AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz won’t use Schilling approach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Standing in the dugout about 20 minutes ago talking to Smoltz, Rafael Furcal strolls over in his Dodgers uniform towards us and shouts from 20 feet away to Smoltz: “Johnny!”
Smoltz lights up, his mood instantly changing from the seriousness he’d had while discussing last season, the meaning of the division-title streak (he downplayed it), Kyle Davies, Tim Hudson, Smoltz’s future, his lack of votes in the 2006 Cy Young voting, etc., to sheer joy at seeing the always-upbeat former Braves shortstop.
“Remember, all fastballs this year,” Smoltz shouted back to him. “Try to get a bunt down against me…. Not going to happen.”
Then it was back to serious talk. Most of it I’ll try to work into other stories today and down the road, but I did ask him about his contract.
Specifically, I asked him about it in relation to the rather similar situation of Curt Schilling, who’s in the final year of his contract with Boston and recently raised a stink by asking for an immediate extension (Schilling said he’d be willing to sign for the same $13 mill he’s making this season, but wouldn’t negotiate after opening day, and said not signing him now might cost Boston more when he files for free agency).
The Red Sox pointed out he’ll be 41 in 2008 and said they need to be conservative.
He reported to camp vastly overweight, and has alternated good seasons with eight-win seasons for the past four years, but Schilling’s bloody-sock glory in the 2004 postseason for the World Series champions apparently should outweigh his 8-8 record and 5.69 ERA in 2005 and his struggles late last season. I guess.
But anyway, I asked Smoltz, who turns 40 in May, has been with the same team his entire 19-year major league career, has led the Braves with 30 wins and 461-2/3 innings over the past two seasons, and would probably have (far) more right or justification to complain about the lack of an extension, what he thought of Schilling’s outspoken stance on his contract.
Smoltz’s pull-no-punches response will please you folks, I bet. Or at least it probably should.
“That’s stupid, in my opinion,” Smoltz said of Schilling’s stance, and said he wouldn’t make a similar demand. “That’s the reason I’ve been here so long, the reason the city is great [to me], the fans are great, is because I’ve avoided all that silly stuff. I had one little hiccup last year, which won’t happen again.”
He was referring to his complaint late last season about the Braves’ delay in picking up the relatively bargain-rate $8 million 2007 option on his contract.
Soon after, Braves GM John Schuerholz broke with recent team policy in two ways, signing closer Bob Wickman to an extension in September and exercising Smoltz’s option the next day. At the time, he also made a point of saying that there was never any doubt about the team picking up the Smoltz option (but in the past, the Braves would’ve waited until the offseason to do it, for whatever reason).
Schuerholz and Smoltz have had their run-ins and disagreements, but seem to finally be in agreement on handling contract matters and opinions of team personnel moves a bit more discreetly. (Damn, I hate that for selfish reasons _ kills a good half-dozen stories this year.)
Pena assigned to Davies? Brayan Pena is catching and batting fifth today vs. the Dodgers, probably a pretty good indication he’ll be assigned to catch Kyle Davies’ starts this season.
Bobby Cox indicated during pitching camp last month that he’d go back to using his backup catcher for a specific pitcher, the way he did most seasons until last year, when he started out the season with Brian McCann and veteran Todd Pratt in a platoon.
There will be no platoon this season, with the All-Star McCann expected to catch four days out of five, at least (he would probably get some of Davies’ starts along the way, especially late in the season in a playoff drive). Of course, all this is assuming Davies is the fifth starter, which I think he will be unless he falls on his face this spring.
Chuck James trade rumor Someone told me they saw a former GM turned TV guy saying that the Braves were so concerned about 2B Kelly Johnson that they are considering trading Chuck James for a second baseman. Uh, really?
They’re not trading Chuck James. How much sense would that make? You have concerns at second base, so you trade away a very promising young lefty who was your best starter for much of his rookie season? You build the bullpen so that you can go into the season with even more questions than you already have in your rotation?
Winding down The Man In Black’s week: As we continue our tribute to the late, great Johnny Cash on the week of his 75th birthday, here’s one of his earliest songs he wrote while at Sun Records:
“BIG RIVER” by Johnny Cash
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry,
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River.
Then I’m gonna sit right here until I die.
I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, Southern drawl.
Then I heard my dream was back Downstream cavortin’ in Davenport,
And I followed you, Big River, when you called.
Then you took me to St. Louis later on, down the river.
A freighter said she’s been here but she’s gone, boy, she’s gone.
I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block.
She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone.
Now, won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on.
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans.
Go on, I’ve had enough; dump my blues down in the gulf.
She loves you, Big River, more than me.
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry, cry, cry
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River.
Then I’m gonna sit right here until I die.
Comments
By ssiscribe
March 1, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
DOB: Not to fan the flames of garbage, but are you referring to Steve Phillips, the former Met GM? I think I mentioned this last week in a blog, but the boys at 680 The Fan played a clip from Phillips talking about the D’Rays sending Baldelli to the Fish for D-Train, then turning around and sending Jorge Cantu to Atlanta for Chuck James.
Totally, totally ridicilous. I know I addressed it now because I remember looking up Cantu’s stats. Breakout year in 2005 followed by a mediocre year last season.
No way you give up a kid who won 11 games in four months, a lefty with grit and great movement, for Jorge Cantu. No freakin way.
Got my tix for opening day, and a few other games. Once the wife finds out, this Scribe may be sleeping in the newsroom for a night or two.
Back to it. Selah and take care in the bad, bad weather rolling through the A this afternoon.
Peace. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Charlie Hatton
March 1, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
It’s interesting that the ‘catcher assignment’ to a particular starter has turned into an annual thing. I always assumed it started because Maddux didn’t like throwing to Javy Lopez. But it’s a nice way to keep the regular catcher rested, and keep the game-calling consistent for each pitcher.
I would guess Pena’s probably worked with more of the younger kids in Richmond and earlier, so it seems a good bet that he’d be assigned to the 5th starter, whoever it turns out to be. Though it’d be interesting if Villarreal ends up spot-starting — we might see Pena catching for James instead, at least part-time.
And didn’t Pittsburgh try to bring James’ name into the LaRoche/Gonzalez deal, only to be told he was pretty much untouchable? Sounds like your TV guy is flinging random rumors to see if he can get one to stick.
Charlie / Bugs & Cranks
By futurebravesgm2413
March 1, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
What dumb guy said that. If it is Steve Phillips this man has got to have lost all his credibility. But I am not sure how much that is after seeing how he chased down Barry Bonds at the winer meetings.
By braves fan
March 1, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
He’s Chuck James biiitch!!!! Why anyone would think the Braves would trade him for anything is ridiculous. The Braves have a 40 year old ace, a high priced guy who has disappointed so far, a really good 35 year old who is coming off tommy john surgery (and knee surgery) and is a bit timid at this point if you ask me, and an unproven kid coming off a groin tear and a terrible season, filling the other 4 spots in the rotation. Exactly why would the Braves want to trade the one good young inexpensive talent they have to fill a 2B spot? Last time I checked you don’t have to have 6, 7, or 8 all-star caliber position players to win the World Series. I think the Braves are set with talent at SS, 3B, C, CF & RF and have very good platoon options in LF and 1B and a kid who’s shown some promise as a hitter in Kelly Johnson. There is not a team in the majors who isn’t going into the season with 3 questionable spots in their lineup or if they don’t they have rotation issues (a la the Mets). So I feel okay with the players the Braves have to fill the spots in LF, 1B, and 2B. Chuck James being traded for a 2B? That must be the biggest joke of the year, except maybe Bonds breaking the HR record.
By Greg in TN
March 1, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Greetins’ friends and neighbors,
Soggy, soggy day in the south. I can’t say that I would expect anything from Smoltzie other than what he said. That is why is is beloved amongst me and my fellow Braves faithful.
I caught some of the discussion toward the tail end of the last blog in terms of the Veterans Committee vote, or non-vote depending on how you look at it. Morgan’s quote indicates to me that he’s trying to have it both ways. No can do Joe, no can do. You can’t take a swipe at those for criticizing you for not electing anyone, then say something like you can’t evaluate the folks on one of the ballots you are supposed to consider (specifically he was referring to the composite ballot of executives, umpires and the others).
In looking through the ‘Truths and Rumors’ section of SI, I found a very amusing dispatch on Mets savior Oliver Perez. Seems that during warmup yesterday, an errant slider from his hand hit an SI photographer taking photos from the backstop. Here’s a link to their story:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/02/28/tigers.mets.ap/index.html
Here’s hoping that Glavine doesn’t take a page from “Nuke” LaLoosh in Bull Durham and hit a mascot with a pitch in Port St. Lucie today.
By TN-MAN
March 1, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Davies gets Furcal and Pierre to ground out in the 1st, Kemp up.
By Mets Stink
March 1, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is a breath of fresh air compared to most other players. Schilling, like most others, is too full of himself. He’s not much more than a mediocre pitcher these days. With these crazy contracts guys are signing, 13 mil for a mediocre pitcher isn’t that bad. That really shows what a bargain price Smoltz is. The Braves need to go ahead and give him a 2 year extension now.
By David O'Brien
March 1, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Anybody seen or heard from DonC yet on the blog? Sounded like he had a helluva night/morning….
That was a nine-pitch first inning for Davies, and Kelly Johnson just led off bottom first with a single. But I guess you guys are getting play-by-play online anyway, huh? So I should stop?
Betemit is at third and batting fifth for Los Dodgers, Furcal leading off, of course. It’s their opener, too.
By braves fan
March 1, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
And another thing…..remember Mark Lemke? He wasn’t a great offensive talent (except in October) and the Braves did just fine with him manning 2B. I think people have gotten their perspective out of whack because Marcus Giles was perceived to be a big offensive talent. His offense was not a must have for the Braves to win. He just needed to be moved down so he wasn’t making outs in the leadoff spot. But the Braves will be just fine even if Kelly Johnson gets beat out by Prado. Prado would provide excellent defense, which is way more important to a team needing to support their pitching staff. No 2B will create enough runs (except Rogers Hornsby) to offset the loss of the good work Chuck James would do on the mound.
By dcarp23
March 1, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
I thought you could listen to the spring training games for free. Am I completely wrong?
By Alex
March 1, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
I like the idea for brayan getting some at bats 1 out of every 5 games, giving McCann some much needed rest. Has Aybar reported to camp yet? and will the game be canceled today, I heard the weather is going to be pretty bad?
By JP
March 1, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
So how or where do I go to listen to the Braves online Today?
By Brad in MT
March 1, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Enough said about Steve Phillips, the guy has lot all credibility and he’s one of the few ESPN baseball guys I don’t care for. I think that having Pena play every fifth day will be good for him, he probably needs to get some consistent at bats and hopefully it keeps McCann rested. All I can say is that its great to have baseball back and its nice to be able to listen to Pete doing the spring games. Thanks for the daily blogs DOB!
By MGL
March 1, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Please keep up the updates.
By TennesseePaul
March 1, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Needs at 2B so we trade our #3 starter. Sounds reasonable. I think we have needs in LF, let’s ship Smoltz off to fix it. And that defense at first has a question mark, maybe we can get someone for Hudson and Wickman. Not going to happen and should never happen. Not until we have so much depth in pitching, we don’t know what to do. And at that point, I think we could trade some of the lesser commodities to fulfill our needs. Besides, with the Praise heeped on Escobar, I’d imagine we’d try him at 2B or trade him, before we’d ship Chuck James off.
I love Smoltz. That guy is just a solid man. I look forward to seeing him pitch in Atlanta next season and hopefully a few more after that. He’s good. And this team now has the pen to back him. All he needs to due is keep pitching like he has been these past, ooohhh 19 years, and he could easily have 20+ wins this season. I’d like to see him put up 25 wins for the next 4 years. Sheer domination. He can be Mr Game Over, before the game has even started. No need to wait till the ninth.
GO BRAVES
By TN-MAN
March 1, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
No DOB not getting play-by-play just read on another site. Anywhere you can get it besides gameday? Thanks for the updates.
By The Stranger
March 1, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Steve Phillips with the inside scoop on the big Chuck James trade? Well, it is the Disney Channel, The Happiest Chan…
Ah, Big River, one of my favorites.
Going to see one of my favorite Texans tonight: Robert Earl Keen. Maybe I can encourage him to sing a Cash tune in honor of the legend’s 75th anniversary.
By eware
March 1, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Please keep it coming for us poor folks at the office, DOB. Thanks!
By Porkins
March 1, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Has anyone played MLB 2K7 yet? Got it for the 360 - amazing game. I traded LaRoche and Langerhans for Nomar. What can I say?
By The Stranger
March 1, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Don’t toy with us O’B — we need those updates. We’re junkies, man.
By Rob
March 1, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, Keep up the play by play please.
By kdbanks
March 1, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
DOB -
If you see Skip Carey, will you ask him to explain the infield fly rule? He loves that.
Thanks
By Gene
March 1, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
I remember a few years ago when athletes were hanging out with strippers at the Gold Club, or some similar dump. The day that news came out, Smoltzie was visiting the VA Hospital. I hope he goes into announcing when he finishes baseball and stays around Atlanta.
By alex
March 1, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Keep us updated DOB.
By Patrick
March 1, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
No DOB,
Please keep providing play-by-play, can’t get it anywhere else!
By journalist jimmy smith
March 1, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
trade chuck-y james? oh, the humanity! what would bobbycox call jorge cantu? jorg-y could be construed as vulgar, while cant-y sounds negative. and who would then pitch left-handed? hampton could get hurt. can we teach a pitcher to switch hands? does steve phillips suffer from head trauma? perhaps a newyawker hit him in the head with batteries…
By Bob, journalist
March 1, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I responded to you at the end of the previous Blog.
David, I know that I should have said hi to DonC in the wee hours but the real reason that I was up was a storm and didn’t think to so do since he had been having a one-way conversation with you over a long period of time.
I’m not even sure that he was aware that I was there though one would so assume. Sincerely hope he’s doing okay.
By beachcomber
March 1, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
DOB - Listening to the game on line - pleasantly surprised to hear Mark Lemke working with Pete. Will the Lemmer have an expanded role this year?
By glorydays
March 1, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
DO WE HAVE ANY POSTERS INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF A FANTASY LEAGUE, COULD BE FUN TO PUT THE TWO TOGETHER
By KC
March 1, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
DOB: “Someone told me they saw a former GM turned TV guy saying that the Braves were so concerned about 2B Kelly Johnson that they are considering trading Chuck James for a second baseman.”
Gee… with those reasoning skills, it’s difficult to understand why he’s a GM turned TV guy. I’m sure there are many teams who would like to hire a GM who thinks such a deal makes sense on any level.
By David O'Brien
March 1, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Impressive showing for Kyle Davies _ two perfect innings with a strikeout, 17 pitches/11 strikes. They stayed with plan to bring him out after two innings, only want their starters to go two in first starts….
By comparison, Randy Wolf needed 37 pitches for two innings….
Kelly Johnson handled four defensive chances (two groundouts, two popups) in two innings without a hitch, and had a single up the middle and lined an opp-field sac fly to left-center in two plate appearances before coming out of the game.
Subs in third: Lillibridge at SS, Orr at 2B, Cormier pitching…
Francoeur had seen and swung at 3 pitches in 3 at-bats this spring (including Tech) before taking a strike to start his third inning AB, then hitting a jam single up middle….
Thorman just hustled to beat out a would-be double play grounder, got an RBI out of it for 2-0 lead
By RC
March 1, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
It’s no wonder Steve Phillips thinks we should trade Chuck James….it’s those great insights that led him to pull of the deals for Mo Vaughn and Robbie Alomar. There is a reason he works for ESPN now, and it falls under the “Those that can, do….” logic.
By Coloradobravesfan
March 1, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
I think Jorge Sosa gave up 2 Home runs in one inning for the mets against the cards…
By 3trees
March 1, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Oh, man, Big River one of my all-time favs. We do it almost every time we play out. Hate to admit, but up until about 10 years ago I never knew JC wrote much (forehead slap emoticon here)! That and “Drive On” from the 1st AR are just killin’ Cash penned tunes (among many). Oh, really dug the lyrics to the Olney tune you had up yesterday.
Very interested in how Davies does today. Keep ‘em coming! If he’d come along and steady up the bottom of the rotation, that would sure help with Hampton’s re-hab.
By Lew
March 1, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Happy Baseball, y’all-Just got back from the foot doctor. Toes have not been trifled with. What happened to DonC? Was he involved in tornadoes or something? Hope not. Now Bob-I’m not putting words in your mouth-I wouldn’t do that. However, you did basically call me an angry person. Not so!!!I just learned a long, long time ago not to put up with crap from others. They tend to keep giving it to you when you let them. I’m really sorry if Stinky needs friends-SJA, too. Neither one of them ever went out of their way to be nice to me and just because they claim to have seen the light, I view that as a jailhouse conversion to Christianity or whatever-I just don’t trust it. Be that as it may. I’m not angry with either one. If truth be told, I feel kind of sorry for The Odiferous One. He certainly is an intelligent, well read person. He has much more potential to be a good person than he ever showed on this blog. I don’t hate him or SJA-I just don’t miss them, either. If this makes you a nicer person than me and more filled with the milk of human kindness, then so be it-I do not dispute this. I certainly never claimed to be a paragon of virtue-just a wise mouthed SOB with a modicum of artistic talent. Wish I could get you opening day tickets. If I could, I’d do it and then ask you to find me some for the Braves/Red Sox series in Boston. Can’t find them, either. Peace. The Bionic Artist shall abide for a while and go listen to Dylan’s John Wesley Harding. I just got a remastered copy the other day. I Dreamed I saw St. Augustine. Really.
By PABravefan
March 1, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
That is ridiculous! We were not willing to include C James in a trade to get Rocco, so why in the hell would we include him for a slightly better than average 2B? Phillips is a MORON who still thinks like a MET!! Maybe he would make that trade and that is why he is no longer a GM, and why the Mets couldn’t smell the Braves all of those years!! GO BRAVES!!
By TennesseePaul
March 1, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Thorman just hustled to beat out a would-be double play grounder, got an RBI out of it for 2-0 lead
I already like this guy. I like his shortname, Thor. I like his game. I like the hustle. I can’t wait to see him in the regular season.
By Thrillhouse44
March 1, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Beachcomber, where did you find the game online? Thanks.
By journalist jimmy smith
March 1, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
well, that was not jimmy smith posting at 1:39 so there is another impostor among us - but not ugly like the last one. now, baseball … furcal, betemit, and others from the braves organization - this journalist wishes them well until they play the braves. dodgers baseball used to be the road map for how to play national league baseball. the dodgers used to come to atlanta and inflict much damage. but the worm turns. the worm always turns. a blue worm turns and takes things with it.
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 1, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
DOB - where would i get play-by-play online? i’d sure like to know. thanks
By alex
March 1, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
I think Davies is going to be a stud this year. Maybe this outing will boost what little confidence problems he had last year. Thanks for the updates DOB. Go BRAVES
By Shaun
March 1, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist,
Read your response.
I don’t see how it lowers standards or does a disservice to anyone to let true historians vote.
True, past voters didn’t think people like Marty Marion were good enough then, but wouldn’t you agree that our knowledge of the game (and human knowledge in general) has increased over time? If so, don’t you think we have more knowledge now as to what a HOFer is than we did 20, 30, 40 years ago?
And I don’t see how it does a disservice to Eddie Matthews or Mike Schmidt to allow a select group of historians in the voting process and if they were to help select Ron Santo for enshrinement.
I don’t see how it lowers the standards if certain players who are better by basically any objective measure than those already enshrined (such as Santo or Blyleven) are elected.
Under your rationale, we could never say Babe Ruth or Honus Wagner were great players because we never saw them play. I just don’t think we should go as far as saying you aren’t qualified to define greatness unless you see greatness. I think that’s dangerous territory in which to tread.
I also think it’s dangerous to say if Player x wasn’t voted in in 1977, he isn’t good enough to be voted in in 2007. What if some new, overwhelming evidence is found that says Player x should be in the Hall?
By John Adcox
March 1, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
I’m listening to Pete and Mark Lemke call the game on the MLB Web cast… I just bought my opening day tickets… and I dusted off my traditional March read, Thomas Boswell’s lovely, poetic collection “Why Time Begins On Opening Day.” I feel like Noah seeing the rainbow after all the rain.
Man, the Braves are hustling out a LOT of weak, infield “hits” today. That’s a good sign. While Betemit has made two errors. Ouch.
March is going to be a long, long month. I am ready now. Right now. This minute.
By braveheart
March 1, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
that smoltz fella, i believe he is kind of shy.
i love that he took it to schilling. schilling is the most annoying blowhard.
bloody sock glory? did you perhaps mean the ketchup sock glory from the blowhard drama queen?
lay off of johnson. you got the whole month of march to figure out if he has the goods. even then, i still think the braves are going to throw him out there at the start of the season. ride the ups and downs with him. that is the fun of rookies and/or young up and comers. the one thing you know he has is a good eye and patience. those are two traits that usually are not prone to inconsistencies. so he will draw walks and deep counts even if playing badly or just inconsistently in other areas. let him ride it out.
By Head Coach
March 1, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
The only thing that’s free is the air you breathe and its getting more polluted by the day. Whats with the trade rumors swirling around Escobar ? I know teams are inquiring about him. The Braves will take into consideration the value of a five tool talent with a great arm who can switch to 3B or the outfield. My logical assumption would be that the Braves would think about trading him for another pitcher that could be plugged into the rotation , if needed.
By braveheart
March 1, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
shaun, back to your conversation from this morning, don’t you think though that joe morgan and other HOFers are most likely the best judges of their own contemporaries? you can study all the stats and history you want, but no baseball historian or sabermetrician is going to know what it was like to stand 60 feet away from bert blyleven looking to get a hit or what it was like to pitch to santo or jim rice or know what it was like to smack a line down third base and have santo steal a hit from you.
i think it is kind of like this blog. someday, it may come time for HOF inductions in this blog for the best bloggers. who would be the best judges of which bloggers should get in? DOB should have first call and then the fellow bloggers should have a huge voice as well. then the people who read regularly but do not ever or rarely ever post (essentially fans of the blog but not blog players), should have a voice as well after DOB and the fellow bloggers have their voices heard. if there were media covering this blog, then their voices should be heard. the last voice that should be heard is some historian 50 or 100 years from now.
Can you imagine the historian reading over these blogs 50 to 100 years from now and saying well according to the frequency of posts, frequency of responses to his posts, length of posts, the amount of posts over the span of a certain number of years, the historical and cultural significance of his posts, the ability of his posts to significantly or slightly change public perception of the teams and players, i believe this certain blogger was slighted and misunderstood in his time. That blogger was robbed of HOF status by DOB, the fellow bloggers, and the fans of the blog. I Mr. Baseball Blogger Historian do now vote for this misunderstood mediocre blogger to make the DOB/MIB/AJC/BRAVOS HOF although no one in his time deemed him worthy - not his fellow bloggers, not DOB, and not the regular readers and fans of the blogs who do not post.
Historians are cool to read but alot of the times they get it wrong themselves. They have a job to do and need to justify their jobs, thus they exaggerate the importance of a certain individual or they pooh pooh the previously believed importance of a certain individual. Otherwise, they are just regurgitating what we already know
By geauxbraves2000
March 1, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
I know I’m ready for the season to being, getting pumped about the Braves getting out of the bases loaded no out situation. It’s too early to be this excited about an 1/2 inning, ain’t it?
Geaux Braves!!
By Shaun
March 1, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
Under your rationale, we could never say Babe Ruth or Honus Wagner were great players because we never saw them play. I just don’t think we should go as far as saying you aren’t qualified to define greatness unless you see greatness. I think that’s dangerous territory in which to tread.
Let me clarify. I think it’s dangerous to say you can’t define greatness unless you see greatness at the exact moment it is happening. To say we can’t define Babe Ruth or Honus Wagner as Hall of Fame players because we never saw them perform is just very wrong in my opinion. We can see enough evidence and know enough to conclude they are Hall of Famers without seeing them play.
If I were voting, I never saw Santo play. Even if I think the evidence is convincing he’s a Hall of Famer, does that mean I can’t vote for him because I didn’t see his greatness during the time he was playing? I think that is a flawed and dangerous way to think.
By A.J.
March 1, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Is the MLB webcast for the spring training games only for subscribers or are they free?
Free seems unlikely since MLB is involved.
By GaBulldogs
March 1, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz, by far my favorite Brave of all time. A good man and a great pitcher. I hope he makes it to the Hall one day.
By journalist jimmy smith
March 1, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
joe dimaggio on opening day: “you look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. you think something wonderful is going to happen.”
opening day means different things to different people - for instance - opening day to chipper might mean baseball and it might mean huntin’. since chipper is a star baseball player this journalist thinks opening day probably means baseball most of the time. still, openin’ huntin’ day probably means something, too. oh, the humanity! where is this post going? never mind. now, it is good to get a good report on lew’s toe health. let’s hope chipper has good toe health all season long.
By TennesseePaul
March 1, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
have a rather pricey test on baseball rules and history and those who pay and make a very high score, get to vote
Just saw this little tid bit on the last blog. After you ran DOB into the ground for being simply a beat writer with limited knowledge of how the game is played and how to judge greatness… Just who in fact are we paying when we shellout the money for the “rather pricey test” to make the “very high score”?
By ncscoots
March 1, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Historians are cool to read but alot of the times they get it wrong themselves. They have a job to do and need to justify their jobs, thus they exaggerate the importance of a certain individual or they pooh pooh the previously believed importance of a certain individual. Otherwise, they are just regurgitating what we already know
My guess is that you haven’t met any historians.
By Bob, journalist
March 1, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Lew, so that others won’t be confused, my statement you’re putting meaning into my words and that’s unfair was meant to communicate that it was unfair to put any meaning to words that were intended to have no meaning! The “such nonsense will not be tolerated” part was meant to convey that I wouldn’t allow you to make any sense of my nonsense” … just so everyone knows!
Now, the part about not being able to get the tickets I wanted and sitting behind the foul pole the last time there … are true, give or take a lie or two.
I was honestly surprised to learn that the odifferous one emailed you and Grinch … I would have thought he would perceive it would be to his disadvantage … revealing his email address to you.
By alex
March 1, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
braveheart, your writings enlighten me.
By Shaun
March 1, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
braveheart,
As Rob Neyer pointed out, back when Joe Morgan was playing, there was no TWIB or ESPN or MLBTV.com or anything like that. Morgan only saw players he played against and maybe one nationally televised game a week.
Again, it’s hard for me to believe Joe Morgan is any more qualified to define the greatness of Marty Marion (or some older player) than someone like say Dan Okrent or, dare I say, Bill James (ahhh!!!…be afraid).
Your analogy with the blog needs some reworking. It would be as if we said someone like Stephen King (someone who we would define as a great writer) were to be kept from voting for a HOF of the Braves blog.
Do we really want to say you have to be a contemporary baseball player to define a particular players greatness? Again, if that were the case, no one could ever make any judgments about the greatness of Babe Ruth or Honus Wagner because no one alive ever saw them play. Do we really want to say that Honus Wagner can’t be in the discussion for great shortstops of all-time because a person bringing up that discussion couldn’t have possibly seen him play?
By John Adcox
March 1, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Alas, an annual subscription is, I think, $14. I should be ashamed of myself. However, I AM listening to baseball now.
By beachcomber
March 1, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
thrillhouse - sorry. they make me work here - even though I own the place - and I dropped off the blog for a few hours. Your question pretty much got answered - just google mlbaudio and you’ll get there. $14.95 for the year - best bargain in town particularly in light of the directTV doings and the rest. Great to sit here in the office and hear baseball on March 1.
By Braves20
March 1, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
First Salty sighting of the year! Boy, same old Dodgers - all those good arms and they still can’t catch the ball!
By John Adcox
March 1, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
5 to 2 Atlanta. Anyone ever notice how Pete gives the score a LOT more when the Braves are ahead? Pete Orr just smashed a double.
By Shaun
March 1, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
You are putting words in my mouth. I never questioned DOB’s knowledge of greatness or the game.
But I do think DOB would be the first to tell you there are probably people out there who no more about 1940’s baseball than he and would be more qualified to define the greatness of a particular player in the 1940’s than he would. All I’m saying is why not let those types of people vote, too?
And you a quibbling over the details and ignoring my point. Maybe the money could go to charity or something. I’m just saying, have a way to objectively weed out baseball history experts who are probably more qualified to judge the greatness of players than probably some of the current members of the Veteran’s Committee and allow them to have a say in the process in addition to the current members.
By ssiscribe
March 1, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
MLB audio is a great deal but not free, $14.95 for the entire season from spring training to the playoffs. But this Scribe will not be purchasing MLB audio, or anything else, after the spending spree on Braves tickets this morning.
Good news on Davies today, and Kelly J., too.
The Scribe abides … perhaps on the couch tonight, but abiding just the same.
Selah.
—30—
By John Adcox
March 1, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Braves up 6 to 2 now.
By Yars
March 1, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB…………..how ‘bout we have a, “Kelly Johnson watch” blog? Until he is named opening day 2B, a blog is put up everyday on his progress. All I know is that it seems like everyone is pulling for him. Glad to hear he had a good game today. Even got some balls hit to him! My fantasy baseball team needs a 2B really bad, & if KJ becomes Atlanta’s 2B, I’m thinking of picking him up. Too early to tell, I guess. Now Playing…’Today’ by Smashing Pumpkins.
By Shaun
March 1, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
braveheart,
Are we unable to say Abe Lincoln was a great president? I mean, none of us lived during his tenure and I doubt any of us have ever been president. Are we unable to say Einstein was a great scientist? Probably none of us saw him work and I doubt many of us are scientist. So why should we say defining a baseball players greatness should be limited to only contemporary players or writers that may or may not have covered him? Just doesn’t make sense to me.
By ncscoots
March 1, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
What happened in the 6th?
By David O'Brien
March 1, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Salty had a solid two-run pinch single in the three-run sixth inning, and they got three more hits and another run in the seventh for a 7-2 lead.
paronto toeing the slab for the Bravos in the eighth
By Mangum
March 1, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Just bought my tickets today too…to go see the Cubs play the Braves at Wrigley. I am from ATL but now live in Chicago. I will always root for the Braves first and the Cubbies 2nd. Being a Braves fan in Chicago is not that hard to do. Most Cub fans are very smart (baseball wise that is) and have a great deal of respect for the Braves and what they have assomplished the past decade and a half.
By Mangum
March 1, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Greatest Steve Phillips move of all-time: Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano.
By Walter Sobchek
March 1, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
You’re out of your element Donnie.
By Bob, journalist
March 1, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I’m haven’t been able to follow the thread as closely as I would like but if the “Under your rationale, … I think that’s dangerous territory in which to tread*” was in response to my post to you, then either you didn’t understand my comments or I didn’t express myself properly … maybe a bit of both.
I want you to know that in no way was I intending to suggest that one has to witness an event in order to appreciate it for what it is; regardless of how long age it happened.
However, I do feel that if you weren’t elected to the Hall by those familiar with your play, then I find it difficult to accept your being elected by those who weren’t.
Assuming you were addressing my post … please reread it with that in mind … and if you’re unsure as to my meaning … please let me know and I’ll post a more detailed explanation … again on the previous Blog, out of deference to others.
As I indicated, I would assume mine to be an unpopular, minority opinion.
While I’ve previously joked with you about it, don’t forget that I’m just a fan and fans don’t have to be able to defend their opinions in order to have them.
By John Adcox
March 1, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!
By ssiscribe
March 1, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
“paronto toeing the slab for the Bravos in the eighth”
Toe journalism at its best.
Everybody in the A, buckle up. One hell of a line of thunderstorms rolling in here later today. The radar ain’t pretty, folks.
Later, on. Gotta wrap this thing up.
—30—
By The Stranger
March 1, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
“paronto toeing the slab for the Bravos in the eighth”
Shameless pandering to your readership. I like it.
By Thomas
March 1, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Hello everybody,
I’m been reading braves articles lately, and have been shocked how Bobby is complicating himself. There is no need to bench Diaz nor Craig Wilson, he can platoon two positions: 1st Baste Scott Thorman bats from the left side, and craig wilson can play 1st base and hits from the right side. Am I not being obvious, why hasnt Thorman, been treated like Laroche was treated at the start of the season. Diaz has come to this spring determine to make the lineup, and from what he showed last year I would not doubt platooning him with Ryan Lagerthans. Yea his fielding isnt that great, but he can work on it, he is young he still can improve. 1B Scott Thorman/Craig Wilson, LF Ryan Langerthans/Matt Diaz. I just dont understand, why they havnt brought it up, but when GM(JS) got WilsonI thought that was the plan.
By Shaun
March 1, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist,
I just think there are some people likely more qualified to define a player as a Hall of Famer than some of the folks who vote. Again, I think there are certain historians who are more qualified than someone like George Brett (as Rob Neyer points out) to define certain players from say the 1940’s as Hall of Famers.
I would actually be more proud if someone like Stephen King or Tom Clancy said I was a great blogger than someone like KC or TennPaul or you or other people who post on this blog. With all due respect to you guys, I consider Stephen King or Tom Clancy more of an expert on the subject than you guys and I think you would agree, even though King or Clancy have never been on the Braves blog (that I know of).
By MGL
March 1, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
DOB did not mention this, but ex-Brave Travis Smith gave up 4 hits and 3 ER today. Thanks Travis!!
By hisroyalmackness
March 1, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Why is everyone always so down on Diaz’s D? From what I’ve seen, he actually fields very well. Obviously, he’s not as good defensively as Langy, but when you take into consideration both of their offensive abilities, I would say that Diaz is the better player overall.
By Shaun
March 1, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist,
I guess the argument here is are players more familiar with the play of players they never say play than certain historians. I would say probably not.
George Brett and Joe Morgan are not historians, with all due respect. I don’t know for sure, but I would guess there are folks alive that have done extensive research on Honus Wagner and are more familiar with his play than Brett and Morgan or probably a vast majority of the current Veteran’s Committee.
By RC
March 1, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
I agree with Thomas that based on just righty vs. lefty matchups we are perfectly set up right now for two platoons. I think it gets more complicated when realizing: 1)Thorman is just as good against lefties as righties 2)Diaz is actually BETTER against righties than lefties 3)Langerhans is horrible against righties I guess this could still work for 1b, but the most “effective” platoon for LF would have the righty batting vs. righties and lefty vs. lefties, even though it is unorthodox. And yes, I like using both the words “righties” and “lefties”.
By RC
March 1, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I think you are missing the point that Bob is trying to make. He’s saying that people who played WITH OR AGAINST a player know the talent level of THAT PLAYER (not past players) better than someone who never played. And I agree with him. HOWEVER, I also think someone who played WITH OR AGAINST a player is more likely to be subjective with a vote, based on whether or not they liked a person or not. So you run the risk of guys who were borderline HOF but good friends with current members getting in. You also have the risk that guys who were quite “top teir” but better than borderline don’t get in because they were a jerk, or had a bad relationship with a guy who is already in. And Joe Morgan is an idiot (not really relevant, just wanted to note it).
By David O'Brien
March 1, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Another big day for Yunel Escobar, who played most of the game at third base and went 3-for-3 with three singles and an RBI.
Brayan Pena also went 2-for-2.
Not a great day for the Dodgers 3B, Wilson Betemit, who was 0-for-2 with a strikeouts and made two errors.
I’m told by Dodgers folks that Andy LaRoche will get a chance to beat him out for the starting job this spring, in part because Betemit was so bad against lefties last season.
By Kieran from Long Island
March 1, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Timed my lunch perfectly so that i could sit back, relax and watch Jorge Sosa serve up his Community fastballs. Chris Duncan Oppo, and Scott Spiezo a BOMB over the left center field wall. Tell all the kids in teh Shea Bleachers to bring their baseball gloves this year if Jorge makes the 25-man roster… perhaps some Protective Headgear as well!
By David O'Brien
March 1, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Oh, forgot the NEWS OUT OF CLUBHOUSE: Chris Woodward strained a calf muscle before the game, and Bobby says he could be out a week.
On a somewhat related note, WILLY AYBAR had his visa appointment at 2 p.m. today and a flight scheduled for 4:40 p.m., which they weren’t sure he’d be able to make. If he did, he’ll be here for tomorrow’s game. If not, he’ll be here sometime tomorrow afternoon during the game.
And Frank Wren assured me the Braves aren’t p’d off at him, said it’s not his fault and that 3 to 5 percent of players are going to have visa problems in the post-9/11 world and you just hope it’s not your players.
Also talked to me a little more about the Betemit trade and why they like Aybar more for the role than they did Betemit. I’ll give you that later. Gotta write for the paper right now.
By David O'Brien
March 1, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
One more thing: Wickman decided he wants to pitch tomorrow, so he’s now scheduled to pitch.
His spring training program includes pitching in games “whenever he wants to,” Bobby said.
By dcarp23
March 1, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
DOB-If the Bravos decide to deal Escobar, what do you think they would seek in return? Is there a hole in the current 25 man that they’d like to fill, or would they be looking for prospects? Clearly this is all speculation, but I’d like to hear yours and others if they are interested.
By ncscoots
March 1, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Well, the Whistler has some innings at SS and 3B, let’s see if they plop him at 2B sometime in the next couple of days. That might be interesting.
By RC
March 1, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
After DOB’s comment about Wickman pitching, did anyone else get a mental image of Wickman walking over to Bobby’s office and announcing in a Pedro Serano type voice “Wickman want to pitch tomorrow”? Followed by Bobby glancing up at him, pausing for a minute, then turning his attention back to his desk and saying, “Ok, Bob, you’re pitching tomorrow.”
By Lew
March 1, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Shaun-Exactly why are Stephen King and Tom Clancy more qualified to judge bloggers than anyone else here? Because they are published authors? I’m a published author. Grinch writes frequently for web pages, writing various reviews. Is it because, as authors they can write grammatically correct sentences? I can write grammatically correct sentences. Grinch, JJS, Bob and even Stinky can write grammatically correct sentences. I used to teach English composition. Is it because King and Clancy are financially succesful? That’s not a valid criterion for blog worthiness. As far as I’m concerned, I can write just as well as your “Experts” and I know as much about baseball as either one. So do a number of others who post here on a regular basis. I guess we should vote for the HOF, too. We couldn’t do much worse than the “professional” Baseball Writers have (apologies, DOB, of course that statement doesn’t apply to you. They won’t let you vote, anyway). Besides, I have a better OBP than King. He just runs and hides from the boogeyman.
By kdbanks
March 1, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
“Paronto toeing the slab…” Man I’d hate to be that slab.
By KC
March 1, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Is there a box score from today’s game available anywhere???
By MGL
March 1, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
KC - If you go to “scoreboard” on MLB.COM, you can click on “box” for the box scores on any completed game.
By dcarp23
March 1, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
KC-mlb.com has a box score.
By journalist jimmy smith
March 1, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
“paronto toeing the slab for the Bravos in the eighth” - this is beautiful journalism. now, chico cadahia was in an accident today - on the way to the park - but is reported okay. more baseball … now this journalist realizes why jimmy smith likes escobar. eskimo bar. eskimo pie. always thinking of ice cream at this journalist’s house. eskimo pie bar would be very tasty right now. better to have an escobar than a felix pie. now, this information from frank wren on the braves thinking with the betemit trade is going to be helpful to bloggers. this has been a topic for a long time and it will be good to learn more. and does wicky’s spring training routine also involve exercise and running?
By Greg in TN
March 1, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Appreciate the updates, DOB.
I do have one question. What are your thoughts on Frank Wren? I know one of these days, JS will decide to hang ‘em up and Wren appears is the heir apparent within the organization with the departure of Dayton Moore. From what little I’ve seen or heard of him, he seems to be a sharp guy.
Always, always, always enjoy a win over the Dodgers. Scribe, I loved your post on the ‘82 Braves. Brings back an awful lot of wonderful memories (I was 12 that magical season). It was that year I began to really hone my dislike for the Dodgers, Lasorda and everything Dodger blue.
By gotigers72
March 1, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
KEEP ESCOBAR. I’m talking about on the major league team.
By journalist jimmy smith
March 1, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
hope this information is helpful:
Kissimmee Krispy Kreme 5318 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial HWY Kissimmee, FL 34746 US
By dcarp23
March 1, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
Here it is.
By Bob, journalist
March 1, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Proud Blogger, I am at present preoccupied but it is obvious that my intent and your understanding haven’t shaken hands and you aren’t hearing me … again, either you didn’t carefully read my original post or I was remiss. I understand that folks don’t get over 60% of what I say … but 0%?
I would suggest a pole but it seems that perhaps one has already been initiated.
Seriously, you’re entitled to your opinion … but I would hope that we will be able to agree … even it it is but to disagree.
I’ve been published too … and had some of my stuff rejected … think out of the box man … if you don’t, someone’s lible to cut your legs off and you’ll go deaf!
David, don’t fret if I should disappear sometime during the next few days … I’ll be back if I so do!
By Carolina Lady
March 1, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
KC, here’s a link
By ssiscribe
March 1, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, is that you? Please say yes. We’ve missed you dearly.
—30—
By Bob, journalist
March 1, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
My Lady, My Lady My Lady … and what a lovely sight you are too … welcome home!!
By ernesto
March 1, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
I just thought you all ought to know the character you’ve come to know and love as ernesto is fictional. We’re actually 6 barely dressed sorority girls from the University of Alabama, and in between tickle fights and trying on each other’s lingerie, we thought it would be fun to pose as a Braves’ fan, but we just couldn’t keep the charade up any longer. Oh well, time for a pillow fight.
By ernesto
March 1, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
that is so not true.
By ellaguru
M