Braves

By kdbanks

February 28, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

DOB,

There’s actually a good article on Peter Bjorn and John in this week’s Rolling Stone (page 24). I was intrigued enough to go listen to the album myself, so I’m glad to hear you liked their stuff.

There’s also a pretty good article on Keith Olberman if anyone is interested.

If you could, keep track of who gets what amount of PT batting leadoff and playing second base. I’m guessing that Kelly Johnson will get more than anyone else, but wonder how much more than everyone else.

By TennesseePaul

February 28, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

I like the lineup. Makes sense that McCann is 5th. He hit like mad in that spot last season. He’s a lefty, which gives the R-L-R workflow in the 4-5-6 spots. And with Chipper in the 3rd spot it’s S-R-L-R. I think we’ll see a similar lineup all season, minus the DH.

Thanks for the post DOB.

By eware

February 28, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

DOB, I gotta say I’m diggin’ the Spring attitude. You’ve got me stoked for the game! Chipper’s going deep today.

By the way, how do you plan for the music you buy? Do you set aside X amount of dollars a week for music? Or, do you just purchase what you want? If I didn’t put a limit on myself, I’d buy albums until the bank stops me.

By Shaun

February 28, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

By Don

And no, OBP isn’t the most important single offensive stat unless you want to assert that a walk is as good as a home run since both avoid outs. OPS is more important than OBP since it incorporates OBP and also accounts for power.

I don’t consider OPS a single stat per se, but yes OPS is very telling. The only problem I see with it is it weighs OBP and SLG equally and they are not equal. SLG is certainly important but not quite as important as OBP because OBP tells us about out-avoiding.

O’Brien,

I don’t prefer OBP over OPS. I actually prefer to look at AVG/OBP/SLG and plate appearances when evaluating hitters because it allows us to look at OBP separately and doesn’t assume that OBP and SLG as equal.

By Shaun

February 28, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Gil in Mechanicsville,

OBP is meaningful mostly because it tells us how good a player is at avoiding outs. It’s what many people once thought batting average was but it’s better because it takes into account every way of making and avoiding an out (walks, HBP, hits).

And history has shown us that the teams that are best at avoiding outs are the teams that score the most runs—i.e., there is an extremely high correlation between OBP and run scoring, a higher correlation with run scoring than any other rate or percentage stat such as batting average.

By ssiscribe

February 28, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Francoeur hit four home runs, had six hits and pitched the final innings in both games of a sweep of Lassiter in the 2002 Class AAAAA state championship series. If memory serves, his last at-bat was a monster grand slam.

I think Parkview also beat Lassiter sommetime in the 2001 state playoffs (though I don’t think it was in the finals), with Frenchy hitting something like four or five more homers in the series.

Ah, baseball. Play ball!

—30—

By Spider29

February 28, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Yeah, TNPaul, I like it too. I am ready for games to begin. And I am looking forward to seeing how Thorman and Johnson do this spring. It will be great to see the game on TV come Friday.

By TennesseePaul

February 28, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t Francoeur 11 for 13 with 9 homeruns and 2 doubles in those four games against Lassiter over the two seasons?

By Charlie Hatton

February 28, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

This looks like the lineup Bobby would hope to have for most of the season, barring injury or poor performances.

It’ll be interesting to see how he juggles the lineup this spring, if he platoons occasionally the way he’s expected to. I’d imagine either Langerhans or Diaz would hit 7th or 8th, and Thorman or Wilson in the 6th or 7th slot seems reasonable.

(Wilson’s got the same strikeout bug that afflicts Frenchy, or his power might dictate moving him up to the 5 slot.)

I’m most interested to see whether Prado, Aybar, or Woodward get any serious time at second — and whether Cox keeps them in the leadoff spot, if they do. I could see slotting Renteria at the top of the order in a few games, or giving Diaz (or Langerhans, if his head is right) a few licks up top.

Here’s hoping the Bravos run the streak to 20-0 (and 1). It may not count for anything, but at least it’d be a good omen.

Charlie / Bugs & Cranks

By ssiscribe

February 28, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

10Paul: Yeah, something totally ridicilous like that. Video game, fantasy baseball, numbers, against a great high school program. But Frenchy was all-world in high school.

Charlie: Don’t think Aybar’s gonna play too much at second. But, if Chipper gets hurt — and the track record from the past few years says that may happen — then I believe you’ll see Aybar bat leadoff and play third, with Johnson moving down to third. Otherwise, I’d say Prado hits leadoff when he’s at second.

OK, it’s a little after 1 p.m. First pitch from Matt Harrison shortly.

—30—

By parks

February 28, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

DOB are you going to be giving updates on the game today? someone actually bet me the Techies would win.

By braveheart

February 28, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

if thorman, wilson, langerhans, diaz, do not hit enough behind frenchy though, at some point during the season, do you see cox having to hit mccann sixth behind frenchy in order to protect frenchy. i could just see pitchers being afraid of frenchy, not wanting to pitch to him, not being afraid of the guys behind him, throwing him junk that he can resist the impulse to swing at. i think if frenchy does not have enough protection behind him, frenchy could be in for a nightmare season

By Greg in TN

February 28, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Play ball!

I never tire of hearing those sweet words beginning every spring.

I like the lineup, having McCann behind AJ just makes sense to me. I’m interested in seeing how Johnson adjusts to leadoff and 2B and how the pitching looks over the next several days.

Go Braves!

By ssiscribe

February 28, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Perfect first for Harrison, and the Mets trail Detroit 1-0 in the top of the first. All is right with the world, he he he.

—30—

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

The Kelly Johnson Leadoff Era is off to a smashing start _ a 1.000 OBP after his initial plate appearance, a five-pitch walk. Let the pigeons loose!

… and now a stolen base, to boot (though it was on an Edgar Renteria strikeout, but that’s a negative. This is a day for positives only. Happiest Pla…)

By ssiscribe

February 28, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

For those of you coastal denizens, Wainwright pitched a scoreless, hitless first for the defending World Series champs.

For the Mets fans, it’s 2-0 Detroit.

Kelly Johnson for MVP!!

OK, must get work done. Must get work done.

Welcome back, baseball! The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Bugger

February 28, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

I wish Tim Tucker would do more column writing, especially on the Braves. Has he retired? No offense, but he’s the best Braves writer of all time. Belongs in the Hall of Fame.

By The Stranger

February 28, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

The Scribe abides. I don’t know about you, but I take comfort in that.

By geauxbraves2000

February 28, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Woo hoo! Braves baseball is on the air!

Geaux Braves!!

By michael of b'ham

February 28, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

DOB, Don’t look now…but there’s a giant mouse with a creepy perma-grin staring at you from behind the hot dog vendor. He knows what you’ve been writing about his place and he’s none too happy.

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Harrison: Two innings, one hit, three Ks. Good outing for the kid lefty.

By MGL

February 28, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Top of the 3rd, Det 4, Mets 0. That starting rotation is off to a good one.

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Langerhans homer on 2-0 pitch to start third inning for 1-0 lead.

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Scribe, no offense, but Bugger is the best blogger of all time. Belongs in the hall of fame.

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

“Don’t think Aybar’s gonna play too much at second. But, if Chipper gets hurt — and the track record from the past few years says that may happen — then I believe you’ll see Aybar bat leadoff and play third, with Johnson moving down to third. Otherwise, I’d say Prado hits leadoff when he’s at second.”

That is a great point. I would personally rather see McCann moved up to 3rd with KJ dropping to 5th, or even to 6th and then moving Frenchy up to 5th. I bet wee see 1Aybar 2Renteria 3Kelly Johnson 4Andruw 5McCann 6Frenchy 7Thor! 8Langerhans/Diaz 9Pitcher, quite a bit this year… but again, 1Aybar 2Renteria 3McCann 4Andruw 5Frenchy 6Kelly Johnson 7Thor! 8Langerhans/Diaz 9Pitcher could happen I think too…

By Jim

February 28, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Has KJ had any chances in the field yet?

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Martin Prado (2B), Blanco (CF), Pena (3B), Escobar (SS) and Salty (C) are all in the game to start the fourth inning.

Kelly had no fielding chances in his first 2B game.

By Topher_24

February 28, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition…errr…balls. It’s time for BASEBALL. The game against the college team always freaks me out, because the Braves should be perfect against them, but what if they lose? Will everybody say, “oh, we were right; this is the end of the Braves for good?” Or will they say “well, the regulars only played a couple of innings?” Doesn’t really matter, though. This game doesn’t count, nor do the rest of the Spring games. All they are is practice, getting tuned up, deciding who wins jobs, etc. Nice to know Wickman wants to win the Grapefruit League Title… but I’d rather he promise to buy everyone a Hummer if they win the World Series…well for all the hunters and rednecks on the Braves, better make that Ford F150’s, painted camoflauge.

By alex

February 28, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

the year ryan langerhans make all the bloggers look like idiots begins!

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

The dudio feed seems to have died … what’s happening?

By alex

February 28, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

GO BRAVES!!

By Porkins

February 28, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

David…posting blogs throughout an exhibition game against Georgia Tech…

Now that is some f—-ing dedication right there. Amen.

By Mike S

February 28, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Although Jeff Blauser is one of my all-time favorite Braves he sure doesn’t get along too well with the players that he manages. I just heard Pete Van Wieren say that he got into it with Ascanio and I know that he got into it with Escobar. Must be a hard a$$. Is he still a coach somewhere?

By CAR3BOOGIE

February 28, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Prob. a silly Question but, Is Tech using Wood bats?

By ssiscribe

February 28, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Only if I can give his induction speech, DOB. Great day for Harrison, it looked. A day he’ll never forget, for sure.

By the way, Wainwright’s line for the Cards: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1K. The folks on the SSI will love that.

Baseball’s back, y’all!! Awesome, indeed.

—30—

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

TJ Bohn just had a nice single to right-center in his first AB, to put runners on the corners. Then Mendez drives in Blanco for 3-0 lead. Enough play-by-play.

By MGL

February 28, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

DOB, the updates are much appreciated.

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

“Langerhans homer on 2-0 pitch to start third inning for 1-0 lead.”

How much of a bonus would it be for the Braves if Langy stepped up on offense (and by step-up I mean Left-Field average offensive production). That would give us the option of trading Diaz for pitching help later on in the season if one (or two) of our starters go down. Then you just go with Wilson as the backup LF and 1B…

By braveheart

February 28, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

the play by play via blog is making me think of the days of what it was like with telegrams. all we need now are the two journalists, Bob & Jimmy, to announce the play by play as DOB blogs it to them.

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Yes, Tech using wood bats.

Kelly 0-for-1 with walk and strikeout in his first game at 2B, and should’ve been charged with error they gave to McCann on stolen-base throw to second. Kelly was late getting there.

By john

February 28, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

No, please, continue the play by play….

By Robert

February 28, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Tomorrow morning’s paper will have

BOX SCORES!!!

Life is good, even if the manager isnt

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Well, good, better and best may have changed … but some things remain the same …

When asked directly if the union has told players not to cooperate because their statements and records could be subpoenaed by the federal government, Fehr responded:

“I think it’s fair to say that we would advise players that there are circumstances in which they have legal privilege and circumstances in which they may not. Beyond that, I really can’t say.”

Fehr is fearless … the best union spokesman of all time. Belongs in the hall of fame.

By Yoyoma

February 28, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Holy god you have awful taste in music!

By braveheart

February 28, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

come on Robert. i can’t go a day without a good ole Hee Haw! give to me, man. come on!

By michael of b'ham

February 28, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Robert, If you could replace BC today,who would you pick? Thanks in advance for your response.

By TennesseePaul

February 28, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

OK, so this is good. I just wish I could hear the crack of the bat… I’ll see it on Friday.

GO BRAVES

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Well, the Braves are leading 5-0 entering the top of the eighth inning, rolling to their 20th win against no losses in this big college series.

By ernesto

February 28, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Ahhh, the MLB.com feed isn’t working, that makes me feel even better about this directv srew-a-palooza MLB is giving their fans.

By NO CHOP ZONE

February 28, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

MGL, it’s the first game of spring training 2 months from now who’s gonna care about todays score? The Braves are playing a college team for Gods sake…….I don’t think any intelligent person would make any assessments from todays games.

By john

February 28, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

DOB, Can you tell us who, for the Braves, has pitched in this game so far, and your impressions of their performance when you get a moment? Thanks!

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, not a bad idea … we discussed it … David and I were ready to run with it but Jimmy thought it best that we first take a pole.

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

“Fehr is fearless … the best union spokesman of all time. Belongs in the hall of fame.”

I’m assuming you are being sarcastic with that remark???

By braveheart

February 28, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

yeah, isn’t that great about mlb.com? i pay the $15 for the audio for the whole season (which is a great deal) and then the first day, you can not hear a darn thing because their server is haywire. very mickey mouse. but isn’t that mlb for you? a day late and a dollar overspent with everything.

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

At least the Jackets got a hit this time. Actually two.

Five Braves pitched combined for a no-hitter the last time these teams met in 2005.

Braves pitchers have allowed two hits today (a grounder up the middle off Harrison, and a leadoff single in the ninth inning off Joey Devine).

Kevin Barry had four strikeouts in two innings.

An unbelievably obnoxious fan has inexplicably yelled “Go Gators” a hundred or so times during the game, at random moments. Since the ballpark is fairly quiet and empty for today’s game, it’s been particularly grating. Not real Happy behavior.

By braveheart

February 28, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

no chop zone, go to wfan.com and listen to mike and the mad dog, they are broadcasting live from mets spring training. hopefully, that will keep you preoccupied for a while.

By ernesto

February 28, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

DOB yell, “Hey STinky” at the obnoxious guy and see if he turns around…

By braveheart

February 28, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

BOBPAS, that’s jimmy for you. always a mind of his own. you should have told him he could mention toes at least twice every half inning. he might have done it then. and tell jimmy that there is no need to poll the masses as to what they want to hear. in keeping with the mindset of the guys who give us our broadcasts these days, have no regard for polls and what the masses want for their broadcast teams. you guys could not be any worse than what FSN has been giving us as a broadcast team the last few years. but at least the new FSN team this year should be a huge upgrade to what we have been historically subjected to by FOX.

By ssiscribe

February 28, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

OK, one down, a whole bunch to go.

Initial observations (from trying to follow the game on the net and looking at the boxscore):

— First of all, is the Devine who pitched for Tech in the eighth related to Joey Devine, who pitched the ninth for the Braves?

— Two hits each for Pena Jr. and Escobar. Nice to see the kids up the middle contribute with the sticks.

— No surprise here: 14 strikeouts. Great day for Barry (four Ks), Ascanio (three Ks) and Harrison (one hit, three Ks). Even Lerew got in on the act with one K.

— I wish there was a way Jonathan Johnson could make the team. What a great story. One walk, one strikeout in one inning.

All in all, a good start. Now it starts for real (kind of) tomorrow against the Dodgers.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Don C, Have you ever known me to be sarcastic?

No, I just had my first anger management session following my recent outbursts … I was told that if you can’t say something nice about someone, then make something up!

They were right … telling whoppers is a new experience for me … and it made me feel real good … all my anger has suddenly disappeared!

Two whoppers in one post, imagine that!

By NO CHOP ZONE

February 28, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Are you trying to get rid of me Braveheart?? I thought all you Braves fans liked me….I’m so hurt.

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

It’s okay braveheart, let nochopzone talk on here… We’ll just see if he’s still coming on here when the Braves are 5 games up on his punk a$$ team come June…

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Bobby praised all six pitchers and cited Jose Ascanio’s changeup and Kevin Barry’s new sinker (Barry got lit up last year when he reached the majors and kept throwing hittable four-seamers up in the zone).

He complimented Harrison, was impressed by him.

But he saved his biggest raves for Yunel Escobar, who had a couple of hits, took an extra base going first to third, and made a nice defensive play.

Said “it’s not just me; everybody likes him” and said Escobar had “plus-everything” (meaning he’s a five-tool player) and “the best arm in camp.”

This is so much praise for a guy not on the projected 25-man roster that it leads me to believe the Braves are trying to trade him. It really does. I haven’t heard any teams, so can’t tell you if there’s anything to my suspicions. But it just feels like that’s the case, to me.

They didn’t play Escobar at 2B, the position that’s available, and he doesn’t have game experience there. If they were so gung-ho about him, seems to me they’d be more demanding of having him play 2B. I can’t see them trading Edgar Renteria, no way, not with such an unproven right side of the infield.

I just have a gut feeling they’re talking to a team or teams about Escobar.

By NO CHOP ZONE

February 28, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

DonC, if the Mets are 5 games up on the Braves in June will you take back the Punka-s-s reference?

By RC

February 28, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Scribe: Joey Devine is from Kansas, and Tech’s Devine is from the metro Atlanta are, so I would assume there is no relation between them…at the least I think it’s safe to say they aren’t brothers or anything.

By ncscoots

February 28, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Re Escobar, that’s makes more sense than I care to contemplate. You don’t send “plus-everything” players to Richmond, do you? Farewell, Yunel, we knew ye little or well.

By braveheart

February 28, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

no, it’s fine. you can keep sleeping with the enemy in our teepee. but just be aware that if you stick around the whole season, we will tomahawk chop and scalp you just like the braves will do to the mets this year.

By StingerSplash

February 28, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Francoeur against Cobb County teams in the postseason, just the postseason, in 2001-02: 10 HRs, 25 RBIs. Batting average of 3.125 (OK, that’s an exaggeration, but I wanted an excuse to use parentheses, too) I thought Champ Bailey was the best high school athlete I’d ever seen. Until I saw Francoeur play baseball. Mercy. Can’t wait to get down to Florida this spring. Watch out, Dale Mabry Boulevard.

By True Braves Fan

February 28, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks for separating the baseball from the music in today’s blog. It is appreciated. Keep up the good informative blogs…What is the real scoop on Hampton? It seems we are getting mixed signals. Could they be thinking Escobar for utility instead of Orr/Woodward/Prado or does his inability (?) to play 2B rule him out for that slot? Lemke made several comments about teams (particularly Red Sox) being interested in Prado in today’s broadcast.

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, Jimmy already has already taken plenty of polls, he took several out to dinner just last week … and he took my twenty footer when his got broken last season, I was talking about a pole!

Sorry about the confusion, but look, it’s only the start of Spring Training and we’re all a little rusty.

Go Jackets!! Two hits … tain’t bad McGee.

By Mike S

February 28, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

The Rays need a SS and are stacked in the outfield. Maybe the loser of the 5th starter role and Escobar will be enough to get a speedy lefty who can hit.

By Robert

February 28, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Stop the presses! Cox praised all the pitchers?

Hee Haw!

No Dave, you are the best blogger of all time. But Tucker does belong in the HOF.

By ellaguru

February 28, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

David, it wasn’t me yelling “Go Gators” at the park. I’m keeping a little quiet lately :) And by all means, tell everyone your music budget, would you? Everyone needs to have as much discretionary income to use buying music at a good, independent new/used record store.

In, um, Toco Hills if possible.

By MGL

February 28, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

What a wonderful day!! Mets in the Grapefruit League celler with the fish.

By ernesto

February 28, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Personally I like our Left field, I think Diaz can hit a little, Langy’s got huge D and who knows maybe he’ll breakthrough this year, and we’ll see a little of Wilson. Let’s see how it plays out, you can always make a swap later in the season.

By Jim

February 28, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

The other thought on Escobar is that he is the 3B replacement for Chipper if another injury crops up or when Chipper’s contract runs out. He could replace Edgar next year and move to third when Chipper is done and Elvis is ready. He sounds like a more viable replacement than Aybar, who to my mind is a utility infielder. He could also ge some playing time at 2B at Richmond and replace KJ in mid-season if that move does not work out.

We need to see how things shake out at 1B, 2B, LF and starting pitcher, before trading a player like Escobar. I don’t think we will have these answers before the end of May.

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

David O’B, methinks the only thing wrong about your evaluation of Bobby’s comments regarding Escobar is that Bobby would have anticipitated you and asked that it not be leaked … he’s no dummy and he knows the popularity of the Blog … better than we.

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

MGL, it’s early yet … don’t get too excited!

Chances are, the Fish will improve.

By braveheart

February 28, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

bob (pas), my bad. you guys would make a good broadcast team though.

but are you saying that jimmy would rather be fishing than broadcasting a braves game? never would have expected that.

well, i need to find you another broadcast partner then. should it be lew, ark. hillbilly, tenpaul, ssiscribe, or someone else?

it couldn’t be me because i am too longwinded. six batters would pass by without any play by play before i finished my thoughts on what happened with the first batter.

for the sheer curiosity of it, we could put Robert in the booth for one game and one game only and have him just kill Bobby Cox all game long. It would be as aggravating as that ESPN NFL game this year when it seemed like all they could say was that Chad Pennington has no arm - that was really annoying and I hate the Jets.

By MGL

February 28, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob - Classic!

By michael of b'ham

February 28, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Robert, I’m reposting this in case you missed it. If you could replace BC,who would you pick and why?

By Robert

February 28, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Braveheart we weren’t going to let this out of the bag so soon, but the joke is getting a little long in the tooth.

I, Robert, am not really thumbsucking, drooling, raving maniac.

We are actually five students at Berry College who thought it would be fun to create a character to bug people by being Robert One Note on Bobby Cox.

No harm intended and we will stop now.

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Grinch, I’m neither politican nor gambler but I’d be willing to wager that come end of this season, Bobby and John could be elected on either ticket in Georgia, were they to choose to run; even with Robert as their campaign manager.

Now to find out if the archive will prove to be better than the live broadcast … I’ll take the Braves if anyone wants to bet.

Later

By JC FROM UT

February 28, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

DOB: I hope this isn’t a stupid question but I’m asking anyway.. does Yunel Escobar have the arm and talent to perhaps replace AJ in centerfield next season? Also would JS consider signing Mark Redman as insurance for Hampton? I don’t think he has signed with any one yet.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 28, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

this journalist is checking in and … oh, the humanity! no impostor has posted as jimmy smith since last night! this is refreshing to jimmy smith. will it last? if so, maybe journalist jimmy smith can keep jblogging as journalist jimmy smith.

as to broadcasting - this journalist was approached to be a baseball announcer and with this journalist’s pleasant speaking voice and slight ugandan twang, it was almost a done deal - then the deal-breaker! “uh, journalist jimmy, we can’t have you broadcasting in third person …”

whoa! that upset the apple cart. this journalist has journalistic integrity and jimmy smith stomped right out of the espn offices, yes, espn - journalist was going national.

now, the pole … journalist thinks so. how do others feel? and did francoeur hit a ball just outside the fowl poll today?

it is so good to have baseball back. let us blog and enjoy the season before us. pies for all bloggers. pudding. barbecue. wins. pennant. ring. whoa!

By braveheart

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

well guys, you did a good job. you should have kept it up even if it was getting long in the tooth. it would have made it even funnier and more annoying if you kept it up the whole season. everyone patting each other on the back and wondering about which bench players are going to make the team can get painfully boring. it’s kind of like uga football with some fans. they drool all over recruiting (minor league prospects), they love them and hate them when they are here, and then just as soon forget about them when they graduate or get sent packing by the cheapskate owners.

the only question then is are any of you or all of you stinky and no chop zone as well?

By T-bone

February 28, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

DOB, What’s up with players having visa problems? Why isn’t this thought through and figured out weeks or a month in advance? And it happens every year. Somebody gets stuck in their home country and misses time in camp because of visa problems. Why don’t the Braves assign some administrative person to oversee this? We can get a man to the moon and back but we can’t get Willy Aybar to training camp.

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

The archive is a little slow getting started so I’ll tip my hat to the boys in Rome … Lew, maybe you could put your drafting talents to work and give us/them something by which we could remember Robert.

MGL, thanks!

Braveheart, there’s no question that Jimmy is a fine fisherman … I think it’s in his choice of worms … I enjoy fishing too and have reeled in a few … but generally I just catch bait for others.

The archive just started!

Later

By flange1

February 28, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

ROBERT,

Or 5 guys at Berry, if Robert really is 5 guys having a laugh, you guys did a great job of leading all of us bloggers around by the nose!!

Hee Haw!

By james

February 28, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

On Jim’s point, DOB mentioned that Escobar has more of the build of a third baseman lending to a possible transition to third.

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

yes, peace here. next, the Middle East.

ellaguru _ that’s funny. everyone should spend money at that little store to keep its poor owner afloat for another year, at least.

robert, thank you. and you’re right _ TT is an all-timer.

Yes, JC: Escobar definitely has the arm to play center field _ or left, right, or anywhere else. Has a cannon.

By RC

February 28, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Nice job by Robert, good to know that there not someone who is THAT stubborn about ridiculous claims….well, at least good to know there is one less than I thought :)

By The Artist Formerly Known As Robert

February 28, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

No. We were only Robert. We are tired of him, but if any of you want to continue him, feel free. He is not hard to imitate. We may even resurrect him ocasionally for funsies. But if he shows up today, it’s not us.

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

“DonC, if the Mets are 5 games up on the Braves in June will you take back the Punka-s-s reference?”

NO!

By No Chop Zone

February 28, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

I didn’t think you would DonC….

By Lew

February 28, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

I still think Robert is Bobby Cox. I don’t know about artwork. I suppose I could come up with a donkey drawing. I did,, after all, draw the immortal Hartebeest in painstaking detail, did I not, Esteemed Journalist?

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

DOB, I know this talk kind of died recently, but do you think the Braves still have a shot at Baldelli? You mentioned Escobar as being a likely trade candidate, do you think if we put a package together of Escobar, Diaz, and Davies that we would be able to get Baldelli and then maybe a prospect on top?

By Brad in KY

February 28, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Someone towards the beginning of this thread actually said that pitchers are too afraid to pitch to Francoeur. For this reason, McCann should bat behind Francouer in order to “protect” him in the lineup. Sheesh. Memo: Francouer set an all-time record for making OUTS last season. I doubt pitchers are too afraid of him at this point.

Also, I was surprised to see in a recent article that Langerhans needs to become more aggressive at the plate in order to improve his hitting (or he may not make the team). I guess watching Francouer swing at everything hasn’t really dampened everyone’s opinion with respect to the “aggressive” approach to hitting. After all, if you keep swinging you’re bound to make contact eventually…right?

For whatever reason, the fact that the truly great offensive players & teams usually see lots of pitches per at-bat and draw lots of walks doesn’t seem to sway the minds of the masses (or the minds of those who “report” to the masses). Nope. It’s better to just be “aggressive” and keep that “aggressive” mindset. Swing away!

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

No Chop Zone, tell you what, if the Muts are 5 games up on Atlanta in June I will not take back the punka$$ reference, but I will bet you that Atlanta will overcome that deficit and win the division…

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

How about a gift certificate to the Restaurant of the winner’s choosing?

By brian

February 28, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

any chance Renteria gets moved to 2B and Yunel Escobar moves in at SS?

A veteran is going to be more apt to handle the position change better without completely losing focus at the plate, though a veteran is going to be less likely to want to change positions

By The Grinch

February 28, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Aw, man! I can’t believe that about Robert. Good job, guys; very convincing. Just out of curiosity, why pick Oklahoma as a home base? I guess since nobody else could possibly live there there’d be no chance of discovery. BTW, I hope y’all weren’t joking about your Nirvana Vs. Alice in Chains comparison; I thought it was spot on. :-)

By journalist jimmy smith

February 28, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

yes, lew, the illustrious hartebeest drawing hangs with this journalist’s collection of baseball art and photos. the hartebeest is not a good glove man, but can hit for average and can run the bases faster than anyone presently on this braves team.

and bob, blue worms are not bait. when the blue worm goes in the water the blue worm is fishing.

lew, has the wurlitzer arrived from florida? is it in good condition? didn’t celine look lovely at the academy awards? did you capture that?

now, if escobar is 5-tool best arm yada yada why would escobar be traded? who else on this team is 5-tool best arm yada yada?

By dgd

February 28, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

DOB—Are the Braves upset with Aybar about the Visa situation? Isn’t that something that he should have taken care of weeks ago instead of letting it cut into spring training? Who does he think he is, Manny? Doesn’t Aybar have something to prove—there are several others vying for that utility spot (hustling Pete Orr for one). I wouldn’t think he’s a lock—particularly if he has options left…..

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

I see your point Brad in KY, this team definately needs more Chipper Jones/Brian McCann/Renteria type hitters, rather than more Francoeur/AJ types. But, where I don’t agree with you is that we need a whole team of good OBP, high pitch-count guys. You can afford to have a Francoeur and Andruw on your team as long as there are 4 or 5 other guys who work the count and take alot of walks… You know what I mean?

By ncscoots

February 28, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Brad, if you don’t see the difference between aggression and hacking, then it’s unlikely you know the difference between patience and passivity, either. Watching enough hittable strikes, in order to “see a lot of pitches”, just gets you a chance to really see a lot of pitches…from the dugout. Pitchers have a job to do, too, son, and it’s not to make hitters look good.

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Come on, Robert is just yankin’ our crank right now. That is 1 person and 1 person only… He just wants us to not automatically assume he’s a suspect when Cox winds up missing in a few days…

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Lew, Now that this journalist is no longer a steaming, I suppose that in the interest of maintaining piece we could take a pole … you certainly get my vote but since I notice that young “Robert” is himself an aspiring artist … maybe he should do it and provide us with a “hee-haw” souvenir.

For those having any interest, the Tech-Braves game archive reception is excellent, at least through the 5th … though the I think the Braves are going to win this one too.

By ernesto

February 28, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Stinky gone? Robert gone? It is a fine blog day. I’m in blogvana.

By journalist jimmy smith

February 28, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

tasteless journalism. that’s right, journalism without taste. here is an example from associate press (tell jimmy smith this is not journalist paul newberry).

“Leading off the third, Langerhans yanked a 2-0 pitch over the right-field wall against loser Jared Hyatt.”

why call this young man a loser? is he not a tech man? will he not be somebody’s boss upon graduation? must he be categorized this way? jimmy smith would not wish to be knows as loser jimmy smith. dob? loser dob? loser pauley shore? where will it end?

now, baseball … when journalist bob was a steamin’ … was journalist bob in the tub? not sure jimmy smith really wants to know but the question should be asked.

and berry college? journalist bob once dated martha berry. journalist hopes the crop will be successful this year. much like another blogger’s alma mater, barber college.

and box scores - why a box?

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Your Honor, I’m innocent! The guilty party must have been an imposter.

Any suggestion that I have been fishing without a license is totally unjustified … I used no bait and any I might have caught were never in the water … not even the tub. That’s the truth, plain and simple!

Blue worms … what in the world are blue worms?

By The Stranger

February 28, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

I’m not thrilled that an imposter at 1:39PM borrowed my name, but I must tip my ‘A’ cap to said imposter for staying in character, and showing the scribe some well-deserved respect.

This might just be the single best Braves/Man in Black blog of all time.

Great work O’B.

By Dr. Tchock

February 28, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, since when is Chipper working for ESPN and negotiating with broadcasters?

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

DGD, if the Braves are upset with Aybar, they aren’t saying, on or off the record. All I got during the Soriano thing was how it wasn’t his or the team’s fault, how they did everything but he got bumped to end of line for appointment after the team applied for the visa, how the trade from seattle might have affected it because seattle originally applied for his visa and blah blah blah.

Now, with Aybar there was no trade, so theoretically he should’ve been able to get his appointment much earlier than this. But I don’t know. it’s a different country where things are done very differently than they are here. If they’re upset with him, they haven’t said so.

Bottom line, he’s supposed to be here tomorrow. He missed a week of workouts. He’s out of options and it really isn’t going to do them much good to rip the guy even if they wanted to (and I don’t know that they want to), since they need him to be a good player ready to fill in for Chipper and perhaps play some 2B. And since they traded Betemit to get him, and said off the record he’s like a younger Betemit when Betemit was still fast, they sure aren’t going to dump him now.

So if he’s your player, you’re going to want to get past this and have him perform, right?

Hey, this crap happens with at least 2-3 players every year, the visa problems. I don’t have the answers. Different countries do things differently, play favorites perhaps, who knows?

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

I hate ESPN, I swear… First, they shove College Basketball down our throats, then Nascar, and now ARENA FOOTBALL? Are they serious??? God I miss the NHL on ESPN…

By Lew

February 28, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Who is this “Young Robert”? What are his artistic qualifications. Before I let another artist do blog artwork, I must have credentials and pictures. I want proof. Not everyone is capable of Wurlitzer caliber artwork. Proof must be forthcoming. Journalist Jimmy-The Wurlitzer was mailed to Vermont on Friday. I’ll check the post office tomorrow when I go to see the toe Doctor.

By HIs Excellency Perry Greene Phalcone

February 28, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

As a Head of State, let me address this visa problem. We have no problem. We have no obligation to the players or to the teams to make it convenient to obtain visas. A citizen of my country need only make an appointment with the appropriate ministry and personally appear before the Magistrate for the visa to be issued. Sometimes, under unusual circumstances, consideration or remuneration may be asked. This is not crap - this is good government at work. No one, no matter how esteemed, should ever intimate that crap has happened in relation to the issuance of the travel and work visa issued in our country. I enjoy the blog and admire the Man in Black very much. Thank you.

By Brad in KY

February 28, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

NCSCOOTS

At what point did I suggest that one should take hittable pitches?

The entire point of my post is that what these guys call “aggression” is nothing other than what you call “hacking.” Chipper Jones is aggressive - when he gets a pitch to hit. Francouer hacks. Andruw was something of a hacker not so long ago. Langerhans doesn’t need more aggression - he needs more talent. And judging by his minor league stats, I doubt we’re going to see him suddenly start producing offensively more than he already has. He’s better off trying to work the count, get on base, and then go play defense (which is where he really is valuable).

DonC

Although Andruw doesn’t draw lots of walks and his OBP isn’t particularly outstanding, it isn’t fair to compare him to Francouer. Francouer is a millstone around this lineup’s neck: I repeat, he set an all-time record for most outs in a season last year. That’s not good, and it’ll take more than 30 homers to overcome that sort of poor production. Keep in mind too that Francouer isn’t known for making so-called “good” outs either. The point is, there are players with average OBP’s (like Andruw), and then there’s Francouer. If Francouer gets on base about as much as Andruw, then we’re not even having this discussion, because Francouer would at that point be a top 10 outfielder in all of baseball (roughly).

For the record, for the most part my problem isn’t with Francouer the player. He can be good to great if he learns to hit and take some walks. My problem is with those who think he’s already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Braves lineup. Far from it. At the moment, he’s about as easy an out as they get. And, until he starts producing like Dale Murphy or Vlad Guerrero (two noted free-swingers), I don’t think it’s fair to compare him to those two guys. Especialy Vlad Guerrero. [I recognize that no one on this particular thread has made this comparison, but it’s made often enough that it’s worth confronting in advance].

Now, if we could just get these “journalist” guys to stop posting their crap on here. Isn’t this a baseball blog (with DOB’s occasional posts concering his musical tastes - bad as they are)?

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Oh, how a charcoal drawing of Elvis would have looked hanging on one of the unadorned walls of our rental house here on the outskirts of the Empire.

OK, for those really bored, I went back and added one paragraph to the middle of today’s blog. it’s in parentheses, so you don’t have to waste time reading the rest of the junk again. But really, I’ve wasted your time even selling the added graph, because it’s really not great at all. But I’ve had too many cups of coffee and Cokes here at the ballpark, and I wanted to type 50 or so more words before I shut the laptop.

later

By The Grinch

February 28, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’m glad you’ve got the god-given sense to see a doctor before things get out of hand(or foot, I should say). As a wise man once said(Shakespeare, I believe…or perhaps Confucious): “Toes are not to be trifled with.”

Well, it’s 7:10 the following evening and NOT ONE of the Hampton detractors on here put their money where their mouth is. Guess y’all have more confidence in him than you thought, as anyone who’s ever really watched him pitch should. He’ll be rusty, he’ll have his ups and downs for a while. But when the money’s on the line late in the season I’d rather have him starting than anyone we’ve got besides Smoltz.

By The Grinch

February 28, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Brad in KY, this blog is about whatever the people on it wish it to be within reason and with DOB’s blessing. If you don’t like anything but baseball, scroll down to the baseball posts and skip the rest. Otherwise, I’m sure you can find a baseball-only blog somewhere else more to your liking. Take a survey of the blog, and you’ll find you’re in the very small minority.

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

The replay just finished … Braves Won!

Jimmy, stop spreading lies! I never dated Miss Martha … but several of my grandfather’s cousins called her friend.

Quite a Lady … I know her birthday is shared by My Lady cause me “Granny” told me she was mad at me Mama for being one day early.

Regarding the college, close relatives have attended and taught and I have visited the beautiful campus hundreds of times … though not in many years.

By ssiscribe

February 28, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Braves Win! Braves Win! Braves Win! Braves Win! Braves WIN! … They may have to hospitalize Sid Bream. He’s at the …

What? It was Tech? In February? Guess the parade’s not anytime soon, is it?

Still, it’s fun to have a game to talk about, even if it wasn’t much of a game. Fun to jump on here and see all the folks coming out and chimin’ in.

Robert, all five of ya: Had all of us going. A tip of the notebook from the Scribe up toward Berry, a beautiful piece of real estate. Come back and drop in a Hee-Haw or a sugar cube for the heck of it every now and again.

The Stranger, many thanks for your kind words … and the kind words of The (mystery) Stranger.

DOB, you’re spot on, dude, TT is an all-timer. Beat writer from back in the day when the AJ (not Andruw Jones, but The Atlanta Journal) used to hit the driveway about the time I hit the doorstep from elementary school. That ‘82 team, that 13-0 start, that 2-19 stretch, that Claudell Washington liner up the middle, that Jerry Royster ground ball through the legs in L.A., and all those great memories with my family and a summer where our team did what nobody thought we could: Win the West.

Nine years old; hooked for life. And here we go tomorrow, 9 a.m., debit card in hand, online to grab our four for the home opener, 25 years after Joe Torre took a team mostly built by — all together, Robert-X-5 — Bobby Cox and reeled off those first 13 wins. Dale Murphy on the cover of SI, Phil Niekro’s 17 wins, NONE bigger than the final Friday night of the regular season when he got the win and HOMERED as a 43-year-old in San Diego, and Joe Morgan bailing us out, all together to give us the lasting image of Ted Turner standing on a table in the visitor’s locker room at old Jack Murphy Stadium and screaming “Dynasty!”

Twenty five years. Man, fellow members of Braves Nation, how time does fly and transform all around us. Different ballpark. Different city. Totally different world, for better and for worse. Even the media and the way the game is covered is different.

And yet, some things remain constant, untouched by the tick of the clock. The anticipation of gameday, building from the moment you plunk down your cash (or plastic) for the tickets until the moment you settle into your seats, the starter toes the slab, looks in and brings the first pitch.

Welcome back, baseball. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By journalist jimmy smith

February 28, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

brad in ky, kumbaya my lord, kumbaya. this journalist will not be provoked tonight. and this player brad in ky describes as a “millstone” - has his own commercial, right? time will tell if francoeur is flying the plane when it soars. now, now, journalist bob, don’t get steamed at brad in ky’s remarks. kumbaya.

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Brad in KY you definately make good points, but, you have to look at Francoeur as being right field for Atlanta. He set the all-time outs record for one player in a season, but that is because he played ALL 162 games on the 2nd best offense in the national league… Francoeur’s stats should be compared against the 162 game production from right field of a given team, not individual right fielders… Find me a right-fielder who played in all 162 games and then tell me how Francoeur did compared to that person…

By Lew

February 28, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

DOB-If not for the snow, it would be on the wall. Not charcoal, but graphite (fancy word for I used a pencil). Check out http://lewhartman to see what you missed. Go to the portrait section. It will be in Atlanta when you are.

By Lew

February 28, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

that was Lewhartman.com

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

There’s been enough fishing in these parts to last the season and it’s only the start of spring training … might I suggest some buttermilk pie instead.

By DonCoburleone

February 28, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Bottom line Brad, if Francoeur duplicates what he did this season, and walks just 20 more times (1 extra walk every 33AB’s), then his OBP would be right around .325, which IMO, is fine for a power hitter with 30+ homers and 100+RBI’s… Plus he’s freakin’ clutch!

Don’t you think its more than possible he becomes slightly more selective this year than last and adds 20-30 walks?

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, you’re astounding! You anticipated my last post … but notice that I anticipated you too.

You’ll have to admit that before the anger management training received earlier in the day … I wouldn’t have changed it from “Googans shouldn’t try to fish in these waters … where the big fish eat the Googans and the blue worms eat the big fish … it might be safer to take your poll to another pond” to “… might I suggest some buttermilk pie instead”.

No, I’m on a diet of olives, brine and buttermilk pie … at least until I’ve had my hot tub.

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Lew, don’t confuse folks … if you say it “was” LewHartman.com … some folks will think it’s been changed!

By The Stranger

February 28, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Scribe, excellent soliloquy to get the season started.

A Best Supporting Scribe in a Johnny Cash-Themed Baseball Blog Wurlitzer nomination to you, my friend.

-selah

By The Stranger

February 28, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Lew, thanks for posting your website address. Masterpieces, all of them. The Man in Black portrait is awesome. Also, loved the Dewsie & “The Prophet.” Just incredible work. This blog is loaded with talented and colorful folk.

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

SSIScribe

Youngster, you done a good job of showing us “journalists” about scribing … well done. Well Done Indeed!!

Till Tommorrow

By journalist jimmy smith

February 28, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith would like to say that most of what journalist jimmy smith knows about transition, jimmy smith learned from scribe. now, transition … note how scribe wrote, “the starter toes the slab”, that is toe journalism in practice! yes, scribe is a journalist worthy of wurlitzer consideration - now, maybe there will be a home for the wurlitzer edition celine dion portrait by lew hartman.

By David O'Brien

February 28, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Lew, do you know if Dewsie has seen that portrait? He’d love it. I’d say you should come to Boston and present it to him when we’re there, but I don’t know how many road trips he’s going to make.

If you ever want to get it to him, I’d be glad to handle the transfer….

Scribe, strong post. Weighing in hard….

By Edo River

February 28, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Taking a pause in the writing job. DOB, thanks for the song, I appreciate that as much as the Braves report. and Willie’s album, I’ll have to check that out. The last one of his I have is Honeysuckle Rose.

By Bob, journalist

February 28, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Don’t ask me why but talk of Martha Berry made me think of the Cully A Cobbs … I think the marvelous Mr. Cobb is why we never had any money.

He had a profound influence on my father … they were good friends and as his only Sunday School teacher, he served as both mentor and role model.

Daddy often said that Mr. Cobb, then ovner of the Ruralist Press, purchased a lot of land during the depression at a dollar an acre … and that was what he wanted to do too … he saved his money with that in mind and though he had many chances to buy land cheaply that now sells by the square foot, he never found any for a dollar an acre … dame fortune passed us by.

Mrs. Cobb was a wonderful lady … she too was a Sunday School teacher at Druid Hills Baptist the entire time we were in Atlanta … though she may have been somewhat of an imposter … for think she was a Methodist!

By Lew

February 28, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Stranger-Thanks for the kind words. DOB-Yes, he has seen it and signed it. A couple of years back, I did a couple pieces for Darren Holmes to use in a charity auction he did to benefit youth teams in Bama. Smoltzie also signed one for Darren to use. In return, Darren got Dewsie to come out to the bullpen in Montreal before a Braves/Expos game, and Dewsie signed it for me. What I’d like to do for him is a portrait of Hemingway, who I know he admires as much as you admire Johnny Cash. If I send it to you, would you get it to him?

By LA Braves Fanatic

February 28, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Looking at the lineup - Johnson, Thorman, Diaz, Langerhans. Boy there are so many unknowns when you put these names down in a lineup. I feel GREAT about the bullpen and I think we’ll be solid with the starters. But we have not one, not two, not three, but FOUR offensive question marks. My gut tells me winning the division would be quite an accomplishment with this lineup, but a wild card is very feasible.

By ssiscribe

February 28, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

In keeping with my promise to try and get as much sleep in March as possible (since the spring games at night are few and far between), it’s off to bed. Glad everyone enjoyed the post; a flood of good memories came back to me as I knocked it out. Good times, good times.

To all in the blogosphere, a good evening. Selah.

—30—

By Diamondback.Mac

February 28, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Is it possible that Aybar and Soriano didn’t apply their bribes properly?

By 96,sc

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

Thanks DOB for the play by play. I swing 12 hour shifts and got up to check out the game. Internet at home was gone. Had to wait until i could get on this one at work. ERNESTO. I tried the second link and it worked. Thanks. SSISCRIBE you just seem to sound like lang whitaker. All is good.

By The Grinch

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

Scribe, those moves may have only made the team marginally better on paper, but I think it’ll be a big confidence booster. Glad Waddell finally realized the future is here. G’night, all; early morning tomorrow for Grinches.

By woogidy

February 28, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

The random thoughts post of the day

Can’t wait to get my Lexus Level seats for the opener, and some 755 club passes. On April 6th, I’ll head to the ballpark, walk in when the doors open, head up to the club watch The Masters at the bar, with BP in the background… The Masters is my Superbowl. Biggest sports event of the year for me, unless the Bravos can be playing the last week of October. I’ll be like a kid in a candy store. Plan to get up and do the same thing for Saturday… Who’s going to the Opener? We should get together, us bloggers… Maybe DOB could show us around the press box. It’s catered up there right? Get us some chicken!… Y’all see that story about Jon Leiber? Why is this news? Happens all the time. right DOB?… Later

By gotigers72

February 28, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

If Escobar is as good as advertised, why don’t they trade Aybar and keep Escobar? They both play 2nd, SS, and 3rd. Wasn’t Aybar the guy that missed third base TWICE and was called out on appeal. He didn’t impress me that much for whatever reason. Maybe it’s hard to impress when playing sporadically. But if a guy like Escobar who has so much upside is traded, they better get something well above average in return, or else know how to season and cook their crow.

By gotigers72

February 28, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

If Escobar is a five tool player, they would be crazy to let him go in a trade except for another five tool player, or future No. 1 or 2 starter. From what he did in Arizona and all of the talk about him, he could be the real deal. I would hate to see the Braves get rid of him and he end up being a real player like Jermaine Dye turned out to be.

But maybe you’re right DOB, maybe they’re tootin’ his horn to get his trade value up. For some reason, I don’t think so though.

By ElbravoX

February 28, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

scribe- same memories as well. It would be a sweet irony to win a ring this being TBS last year.

By raindawg722

February 28, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Is Escobar still a plus whistler?

By Gil in Mechanicsville (hack)

February 28, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

With Escobar it is all about attitude. His… The Braves evidently are not ready to forgive him for his unwillingness to play second base last year in double A Mississippi.

By flbravesgirl

March 1, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

Yay, an actual game! (OK, sort of) Thanks for all the updates, DOB. Re: the blog broadcast team, don’t y’all think the Grinch should be on there?

35, thanks for inquiring about CL & myself on the last blog. I was away for several days & have had to deal with a family illness since. I hope to check in more often now & also hope that the Lady will be rejoining us soon.

By Head Coach

March 1, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

The Braves win and the muts lose. All is right in baseball.

By braveheart

March 1, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

oh, how did i forget the grinch. he is most definitely the star color analyst of the broadcast team. just for that, flbravesgirl, you are going to be the executive producer of the broadcast.

By TheSouthernStraightShooter

March 1, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives—everything he does becomes tainted…

By N8

March 1, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Scribe

Have to agree with DOB on your post that mentions the 82 season.

That was the year I became a Braves fan for life! 11 years old, living in Twins Land, with 3 choices:

1) Be a Braves fan, and watch about 150 games on WTBS. In fact used to LOVE the 2:00 AM (Central Time) “re-broadcasts” they would do. I used to turn the TV on with the volume down low and lay a towel along the bottom of the door, so Mom and Dad couldn’t see the “light” shining under the door from the TV being on and watch the games. I’m not sure about you, but where I come from, that’s called dedication! LOL!

2) Follow the Twins like everybody else up here.

3) Follow the Cubs.

Yeah! I think I made the right choice! LOL!

Still have a Nike poster of Dale Murphy in the powder blues in an alley with a “glowing” bat (supposed to resemble a light saber) and has the Words: POWER ALLEY on it. Just framed it and gave it to my 8 year old son last year. (He happens to love the Powder Blues….YIKES!) I wore #3 in Little League, Jr. High and High School, due to the Murph (I’m sure thousands of kids did in the early-mid 80’s).

Still have a pennant with the 1982 25 man roster on it. Rufino Linares ring any bells.

And BEST OF ALL….Still have a VHS tape of the Braves/Dodgers game (I think from 1983?) where Bob Watson hit the “walk off” homer to win it in the bottom of the 9th (maybe the 10th…..Haven’t watched it in a while - but pull it out every year or so). Best part of that old tape is the commercials. Sing along if you know the words:

“Ditch the itch, itch, itch. Ditch the itch, itch, itch. Ditch the itch, itch, itch……with Absorbine Jr.!!”

or how about this classic from Eastern Airlines:

“The airline that doesn’t plan for the future……Doesn’t HAVE a future.”

That one ALWAYS cracks me up.

Or the old’ Miller Lite “Tastes Great - Less Filling” Ads, with Bob Uecker. Classics!

Speaking of old broadcasts. Anybody remember the old “Tuesday Night” baseball telecasts on the USA network?

Again. Great Post Scribe…..It’s always fun digging up some old memories.

Thanx Again.

L8R

By DonCoburleone

March 1, 2007 2:40 AM | Link to this

I love Beer… DOB, do you drink beer? My personal favorite is Sam Adams Winter Lager

By DonCoburleone

March 1, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this

is anyone else on this blog addicted to Madden Football?

By DonCoburleone

March 1, 2007 3:07 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah, franchise mode, relocated my team to Las Vegas: The Las Vegas Hitmen…

By DonCoburleone

March 1, 2007 3:15 AM | Link to this

Any other drinkers out there tonight?

By David O'Brien

March 1, 2007 3:33 AM | Link to this

Fell asleep after the amazing double-OT Texas-Texas A&M game, just woke up. Looked at posts before shutting laptop.

Woogidy, you asked about the the Lieber stuff: No, that doesn’t happen often. That’s unusual and frowned upon by old-schoolers, for sure. For a manager to call an opposing player _ not to mention a STARTING PITCHER for a rival, a pitcher who’s still likely to face you several times _ and point out a flaw in his delivery … that’s dubious, at best. Think about it: it could undermine your own team’s playoff chances.

Now, there’s a big difference in a manager being friendly with an opposing player _ talking to one of his former players about the wife and kids, about his new situation, new team, or maybe even confidentially telling him how much they’d like to have him someday if it’s a player who’s coming up for free agency _ there’s a big difference in that and actually calling an opponent with advice on how to get better. With a tip on how to beat opposing teams, including the manager’s own team.

Makes absolutely no sense, and I don’t know of a manager or player who’d say it’s perfectly fine to do that, thought I’m sure some would.

Alright, shutting it down for a few hours. Later.

oh, LEW, shoot me an e-mail regarding the Dews matter.

By Bob, journalist

March 1, 2007 4:44 AM | Link to this

Is it tommorrow yet?

Nice shootin’ Stranger and thanks for the sobering thoughts … tain’t so much what Gandhi said but how he said it that mattered most … he walked the walk, that’s for sure!

Does the masked man pack silver bullets?

By DonCoburleone

March 1, 2007 4:50 AM | Link to this

u drink DOB?

By Bob, journalist

March 1, 2007 5:20 AM | Link to this

I hope The Stranger and the straight shooting gentleman from the South will both pardon this old man for capitalizing “stranger” in my previous post … already enough problems with identities around here without my adding to the confusion.

I’m no stranger to the wee hours but this time there’s good reason … methinks God’s a sport’s fan and has been practicing his bowling just above my bedroom window.

There he goes again … better shut down before he does it for me.

By DonCoburleone

March 1, 2007 6:17 AM | Link to this

good night all…

By Bob, journalist

March 1, 2007 6:18 AM | Link to this

I think God bowled his perfect game and has called it a night … so I’m going to do the same.

I just saw Grinch’s post suggesting a pole … I vote for “baseball only” … with Guy coming out of retirement to provide the fare.

Seriously, methinks Guy’s a good guy and hope he’s enjoying himself … we gave him somewhat of a hard time but he kept his head in the game and was always ready to come off the bench when needed.

In case anybody cares, I’m still a steemed journalist … I spent over a month doing investigative work to expose “Robert” for the fraud he was … and then those little boys over in Rome scooped me!

Miss Martha would have been real upset with those boys for that … no, methinks not … most likely, she would have just smiled.

By ssiscribe

March 1, 2007 6:29 AM | Link to this

Mornin, all. Got your computers and debit cards ready for 9 a.m.? I’ll be in a meeting, but hopefully will be online soon after 9 to grab the four for April 6 … and maybe go ahead and get some for April 7, too (the Saturday game, which is a 3:35 p.m. start, by the way).

N8: Rufino Linares? Of course I remember. If memory serves, there was a pic of him sliding into third base in the SI article on the Braves when Murph adorned the cover.

And who didn’t have No. 3 on the knob of their bat, their batting gloves, their wristbands and their jersey? Murph and Chris Chambliss were my favorites, by far. And Terry Harper, because he was from our hometown.

The Watson game: We were there. I was 10. Homer in the ninth off Steve Howe to give the Braves the win over L.A. and a 6 1/2-game lead in mid-August. Just knew that second-straight division title was won and it was World Series or bust.

Of course, history tells the tale of what happened. But the feeling that night felt like coming home from Yankee Stadium up 2-0. You just KNEW you had it locked away.

But that’s baseball. Just when you think you’ve got it squarely in your hip pocket, that’s when something strange happens and all of a sudden, you’re fighting for your life again.

Thanx for the great memories, N8, especially from the commercials.

On to today and the Grapefruit League opener vs. that Dreaded Blue Menace from the Left Coast.

Later.

—30—

By Walter Sobchek

March 1, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this

We are here to scatter the ashes of Robert in accordance with what we think his last wishes may well have been.

By 10-7-4

March 1, 2007 6:51 AM | Link to this

N8-thank you-for the memories. I shall always hold a special place in my heart for that group. Murph,Knucksie,Chris,Butler,Raffy, and yes,Linares and the rest! Also, who could forget ole Ernie. flbravesgirl—glad you’re back, and hope your family illness situation improves. addio, all.

By Lew

March 1, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

Well, this has been an interesting night. Both Grinch and I have been getting Stinky emails. He has accused me of being a paint by number artist. Whatever. He knows he can’t see the numbers!

By Thrillhouse44

March 1, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Scribe, excellent post at 7:20 p.m. last night. One of your best yet. It inspired me to plan a trip to ATL (from VA) for Easter weekend. I just have to talk to the girlfriend, and perhaps the folks, into it - I doubt it will be a problem.

DonC, I’m addicted to Madden as well. It’s the only video game I ever buy anymore.

By KC

March 1, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Tickets on sale in 40 minutes. Everyone fill up that opening weekend Mets series! Don’t let the Ted turn into “Little Shay”!!

Sell it out!!

BTW: That was by far the worst episode of Lost since the show started. They’ve almost officially lost me (ALL pun intended).

By Shaun

March 1, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

Can anyone tell me how Ron Santo isn’t a Hall of Famer?

Here’s some commentary from Rob Neyer on the Hall of Fame Veteran’s Committee:

My subjective explanation is that far too many of the voters actually don’t know much about too many of the candidates. It’s not fair to pick on a particular voter who hasn’t commented publicly … but how likely is it, really, that George Brett is familiar with the career of Lefty O’Doul or Carl Mays or Marty Marion? How many times did Harmon Killebrew see Ron Santo? When Killebrew played, there was no interleague action and one might see exactly one baseball game per week on national television … and during that game, Killebrew usually was playing in a game himself. So as I predicted five years ago — and yes, as I’ve been bragging about ever since — nobody gets elected, because many of the voters vote for only the players they knew, during their careers. And the great majority of the voters played in an era during which you knew only the players in your own league.

For my objective explanation, you need look no further than the other ballot, the so-called “composite ballot,” consisting of umpires, managers and executives. The results make one thing very clear: Collectively, the members of the veterans committee have a tenuous grasp of baseball history and/or the Hall of Fame’s historical standards. There are eight umpires in the Hall of Fame. By any reasonable standard, longtime National League arbiter Doug “God” Harvey deserves to join them. Yet he garnered only 61 percent support in 2003, and 64 percent this time. Like him or not, Walter O’Malley is ridiculously overqualified for the Hall of Fame, considering the owners already enshrined. He got 48 percent support in 2003, then dropped to 44 percent this year. Even Marvin Miller, who changed the face of professional team sports in this country, hasn’t been elected yet, falling 10 votes shy on the latest ballot.

By David O'Brien

March 1, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

DonC, when you wake up at 11 or noon or whatever, let us know how you feel. Sounds like you had an interesting night.

Expecting severe storms here today (in Orlando, I’m talking, though I hear it’s even worse in Atlanta). Hopefully we get in this Grapefruit League lid-lifter (great term that never gets tired … or maybe it does).

By KC

March 1, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

T-minus 22 minutes!

By Bob, journalist

March 1, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

Lew, maybe that’s Stinky’s problem … he can’t see! Be a friend and send him the name of your doctor.

Serves y’all right though … getting mad at poor little Stinky like you did! Maybe next time you’ll listen to my advice against exhibiting anger on the Blog.

A wise man once said that the prudent man requires a DNA check on all to whom he gives his email address … to otherwise so do is to approach completeness.

Well, maybe the wise man is not prudent … I know he still gets multiple vulgar and/or intrusive emails every day.

By Thrillhouse44

March 1, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Lid-lifter: don’t think I’ve heard that one before. No way it could ever get old.

7 minutes…

By ernesto

March 1, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

DOB - it’s hard to tell too much from taht picture of AJ but it really does look like he’s noticeably slimmed down. Can you see a big differnce in person or is that just the photo?

By Lew

March 1, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Now Bob-Do you really think I’m concerned here? Do you really think that someone disparaging my artwork is going to make me cry and run to the corner? Maybe you’re right and Stinky does need a friend. Do you really think that I’m a good candidate? I mean, it’s me. I respond with anger. You said so yourself.

By Robert

March 1, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

5-0 win yesterday and 20-0-1 vs the collegians

I mean, could ANY other manager have done that?

By Bunny Lebowski

March 1, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I can’t blow that far.

By MGL

March 1, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Robert - You are correct for once, an amazing record that 20-0-1. Probably unequalled in the history of the sport. Definitely will help in Cooperstown selection. Plus, he always starts a Minor League pitcher. Very classy don’t you agree??

By Matthew

March 1, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Good grief, this has to be in the top three of all Braves/MIB blogs since I came on board a year ago. Strong stuff, scribe, jjs, bob, Lew, etc.

LEW God has really gifted you! Those are some great illustrations, especially of Maddux and the Man in Black.

DOB, thanks for the constant updates. Your reporting makes me feel like I am in the stands. Thanks.

DonC, I play Madden 2001. I’m too cheap to upgrade my Nintendo 64, although I did recently buy an original Nintendo system with Jordan vs. Bird One on One, Tecmo Baseball, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II, and others. Good times, good memories, like Bream “speeding” home in ‘92.

By ernesto

March 1, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

That’s any interesting take for Rob Neyer about the HOF veteran’s committee, but, and I forgot who said it, Joe Morgan????, their take is “look these guys didn’t get in on numerous attempts when the sportswriters had their chance to vote them in, now we’re supposed to look like bad guys because we didn’t vote them in either.”

He’s got a point.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 1, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

lew, this journalist could find no numbers on lew hartman’s work. now, baseball … in only 3 hours. jimmy smith is preparing for the game with a cheese sampler and a pie in the oven. it appears that blue worms may be in jimmy smith’s garden again. not sure, but the garden bench has been moved several feet over to the right of its usual position. now, music … this journalist will soon release a ukulele album of this journalist’s own. sad that jimmy smith could not have worked with the late, great jimmy smith on an album together. ukulele and organ - unbeatable combination (must play the ukulele very loudly with an organ). and now, more transition … journalist jimmy smith is anxiously awaiting dob’s opening sentences now that the spring season is underway. paint us a picture, dob, as you do so well. now, (how many is that?) … what if lew and bobby dews become pals? lew is very affable and bobby dews is colorful in baseball terms. this could be the beginning of a nice friendship. probably not many braves to talk hemingway with - unless it’s a hemingway huntin’ rifle. lastly, this journalist would welcome the return of sja and will not pick on sja if sja promises same. there is much baseball to be discussed. speaking of baseball … maybe escobar and blauser did not mix well but escobar should mix well with bobby if he can hit and field and run and throw (how many tools is that?) and whatever. this team may need a bold move to let someone earn his way on the roster just to inspire hard play and competition. last year, two guys that excelled in the spring did not make the team yet we continue to read that someone may shine in spring training and make the roster. can it be done?

By braveheart

March 1, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

morgan has a point. but then it has to be asked of morgan, what is the point of your selection committee? he essentially admitted that they are nonessential.

By MGL

March 1, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

After several seconds of in depth research, I think I have Robert figured out. He is actually a mule.

From Wiki …a mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse…a mule makes a sound that is similar to a donkey’s but also has the whinnying characteristics of horse. Sometimes, mules whimper…

It all seems to fit; resentment of his donkey father, the constant hee-haw sounds, and certainly the stubborn demeanor.

By Bob, journalist

March 1, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Now Lew, you’re putting meaning into my words and that’s unfair … such nonsense will not be tolerated. I have a reputation to maintain and you know better than most that even my friends can’t understand more than 60% of what I write … this time I edited my remarks just to make sure … eliminating that 60% so everybody would have the same opportunity to misunderstand.

This journalist may no longer be a steamed … but I am a little tiffed … at you and the boys in Rome. The very least you could do would be to send a couple of autographed pictures that I could sell on Ebay so I could buy a ticket to Opening Day! But, if you were so do, please make sure to sign them using some famous artist’s name … preferably someone that has died … and no, I won’t report you for identity theft … tickets are expensive!

Actually, I just hope my brother has some … I couldn’t get what I wanted without holding up a bank.

The last time we went was on the spur of the moment to a Sunday Day Game and I had the pleasure of sitting squarely behind the leftfield fowl poll. I even tried those $1 tickets once … they weren’t as bad as you might think … the only problem was the five second sound delay.

By Shaun

March 1, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

ernesto,

I see Morgan’s point. I would respond by saying there’s enough blame to go around for keeping guys like Santo and Blyleven out.

I think the process is flawed. There needs to be a group that actually studies baseball history with a say in the process.

With all due respect to the voters—I don’t think they are trying to keep certain player out—they aren’t baseball historians so many don’t have the perspective and knowledge of people who make a living studying baseball history.

The players’ jobs were to help their teams win baseball games not study baseball history in great detail. Should Hall of Famers get a say in the process? Absolutely. But how about also including some folks in the process who have really dug deep and can tell you details about baseball history that we never think about? Why not include people who have published extensive work on baseball history or who have won awards for work done on the subject of baseball history?

Isn’t it kind of like telling political scientists or history teachers/professors that they can’t vote in presidential elections?

By Yars

March 1, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I guess you could say Kelly Johnson had a horribly average day yesterday? Drawing a walk was good, stealing a base was good, but striking out & playing 2B like you weren’t too sure of yourself wasn’t good. I would think that playing a college baseball team would be like playing a Single A team? Maybe I am being too hard on KJ. It seems like everyone is rooting for him, so I hope he doesn’t let us down. Not too many alternative for 2B. Prado isn’t an everyday type player, Orr can’t hit, Woodward has proven already he is not an everyday player, & Aybar we need to fill in for Chipper.

By Judy

March 1, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Just another example of these guys making too much money. Wickman says he will buy a big screen tv and everyone if they win the Grapefruit League??? Come on, man. How about buying 40 big screen tvs for us fans who pay to watch you guys? I would love to be able to afford a big screen tv on my retirment pay and I’ll bet EVERYONE of you major leaguers could easily afford one on your salaries. We pay you if we want to get an autograph, we pay for dish coverage of your games, we buy tickets to the games, we see your beautiful homes in ChopTalk, and Mr. Wickman insults us by offering big screen tvs for winning the Grapefruit League. Disgusting, Mr. Wickman, disgusting.

By TheSouthernStraightShooter

March 1, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

When the character of a man is not clear to you—look at his friends…

By tim

March 1, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

David-I’m an inside the perimeter Atlantan down here for my first Spring Trainig thru the weekend-any help with good Mexican eats or sushi that aren’t a part of the tourist freak out around here? Yikes! I do like the stadium, enjoyed the Tech game, and looking forward to the next couple games. Just needing to know there are some real things to enjoy down here. HELP!!!

By TennesseePaul

March 1, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Why not include people who have published extensive work on baseball

I believe, in order to have a vote, one must be a member of the BBWAA for 10 years. 10 years of published work on baseball. Payne, for all your philosphizing on the merits of Bill James as the greatest historian of baseball, over the merits of Peter Gammons, a HOFer himself, it seems a little pointless. The Hall is very exclusive. But for the most part, it rewards the correct people, and excludes the correct people. You claim to love the numbers, so run them. Get the entire list of ball players in the Hall, then get the list of players you think have been unfairly snubbed. Compare that list to the entire list of eligible players and see what your supposed error rate is. I think you’ll find it is ridiculously small.

By Shaun

March 1, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Yars,

Yes, you are being too hard on KJohnson. Yes, it was against a college team, but it’s one game. Renteria was 0 for 1. Chipper was 0 for 2. Andrew was 0 for 1. McCann was 0 for 2. Does this mean anything? No way. In baseball, you have to judge very slowly.

By Bob, journalist

March 1, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

Everybody who’s anybody knows of Mister Marty Marion … he’s the best catcher to ever don a Braves uniform … and my all time hero!

I can’t believe he’s not in the Hall!

That just proves my point about experts … they don’t know nothing about the history or romance of the game!

By DAP

March 1, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

robert, congratulations… you’re annoying.

By ernesto

March 1, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Shaun, then you’re talking about a systemic overhaul on the voting process, which may be in order…but who would make that list…George Will? Ken Burns? W.P. Kinsella? (is he still alive?)

By Bob, journalist

March 1, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

But, what if he has no friends StraightShootersan?

Shaun, actually, Marty was the hero of this young boy who wanted to play shortstop like only he could do … I had the good fortune to see him play for the Cardinals a few games in 1949-50.

By ernesto

March 1, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Judy. Wow. How many veins were bulging out of your neck when you posted that???? Maybe if you got to know Wick a little he might buy you a tv, or, maybe, a happy meal…sounds like you could use one.

By David O'Brien

March 1, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Tim, when you find such establishments anywhere near the “tourist freak out” epicenter, let me know. Good luck.

But if you’re staying on the Clermont side of Disney, on highway 27 or in the 192/27 area, there’s a very good, non-touristy Mexican restaurant in the ground floor of the Citrus Tower, this 15-story or so building that rises out of the middle of nowhere in that little town (Clermont).

There’s a couple of good restaurants in Celebration, but they’re filled to the gills on weekends and during peak dinner hours every other night. But they’re good _ Town Tavern, Columbia, and an Italian restaurant.

By crimedogrules

March 1, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Judy,

I for one was happy to see the Wickman - TV thing. It proves to me that the players on this team aren’t going to sit quietly. The team’s biggest enemy during the 14 year streak was complacency (I doubt I spelled that right). Its nice to see that the “leader of the bullpen” is going to do his part to motivate this team.

We’re hungry for every win, even if its insignificant. Good for Wicky, I hope he has to pay up.

go braves

By Shaun

March 1, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I’m not arguing the voters don’t do a great job, but I am arguing they can do better. And why not make it as good as possible?

Ron Santo is better than a vast majority of Hall of Fame 3B and Bert Blyleven is better than a vast majority of HOF pitchers. How is keeping them out not an error?

And with all due respect the the BBWAA, most are beat writers. They don’t study baseball history and make their living studying baseball history. They make their living reporting on their teams’ goings-on. Not saying they shouldn’t have a say, but why not also include a group that makes their living studying baseball history in detail? How does that harm the process?

Bob, journalist,

Don’t you think that people who have studied baseball history in detail can tell you more about Marty Marion than can many in the Veteran’s Committee? There are people out there who’ve dug up detailed info about Marty Marion, I’m sure. With all due respect, I’m sure those people know more about Marty Marion than someone like Joe Morgan or George Brett.

By Shaun

March 1, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

ernesto,

The list could be those who have published three or more works on baseball history or members of The Society For American Baseball Research.

(For those who think SABR is a organization full of “stat-heads,” it is not. There are all kinds of chapters and wings that may or may not have anything to do with in-depth statistical analysis.)

Or as Bill James suggests in The Politics of Glory (oh, no, Bill James, ahh!!!), have a rather pricey test on baseball rules and history and those who pay and make a very high score, get to vote.

By Carroll

March 1, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

DOB: Do you know if there is going to be a game next Tues or Wed? The schedule indicates that we play the Nationals in Viera on Tues, and the Tigers in Lakeland on Wed. But I can’t find tickets anywhere…ticketmaster, ebay, craigslist, etc. Any ideas? I really wanted to travel to see the Braves this spring since the “evil empire” has become SO overwhelmed with families/kids, etc.

By MGL

March 1, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Carroll - Go to mlb.com and select the home team for the game you want to attend. ie. for Wed, go to the Tiger’s site, select schedule on the links, and the calendar will show up. Click on the box with a T on the day of the game and it will link you to ticketmaster for that game.

By Heath

March 1, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Judy- Bob Wickman earned his money, he can spend it how he likes it. It is really none of your business what he buys. You sound a little jealous to me.

By David O'Brien

March 1, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS POSTED

By Bob, journalist

March 1, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I’ve been taking license over the last couple of days and think I should give take a break and give my honest opinion on this dreary and stormy day … especially since I have what is probably is unpopular and in the minority.

I don’t totally dissagree with you.

However, I wouldn’t expect many folks who haven’t witnessed the play of the those under consideration to be able to make a proper judgment, regardless of the level of due diligence performed.

From my limited perspective, I truly can’t see any justification for “oldtimer” elections to the Hall … with the exception of special circumstances, similiar to the window following the following the establishment of the Hall itself so as to cover those who played before its creation … and the window following the decision to admit players from the Negro Leagues who never played in the Major Leagues.

It would be nice to see some of my heroes so recognized … Marty included … but, it is both illogical and a slap in the face of those holding selection responsibilities when the players first became eligible … to have their decisions now overturned by those less familiar with the players, conditions and circumstances prevailing when the players fretted and strutted their hour upon the stage.

In my view, it does a disservice to the game and to those currently in the Hall.

It’s as if we have lowered our standards, saying if you will: “Marty, you weren’t good enough to get elected by those who watched you play, but you’re a nice guy … and though all now we have are tales of your exploits and your statistics; out of those who weren’t good enough to be elected earlier, you are our choice.

No, I don’t buy it … reminds me too much of political correctness and politicians passing unnecessary laws because they think it’s their job to pass laws.