Braves

By Jerry

February 22, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Chuckie was the 2nd best starter last year, so I don’t see why he shouldn’t start game two.

By Shaun

February 22, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

I think Smoltz has to start Opening Day. He’s clearly the ace and the legend. And I agree, I’d go with James in game 2. Not just because the righty-lefty thing but I also think James showed last season that he is capable of being the Braves’ second-best starter in ‘07. Hudson is not the pitcher he once was, although I think he’ll be solid just not an ace.

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the post DOB. I thought Hudson had the first start last season and Smoltz two years ago. Hudson blew the 7 to 1 lead against the Dodgers last year and Smoltz was shelled in the opener against the Marlins two years ago…

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 22, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Eware,

Here’s a fix for ya from the real “Hoss,” as requested:

Where does it go,

The good lord only knows.

Seems like it was just the other day,

I was down at Green Gables

a-hawgin’ them tables

and Generally blowin’ all of my hard earned pay.

By Spider29

February 22, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I think a number of people were thinking the same thing as far as the rotation to open the season. I know I’ve talked about it with friends and we pretty much agreed with Smoltz, James, Hudson, Hampton and Davies/Cormier in that order. We also used the same reasoning. It just makes sense. How is the 5th spot shaping up, if it isn’t too early to tell?

By Shaun

February 22, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

To respond to your post on the previous blog: yes, there are both hitters and pitchers who are freaks of nature but it seems there are more freak pitchers than freak hitters.

By Head Coach

February 22, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Here’s to hoping Hampton is ready to pitch every fifth day. As to who pitches when , that will change due to off days and Cox juggling his rotation. I can’t wait to hear the reaction when Woodward unleashes a rocket from SS. Oop’s , I let the cat out of the bag didn’t I ? Woodward’s got a cannon for an arm just like Furcal does , I can see him playing in a lot of games as a late inning defensive replacement. At any rate , it does make sense to go righty , lefty , righty with the rotation. I was digging up info on the bullpen and got a real suprise , I had no idea that Stockman throws a 97-98 mph fastball. for that matter , Yates , Moylan and Paronto can dial it up at 95-96. Of course both Gonzalez and Soriano can bring it in the 97-98 mph range. All said , this bullpen has the potential to be absolutely wicked.

By eware

February 22, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

I think Hampton should start the home opener, we’ve started a nice trend of getting slaughtered anyways. I agree on splitting up Hampton and James. We have Hampton penciled in as our #3 starter, but maybe we should bump him to #5. Maybe this would help him slowly get back into the swing of things. Plus, it’ll probably motivate him. How’s his batting going?

By ssiscribe

February 22, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Hey folks. Quick one with work getting busy here. I would split up the lefties. Why not start Hampton in the home opener, in front of a full yard, against his former mates? Turner Field is a little more pitcher friendly than Citizens.

Put James second, followed by Huddy at No. 3. No question Smoltzie starts the opener.

I, too, remember Huddy starting the opener in L.A. last year; didn’t get out of the fifth inning, best I recall.

NCScoots, great post closing out the previous blog.

Selah.

—30—

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

OK, finished the whole article. I’d say Hudson on the opener. Smoltz has a poor record for opening day games and it is a band box. On top of that, It’d mess with Rowand’s head. But that is not ment to detract from how good a pitcher Smoltz is. To quote Nacho, [Smoltz] is thee behssst.
But then, no matter how you cut it, you are using your best three prior to the series against the Mets. So you roll home and the back end of the rotation is highlighting the bill. But the good news is, The Mets would be in that same boat. Only the back end of that rotation is no where near as impressive.
One way to stagger the lefties is to go R-R-L-R-L. That would leave Hampton at the back end. Which may be needed depending on how well he does in spring. That would bump Davies or Cormier into the 4th spot and make them the Home Opener pitcher. But again, who ever it is on the mound for the home opener will likely be facing off with Sosa or Chan Ho or the likes.
Another option would be to have James Open the season. Pile the pressure on the guy right out of the gates. I doubt that would happen, but you would be able to set yourself up with two lefties agains the Mets. Last year the Mets couldn’t hit lefties to save their life.
All this does nothing to compensate or plan for the rest of the season. So maybe we outta get a feel for the pitchers and see what it looks like the other teams are going to run out there and then plan the rotation so the match ups are favorable for more than just 6 games.

By Thrillhouse44

February 22, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

I agree with your thinking, DOB. Splitting the lefties is a good idea. And why would Hudson be offended? I’d think that if you’re not the opening day pitcher, you really wouldn’t care if you pitch 2nd or 3rd.

Why would MLB build a rainout day into the schedule so early? Is that typical?

By DonCoburleone

February 22, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I like your idea DOB, it would be a good idea to split up the lefties. Plus, Chuck James had a better year last year then Hudson, so in reality he is our #2 pitcher heading into the season right? But agreed on Smoltz, no doubt he is the opening day starter…

By The Grinch

February 22, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Hawks report: Manu Ginobli is not human. The little bugger dropped 40 on us last night and didn’t even start. Why, oh why, do the Hawks not have a point guard yet? Whoever it was yesterday who suggested I step down to play point; that would’ve worked for one fast break and then I’d have to collapse amidst the cheerleaders for some MTM. The A-town dancers were pretty hot too, taut and slightly skanky, just the way I like ‘em. The Hawks put up a good effort, but I could’t help but think Chris Paul would’ve given us a much better chance of winning than Marvin Williams(who we drafted instead and had about 6 points). Anyhoo, must be nice if the worst pain you’d ever experienced was sinusitis. Woodward’s obviously not a Falcons’ fan.

By 10-7-4

February 22, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Well, well—Greetings and sanitation to all. Been a long time, but since it’s time for the ‘players’ to report, I’d better get my posterior in gear. Missed all you regulars- jjs,Lew,Grinch,C.Lady and far too many others to mention. Hope all are doing well. By the way, Drunky Clint, wants to know—“what if there were no hypothetical questions???” addio

By DonCoburleone

February 22, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

I think we should all hope that this is the same title of another DOB blog come October!

By Shaun

February 22, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

ssiscribe,

Turner Field is a little more pitcher friendly? How about a lot more?

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

This schedule is looking better than last season. The home and away business looks more balanced. No road trips more than 10 games. Last season we had 9 home games in the first month. This season we have 12. Last season we started on the road for 7 games and no off days prior to the home opener.

This season is just looking better all the way around.

By Shaun

February 22, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Why would MLB build a rainout day into the schedule so early? Is that typical?

MLB often adds an off day into the first series of the year. Not sure the reasoning behind this. Maybe it’s so the Mets could play in Atlanta Friday, the Braves and Phils could start the season on Monday, and they wouldn’t have to open with a four-game series or with two off days in a row. That’s my best guess but maybe O’Brien knows for sure.

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Good to see you back 34

By The Grinch

February 22, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

35! What’s up, my bruthuh? Thought you’d gone off the deep end, maybe spent some time in rehab with Clint. I’m afraid you probably won’t be seeing much of CL of late; she’s too cool to blog with us these days. Good to see you back, though. I gotta go get some work done; later, all.

By Brent

February 22, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

I still think you go hudson second. He is the more established pitcher, who has earned the right to start at the top of a rotation. give him the benefit of the doubt that he will recover this year.

As for the Hampton problem. Hampton has always been a big game pitcher, and no game would be bigger to him than the home opener against the Mets. I think you let him pitch that game and see how he handles it. Even if he gives up some runs he’ll likely be going against Maine, or Oliver Perez, so you wouldn’t expect a dominant pitching performance from the Mets.

By jc

February 22, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

hey, I’m 45 years old, with a pretty decent curve and slider, hell I’ll pitch for free

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Was it 34 or 32? I never could get the math right…

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

35!? Sheesh. I forgot to subtract the 6.

By Brent

February 22, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

they add the rainout day at the start for money purposes. Opening day brings in a huge crowd, and if it got rained out and was made up later in the year as a double header the team would lose revenue. So they add in this day in case the weather looks bad, they can move opening day.

By eware

February 22, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Ark. Hillbilly. That’s what I’m talking about. Where in Arkansas are you? I’m from Memphis (in ATL now), and I love those Ozark lakes.

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Jermaine Dye vowed Wednesday he won’t break the White Sox’s bank in a bid to stay in Chicago past 2007. “I just want to be fair, whatever market value is,” Dye said, adding he accepts general manager Ken Williams’ decision to refrain from contract talks until after the season. “Of course, to be here I probably have to take less money. I’ve done it before. For me, it’s not about the money. It’s about winning and having fun and, hopefully, finishing my career here.”

So AJ…

By journalist jimmy smith

February 22, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this

whoa! 35 is back … and more bloggers, too! this will be a fine blog season. raisins, thank you for asking about the ukulele. it does indeed attract the wahine. no wahinis have been attracted, though. flying fish have always been fearful to this journalist since a wahini flew into the boat with jimmy smith a few years back. jimmy smith had been drinking light beer but nothing stronger. now, baseball … bobby is the kind of manager that will hand hudson the ball in game one. and now, journalist would like to know if a ukulele can be carried into turner field? yes, baby seal has been there but only when dressed as a small fan. do the authorities permit ukulele playing in the stands or atop the dugout? and on another note - who would want to pay $40 for a ticket and sit behind sit behind southernblogger and a very tall woman? not this journalist who is small and wiry like wicky and could not see over such a prodigious person at 6’11”. and was that grinch and kc on television last night at the hawks game? scoots has felt the pulse of the blog and the blog is healthy. but where is carolina lady? and flabravesgirl? are there no female bloggers left?

By Braves20

February 22, 2007 01:07 PM | Link to this

Brent - Agree with your comment. Hampton is one of those guys who will leave nothing in the clubhouse. Assuming a good (injury free) spring, let him loose against the Mets. Unless they bring in Clemens, there is no one in the 4th spot in their rotation who can come close to matching up with Hampton.

Oh and DOB - we know you don’t like Disney World - you say it a thousand times each spring - enough already!

By Billsnv

February 22, 2007 01:10 PM | Link to this

How about saving Smoltz for the home opener and the Mets?

By Matthew

February 22, 2007 01:11 PM | Link to this

Grinch:

If I remember correctly, CL’s mom is in poor health and CL and her daughter have been up around the clock caring for her. I get an e-mail from her every few days, and she is doing well, but it seems like she has more on her plate than she can handle at the moment.

We miss you Carolina Lady!

I think DOB’s idea is great. Smoltz is the ace-no question. Let him start the opener, then plug in Chucky James at #2, with Hudson to follow. Hampton starts at home in front of a sold out stadium full of well-wishers, and then Davies/Cormier/Villareal/insert pitcher here starts the second home game against Jorge Sosa (did I just type Jorge Sosa in the Mets’ rotation? We should surrender already-the Mets will win).

Tennessee Paul, I agree with you on the schedule. Last year was brutal, especially considering how Chipper was hurt on that sorry excuse for a field in SF.

By April

February 22, 2007 01:12 PM | Link to this

I read the blog some but posted for my first time today. If you really are 6’11” and tough as you talk then I could be the best thing that ever happened for you. Check my photo at Miss Tall Atlanta and you will come around. I guarantee it. Are there any more of you bloggers that tall? April

By dcarp23

February 22, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this

DOB-Don’t know if you have answered this at some point in the past or not, but what do these early workouts comprise? Are there set drills every day? Is it similar to BP/Fielding in the regular season? Do they work out in the morning then come back in the afternoon? Just curious as to a typical itenerary…

By braves fan

February 22, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is a lock to start opening day. He’s the best pitcher we have and one of the 10 best starting (or any other type for that matter) pitchers in the majors today, even at 40. I routinely get upset at how he seems to be marginalized by the rest of baseball analysts and columnists. If you look at his stats, he’s always a top ten guy just below guys like Santana, Carpenter, Halladay, et al. And those guys are young and in their primes. Anyway…

I think James would be better served to be facing the 3rd or 4th starters around the league instead of the number 2 starters. I don’t think splitting the lefties up is that big a priority. You end up with back to back righties anyway when the rotation flips back over from Davies to Smoltz, so what’s the difference? Plus somebody will get skipped during a stretch with no off days anyway. Rotations are never the same on day one as they are on day 162, so big deal. The only place where having lefties or righties in order matters is in a batting lineup (to keep teams from bringing one reliever in to face several batters in a row).

DOB, What are the possibilities of someone like Blaine Boyer being moved to a starter and compete against Davies for that 5th spot? I like Boyer a lot and think it would be a waste if he isn’t on the big club contributing. But the way the bullpen is structured with Wickman (as closer), Gonzalez and Soriano (8th innings and sometimes closers), McBride (as extra lefty), Villarreal (as swing man-emergency starter) so really only two bullpen spots are up for grabs, I’m afraid Boyer may be left out. Especially since I know Bobby likes to have that groundball enducer for tight spots with runners on (a la Kevin Gryboski) and that looks like Chad Paronto right now. So really only one spot is open among guys like Boyer, Peter Moylan, Tyler Yates, Tanyon Sturtze (in May), Phil Stockman and Joey Devine. It’s a good problem to have, knowing that all these guys, who most of them were in the bullpen at the SAME TIME last season, are all competing for one bullpen spot. But Boyer seems like he is the type of pitcher who should be pitching meaningful innings (like 1-6 or the 8th or 9th) instead of mop up duty in blowouts which fall to the 12th guy in the bullpen or at AAA Richmond. Just my opinion.

By Voice of Reason

February 22, 2007 01:28 PM | Link to this

JJS - I have a special link for you! A 10 part series on “Playing The Ukulele!”

Chapter 1 - The Good Points and the Bad Points

Will they allow a ukulele through the Dark Star gate?

By TDawg

February 22, 2007 01:31 PM | Link to this

Smoltz should definitely start the season opener. He has earned that. I would split the starters into R-L-R-L-R and have no problem putting James as #2. Could be a little extra motivation for Hudson to prove he still has it.

By David O'Brien

February 22, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, yes it’s typical to build a rainout day into the schedule early, especially in places where there’s a reasonable chance for inclimate weather in April….

TennPaul, that’s another way to do it _ RRLRL….

OK, just got out of post-workout talk with Cox, and he said they’ll work out the spring rotation Saturday-Sunday on physicals day, when they’ve got lot of time in mornings while players are getting the cough test, etc. (well, he didn’t say that part, just physicals)

We’ll know Sunday afternoon, likely.

Also, I forgot which blogger asked a while back about McBride as a possible starter. You’ll be pleased to know Cox himself brought that subject up today, after talking about how phenomenal McBride looked throwing today.

He said McBride was a starter his whole career until last couple years, and that his stuff might lead them to move him back to starting in the future. Said if someone got hurt this spring, he’d even have to give it a thought now, though Cox made it clear McBride is in bullpen for this season, unless something happens to another starter.

Still, just for him to say that was pretty obvious he’s thinking about it and that it could happen next year.

He also raved about how good Yunel Escobar looked today, and how he’s working at SS-3B-2B and looks “ready” now. Said he only needs to get games in.

Oh, and Matt Diaz: I watched Diaz hit some absolute bombs onto the berm beyond left field today, and some line drives that cleared the left-center fence. Asked Cox about him and he said “everybody” is taking notice of how well Diaz is hitting. Bobby used the word “awesome” to describe it.

By David O'Brien

February 22, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this

by the way, for those planning to attend Sat-Sun workouts this weekend, they don’t start until 1 p.m. because of physicals in the mornings. this weekend only.

By Thrillhouse44

February 22, 2007 01:51 PM | Link to this

Brent and Shaun, thanks for the answer!

By journalist jimmy smith

February 22, 2007 01:53 PM | Link to this

raisins, thank you! this site will prove very useful to this journalist. jimmy smith should be ready to play, “take jimmy smith out to the ballgame” shortly. then, it is onward and upward. journalist may be wrong but jimmy smith thinks there are many ukuleles in the polynesian resort area and it would not be useful to forbid the ukulele within the disney gates. also, the ukulele is played in the area of the tiki birds as this journalist recalls. we must ask dob.

now, baseball … this journalist was among the first on this blog to champion chad paronto when the player with no discernible neck came to this team last year. as many will recall, chad paronto throws a sinker that really sinks and forces the opposing batter to drive the ball into the ground. under the tutelage of roger mcdowell, chad paronto should have improved chad paronto’s sinker to be an unhittable pitch this year. at least that is the hope of jimmy smith. also, chad paronto is the ultimate team player - who else would give up his pants so that wicky could pitch? one does not see hudson doing this for wicky, or james for that matter. of course, they would have to do it at the same time. oh, well … pudding. since scoots mentioned banana pudding this journalist has been thinking of nothing but diane lane. jimmy smith may give diane lane a call a little later. not sure. diane lane was not happy with her birthday present from jimmy smith last month.

By Voice of Reason

February 22, 2007 01:59 PM | Link to this

How great would it be for Diaz to win the LF job and take up some of the power slack left by Roachy’s absence? With Escobar looking “ready” now, does that make him a candidate for 2B, or more likely for trade bait?

Now: Chapter 2 - Purchasing a Ukulele

Who knew ukuleles could cost as little as $12 or more than $300?

By Charlie Hatton

February 22, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

I think Bobby should set the initial starting rotation as:

Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James, #5 (my current vote’s for Davies, FWIW)

Smoltz has obviously been the best pitcher of the group since flipping back to starter, and is best equipped to face off against other teams’ #1 starters.

Hudson is a question mark after two down years (by his standards), but he still has several years of past performance and two AS berths in the ’00s on his side. He’s either had trouble adjusting to the NL (which should be an easier gig), and will right the ship, or he’s slipping and this year will show another decline. I’d put even money on the two possibilities, but if it’s the former, then a confidence boost in the form of being named the #2 can only help matters.

I like Hampton over James in the #3 slot, if he’s healthy. His first two full years with the Braves were solid though unspectacular, and he’s coming off a serious injury (which is why I wouldn’t leapfrog him over Hudson). But he has the experience of several full years of the pitching grind (which is why I’d start him in front of James).

Let the three vets take the heat of other teams’ best starters, and mentor James, who’s still made less than 20 career starts in the bigs, and has some acclimating and adjusting to do. (Like keeping the ball on the inside of the fences, for instance.)

As long as he’s a two-pitch pitcher (fastball-changeup), James will find major league hitters sitting on that fastball, no matter how good it is, and occasionally crushing it over the wall. He’ll have a much better chance to work out kinks and integrate more breaking pitches while competing against other bottom-of-the-rotation starters. If he progresses as he should, then next year, he’s our #3, #2, or perhaps even #1 starter.

I don’t think splitting up the lefties is terribly important, because Hampton and James have fairly different styles at this point in their careers. James is the high-strikeout power pitcher Hampton used to be, while age and injuries have forced Hampton to make batters get themselves out on his sinker or change. If the two were similar pitchers, I’d be more inclined to split them. As it is, I don’t think it’s any more of an issue than splitting up Smoltz and Hudson, who also offer very differing styles for back-to-back starts.

Charlie Bugs & Cranks

By RP

February 22, 2007 02:17 PM | Link to this

just thought i’d throw something out there that i hadn’t seen yet.

i think Smoltz is the obvious first dayer. then pencil in Hampton at #2, skip his day on April 3, then have Hudson on game 2, James on #3. this would give Hampton a little more time to tune things up before his first start on April 8.

it would also leave our eventual #5 man with the home opener, but it doesn’t seem like too many here have a problem with that. give everybody an off day April 9, then have Hudson start the series opener against Washington.

the biggest problem i see with this is that it leaves Smoltzy pitching on “short” rest. but a full four days is typical anyway.

By StingerSplash

February 22, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this

Too bad Dutch Daulton has really gone off the deep end. It used to be fun to go to Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater (a great venue) and get on Daulton in pre-game when he was warming up in right field in front of the Hooters billboard - with his ex-wife, the first Hooters billboard girl and former Playmate, stretched out for all to see in her Hooters uniform right behind him. Does that place serve food? And has to be Smoltz to start. Just has to. I would start Hampton second behind Smoltz. If his sinker is anywhere near what it was, he won’t get hurt in a park not much bigger than West Laurens’. Hampton hasn’t pitched in 18 months, but by the same token, how much work has James logged over that time? I’d go with the veteran guy No. 2, then come back with Hudson at 3. You could, I suppose, interchange Hampton/Hudson at 2/3, for a while, since you might need to skip a start for Hampton - if he needs it. Such a nice day calls for some Social Distortion.

By Brave Dawg

February 22, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

Dave, will there be beer sales this weekend during the workouts? If not, how hard is it to sneak beer into the park? Just kidding…but not really.

By Carolina Gent

February 22, 2007 02:21 PM | Link to this

If anyone in baseball has earned the right to start on Opening Day, it’s Smoltz. Huddy did start the SF opener last year, as Smoltz said it was time to let Huddy assume the mantle as the top starter. Well, he assumed the mantle, all right. Most of the Giant hitters acted as if they were Mickey Mantle! Hope this offseason workout regimen for Hudson will make a big difference.

As for the #2 starter, I go along with what Braves Fan said, about James being more suited to go against a #3 than a #2. Granted, James was awesome down the stretch last year, but wasn’t that largely when the Braves were all but out the race? I know we’re all counting on 13-16 wins from him this year, I just hope he can give us what we’re hoping for! I’d probably go with James ay 3, Hampton at 4 (unless his recovery isn’t complete) and the whoever-wins-the-5th-spot at no. 5. Seems like most series these days are 3 games, so either way you more often get two righties and a lefty, no matter how you slice it!

Now, can some of us long-absent bloggers have a blog equivalent of Spring Training? We need to stretch out our typing fingers, and more to the point, our baseball brains, to get ready for the many, many blogs we’ll need for an exciting ‘07 season. Keep ‘em coming, DOBeat Writer!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 22, 2007 02:21 PM | Link to this

Eware,

I’m from Smackover, AR. Born and raised in the South central Arkansas oil patch. Only about 30 minutes from the Louisiana line.(pronounced Loo-zee-ana here)

DOB,

Glad to hear that Diaz is raising some eyebrows. I hope he earns some significant PT this season.

JJS,

The image of Wicky wearing Chuck James’ pants is not sitting too well with me this close after lunch. Coulda done without that.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 22, 2007 02:24 PM | Link to this

The A-town dancers were pretty hot too, taut and slightly skanky, just the way I like ‘em.

Nicely done, Grinch. Beautiful…. Spoken like a true champion.

By AdirondackDave

February 22, 2007 02:27 PM | Link to this

DOB — Great to hear Diaz is ripping the ball, just confirmation, really, that the guy is a serious offensive asset. Now the $64,000 question, is Diaz ok defensively in left or is he “Chipper-ok” if you get my drift… I’d like to see Diaz and/or Wilson start essentially ALL of the games in left with Langerhans coming in about the 7th in games we lead. Make sense?

By MostHonorableSouthern

February 22, 2007 02:28 PM | Link to this

April—Thanks, but no thanks!—I don’t feel the need to prove anything at this point in my life, been there, done that!…you may run along now!…Don’t let the door hit ya, where the good Lord split ya!!!…

By Homer hates NY

February 22, 2007 02:35 PM | Link to this

I’ve always liked the idea of splitting up the lefties, but I’m not so sure it’s a big deal to decide right now. It’s also worth noting that a lot of people feel like Matt Harrison, another lefty, is ready and could compete for the fifth spot if Davies and Cormier aren’t impressive. I realize it’s a long shot and he probably does need more time in AA, but he’s been progressing pretty steadily and could see some big league action this year. That would give us 3 lefties and in that case, with him and James being fairly similiar, we would need to break them up. I’d like to have Hampton and James pitching in Philly against Howard and Utley and against the Mets who struggled against lefties last year, but as long as one goes in each it’s fine with me.

On a side note, all this blogging reminded me I have yet to get my hands on tickets for the home opener. I went to rectify the situation this morning only to encounter problems on the braves website. They weren’t selling single game tickets(which I suspect could be because it’s still early?) and went to buy one of the package plans and when the ticketmaster window finally pulled up it wouldn’t let me select any games or packages. Anyone else encountered this? Feedback?

P.S. The Office, NBC, 8:30 PM…Be there!

By Alan

February 22, 2007 02:35 PM | Link to this

Smoltz starts opening day, no doubt. The rest of the rotation has to depend on how those guys (aka “Question Mark and the Mysterions”) do in exhibition games, don’t you think? Right now, because of his veteran’s status (and Bobby’s avowed preference for veterans over youngsters), Hudson should be #2. However, if he’s shaky in the spring and Hampton pitches well and pain-free, I can see Hampton moving to #2. If, on the other hand, James pitches “lights out” in the spring … In short, no one (not even Bobby, most likely) knows. In any case, I don’t think breaking up the lefties is of any consequence. So, all things being equal, I think the order will be Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James, Davies/Cormier/Clemens (hey, I can dream, can’t I?). BTW, I’ve also wondered about McBride becoming a starter in a year or two. That’s what he was throughout his minor league days, and he was as highly regarded as anyone in the Braves’ organization.

By ncscoots

February 22, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

Yes, Grinch, well done. Since I don’t believe I ever quite grasped the concept of different degrees of skank, I defer to you in this matter, sir. LOL

By 3trees

February 22, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this

Smoltz #1m after that I’m not sure. Good arguments abound, but I like the alternate righty/lefty thing. I’m sure that Cormier/Villareal will be ready to go on Hampton’s early season starts.

Good tune from old “Way-Long” Arkansas H’billy. I was just wondering what happened to Drunky Clint the other day, but I gotta admit I never got the “35” out of your handle. JJS, might want to take a stab at “Ram On” by Sir Paul (plane giver).

My Waits addition:

“Little brown sausages, lyin’ in the sand/ I ain’t no extra, baby, I’m a leading man/ My parole officer gonna be proud of me/ With my Olds 88 and the Devil on the leash/ Olds 88 and the Devil on the Leash/

I know karate, voodoo too/ I’m gonna make myself available to you/ I don’t need no makeup, I got real scars/ I got hair on my chest, I look good with out a shirt”

Go Braves!

By Voice of Reason

February 22, 2007 02:59 PM | Link to this

Someone once said, “You don’t have to know the parts of the ukulele to play it, but it’s good to know.

Chapter 3 - Parts of the Ukulele

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 02:59 PM | Link to this

Carolina Gent: the opener was in LA last year. It was a cold overcast day. AJ hit a homer I believe. Derek Lowe was shelled. Hudson had a 6 or 7 run lead and then let it slip away. We won 11-10. I think Hudson still got the win though. But it was something like 8-5 by the time he came out. Then the pen came in and made a game of it.

Smoltz started in 2005. He lasted an inning and a third or something. He was lit up for 9 runs. He was demolished that day. That was a downer. Nevertheless, he came back strong and spent the rest of the season working to bring down that monsterous opening day ERA bruise. Smoltz has a history of being shelled on opening days. Not sure why. I think it was the 2005 spring training session when none of the official starters had allowed a run for nearly the whole month. Then the first game all the wheels fell off.

By MGL

February 22, 2007 03:00 PM | Link to this

Braves20 - Your 1:06 bashing Dave for his comments on Disney. As someone who has lived in the area for over 20 years, I’m amazed that he does not mention it every post. It is a terrible place to have to deal with on a daily basis.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 22, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

Smoltz starting the opener should be a no-brainer. I think beyond that, it should depend on the players’ performance in spring training. I kinda like DOB’s idea of not playing the lefties back to back, but if Hampton pitches well in spring training, he should go ahead of James. I’m a little concerned about putting too much pressure on James to succeed this year — there were no expectations on him last year and he performed well, I don’t want him to fall into the sophomore slump. The three veterans should be the ones shouldering the expectations this year, not James. I’d rather see him start out at #4 and then work his way up the rotation if he pitches better than Hudson or Hampton.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

Some things are worth repeating!

Can you long-time bloggers feel it? The blog shaking off the effects of winter? During the offseason, we don’t have someone’s oh-for-four or five-and-two-thirds to gnaw on, and we denzines tend to turn inward and feed on ourselves. Makes us cranky. Not to mention giving the blog a somewhat ripish odor at times.

But, so be it, and no matter. While the calendar marks spring with the equinox, we all know it truly begins with PCR. And the blog starts budding out, soon to bloom. Maybe this year we get a classic thread to rival the all-time champeen (banana pudding). For sure, we’ll scratch our heads over some DOB Math, and someone will attempt to clary. We’ll get obscure Shakespearean references and rambling eloquence, baby seals and big yellow clown shoes, contrary lawnmowers and Drive-By Truckers. As some unremembered (sorry) blogger said, we’re an eclectric bunch. Oh, sure, we’ll talk BASE-ball, all the BA, OBP, should-have-bunted-should-not you want, with scads of posts from both the quick and the clueless (and hurrah for both, say I). But here…here when you mention you liked Val Kilmer in Tombstone, you find out he’s related to the woman who wrote “Trees”. Think you get that on Buster Olney’s blog??? Ha!

I feel it. And maybe it’s just because when I saw the sun peek over the Carolina pines this morning, I saw a day full of promise with the Braves tied for first, LOL. Gets me going pretty good. Geeked about the season? That ain’t the half of it, bubba.

Bubba, you’re as good as it gets!!

By 22oz

February 22, 2007 03:25 PM | Link to this

Just got off the phone with a friend of mine in Orlando, and she was lucky enough to get a VIP pass to spring training today, and said she got to meet and talk to Smoltz and Orr, and a bunch of players she doesn’t know. I then jokingly asked her if she got me anything, and well i got a shock when she told me she got Smoltz’s autograph for me! So i’m a happy camper today.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 22, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this

oh, words from a movie that no one in real life wants to hear: “that ain’t no woman.” with all due respect to scoots, joyce kilmer is no woman. and what of the budding romance on the blog today? jimmy smith is never surprised with what happens here. maybe a little, but not a lot. now, ukulele … jimmy smith did check out ram on. thanks, 3trees. there are many famous ukulele players and much to be heard and learned from these fine ukulele artists.

By Mississippi Brave

February 22, 2007 03:31 PM | Link to this

DOB: I know this is a bit unusual, but what is wrong with this rotation? Hudson, James, Davies, Smoltz and Hampton. I’d like to see Smoltz toss the home opener and shut down the Mets (possibly against Glavine). I really want to keep Hampton out of Philly and he’ll have so much on him just getting back on the hill that the home opener might be too much to take on after taking so much time off. This rotation accomplishes both goals and keeps Hampton and James from tossing back to back. Anyone see anthing wrong with that?

By ncscoots

February 22, 2007 03:34 PM | Link to this

jjs, duh…I simply MUST start proofreading before posting, LOL!

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 03:39 PM | Link to this

jimmy, Scoots knows more about ole Huck’s relatives than I do … he was just indulging in the effective use of the vulgar like Sam used to to!

By Mike S

February 22, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’brien, That’s wonderful that Diaz is hitting well but how is Langerhans hitting. If he were smart he would have came into Spring killing the ball.

By Carolina Gent

February 22, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, Thanks for the correction on the West Coast opener last year. Maybe that’s what I mean when I say that my brain needs spring training! I remember it well, now. That was the awful playing field where Chipper’s “toe” and leg injuries first cropped up. It was also the first time we had a hint of what our bullpen was going to be like.

By the way, I used to be a Tennessean myself! I always enjoy your posts.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 22, 2007 03:51 PM | Link to this

Scoots,

Flawless portrayal in your post at the end of the last blog. Thanks go out to Bob for being the relay man.

By Matt

February 22, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

Which disc of Waits’ new album do you like best? I have to go with the third overall, but it really depends on my mood.

I like the idea of Chuck going second. Give the kid a vote of confidence. If he keeps up the good work he could be the ace soon enough.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 04:00 PM | Link to this

Thid budding romance shows promise … but I wonder if Long Tall Sally got our blogger’s profile from Match.com … sounds like she’d be better suited for little “Stinky” … those Mutt and Jeff things can really surprise you … or maybe even the old SJA persona, but not the most honorable southern gentleman that hides behind the mask!

Still, stranger things have happened … usually in the spring … when fellas have lowered their guard and are thinking of more important things like baseball, apple pie, Packards and stuff like that.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 22, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

DOB,

My wonderful wife got me “The Departed” for Valentine’s Day, but I haven’t had time to watch it yet. Planning on doing that tonight. I think I remember you talking about seeing it. Am I in for a treat?

Also how’s Thorman looking? K. Johnson? Look comfortable? Too early to tell?

By Voice of Reason

February 22, 2007 04:04 PM | Link to this

Yes, Spring is a time for tuning up for the regular season. Speaking of tuning:

Chapter 4 - Tuning

Did you know that “the most famous Japanese ukulele player is Shinji Maki. He is a comedian.” How appropriate…

By Adam

February 22, 2007 04:17 PM | Link to this

I think McBride would be an excellent starter. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but when he commands the strike zone he does a good job of getting hitters out. I would also love to see Boyer get back to where he was before he got hurt. He has a great presence on the mound and very good stuff.

By Braves Beer and Dawgs

February 22, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

mmmm, beeeeeeeer and braaaaaaaaaves, mmmmmmm.

please advise as to availability this weekend

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

Carolina Gent: My pleasure. But one last thing, Chipper got hurt in SF, the series after the opener. It was a cold over cast day that day as well. Actually, it had rained that day and they spent all their time with those stupid spunge rollers tearing up the field so the game could begin. Everything about the start of last season was bad. Except Renteria. That guy was on fire.

By Matt Hayes

February 22, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

Smoltz started opening day in 2005 and Hudson in 2006. I think Hudson is going to bounce back and be great this year but Smoltz should still get the nod. I don’t think it matters where Hampton throws, so what if he has a bad game to start, I also think he is going to have a great year. So wherever he pitches he’ll be fine. Go Braves!

By Chop Chop

February 22, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about the rest of ya, but I’d be worried if my wife bought me a movie entitled “The Departed”…

As for the rotation, I’d go with Smoltz, James, Hudson and Hampton as the top four. If Chuck can’t hack it as the #2 guy, he’ll move down the list. It’s better not to have two lefties going back-to-back in a series, especially lefties who aren’t that much different in terms of velocity and stuff. Huddy can handle being moved down a slot. Besides, he knows he needs to be more consistent. A little motivation to move up the food chain might not hurt.

By hk

February 22, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… yes, I feel it too, all kinds of folks showing up we haven’t seen in a while, and I’ve never seen jimmy in a better mood :))

Shaun,

… your back and forth with Bob on stats and such has triggered some thoughts … as you probably know, Bob and I are old (very old) numbers guys …

… I just love numbers to death, began pouring over the sports page stats every day in 1939 living in Boston, the Splendid Splinter was my hero, has been ever since … and you’re right, much of the joy of sports, particularly baseball, is in the stats ..

… I’m an engineer, spent 1958-68 with large outfits, last 4 heading up a planning group for Exxon with a dozen or so engineer/MBA’s … since then had my own consulting firm, put 4 kids through college doing spreadsheets, mostly 10 year business plans …

… the thing I think Bob and I have figured out is that if you become too enamored with the numbers (and we both have many times), you can get way off base … it boils down, as you both have observed, to the proper balance between analysis and intuition …

… there’s a rule of thumb I’ve come up with is that in most situations, in order for a decision in any business to be made on a timely basis, it should be made on 60-70% complete information, leaving the rest to gut feel … if you wait to gather too much information, the train will have left … and intuition can be incredibly fast and accurate, if you practice … let’s say you and I are both avid college football fans, and half way through the season we agree to take 2-3 minutes, jot down the spread of 5-10 upcoming games … you’d be amazed how close we’ll come … then let’s say we go back, independently come up with 8-10 weighted criteria, then grade out each team, 0 to 100 scale on each, and calculate accordingly … again, the correlations will be very close between the analyzed way and the intuitive … have done this a number of times with clients over the years to demonstrate that point ..

… talk about scientists, it’s amazing how often they are off base … the main reason is that scientists are on average are ‘thing’ not ‘people’ type folks, and as such, have limited knowledge of themselves and their built in prejudices … the key to cranking the numbers is to discern which input numbers are important and which are not, and that takes our old gut feel, with good awareness of our own prejudices ..

… I was interested in your posts when you first started to blog here, checked out your favored information website at the time … when first challenged, you acknowledged you were not really a numbers guy, you just loved baseball stats, as we all do … long story short, some advice … back your faith in the numbers down from the perhaps 80-90% level where it is now to the 50-60% level were I think Bob and I now reside … and above all, check out your sources, do ‘googles’, find out what the world thinks about a site you think might be good … (it takes awhile discern who to believe and who not, but well worth the time invested … will greatly sharpen your intuitive skills in the process :))

By Stinky

February 22, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

Polonius was actually a pompous blow-hard.

By Braves20

February 22, 2007 04:49 PM | Link to this

Referring to a previous post about Langy. Wouldn’t it be great if he could add 35 or 40 points to that average this season. Then the sure thing AJ departure would be a little easier to swallow. The guy looks like he could be a hitter with some guidance - how I miss Don Baylor!

By geauxbraves2000

February 22, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this

Whats the over and under on Hampton being on the DL on opening day?

I too would break up the lefties and righties when Hampton is ready, for now though, Smoltz, James, Hudson, Cormier and 5th starter. I really honestly do not think Hampton is going to be ready by opening day, but I sure hope I’m wrong.

Geaux Braves!!

By TennesseePaul

February 22, 2007 04:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about the rest of ya, but I’d be worried if my wife bought me a movie entitled “The Departed”…

Ironically, my wife just bought that for me the other night!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 22, 2007 05:00 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

At least it wasn’t “Fatal Attraction.”

By the way, she also got us (me, wife, daughter) three tickets to the Braves/Astros game at Houston on Sept 29th, so I don’t think she’s going anywhere.

By Don't drink and type

February 22, 2007 05:07 PM | Link to this

Your rotation setup sounds great and the reasoning sound. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if that’s how it shakes out.

By Carolina Gent

February 22, 2007 05:18 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, Like I said, I remember it well!!! Oh well, maybe I’ll remember things better tomorrow. True enough that Renteria was on fire. I sure wouldn’t mind a repeat this time around.

Is this true for the other husbands out there, that your wife “buys you” the movies she wants to see? Is that pretty much universal?

By John J. Fanciman III Esq.

February 22, 2007 05:19 PM | Link to this

It’s neat the way you include song lyrics on your blog. By the way, do you have them committed to memory? Or do you copy and paste them from somewhere? And do you have to get permission to publish them and pay royalties to the songwriter?

Just curious.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 05:23 PM | Link to this

Young man, Laertes probably thought so too when he was growing up … but, then he heard old Hank sing “I saw the light …” … quit listening to the music of witches and realized his mistake.

Sometimes methinks Stinky’s pen may bespeak a very weak strong muscle … I’ve told folks that I think he’s a bona fide member of the three digit club … I still do believe that but, what I can’t figure out is why he keep trying to convince us that all 3 digits are zeroes.

By Dustin from Dville

February 22, 2007 05:33 PM | Link to this

as long as smoltz is with the Braves hell be the ace of the staff! I like Hampton as the braves 4th or 5th pitcher but dont trust him as a big game pitcher (anyone remember houston game 5 a few years back??) I knew bobby was making a mistake before the game and before he could get a reliever in there the game was already out of reach. that said…i trust cox….Go Braves!!

By woogidy

February 22, 2007 05:35 PM | Link to this

Here’s my thoughts, Smoltz at No. 1 is obvious, Huddy, Hampton, Chuck, and fill in the blank to follow, at least to start the season. Bobby likes to give the veterans the “honor and respct” they “deserve” by giving them the spots everyone would think they should get. Although, It wouldn’t surprise me if Bobby moved it around within a few weeks after opening day for whatever reason.

Who likes this Band?

In the words of the great Napoleon (Dynamite), They’re pretty much like my favorite band.

By jed

February 22, 2007 05:37 PM | Link to this

dob—this blog is pretty popular, eh? i mean, that’s a lot of responses. too many to go through, actually. you’ve got a great job and you’re doing a great job. but how bout you leave a post before you clock out at night, picking the best posts of the day. ie, “robert’s post at 3 pm was brilliant.” (funny, eh?) but i’m serious. there are some great posts on here, and then again, there are god-awful ones. is a reader’s digest, top-5 posts thing workable for you? thanks…

By The Grinch

February 22, 2007 05:39 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, “Departed” is a fantastic movie. Saw it twice in the theater when it came out. Try to make sure the kiddies are asleep; not only is it somewhat violent but you’ll want to pay close attention. Good stuff.

Scoots, there are many degrees of skank from the attractive stripper who obviously loves her job(and most modern female dance groups and pro cheerleaders do most of the same moves) to the toothless crack ho who shakes like a freezing chihuahua and everything in between. I’ll publish a treatise on it some time. :-)

By Bat Manners

February 22, 2007 05:59 PM | Link to this

LOLLI POP, LOLLI POP, OH, LOLLI, LOLLI, LOLLI,

LOLLI POP, LOLLI POP, OH, LOLLI, LOLLI, LOLLI,

LOLLI POP, LOLLI POP, OH, LOLLI, LOLLI, LOLLI,

LOLLI POP.

[verse 1]:

CALL MY BABY LOLLI POP, TELL YOU WHY,

HER KISS IS SWEETER THAN APPLE PIE.

AND WHEN SHE DOES HER SHAKY ROCKIN` DANCE,

MAN, I HAVEN`T GOT A CHANCE.

I CALL HER,

LOLLI POP, LOLLI POP, OH, LOLLI, LOLLI, LOLLI,

LOLLI POP, LOLLI POP, OH, LOLLI, LOLLI, LOLLI,

LOLLI POP, LOLLI POP, OH, LOLLI, LOLLI, LOLLI,

LOLLI POP.

By TennesseePaul

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

I saw Children of Men the other day. What a crazy movie that was! Still thinking about that one. Very well done, and an incredible sound track. Not to into Jasper’s Zen music. But over all the music was amazing. It complemented the movie very well.

By David O'Brien

February 22, 2007 06:20 PM | Link to this

Soriano showed up finally, got there about 3 p.m. I’m writing something now. I can see where he might intimidate hitters, bringing that 95-98 mph heat and with the serious disposition he seems to exude.

Still no sign of Aybar.

Hillbilly, you’ll LOVE that movie. The Departed was my favorite of the year, and not far off Scorcese’s best stuff including Goodfellas. I didn’t think it was quite as good as that or Taxi Driver, but not far below them.

Someone asked about Waits. I don’t know that I could pick just one of his albums. So many different genres and interesting directions he’s taken. I love Heartattack and Vine, Rain Dogs, Mule Variations, Swordfishtrombones, Blue Valentine … so many.

By rotgut

February 22, 2007 06:21 PM | Link to this

DOb

i gotta say that i think you are way too high on chuckie james. if you think hes a legit #2 starter to open the season then he is by far the most overrated brave on the team (which by the way is full of underrated stars thank god). 12-4 looks astonishing but i just cant allow myself to predict he will do anything remotely close to that this year. if he is 10-10 with 30 starts then thats somewhere where i expect him to be. that seems to be on par in my mind.

My man is Davies. he always has been. i have to write off the bad parts of last season as a giant fluke. damn i cant think of anybodys name right now but i always thought his stuff reminded me of that Brewers pitcher. Im not sure he will win out the 5th starters job simply because he has options and i think the braves need to keep as many of their pitchers as they can without putting them on waivers. especially relief. thats the phillies major weakness and i would hate to see any brave go their and have a chip on their shoulder against us.

anyway, widespread panic is playing in athens in late april. 3 nights at the classic center. i worked there all during highschool but got fired. tickets are almost impossible to get. come on DOB i know you got connections. help a brother out. i will be forever in your debt if you can find me some tickets. 1/2 the tix are going to be saved for “friends and family” and the rest are general public. the classic center seats 2000 tops and that might be a fire hazard. i need TIX

By Summerteeth

February 22, 2007 06:23 PM | Link to this

While I appreciate Tim Tucker’s article on the sale of the Braves, why isn’t anyone asking the new big boss man the question we all want to know???

Will they prove their commitment to Atlanta and raise the payroll?

By LeTwan Anthony

February 22, 2007 06:23 PM | Link to this

Arriving in Florida and looking for a place to hunt, LaRoche pulled into a farmer’s yard and went up to the farmhouse to ask permission to hunt on his land. The old farmer said, “Sure you can hunt, but would you do me a favor? That old mule over there is 20 years old and sick with cancer, but I don’t have the heart to kill her. Would you do it for me? LaRoche said, “Sure” and headed for the car. Walking back, however, he decided to pull a trick on his hunting buddies. He got into the car and when they asked if the farmer said it was OK, he said, “No, we can’t hunt here, but I’m going to teach that old cuss a lesson.” With that, he rolled down his window, stuck his gun out and blasted the mule. As he exclaimed, “There, that will teach him!” A second shot rang out from the passenger side and Chipper shouted, “Uh, I got the cow!!!”

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 22, 2007 06:29 PM | Link to this

DOB - TennesseePaul (and maybe others) already pointed this out, but you got the smoltz/hudson ace thing mixed up. in ‘05 when hudson came over, he said that he thought that smoltz should start the first game, that he was the man to do it since it was his team, he’s been part of the tradition, etc. (in fact, i think that hampton started the second game of that year, and hudson the third, though i’m not definite.) it was last year that they gave hudson the opener since he was the “ace of the future.”

i actually wouldn’t be surprised if they keep it that way this year. yes, smoltz is the stud, and he pitched well enough to be in the cy young race last year, and he deserves to start this year’s opener, but it wouldn’t surprise me too much if bobby decides to “stick with the plan” they mentioned last year with hudson being the ace of the future…although, i would see it as pretty risky — what if they do go that route, but then hudson gets shelled, a la last year in philly when ryan howard hit 3 homers off him? what would that do to hudson’s psyche, after dedicating himself this offseason to getting it back on track? just to be clear, i’m not arguing my pick for hudson to be the opener; smoltz is my pick — i’m just saying i can see bobby sticking with hudson.

as for the R-L-R-L-R rotation, i’m not too sure it makes that much of a difference, does it? i can see the argument for the alternation. it would be good to have the two lefties pitch against the mets in one series, especially since the mets had such a hard time against LHP last year. but then again i guess that will work itself out when the teams play each other 18 times over the course of the year.

and you do raise an interesting point with having hampton start the home opener. yes, that would be a big game for him to return to the major leagues, but look at the alternatives: having him pitch in philly, and moving hudson or james to the no. 4 spot (don’t want to do that), or moving the no. 5 guy up to the home opener, which is even more risky…i’d just as soon go with hampton for the home opener and hope that the hometown crowd gives him huge support, even if he struggles.

By AdirondackDave

February 22, 2007 06:43 PM | Link to this

Carolina Gent —- My wife doesn’t buy me movies but if she did, you can be sure it would be something SHE wanted to see!

By 10-7-4

February 22, 2007 06:49 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Grinch, jjs, TennesseePaul, Matthew & 3trees for the ‘welcome home’. 3trees we get ‘35’ by adding the numbers in my moniker 10-7-4, and then applying DOB math.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 07:12 PM | Link to this

35, it’s good to see you’alive and well … it will certainly brighten the day of a certain young lady from North Carolina to hear that you’re back and in good form!

jed, that’s a mighty fine suggestion you have there … but you could a least given advance notice that you were going to make it … I posted all my good ones on prior blogs!

LeTwan is back!! … and with a winner … How’s Mama and where are the pies?!

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 07:17 PM | Link to this

David, we don’t want to hear about Soriano’s 95-98 mph hot stuff, what about his fast ball?

By Bryan

February 22, 2007 07:26 PM | Link to this

Wow, when Cox starts using words like “amazing” and “awesome” to describe players who might be traded, WATCH OUT!

Yunel and Diaz could be out the door…

By Yars

February 22, 2007 07:27 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox saying that Escobar is ready makes me wonder if he is losing faith in Kelly Johnson. I know spring training games haven’t even started yet, but the story about KJ Wednesday makes me kinda think that KJ doesn’t have total confidence in himself at the moment. KJ needs to remind himself that baseball is 50% mental, 50% physical. In any case, you have a lot of people that want KJ to be the Braves starting 2B so it’s pretty much his job to lose. I don’t want to see Pete Orr playing in Richmond this season, but it may become a reality, unless he is traded. Too bad there is no room for Orr. Let’s say KJ is the starting 2B, you’ve got Aybar, Woodward, and possibly Prado on the bench. DOB……….what do you think of the band, Depeche Mode? Are you a fan? I’ve been listening to them a lot lately.

By braveheart

February 22, 2007 07:33 PM | Link to this

i think dob’s logic on the rotation makes sense, especially when you consider how bobby has done things in the past.

wasn’t it two years ago that smoltz started then hampton and then hudson which alot of people though weird at the time but was explained that he wanted to split the righty lefty rightie thing up. i think from history that is the way bobby likes to approach it.

it makes sense anyway if you think about it. smoltz has nasty, heavy, blistering stuff from the right side.

then you have james who is lefthanded, does not throw hard, and does not have that nasty stuff that smoltz has, so hitters will be off balance - which will be even better with this bullpen because you will have james throwing up his stuff but then have nasty heavy hard stuff coming from behind him in the pen which may give the braves an advantage when james pitches by throwing the hitters out of whack.

then after james, you would have huddie throwing from the right side, with a little harder and nastier stuff than james, which will again throw them off whack.

then you go from huddie on the right side to hamp on the left side with his blend of pretty nasty stuff, crafty and gutsy pitching.

so i think dob’s logic makes sense - never let the hitters see the same style of pitching from the same arm angle two days in a row.

even in the days of the big 3, you had maddux and glavine who were somewhat similar but threw from different sides but then you had smoltz throwing much harder and nastier than glavine and maddux, so hitters were always seeing different things and contrasting styles which never let them just get a groove and used to oh the braves are a bunch of hard throwers or a bunch of soft cute throwers who keep everything six inches off the plate which would increase the hitter’s comfort level at the plate.

long winded way of saying i agree DOB

By 10-7-4

February 22, 2007 07:37 PM | Link to this

just Bob, plain and simple— saw your post concerning the “Mutt and Jeff” romance situation and was reminded of a Drunky Clint story. Ole Clint and his cousin ‘little Billy’{an honest to goodness dwarf} went to Mardi Gras many moons ago. They were in the hotel bar after an especially hard round of drinking and somehow hooked up with two ‘lovelies’. After awhile they paired off and went to their rooms, which as luck would have it, were next to each other. Drunky Clint says “I got the blonde, after the redhead claimed she wanted to sleep with a midget”. Well, ole Clint says he had consumed far too much ‘fire water’ and to his great humiliation he was unable to do his ‘manly thing’. What’s worse he say’s that he could hear coming from the next room the sound—1, 2, 3 thruuump. He says this went on for several hours—1, 2, 3 thruuump. 1, 2, 3 thruuump and he could only imagine the wild things that were going on in that room. He say’s he buried his head in his pillow ‘totally ashamed ’ and finally went off to sleep. The next morning he met ‘little Billy’ at breakfast and told him, of his disastrous evening, and how embarrassed he was. Little Billy said, “man oh man, you’re embarrassed?? I spent the whole night trying to jump up into bed.” So Bob, plain and simple, there may be some interesting things to come from the ‘Mutt and Jeff’ romance after all.

By braveheart

February 22, 2007 07:38 PM | Link to this

daybed wagmoe, i think that huddie could survive badly pitched games. i have never seen that his problem has ever been mental or anything like that. he seems to have a pretty tough psyche and makeup. i think his problem for the most part is physical. he seems to wilt late in games (6th inning or so). i think if he is in better shape physically, he will be much better this season. i also think that he is mentally tough enough to withstand early disappointment should it happen. the problems with hudson are physcial not mental. to me at least

By David O'Brien

February 22, 2007 07:39 PM | Link to this

Rotgut, let me get this straight: I’m overrating Chuck James by suggesting they start him second in order to break up the lefties? (I said nothing about “legtimate No. 2 starter”).

I’m overrating a kid who went 11-4 in 18 starts with a 3.78 ERA in his rookie season, and who had a 2.09 ERA in 74 career minor league games with 443 strikeouts and 109 walks in 378-1/3 innings?

Yet then after saying I’m overrating James, you write, “My man is Davies. he always has been. i have to write off the bad parts of last season as a giant fluke.”

Yeah, that makes perfect sense. He went 7-6 with a 4.93 ERA as a rookie in 2005, then 3-7 with an 8.38 ERA in 14 starts last season (but I’ll give you that his starts after returning from groin surgery shouldn’t count against him, though he was struggling before the injury).

Look at James’ minor league numbers again (never mind his major league numbers, which you probably think are a fluke like Davies’ bad numbers are a fluke). Look at his minor league stats and compare them to Davies’ minor league stats: 2.91 ERA, 526 strikeouts with 188 walks in 528 innings.

Now, what about Davies’ body of work makes him so much better in your eyes than James? Just curious.

By Yars

February 22, 2007 07:40 PM | Link to this

Someone mentioned they probably won’t be shocked if Hampton starts the season on the DL. With nobody knowing what to expect from Hampton in games, and with not really knowing what Hyle Davies will be bringing to the table, the Braves need 2 emergency starters that can win games. Cormier and Villarreal are pitchers I wouldn’t want in my starting rotation, or even as spot starters. I think Atlanta needs to upgrade a bit on that particular area. Hopefully Matt Harrison wil get a chance to start some games for them, that is if he puts up good numbers in the minors.

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 07:50 PM | Link to this

Heres a reason to start James ahead of Hudson,he was the better pitcher last year.As for Hudson getting upset,if he’s not upset about a era just south of five maybe a little fire under him wouldn’t be a bad thing.If Hudson is the second best on the staff we’ll all know it by june and Mr Cox is quicker than most of us.David made a good point that Philly is a tough park and James could see some balls clear the fence,but bottom line is James is my number two till proved otherwise.

By J. Rawls

February 22, 2007 07:50 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, I don’t know if it’s been mentioned yet or not (too many replies to scan through), but Hudson started opening day last year and Smoltz started it in ‘05, where he pretty much got clobbered by the Marlins.

Otherwise, nice blog.

By David O'Brien

February 22, 2007 07:57 PM | Link to this

Daybed, thanks for the reminder about the Hudson/Smoltz order. You’re exactly right, ‘twas two years ago that Smoltz did it, then last year Hudson. I’ll fix that now.

Fanciman, I have every song that’s ever been recorded committed to memory. Thanks for asking.

By April

February 22, 2007 08:07 PM | Link to this

3 Trees, are you a tall person? That’s a tall sounding name. I am tall and have been called twin peaks but I’m pretty sure it was not for my height. I have apparently scared away a man on this blog who is 6’11” tall and I need a man about that tall to escort me to places and we can see where the relationship goes from there. I have never had any complaints about my looks and I can’t imagine why the tall, tall blogger would pass on meeting me after seeing my photos. Talk of romance is very premature since I could inspire no interest from him whatsoever. What is the deal, Mr. Hard-to-Get?

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 08:13 PM | Link to this

35, I have a reputation to maintain on the Blog … it’s inappropriate behavior to to try to get me to laugh at such disgraceful prose … and I can’t condone it … enjoy it, yes! As I said earlier, it is nice to have you back!

By 10-7-4

February 22, 2007 08:17 PM | Link to this

Boy, this delay system, makes it tough. Like Boss King said” what we have here, is a failure to communicate”. Bob, plain and simple, please, if you get the opportunity pass along my best wishes to C. Lady. I am so sorry to hear of ‘moms’ deteriorating condition. addio

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 08:20 PM | Link to this

David O’ - thinking of :Waits ;Anywhere I lay my head; setting here in Black Mountain nc I’m reminded of a song on Ryan Adams’ heartbreaker,called ;oh my sweet carolina;.

By David O'Brien

February 22, 2007 08:31 PM | Link to this

Terrific song, OddJob. And I do have it committed to memory, should we need the lyrics.

Black Mountain, huh? Nice up there. Family used to take vacations in those parts when I was a kid. Isn’t Brad Daugherty (former Carolina center) from there?

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 08:32 PM | Link to this

35, I’ve already so done and her response, as is so typical of My Lady, was “Well, I couldn’t be more delighted to hear of 35’s return! Good news!!!”

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 22, 2007 08:32 PM | Link to this

DOB can correct me if I am wrong but I honestly don’t see Renteria or Wickman being Braves next season. Also, DOB, would the Braves make a serious run at Torri Hunter. The consensus feeling is that he will ask for a 4yr/48-52 mil deal. That is considerably cheaper than Andruw and while Hunter is not as good, his defense is still pretty darn good and his offensive numbers aren’t too bad. He hit 31 HR and 98 RBI last season and missed time due to injury.

By KC

February 22, 2007 08:36 PM | Link to this

Here is my nominee for the most scratch-your-head quote of the day:

From ESPN.com: “Dwayne Wade left in a wheelchair in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 112-102 loss to the Rockets after dislocating his left shoulder.”

Hmmm

By KC

February 22, 2007 08:38 PM | Link to this

Good thing he didn’t break his collarbone… or he might never walk again.

By KC

February 22, 2007 08:47 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB):

The only way I can see Wickman back is if two things (both) happen: First, Liberty boosts payroll a bit and 2nd, the Braves don’t re-sign Andruw.

If both of those things happen, Atlanta will have a little change in their pocket, and if there is no more beneficial way to spend it, they might decide keeping this bullpen entirely in tact is a good way to go.

But overall… after the acquisition of M.Gonzalez, one would think that Wickman’s salary will be the first on the chopping block (no pun intended) in order to clear the cash necessary to try and re-sign AJ and/or Smoltz.

As for Renteria… depends on the development of some of our middle infield prospects. If Lillibridge appears ready to go, that would certainly turn Renteria into trade bait. That is, unless he got a no trade from Boston. DOB, did he?

By brian

February 22, 2007 08:49 PM | Link to this

Great post DOB -

I agree wholeheartedly (I know that gives you a great sense of relief) on your thoughts on starters. Smoltz #1, plain and simple. I do like the thought of staggering righty’s and lefty’s when possible. I like James after Smoltz for an additional reason as well. You are staggering the hard throwing Smoltz with the more finesse Chuck James. Completely different pitchers. If the other team platoons, then by staggering R-L-R-L their platoon hitters will not get regular ABs or back to back games.

Put Hudson 3rd and give Hudson something to prove! Hudson does not have a chip on his shoulder and would not mind being 3rd for the obvious alternating R-L-R and James’ year last year, but it should still fire him up to try and return to dominance.

How has Matt Harrison looked this year?

Future rotation? James, Davies, Harrison, Soriano, McBride??????

Or is McBride supposed to be the established young pitcher we would try to get the Devil Rays to take with Escobar in a package for Baldelli?

Is Yunel a righty or lefty hitter? Might we see a KJ and Yunel platoon at 2B if Yunel is not traded?

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 08:54 PM | Link to this

David - Brad lives just out of Asheville which is 17 miles west on I40.He went to high school at Owens high seven miles west of my house as did Brad Johnson,the TB superbowl QB Roy Williams coached b-ball at Owens and was born and raised just a few miles east of here.

By The Grinch

February 22, 2007 08:55 PM | Link to this

Yeah, man; that’s a bit confusing. I could understand the wheelchair if it was Ron Artest or someone, since he usually wears his a* on his shoulders, but D-Wade’s a pretty good dude. :-) The Thrashers just got reamed on a penalty call and the result was the tying goal by the hated Lightning. I’ll be po’d if the Thrash don’t pull this one out.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 22, 2007 09:00 PM | Link to this

ah, yes, black mountain … this journalist is walking down the sidewalk … there is a restaurant entrance on the left, you step inside and go down many stairs to the dining room - and there is another entrance on the first level from another street. tablecloths and cloth napkins. this journalist and baby seal ate there just last year. does oddjob know this restaurant?

By Stinky

February 22, 2007 09:01 PM | Link to this

My introduction to the Bard came when the Castaways inspired Harold Hecuba to produce a musical of Hamlet.

The little ditty that made it to the small screen featured the lines: “to thine own self be true”; and: “neither a lender or borrower be”.

Some people might never had that experience. Some people might also have glanced over the words: “…brevity is the soul of wit” in the 9th grade.

Polonius, of course, like some bloggers who just had their hormone shots, could never actually understand any wisdom in their words, as he was simply repeating the Danish Renaissance equivalent of the ‘Jerry Springer Show’.

By Lew

February 22, 2007 09:09 PM | Link to this

To Thine own self be true. Oh, The Irony.

By braveheart

February 22, 2007 09:11 PM | Link to this

dwayne wade is a great player and sort of tough but alot of these guys like wade have this melodramatic thing going on.

how often do you see wade hit the floor (about 40 times a game it seems) writhe in pain, then do a wicked crossover and yoke it on someone’s head the very next play.

the first time i remember this phenomenon of overexaggerated injuries and pain was emmitt smith who seemed like he had just been crippled every fifth play or so forcing him to the sidelines and the very next play, he would run for 60 yards and a TD.

really annoying.

michael jordan though pulled off the biggest melodramatic suffering while dropping 40 in a finals that time he made it seem like the flu bug he got hit with had turned him into some miraculous cancer patient going through the absolute hellish pits and agony of chemo but still managing to drop 40. of course, jordan could never do no wrong, so the media made him sound like the most valiant hero basketball had ever seen because he somehow made it through the flu.

just ask woodward, when the flu hits you that bad, you ain’t going out that night and dropping 40.

so, maybe the whole wheelchair thing was just being overly cautious but i think there was alot of melodramatic hamming it up for the cameras, fans, and media involved.

plus, did you hear that he was actually crying on the bench about it? good lord, it was a separated shoulder. i have had that happen to me three times, including once while i was taking a big ole swing and a miss and a strike three. it hurt like heck but crying about it????? trust me on this, the striking out swinging in a slo-pitch softball game and actually separating my shoulder swinging in a slo-pitch softball game hurt a helluva lot more than the separated shoulder.

toughen up dwade. crying about a separated shoulder is absurd. basketball players are so soft compared to baseball players and football players.

imagine if wade’s girl was crazy and sick in the head enough to the point that she beat his dog to death, how much crying and whimpering would we have to endure from dwade when he melts down over a freaking separated shoulder?

sorry for the diversion from braves talk (and the talk about music and movies and the many welcome back kotters you all will not stop expressing to each other). there is more prodigal son talk out of all of you than you would hear at a weekly AA/NA or born again christian meeting. maybe DOB needs to put the lyrics for amazing grace up so you all will not say over and over again Hi I’m Known Between February and October as a Crazy Moniker on the AJC/DOB blog and, yes, I’m a Bravesaholic. I was Braves free for a few months but i have relapsed - the smell of that fresh grass and sticky icky pine tar was too tempting for me to stay away from. I once was lost but now am found…. and so on and so on an so on…..

just having fun. you guys are great and seem like a real fun dysfunctional family of Bravesaholics.

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 09:18 PM | Link to this

RAPUNZEL !! RAPUNZEL !!

By Stinky

February 22, 2007 09:20 PM | Link to this

I would like to go head to head with some bloggers on the AJC.com, but my words have too much strong medicine for some of the weaker muscles of the AJC and the most favored denizens of this blog.

I apologize to those of you whose parents passed on genes that don’t allow you to blog on a level field or watch a movie on cable. I’m sure your virgin ears and eyes had never contemplated any of the phrases voiced by me.

I wonder if Johnny Cash required bag of hormone injections when he went to San Quentin.

By braveheart

February 22, 2007 09:24 PM | Link to this

brevity is the soul of wit, huh?

brevity can also be the cover for a shallow thoughtless guy who can only post one or two sentence garbage that merely personally attacks people while never once proving that they have ever had a thought or argument or series of multiple thoughts or arguments of their own that are worth sharing with the world.

it is awfully easy to worship at the temple of brevity when you do not think too much about the issues and essentially have nothing to say.

just stick with attacking people. your silly little attempt at a pseudo-intellectual post only continues to prove that you are better off sticking with your one sentence attacks on bloggers.

By Stinky

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

Oh the shame of it all. The second most feared blogger on the “Braves/Man in Black” couldn’t take the bat off his shoulders when he had at least three hittable pitches. Oh, the humanity.

By The Grinch

February 22, 2007 09:30 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, there are several degrees of seperation involving the shoulder (on the sixth one you get to Kevin Bacon I think), but even the worst one ain’t that bad. The Elder Grinch wrecked his Ninja a couple of years ago at age 65 and walked about four miles back to the house with his collar bone protruding up in a knot next to his head. He didn’t cry then, but then we Grinches are made of hearty stuff. I’m drinking some Sam Adams Black Lager from one of those mix packs; it’s right tasty brew. Go Thrashers!

By Stinky

February 22, 2007 09:31 PM | Link to this

bravepheart, stick to ‘the smell of that fresh grass and sticky icky pine tar’.

By Stinky

February 22, 2007 09:40 PM | Link to this

Grinch, whenever you drink in one of those mixer packs, don’t eat mashed potatoes.

By Wayne in UT

February 22, 2007 09:41 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: Wade needs to “man” up indeed. Of course it hurt, but don’t rub it or let them see you cry, and sure as heck, don’t be taken off the court in a wheelchair!

While I honor and respect Smoltz as the ace, the actual order of the staff is not overly important. I do like R-L-R-L-R. I also like heat-finesse-heat etc. Kind of like Wakeman following Schilling. So, I would set up the original order in such a way to maximize our potential to get off to a great start, whether that means holding by Smoltz for the home opener and holding back Hampton to follow him with game 2 at home, doesn’t matter to me. In the grand scheme of things, it might mean Smoltz getting one more start over the course of the year, but probably not. In late September we are going to be tweaking the staff for the first playoff series anyway!!!!! TAKE THAT MET AND PHILLY FANS!!!

By The Grinch

February 22, 2007 09:41 PM | Link to this

I like the smell of fresh grass too, only I have to remember to take the battery out of the smoke alarm first. HK, can you do a chart of bloggers, from the most fearsome to the most benign? I’d have to rate Shaun up near the top, to be sure. Nothing frightens me more than the looming possibillity of a sabremetric argument. Love ya, Shaun. :-)

By DonCoburleone

February 22, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

We may actually have the money to afford Torii Hunter next year, but you also have to consider that in another 2-3 years we will have to pay McCann and Francoeur…

By Stinky

February 22, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

Set the starting rotation up so that the highest paid pitch first. Stop coddling guys who cry: “But I had Tommy John surgeryn and collected 15 million dollars while I saw my personal trainer. I’m not ready yet. It’s triple witching this week.”

By The Grinch

February 22, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

Stinky, I will definitely take that into consideration. Unlikely to happen anyway, as I’m watching my carbs (I’m on the Honey Porter now). Wayne the ute, I didn’t realize the keyboard player for Yes pitched for the BoSox. You sure you don’t mean Wakefield? Thrashers lose 5-4 in overtime. D’oh!

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 09:58 PM | Link to this

If sardonic,sophomoric postings make you feel like a champ. pull your pants down past the shorts and waddle over to the Falcons site.I’m starting to resemble these remarks.

By ssiscribe

February 22, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Good evening, all. Grinch, first and foremost, damn these Thrashers are going to give me an ulcer before all is said and done, bro. Blew two leads! Had 4 on 3 to start OT. And did you see Kari throw the stool down the runway after the game?

That one point is gonna cost us bigtime, I fear.

Anyway, now baseball (famous transition by the Scribe, as noted by the equally famous Journalist Jimmy Smith): Glad to see Soriano in camp and confident. Can’t wait to see him throw. If the Mariners were worried about the line drive doing damage, well, that’s all well and good. But we absolutely schooled them with the HoRam deal. I mean, come on, a dude with that type of stuff for HoRam? I liked Horacio, but he needed a change of location. Still, to get a guy like Soriano … nice.

35, welcome back to the blog! I think everybody’s reported except CL, and from what I read from Matthew earlier, we definitely need to keep her and her family in our thoughts and prayers.

Back to Grinch: Man, you mean they didn’t pull you down to play the point? I’m disappointed. I saw Manu scoring all those points in a row. The Hawks totally suck. Anthony Johnson? Yeah, buy your playoff tickets.

And slightly skanky dancers? Beautiful!

The Scribe abides. Peace out, denzines.

—30—

By Stinky

February 22, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone, I believe that Torii Hunter will command the kind of money we’d like to pay AJ. And because we will have to pay McCann and Francoeur in a few, I think we should let home-grown and recycled talent roam the big lot of green grass that some people like to smoke and others just inhale. The resulting freed cash could go to pitching.

By Polonius

February 22, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

The m-e-l-t-d-o-w-n has begun.

By Dr. Tchock

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

jjs, I believe I know the place of which you speak. It’s not quite Lothlorien, but I think Tolkien might have liked it. A surprising beauty to the place.

By Lew

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

Pots and Black Kettles and Ironic utterances. Full of the sound and the fury and signifying nothing. As usual. Oddjob certainly caught on fast. Braveheart is also aware. Sardonic and sophmoric- shallow and thoughtless, indeed. So transparent. Noticeble to the newly oriented, as well as those who have seen first hand for so long.

By Red

February 22, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

I was out on the West Coast, tryin’ to make a buck And things didn’t work out, I was down on my luck Got tired a-roamin’ and bummin’ around So I started thumbin’ back East, toward my home town.

Made a lot of miles, the first two days And I figured I’d be home in week, if my luck held out this way But, the third night I got stranded, way out of town At a cold, lonely crossroads, rain was pourin’ down.

I was hungry and freezin’, done caught a chill When the lights of a big semi topped the hill Lord, I sure was glad to hear them air brakes come on And I climbed in that cab, where I knew it’d be warm.

At the wheel sit a big man, he weighed about two-ten He stuck out his hand and said with a grin “Big Joe’s the name”, I told him mine And he said: “The name of my rig is Phantom 309.”

I asked him why he called his rig such a name He said: “Son, this old Mack can put ‘em all to shame There ain’t a driver, or a rig, a-runnin’ any line Ain’t seen nothin’ but taillights from Phantom 309.”

Well, we rode and talked the better part of the night When the lights of a truck stop came in sight He said: “I’m sorry son, this is as far as you go ‘Cause, I gotta make a turn, just on up the road.”

Well, he tossed me a dime as he pulled her in low And said: “Have yourself a cup on old Big Joe.” When Joe and his rig roared out in the night In nothin’ flat, he was clean out of sight.

Well, I went inside and ordered me a cup Told the waiter Big Joe was settin’ me up Aw!, you coulda heard a pin drop, it got deathly quiet And the waiter’s face turned kinda white.

Well, did I say something wrong? I said with a halfway grin He said: “Naw, this happens every now and then Ever’ driver in here knows Big Joe But son, let me tell you what happened about ten years ago.

At the crossroads tonight, where you flagged him down There was a bus load of kids, comin’ from town And they were right in the middle, when Big Joe topped the hill It could have been slaughter, but he turned his wheel.

Well, Joe lost control, went into a skid And gave his life to save that bunch-a kids And there at that crossroads, was the end of the line For Big Joe and phantom 309

But, every now and then, some hiker’ll come by And like you, Big Joe’ll give ‘em a ride Here, have another cup and forget about the dime Keep it as a souvenir, from Big Joe and Phantom 309!

By Lew

February 22, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Just make sure the potatoes don’t mash you.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

February 22, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

It hasn’t been brought up, to my knowledge, but how will El Duque’s neck pain affect the Mets if he is unable to go. I know the Mets and the media who so desires to love them keep overlooking the Mets problematic rotation. If Hernandez is unable to pitch, what will that do to that rotation again? Can you imagine a rotation of: Glavine, Maine, Perez, Sosa, and Humber or Pelphrey? That doesn’t seem like a very strong rotation to me and I defy somebody to tell me that rotation is anywhere near as good as the Braves, Phillies, or Marlins.

By jed

February 22, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

DOB—you didnt respond to my 5:37 pm post. i’d appreciate it if you could. i think it’s a legitimate idea, and not too much extra work for you. (just write down “joe schmuck: 2:15 pm post”) it’d be interesting. and it might even raise the quality of posts. thanks.

By Darth Stinky

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

Grinch, I equate ‘skanky’ with stomped down-ugly. What is your definition?

By hk

February 22, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Grinch …

… early on last year I did a chart on a dozen or so of the guys, with weighted personality criteria, graded them out 0 to 100 on each, etc, usual routine, only purpose was for me as a new guy to get to a handle on folks a little bit, and the blog itself .. thought about posting it for about a tenth of a second, but way too intrusive, no way …

… sabremetric arguments have been a good contribution to the blog, get us to thinkin’, but I’m not a Bill James fan either … it worked in Oakland (or maybe not, they also were blessed with Hudson in his prime, Muldar, Zito, Giambi, Tejeda ), definitely has not worked with Theo in Boston, has caught on with no other team ..

By Jim

February 22, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

If Hampton is ready to go 5+ innings on opening day, he should pitch game 2. Some of Hampton’s best games as a Brave(including a near no-hitter)have come against the Phillies. I realize that it is a new park, different group of players, and a recovering Hampton, but Let’s see if his old magic against the Phillies continues. By the same logic Davies, if he is the 5th starter should absolutely NOT pitch against the Phillies whenever it is possible to have him avoid them. I remember the game last year when the first five players in their lineup all had extra base hits including 2 HRs, and the game in Sept. when he couldn’t hold a lead and couldn’t get out of the 3rd inning. His worst starts (and relief appearances) in his brief tenure have come against the Phillies.

I agree that it would be best to separate Hampton and James in the rotation, but after the first couple of weeks it doesn’t make too much difference who is # 2 and who is # 4. They’ll both get the same number of starts. If #4 and #5 are the two weakest pitchers, then a rotation of 1, 4, 3, 2, 5 makes sense in that it minimizes the chances for a longer losing streak, and allow 2 and 1 to pitch consecutive starts if there is an off day.

By Mac

February 22, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

It will go on for hours. Is that ten posts already? a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Oh, the irony!

By Darth Stinky

February 22, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Diabetes frequently results in dementia and early onset Alzheimers, vision problems, and other things that don’t come up.

By WShakie

February 22, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

To-morrow and to-morrow and to-morrow….

By brian

February 22, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Why do the Phillies want to trade Aaron Rowing?

By Jake C.

February 22, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Woogidy…10 Years is a terrible, cookie cutter, peanut butter mouthed, over-produced, forumulaic, sorry excuse for a band.

Check out Cory Branan. “Prettiest Waitress” is a great track: www.myspace.com/corybranan

I like Villareal as the 5th starter, to be honest. He showed promise in spot starts, and as the long man in the pen. Davies has to find some consistency, and Cormier is in the same boat. Villareal will take the ball whenever asked, and he definitely deserves a look.

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

I’ve thought for awhile that at some point it could be in the teams best interest for Chipper to consider playing 1st base.I’m not saying he should be approached now or this year,but the feet could keep him from ever being 100% again.I think his defense at 3rd is replacable it’s his bat and leadership the team needs.So would you rather have him play 150 at 1st and be able to use his feet at the plate or have a hobbled 3rd baseman play 100 and have trouble bracing and pivoting at the plate? Just food for thought, I hope it doesn’t become a choice.

By The Grinch

February 22, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Darth Stinky, I use the straight out term “Skank” for someone who’s ugly and possibly diseased. But I meant “taught and slightly skanky” more like “tantalizingly and dangerously slutty.” Perhaps I should’ve been clearer; the women in question were definitely not ugly.

HK, I was only curious to see if you agreed with Stinky that Braveheart was the second most feared blogger. I had not previously thought of such a comparison, but it beats VORP to me in terms of potential interest.

By Darth Stinky

February 22, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

OddJob, how many plays will Chipper be moving around for at third and how many will he be moving on at first?

By Darth Stinky

February 22, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

She said: “This should go on for hours. The Sound. The Fury.”

By Braves fan 202

February 22, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

hey robert(justice is the best) my bad for freakin out on you the other day i thought you were that other guy. Anyways looking at james last year with the 1 hitter and all i think he has a great shot to be our franchise player in a couple of years. Some players just stink of success and james is definately one of them. I hate to say it but i bet you james gets more wins than smoltzy this year. I am not at all saying smoltz should not be the main pitcher especially in the post season. But i think james wins more, but smoltz gets those clutch wins thats why i love him. You know what carolina, clemson, tech, dawgs, vols, auburn, bama, vandy, and fsu have in common. All love those braves baby. Thats why we all turn blue and red during the summer.

By Darth Stinky

February 22, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

And then she said, “Mac/Faulkner was never this good.”

By Darth Stinky

February 22, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Grinch, was actually thinking of a certain someone who backed away from romance.

By hk

February 22, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Grinch …

… me, I fear you the most, you remind me of me 40 years ago :))

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Darth I don’t know,short answer, but at 3rd you charge forward a lot and it seems his weight is on the front of the feet more than it might be at 1st.As an old gym and field rat it’s been my experience that when the feet are injured it’s painful making plays from forward leaning positions.

By braveheart

February 22, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

i did not realize that there was an elder grinch. i thought that the grinch was one of a kind. there are two of you in this world? do you both ride Ninjas at age 65, attend neighborhood watch meetings, and sit on the top of your house with guns protecting the community while at the same time drinking it up, watching the thrashers, blogging it up on here, writing a treatise educating the ignorant about the different degrees of stripperdom, etc., etc.? there can not be two of you out there. you are one of a kind, grinch :-)

the elder grinch does sound like one tough SOB though - reminds me of the old man in the braveheart movie who keeps on fighting even with the arrow in his chest and who yells something like get off of me boy when his son tries to help remove the arrow.

By Rosalynn

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

Surela toda is a good da on this blog. We have seen some of the vera best bloggas return to the blog toda. Here’s a special shout out to hk, I have alwahs had a special place in my heart for hk because he is a poll maka. poll makas helped mah Jimma win the Presidenca back in 1976. Of couhse, they destroahed my Jimma in 1980 but I doubt hk was involved in that meanness. And look heah, we have thirtafive and 3trees and Voice Of Reason and MGL and so mana moah bloggas we have not seen in such a long time - and we have some brand new bloggas here tonight. Welcome deahs. I’d like to tell you all a little stora about my Jimma when he was a little boah growing up in Plains. Sometimes he would sneak up to ouah house and look in my winda at night! That boah was randa as some of the goats. Well, one night I poahed a whole tub of wata right on Jimma’s head and screamed as loud as I could, I think I have vomited! Well, the next thing I know, Jimma is throwing up all over my dadda’s front poach and the lights come on and mah dadda takes one look at Jimma and says, boah you will never amount to anathing. Get off my poach. Jimma just laughs and laughs when he thinks about that because Jimma was eventualla leada of the free world. That is sorta like going to spring training and having yoah own blog like DOB.

By Darth Stinky

February 22, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Grinch, Thanks for the clarification about ‘skanky’. I was beginning to think that you were one of those guys that, when he feels the urge, puts an ear of corn in his back pocket and trolls the local smorsgasbord.

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Gentlemen - If your finger is pulled does wind not break? The word skank should be reserved for the truly foul and retched among us,such as the ny skankees!

By choppinmama

February 22, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Oddjob & journalistjimmysmith:

Haven’t thought of Black Mountain in quite a while and here’s why: Many moons ago, gov’t employee husband tranferred from ATL area to Black Mountain. Wife and 2 yr old son stayed back in ATL for 10 months trying to sell house. House finally sold, moved into Blk. Mtn. rental home w/husband for 3 mos. Loved every minute in the beautiful mountains, went to every fall craft show and festival within a 50 mile radius.

The day before we signed contract to buy rental home, husband transferred to NC. Went over to sellers home to break the bad news, 2 yr old falls on wood floor, splits lip wide open, bleeds all over seller’s living room floor. They felt so sorry for us, we even got our deposit back! Haven’t thought of Black Mtn. for a loooong time.

On to baseball: configure the rotation so Smoltz starts first home game.

By jed

February 22, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Jake C: I like Villareal for the 5th starter spot as well. I also think Davies should start in Richmond and get himself together, then sorta glide into Atlanta when he hits his stride. Villareal prefers starting. Was quite thankful when he got a shot at starting and did quite well toward the end of the season.

By Braves fan 202

February 22, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

DOB what are your 2007 season predictions

By hk

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

braveheart …

… that’s the nicest thing anybody’s said to me all day :))

By Darth Stinky

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

Oddjob, lateral movement on every ball hit on the ground seems like it would be stressful as well. He’d also have to learn to play 1st base, which was no picnic for Brian Jordan last year.

By DonCoburleone

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

Don’t worry about getting Villareal in there as the 5th starter… If this year is anything like last year, he will be our number 3 starter by June…

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Choppinmoma - you should try to get back before the charactor of the place is bulldozed into memories.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

The good doctor and I considered inviting Stinky to have some olives and brine … and have him for lunch … but both thought him a bit hard to digest and decided to dine alone on favas with a nice chianti.

Who is Jerry Springer?

By choppinmama

February 22, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Black Mtn story edit: The day before we signed contract to buy house, husband transferred to Raleigh, NC………

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Darth - I agree it’s not a sure transition ,but many have made the move to 1st for similar reasons.

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Choppinmoma - Raleigh has it’s charms as well.

By Kentavo

February 22, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

How bout saving James for home opener?

So, you could go Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, then James, then Chopped Liver or whoever the 5th starter is going to be.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 22, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Most Honorable,

I told a young lady that I was fearless … I don’t remember the exact words but they were much like “This man fears nothing that walks upright, nor on all fours, here on God’s green Earth … so don’t mistake my fastidious nature with fear!” … I don’t want to upset, alarm or encourage you, but she’s been proving me wrong ever since.

Just be careful of the promises they make … like “I promise that I will never complain about your golfing, bowling, smoking or drinking!” … deceiteful lies, every one!

By Darth Stinky

February 22, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, Maybe Chipper wore sensible shoes this past offseason instead of cowpoke boots.

By MostHonorableSouthern

February 22, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Bob—Jerry Springer is the king of all things ignorant!…about as hard to describe as ‘skank’!!!…

By Wilson

February 22, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Cox should skip hampton on April 3rd (no game) and keep James 4th. That way hamnpton can get extra rest. before his first real start. it will still break up the lefties….

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Darth - try a home experiment,get your body low and move forward as if you’re charging at 3rd.The weight and stress is transfered to the balls of the feet and inner toes (big). Now move laterally most of the weight and stress is transfered to the outer part of the feet (lateral) and up the outer leg to the hip.

By Darth Stinky

February 22, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Someone was wise to reconsider his dinner plans. A wise man knows when he is about to bite off more than he can chew. Just ask the big guy with no stones for the ladies.

By OddJob

February 22, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Darth - Take it from a mountain hiker good shoes make the world a better place.

By Antonio McNugget

February 22, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

DOB, I read your posts all the time but dont post much myself, and appreciate your blogs very much. It is unbeleivable how much more those of us who read you know about the Braves vs those who listen to say National media.

Anyway you may remember me saying last year i am a Bama grad and I told you Cormier was our absolute stud when he was her, we compared him to a right handed Tommy Glavine at Bama. Lights out at least 8 innings every Friday night regardless the opponet.

If Davies struggles is Lance the guy? And if Davies thrives is Lance our long man or will he be a AAA starter? I know this all absolutely depends on health but lets say everyone is healthy(Hampton etc)

I am of the opinion that unless something happens where we have a guy go down Lance will be another quality “upside” guy that probably gets traded and ends up somewhere else ex.. Bruce Chen, David Neid, ( I know those guys never really panned out, but their careers probably would have been different, given the chance to start in Atlanta. Anyway DOB, just would like to hear your thoughts…

By Braves fan 202

February 22, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Yea i wont the lefties to be broken but i dont want hampton to start opening day, not sayin he isnt good but i want someone reliable. i dont know how hampton will do. So i say hampton second james fourth, rotation spot doesnt matter thell all get the same amount of starts. I really wanna see smoltz pedro tho, those are always good.

By April

February 22, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

You apparently looked at the wrong photos because I am gorgeous and more woman than you could ever handle. I am doing a photo shoot and need someone really tall to sport me around town but you are now out of the running. What about it guys? Anyone here 6’8” or taller? I prefer a real man not a girly-man even if he’s 6’11”. On another subject I used to go to Black Mountain and remember some great times there. I have clogged on stage at the festivals and I really loved going to my friend’s house on lake lure where we would ski and have great times. Black Mountain rules. Maybe we could go there on a date? You must be tall.

By choppinmama

February 23, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Oddjob: We actually settled in Cary, loved every minute of NC living and NC fishing. Headed back to ATL with the next move and discovered my beloved Braves. Somehow they weren’t on my radar screen the first ATL go-round.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 23, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

Apologies to all, I’ve been so overmatched by the little odifferous one that I totally mistyped my feeble effort of a few minutes ago … angered the Doctor to see himself referenced in such a sloppy post … but it’s true “we considered offering him some olives and brine … and have him for lunch … and we both thought him a bit hard to digest and decided to dine alone on favas with a nice chianti”.

When you’re 2,500 years old, you should know when you’ve been bested!

By OddJob

February 23, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

April I’m 6’3” in heels,if thats not man enough,I look really tough in a black dress.

By April

February 23, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Don’t force me to go to the basketball blog. I like baseball. Aren’t any of you tall?

By Lets think about it

February 23, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

I notice on some comments that ppl are suggesting that James is better than Huddy. Lets remember that Huddy is a vetern and James is not. Chuck had a terrific year but we dont know if he’ll repeat (lets hope so). Some wonder if hudson will bounce back, and he will. He had a bad year but the sad thing is that most pitchers in the league would die for his ERA (which was his all time high last year). Hudson is tough mentally…I wish fans would stop giving him crap and give him support.

By OddJob

February 23, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Well it’s time for home-work, as a last thought I’ve never wanted to see a driver win a race like I did sunday.Martin is a class guy if he’s ever taken a cheap shot on or off the track I havn’t seen it.

By braveheart

February 23, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

a wise old man, probably one of you, once told me that opinions are like stinkys, every blog has one.

By TheSouthernJackAss

February 23, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

April—Farm Bureau Magazine doesn’t do photo shoots in town!…

By braveheart

February 23, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

oddjob, agree with you. i like harvick but i really wanted martin to pull that one off

By Darth Stinky

February 23, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

OddJob, I agree about good shoes. I really think that some of Chipper’s problems started with the boots.

By Polonius

February 23, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

M-e-l-t-d-o-w-n continues. This will go on for hours. Time for bed.

By April

February 23, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

Don’t like girls, huh? That’s not a problem, big guy. I’ve seen guys like you before at the modeling agency. Do you model?

By Darth Stinky

February 23, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

SJa, glad to see you’ve got a hobby. I’ve never actually examined a cat’s nether regions, before. I’ll take your word for it.

Bob, did you know Carl Reiner way back in the day?

OddJob, ditto on Martin.

By Darth Stinky

February 23, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

The censor must have inhaled some of Grinch’s alarm stimulator.

By The Grinch

February 23, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

Sorry, y’all; got sidetracked. Braveheart, I’m afraid there exists more than one Grinch. We do not reproduce assexually (thank god). My dad is indeed a tough sob and quite a character. Tough in a (mostly) good natured way, not like the battle-scarred Tom Berenger in “Platoon” holding his hand over some poor kid’s mouth (who’s freaking out over his missing intestines) and saying “Take the pain!” There’s more than one good book potentially in every member of my family. I’m 33 and gave up motorcycles after tearing my left knee to shreds. A few months in a wheelchair will do wonders for your decision making. Have no fear, though. I’m still an a-hole. :-)

HK, I sincerely hope I’m still around in 40 years and functioning at even relatively close to your level; you’re a fine human being.

OddJob, I agree. Martin is a class act and that was painful.

April, I’m only 5’10 but I definitely ain’t skeered. I can compensate with the best of ‘em. :-P

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 23, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

Time for a break … be nice and mind Miss Manners! We haven’t heard from George’s little girl in quite some time.

Most Honorable Southern, you might explain to folks that I’m really not as intimidated by Stinky as it might seem … it’s just that I made the mistake of telling one little girl that I was fearless and don’t intend on making the same mistake again. But if you so choose, then do it nicely … for both our sakes.

By MostHonorableSouthern

February 23, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Well, time to go…leave the bloggin’ to the retarded Popeye and the stretch Olive Oyl!…

By MEB

February 23, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

35 Welcome back to blogland! We are all primed and ready for a successful year of blogging as we pull the Braves along in the wake of our intelligent prose. GO BRAVES!!!

By Antonio McNugget

February 23, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

i see i havent spurred any opinions/comments from the regulars. Also no Pie????

Like to hear from you Journalist Jimmy. You are entertaining without a question i must say, though most of the other regulars are very stale/ridiculous… carry on good journalist….. Oh the humanity

By Darth Stinky

February 23, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Take it easy Southy.

By The Grinch

February 23, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Man, I just watched the last 10 minutes of “Spider 2.” Not Spiderman, 2, mind you. Some of the worst acting and computer generation I’ve ever seen. I’m utterly amazed that movie was ever given the green light; it would’ve been bad in the 50’s. Time for Twilight Zone.

By WShaker

February 23, 2007 01:05 AM | Link to this

To-morrow and to-morrow and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.

By WShaker

February 23, 2007 01:09 AM | Link to this

Breath deep the gathering gloom. Watch lights fade from every room. Bedsetter people look back and lament, another days useless energy spent. Impassioned lovers wrestle as one, lonely men cry for love and have none, senior citizens wish they were young. Cold hearted orb that rules the night, removes the colors from our site. Red is gray and yellow white, but we decide which is right, and which is an illusion.

By Head Coach

February 23, 2007 01:14 AM | Link to this

Macay McBride as a starter is a thought. But , it ain’t gonna happen. Cox has two reliable lefty’s in the bullpen with Gonzalez and McBride. Cox will keep both of them in the pen. Repeat after me : I HATE DANYS BAEZ , I HATE DANYS BAEZ ! I was just thinking that if Baez had stayed , the Braves would not have had to make the Soriano/Horam trade. The Braves would have traded Betemit , LaRoche and Romak. And in return they would have : Baez , Gonzalez , Lillibridge , Aybar and kept Horam. Repeat after me : I HATE DANYS BAEZ ! The Braves would have had Smoltz , Hudson , James , Ramirez , Hampton and Davies competing for five spots in the rotation and I wouldn’t be nearly as concerned about the strength and quality of this rotation. Yea , Danys Baez , you suck big time ! Hope you enjoy getting buried behind the Yankees and Redsox again this season.

By WShaker

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

nascar should have dropped the yellow for mark…

By shakes the clown

February 23, 2007 01:21 AM | Link to this

all the world’s a stage.

By WShaker

February 23, 2007 01:22 AM | Link to this

Baez wanted to be the closer, so he went to Baltimore to be the prime set up man??? I think I will write a poem about that…..

I still like the HoRam deal though. I think we will be OK with the starting depth, with Cormier/Oscar and Harrison in the wings behind Davies.

Also, Redman is still out there and available. He will make someone an OK 4th or 5th starter.

See the Shakster knows his baseball too.

By WShaker

February 23, 2007 01:24 AM | Link to this

nite all….since I have been dead for hundreds of years, I never sleep (or I always sleep, whichever way you want to look at it)

By WShaker

February 23, 2007 01:30 AM | Link to this

Last year we needed some relief pitching,

So we went to the Dodgers a “itching”

We offered them a decent young feller

We got another we thought was better,

When he left us this fall,

He wanted the ball,

But now he will sit in the nineth and be twitching!

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 23, 2007 01:31 AM | Link to this

Moody Blues to you too … there would have been a time for such a word … good stuff that!

Carl’s only 2,000 years old but I doubt he cares much for Springer either.

By The Grinch

February 23, 2007 01:40 AM | Link to this

Twilight Zone’s twisted. I love watching it and comparing it to “Leave it to Beaver.” They both ran at essentially the same time (‘60-‘63) and represent the light and shadow of mainstream American conciousness during that era. Barbara Billingsly (June Cleaver for the uninitiated) was smokin’ hot, though. I definitely would’ve been “hard on the Beaver.” :-)

By WShaker

February 23, 2007 01:41 AM | Link to this

Moodies are old as dirt, but they still rock…

By WShaker

February 23, 2007 01:45 AM | Link to this

 The Ode to Baez

Last year we needed relief pitching,

So we went to the Dodgers a “itching”

We offered a decent young feller

We got one who we thought was better,

When he left us this fall,

He wanted the ball,

Now he sits in the nineth a twitching!

( I cleaned it up..)

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 23, 2007 02:27 AM | Link to this

Mind/memory triggers are flat out wonderful and to be treasured … I like the furniture though how they sat the chairs and benches during their long hours of services is more than I can comprehend … and transitioning, the addition of the WShaker style is a refreshing change of pace.

Grinch, I’m glad things have quieted a bit … I was fearful things were rapidly deteriorating to an unacceptable, level … remindful of days not so long ago.

I envisioned being thrust into an uncomfortable position as you can’t eat at a man’s table and then expect him to understand when his hospitality is suddenly rejected because his behavior doesn’t meet your own standards for approval! Though I’m greatful to Uncle Ben for his rice and my bifocals, I’m rather glad to have had faulty vision tonight.

Methinks that maybe HK’s analysis regarding Blog maturity is being proven correct after all. Me thinks we have a very good neighborhood … but, I guess you already knew that.

By The Grinch

February 23, 2007 02:36 AM | Link to this

Bob, as usual I only understood about 60% of what you were talking about. And, as usual, it warmed me. You’re a fine fellow, and peace be unto you (I’m a fan of Uncle Ben’s discoveries as well, though more during his tenure in the arms of the ladies of Paris). Pleasant dreams, my friend. The Grinch enters snooze-land.

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 23, 2007 02:46 AM | Link to this

If the Grinch understands 60% of what I’m saying then he is indeed an insightful superhero and knows me better than I do myself! Pleasant dreams my friend … watch out for the rub!

By Mike Bribeaux

February 23, 2007 02:51 AM | Link to this

DOB, Im in LA and read your blogs everyday, another good column. Bobby’s words about Escobar sounded pretty serious. Im curious if he is ready to contribute at the major league level right now, where would he fit in?…Renteria’s still one of the best shortstops and is undercontract at a bargain of 6 million through 2009 I believe, Lillibridge is now in the mix in the next few years, Kelly Johnson seems to be the second baseman, and chipper’s at third. How can they squeeze Escobar in? I remember reading a comment that one GM described Escobar as the Miguel Tejada of the minor leagues. If this is true does that mean that Renteria could be traded? Im also curious as to who the organization has higher expectations on, Escobar or Lillibridge? And what is the need for having kelly johnson as second base, why not start him in left field this year? He could still be the leadoff hitter, allow a better defensive infielder (martin prado) to take over at second, and free up two infield spots next year for escobar and lillibridge. Then there would be one question mark defensively (first base) as opposed to two. I also want to mention that I have been following the braves through tbs since I was seven, its truly sad that this is the last season. I do feel that its going to be a memorable one, however. The entire pitching staff looks great and Chipper is due for a great year. Im going to go on a limb and say 95 wins are in the making

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 23, 2007 02:55 AM | Link to this

One thing’s for sure, Ben’s approach to diplomacy was a bit different from John’s … I guess it took them all to get the job done.

Forgoing the obvious transition after setting it up, we’ve got one to do too … Atlanta Braves 2007 Division and World Series Champs!

Goodnight Gracie

By just Bob, plain and simple

February 23, 2007 03:14 AM | Link to this

Mike, I was wondering how you could be so rational and concise at this time of night and then realized that LA was West Coast and not Cajun Country … I’m a fan, not an expert, but 95 wins is a bit below my expectations, provided about 40 things go right for us … which I fully expect Mr. Cox’s magic to provide.

Stay safe in LA …

By Mark

February 23, 2007 03:23 AM | Link to this

James is a fly ball pitcher. Hampton throws a sinker. Who is better suited for pitching in the bandbox? For those not following along. Hampton.

By D Rock in Scotland

February 23, 2007 04:03 AM | Link to this

Hudson may not be the second best pitcher on the staff, but no way Cox moves him down a spot. I think putting James up there at number 2 in the rotation looks great in theory, but Bobby won’t do that to Hudson. He’s gonna try and build the guy back up into an elite starter, and demoting the guy in the rotation won’t help with that. Hudson is a big key to this year’s staff, and I just don’t see Bobby putting him lower in the rotation.

By David O'Brien

February 23, 2007 06:57 AM | Link to this

D Rock in Scotland, good to hear from you, Mate (even though I’m sure you’re logged off by now). Nice to see the wee-hour post of substance.

And very good point, Mark, on Hampton pitching at Philly over others. Of course, you’re assuming Hampton has his good stuff by then, and that a bunch of those sinkers aren’t being left up a little higher and over the middle.

But then, if he doesn’t have his stuff by then he’s probably got a health problem and might not be in the rotation anyway, so it might be OK to assume he’ll be sound if he’s pitching the third game.

Anyway, good point.

By David O'Brien

February 23, 2007 07:03 AM | Link to this

Mike B, I don’t read Bobby’s comments as insinuation that Escobar’s in the mix this year, but rather that he could be if something happened to those guys competing for spots, etc.

Could Renteria be traded? Yes, by this time next year, he could. But I don’t see that happening before then, provided Braves are in playoff hunt through this year’s trade deadline.

Bob, PAS: great to read your always-interesting posts from last night, and thanks for hanging in there, taking high road, injecting a little class where it was sorely needed.

By tfbrave77

February 23, 2007 07:09 AM | Link to this

Alright DOB—

What do you have for us this morning? Is Keith Lockhart in camp competing for the 2B job?

By 10-7-4

February 23, 2007 07:21 AM | Link to this

Mornin all—some of us are early ‘risers’. Don’t get excited April, I’m not 7 feet tall. Anywho, thanks MEB.[can’t say for what, or braveheart will take my name] I had someone take my name once, and I’ve had to use these numbers ever since! On a serious note—Drunky Clint wants to know “if someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation?? Grinch, you understand 60% of what Bob, plain and simple, says? Well, my man, you are smarter than I look. Matter of fact, everyone, is smarter than I look. Gonna be a long day—time fore more java.

By Jeff R

February 23, 2007 07:39 AM | Link to this

Spring games should pretty much dictate where Hampton and James are in the roatation. It would be great if Hampton is truly game-ready by opening day, but I’ve got to believe that he’s not going to find his form until later in the season.

By braves fan

February 23, 2007 07:48 AM | Link to this

DOB,

What are your thoughts on Blaine Boyer’s chances of making the 25 man roster? Can he be moved back to starting?

By Darth Stinky

February 23, 2007 08:01 AM | Link to this

The good doctor and I considered inviting Bob to have some olives and brine … and have him for lunch … but both thought him a bit hard to digest and decided to dine alone on favas with a nice chianti.

By ssiscribe

February 23, 2007 08:12 AM | Link to this

My turn:

JUST HEARD FROM A SOURCE WHERE THE BRAVES HAVE BROUGHT ERNIE WHITT, DAMASCO GARCIA AND ALBERT HALL TO CAMP.

Awake yet? Or remembering the nightmare that was 1986-90?

Selah.

—30—

By braveheart

February 23, 2007 08:14 AM | Link to this

10-7-4: why would you say that i would take your name? i don’t do that sort of thing. i can admit that i am an annoying long-windeed self important poster about the issues. but i am not a two year old who jacks people’s names like a certain few childish somebodies on here. it ain’t me babe. it ain’t me you’re looking for. no hard feelings 10-7-4. just trying to make sure you know not to be linking me to that sort of thing. there is no doubt you will find me annoying in other ways but not that way.

By David O'Brien

February 23, 2007 08:29 AM | Link to this

Braves fan, there’s been no mention at all of Boyer moving to starting. Not saying it couldn’t happen in future, but not now.

By David O'Brien

February 23, 2007 08:33 AM | Link to this

oh, and yes, he could make the 25-man roster if he has a great spring and beats out the others competing for the last two spots in the bullpen

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 23, 2007 08:53 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, perhaps splitting your leftys is not all that important if the quality of your pitchers is above average.

As the you look at the potential of the Braves staff you realize there are a lot of teams that are going to have great difficulty in matching up to the Braves’ 3-4 & 5 starters. Coupled with with such an improved bullpen things only look to be better.

What a great problem for Bobby Cox to have in what to do with all these great young arms.

It has become obvious that the Braves are depending on Kelly Johnson this year for his bat. (The old if you can hit, we will find a place for you to play theory) The Braves drafted him number 1 for a reason. Let’s hope he makes us think about Mark Lempke and not Arron Boone.

By Luke

February 23, 2007 09:24 AM | Link to this

Well folks… its already started! The sorry excuse of a pitching staff(aka the mets rotation) is already starting to deplete itself! ‘El Duque’ is out with arthritis in his neck! How great is this! The season has not even started yet and already their are having problems with this rotation! Although he may not be out but a week or so i have a feeling this will be something that bothers him for the year and its just a sign of things to come! And i agree with you DOB… we should start James second. I love the thought of having Hampton start the home opener vs. the Mets in a matchup against Chan Ho. Hampton is a bulldog! He will go out there and leave nothing on the table. After sweeping the Phillies and being able to come back with Hampton… it would be something special!!

By Marc

February 23, 2007 09:26 AM | Link to this

I don’t see what difference it makes who starts the second game. There are 162 games and, except for the first week, the relative positions of the starters is utterly irrelevant (except for the fifth starter who often gets skipped). You can’t manage the first week as if it’s the playoffs.

By Matthew

February 23, 2007 09:31 AM | Link to this

Wow, some very interesting posts since I last logged on.

Stinky has now crossed over to the dark side, Grinch is defining skankiness, and braveheart is stealing names.

Shame on me for missing all of this!

Oh, and by the way, according to http://www.mlbtraderumors.com, the Braves are in talks to trade Dale Murphy well-respected outfielder, to the Phillies for Jeff Parrett, Jim Vatcher, and Victor Rosario.

Man, remember when days were really bad?

By Matthew

February 23, 2007 09:36 AM | Link to this

Just in case my first attempt to post this didn’t go through, I’ll try again:

Wow, some very interesting posts since I last logged on.

Stinky has now crossed over to the dark side, MostHonorableSouthern is now attempting reform and fighting off the ladies, Grinch is defining skankiness, and braveheart is stealing names. Oh the humanity!

Shame on me for missing all of this!

Oh, and by the way, according to http://www.mlbtraderumors.com, the Braves are in talks to trade Dale Murphy well-respected outfielder, to the Phillies for Jeff Parrett, Jim Vatcher, and Victor Rosario. Who the crap are these people?

Man, remember when days were really bad?

By Matthew

February 23, 2007 09:47 AM | Link to this

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/history/timeline4.jsp

Just re-reading the history of the Braves since 1990, and I was reminded by how good our team has been. No one will fully appreciate the 14 straight division titles, eight straight appearances in the NLCS, 5 NL pennants, and the 1995 W.s championship for several years to come. While I fear the prospect, perhaps my five-month old will one day write spreadsheets analyzing the absolute dominance enjoyed by the Braves over everyone else in the National League. Atlanta has turly been the model to follow, and perhaps the reason the national media (esp. ESPN) doesn’t often show the Braves in a favorable light (choosing to focus on the fialures) is that they are bored with the success enjoyed by the Atlanta franchise. Maybe we fans also grew complacent, which would explain the dip in attendance. Now that the streak is over, Braves fans and players alike can appreciate what it means to be in the playoffs, and that it is not a given that Atlanta will play past the first weekend in October. Let’s hope that our past will guide the future, but that the Braves of today will get hungry, and that Smoltz, Chipper, Andruw, and the rest of the crew will lead us back to the Promised Land.

Reminds me of a preaching expression:

“If that don’t light the fire then the wood’s wet!”

GO BRAVES!

By Matthew

February 23, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this

Two typos to correct (I’m a little rusty at blogging)

Should be W.S. championship

(choosing to focus on the failures)

Sorry ‘bout that-give me a while and I’ll improve, especially with esteemed journalists like DOB, ssiscribe, jimmy smith, and just Bob.

By MGL

February 23, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Marc - I have to disagree with you. The first six games against the Phillies and the Mets are extremely important. We need to win both of those series to set the tone for the year. This team has to be charged up to win from the start. No more “there are 162 games, we’ll catch up” mentality like last year.

By Head Coach

February 23, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I’ll go with Phil Stockman as my dark horse candidate to win one of the two open spots in the bullpen. Anybody who stands 6-8 and throws a 98 mph fastball is hard to ignore.

By 10-7-4

February 23, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

braveheart— no, no, no. I’m sorry I wasn’t more clear. I meant by ‘taking my name’, like we used to do when I was in elementary school. When the teacher would leave the room, she would appoint someone[usually a goody-two shoes] to take the names of anyone who acted up. I in no way accuse you of using another blogger’s name. By the way, welcome back.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

February 23, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Bob, You’re a warrior. Hanging with Grinch until the wee hours of the morning?? You must be younger-in-spirit than you thought you are or than claim to be anyway.

By Darth Stinky

February 23, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

HHHOOOOO PAAAA

By 10-7-4

February 23, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Ps—braveheart, all of my friends call me 35. So, please continue to call me 10-7-4. No, no, no just kidding again.

By April

February 23, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

I am not a girl who takes ‘no’ lightly. In fact, no one ever tells me ‘no’. For some unexplainable reason I cannot get this Southern man off my mind. Let’s see - he’s 6’11” tall and fearless. He has been there and done that so many times that he’s not even interested in meeting a pretty girl. He tried to insult me and run me off. It won’t work, Stretch. How do I find you? April

By 10-7-4

February 23, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Matthew—I thought that I was the only one who felt an espn bias against the Braves. Glad to see your observation. I, used to love espn, back in their early days, but have come to mostly loathe them now. Outside of live ‘games’, I only watch the Sports Reporters, Around The Horn, & PTI. They have changed so much, glad none of us have.

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 23, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

hey DOB, have you gotten an arcade fire ticket yet? they went on sale this morning. i got a third-row seat!

By braveheart

February 23, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

10-7-4, er 35, oh good thanks for clearing that up. i’m still relatively new to this whole AJC/DOB blog, so i am not yet down with all of the lingo and inside jokes you all share yet. i’m glad you do not see me as a moniker jacker. that is quite a relief. and, nah, i am also no goody two shoes, name taker, or snitching rat either. in fact, i am usually the type who gets himself in trouble because i am the moron who throws the second punch after i have already been punched. the refs always only seem to see my punch and not the sucker punch that hit me square in the jaw. i will stick to calling you 10-7-4. we ain’t on a first name basis yet with each other :-))

By Billy Joe

February 23, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Nice call on the Waylon ARK Hillbilly, did you know that Billy Joe Shaver wrote that song?

Piano rolled blues Danced holes in my shoes There weren’t another other way to be For loveable losers No acocunt boozers and Honky Tonk Heroes like me

By 10-7-4

February 23, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

braveheart—call me what you like, just not late for dinner. Oh, I really enjoyed your movie. You were great. :-]] {I have a big mouth and small beady eyes}

By brian

February 23, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

If Boyer does not make the club, do you think that the Braves would have him start in Richmond to get regular work and more work on his pitches, gaining back his strength/timing, etc, or would they have him close. Same thing with Devine. A lot of the great closers have spent a good deal of time starting - Eck, Smoltz, Gagne, even Palpebon.

By David O'Brien

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

daybed, when’s the show? they’re on SNL this weekend, by the way.

NEW BLOG IS POSTED, FOLKS

By brian

February 23, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

How has Salty looked so far or more important how is his psyche?

By Anonymous

February 23, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

the roatation should go: 1. Smoltz 2. Hudson 3. Hampton 4. James 5. Davies

*if Davies fails try Matt Harrison

By Rick Roberts

February 23, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

Why not Mark Redman? He did well in KC this past year and added a ‘cutter’ which really made him a more complete pitcher. He wouldn’t cost that much and gives us that added depth at SP. He’ll throw innings and get to our BP.

Rick

By chipdip

February 24, 2007 08:02 AM | Link to this

every time i hear tom waits….makes me want to put a gun to my head.