between now and opening day)

Obviously, if one of our starters went on the DL, we could call someone up; the problem is just if someone is down for a few games and we can’t make a roster move.

I really hope we can carry both - better than carrying Prado or Orr, imo, but just don’t know what the “prudent” thing is. Woodward and Wilson, and probably Aybar, can play OF, so we’re pretty well covered there.

(Not trying to reopen the debate on Langy vs. Diaz, by the way; my question is, can we keep both?)

By Navigator

February 11, 2007 02:11 PM | Link to this

Braves startes equal 75-80 wins max. They could just as easily win 70. Folks a solid bull pen doesn’t mean a thing when your starting pitching is suspect at all but one pitcher. It is amazing to me what the braves have done to keep these has been pitchers around with high bucks, when other team wouldn’t give them more than a basic contract, and a chance to make the team. Everyone has to realize that stop gap efforts don’t pay off in the long run. The yankees have been doing this since the late nineties and it hasn’t worked for them either. These teams forget how they got to be good, and of course Bobby Cox can’t deal with youth, and that hurts player development.

By KC

February 11, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this

Navigator: “Braves starters equal 75-80 wins max. They could just as easily win 70”

Navigator: respectfully, your statement makes no sense. You take last year’s rotation… add Mike Hampton to it, and then back it up with the best bullpen in baseball… and there’s zero improvement??? That is a completely senseless statement. Let’s address your assessment of this rotation:

First of all, there is absolutely no reason to believe that his 2006 success was beginners luck for Chuck James. In fact, the opposite is true. You have to acknowledge that James has won at every level. He won (in a big way) all through his minor league career. When they brought him up and put him in the bullpen, he got outs. When they moved him into the rotation, he continued to win.

Until 2006, Tim Hudson had finished in the top 15% of all MLB starters in ERA every year of his career, except for his sophomore season (and he won 20 games that year). He even managed an excellent 3.50 ERA in his injury plagued 2004 and 2005 seasons. 2006 was the first and only poor season of his career. Was it a fluke? We’ll find out. I can’t predict a return to Cy Young form this season, but if you had to wager… I think it would be foolish to bet against him having a much better season. He’s only 30. He’s healthy. He has the same stuff he had back in Oakland, and he’s determined. Again, Cy Young form in 07? I have no idea, and I wouldn’t wager heavily on that. But odds are that he’ll be closer to his Oakland form than he will be his 2006 form.

As for Mike Hampton… He will have had the FULL recommended 18 month recovery period (from Tommy John surgery). It’s reasonable to expect a re-acclimation period. I wouldn’t look for too much out of him in the first half, but if he can just improve as the season goes along, he could provide a huge lift down the stretch.

As for the 5th starter… the Braves are in the same position as nearly every team in baseball. They are going to put a talented young kid in that 5th slot, and hope he blossoms. If not, they’ll plug the hole. They’ve got other good 5th starter options within the organization.

All in all, this is likely to be one of the 5 best rotations in the NL. That, plus the best bullpen in baseball, plus one of the top 3 or 4 offenses in the NL does NOT equal 70-80 wins. And if you would like to wager otherwise, I’ll take that bet.

“Folks a solid bull pen doesn’t mean a thing when your starting pitching is suspect at all but one pitcher.”

Somebody forgot to tell the Mets that last year. The Braves will have a significantly better rotation this season than the Mets had last year (or will have this year).

By MBATL

February 11, 2007 02:59 PM | Link to this

Nav, not sure I understand your post. Mets’ starters won 65 games last year. If ours’ win 75 this year (that’s 15 each), with our ‘pen, we’ll be just fine.

As to contracts, the only big contract we’ve given a pitcher is Hudson, and it’s not huge. Hampton makes a ton of money, but JS got a great deal with 2 other teams contributing to it. Sure, he got hurt - but had that not happened he’d have been a bargain.

And Bobby Cox can’t deal with youth? Why are we playing McCann, Francoeur, K Johnson, Langerhans, James, Thorman, ad infinitum? Bobby does like a veteran or 2 off the bench (who doesn’t?), but he has had great success developing young players, and a ton of willingness to play them.

By Ron Roberts

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

KC…

As obnoxious as you might think the Dixie Chicks were in expressing their views, they were right about our involvement in Iraq, in the end.

Besides, nobody bashes on all the right-wing-loving country music acts that overwhelmingly dominate that format.

I can’t stand “Independence Day” by Martina McBride because it only reminds me of that smarmy, fact-twisting, smug Sean Hannity.

By Shaun Payne

February 11, 2007 03:06 PM | Link to this

KC, Navigator,

I’m looking for 88-90 wins in 2007 from the Braves. Last year they were an 85-77 team (well, they weren’t because of their record in close games, but that’s what a typical team with their run differential would have been).

Their offense will probably drop off some but their pitching should improve enough to make their overall run differential better than in 2006. I think 88-90 wins is realistic as long as everything goes reasonably well.

Oh, and 75-80 wins out of the starters would be pretty good. The top five starters (most starts) only won 50 games last season. The Mets’ top five only won 54. 75-80 wins from any starting rotation is great.

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 03:31 PM | Link to this

who actually watches or listens to hannity? i actually think he probably is a pretty smart guy and a decent guy. You would never know that from watching his show though. I truly believe that Hannity and Oreilly do not believe anything they pretend to believe - they can not be that simpleminded. i think it is all just an act that they do to make money - they are doing quite well i would guess since they have been on the air for a long time and make alot of money. but seriously, who listens to those guys without laughing at them? go to youtube for any of you who missed letterman killing oreilly.

as for the dixie chicks, of course they were right about the war and had the courage to say it when our democratic senators just shut up and sat on the hands because they all were more worried about the potential political consequences of voting against the war (see Hillary, Kerry, & Edwards). but the dixie chicks did go about it all wrong, especially natalie - hence why so many are turned off. if you have something to say, then say it while you are here - do not ham it up for the british when you are in london - do not put down your country when you are in foreign soil (you keep family fights in house - you do not take them out into the streets in front of others - when you do that makes you a drama queen who is disloyal to your family and country) - you do not put down Texas just because W is from Texas - and in the stupidest move of all time - you do not ever put down your core country music audience. what a bunch of nitwits.

By KC

February 11, 2007 03:32 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts:

As much as this might seem like a political discussion… it’s actually a discussion about the Dixie Chicks and how they have expressed their views (which happen to be political in nature).

This “As obnoxious as you might think the Dixie Chicks were in expressing their views, they were right about our involvement in Iraq, in the end.” is a political statement. Let’s not go into our personal views on the war or on politics. We’ve been asked not do so, and I want to honor that.

My problem with the Ditsy Chicks was never their point of view on the war or anything else. Let’s take another public figure… Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns (the with the Mavs) said a few times that he disagreed with the war. GREAT!!!! God bless him!!!

He respectfully stated his views on a major issue that affects us all. Regardless of whether or not you agree with him, you have to respect that. He didn’t go overseas and start bashing the US or its policies. He didn’t call the president or anyone that might disagree with his point of view and “idiot” as the Ditsy Chicks did.

I think they could have voiced their opinions while still treating the fans responsible for their success with respect and appreciation. They didn’t. My problem with the Ditsy Chicks has nothing to do with their points of view. It has to do with the fact that they are… or at least their lead singer is… a spoiled little (w)itch.

Now they have the right to be jerks… but let’s not turn them into martyrs, and don’t force me to sit through any effort to do so. They made their bed and they had to sleep in it. Simple as that.

By KC

February 11, 2007 03:35 PM | Link to this

Shaun: If you think the Braves will win no more than 90 games… how bout’ a friendly wager?

If they had Bob Wickman in the pen from day-1 last year, they would have won that many. Beyond Wickman, this team has been improved. So 88-90 wins is a very conservative estimate.

The only way this team wins only 88-90 is if they get hit really hard by injuries.

By brian

February 11, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this

Look at Mauer’s contract he just signed. A long way from free agency, but what a market value he has set. McCann has to be licking his chops reading that article, and deservedly so. When arbitration arrives, McCann will be compared to Mauer and favorably so.

In my opinion, Mauer’s contract makes it less likely Andruw will be back for the Braves next year. As great a player Andruw has been, even coming back at $18 million/year (he will get more) would handcuff the Braves in regards to McCann (and Francoeur, James, etc).

Looking ahead if the Braves had to choose Andruw versus McCann, I would take McCann in a heartbeat. Young, with the best years ahead of him, and even at Mauer’s contract rate, less than half the cost of Andruw.

McCann, Francoeur, James, and Gonzalez +/-Soriano are priorities to lock up and keep with the Braves for years to come. If Andruw takes up 20%+ of our payroll, we would be lucky to lock up one of the above for any length of time.

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

i jumped into a political discussion again even though i promised DOB yesterday I would not do that anymore. Sorry about that.

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

KC, i think if you look at the braves’ records i posted way up above when hampton, smoltz, hudson, and james start, the braves have a .600 winning percentage when those four gentleman start over the last few years. if you assume that all four will start about 35 games each - giving you 140 games and then multiply the 140 by the .600, you will see that if the historical trend holds true, the braves will win about 84 of those 140 games that those guys start. then all the braves need out of the fifth starter is for the braves to to go .500, i.e. 11-11, when the fifth starter starts. that will give the braves 95 wins - which should have them in contention for the division and should get them a wildcard at least. even if the braves are only 8-14 when the firth starter starts, that would give them 92 wins, which should be good enough for a wildcard berth. since wildcards were implemented in 1995, if the NL team wins 92 games, they usually are guaranteed a wildcard spot. there is an exception or two but 92 wins should be enough to get into the playoffs. there is no way the mets are going to get as much as luck and magic out of their ragtag rotation that they got last year. and there is no way the phils rotation holds up in that silly little bandbox they just built.

By MBATL

February 11, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

brian, I was just about to post a comment on the Mauer contract, but you beat me to the punch.

Yes, it has implications for the Braves and McCann, but look at the structure of the Mauer deal: it runs from $3.75 mil this year, up to $12.5 mil in 2010. Given that by the end of 2008, the Braves will be through with the Hampton, C Jones, and Smoltz contracts, and Hudson’s expires after 2009, I don’t think it’s impossible to keep guys like McCann and AJ.

Not saying that we should sign AJ to a big contract - I am still going back and forth on that, to be honest - but I think we could if we wanted to and still keep most of our emerging players.

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

get us a new ownership group and not the Liberty clowns. i do not care if they ever sign another free agent or trade for another big ticket item - just promise us fans that you will pay whatever the market value is to retain your own homegrown stars. that is all many of us ask from ownership. this is not a small market despite the corporate cheapskates acting like we are.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

First on run deferential,the more important stat is ratio of points scored to runs surrendered.So if you score 8 per and give up 6 you have a 2 run deference but only a 4 to 3 ratio.Now if you score 4 and give up 2 you still have a 2 point deferential but the ratio is a cool 2 to 1.This works in football,boxing,or business as well as baseball.So let’s imagine a game it’s the 7th inning we’re up 2 to 1 or 8 to 7 if this is representative of the season you have to assume the 2 to 1 lead is safer based on the proportion ( ratio ) thus we say we play the percentages. You can bet your season tickets Mr Cox understands the value of this distinction.

By Head Coach

February 11, 2007 04:54 PM | Link to this

Andruw , Smoltz and Wickman are free agents after this season. Hampton , Chipper , Renteria and Villarreal will be free agents after 2008. Hudson is after 2009. Players will be traded , resigned , arbitration will add payroll and new players will be added. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist in order to figure out that there will be significant payroll/player turnover in the next three seasons. Roster turnover is always a constant of 10-12 new players every season. But , payroll will be impacted even more so.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this

Honest now ! would anybody take Hudson and Hampton over 27 million in cap room ?

By brian

February 11, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

since you guys started it I am going to make one comment then stop.

Just because people think differently than you does make them “simple minded” There are a lot of very smart people who believe in straight forward traditional/conservative policies (GWB is NOT one of them by the way). O’Reilly believes whole heartedly in what he says on his shows. What is so simple minded about trying to protect children from child predators. Why don’t you guys watch O’Reilly and Hannity instead of just repeating what you have read on your left wing blogs.

Now, I thought there were to be no politics on this blog because it gets people too emotional and I am done with that.

Good point MBATL about the structure of the contract. Another good point on whether it is a good idea to sign Andruw for a long extensiion. I would say no because for all the money and time he would get on his contract he likely would only regress year to year. The wear and tear on his body has been huge and he hasn’t exactly been keeping it in great shape. So he is in great shape this spring. It is sad that he gets into great shape come spring in his walk year and not the others. When he gets his 6-8 year contract, that is a lot of time to NOT be motivated to get into great shape.

By Phillip

February 11, 2007 05:14 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it weird how close McCann & Mauer are to one another; in terms of: they’re roughly the same age(maybe THE same), lead their respective leagues in hitting(for a catcher),& they’re both from the state that they play in.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 05:14 PM | Link to this

Brian - The thing I like about a Braves blog over the football bloggers is, you don’t get so much trash and psycho babble,we all have opinions and I voice mine in calls to congress and other appropriate venues.So to all of you,PLEASE CAN’T WE ALL JUST TALK BALL ??

By MBATL

February 11, 2007 05:17 PM | Link to this

Probably not, OddJob… I’d take the money. Any team takes a risk when signing guys to longterm contracts, but you have to do that to get top quality players. You just have to hope most of the deals work out.

If we had $27 mil to spend this year, it would still require longterm commitments to get quality guys, and you’re back in the same cycle next year or the next. The ideal is to have a steady stream of young guys coming through the system, and to never have to enter into big contracts, but that’s obviously easier said than done. Braves are pretty good at it, though.

I thought your previous post, about ratios, made a lot of sense, btw.

And couldn’t agree more about your very last post, regarding politics on this blog.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 05:25 PM | Link to this

On Andruw, I keep reading about the wear on his body,but he has never been seriously injured and as far as condition he plays all the time.Prior injuries are a better predictor of future durability than innings played.Take it from somebody with a history of low back sprains,it has a cumulative effect that isn’t considered as much as it should be.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 05:25 PM | Link to this

On Andruw, I keep reading about the wear on his body,but he has never been seriously injured and as far as condition he plays all the time.Prior injuries are a better predictor of future durability than innings played.Take it from somebody with a history of low back sprains,it has a cumulative effect that isn’t considered as much as it should be.

By MBATL

February 11, 2007 05:30 PM | Link to this

brian, again you’ve beat me to the punch. I really hope AJ is in great shape this year, but if he is, it makes me wonder why he wasn’t last year, and if he will be next year.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 05:30 PM | Link to this

Thanks MBATL, Time to pick up some takeout I’ll check in later.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 11, 2007 05:49 PM | Link to this

there is a little fish camp/restaurant on the indian river that serves a very tasty grouper sandwich. this journalist thinks it is worth the drive from disney to seek out such a sandwich. of course, there are many places in florida to buy a grouper sandwich. still, this journalist has never had a bad grouper sandwich at this fish camp. so, the question becomes, will lew venture forth for such a sandwich?

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 06:26 PM | Link to this

Was it Bob Boone who reached down to dust off home plate damaged his back and never played again? I don’t know if AJ will have a long injury free career,but I’m reminded of Eddie Murry, every year the pundits talked about his condition and what a waste of talent he was.When all was said and done he may have had the best career at the plate of any non steriod user in the past thirty years.Add the best d in the outfield in this era and you have AJ.sure I’m not happy with his average and lack of base stealing,but if he stays relatively healthy he could end up with a Willy Mays like career.Now I,m not saying re-sign him there are many things to consider,but to think any one player will replace 120/40 and hall of fame defense is asking alot.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 11, 2007 06:28 PM | Link to this

Are the majority of us dillusional or what? I just read Mr. Dayn Perry’s preseason power rankings and it has the Braves at 19th. Apparently, Chuck James isn’t a major league pitcher because of his “fly ball tendancies”. Also, the inability to replace LaRoche’s production will be the Braves downfall.

I can’t wait until this team makes the playoffs and see what all of these jerks have to say then. I’m sure it won’t be praise for the Braves, but more along the lines of how many teams “underachieved”.

By brian

February 11, 2007 06:56 PM | Link to this

ODD JOB - why don’t you read the above posts instead of just slamming me. I agree with what you said and I truly believe that has no place on this blog. I was responding to many earlier posts.Slam me that is fine, but slam the above posts as well. Or do you only slam posts you disagree with and pretend you don’t see the other posts. Kind of like a referee at a Duke basketball game - same play both ways but call the foul on the opposing team but if Duke does the same thing must be good defense

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 07:06 PM | Link to this

Did anybody catch last years SI article on Joe Mauer? They raved about his swing and poise at catcher.When the stats were pored over I compared them to Brian Mccanns’Mauer had a slightly higher average and ops,but Brian had the better power and rbi stats. The thing that grabbed me was how they laid out Mauers’ place all time compared to the great catchers,they were equal to or better than any.Now the good stuff, Mccann is a year younger! so if you could have one player from this team who would you choose? The kid has my vote.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 07:14 PM | Link to this

Brian - I didn’t intend anything I said as a slam you or anybody.’It’s a free country’ it is just my preference to get away from weighty subjects,think of it like going to a game,same thing to me!

By brian

February 11, 2007 07:34 PM | Link to this

I agree odd job that this blog should avoid politics and weighty subjects. I just disagreed that you called me out for my post yet numerous other ones above mine were very political and one sided. You decided to only call me out, not the others.

I was very clear in my post that that was my one and only comment (and only in response to the numerous ones above) on the matter and I did not think it was appropriate for this blog to get into those issues. Yet you still called me out and not the others? I simply called you a Duke referee (carolina lady knows what I am talking about) or the classic referee that misses the first punch but blows the whistle on the second.

I agree whole heartedly about McCann. He will cost us, but I absolutely take him over Mauer or any other catcher. To top it off he seems a good “kid”

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 07:44 PM | Link to this

i don’t think odd job was just slamming you brian. he was slamming me and KC and others as well who were inappropriately injecting our political beliefs into a braves blog. i think KC went on a dixie chick rant, which caused someone to bash hannity, which caused me to bash hannity and oreilly and the dixie chicks and then caused you to defend hannity and oreilly. we were all baiting each other. i would not say odd job was really slamming us either. he was just saying enough already, move on, talk ball. as oreilly would say, let’s agree to disagree. as obama would say, we all know there are many things we are not going to ever agree upon when it comes to politics and religion, so let’s focus on the things we can hopefully agree upon. thinking we can all agree about the braves is kind of silly. DOB would not get 600 posts every time if we all agreed. but at least it is fun to disagree about sports. religion and politics, not so much.

By mr baseball

February 11, 2007 07:56 PM | Link to this

Robert (JITB): This shouldn’t come as much of a shock, but there are a lot of people with access to large audiences in print, on the air and on the net who got where they are despite an obvious lack of knowledgeability or talent. From what little I’ve read of Perry, he is apparently one of them.

Listening to allegedly informed broadcasters on ESPN or Fox discussing the Braves during Baseball Tonight or games provided ample evidence that they knew very little about the team. I would imagine that fans in other cities would say the same thing about the comments concerning their favorite teams. The way things work now in the sports media, you don’t need to have much knowledge or insight to offer opinions. A ready microphone or keyboard is all you need.

Pack journalism is more than just the recent frenzy over the obsessed female astronaut or Anna Nicole. There is a group-think that permeates through a lot of what you read and hear, and you will witness that this year in the widespread predictions of dire straits for the ‘07 Braves. The national sports media tired of the Braves a long time ago, and are more than happy to kick dirt on what they think is a corpse. There will be a few dissenters, but not many.

Being from New York, the Mets will be a virtually unanimous pick to win the division, despite their obvious pitching questions, and the Phillies the consensus choice as their main challenger. A few brave souls wanting to get ahead of the curve may go for the Marlins as a darkhorse, but I can almost guarantee that virtually no one outside Atlanta (maybe the Southeast) is going to pay much attention to the Braves.

The baseball world (as perceived by ESPN, Fox, the national magazines and the big names in print)revolves around four cities — NY, Boston, Chicago and LA. Unless you have Barry Bonds on your team, everybody else is pretty much irrelevant. Those supposedly in the know really don’t know a lot about what’s going on in Detroit, Houston, Seattle and Atlanta, and that colors the frequently ill-informed opinions they spout. If (when?) the Braves get back on top, the team’s fans will have plenty of targets for some snide “you are such an idiot” barbs to aim at the Dayn Perrys of the world. Just be sure to save some of their brilliant pre-season prognostications for later use.

Here’s at least one Braves fan rooting for the Dixie Chicks tonight. Hope they win and tell the neanderthal folks at Clear Channel and in the country music establishment to kiss ‘em you know where.

By Miss Manners

February 11, 2007 07:57 PM | Link to this

Can’t we all just get along? Stinky is three of the offended parties. Stinky should make peace with Stinky.

By brian

February 11, 2007 07:59 PM | Link to this

I agree - lets talk baseball. I am excited about this season. A lot of ifs, but if the team comes together it could be a fun October. Hopefully a year off will regenerate the fans at Turner. Seeing those early playoff games, in person and on TV, gave me goose bumps at the time. Sold out crowd, cheering and chanting. To give another Tar Heel reference - our crowds have become more of a wine and cheese crowd.

LF, 1B, and 2B are the biggest questions - if at least 2 out 3 come through watch out MUTS

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 08:01 PM | Link to this

braveheart - spot on,in my political mode I’m very opinionated as opposed to my sports mode in which I simply have opinions. GO BRAVOS!!

By Lew

February 11, 2007 08:04 PM | Link to this

What’s up with Sting and the Retro Brian Bosworth look?

By Lew

February 11, 2007 08:08 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist Jimmy Smith-If one truly wants to experience the best Grouper sandwhich anywhere, go to the Hurricane on St. Pete Beach.

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 08:09 PM | Link to this

Is anybody else disappointed with the performance of the POLICE? These guys need a shot of speed or Viagra or something. I saw these guys in ‘82 and I believe they are strung out on whatever AARP gives its guys in order to coax the nice seniors like jjs and CL to vote with the party line.

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 08:18 PM | Link to this

And with the notable exception of Mike Hampton, who’s coming back from elbow and knee surgeries and after 18 months away from competition, the Braves didn’t make any additions to the rotation, and subtracted two starters (Horacio Ramirez, John Thomson).

DOBRA, really. Did You consider either HR or JT to be MLB Starters?

By Tonight on TBS

February 11, 2007 08:18 PM | Link to this

Blue Velveeta (1986)

David Lynch’s blood-curdling and well-Krafted look beneath the rind of the all-American town of Limburgerton. A mild young man (Kyle MacLactose) develops a Feta attraction for a kitschy chanteuse (Swissabella Rossellini) while pursued by the whey creepy, parmesan sniffing, big cheese (Dennis Havarti). Rated PG (Penicillium glaucum).

By JACQUILN

February 11, 2007 08:23 PM | Link to this

D-O-B,AS SPRING-TRANING GETS CLOSER I HAVE A LOT OF QUSTIONSABOUT THE STARTERS,FIRST SMOLTZ WHO’S ALMOST 40 AND WAS THE ANSWER TO THE BULL-PEN PROBLEM,A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO,AND HAS HAD SURGERY ON HIS ELBOW,LET HIS EGO,GET THE BEST OF HIM AND THREATNED TO LEAVE RIGHT BEFORE HIS LAST CONTRACT NEGOTIATION’S,IF HE WASN’T A STARTER AGAIN,WILL HE WIN12-15,GAMES?HAMPTON WHO’S COMMING OFF TOMMY-JOHN SURGERY AND HAS NOT PITCHED IN A GAME IN ABOUT 18-MONTHS,WHO KNOW’S HOW MANY GAMES HE’S GOING TO WIN OR IF HE IS EVEN ABLE TO THROW A BASEBALL? HUDSON THE BIGGEST BUST OF THE J.S. ERA? HE GOT WHAT HE WANTED A BIG-FAT CONTRACT WITH A WINNING TEAM WHO HE THOUGHT WOULD SCORE A LOT OF RUN’S FOR HIM,TO COVER-UP HIS LOLLY-POP PITCHE’S,AND THEN COME OUT AND ADMIT HE DIDN’T TAKE LAST YEAR AT ALL SERIOUS?DAVIS IS STILL YOUNG AND A WORK IN PROGRESS,AND SHOW’S GREAT PROMICE,BUT I’D FEEL BETTER IF LEO,WAS STILL HERE TO WORK WITH HIM?AND THEN THERE’S WHO-EVER COX CHOOSE’S AS THE FITH-STARTER AND I GUESS PRAY FOR RAIN,WHAT IM BASICALLY SAY’ING THE STARTER’S HAVE TO COME-THROUGH FOR THE BRAVE’S TO HAVE ANY HOPE OF THE PLAY-OFF’S.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 08:32 PM | Link to this

Stinky - I thought the pooolices was right onnn!!!

By KC

February 11, 2007 08:32 PM | Link to this

Aw crap…” I intended to watch the Police perfomance, but I missed it. Bummer.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 11, 2007 08:34 PM | Link to this

The truth is that the NL is a crapshoot this year. In my opinion everyone is capable of winning their divison or the wild card except for the Nats and Reds. The Nats are obvious and I think the Reds just don’t have the pitching. But, when you really think about it all of the others teams have a legitimate shot. All of the teams are filled with “what if” questions. Here is my preliminary view of all the potential contending NL teams.

1. Mets: They may or may not still be the class of the NL. Their starting pitching is dubious at best. The bullpen is solid but lost some key figures from last year’s team and have to wait well into the season for a couple of others to return (Mota and Williams). The offense is powerful but has to hope that 41 year old Moises Alou doesn’t spend time on the DL, which is something he has done frequently over the last three seasons. Not to mention their RF situation is a bit sticky. Shawn Green seems to be regressing and there seems to be questions if Lasting Milledge is ready.

2. Braves: The Braves have a very solid team that had an injury plagued 2006 season and still underachieved. The rotation seems to be more solidified but has some depth questions. Hampton should return to form after Tommy John surgery but has to prove it on the field before anyone can believe it. All conventional wisdom says that Hudson will regain his form and not be the “mediocre” Hudson the Braves have seen for the last two seasons. Despite what some say James is the real deal. While he may have “fly ball tendancies” so does Glavine and he has seemed to do okay. If Davies comes back strong this rotation could be the best in the NL. The offense will be strong despite the losses of LaRoche and Giles. Kelly Johnson should at the very least equal Giles’ offense but his defense will be the question. Scott Thorman will more than likely not be able to put up LaRoche’s numbers but should be solid and with Craig Wilson also getting some time at 1st the production at 1st base should not see any kind of significant drop off. The Braves bench is versatile if nothing else. This should be a very interesting team that may go into the season with a chip on its shoulder due to the perceived slight they are receiving. Also, don’t count out the possibility of a trade. The NY Times mentioned the name of Rocco Baldelli once again being trade bait. The Braves certainly have the things the Rays need.

3. Phillies: Their rotation is probably the best in the NL East. The offense is more than explosive and especially in that ballpark. However, the bullpen is questionable except for Gordon. The question also has to remain if the Phillies we saw down the stretch was the real Phillies team or a team playing off of emotion after losing its “leader”.

4. Marlins: Without question the starting rotation is one of the best in baseball. However, the bullpen is shaky at best and right now doesn’t have a bonafide closer nor is there really one amongst the potential candidates. The offense is bolstered by Miguel Cabera, but has some questions. Is Dan Uggla really that good? The outfield is shaky. The Marlins are one of those teams that could win 92 games or lose 92 games.

5. Cardinals: The defending champs have some pitching issues. The rotation is okay but by no means overpowering. The bullpen is iffy. The offense will be good but Puljos and Eckstein are the only two guys that you KNOW will have good seasons. Who knows if Rolen can stay in the lineup. The thing in the Cards favor is that they play in the mediocre NL Central.

6. Astros: Here is a very iffy team. The rotation is good but not the same without Pettite and Clemens. The bullpen is good. The defense, on the other hand, has been diminished with the acquisition of Carlos Lee in LF and the loss of Willy Taveras in CF. Now, Lee will provide some pop to the offense but will he, Berkman, and Ensberg be enough.

7. Cubs: The Cubs spent money this offseason like an intoxicated K-Fed at a strip club with his most recent check from Britney. But, will it be enough. Alfonso Soriano was the best acquistion of the offseason. The guy is one of the best in this game. The Cubs offense will be amogst the best in the majors. However, the pitching still has question marks. If Prior can stay healthy and Wood can make the transition to the closer role (that is where he is going), then the Cubs could prove to be very tough to beat. If not, it’ll be another rough year on the north side and GM Jim Hendry will be gone!

8. Brewers: Here is another team that if everything goes right they could be quite dangerous. Their rotation is solid. The bullpen has some questions but if Francisco can come through in the closer role like he did in Texas a couple of years ago they will have no problems closing games. The offense will be good with the likes of Prince Fielder, Johnny Estrada, Bill Hall, and Rickie Weeks. The real question will be can the Brewers finally get it together and keep it together for an entire season?

9. Pirates: The Pirates could be very dangerous. If their young starters can get some consistency, their rotation will be very good. The bullpen is very deep even with the loss of Mike Gonzales. If Chris Duffy can get his head out of his butt and LaRoche does what they expect, the offense will be quite good. The Pirates play in a weak division and could pull off a big surprise.

10. Dodgers: While many call the Mets the class of the NL, I think for right now the Dodgers are the team that should get that nod. Their rotation is the best in the NL. Their bullpen is solid and deep. The offense is good but does lack power. The one big advantage the Dodgers have is overall depth. They will be able to plug holes with adequate replacements from within their farm system. They are the one team that doesn’t really have to look at making trades to make the team better unless they want to get a true power hitter.

11. Padres: The Padres have what could also be the best rotation in the NL. Greg Maddux will be very beneficial to the rotation and the younger pitchers on the team. Their defense is great. Their bulllpen is the best in the NL if not baseball. The problem is the offense. They just don’t seem to have the firepower. However, their pitching could be enough to lead them to a third straight division title.

12. Diamondbacks: This is a very young team that could be very dangerous. If their starting pitching holds up, they could even run away with the NL West. They have some very good offensive players. The rebuilding process is ahead of schedule and this is the type of team that you don’t want to meet in the playoffs.

13. Rockies: Like with so many other teams the Rockies success will depend upon their starting pitching. They don’t have dominating starters but they are good solid starters. If they can hold up and the bullpen is adequate, the Rockies will be right there in the NL West. Their offense has the potential to be quite powerful. I would take a middle of the lineup that features: Helton, Holliday, Hawpe, and Atkins any day of the week. The Rockies will need some breaks to go their way but with the humidor experiment over the balls should be flying out of Coors again.

14. Giants: Yeah, yeah, they are older than dirt. But, with the age also comes experience. Bruce Botchy is a very good manager who is very good at managing his players and getting their optimal performances. Now, when speaking of the Giants and their success, you have to mention Barry Lamar Bonds. Yes, while we all may despise him, he is still very good and still very dangerous. He is even more dangerous now because he has a chip on his shoulder and feels that EVERYONE is against him. That is just how he likes it. He will sign that contract and want to break Aaron’s record, prove he can hit without the roids, and last but not least shove it in everybody’s face. Oh yeah, they got this guy named Zito as well. If some guys can defy their age, the Giants will be a tough team to beat.

By KC

February 11, 2007 08:36 PM | Link to this

JACQUILN: There is nothing harder to read than one looong paragraph in all caps. That’s not a criticism… that is just to say that I would like to read you post, but it’s hard to look at.

Multiple paragraphs and sentence case. =)

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 08:36 PM | Link to this

to back up stinky’s point:

the braves were 24-31 in horacio’s last 55 starts

the braves were 13-19 in thomson’s last 32 starts.

the braves record therefore in thomson’s and horacio’s last 87 starts was a woeful 37-50.

addition by subtraction, i say.

plus, they were always hurt.

the braves in the last few years have won 60% of the games started by hudson, smoltz, and hampton. if the braves can get 105 starts out of smoltz, hampton, and hudson, they will be looking at somewhere around a 63-42 record when they take the hill. if the braves can find a way to play .500 ball when james and whomever the #5 is take the hill, then the braves will have about 91 or 92 wins. sounds good to me. thus all you are asking is for james and the #5 to help the team play .500 ball in their 57 starts. if they give you more, then great you are looking at 95+ wins for the bravos

if the braves get 130-140 starts out of smoltz, hampton, hudson, and james, i predict the braves will win between 78-84 of those games.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 08:37 PM | Link to this

I don’t get the Justa Tenderlackey thing! Maybe you have to be a 12 year old girl to get it.

By JACK

February 11, 2007 08:43 PM | Link to this

IN THE WORD’S OF JIM MORA S.R. BRAVES MAKING THE PLAY-OFF’S,PLAY-OFF’S,PLAYOFFS YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 08:45 PM | Link to this

Damn, how can Justin Timberlake be such a big star? I’m with you OddJob, he’s just not good. At all. Period.

Gotta say, I kinda liked that Dixie Chicks performance. But didn’t they used to be a country band, or something akin to country?

Like I said earlier, couple of them are easy on the eyes.

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 08:45 PM | Link to this

This season, the Braves would just like to be able to get steady work out of four or five starters, so they don’t have to scramble to piece together the rotation like they did all of 2006 because of injuries to John Thomson and Horacio Ramirez and poor performance by Jorge Sosa.

DUHH.

By KC

February 11, 2007 08:47 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: I think 95 wins is a very reasonable prediction.

Robert(JIB): Dayn Perry is an idiot… and a Mets fan. I’m not making the last part up. He really is a Mets fan. Not an “objective” observer. That said, I can’t begin to conceive of how some like Perry justify ranking the Braves 19th in all of baseball. Unbelievable.

Again, if you simply had Wickman in the pen from day one, last year’s team would have won 90 games. And the thing is… this team is better this year in a number of ways that have nothing to do with Wickman.

To look at it another way… if the Braves don’t get all that much out of Hudson and Hampton… we’ll say an combined ERA of between 4.00-4.00 from Hudson/Hampton… then the Braves will have a team very similar to the 2006 Mets. Two good starters and 3 mediocre ones, the best bullpen in the league, and one of the top offenses in the league (and yes, the Braves will still have one of the top offenses).

If Hudson and/or Hampton come through, this team will be a better team than the 2006 Mets (or the 2007 Mets for that matter).

Any way you slice it, I think it’s nuts to predict a sub-90 win season for Atlanta this year, and will field wagers from anyone who would like to bet otherwise. Seriously.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 08:47 PM | Link to this

KC, the Police were actually quite good. I assumed they might sound like ancient rockers, but then that’s not the most challenging song from their catalog.

I have no idea if they’re talking about touring, but I’m sure that would sell out every venue. Of course, they’d charge $75-250 a ticket, I’m sure, like the Stones.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 08:50 PM | Link to this

Stinky - I don’t want to date myself but I saw the stones exile on main street concert.( still the best rock cd on my list)

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 08:50 PM | Link to this

Eware, you asked earlier about some good new rootsy stuff out. The new Lucinda Williams is in stores Tuesday, and what I’ve heard of it is tremendous.

Also, it ain’t new anymore, but less than a year old _ the Son Volt album that came out last year, “Okemah and the Melody of Riot.” It’s their best, in my opinion. And pretty rockin’ for a so-called Americana album.

By Robert

February 11, 2007 08:51 PM | Link to this

“but he (Cox) has had great success developing young players, and a ton of willingness to play them.

No and no.

Cox has inherited some very good young players, and he has been handed some very good young players.

You could even say that while in the front office, Cox did a decent job identifying some good young players

But he has never added one iota to the baseball skills of any player, young, old, or other

Willingness to play them - I remember last year when all of a sudden out of the blue Bobby came out and declared that Betemit needed to be playing more - well, since he was the dipstick who was not giving Betemit playing time, what was he doing, criticizing himself?

Cox will spend the majority of the season doing one of five things, none of which involves helping young players in any way

1.Picking his nose

2.Picking his anus

3.Turning various shades of red fuming about ball and strike calls

4.Chewing his nails and wondering why his finger tastes bad

5.About once every two weeks making a decision that results in the Braves losing a ballgame

By Tanyon and Kelly

February 11, 2007 08:52 PM | Link to this

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE IS AWESOME! FER SURE!

BYE - GOTTA GO TO THE MALL.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 11, 2007 08:53 PM | Link to this

stinky, is that an invitation? see you at turner field in april. you won’t be able to afford the seats where jimmy smith sits, so let the usher know you are there to see this journalist - maybe he will let you pass. probably not, though. and which character will you be? you are pitiable. join your many friends and come on down. meltdown, meltdown. whiny, little jerk.

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 08:54 PM | Link to this

Knowing Smoltz, wouldn’t expect it to affect him one iota on the field, however. The man is as focused as any athlete I’ve been around.

Don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.

By Marc

February 11, 2007 08:54 PM | Link to this

I read the blog everyday, but I don’t post very often.

I though as the season came near, I would take the time to post some thoughts.

First, I think DOB does a great job. The insults that go back and forth are ridiculous. Debate is fine, but the immature baseless insulting is not. DOB is informed, responsive and knowledgeable on a wide variety of subjects. I don’t know him as a person, (he could be a jerk, just kidding), but as for this blog he gives everyone a place to get a Braves fix.

As for the team, I think JS did a great job constructing a roster that can win. We have a great bullpen, a strong staff, and enough hitters to put up some runs. You have to give young guys like Thorman and Johnson a chance to prove themselves. How will anyone ever know if they can be productive major league starters if you never play them on a regular basis. I am sure if Hampton, or Davies, or Jouhnson, or Tjorman struggle in Spring Training, JS has pieces to pull off atrade for a starter or leadoff hitter. I am a fan and a knowledgeable one at that, however I would never pretend that I could construct a team better than JS or cover the Braves better than DOB. People take this as an insult when DOB points this out. This is not neccesarily an insult to ones intellect, it comes down to training or experience. I highly doubt JS or DOB could argue a case in front of a jury as well as an attorney.

As for the season I think the Braves have a great shot, every team in the East has flaws. The Mets starting pitching is weak, the Phillies bullpen is not overly strong, the Marlins are young, and the Nationals are well the Nationals. Let’s see how Spring Training goeas before we pass judgement.

Hey DOB how about a list of a top ten for movies?

Here is one to start it off in no particular order:

Godfather I Godfather II Raising Arizona Scarface A Clockwork Orange Dog Day Afternoon Animal House Caddyshack Easy Rider Rocky

There are many variations of movies lists that you can do, but I figure this would be a good start.

By Robert

February 11, 2007 08:57 PM | Link to this

“The truth is that the NL is a crapshoot this year.”

When the Braves were good in the regular season but couldnt generate results in the playoffs, they gave us the excuse that the playoffs are just a crapshoot.

Now that they cant even win a division title, the reular season is a crapshoot too.

The guys in the front office are laughing their behinds off. And Cox is braying at 130 decibels.

Because the team’s fan base BELIEVES this nonsense

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 08:57 PM | Link to this

If anyone was wondering what the hell a Dobra was besides me, I’ve found it:

From Wikipedia: The Dobra is the currency of the West African island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Also, Dobra is a Norwegian brand of vodka based on potatoes.

Hey, sounds cool.

By Stevie

February 11, 2007 08:57 PM | Link to this

BRAVES WIN WORLD-CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2007.

By Tonight on TBS

February 11, 2007 09:04 PM | Link to this

We show only the best movies.

Met-Tanic (1997)

Tragic tale of 2 hurlers, Glavine (Leonardo DeCapria) and Martinez (Kate Winslett) aboard an incredibly expensive and seemingly unsinkable juggernaut that capsizes before reaching the World Series. Nine hours (or so it seems).

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 09:07 PM | Link to this

Shakira.

Oh my.

Wanna guess who’s friends with Shakira? Edgar Renteria. Yeah, buddy. Both Colombian.

By mitch

February 11, 2007 09:12 PM | Link to this

If you want to know what DOB looks like, picture this:

A man smoking a doob in Dobbs ferry playing a dobro while watching Dobie Gillis who won’t reveal his date of birth.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 09:13 PM | Link to this

David O’Brian -It’s not like Sting has been in moth balls,He’s had some great stuff sense the police days.

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 09:16 PM | Link to this

is it safe to say that DOB will never be quoting the lyrics to damn girl on this blog? all i got to say to that is damn girl, damn girl, damn girl, damn and again, over and over again. are there any other lyrics to that song? does anyone think timberlake will hit puberty before 2010? what was cameron diaz doing stalking that little boy anyway? from what you read on these gossips (and that is always true) she almost reprised her vanilla sky role on timberlake. who knew back in 1994 that the gorgeous honey from the mask would end up making a fool of herself over some little mousketeer who could not even get any play from britney spears who sleeps with everyone?

By braveheart

February 11, 2007 09:17 PM | Link to this

edgar better keep his darn hands off my woman

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 09:18 PM | Link to this

Aight The “tommy” is in still hungover after gettin sloppy last nite…U guys should have seen it…I’m wit my braves jersey on and some pajamas at a “Jammy Jam” Party…

D.O.B. Good research dude, I had no idea of how mediocre our rotation was…

love da research man, nuff respect…

Hey do U think if we have an injury plagued rotation…that Soriano could get the nod in da rotation…From what Huddy was sayin, He was probably in line to be in da mariners rotation back then…???

By KC

February 11, 2007 09:19 PM | Link to this

braveheart: If we’ve been winning 60% of the games those guys started… that percentage is only going to go up this year with the kind of bullpen we have.

Robert(JIB): Nice projections. I’ll disagree with you only slightly.

First, I really do think the Brave have a bit of an edge on the Mets. Even DOB has said that he’s leaning toward picking the Braves to win the East… though he’s still a little noncommittal. Here is my explanation of why and how the Braves have the edge on the Mets:

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2007/02/09/whataboutthe.html#comment-995219

I would have to disagree that the Phillies have the best rotation in the NL East. They don’t even have the second best. If the Braves get good combined numbers from Hudson and Hampton (say… 30 wins and a combined ERA in the upper-3.00 range or lower), then I think Atlanta will have the best rotation in the NL East, or the NL period for that matter. If the Braves get 25 wins or less and a combined ERA of over 4.00 from those two… then the Marlins will probably have the best rotation in the division.

Brett Myers is a solid, well above average pitcher, and Cole Hamels is a young stud who will be a star someday (just don’t know that it will be this year). While Hamels has more natural ability than a guy like Chuck James… he hasn’t shown quite the same maturity or consistency on the mound yet.

Freddy Garcia was solid in 04 and 05, with ERA’s slightly under 4.00 both seasons. But last year his ERA was about 4.50. And who do they have after that? 45 year old Jamie Moyer? Adam Eaton? Please.

They need Cole Hamels to come into his own this season, and for F. Garcia to have a big year just to be 3-deep.

If you believe that Tim Hudson will pitch better this year, then it’s impossible to pick Phili’s rotation over Atlanta’s. The Phils might move themselves to the middle of the pack in NL team ERA this season… and that would be a big improvement, but they aren’t as good as Jimmy Rollins thinks they are.

By joe brave

February 11, 2007 09:21 PM | Link to this

First of all;whatever happened to respect for someone’s privacy? What John and Dyan Smoltz are going through happensto over 70%of the American population today,And like D.O.B sais it’s none of you People’s business so rake around your own damn backdoors before passing judgement on the Greatest postseason pitcher of ALL TIME>>>>……. at the end of the day or game HE IS STILL AN AVERAGE MAN WITH AVERAGE AMERICAN PROBLEMS!!!!and His business is his business and not yours!!!!

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 09:22 PM | Link to this

oh yea D.O.B. I know You’re watchin the grammy’s ….Wrong I know Ur wit me, I have never watched dat crap in my life

As far as the grammys goes… I can only think of the “Simple Life Show” as the worst crap I will never watch….

Oh yea, D.O.B. do U have any love 4 Phil Collins…I have been listening to that old Phil Collins all week, a well as some old Bone Thugs N Harmony…

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 09:23 PM | Link to this

Once in a while something surprizes me.Gnarls Barkley, silly name, looks like an African strongman. damn he’s GOOD!!

By KC

February 11, 2007 09:24 PM | Link to this

DOB: “If anyone was wondering what the hell a Dobra was besides me, I’ve found it:”

“From Wikipedia: The Dobra is the currency of the West African island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe. Also, Dobra is a Norwegian brand of vodka based on potatoes.”

GREAT! Now that we’ve settled that… could you tell me what the Dharma Initiative is?

By David O'Brien

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

OddJob, it was the other guys and the group together that I didn’t know about, what they’d sound like, etc.

As for Sting’s solo stuff, he lost me a while back when he went all new-agey. And how about his last tour/album, on which he played a _ I’m not making this up _ dobro. Not a Dobra, but a dobro.

Anyway, saw the Synchronicity tour in 1983. I think it was a good show, though too long ago to remember details for some reason….

Mitch, make it smoking a cigar and you’ve got it. Though I don’t remember watching Dobie Gillis, frankly. And the birthdate is November 1963. I’ve never been the least bit hesitant to give my age.

Don’t want to give any exact date, because in the internet era you’ve got tech freaks out there who can find everything if you give ‘em your birthdate. I’ll just say JFK was president when I was born.

By joe brave

February 11, 2007 09:26 PM | Link to this

Now for you guys who are Mutts fans,this is a new season and you cynical sonsabitches want to bash our team before the first pitch,well pals injuries can happen in THE BIG APPLE too,or do you Think C.Beltran and co. are that invincible.Then Idiot you too are sadly mistaken,the last time I looked Baseball was played on the field not on paper,as well the last time I looked C.Jones still owned your sorry asses!!!!!!!

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 09:30 PM | Link to this

Marc, thanks. I’d put both Godfathers in my top 10, but don’t know if I’d include any of those others. Maybe Animal House. Animal House and Raising Arizona would definitely be in my top 10 comedies, no question. And I love Scarface, but it’s not a truly great movie. It’s hugely entertaining, though. Can watch it over and over. “In this country, first you get the money….”

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 09:33 PM | Link to this

Marc, I said both Godfathers, obviously meaning the first two. The third paled next to the first two.

No Goodfellas on your list?

I’d agree with all your other choices, too, at least in my top 50 or so. Most of those I’d have in my top 20. All great, great movies.

By joe brave

February 11, 2007 09:34 PM | Link to this

News Scoop Breaking NEWS>>>>The New York Mets have won the 2007 World Series by forfeit no need to play the season,keep your money the winter meetings have been rescheduled and the Twins just gave The Mets Johan Santana,I guess this reporter will have to wait til 2009 to see a new champ,the 08 season was just canceled and The Mets retain the crown!!!hahahaha Bullsh** see you in October and Glavine and the Mutts can watch from home!!!!!

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this

OddJob, The “Gnarls Barkley” singer is Cee-Lo Green, an Atlantan who used to be in the very good hip-hop band Goodie Mob. He and the producer Danger Mouse (former Univ. of Georgia student) collaborated for the Gnarls Barkley album.

You guys remember two years ago those Turner South Braves commercials with the stocky rapper, “My team, my South,” or whatever he said? That was Cee-Lo. He filmed those spots one day down at spring training, was on the field during BP and all. He’s a short dude, but very side. Looks like a nose guard.

By MBATL

February 11, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

Mary J can absolutely wail. One of the greatest live (on tv) performances I’ve ever seen was her with Elton John, doing “guess that’s why they call it the blues.” Not really my general taste, but man, she is good.

OddJob, you compared AJ to Willie Mays (and you’re not the first, of course);

Mays won gold gloves every year (12 straight), and so does AJ (9 straight). Beyond that,

Mays won 1 batting title and was in the league’s top 8 nine times; AJ, never.

Mays was in the top 10 in OBP 15 times; AJ never.

Mays in the top five in slugging pct 14 times (1st 5 times); AJ once. Mays in the top 10 in RBI 12 times, AJ 3 times.

Mays led the league in stolen bases 4 times, walks once, hits once, total bases 3 times, triples 3 times, runs twice (and 2nd 6 times).

I know, I know, AJ has a few years to add to his resume’, but the only areas he’s likely to tack on top numbers is HR and RBI, maybe SLG PCT. He might win a couple more Gold Gloves, but I really think he’s on the decline in that department (not that he’s bad, of course, just not the best by any clear margin any more).

AJ is a great player, but he will never be the all-around superstar that Mays was, even if he hits more home runs.

Just had to get that off my chest. Not to pick on you; it just bugs me every time the comparison is made.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

My movie list - the first two godfathers for drama (and overall best) ‘Alien’ and ‘blade runner’ for sci fi and ‘theres something about mary’ for laughs.

By joe brave

February 11, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

Let’s stack up th Mets and Braves 3b C.Jones or D Wright=even ss.Renteria or Reyes= Mets 2b. Tossup 1b. Delgado or Thorman= mets cf Beltran or Jones= Braves rf Green or Francouer=Braves lf Alouor Langerhans=even catcher McCann or Lopuca=braves Looks like a slight edge for Atlanta, pitching edge Braves, bench edge even just a little brain food. So what the Hell are you Mutts fans smokin,man I want some of that stuff!!!!!

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the info David the guy has a great voice,if he hasn’t already he should do a soul cd.

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

OddJob, I like all your movie choices.

DOBRA, I think Sting needs Stewart Copeland to bust his ribs up and keep hime in line.

jjs, I could have a T-Shirt made to express how yo feel about JAMES BROWN and you could wear it. What would it say?

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 09:56 PM | Link to this

Lew, St. Pete ain’t got no soul.

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this

All I know about Justa Timerfake is that he didn’t have the presence of mind to grab on to a boobie and hold on.

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this

MBATL - Point taken on AJ my comment was on rbis, hrs, and defense.Mays was the more complete player.

By Marc Spoor

February 11, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB…

The problem is I love so many movies, it’s hard to do a top 10. I agree probably should have had Goodfellas in there foir Scarface. However, I do think Scarface is a great movie. If you look at the impact that movie had on future gangster movies, as well as the skill of De Palma as a film maker, I think it does stand as a quality picture. Not to mention helped to launch the career of a great filmaker, Oliver Stone penned the script. So many people copied De Palma’s directing style, and the brutality of the movie was far worse than what you see today.

Throw your top 10 comedies and action movies at me. If you had to do a top 10, what would they be?

Also as for the Braves, I believe that Kelly Johnson can hit 10-15 homers, and hit for a descent average, and I believe he probably will be able to field. What I haven’t heard is anything about his speed. Is he fast enough to leadoff, can he steal 20 bases?

By Mackey Sasser

February 11, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

I think Stevie Wonder’s butt is pregnant.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 11, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

The Grammys aren’t too bad. It is always good to see Stevie Wonder. I think his music is great and for as well known as he is it just seems that he doesn’t get all the respect he deserves. Anyway, Shakira and Fergie….OMG! All I have to say is, Shakira your hips don’t lie at all. They tell the whole truth! And as for Fergie, her London Bridge could go down anytime she wants it too. My goodness!

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

jjs, you like to talk smack about JAMES BROWN. How about some more? Let’s hear how you really feal, you COWARD? Let’s hear it. OR are you too small to reiterate what I think you said? Come on . I want to know the real jjs.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Hey U guys…Timberlake is good at a party…Pop Tart shyt always gets the broads dancing…

D.O.B. from Ur earlier posts I can’t believe U watch the grammys

And on another note about Smoltz’s divorce, I’m glad I stayed away from da blog over da last couple of dayz…It started to look like the Birdbabe’sblog, wit all da drama…

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

David O’ I like some of the new age stuff Sting has done,and the world fusion also.However the song from a hookers perspective gives one pause.

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Best Grammy Moment Ever: Paul Simon accepting award for best album and thanking Stevie Wonder for not cutting a record that year.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

T-hawkin’, it doesn’t matter if the babes dance to him or not. He’s still awful, and any college student listening to Justin Timberlake needs … oh, nevermind. Whatever. He’s awful.

Dude, I love the Grammys. A lot of it’s bad, like Rascal Flatts (hey, nice hair, lead singer) covering the Eagles. But a lot of it’s great.

Cool to see the likes of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and Ornette Coleman get recognition.

Smokey Robinson is what, in his late 60s? Dude can still flat-out sing.

Clipse or Ghostface Killa should have won rap album of the year. Of course, they weren’t even nominated (were they? I don’t think they were)

Did I miss it, or have they not done anything yet to honor Soulbrother No. 1, Mr. Dynamite, J.B.? Come on, you gotta honor the man early and often.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Fergie SUCKS… And I lost all love 4 Ludacris He’s officially POP-Tart now…

I loved him better when he used to DJ in Atlanta, as Cris Luva-Luva

Ludacris’s First CD “Back For The First Time” is a classic, his pop tart stuff now sucks…

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

OOps. I’ve already been censored. DOB’s special friend has been challenged. The AJC is trying to groom the next Terrence Moore and Dobra must not be challenged.

By brian

February 11, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Now you are speaking my language OddJob (and stinky). How in the h$## did Justin Timberlake become such a huge star? That “man” is the biggest cheese ball, sing off key in his high voice and gyrate around on a stage. Why they ever had him perform at a Super Bowl I don’t know. Eat pizza or wings, drink beer, watch the Super Bowl all fired up for football, and then Justin???? Give me a break.

And yes, best dramatic movie of all time is Godfather Part I. I am a Star Wars geek so I would have to rate the original trilogy very high. As far as Animal House. I was a big fan though less so after watching Old School. That movie was the funniest I have seen in a while (maybe since the first 5 times I watched major league)

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Damn, I was literally typing that post about the lack of J.B. tributes when they started that tribute. Nevermind.

But wouldn’t Prince have been a better choice to sing a James Brown song? That would’ve been perfect, and he can even dance like him (which few others can).

By Tomahawkin

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

Aw D.O.B. don’t get me wrong… Timberlake is good at parties, but I’m not gonna go buy that pop tart crap…Just like Ludacris…

D.O.B. I don’t think you like a lot of hard metal…the job I work at makes me listen to a lot of Pantera, and Slayer…

and I’ll co-sign on what you said about Smokey Robinson…

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

What ever happined to Dave Mathews? he may have the best group of musicians of any band,if he would only lighten up a bit.I don’t mind a song making me think,but I’d as soon not feel like finding the nearest high bridge.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Brian, you can’t seriously be saying Old School was better than Animal House? Come on. It was very good, very funny, but Animal House is all-time classic, man. All-time comedy list, with Caddyshack, Stripes, that league.

I just watched Godfather II a couple weeks ago, and I swear, I think it’s as good as the first one, or extremely close to being as good.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

T-hawkin, that’s pretty cool, you saw Luda when he was DJing. Cris Luva-Luva, huh? That’s good stuff.

By TennesseePaul

February 11, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

This Dixie Chick talk isn’t music… it’s politics. Maybe that’s what bums me out about them… nah. It’s that pop-country they put out that really bums me out about them. But as for them on this blog today, it’s the politics on the Braves blog that bums me out the most.

I saw a post about McCann and Mauer, how Mauer’s contract means AJ is gone. The one issue I have with that is, we have players in the Catcher position (Salty) who could fill in (assuming he progresses nicely). We don’t have a CF that could replace AJ. That would lead me to believe if it were a choice of AJ or McCann, the Braves would work with the minor league depth. I love McCann and do hope he sticks around, but it just seems to me that Mauer may have priced McCann out seeing how we have a switch hitting Catcher coming up in the minors. I’d rather see Salty change positions but all that will sort itself out in time.

Dayn Perry once again miss judged the Braves in the pre-season. He can rest happy that he picked the Braves to fall last season, but it was for all the wrong reasons. I think he has done so again. “The inability to replace LaRoche will cost the Braves”. I think that’s how he worded it. Last year it was “13 million a season is going to seem like a steal for Furcal… Braves will really be hurting at Short Stop.” In the end it was injuries to the starting staff that exposed an exceptionally weak bullpen. But this LaRoche business… LaRoche caught fire in July and August along with the rest of the team. He had 2 months of fine hitting. The rest of the time he put up .320 OBP, .248 AVG with 87Ks. If we can get a consistant hitter in the line up it would be better… The rest of the team hit .261 in the same time LaRoche was hitting .248. And LaRoche was in the bottom of the order. We need to replace a number 7 hitter. It’s not like losing the clean up hitter.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Funniest movie…”Friday” hands down…

And Stinky, Don’t B dissin D.O.B. up in here, If you got beef man…Don’t type, The world is too f-c-d up, for suck pettiness…

Try da philly.com forums if you want to sound off…they’re actually pretty funny, and dey don’t put up wit petty crap…

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Brian, Try Monty Python’s ‘The Meaning of Life’, Brazil, Blazing Saddles, Buckaroo Banzai, Young Frankenstein, Repo Man, and My Life as a Dog. Anyone who holds up Major League as a standard needs a new standard.

By KC

February 11, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

joe brave:

Your post reminds me of a really funny sketch that SNL did back in the 2000.

After the election snafu where Dan Rather and company announced the results too early… SNL went on and started reporting who the NBA Champions would be that year. Mind you this was many months before that was to be decided.

You had to be there… but it was funny. That was back when SNL was funny.

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

God bless Skip’s dad. I agree. One of Dobby’s flashes of good sense.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Hey D.O.B. there’s a group called F.I.L.A. (stands 4 Forever I love Atlanta) on Facebook.com, And U know you’re from Atlanta when you used to know Ludacris as cris luva-luva on atlanta Radio station hot 97.5 when they used to jam…

I’m out, gotta go take a dump…

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 11, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you like any of the current R&B or hip-hop. Maybe its just me but so much of today’s music seems like crap. I know you don’t like Boyz II Men but I thought that was a group who could truly sing and didn’t need “producers” to make them sound better. Outside of Outkast, India Arie, and Kayne West (when he is on his game) I don’t see too much in the way of music. I have to admit that I do like Timberlake. Sure, his music is poptartish as T-Hawkin would say but at least the boy does have a voice and can actually play an instrument. Oh, I forgot to mention Alica Keys. Man, can that girl sing. And she is drop dead gorgeous to boot! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin, no disrespect to you, but, I’ll diss DOB whenever, wherever, and however I please because he openly holds hands with jjs who openly disses James Brown.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

you guys can challenge me on the funniest movie, but the corniest, dumbest movie I ever saw was Malibu’s Most wanted, dat movie=absoulte Shyt…

I guess that inspired K-Fed…

Damn, I’m gettin a mood swing talkin about that garbage, I need to settle down…

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

David O’ I,m with you on animal house but caddy shack and stripes didn’t really do it for me.I rate theres something about mary at the top,with young frankenstin,Monty Pythons life of brian and dr strangelove killers all.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 11, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

T-Hawkin, couldn’t agree more. Friday is the funniest movie I have ever seen with Clerks not very far behind.

By dannycardwell

February 11, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

dob i never comment on music but ill say this. i went to the toby kieth concert in columbus friday night and was very impressed at how the fort benning people took to him. ive seen everything from atlanta rythym section to the pointer sisters and john denver and the allmand brothers, but i have never seen a crowd moved to tears like everyone was when he sang american soldier. looking at all the fussing and all here and the falcons blogs it really makes me humble that we can speak our mind in this country while these guys and gals sacrifice everything to give us these freedoms. the braves will win the division this year with a good group of young guys. and if the starting pitching holds up i look for us to advance this year deep into october. brian mccann will be mvp. our troops are all mvps. god bless them. hopefully ill be sitting in right field most of the year watching the boys have fun.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB) I got to get in on this…Boyz 2 Men Is da Shyt! All of todays R&B is garbage…the genre I think doesn’t even exist anymore, its all materialistic pop tart garbage, especially Chris Brown, He Sucks!

And Hip Hop Died when Biggie and 2pac did, even though NAS is still good because he hasn’t become pop-tart yet, and I can’t believe Triple Sixx Mafia Sold out, and became pop…That explicit stuff is wild at a party however…

By OddJob

February 11, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Maybe it’s an age group thing but the regular guy in cliche movies just don’t interest me,well the waterboy might qualify,but clerks and friday blahhh!!!

By MBATL

February 11, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

I don’t know that I could put any comedy in my list of best alltime, but some of my favorite comedies: Blazing Saddles, MP’s Holy Grail (or maybe Life of Brian, but that’s been taken), Young Frankenstein, A Fish Called Wanda, Love and Death (Woody Allen), and The Party (Peter Sellers)

I’m proud of the blog. In the last 48 hours, we’ve endured brushes with both religion and politics, and have somehow come out on the other side (I think).

By TennesseePaul

February 11, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

So the Grammy’s just came on. I can’t wait to see who wins what.

By Lew

February 11, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Stinky-The only reason St.Pete may not have as much soul as it used to, is because I don’t live there anymore.

By Hotspur

February 11, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

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DOB, that concert is available on DVD now. And I mean literally, the Atlanta concert from the ‘85 Synchronicity tour.

Can’t wait to see the Cops and Shakira on the Grammys (had to bring work home; I’m TiVoing it). As you said, too bad Prince couldn’t make the JB tribute, but I guess he figured he had his hands full with preparing for last Sunday. His standing Vegas club show has been on hiatus since New Year’s for the same reason, although it has now resumed (and my wife and I are going up there in two weeks for our anniversary to see it, and if you think I’m stoked about seeing Prince in a club that holds 300 people, you’re bloody well right, my friend).

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Robert, there’s some great R&B out there, just not getting played massively like a lot of the mediocre junk is.

Two current guys who are great: Van Hunt (he’s amazing, wears influence of James Brown, Sly and Family Stone, Prince, etc, on his sleeve) and Anthony Hamilton, who’s got a great old-school vibe, reminds me a lot of Al Green and Bobby Womack, among others.

That Gnarls Barkley album is real good. As far as current hip-hop, since you asked: I like just about everything Ghostface Killah has done, solo and with Wu-Tang Clan. There’s a socially-conscious rapper from Seattle who goes by the name Common Market, he’s really good; and a sort of underground, indie-label guy who goes by Immortal Technique, who takes no prisoners with his subject matter.

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

T-Hawkin, sorry man, but I’ve never even heard of Malibu’s Most Wanted. Am I old, or what?

Loved Something About Mary, 40-Year-Old Virgin and Wedding Crashers, and I liked Clerks II last year, but not as much as the original.

By The Grinch

February 11, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Howdy, all. I passed out and slept through the Grammys; doesn’t look like I missed much besides Fergie and Shakira…man, I could make a serious movie with those two. Speaking of movies, good call Stinky with Brazil and Repo Man(“Nice day don’t mean s*&%.”) The latter was one of the most underrated comedies ever.

T’hawkin’, Slayer and Pantera are good things. Open your soul and become infused.

DOB, a potato-based vodka?!? Say it ain’t so! Where can I find one of those? Next you’ll be telling me about a barley-based beer! :-)

By Choppinmama

February 11, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

DOB: The players looked like they really had fun making that “my team, my South” intro with Cee-Lo. Was that the spot where poor Furcal looked so lost? Or was that the one from the year before?

Soaking up some FL sun and watching Braves bb is just what the doctor ordered for a bad case of the winter doldrums. Lots better seeing some action than reading these Cormier and Davies stat discussions, who’s on first speculations, projected lineup shuffles, etc. ad infinitum.

Keep your eye on how Eddie is handling his duties in the bullpen this season. I’d appreciate reading your observations on what’s new and different from the Dew’s philosophy. The Hospice will miss his daily visits I’m sure. He’s quite a guy, isn’t he?

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Time Bandits, Super Troopers (anything by Broken Lizard, actually), and K-PAX. All good for laughs.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 11, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

T-Hawkin, there will never be another Boyz II Men. I have heard people say that N-Sync or the Backstreet Boys were newer versions of Boyz II Men and it makes me want to puke! Those groups had nothing on Boyz II Men. Those boys made you feel their music. N-Sync never did that. I also agree that true hip-hop died with Biggie and 2Pac. Anotehr good group was Arrested Development but that jackass Speech had to go and ruin it by thinking he was bigger than the group or the music.

Today’s music lacks soul and inspiration. It doesn’t matter if its rock, rap, hip-hop, r&b, or alternative. Where are the Nirvana’s, En Vogue’s, Alanis Morrisette’s, and Prince’s. Hell, even Marilyn Manson was orgininal. We simply don’t have any more Guns-N-Roses or U2’s or even Paula Abdul’s. Okay, I was kidding about Paula. But, we all must admit that woman was damn hot back in the day. Her “Forever Your Girl” video made me fall head over heels in love!

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Grinch, I used to brew a blackberry-honey heffe-weisse. The extra sugar in the honey would ferment and produce extra proof. 4 and on the floor. Gauranteed.

By Stinky

February 11, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

RJITB, the fact that you’re even discussing the ‘Backstreet Boys’ has lowered my opinion of you. Pleeze, stfu about muzak. Talk baseball. I have my fingers in my ears. I am singing ‘la la la la laaaaaa’. Really. The phrase ‘Backstreet Boyz’ makes me think of jimmy smith.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Oh, Man Grinch I feel like Shyt…! That Jungle Juice I had last nite kicked my narrow a-s-s. Some broad told me that she had to take me upstairs to my apartment, and I don’t remember any of it….

D.O.B. When R U leaving the “A”?

It’s gonna suck without U on the blog as much…

But man, I’d rather you report on Dem Braves rather than ESPN… U should start you’re own show, dat be cool…

God! Florida plus, Broads, plus baseball, man D.O.B. Ur lucky…Gotta Rollout, catch U guys later…

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Choppinmama, Dewsy will be sorely missed, although I think he will be around still, just not on a daily basis and in uniform. A phenomenal human being, just as classy and interesting and nice a guy as you will ever meet. And very funny….

As for recent comedies, forgot to mention Little Miss Sunshine. Hilarious. Not a goofball, slapstick comedy like so many others today, but laugh-out-loud moments throughout, and definitely one of the best of last year, I thought.

Loved the The Life of Brian, and Monty Python and The Holy Grail, among other Python classics. So many great lines recited over and over and over by so many of us wasted idiots back in school….

Repo Man _ now that’s one I would’ve overlooked in a comedy discussion, but yes, it was freakin’ hilarious….

I kinda feel bad for KC about now. Just went back and read his 11:57 a.m. post today. Oh, well.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 11, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

DOB, you didn’t miss much with “Malibu’s Most Wanted”. It goes up there with “Don’t Drink Your Juice In The Hood While Being A Menace To South Central”. I love the Wayan brothers but that movie was just moronic. Also, I did forget to mention Anthony Hamilton. He is really good. And, in rap I can’t exclude Eminem and The Game. Those two are the closest to Dr. Dre, Snoop (back in the day) and Ice Cube that we have today. I like some of 50 Cent’s stuff but it isn’t near the quality of Game’s or Eminem’s.

T-Hawkin, do you remember Solo. Those guys were never very popular but their first album was terrific. They had a good mix of old school and new school. They were one of those mid-90’s R&B groups. They just were swallowed up by Boyz II Men and Jodeci. Oh, and Jodeci. Great music but am I wrong in saying that K-Ci Haley is one of the ugliest men on the face of God’s green earth?!

By Choppinmama

February 11, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Absolutely hilarious column by Jim Caple Page 2 on ESPN about Hank Aaron coming out of retirement to prevent Bonds from breaking his record. Definitely worth a visit - “The Hammer got the idea while watching “Rocky Balboa.”

“Sylvester Stallone is 60 years old,” he told his friends. “If Rocky can fight the world heavyweight champ when he’s 60, why shouldn’t I still be able to play baseball?”

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Last addition: Fast Time At Ridgemont High. Gotta be on my list.

Spicoli: “This is U.S. History, I see the globe right there.”

And by the way, do you all remember who played the huge football player whose car Spicoli crashed? None other than young Forest Whitaker.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Robert I got 2 responses to Ur posts…The first one

” I have heard people say that N-Sync or the Backstreet Boys were newer versions of Boyz II Men”

F…c-k Dat shyt! what are dey smokin?

and Ur comment “Today’s music lacks soul and inspiration. “

All I have to say to that is No Diggidity, No Doubt, To all dese Pop Tart singers, “Its all about the Benjamins Baby”

I have been bumpin a-lot of old Master P and Lil Kimm for about the past week as well as some old Ginuwine, Dat Shyt go Hard!

By David O'Brien

February 11, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

Hotspur, I envy you if you’re seeing Prince in that theatre they’ve designed around his show in Vegas. I didn’t realize it was that small. That’ll be incredible. When I was out there at Thanksgiving for the basketball tournament, the Prince shows were sold-out, like they always are. And couldn’t buy a ticket at any of those re-sale places, either.

I’ve seen him four or five times, but always in arenas. You gotta report back after seeing that show.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Robert, I do like some Lil Scrappy…though, that shyt is crunk…I’ll give it a year before his shyt goes to the pop tart charts

Stinky, dawg there is No baseball to talk about, until ESPN starts ridin the yankees and Mutts balls in about 10 dayz, and I’m gonna go off, I hate ESPN

By The Grinch

February 11, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

T’hawkin, one of these days I’ll post my regionally famous hunch-punch recipe. Gotta be careful, though; in the wrong hands it can cause reputations to be compromised. Stinky, that sounds like a good winter brew. Wheat beer is a good thing. I’ve been kicking around the idea of homebrewing for years but just haven’t gotten around to it. I’m finally living alone with plenty of free time, but temperature regulation in this castle-ruin of a house is next to impossible.

By Tomahawkin

February 11, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Robert Jodeci is classic…As is some old Shai, and Soul 4 Real, I remember a lilttle Solo

I think that 50 cent is pop-tart garbage, even though I’ll listen to it at a party, becuz I’m usually too f&c-k_d up to care, and Enimem, I like a few of his songs, but I can’t tolerate that crap that he has played on the radio, and 4 the record, you can’t compare Enimem to 2pac and Biggie

By Marc Spoor

February 11, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

As comedies go, you can’t leave off History Of The World Part 1, Vacation, Ghostbusters, The Naked Gun (even with OJ), Kentuck Fried Movie, Airplane, Fletch.

Hey DOB or anyone, does Kelly Johnson have the speed to leadoff, say steal 20 bases?

By dcarp23

February 11, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

DOB and others: Could you tell what the sign said behind the Chili Peppers when they were playing?

By Tomahawkin

February 12, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

Grinch In response to ur post

“T’hawkin, one of these days I’ll post my regionally famous hunch-punch recipe. Gotta be careful, though; in the wrong hands it can cause reputations to be compromised”

That was funny…

Is dat rite? The next time I come down to da “A” we need to party…In da meantime I think I’m bout to go watch some old Beavis and Butt-head…Check ya…

By The Grinch

February 12, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

To all those who love Monty Python: I have tickets to Spamalot at the Fox in a couple of weeks. Bow down before me, or I shall be forced to say: “Neet!”

DOB, whooda thought watching “Fast Times” that both Penn and Whitaker would go on to win Oscars and produce large bodies of a-list work? I bet you could’ve won some money at Vegas with that prediction.

By OddJob

February 12, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

David O’ Malibu’s most wanted can be sumed up in a sentence(more or less) don’t be haten.And yes it sucked,but I think it was intentional.

By The Grinch

February 12, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Ya, man; partying is a good thing. Thankfully, I’ve learned to pace myself a little better over the years. Nothing worse than finding yourself in a perfect situation later in a back room and being too sick or unable to stand at attention. D’oh! I’m fixin’ to head off myself; got five new DVD’s to go through. DOB, you’d probably appreciate two of them: CMT’s documentary on The Highwaymen, and Steve Earle Live from Austin TX. It’s a 1986 concert and I don’t recognize 90% of the songs; looking forward to it. Later.

By Jared

February 12, 2007 01:23 AM | Link to this

FoxSports says Andruw Jones has lost 20 pounds and that Bobby Cox will assign Brayan Pena to one pitcher, but Cox doesn’t know which one yet.

Also (not from that article) Davies will be the fifth starter unless he just melts down in spring training. He’s developed plenty and anyone suggesting the minors is on crack. Cormier needs to go, maybe be traded in spring training.

By David O'Brien

February 12, 2007 01:29 AM | Link to this

Dcarp, no I couldn’t see what the sign said. I wasn’t looking closely, though; had it on while typing.

Grinch, that Earle DVD is good stuff. Don’t think I’ve seen the Highwaymen doc, but that’s gotta be good.

Just finished watching Hollywoodland on DVD. Good movie. Diane Lane gorgeous, Adrian Brody perfect as the seedy private detective in Old Hollywood, and Ben Affleck, who I haven’t been a fan of in quite a while, is outstanding as George Reeves (original Superman), whose murder is the subject of the movie. True story, which makes it that much better.

By The Grinch

February 12, 2007 02:26 AM | Link to this

Changed my mind at the last minute and watched the Highwaymen first. Great stuff; well made documentary with some good extras, including them all sitting in a room talking with Gene Autrey. Jesi Colter’s still holding up pretty well, too.

Jared, I gotta disagree with you on Davies and Cormier. If Davies has “developed plenty,” it must have been over the winter because he couldn’t pitch his way out of a paper bag last season. Cormier isn’t exactly Cristy Matthewson, but he was a hell of a lot better than Davies. I know the kid’s got talent, but he’s also a mush-head. Until his mindset catches up with his fastball he doesn’t need to be losing every fifth game for us this season. Cox already destroyed Joey Devine, let’s hope he didn’t do the same to Davies last year by putting way too much on him way too early.

BTW, I think we absolutely STOLE the Vulture for 925 grand in this pitcher’s market; I wish we’d signed him to a longer deal. It’s another catch-22; you want him to have a great season but you don’t want his price to jump up too high afterwards. Night, all.

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 12, 2007 03:00 AM | Link to this

DOB, don’t know if you listen to the Arcade Fire, but i got a copy of their new album (“neon bible”) today that comes out on march 6th. go ahead and schedule a trip for march 6 to your closest cd store or itunes or however you get new music. incredible. songs that have crescendo after crescendo, songs that sound like they were inspired by david bowie and bruce springsteen (among others).

By journalist jimmy smith

February 12, 2007 05:06 AM | Link to this

jjs, I could have a T-Shirt made to express how yo feel about JAMES BROWN and you could wear it. What would it say? -stinky

stinky, this journalist doubts jimmy smith and stinky will ever be seen together socially … but if stinky bought a t-shirt for jimmy smith to wear when stinky and jimmy smtih are together - it should say something like, “I am with Stupid.”

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 12, 2007 08:03 AM | Link to this

Here’s the deal. If Davies pitches like he is capable he will have the 5th spot nailed down without a doubt, but the question is will he. From what I have heard it isn’t his stuff that is the question. It is his mental approach and confidence. He said the other day what I have been saying all winter and that was he was trying too hard. To me he and Hudson both seemed to be overthrowing last season. Now, as for Cormier, I think he did exactly what you want your “5th starter” to do. He kept the Braves in the game. I remember a few games last season that he allowed some runs but kept the Braves in firing distance and then the bullpen came in and blew it up! I remember some very solid performances by Cormier. The ones that are standing out in my hear are a Saturday evening performance against the D-Rays and a couple of Sunday performances against the Marlins and Cubs. Cormier did a good job last year and by the end of the season I was convinced this guy can be a major league pitcher. Something I wasn’t convinced of in the first month and a half or so of the season.

By KC

February 12, 2007 08:20 AM | Link to this

DOB: “I kinda feel bad for KC about now. Just went back and read his 11:57 a.m. post today. Oh, well.”

Huh?

By Stinky

February 12, 2007 08:36 AM | Link to this

jjs, your t-shirt would read: ‘journalist IS stupid’.

By David O'Brien

February 12, 2007 08:59 AM | Link to this

KC, my comment was just in regards to the certain female band and what you perceived as a questionable invitation to play at the Grammys. But please, I’m not even mentioning the name because I don’t want to revisit a tired subject.

so let’s not.

fortunately, you and i can debate like adults, unlike another extremely tired subject that interests no one but the TWO INDIVIDUALS who continue to bore the rest of us and bog down the blog with childish insults for each other. i mean, at least Robert’s neverending rants about Cox interest the others here, even if most disagree with those rants.

Please, you two, get each other’s e-mail addresses and just go back and forth. You sound like seventh-graders.

By David O'Brien

February 12, 2007 09:02 AM | Link to this

Daybed, that’s good to hear about the new CD. I thought their album “Funeral” was one of the best two or three rock albums of the past few years. Incredible album, start to finish.

By summerteeth

February 12, 2007 09:06 AM | Link to this

Why in the world would The Police play Roxeanne of all of their great songs?!?!? And why would Sting deviate from the original recording? I love seeing them back together and hope I can see them live, but the Grammy thing was really underwhelming to me.

And I still don’t get the Justin Timberlake thing…at all. Or the Ludacris thing…or the Chris Brown thing.

By summerteeth

February 12, 2007 09:08 AM | Link to this

And a ‘good on ya mate’ to the Dixie Chicks. They play their own instruments and speak their mind and don’t care what you think. If you don’t like it, you gotta at least respect it.

By Robert

February 12, 2007 09:27 AM | Link to this

As we speak, Bobby Cox’s customized donkey hauler has arrived at the Disney complex outside Orlando.

The hauler stops in the middle of the parking lot - the back door opens, and a carrot on a stick emerges from the gloom.

Bobby Cox follows the carrot, down the ramp and into his office

Pitchers and catchers report this week

Aint life grand

By journalist jimmy smith

February 12, 2007 09:28 AM | Link to this

no problem, dob.

By Don't drink and type

February 12, 2007 09:41 AM | Link to this

Hey Dave, glad you got a bee up your skirt over my post. I know what a blog is. I suspect your bosses expect it to be about sports. And by the way, your blog appears in the sports area of the AJC’s Web site, which is the modern day equivalent of the sports section of the printed paper, smart guy. As far as you know I’m Julia Wallace. So shut up.

By Don't drink and type

February 12, 2007 09:46 AM | Link to this

Hey Dave, glad you got a bee up your skirt over my post. I know what a blog is. I suspect your bosses expect it to be about sports. And by the way, your blog appears in the sports area of the AJC’s Web site, which is the modern day equivalent of the sports section of the printed paper, smart guy. As far as you know I’m Julia Wallace. So shut up.

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 09:53 AM | Link to this

KC,

I’m not dumb enough to bet on wins by a baseball team. If I had to guess, I’d say 88-90 wins but of course more or less is always a possibility.

But Tim Hudson could have a big season, almost returning to his early 2000’s form. Or Jeff Francouer could improve his plate discipline immensely and in turn improve his out-avoiding immensely. Or John Smoltz could remain as good or a little better than he has been the past two seasons. Or Chipper Jones could stay healthy enough to play over 150 games and have a monster season. And maybe all this happens and the Braves have a huge year—over 100 wins.

Or maybe Francouer and Hudson will not improve significantly. Maybe Smoltz and Chipper start to show their age. Maybe Kelly Johnson and the others don’t pan out at second. Maybe Thorman and Wilson struggle and they can’t find a quality firstbaseman. Maybe Diaz and Langerhans flop. And maybe they finish under .500.

My feeling is that the most likely scenario is something in between—88-90 wins.

By Robert

February 12, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Projection - a few wins north of 90.

Division title

Season over by the first weekend in October

In oter words, the pseudodynasty returns

Smoltz 16 or so wins Andru 35 dingers, .260 Chipper 90 rbi, near-.300, 20-25 HR McCann - .310+, mid 20’s HR’s Cox - 1923 carrots munched, 6124 sugar cubes nibbled, 25-30 games blown

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Robert(Justice Is The Best),

I think Davies should be given every opportunity to win the 5th starter job. He has the potential to be a top-middle of the rotation guy. Looking at their pro careers overall, Davies is clearly the more talented guy. It’s still way too early to tell if Cormier has/will become the better pitcher of the two. The evidence points to Davies, so I think the Braves should be giving him the benefit of the doubt.

By Don't drink and type

February 12, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Or Julia Roberts for that matter. I understand you can blog about whatever you want to. Please accept my apology for previous snarkiness.

“I’ll PITCH my VOICE however I PLEASE.” _ Glenn, “Raising Arizona”

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Robert,

So the Braves will win over 90 out of 162, Cox will have absolutely nothing to do with that. Then they will lose 3 out of 5 but Cox will have everything to do with that…sounds logical to me.

By Earl

February 12, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Hey Dave, just wondering of the guys who are on the bubble for a roster spot, who still has options and who doesn’t? I figured it might affect Orr and Paronto.

By The Grinch

February 12, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Mornin’. I never said Cormier would be a better pitcher than Davies, I said he was last season. He also showed signs of improvement as the season went on, and Davies didn’t. Although it’s impossible to know how they’ll ultimately do, I expect Davies will wind up being better at some point. However, that point isn’t now, and now(or very soon) is when we have to pick a 5th starter. We’ll see how Spring Training shakes out, but I think trading or cutting the more effective pitcher who’s out of options in order to start an ineffective one who does have options would be a pretty stupid thing to do. Another year in the minors for Davies to come completely off that major injury and gain his confidence back (going every four or five days as opposed to every now and then up here) can only help, and if Cormier struggles we can always call him up.

BTW, I must respectfully disagree about Stinky and JJS; I find their insult trading to be most amusing.

By Canadian Brave

February 12, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Braves rotation will be just fine. Nice blend of age and youth! They all seem like focused competitors Never hear anyone mention the Tragically Hip Are they an unknown in The US.

By Lew

February 12, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Stinky-You really are a psychological wreck. I can only hope that you seek efective help while there is still the possibilty of you leading a useful and productive life. You won’t drive me awy you little Whiny Worm. I really don’t care if DOB castigates me for telling you what I think about you. I intend to let you know my feelings, in no uncertain terms. I’m sure the break with reality will occur soon. It’s way overdue. You tend to get manic in your posts before you dissassociate.The time is near. All the signs are in evidence. Should we put Nurse Ratchet on retainer for you?

By CK

February 12, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

I love the Braves and feel excited about this year. Smoltz will be fine divorce or not. What I question is all this Christian stuff he goes with but can’t keep it together with his wife, just doesn’t make sense. JS is a genius I stopped a long time ago questioning his moves. As for Bobby the players play for him, nough said. Go Braves

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

The Grinch,

I think both Davies and Cormier will make the big club and they’ll give Davies a rotation spot. They’ll only send him down if he completely flops.

If you have the espn.com insider, they show you Davies’s favorite zones. He threw a lot of pitches inside. Maybe he just needs to learn to paint that outside corner.

His K/BB ratio was good and he didn’t give up all that many homers. I think he just threw too many inside pitches that hitters could yank for hits and extra-base hits.

By Robert

February 12, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

“So the Braves will win over 90 out of 162, Cox will have absolutely nothing to do with that.”

He’ll have everything to do with why they’ll win “X” number of games, as opposed to “X+some” number of games

Over/under on first game in which someone steps on Bobby’s tail in the dugout is 3

By ernesto

February 12, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Robert, once again, we get it -bobby’s a donkey, and you’re a one-trick pony. And that trick is sooooo played my man. Move on.

By Robert

February 12, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

“And that trick is sooooo played my man”

The trick will be played when the change is made

By DonCoburleone

February 12, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

DOB you echo my sentiments on the starters this year. I mean, everyone seems to have forgotten that by August and September of last season it was the starters costing us a chance to play in the postseason, not the bullpen. REMEMBER PEOPLE? Wickman had solidified the closers role while Yates, McBride and Paronto had become pretty decent set-up men. Meanwhile, the starters couldn’t seem to throw 5 good innings, let alone 7 or 8. Hudson struggled pretty much the entire season but especially in August and September, Davies SUCKED when he came back in September, and even John Smoltz had his worst games in the final 2 months. And thats not even including the “spot” starts by such notable major league pitchers as Kevin Barry and Jason Shiell… Lets remember people, we were all excited about last years rotation going into spring training too, and we saw how it turned out. As much as it pains me to say it, I see ALOT of similarities between last years rotation and this years (heading into spring training)… I’ll go player for player and show you why I think that…

By Lew

February 12, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Ernesto-A while back you were talking about the quality of MLB TV on the computer. Dude, I’m basically computer illiterate and I didn’t understand much of what you posted. Will high speed cable access improve the reception? Is it worth purchasing? I have a Dell with a good bit of power and high speed cable, but if the quality is lousy, I won’t purchase it. Let me know. Thanks

By The Grinch

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

Perhaps you’re right, Shaun, and I may be a bit hard on the guy. I just didn’t exactly feel confident with him on the mound last year.

DonC, I recall that as well, but could it not be that the starters were just so stressed and worn out from the bullpen being shaky for so long that they didn’t have the gas left when it counted? I think we’ll see a big difference this year. Psychology has an awful lot to do with it, I think (though I think with Hudson it’s more an absence of amphetemines).

Robert: “The trick will be played when the change is made.” You sound like Johnny Cochran. :-)

Off to the gym.

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Robert,

Yep. It’s a shame the Braves only won around 90-100 games most years under Cox. Without Cox it could have been 162-0 in most seasons. Or at least they could have won in the post-season. Everyone knows managers are all that matter in the post-season.

By Andrew

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

Too bad about the Smoltz’s. I hope he and his wife know that a lot of people are praying for them and hope that they will work on reconciliation for their kid’s sake - as well as for their own since of well being!

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone,

Are you talking about August-October when the Braves went 31-27, a .534 WPCT.. The pitching staff/defense allowed only 4.57 run/game over that stretch—that would have ranked fourth in the league had they done that all season.

By Shaun

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

DonCoburleone,

Not trying to pick on you, but your memory of what happened August and September just goes to show you why it’s dangerous to rely purely on intuition and memory. The Braves pitching staff/defense was quite good from August on.

By DonCoburleone

February 12, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Okay, this years rotation vs. the 2006 rotation (at the start of spring training)…

1)Smoltz - Have to expect the same old Smoltz, but, he is a year older…

2)Hudson - Expect a better performance in 2007 than 2006, I’d say somewhere in the middle of what he did in ‘05 vs. ‘06… Maybe 13-15 wins with a 4.1 - 4.3ERA…

3)Hampton - I look at Hampton as being Ramirez’s replacement. And if we say that, is their really much of a difference between the two? I would say Hampton’s potential for a great season is higher than Ramirez’s would have been this year, but as far as health concerns, is their really any difference???

4)Chuck James - I see Chucky heading into this year exactly the same way as I looked at Jorge Sosa heading into last year. A solid season the year before that kind of came out of nowhere, and now we expect him to not only duplicate that success, but improve on it. IMO, seeing James struggle and be sent back down is not out of the question (go ahead, tell me why that is impossible KC).

5)Kyle Davies - Actually, heading into the 2006 season I was more optimistic about Davies than I am heading into this season. I just don’t see what the hype is about him. He doesn’t do anything exceptionally well, hes not overpowering, he doesn’t have great command, am I missing something with him? The only thing that gives me comfort about the 5th spot in the rotation is that I really believe Cormier is a viable option if (and when IMO) Davies struggles…

So, in summary, I’d say my biggest worry, without question, heading into the 2007 season is the starting rotation… Lets just hope they all stay healthy or we WILL be in serious trouble…

By MGL

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

Lew - You can (or at least could last year) purchase MLB Internet games one at a time for about $5. I did that last year a couple of times when I was on the road and at a Hotel with High Speed Access. It was quite jerky at times and would have the sound and picture out of sync sometimes. Also, due to the jerkiness, it would get behind the actual play. It is IMHO not a good substitute for a cable broadcast, but is better than nothing. You might try a game or two before you commit to the full year if that is possible this year. It is easy to do. If I remember correctly, you can click on the video link on the game schedule page for the game you want to see and it takes you to a page where you can pay by CC. Not much more that bringing up Gameday if you have done that. Regards.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 12, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Don’t know much about Black Oak Arkansas. I had a tape once and liked the sound, but that was before I saw the light, musically. Now I wish I had that tape back. “Hot& Nasty” Go Jim Dandy.

T’Hawkin,

Phil Collins and Bone….LMAO…That’s a combination you’ll never hear spoken again….

DOB

A little trivia here, but before you read this, I’M NOT A DIXIE CHICKS FAN AT ALL. Emily Robison, the tall banjo player you keep referring to as “easy on the eyes”, married Charlie Robison. I know you like the older stuff, but Charlie is a pretty good Texas Country singer/songwriter that puts on a damn good live show. You need to hear “My Hometown” and “Lights of Lovin County” and “Sunset Boulevard” off his Life of the Party album.

If you like that album I’ll recommend some more later.

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone,

One more thing. I looked up the starters 2nd half numbers. Hudson was worse, Smoltz was better, James was worse but still good (and I don’t know if we should count his first half since he only started 3 games in the first half), Horacio was better in terms of RA, Davies really wasn’t good all season.

Among the regular top starters only Hudson’s numbers dropped significantly. There were some pitchers who struggled all season or were fringe types who we wouldn’t expect to perform that great anyway—those starters didn’t pitch well in the 2nd half.

By ernesto

February 12, 2007 01:05 PM | Link to this

Lew - Here you go - I have high-speed as well, the step up from the normal high-speed actually, and what happens when I watch on MLB.com is the picture goes missing A LOT. The video freezes but the audio continues,it’s a drag. That being said, I watch on a Mac and PC people may have a diff’t experience, I don’t know. My experience however is MLB.com is better than nothing, but it can be frustrating and is no substitute for Xtra-Innings. Hope that helped.

By beachcomber

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

Just had a chance to read DOB’s opening comments. My gosh, 130 decisions by your starters with a plus fifty. That has got to approach a record for the so-called modern era - after we discovered relief pitchers. And DOB, you can save the sunblock for today (and probably tomorrow)if our conditions on Florida’s west coast are any indication. Let’s get all the needed rain out of the way before the first of March.

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 01:13 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone,

Again, not trying to annoy you, but I disagree with some of your assessments of the starters.

I don’t think Chuck James is anything like Jorge Sosa. He didn’t really “come out of nowhere”; he cruised through the minors. I don’t know if he’ll improve much in 2007, but he should be at least close to what he was in ‘06.

And Davies is a good pitcher (evident by his ability to make hitters miss; his K rate is fine). He just needs to tweak some things—like painting that outside corner—and he’ll be fine.

I think the biggest worries are Hampton’s health, whether Francouer can improve his out-avoiding and secondbase. Other than that, I think the Braves are fine.

By StingerSplash

February 12, 2007 01:19 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Though I may be headed to spring training for the first time in almost a decade this year, I will NOT partake of games at Disney. Morally opposed to it. Neither do I shop at Wal-Mart or buy Nikes. But those are subjects for another time. But as you cruise southbound, let me drop a couple of lyrics in your head, some I was listening to this weekend to remind me that there is still greatness around as the most wonderful time of the year is at hand: And all the criminals in their suits and their ties Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise will ruben carter sits like Buddha in a 10-foot cell an innocent man in a living hell.

And also this, from Kevn Kinney: No stateline to hold me No dateline to date me

By DonCoburleone

February 12, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this

“DonCoburleone,

Not trying to pick on you, but your memory of what happened August and September just goes to show you why it’s dangerous to rely purely on intuition and memory. The Braves pitching staff/defense was quite good from August on.”

Ummm, the BULLPEN was quite good from August on, but the staff (especially if you take out Smoltz & James) struggled mightily. The combination of Hudson, Davies, Barry, Shiell, and Travis Smith were almost guaranteed losses in August and September…

By ssiscribe

February 12, 2007 01:25 PM | Link to this

And so, after a weekend full of fantasy baseball studying, reacting to the news that John Smoltz and his wife are divorcing, and plenty of talk about the Grammys, Stinky and movies, back to the lesson at hand:

What about the starting rotation?

True, in the blinding light that was the train wreck otherwise known as the Braves’ bullpen in 2006, we’ve lost sight that the Braves’ rotation wasn’t exactly stellar. Sure, Smoltz pitched great for a 39-year-old with four elbow surgeries – by all rights, the bullpen cost him several wins and, potentially, his second career Cy Young Award (a decade after winning his first Cy Young, the 24-win season in 1996). But other than Chuck James (b@#$%), were there any other real bright spots in the rotation?

Can’t consider Tim Hudson a bright spot. The successor to Smoltz as staff ace, Huddy looked lost again for the second consecutive season. What of Horacio Ramirez? John Thomson, who was being shopped at the end of spring training before getting hurt? Kyle Davies and his dismal season, a combination of injuries and loss of confidence marring his sophomore effort?

You catch my drift.

Certainly, the bullpen upgrades make this team better suited to win – I know some of you want to bang on the decrease of offense on the right side; go ahead, I’m not going there right now and I’ve already make my arguments about how I think all of that and the bench will play out – but the starters have to pitch better as a unit in 2007 than they did in 2006.

It starts with Hudson. He was one of the best pitchers in all of baseball before coming here from Oakland. He’s been inconsistent and mediocre at best during his stint with Atlanta, far, far from the No. 1 starter the Braves have envisioned him developing into when they brought him back home to the South.

If Hudson can become the ace the Braves still believe he can become – and there is no reason to think this won’t be the season we finally see the 17 victories, the lower ERA we’ve all been expecting – then Atlanta has at least two bona-fide hosses to run out there in Hudson and Smoltz, providing the latter’s bionic right elbow continues to defy reason and holds up for another 200-plus innings. If Hudson continues to muddle through mystifying 5 2/3 inning performances, then that puts even more pressure on Smoltz and the No. 3 starter, who hasn’t pitched in a game in nearly two months.

Mike Hampton returns from Tommy John surgery to grab that No. 3 spot. Expectations for Hampton to pick up right where he left off when injured early in 2005 are unrealistic. However, once Hampton works through his first few starts, and getting through the mental reservations that come with not having done something for nearly two years, the Braves hope he can at least approach the Hampton we saw before the injury.

James won’t be a surprise to the league this time around, but he’s deceptive and sneaky fast and is, to use the jargon of the day, a gamer. Eleven victories after being moved into the rotation in June, tops among rookies (I believe), James showed he’s got the ability and the mental toughness to be successful. He’s a solid, solid No. 4 guy, a hard guy for opposing hitters to get a bead on due to his deceptiveness.

The No. 5 spot is Kyle Davies’ position to lose at this point, and he’ll have to do a lot to lose it. A disastrous 2006 season behind him, Davies has to prove he can stay healthy and regain his confidence. When he’s throwing his breaking ball for strikes and keeping hitters off-balance, as he did in his first few starts in 2005, he can be tough to hit. When his confidence wanes and he falls behind in the count, it’s not very pretty.

For what it’s worth, I think the Braves (barring injury) start the season with this rotation. It’ll take Hampton and Davies some time to round into form, but all in all, I think the foundation is there to have a very solid rotation, more than enough to get games to the bullpen and to get the Braves back to the playoffs.

There you go. Have at it.

—30—

By MBATL

February 12, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this

DonC: I am very aware of our tendency on this blog to assume the very best of every Brave, and pretty much the worst of the opposition. I try to avoid that and be at least partially impartial. However:

I just don’t see how you can predict that Chuck James won’t be good. He has never, never, been anything but excellent at any level. His minor league era and WHIP were miniscule, and his major league numbers in two seasons almost as good. (granted, one very short stint in ‘05). Jorge Sosa had no such credentials - we just got real lucky with him for one year.

I’m not guaranteeing he’ll match his success of last year over a full season, but aside from just plain ol’ cynicism, can’t see any basis for predicting failure for him. He is a fly ball pitcher, and may give up some homeruns, but he gets guys out consistently and knows how to pitch.

By rammerjammer

February 12, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this

Just saw the news on Smoltz. That’s too bad. But in an odd twist of things, it might be what keeps him in Atlanta when his contract expires after this season.

He has four school-age kids, right? No decent father in that situation chooses to leave them. You stay in town and stay connected with your children.

Now if his ex gets the kids and SHE leaves town with them, that’s another matter. Might as well punch his ticket for Detroit.

Either way, what a tragedy. A terrible thing for kids to endure. And it’ll be tough for Smoltz, too.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 12, 2007 01:39 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I totally agree with you about Chuck James. I was going to say the same thing regarding Don’s post. By no means did James come out of nowhere. This guy has been good at every level. He has become better every time he has been elevated to the next level. James and Sosa are nothing alike. First of all James will listen to instruction. Secondly, he is not a head case like Sosa. And finally unlike Sosa James pitched well both when he got run support and when he didn’t. I also think Hudson is going to have a good season. The one thing I keep thinking about is that despite his struggles he still went 13-12 last season and if not for that God awful bullpen he could have won three or four more games. Plus, Hudson is eager to shut everyone up and prove them wrong. That can be some strong motivation.

By summerteeth

February 12, 2007 01:40 PM | Link to this

Stinger, That Kevin Kinney, is that from Mystery Road? Sounds all too familiar.

By Lew

February 12, 2007 01:44 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the inofo y’all. I may just go with XM (which I already have) and forego a picture. It’s actually the only way for me to lisrten to Skip and Pete anyway.I can pretend I’m in elementary school again, listening on a transistor radio (does that show my age or what?). Don C-I see your point on the staff, but re: Chuck James-I think Chuckie will be fine this season, for several reasons. First, he has pretty much improved from one level and one year to the next. Right off the bat (no pun intended), this bodes will for his continued development. Secondly, if you’ve noticed over the years (and I’ve yelled about a Tom Verducci SI.Com article for months), young pitchers 25 yrs. old and under, tend to backslide if used more than 25 innings over the previous season. There have been exceptions, but the number of injuries and lessing of effectiveness MLB-wide is staggering. It is one reason I think the Marlins are screwed this year. Sanchez and Johnson fit the criteria and have already begun to have problems. Chuckie, however, pitcheed LESS innings in 06 than in 05. I really don’t think he is a candidate for backsliding OR injury. Thirdly, with this bullpen behind him, there is absolutely no reason to overwork him now. This can only aid his development.

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this

Robert(Justice Is The Best),

James is one of the best young pitchers in baseball. Sosa was already basically a journeyman when he joined the Braves.

By Tom

February 12, 2007 02:03 PM | Link to this

Wow…didn’t see the Grammy’s but I’d say anything that Rascal Flatts performs is going to be quality.

By bruce

February 12, 2007 02:11 PM | Link to this

Police, van halen, genesis doing reunion tours per Fox News just reported

By KC

February 12, 2007 02:13 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone:

Nothing is impossible. Brian McCann might hit .196 this season. It’s just that the odds of that happening are so long that it’s not even worth bringing up.

As for Chuck James… he’s won at every level, in every role (bullpen or rotation). Could he suddenly fizzle this year? Sure he could. But all the evidence points to the contrary. Your suspicion of Chuck James’ ability is based on absolutely nothing.

And now you want to compare him with Jorge Sosa??? Sosa is a guy who was not successful prior to coming to Atlanta, and experienced one partial season of marginal success in Atlanta. Sosa loaded the bases and did a Houdini act every inning, then fizzled out after throwing 100 pitches in 5 innings every start. Everyone knew he couldn’t continue to succeed that way.

Don, I’m not a high stakes gambler, but I’m always up for a friendly wager. If you think James is going to look anything in 2007 like Sosa looked in 2006… I’ll take that bet.

By summerteeth

February 12, 2007 02:18 PM | Link to this

Rascal Flatts suck, I am sorry. It is Smash Mouth singing country. Everyone has a country voice…everyone.

By StingerSplash

February 12, 2007 02:25 PM | Link to this

Indeed it is. From “Wild Dog Moon.” As much as I love VH, I don’t know if I want to see 50-plus-year-old DLR leaping about in assless pants and see Eddie and his new hip try to do the Ray Davies leap. It would be like watching Jorge Sosa pitch both ends of a doubleheader. And I thought the guys in The Police hated each other’s guts All my Atlanta friends when they were in high school got to see them in 83. Not so lucky down here in the swamps. Re: the Braves starters - we’re pinning a lot of hopes on a guy who hasn’t pitched in a year and a half and another whose barely pitched half a year.

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 02:27 PM | Link to this

KC,

I think what DonCoburleone was saying was James was like Sosa in that he came out of nowhere. What he is ignoring (hopefully unintentionally) is the fact that James breezed through the minors with relative ease, so he did not truly come out of nowhere. Either way, you are correct to say he’s not likely to perform significantly worse than he did last season.

I think this goes back to the misconception that the minors are not indicative of likely major league performance.

By Greg in TN

February 12, 2007 02:43 PM | Link to this

Afternoon everyone…

I got derailed from my usual blog monitoring the past several days, so forgive me for being a day (maybe several) late to chime in on the latest in the Bravesblog World.

It’s been talked about all weekend ad nauseum so I will only say that I hate to hear about the latest news on Smoltz and I hope that both parties are able to move on and work things out.

I think DOB hit the nail on the head with the term ‘cautious optimism’. I don’t expect too much early from Hampton until he’s able to get back into the flow of game situations. I think his overall season numbers will be just fine. Even with the off the field issues, I think Smoltz will be fine and I personally anticipate a good season from Chuck James and better numbers from Tim Hudson (how good? I don’t know, but I do think he’ll be more of the pitcher seen in the AL than what we saw last year).

By KC

February 12, 2007 02:46 PM | Link to this

Shaun: “Tim Hudson could have a big season, almost returning to his early 2000’s form. Or Jeff Francoeur could improve his plate discipline immensely and in turn improve his out-avoiding immensely. Or John Smoltz could remain as good or a little better than he has been the past two seasons. Or Chipper Jones could stay healthy enough to play over 150 games and have a monster season. And maybe all this happens and the Braves have a huge year—over 100 wins.”

The only (other) things that would need to change at this point for the Braves to get over 100 wins would be for Hudson and Hampton to come through this season. By “come through”, I mean a combined ERA well under 4.00 and something in the neighborhood of 30 wins between the two of them.

You’re making it sound as though we need a million things to fall in place. We don’t. Where the lineup is concerned, we just need every returning player to do essentially the same thing they did last year. If Francoeur matures as a hitter or if Chipper plays 150 games… GREAT! That might fix things to where we don’t feel the loss of LaRoche at all… but that’s not a necessity. Everyone, in this lineup just needs to deliver in a fashion similar to last year (or in Kelly Johnson’s case… put up numbers commensurate to Giles in 06. Not too hard to do). If that happens, this team is still going to score a lot of runs.

The difference between 79 wins and 100 wins is all in the pitching! I expect Smoltz and the bullpen to be excellent, and Chuck James to be solid. So again, if both Hampton and Hudson come through, we’re looking at a 100-plus win team. If they’re mediocre… we should still reach 90 wins. If they both absolutely tank… then we might be looking at a sub-90 win season.

By Robert

February 12, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

“And Davies is a good pitcher “

No. Flat out no

He may have good tools

He may have good potential

He may look good in red lipstick and pump-me heels

But at this point, he is NOT a good pitcher

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

KC,

I think it’s realistic to expect somewhere around 90 wins—I think that’s most likely.

What I was saying is a lot of things have to go right for things to win over 100 games…almost an unrealistic amount of things. Is it possible? Yes. But I would say 100+ wins is not likely right now.

By Hooiser Brave

February 12, 2007 03:11 PM | Link to this

Five letters to sum up last year’s pitching problems…

No Leo

Maybe some didn’t like his style but you cannot question the results.

By Jai

February 12, 2007 03:13 PM | Link to this

I’m glad they let Giles & Reitsma go. They have the potential to win the WS without those 2 idiots. Kelly will do just fine at 2nd base and Craig will fill in the gaps with the lineup. Mets don’t stand a chance. Now if the pitching and bullpen collapse then it’s the pitching coach to blame. He has a lot to prove this year as well. I still think if Leo was coaching us last year we still could have made it to the playoffs. But we’ll see what’s to come.

By MGL

February 12, 2007 03:21 PM | Link to this

Hooiser Brave and Jai - Ckeck Leo’s work last year in Baltimore, worse than the Braves!!

By DonCoburleone

February 12, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

I’m not saying I think Chuck James will take a step back in 2007, I just said it is possible. And for those who say Chuck James didn’t come out of nowhere last year, what exactly are you smoking? Chuck James wasn’t even a top 10 prospect for the Braves at any point in his minor league career, and the only reason he was brought up was because Cox had absolutely no other left-handed bullpen guys last year (once Remmy fizzled out)… He DID come out of nowhere and anyone who says otherwise is just looking at things in hindsight… PLUS, I can compare Sosa to James because sure James had good numbers in the minors and Sosa may be a headcase, but (without a doubt) Sosa has better stuff than Chucky does. And using Sosa’s minor league stats is tough to gauge cuz he wasn’t even a pitcher for most of his minor league career… Sosa was 13-3 with an era of about 2.50 in 2005, now if anyone here says they knew Sosa was gonna turn to sh!t in 2006 then they are full of sh!t themselves…

By ssiscribe

February 12, 2007 03:28 PM | Link to this

All right, DOB, here you go, breaking news from the Scribe (via the wire):

(Reuters) — Reunited rock trio the Police said Monday they would launch a world tour in May, more than 20 years after frontman Sting angered his bandmates by leaving for a solo career.

The group whetted fans’ appetite for the expected trek on Sunday night, when they performed their breakthrough hit “Roxanne” at the opening of the Grammy Awards ceremony.

Sting, 55, guitarist Andy Summers, 64, and drummer Stewart Copeland, 54, will kick off the tour May 28 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Dates have so far been set for North America only; the band will play Europe in the autumn, and shows in Mexico, South America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand are also anticipated.

Ticket prices will range from $50 to $225, a spokesperson announced at a press conference at Los Angeles’ Whiskey A Go Go nightclub. The group also played a few songs for the assembled, including “Message in a Bottle,” “When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What’s Still Around,” “Can’t Stand Losing You” and “Roxanne.”

The Police ended their seven-year run following their 1984 world tour for the album “Synchronicity,” which included the Grammy-winning song of the year “Every Breath You Take.”

By Shaun

February 12, 2007 03:30 PM | Link to this

Robert,

How do you define “good pitcher”? Sure he’s not an above average major league pitcher yet, but all indications are he is likely to be soon.

By MBATL

February 12, 2007 03:37 PM | Link to this

DonC, from FoxSports, list of 2006 prospects, James was listed as #100; not exactly a can’t miss, but on the list. Here is their comment on him as of last spring training:

*100. Chuck James, LHP, Braves, 24 Acquired: 20th round, 2002, Chattahoochee Valley Community College

James enjoyed quite the breakout season in 2005. He finished fourth in all the minors in strikeouts (193) and third in ERA (2.12). James isn’t a hard thrower, but he hides the ball well, and he has command of three pitches. The problem (besides the fact that some in the game question his makeup) is that James is an extreme fly-ball pitcher; and that won’t serve him well once he gets beyond the generally pitcher-friendly parks in the Braves’ system.*

Being ranked 100th is not sure-star status, but it ain’t chopped liver either. He’s not a nobody.

(also, Baseball America had James as our 7th prospect in November 2005, behind Marte, Salty, Andrus, Escobar, Lerew and Devine. So actually he’s outpaced all of those ahead of him at that point, as far as major league contributions go.)

By ncscoots

February 12, 2007 03:39 PM | Link to this

Uh, Don, if you’ll check the archives of the blog from last March, you’ll find a number of people who were hoping Sosa would be traded before the season started, with the rationale that his 2005 season was too good to be true.

By MBATL

February 12, 2007 03:46 PM | Link to this

DonC, also, most of the guys on that Fox top 100 list haven’t even sniffed the majors yet. Only a guestimate, but I would say James was probably in the top 25 of players likely see significant ML action in 2006.

By MBATL

February 12, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

DonC, also, most of the guys on that Fox top 100 list haven’t even sniffed the majors yet. Just a guestimate, but I would say James was rated in the top 25 of players who actually ended up seeing significant ML time in ‘06.

By CENSORSHIP lives on AJC

February 12, 2007 03:53 PM | Link to this

O’BRIEN—Why are you deleting all the posts that you don’t like or that you don’t agree with??…That’s censorship son!…Is that what AJC is all about now??…I think it’s time AJC rotates your a$$ on out of here and give someone else a chance—someone with an open mind and a fair shake!…Might as well block those IP’s and be done with it!…

By Robert

February 12, 2007 03:54 PM | Link to this

How do I define “good pitcher”?

A guy who gets major league hitters out with regularity.

“Sure he’s not an above average major league pitcher yet, but all indications are he is likely to be soon.”

Exactly what indicator/s is hinting to you that he is ready to make a major step forward in command?

One thing all prospects have in common - they’re not any good yet

By Jim

February 12, 2007 03:55 PM | Link to this

James was not a top 10 prospect (when in the low minors) because he does not throw 95+ mph. He was a top 10 prospect the year before he was promoted when he demonstrated that he dominated at every level of the minors.

How many top 10 prospects develop into solid major leaguers? How many number 1 prospects make a solid career in the majors?

By Robert

February 12, 2007 03:58 PM | Link to this

“It’s a shame the Braves only won around 90-100 games most years under Cox. Without Cox ….. they could have won in the post-season”

Shaun. I am so proud of you. You have seen the light.

By TennesseePaul

February 12, 2007 04:01 PM | Link to this

if anyone here says they knew Sosa was gonna turn to sh!t in 2006

For the most part, I think some here were hoping Sosa would be traded before last season because we didn’t think he could repeat his 2005 performance. At least, I didn’t trust the guy. I was hoping he’d get traded.
My reason for not wanting to keep Sosa was, he couldn’t last more than 5 innings in 2005. He was fortunate to have the record he did. He loaded the bases nearly every inning in 2005. He was some how able to get out of jams all the time. I don’t have the exact numbers but I recall people hit better off him with the bases empty and then all the sudden they hit about .200 off him when runners were in scoring position. Watching Sosa pitch in 2005 was scary enough. Relying on him for a whole season was a nightmare in the waiting.
This is why people would be more optimistic about James over Sosa. He went deeper into games. And he improved with each trip to the mound. The more starts he got, the better he became. And on top of all this, his minor league numbers are outstanding. He had over a 4 to 1 K to BB ratio in the minors. He has command and he knows how to pitch, not just throw. There is infinitly more reason to have hope for James over Sosa. And I’m not full of sh!t. Here are some of the Posts…

Here’s one from almost a year ago
Here’s one from May
From the same blog..
I think this one can pretty much seals it up…posted in March of last year

By Lew

February 12, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

Scoots-Thanks. I for one said Sosa was an accident waiting to happen. I knew with all of the baserunners he let on base, it was only a matter of time before “Houdini” disappeared. Kind of like the Mets thinking they can get by with a weak pitching staff again this year.

By Robert

February 12, 2007 04:11 PM | Link to this

From CBS Sportsline.com

“Manager Bobby Cox will assign one of his five starters to be caught by backup C Brayan Pena, but he hasn’t decided which one yet.”

Pray tell how is the genius going to make this decision? (other than having his pen marked off into five zones, and wherever the turd lands)

By Robert

February 12, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

From www.nationalenquirer.com (or not)

Today’s headline - Pig Succesfully Mated with Donkey

According to the text of the article, Bobby Cox is the father of Anna Nicole Smith’s baby

By Lew

February 12, 2007 04:22 PM | Link to this

The Perceived Persecution level is rising, along with the number of different names that Stinky is posting under. Is it 7 or 8 different personas since this morning? It won’t be long before he loses total touch with reality and dissasociates again. Just like Christmas Eve. Poor Stinky. No one loves him.

By trying not to point my finger and laugh

February 12, 2007 04:25 PM | Link to this

Robert, three words.

Precious bodily fluids.

By MGL

February 12, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

Robert, your 4:16 takes irreverence and insensitivity to a new low.

By DonCoburleone

February 12, 2007 05:08 PM | Link to this

Haha, Robert keep tagging on Cox, I for one think it’s funny…

By David O'Brien

February 12, 2007 05:14 PM | Link to this

New blog is posted. Robert and everyone else are welcome to come on over.

By DonCoburleone

February 12, 2007 05:30 PM | Link to this

“There is infinitly more reason to have hope for James over Sosa. And I’m not full of sh!t. Here are some of the Posts…

Here’s one from almost a year ago Here’s one from May From the same blog.. I think this one can pretty much seals it up…posted in March of last year”

Okay, there may have been a few people who saw it coming, but find me people who were clamoring for Chuck James to be called up and put in the starting rotation last year… And when I say that him and Sosa both came out of nowhere I mean it in the sense that; at the start of each season(Sosa in 2005, James in 2006) neither one were projected to even be in the starting rotation, yet each wound up at the end of the year the 2nd best pitcher on the staff (both of course second to Smoltz). Lets say Anthony Lerew ends up landing in the starting rotation this year in June, and finishes the season with 11 wins and is arguably our best pitcher behind Smoltz, would we not be able to say “he came out of nowhere?”

By David-ATL14

February 13, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Been away for a few days,blog above was entertaining until the very end when the EGGHEAD QUIOTENT was heard from.

Shaun could give us some statistical probabilities on Smoltz divorice? they would be as insightful as your baseball mumblings.

By Ray

February 16, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

DOB terrific blog. Yes spring training is finally here. Thank goodness. Just a touch of caution to all. I hope the braves fans do not go tooo over the top when in April or May and the bullpen blows a couple of leads in a row. IT will happen. It doesn’t mean that its a failure. I am just saying lets not overreact. Remember as DOB stated up top, the bullpen of ‘02 was 57 of 71 save opportunities. So that is 14 blown saves. WE all have and rightly so a lot of optimism for this bullpen. Dave I am curious when you get down to DarkStar, to mention on the atmosphere and the feeling of the players. Is it an anticipation, something to prove, new focus, however you want to classify it. Ahhh yes Spring Training is here.