Braves

By riprock3

March 4, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Dodgertown was always my favorite spring training destination…Used to have an aunt that had a boarding house across the street from the complex that she’d lease out to a lot of the Dodgers’ younger players and prospects, mostly the Dominican kids. She’s kept in touch with most, including the now retired Henry Rodriguez, who bought her a Ford F-150 as a Christmas present. Hate to see the Dodgers leave.

By TN-MAN

March 4, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

DOB, why no Soriano today? I thought he was scheduled to pitch.

By chris

March 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Hudson and Smoltz both looking strong. Bats are a little quiet but they should come around. I’m really amazed at the depth the Braves have. Not only will they have one of the deepest bullpens in baseball, but they will also have one of the best benches in baseball too. Which is great for those long August penant races….

By Epinephrine

March 4, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Well, that certainly makes me nervous about James. He is actually the one that makes me the most nervous, given that he was relatively inconsistent last year-dynamite or awful. I could seem him either regressing or breaking out-which way, I have no idea. But then again, given that baseball hardly seemed to be his number one priority this offseason, I will give him some time before coming to any conclusion.

Hey DOB-

Did you get to hear the stream of Wilco’s Sky Blue Sky last night? Thoughts?

By KC

March 4, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Anyone care to share your division/WC picks?

Here are mine:

NATIONAL LEAGUE

East: Braves

Central: Cardinals (but only by default)

West: Dodgers

Wild Card: Mets

Honorable mention: Padres could be in the thick of both the division and Wild Card races to the end. The Phillies could be a serious post-season contender as well, but only if Freddy Garcia and Cole Hamels have big years.

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

East: Red Sox (Unless Clemens returns to NY)

Central: Tigers

West: Angels

Wild Card: Yankees

Honorable mention: The Twins cant’ be counted out.

By KC

March 4, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Ya know… we’ve talked at length about how much the bullpen should help the rotation, but it just dawned on me that it will help the offense as well.

When you have a bullpen like this, you feel okay about pinch hitting for a starter in a key 6th or 7th inning situation. In recent years (especially last year), if an Atlanta starter was still going strong, he wasn’t coming out until at least the 8th inning.

By Braveheart

March 4, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

the bullpen will help in so many ways (hopefully if everything goes right). just think of hudson and all those times he seemed to be coasting along until the sixth inning or so and then he would give up three or four runs thereby killing his ERA and more importantly making it harder to win. hopefully, he will not keep encountering those problems but if he does, then the pen comes in and hopefully in those five or so starts, hudson will not have an nightmare end to what otherwise was a well pitched game by hudson.

By BIG DADDY

March 4, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

David, I have lived in Stuart for 20 years and the thought that the Dodgers are moving is really hitting the whole area pretty bad, for baseball fans that is.

We have the Mets 10 miles away at Pt. St. Lucie and the Cards and Marlins at Jupiter, just 18 miles south. There is a lot of action around here at night in the local sports bars.

And yes, Yeehaw Junction really exists and if you go west you’ll eventually find Tampa.

By BIG DADDY

March 4, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

KC, I agree with your selections except for the NL Central. I think the Cubs may have finally gotten themselves into a position to win it this year. If not Jim Hendry better start looking for a new day job.

By dcarp23

March 4, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

I realize it is just a typo from DOB, but just so Epinephrine doesn’t worry quite as much, MLB.com says that James only gave up one run.

By David O'Brien

March 4, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Soriano was tentatively scheduled to pitch today, but Roger McDowell told Bobby yesterday that it wouldn’t hurt to give him another day or two, since he was late getting to camp. Haven’t been told of any health problems, but I’ll ask afterward to make sure.

By Epinephrine

March 4, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Yeah-listening to the game now. With all the speculation on Hudson, Hampton, and Davies though, I worry we might be glossing over an unproven in James. He has to be good this year for us to live up to potential. Again, I am sure the bullpen will be helpful.

Prado sure is having a good game-3 hits, I believe.

By Robert

March 4, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Yeehaw junction does exist.

All kidding aside, DOB, do you think the Braves would honor Cox with a statue? Where would they put it? What would they name the site?

By dcarp23

March 4, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Great call on Afternoon Delight DOB. Not only is the appropriateness level of that song questionable, but that version is a miserable song in my opinion. It owes its resurgence to the brilliant version from Ferrell/Carrell et al in Anchorman, but the original song stinks.

By Robert

March 4, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Unless someone shows themselves to be hurt physically, I wouldnt think a first outing of the spring would be cause for either big concern or big hoopla

Relax about James and relax about the bats and relax also about how deep the staff is and how great the pen is. It’s March frickin 4th. Ya know?

By KC

March 4, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine:

You don’t hear anything about Chuck James because nobody in the Braves organization is worried about him.

I guess you could call him “unproven” in the sense that he hasn’t had a full 30 start season at the big-league level yet. However, this is a guy that dominated at every level of the minors, pitched extremely well in the bullpen for Atlanta, and then pitched very well in the rotation. He’s been nothing but successful at every step.

No reason to doubt him now. The fact that Davies, Smoltz, and Hudson all looked very sharp in their first spring outings should not distract us from the fact that this is only the first time through the rotation at the very beginning of spring.

James’ getting hit today means zilch.

By David O'Brien

March 4, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Five of the Braves’ 11 hits have come from Martin Prado and Yunel Escobar. Prado is 3-for-4 with two singles and a double….

Braves are two outs from a 4-1 win

By rupert

March 4, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

i know these games don’t count, but i think they have more meaning for the upcoming season than most people give them credit for. Last year, the braves couldn’t beat anybody in the spring, and it led to a mediocre and disappointing season. I think it is a good sign that they taking care of business, looks like they are about to be 3 and 1. better than 1 and 3 for sure. I think it can set the culture for the season sometimes, especially with a younger team like the braves have, win some spring games, get some confidence…. i know there are countless examples where a team has a great spring and flops in the regular season and vise versa, but often those teams are either really young and get lucky, or veteran teams and don’t care, this braves team is on the young side, but has more potential with a good mix of vets and players in the prime, anyways, definitely not the end all be all, but a good sign in my book, rupert out

By KC

March 4, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Big Daddy: A. Soriano will help the Cubs offensively, but they’re trying to fix their pitching with Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis (with almost 20 million a season owed to the two of them)??? Ouch.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in love with that Cardinal’s squad. They’re pretty thin on pitching too, and not the offensive juggernaut they once were. That division is likely to be won by what ever team can get themselves 6 or 7 games over 500.

By Bob, journalist

March 4, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Robert,

I’ve given you more attention than intended and promise this will be the last of such diversions for the day … but you again have me confused:

“I am not saying that your have no intellect. On the contrary - if you were dumb, you’d have no intellect to do a disservice to”

I have no idea what you’re trying to say (much of what I’ve been saying is either tongue in cheek … or … for the purpose of thying to get you to pause and reflrct, but that’s the simple truth) … but it does not necessarily follow that intellectual capicity is related to the ability to speak.

Is it possible that all this time you have been saying that you have really respect Bobby Cox … and I have simply not understood your word definitions or syntax?

The simple truth is that I haven’t always understood you but your message has been clear … so you need repeat it no more for my benefit.

I’m through and you’re done … Braves win!

By AJK

March 4, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

DOB: Any thoughts on Bobby’s retirement pronouncement? I suspect any potential Andruw JOnes might have considered giving the Braves evaporated with Bobby’s statement. What a sad, sad day that will be for Atlanta, and for baseball…

By ncscoots

March 4, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Geez. Pretty good first week for the Whistler. Not to mention getting a blog story to boot, LOL. You have to expect he’ll end up in Richmond, regardless, but what the hey…

Man, just think about SS in the Braves system this year: Escobar at AAA, Lillibridge at AA (I guess), and Andrus at high A (I guess). Whoo. That borders on being hoss country, don’t it?

By AJK

March 4, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

meant to say “any potential discount”

By Drummerdad

March 4, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, Wonderful word pictures. Pardon my ignorance, but where are the Dodgers going? The Spring Training experience sounds like a great way to start off a long season.

p.s. Tell Andruw we all said to dump Boras and stick around. yeah, right.

By PA Bravefan

March 4, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

KC I agree with all of your pics except, I think I like Houston in the Central, and The Phillies for the wild card. I think the Mets are going to take a Major nose dive this year! NO STARTTING Pitching! When the are counting on Chan Ho Park, and Jorge Sosa to make up 2/5 of the rotation, with 2, 1st year guys in the other spots. You can’t be serious! I think the Phillies could be like the Braves last year! It all depends on the bullpen, which right now they don’t have! Their lineup could be great! Their pitching could be very good too. Cole Hamels is probably going to have his breakout year. Being a PA person, I get to read a lot about them, and I have seen them play. Hamel is going to be outstanding!!!! I think that they are going to be the ones who challenge the Braves if anyone does. I also agree that the Padres could be a Wild Card.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 4, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

It looks like Yunel Escobar is going to make it very difficult for the Braves to send him to Richmond this year. What a game! And how about Prado. Looks like Mr. Prado wants that 2B job. The Braves have a “nice” problem. Johnson, Prado, Lillibridge, Escobar, and Pena all able to play 2B. And Pena, Prado, and Escobar look as if they want to make the Braves think twice about handing the job to Kelly Johnson.

By Yars

March 4, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

I know it’s too early to speculate, but Martin Prado is putting together a good spring so far. I think what also helps him is that not only can he play 2B, but also 3B, & I’m sure in a pinch, could play SS. Kelly Johnson going 0 for 3 today isn’t good at all. Anyone know how he did defensively? Like I said, it’s still early.

By KC

March 4, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

PA Bravesfan:

I agree with you that the Mets have no rotation. However, they didn’t really have one last year either, and still won 97 games. Now… I think they overachieved a bit last year, given their rotation, but this year’s Mets team isn’t that much different from last year’s… so I’d guess their win total will be in the 90’s.

I almost picked the Padres for the Wild Card because their pitching looks so much better than teams like the Mets of Phillies… but I’m just not sure they’ll score enough.

The Phillies could be very good, but only if Freddy Garcia has a great year and Cole Hamels has a breakout season. Even if both of those things happen, their rotation is still thin on the backend. But if both of those things happen, I could see a 90 win season from the Phils.

By KC

March 4, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Still only one Atlanta homerun through 4 spring games? That’s a little surprising.

By Drew

March 4, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, Escobar has definitely been impressive. Do you still think he is being auditioned for a trade, or do you see some way that he could make the roster? I’ll ask this again, though I know I probably wont get a direct answer: With the Wilson signing as backup 1B, and Escobar and Prado playing well, do you think JS regrets the Woodward signing, or is his veteran presence enough to make that signing worth it.

By Lew

March 4, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

KC- Hamels and Sanchez and Johnson of the Marlins will spend time on the DL this year. Bookmark it. They were radically overused last season and they are all due.

By Summerteeth

March 4, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Johnson, Prado, Woodward, Escobar, Orr, Lillibridge, Renteria, Aybar….

How can we possibly accommodate all of these guys without a trade?

Can you clear things up a little?

By civic47

March 4, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

DOB—

I went to Spring Training down at WDW last year. Can you tell me why they don’t play the chop?

By ElbravoX

March 4, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Baseball Tonight is airing now on ESPN, enjoy!

By Alan

March 4, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Great stuff again today, DOB. Thanks. I was most interested in reading about Francoeur’s spending 20 minutes signing autographs and how much the fans appreciated it. This, of course, the day after his contract was renewed for ‘07, which had to be disappointing for him, not to mention that it could have been - and still may be - a PR nightmare for the Braves. Then I read your interview with Jeff, and he said he’s not disappointed or disillusioned at all. He really comes across as a mature, down-to-earth nice young man. As he says, his time surely will come. I surely hope he’s a Brave for a long time. I believe he’s going to be a superstar. Funny, too, his situation now is very much like Ryan Howard’s - his contract also was just renewed by the Phillies - and the Philadelphia press already is speculating about what effect that may have on Howard’s performance this year. It’ll have no effect at all because Howard also is a nice young man - besides being a great baseball player. Thanks again, David. Your reports are terrific.

By Henry

March 4, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Hi DOB,

Another great post, right from the header. I’m so glad you appreciate the fact that there are, indeed, worse places to be. Most anywhere else in the world, I’d think. Spring baseball in Dodgertown, dang. Yeah, great word pictures, keep it up. The drive over, the scenic rest break, the flamingos, old Florida – all part of my mental image of where I’d like to be right about now. And that’s not even to mention the game. All these little touches are what make your blog a true pleasure to read.

Nice touch about Francouer, too. Glad to hear he appreciates the fans. I have a friend in Kissimmee who’s a former Atlantan and lifelong Braves fan. She tells me, regretfully, that the Astros are better temporary citizens than the Braves – friendlier, more apt to make a local charitable appearance for local kids. I hate to think that, after all the crummy teams I suffered through (and I did, too, sticking with them through thin and thinner yet), that success might have spoiled them. I’d sure hate to think that these guys don’t appreciate how blessed they are. There are, indeed, worse places to be.

Henry

By Henry

March 4, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

P.S. Bring us back some gator jerky when you head north, will you?

Henry

By ElbravoX

March 4, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Smoltz, Hudson on ESPN now.

By Braveheart

March 4, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

did not see the duke-carolina game? was the henderson-hansborough play as bad as espn radio is making it out to be?

By Greg in TN

March 4, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Evening friends and neighbors…

Good grief, TWO victories over the loathsome boys in Dodger blue? Too good to be true, must be living right or something.

DOB, great update today and I agree about Vero and Dodgertown. As much as I wholly despise the franchise back from our NL West days, I was well aware of the link between the Dodgers and that community. I would hope that if LA does skip town that the vacancy there would only be temporary. The job I had until a recent promotion required me to be good with maps and geography. I always had to grin whenever my eyes spotted Yeehaw Junction on the map between West Palm and Orlando. Your mention of it brought a smile.

I also had to laugh at the whole idea of someone at Disney playing “Afternoon Delight”. Now we just need to get them to follow that with “Brick House” by the Commodores or something along those lines.

I’m glad to hear there are no hard feelings between the club and Francoeur . Little things like that can turn a flame into a forest fire in no time flat. I also liked hearing about his willingness to sign autographs for the fans. One of the things that always made Ripken’s run at the consecutive game streak special was the fact that he stood out at the ballpark after the game signing until everyone that wanted an autograph got one. The autographs and collectibles business had gotten out of hand in a big way in the last 10-15 years, so I understand the reluctance of many players to sign, but I always have respect for those that will take time out to sign for the fans.

By Greg in TN

March 4, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

I saw the play, it was pretty nasty. I think Packer was doing color for the broadcast and he said that Henderson was going for the ball and that he disagreed with the call. I don’t have a dog in the fight between UNC and Duke, but had it been me, I probably make the same call.

By mr baseball

March 4, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Nice to see that the Braves really appreciate the effort put in by Francouer last season. He plays every game, drives in over 100 runs and makes some highlight defensive plays, and all of that is worth a whopping raise of about $40K.

He can say all he wants about it not bothering him, but it’s pretty obvious that the only thing that the GM and the Braves really value is the bottom line. Liberty is going to love having such an accomplished penny pincher as Schuerholz in place when/if they take over.

The $800K (or whatever is was) that the GM squandered on an injured, run-of-the-mill middle relief pitcher is looking pretty astute, as are the comparable bucks spent on a backup middle infielder.

Nice job, home boy.

By True Braves Fan

March 4, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

You are absolutely right about Dodgertown. We have time share in Vero, and it would be a shame for the town not to have Spring Training. We used to split our springs between Vero and West Palm. Since they moved to Orlando, we have only seen the Braves play in Spring Training when they are in Vero.

By The Grinch

March 4, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

“Zodiac” was excellent; I highly recommend it. Uniformly excellent acting. Stayed tense but not too tense for 2:40. Long, but I could’ve kept watching if it would’ve kept going. Who knows how good Robert Downy Jr. could’ve been if he hadn’t spent half his life in rehab? Mr. Baseball, while I have the utmost respect for JS’ competence, I must admit that amount of money for someone we absolutely, positively don’t need at (Sturtze) is mighty confusing. I still contend that since we have about eight “extra” players now, a major deal will go through before the season starts. Surely. There’s almost always a method to his madness.

By ernesto

March 4, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Escobar or Prado even have a legit shot at cracking the club. Barring a trade there isn’t even room for Pete Orr, so there future mgiht be decided by their past performance no matter what kind of spring they have…and it’s been good so far. I think if Kelly does absolutlely nothing this spring they’ll still give him the job.

By The Grinch

March 4, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Oh, yeah; I saw Keith Brooking at Phipps Plaza today right before the movie. He looked like he wasn’t too happy about being recognized at first (might have had something to do with me being all decked-out in Dawgs gear) but I played it cool and just gave him a sincere compliment without too much fanfare and kept on walking, and his “Thanks, man” seemed genuine. Dude is ripped, and he’s got that old school kind of quiet violence about him. Hope he retires a Falcon.

By Rosalynn

March 4, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Chippa did not make the trip todah. I suppose he was home groomin’ his chin haih. That is some of the ugliest chin haih I have evah seen on a ballplayuh. It looks like a little brillo pad that has been scrubbed out. And what will this chin haih do to Chippa’s bubble blowin’? Won’t the bubbles just buhst when they touch that wira chin haih? Jimma thinks the chin haih mah be an endohsement of some kind. Is that supposed to be a Mizuna emblem on Chippa’s chin? Looks silla to me.

By Bryan

March 4, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

i really don’t think that a major deal will go down now… in the spring… and if one does i think its a bad idea. So many of the folks have options, our AAA coaching staff is so good, and pitching depth is something we need to culture.

Just got back from the Gulf Coast … recommend anybody has a week, month, or longer to give up - GO!

So many great folks pitching in, so many great people who still need help. Most places will give you free food and board if you do the work… lots of camaraderie.

Going to be changing my name to something fun soon, tired of Bryan … still thinking about it …

By The Grinch

March 4, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

Hey, Bryan; enjoy your smoked sausage…that doesn’t sound right, does it? Anyhow, I agree I don’t think the Braves need to make a move, I just don’t understand all the stockpiling of middle relievers, outfielders and middle infielders if we don’t need them. If we’ve got five to seven guys fighting for two bullpen slots, why give someone who isn’t any better than any of them and isn’t even ready to play 800 grand? I doubt they consider him a “prospect” at 36. If we’re not gonna trade someone, what’s the logic?

By Braveheart

March 4, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Hey Rosalynn, John Rocker has a t-shirt and a very special message for you. check it out:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BysHeBPOYBY

By Rosalynn

March 4, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Bravehaht honah, I hope you ah not suggestin’ that I don’t speak English because that is exactla what I am best at. I took some Spanish lessons in high school but I nevah could make mahself talk fast enough to be undahstood. Jimma says I have a Southuhn drahl and that I am sweet as Honah. Jimma has his own submarine.

By kdbanks

March 4, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

DOB -

Where do you hear that Will Startup will start the year? I am really glad he did well last year, and it looks like he got a good inning in today.

Is he AA, AAA or what?

Thanks!

kdbanks

By David O'Brien

March 4, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Startup looked good in the ninth. I asked Bobby about him specifically afterward, and he said this was first time he’d seen him pitch and was impressed.

I’d imagine Double-A. Triple-A is, for the most part, journeyman and guys who’ve been in the system a while. Most of the top prospects will be at Double-A, though a few obviously will be at Triple-A who’ve already had a good year at Double-A.

By David O'Brien

March 4, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

KC, wouldn’t worry about the homers, or lack therof. Wind was blowing in today, no way anyone was going to hit one out. And it was blowing in from left very hard one day at Disney, forgot which day. All a blur already….

Gotta give it some time to see how things go on the infield jobs. Not going to make any decisions based on guys having 6-8 at-bats.

Henry, all others: Thanks.

By The Grinch

March 4, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Miss Rosalynn, I imagine your Spanish is a delight to hear. BTW, I’ve got an old 6-pack of Billah Beeyah in my attic; it’s a shame he’s not still around. “It’s the best beer I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve tasted a lot.” Perfect running platform.

By Yars

March 4, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Chipper can’t pull of a goatee. It don’t suit him. He looks best clean shaven. Jeff Bagwell can pull it off because he actually looks better with one, same goes for Smoltz. JD Drew has the kind of goatee that you have to squint your eyes to see. Wickman looks cool in a goatee, whereas Sean Green don’t. Enough of the goatee talk, but I will say one last thing about them. I pray Chipper gets rid of his prior to opening day. Who knows? Maybe it will give Chipper luck. Kinda like a superstitious type thing. On the on deck circle, he rubs it twice, then looks at his shoes, then rubs it twice again. Nomar Garciapara has a unique ritual after every pitch. Steps out of the batter box, tightens his batting gloves a lot, looks around, tightens his bat…ect…. Baseball. Gotta love it.

By Yars

March 4, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Both Prado & Escobar had good games today, but like DOB said, too early. Spring training games just started and I’d give it to around March 20 before we can have a good idea as to who will be Atlanta’s opening day 2B. I’m still rooting for Kelly Johnson. DOB………….how did KJ do defensively today? I know he went 0-3 at the plate. As weird as it may sound, right now I’m more concerned about his hitting than his defense. It’s still too early to tell so we will see.

By Tony Almeida

March 4, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

DOB, please tell me what the big obsession is with Kelly Johnson starting at 2B?? Personally, I think Prado and Escobar show much more potential,and they already knows the position. In 2005, KJ was no big stud then either. From all the talk this past winter it is obvious that Bobby Cox and Schuerholtz are going to start him no matter what kind of spring he has. How many 1 for 40 whatever at bats are we going to have to endure before they realize we have better options.

Of course maybe I should shut up, I thought McCann was a tanker after his first season and then he turned into a stud.

By ssiscribe

March 4, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Good evening, all. Sitting here listening to the D’Backs and Rockies on Gameday Audio, the absolute best 15 bucks I’ve ever spent. I’ll have headphones plugged into this thing from now unti, oh, October.

Listened to parts of the game while running errands and the like (and also listened to parts of the Thrashers; Grinch, big, big win down at Philips today, dude). Sounds like Chuck threw it well overall, marking another strong start for Atlanta starters. Startup sounded real impressive in the ninth, and I heard Yates threw a real solid inning.

Escobar? MVP of the first week, I’d say. Dude is hitting it well. I still don’t think he’ll crack the big-league roster, but it’s nice to see such a highly regarded prospect continue to develop. Escobar/Lillibridge makes for quite a nice cushion of young talent at shortstop.

And by the way, Lillibridge looks like he’s, oh, 9 or 10 years old. What a baby face that kid has; the batboys look older than him.

So, DOB, who’s impressed the most through the first week? Escobar, I’d imagine. Prado’s had a good week, too. I still think second base is Kelly Johnson’s to lose, but Prado’s off to a good start. Also, very encouraged all the starters have looked good to this point.

That’s all for tonight. Hope everybody enjoyed their weekend. The DBacks just went up 1-0 on the Rox out in Zona. Gonna sit back and listen for a while. Can’t wait to hear the game tomorrow.

Denzines of the Braves/MIB, selah. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By KC

March 4, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for the info. I wasn’t worried… just found it odd. But the wind blowing in explains it.

Who’s starting tomorrow?

By Braveheart

March 4, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

rosalynn, luv ya, all in good fun.

rocker sounded about as misguided as he always has but how horrendous was that fox news lady interviewing him?

By Ron

March 4, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Hey ANDRUW, DUMP BORAS He’s the worst thing that ever happened to baseball. Besides, we want to see you in a Braves’ uniform next year…

DOB, keep up the awesome reporting…i don’t know about all you guys, but to me, this year already feels special.

anyone else think the same?

By David O'Brien

March 4, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

KC, it’s Cormier against Nationals’ Jerome Williams tomorrow. Don’t know yet whether Hampton will pitch Tuesday, but if he does it’ll be after Davies pitches first three innings. I wouldn’t count on Hampton pitching Tuesday, though.

Looking ahead, Smoltz vs. his old hometown Tigers on Wednesday in Lakeland. That’ll be interesting. Hudson vs. the Yankees on Thursday

By The Grinch

March 4, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Ron, I’ve been saying that about this team for weeks. It’s like that dude in The Last Dragon; it’s got “The Glow.” Boy, I’m dating myself with that one. Scribe, I missed that game (was at a movie) but I read about it; I’m likin’ the direction they’re heading. I just wish they wouldn’t give me a stroke every time they play. They remind me of the ‘91 Falcons that way.

By David O'Brien

March 4, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Grinch, I gotta see Zodiac next weekend, if not sooner. Carroll’s doing a couple of games next weekend, my only days off of spring training, and I plan to ride the Triumph over to Daytona to check out Bike Week Friday or Saturday.

Pendleton’s gonna ride his Harley or his custom Borget over there this week. How cool is that for a hitting coach? I will say, he’s the most careful rider I think I’ve ever seen. I was driving behind him the other day and he was signaling each turn with his left hand, in addition to using his turning lights. Don’t see many folks using the hand signals.

By Rosalynn

March 4, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

I think the discussion of a van d** came up on an eahliah blog but it is impohtant that we all distinguish between a goatee and a van d**. haih above the lip and haih on the chin and you have a van d**. haih on the chin onla and you have a goatee. even if you have moah than one chin like wicka you still can have onla one goatee.

Grinch, I certainla remembah Billa Beah. Jimma used to use it to light the bahbecue grill. One time Billa had too much Billa Beah and relieved himself on the tahmac beside Aih Fohse One. I think theah was some tv covahrage of that but Jimma called Joda Powell and kept it off the aih.

Jimma and I love to talk baseball. We weah talking baseball tonight and Jimma just stahted whislin’ awah. I said, “Jimma whah ah you whistlin’ so?” And Jimma said he was thinking what a fine ballplayuh Escobah is gonna be. That boah is from Cuba and ovah theah Jimma is highla regahded.

By Yars

March 4, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Ron…I think a lot of us started thinking about the ‘07 season a day after the ‘06 season ended. I hear what you’re saying though, about this season already feeling special. I can definitely sense it from the players, (Smoltz, Hudson, Chipper). The front office filled in the holes over the winter, so as long as the players play up to their potential, we may be talking about the best team in MLB pretty soon. The only think that saddens me is Bobby saying he may ride off into the sunset after the ‘08 season. I was so hoping he would manage until 70.

By Braveheart

March 4, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

i think KJ was an infielder for the most part coming up.

KJ has much better OBP, SLG, OPS numbers in the minors than Prado or Escobar.

Prado has a high batting average in the minors, does not draw many walks, and does not get a high slugging percentage.

Escobar had a real down year in AA after a good season of A ball and needs more AAA seasoning and needs to prove that his misery in AA last year was just a fluke.

Even though KJ did not tear it up for the most part in his first year in the majors two years ago, he did draw 40 or so walks in his 300 major league at bats, which is pretty darn good for a first year player.

I think the thinking is that with potentially 700 plate appearances in the leadoff spot, KJ might draw 75-100 walks and draw deep counts, which will benefit the rest of the hitters.

If he slugs approximately anywhere near what he did in the minors this year, then you have replaced Giles pretty adequately.

There is no doubt that KJ will struggle at times offensively and defensively but, as he showed in his rookie year, even when he is struggling offensively, for the most part, he is going to have a good eye and patience.

A good eye and patience are not as prone to inconsistencies as fielding, hitting for average, and slugging.

If KJ can just hang in there and play decently defensively, then the Braves will be in good shape.

The only question then becomes what do they get out of Thorman in his at bats against lefties.

I think Diaz/Wilson/Langerhans will do a nice enough job.

That’s my take on why they really want KJ to be the guy at second.

DOB and others on here probably know more about it and can correct me if I am wrong.

By Jared

March 4, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

“DOB, please tell me what the big obsession is with Kelly Johnson starting at 2B?? Personally, I think Prado and Escobar show much more potential,and they already knows the position.”

Prado has no potential. I don’t know where you get the “I think Prado….shows much more potential” thing. I remember when the Braves got Lillibridge, one minor league analysis site wrote something like “here is a good middle infield top prospect for the Braves, unlike the phoney good middle infield prospects the Braves have like Prado and Tony Pena, Jr.” Nothing about .240 hitting Prado shows anything special. He is one of those guys who stays around not because of any real strenght, but because he has no real strong weakness.

Escobar said he didn’t want to play second base. I know I read that here.

By Braveheart

March 4, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

just correcting something i said up above: “the question then becomes what does thorman do against lefties?”

i should have said what kind of production does thorman give you overall?

from what i have read on here, i think wilson is going to be the first baseman against lefties a la the franco/laroche platoon that worked pretty well for a couple of years.

the diaz/langerhans/wilson platoon in left will also work out well enough.

By David O'Brien

March 4, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

I listened to an incredible Tom Waits bootleg live album today, from an Akron, Ohio show in September (same tour that played in Atlanta at Tabernacle). Got the CD from Mark Bradley, and it’s got really great sound. Forgot just how great that show was at Tabernacle till hearing the songs again, many of them the same ones he played in Atlanta….

I think I mentioned it a while back after seeing them at Variety Playhouse, but here goes again: The Dears’ “Gang of Losers” is a great album. Real different than their also-terrific “No Cities Left” album from 2004, which was more psychedelic.

If you’ve not heard of them or heard the new album, try the tracks “Hate Then Love” and “Ticket to Immorality.” Powerful stuff.

Appropos of nothing: Anybody notice how great the music is on the recent Cadillac commercials? Just saw one with M. Ward’s “Here Comes the Sun Again.” And there was a Luna song in another one. Can’t believe Cadillac would have such a hip, great songs in their commercials.

Also heard a Bloc Party song in a Saturn commercial.

By Jared

March 4, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Looks like David O’Brein was right a few days ago. From the official site:

“On the move: Braves manager Bobby Cox has raved about the offensive and defensive capabilities possesses by top prospect Yunel Escobar. Cox has said the 24-year-old shortstop, who defected from Cuba in 2004, is very close to being a big leaguer. Escobar’s bat provides both power and consistency. His quick feet and reliable glove allow him the versatility to play both middle-infield positions and third base. Many other organizations have expressed trade interest in Escobar, who appears to be ready to assume an everyday role at the big-league level.”

What could the Braves get? They don’t need any more bullpen arms. And I doubt you could get any decent starter for Escobar.

By Tony Almeida

March 4, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Sorry DOB, but Tom Waits does nothing to answer my question about Kelly Johnson. Please try again.

By A.J.

March 4, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Tony A: In response to your question about the Kelly Johnson obsession (yeah that rhymes, deal with it).

It’s less about having Kelly Johnson at first base and more about having him on the field anywhere so they can have him in the lineup.

The Braves really believe in Kelly’s plate presence. From Schuerholz and Cox down to the players (Chipper said he would hit .300 no doubt, maybe even this season).

Johnson suffered an injury that shortened his 2005 year, and that lead to the Tommy John surgery, so he never really got a chance to prove himself.

But in his time there he did really impress everyone with the Braves with his plate discipline (sounds like the kinda thing you want for a leadoff man).

With Johnson a former infielder, and athletic enough to at least try any position, the Braves decided to use the obvious gaping hole at second base as an opportunity to get a good player out of the crowded outfield and in the lineup every day.

Sure their optimism is guarded, but I guarantee you have a lot more to worry about with his glove then his bat, and with as hard as he’s worked don’t be too shocked if he is a big (good) surprise for the Braves this season.

But believe me, if they thought Prado was a big league 2nd basemen or believed Escobar would take the spot at 2nd, this would not be happening.

Give Kelly a chance (and maybe a little grace period to start out); I think at the very least by next season you’ll like what you see there, and there is a good chance that it will be a lot sooner than that.

By A.J.

March 4, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

As for an Escobar trade, we definitely couldn’t get a starter for Escobar straight up, and I don’t think that throwing in one of our left fielders would help much either. But paired with another good to great prospect (and possibly one of those left fielders) I think there is a good chance to see a good return.

I really don’t think that that will happen until later spring at the very least about the time we get close to final spring cuts, just because teams will want to see as much as possible before making a deal. A real solid spring could also greatly affect the value of Diaz, Escobar, or Saltalamachia (all of whom have shown flashes of brilliance, could really be helped to reassure GMs of their potential this March). Some good hitting from Langerhans would also raise his value greatly. Heck, at .556 batting average we may even be able to pawn off Prado.

The only thing is I really don’t see a starting pitcher or really any good major leaguer coming out for prospects in the spring. I just seems to me like teams would be hesitant to make a deal like that before the season, just because they’re afraid to look like they are giving up before they’ve even started. Maybe if someone has just a glut of players at one position we could see a relatively good sized spring deal, but that’s quite unlikely to be a starting pitcher.

If there is a spring deal I would expect it to be a medium sized to minor deal, but who knows what you can do with good prospects like Escobar and Salty.

But even if it doesn’t happen in the spring, just wait til the deadline. Add a solid first half to our prospects resumes and factor in some teams being out of races and who knows what we could add.

By David O'Brien

March 4, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Tony, if it’s obvious to you that they’re going to start Kelly, it’s not to me. Likely, but not obvious. If he struggles this spring and Prado hits .350 and plays better defense (a given, really), then who knows?

But the “obsession” with Johnson stems from his patience and discipline at the plate, which they believe isn’t accuractly reflected from his numbers in a little over a half-season in the majors in 2005.

We’ll see. It’s not my obsession. I had a similar reaction when I first heard in September they were considering him for the job. I couldn’t believe they’d actually plan on starting a guy at 2B who’d never played the position.

But so far in camp, he’s shown me the defense is serviceable, not a glaring weakness at all. Way too early to judge the hitting. Guys don’t even have 10 at-bats yet, and many they have had are against pitchers who won’t even be on rosters.

By David O'Brien

March 4, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

A.J., good point: If they thought Prado or Escobar were ready and/or willing to play a better 2B than Johnson and possibly bat leadoff, they’d be leaning in that direction probably. It’s not like they just like Kelly Johnson so much they’re throwing him a bone or something. Come on, they’re trying to win. If they go with Kelly, it’s because they think that gives them the best chance. Promising as Escobar is, he’s proven nothing above the lowest minor-league level yet. Fall League is about Double-A equivelent for most part, and it was a total of 22 games he played.

Let’s see what he does this spring before deciding he’s ready for the majors.

By The Grinch

March 4, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, I demand you drop what you’re doing immediately and tell me the meaning of life. :-)

AJ, good analysis. You get a cookie.

Where is Lew? I know he doesn’t have anything better to do. Time for another beers.

By Russell

March 4, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, did you catch the Bravos vs. Stros game the other day? I read in the boxscore that Jimmy Barthmaier (of Roswell High School, GA) pitched a hitless eighth against us. Knew the guy and went to a rival high school of him. Just wondered if you watched him at all and have any idea of his projection. Anyway, nothing important to ask about, only wanted to see if you caught a glimpse. Thanks.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 4, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Wow, all those good young players being stockpiled on the farm. Sounds like the Dodgers of the “60s and “70s. You never, never, never have too many good young players in your minor league system.

Especially when you have a 41 year old Ace in a final year of his contract. A third baseman with bad feet and a centerfielder in a walk year who has an agent who is a major ball buster and a 34 year left hander coming off Tommy John surgery.

These guys will get us through to the next generation of great ball teams in Atlanta. So when you talk about great centerfielders you can tell your grandchildren about when Arndrew roamed the outfield got the Braves and all the times Chipper broke the hearts of so many Mets fans in New York. Or the heart of Smoltz and Hampton but…

As for the the new guys, these guys are insurance. Tucked safely away for a rainy day when sombody goes down with a muscle tear or bone bruise. It is how great teams stay that way, having a guy ready to fill the gap. So unless you can think of a real need right now, I suggest we cool the trade talk and count our blessings we have so much promissing talent.

Don’t worry, the other teams have JS’s phone number. When the price is right, he will talk.

By DAP

March 5, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

I would love to see some more postseason predictions. here are my ‘07 postseason teams.

National League

East: Braves

Central: Cardinals

West: Padres

wild card: Phillies

(it’ll be fin to watch the mets flounder this season and i think this might be the year the brewers start making some noise)

American League

east: Red Sox

Central: Tigers

West: A’s

Wild Card: Yankees

(i am interested in how piazza will do as a DH for the A’s. I think he will be real good.)

By The Grinch

March 5, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

Gil, if we can keep all these guys and don’t have to cut more than one or two, I’m all in agreement with you. I’m not sure who has options and who doesn’t. I think if we have a solid bullpen in June, it’d be a crying shame if Paranto or Yates gets cut so that Sturtze can come in to do the same job. Anyone who can lay this situation out so that it makes sense, please do. If they can ALL be sent to the minors or pulled up from same as needed, I agree we should stand pat. I was just under the impression it didn’t work that way.

By Jared

March 5, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

Gil, I think Smoltz is still just 39, not 41. And I think the odds are he’ll stay. But Andruw Jones is gone, people need to stop deluding themselves with that.

PREDICTIONS

AL EAST: Blue Jays AL CENTRAL: Tigers AL WEST: Rangers AL WILDCARD: Indians

NL EAST: Braves NL CENTRAL: Astros NL WEST: Padres NL WILDCARD: Dodgers

By mr baseball

March 5, 2007 2:46 AM | Link to this

Contrary to the vast majority of baseball fans, I have never completely grasped the absolute fascination almost all of you have with spring training. I get the part about ST being a harbinger of spring and the regular season not being far away, but I don’t get the unbridled optimism that exists in every major league camp every year.

Hope does spring eternal, but the reality is that most of what really matters in ST has negative connotations. Even if Kelly Johnson or Thorman has a big spring, that does not equate to success during the regular season. On the other hand, it is possible that Johnson will display an inability to play 2B and Thorman will struggle sufficiently at the plate to prove that they are not yet ready to be prime time players.

The list of ST phenoms who flopped once April arrived contains names well known to followers of every team, but that doesn’t seem to curb most fans’ enthusiasm. At the same time, how many of us remember the guys who tore up a knee or blew out an elbow in March and were lost for the season? Already this spring, we’ve learned that Hampton may not be ready for the start of the season, even though it’s been 18 months since his surgery, which supposedly was sufficient time for him to recover.

Spring is also a time when teams re-evaluate their personnel and make trades that maybe they entered into too hastily. The Braves made 2 of them almost a decade ago, and those deals in March of ‘97 began the gradual transformation from an annual World Series contender into one of the worst post-season teams in sports history.

The baseball season begins on or about April 1. Anything prior to that is an entertaining diversion at best, or in the immortal words of the well known philosopher AI, “We’re talkin’ about practice, man. Practice.”

By The Grinch

March 5, 2007 3:33 AM | Link to this

I predict I’ll wake up often tonight to go to the bathroom. Selah.

By Head Coach

March 5, 2007 4:00 AM | Link to this

Grinch , you can never ever have enough pitching. On the other hand , your probably right. They won’t need Sturtz , at least we hope they won’t. Spring training means zilch when it comes to wins and losses. It’s all about evaluating and measuring who and what will be included on that 25 man roster come April 1st. Mr.Baseball , I just want to see the freaking box score in the morning paper or online. O’Brien is right , 2B is Kelly Johnson’s to lose. It’s unlikely that Escobar would be traded , the Braves will ask for an arm and a leg(more than he is worth). One thing is for certain , Cox has just lit a fire under this team.

By David O'Brien

March 5, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this

What’s wrong with you people. Waaaaaaaaake up! You’d think it was early or something, given the inactivity here for the last few hours….

Well, SOME of us have to get to work. Later

By Brave Dawg

March 5, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this

I’ll be making the trek this weekend and want to see as much of the braves as possible. When should I get to the stadium? When is BP, etc?

By Salty

March 5, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this

Just 5 more minutes…please! The coffee’s still brewing! ZZZZZZ

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 5, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, for all those wondering about our good frind Pat Corrales, here is a link to a story in the Washington Post. Other than no pitching the Nationals are putting together a nice young ball club. Let’s hope they can take a few from the Mets and Phillies.

[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/03/AR2007030300989.html]

By Ricardo

March 5, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

Dave -

In today’s NY Post, there is an article that mentions the Braves having sent a scout to the Yankees game to watch Pavano pitch (also Mets and White Sox there as well). Have you heard anything about this? I wouldn’t want that wimp on our team, but if the Yankees were to pay most, if not all of the salary, I guess you might have to consider it. Still, the guy is stealing money!!!!

By ssiscribe

March 5, 2007 8:12 AM | Li