Braves

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for the update on Davies. Keep warm down there in frigid Florida. This Global Warming business is terrible.

By caveman22

February 16, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

What would happen if James had hurt his hands or fingers while working?? What kind of clause does MLB have for off-season jobs. And how old would that clause be?? It would have to be early 1900’s in origin. Oh yeah , I almost forgot TERENCE MOORE SUX There , now I feel better.

By ssiscribe

February 16, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

New blog, all right!

Good piece on Davies. I’m really rooting for him to find the consistency and confidence to nail down the No. 5 spot. Anybody can have a season like he had in 2006, when the breaking ball’s getting too much of the plate and something in the body tears. It’s a matter of shaking off the doubts physically and mentally, and getting on with the business of getting hitters out.

Kyle Davies pitching like he showed he was capable of in those first few starts in 2005 really adds tremendous depth to the rotation. I think he needs every opportunity to win the No. 5 spot, going to Richmond only if it’s crystal clear he cannot cut it at the major league level right now.

And yes, I know Cormier pitched well as a spot starter, but the Braves — looking at the schedule on my bulletin board — only have four off days between the start of the season (April 2) and May 20, two in the season’s first eight days (April 3, April 9).

So yes, the fifth spot in the rotation is plenty important, especially given the fact of the Braves’ first 53 games, 33 are against Eastern Division teams, including the first 14 of the season.

Hopefully, all those pitchers stretch their arms out really good on a chilly morning at the Evil Empire. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By CAR3BOOGIE

February 16, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

David, I understand McBride is a situational Lefty but, Would he ever be considered for a starters job or is that spot too important.

Great job on the Davies article and keep up the good work.

By CAR3BOOGIE

February 16, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

One other thing when is the best time to bring the kids down to Spring training.

By dougp

February 16, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

This was a production of David O’Brien.

By kingthomason

February 16, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

I wondered where the Braves got most of there pitchers last year…..Lowes!!!!! That explained all of those blown games.

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

What kind of clause does MLB have for off-season jobs. And how old would that clause be?? It would have to be early 1900’s in origin.

No clause. This would only be rooted in the Free Agency era of baseball. For example, Hammerin Hank had offseason jobs to help pay the bills. All old ball players did to some extent. Prior to FA, players didn’t make near as much money. An injured player didn’t cost the team all that much in terms of contract commitment.

By Greg in TN

February 16, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Greetins Y’all,

Thanks for the updates, DOB. James seems like he’s a kid that’s as down-to-earth and unassuming as they come. I’m pulling for Davies to improve this spring, but if he needs to start the season in Richmond to get his groove back, it certainly wouldn’t be the end of the world.

I like what I’m hearing from the land of the Mouse so far. Sounds like everyone there is focused on placing last year behind them. I also loved hearing about BC in uniform going from meeting to meeting.

By Don't drink and type

February 16, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Don’t let James fool you. He knows being underestimated gives him an advantage. He’s country, but not dumb.

Maybe it’s the hope springs eternal in spring thing, but I’ve got a feeling about his team, like maybe it might be 1991-type special. I hope so.

As usual, I enjoy your new-fangledy Web log Mr. O’Brien.

-30- (Dang, scribe I haven’t seen anybody do that in 15 years. You’re old school dog, and I like it.)

By Robert

February 16, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Maybe they should get Davies to see that sports shrink that worked with Smoltzie years back

By rammerjammer

February 16, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Great reporting DOB.

I concur with the thought that Davies would be best suited beginning the season at Richmond and getting ready for the big stage. In retrospect, that would’ve been best for Devine’s career, too.

Something tells me that with all the question marks surrounding Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton and James, Davies will be back if he does well.

By gotigers72

February 16, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Four keys for Davies, because his stuff is fine. 1 - Keep the ball down, and by down I mean mid thigh and below 2 - Get the pitch count down. He almost always has thrown around 100 pitches by the 5th inning 3 - Throw strikes, get ahead of the hitters and 4 - Keep the ball out of the middle of the plate.

He reminds me of Macay McBride in that he has great stuff, needs to learn to trust that stuff. I think McBride finally learned that during the last half of last year. Davies needs to learn he can’t get MLB hitters out the way he got minor league hitters out. He is young, but needs to start the learning process this year.

By Shaun

February 16, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

espn.com has a chart that shows in what area of the zone pitchers like to throw. Davies threw a lot of inside pitches. Seems to me he needs to make a minor adjustment—painting the outside corner. I think he’ll be fine once he takes care of that. His K/BB ratio is great, his K rate is good. He has all the right tools.

By The Grinch

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

Ok, I give up. What does the “-30-” mean at the end of your posts, Scribe? I wasn’t gonna ask until someone else recognized and understood it. BTW, a little birdie tells me James knows more about his opponents than he lets on. I like his style. Off to the gun store; gonna get the feed ramp polished in one of my .45’s. It’s been hangin’ up a bit lately; wouldn’t want a jam to bite me the wrong way in a crucial situation.

By Devastator

February 16, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

I love the braves, but will someone give me one good reason why we should think they’ll be any less disappointing than in the past. I know the bullpen has been fixed, but what about the offense? This sounds to familiar to me.

By Don't drink and type

February 16, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

In the days of glue pots and a bottle of bourbon in the desk drawer, journalists used to type -30- to indicate the end of their story. Not sure why that number was chosen. But it goes back to the days when newsrooms, press boxes, etc. buzzed with the sounds of typwriter keys being punched.

By PA Bravefan

February 16, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

If Davies pitches like everyone thinks he is capable of, he should be a very good #5. I hope he can!! Go Braves! It is so exciting that we get baseball again in our lives. I don’t know about anyone else, but I have been waiting since October for this date! Pitchers and Catchers, On the Field!!

By Don't drink and type

February 16, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

But don’t ask me anything about Web logs. I’m too stupid to grasp the concept.

By MBATL

February 16, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Grinch, “-30-” is a symbol traditionally used by journalists to indicate the end of an article - I guess so the editor knows they’ve got the “whole story.” (I took a couple of journalism courses in college and wrote for a couple of trade pubs, but certainly am no “journalist” for DOB blog purposes!)

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 16, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Grinch

Oh nevermind….I’m not even gonna attempt to ask why you’re packing heat.

BTW I didn’t know what the -30- thing meant either.

By Shaun

February 16, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Devastator,

Simple: The offense was the second-best in the NL last season with Giles having a subpar year, Chipper missing a good chunk of games and a rightfielder that made a lot of outs. Now the offense is likely to decline some with the loss of LaRoche, and McCann and Renteria due for declines (they were just so good last season that the odds are against them repeating). But no one is really due for a significant decline. Even with the slight declines at a few positions, the offense is not going to drop from 2nd in runs to the bottom half (unless there is a disaster like major injuries or something like that).

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this

will someone give me one good reason why we should think they’ll be any less disappointing

Because of the 136 years of tradition instilled within the oldest professional sports franchise in America from Tommy Bond to John Smoltz. The 12 NL pennants prior to the inception of the American League and WS. The 3 WS titles in 3 different US cities. 14 consecutive Division Titles. Including 5 NL Pennants and a WS title. The over all 15 titles for best in Best Ball this franchise owns. To put it simply, because we are the Braves.

GO BRAVES

By MBATL

February 16, 2007 01:21 PM | Link to this

You gotta figure the Braves would rather Davies emerge as a quality starter this year, and win the job.

Sounds to me like they’re “leaking” the suggestion that Cormier has a shot at it, as a motivation to Davies (not to say Cormier doesn’t have real shot, just that the Braves are making a point of it). Reminding Davies that the job is not his to lose, at this point, but is there to win with good performance.

Even if Davies wins the job (and all else goes as planned in ST), I’m thinking we keep Cormier on the roster, along with Wickman, Gonzalez, Soriano, Villarreal, McBride, and Paronto.

Villarreal and Cormier have “multiple inning” abilities for long relief, and could spot start if needed without having to make a roster move; and Paronto is out of options and pitched really well last year.

That would leave Devine, Boyer, Yates at Richmond; they could get consistent work and be called up when needed, as each has options.

But if Davies doesn’t win the starting job, he’d be much better off in Richmond too (hey, maybe Richmond could have a winning record, for a change!)

By uncle jay

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

Who is Fred Stone?

By Devastator

February 16, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

Thanks Shaun. I would still feel a little more comfortable if we brought in a huge bat.

By ssiscribe

February 16, 2007 01:30 PM | Link to this

Indeed, Don’t drink and type and MBATL, in the days when stories were typed on paper, —30— was a universally recognized symbol that said “this story is over.” My high school journalism advisor showed us that, and it just stuck.

Call it my nod to the Furman Bisher, Jesse Outlaw, Wayne Minchew, Lewis Grizzard crowd, those who came before us who today ply the journalistic craft in the digital age. Us younger Scribes, with our cell phones and Internet resources and laptops and air cards, et al, marvel at how you did this job in the days of Western Union, white out and Royal typewriters.

Time to plan next week. See ya, denzines.

—30—

By David O'Brien

February 16, 2007 01:30 PM | Link to this

Smoltz talked this morning, and I asked him a few questions related to the divorce and he was good, said far more than he’d led Braves officials to believe he might be willing to say. Nothing deeply personal about the reasons or anything, and that’s frankly none of our business, but just about how he’s not going to let anything effect him once he’s “between the lines” and in his preparations, how he plans to enjoy himself this year and not let things affect him as much, like stuff written about him if he starts out slow. He said he’s not going to say as much either, not going to “play GM” like he did before, just going to be “one of 25” etc etc. He was good, and very professional, not at all upset with any of my questions or offended.

Anyway, I’m going to write about him for tomorrow, got to get going with that. Just wanted to update you here on a few things including that….

Young Mr. Matt Harrison impressed today in his first throwing session in front of the skipper. Cox had never seen him before, and said he could see why Braves officials are so high on him.

I talked to the kid, who’s 21, 6-feet-4 (listed at 6-5) and as shy and soft-spoken as you can possibly imagine. He’s a bit starry-eyed right now, but long as he gets ‘er done on the mound, he’ll be just fine once he gets used to seeing “Smoltz” and “Hudson” above those locker stalls.

I don’t think he’s a serious candidate for fifth starter, but if he makes a good impression, wouldn’t entirely rule out a callup if he’s having a good year in minors and Braves have injury problems during the season….

Bobby raved about Hudson’s mound session today, said he’s throwing great. And all went well with Hampton, who threw off the mound and looked sharp, all things considered. Roger McDowell said they’ll evaluate him on a day-by-day basis, make adjustments to his program when necessary, etc…..

Scribe, I’m trying to remember how long ago it was that we stopped using that -30-. Probably when we stopped filing stories via couplers with the old Radio Shack “Trash 80” computers, but not sure….

By Shaun

February 16, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this

Because of the 136 years of tradition instilled within the oldest professional sports franchise in America from Tommy Bond to John Smoltz. The 12 NL pennants prior to the inception of the American League and WS. The 3 WS titles in 3 different US cities. 14 consecutive Division Titles. Including 5 NL Pennants and a WS title. The over all 15 titles for best in Best Ball this franchise owns. To put it simply, because we are the Braves.

…like that spirit! But all that tradition didn’t seem to help in the 1970’s and most of the 1980’s.

By MBATL

February 16, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this

ssiscribe - yeah, it’s been 15 years (or more…God!) since I “did” any journalism, and kinda enjoyed seeing the -30-. Brought back memories. Also used to do paste-up page layout - man, what a PITA that was. I’ve long since moved on to other endeavors, but would guess that’s pretty much a lost art, what with these newfangled computers and all.

btw, are you actively writing for anyone? I enjoy your posts and wonder if you’re a “pro” with any publications or web sites.

By Don't drink and type

February 16, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this

Trash 80s were cool, but I don’t think you could use one to post on a Web log.

By former scout

February 16, 2007 01:52 PM | Link to this

To be a successful major league pitcher, Davies is going to need nearly perfect control. His fastball does not have the movement needed to get ML hitters out, and he certainly can’t overpower them. Chuck James will be a consistent winner because of movement and control, and in my view, Cormier is more likely to be the 5th starter. Villareal may also compete strongly for that spot.

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 01:53 PM | Link to this

But all that tradition didn’t seem to help in the 1970’s and most of the 1980’s.

Minor issues which only helped give the team character and a proper sense. We’re still the Braves and we’re still gonna win this year.

GO BRAVES!!

By Robert

February 16, 2007 02:03 PM | Link to this

“Bobby brayed about Hudson’s mound session today, said he’s throwing great”

LOL - That’s extrememly informative DOB. I mean, Cox raving about a Bravey.

Did you expect anything else? Cox raves about anything put in front of his snout. Last year, how many times did he tell us Reitsma was throwing great?

Telling us what that stupid son-of-a-b*** “thinks” about anything is a total waste of blog space.

By choppinmama

February 16, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

DOB: I’m savoring your every word from FL.

RE: Matt Harrison, he received the Phil Niekro Award from the Braves 400 Club a couple of weeks ago as the Outstanding Braves Minor League Pitcher of 2006. To quote the program: “In the Braves minor league system, he has a 30-20 record with a 3.45 ERA. In 2006, he was 8-4 in Myrtle Beach and 3-4 with Mississippi. Baseball America ranked him as the seventh best prospect in the Carolina League after the 2006 season. He was MS Pitcher of the Month in August.”

Keep us posted on his ST progress.

By Shaun

February 16, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this

former scout,

Davies’s fastball doesn’t have the movement to get major league hitters out? Why was his K rate fairly high throughout his minor league and so far in his major league career?

By Don't drink and type

February 16, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

Robert, maybe you shouldn’t drink bile and type. It spews. Good point. Cox does rave about his guys. That’s why they play so hard for him. By the way, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Ssshh. Don’t tell anybody. Cox is the best manager ever.

Resume evacuating your bile all over this Web log.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

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

That’s the swagger I like to see 10Paul. Very nicely done…..

By The Essence of Taste and Culture

February 16, 2007 02:11 PM | Link to this

As we bask in the dying embers of another Valentine’s Day passed, and knowing Mr. O’Brien’s love of music, I would like to break from all of this baseball chatter for just a moment in order to make note of what are, undoubtably, the five most romantic songs in the history of humankind.

In no particular order:

“The Jack” by AC/DC

“Back That Thing Up” by Juvenile

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot

“Women I’ve Never Had” by Hank Williams Jr.

“Bite It, You Scum” by GG Allin and the Murder Junkies

By Shaun

February 16, 2007 02:13 PM | Link to this

Robert,

You are such a pleasant human being.

I would much rather have a manager that says “You know our pitchers have a lot of work to do. Hudson completely disappointed me last year.”

God forbid a manager try to stay positive, especially the first day of Spring Training.

By Novice Ned

February 16, 2007 02:15 PM | Link to this

DOB, what’s the health (injury) report on Stockman, Boyer and Foster going into camp? Maybe I missed it, but I don’t recall seeing anything about Foster in months.

By daniel

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

I’m not looking at the stats, but I seem to remember Villareal and Cormier giving us some quaility starts in September, even when we were holding on to wild card hopes. Those were big innings from those guys and I wouldn’t be scared to see either of them starting in the 5th spot. Davies seems to have better stuff, so we’ll hope for the best. But if Cormier or Villareal got a few starts I wouldn’t be too upset.

By Alan

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

Thanks, DOB, for the post. Sorry the weather’s so cool at Dark Star, but at least you’re not in the “Great Northeast” where the temp is hovering around 0 and we’re still digging out after a 2-day snow-and-ice-storm. Anyway, any baseball news is terrific and appreciated. As for Davies, he really should just go out and pitch - “trust my stuff,” as he says. He can be as good a #5 starter as anyone in the game, and it’ll be great if he is. But, if not, it’s not the end of the world - his or the Braves’. He has minor-league options and Cormier has shown he’s quite capable. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again now: the Braves’ pitching - starting and relieving - will be fine.

By daniel

February 16, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

I seem to remember Villareal and Cormier giving us some quality starts last September when we were still clinging to those slim wild card hopes. Those were big innings, and I wouldn’t mind it too bad if one of those guys came out of camp with a chance to be our 5th guy. Davies seems to have the best stuff of the 3, so I’ll be pulling for him. But I won’t be too worried if Cormier or Villareal wins the spot.

By MGL

February 16, 2007 02:21 PM | Link to this

Robert’s diaper rash must be bothering him again today, he’s whiny again.

By J.M.

February 16, 2007 02:21 PM | Link to this

Devestator, I’m not so much worried about our offense as I am our defense. We lost two Gold Glove-calibur defenders on the right side of our infield. KJ may indeed develop into a good second basemen in much the same way Giles did, but we should probably expect some growing pains. Thorman should be fine at first base, but to expect him to be as polished around the bag as LaRoche was might be asking too much.

The left side of the infield isn’t much better with Edgar and Chipper, both of whom could be considered mediocre to below-average defensively at their respective positions.

The good news is the outfield defense will be very good, especially when Langer is playing left instead of Diaz, and McCann and Pena are solid behind the plate.

The runs will come. Five of our eight projected everyday starters are among the better hitters in the league at their position. But you win championships with pitching and defense. I think we have the pitching, but the defense scares me a little bit.

By ssiscribe

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

MBATL, I actually did paste up way back in my teenage days, exacto knifes and the like. Used a couplers a few times here and there, praying the connection (and the stack of quarters) didn’t run out on me. Today’s scribes have it easy, indeed.

Now, baseball (a transtion, and a nod to Journalist Jimmy, whereever he may be): Regardless of what the one Cox basher has to say on here, it’s good to hear positive feedback on Hudson and Hampton from today. And I’m excited to see young Matt Harrison, who probably is a year away, but still seems like he’s got the tools to become a good one.

Time to write. Later.

—30—

By KC

February 16, 2007 02:24 PM | Link to this

Robert: “Telling us what that stupid son-of-a-b* “thinks” about anything is a total waste of blog space.”

No offense, but it’s funny to hear you talking about wasting blog space.

And… repeating the same damn Bobby Cox putdowns you’ve been chanting for months - even though no one wants to hear it - isn’t wasting blog space?

By Adam

February 16, 2007 02:27 PM | Link to this

Robert -

We get it, you don’t like Bobby Cox. Move on already. You sound like that fan in Major League 2 that is always negative about the team.

By Shaun

February 16, 2007 02:35 PM | Link to this

Leave Robert alone. He’s obviously either been a major league manager, scout, executive or has done very extensive research on managers, given all his valid reasoning for Cox being a bad manager. He’s convinced me with his savvy arguments. He’s obviously an expert on the subject.

By Mackey Sasser

February 16, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this

Robert,

I think you’re really on to something about Bobby. Please write a book about it. It should take you until sometime next November. Until then, focus your energy on that. Naturally, you’ll want to quit posting on the blog until then.

By ernesto

February 16, 2007 02:45 PM | Link to this

Robert’s trumpet is capable of producing only one shrill note - but that ain’t gonna stop him from blowing.

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for including the thoughts of the Manager. It’s always good to hear what the greatest manager in history thinks about his players. I’d love an entire Blog deticated to this one topic. Might want to make it a week long, or even season long series so as to leave no stone unturned. Keep up the good work.

GO BRAVES

By RC

February 16, 2007 03:00 PM | Link to this

J.M.- I understand your concern about the right side of the infield, but how can you consider Marcus Giles “gold glove caliber” and in the same paragraph call Renteria “mediocre to below-average”? Renteria is at worst a good fielding shortsstop, and he has the 2 Gold Gloves to prove it. Giles is at best an “average” fielding 2nd baseman, and I’d argue below that.

By KC

February 16, 2007 03:13 PM | Link to this

RC and JM: To add to the Renteria topic… Edgar had the second best fielding percentage of his career (over a full play-everyday season) last year. His fielding % was actually better than one of the years in which he won a gold glove.

RC, I will disagree slightly with you on Giles. Marcus has worked hard to become a good infielder… and he is (definitely above average to say the least). But he’s not quite as good a second baseman as Renteria is a Shortstop.

By David O'Brien

February 16, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

Essence of Taste, one other song that would fit well on your list: “Put ‘Em on the Glass,” by Sir Mix-A-Lot….

NOVICE NED, you haven’t seen anything about Foster because he was dropped from the roster after the season. He’s no longer with the Braves. Don’t know if he signed with anyone or not.

I wrote yesterday that Stockman had ‘scope surgery on his hamstring at end of january when it wouldn’t heal, and they removed calcification from around the tendon that had been pulled off the bone. He said it feels great now and he’ll be throwing off mound soon. Braves think he could be a factor in race for last bullpen spots. Boyer is healthy and doing full schedule of work. If he stays healthy, he’ll compete for a spot, too.

By David O'Brien

February 16, 2007 03:20 PM | Link to this

By the way, while I’m thinking about it, I was wrong on Cormier and options. He’s got one left, so they can send him down if they wanted to.

Guys COMPETING FOR SPOTS who are OUT OF OPTIONS:

Aybar, Langerhans, RHP Tyler Yates, RHP Jonathan Johnson.

Thorman’s out of options, too, not that that’s really relevent at this point.

A few key guys NOT OUT OF OPTIONS: Diaz, Kelly Johnson, Cormier.

By RC

February 16, 2007 03:40 PM | Link to this

KC - I agree with you on Giles. I was a little too harsh in my original assesment…just wanted to make the point he’s not close to a “Gold Glove” level player.

By Shaun

February 16, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Would be interesting to do something on Cox. Maybe get the views of players, execs, other managers, coaches, journalist, researchers, fans…just compile a list of opinions on Cox. Would be fun to see.

By DonCoburleone

February 16, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

Davies Davies Davies, hmmm… This is what my gut tells me: This guy is never going to live up to expectations and will be lucky if he ever matches the “success” of a Jason Marquis.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again until someone gives me some type of an answer… What made this guy such a hot prospect to begin with? From what I’ve seen of him, he doesn’t have overpowering stuff, great control, multiple pitches, or a deceptive delivery… So what made people within the Braves organization so high on him originally? DOB a little help? Anyone???

By MBATL

February 16, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m completly confused on the options rule now, and will never speculate about it again. Thanks for that update.

By DonCoburleone

February 16, 2007 03:49 PM | Link to this

Is Davies out of options DOB?

By Robert

February 16, 2007 03:55 PM | Link to this

There is nothing wrong with a manager being supportive about his players, on the first day of spring traing or on any other day

But just realize that Cox “raving” about someone is nothing more than him deciding to be supprotive. It means ZERO as far as whether that player actually looked good, or threw well, or has any baseball talent whatsoever

The problem with reporting this stuff is that there may be some people out there who think that Cox “raving” means something as regards baseball ability

Cox “raving” is the same as Cox “ranting” at umpires. He doesnt do it because the balls and strikes are actually being called wrong, but because in his world, every pitch TO a Brave should be called a ball and every pitch BY the Brave should be called a strike.

Somebody pulls the string and the donkey wiggles his ears and brays out (__ey is looking good). Pull the string again and the donkey kicks his back legs, turns red in the face, and cusses the umpires.

Dont tell us what Cox says, because he has nothing intelligent or meaningful or insightful to say

Still, being supportive is ok. Dress him up in a pretty skirt, give him pom-poms, shoe him, and let him lead the cheers. Just get his stupid a* out of the dugout and stop his involvement in game decision making

By Shaun

February 16, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone,

What made him such a hot prospect?

8.97 K/9, 3.2 BB/9 and 0.56 HR/9. A high K rate is the best indicator of future success. The BB rate isn’t outstanding but isn’t bad when compared to his K rate.

Plus his windup and delivery are textbook, which probably would lead many to believe he’s not going to put much strain on his arm. And so far he hasn’t had any major arm injuries that I know of.

…so, there you go.

By Shaun

February 16, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

If you are into video games play All Star Baseball on xbox or PS2 or something. The franchise mode will teach you a lot about options and that sort of thing. I like the ‘04 version the best. Kind of an old game, but the most realistic franchise mode.

By Alan

February 16, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone, here’s the one key word that separates Davies from Marquis: ATTITUDE. Marquis basically thought his sh*t was ice cream and he was stubborn as a mule (or donkey, for Robert’s benefit). Apparently he never sought advice from his “peers” (actually his “supeers”) - guys named Maddux, Glavine, Millwood - and constantly butted heads with Leo Mazzone. He probably butted heads with Dave Duncan in St. Louis, too. By all accounts, Davies is humble and agreeable and teachable - and he has really good stuff. He’s going to be a very good major league pitcher - if not this year, then very soon thereafter.

By Drew

February 16, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, what is Orr’s situation? I think I remember you posting taht he was out of options, but I just wanted to check.

By Robert

February 16, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

“Would be interesting to do something on Cox. Maybe get the views of players, execs, other managers, coaches, journalist, researchers, fans…just compile a list of opinions on Cox. Would be fun to see.”

What would be REVEALING (as opposed to fun) would be to get the opinions they express in public and contrast them with what they think in private.

Remember - remember how the Braves always gave lip service to division competiution every spring but for years werent really worried about it.

Folks, same thing with Cox - It would not serve the purposes of any person or entity in baseball to openly ridicule Cox the way they do in private. If you’re a Brave and you cross the Donk, you are G-O-N-E. If you’re a non-Brave and you mock the Donk, you risk firing up the Braves - why do that when it’s best to praise them and their manager and walk all over them in the postseason as they sleepwalk thru the playoffs again?

If I told you that I KNOW, for a FACT, that members of the 96 Yankees were mocking Cox and the Braves in the dugout, even when they were behind in the Series - you wouldnt believe me, but it wouldnt make it not true

And DOB - you can ask them and OF COURSE they’ll deny it.

I havent played in the bigs, or coached there, or scouted. But I am in a poker group that was lucky enough to have an ex-bit part major leaguer in the group - the stories he told - the stuff noone tells the media cuz nothing would come of it but grief

Y’all dont have to believe it.

But please dont tell me that ANYONE (even Cox himself) is dumb enough to think the guy is the best manager ever

By Robert

February 16, 2007 04:05 PM | Link to this

“A high K rate is the best indicator of future success”

Nope. A high K/BB ratio is the best indicator of future success

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

Kyle Davies:
In 2004: Ranked in the top 10 in six different pitching categories among all Braves minor leaguers innings pitched (5th, 142.1), strikeouts (1st, 173), ERA (6th, 2.72), WHIP (4th, 1.10) and opposing batting average (4th, .204)…Named as the Phil Niekro Award winner as the top pitcher in the Braves’ system by the 400 Club…Was selected to the Baseball America’s minor league All-Star 2nd team and also named as the eighth-best prospect in the Southern League and fifth-best prospect in the Carolina League by Baseball America…Earned Most Valuable Pitcher honors for the Myrtle Beach (A) Pelicans, collecting nine victories in 14 games started and posting a 2.63 ERA …Selected Carolina League April and June Pitcher of the Month and honored as the Southern League August Pitcher of the Month…Was named Southern League Pitcher of the Week for the week ending 7/1.
In 6 minor league seasons compiled the following record:
W L ERA SO BB IP
39 20 2.91 526 188 528
Averaged just about 1 K per inning. Had a pretty good K/BB ratio just under Cole Hamels ratio.
In first three games at the Top level he was 2-1 with a 0.77 ERA. Injured his groin last season and suffered as a result.
For comparison as to how little he has pitched and how little that really reflects his future:
6-14 5.61 ERA. That was Maddux’s first full season up. He turned out alright. Not saying Davies is the next Maddux, just saying you need a little more patience. By the way, Davies has better minor league numbers than Maddux.

By Don't drink and type

February 16, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this

I, Don’t drink and type, do solemnly swear before all gathered witnesses that, yes, I do indeed believe that Bobby Cox is the best manager ever.

Anybody back me up on that on this here Web log?

By rammerjammer

February 16, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this

There once was a blogger named Robert.

Whose opinions were regularly clobbered.

He wasn’t real bright.

His writing was a sight.

And we wondered why he even bothered.

By MBATL

February 16, 2007 04:17 PM | Link to this

Shaun, thanks. I don’t really play video games (I design websites and manage data all day, and that’s enough in front of the screen, except of course for Braves blogging), but I’ll keep it in mind.

Robert, if you made real arguments about why Cox hasn’t won more WS, or why he’s a poor manager, there would be something to talk about.

But criticizing Cox for being positive on the first freakin’ day of spring training, when guys aren’t even facing live hitting… that’s just petty.

I think the Cox argument is good fodder for discussion when there’s no other Braves news to talk about (and now is not that time), but your criticisms are so absurd and overstated that there’s really nothing to argue.

By Braves1us

February 16, 2007 04:17 PM | Link to this

DB,

Quick question… maybe I’m way out of the loop or it’s quite possible I simply forgot… but, whatever happened to Death Ray?

By Robert

February 16, 2007 04:20 PM | Link to this

“I, Don’t drink and type, do solemnly swear before all gathered witnesses that, yes, I do indeed believe that Bobby Cox is the best manager ever.

Anybody back me up on that on this here Web log?”

You’re proud to scream out from the rooftops that you are dumb as rocks.

LOL - you know, somehow that makes sense. After all, if you knew that being dumb as rocks wasnt something to be proud of, you wouldnt be so dumb - but you are, so you do

I have a solution. Start rooting for another team and convince them to hire Cox away from the Braves. Everyone (except for this other team’s other fans, owners, employees, and players) would be happy

By MGL

February 16, 2007 04:21 PM | Link to this

Robert - Dont tell us what Cox says, because he has nothing intelligent or meaningful or insightful to say - How about just speaking for yourself, I for one am quite interested in what Cox has to say.

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

Death Ray is with the Royals I believe. I think Dayton picked him up again…. He could do well over there now that he has a full season under hist belt and didn’t spend the last 18 months pitching non stop. Plus, the lack of preasure in KC has to do something.

By tampapete

February 16, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

I can’t argue Bobby is ONE of the best ever, but I don’t think you can say THE best ever. Too many goods ones - with more rings.

What you can state definitively is there probably has never been a manager is more respected by his players. I’m sure (Robert) that not all of his ex or current players enjoyed playing for him, but it appears as if the vast majority have enjoyed the experience.

My opinion is the tandem of Bobby and John S. is the best ever. Who knows how the last 16 years would have played out if they didn’t work together?

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 04:25 PM | Link to this

DD&T see 2:49. Just wait around a while… You’ll get your answer.

By Robert

February 16, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

“But criticizing Cox for being positive on the first freakin’ day of spring training, when guys aren’t even facing live hitting… that’s just petty”

I am NOT criticizing Cox for being positive on the first day of spring training

I was questioning, or criticizing, or whatever you want to call it - DOB, for REPORTING it - because Cox being positive is MEANINGLESS

Say a name, pull the cord and the donkey wiggles his ears and says something positive about __ey

DOB shouldve just given it to us untranslated. For example, he could’ve said

“Today was reporting day for pitchers and catchers. Most everyone was there, the notable exception being Sosa, who is experiencing Visa problems. Most of the pitchers participated in a light workout, and several regulars who have reported early took part in informal workouts. Many players also interacted with fans, chatting and signing autographs for the hardy souls who came out on this unseasonably chilly day in central Florida. I talked to Cox and he said “Hee-Haw”

There - says everything and doesnt mislead the reader

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

Robert didn’t get enough hugs when he was a little Bobby. He might just be jealous because he isn’t called “Bobby” anymore?

As for infield defense: Rent-a-SS has a good glove, OK arm, and somewhat limited range (we were spoiled by Furcal all those years). Chipper, for my money is a decent third sacker. Not great, but certainly not a liability. KJ will be OK, or else we will see Prado more. Thorman might just surprise us. If we don’t expect him to be LaRoche reincarnated, we will be OK with him. So, overall, an average infield defense will be OK for backing up our staff. Now, our OF, that’s another story!

Robert, go change your pull-ups. You’ll feel better.

By BB FAN

February 16, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

Robert,

It’s kind of ironic that you keep repeating yourself about Bobby Cox. Especially your “Somebody pulls the string” comments. It’s almost as if somebody is pulling your string which is why you turn red in the face, and cuss about Bobby’s managing. Pull the string again and you probably p** and sh!t your pants.

Take your own advice pal: Don’t tell us what you think because you have nothing intelligent, meaningful or insightful to say.

By Robert

February 16, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

“I for one am quite interested in what Cox has to say.”

I challenge you to go back and find for me, in any interview, in any game broadcast, or in any conversation that didnt take place in the Cox bedroom, the last time Cox said something that wasnt simply supportive of his team whether backed by the circumstances and evidence or not

When did he last say something that didnt translate as “Hee-Haw”?

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 04:30 PM | Link to this

rammer….great poem

By Don't drink and type

February 16, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

L’il Robert, where I come from, what you wrote would be cause for gettin’ your a** whipped. Thank god for the anonymity of cyberspace, huh?

Man I didn’t know rocks could write so well on Web logs.

By dougp

February 16, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

Hey, Robert is an expert. He said it himself that he plays poker with a guy who was almost a ballplayer. You know what, I am a government expert, because I knew a guy one time who had a brother that met the first cousin of Ronald Reagan.

By Robert

February 16, 2007 04:32 PM | Link to this

And I should not have capitalized visa - Sosa has document issues, not credit card problems

My Bobby Cox moment for the day

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 04:33 PM | Link to this

What’s wrong with Hee-Haw….

By Don't drink and type

February 16, 2007 04:35 PM | Link to this

Roberts rants, are beginning to have the smell of a small-time sportswriter hack getting his jollies on the big time Web log.

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 04:36 PM | Link to this

DOB What odds would you give us for getting a significant upgrade in LF in the spring?

We might have the parts to pull it off (Baldelli, Rios, Figgins, Markakis, etc) after a couple of weeks this spring.

By RC

February 16, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this

Robert: You said your “unedited” statement doesn’t mislead the reader, yet you talked about Sosa having visa problems. I’m assuming you mean SORIANO who actual does still pitch for the Braves and have visa problems. To bash someone’s managerial skills while not even knowing a player’s name is pretty pathetic.

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this

HA! Wayne you just reminded me of a Seinfeld. Kramer bought a chicken so he could have fresh eggs. But he unknowingly purchased a rooster. He named the rooster “Little Jerry Seinfeld”. He then entered Little Jerry in a c** fight in an attempt to remove a bounced check by Seinfeld. When Seinfeld wanted him to stop fighting the chicken Kramer shot back: “You’re just upset because Little Jerry Seinfeld is doing more with your name than you’ll ever do!”
Oh man that was a good one. George had found the “perfect girlfriend”; a prisoner at the minimum security prison for women. “No pop-in Jerry! I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before.”

By ssiscribe

February 16, 2007 04:40 PM | Link to this

Robert, point of record: It’s Soriano, not Sosa, whose arrival to camp is being delayed. Sosa is with the Mets.

As for the rest of your argument, I’ll kindly read it, and let you have your say. You couldn’t be further off base, but you have the right to express your opinion … and express it … and express it … and express it …

—30—

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 04:44 PM | Link to this

HA! Cockfight was sensored. The security here is so tight you could prick your finger on it. Watch out now!

By jed

February 16, 2007 04:45 PM | Link to this

DOB—will liberty cable add extra money to the payroll this year? i mean, if you buy a team for tax purposes, shouldnt you make nice with braves fans by tossing $10 million into payroll? (nothing wrong with a little PR.) anyway, what do you think odds are on such? when will we know? also, i’d say that if liberty doesnt add at least $5 mil, braves fans should p** & moan them outta town. ya know…show up at games with signs saying “Liberty Cable Sux~! Go Braves!”

By MBATL

February 16, 2007 04:46 PM | Link to this

Robert, since that last post has some substance, and I know you’re not an idiot, just seeking attention:

I remember Cox (modestly) expressing his anger at Kyle Davies last year, when he tore his groin; Davies said after the fact that it had been bothering him for a while; Cox was p.o.’d that Davies hadn’t told the trainers, the pitching coach, anyone, that he was having trouble. (might even be a reason that Cox hasn’t expressed more faith in Davies this year).

He doesn’t generally criticize guys who are trying their best and doing the right things.

I need to know, I guess, what the advantage would be of publicly criticizing players. It diminishes their confidence, and damages the prospects of trading them. But, I guess if it makes you happy, Cox should reconsider that philosophy and just publicly trash guys who are struggling.

As to what DOB reports, I guess he can only report what actually happens. Most of us are happy to hear it.

By Hee-Haw

February 16, 2007 04:47 PM | Link to this

Where O Where are you tonight?

Why did you leave me here all alone?

I searched the world over and thought I found true love,

But you found another and Plhhhhp!

You were gone……

By Head Coach

February 16, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this

Ken Ray , Odalis Perez and Matt Wright are all in the Royals spring training camp at the moment.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 16, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget “Love Like This” on your beautiful love songs list Essence of Taste and DOB,

You got me real good, girl,

and I must admit

you pack a pretty mean punch

*for such a purty little b!t(h *

And its a shame to know most folks don’t ever know love like this.

By RC

February 16, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this

Cox also critized LaRoche on two occasions last year, after the jog to first that cost an out, and the bunt in Florida with the game on the line. He also once yanked a young Andruw Jones from a game for lollygagging on the field.

By jed

February 16, 2007 04:54 PM | Link to this

no, cox never says a negative word to the press. i frankly think it’s smart of him. what’s to be gained by publicly ripping a player? do it in private, or just pull him out of a game like he did with reggie sanders & andruw jones. i actually think the public positivity and the handling of problems in private is what makes him the best regular season manager in the game. he can handle a team over the long haul of 162 games. no small feat there! (note i said “best regular season manager.” say what you wil about him in the post-season. god knows i have…)

By Jim

February 16, 2007 05:21 PM | Link to this

I JUST SAW THIS NEWS FLASH ON ESPN

The Braves today fired their long-time manager Bobby Cox and replaced him with a hitherto unknown by the name of ROBERT. Robert first came to the attention of GM John Schuerholtz on the David O’Brien blog site run by the ajc. Schuerholtz said during the announcement that, “I occaisionally visit this site and became impressed with the astute obervation offered by Robert. I subsequently invited him to my office and was astonished by the breadth and depth of his baseball knowledge.” Schuerholtz added that, “In my 40 odd years associated with the game I have never met anyone with the baseball acumen of Robert. I became convinced during that interview that if Robert were managing the team during the past 15 years we would have won at least three more World Series titles.” Schuerholtz added that he became convinced right then to make the managerial change.

The players already in camp were stunned to hear of the managerial change, but Chipper Jones, commenting for the rest of the team said that he was an ocaisional reader of the ajc blog and understood why the change was necessary and why Robert should be the choice to guide this team in this new situation with the new ownership. Jones remarked, “I have read Robert’s blogs and agree that we would have won three or four more championships if it were not for the blunders of the previous manager. I look forward to playing for Robert and expect that we will be perennial champions, and that this move will ensure my election to the Hall of Fame.”

When Schuerholtz was asked to describe Robert, who was not present at the announcement, he said Robert is rather paunchy elderly gentleman who is hobbled by bad knees. Other people in the room who know Robert described him as a man that has a tendency to pick at his nose during tense moments when the camera might focus in on the manager. Robert’s friends say that the physical resemblance to Bobby Cox is remarkable, so much so that we may expect from time-to-time to hear the radio and TV announcers still refer to Cox when speaking of the manager of the Braves. But Schuerholtz and his few friends in attendance cautioned that we should not be fooled by appearance. “It is Robert who is managing this team!”

Schuerholtz went on to thank Bobby Cox for his long-time association with the Braves Organization, and to thank the former manager for all the success he brought to the team and to the city, but he ended the announcement by reiterating that, “This is Robert’s team now and we all eagerly await to see how this will play out on the field.”

By dougp

February 16, 2007 05:22 PM | Link to this

What’s the name of that big league manager who DOES rip his team in the press and says bad things about them in Spring Training? I bet it was the manager of the team that Roberts, almost made it to the big leagues, poker buddy played for.

By sammy miller

February 16, 2007 05:27 PM | Link to this

Sam yes i am i too eat green eggs and ham!!!

By DonCoburleone

February 16, 2007 05:30 PM | Link to this

“In 6 minor league seasons compiled the following record: W L ERA SO BB IP 39 20 2.91 526 188 528 Averaged just about 1 K per inning. Had a pretty good K/BB ratio just under Cole Hamels ratio.”

Okay, so that is why they thought so highly of him… I don’t know, I just have little faith in him becomming a great pitcher someday. I can’t quite put my finger on it, just something about him doesn’t seem right…

By David O'Brien

February 16, 2007 05:31 PM | Link to this

Wayne, I don’t get a feeling that LF upgrade is in the works this spring. I really don’t hear anything along those lines. Not saying it’s impossible, but just not hearing any indication it’s being pursued at all….

Someone asked about Liberty and payroll. They’ve given no indication, said nothing at all, about which way they’re leaning concerning payroll, or whether they’ve even made any studies of it yet or formed opinions on how best to run the team financially. So I’d rather not speculate on what they’ll do with payroll, other than to say I’d be shocked it they lowered it.

By riprock

February 16, 2007 05:32 PM | Link to this

Who keeps farting? Oh, just Robert posting again.

By Tonight on TBS

February 16, 2007 05:32 PM | Link to this

Don Quixote (1999)

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

By ernesto

February 16, 2007 05:33 PM | Link to this

I say this in all kindness b/c I have taken the bait before - using logic, or sanity, or even your well-deserved opinion is useless when talking to Robert. All you’re going to get is “hee-haw, Bobby’s a donkey, anyone else would have won 15 World Series, hee-haw.” Oh, and that Jim Leyland who Bobby has beaten in 2 post seasons is a waaaaay better manager. And, of course, you’re stupid. What am I leaving out Robert?

By David O'Brien

February 16, 2007 05:35 PM | Link to this

Robert, if my writing was as bland as this prose you suggested, I dare say I’d be replaced on the beat, my friend. You wrote:

“Today was reporting day for pitchers and catchers. Most everyone was there, the notable exception being Sosa, who is experiencing Visa problems. Most of the pitchers participated in a light workout, and several regulars who have reported early took part in informal workouts. Many players also interacted with fans, chatting and signing autographs for the hardy souls who came out on this unseasonably chilly day in central Florida. I talked to Cox and he said “Hee-Haw”

I’D SUGGEST: Please stick to bashing the manager, leave the reporting to others. Thanks.

By braveheart

February 16, 2007 05:37 PM | Link to this

cox is a manager and not a coach. his job is to “manage” the game and to “manage” the players and their personalities. as far as managing the games, the guy wins a whole lot, so he is doing a good job with that.

as far as managing people, i am sure most of us have had jobs. do any of you ever appreciate someone who throws you under the bus publicly or with your coworkers? i certainly do not appreciate those sorts of toxic environments - if anything, they make me very unmotivated to do anything and only cause me to tune the idiot out. i also do not want a boss who never takes me to task for screwups either. but if they take me behind closed doors and chew me out one on one like men are supposed to do, i will always respond and appreciate that and fight hard for that guy. and if we do not respond to it, they let us go - but they let us go like the braves do - with our dignity intact - not as disgraced chumps.

you never hear too many bad things from the coaches or management when they trade guys or let them go - even if there is a multitude of bad things going on behind the scenes - as a fan, it is maddening at times - too many times you are left scratching your head because of the lack of information being provided by the coaches and management to justify the move - but, in the end, all they owe us is a good winning product - if the players know that their manager is going to support them and push them and take them to task in private and never disgrace them publicly (even when they are being shoved out the door), the players (and regular everyday joe workers like the rest of us) will usually respond well and play and work better for that kind of boss or manager whose great talent is managing people and eyeballing talent than the moron who is more worried about putting on a good show for the public. larry brown for instance is a great coach and great game manager but terrible people manager.

By David O'Brien

February 16, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this

And Robert, if you don’t want to read what Cox has to say, good luck finding an outlet that reports on the Braves from spring training.

By the way, what was it again, Sosa having credit-card problems? Accuracy is overrated, I’ve always said.

By David O'Brien

February 16, 2007 05:42 PM | Link to this

Someone asked about Davies _ no, not out of options.

By DonCoburleone

February 16, 2007 05:44 PM | Link to this

“Plus his windup and delivery are textbook, which probably would lead many to believe he’s not going to put much strain on his arm. And so far he hasn’t had any major arm injuries that I know of.”

Textbook? What pitcher are you watching? Tom Glavine has a textbook delivery. Greg Maddux has a textbook delivery. Roger Clemens has a textbook delivery. Davies delivery looks more like Chris Reitsma’s than any one of the players I just mentioned. Sure he hasn’t had any arm problems yet, but with the way his lower body moves in his herky-jerky motion it is no wonder he tore his groin. I wouldn’t be surprised if he turned into the right-handed Horacio Ramirez…

By DonCoburleone

February 16, 2007 05:49 PM | Link to this

DOB, Davies has 1 option left or no?

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 05:51 PM | Link to this

DonCo If Davies turns into another Ho Ram, can we trade him for another Soriano?

“Hee-Haw”

By Robert

February 16, 2007 05:52 PM | Link to this

“But, I guess if it makes you happy, Cox should reconsider that philosophy and just publicly trash guys who are struggling.”

I didnt say Cox should rip his players publicly.

I didnt say it was wrong for him to be upbeat.

Cox is a stupid cheerleader who will root and say upbeat things, whether we have won the WS (unlikely given his presence) or whether we are 0-162.

All I am saying is that Cox is gonna say “ey looks good” or “_ey is throwing good” or whatever, regardless of whether it’s fact or not. The point being that reporting what Cox says or thinks about a player is pointless

Dont Drink and Type - I am well aware that folks like you often settle their disputes with their fists, since they dont have the wits to settle things any other way. Spare me the threats or accustaions - I’ll call a spade a spade to their face, anytime, be damed the consequences.

I wish I were going to spring training - could find DOB and maybe get to call Cox a donkey to his face

By Z Geist

February 16, 2007 05:55 PM | Link to this

DOB - thanks for clearing up the Sosa credit card story.

Now, could you please explain this other AJC headline involving a Braves player: Diaz Wins Damages Over “Smooching” Claim

By braveheart

February 16, 2007 05:58 PM | Link to this

well, when was the last time derek jeter said something that was not straight out of one of the bull durham cliches taught to nuke? tiger woods, michael jordan, pat riley, joe torre, tommy lasorda, larussa, leyland rarely ever throw their teammates or players under the bus publicly. they may punch their lights out in private like jordan used to do, but jordan would never go out and say steve kerr sucks even though he just punched the daylights out of the guy in practice.

do you really want a management and coaching staff comprised of john rockers, ozzie guillens, arods, larry bowas, etc.?

john smoltz, for example, will probably be a great analyst someday if he wants to be but he is probably too blunt publicly to be a successful manager in the long term in the majors because of his brutal honesty at times.

certain football coaches can get away with it like parcells because parcells is never going to say anything to the media about you that he is not saying right to your face over and over again. football is also different - they’re not playing games with each other every day for 162 games for six months with each other like they do in baseball. a player with lost confidence in football is also not as devastating as it is in baseball either - you never really see a football player all of a sudden pull a mackey sasser, knoblauch, steve sax, mark wohlers, rick ankiel fit. they rarely have to go to a psychologist like smoltz had to. it’s just a different sport - mentally and athletically.

even in football, didn’t we see the last year with the new york giants what good it does for a coach to constantly rip his players publicly - they only retaliate and point out all your flaws publicly as well and then you have chaos and not a team.

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 05:59 PM | Link to this

Bullpen fans: Last year, we has some hope going in that the parts would make up a decent whole, but alas, it didn’t turn out.

Here is what I look for as a ponder a staff during these hot stove to spring training days: Do we have 2 or 3 people for every unproven spot, and do we have at least one or two extra starters in case of injuries? The answers are a yes, I think. Our top 4 starters are probably OK. We have 3-4 back-ups (Davies, Oscar, Cormier, Harrison). As for the pen: We have proven Wickman, Soriano, Gonzalez, and McBride. You could count Yates, but let’s not for arguments sake. So to back up those 4 guys, lets have 6+ as backups: Yate, Paronto, Boyer, Devine, Sturtze, and Stockman. Behind those are a couple of others, namely Startup, Lerew, Schriebner, Moylan, and Barry. I think we are OK. Of course, 3-4 injuries to key pitchers could kill us, as it would ANY team.

I like our staff.

By braveheart

February 16, 2007 06:01 PM | Link to this

if credit card problems restricted anything, they would never let me out of my house - never mind, my city, my state, or my country. here’s to hoping sosa pays the balance down or at least starts making minimum payments

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 06:03 PM | Link to this

New name for Robert: Bobby, the blogger previously known as Robert.

(I bet “Bobby” is really Chipper Jones just trying to stir things up a bit. Nice, Chipper, nice!)

By Robert

February 16, 2007 06:03 PM | Link to this

“Robert, if my writing was as bland as this prose you suggested, I dare say I’d be replaced on the beat, my friend.”

I know that. Obviously that was tongue in cheek. A columnist should tell us something we dont know in an interesting way.

Reading that Cox said “Hee-Haw” tells me nothing new

Reading what Cox “thinks” about something is an oxymoron

I admitted that the Sosa comment was a Cox moment. More so than I thought. Heck, maybe y’all are right. That comment was so dumb, I might be Bobby Cox after all :P

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 06:05 PM | Link to this

Flash News: Scottie Pippen has been signed to play 2B and hit leadoff for the Bravos. Comments from BC: “Hee-Haw”.

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 06:07 PM | Link to this

How about them Utah Jazz? (eat your hearts out, Hawk fans!) 3rd best record in the NBA at the break! (sorry for the basketball leak, but I can’t help it sometimes!)

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 06:11 PM | Link to this

Robert (Bobby): Do you have bad knees? We might be onto something here….

Hee-Haw brother…

By Robert

February 16, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this

“Flash News: Scottie Pippen has been signed to play 2B and hit leadoff for the Bravos. Comments from BC: “Hee-Haw”.”

Exactly

Headline - Braves Win Cox says “Hee-Haw”

Braves Lose - Cox says “Hee-Haw”

Ali defeats Frazier Cox says “Hee-Haw”

Dewey Defeats Truman Cox says “Hee-Haw”

Scientists Find Cure for Cancer - Cox says “Hee-Haw”

It’s cold in Florida but it’ll be warmer by the weekend. Cox says “Hee-Haw”

What’s the frickin point of telling us what Cox says? And so WHAT if every other Braves news source quotes Cox - why not be better than all the other guys DOB?

By Jesse Outlar

February 16, 2007 06:19 PM | Link to this

Ha. DOB ripped Robert a new one. Couldn’t have happened to dumber guy.

By Robert

February 16, 2007 06:21 PM | Link to this

Wayne - I hate stupidity, with a passion. If I were Bobby Cox, I would have offed myself years ago (provided that someone could teach me how to pull the trigger)

Even DOB has hinted before that what Cox says doesnt mean anything. He goes on to say that he thinks Cox really takes care of business behind the scenes. (i.e. - he is willing to act dumb as a donkey for the sake of his players)

Well, if that is true - then why quote him? If it’s all just part of the dumb act, why care what he says to the public?

And if it isnt an act, then why care what he says to the public?

If he is acting, he puts Dustin Hoffman or Meryl Streep to shame.

I think if he got a part in a movie, he might put Ron Jeremy to shame, but other than that, it aint non act folks

By ROCHIE

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

davis should have a better year. He came in the majors confident and showed ability to pitch in mlb. Now he has the experience behind him and went through the growing pains. He can do it. Go braves.. we have pitching

By Robert

February 16, 2007 06:24 PM | Link to this

Y’all say the dumb is an act. I say it’s not. My reasoning is that his in-game follies (which y’all admit to) arent acting.

If he IS acting, and I am wrong - then for God’s sakes please, stop acting just ONCE during the playoffs

By Tim Tucker

February 16, 2007 06:24 PM | Link to this

Robert looks and talks like Truman Capote. Today. Twenty-two years after his death.

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 06:25 PM | Link to this

DOB: Are you sure your’e not Bobby, the blogger formerly named Robert? Is this your alter ego?

Robert: My dad also doesn’t like Bobby Cox. So, there are several mixed up guys out there….

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 06:28 PM | Link to this

News Flash #1: It has been reported that Bobby, the blogger formerly known as Robert, has taken over as DOB’s replacement.

News Flash #2: The blog is now closed, due to lack of interest…..

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 06:34 PM | Link to this

Robert: It’s gotta be frustrating for you. I have never agreed with BC’s way of handling his pitching staff in the playoffs. But, he does get us there on a pretty regular basis. Thats why he is managing the Braves and I am blogging with DOB. Also, I think about 2 dozen other franchises would trade records for the past 15 years with us.

Chill out and enjoy the spring! Hope rings eternal this time of year. We have all been having some fun with you lately, but your starting to sound predictable.

“Hee-Haw”

By Brian Jordan

February 16, 2007 06:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Bobby, I am still waiting by the phone…..

Hee Haw

By DonCoburleone

February 16, 2007 06:36 PM | Link to this

Robert you are such a doosh… I swear, why don’t you try and hype one of these supposed “great” managers that seem to be everywhere except Atlanta’s dugout. You do realize Joe Torre “sucked” as a manager before going to the Yankees and becomming “brilliant” right?(and he still hasn’t won a World Series there since 2000); Jim Leyland has been beaten twice by Cox in the postseason; LaRussa has been beaten 2 or 3 times by Cox in the postseason; Lou Pinella couldn’t get 1 playoff series win out of the best regular season team in MLB HISTORY; Joe Girardi lead a young team to a losing record… BIG DEAL!

Should we go hire Tom Kelly or Cito Gaston to manage this team then? I swear you are the biggest KNOB on the planet…

By Reggie Sanders

February 16, 2007 06:37 PM | Link to this

BJ: You are old news dude. I am the LF for ‘07 for the Braves. Bobby, send that Salty dude to KC for me man!

Hee Haw

By MBATL

February 16, 2007 06:38 PM | Link to this

Wayne, congrats on the Jazz. Good for you! As a defacto Hawks fan, I’m jealous. Wish we’d have taken D Williams when we had the chance but hindsight is 20/20, I guess.

I have no idea what KJ will do at 2B, but if he’s good enough to hold the position, I bet he’ll surprise folks with his bat. He was on a rapid rise through the minors; when he came up to the majors he had that 1-for-30 streak (or something like that), but I think he’s got a chance to be a very good hitter.

By Wayne in Utah

February 16, 2007 06:39 PM | Link to this

DOB? Salty for Reggie Sanders might just be what we need to push the Bravos over the top for ‘07……

:-)

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 06:39 PM | Link to this

“Hee Haw”

By Robert

February 16, 2007 06:42 PM | Link to this

Wayne,consider this. If I WERE Bobby Cox, I’d be too frickin dumb to know it.

It just slays me to have the baseball team I root for invest in that stupid SOB year after year after year - and defned him, and deny he is a problem - and the more obvious it is the more they defend him

Like I said. This season is it. If they re-up that dumb mofo, I’m outta dodge as a Braves fan. You can insult your fan base’s intelligence only so many times

Hey, I gave up hope for this team in 1999. I realized the truth then. It just is unbelievable to me that noone else SEES this.

WAKE UP. He may be a WONDERFUL people person. Every player he has ever had may LOVE him so much they send apples and sugar cubes every Xmas. He may have been voted Manager of the Year 312 times by people playing a cruel joke on the Braves. None of this makes him anything other than what he is - a nincumpoop, nitwit, hapless,brainless, donkey of a drain on the team’s performance who is the reason that the legacy of the Braves is one of playoff folly and underachievement rather than one of dynasty and glory.

The black effen hole of stupidity where playoff dreams go to die

And the fans cheer and adopre him. It is un-bee-leave-ible

By DonCoburleone

February 16, 2007 06:43 PM | Link to this

“I have no idea what KJ will do at 2B, but if he’s good enough to hold the position, I bet he’ll surprise folks with his bat. He was on a rapid rise through the minors; when he came up to the majors he had that 1-for-30 streak (or something like that), but I think he’s got a chance to be a very good hitter.”

I agree, his swing is absolutely textbook. I just hope he doesn’t turn out to be super-streaky like the majority of the rest of the Braves lineup…

By braveheart

February 16, 2007 06:53 PM | Link to this

Jim,

ESPN is breaking some more news: The newly hired Robert is now the newly fired Robert. When asked why he was being fired, Braves officials said, “The guy seemed knowledgeable but, as it turns out, all he knows is one thing: That Bobby Cox was not a good manager. He was here one day and he kept telling everyone that Bobby Cox was not any good over and over again. The players, who seemed for the most part to be very loyal to Bobby, became very quickly annoyed with this Robert fellow, so we had to fire him. We took a chance on him, he just was not any good, did not know what he was doing, and did not present well. He was just a constant source of negativity.

the Braves official continued “that it also did not help matters that as soon as he got the job he called DOB and told dave that McCann was lucky to have the success he had last year, that we are really going to suffer because we have nothing at 2b, 1b, LF, leadoff or at fifth starter.

He also told Jayson Stark that we need to get rid of Chipper because Robert believed that Chipper was not worth keeping anymore with all of his injuries and Hooters issues.

He then told Terrence Moore that the problem with this team for all these years is that this has been a racist organization with Bobby as the head Klansmen and that is why we have not really had any black players for the last several years.

Then Robert spoke to Gammons and said i have no idea what we are going to do with our starting staff: smoltz is too old and he is bound to fade one of these days. I am also waiting for the next nuclear explosion to go off in his elbow anytime now. Hudson is a skinny little twerp who is an overrated bum who wilts in the humid Hotlanta summer. Hampton, who knows? who cares? you can’t county on that clown. if he is healthy, he’s a little better than average. james, can you say sophomore jinx? the rest of our #5 potentials, do not make me laugh!

Robert then called Buster Olney and told Buster that I am a little sick and tired of this little frenchy child. spare me the rah-rah nonsense - draw a darn walk or you are off my team. besides, an old friend of mine named shaun keeps saying that frenchy is not very productive, so i say we should trade him.

Then Robert called Kurkijan and said how did that moron cox ever let that fat fullback play centerfield? if my money ain’t good enough for him, then we ought to let him go now - even if we get nothing back - that’ll teach that little puke boras.”

The Braves official then went on to say that Robert then called Bill Madden and told him, a la Mike Vick, that if he loses 100 games this year it will not be his fault because the moronic GM let giles and laroche, who also were not very good by the way, get away.

He did not stop there however. His opinion had to be heard. In an interview on the ESPN Sunday conversation, Robert then proceeded to rip every member of his bullpen and also revealed who he believes parties too much, uses steroids, cocaine, and sleeps with too many women on his team.

The Braves official then said, “So, although we appreciate Robert’s willingness to be honest from his point of view, we just had to let him go. We just believe that kind of publicized negativity for our team and organization is counterproductive. Thus, we have had to let Robert go.”

When the Braves official was asked by the media if Robert knew the organization was going to tell the media and the public about the reasons for the firing, the Braves official responded, “Of course. When Robert first started here six or so hours ago, he said he wanted a new attitude, a new way of going about things. We must tell the public everything Robert said when he was hired. So, our attitude is that if that attitude applies to everyone else, it also certainly applies to Robert.”

The media asked if Robert was upset that his ineptitude would be revealed to everyone, the Braves officials responded by saying that was maybe the most disturbing thing of all. He actually wanted us to expose every flaw that he had. He told us he would not have it any other way. So we said so be it. Live by the sword, die by the sword.

When contacted by this reporter after his firing, Robert advised “All I have to say is one thing: “Robert Joseph Cox sucks.”

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 06:54 PM | Link to this

DOB: Nice article on Smoltz. I’ll be hoping and praying this whole season that alls well with him on the field and his family off the field.

I would have to agree with the KJ assessment. For him to be a drop off at second he’d have to play in less than 140 games and hit worse than .262. I think he has the plate discipline to manage a good OBP. He has enough pop to be suitable and keep the opposing pitcher from getting to comfortable up there and he’s had more games around the 2B bag than any other option we have. An entire offseason spent training for it as well. Thorman I think is going to come right in and topple Howard and Pujols as the best 1B in the majors. Actually probably something less. But certainly something better than DeRo’s 3B fiasco. That was the worst thing I’d ever seen.

By Robert

February 16, 2007 06:56 PM | Link to this

“You do realize Joe Torre “sucked” as a manager before going to the Yankees “

Whether Torre sucked or not before taking over the Yankees (I dont think he did), you can look up what Torre’s 82 Braves do compared to Cox’s 81 version of essentially the same team. Torre is eight large steps above Cox - If Torre sucks, Cox sucks to the 8th degree

“Jim Leyland has been beaten twice by Cox in the postseason”

Look at the rosters of those Pirates and Braves teams. A roster loaded with HOFers against a young Barry Bonds and um, oh yeah, Jay Bell. And we won one of those Series because Cabrera dribbled a lucky swing thru the infield. (while Cox dribbled on his uniform)

If the Braves beat the Bad News Bears 4-3 in a best of seven, does that mean Cox is a better manager than Walter Matthau?

“Joe Girardi lead a young team to a losing record”

Girardi took a team pegged to challenge the 62 Mets for futility records and got them to finish what, a game? behind the dynasty led by a “genius” that had won fourteen staright division titles

“LaRussa has been beaten 2 or 3 times by Cox in the postseason”

LaRussa. there’s a frickin genius. Put LaRussa, Cox, Valentine, and Hargrove into a room and you wont find two neurons that arent connected by an inhibitory spirochete

“Should we go hire Tom Kelly or Cito Gaston to manage this team then?”

We should hire ABC - anybody but Cox

“I swear you are the biggest KNOB on the planet”

You silly boy, you know that would just make you mad cuz then your hero could at best be SECOND biggest KNOB on the planet

By Robert

February 16, 2007 07:02 PM | Link to this

Question - why do ya’ll think that someone has to know how to be a baseball manager in order to be able to identify a bad baseball manager

Do you have to be a mechanic to know that a guy who pours motor oil in the gas tank and gasoline into the engine is NOT a good mechanic?

Do you have to be a doctor to know that a doctor who treats cancer with a rectal stimulator is a quack?

Do I have to be a lawyer to know that a lawyer who disobeys and cusses a judge is in contempt of court?

I dont have to BE a baseball man to know that a guy who loses baseball games by misguiding his team is a bad manager

I do not have to have an immediate easy fix-it-all solution to be able to correctly identify the problem

By Robert

February 16, 2007 07:04 PM | Link to this

Y’all get what you deserve. I just wanna know why I have to suffer along you.

It’s over after 07. Either there is hope for the Braves, or I pick a new team. (I’ll throw a dart at a map that has Georgia cut out of it or something like that. Any team not manageed by that king of fools Cox

By Dr. Tchock

February 16, 2007 07:07 PM | Link to this

If the problem is that Bobby Cox says the same thing no matter the situation (“Hee-haw”), Robert deserves the same consideration.

The Braves look really exciting this year and Spring Training just started! Robert said BLPHHHH.

By PublicServices

February 16, 2007 07:11 PM | Link to this

Hey, I gave up hope for this team in 1999….

Robert has been stuck on the same mind loop ever since. Fully consumed by OCD. Bumping into walls. Counting match sticks. All while muttering to himself “I had 8 and 2 off suit; best hand ever. The table was loaded with couldn’t-cut-it ball players complaining about managers they never met. How could I lose?
Now he just logs on at all hours typing the most repetitive mind numbing stupidity known to man. Securing his position as the local Blogidiot. It all dates back to 1999. He has snapped. Now the world must learn to grow a callous to this perpetual regurgitation of slow witted drivel. For all of history it will be known, on the Braves Beat/Man In Black Blog there stands the absolute dumbest sloth of a human being to ever live.

People of the blog, you are now up to speed. Your attempts to reason with a man suffering obvious mental conditions, displaying a total lack of mental and logical compentancy, will all be refuted with yet another slow witted remark.

By Jon B

February 16, 2007 07:13 PM | Link to this

HEY D’OB You have been around the players now a few days right? I was looking at the pictures from camp, and is it me, or has Wickman lost a little weight? Can hardly tell if he has or not from the pictures, thats why I was asking you since I am sure you talked to him or seen him up close. But from those pics, it looks like he has a little. Especially the pic where he is shaking Barry’s hand.

Thanks

By ProFavor

February 16, 2007 07:14 PM | Link to this

Either there is hope for the Braves, or I pick a new team.

Hell, just pick a new topic or a new blog.

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 07:15 PM | Link to this

Welp, another day, another box of stolen pens.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 16, 2007 07:17 PM | Link to this

DOB, lets say that Kelly Johnson struggles defensively this spring but tears it up with the bat while Martin Prado or Pete Orr play exceptionally well both defensively and offensively, would the Braves consider moving Johnson to LF and placing either Prado or Orr at 2B?

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

February 16, 2007 07:18 PM | Link to this

We actually have 2 jars of Peter Pan peanut butter with the “2111” code and my 4 year old was diagnosed with salmonella yesterday…I feel a lawsuit coming on…Oh, nevermind, I was raised better than that.

By woogidy

February 16, 2007 07:21 PM | Link to this

Don’t call Robert the nickname for Robert, that is too much respect. Call him the nickname for Richard. Did anyone see the comments Tim Hardaway said about gay people? Maybe he met Robert. OK enough personal attack, but seriously dude, coming to a Braves Blog and trashing their manager, You deserve it.

By braveheart

February 16, 2007 07:24 PM | Link to this

Robert:

I called your long lost brother Charlie Babbitt and told him that we all have a problem with you repeatedly saying “Bobby Cox Sucks” as if that was the only thing you can say. Charlie Babbitt just called me back and said to apologize to everyone because he forgot to put Wapner on for you today and because he forgot to go to KMART to buy your underwear. Your brother said that if we wanted to calm you down, all we had to do was ask you Who’s on First? Charlie Babbitt says that will keep you preoccupied for hours as you recite the whole Who’s On First thing.

So, everyone all together now ask Robert: Who’s On First, Robert? Who’s on First?

By TennesseePaul

February 16, 2007 07:24 PM | Link to this

Either there is hope for the Braves, or I pick a new team.

Hey, I gave up hope for this team in 1999

So… it seems you’re about 8 years behind on that one.

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 07:26 PM | Link to this

*By Robert

February 16, 2007 07:04 PM | Link to this

Y’all get what you deserve. I just wanna know why I have to suffer along you.

It’s over after 07. Either there is hope for the Braves, or I pick a new team. (I’ll throw a dart at a map that has Georgia cut out of it or something like that. Any team not manageed by that king of fools Cox*

Why wait Robert? Just get the heck out of here! It would be a huge relief for all of us…..

By Wayne in UT

February 16, 2007 07:30 PM | Link to this

Who’s on first Robert?….

(JITB) I don’t think that KJ will flop at dee on 2B. He might just be average, which with a good stick, we can live with…

By Robert

February 16, 2007 07:30 PM | Link to this

“It all dates back to 1999. He has snapped. “

Dude, watching game one of the 1999 WS, I got so p** off I couldnt see straight or throw straight - That and a lucky bounce is what kept me from putting a beer bottle through a big screen tv (my own, fortunately). After that, I turned the game off and wept. And on that night my hope as a Braves fan died.

I think it’s clear that I am not going to agree with a lot of you. Even so, you and I are fans of the same team. It frustrates me to no end to see fellow fans who just dont get it - who could be part of a cure but instead subscribe loving devotion to the problem

Watching my favorite team’s golden opportunites being frittered away by an ignorant man who isnt even AWARE that he is letting it all slip thru his fumbling fingertips is physically sickening

Is it unhealthy to get so invested in a team? Probably.

I just think it’s worse to have had real chances and blatantly squandered and wasted and ruined them than to have never had the chance. And to laud someone for taking a LOADED team to the playoffs only to personally screw it up over and over again - but y’all refuse to even consider that possible

Something has to give. And I have said before that time will tell. If the Braves win another WS with Cox, then I was wrong. It wont happen. Read my lips, it will not happen

Screw trying to explain things or reason things with y’all

Go Braves.

By Robert

February 16, 2007 07:37 PM | Link to this

Ok, ok, I wanna be accepted as a fellow fan.

Bobby Cox is brilliant.

Go Braves.

My nose looks bigger in the mirror, but thats just coincidence, right?

By OddJob

February 16, 2007 07:38 PM | Link to this

I can’t recall a group of starting pitchers that could be very good or very bad to the extent of this teams.I know this is 2007 and nobody turns down a buck,but if I was Hampton I’d be embarrassed,to me all contracts should be contingent on performance past a certain point.It just doesn’t make sense to guaranty that kind of money over a long period.And as for Hudson,what can you say?he looked like a sure number one or two at worst,but would have been the fifth guy on many of the 90s braves squads.Then theres Davis,who really has any idea what he’ll bring? James is an interesting guy and my pick for the second best behind Smoltz but we all know his fly ball tendencies.So out of this witches brew will a big league rotation emerge? Your guess is as good as mine.

By ernesto

February 16, 2007 07:46 PM | Link to this

DOB - I have a ST question. Is there any rhyme or reason to which players play on which split squads on those days? Is it an A team B team kind of thing or do they just jumble it up to see what happens?

By OddJob

February 16, 2007 07:56 PM | Link to this

Robert - sometimes someone makes a statement so ridiculous as to be numbing.To call Mr Cox ignorant is to articulate irony. I was as frustrated as anybody in 99 add 91,92,93,96,97,98 to that list.But anybody who has competed at a high level knows what an acommplishment 14 strait division titles against the worlds best was.You can bet any manager not wearing a yankee jersey is envious of,and every MAN in the game respects him.

By Head Coach

February 16, 2007 08:03 PM | Link to this

Ditto OddJob. I did some digging through all the rosters and non-roster invitees. There are forty players who were drafted by the Braves and are active in the other twenty-nine major league camps as we speak. Half are pitchers(21). Forty draft picks playing elsewhere ,thats just an amazing number and palpable proof that our scouts are simply the best in the business.

By BB FAN

February 16, 2007 09:21 PM | Link to this

Robert,

“Whether Torre sucked or not before taking over the Yankees (I dont think he did), you can look up what Torre’s 82 Braves do compared to Cox’s 81 version of essentially the same team. Torre is eight large steps above Cox - If Torre sucks, Cox sucks to the 8th degree”

The Braves team was an extremely young team in ‘81. The starting 8 fielders averaged ~25 years old. The pitching was either old and injured or extremely young. The ‘82 team had the advantage of playing together for a year (in 1981) and grew up together. The pitching was healthy. Not to mention the the strike in ‘81 messed with everybody that year. A lot of guys had bad years, not just the Braves.

““Jim Leyland has been beaten twice by Cox in the postseason” Look at the rosters of those Pirates and Braves teams. A roster loaded with HOFers against a young Barry Bonds and um, oh yeah, Jay Bell. And we won one of those Series because Cabrera dribbled a lucky swing thru the infield. (while Cox dribbled on his uniform)”

You have said yourself that the Braves were overachievers in 1991 and 1992. The Pirates were a great team in the early 90’s. They had pitching, defense and hitting. Drabek, Zane Smith, Bob Walk, Tim Wakefield, Belinda, Patterson, Bonds, Bonilla, Van Slyke, Jeff King and Jay Bell. They were all in their prime for those 3 years of NL dominance by the Pirates. The Braves were considered the underdogs each year.

You are so much of a hurry to bash Cox, you don’t even think before you speak.

“It’s over after 07. Either there is hope for the Braves, or I pick a new team.”

Don’t wait. Go jump on the Mets’ bandwagon. You are as obnoxious as NY fans usually are. You will fit right in. All you ever do is b!tch and moan about Cox. You sound like a complete idiot and you don’t even realize it.

By Jon B

February 16, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

Robert is an idiot, plain and simple. There is no other way around it. Any person that criticizes Bobby Cox after 14 years of excellence is just pure dumb. Thats all there is to it, nothing more.

By Jon B

February 16, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

Robert The actual problem here is you. You are the only person I have ever seen get more and more dumber by the day. Ask anyone in baseball circles who they would love to have as their manager and they would tell you, Bobby Cox. Ask anyone who they would love to have as their friend, and I guarantee, they wont mention you one bit.

By Bystander

February 16, 2007 09:49 PM | Link to this

It’s time for Spring Training and everyone is excited. You’d think that the predominate posts would reflect that.

But read through the blog. What do you see?? Robert’s one-track obsession. Y’all responding with reasoning that falls on deaf (donkey) ears. Y’all complaining about Robert.

Well, quit responding to him. He is loving all this attention which makes HIM the focus and dominance on the blog. IGNORE the fool. Quit feeding his ego.

By Brad in MT

February 16, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

BB Fan…I am right with you, I am so sick of hearing Robert’s insane rants about Bobby Cox…you aren’t wanted on this blog and you are an idiot…Please become a Mets fan and leave us all alone.

By Todd

February 16, 2007 09:54 PM | Link to this

Pardon me for asking, but where did Bobby Cox get the nickname, “Donkey”?

By David O'Brien

February 16, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Jon B, I didn’t notice if Wick last weight. if he didn’t, it wasn’t a lot….

Thorman is absolutely ripped, by the way. Dude is built like a middle linebacker…

Hillbilly, fine choice for the romantic tunes. Found out today Jason Isbell (Drive-By Truckers guitarist, for those wondering who the hell Isbell is) will be playing a solo show here in Orlando on March 20.

Found that out from a guy who’s a Braves radio producer, a Memphis native who plays in a pretty heavy band and knows a couple guys in Lucero (and goes by Jake the Snake when here on the blog). He also told me about “Nobody’s Darlings,” which he said was Lucero’s best album. I bought it and he’s right _ it’s their best. Hard rockin’, very similar to DBTs….

Robert (JIB), I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I don’t think Kelly’s in the picture right now in LF. A lot would have to happen for that to come about, I’d imagine, beginning with him stinking at 2B, and they’re going to give him a few weeks, at least, to show what he can do there….

Talked to Langerhans today about his offseason work and about what he thinks happened last year, etc. Pretty good stuff, I’ll put in a notebook or blog tomorrow….

Remembered today how much I love playing James McMurtry while I’m here in Mouse Inc., because he’s so completely real and gritty, the antithesis of everything at this end of the Orlando metro area.

By ssiscribe

February 16, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

A sign that spring must be near, despite the mind-numbing temps in the ATL: Swear that I saw a dude tonight at dinner who looked like John Kruk (enough of a resemblence that I had to do a double take).

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and yes, denzines, there is a spring. And our season will be here sooner than we think.

We sit 38 days from the season opener at Philadelphia, 42 days from the home opener against the Mets. Impressions so far, from afar:

— First and foremost, cool to see former Dog Clint Sammons quoted in Bradley’s feature (a nice piece by Mark, by the way). Sammons, I imagine, is a non-roster invitee. Remember he had a decent spring last year, I think, and he actually got to go north to Atlanta to catch one of the exhibition games at Turner Field before the season started.

— Any positive news on the Mike Hampton front is good. So, on a cold day where the lefty throws it well, it registers as a small step toward him solidifying himself in the No. 3 spot in the rotation.

— Young Matt Harrison must’ve looked good. Check out his numbers, folks, in DOB’s notebook story. Dude has fanned a lot of people in his two seasons. Needs a year of seasoning, but remember the name.

— Interesting talk on the blog about Kyle Davies vs. Lance Cormier for the fifth spot. I still say you gotta let the young Davies — who lost all his confidence, then got hurt — have every chance possible to win that spot. Sure, he can pitch at Richmond if things don’t work out, but a good spring for the kid from Stockbridge certainly would do wonders for his confidence and get him back on track to being the great young arm the Braves and all of us thought he would be after his sparkling debut amid the rain and cold of Fenway in May 2005.

And speaking of that month — and I’m inviting the bloggers and/or DOB to please correct me if I’m wrong — but that was a watershed month for several Braves in the spotlight in this camp, wasn’t it? Davies made his Fenway debut that month, I remember, and got off to a great start. Wasn’t that also the month Kelly Johnson made his big-league debut and went through that horrid start (1-for-30?), but Bobby stuck with him and, eventually, the kid started to hit.

And also, didn’t Hampton get hurt in May 2005? I may be wrong on the last one, but I wanna say it was early in 2005 when he had to shut it down (I remember a Sunday game at home against Houston where he pitched a great game, hit a home run and the Braves won by a totally insane score, like 16-0, but again, going strictly on memory and not looking it up; then I think he got hurt against LA soon after that on a West Coast trip; correct me if I’m wrong, please).

Nothing more than random thoughts and observations, one fan’s notebook of ramblings and musings — food for thought, if you will — on a bone-chillin’ Friday night along the southern rim of the ATL. May this evening find all of you well, happy and excited about what this baseball team could accomplish during the next eight and one-half months.

The Scribe abides. Selah.

—30—

By OddJob

February 17, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

bb fan - It is quite a skill you have to conclude Mr Cox was lucky to have stumbled blindly and by the grace of dumb luck won 14 strait titles.I to am a bit of a rational squirrel,so here is a short list of lucky fools - Greg Maddox how he has fooled people all these years into thinking he can pitch simply by getting batters out and winning games,really the guy barely breaks wind and forget 90 - Jerry Rice so the guy could catch a little he ran what?a 4.6 40 and had great coaching and qbs - and what about superman? put me on a planet with a deferent sun and no atmosphere and I’ll kick his panty wearing butt.So I agree Bobby Cox is a walking lobotomy,any fool can see he’s just lucky.

By ATLsportsfan

February 17, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

bold:this text will be bolded=Because of the 136 years of tradition instilled within the oldest professional sports franchise in America from Tommy Bond to John Smoltz. The 12 NL pennants prior to the inception of the American League and WS. The 3 WS titles in 3 different US cities. 14 consecutive Division Titles. Including 5 NL Pennants and a WS title. The over all 15 titles for best in Best Ball this franchise owns. To put it simply, because we are the Braves.

Damn straight!

Go Braves!

By MEB

February 17, 2007 01:35 AM | Link to this

An outstanding night of blogging Braves fans. Thanks DOB for the update and I look forward to the update on Langerhans. I like the enthusiasm, teamwork, and cooperation demonstrated thus far bloggers. Only 42 days until we crank up the big screen at the Ted. GO BRAVES!!!

By mr baseball

February 17, 2007 02:09 AM | Link to this

Warning all: Lost cause post ahead.

There is a reasonable argument to be made that Bobby Cox is not nearly as skilled a manager as his reputation attests. However, thanks to Robert’s redundant, ridiculous, reactionary rants, it is damn near impossible to get anywhere near his point of view without feeeling a little slimy.

Cox’s supporters cite the Braves string of division titles, the high regard he is held in by his peers and the support of just about every player who has worn a Braves uniform since 1991. All perfectly valid points and all hard to dispute. Since Cox slmost never says anything negative about anyone other than umpires he disaggrees with, his status among his peers and players may be a little more exalted in public than it is in private.

As to the division titles, how many of those 14 Braves teams that finished first were not the most talented team in the division that year? Without question, Cox deserves a tremendous amount of credit for the job he did with the teams in ‘91 and ‘92. But can anyone point to one year since when the Braves did not the best team in the division, or one that clearly achieved more than its talent level? The combination of the game’s best starting pitching for a decade, a consistently solid bullpen (until the last few years at least) and a group of position players that always included several (or more) all-star caliber players had a whole lot to do with the Braves’ success.

Cito Gaston was a World Series winning manager two straight years in Toronto, and accomplished that feat by doing little more than filling out the lineup card and making the occasional pitching change. He had the most talented team in the game and stayed out of the way as much as he could, which was the best approach for that team.

In evaluating Cox as a manager, his strongest asset has been his ability to keep control of the clubhouse and instill in his teams a confidence that no matter how bleak things may look, they are going to get better. The Braves don’t panic during the regular season, don’t squabble amongst themselves and give Cox a consistent effort, although it doesn’t always look like it watching some guys run out ground balls. But Cox’s even keel approach that has served him so well during the regular season has not worked especially well in the playoffs, and after some well played but razor-thin defeats in the early ’90s, the Braves have been an atrocious playoff team since ‘96. Cox has to bear a lot of that responsibility.

As I have observed a few times previously, those with a reasonable grasp of baseball strategy who have watched the Braves intently since ‘91 have long since reached the conclusion that late game maneuvering has never been Cox’s forte, and his shortcomings in that department are a major factor in the team’s less than stellar post-season record. I won’t repeat my previous points regarding Game 4 of the ‘05 series with the Astros, but that was absolutely one of the worst managerial performances ever in a game of that magnitude, and all of you who have been watching closely since ‘91 can recall similar occurrences.

For whatever reason, Cox has acquired the reputation of getting the absolute most out of his players, but that simply does not hold up to scrutiny. Until the Braves’ economic situation forced his hand, he never allowed young players who showed some promise early in their careers to develop, and other teams have reaped the benefit of his (and the GM’s) lack of patience.

Unlike Robert, whose dislike of Cox borders on the pathological, I can see both the positives and negatives of Cox’s managerial ability. A lot of the Braves’ faithful simply recite the mantra of 14 straight division titles and have a hard time seeing what is plainly there in front of them. If Cox was really as good a manager as his reputation, the Braves would have more than 1 World Series title. At the same time, they might not have won 14 division titles.

Would they have won more World Series and fewer divisions with Torre or Leyland as manager? Who the hell knows? I think it’s worth considering and a more interesting topic than a sabremetric discourse on the rate Jeff Francouer makes outs.

One last topic. Why is it that Lonnie Smith is still viewed as the sole goat of the ‘91 Series? He got a hit to lead off the inning and didn’t get thrown out on the bases, although he obviously should have scored on Pendleton’s double. Why does no one speak ill of Gant & Bream, whose abject failures with the game on the line killed a promising rally? And why has Jeff Reardon been mostly absolved of his leading role in the ‘92 loss? Odd things to ponder at 2 in the morning.

By ssiscribe

February 17, 2007 07:45 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning from the freezing cold southside of the capital city. Indeed, another sunrise, another day off the countdown clock. We’re 37 days from the season opener at Philly, and merely 41 from reopening Turner Field.

Doesn’t that warm you up on a morning where temps in the ATL are flirting with the 20-degree mark?

Mr. Baseball, agree with some of your points above. You present a reasonable argument, backed by strong statements. Some of it, I agree with. Some of it, I don’t agree with. But you construct a solid piece, nonetheless. Well done, and much better than some of the ranting and raving about a Mr. Cox we’ve seen in recent hours/days/weeks/months.

I was having a similar conversation with a friend this week about missed opportunities. Certainly, Lonnie got faked out at second base, but the Braves had runners on base with no outs and the heart of the order due up in that fateful eighth inning of Game 7 in 1991.

Missed oppportunities. Never mind Mark Wohlers throwing his third-best pitch to Jim @#$%ing Leyritz. What of the big lead the Braves had after five innings that frosty evening in the old stadium? Twelve stinking outs from going up 3-1 in that World Series, and the lead slipped away.

Missed opportunities. The next night, the final show inside old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the greatest pitching matchup these eyes have ever seen in person (in more than 1,000 games at the high school, college and pro level as a fan or reporter): Andy Pettitte vs. John Smoltz. A fly ball that should have been caught led to the only run of the game.

There are a myriad of things one can point to through the course of a game, a series, a season, that alter the final outcome. Remember David Justice’s home run that provided the only run of Game 6 of the 1995 Series, leading the Braves to the World Series title? Sure you do. But, do you remember his drive down the line in Game 6 in the Metrodome in 1991 that NEARLY was a home run, one that would’ve given Steve Avery and the Braves a huge lead with just a few outs to go to end the Miracle Season as World Champions? Or the fly ball that dropped five years later in Game 5? What if Justice hadn’t missed that season with injury and was in right field instead of a young Jermaine Dye, who would go on to get his ring in 2005 with the ChiSox?

None of these missed chances are meant to depress any of you. Certainly, this franchise should have won more than one World Series. But things happened, opportunities missed, management decisions that went wrong, injuries, great performances by the other team, etc. They’re not excuses; they are facts. Hindsight, indeed, is 20/20. It’s easy to look backward and say “what if” or “coulda, woulda, shoulda.”

I’ll close with this. Critics of Braves Nation scoff at the run of division titles. But mark my words: If the Braves can win one more World Series in the next few years, then all of that goes out the window and this franchise’s run of excellence will take its rightful place among the absolute great stories in the history of American sports, without debate. It’s not easy to win a World Series, but the Braves have, in my opinion, a good chance to get back there and win it all in the next few years, starting this season.

Sorry to ramble. The Scribe clan now awakes, and desk calls later today. Will check in later, and please, let the Thrashers win today.

Selah.

—30—

By David O'Brien

February 17, 2007 07:56 AM | Link to this

Very reasonable, strong post by Mr. Baseball.

Unlike some (Hee-haw? Really, hee-haw?), you showed it’s possible to reasonably and intelligently point out the manager’s flaws, or at least one man’s perception of those flaws, without resorting to hyperbole and barnyard noises. Fine job, sir….

Now, to the important stuff: What do you guys think of those ghastly new spring-training caps and jerseys? Or do they not look as bad on the website photos as they do in person? Come on, that red satin thing above the ears? That’s bad. Bad.

Yankees and all other teams, I think, also have the insert. But of course the Yankees insisted on theirs being navy blue, same color as their hats, so theirs don’t look bad at all.

By David O'Brien

February 17, 2007 08:05 AM | Link to this

Scribe, you must’ve posted at same moment I did, regarding Mr. Baseball’s post.

Anyway, regarding your own post, I think you’re a little off in the calculation till opening day, unfortunately. Wish it was 37 days.

Today’s Feb. 17 and opener is April 2, home opener April 6.

But I hear you. It’s at least on the horizon now.

By ssiscribe

February 17, 2007 08:19 AM | Link to this

DOB: That’s what I get for posting before my first two cups of coffee. Call it wishful thinking on my part, but you’re right, I can at least glimpse it on the edge of the horizon. Thanks for the correx.

Let’s try this again: 44 days until the season opener, 48 days until the home opener. At least I think that’s correct.

Everybody enjoy your Saturday. Those of you fortunate enough to be in the shadow of Dark Star, enjoy the workout. Peace, and we’ll yell at y’all later.

—30—

By The Grinch

February 17, 2007 08:28 AM | Link to this

*I’m back in the saddle again Out where a friend is a friend Where the longhorn cattle feed On the lowly Gypsum weed back in the saddle again

Ridin’ the range once more Totin’ my old .44 Where you sleep out every night and the only law is right Back in the saddle again

Whoopie-ty-ay-oh Rockin’ to and fro Back in the saddle again Whoopie-ty-ay-aye I go my way Back in the saddle again

Rpt vs. 1, 2 and chorus*

What’s wrong with barnyard noises, Dave? C**-a-doodle-doo! Wake up, bloggers! Time for the Grinch to go to bed.

By ERIC

February 17, 2007 08:36 AM | Link to this

Whats up with those panty hats!?! DOB: Does Langerhans still have the posabillaty of being traded If so what would the braves want for him?

By The Grinch

February 17, 2007 08:41 AM | Link to this

Wow. The ajc screwed the format of my song up completely, eliminated my italics, then saw fit to edit my barnyard noise which was not obcene. Looks like I’m not the only one who needs to go to bed. :-)

By MEB

February 17, 2007 08:56 AM | Link to this

Great observation DOB about the “ghastly” caps. The New Era advertising describes the things as:

The 2007 High Performance Batting Practice caps are here. The new fabric has vapor management, superior drying, and is shrink resistant. The cap stretches, for a more comfortable fit. The MLB logo is on the back

I like the vapor management feature. With a cap that stinks this bad it needs vapor management. Just another attempt to sneak the hideous stretch cap into the major leagues. These things only come in 3 sizes.

By Brave Dawg

February 17, 2007 09:07 AM | Link to this

Dave, thanks for once again braving the evil influences to bring us all alittle closer to what’s going on down there. I’d love to shake your hand when I’m down (whenever I decide which weekend I’ll be down; any suggestions?). You should be applauded by every Braves fan for the insight you provide and the refreshing variety expressed in the blog. No matter what part of the world you live, for a few minutes every morning, the true braves fan can feel the warmth of the Florida sun and smell the fresh cut grass by merely reading your daily updates. Carry on, my (wayward) son.

Thought of the day: Why is everyone so hostile on this blog? If you don’t like something about the Braves/Cox, get a new site. I hate that Dave and some of the other true fans have to spend time defending the team instead of communicating additional obscure facts that true fans with a thirst for knowledge come here to imbibe.

By the new cap

February 17, 2007 09:20 AM | Link to this

I think I look fabulous. Don’t be a hater!

By the new cap

February 17, 2007 09:21 AM | Link to this

Seriously, did any of you ever try and wrap yourself around Bonds’ refrigerator-sized cranium? It can be painful. Having a little give makes my job easier.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 17, 2007 09:23 AM | Link to this

Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder; the new caps are not so bad. Looks like something from NASSCAR. In another week or so no one will be able to tell the difference. Somehow the jerseys make me think of the Cleveland Indians though.

Nice piece sscibe. Very thoughtful about how we often forget the plays that were not made. I think back to the calls by the umpires saying Justice did not touch third base when the replay showed a plume of chalk rising as his toe grazed the bag or when Gant was pulled off first base and called out against the Twins.

So many chances, so much heartbreak. How can I really complain after all the years of abject mediocrity in the 70s and 80s? Perhaps last season was a good thing for those who think winning is a birthright.

Is Bobby Cox the “Greatest Manager Ever”? That is a question that will be debated long after he is retired from baseball but he will be missed immediately by a legion of Atlanta Braves fans. The tandem of John Schuerholtz and Bob by Cox has been one of the best to grace the scene of sports in America in decades.

They have brought both honor and dignity to the city of Atlanta with their actions and deeds. Those fans that clamor for a new manager will not soon find a replacement to equal either in talent or statue.

For those who think public humiliation of players by a manager is good for building team character, perhaps you can only judge by your own life experiences. If so, I find that to be very sad for you. I pray you will have a good boss someday to show you how it is suppose to be done.

By Head Coach

February 17, 2007 09:27 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball has a point. However , he fails to recognize the fundamental difference between a 162 game marathon season and a short 19 game post season. It’s the managers job to guide a team and maximize the talent during the regular season. If they fall on their faces the manager gets a healthy dose of the blame for it. Yes , 06 stunk and Bobby did a poor job managing the pitching without Leo. Basically , the Manager gets the credit for the regular season and you can lay the post season failure squarely at the feet of the players. It’s nineteen games , Lonnie got deeked in 91 and they left the bases loaded 90 feet away from a World Championship , Wohlers blew up in 96 and we could have buried the Yankees leading three games to none. Otherwise , we would have three World Championships thanks to Cox and this argument would be a moot point.

By Get real

February 17, 2007 09:48 AM | Link to this

DOB: I absolutely love the new hats other than that stupid red “swoosh” above the ears. I’ve always thought that the Braves should go with a solid blue cap, and white “A” traced in red…that way it gives it a little more character than just a plain white “A”, but it’s not too loud like the stupid hats with the tomahawk going through the “A”.

By JasonInMaine

February 17, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

I wonder why it is that whenever a poll is taken whether it be on Baseball Tonight, Sports Center, by Players, Coaches, etc that Cox is always mentioned as an exceptional strategist?

By mr baseball

February 17, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Head Coach: One of the problems I have with Cox regards the differences between the regular season and the post-season. The Braves have been so successful in the regular season because they have had the most talent (until ‘06 at least) and the manager has done an exemplary job of keeping things on track. In the post-season, however, when teams are much more comparable in talent, each decision by a manager is magnified, as does each at bat and pitch.

In some cases, the responsibility lies solely on the players (Gant & Bream in ‘91, Reardon in ‘92, Glavine against the Giants in ‘02, Sheffield & Gallaraga’s multiple disappearing acts). But some of the most bitter memories have resulted from the inability of players to get the job done (predominantly relievers in late game situations) when they probably should not have been used in that spot (Leibrandt in ‘91 and ‘92, Wohlers and Farnsworth’s 8th inning meltdowns).

For all the times I’ve disagreed with moves made by Cox in the late innings, it could just as easily be the case that he did the right thing but got a bad result from it. Unfortunately, that’s been the case far too often over the last 15 or so years. Bad luck or bad managing? Hard to say.

At least the Braves have been in that position for all these years. As many heartbreaks as there have been for baseball fans in Atlanta, imagine being a fan of the Royals, Brewers, Orioles or post-Bonds Pirates during that span and hearing Johnny Rotten snarl “No future” as your team’s unofficial soundtrack (gratuitous music reference).

By Lew

February 17, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Oh, The humanity. I’m still freezing in Vermont. All flights have been cancelled. I can’t get out until Monday evening. All those beautiful mid 40 temperatures and I’m in the middle of almost 3 feet of snow. Now, what’s this I hear about new hats? Has Grinch been up to more deviltry? Do they have big yellow clown shoes, too?

By Braves Blue

February 17, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

First time blogger here, hope I don’t embarrass myself or show my ignorance (rookie mistakes are ok, I presume, as long as they’re not repetitive). Enjoyed your article, DOB.

By Braves Blue

February 17, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

First time blogger here, hope I don’t embarrass myself or show my ignorance (rookie mistakes are ok, I presume, as long as they’re not repetitive). Enjoyed your article, DOB.

By Braves Blue

February 17, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Good point ssiscribe, re the number of off days (esp. the lack of) in the early part of 2007 and the importance of a fifth starter who is ready to take his turn in the rotation. Let’s hope the result is a quality start.

By David O'Brien

February 17, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Chipper reported today; deer are safe for a while. By the way, he has a rather thick goatee, one of those scraggly kind that’s just a patch at end of his chin….

Get Real, if you love the new hats other than the red junk on the sides, then you’re REALLY gonna love them by the start of the regular season. Was told by someone who should know today that Braves felt so strongly about the appearance of that red material on the sides that they’re going to have new hats without that, or with that being blue instead of red. Don’t know when they’ll get them, probably late this spring.

Saw the Yankees’ hats in the pic on our site, and they have a white stripe above that blue-satin insert _ looks better than braves because it doesn’t look like they’re wearing skull caps under hats, but not much better.

By Shaun Payne

February 17, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

besides, an old friend of mine named shaun keeps saying that frenchy is not very productive, so i say we should trade him.

I wouldn’t want to trade Frenchy. Yes, he was unproductive because he costs the Braves too many outs in ‘06 but he’s still at least 4 or 5 years away from what should be his peak. And his plate discipline started to improve at the end of last season. Even if he doesn’t hit like we think he one day will, he should be good enough with the bat and excellent enough with the glove and arm to be an extremely valuable player.

By Formerly Don't drink and type

February 17, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Again, I apologize for the snarkiness the other day. And I’ll stop with the Web log and “I’m so stupid,” references in response to your condescencion and just focus on baseball.

Except …

Here’s a little piece of musical joy. If you’ve never heard “Rinky Dink,” by Booker T. and the MGs, it is worth a listen.

For the unitiated, it’s an instrumental. But it makes me laugh out loud every time. If it’s a parody, it’s funny. If they were serious, it’s hilarious. Either way, I roll on the floor every time I hear it.

By David O'Brien

February 17, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

And on this day in history:

2003: Avoiding arbitration, the Braves and 36-year old righty Greg Maddux (16-6, 2.62 ) agree the largest one-year contract in major league history . The $14.75 million deal for the four-time Cy Young Award winner eclipses the $12 million given to David Cone by Yankees in 2000.

By Canadian Brave

February 17, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

I understand completely how loyal braves fans might think that there is something lacking in Bobby Cox’s ability to win the big game. Let’s face it, there are certain intangibles that accompany playoff baseball that can make sticking to the odds when calling a play seem like the wrong thing to do. That little extra nervous twitch that the manager notices when his man is setting up to steal second. That extra shrug of the shoulders that tells him the pitcher might be overemotional, or tired and ready to come out. Just because he hasn’t always had a Mariano Rivera to bring in and close the door, doesn’t make him a bad manager. He has been involved in baseball for what, nearly 50 years. I think he just sees the game on a different level than the armchair fan who thinks the players on the team are god, and any misfortune must be attributed to the manager’s incompetence! Over a 162 game regular season schedule, the decisions of Bobby Cox seem to be sound for the most part, as evidenced by the Braves winning ways.(last year excluded). When the playoffs roll around, Bobby seems to stick to the odds for his decision making, backed up by his knowledge of the individual player’s makeup. It is possible that over the years the braves have just not possesed the type of players who really get pumped for the post season. I don’t recall a Lenny Dykstra on the braves who would stand there and take a pitch in the head to justify the manager’s decision to leave him in the game. The Braves player’s have always prided themselves on the businesslike approach to the game, and maybe they need to abandon that philosophy in the playoffs, brush back a few batters, knock over a few catchers, run down a few second basemen. Perhaps then Bobby would be seen as a genius manager who sticks to the book despite the intense playoff pressure, yet allows his players their individuality, resulting in numerous playoff titles. Maybe the braves scouts should spend some time looking for the athletes that possess that intangible edge that allows them to excel when the flame is the hottest.

By David O'Brien

February 17, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

By the way, some of you will be pleased to know that the venerable Bobby Dews is here and in uniform. He’s doing lot of same things he did in previous spring trainings, hitting fungoes during PFP (pitchers’ fielding practice), helping out in the bullpen, etc.

He won’t be in uniform during regular season, except maybe some home games during batting practice.

It’s not the same around here without ol’ Pat Corrales, though. You get so used to seeing him, keep waiting to turn and here him say something ridiculing you about your shirt or pants or shoes, or remarking about some pretty girl, etc.

By Robert

February 17, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

“Cox as a manager, his strongest asset has been his ability to keep control of the clubhouse and instill in his teams a confidence that no matter how bleak things may look, they are going to get better”

When your backs are to the wall in ther playoffs, maintaining that blase attitude is no longer an asset. There’s a time when you gotta get motivated

As for comment about late game strategy not being Cox’s forte, that is stating the problem most mildly

The man can keep a highly talented team from imploding on its own egos. That’s the begining and end of his positive contribution as a manager

I daresay that Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz were mature enough to be able to go about their business in a professional manner without assistance from Cox

The Braves dont need a babysitter. They need a manager. They dont have a competent one at present

By JC FROM UT

February 17, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

With the slight surplus of relievers, is there any chance JS could send Tyler Yated or Blaine Boyer(doubt it due to injury) along with Diaz or Langerhans to Arizona for Eric Byrnes. I think he would be an excellent lead off hitter plus could if necesary replace AJ until a better option came along.

By Robert

February 17, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

“Basically , the Manager gets the credit for the regular season and you can lay the post season failure squarely at the feet of the players”

Thats totally backwards. During a long regular season, superior talent will win out. The regular season is a grind. Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz are gonna best Tom, Dick, and Harry no matter who is managing. During a short series,such as in the playoffs, and especially when the talent discrepancy is small or minimal, better preparation, better motivation, and superior strategy can beat superior talent.

Watch an extra inning Braves game sometime. Note how often it is that the Braves have their hand forced, where the other manager has the one-up as far as arranging a favorable matchup in a given key situation. If the other guy is Bobby Valentine, you end up in the spy vs spy stalemate where someone walks in the winning run in the umpteenth inning. Barring that, Cox is almost ALWAYS at the disadvantage

How it is POSSIBLE to argue that the guy is the greatest manager of all time when he is consistanly outstrategized by near every one of his peers over and over again, is totally beyond me

By Canadian Brave

February 17, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this

Or The other intangibles

By dougp

February 17, 2007 01:23 PM | Link to this

Robert, do you need a nap?

By Braves Blue

February 17, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

[I wonder why it is that whenever a poll is taken whether it be on Baseball Tonight, Sports Center, by Players, Coaches, etc that Cox is always mentioned as an exceptional strategist?] Jason, maybe Maine viewers of ESPN get a different edition of SportsCenter than GA viewers do, but I must have missed any shows where viewer polls praised Cox’s strategic decisions.

By Robert

February 17, 2007 01:54 PM | Link to this

Basically , the Manager gets the credit for the regular season and you can lay the post season failure squarely at the feet of the players

Thats totally backwards. I love Leyland. He is the best manager ever. He has a poor regular season record, so it couldn’t possibly be that the regular season record is a reflection of the manager. Granted, he was beat twice in the postseason by Cox, who I hate with a passion. I’m so beat-red just thinking about it. I hate him so much right now. If Cox were anywhere as good as Leyland, he would have his pitchers field their position terribly, as a brilliant post-season strategy. He would have his left fielder mis-positioned, and sliding all over the grass more than Lonnie “Skates” Smith ever could. I hate Leyland so much right now. Damnit! Now look what you made me do. Who’s on first…

By Sam

February 17, 2007 01:55 PM | Link to this

I just read that an old Braves player Frank Torre who played 1st base in 1957 (Joe’s Brother) needs a kidney transplant. I remember him very well. I wish him very well and hope everything turns out well for Frank.

By David O'Brien

February 17, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

if i could briefly interrupt Robert’s continued rants about the manager (never get old, do they?), just wanted you all to know that Smoltz is playing golf as we speak in a foursome with Francoeur, Adam LaRoche and some dude named Tiger.

By MBATL

February 17, 2007 02:30 PM | Link to this

*Yes , 06 stunk and Bobby did a poor job managing the pitching without Leo. *

Head Coach, I agree with most of your points, but not really with this one. Bobby tried every possible combination of pitchers in ‘06, and the fact was, there was just not enough talent.

Only criticism I would have of Cox in ‘06 is that it took him too long to play LaRoche every day; but even there, we really don’t know if it was playing every day, or taking his medication, that got LaRoche turned around (and why the H wasn’t he taking it in the first place???). He was pretty bad early, so it wasn’t an easy call to play him more.

Someone asked for a year other than the early 90’s when Cox did a ‘great’ job. I’d suggest 2005, when we played 18 rookies and Bobby rightfully won mgr of the year.

I’m not saying Bobby is perfect. I do think he made the right call with Liebrandt in ‘91, maybe not in ‘92 (game 6) - maybe should’ve used Reardon, but he had already blown up one game, and absolutely right with Wohlers in ‘96 - just didn’t work out. Beyond that, I don’t see where managerial decisions have cost us so much in the playoffs; our players just haven’t gotten the job done - which is real unfortunate for Braves fans, but not BC’s fault.

NO manager or franchise has figured out how to (a) get a team to the post season every year (which generally requires 3 or 4 above average starters and a good offense); and then to consistently win in the post-season (which typically demands 2 lights-out starters and a very good closer).

More than any other sport, the requirements for longterm (regular season) success and post-season success are quite different.

That’s why (except for the Yankees of the late ’90s) dynasties are pretty rare in modern day baseball, and no manager can legitimately be said to have figured out the formula. Not Cox, not Guillen, Leyland, or even Torre, (witness his - or I should say his team’s - failings the last several years with great talent.)

By Apollo 13

February 17, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this

Sorry Davies, but history is against you. If you look at the history of pitchers, few have ever pitched as badly as he has, and then went on to be stars. Pitching success is based a lot on metal toughness, and has shown he has any.

By Robert

February 17, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

“He has a poor regular season record, so it couldn’t possibly be that the regular season record is a reflection of the manager.”

It is just hopeless to argue sensically with some of y’all. Give me a roster that starts Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and I will win you a bunch of regular season games - and it will say NOTHING about my abilities as a manager.

Leyland has several times taken teams past better teams in the playoffs. It just so happens he didnt do it with the Pirates against the Braves

Honestly, that post extolling how great Bob Walk and company were was ludicrous - the Braves were a FAR better team each year they met

Look at Leyland’s 97 Marlins and 06 Tigers - they beat clearly better teams in the playoffs.

Give Leyland and Cox the same team to manage, and let’s see which one brings home a WS title more often. I bet the HOUSE on Leyland

By mr baseball

February 17, 2007 02:43 PM | Link to this

Instead of teeing it up against Mickelson, Els, Singh, etc., in LA (where he’s never won) this week, Eldrick would rather protect his suspect winning streak and try to hustle Smoltz and his buds out of a few (?) dollars. If he was a baseball player and approaching Joe D’s record, he’d probably sit out if he saw Smoltz or Johan Santana on the mound. Hope Phil kicks his well-rested rear end in the Match Play next week.

By Robert

February 17, 2007 02:44 PM | Link to this

Be honest with yourselves folks. Imagine if Torre or Leyland (or even LaRussa for that matter, who is no genius) had managed the Braves these past 17 years

Do you think we’d have only one WS title?

Honestly?

Come on now

By Robert

February 17, 2007 02:54 PM | Link to this

And another thing. I’ll let you know that despite the fact I gave up all hope in 1999 and started hating the Braves as much as I hate Cox, I hate him so much right now, the Braves, for the past 16 years, have fielded 16 of the greatest teams to ever play. They should have won every year. They didn’t because of Cox. No team in the past 2 decades has been better than the Braves. No team in History. It is retarded that any of you would argue otherwise. The only reason we lost was because of the Manager. I know, I know, he wasn’t actually throwing the pitches for Wholers. He wasn’t throwing the pitches for Farnsworth. He wasn’t actually on the field at any time during any of these seasons playing a position, but it is his fault. He can claim zero credit. When the team won, it was because he forgot to make a descision. When the team lost, it was because he made a descision. I hate him so much right now. Leyland took many, many crappy teams and made them something. For years upon years, Leyland toiled in Pittsburgh with Bonds and guys in their prime. He took those terrible rag-tag teams to three straight division titles and no WS. Prior to that, he took even worse rag-tag teams to last place finishes and a career, managerial, losing record. The record stands for itself. I hate Leyland so much right now. Damnit! Now look what you made me do. Who’s on first…

By TennesseePaul

February 17, 2007 03:01 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe we are still hashing this one conversation out. It’s spring training. We have DOB down there in Florida freezin his arse off; filling us in on how the guys are shaping up. Let’s enjoy this year for a change. We are starting it with one of the more well rounded teams we’ve had in recent memory. No Russ Ortiz. No Jorge Sosa. No Chris Reitsma. No completely washed up veteran platoons in the workings. The makings of a good pen. The possibility of a solid rotation. A strong offense. And we will be fielding a team with 7 of the 8 starting spots coming from our system. The sale is almost complete. It isn’t going to be an easy year. This team is going to have to earn it. So let’s get this thing going.

GO BRAVES

By TennesseePaul

February 17, 2007 03:06 PM | Link to this

From what I understand, Smoltz can hang with the best of them. Every year he comes back saying he was only a stroke or 3 off Tiger. DOB, how’s Francoeur’s game? Any scouting reports on that?

By KC

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

“Smoltz is playing golf as we speak in a foursome with Francoeur, Adam LaRoche and some dude named Tiger.”

The guy’s name is “Tiger”? Seriously? Is he some kind of freak or something? lol

So… what you’re tell us DOB is that you weren’t invited???

By KC

February 17, 2007 03:19 PM | Link to this

Robert: Please tell me you don’t have some kind of freaky dungeon that will one day be discovered by the FBI with newspaper clippings Bobby Cox covering all four walls and “DIE BOBBY” written in blood across full length miror.

Please tell me that.

By Agent John Smith

February 17, 2007 03:26 PM | Link to this

Robert is beginning to sound like a cross between Mark David Chapman, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme and John W. Hinckley Jr. Braves may want to add some extra security. And DOB be careful out there.

By KC

February 17, 2007 03:26 PM | Link to this

TennPaul: I agree with you. Only I would say there’s a strong posibility of a “sold” rotation, and some posibility of a great one.

By AdirondackDave

February 17, 2007 03:27 PM | Link to this

DOB - Has Smoltz ever dropped any serious hints that he would try to qualify for the PGA Tour? Gotta think he could and in 10 years he’d rip up the Senior Tour.

By KC

February 17, 2007 03:32 PM | Link to this

meant to say “clippings of Bobby”… and of course ther are 3 “R’s” in mirror. Sorry.

By KC

February 17, 2007 03:34 PM | Link to this

…solid rotation… I need a nap.

By ElbravoX

February 17, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this

DOB? What is like to be embedded with the guys? Could a conflict of interest arise because of your multiple daily reports?

By Robert

February 17, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

“When the team won, it was because he forgot to make a descision.”

That’s pretty close. As long as Cox sits back, lets the adults work and doesnt make any decisions, we’re ok

By Lew

February 17, 2007 03:44 PM | Link to this

Agent Smith-I wouldn’t worry too much. The only projectile Robert may send in BC’s direction is a bucket of oats and a carrot or two.

By Cox vs Leyland, are you nuts!?!?!

February 17, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

Cox 2 Leyland 1 in Head to Head playoff series. And Leyland BY FAR had better talent those first two, and PHAT Eric Greg payments going for him in the third.

DOB, please tell me Cox knows that the majority of sane bravos fans believe in him and Mr. Homeboy himself.

While we’re at it, Blog Poll, how many of you were in the FreeMan’s club? Favorite quote from him “I guess TP thought I was pitching so well, we didn’t need a third baseman’…

By Robert

February 17, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

“Cox 2 Leyland 1 in Head to Head playoff series. And Leyland BY FAR had better talent those first two, and PHAT Eric Greg payments going for him in the third.”

Drabek and Bob Walk were better than Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery - and Kevin Brown was better than Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Neagle combined

Oh I forgot it was the ump’s fault.

Before that it was Leyritz’s fault

Before that it was Kent Hrbek’s fault.

Poor Bobby Cox. Never has such a genius been cursed with such a combination of bad luck and unfairness

If it were an auto race, Leyland would be across the finish line before Cox figured out the keys go in the ignition and not up his rectum

If it were poker Leyland would be raking in the chips while Cox drooled on his hole cards

By Robert

February 17, 2007 05:07 PM | Link to this

I dont have a secret dungeon or any Cox voodoo dolls, and I’m not gonna shoot Cox (I dont waste ammo)

One of these days, I’ll show up at a game (spring training or regular season) with a carrot on a stick.

I need one of those gate things they use during movie shoots

Donkey in the Dugout - Take 18

Roll camera. ACTION!

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 17, 2007 05:08 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly,

Your “one down and two to go” and SSIScribe’s “And where is JJS?** prompt me proffer another post and give my thoughts on the subject … though I must admit to being concerned that thay too might be misunderstood.

If you want Jimmy Smith, My Lady and others to return, methinks the easiest way to accomplish it is to change the environment so that they want to do exactly that!

It’s truly unfortunate but I think some have left because of abuse while others most probably simply found the atmosphere to be too distasteful and odiferous to remain.

To the best of my knowledge, I’ve never met any of the residents … yet, I consider another defining characteristic of this Blog to be that its residents can count many of their neighbors as friends … really true friends! I figure that ain’t too bad, especially for a multi-flawed, cracker hillbilly that some consider to be a pompous, self-righteous elitist. If only folks would make it their primary objective to really understand their “neighbors” and make friends of each and every one … or if the moon were made of blue cheese … effecting change would be easy!

I proudly include the Ugandan journalist, the Blog’s First Lady, and its Irish mentor on my list of true friends … plus several more whose reputations need not be sullied through guilt by association.

I think that even Lew, before his many eye surgeries, could easily see that all three were being subjected to unjustified ridicule and abuse … and not just from little “stinky” and his gang! Everyone knows of David’s frequent battles with boorish bloggers … I think that Jimmy, because of his mental agility, adroitness with the pen, and willingness to engage … is an obvious target of the “evil doers” … but certainly more than capable of holding his own with the best … or the “worst” of them! He was doing it when I arrived … and doing it when I left … usually with subtle humor and always with style! Those who think that Jimmy left because of the evildoers see a different journalist than do I … the creative little man who effectively engages in the use of the third person is among the most creative of those you’ll ever meet and he can deftly handle himself when he so chooses.

I don’t fully understand “stinky” but I do consider him to be a member of the 3 digit club and he is himself, somewhat of a wit … however, from what I can see, his behavior, has frequently been outrageous and despicable. From my perspective, such behavior is to be despised, condemned and not allowed in any public forum. I wouldn’t permit such it in my house and I doubt that many would in theirs!

Only the renown Ugandan journalist truly knows why he chose to leave the Blog; him and maybe Lamont Cranston … but I would think that the following dialog from one of David’s posts of 12 February might possibly hold much of the answer … since Jimmy’s last post “no problem DOB” soon followed: “… 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 … Please, you two, get each other’s e-mail addresses and just go back and forth. You sound like seventh-graders.”

I can understand David’s frustration and his good intent … but I seriously question the utility of openly chastising one of his all time champions for engaging one of his all time greatest detractors in a manner that might be considered similar to that of his own … grouping their behaviors as he did and then to compound it by suggesting Jimmy was responsible for bogging down the Blog and that Robert’s boorish behavior is superior and of greater interest. Each of us must reach our own conclusions … but, I suspect many, if not most, would have responded in kind rather than respectfully withdrawing.

Speaking of the Devil, I was a little afraid that I had logged on the wrong edition of the Blog just now … seemed like Repugnant Repetitive Robert had assumed ownership of the Blog while someone wasn’t looking.

Looking for a 2 word pseudonym for nice, gentle, kind, thoughtful, charm, grace, intelligence and wit? Residents of the Blog need no reference book … it’s the one I call My Ladyor the the Blog’s First Lady … that is, Carolina Lady .. or CL, as she’s sometimes called.

A breath of fresh air and sunshine, CL’s a true Lady with a capital L who seldom takes a misstep … but when she does, there always a quick and sincere apology. A strong willed gem with as many burdens as facets, she spent much of her time on the Blog trying to brighten the day of others with cheerful greetings and charming wit. She’s loaded with an uncommon amount of commonsense and is a very knowledgeable Braves Fan.

Nice folks like that are as rare as your eloquence and should be treated with respect. They shouldn’t be subjected to the boorish behavior that seems to pervade the neighborhood or the personal abuse which she has been forced to endure, indeed some from the prolithic pen of the redundant one.

Her love for the Braves and the blog “neighborhood” … the term I think she first coined … is well established but I don’t think the Blog deserves or its residents should really expect her active participation so long as such abuse is permitted.

If anyone doubts my veracity, just take a few moments to pause and reflect … forget the little odiferous one for a while, and if need be, search the archives over the last year … methinks you’re in for quite shock!

Fearful that I have caused more than enough damage for one post, I’ll steal some of Robert’s redundancy and repeat myself … simply suggesting that if you want them to return, methinks the easiest way to achieve your goal is to change the environment so that they want to do exactly that!

I have a few more thoughts I’d like to share so you can expect one more post from me in a few days after I’ve had time to recover from a milder version of Lew’s snow that we’re currently experiencing in the hills of Middle Tennessee.

Selah

By DAP

February 17, 2007 05:15 PM | Link to this

geez, i got half way through the responses on this blog and quit.

robert, youre retarded.

im sick and tired of you, man. you have mental problems, seriously. why dont you take a break from the blog for a little while…maybe 30 years or so and get counseling.

cox is a great manager. winning and losing games is a team effort, and cannot be placed on one person EVER!

let it go, robert. DOB, can you do something about this clown?

By bruce

February 17, 2007 05:19 PM | Link to this

Dave, When I read about the golf outing this afternoon, I thought TGFW… too cool for words. Glad Adam was there with them. Bruce

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 17, 2007 05:19 PM | Link to this

You know, Robert, I know you are more intelligent than this. Yes, Cox has made some questionable decisions in the playoffs but he has made the same ones in the regular season. The difference is the margin for error is a lot less in the postseason than regualr season. However, don’t you think it is a bit ignorant to blame Cox for all of the postseason failures.

Is it Cox’s fault Lonnie Smith ran the bases incorrectly in game 7 of the 1991 WS? Is it Cox’s fault that Reardon had a meltdown in 1992 WS? Is it Cox’s fault that Wohlers, who had been damn near perfect all season, fell apart in the 1996 WS? And, yes, in 1997 the umps had as much to do with that series as the Braves or Marlins play. How many pitches three inches off the plate did Brown get called strikes on while Maddux was putting pitches virtually right down the middle of the plate and they were called balls. Now, 1998 was a pure choke job. No argument there. In 1999 the Braves were fortunate to even get to the WS. The Yanks were simply a better team. And since 2000, the Braves have never went into the playoffs with the truly best team in the NL.

You can bash Cox all you want. It is your right. But, use some common damn sense. Okay, pal!

Your moronic responses whenever anyone asks you whom should be managing the Braves if not Cox and all you can say is, “Anyone but Cox.” What? Is every single baseball analyst, scout, manager, player, and GM wrong. Almost to a man they all say that Cox is one of the greatest managers in the game. Are they all wrong and only you are right? Yeah, that must be it! You know more than Gammons, Pinella, or Lasorda. Okay! I gotcha!

By Hammy the Brave

February 17, 2007 05:23 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Don’t you think personally, it might behoove the Braves to trade for a leadoff man with some ml experience in that role? Right now, it seems that’s being thrust on Kelly Johnson, and I hope he can handle it. But is it smart to expect him to learn a new position, come back from a serious arm injury, and learn the leadoff position, all in the same spring training?

Also, do you ever hear from Bobby or John that they may not have a fully stocked bench, in that they don’t have a veteran lefty power bat? It still stings me that they didn’t resign Darryl Ward for a relatively small sum, and they never tried to bring in Dimitri Young, for what would be an even smaller amount, I’m sure.

Lastly, do you think the Braves could at least eventually go with a 6 man bullpen, and 11 man staff, if the starters prove healthy and effective? Is it written in stone that Bobby has to go with a twelve man staff, especially if the starters prove themselves reliable? I believe that could prove a detriment to the makeup of the whole team, since I feel the offense took the biggest hit, this offseason.

   Would love to see your answers to these questions,

     Hammy the Brave

By KC

February 17, 2007 05:34 PM | Link to this

Robert(Justice Is The Best): Don’t try to have a rational conversation about BC with Robert(Bobby Cox is the Anti-Christ). It’s a lost cause.

By The dead horse

February 17, 2007 05:47 PM | Link to this

Robert, please no more, not another beating, please.

By David O'Brien

February 17, 2007 06:12 PM | Link to this

Take a look at this jaw-dropping stat for Henry Aaron: In 113 at-bats against the great Sandy Koufax, the Hammer hit .372 with seven homers, three triples, six doubles, a .437 OBP and .664 slugging percentage.

Amazing.

On an entirely unrelated note, Salty hit a couple of bombs onto the berm beyond left field during BP today. I mean, missiles.

I asked Bobby about the 1B thing with Salty after practice, and Bobby said he’s heard of no such plans. Said he might take some throws at 1B during infield practice on second field, but primarily because Braves won’t have any other 1Bs to put on the second field.

By OddJob

February 17, 2007 06:14 PM | Link to this

Mr Baseball - At some point these arguments about Mr cox become ridiculous. Brian calls it well reasoned,yes in a vacuum it is well considered,but in the context of the past 15 years (reality) it is like debating a hypothetical,so as tiring as it can be I’ll defend what shouldn’t need defending.First to begin at the end,the last four years were post Glavine then Maddox it was done against a Mets team with a roster full of stars and high priced free agents.This 15 year period is unmatched in any of the big three money sports in this country in the free agent era.The Yankees could go on to equal or better this but as of now I think the bravos are five seasons ahead.Mr Cox and company get credit from those who have had to walk the walk because they know the near impossibility of what has been accomplished by these guys over this span of seasons.If there is room for any qualified criticism it is in post season performance,but these post lose all validity to me when they try to minimize the accomplishments that are unassailable to fair,informed, and maybe most important those who simply GET IT.

By OddJob

February 17, 2007 06:29 PM | Link to this

David O’ - Great point on the Koufax Aaron stats.The great hitters seem to handle the great fastballs. Look at chippers stats against Johnson and others,I think it’s a matter of bat control and wrist speed.

By OddJob

February 17, 2007 06:39 PM | Link to this

OH - Add to that list of what it takes to hit a great fastball, BALLS BIG BRASS BALLS !!!

By OddJob

February 17, 2007 06:51 PM | Link to this

Imagine the Mets win the division this season.Now imagine they win every year through 2021!!nothing to it right?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 17, 2007 07:03 PM | Link to this

DOB, what are the Braves plans with Salty? Obviously, he isn’t going to be a catcher with McCann implanted as the catcher of the present and future. If they don’t plan on playing him at 1st or LF does that mean the intention is to trade him either during the season or next offseason?

By ssiscribe

February 17, 2007 07:23 PM | Link to this

For those of you who read the blog earlier this morning and saw where I had the wrong number of days left until opening day, I apologize.

But after watching the Thrashers totally fall apart today in Ottawa, all I’ve got to say is I wish opening day was tomorrow. I get more ready for baseball season with each passing day — and each Thrashers’ collapse.

Other assorted items:

— There are those who will continue to debate about Cox. I’m not doing it, because there is no debate with someone who is being unreasonable. Robert, dude, we all respect your opinion. But enough is enough. Give it a rest. I think you’re starting to take away from what the blog is supposed to be. Make your case, certainly, but leave the barnyard sounds and the donkey jokes out of it.

— Bob, appreciate your post greatly. Wish all of the souls who made this place what it is would come back. If there is anything I may do to help facilitate that, please ask. But at the same time, I understand not wanting to put up with sophomoric, boorish behavior. I just don’t let it bother me. I’ve been yelled at in public, had doors slammed in my face, been threatened, etc. That’s just me, though, to ignore it or let it ride. If you’re offended by something, you shouldn’t have to put up with it. Again, I hope you and CL and JJS, et al, will return. We miss you guys.

— In a foursome with Tiger … yeah, not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

— Lew, man, hope you can get outta Green Mountain country and get to camp. I figured by now you’d be running around on the berm down there in shorts and no shirt, it being a balmy 40 degrees in Orlando as opposed to, what 5 degrees in Vermont today?

— Salty hitting bombs on the berm. Ah, to be on that berm, instead of sitting here in freezing-cold Atlanta with a hockey team that’s drinking canal water right about now. Let the Salty talk begin (no, guys, he’s not gonna be playing 1B in Atlanta anytime soon)).

OK, enough for now. Time to chill. More later. Peace.

—30—

By Nacho

February 17, 2007 07:35 PM | Link to this

Chancho! When you are a man, some times you wear stretchy pants in your room.

By TennesseePaul

February 17, 2007 08:07 PM | Link to this

DOB: Nice articles. How thick are the accents on those Australians. I keep hearing about James, but I bet those guys are way out there. Lot of bold on the Smoltz and Chipper part in the other article.

By Stinky

February 17, 2007 09:16 PM | Link to this

At least the AJC.com is being fair about this stuff. I’ll give them that.

By Lew

February 17, 2007 09:18 PM | Link to this

Scribe-I sure hope to be in those 40 degree temperatures late Monday and watching Salty hit those berm shots on Tuesday. I WILL, however, be wearing a shirt and long pants. No one needs to see legs as white as mine. I don’t live in the land of sunbathers, mind you.

By David O'Brien

February 17, 2007 09:20 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, VERY thick. Great accents, both of them. And what is it about Aussies that every one of them seem to have great personalities and senses of humor?

By David O'Brien

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

Robert (JIB), on Salty: No, it means nothing of the sort. You’re acting as though they must do something with him now _ move him to 1B or LF or trade him. You forget, he hasn’t even succeeded above the A-ball level yet and is young as hell. Why not let him stay at catcher for now, see if he can put together a great season at Double-A, then go from there? If he does that, his trade value will likely be much higher and the Braves might also be more inclined to either deal him or prep him for another position.

By Lew

February 17, 2007 09:28 PM | Link to this

Speaking of transplanted Aussies, whatever happened to BravoNam? It’s been a while.

By OddJob

February 17, 2007 09:30 PM | Link to this

ssicribe - So you’ve been yelled at, had doors slammed in your face,threatened ect.Let me guess you’re a public school teacher? p.s. when are the braves options up with salty ?

By David O'Brien

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

Oddjob, Salty hasn’t even used an option yet _ he’s never been on the 40-man roster. They’ve still got three options (three years, basically) once they put him on the 40-man the first time and option him to minors.

That’s the thing _ people forget just how young he is (21) and how little time he’s been in the organization. No rush whatsoever, no need at all to do anything with him anytime soon.

By David O'Brien

February 17, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Hammy The Brave: No, it’s not written in stone that Bobby has to go with a 12-man bullpen, but he is going to start season with one because of questions about Hampton, perhaps questions about his fifth starter, and more importantly, lack of days off early on. Gonna use all five starters right away.

After thestarters take a few turns and if they’re all healthy and bullpen is holding up well and one or two guys aren’t being used much, I’m sure Bobby would consider going to 11-man pitching staff to get another bat _ unless the offense is clicking and bench producing like crazy, in which case he’d probably not feel the need to disrupt things.

As for pursuing a trade for a player with at least minor league leadoff experience, I don’t know if, 1. that’s realistic given the lack of room in the payroll, 2., having minor league leadoff experience alone is really any better or even as good as having major league experience at any spot in the order, unless you’re talking about a guy with both minors’ leadoff experience and big league experience of some kind.

I get the impression they’re going to play some games and see what they’ve got in LF, see how they plan to use Wilson, see how they’re going to divide the infield backup roles, etc, before worrying about getting a lefty for the bench.

I keep asking Bobby and keep getting every indication they’re ready to move forward with this group and see what they’ve got before deciding whether they need to make any moves or whether they have a surplus of HEALTHY relievers or whatever that might bring back a piece to fill another need.

You’re advocating a leadoff hitter and a lefty hitter for the bench, others here are advocating another starter for depth, others are advocating 38-year-old Bernie Williams, who had 12 homers and a .332 OBP in 420 at-bats last season … I mean, that’s a lot of divergent suggestions.

Haven’t heard anything yet from Braves or from other teams they might be talking to about them pursuing any of those suggestion. it’s too early.

Teams don’t genearlly make trades at this point of spring training, when they’ve had all winter to do it. now they’d rather wait a few weeks and see what they’ve got before doing something or seeing if they have an injury need that supercedes others, etc.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 17, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Thanks Dave O’Brien for reminding a few folks that some of these kids are just that, Kids. Let them have the benefit of some experience in the minors for goodness sakes. It seems everyone is in such a hurry to rush a hot prospect to the majors.

I think the Braves are in great shape with young McCann behind the plate for the next few years barring injury. As for Salty, do not fret Braves nation. If he can hit, they will find a position for him to play. Just don’t be in such a hurry to get rid of the talent you have.

Perhaps he will be ready to catch about the time Brian is ready to play first. As for the long homeruns, I don’t believe they count extra by distance, just as long as they go out of the park. It is a problem when you have the warning track power hitters trying to get them out of the park instead of punching the ball to the opposite field. That becomes an opposing pitcher’s best friend.

One trait that makes Brian McCann so successful is not tape measure homeruns but using the whole field. Most of his dingers just cleared the wall but they counted the same as the 450-foot shots. He is money in the bank but I fear he will get pitched around a lot more this year if he gets no protection.

The Braves have the make up of a great team. A lot of young talent with some steady veterans. If we can win some games early this year and not dig such a terrible hole by the end of June, I think the Mets and Phillies are going to be chasing the Braves come August. Just think the Braves have a deeper pitching staff this time around.

Thorman’s power numbers might even be better than I expected. The secret to a power swing in golf and baseball is in the wrist.

By BB FAN

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

Robert,

How can you even think that Leyland’s 97 Marlins were less talented than any other team in the playoffs?

That team was “bought” to win the WS in ‘97 and then was traded away the following year. Everybody knows that!

By Jack

February 17, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

last night i watched the news from washington, the capital.

the canucks escaped while we weren’t watching them, like canucks will do.

now we’ve got all these dudes, whitelegged and nearly blue, the right side’s vacationland for canadians with gloves…

By eware

February 17, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

DOB, we keep hearing about how Kelly Johnson is ready for second base, but how does he feel about leadoff hitter? I’d hate for him to feel too much stress because of the two. Has Bobby indicated to him that another of the position players might be a feasible option? I know that if I was in his situation, I would put a lot of stress on myself.

Granted, I think he could handle it eventually, but the two at the same time might be too much.

If you had to rate one album as the best of 2005 - what would it be? I know it’s hard to not catagorize albums into rock, country, etc., but that’s what makes it fun…so, what’s your 2005 favorite album? Mine is Post-war by M. Ward. It changed my life. —eware

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Thanks David O’ some of the mechanicians of personel moves get lost in the attic at times.So Salty has plenty of time and room to develop,we do tend to rush these kids ( maybe Andruw, Furcal,etc spoiled us) Howard was what 25? before he took over for Thome in Philly.So let the guy come along at his own pace,I think Brian can hold down the fort at catcher and hopefully Thorman can do the job at first.

By braveheart

February 18, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

there is only one way i could be even more jealous of that foursome: if tiger’s wife elin was included. then we’d be really talking.

By Ron

February 18, 2007 01:08 AM | Link to this

Damn Robert, that whole BC thing is gettin old, yes we know that you hate BC. That is fine whatever, just chill dude. Lets talk about the upcoming Braves season. Leave Cox out of it Robert. Most of us are all Braves fans on here. Robert are you a Braves fan? If not why are you even on the Braves blog, we are tired of hearing you rant about Cox. Rant about something else. please!!!!!!!!

By flbravesgirl

February 18, 2007 01:24 AM | Link to this

I seem to recall talk of Smoltz trying for the Senior PGA tour when he’s old enough.

DOB, thanks for the reports. Glad they’re making over the caps, the red ear-swooshes just look funny.

Lew, I’d wondered why we hadn’t heard anything about the Wurlitzer presentation. Hope the next attempt to get here is successful. Stay warm!

GHF, how’s your little one? Feeling better, I hope.

By KC

February 18, 2007 02:29 AM | Link to this

This is a good piece on Tim Hudson from Sportsline.com.

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10004216

While I think Scott Miller grossly overstated the fate of the Braves if Hudson doesn’t bounce back, stating “If Hudson doesn’t seriously rebound from 2006, a season in which he posted a career-high 4.86 ERA, then the Braves are just the Washington Generals, with better uniforms.”, the premise of this article is accurate…

The Braves hopes this season are not anywhere near as much about Mike Hampton’s return as it is about Tim Hudson’s return (to form).

Mike Hampton will have had the full 18 month recovery period instead of the more typical 12 month recovery period you see from pitchers returning from this. That is very significant. Still… he’s coming off a major structural surgery, so If he posts an ERA between 4.00-4.50 in the first half, and something well under 4.00 in the second half… I think the Braves have to be very happy with that. If Hampton is back to his old self when October rolls around (and I think that is a very practical thing to hope for), the Braves could be serious World Series contenders… but there’s no guarantee the Braves will see the post-season if Hudson doesn’t bounce back.

As a Braves fan, I’m hoping for a very good season from Hudson, and continual improvement from Hampton. If Hudson is the real Huddy this season, and Mike Hampton progresses well all year and completely regains his form by the end of the regular season… with this bullpen and offense… it could be a very, very good year for Braves fans.

By rex ranger coach

February 18, 2007 02:30 AM | Link to this

this one is for appolo13, dude you must be lost in space to say that davies isn’ mentally tough. young yes many your playes are up and down.i’ve been watching him since he was 9 and the thing that stood out about him was how humble he was, as with a lot of major leagers he was head and sholders above the rest for his whole like, but he didn’t show it like a john rocker would.but this kid is driven watch and see short of another injury he will win 15, and the plus side is next to hampton hes the best hitter of all the pitchers.if only he was on my 94 world sreies team lol

By Head Coach

February 18, 2007 04:28 AM | Link to this

Up to 2005 , Leo called the shots when it came to making critical decisions concerning the pitching. If anybody thinks that McDowell was given the same respect and responsibility straight out of the chute , you might want to rethink your position. Cox called the shots last season and it showed. Leaving Sosa in to make 13 starts , leaving Reitsma in to pitch in 27 games and he alone cost Smoltz the Cy Young award , Villarreal wasn’t a better option to close than Reitsma , Sosa or Ray ? Bringing Mike Remlinger(the grizzled washed up veteran) along for the ride. That last one has Cox written all over it. Leo wasn’t here and it showed , thats the bottom line. If TALENT alone wins championships , the Yankees would be on an eleven year world championship winning spree. Joe Torre won four out of five World Championships and has since went zero for seven ? Ya’ll still think it’s not about nineteen post season games and the players ? …………………….I give up !

By TennesseePaul

February 18, 2007 05:03 AM | Link to this

Head Coach: It didn’t matter who was calling the shots last season. What were they supposed to do? Take Sosa out, and replace him with Reitsma, Remlinger, Berry, Smith, Sheill, who? HoRam was off and on when he wasn’t injured. Thomson kept getting injured. Davies was inconsistant and injured. Stockman came up and got injured. McBride wasn’t producing in the first half. Hudson could barely go five. It wasn’t a matter of managing at that point. It was a matter of treding water and trying to get through 9 innings before the other team woke up. Last year’s pitching staff was the worst thing in the world. Chuck James and John Smoltz were the only season long reliable pitchers and James spent some of the time in the minors, albeit not because he sucked, mainly just to change gears from short outings to long outings. We slugged the crap out of the ball and still lost. It was an omen from the beginning. Hudson in LA up something like 8 to 1 and we barely pulled it out an 11 to 10 win by the end of the day. This season should be better. It should be much better. It won’t be easy, but it shouldn’t be as painful.

By Chef

February 18, 2007 08:04 AM | Link to this

I think Leo was missed, but the pitching cupbard was a little bare to begin with in 2006. Between budget constraints, Hampton on the dl, Hudson’s decline, no closer on the roster, and some poor trades, the Braves were forced to try to cobble a pitching staff out of spit and more spit.

Wich left Braves fans with a big spit sandwich to stomach. And the chef of that spit sandwich pitching staff was John Schuerholz.

His disengenuous, not-so-smooth move to exercise Thomson’s option for the sole purpose of trading him blew up in his face like so much special sauce from a faulty dispenser. The duckets saved from Not making that menu choice would have allowed the Braves to sweeten their deal for a full serving of Wickman.

Instead, we got a severe case of indegestion because the only thing that Schuerholz knows about MLB pitching is that he never hit it. (Just like his kid.)

By Robert

February 18, 2007 08:14 AM | Link to this

There were 13 kids and a bunch of dogs House full of chickens and a yard full of hogs

By ssiscribe

February 18, 2007 08:27 AM | Link to this

OddJob: No, Scribe’s not a teacher. Have a tremendous amount of respect for those who teach in public schools. Don’t know how they do it, but I’m glad they do.

I get the feeling that, with the exception of the final one or two bullpen spots and the race between Langerhans and Diaz in left — and, of course, barring any major injuries or implosions to the plans at first base and second base — we know the 25 who will be in the dugout April 2 in Philly.

(And no, don’t ask the Scribe to count the days from now to then … math was never my strongest subject; hence, my choice of careers).

The Braves are dealing from a position of strength when it comes to the folks in camp. There are at least two guys who can pitch at the major-league level (or have at least proven that in the past) who are not going to make the major-league roster come the end of March. Personally, I think Prado can and will be a good major-league ballplayer, but will he start the season in Atlanta or Richmond?

It’s a good problem to have, a talented locker room full of guys who can get it down in the big leagues, as opposed to trying to scrape for 25 guys to take north. I don’t see the need to make a deal for anything right now, unless somebody gets hurt or some GM makes an offer the Braves cannot refuse.

—30—

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 09:24 AM | Link to this

No overprices free agents.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The New York Mets missed out on signing a big-name pitcher this winter, which means general manager Omar Minaya has money left to spend if he can find one in a trade.

“He has room,” owner Fred Wilpon said Saturday.

Wilpon visited Tradition Field as his team held its first workout for pitchers and catchers. The initial full-squad practice is scheduled for Wednesday.

Looking for help at the top of a suspect rotation, New York pursued Barry Zito and Daisuke Matsuzaka this offseason but came up short. The Mets bid about $39 million in an attempt to win the right to negotiate with Matsuzaka, yet Boston blew them away with a $51.1 million offer.

The Japanese ace was the MVP of the inaugural World Baseball Classic last year.

“Of all the pitchers we went after, he would have been the most interesting for our club and for our city,” Wilpon said. “We were surprised because we felt we were in there heavy.”

Zito signed with the San Francisco Giants for $126 million over seven years.

Tom Glavine and Orlando Hernandez are the only starters who are guaranteed spots in New York’s rotation this season, so there’s room for youngsters such as John Maine, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey and Philip Humber to win roles.

“A few guys are just about there, maybe not quite there. They may need a little more time in Double-A and Triple-A, but we’re very high,” Wilpon said.

Those pitchers could be key components by the time the Mets open their new stadium — Citi Field — in 2009.

“From the economics of it, you want to get off to a good start in a new stadium,” Wilpon said. “We’re on time and on budget at the moment, and we’re proceeding very well.”

Notes Mets manager Willie Randolph said he does not intend to pick a captain for the season. When pressed, he said he might choose Glavine if forced to pick one. “He knows how to lead,” Randolph said.

By yars

February 18, 2007 09:43 AM | Link to this

I think that Kelly Johnson is the favorite for the 2B job at the moment because he is a better hitter than Martin Prado. If Prado were to somehow win the 2B job, he brings a good glove but not much offense. The Braves can’t afford to have a leadoff hitter who rarely gets on base. We can talk about Marcus Giles ‘06 all day long and his numbers, but that would be pointless. Atlanta doesn’t have many options for leadoff spot, unless Langerhans has a solid spring and they could possibly try him there and put KJ in the #8 hole. I think the Braves are more worried about KJ’s defense than his hitting.

By g

February 18, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

test

By Lew

February 18, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

MetroDude-Good morning. I think the time for Minaya to spend all that money was when there were actually pitchers available. If he had the money and didn’t spend it on Zito, or someone else who was out there, just WHO is he going to spend it on NOW? If he waits until the trade deadline to find someone from a non-contender, it may just be too late. I’m not sure Omar’s methods this year are making any sense to me.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves’ Daytona betting pool might be fixed _ Bobby Cox drew Tony Stewart….

Pretty funny stuff about Smoltz, LaRoche and Francoeur playing golf their best-ball in a 3-on-1 against Tiger, who still won 16 of 18 holes.

LaRoche forgot his clubs. Not kidding.

I’ll put it online a little later.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Good Morning Lew. Dont know who will be availbale then LEW, but we almost had Oswalt last year if the taxi accident didnt happen. Teams out of contention always dump payroll.

By Lew

February 18, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

MetroDude-Almost don’t count. We ALMOST had Wickman before last season. We see how THAT worked out. I don’t think the Mets have the luxury of waiting until the trade deadline to get pitching. Not trying to be contentious, Dude, but your pitching is way weak and I don’t think your offense can compensate until the deadline. The Braves found out the hard way last year about the ramifications of starting a season with such a glaring weakness. You also notice that JS did NOT make the same mistake twice. I’m willing to bet that Omar won’t, either-next year.

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Rosenthal at Fox writes: If the Braves stay healthy, they could have pitching to trade at the end of spring training. Right-handers Oscar Villareal and Lance Cormier, both of whom were acquired from the Diamondbacks for catcher Johnny Estrada before last season, would be among the leading candidates to be dealt. The Dodgers could use a middle-inning reliever such as Villareal, while the A’s could pursue Cormier as a replacement for righty swingman Kirk Saarloos, whom they traded to the Reds.

I really can’t see us unloading either of these guys, given our lack of depth at starting pitcher. I could see us trading Paronto, Yates, Moylan, Stockman - someone from that group in a minor deal - depending on how things shake out in spring.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 18, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Yes, they would have pitching to trade and it would be a seller’s market.

By braveheart

February 18, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

LaRoche forgot his clubs. Not kidding.

love rochie but would you expect any different out of him? every once in a while, he would forget to cover first base from what i recall. has he stopped taking his meds? just kidding. rochie sounds just like me. you got to love the guy. i will go hiking with a backpack filled with macgyver materials but then forget to bring proper hiking clothes or boots or forget to bring the keys to my cabin. so you got to love rochie.

By ncscoots

February 18, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Always a good idea to get your facts straight prior to putting something in print for all to see. Prado is a career .300 hitter in the minors, hit .262 in about 40 ML AB. Johnson has hit .241 in about 300 ML AB. KJ probably IS the better hitter, but to say Prado would bring “a good glove but not much offense” is ludicrous on the face of it. Whether either one can produce the necessary offensive and defensive skills is still open to debate, IMO, but, at this point, there’s certainly no reason to automatically disqualify Prado from starting at 2B.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Come on Lew, the diffrence is Minaya can actually offer players and cash to fill a viod, not just players. Besides, the METS lead will be so big, other clubs will want to trade their 1st born for just 1 of our many spark plugs.

By KC

February 18, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

MBATL: What lack of depth at starting pitcher? We’re strong 1-4. How strong depends on how long it takes Hampton to round into form and whether or not Hudson bounces right back from last year’s disastrous season… but we’re just fine 1-4, and we have 3 or 4 candidates for the 5th starting job.

What lack of depth?

By KC

February 18, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Lew: Your 11am post nailed it! There are definitely similarities between the Braves’ bullpen heading into last season and the Mets rotation heading into this season.

Now… the Mets rotation this year won’t be as bad as the Braves bullpen was for most of last season, but it does appear to be a glaring weakness nonetheless.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Lew dont sleep on the METS bad news bears pitching staff. Just like the fans all over in METsNation, we feel good about the young arms vying to prove themselves. All I can say is I will see you guys on the 6th and 7th of April at the TED. Metropolitan Man will be in full effect and look for the Metropolitan Mets Jersey and please dont be afraid to say hey. Get your voices ready becasue Turner will be Shea # 2 for at least 3 days.

By KC

February 18, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Metro Man: Actually… the biggest difference is that a top-quality starting pitcher is the hardest thing in baseball to come by. It’s not easy to fix a bullpen mid-way through the season, and even harder to fix a rotation.

Don’t forget, you guys were in the exact same situation last year… money in your pockets, looking for a frontline starter at the deadline. There were none to be found. Maybe it’ll be different this season. Maybe you’ll find one at the deadline this year… but that’s an awfully big gamble.

By KC

February 18, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Metro Man: I’m pretty confident that most of the stuff you’ve been saying in this blog recently is wrong… but to very candid, I’m not nearly as confident that you’re incorrect in this statement: “Turner will be Shea # 2 for at least 3 days”

I sincerely hope you’re wrong about that. I sure have been embarrassed as a Braves fan in recent years to see Cubs, Cardinals, and especially Mets fans making so much noise in our house.

I’m hoping that it’ll be different this year… at least against the Mets.

You see, in years past, this was a one-sided rivalry. You guys hated us, but we didn’t hate you… no reason to. You’d never beaten us.

Now, I think this rivalry will be in full swing, and I certainly hope Braves fans will sell out the Ted for this opening series.

One thing’s for sure… I’ll be there.

By The Grinch

February 18, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

MetroMan, you mean the Ted will be dirty, smelly, broken down and have all the cars stolen out of the lot by the 7th inning stretch? :-)

By Robert

February 18, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

“How can you even think that Leyland’s 97 Marlins were less talented than any other team in the playoffs?”

The 97 Marlins were a very good team.

Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Neagle, Jones, Jones, McGriff, Lofton, Lopez, Klesko vs. Brown, Leiter, Hernadez, Sheffield, Conine, Alou, White, Bonilla

come on now - Yes the 97 Marlins were bought. But which of those lists do you think will have more HOFers when it’s all said and done?

The 97 Braves were better, player-wise, than the 97 Marlins. The talent discrepancy showed up as a 9 game gap in the regular season standings

The managerial gap asserted itself in the postseason, when the Marlins took the Braves down, on the strength of one great pitcher, and a bunch of guys who whined about a strike zone instead of adjusting to it

By Lew

February 18, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-I’m not putting you or the Mets down-far from it. But you keep talking about all the money Minaya has to spend. Why hasn’t he spent it when he actually had some control over the situation? Waiting until the trade deadline, when you have the cash is foolhardy at best. The Mets staff is MUCH weaker this year. Your bullpen is weaker. With all of this supposed money the Mets have, you acquired a 40 year old, often injured outfielder to replace a younger often injured outfielder. You resigned a mediocre second baseman. You signed reject pitchers by the handful (including one who the Mets saw fail miserably with the Braves last year). You picked up another ancient retread in Ruben Sierra. Your best pitcher, Pedro, is MAYBE going to be back halfway through the season and MAYBE will be effective (don’t count on his early return or effectiveness-he had more than one injury). You have lost several pieces from your bullpen and are counting on a bunch of kids with no track record, from a farm system that never really seems to shine. I very much appreciate your optimism, Dude. I really do. One certainly must support one’s team-no doubt. But you have to also realize that the Braves weaknesses from last year have been addressed. The Phillies have gone to great lengths to improve their pitching weaknesses, also (though I really don’t think they can be effective in that ballpark and are weak in middle relief and maybe at closer, too). I’m certainly not counting the Mets out of the equation, as they DO have a potent offense, but they are not as strong as last year and their competition has more addressed their needs than the Mets have addressed theirs. You keep talking about having a lot of mediocre pitching. Dude, that statement doesn’t even survive the laugh test. I refer you to last years’ Braves pitching. The Mets will not win the East this year, but MAY make it closer than they usually do (last year excepted). Sorry Metro Dude. You’re an all right Dude, especially for a Mets fan, but you are somewhat blinded by your team loyalty (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

By Robert

February 18, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

“I think the Braves’ Daytona betting pool might be fixed _ Bobby Cox drew Tony Stewart”

Come on now DOB. I think it’s just further proof the man;s a genius

“Mr Cox and company get credit from those who have had to walk the walk because they know the near impossibility of what has been accomplished by these guys over this span of seasons”

To have so many consistantly healthy HOF-caliber stars and to still lose so many playoff series to so many lesser teams in so many different but embarassing ways IS nigh unto impossible. Congratulations Bobby

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

KC, I don’t think starting depth is a crisis - just don’t feel like we’re in a position to trade it away right now. I was glad to read that Cormier has options; so if Davies wins the spot, I’d keep him at Richmond (or in relief with the big club) for the inevitable rainy day.

I’m glad to hear that Harrison shows promise, but I really don’t want to count on him at 21 years old (hey, if he’s ready, great, just don’t want to rush him). Lerew really struggled at AAA. I can’t see where Buddy Carlyle is a real option, but of course I’m not in Florida watching him throw. His history doesn’t suggest a lot of optimism.

And Villarreal is too valuable as a mid-reliever (we’ve got a lot of 1-inning guys in the ‘pen) to do more than spot starting.

To me, the entire minor league system is long on relievers and short on starters (until you get way down the system). So I’m hesitant to dump anyone with any kind of proven starting ability.

Some say Soriano might start someday, which would seem to make sense, but it’s not likely to happen this year.

If Cormier is part of a deal that really has an impact - a leadoff type for the longterm, sure, but I kinda doubt that.

And of course, 6 weeks of spring training could change everything.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 01:17 PM | Link to this

KC and LEW, this rivalry this year will be the best. You say the braves fans didnt hate the METS becasue you always beat us??? I beg to differ. You guys would beat us and the walk back my your car was the longest and most embarrassing because the braves faithful rubbed it in from the time you guys got the lead until I was on I-20 htting Panola road. The NL east will be the beast again becasue at least 3 teams will be in it. However after checking the schedule, you guys have the entire NL east to deal with in the 1st month. A slow start this year and you may never recover. Oh, how is Larryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy’s toe holding up???

By KC

February 18, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this

MBATL: I would certianly agree right now. But if everyone, including Davies (of course, he’ll have to win a job first) performs well, then we’ve probably got the depth to allow us to trade either (but not both) Villarreal or Cormier.

There’s no way I’d trade either guy for the kind of return they’d be likely to bring at the moment. But in 4 or 5 months from now… we’ll see.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah Lew like I said before Oswalt would have been had if not for the accident. That casued Minaya to go another route and keep our stellar bullpen together and puilled the deal with the Pirates. Now me being a follower of the game know that at the just befor the All Star breka there is always a guy to be had from a team out of contention. The yanks stole Abreau from the Phils, Beltran to Houston a few years ago and those are just off recent memory. I thank you for your recognition as a METS fans as I respect you guys for loving those braves. That maybe the only thing we have in common, but baseball is our common ground. Now if the METS runaway with the division this year, will you guys wear a METS hat for me at next years METS thrashing of the braves?????

By KC

February 18, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this

Metro Man: You will have some more long walks back to your car this season at the Ted as well. =)

By ernesto

February 18, 2007 01:28 PM | Link to this

“Besides, the METS lead will be so big, other clubs will want to trade their 1st born for just 1 of our many spark plugs.”

Ahh, the genius that is the Metroman.

By ernesto

February 18, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this

There’s on silver lining to mouthbreathing Met’s fans filling the Ted, those Larryyyyyy chants sure do seem effective. Maybe he’ll name his next kid Shea 2.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this

My bad, you guys play 21 games against the NL east in the 1st month and the METS play 20. The 1st month of baseball has me all giddy. We get to make a statement to the division that it would be best to move to another league or division as long as Randolph and Minaya are running the NEW NEW YORK METS!

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this

Grinch, regarding your 12:20 p.m. post: Don’t forget the row of hideous auto chop-shops that must be built on the street beyond right field, like in Flushing….

Lew, I could see them trading Cormier, but agree with you that seems unlikely they’d trade Villarreal. Bobby a couple days ago on Oscar: “Pretty damn important, to me.”

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 01:38 PM | Link to this

By the way, speaking of bullpen jobs: I’m not counting on Sturtze to be ready quite as soon as maybe Braves were expecting. They said they hoped for May when they got him, but I talked to him today and Sturtze sounded as if that might be a bit ambitious. He’s been down here since January, throwing lightly, playing catch, that kind of thing. But he said he’s a “long way” from thinking about actually pitching.

By KC

February 18, 2007 01:38 PM | Link to this

“just befor the All Star breka there is always a guy to be had from a team out of contention.”

True. But rarely is that guy a top-tier starter.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 01:43 PM | Link to this

You are a little right Ernesto. I was at a game shouting Larry may times and I knoe it motivated him becasue he hit a few bomds and hits. However, other times he swung and missed so hard that I think LARRYYYYYYYYYY was ringing in his helmet on that long trip back to the dugout. It fires him up, but at the same time p** him off. I just love it when he goes to places like Arizona, Pitssburgh, Fla, ect and you can always find 1 drunk home fan shouting Larryyyyyyyyyyyyy! Just priceless.

By KC

February 18, 2007 01:44 PM | Link to this

“The 1st month of baseball has me all giddy. We get to make a statement to the division that it would be best to move to another league or division as long as Randolph and Minaya are running the NEW NEW YORK METS!”

Wow.

Metroman… answer me honestly: is this bravado, or do you really believe the stuff you write???

I think it’s a golden opportunity for the Braves, especially since they are not being taken anywhere near as seriously as they should be. I’m not sure teams like the Phils and Mets are going to be as revved up as they should be for these early series against Atlanta. There’s a big opportunity for a statement to be made… by the Braves.

The Mets also hope to make a statement early on… something to the effect of “really guys, we can win without a starting rotation!”

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 01:50 PM | Link to this

Robert - Get help !! The thing I like best about the braves post over football is they for the most part don’t attract as much bs.Your obsession with Mr Cox couldn’t be healthy and it certainly gets old quick.So for your sake get treatment and come back when you get better.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 01:51 PM | Link to this

Long time DOB, I know 2 chop shops. 1 where the METS chopped the braves divison streak last year and that stupid Tomahwk Chop that couldn’t scare a third world coward. I cant wait to get to the TED and park my car at somebody house for 15 bucks. Then walk to the park and get harrassed by panhandlers. Then pay 4$ for bottled water. Lets hope the police are ready for opening day this year and we actully make it to the park by 1st pitch. And finally because my car was stolen from the TED, I will now take MARTA and get robbed, good day! Ahh wait, the Marta train never showed up.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 01:57 PM | Link to this

This is real KC, I’m fired up for this season. I’ll put it like this, the braves can win 14 WS titles and still recieve no love from me. I will respect any team that is that good but will still dislike them. The braves made this game more fun by being as successful as they WERE. Now its great to be taken serious becuase I know the pain and joy of being a METS fan. So last year was the braves 1st year to realize, dam turn the lights out Irene, the window to the postseason has closed until further notice.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

All the talk of Hampton being a key to the season makes me wonder how sound this thinking is.When was the last time he had a complete season of production? Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t it prior to his mile high debacle.So we have a 30 something pitcher that hasn’t been reliable in a decade coming off major surgery!! so sorry if I’m a bit sceptical.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this

And this is why METS fans arent worried or panicing:

The Mets are cognizant of making good financial decisions, and equally important is holding on to young (i.e. inexpensive) talent. With first-round draft picks such as Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey, combined with international signings for budding offensive stars Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez, the Mets have added depth to their system.

“That’s where I think Omar and his staff have done so brilliantly,” Wilpon said. “They have a very competitive team this year and they believe and I believe that it’s more competitive than some will give us credit for in the pitching area. But we haven’t given up any of our young arms, or very few of them. And we have stocked young arms.

“We’re concerned about this year, but we’re also concerned about mid-term, which is the next few years, and long-term.”

As for the skeletons in the closet, such as trading away Scott Kazmir, Wilpon now has a sense of humor about it. He joked, “Is he still pitching?”

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this

Before we get too giddy (the word of the day, I guess) about the Mets’ rotation, I really think they’ll pull a trade before opening day.

They’ll put together a package of Humber/Pelfrey, Chavez/Milledge, and have even apparently talked about including Heilman (which I don’t quite understand). That’s a pretty strong group; I could still see FL giving up Willis (or some other team dealing a good starter), for a deal like that.

I predicted a long time ago that Willis would be in a Met uni this year, and still believe it. Florida needs a CF and bullpen help, and with their core of young starters, and Willis’ salary, I think they’ll dump him.

I’m not a Mets’ fan - just talking baseball - but I don’t believe we’re seeing the Mets’ final rotation yet.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 02:18 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan man - Why drag the third world into this? And what does that mean’third world coward’? Sorry if I misread the point but it sounds like something Dennis Miller ( the only man I’ve seen run like a little girl from a frying pan blaze up) would say.PS - nothing is more p*** than picking on the weak!!

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 02:21 PM | Link to this

MBATL, forget Willis, Johan Santana is on the radar.. He will persue him like he did Pedro and Beltran. Then by that time you are looking at Santana being the vet anchoring a group of young studs. Sounds good to me.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 02:24 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, save that PC crap for PETA and those other gropups. This is baseball MAN! Show me a third world coward and I will apologize.

By braveheart

February 18, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this

rivalry? what rivalry? paraphrasing yogi berra’s conversation with jeter one year before they played the bosox, “Rivalry? What rivalry? We always beat these guys!” There is no rivalry between the mets and the braves. The mets are just a bunch of jealous little brothers playing on the junior varsity envious of their better looking, studly older brother who plays on the varsity and dates the best looking cheerleader. the mets are so pathetic that their best pitcher is some old broad (glavine) that they had to overpay to sleep with after their older brother treated her like leftovers.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this

I got your stile metropuss,end of story.

By Lew

February 18, 2007 02:42 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-I don’t doubt that the Mets were going for Oswalt. Had they gotten him they may just have gone to the Series. I’m not sure about your point of the Cab accident, because that only intensified your need for quality pitching. However, my point was that it didn’t happen, anymore than the Braves picking up Wicky prior to the season (or any other closer we went for like Hoffman). We saw what happened to the Braves with their pre season failure to address their problems. Sure the Mets may pick up someone phenomenal at the trade deadline. I just don’t think they can afford to wait that long, anymore than the Braves wait availed them last season. We were shot to hell by the end of June- a full month before the deadline. The same could very well happen to the Mets. Your starting pitching is damn near as bad as our bullpen was. You can’t afford any injuries to your starters and at least two of them are in their 40’s, which raises the chance of injury substantially. I truly believe, all question marks aside, that the Braves have the best pitching in the east-hands down. The Phillies have just as powerful a lineup as the Mets do, as well. Not only will you not run away with anything, I’m not so sure you can even keep up with either team. You speak of your young pitchers. Good luck with them. Your farm system is seriously lacking. It has supplied you with exactly two starters at positions-Wright and Reyes, whereas the Braves system has led to 7 of 8 starters (at least when Langerhans starts-6 of 8 otherwise) being from our farm. I really wouldn’t count on the quality of your kids. Your farm system sure hasn’t provided you with much of anything to this point. As far as a trade, you have no one you can spare. Do you seriously believe another team is going to give up a top line starter (which is what you need, if not TWO of them) without you giving up something of significance? Just because you can afford to pay whoever you trade for, doesn’t necessarily mean you have anything to trade FOR them. Tell me who you have in mind for trade bait. I’m really interested.

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 02:47 PM | Link to this

As a Braves fan, I’m very encouraged by that strategy, Metro Man.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 02:47 PM | Link to this

Well it looks like my METS touting has once again irked some nerves. You brave fans have a great day and try to have the TED ready by opening day. Wish you guys luck…….in the wild card race. LETS GO METS.

Oh, what ATL genius came up with ” GO FALCONS, AND TAKE THE BRAVES WITH YOU?” Now that is right on the money. You have 2 guys that wear number 7 for these franchises, and both are clueless.

By Robert

February 18, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this

“dam turn the lights out Irene, the window to the postseason has closed until further notice.”

Cox will catch on - about three years late. Til then, he’ll drool on his shoes

By Lew

February 18, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

DOB-I think it was KC that mentioned trading Cormier, but I wholeheartedly agree with you-Villarreal ain’t going nowhere. MetroDude-sorry about your car. There’s no excuse for that happening anywhere, much less at Turner Field. You might not be harrassed if you din’t wear Mets apparel. Be that as it may….As far as getting Dontrelle-don’t count on it. I will go on record yet agian-Johnson and Sanchez will be injured and spend considerable time on the DL. Mark it down-it will happen. They were way overused last year and they are already hurting. Besaides, if the Marlins dump either Dontrelle OR Cabrera, they are doomed. They are already hurting for attemdance. Getting rid of either of those two guarantees are significant drop of fan support. Besides, they already have kids-tons of them.

By Metropolitan Man

February 18, 2007 02:56 PM | Link to this

Well Lew just for starters, scroll up to MBATL post at 2:12. I do agree your pitchers look beautiful on paper, but being a METS fan I know that means squat. Out of your rotation Smoltz is the only reliable one. After readin what C. James said, he wont even be prepared for this season with his nonchalant attitude. Hampton and Hudson are toss ups and can land either way. LETS PLAY BALL>

By Lew

February 18, 2007 02:59 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-We’re not irked, just shocked you think the Mets are that good. We’ve kind of adopted you as our token Met fan. We certainly don’t want you wasting your optimism or living with radical delusions anymore than we would wish those conditions on any of our friends.

By Robert

February 18, 2007 03:00 PM | Link to this

This is from CBS Sportsline -

“http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10004190”

1. Can you say “Contract Drive?” All-world center fielder Andruw Jones, entering the final season of his six-year, $75 million deal, is said to have lost nearly 20 pounds during offseason conditioning. “He needed to,” third baseman Chipper Jones says. “We hope he has one of those patented walk years. We hope he goes out and impresses everybody this year — especially me, because he’s hitting behind me.”

And from http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10004216

“LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Behind the batting cage. Two springs ago. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez beckon Atlanta general manager John Schuerholz.

How in the world, they both demand, were you able to trade for a stud pitcher like Tim Hudson over the winter?

Not long after that. A newspaper article grabs Schuerholz’s attention. Kevin Millar is talking about some of the most dominant pitching performances he has ever seen, and he fingers a two-hitter Hudson tossed against Millar’s Boston club.

Looking back, either Jeter, A-Rod and Millar don’t know squat about pitching … or something is seriously off-kilter with a key, key member of Atlanta’s rotation”

Option 3 - Jeter and ARod are telling JS what his ego needs to hear. Kinda like voting Cox MOY - keeps Atlanta beatable

By MBATL

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

Actually, that was me that brought up the issue of trading Cormier or Villarreal. I agree with BC - Villarreal is real important to this staff. Cormier is no star, but until we feel comfortable that we have more than 5 starters, he has value. If one of the young guys proves capable, he might be worth throwing out as trade bait.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 03:05 PM | Link to this

daily weekday blogging resumes tomorrow, and i’ll also do at least one on most weekends during spring training. so it’ll be a six-days-a-week thing for the next six weeks.

By KC

February 18, 2007 03:21 PM | Link to this

Lew: I thought you weren’t going to be blogging for a while. I knew it was an empty threat. You can’t stay away! lol

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 18, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

Well, here we go again with the “what ifs”. But, if Hampton shows he is truly ready to pitch and Cormier, Villareal, Harrison, Stockman, Moylan, Davies, and Jonathan Johnson all have good springs then the Braves would most certainly be in the position to deal.

I don’t see them trading Villareal unless they got a deal that was too good to pass up. However, I could see either Paronto or Yates being included in a deal with Cormier and either Diaz or Langerhans. If Davies pitches well and takes command of the 5th spot then this will most certainly be a real possibility.

Now, I don’t see what the A’s could possibly give the Braves unless it is prospects. The Dodgers would more likely want Villareal more than Cormier. Of course, I wouldn’t take anything less than either Ethier or Looney for him and I just can’t see the Dodgers doing that with the way they seem to be holding on to prospects.

I know I’m going to get some rolling of the eyes, but whatever. If Dukes or Upton show promise, the Rays will listen to a deal for Baldelli. If the Braves could offer Escobar, Cormier, and Diaz I think the Rays just might bite on that deal. I could also see the Indians listening to a deal for Ryan Garko since Keith Foulke retired on Friday. They would need another arm for their bullpen. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Cardinals would listen to a deal for Chris Duncan. Especially if Isringhausen isn’t ready to go. That would force Adam Wainright back to the bullpen and leave a spot open in the rotation which Cormier could fill. Even the Angles could be interested in someone like Cormier if Bartolo Colon isn’t healthy. The Braves could look again at acquiring Chone Figgins or even just stockpiling a couple of good prospects like Erick Aybar.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

Assuming we all get our first look at Andruw tomorrow or Tuesday, I’ll let you guys know how much weight he’s actually lost. Right now, you’re seeing stories that are merely picking up the “20 pound” amount that was told to a few of us a couple weeks ago by some folks who’d seen Andruw.

No writer has actually asked Andruw himself _ not me, not AP, not Sportsline, etc. The only writer who’s even seen him in the past month is Mark Bowman, who ran into him at Turner Field. Bowman’s sitting here right now and I just asked him about it, and he said he didn’t notice any radical difference in Andruw.

Like I said, we’ll all know in a day or two, after he gets back from the All-Star Game (that’s where I’m told he is, in Vegas).

In the meantime, don’t get your hearts set on that 20-pound amount, then be disappointed if he says he actually only lost 5 pounds. I mean, as long as he’s in shape, it won’t matter anyway. But I just keep seeing this “20 pounds” in stories, and there’s really no evidence or comment from Andruw yet to indicate that’s the case.

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 03:25 PM | Link to this

Pulled this off another blog - guess it’s accurate:

Peter Gammons states that the Atlanta Braves are the leagues most improved team. “I was tempted to go with the Indians, but I want to say the Atlanta Braves. said Gammons. “You give Bobby Cox the option of ending games in the seventh inning with the acquistion of Gonzales, Soriano, and pair them Wickman. That’s something he’s never had, and I truly believe the NL East race is going to be very special.”

By MEB

February 18, 2007 03:26 PM | Link to this

It is very likely that Nicholas Cage is the biggest dork on the planet! His “Gentlemen… start your engines” was really weak.

Speaking of really weak… Metro Man… your arguemnets on behalf of the Mets are beyond weak.

By braveheart

February 18, 2007 03:27 PM | Link to this

question for all of you: if mike vick says this next summer about alge or his offensive linemen: “He needed to,” third baseman Chipper Jones says. “We hope he has one of those patented walk years. We hope he goes out and impresses everybody this year — especially me, because he’s hitting behind me.” Will everyone call Mike Vick selfish again for saying something like that? If so, then why would people not call Chipper selfish for saying that? the truth is that it is not a selfish - but people would jump all over vick for saying it

By Robert

February 18, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this

DOB - Ask Bobby about Abdruw. He’ll know (rolling my eyes)

By KC

February 18, 2007 03:31 PM | Link to this

Has anyone heard any word as to when regular season tickets will be going on sale?

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 03:32 PM | Link to this

Regarding the Mets, I’ve said all along I found it hard to believe they’d go into the season with that weak a rotation, considering how much money they’ve put into their lineup.

Hard to believe a team that finished one win shy of the World Series would go into a season with what they have now for a rotation. So if _ IF _ they make a big move for a very good starter, I’d have to revise my NL East pick and put them ahead of Braves. Again, if.

ODDJOB, you said Hampton hasn’t been reliable in a decade.

Not to pick nits, but he went 15-10 with a 3.14 ERA for the 2000 Mets, and was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two NLCS starts that year to win series MVP.

By KC

February 18, 2007 03:34 PM | Link to this

Robert: WHY? WHY do you persist will all the Bobby Cox sh$t when you know everyone here is sick as hell of hearing you rant. Why? Try having an intelligent conversation about something else for once.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 03:35 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, he also went 14-8 with a 3.84 ERA in 31 starts (190 innings) for the 2003 Braves. Maybe you just meant he hasn’t been reliable on a year-in, year-out over an entire span of the past six seasons.

I mean, he led the NL in wins (22-4) in 1999. That wasn’t even a decade ago.

By TennesseePaul

February 18, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this

ncscoots: Kelly Johnson was the better overall hitter in the minors
AVG/OBP/SLG HR R RBI
.281/.366/.464 72 274

Martin Prado hit for a higher average, but that’s about it.
AVG/OBP/SLG HR R RBI
.296/.348/.386 11 144

Johnson was killing the ball last season when he came back from surgery. Absolutely destroying it.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

David o’ Hampton had good stats in 2003 and I havn’t checked my facts but didn’t he have most of his success that year in the second half? But even so 14 wins 3.84 era four years back isn’t what I would want to put my hopes on.

By KC

February 18, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

If the Mets got another top-tier starter, it would certainly tighten the NL East race. Not that I think the Mets are going to fall way behind the Braves as it is, because I don’t… but I think the addition of another top-tier starter now would put Atlanta and NY in a dead heat heading into the season. The difference-maker then (one way or the other) would be what the Braves get out of Hampton and Hudson.

Right now, I don’t think the Braves necessarily have to get great seasons from both of those guys to win the division. A solid season from Hudson (an ERA under 4.00) and a solid 2nd half from Hampton ought to do it. But if the Mets were able to swing a deal for a frontline starter in the next month or so (which I think is highly unlikely), then Atlanta would need either Hampton or Hudson (most likely the latter) to step up in a big way.

If Hudson reminds us more of the Huddy of a few years ago than the Hudson of 2006, and Hampton has a strong second half (can’t expect too much from him early on)… I don’t think it would matter (within reason) what arm the Mets acquire.

Having said that, if the Mets swung a deal for top-of-rotation starter tomorrow, I certainly couldn’t fault anyone for picking the Mets again this year. But again… it is in all probability, a moot point. The odds of the Mets significantly bolstering their rotation anytime soon are very slim.

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 03:58 PM | Link to this

Hampton:

Post-allstar break 2004: 9-1, 3.13 era

Pre-allstar break 2005: 4-1, 1.83 era

Mid year 2005 is when the trouble came, and he’s done nothing since. But when he was healthy, he was absolutely a plus pitcher.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 03:58 PM | Link to this

Point taken on Hampton I’ll check my facts better from now on.Every time I try to open another page this one closes,I don’t have that problem with other sites so it must be something in the ajc configuration.Still I should know what I’m talking about and will make the effort. I hope Hampton wins 25 but I can’t say I’d put money on him.

By KC

February 18, 2007 04:00 PM | Link to this

Oddjob:

When Mike Hampton came here, his head and his mechanics were totally screwed from pitching in Colorado. It took him a half a season to get things ironed out.

But since the all-star break of his first season in Atlanta (2003) until he went on the DL in 2005… Mike Hampton went 26-13 with a 3.44 ERA. When Hampton went on the DL, the dude was coming off a stretch that saw him go 15-2 with a 2.62 ERA.

Sounds pretty damned reliable to me.

By Lew

February 18, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

KC-It wasn’t a matter of not blogging. I was on my way to Orlando. I’ve had flights cancelled on Wed., Thurs. and Friday and now I come to find out tomorrow’s flight is probably toast. I’m not going to get to Florida this spring. It’s a drag-I was looking forward to seeing my son and daughter-in-law, who I see way too infrequently. I was also looking forward to the warmer weather and to meeting some friends, both old and new and getting artwork signed. BTW-This does not effect Ten Paul’s, Scrbe’s or BB Fan’s promised artwork. It just won’t arrive signed, but that was a possibility, anyway. The Wurlitzer will have to be mailed to DOB after the Braves head back to Atlanta. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out like we want. The humanity!

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

OddJob (great character in Bond films, by the way), I was merely pointing out that he’s been good a lot more recently than a decade ago. Very good.

Hey, I’m not sold on him winning 15 games or pitching 200 innnings. I do, however, believe he’s very capable of winning 12 and making 30 starts. And this bullpen should help him more than anyone, potentially. Bobby has no reason to push him beyond what he’s comfortable doing, even if it’s going 5 innings or so for a while.

By braveheart

February 18, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

the braves are 43-29 when hampton takes the mound as a starter since he got here. that does not mean anything really for this year but it shows that the braves win almost 60% of the time hampton goes out there. so, he has been pretty reliable by winning the game himself or by keeping his team in the game

By KC

February 18, 2007 04:05 PM | Link to this

Oddjob: “I hope Hampton wins 25 but I can’t say I’d put money on him.”

Agreed. Of course we can’t expect too much out of him this year in terms of season totals. It’s going to be a process as it is for any pitcher returning from TJ surgery. I will be very happy if he has a solid 2nd half (which I would define as an ERA of under 4.00), and is in top form when October rolls around.

In my book, the onus is on Tim Hudson to give this rotation a lift, particularly in the first half of the season.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this

Think about how many candidates the Braves have for just two spots in bullpen (assuming the big three guys, plus Macay and Villarreal, are all healthy and taking up five spots): You’ve got Boyer, Moylan, Yates, Paronto, Stockman, Cormier (if not in rotation), and other possibilities including Jonathan Johnson (out of options).

gonna be interesting. I’d say Cormier would be most likely to be traded, but fact that he’s not out of options makes me think Braves wouldn’t mind at all having him at Richmond ready to bring up if needed (this assuming Davies nails down No. 5 job this spring, but if not, then Davies could be the one at Richmond ready to bring up).

It’s gonna be interesting, for sure. Yates is out of options, so he either has be on team, be traded, or be exposed to waivers.

By TennesseePaul

February 18, 2007 04:11 PM | Link to this

The odds of the Mets significantly bolstering their rotation anytime soon are very slim.

This is true. The Mets could have one of those young guys step in and become amazing. But that’s the only way it would happen. No body is trading a starter, a top of the line starter, before the first game of Spring Training. On top of that, everyone can see what position the Mets are in so they could ask for quite a bit more than the guy is worth. If the trade is to go down at the deadline, they could really stick it to them. I don’t think Johana is going to be traded… I bet he’ll be resigned by the Twins. Willis seems like the more possible trade bait now that Miguel won arbitration.

By KC

February 18, 2007 04:12 PM | Link to this

DOB: I think Mike Hampton could very well win 15 games this year. However, that’s not necessarily saying all that much with this bullpen and offense. With a similar advantage in terms of bullpen and run support, Steve Trachsel won 15 games with an ERA of around 5.00 last year. I don’t think 15 wins would be an amazing feat for any Braves starter this year if they make a full 30-plus starts.

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 04:13 PM | Link to this

braveheart, I’ve noticed that Chipper is pretty candid with his comments. I guess that comes with age and stature. He said something like “I hope Hudson was hurt last year”, basically saying that he (Hudson) stunk last year; he also said about AJ losing weight: “he needed to.” And the comments you referenced too.

I doubt it’s a big deal, but he does come off kind of harsh about his teammates. Who knows, maybe that’s the “leadership” we’ve been hearing about!

By Lew

February 18, 2007 04:14 PM | Link to this

DOB-I agree-The bullpen is going to make all the difference in the world to the starting rotation. THAT is why I think we have the best pitching in the division. Most of the problems with last year’s staff revolved around the lousy bullpen. People question the 6 inning thing, but it is bona fide and should take care of Hampton’s stamina and Hudson’s as well. If anyone remembers, Hudson was usually great or at least fine for 52/3 IP. With some back up, if he can go another inning this year, he’s going to be exceptional. I’m really not concerned at all. Injuries would be the only thing to derail us this season and hopefully all our bad luck in that department took place in 06.

By KC

February 18, 2007 04:14 PM | Link to this

Lew: Thought about Amtrak?

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 04:15 PM | Link to this

KC, good stuff. I should say, I’m not at all saying I don’t think Hampton’s limited to 12 wins or whatever. I’m just saying I want to see how he holds up this spring, how sharp he looks, etc, before deciding. But long as he’s healthy enough to be in the rotation, I think he’ll win 12 just on competitiveness and whatever stuff he has. He’s not just a run-of-the-mill veteran, folks. This is a guy who was one of the best pitchers in baseball for several years. He’s a special guy mentally, very tough, smart, crafty, all that.

By Metropoitan Man

February 18, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

To tell you the truth, I would rather win the wild card and go to the series like in 2000, but if the METS dont win the division this year, everyone will think 2006 was a fluke. The pressure is there for the METS, the braves have none. So with that said, the pressure will be the motivation that puts the METS over the braves. Heck the last month of last season was the only pressure the braves faced in 15 years. They were scrambling for respectibilty from the baseball world and came up under .500.

By braveheart

February 18, 2007 04:21 PM | Link to this

nah, i don’t think chipper’s remarks are a big deal at all. chipper is just not the politically correct sort when he does decide to speak his mind. no biggie. just think that people would flip out on vick if he said some similar things.

By ssiscribe

February 18, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

Lew, man that bites about you not getting to camp. No worries on the artwork; you being gracious enough to send me one is plenty enough, signed or not. I look forward to seeing it and proudly displaying it.

Now, bullpen: I think, all things being equal, Paronto has the inside track at spot No. 6 because of his ability to get ground balls. The final spot is going to be quite a chase. If Boyer is all the way healthy, I’d love to take him north. His stuff was electric in 2005, before he got hurt. Love his emotion and fire, too.

Yates is out of options? That stinks. I love his stuff, too. Don’t think he’d clear waivers, though.

—30—

By MBATL

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

Man, I’d hate to lose Yates. I think he’s got great stuff. But he seems like kinda the odd man out. I hope he’s strong in ST and pushes some guys with options down to the minors. Otherwise, we almost have to trade him.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

MetroMan, agree with you on wild card vs. division champion. I think almost any team is better off winning the wild card for postseason purposes, simply because they’re pushed to the end.

Of course if the division race comes down to the wire, then it’s same thing anyway. But seemed like more often than not, Braves clinched division way before end of September and couldn’t snap out of cruise control when they needed to.

As I’ve said, I think that’s where Bobby’s even-keel approach, which serves them so beautifully over 162 games, has worked against them in the postseason at times.

Gotta be able to turn it up, play your game but come with the intensity the playoffs demand.

By braveheart

February 18, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

metro man, the braves did not come up short in the last month. the braves came up short with their june swoon. as DOB pointed out on 680, if the Braves played merely .500 or so ball that month, it would have been a far different season. BTW, 2006 was a fluke for the mets. if the braves had a better june and a better overall record than 27-47 with the starters not named smoltz, hudson, and james (52-36 with those 3), the braves would have been right there with the mets and we all know that if the braves are right there with the mets, the mets will wet the bed just like they have done every other time they tried to pretend they could hang with the braves. reyes, wright, beltran, and delgado do not a rotation, team, or dynasty make.

By Lew

February 18, 2007 04:32 PM | Link to this

KC-I just don’t have the time to take a train. It’s a real drag. This is usually my annual trip. In the past 23 years, this will be the second time I missed Spring Training. Oh well, that’s what happens when you get close to 3 feet of snow. Life does NOT just go on. I feel a bit bad for Jet Blue. They really are one of the best, if not THE best airline. I have fears this may put them out of business and it really wasn’t their fault. JFK Airport is only allowing them two runways and they have a multiplying problem with four days of cancellations. Fate is rarely fair, but is usually unavoidable. The DRays are playing a series with the Rangers at Disney this season and my son tells me he may be able to get some decent seats. Maybe I’ll go down there later. At least I have a place to stay. I pay the mortgage, so I always have a room. I’m also going to see the Rays play the Royals in KC (no pun, of course) later this summer. How’s that for being a fan?

By Metropoitan Man

February 18, 2007 04:41 PM | Link to this

braveheart: All I can remember is the METS won 11 out of the 18 games played with a Turner sweep to boot. June was bad but you still couldnt beat the METS or PHILS when you had to during the wild card aspirations.

By TennesseePaul

February 18, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

Bummer about the trip Lew. This Global Warming business is really throwing everything up in the air. Thank you for the art work. I’ve spread the word about the web page. Hopefully it’ll bring more visitors and business your way.

One of the big points about Hampton coming back is getting his bat back in the line up. Sosa did an OK job last year. He cranked a few out, but Hampton is the real force. DOB, has Hampton been hitting? How’s that looking? Think he’ll be able to knock a few more homers this year?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 18, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this

I actually liked Chipper’s frankness. For someone who has somewhat side stepped the leaderhship role in the past it is refreshing that he is beginning to take on the leadership role. The things he said are the things that a team leader would say. On the surface his comments might seem to be very inflamatory but the reality is that they are needed. If you ever listen to the likes of a Tom Brady, Tim Duncan, Carson Palmer, or Derek Jeter you will hear similar comments made when it is warranted.

By Head Coach

February 18, 2007 05:29 PM | Link to this

Let’s see if I got this right. An overstocked bullpen , a questionable rotation and ton’s of talent in the minors. Sounds like a recipe for a trade. Metroman , you have yourself convinced that the Mets starters are OK. The rest of us know your rotation is in deep trouble.

By KC

February 18, 2007 05:41 PM | Link to this

Metroman: “To tell you the truth, I would rather win the wild card and go to the series like in 2000, but if the METS dont win the division this year, everyone will think 2006 was a fluke. The pressure is there for the METS, the braves have none. So with that said, the pressure will be the motivation that puts the METS over the braves.”

LOL!!

That’s not just internet lingo… I lieterally laughed out loud.

Lew: Sorry about your FLA trip man. Bummer.

Our luck in the injury proneness department should get better by virtue of the fact that our two most injury prone pitchers from last 2-3 years, John Thompson and Horacio Ramirez, are now gone.

By Lew

February 18, 2007 05:42 PM | Link to this

Head Coach-Good point about a trade, but since Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton and James are pretty much locked in, I’m not real sure they would trade for a starter. Maybe something to shore up left field and/or leadoff. Maybe for some good minor league pitching talent for when Smoltz retires and Hampton’s contract runs out. Another reason to doubt trading for starting pitching is the seeming readiness of Matt Harrison in the very near future.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 05:53 PM | Link to this

I’m a fairly positive person for the most part.So why am I so unsure about this rotation? Here is a summery,2006 stats Hudson 13/12 4.86 -Davies 3/7 8.38 - and James while promising is young and has extreme fly ball tendencies.Hampton coming off major surgery is an open question,Hudson went from over training to under to over and back to under,now he thinks he has it right.It seems to me that chronically pulling muscles and tiring late is more from diet,conditioning and short tight muscles than a pure strength thing.All this leads me to my main point of concern,I don’t have confidence in Roger mcdowell! with this work to do he admits to not seeing any pitcher sense the end of last season.He did say he talked on the phone a few times.After overseeing the worst (by a bunch)era in at least 16 years he takes a four month vacation! I would think a dedicated coach would have deferent priorities than four months in San Diego.So the glass is half full but I’m not sure the water is turned on.

By Mike

February 18, 2007 05:54 PM | Link to this

Robert, I agree with you, its nice to hear that chipper is a little ticked off at the lack of respect that he feels that the braves have gotten. when everything is said and done chipper jones is the best player the braves have and if they are to go anywhere they need their best player to say that his team is the best to inspire some of the younger players…i think hes fed up that he hasnt played more thank 110 games in the last year and he’s my early pick for the 2007 nl mvp

By Lew

February 18, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Hudson’s physique has to do with his injury problems. I t probably has something to do with his stamina. That is one skinny Dude. I seriously doubt he weighs more than 150 pounds soaking wet. Hopefully the weight training over the winter will help considerably. Keep in mind that despite his disappointing season, he still had a winning record for a sub .500 team. Much of his problem may now be minimized with a more effective bullpen. He may not have a CY Young season in this year’s future, but he should be better.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this

Mike I think the only concern with Chipper is a foot that can’t be repaired.A hammer toe is something you can’t condition and surgery they say would end his career.Chipper has been a leader for ten years or more and is always positive with young players.We just have to hope for the best,if he’s healthy he’s one of the most complete hitters in the game and any manager would want him in the locker room.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 06:20 PM | Link to this

I should have said Chipper has a bunion not a hammer toe, I think!

By KC

February 18, 2007 06:27 PM | Link to this

Oddjob: I think you were voicing perfectly rational concerns until you started talking about Chuck James’ “fly ball tendencies” and concerns about Roger McDowell.

Roger McDowell by all accounts has done a wonderful job. As DOB has pointed out, something like the year the Tim Hudson had cannot be pinned in any way on a pitching coach. He was a top-tier veteran, and those guys don’t ever get a lot of guidance from a pitching coach. Hudson knew exactly what was wrong and what had to be fixed… he simply couldn’t get it done.

McDowell did a great job bringing young guys like James, McBride, and Yates along as the season progressed.

As for James and his fly ball tendencies… give me a break. He keeps the ball off the fat part of the bat, and that’s what it all comes down to, whether it’s in the air or on the ground.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 06:30 PM | Link to this

Good question Lew - It’s true you can have too low fat in muscles.I’ve seen it in running backs,Charles White for one.He had ‘they say’ two or three percent body fat and was always cramping and pulling muscles.

By KC

February 18, 2007 06:36 PM | Link to this

Meant to say: “did a great job bringing along young guys…”

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 06:39 PM | Link to this

KC - I’ve said before I think James will be the second best starter (behind Smoltz) but yes his fly ball tendencies leave little room for error.And Mcdowell please !! if you think he has proved one damn thing as a coach we live on deferent planets.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 06:50 PM | Link to this

KC - ps there are always reasons (excuses) for not getting it done,in 15 years Mazzone never needed any.And as for Hudson he said his last season in Oakland was hampered by not enough off season work.Then in 2005 he said he was stronger and beleaved he was ready for the long season.And last year he went back to a lower work load and this year back to the weights,so I guess he’s an expert by now.

By KC

February 18, 2007 06:59 PM | Link to this

Oddjob: It takes a while to “prove” anything. If he had the pitching of years past under his charge, people would have said “anyone looks good with that pitching”. It will take some time before McDowell gets any sort of widespread recognition for his work, but people in and around the Braves’ organization have spoken very, very highly of Roger and the job he’s done.

You can say “yeah, of course they’re going to say that” and you’d be right. But there’s a difference between a conciliatory compliment, and a genuine one. Many of the good things that have been said about him were completely unsolicited. I believe that the Braves organization as a whole believes he has done a great job in this role so far. It’s silly to try to pin last year on McDowell (not that you are). I think we’ll see very different results this year from the pitching staff. The credit for that will and should belong to the pitchers, just as the blame for last year belonged to them. But for as much of a positive role as a pitching coach can play in the success of a pitching staff… I’m sure he will.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 07:06 PM | Link to this

KC- I take it back,by taking a four month vacation with a ton of work to do Mcdowell did show one thing, a lack of commitment to this team.

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 07:06 PM | Link to this

What a finish at Daytona!

By KC

February 18, 2007 07:10 PM | Link to this

Oddjob: Also, I think you’re selling Tim Hudson short. As I’ve pointed out many times… 2006 was the first and only poor season of Hudson’s career. In 2004 and 2005 he posted an excellent (or “very good” at the very least) ERA of about 3.50, despite playing hurt most of the season. That ERA placed him in the top 15% of all MLB starters both seasons. The same ERA would have placed him in the top 7% last year. It should also be noted that Hudson would have easily won at least 17 or 18 games in 2005 with even so much as an average bullpen behind him. So I’m not with those who say Tim Hudson’s been mediocre at best since coming here. No, he was mediocre at best last year, and it was the only season of his career that can be said of.

Also, a few months ago I was curious to see if there was any precedent for what just happened with Hudson… a healthy top-tier starter having a poor season in the middle of his prime for no apparent reason. So I decided to do a little checking around. I looked at all starters who had consistently finished in the top 10 in ERA (in either league) over the last 20 years, and what I found was quite heartening.

Numerous frontline pitchers experienced a weird season like that in their primes, including Roger Clemens, John Smoltz, Mike Musina (and it was back in his more dominant Baltimore days), Kevin Brown, and others.

I couldn’t find a single instance in which a healthy top-tier pitcher struggled for a season in his prime and didn’t bounce right back the next season. Seriously. No picking and choosing there… I really couldn’t find a singe instance of that.

Will he bounce back this year? We’ll just have to wait and see… but the odds are in the Braves favor. He’s still fairly young, still has the same stuff he had back in Oakland, he’s healthy, determined, and history is on his side. All signs point up, so while I’m not telling you to bet the rent money on him… don’t be afraid to let a little optimism creep in where he’s concerned.

What I’m trying to say is this: Your concerns about Hudson are perfectly legitimate, but if you haven’t already, you shouldn’t sell your Tim Hudson stock just yet.

By KC

February 18, 2007 07:13 PM | Link to this

Oddjob: Okay, yes I’m sure you’re right. Not only is Roger McDowell a lousy pitching coach, but he has not commitment to his team. I’m sure if you got any member of the Braves pitching staff behind closed doors, off the record… they would tell you exactly the same thing.

I’m sure that’s the case.

Somebody take that lousy bum out the barn and shoot him.

By Lew

February 18, 2007 07:18 PM | Link to this

Oddjob-The jury is out on McDowell’s long-term effectiveness, for sure, but you really have to have players to work with and I have the feeling that many of the Braves’ pitchers were not available this winter. For example, Yates lives in Hawaii. Also, some of the pitchers were in Winter Ball. Plus, you may not want all of your pitchers throwing all winter. I know some don’t begin their throwing routines til right before Spring Training. I could be wrong, but that might have something to do with the situation. Maybe it’s not as drastic as all that?

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 07:20 PM | Link to this

KC - Maybe Roger was just unlucky to have the WORST era in many many years but even if thats true he took a lazy four month vacation when his guys needed him.That is my view of it.And as for this year we’ll see.But your last posting seems to give Mazzone little if any credit for the most amazing run in baseball history 1st or 2nd in era what was it 12 strait seasons?

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 07:27 PM | Link to this

KC - Do you need somebody else to do your thinking? I think for myself and see what I see,A LAZY PITCHING COACH !!! I’m beginning to think you’re related to Mcdowell.

By JC FROM UT

February 18, 2007 07:41 PM | Link to this

DOB: Excuse my ignorance, but is Jonathon Johnson a starter or reliever? If he is a starter is there any chance he could claim the 5TH spot in the rotation? Also, I live ion the Philadelphia area and all the radio people, co-workers and such think Freddy Garcia is the next Cy Young award winner. How many HR do you think he will give up and how high of an ERA do you think he will have pitching in Citizen Bank Park?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 18, 2007 07:45 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, I think McDowell did a good job with the pitching staff considering what he had to work with most of the year. I think if you look at how much improved McBride, Yates, and Paronto was at the end of the year and not even to mention Cormier and Villareal it is quite obvious McDowell had a positive effect on the staff. Lets be honest shall we. Mazzone would have pulled the rest of his hair out if he had to work with that pitching group last season. Mazzone is the best pitching coach ever but he is not God. Look at the O’s staff last season, whom had infinite more talent, and tell me which one was better?

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 07:46 PM | Link to this

KC - This is my last posting on this subject ( for now )Your point of some pitchers not needing off season work is valid,but I’m looking at this in context of this off season.Look at all the issues,Hamptons recovery,James development,Hudsons training,and Davies many questions.If I’m a leader it seems to me I would choose to be close and on top of things.I wish you a good night and week.

By TennesseePaul

February 18, 2007 08:10 PM | Link to this

OddJob: Did Leo make house calls during the offseason for those 15 years? I never read anything of the sort. In fact, I’ve never heard of any pitching coach flying around the country and popping in on all the pitchers the team has; making them throw sessions on his portable mound. This “fourth months off” thing you are putting out there seems a little much.

By Bruce

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

Dave, Its really exciting to read that Lerew might have turned it around, wow that was quick too!

When you write…”The Braves’ No. 12 prospect and No. 4 pitching prospect, Lerew has a 93-95 mph fastball, excellent athleticism and a “ceiling” that is high.” What do you mean by high ceiling? That concept is over my head at the moment… thanks! Bruce

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 08:36 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul - I’m beginning to think you guys are paid by Mcdowell.This thinking started for me when I saw an article on one of the pitchers(if I remember which one I can die a happy man)in it Mcdowell stated that he wasn’t sure how the guy was doing as he lived in San Diego and hadn’t seen any of the pitchers sense the end of the season,this was at the end of january.As for what coaches do in off season I know Hubbard put in many hours with Johnson and Pendleton puts in work with hitters,as for Mazzone I don’t know where he spent his time but he did have off season workouts for some pitchers.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 09:16 PM | Link to this

JC, Johnson’s primarily a reliever, though he made three starts with Astros in 2003, the last season he pitched in the majors. I don’t think Braves are considering him for rotation, but frankly haven’t talked to anyone about him and his name hasn’t come up so far this spring. I’ll try to remember to ask tomorrow….

He’s a 32-year-old journeyman, 2-4 with 6.63 ERA in 42 games (four starts) in majors, born in LaGrange, Ga.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 09:28 PM | Link to this

Bruce, “ceiling” just refers to the guy’s upward potential, how good scouts or others feel he might become if he fulfills his potential….

OddJob, it’s not at all uncommon for a pitching coach _or manager, or hitting coach, etc _ to live far from the city where he works. Braves just happen to have had a lot of stability over the years, so most of their coaches have lived in the Atlanta area.

But in my years covering the Marlins, the manager and most coaches lived in other parts of the country during the offseason. And, say, Larry Rothschild, who was their pitching coach when they won the World Series, didn’t stay in South Florida and work with pitchers during the offseason.

McDowell has lived in Palm Springs a long time, has two little kids going to school out there, and probably didn’t want to uproot the whole family in his first year in a new job. I mean, what if new owners or a new manager wanted to clean house next year, then does McDowell just move the entire family again? Would you, if you didn’t have to?

Also, most teams also have players who scatter around the country and to other countries soon as the season ends. Braves happen to have a few bit pitchers who live nearby. So does he move to Atlanta because they have a lot of pitchers who live in Atlanta? Come on, man.

And Hampton did his rehab at home in Florida, not in Atlanta. The pitching coach doesn’t supervise rehab when the pitcher’s not even throwing. Hampton shut it down after instructional league, and Roger was at instructional league.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 09:39 PM | Link to this

And yes, Chipper has bunions on both feet, but no hammer toes. Jim Emonds had surgery for a hammer toe this offseason. Shaq had one, I believe.

By TennesseePaul

February 18, 2007 09:40 PM | Link to this

Hubbard and Pendelton live in Atlanta. McDowell lives in San Diego. I didn’t read anything about Pendelton working with Orr or Thorman. Those two live in Canada. Look, all I’m saying is, no team I’ve read of works their pitchers in the offseason. From what I’ve read, a pitcher can call his pitching coach if he likes. But just like any employee, a vacation is a vacation because you aren’t at work. I just think we shouldn’t jump on McDowell because he didn’t up root his family to move to Atlanta and then drag all the Braves pitchers away from their own families to begin off season pitching programs. If we have another season of crap from our pitchers, then I think there will be room for critism.

By ernesto

February 18, 2007 09:42 PM | Link to this

I think when you look at the Mets’ 1-8 line-up you see why theyre geeked up. That’s a pretty damn fine bunch of hitters there. And we have question marks a plent 1-8. But really is there any of a greater chance of Valentin playing back to his level and K.Johson playing to the level taht earned him player of hte week? Could Moises Alou’s age come into play at the same time Diaz or Langerhans catches fire? Is LaRoche leaving just making way for a new talent to bud? (Not, by a long shot, compraing Thorman to Pujols but the Cards ultimatley had to make room for a new bat). Anyway, the point is, i REALLY do understand why mets’ fans look at that line up and lick their lips, but at the endof th day, I’llt ake our guys over hteir guys.

By james

February 18, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

DOB, I read at braves.com that Matt Harrison was hit in the elbow during batting practice. Do you have any updates concerning athe situation?

By David O'Brien

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

Made my first visit of spring to Virgin Records tonight and picked up a few interesting CDs, including one from a new band Youth Group, called “Casino Twilight Dogs.” Listened to it on headphones there and it sounded incredible. NME review of it included this line, “This is the sound of the future slowly collapsing before your ears. Beautiful.”

(These hip music critics sure have a unique way of putting things. But somehow, it does sort of sound like that description.)

But the coolest thing I bought was this amazing CD of songs from a 1976 music documentary, “Heartworn Highways.” Check out some of the names: Guy Clark, Steve Earle, David Allan Coe, Rodney Crowell, John Hiatt, Townes Van Zant, Gamble Rogers….

It’s got “the first known recordings” by Earle, Hiatt and Crowell, all of the songs restored and remastered. They’ve got Guy Clark doing “LA Freeway” at the Exit Inn in Nashville, and Van Zant doing “Pancho and Lefty.” Coe sings “I Still Sing the Old Songs” recorded in his hotel room while on tour with Willie Nelson.

(Has anyone out there seen this actual documentary? Sounds like it’d be phenomenal stuff, these guys are all so young in the pix with the CD).

Earle looks like a kid in the pictures. He’s 21, virtually unknown, but a protege of Clark, who was one of the big names for the documentary. So Earle was included because of it. He does “Bluebird Wine” with Clark and Crowell, and “Darlin’ Commit Me” with Hiatt.

They said Earle, who was still about 10 years from his first album, was so good when the cameras caught him doing one song, that they decided to include him in some others for the movie.

Anyway, just bought it tonight and haven’t even played it yet, but I’d never heard of this thing and wanted to let the roots-music lovers out there know about it, or see if any of you had heard about it.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

James, the Harrison thing was not significant. He had a wrap around his biceps and I asked Bobby what happened, he said a grounder took a bad hop and hit him, but that he was fine. That was Saturday. it shouldn’t keep him out of workouts this week.

By David O'Brien

February 18, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Indulge me please, while I go on just a little more on this “Heartworn Highways” CD. Just going through the liner notes, and Earle also sings a couple of solo songs, “Elijah’s Church” and “Mercenary Song.” Clark also does the great “Desperados Waiting For a Train,” and Coe does “River.”

The CD’s on something called “Hacktone Records.” Sounds like a sportwriters’ label.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul - You didn’t read about Mcdowell either,in fact in your last post you stated doubt about the in your words fourth month thing.I don’t care what is common David O’ you know what is common laziness,apathy and losing.You mention the braves fortunate stability in resent years as if it were by accident.If you hire passionate,dedicated people like Pendleton and Hubbard the luck is a bi-product.Maybe hiring Mcdowell will prove to be a bi-product of a burned out regime,I hope not.

By Robert

February 18, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Lyric of the day - should be an easy one

“them sad old songs comin’ out of them speakers Was solid country gold”

Reading the pitching coach debate, y’all are unreal. You give Mazzone no credit but place big blame on McDowell

Y’all are willing to adopt ANY explanation - so long as Cox gets credit and no blame

From here on, I am gonna take Monty Python’s advice and always look on the bright side of life

It’s one day closer to the end of the Cox era than it was yesterday.

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, get over it. The MLB player agreement prohibits mandatory sessions during the offseason; beyond that, it’s just not how things are done. A baseball player is on his own from October (or the end of the post season, if they’re in it) through January. I’d defy you to find any coach who is in constant contact with his pitchers during the offseason (maybe a rare exception where the player requested it, but I don’t know of any). If you don’t like McDowell, come up with a more logical reason. I have no opinion about him at all, frankly, but I’m sure that his failure to be at Mike Hampton’s house at thanksgiving is not an issue.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

OK - Good debate on Mcdowell for the record I hope he proves to be a great coach,I’ll be glad to eat my words.David O’ as for James what he don’t know won’t hurt him approach,I love the guy but how many pitchers with long success have took that approach? I don’t know but players like Glavine,Maddox and Clemons are thinkers and I worry he’ll be one of these guys who can’t make the adjustments as smart hitters make them.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Robert I’m the only one ragging on Mcdowell and I give much credit to Mazzone.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

MBATL - Bull sh!# who said anything about mandatory sessions in the offseason? Thats an empty argument,who cares why Hubbard works with Johnson? if he plays a good 2nd base the team is better off.You guys are starting to come off like a bunch of slackers,the braves have won by being better than other teams not with this B.S. slacker creed you guys keep echoing.

By TennesseePaul

February 18, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

OddJob: I don’t know what you’re talking about. But I still don’t think you can throw a guy under the bus because he didn’t put his pitchers through a vigerous off season training program. I think MBATL covered it well enough. If you want to revisit this conversation at the end of the season we can. By then we’ll have a better idea of his impact and affect on the team.

By Robert

February 18, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

It was Leo. It was ALWAYS Leo

McDowell isnt BAD, but he’s nothing special.

I can understand why Leo left. 16 years of brilliant work and he gets one title, little community respect, and donkey s** squirted on his spikes every day

We miss you Leo

By MBravesFan

February 18, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

Follow up ON Jonathan Johnson As someone with access to the people making decisions, could you pop the question as to why Matt Wright ( Braves mL pitcher of the year ) was let go as a mLFA after putting it together after many injuries while Jonathan Johnson ( a typical journeyman pitcher ) was kept on the 40 man roster.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

TennessePaul - who said anything about a vigorous workout? I’m saying this team has certain issues at this particular time.If Johnson was ready to play 2nd then Hubbard wouldn’t need to spend countless hours doing more than any contract calls for to give him and the team their best chance of success.That is the kind of people I want leading my team.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 18, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

One of the worse things you can do to a young pitcher is mess with his head. As long as he is getting people out, you do not screw him up by giving him too much to think about.

If for some reason he stops getting people out, you do what is necessary to get him back on track. I hate having to use golf as an example but it fits so well.

If you have to think about more than one thing when you address the ball, you are doomed to begin with. Or as the great Yogi Berra like to say about hitters, “If you’re thinking, you’re hurting the team”.

And Robert, for goodness sakes get past your obsession with Bobby Cox. Otherwise you will find yourself one day in a very small room devoid of sharp objects and no longer allowed to mix freely with the other children.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Robert - That is not my conclusion, in my opinion Mr Cox should have his bronzed likeness next to Aaron at Turner field some day.

By MBATL

February 18, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, you’re kinda hanging it all out here, aren’t you?

You already embarrassed yourself with your comments on Hampton, and now you’re ranting about something you obviously know little about.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Gil - I agree if if aint broke don’t fix it.But I’ve seen young guys who get by a cercain way and some can adjust when the time comes(if it comes)and some can’t.But if I had a choice between a young successful guy who thinks and one that doesn’t I’d take the thinker.If James had great stuff I’d be less concerned,but he doesn’t.

By OddJob

February 18, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

MBATL - I trade stocks for a living and one thing I know is good companies and good managers do what needs doing and slackers will always take the easy route and people who can’t see the deference should be culled out.One thing Mr Cox has made clear is good people do what it takes.I don’t know how Mcdowell will turn out but I do know the Braves have won against people with your approach to things for along time.

By OddJob

February 19, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

MBATL - I’m not embarrassed to be wrong on facts here and there, judgement and hard work are what wins and only jackass’s can’t see that.My point on Hampton stands if you think his chances of being a number two type pitcher this year are good that would be the only meaningful point.Do you know the concept of critical thinking? That ‘dude’ is the only important thing .

By jed

February 19, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

if we can survive a slow start, this team could gel into something special. kinda like last year’s cardinals team. no reason to believe the bullpen wont be lights-out, but that’s the only thing you can bank on right now. i like the potential our rotation has, but you’ve got some question marks there, all of which have been mentioned here. only 2 starters i’m sure about are smoltz & james, although i think villareal could start and do fine if given the chance. as for the lineup, you’ve got 3 huge questions in LF, 2b, and 1b. i’m optimistic about KJ at 2b, but expect a slow start. not sure about LF—depends on what langerhans hits like. i think 1b will be a disaster, actually—expect to see wilson starting there as of june. but if we can survive the slow start, this team has a lot of upside. i could see it winning in the playoffs pretty easily with that bullpen.

By braveheart

February 19, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

is manny ramirez known as a great thinker? no. he is probably much more intelligent than the idiot savant he is depicted as though.

so james does not think too much (or so he claims and pretends). big deal. he is probably alot smarter than he lets on. a worry free mind is not such a bad thing - which i think was the point of DOB’s comparison with Davies, who may have some paralysis by analysis going on in his head.

sometimes, the game really is as simple as see the ball, swing, hit the ball or if you are a pitcher, ready, aim, fire away.

there is nothing more aggravating sometimes than hearing some guy talk about a pitch and act like he he read the spin on the ball, saw the shortstop fading over to second, the centerfielder shaded over to right, the baserunner stealing, felt the catcher set up behind him a little down and in, and the hitter registered all that within a fraction of a second with his “beautiful mind” and he made the decision to slap the ball through the just vacated shortstop slot.

the reality is that the pitcher threw the ball, the hitter swung the way he has been trained to with no idea where the ball would meet the bat or where the ball would end up once it met the bat, and the ball just happened to trickle through the just vacated shorstop slot. if they really could control such, master bat control guys like ichiro, boggs, and gwynn would have been far more succesful than 30-35% of the time up. Why would a hitter ever allow himself to hit into a double play if they could truly control the direction of where the ball was headed once it touched their bat?

most of it is just base human animal instinct - which occurs because these guys are great athletes and because they have all been playing thousands of games and practices since they were 6 years old. for the most part, it is just a game of mere human/animal instinct and nothing more/nothing less.

fans and the media overthink these games - the players i think for the most part just go out there and give it their best shot and just fire away if they are pitching and just hack away if they are hitting.

i think one of the best comparisons i have ever seen on this was reading moneyball and hearing billy beane talking about his failure as a prospect as compared to lenny dykstra. beane was the more physically gifted and mentally gifted prospect but dykstra was the simple minded arrogant grunt who had no idea that it was a big deal to be facing steve carlton because he had no idea who steve carlton even was. beane was a failure as a prospect for the most part where dykstra obviously went on to become a star.

sometimes a simple minded cocky grunt without all the physical “stuff” like james and dykstra will reign supreme over the other dudes with all the physical and mental gifts God can give a baseball player.

By OddJob

February 19, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

Braveheart - let me make it clear I’m a big fan of James and he’s my pick as the 2nd best in this years rotation,but I am a bit concerned how he reacts if what he’s doing stops working.Hey he very well could have a career and never change,I hope he does.He seems like a great kid and he’s a local so I’m all for him.

By OddJob

February 19, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

Braveheart - I don’t think James is dumb either.

By OddJob

February 19, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Braveheart the comparison between pitching and hitting is like comparing qb to lb in football unless the pitcher has a big arm.

By TennesseePaul

February 19, 2007 01:42 AM | Link to this

Braveheart: Read some stuff on Ted Williams and tell me if you still don’t think he could see the stitches. A player can’t aim the ball with perfection, I’m not sure any player has claimed that, but they most certainly can put it to right or left side, or up the middle. They know how to swing the bat to go the other way or to pull the ball.

By braveheart

February 19, 2007 01:57 AM | Link to this

oddjob (BTW luv the moniker), your point is well taken about the hitter/pitcher and LB/QB comparison. i think that is a pretty good one to make.

come to think of it, all of the examples i can think of are hitter examples where ignorance (or supposed ignorance) can be bliss.

i think maybe the only examples i can find in pitching are relievers and closers. but then that kind of falls into the argument that you were making that i was trying to refute: that closers and relievers are often people with great overpowering stuff but not enough stuff to start and make adjustments when starting but because of the nature of pitching in relief, need to have a carefree, arrogant, simpleminded mindset when they are pitching in relief.

i am really struggling to come up with starting pitcher examples for you that fall into the category you are defining james as: good stuff but not overpowering great stuff, and not too analytical or crafty. can’t think of one. it is almost 2 a.m. now, so i will not be able to find one now. but maybe someone else can think of some to refute oddjob.

By braveheart

February 19, 2007 02:26 AM | Link to this

TenPaul, I agree with you. I think Ted Williams probably could see the stitches. I think that man was clearly a hitting freakazoid. i remember reading those stories and trying over and over again to see the stitches myself during batting practice as a kid, to no avail of course. the man was a darn fighter pilot during the war, so you know his focus and hand/eye coordination skills must have been obscene.

I am aware that coaches and players work relentlessly together to be able to hit the ball the other way, to pull the ball, or to hit the ball up the middle. BUT i do get very aggravated sometimes watching baseball announcers and people sometimes claiming that a hitter tried to go the other way with a pitch, when i think clearly alot of the times, the hitter is overmatched, was late with their swing, was lucky to get a piece and ended up sqirting it through the right side of the infield. half the time, it really is a look what i found swing rather than some coordinated effort to strike it the other way.

they’re all highly trained, highly skilled physical freaks. so, i know they can do things out there that i can not even imagine.

but just watch this summer. see how many times an announcer will give kudos to some guy for trying to go the other way, when the reality is that the guy was overmatched and a half second too slow in his swing. unless it’s a hit and run, or you are trying to ground out or fly out to second or right in order to advance a runner, it is not likely that a guy is trying to intentionally slap it to right field or left field. if they do get a crisp hit to right field, they were either overmatched or they are a well balanced hitter who pulls the ball, hits the ball to center, or slaps it to right merely because they are a well trained hitter who tries to be balanced and hit every ball up the middle, which causes the hitter to have more balance and thus be able to turn on inside pitches and pull them into left or to slap outside pitches into right (without thinking about doing so intentionally). i think it is similar to a running back or basketball player - if they are well-balanced in their pose and style, they can then either bounce or dribble to the left or right instinctually when confronted with a defender without thinking at all about what they are doing.

but announcers love to fancy baseball as a game of many thoughts, when the majority of the game is primal instincts taking over in a fraction of a second. baseball is often viewed as a slow boring game by some people but the reality is that every single play is mostly comprised of lighting quick reactions being made in the middle of the leisurely pace of the game

By No Chop Zone

February 19, 2007 07:21 AM | Link to this

Well spring training is here so let me start getting ready for the season….LETS GO METS, LETS GO METS, LETS GO METS, LETS GO METS.

By Robert

February 19, 2007 08:18 AM | Link to this

“Robert - That is not my conclusion, in my opinion Mr Cox should have his bronzed likeness next to Aaron at Turner field some day.”

What do you have against Aaron?

By David O'Brien

February 19, 2007 08:24 AM | Link to this

I was going to do another blog, but looks like folks are done. That, or they’re viewing pictures of Britney’s bald head.

What’s the deal, we talked every subject into the ground this winter, and now nothing left to discuss? Oh, well … guess we’ll let OddJob have the floor.

By ssiscribe

February 19, 2007 08:50 AM | Link to this

Good morning, everybody. Time for a new topic as we are moving one day closer to opening day.

(The math-challenged Scribe will save himself further embarrassment and not count the days until April 2 in Philly. Let’s just say the train is moving in that direction.)

Time to talk about the bench, or rather, who will be occupying the bench in the visitor’s dugout at Citizen’s Bank Park on April 2.

With the Braves taking 12 pitchers north — a number that probably won’t change for quite some time, given the lack of days off (five) over the season’s first 53 games — there are five spots open.

One of those goes to Brayan Pena, the backup catcher who impressed during his appearances last season. He should be quite an upgrade over Todd Pratt offensively, and does a good job of handling pitchers.

Four spots to go. Certainly, one goes to Craig Wilson, who the Braves signed in the offseason to provide some pop off the bench. Wilson gives the ballclub versatility at two positions where there are question marks entering camp: left field and first base. In an emergency, he also can catch.

Three spots to go. Wily Aybar gets the third spot because he will be Chipper Jones’ backup at third base. Hoss has missed time with injury the past two seasons, so one must think Aybar will get to man the hot corner from time to time. When he does, he’ll bat leadoff, sliding leadoff hitter and second baseman Kelly Johnson to the three-hole in the lineup.

Two spots to go. This is where it gets tough. The final two spots will be a battle among infielders Pete Orr, Tony Pena Jr., Chris Woodward (also signed in the offseason) and Martin Prado, and outfielders T.J. Bohn, Gregor Blanco, and the loser of the Ryan Langerhans/Matt Diaz race to be the starter in left field.

Orr is a favorite of Braves management and has been the team’s primary pinch runner in late innings. He struggled at the plate last season after a .300 season off the bench (which isn’t easy to do, not getting regular ABs or knowing when you’ll be called upon) in 2005. He’s also played just about everywhere in the field.

Woodward, signed to a one-year deal after playing with the Mets, hit .283 in 81 games for the NL East champs (still seems weird to write that and not be referring to Los Bravos). His big strength is the fact he plays all four infield positions, plus the outfield.

Prado was very productive in limited playing time last year (nine RBIs, three extra-base hits, five walks in 42 at-bats). If Johnson struggled mightily at second, Prado would be my pick to win the job, although I think KJ will do just fine.

Given the ability of Wilson and Woodward to play the outfield (and Orr played there in three games in 2005), I think it will be tough for Bohn or Blanco to crack the big-league roster.

Personally, I think Langerhans will get the nod in left field, which means Diaz — one of the highlights of 2006 — may find himself on the trading block. He’ll get a little work at first base, we hear, but only to boost his trade value.

Those final two spots on the bench, joining B. Pena, Wilson and Aybar? I’d say right now it’s Orr, Woodward and Prado in a dead heat. Whoever has the worst camp among the three probably won’t be in Philly the second day in April.

Bloggers, wake up and let’s talk about it. The Scribe abides. Peace.

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By ssiscribe

February 19, 2007 08:51 AM | Link to this

And for what it’s worth, Britney looks nasty with a shaven dome.

Selah.

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By Robert

February 19, 2007 08:59 AM | Link to this

Chief, Brittney looks nasty period.

By KC

February 19, 2007 09:00 AM | Link to this

Scott Miller has a nicely written piece on Tim Hudson at Sportsline.com.

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10004216

I agree with the premise of his article (that Hudson is the key to this rotation), but he’s way off base in stating that the Braves are in for a “long season” or that they’ll resemble the Washington Generals if Hudson doesn’t come through in a big way.

Atlanta won 79 games last year while blowing 29 saves (the majority of those being pre-Wickman). Had the Braves had Wickman and Soriano in the bullpen on opening day last year, you can safely add 10-15 wins to last year’s total. So when the Braves re-signed Wickman and added Soriano this winter, they became a 90 win team… even if the rotation doesn’t improve in any way.

However, the rotation will be improved regardless of what Hudson does for 3 reasons: 1-Hampton will be back. No, I don’t have any unrealistic expectations in his first year back, but he should still help… particularly down the stretch after he’s had 4 or 5 months to get back in a groove. 2-Chuck James will be in the rotation from day one. The Braves only had the benefit of his services in the rotation for a half the season last year. And 3 – The rotation should be healthier after parting with their two most injury prone pitchers, Horacio Ramirez and John Thompson.

They gave up a lot in the LaRoche/Gonzalez trade, but it was the right move, and it did further improve this team. The Braves are likely to lose about 10 homers and 20 RBI at 1B this season. That’s significant, but not enough to take an offense that was the best in the NL last year, and relegate it to mediocrity (and it won’t be hard to replace Giles’ numbers from last season). My point is that the offense is still there. Braves will still be one of the top 3 or 4 offensive teams in the league this season.

The top bullpen in the league and one of the top offenses in the league… isn’t that the formula the Mets won 97 games with last year?

Again though, I do agree with the premise of his article. Hudson is the key to the Braves rotation. This could be a fairly average rotation, or it could be one of baseball’s best. Tim Hudson will be the biggest factor in deciding which it will be.

By ssiscribe

February 19, 2007 09:11 AM | Link to this

Way too early to be writing, either that, or way too lax on the editing:

— It’s Willy Aybar, not Wily.

— Should read: If Johnson struggles mightily at second …

KC: Spot on about Hudson. He is the key, as I and many others have opined, to the rotation. A 17-win season and a much-lower ERA are expected from Huddy this year.

Robert, my friend, we do agree on this: Britney is nasty, period. What in the hell happened to that hot little schoolgirl in her first song a decade or so ago?

DOB, any warmer at the Empire today?

—30—

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 19, 2007 09:19 AM | Link to this

MBATL,

Maybe OddJob is just a screen name but he certainly has an odd job … trades stocks for a living … maybe he’s talking about trading horses, horsetradin’s hard work … I no longer have stock of any kind to keep or trade but when I did, I’d call my broker and he’d buy or sell them for me … never knew you could trade them … what would you trade them for … baseball players?

He young … but at my age, I’m embarrassed to admit that maybe I’ve had my facts wrong about winning all these years … guess I’m just a jackass too, but I never thought judgment and hard work would do you much good if the other team scored more runs.

Subscribe, thanks for your kind words! If all bloggers were like you, there would be no reason for monitoring the posts and editing or deleting them! The only possible problem I can see with that is that if the AJC cutting back on it’s employees, it might knock more folks out of a job.

You don’t have to worry about my being offended … those intentionally indulging in unacceptable behavior aren’t capable of doing that … there’s a significant difference between my considering something to be offensive behavior, inappropriate for a public forum … and having it offend me.

No, it doesn’t offend me but it is disappointing … you asked what you might do to facilitate the return of those who have left … just get folks to conduct themselves as you always do … that would do the trick!

I do think that the biggest problem may well be that some folks just don’t feel that the AJC really cares … however, I’m told that some objectionable posts were quickly deleted from the Blog last evening … perhaps an indication that the situation is changing in that regard … and I’m sure that was encouraging to many.

Go Braves!

Selah

By KC

February 19, 2007 09:27 AM | Link to this

ssiscribe: Yes, Hudson needs to at least a run off last year’s ERA. I think there’s every reason to hope that he will.

It’s amazed me over the past 4-5 months the way so many have just written Hudson off after one poor season. I think there is definitely cause for optimism where Hudson’s concerned. I won’t repeat the reasons why I believe that, but if your curious, here’s why:

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2007/02/16/davieswantsto.html#comment-1010149

By Lew

February 19, 2007 09:27 AM | Link to this

I think Britney shaved her head so people would look at it instead of checking to see if she was wearing underwear. It probably would have been more effective if she just wore her drawers.

By KC

February 19, 2007 09:33 AM | Link to this

Meant to say: “Hudson needs to *shave at least a run off last year’s ERA”*

By Lew

February 19, 2007 09:35 AM | Link to this

Bob-Not a jackass-just an incomplete fool like the rest of us.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 19, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Catching up on the weekend:

Lew, sorry you had to miss ST. I know you were looking forward to it.

DOB, I would love to see that documentary. On a different note, Shooter Jennings is going to be in Little Rock next month on my b-day. I might try to check that out if my schedule permits.

‘Morning Just Bob, You couldn’t have presented a more accurate description of our other two dearly missed bloggers. I echo Scribe’s sentiments towards summoning them back to us.

By T-bone

February 19, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Question for DOB: What’s up with Soriano having visa problems? He has known about the date for Spring Training since the end of last season. Every year it seems like some non-citizen doesn’t make the beginning of camp due to visa issues. Maybe the Braves should have somebody assigned to oversee this process with these guys.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 19, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Lew, don’t try to trick me into posting with your brand of elequence … I know you too well!

You know the verdict’s still out but that I felt I owed SSIScribe a response and intended to tell him my elitist desire … for folks to be mindful of what they said so that this would be the Best Damned Sports Blog Period, like it’s supposed to be … and then I saw OddJob”s “I trade stocks for a living - I’m not embarrassed to be wrong on facts here and there” and it broke me up!! Of course, I was broke before that … didn’t need any help in that regard.

It made me forget my intended purpose … and now, as I started to close with Selah, I was reminded just how much I’ve enjoyed that man for so, so long … one of the few I truly hold in awe … one who deserves the respect and title of Mister!

By Lew

February 19, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Thanks Hillbilly-I’m more upset about not seeing my kids, brother and sister. At least I’ve got a paid for ticket for later.

By Lew

February 19, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

T-Bone-Visa problems for residents of nations south of us and in the Caribbean have always been problematic-for all of the 45+ years I’ve been paying attention. It’s likely that it’s a govt. problem as opposed to a personal problem.

By ssiscribe

February 19, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Bob: good to hear from you again. Thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, there was some content that I saw briefly, and I’m assuming it was deemed offensive by the powers that be and yanked immediately. It’s definitely a step in the right direction.

KC: Hudson is a classic study, I think, of an athlete trying too hard to impress. At least that’s what I equate his 2005 to: dude grew up just across the Hooch in Phenix City, Ala., rooting on the Braves. Gets traded to childhood team, moves back home, builds new house, wife has new baby, a swirl of things going on.

The critics will call all of those examples another ‘e’ word: excuses. I call it details of real life, which — believe it or not — these guys deal with, just like you and I. Certainly, they have more money, etc., than most of us, but I’ve watched guys walk out of locker rooms talking on their cell phones, and heard guys talking on the phone about what they need to pick up on the way home.

Anyway, back to Hudson: Last year, he suffered from not being conditioned, and I think he put even more undue pressure on himself by the fact he was supposed to be “the ace” and that he didn’t live up to his standards/expectations in 2005. Remember, he, not Smoltz, started on Opening Day in L.A., and he gave up five runs and six hits in four innings, and it was a rollercoaster from there. He consistently ran out of gas in the middle innings, and his pitch counts were way high. For the brilliance of his one-hitter early on against the Rockies, look at the start before and the start after (which I had to look up): nine hits allowed in each, both losses.

From all accounts, Hudson worked out hard this offseason to increase his stamina. Hopefully, he’s ready mentally, too, now that this is his third year in a Braves’ uniform. I really expect him to have a good year, somewhere around 17 wins, an ERA between 3.00 and 3.50, and the consistency and precision that made him one of the AL’s best pitchers when he was in Oakland.

—30—

By Lew

February 19, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Bob-JuSt trying to see how good your memory was these days. You did, after all, coin the term yourself. And a good coining it was, too.

By geauxbraves2000

February 19, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Morning all. Enjoyed reading your post just Bob, the one Hillbilly mentioned.

It’s going to be a great year I feel. I think KJ can handle the 2nd/lead off responsibility, and if Chipper and the new guys in the pen can stay healthy, there might be some Braves championship stuff on sale come the middle of October.

Geaux Braves!!

By David O'Brien

February 19, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP, folks

By geauxbraves2000

February 19, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Well I should’ve said the end of October, but you all know what I mean.

Geaux Braves!!

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 19, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Honorable Hillbilly, regardless of how things evolve, I still owe you a post and I always try to pay my debts … so keep your taters, lemons and eyes peeled.

Thanks, of the kind words … methinks you and he are about the only one who saw and read that post … game me post depression syndrome … well, maybe Lew and Stinky … it was like I gave a party and nobody cared enough to show up.

The “Hillbilly” and “SSI” are class acts! As I told him, if folks would just use his behavior as a model, we wouldn’t be talking about nothin’ but baseball, music, panda bears and how to get world series tickets! Well, maybe some blue worms and bananna pudding too … wouldn’t that be neat …

By ssiscribe

February 19, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Bob, World Series tickets are always on my mind. Been eight long, long years. Too long, in fact.

Some ‘nanna puddin’ sure does sound good, too. On that note, time for lunch. Thanks again for checking in. Know that you’re always welcome; we’ll do our part to keep the blogosphere the way it should be.

Take care. Hope to talk with ya soon.

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