AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDull only to the dull-minded
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tell you what, these morning drives around Central Florida ain’t bad when the sun is shining, you’ve got a good cigar to enjoy, and a rental car with a booming CD player putting out John Lee Hooker’s “Live at Cafe Au Go-Go (and Soledad Prison).”
So I roll into the pressbox this morning at Space Coast Stadium in Viera and scrawled on the message board is this: “Baseball is dull only to those with dull minds.” _ Red Smith.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Actually, couldn’t have said it as well. But that’s why he was Red Smith. (But answer this: Could he have blogged? Could Mr. Poetic Old School Baseball Scribe have handled modern blogging? You’re damn right he couldn’t.)
Anyway, those of us who couldn’t have carried Mr. Smith’s typewriter appreciate our stations in life, much as everyone else connected in any way with baseball does. It might take years to develop a proper appreciation, but it usually happens.
You can see it in the faces on a March morning like day, when the venerable Bobby Dews is sitting in the visitors’ dugout sipping a steaming cup of coffee, in full Braves uniform, no longer a coach but not willing to stop coaching, at least in spring training.
Or Bobby Cox, holding court with a couple of old small-town scribes from Florida beach towns, treating them just as he would if we were at Yankee Stadium and he was talking to a couple of columnists who were around back when Cox played for the Yankees. Always with respect.
If Bobby’s ready to do something else in a couple years, he shows no sign of burnout on a morning like this, or any other morning when he’s in a uniform, for that matter. Only time I’ve seen the man look worn down and tired of the grind was last season, when the Braves were blowing leads and falling out of the division race and he was inwardly coming to grips with the end of their reign while outwardly trying to convince everyone it wasn’t over till it was over.
He really does seem rejuvenated by this year’s team. But I think he’d already made up his mind about giving it two more years and walking away, and saying so to reporters is maybe his way of making sure he sticks to the plan _ because if he doesn’t tell anyone he probably knows he’ll probably never walk away until someone kicks him out the door, and that ain’t going to happen.
So anyway, we all appreciate it, I think is what I was rambling about a few graphs back. Listening to John Lee Hooker singing “I’m Bad Like Jesse James,” as you pull into a stadium for another spring-training game … hey, we make a small fraction of what the guys playing make, but doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it and enjoy it in your own way just as much as they do, right? Got to, since it pretty much makes a “normal” life and the pleasures that accompany a normal life impossible.
Cox: No trades necessary… The skipper says he still doesn’t know how second base and left field are going to pan out, but he made it clear this morning that those positions will be filled by guys on the roster. Just in case some of you were wondering, particularly about second base. “It always works itself out,” Cox said. “We don’t need to go out and trade for anybody, for dang sure. We’ve got it all here. Good looking kids. And Kelly [Johnson] is still a kid. He sat out a year with that [elbow] operation….”
Willy Aybar is likely to make his spring debut Wednesday against the Tigers in Lakeland. He’s been taking ground balls at shortstop, by the way, because the Braves want him to be able to play there in addition to second base and third base. “He needs to play everywhere,” Cox said of Aybar, who’s the principal backup at third base, where the Braves hope they don’t need him too often.
Cox had more praise for Martin Prado today, and pointed out that he’s actually a very good left fielder in addition to his slick infield work. “He’s smooth,” Cox said. “He makes all the plays. A lot of scouts like him.” Only drawback on the kid is the power, which sort of eliminates him from third base for most teams, unless they’re getting a lot of power from an unconventional power spot and don’t need it from the hot corner.
Chris Woodward hit off a tee yesterday and has begun riding a bicycle, but that strained calf muscle could keep him out at least another week or so. Braves expect him to be ready for opening day, but aren’t certain.
Don’t entirely rule out the possibility of Yunel Escobar , Prado or Pete Orr making this team. One way or another, I’ve got a feeling we’re going to see Orr this season, whether he’s on the opening day roster or this summer.
“Our fans probably don’t know Pete Orr is,” Cox said, “and he’s a good player. He’s played good for us. And he’s is a second baseman. Can’t keep him out of that mix. Remember he hit .340 one year in the minors.”
Actually, the best Orr hit was .320 at Richmond in 2004, but that’s pretty damn good. He was almost as bad as Jesse James that year.
Oh, one more thing: Bobby again downplayed Rafael Soriano’s sore shoulder, said he was going to throw this morning back at camp. So was Mike Hampton . Roger McDowell stayed back there this morning to watch the side sessions, then was supposed to come over here for the game.
So if I don’t forget, I’ll ask Roger about those guys after the game. Clubhouse is closed now.
Talk to you later. Time to watch some ‘ball.
Oh, and here’s a song to get us rolling, off Josh Ritter’s terrific “Animal Years” album from last year:
“GIRL IN THE WAR” by Josh Ritter
Peter said to Paul you know all those words we wrote/ Are just the rules of the game and the rules are the first to go.
But now talking to God is Laurel begging Hardy for a gun/ I got a girl in the war man I wonder what it is we done
Paul said to Peter you got to rock yourself a little harder/ Pretend the dove from above is a dragon and your feet are on fire
But I got a girl in the war Paul the only thing I know to do/ Is turn up the music and pray that she makes it through
Because the keys to the Kingdom got lost inside the Kingdom /And the angels fly around in there but we can’t see them
I got a girl in the war Paul I know that they can here me yell/ If they can¹t find a way to help her they can go to Hell/ If they can’t find a way to help her they can go to Hell
Paul said to Peter you got to rock yourself a little harder/ Pretend the dove from above is a dragon and your feet are on fire
But I got a girl in the war Paul her eyes are like champagne/ They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain/ They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain/ They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain
Comments
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Somehow, the image of Red Smith or Shirley Povich carrying a sleek laptop, chatting with a radio guy on the West Coast on the cell phone and flipping through a bevy of colorful media guides doesn’t fit.
Instead, I like the mental image of Smith, Povich, Roger Kahn, et al, lugging the big typewriter cases up the stairs, wearing the ties and the long trenchcoats. That be some old school scribin’, for sure. Knock it out, rip out the paper and give it to the Western Union boy. Day games, train rides, good Scotch with the players on the way to St. Louis or Chicago or Milwaukee on the old Pullman.
Enjoy Viera. Hopefully today’s game is somewhat competitive. More later, as the Scribe bangs away on his Royal, eh, I mean Dell.
(And a cigar sure would be nice right about now, on a picture perfect day outside the Big A.)
Selah.
—30—
By D-Cider
March 6, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Maybe Cox isnt’ concerned about Soriano’s shoulder, but this missed a bunch of games last year with sore arm. Doesn’t sound good to me. Pete Orr, who is already 28, might be around this season, but he appears to have marginal major league talent.
By Dave knockahomer
March 6, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
sometimes my posts make it through; sometimes not. This may be one of the ‘nots’…..but do wish I was with you at the game, DOB……and the cigar! ah, can smell it!
Again, thanks for keeping us uptodate with our Braves. Started getting excited and upbeat about this year’s team in January. Not sure why. But it is gonna be a GREAT YEAR!!!!!!!!!
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and go Kelly at 2nd!
By The Grinch
March 6, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
Let’s try this again, since this was the last post on the other one.
Shaun, do you have any statistics to back that up?
Hillbilly…heck, I got to run, anyway. Just check my last post out on the previous one.
Dave, I always kind of remembered liking Fick, actually. I remember being surprised and dissapointed in the Karros thing, but still thought we ought to have kept him. I agree with whoever said on the last one that if his BA was 30 points higher nobody would complain about him. That’s also really cool about Bobby Dews; that’s dedication. Later, all.
By Shaun
March 6, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
With all due respect, I’m sure Orr is a good guy and he’s a useful player. And I’m not blaming Cox for his optimism concerning Orr, that’s part of his job. But also Orr hit .265/.320/.340 in 5 minor league seasons. Don’t think he’s the best option as a backup 2B/IF.
By KC
March 6, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
DOB: “Tell you what, these morning drives around Central Florida ain’t bad when the sun is shining, you’ve got a good cigar to enjoy, and a rental car with a booming CD player…”
DOB, I hope no one from your rental car company reads this. You know there’s a strict no-smoking-inside-the-car policy at every rental car place. =)
By Harry
March 6, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
DOB- good call on Ritter. Check out a performance of this song at a political event in DC: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2006/10/ritter.html
Can you shed any insight into the Corrales situation? Why did he leave?
Thanks for your blog. Hope you are making it back to Atlanta 3/17 for Lucinda.
By Dave knockahomer
March 6, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
well, maybe I won’t get through after all….anyway, do want to say that as a regular season manager, Cox does dern good; but as postseason manager, he stinks. Sad to say, but true. He gets outmanaged every time and even some commentators have noted that. Until last year, that seemed to be the fate of LaRussa but his team did what nobody thought possible—-they won the Series! Can’t help but love baseball!
By D-rock
March 6, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Red Smith had it right. I get a lot of flak here in Scotland from Europeans who think “football” (soccer) is the greatest game ever. Nothing beats a baseball game on a summer afternoon.
By Alan
March 6, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Yeah, DOB, you do have the life! And don’t sell yourself short. You’re the Red Smith of the 21st Century. Sscribe, Shirley Povich was great, but if memory serves, he sired the less-than-great Maury Povich, who married the even-less-less-than-great Connie Chung - so he wasn’t perfect. And what on earth were HIS parents thinking when they named him “Shirley”? A Boy Named Shirley. Indeed. Tomorrow I’ll be flying south for 5 days in and around Dark Star, and I’ll be in the stands Saturday for the Blue Jays game. Sorry I’ll miss you, DOB. Enjoy your time off.
By Wilkun
March 6, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
I haven’t ever written in to this blog, although I did spar with you by email, DOB, a few seasons back when Matsui first entered the majors, but man, I have to tell y’all that for a guy living in India, this blog is a huge treat everyday! Everyone keep up the great work. One quick question for you, Dave- are the Braves so high on Elvis Andrus and Lillibridge that Escobar is now primarily seen as tradebait? Sure, at 24 he’s a little older than the others, but Escobar can really play, by all appearances. What’s he missing?
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Alan writes, “Shirley? A Boy Named Shirley. Indeed.”
And indeed, everything at the Braves/Man In Black circle back to the great Mr. Cash, who so gracefully considered the topic of naming male children with the hit, “A Boy Named Sue.”
See, this Scribe knows a bit about music, too.
Now, baseball … where’s my Webcast?
—30—
By ncscoots
March 6, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Oh, I don’t know, David, you have your moments of “Poetic Old School Baseball Scribe”. Enough that I think Red might have been more inclined to drink-sharing than typewriter-toting with you, anyway. Ink-stained (and carpel-tunneled) wretch that you be.
And, oh, man, “I’m Bad Like Jesse James”? I haven’t heard that song in a ton of years, but the mention drilled it right back into a frontal lobe. TOO good.
By chris
March 6, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
I am curious as to who you all think would be a candidate for manager in 2009. What about John Smoltz? What do you think Dave? Or what about Pendleton?
Chris from MD
By chris
March 6, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Smoltz for manager in 2009? If not, what about Pendleton? What say you, Dave? What about the rest of you?
Maryland’s Chris
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
1-0 First and third … nobody out
By rammerjammer
March 6, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
GREAT image evoked of B. Dews. Back in the day, I used to attend the Masters golf tournament and the old - really old - former champs would show up just to be there. It was cool. Kinda like a pilgrimage.
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
And in picking up where we left off yesterday:
2 — Braves runs
0 — Nats runs
1 — Randy St. Claire visits to the mound
—30—
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
oops, I meant basesloaded … but Thorman just struck out and Escobar had a sacrifice fly 2-0 … Langerhans struck out … time for coffee.
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Strikeout, Langerhans can’t catch deep fiy … double, Langerhans makes leaping catch at wall, walk … Travis Lee walks, bases loaded Double, good putout at home … 2-2!
Maybe Davies can play second!
By MGL
March 6, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Randy St. Claire will have more miles on him than my 95 Lincoln by the end of the year.
By David O'Brien
March 6, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Davies not sharp at all in first, walked a couple of guys back-to-back and gave up two doubles, plus a ball Langy caught against fence in CF that might have gone out if a fence door hadn’t been slight ajar. Seriously, the extra foot might have been the difference.
Lucky to get out with only two runs. Schneider hit bases-loaded double and Travis Lee tried to barrle over catcher Corky Miller, who hung onto the ball in the collision to end the inning.
By Braveheart
March 6, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
i think smoltz would be plenty good enough as a manager but i think he would be much better as a commentator.
i think as a manager, he might get himself in trouble with his mouth.
as a player, we love his brutal honesty when he is asked to go on the record.
as a manager, however, that could be a problem.
but, other than that, i think he would be a great manager and with smoltz as a manager, i think we would all believe in him - which would be important for keeping the faith of the fan base up.
maybe smoltz and bobby will not ride off into the sunset together after winning a second world series together.
maybe smoltz will just slap bobby’s horse and tell him to get out of town while the getting is good.
then smoltz will turn around and walk back into town and tell the boys we got ourselves a new sheriff in town and his name is Straight Shooting Smoltzie.
Maybe, if he is a manager, they can still call on him, at least for the first few years, as a late season hired gunslinger to clean up whatever the pitching mess is that year (bullpen or starters) due to the cheapskate owners.
it would be cool to go back to the days of player/managers that i think has not been done since Pete Rose with the Reds in the 1980s.
By David O'Brien
March 6, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Single and double for Kelly in the first two innings, just doubled over the left fielder’s head in second
By deepinmetsterritory
March 6, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Si Scribe - are you lang whittaker from si.com?
By Braveheart
March 6, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Well at least Keith Lockhart is not the option at second if, for no other reason than I do not have to listen to John Kinkade (sp?) rant all summer about Lockhart like he used to do all the time. Man, that guy hated Lockhart. But who doesn’t that guy hate?
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
You folks in Viera are killing me. DOB’s got me wanting a stogie, and a few minutes ago, Pete tells those of us listening on the Net what a perfect day it is for baseball.
April 6, hurry up and get here!
All kidding aside, the beauty of baseball is how the game can transport you along for the ride and take you away from where you may be at the moment.
Two more runs in, 4-2 Bravos. Back to deadline, already in progress (damnit).
—30—
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
March 6, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
From the old blog-no one was willing to admit that they were masters at Tecmo baseball, huh?
Bunch of liars-most of you are older than I am…:)
That’s okay-the Braves are winning, and I can listen at work. I had forgotten about my Gameday Audio subscription!
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
No runs, 3 hits … methinks the potential of young Kyle Davies is getting old.
By Whitney
March 6, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
And so it begins…looks like the Marlin’s young staff is falling apart sooner than we expected.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/specials/spring_training/2007/03/06/johnson.marlins.ap/index.html
DOB, thanks for the always excellent posts. I’m really regretting not planning the spring training trip this year after hearing your descriptions of the day. Live and learn…
By Ricardo
March 6, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Did anyone else see what Gammons wrote about a little dust up between Francour and A-Rod last year at the Classic? I haven’t seen it and don’t know the context it was written in, but they were talking about it this morning on the radio (680). Something to the effect of: A-Rod was yelling at a clubhouse boy about something minor and Jeff stood up and said something to the effect of “Shut the f up and leave the kid alone”. Then Chipper and someone else took up for Jeff w/A-rod and that’s all I know. If this is true, I think it says a lot about both of them.
Anyone see or hear this?
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Deepinmetsterritory: No, bro, I’m not Lang. Checked out some of his stuff after somebody asked me last week if he and I were the same. Good writer, good chops. But nope, Scribe ain’t Lang.
MGL: Hope your 95 Lincoln holds up better than St. Claire will this year. After all, your car doesn’t have to watch the Nats 162 times this season.
Five hits, two runs, two walks, two strikeouts for Davies. Sounds like it should’ve/would’ve/could’ve been worse. The kid from Stockbridge is done after two innings; on to Macay McBride for the bottom of the third.
—30—
By tkg
March 6, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Don’t know if anyone saw this on Peter Gammons’ blog that was posted on ESPN.com yesterday, and if it’s already been posted and discussed in a previous blog, my apologies. I thought the next-to-last graph was most interesting … except for that part where Peter’s subliminally trying to send Francouer to the Red Sox!
Seriously, if the next-to-last graph is true, it shows the kind of person Francouer is … hopefully the money he’ll eventually make will never change him.
From Peter Gammons’ blog No one is looking forward to the May 20 Braves series at Fenway Park more than Jeff Francoeur is. Look, he loves being a Brave. He grew up in Atlanta. But says, “I really always wanted to play for the Red Sox because of my family. I still use the Red Sox credit card my father gave me when I was 17. It’s going to be great.”
In 2002, Francoeur was considered unsignable because he was signed to play football and baseball at Clemson. However, before the draft, he reached a deal with the Red Sox, who were picking 57th. Atlanta scouting director Roy Clark found out, was able to get the money to sign Francoeur and took him at No. 23, ahead of Boston, which then took Jon Lester.
“My father [Dave] used to take the train from Springfield to Boston to see the Red Sox,” says Francoeur. “He went to Chicopee Commerce. All the family’s out there. My brother and sister were born up there, then my parents moved to Atlanta.”
Talk about a perfect personality for Fenway Park… Team USA players like to tell the story of Francoeur confronting Alex Rodriguez during the WBC for trashing a clubhouse kid who brought him the wrong sandwich.
“It’s going to be wild because of all the family I’ll have there,” he says. “Problem is, they’ll all be rooting for the Red Sox.”
End of text
By eric the elder
March 6, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Davies’ 5 hits and 2 walks in 2 innings make Hampton’s recovery even more critical. The thought of Villareal and Cormier anchoring the 4 and 5 spots in our rotation takes some of the gleam off our high hopes.
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
What’s the skinny on Corky Miller? Maybe he can pitch … 6-4 Washington nobody out.
By True Braves Fan
March 6, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
DOB: 1. Which is the real KD? (Are we really considering MM as a left handed starter? But like you say, we have to wait until later in Spring Training to make judgements, but think KD and MM would like to forget today.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
March 6, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
So it was you, Hillbilly. Uhhh, it’s cool; keep ‘em. I got clown shoes like the unibomber’s got hoodies. BTW, let me know where you’re sitting at the next Braves game; I want to make sure I’m at least 200 yards away. You do hunt with a shotgun, right?
Grinch,
I’ve got range, bubba…..mad range. So much range, that Ozzie Smith once said , “Damn that kid has range.”
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Denzines of the blogosphere, best hope the Braves brought their bats to Viera, cuz the pitching just isn’t there today to this point. McBride got lit up in the third for four runs.
The good news: Sounds like Kelly Johnson made a nice play to his left to get an out in the ugly bottom of the third.
6-4 Nats. McBride and Davies have allowed nine hits in three innings, but Macay is batting to lead off the fourth.
—30—
By Kick Me Now Please
March 6, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
DOB’s sitting down in Florida with a stogey in his mouth, watching the Braves play, getting into who knows what kind of trouble at night. And I’m stuck inside the office just having finished reprimanding an employee for spending too much time in the bathroom. Man, I’ve really screwed up!
By David O'Brien
March 6, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Brian Schneider CRUSHED a two-run homer off McBride _ lefty on lefty.
This is not a good day for Los Bravos.
Kyle Davies _ 2 innings, 2 runs, five hits, two walks.
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Elder Eric, not to worry … Bobby is grooming MacKay in case Kyle doesn’t measure up … the Nats fear McBride … as a hitter, not as a pitcher.
By KJalltheway
March 6, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Kelly is tearing it up today. Thank God! I hope everyone accepts hims as being the everyday secondbaseman. I love Pete Orr in a Mike Mordecai kind of way. I like having him around but I honestly feel that Kelly Johnson is the real deal and he should prove it this year if given the opportunity. By the way, I just did some research. Did anyone ever hear of Kerry Lightenburg after his 30 save season? I never knew what happened to him but apparently he had somewhat of a major arm injury and now is trying to make it on the Red’s squad. Good luck to him.
By David O'Brien
March 6, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
No, they’re not considering McBride as a starter. Just saw that question asked above.
By rammerjammer
March 6, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Ah, can’t have too much of that starting pitching, can we? Good that we have six starters (seven with Oscar)!
Guys like Smoltz can shrug off this kind of afternoon. It’ll be very interesting to see how young Davies responds next time out.
A one-way ticket to Richmond could be in the offing.
Why (yes, a transition) was BC so unexcited about Cormier yesterday? Are they wanting so badly for Davies to succeed? Is a Devine-like meltdown feared?
I am curious at this curious behavior.
By Shaun
March 6, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
eric the elder,
Key words in your last post: “2 innings.” We shouldn’t get all that freaked out about two innings in March.
Was it you who brought up Kelly Johnson’s hitless performance against Georgia Tech and ignored the fact that Chipper, Renteria and one or two other stars were also hitless?
Here’s some advice: judge a little slower in baseball.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
March 6, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Cormier deals, Davies struggles. I’m sticking with my original Cormier suggestion until I see something more convincing from Davies. But I betcha a Coke it don’t happen that way.
By LivingRight
March 6, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
I heard boyer is supposed to pitch. Can anyone confirm this?
By Arkansas Hillbilly
March 6, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
By eric the elder
March 6, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Davies’ 5 hits and 2 walks in 2 innings make Hampton’s recovery even more critical. The thought of Villareal and Cormier anchoring the 4 and 5 spots in our rotation takes some of the gleam off our high hopes
Ironically, I’m envisioning our rotation looking strikingly similar to what it was last year at some points in the season.
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
Pete talks of the Washington pitchers being on a tight pitch count … maybe it’s the desire to win some games this year … even if it’s in spring training. 6-5
By David O'Brien
March 6, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
I shouldn’t say absolutely that they’re not looking at McBride to start, but I’ll say it with relative certainty. And if they were even vaguely considering it, today should be a reminder why that probably isn’t a good option.
His third inning started like this: Walk, Double, two-run Double (lefty Travis Lee), two-run Homer (lefty Brian Schneider)… And before it was through he gave up a single to a relief pitcher. Ugh.
They left McBride in to hit (got hit by a pitch), presumably gonna pitch again (have to eat the innings after Kyle only went two)
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Elder Cato, that young Feller is something else!
By Bubba
March 6, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
Davies is so inconsistent. Great first outing and then blows up today. Guess you cant ask too much out of a 5th starter.
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
I heard Pete say when Macay came in that he’s “in the mix” for a starter’s job, and that could lead to Coyler, a lefty non-roster guy, having a shot to get into the bullpen.
I just don’t see it, guys. I think McBride’s got the chops to start, but for now, his arm in the seventh or to come in and pitch in the eighth to lefties if Gonzalez is going to pitch the ninth is far more important.
If Hampton cannot go at the start of the season, then I think you’ll see both Davies and Cormier in the rotation. Again, Villarreal is a valuable inning eater, the guy to bridge the gap from the fourth to the seventh if a starter gets knocked out early or if it’s a situation where Hampton’s pitching and can’t get deep into the game.
OK, back to it. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By GeorgetownKid
March 6, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien,
I’m in Germany right now, getting ready for bed. But I wanted to check up on the goings-on in Florida.
I have a quick question for you. How set in stone are the roster spots for Davies and Woodward?
Because I get the impression that Davies would have to be absolutely terrible and that Cormier would have to discover a cure for cancer while pitching in order for Davies to start the year at Richmond. Moreover, if Woodward is virtually guaranteed a roster spot, that basically precludes the possibility of Escobar, Prado or Orr making the team (assuming Johnson starts).
And by the way, to answer your question to me from a week ago, my Hoyas are indeed pretty tough right now. But I very much wish Hibbart would have red-shirted. He is a rising Junior, but he is soooo raw.
But they’re still a class below your J-Hawks. Kansas is so balanced this year, and so young.
But I must admit, Georgetown is my grad school. My love is with Virginia (where I actually played for a year), and they’re pretty impressive this year. I wouldn’t bet much on them in the Tournament though.
Thanks Mr. O’Brien
By GeorgetownKid
March 6, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien,
I’m in Germany right now, getting ready for bed. But I wanted to check up on the goings-on in Florida.
I have a quick question for you. How set in stone are the roster spots for Davies and Woodward?
Because I get the impression that Davies would have to be absolutely terrible and that Cormier would have to discover a cure for cancer while pitching in order for Davies to start the year at Richmond. Moreover, if Woodward is virtually guaranteed a roster spot, that basically precludes the possibility of Aybar, Prado or Orr making the team (assuming Johnson starts).
And by the way, to answer your question to me from a week ago, my Hoyas are indeed pretty tough right now. But I very much wish Hibbart would have red-shirted. He is a rising Junior, but he is soooo raw.
But they’re still a class below your J-Hawks. Kansas is so balanced this year, and so young.
But I must admit, Georgetown is my grad school. My love is with Virginia (where I actually played for a year), and they’re pretty impressive this year. I wouldn’t bet much on them in the Tournament though.
Thanks Mr. O’Brien
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
6-6 Mr Escobar drinks Coca Cola!
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Yunel Escobar continues his torrid spring: Opposite field solo homer (to right center) ties it at 6-6. Second RBI of the day for Escobar.
—30—
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Ryan Langerhans follows up with a blast of his own to make it 7-6 Braves.
Glad the guys brought their bats. This one may end up 15-14.
—30—
By Patrick
March 6, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Escobar is just tearing it up!
Don’t know how the Braves can justify sending him down…
By Jeff R
March 6, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Let’s see what Johnson does with his glove. Gotta believe he’s got range and can turn a double play—that’s too fundamental to overlook—but does the guy have the instincts for the position? By that I mean how good is he at anticipating the ball off the bat? Good fielders (especially infielders) move well ahead of the ball. That’s definitely not a skill; it’s pure instinct.
By Braveheart
March 6, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
don’t ever go to boston, frenchy. don’t ever go there.
in Boston, they end up trashing all of their legends, all stars, and hometown faves. everyone of their best players leaves in disgrace up there.
Nomar left in disgrace. Mo Vaughn left in disgrace. Roger Clemens left in disgrace. Ted Williams was treated like crap for much of his career. Wade Boggs was discarded like he was nothing. Damon was villified. Trot was treated like they were losing a bag of donuts. Millar was quickly forgotten by management - not by the fans as DOB has pointed out. Pedro was treated like a chump. They have discarded the heart and soul and of their early 2000’s teams - Nomar, Trot, Pedro, Foulke, Millar, Bronson, Walker, Mueller, Damon, et al.
Nomar, Pedro, Mo, Rocket, Boggs all seemed beloved for years up there. They were Boston. It is hard to watch them play for other teams. But somehow contract situations come up and the ownership group is able to convince the media (who had previously loved the guy) to just trash the heck out of the player.
Gammons seems like a fair player but even he has been guilty, if not of trashing the guy on the way out the door, of at least being far too ambivalent and acting as if it is no big loss to lose the player.
The rest of the Boston media though just seems to be in management’s backpocket - no matter who the ownership group or GM are. They get ruthless in killing the player or justifying why the player all of a sudden needs to leave the team. Very sad.
Once the media up there jumps on a guy’s back at the request of management, the fans then follow and there is no way for the guy to ever really return to Boston. Very sad.
They have been trying for years with Manny Ramirez. Whatever his problems are, Manny just rakes at the plate. But, for whatever reason, Boston has seemingly been hellbent on trading him. They keep using the media to somehow try to trash him so that they can justify the jettisoning of Manny. To the fan’s credit though, they can not seem to take Manny down. The whole Manny being Manny persona and the fact that he keeps killing the ball and the Yankees prevents the fans from allowing the media and the owners to think they are cool with losing Manny.
Just watch this year. It is about to happen to Schilling. Schilling will make matters worse by being a loudmouthed boor but the media will be foaming at the mouth to kill him (at, of course, the request of Boston management).
So, do not ever go to Boston, Frenchy. Stay a Brave as long as you can. At least when Bobby and John S. decide to shove you out the door, they do their best to leave your dignity intact. No Brave has ever really left this team being disgraced by management. In fact, they have been very discreet about the reasons which have at times been very juicy.
For example, the Andruw situation in Boston this year would be brutal. But here in the ATL, both sides are allowed to state their positions on what it will take to sign without venom being spit at Andruw by the media at the request of management. As a result, fans are not forced to be a bunch of dummies and kill Andruw because their owners will not play fair market value.
Isn’t always funny that lurid details of a player’s personal life or lockerroom behavior are thrown out there in Boston just so coincidentally around the walkout year of a contract?
If the AROD/Frenchy story is so true and so talked about amongst the players, then why was it never brought up last year when it would have been so relevant considering that everyone was piling on AROD last summer?
The timing of it coming out is pretty odd, isn’t it? Could it be the Yankees management wants AROD gone as fast as possible, so they leaked it trying to justify getting rid of AROD? Or did they do it so that they could stick up for their boy Jeter and show that despite AROD “coming clean and honest” a few weeks ago, that the problems in the lockerroom are all AROD instigated? Or did Boston management leak it to Gammons hoping to create more lockerroom tension in the Yankees lockerroom in a situation that is dying down after AROD’s coming clean statements a few weeks ago?
Hmmmm……
I am starting to sound like I am writing a very especially bad episode of a very bad Courtney Cox television show called Dirt.
By Braveheart
March 6, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
is anyone still complaining that they did not hit any homers in the first four games of freaking spring training?
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
I’m taking a break after getting a “glimpse” of Boyer, but while Escobar’s performance speaks volumes in both Spanish and English … methinks that Langerhans is making a statement of his own.
By eric the elder
March 6, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Shaun:
*Was it you who brought up Kelly Johnson’s hitless performance against Georgia Tech and ignored the fact that Chipper, Renteria and one or two other stars were also hitless?
Here’s some advice: judge a little slower in baseball.*
No, I never said anything of the kind. Here’s some advice: Make sure of your sources before you start jumping on people.
Oh, and stop patronizing me.
By Renegator
March 6, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Thanks for the updates as usual. Question: What is the upside to Chris Woodward? Does Cox just want him to be a “Clubhouse Leader” a la Brian Jordan, Eddie Perez, etc. Seems like Bobby loves these veterans that are well past their prime to use them as clubhouse leaders. Surely, Chipper and Smoltz can provide enough leadership. Seems like the IF prospects Prado, Escobar, Lillibridge, even Orr would be better choices as backup IF than Woodward. What am I missing about this guy that Bobby sees? Thanks!
By eric the elder
March 6, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Shaun:
*Was it you who brought up Kelly Johnson’s hitless performance against Georgia Tech and ignored the fact that Chipper, Renteria and one or two other stars were also hitless?
Here’s some advice: judge a little slower in baseball.*
No, I never said anything of the kind. Here’s some advice: Make sure of your sources before you start jumping on people.
Oh, and stop patronizing me.
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, let me give you some advice … don’t be too quick to judge Boston … it has some fine museums, antiques and excellent chowder.
By Patrick
March 6, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Bob,
You are aware that while Langerhans does have 2 homers this spring, he also has 13 strikeouts already-which I couldn’t believe when I heard that…
And pretty good inning for Boyer—couple walks-but no runs-not be after not pitching for a whole year
By Mangum
March 6, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
i would not be surprised to see Edgar traded sometimes after the season with all the SS studs we have that seem like they will be ready any day now for the majors. He’ll have one year left on his contract and will be relatively cheap. Seems like it would make sense to clear up some money that we can put toward either Andruw or Smoltz and also get something in return.
By LivingRight
March 6, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Sox Fans SHOULD be trashing Schilling! How’s Boyer doing? is he in?
By Epinephrine
March 6, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
This Soriano business is making me pretty nervous. In order for us to have an effective starting rotation, we absolutely need Gonzo, Soriano, and Wickman to be on their respecive games.
By LivingRight
March 6, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
I feel that if Langy gets the chance to play everyday, he will be awesome! If he has to platoon, he will be mediocre.
Same with Pete Orr. What has Kelly Johnson ever done on the big league level to give him such an advantage in this “competition” for second base?
By Renegator
March 6, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Mangum:
I like the way you think. If we can move Renteria that gives our prospects new life at SS!
By Shaun
March 6, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
Did everyone of their stars leave in disgrace? Epstein got killed when he traded Nomar; and as it turned out Epstein was right and the Sox were better off without him. The front office did fine letting Mo Vaughn go—look what happened to him shortly after he left. Looks like letting Pedro go was a good move. Most of the players from the early 2000’s teams that they let go were let go at the right time.
Damon still has good years left, but it’s likely the Yankees will regret that contract soon.
About the only guy the Boston front office really messed up on from your list was Clemens.
I’m sure when teams and players part ways there are often going to be hurt feelings. And sports talk radio is always looking for something to talk about because drama sells.
I don’t think anyone is to blame if the situations in Boston aren’t ideal when a star player leaves. Seems like a tough situation in any city magnified by playing in a large city with media and fans obsessed with the baseball team.
By ncscoots
March 6, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Uh, Patrick, 13 K for Langerhans might be a little tough to do. I doubt he has even 13 AB yet this spring, plus he’s hitting .360+.
By BUSHWACKER
March 6, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Scheurholz blows away the field in best GM contest BUT WE ARE DOOMED…If Billy Knight can get 19 votes I’m afraid there are enough idiots out there to elect Hillary.
By BUSHWACKER
March 6, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
They are not going to get rid of Langerhans because he will be our starting centerfielder next year!
By Shaun
March 6, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
eric the elder,
I apologize. Just sounded like something you would say judging by how you are ready to throw Davies under the bus for 2 bad innings in March.
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Another hit for Prado, leading off the seventh. He continues his fine work.
Great inning for Blaine Boyer. Two walks, but no hits and no runs in his first inning in, what, nearly a year?
And Corky Miller just lost one down the line in left, a two-run shot to make it 9-6 Braves.
—30—
By Troy
March 6, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB- I haven’t blogged in a while, I’ve been real busy with school and stuff. Just a quick question what seems to be the reaction about Willie Harris down there? I know the braves like Aybar for the utility spot in paticular because they see him as a solid replacement at third in case chipper went down for an extended period of time, and I know that Aybar hasn’t even played a game yet, but I like Harris he is a versitle veteran with good speed and he is playing really well. Could Aybar start at AAA or is he out of options? Your Thoughts?
By Hunter
March 6, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
No way we can expect to win if we lose our starting second baseman and trade our starting first baseman and shortstop. Now, I’m really excited about the young guys but you have to understand the value and importance of a guy like Renteria who is a veteran presence and a winner, and oh yeah, an all star. Now, this time next year it may be a different story when these guys are ready for the bigs full time, but for now I want a bargain like Renteria at shortstop. Oh, and Pete Orr, really? I think we found out that the two years before this one were the exception and not the rule. He’s probably more of what we saw last year, which is to say he’s a descent utility player with above average speed, who doesn’t take many pitches or get on base enough to use his speed, with no power, and who is average defensively. He’s the 25th man on your roster and a pinch runner. Kelly Johnson hit as well two years ago as Orr did last(average wise) year but got on base more and hit for more power, has more upside and is a few years younger. If you can find him a job regularly then you should give him a shot to perform.
By KJalltheway
March 6, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson was one of the first rookies called up last year, even before Frenchie. He was a shortstop brought up to replace former rookie of the year Raul Mondesi in right field. First game he throws Jim Thome out at home. The guy is an infielder. Yes, I know Thome isn’t Ricky Henderson. What I’m saying is this is the kind of guy the Braves need. He can obviously adjust to a new position and have success defensively. He is the most patient hitter I’ve seen in a very very long time. That alone should earn him a spot considering the number of strikeouts the Braves had last year. He brings depth to the outfield and both sides of the infield. Also, he can definitely perform the essential functions of a leadoff hitter. The leadoff hitter is supposed to get on base and score runs. That’s what he does and he does it well.
By Hunter
March 6, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Troy,
Aybar is out of options, yes.
By True Braves Fan
March 6, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
DOB: Seems that several balls today have been hit OVER the outfielders heads. Are they playing shallow on everyone, or is there a wind we have not been told about?
By Shaun
March 6, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
The Red Sox front office seems to be different from a lot of other organizations in that they don’t acquire and pay players on what they have done but what they are likely to do during the length of a possible contract.
And quite frankly their assessments have been right lately. (As I said, Roger Clemens was a mistake but in hindsight you could see a valid reason they let go of Clemens when they did.)
Sometimes players get their feelings hurt because of that and I don’t really blame them. I’m sure it’s difficult when a team that you were a key part of doesn’t want you anymore. But the team’s goal is winning and there comes a time when certain players have to be let go because they are overvalued.
And I don’t think the front office tries to bad mouth players they don’t want. I think maybe it gets leaked too soon that they feel it’s time to let a particular player walk. Or I think a few of the folks in the media that are the loudest try to stir up controversy because that’s how they make their living and it gets blown out of proportion quickly.
By KC
March 6, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Mangum: I agree. I think there’s a pretty good chance of that happening, but it would probably have to be Lillibridge that would make that happen. Elvis Andrews is probably still 2 years away, and I don’t know if Escobar can play SS.
If Lillibridge continues to hit .300-plus at AAA, and/or impresses this spring and in September (when he’ll no doubt be one of the call-ups)… the Atlanta SS position could be his next year.
By BUSHWACKER
March 6, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
I agree with LivingRight , Pete Orr gets on base virtually every time he plays, he’s fast and a slap hitter which is what you need a leadoff, not a line drive/power hitter. Cox said KJ can hits some home runs at leadoff, that was Furcal’s problem, he thought he was apower hitter instead of slapping into the ground and using your speed, a la Otis Nixon!!!
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Patrick,
They say Ryan needs to be more aggressive at the plate … I think it’s a question of fundamentals but maybe that’s just semantics.
In the previous Blog, my “Another fundamental on which we need work … fouling off pitches that are too close to take. Many of our guys either strike out with the bat on their shoulder and words for the umpire … or make weak, nonproductive outs trying to put the ball in play … while methinks there are several so guilty, it was young Mr. Langerhans that triggered the thought.
Color me crazy but I think we’d still have a pretty good team were we to rid ourselves of all the stars and play the kids.
By ssiscribe
March 6, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Another hit for Prado. Man, dude is as hot as the end of a cigar being smoked by a beat writer in the Florida sun.
—30—
By Shaun
March 6, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
LivingRight,
Kelly Johnson has clearly been a much better player than Orr throughout their minor and major league careers. And why should only their major league careers count? I understand the majors is better competition, but baseball is still baseball at the minor league level. And Johnson looks like the better option at this point, based on past minor and major league performance and age.
By BUSHWACKER
March 6, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
No one is rooting against KJ, but it just seems Pete Orr has ALL the tools for batting lead off, how about a little competition, don’t just hand the job to KJ.
By BUSHWACKER
March 6, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
I have to be honest, I am suprised how much me and others are blogging about the BRAVES…must have something to do with the FALCONS stinking up the loint the last 2 years.
Heck I might even watch some hockey and roundball. NOT!!
By BUSHWACKER
March 6, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Yea but Pete ain’t a girls name!!!
By Bob, journalist
March 6, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Patrick, one last note … my statement that Ryan was making a statement … wasn’t referring to homeruns … the timing was just coincidence.
Hopefully, he won’t become enamored with the “long fly”!
By ncscoots
March 6, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
KC, Escobar’s natural position is SS. He played there for the Cubans, and in his minor league career. He has both range and a bazooka. Why would you say you “don’t know if Escobar can play SS”? Just curious.
By Shaun
March 6, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
BUSHWACKER,
Are you serious? Pete Orr’s OBP in the minors was .320 and in the majors is .304. I don’t think that’s getting on every time he plays. That’s an out in almost 70 percent of his pro plate appearances.
Orr’s basically a pinch-runner/defensive replacement.
By Troy
March 6, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Prado is really making things interesting at 2B, If he winds up winning himself the job as the starter when the season opens, what then would happen to KJ, surely the outfield mix would be a little too crowded for him to be an option there. I know its early but Pete Van Wieren said it himself on todays broadcast that Prado is doing a lot to garner some well deserved attention that it would be a tough decision to leave him off the roster. I like seeing these position battles unfolding. We’ll see what happens
By eric the elder
March 6, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
No apology needed, Shaun, but appreciated. My comments about Davies were not intended to throw him under the bus based on 2 innings, although it probably came across that way. My longer view is that he had some early success when he was first brought up two years ago, but has not been very impressive since. He said that he needs to issue fewer walks and be more aggressive with hitters. Today he issued two walks and it sounds like his strike pitches got creamed. I fear that this could cause him to lose confidence in being aggressive. Yes, one short outing, but the uneasy pattern continues.
Like you, I’m pulling for the kid, but …
By LivingRight
March 6, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I admit, I did not do much research on their minor league career numbers before my post regarding Kelly and Pete. I guess I just want to see some competition, and don’t undertand why someone who has never played the position in the majors, and hasn’t exactly torn it up offensively, isn’t exactly the fastest guy on the team is essentially begin given the spot.
I like kelly as a player, and hope he does great. I just think that he is getting a lot of credit for simply showing that he can take pitches and “has a good sense of the strike zone” when he first got called up.
By RC
March 6, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
When a blogger said that Langerhans had “13” K’s this spring, what they really meant was “5”. Unless he picked up 6 today. Just pointing it out.
By MGL
March 6, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
McBride pulled a vulture act today and got the win.
By Hunter
March 6, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Thank you Shaun. I mean, it’s almost like no one has been watching when the Braves put Orr in the leadoff spot the last couple years. I remember games where he was 0-5, 0-4, or 1-4, batting leadoff. Not exactly what you want even if he hustles down the line.
ncscoots, most scouts believe Escobar is getting too big and losing some of the agility and flexibility for SS. He played 3rd in the Future’s game and now that he’s willing to play 2nd, those seem to be the more likely positions for him…that or a super-utility type guy rotating at numerous positions.
By ncscoots
March 6, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
RC, I guess we’re just getting a little early DOB math from a non-DOB source, LOL.
By BUSHWACKER
March 6, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Sorry