AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USToo early to raise warning flags
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s 12:10 p.m. here at Tigertown in sunny Lakeland, the only place where it feels as much like “real” spring training as Dodgertown does. Outstanding.
I’m walking back from the media dining spread and they just played, back-to-back, Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” and Johnny Horton’s “When It’s Springtime in Alaska.” Like I said, outstanding.
The place is packed, and here’s a great scene that could have come straight off black-and-white film footage from the 50s: The team lineups are posted on the wall on the concourse by the souvenir stand and hot dog vendor, and there’s a line of 12-15 mostly older fans, men and women, dutifully penciling in the names on their scorecards as Cash’s booming baritone plays over the PA system.
Hello, heaven.
OK, it’s only the first week of March, and they’ll probably just go three innings apiece, but this is a tantalizing pitching matchup today _ Michigan native John Smoltz, originally drafted by the Tigers, of course, vs. Jeremy Bonderman. Not bad at all.
The guys most of you folks are more concerned about, however, are probably Rafael Soriano, Mike Hampton, Kyle Davies and perhaps Mike Gonzalez. I only say Gonzalez because he’s been a bit erratic in his first two appearances and I saw Buster Olney quote a scout saying that Gonzalez’s mechanics are out of whack.
While he did look a little messy on a couple of pitches, I haven’t seen any reason for concern with his mechanics. Considering these were his first two appearances since August, and for a new team and teammates he’s naturally trying to impress, since they traded away a 32-homer first baseman for him.
But the important thing with Gonzalez at this stage is the elbow, and he says it’s absolutely fine and told me his “elbow issues” are a thing of the past and no longer even a factor. People, if he’s healthy, he’ll get guys out. Period. So don’t worry about his mechanics. Long as he’s healthy, he’ll be effective.
Hampton is scheduled to throw an inning Saturday vs. Toronto at Empire Sports Sector (Disney’s Wide World of Sports). It’ll be the most closely monitored three outs so far this spring. Roger McDowell said today he still thinks Hampton can be ready for the opening of the regular season.
The other most-scrutinized inning will be the first one that Soriano throws. There is some consternation in Braves Nation, because the former Seattle setup man was one week late because of visa problems and still hasn’t made his debut because of a sore shoulder.
Manager Bobby Cox and pitching coach McDowell again downplayed the situation today, and so far no one’s expressed any real concern to me, on or off the record (via rolled eyes or other telling looks) that would indicate they’re worried. So I’ll give it another few days before I raise big red flags.
However, the fact he’s had a couple of DL stints for shoulder soreness in the past is reason to keep an eye on it. More likely, perhaps, is that he just tried to do too much, to impress too much in the bullpen after arriving late to camp.
Sore shoulders in the first week of camp aren’t at all uncommon, so don’t get too stressed, even if Horacio Ramirez threw three scoreless innings for Seattle in his debut, and right now two of the Braves’ projected five starters (Hampton and Kyle Davies) either haven’t pitched in a game (Hampton) or haven’t pitched very well (Davies) in their most recent outing.
Fortunately for the Braves, they have not just a lot more quality in their bullpen, but a lot more quantity. Not that I think Soriano will need to start the season on the DL, but if he did have to have a stint on the DL now or later, the Braves had a lot of guys _ Tyler Yates, Chad Paronto, Macay McBride _ get a lot of pressure-situation experience last year.
Leyland on Smoltz: So this morning I go over to talk to my man Jim Leyland, whose Marlins teams I covered for two years that produced a lifetime of Leyland stories and jokes that can’t be told in a family newspaper. And I ask him one simple question: John Smoltz, what do you think of him? And here’s Leyland’s response, verbatim:
“I can tell you this. Hands down, take it to the bank, John Smoltz is the best postseason pitcher I’ve ever seen _ by far. Such a competitor. I don’t know him very well, but I’ve always had the utmost respect for what he’s accomplished. But he’s the best I’ve ever seen in the postseason.”
Then I said Smoltz wasn’t bad in the regular season, either.
And Leyland said, “Slam dunk Hall of Famer. He’s a special guy. One of those freaks who….” He stopped to re-phrase. “There are certain players and pitchers who, when they come on the field, people _ fans, other players _ stare at them a little longer and say, ‘What is it about this guy?’ There’s something special, an air about them.
“Even as an opponent, I enjoyed competing against John Smoltz. That’s what this business is all about.”
Then Leyland turned to go do his group press conference with Detroit writers. But he stopped and said again, “But without question, best postseason pitcher I’ve ever seen.”
Speaking of Leyland…. He also pointed out to Detroit writers that he’s 10-10 vs. Cox in postseason play. Leyland told me last year that he’s never been close with Cox, they just say hi to each other and shake hands, whatever. But he said he always appreciated Cox for being a straight-shooter who doesn’t act like he’s your best buddy when he hardly knows you.
Aussie Aussie Aussie!… Here’s some advice. If you’re ever around Australians, especially an Aussie relief pitcher with a biting sense of humor, don’t do their famous chant unless you do it right. A few days ago, when I was only two cups of coffee into a morning, quick-witted Peter Moylan walked by on his way to the Aussie corner (him and reliever Phil Stockman) of the clubhouse and I gave him a weak, “Aussie Aussie, oi.” It was pathetic, I’ll now admit.
I couldn’t remember the exact cadence of the sporting chant his countryman use, but that wasn’t it obviously. “See there, you embarrassed yourself, mate,” Moylan said in his thick accent. “It’s ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi,” three times.” Then he shook his head at my Yank usage of a term apparently viewed as overused by some Aussies. “Rather primitive if you ask me,” Moylan said.
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Comments
By Los Bravos
March 7, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Any update on how the Braves are feeling about Thorman at First?
Who would you say is the front runner in Left Field?
By Mike S
March 7, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
How bout’ that Craig Wilson. Homer off Big Bad Bonderman.
By Lost Bravos
March 7, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Any update on the Left Field situation?
What has been the impression of Thorman thus far?
Thanks for the tips.
By Dennis
March 7, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Met Jim Leyland in Cooperstown playing travel ball against his son’s team. Jim was a class act and signed autographs for all our kids. He was in our stands in the corner….smoking! Very typical but a great guy.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
March 7, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Nice piece on Leyland’s view of Smoltz. I agree, absolute sure-fire Hall of Famer.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Smoltz scary moment _ Carlos Guillen hit a line drive in third inning that nearly hit Smoltz flush in chest. It looked like it deflected a little off his glove before it hit him in upper left side of chest, and he managed to hang onto it while falling back on his butt. Got the out, stayed in the game.
They hit him a little _ three hits, several balls caught deep near warning tracks. But no runs. Probably a chest bruise. We’ll see shortly when we get to go down and talk to him….
Braves only got one hit in three innings off Bonderman _ but it was a big one. Craig Wilson can obviously hit righties a little bit, too. He crushed a 3-2 pitch and hit it three-quarters of the way up the grass berm beyond left field.
1-0 Braves after three
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Thorman misplayed a hard-hit ball for an error in first inning. Until then, his defense had been solid. It was a tough play, but should’ve made it.
WILLY AYBAR IN GAME. Let pigeons loose! He’s in to pinch run for Chipper in fourth inning, so obviously he’ll be staying in to play third. His first game of spring.
By brent
March 7, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
I’m so proud of Andruw Jones and his cars.
By N8
March 7, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
That’s pretty cool that Leyland would say that about Smoltz. Fairly obvious to most of us (LOL!), but still cool.
I would think that there isn’t too much else, more satisfying than having a peer or opponant (or opposing manager/coach) praise you publically like that.
Sometimes the recognition from people within your “industry” (whatever line of work that may be), is much more enjoyed than any type of monitary success and public affection you may receive, IMO.
By journalist jimmy smith
March 7, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
it is not nice to call chipper a pigeon. is it because of pigeon-toes?
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Here are a few predictions I’ve come up with for the Braves (based on what I’ve been reading and the play on the field)…
1) Lance Cormier will not start the season as the 5th starter, but will be by May or June cuz Davies’ is gonna struggle.
2) Soriano and/or Hampton miss the first 2 weeks of the regular season.
and finally, my GUARANTEE…
3) At some point in the first half of the regular season, First base and Left field will turn into a platoon-only situation. Thorman/Wilson at first and Langerhans/Diaz in left. Cox loves platoons too much, Wilson and Diaz are both too good a hitters to split time with Langy in left, and Thorman is going to struggle early on…
By flange1
March 7, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
DOB,
All of our middle infield prospects are a good thing, we know that Andrus, Lillibridge and Escobar are top prospects. Prado impressed me last year when he was up and has hit well this spring.
My question is what grade prospect is Prado? Does he have trade value? I have the Red Sox are interested, but with all of the other middle infielders in the system, it seems Prado might be the odd man out. I have heard that there is talk of moving Lillibridge to second and maybe Escobar to third for Andrus to have short. I know it is early and these are prospects, but we are always intereted in:
Your thoughts?
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
“WILLY AYBAR IN GAME. Let pigeons loose! He’s in to pinch run for Chipper in fourth inning, so obviously he’ll be staying in to play third. His first game of spring.”
As much as it pains me to say it, we may be relying on Aybar ALOT this year, so we all need to hope he is ready to take that next step and become a quality major league third-baseman… Just judging by recent history, we may see Aybar getting 200-300 AB’s this year…
By ElbravoX
March 7, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Both Gonzales and Soriano have personalities that can prolong nagging injuries, especially in their first year as Braves. I hope I am wrong. DOB, coffee or tea?
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
Haven’t heard about this until now on a commercial break on the Webcast, but Braves will hold an open house at Turner Field from noon-4 p.m. March 17 (one week from Saturday). Kids can run the bases, there will be clubhouse tours, fans can pick out seats for ticket packages, and the Braves/Cards spring game from Disney will be broadcast on the mega scoreboard in center field.
Bravos still leading 1-0. Inge opens the bottom of the fifth with a single off Jonathan Johnson.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
March 7, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Willy’s in-yay!
So Smoltz is okay, right? Thre’s not looking at broken bones or anything, right?
I’m stuck at school teaching these “little darlings,” so I can’t keep up. Please advise when you learn Smoltz’s status. Thanks.
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Keep up the play by play everyone, I appreciate it…
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Ball hit Smoltz’s chest directly, not deflected off glove. Said it’s hardest he’s ever been hit. But he’s OK, got lucky, ball hit below collarbone. Said he won’t be able to swing a golf club for a while and might have to take a week off from his workout program, but he’s OK.
Smoltz said he was out of synch from the get-go today because of the big landing hole on the mound, which was exactly where his foot hits in his normal delivery. When umps weren’t able to fix it, Smoltz said he moved to left side of the rubber and left pitches over the plate because of it. he was p’d (and for Smoltz to use the actual pi**ed word, you know he was) about the mound and then about getting smoked. But thankful to be OK, not seriously hurt.
By MBATL
March 7, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Aybar gets very little respect here… we’re all excited about Escobar and Prado having a hot week against mostly AAA pitching … but Willy is still just 23 and has a .387 obp in the majors. He’s not a power hitter, and not really a speed demon, but he makes contact and hits for good average. He may not have enough pop to be a regular 3B, but not a bad backup at all.
Anyway, he’s about all we’ve got behind Chipper at 3B for the moment.
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
The feel-good story of Jonathan Johnson may be drawing closer to its close. Gave up a run, walked Shef with the bases loaded, then just gave up a line-drive sac fly to Mags. 3-1 Tigers, a three-run inning (a walk and a hits batsman included) off the pitcher who was out of baseball this time a year ago and is, from what I’ve read, “90 percent sure” he’ll retire if he doesn’t make the major-league roster.
Force play ends the inning. 3-1 Tigers.
—30—
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 7, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
How damn much more can be said about toes that hasn’t already been said ad nauseam??…
By Bob, journalist
March 7, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Shaun, apologies for the redundancy if you saw this on the previous page … posted after David O’B put up the new topic.
I agree it’s wise to know one’s limitations … but it’s in God that Proverbs suggests you trust, not statistics and fools who know not their own.
Interestingly, most “great thinkers”, those we think of as being great, seem to agree with your notion that the wisest of men is well acquainted with his own ignorance.
Indeed, I admit my own. However, I wouldn’t put too much stock in what they say … imagine trusting the words of one who admits he knows nothing!
One thing I do know for sure … if I don’t get to Kroger, we’ll be eating letfovers for supper … and that’s not prospect expected to make the team!
Later …
By Renegator
March 7, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone:
On your predictions… I think #1 and #3 are spot on. I’m not sure about #2 yet but I think it’s a safe bet. I think we’ll know more after they finally throw in a live game in Spring Training.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
March 7, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Yeah, like Don C. said, the play by play is deeply appreciated. Thanks for keeping us not-so-fortunates well informed.
By eric the elder
March 7, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
I was sorry to see the story about Andruw and all his six-figure cars. Not that I care that he has them, just sorry to see the coverage.
We fans are obviously inured to multi-millionaire athletes, and we know that we are the ones who make it happen. I feel no envy, but conspicuous consumption leaves kind of a hollow feeling in my stomach.
Not picking on Andruw. Unfortunately, I was reading the story as I was listening to CNN and hearing about another helicopter down in Iraq. In our culture, perspective is hard to maintain.
By Los Bravos
March 7, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Smoltz can get away with complaining about a bad mound, but if Davies or one of the other younger guys does I’d have an issue with that.
Its never good to hear a guy make excuses about anything, you either performed or did not perform. Do you think he would have been complaining if he had pitched fine/not gotten hit?
By The Grinch
March 7, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Hillbilly, you definitely don’t want the younguns listening to “Goodfellas.” Having your daughter running around sounding like Joe Pesci would be cute and funny in the house, but mighty embarrassing at school or church. You’ll love the movie though; I guarantee.
Shaun, we actually agree on something. There was Ruth, and then there was everyone else.
DonC, I agree the Braves will quietly insert Cormier in the 5th starter role a month or two too late, and wish they’d listened to the Grinch all along.
Anyone know why my head feels like a fat guy’s running a jackhammer in it?
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
“Its never good to hear a guy make excuses about anything, you either performed or did not perform. Do you think he would have been complaining if he had pitched fine/not gotten hit?”
He didn’t allow a run! That seems like a good sign to me. He was totally uncomfortable and still had 3 shutout innings!
Plus, he’s John freakin’ Smoltz, he can say or complain about whatever he wants.
By eric the elder
March 7, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
los bravos, don’t you think no runs in 3 innings is fine?
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Bravos left two on in the top of the seventh. Time to stretch at Tigertown, tied at 3.
—30—
By Jonathon B
March 7, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, very good article on ESPN.com Page 2 about Ed Hearn. Hearn was the player that JS acquired from the Mets in exchange for David Cone in 1987. Hearn never panned out for the Royals, and he’s had to overcome a lot of health problems since leaving the game. I wonder if you could ask JS if he’s aware of Hearn’s struggles? It turned out to be a bad baseball trade, but Hearn’s had a great impact on the community around KC.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/070307&sportCat=mlb
By MBATL
March 7, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Anyone else surprised that KJ is not getting more innings at 2B? I know it’s early and we need to see what some other guys can do, but I would’ve expected that one of the top priorities of ST would be to get KJ as much game experience as possible. I don’t really understand why Orr has at least 5 innings at 2B today.
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Tyler Yates on to pitch the bottom of the seventh.
Jonathan Johnson had one bad inning out of three: 3 IP, four hits, three runs, one walk, one strikeout, one hit batsman. Anything at this point is gravy for a guy who got out of baseball, focused on family, faith and business, then got a tryout last May and ended up at Richmond. Likely to retire if he doesn’t make the major-league roster, but still a neat story.
Yates got a ground out to first to open the seventh. Tied at 3-3.
And yes, I’ll agree with those above. Smoltz not allowing a run in three innings is just fine. He may not be happy with his performance or his stuff, but he still found a way to get out of the three innings unscaved — unscaved on the scoreboard, that is. Bet he’ll have quite a bruise from that line drive. Lucky it didn’t hit his collarbone.
Yates just gave up a single. Tied 3-3, one down in the seventh.
—30—
By hisroyalmackness
March 7, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
How did we score our 2?
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
“DonC, I agree the Braves will quietly insert Cormier in the 5th starter role a month or two too late, and wish they’d listened to the Grinch all along.”
Couldn’t agree more, I’ve been calling for Cormier to be the No.5 starter since the end of last season too!!!
The only thing I’m worried about though Lew, is we may end up with both Davies and Cormier in the rotation if Hampton can’t hold up…
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Ssiscribe, how did they score the only 2 runs? Last update it was 3-1 tigers…
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Billy McCarthy just threw out a guy at the plate to end the seventh, keeping the game tied at 3-3.
—30—
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
**other
By Braveheart
March 7, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
I like to hear Leyland talk up Smoltzie but does anyone remember last year in the first round of the playoffs Leyland talking about the Yankees like they were Murderer’s Row and Cano and that there was no way the Tigers would beat the Yankees and then of course they went out there and smoked the Yankees 3 straight to close out the series?
Leyland is right and I am sure he is sincere in his thoughts about Smoltz but Leyland likes to play rope a dope sometimes with his quotes and then come out and kill the guys he is genuflecting to.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Braves LF Billy McCarthy just gunned down a runner at the plate to prevent would-be lead run for third out in seventh inning. Absolutely perfect throw to the plate by the minor league fill-in player.
McCarthy was a prospect two years ago when he hit .300 at Greenville and .354 at Richmond (yes, .354), with 17 homers and 65 RBIs that season while splitting time in those locales.
But the past two years his stock slipped with two terrible offensive seasons at Richmond _ .226 in ‘05 and .235 in ‘06, with only 11 homers and 55 RBIs combined in those two saesons in almost 600 at-bats.
By A.J.
March 7, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Well, all of you should be ashamed of yourselves. The report about Rocker and steroids comes out and you guys all automatically believe it.
Well he says he didn’t take HGH.
See, now don’t you all feel bad.
As Jesus once said, “Only God can judge me.” (At least I think it was Jesus, same difference anyway)
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Aybar (yes, he’s playing, stop the presses!) singled home Orr, and AJ followed with a double to score Bohn in the top of the sixth.
To the bottom of the eighth, tied 3-3.
—30—
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Trouble a brewin in the eighth: Anthony Lerew’s in and promply gives up back-to-back singles.
DOB, thanks. Pete said McCarthy’s throw was perfect. Sounded that way, at least, from there to here.
Selah.
—30—
By Carolina Lady
March 7, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
“How …. much more can be said about toes that hasn’t already been said ad nauseam??…”
That hasn’t been nailed down yet.
By Brad in KY
March 7, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist
You said: I wouldn’t put too much stock in what they say … imagine trusting the words of one who admits he knows nothing!
I submit that this is impossible, for in order to admit that one knows nothing requires that one know that one knows nothing. It follows then that the one who claims to know nothing must at least know that he know nothing.
And the philosopher par excellence on wisdom understood as knowledge of what one does not know is the Socrates depicted in Plato’s dialogues, who spends his life searching for men wiser than he while unmasking the alleged wisdom of the Athenians.
I have no idea how ya’ll got into this conversation, but keep it up. Adds more spice to the baseball than crappy and nonsensical song lyrics.
I’m curious as well where you’re going with the first part of your post:
I agree it’s wise to know one’s limitations … but it’s in God that Proverbs suggests you trust, not statistics and fools who know not their own.
By 3trees
March 7, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
Grinch - I’d be guessin’ thin crust pizza & beer?
Let’s get the ? marks ironed out (or at least steamed pressed), get in shape, meet new teamates/coaches and break camp healthy and set where it takes us.
Its taking me to see Lucinda in a couple weeks, I know that.
Go Braves!
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Tigers the lead on a double play. Lerew loaded the bases with one out, then got a guy to fly out to Blanco in center. Guy who pinch-ran at third (gotta love Leyland, managing in March like it’s October) scored, but Bravos threw to third for the third out of the inning.
On to the ninth. Craig Wilson leading off, Braves trail 4-3.
Wilson just tripled to right, nearly hitting his second homer of the game. Tying run at third, no outs. Ball hit off Timo Perez’ glove in right, and nearly got outta there.
Strange stuff a happenin at Tigertown. Here’s Jurries.
—30—
By george
March 7, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
AJ…better check again. Rocker now says he took HGH after his surgery.
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Billy McCarthy, have a day, son: RBI single down the line at first scores Wilson, ties the game at 4-4.
Tony Pena with a base hit, McCarthy to second. Orr hits into a fielder’s choice. McCarthy on third for Bohn, with Orr on first. Two away.
—30—
By DAP
March 7, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
smoltz does not make excuses. if he said something about the mound, he would have said it no matter what happend. and he threw three shutout innings, so that proves it.
By Braveheart
March 7, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
AJ, Only God can judge me now, huh?
I think your quote was more Tupac than Jesus :-)
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Bohn strikes out to end the inning. To the bottom of the ninth, knotted at 4.
—30—
By sri
March 7, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
i am surprised that no one ‘consistently’ mentioned the braves bullpen.. the last month we have all been raving about our bullpen.. are we missing something?
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070306&content_id=1831223&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp
By Jim
March 7, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
DOB,
You mentioned Stockman earlier in the blog. Is there any reason we have not seen him appear in a game yet?
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
FREE BASEBALL FROM LAKELAND (Skip would love it). Ascanio breezes through a 1-2-3 ninth. Onto the 10th, tied at 4-4.
—30—
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
March 7, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
I was thinking the same thing Braveheart…
BTW, are any more Braves ST games going to be on ESPN? I’d like to see another one on TV without having to wait until April if possible. Anyone know?
By MGL
March 7, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Esteemed scribe - thanks for the updates
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Aybar singled and Blanco bunted him over, but the Braves couldn’t get him in. Middle of the 10th, tied at 4-4.
Will we play 11 if the Tigers don’t score?
—30—
By RC
March 7, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
What is the deal with the AJC’s “live game tracker”? Someone needs to explain that “live” game tracker implies more than just a scoreboard, and last years stats. It doesn’t even tell you how many outs there are in the current inning! I’m going to ESPN.com…..
By BUSHWACKER
March 7, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Jim Leyland is a class act, props to him for acknowledging what may not be that obvious to fans outside Atlanta.
I used to think Maddux was dominating, as far as keeping people off base, but, “AND THIS IS THE SCARY PART” Smoltz is more dominant now than before he was reliever.
I’ve watched his starts the last 2 years and its the same no matter who we play, 2-3 hits, 1 or 2 runs, dominant!!!!
I hope we can get Smoltz, Bobby and Chipper 1 more ring this year then they can all 3 retire on top!!!
By A.J.
March 7, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
George, not according to Rocker today.
I believe the report you are referring to was yesterday in the AJC, and it was only reported that his publicist told a paper that (I think the New York Daily News).
Today’s articles say Rocker claims he never took it, prescription or no.
AJC Article 3/7
ESPN Article 3/7
So actually, I did check again.
Bravheart: “I think your quote was more Tupac than Jesus :-)”
That was my next guess. ;-)
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Trey Hodges (remember him) gets the Tigers 1-2-3 in the 10th, and we’re moving onto the 11th inning.
DOB, you may have to pitch if we go to the 12th. Bowman can catch.
—30—
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 7, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
apparently, our bullpen isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. at least, that’s what it would seem according to a recent MLB.com article listing the top 5 ‘pens (with three that “just missed the cut”). the braves weren’t one of the 8 teams listed.
[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070306&content_id=1831223&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp]
By flange1
March 7, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
SJA,
I thought you were leaving us never to post again…What happened? We have been praying…..
By Los Bravos
March 7, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I saw Will Startup pitch in College. Does he have legitimate potential at the big league level? He certainly competed his butt off back then, but didn’t seem like he had pro stuff.
Your thoughts?
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
No runs for the Bravos in the 11th, and the game will end after this half inning. Trey Hodges trying to preserve the tie …
Gotta love spring training baseball.
—30—
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
All done, and fit to be tied. Hodges walked a guy in the 11th, but the Braves threw him out stealing and that’s it. 4-4 your final. Drive home safely.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By John B.
March 7, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
DOB on ESPNNews at 5:10, if anyone is interested.
By Scott Borass
March 7, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
As many of you read in today’s edition of the AJC, my favorite client, Andruw Jones, has been forced to drive sub-par automobiles for quite some time.
Because of this, I’m sure you will understand when Andruw leaves the Braves to play for a team that is more willing to pay him in a manner that will allow him to pursue transportation options that are more suitable for a player of his caliber.
No hard feelings, OK?
By Mike from the Coast
March 7, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
RC if you are on the AJC Sports site, double click on the Braves site and there is a list of the spring training schedule. On that is a list of TV games. Believe the next tv broadcast is next Tuesday. There are 8-10 spring training games that will be broadcast on tv.
By Carolina Lady
March 7, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Nosy?? I’m not allowed to comment like everyone else on here, including yourself?? There’s a word for that…. hmmm…. No sense of humor, huh?
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Yes, Startup has big-league potential, for sure.
Trey Hodges actually pitched well today, brought over from minor league side. Who knows, might see him at some point this season, but first he’d have to be added to roster….
Tony Pena had three hits, yet another infield prospect in the stable. Also played well in the field….
JUST GOT WORD: SORIANO IS SCHEDULED TO PITCH TOMORROW. had a good side session today back at the Empire Sports Sector.
By Car3boogie
March 7, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
Thanks ssiscribe
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
So many infielders… And yet, none with real trade value unless they are packaged with a young pitcher…
By doc
March 7, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
you know dob when you mention soriano and the problems he is having and how his shoulder hurt last year it only sounds like a guy that didnt make it too far last year. it sounds very reminescent of blaine boyer who had a the knife on him shortly after spring training ended. i hope it doesnt play out like that but it could. also when mechanics start going awry it sometimes signals a problem of pain as a player compensates to pitch around it.
right now i wont count the chickens toes before they hatch, both guys came as damaged goods with one costing a lot more than the other. i hope all the toes are there when you break from spring training.
i havent even looked that far ahead but do you end up spending as much time on the road as you did to start the season or do you get to recouperate a bit after the dark star. it wore you and the baby braves out by the end of may if memory serves. by the way i know how to keep cats content if you need a housemate and someone to turn on the coffee and ipod in the morning now that jeff is gone. keep up the good work.
By rammerjammer
March 7, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
DOB and fellow bloggers. Thanks for the play by play and the inside info. Really appreciated by those of us without access!
That Smoltz. I regard him in the same vein as Bobby Cox…a living legend. Hope he stays ‘til he retires, too.
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 7, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
Why Carolina Lady—what on earth made you think that the phraseology “nosy old women” was in any way made in illation to you?
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
“right now i wont count the chickens toes before they hatch, both guys came as damaged goods with one costing a lot more than the other.”
That is a pretty scary thought, but, even if that was the case, I still would feel alot more comfortable going into this year with Wickman as our closer than last year with Reitsma as the guy… Going with McBride, Paronto, Yates, Villareal and then 2 from Boyer, Moylan, Devine and Stockman would not be all bad would it?
By Carolina Lady
March 7, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
Think it coulda been ‘cause I’m the only female blogging here so far today?? :-))
By journalist jimmy smith
March 7, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
5:21 post is not from journalist jimmy smith. journalist sees no reason to post here anymore.
By Head Coach
March 7, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this
Trey hodges , Will Startup ? How many pitchers are here already ? I think that makes thirty. Altogether , almost sixty players in camp. It’s a gettin crowded.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
March 7, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
DOB, another first class blog. I totally agree with you that it is too early to start worrying. Yes, Gonzales hasn’t looked sharp, but he looked better Monday than he did Friday and it is still early. If he and/or Davies still look shaky in two weeks, it will be time to worry, but until then no reason. They both have had two appearances.
If you really think about it, none of the position regulars except for Johnson have been particuarly sharp. At least statistically. The Braves have scored a lot of runs but Escobar, Prado, Orr, T. Pena, Blanco, and Miller have had more to with that than anybody. It is spring training. Guys are working on their fundamentals more than anything right now. I would say the week after next will be when players should be watched more closely to see if they are really ready for the season.
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this
Car3, MGL, et al: No problem. Glad to help some with the play-by-play today. Had some rare, rare downtime, but I’ll try to help out as I’m listening to the games here and there. Wish I was in Florida, but don’t we all?
Head coach, Hodges made the trip only in case he was needed to pitch at the very end, which turned out to be the case. Startup isn’t going north this year, but he’s got the potential to develop into a good major-leaguer. I like what I heard from his ninth inning the other day.
When are the first round of cuts? I think I saw somewhere that it’s mid to late next week. DOB, is that right?
Good inning from Yates. He and Paronto are the frontrunners right now for the two remaining bullpen spots. I’m counting McBride in the five locks at this point (with the Big Three and Villarreal), but obviously Macay needs to start pitching better. Been a rough start for him.
Another big day for one of the kids up the middle. Three hits for Pena Jr., who is out of options. He’s probably auditioning for a job somewhere; just can’t see that kid clearing waivers. But I just can’t see him making the 25-man roster and going north, especially with Aybar, Wilson, Prado and Pena the catcher all but locks to make the team. Carrying 12 pitchers reduces the bench to five guys, and I just named four who I think have a great chance to make it.
Not to get bogged down on the bench race at this point — I’m hanging out in the kiddie’s bedroom as we play with puzzles and cars, taking a break from playtime to check my work mail and a couple of other things — but I think it will be very difficult, barring injury, for Pena to make the roster. We shall see.
My kids are playing nice here amid their toys, so a reminder: Everybody play nice out there in the blogosphere. It’s time for dinner. Later, folks.
—30—
By Eric
March 7, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
Great day to watch baseball in Lakeland. Felt good to get out of the cubicle before noon. Wasn’t a real thrilling game. Glad to see Smoltz was ok and finished the inning after getting stuck. Wish Francouer would have played, but middle of the lineup was in there today. I wasn’t a big fan of Blanco today, especially after getting thrown out at 2nd. He lolly gagged, IMO. But he did almost hose someone at the plate. Great throw by McCarthy on the play at the plate. Oh, and I have no idea how Maybin was thrown out stealing 2nd. He beat the throw by a mile. DOB, did you see it closer? Did he pop off or slide over the bag? Anyway… hate to see it end in a tie, but 11 innings of baseball made my day.
By David-ATL14
March 7, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, caught your gig on ESPN News. Interesting to put a voice with the text. Nice job.
By Bob, journalist
March 7, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
Escobar and Prado don’t play and we don’t win … the evidence and experts agree on that!
Brad in KY, it’s not where I’m going but where we’ve been that holds the key … Shaun has been trying to explain the importance of experts, statistics and evidence to me … and I, the importance of being able to laugh as one’s self, to him.
As Aristotle said about levers, it’s all much ado about nothing … no, no … credit should be given where credit is due … Jimmy Smith first said that in reference to all the fuss being made over the problems Larry Jones was having adjusting to playing Leftfield … he said then that it was just a problem with his feet, and he was right.
Maybe I was trying to gain some leverage in our discussion but found the length of my poll to be lacking … I don’t know but it could have been that.
Somebody wrote that baseball blogs are places where you talk baseball and Shaun took what he read to heart … and sometimes, it’s hard to contain his passion. When he starts quoting quotes referencing Socrates, asking Steven King to evaluate his posts, or giving advice to Cato, the Elder … I realize that he’s not in a position to laugh at himself … so, always eager to lend a helping hand, I try to do it for him.
You’ll find that, over the course of time, he, along with many others, are kind enough to return the favor.
On a less serious note, for any newcommers who might not understand all that isn’t being said on these blogs: some of the threads holding the cloth of the Blog together are of ancient origin … generally, you’ll understand the essence … just don’t make the mistake of talking about big “orange” worms eating Jimmy’s boxwoods or we’ll know you’re just a name dropper.
Brad, I truly wouldn’t put too much stock in the words of one who admits he knows nothing! I posit that it is not impossible … some folks admit to not knowing anything … others lay claim to knowing a lot … it’s not only possible … it’s fact!
It doesn’t follow that the one who claims to know nothing knows … only that he so claims.
It also proves the world to be full of liars and incomplete fools.
Also, as a personal favor, please don’t knock the song lyrics … you may think them crappy but I worked long and hard to come up with the words, sometimes in concert with other fine artists … and you have no idea how diffficult it is to get David O’B to include them as lead topic closes.
Discussion of the philosophers is best held with the educated … I wouldn’t know Squire Allworthy from Dr. Dolittle … twas Shawn’s quotes that I was citing not those of my own.
Now if you want to discuss baseball, that’s a different story!
Selah
By Mcbride Fan
March 7, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
Hey guys… what do you thinks been up with Mcbride??? Is he just rusty or is it a mechanics thing??
By Gene
March 7, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones should take a lesson from Smoltz’s fielding the liner that knocked him off the mound.
By eric the elder
March 7, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Bob of the journal, classic at 7:39.
Some of the issues you raise might best be litigated in a kangaroo court, and I nominate you - - not as the kangaroo but as chief Solon. You would be fair to all, and no one would be indicted - - as it should be.
By KC
March 7, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Who’s starting tomorrow… Hudson?
If Huddy has another outing like his first, I’m going to start feeling really, really good about this season.
By OddJob
March 7, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
Regarding the article titled Andruw arrives in style.I’m more impressed by class than style,the class thing would be to show up every year in shape not just in a contract year.I know this ride pimping story isn’t germane to his service to the team but it just rubs me a little in the context of the contract stuff.Sorry about the vent,I’ve said many times Andruw is the best defensive outfielder I’ve seen,but I do wish sometimes these guys had more appreciation of just how lucky they are and who it is paying for his ride,that would be you and I.
By Bob, journalist
March 7, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
Most Honorable Southern, you promised me to keep the jackass under lock and key, except on special occassions … at least until it had its distemper shots.
Now I don’t take exception to what the jackass said cause I don’t know … but, I don’t want folks thinking it was referring to me and Cato.
I know you to be a straight shooter, a man of your word … so some explanation is definitely in order!
By eric the elder
March 7, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
OddJob, you are spot on. It’s what I tried to say in a much earlier post, but you said it better.
There is a little known town far east of Cleveland called Hunting Valley. It is inhabited by Cleveland’s descendants of the coal, oil, and steel barons of a century ago. Sometimes one must travel a half mile off the main road to get back to their massive, elegant estates.
The point is that this is “old money.” These are people who are anonymously philanthropic and who keep their wealth pretty much to themselves. In contrast, “new money” seems to want to rub our faces in it. I agree with you about Andruw’s great talent, but this article will make it more difficult for me to forgive his little smile when, with the bases loaded, he swings for strike three at a pitch two feet off the plate.
By Rosalynn
March 7, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
I read the blog daila. I know the regulahs and the newcomahs. I know manah, manah, of Stinka blogga’s identitas. What I don’t know is what is going on with this Jackass boah. That boah needs to go to chahm school! Imagine being ugla to Carolina Lada and Juhnalist Jimma Smith! Imagine calling Juhnalist Bob and that Eldah boy names! The Jackass is the symbol of mah Jimma’s political partah and nevah would a real jackass be lacking in mannahs so. And that boah don’t like guhls even a little. Well, let’s give that boah one moah chance. Who knows it mah not even be him a bloggin’ with all these impostahs on this blog. Remembah Jackass, Chahm would do you no hahm. A guhlfriend might help, too. Maybe a bath and a haihcut. Blow ya nose, too. Oh, well I know I should be blogging baseball instead of acknowleding anothah blogger’s ugla behaviah. I betta watch out oh that boah will be blogging about me and mah Jimma. Jimma told me tonight that he has puhchased tickets foah the home openah. I am looking fohwahd to seeing manah of you theah. I am also optamistic that that nice Tona Pena will be on the team.
By Dirtie Birdie
March 7, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
I am not one to hate on an athlete for their money or for what they have.
But the Andruw Jones story about his cars is actually pretty offensive.
Is it the best time to be boasting about your whips in the walkout year of your contract?
That is the sort of thing that will turn fans against you.
I do not care if he has one car or 100 cars like Jay Leno.
But, really, to be boasting about them at such a sensitive money seeking moment of your career?
I’m sitting here today happy because I somehow finally managed to get the money together this month to pay my ridiculous car payment but still be nowhere near finished paying off this freaking car and this guy wants to sit here and flaunt his 6 whips all priced over $100,000 and then cry that the Braves need to be able to pay him “fair market value.”
As the every annoying John Stossell would say on 20/20, Gimme A Break!
Sorry, Druw, luv ya, bud. Don’t hate you for having them.
But don’t flaunt them and then hold the Braves up for an extra few million dollars.
And if you have six very expensive cars, why did you pawn off your old Lexus on to your father?
To be honest, before I ever bought myself a real nice expensive car and I was making that kind of silly money, I would be buying my mother and father a nice expensive car and house before I ever bought myself anything that I did not need.
I certainly would not be pawning my used cars off on them.
Did he pawn off his old double wide to his father too?
Oh, how sweet of you Andruw!
I did love the part of the article that called DFALL “little” and “ever the drama queen.”
Oh boy, I really loved that part!
In case, you did not know, I can not stand DFALL although I actually do love Andruw.
Andruw, as Luda would say, you are TOO FAST, TOO FURIOUS, ACT THE FOOL!
With this article and television show Druw, you are most certainly acting the fool boasting this way when you are in the walkout year of your contract.
By Brad in KY
March 7, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist
I think you’ve missed my point. You say that one who claims to know nothing is only making a claim. They may not know that they don’t know anything.
Suppose that my claim not to know anything is true. Then it seems that I know that I don’t know anything. Which means that I know at least one thing.
Now suppose that my claim not to know anything is false. If it’s false then I must know something (otherwise it wouldn’t be false).
Finally, suppose I claim that I’m not sure whether I know anything or not, i.e. I doubt my ability to know the truth value of the claim. Then it’s still the case that I know something: I know that I doubt.
Ergo, I think it’s impossible, strictly speaking, not to know anything.
Of course, Socrates’ claim wasn’t total ignorance, it was that he didn’t claim to know what, in fact, he didn’t know.
Finally, I’m afraid your other comments are still a bit cryptic. I’m not sure what you mean when you say it’s not where I’m going but where we’ve been that holds the key. The key to what, exactly?
By the way, I find myself almost always in agreement with Shaun’s posts, primarily because 1) they’re not riddled with baseball cliche and 2) his analysis is typically more rigorous than anyone else’s here (even DOB’s). I’m not sure what that has to do with learning to laugh at one’s self or with why you think Shaun needs to know about this.
By Dirtie Birdie
March 7, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
Is this portion of the Philosopher King Show over yet?
Or are we just in commercial break right now?
Please let me know when you all solve the meaning of life.
Until you do, The Philosopher King Show is just tedious to sit through.
Can we all get back to talking Braves and stop the sniping and Philosophy 101 garbage already?
Thank you!
By Friedrich Nietzsche
March 7, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.
By Bob, journalist
March 7, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Brad, I assure you that I didn’t miss your point … though perhaps you did mine. My sincere apologies for my inadequacies in that arena.
I’m frequently in agreement with Shaun’s posts, not because of the existence of absence of cliche … or the rigor or loosness of his analyses … but because I agree.
I assume that there are many that so do. Certainly, the fact that you, yourself may or may not share in that agreement has nothing to do with learning to laugh at one’s self … in fact, learning to laugh at one’s self has very little to do with baseball, unless it’s an integral part of your life.
Those who believe it important to be able to laugh at one’s self would, I believe, not have to question why I think Shaun needs to so learn … those who don’t would, I believe, never understand.
By Homer
March 7, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
what the hell happened to John Foster…..he sucked.
By eric the elder
March 7, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Birdie, sometimes we’re like announcers in the late innings of a 15-2 game. Minds begin to wander and we get off topic, if there really is one.
The problems might be that we kissed our Tiger sisters today, DOB has instructed us not to worry about anything, and jimmy the journalist is sulking. A metaphyscial expedition into the known and the unknowable, with no reference to Donald Rumsfeld, may be the only proper way to end the day.
Still, it’s an open forum, and the floor is yours. Speak to us about the Braves. I’m interested in your views, and no I’m not being sarcastic.
By Frank Sinatra
March 7, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
A! DOBE! DOBE! DO!!
By Confucius
March 7, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
He who fall into lens-grinding machine make spectacle of self.
By Fried Rich
March 7, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
“We can only truly respect highly the man who is not seeking himself”
By Greg in TN
March 7, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Hello everybody…
Wow what a scare today. Good for everyone that Smoltzie ate his Wheaties.
What I like about today’s game is the fact we battled back twice from deficits, including one in the ninth. Craig Wilson’s homer was nice and it was good to see two OF assists by McCarthy and Blanco.
Smoltz gutted through a little bit of an off day. The feel of a mound to a pitcher can’t be understated and I am sure Smoltzie wasn’t using it as an excuse, however if there’s something off with your usual landing spot, you find yourself altering your delivery to compensate if you’re not careful. With too much change, location can be off and even worse, injuries can result. So it’s good we got through the day, the scare with the bullet off of Guillen’s bat.
Nice words from the Tiger skipper Leyland. Best friend is a Pirate’s fan and is a big Leyland aficionado. The man can flat out manage and can handle the clubhouse as well as anyone.
So now tomorrow, the evil empire at the Dark Star. Sounds like Lucas could have used that for one of the titles in the Star Wars series.
By Fred Flintstone
March 7, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
YABA! DABA! DO!!
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 7, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Well Mr. Bob,journalist—if you’re referring to the 8:20 post accredited to my name—that post was also made by an imposter, not me. DOB came riding in awhile back on his grisled steed declaring that imposters would not be tolerated, however, nothing has been done to stop them. A couple of blogs back, your esteemed journalist friend, “he of great self-importance”, falsely accused me once again of posting under his name. (Self-importance requires that one spend most of one’s life offended by something or someone.) Oh, how true! Those posts were deleted,(while the fake posts credited to me were not)but again nothing was done to stop the imposter, I suppose because I requested that the imposter be banned right there on the spot, and just maybe because it was one of the pet bloggers being the pretender.
As I’ve stated previously, fairness and equity seem to have no place on this blog. Now I see that Mr. smith is once again blaming me for using his name to post, and accusing me of some attack on you and some elder dude—well Mr. Bob—once again it wasn’t me. There was no mention from me of you, Cato, or elder. So jimmy smith/Rosalynn you’re talking out your a$s about something you know nothing about.
So Bob, there’s your explanation, as if I owe anyone anything, enjoy it, that’s the last one. And Bob, why are you always questioning my integrity, but no one elses?
If you want the imposter to stop, ask DOB to block whoever it is. And I do know that it’s not me, so if I happen to get banned from this blog without good cause, well let’s just say, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!…
By C urly
March 7, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
YEP! YEP! YEP! YEP! YEP!
By Oscar Wilde
March 7, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
The difference between literature and jouralism is that journalism is unreadable and literature is not read.
By Confucius
March 7, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
He who run in front of car get tired.
By Rosalynn
March 7, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
The wuhm tuhns.
By Confucius
March 7, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
He who run behind car get exhausted.
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 7, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
10:35 post not me either—so AJC LET THE BANNING COMMENCE…
8:20=imposter 10:35=imposter
By eric the elder
March 7, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
SJA, you’re right that you don’t owe anyone an explanation, but I’m glad you gave it. To show how out of it I am, I had no idea about an imposter problem, and I think it’s a shame.
My own enjoyment of the blog is the respectful banter and the give and take about the Braves. See the TN Greg post just before yours as an excellent example of fresh enthusiasm. People who try to hijack the blog for their own crude purposes spoil it for the rest of us, which I suppose is the goal.
I hope AJC can find a way to eliminate the problems you described.
By Dirtie Birdie
March 7, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
Elder Eric, my mind is wandering too.
At this point, I can not read another thing about the 20-25th men on the roster.
Let’s start the season already!
I am too ignorant to join the philosophy debate.
So, because I am bored as well, I decided to be a passive aggressive sniper and antagonize people by pretending to be annoyed with the sniping Philosopher Kings.
Since we are really bored right now, let’s try to antagonize DOB:
DOB, why did they trade Betemit? I just don’t get it. Betemit is future HOFer. Bad move. I know you must agree. The whole future of the organization will be doomed because of that hasty and curious move.
I think Robert is the only one who makes any darn sense on here when he talks about Bobby Cox.
Why are they making a leftfielder a second baseman?
DOB, tell me what you know about the 57th pick of the 2004 draft for the Braves. Is he still in the Braves system? You think he has a shot at making the roster? Well, how’s he looking down there anyway? My little niece’s third cousin’s brother’s friend’s nephew played Little League with that boy. He was a mighty good player and a helluva good kid growing up. We miss him dearly ‘round these parts.
Was Sturtze armed with a rifle when he made John S. sign that contract?
Why did John S. forget to sign Giles this winter? Was it just an oversight?
Johnny Cash is nowhere near the musical equivalent of Wilson Betemit on a baseball diamond.
I would take Good Charlotte any day of the week over good ole Cash.
I just heard on www.youbettertakemeseriouslybecausemymotherneverdid.com that andruw is going to be traded within the next 10 days. Any truth to that DOB? You know the guy who said it was broadcasting from his mother’s basement, so it has to be true, right?
You think the Braves really are going hard after Pavano? My source within the Braves organization tells me they are. (never mind that there are only two true sources with the Braves and they keep secrets better than Vegas).
What about Redman? He’d be like a third starter here if they got him, right?
Oh, that would tick the ODB off so bad he might have to change his name to Big Baby Jesus.
Since we are all bored, anyone else remember any stupid questions people love to keep asking on here that will be sure to drive the ODB out of his mind?
DOB - many thanx for all the good and hard work and for somehow putting up with all of us and keeping most of us in line - best blogger/reporter in baseball.
As a result, ESPN will steal you from us sooner than we think.
Say it ain’t so, Big O.
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 7, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
eric the elder—yes there is a huge problem with imposters, a transgression of which I have been guilty many times—however, I attempted to confess my wrongs and change my ways, as can be attested to by Bob,journalist if he so desires, but certain trash here on the blog won’t allow that to happen. Now, every time there is an imposter, it is immediately assumed that it is me—well it’s not—so if DOB lives up to his word and bans whoever posts under someone elses name(favoritism aside)—problem solved…
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 7, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
10:47=another imposter—where’s DOB now?
By Confucius
March 7, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Man who get kicked in testicles left holding bag.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Dirtie Birdie, that post was hilarious.
I fell asleep watching South Park season premiere (the 5-6 hour sleep nights finally caught up with me tonight; total freakin’ exhaustion).
By Lew
March 7, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
Stinky got a new email address. It just couldn’t stay away. That’s OK, it looks like another break with reality is on it’s way.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
Oscar Wilde _ now THAT is the stuff (10:43)
By King Nick Saban
March 7, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
carl pavano is a bum. i wouldn’t have him if the yankee’s paid his entire salary and gave him to the braves for nothing. let the yanks suffer with that ‘tard…
By Confucius
March 7, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Dirtie Birdie, Confucius say ask DOB any truth to rumor involving package to Tampa Bay for Crawford/Baldelli. This will make day.
Also, he who make love on ground get piece on earth.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
The philosophizing was funny _ the first 25 or so times. Hey, but whatever does it for you….
JUST SO YOU KNOW, some unoriginal person posted once as SJA and once as JJS in a brief period earlier this evening, and effectively stoked the infantile mudslinging that ensued. This fella who did it doesn’t understand how easy it is to see his identity, apparently.
Next time I see him steal someone else’s screen name, if I have the time I’ll send along his info to the proper authorities and he’ll be banned.
So dude who did it (you know who you are), consider yourself warned. And try to come up with something funny to post under a screen name of your own invention next time. Take your time and think. It’s not that hard, though I’ve got a feeling identity crisis isn’t a new concept in your life….
As for the familiar self-obsessed rantings of the typically self-absorbed misanthrope (no names mentioned) that followed _ sorry, but I’ve got an actual job to do that requires about 11-12 hours per day this time of year. Can’t police your sophomoric rants and jabs at all the genuinely interesting, thoughtful and welcome bloggers to ensure your precious and silly identity isn’t co-opted (and why anyone would want to co-opt it is beyond me).
And if none of the above applies to you, it wasn’t directed at you. So don’t bother giving me a self-obsessed rebuttal propped up by your poor-misunderstood-me persecution complex. Whaaaaa.
By choppinmama
March 7, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
Dirtie Birdie: thanks for saying what I’ve been thinking all week!
And - DOB has been heard on ESPN - but has he ever been seen? No little postage stamp photo of him anywhere on the AJC site. I’ll try to get photographic evidence next week down at the Empire Sports Sector.
DOB: whatever you look like, your blogs are beautiful.
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 8, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
There you have it bloggers—next time you ask why nothing is ever done to stop the imposters—there’s your answer, just refer back to it…
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 8, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
And get it straight DOB—there were 3 posts that were not made by me—not just 1…
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
Actually, I think all of the regulars here (the welcome regulars, not you) are completely certain about the single, self-obsessed individual my post was directed at, and that individual’s name wasn’t Jimmy, whose posts are appreciated by most of us. But keep trying to stir it up. Don’t give yourself an ulcer, though. Get outta your own head for a while.
I think I’ll catch some sleep.
By Bob, journalist
March 8, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Honorable Southern,
I’m sorry for the delay in responding!
“I know you to be a straight shooter, a man of your word” aren’t the words of one questioning your integrity … and I appreciate your response.
It is not uncommon to see old wounds from family feuds reopened by evil doers belonging to neither clan … evil doers do evil things.
The key is not to condemn those who are sensitive to the problem of “Identity Theft” or those who negatively react when they are so abused … but rather, to be part of the solution instead of the problem … and work together to rid ourselves of the problem(s).
I have no idea who the culprits are and have little interest in their identity … but it is imperative that the abuse stops and those guilty are banned; without reservation or qualification.
Truth is truth … those who indulge in “Identity Theft” and the unacceptable boorish, personal abuse of other bloggers are guilty … those who do not … are not!
While “unacceptable boorish, personal abuse of other bloggers” might be considered too subjective to be effectively regulated without definitive clarification from David O’B and the AJC … “Identity Theft” is not.
Hopefully, the powers that are … will take notice that the abuse continues … as one would unfortunately expect it to so do … and I would hope that swift, immediate and effective action will be taken!
David has repeatedly made it clear that he supports the elimination of such abuse … irrespective of the blogger being abused or the one effecting the abuse.
Until a permanent, proactive solution is effected, we should expect a continuation of “Identity Theft” and the other disruptive abuses … but I would hope we would concentrate our energies on getting the AJC to take the necessary action to rid the Blog of the menace … rather than promoting discord among ourselves.
Write your Congressman … in this case, someone at AJC.com. If you already have, be like Robert and do it again, and again … methinks they’ll listen, especially if enough of us so do.
No, don’t tell them you don’t like Bobby Cox …
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 8, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Yea, be sure not to spurn your lover again…
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 8, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
Well Bob, You read DOB’s response—maybe you need to direct your efforts in another direction—I’ve had enough—man of my word—gone for good…make sure your good friend jimmy knows that it wasn’t me using his name…
By eric the elder
March 8, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this
My technologically astute wife showed me something I didn’t know. That little wheel in the center of the mouse? I always wondered what it was for. If I just tug at a little, I can scroll right past the crappola!
With this newly discovered hardware, I can do all my own banning. I have already pitched my heartburn meds, and I am content.
By teoa
March 8, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
Dave, if you haven’t already, I recommend tracking down the new Son Volt asap…just brilliant stuff. Mr. Farrar really out-did himself with this one.
By Wayne in UT
March 8, 2007 2:40 AM | Link to this
Probably everybody has gone to bed by now (2:35am eastern), but dang, I miss reading the posts the past few days. Putting in a lot of time with my REAL job these days. BOY am I excited, as we have about 4 more weeks to go!!
I guess Craig Wilson will make us forget about Brian Jordan and maybe Tony Pena will supplant Rent-a-SS (tongue, squarely in cheek).
Oh, by the way, any truth to the rumor of Trey Hodges and James Jurries for Crawford or Baldelli…….
:-)
By Wayne in UT
March 8, 2007 2:41 AM | Link to this
Was Craig Wilson one of the Beach Boys?
By Wayne in UT
March 8, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this
If you divorced your wife and married her sister, would your mother-in-law be your mother-in-law, or your ex-mother-in-law?
By Dirtie Birdie
March 8, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this
choppinmama:
DOB’s real name is Russell Jones, a.k.a. the Old Dirty Bastard, a now deceased member of the Wu-Tang Clan, often known as the ODB and for a brief time Big Baby Jesus, among other names like Dirt McGirt.
A little known fact is that, after his death a few years ago, the ODB reincarnated himself in the soul of DOB, hence why he no longer goes by the name ODB.
Does it really matter if the Dirty comes before the Old, or the Old before the Dirty?
As many of us know, the ODB and the rest of the Wu have never been shy about assuming numerous names and personas.
Unfortunately, I can not tell you what DOB, formerly the ODB, looks like in real life, but if you want to have a look at what the inner tortured soul of DOB looks like, look up a picture of the Old Dirty Bastard, provided that name because as his fellow Wu member, the Method Man, a.k.a Johnny Blaze, once famously said about the ODB, he’s the Old Dirty Bastard because there ain’t no father to his style.
Is there any doubt that there is no father to the style of this blog?
The ODB imbedded within the soul of DOB revealed himself during the Grammys blog recently. Go back and check it out.
DOB started giving props to the Wu-Tang and Ghostface Killah during that blog.
Can anyone forget the famous incident from ten years ago when the ODB marched up on the stage when Shawn Colvin was receiving her award, with the ODB mistakenly believing Shawn Colvin was Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs where he cut her off and delivered the infamous “Wu-Tang is for the children” line. Your continued expression of love for the Wu after all these years is very telling DOB. Oops, I mean ODB.
BTW, Where Have the Cowboys Gone?
Perhaps most telling was the love DOB was giving specifically to Ghostface during that Grammys blog. It is beyond coincidence that the ODB in the Wu’s Da Mystery of Chessboxing forever made Ghostface a household name in the hip hop community with perhaps the most famous and beloved introduction of a previously little known rap artist to the world with the crazy sounding, never ending, and completely unforgettable “Introducing the Ghostface Killaaaaaaaaaaah!” Beyond coincidence indeed. Almost 15 years later, the ODB within the soul of DOB is still trying to introduce Ghostface to the world. Perhaps, that is because that Ghostface introduction from the 36 Chambers album has still not ended he carried on so much with it.
DOB is merely the ghost face the ODB has worn since he died.
If DOB ever starts quoting old kung fu movies in his blogs like the game of baseball is like a swordfight, you must think first before you move, or if the next time DOB gets testy with SJA or Stinky, he asks them “Do you think your shaolin style can defeat me?”, then I will be thoroughly convinced that the ODB is imbedded within the soul of DOB. And so should the rest of you. I’m already convinced anyway though. I just need final conclusive proof of the ODB’s life within DOB for the rest of you.
DOB, all we ask is that you release the ODB from your soul just long enough for the Wu to do another album. As presently comprised, the Wu is missing 4 of the needed 36 chambers of their heart after the passing of the ODB. We need a return to 36 Chambers for the group to be the one we all loved listening to.
Just promise me one thing though DOB: Having the ODB within your soul can be a cool thing but just make sure that the deadbeat ODB is not making you pay child support payments for all 13 or so of his poor children.
For all the Philosopher Kings tonight, keep this in mind as well, as a general rule, it is probably a good idea not to have more children than there are members of your group or band. That is especially true when there are 9 freaking members of your group!
Yes, I am fully aware that, if you bothered to read this far down, many of you think that I must be on drugs or in desperate and immediate need of some drugs(at the rec of a pill pushing doc of course).
Oh well. Maybe we all just need to have fun wearing the insane ghost face mask of the ODB every once in a while.
Wu-Tang Forever!
R.I.P. O.D.B!
By Dirtie Birdie
March 8, 2007 3:09 AM | Link to this
Would the Braves please just trade Chipper, Druw, McCann, Frenchy, Smoltz, James for Crawford, Baldelli, Upton, Kazmir, and Young already?
I wish for all of our sakes they would just do it so i will not have to hear another freaking word about the Devil Rays again.
Just kidding of course. Although I imagine there will be someone on here who might think that to be a good idea.
I think the Devil Rays would take this trade though: Pena, Orr, Woodward, Hessman, Jurries for Kazmir, Crawford, Baldelli, Young, and Upton.
That sounds pretty reasonable right.
As with all unreasonable questioners, I will be very persistent and angry if I get no response to this question. (gotta love those posters as well).
I think if we traded the whole Braves roster for the whole Devil Rays roster, Cox would still find a way to win about 80 or so games.
Robert of course would say that some other manager that he has never named would win 10 more games with the Devil Rays roster than Bobby Cox won.
By MS
March 8, 2007 3:15 AM | Link to this
Shame on you when you step through to The Ol Dirty Bastard……Brooklyn Zoo!
By Bob, journalist
March 8, 2007 5:44 AM | Link to this
Honorable Southern,
I certainly have mixed emotions and I can understand your frustration … and should I conclude that my efforts to have these problems addressed by the AJC to be in vain, I will most certainly heed your words and consider redirecting my efforts … trust me.
I recognize that you have bade us farewell and may not ever read what I have to say … however, I hope you so do and also hope that you will heed my words and join me in those efforts until that conclusion is reached.
I can’t speak for Jimmy but I’m sure he is among those hoping your reformation was genuine and, sharp as he is, I seriously doubt that he was of the opinion that you were the usurper.
It’s difficult for most of us to fully appreciate the hectic environment and pressures under which David O’B operates during this time of year … at least I couldn’t imagine myself so doing, even if Andruw let me drive one of his cars.
But, I do think you can appreciate his frustration and attitude when the Blog is continually disrupted by goings on like those that went on … first with the identity thefts and then with that which he perceives as overreaction by those so abused.
Certainly I was disappointed with David’s 11:55 PM post … though it did address two instances of identity theft by the same person … once as Jimmy and once as yourself … and I do remember your saying there was more than one such instance.
What concerns me most deeply is that the person has not been banned … for those so engaging are fully aware of the disruption it causes, regardless of the content of the posts … especially when the identities being so usurped are those of two with an adversarial history. While some may consider that to be situational humor, I find it highly offensive and an insult to the entire Blog community … and I truly expected banishment rather than a warning! Certainly there must be good reasons of which we are unaware … as my understanding was that such activity was not to be tolerated … and, that understanding was indeed the basis of both my last post to you … and the cessation of my earlier posts strongly opposing such activity.
What I said in the previous post still goes … just pay less attention to the rhetoric and use your well trained third eye.
David’s words “Next time I see him steal someone else’s screen name, if I have the time … he’ll be banned” are certainly of concern until you consider the demands on his time and his forthright nature … he’s far less devious than you and I. Viewed in that light, the words are more understandable and I choose to believe he was trying to make it clear that it was indeed a final warning rather than just saying the abuser would be banned if it were convenient to so do.
The same is true with his later comments that I assume were directed at you, though I could be mistaken for I did not carefully read all of the posts prior to his 11:55 … I don’t believe that David meant that he wasn’t interested in protecting your screen name from being usurped by “Identity Thieves” … you, yourself, have suggested on more than one occasion that the “playing of favorites” might be an issue … and that suggestion, coupled with past history, might well be the irritant that prompted his response; upsetting as that may be to you, it’s understandable, nevertheless.
Were I to believe that favorites were indeed being played, I would so say … and with fervor!
I have to believe that the intent is for all such instances to be removed by either David or someone at the AJC … once they have been identified and confirmed as intentional usurpation of an established blogger identity … though it may be within our desired timeframe as they have different priorities and issues to consider.
It’s easy to forget that posts or emails making David and/or the AJC aware of instances of Identity Theft and other abuses are themselves irritating disruptions, some more than others … as are posts denouncing them and calling for action.
Color me stupid but I do believe that they will be honestly, sincerely and fairly addressed … regardless of rhetoric. Were I not to believe that … neither this nor the previous post have been so written.
Whether you leave or join in the fight, “Identity Theft” cannot be tolerated and the fight will continue … it is not my intent to allow the issue to be gone with the wind … not even to the blog archives!
As you can well imagine, this post isn’t likely to make me any new friends and may cause me to lose a few … but, if the identity theft stops, the reactions by those being so abused will stop … as will those irritating posts calling for action … the solution is as plain as it is simple.
It’s a fight worthy of your sticking around … if for no reason than to give me the belly laugh … or jackass laugh, as the case may be.
I know the old SJA would have some sage advice for me … but I hope the new version will understand.
Tomorrow is another day …
By bergian
March 8, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
Late on the Andruw car story(But, for some reason I have been away from the Blog for weeks) but, man, what a worthless story! Rich guys so rich they forget where they have stored a 60K car! Wonderful(Not Andruw, at least) but to see folks wasting money on cheesy “upgrades” like 10K wheels that are so big that your car now rides likes a truck, and makes your truck like a concrete mixer, is stupid. Having a DVD player up front is even more stupid, and should be made illegal long before using cell phones in a care is, IMHO. And when you burn money on new cars that are worth 20% less the second you leave the lot, is really idiotic. And think how much good they could do for a poor community. Nah, why do that, when you can get a 6 thousand dollar Grille…..sigh….. Rant off……
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 8, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
Bob, I am a freshman member of this blog so is hesitate to offer too much advice but I do offer my support for your effort to try and keep this little community together. As a former union official there were many times I had to represent individuals whom I would have fired on the spot if they were my employees. However, that was neither the point nor my job. It was all about fairness and making sure everyone was treated equally.
I agree with your assessment of the identity theft situation.
The point of a discussion is for the free exchange of ideas and opinions and perspectives. One would hope we would not debase ourselves and stoop to name-calling but as humans are want to do that sometimes happens.
At least in this arena when someone invites someone to step outside to settle things you only have two fools looking into their own neighborhoods thinking, “Now that was dumb”.
A debate is only enlightening when different points of view are ejected into the conversation but alas too radical a thought will only cause confusion and discord.
My Dad gave me some sage advice. He told me to never argue with a zealot. You will never change his mind and he only wears you down.
To quote Jonathan Swift, “It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into.”
By Hunter
March 8, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB, what’s the story with Hampton? I heard on the radio this morning that he tweaked his oblique, any truth to this? I hope not because that would set him back the recovery time then the time it will take to build up the arm strength all over again. Somebody better step it up.
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
bergian,
Give Andruw a break. I’m sure we all have plenty of things laying around our homes that are useless; maybe not on the scale of AJ but we all tend to waste money for our own enjoyment.
By Thrillhouse44
March 8, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Dirtie Birdie, your 2:58 post about DOB/ODB was hilarious. I can’t imagine how bored you were at 3:00 in the morning to post it, but it was very good reading. Shimmy, shimmy ya…
By MBATL
March 8, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Hunter, just heard some conversation about Hampton on 790 radio in Atl. They’re saying Hampton did strain his oblique, and that he’ll be unable to throw for about 3 weeks. This was just “conversation”, not a news report; I guess it’s accurate - but bad, bad news for the rotation.
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Some quotes from Tim Hudson in a piece by Buster Olney on espn.com:
“I understand the business of this game,” he said, sitting at his locker at Braves camp. “It has something to do with the way I pitched last year, and I understand it’s because of the way my contract is structured. It’s obviously something you don’t want to hear.
“I love being here, I love being with this organization. I grew up a Braves fan. We’ve got the best manager in baseball, and one of the best general managers in baseball. I want to be a part it.”
“It was obviously discouraging to hear those kinds of rumors [of Hudson going to Baltimore with LaRoche], but at the same time,” he said, “it made me work a lot harder this offseason — No. 1, in the hope that they don’t trade me, and No. 2, proving to them that I’m way better than I was last year. It’s up to me to show them that ‘I’m glad you didn’t trade me, and I hope now that you’re glad you didn’t trade me, either.”
“I think I backed off too much,” he said. “Last year, I did workouts throughout the year, but I probably didn’t push myself the way that I should have in the weight room, and it may have caught up with me at the end of the year. … It caught up with me mechanically.”
“This whole offseason, I committed to things that I didn’t last year,” said Hudson, referring to massage therapy and full-body workouts. “I felt really good coming into this spring. I just worked out harder, four or five times a week. I just tried to build some strength because last year, I felt like I lost some strength. I just want to get that back, and maintain that throughout the year.”
By Lew
March 8, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Shaun-Yes, it is true we all spend more on frivloities than maybe is good for us. But, then again, how many of us walk into our bosses’ office the next day and tell them we are looking for a $140 million contract? Apples and oranges. If he wants to buy too many CD’s like myself and DOB, that’s cool. If he wants to go buy another Masseratti or a couple of Porches to add to his collection, then I’m not going to be quite as understanding. Consumption is one thing, but he, seemingly, has passed way beyond conspicuous consumption. Now all that’s just fine and well. We do live in a capitalist society, and despite our seeming greed, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, but you just don’t have to rub it in the face of those paying your salary (and believe me, with what I spend on baseball annually, I pay a part of SOMEONE’s salary) and then ask for more. Lots and lots more. It was tacky as all hell.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah wrote: “If you divorced your wife and married her sister, would your mother-in-law be your mother-in-law, or your ex-mother-in-law?”
I don’t know, Wayne, you’re the one who lives in Utah. (ba-da-bum … thank you, I’ll be here all week, two-drink minimum, tip your waiters and waitresses)….
Gil, I love this: To quote Jonathan Swift, �It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into.�…
Bergian, when I think what I could buy with the $6,000 wasted on that car grille _ like another Triumph, for instance, maybe a Scrambler to go with the Bonneville. Only about $8 grand!. Or a nice down payment on a Harley Softail or Dyna Wide Glide….
Dirtie Birdie, that was some intricate, humorous stuff in your ODB diatribe. And I absolutely dig the Wu Tang Clan, which ain’t nothing to f with. So Bring da Ruckus (OK, I’ll stop before we lose half the audience)
By Arkansas Hillbilly
March 8, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Esteemed Journalist Jimmy Smith
Let’s see what you can do with this one:
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/sports/baseball/mlb/atlanta_braves/16854757.htm
By Arkansas Hillbilly
March 8, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Hunter, just heard some conversation about Hampton on 790 radio in Atl. They’re saying Hampton did strain his oblique, and that he’ll be unable to throw for about 3 weeks. This was just “conversation”, not a news report; I guess it’s accurate - but bad, bad news for the rotation.
I think I’m gonna throw up……
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
teoa, I didn’t even know the new Son Volt was out, but I’ll definitely go get it in the next couple days while I have some time off. Thanks for the tip….
Wayne, Craig Wilson wasn’t a Beach Boy, but he is from Surf City, U.S.A., aka Huntington Beach, Calif. Yet get this: He didn’t surf, didn’t even go to the beach as a kid. Said his pale complexion turned lobster pink when he did, then back to pale after the burn. So there. More worthless info.
By Bob, journalist
March 8, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Gil, this isn’t an appropriate response to your thoughtful post … just where my mind went when I read it.
Methinks that somewhere in there you’re trying to tell me something more than meets my first or second eye … and I’m truly much obliged!
Some folks know more as freshmen than others know after they’re been graduated … and I do sometimes let my passion cloud my reason.
Your posts bespeak your character my friend and your understanding is highly valued, freshman or no.
Though I sat on the other side of the table and am opposed to unions where the employees have individual contracts and agent representation … you’re of a different ilk and both your rhetoric and insights are most refreshing … I can certainly relate to “there were many times I had to represent individuals whom I would have fired on the spot if they were my employees” … makes me smile and brings back memories best kept private.
We may express ourselves differently but if folks would only listen to you then I could just shut up … and maybe even sleep at night.
Your comments trigger thoughts of just yesterday when someone asked me why I thought it important that Shaun learn to laugh at himself … at least I think that was what he was asking … the real reason is because I like Shaun. Perhaps it’s intended that we each must learn life’s lessons for our selves but, I’m of the school that believes that it’s best to learn from the mistakes of others as it’s unlikely that we’ll like long enough to make them all ourselves.
My friend, “Now that was dumb” is an astute observation worthy of my scrapbook, to say the least … probably what triggered the “laughing at one’s self” thoughts … too bad we can’t all come to that conclusion more easily.
I must plead guilty to generating both confusion and discord … though it is usually unintentional and when it isn’t … hopefully, it’s of good intent.
Either we’re related or our fathers read from the same book … though mine did say a man should stand up for that in which he believes … you’d have to have known my father to understand, but I just said yes sir!
“It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into” … what a way to start the day! Thanks!
As an aside, the fact that I’m drinking coffee before taking a nap may help explain why my posts are so convoluted … they reflect their author.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
March 8, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
DOB
I saw your segment on ESPN News yesterday, too. So the Braves are going with Prado and Craig Wilson this season on the right side of the infield, right? Hahahahaha.
By Bob, journalist
March 8, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
I didn’t read it … but Bowman has the Hampton story on AtlantaBraves.com … evidently hurt while taking batting practice.
By asdf
March 8, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070308&content_id=1833382&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp
Hampton hurt while taking swings Latest injury will sideline lefty for the start of regular season
While taking his third and final round of batting practice at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Wednesday afternoon, Hampton took a swing and fell to the ground in pain. It’s still unknown whether he suffered a strained left oblique or broken rib.
By flange1
March 8, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Good Morning All,
After rereading all of the posts from last night, it is clear to me that some people are more interested in causing problems then they are in discussing baseball, music, BBQ, pies and toes.
Bob, journalist makes a very intellegent post at 5:44 AM discussing the issue of identity theft and the problems that identity theft cause. Bob speaks candidly and makes very good points along the way.
We have at least 2 and probably more who think that it is fun to impersonate others and get the group in an uproar over basically nothing. This is one of the most juvenile behavior that I can imagine. It is like throwing rocks at cars that are driving by and running away.
If these 2 others had anything to add to the general conversation besides one liners and general jabs at other bloggers, I would say tell them not to steal others identity and continue, but with them not giving any positive input, I say if it happens again BAN THEM. One has been banned, but as Lew pointed out earlier, he was back in all of his smelly glory on this blog.
Most of the others of us quiet bloggers enjoy the jousting between JJS, Lew, Grinch, Shaun, MBATL et al, as well as the information passed to us by DOB.
I just don’t understand someone wanting to cause an uproar over nothing. This is a very enjoyable blog except for a couple of folks.
DOB, thanks for your input on this blog. I am sorry that you have to play BLOG DADDY for all of these little spats that are becoming more and more typical. I know you are busy this time of year being on the road, but I think that you should ban anyone that posts as someone else.
I will get off of my soap box.
By Patrick
March 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Can you confirm that story. Did Hampton go down yesterday??
By Carolina Lady
March 8, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
They’re back.
CL: 4 Crows: 0
Gotta get some more BBs.
:-))
By HAMPTON INJURED
March 8, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Check out the Braves website. Hapton went down like a lump of coal in BP from either a strained oblique or a broken rib. Hey DOB, can we start worrying now?
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Lew,
Until we are willing to truly contain our spending so that we can be unselfish, I don’t think we should condemn AJ for it.
As far as AJ asking for more money, right or wrong, that’s the system in place. AJ knows what other outfielders that put up big power numbers are getting so he’s asking for something similar. Not going to say I agree with the way players handle contract discussions, but I can certainly see where they are coming from.
I know players are already making plenty of money, but I could imagine seeing things as unfair if someone clearly not as talented as me made a couple of million more. Not saying it’s the right way to think, but most of us have the mentality of “why am I not getting my share?”
By eric the elder
March 8, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
* Atlanta Baseball Reporter Arrested for Fraud*
The Associated Press reported today that David O’Brien, a beat writer for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, was arrested and charged with impersonating a blog contributor named The Southern Jackass, who goes by his first name “The.” Acquaintences of O’Brien could only shake their heads and murmur something about his finally having snapped. As O’Brien was being led away, he was heard to shout, “These bloggers are idiots! Do you hear me? IDIOTS!!”
One unnamed source speculates that O’Brien engaged in this treachery to resuscitate his failing blog whose contributors were as like to lapse into discussions of Socrates as they were to argue over the player who should be at second base. O’Brien had shown earlier signs of stress when he was asked for the 734th time why the Braves wouldn’t ship Chuck James and the entire farm system to Tampa for someone named Baldelli.
Months of investigations have been slowed by bloggers’ seeming inability to say anything useful. One individual, Robert, is said to have launched into tirades about Bobby Cox, which he repeated word for word at 60-second intervals. A fellow journalist, Jimmy Smith, has tip-toed back to Uganda where his mother will teach him how to bake his own pies. Another journalist, Bob, would only say, “These posters are preposterous imposters.” Investigators are still unsure of what that meant.
Rumors are that the blog will be taken over by Carolina Lady, a victim of O’Brien’s ungentlemanly barbs under an assumed name. As she prepares to come out of exile, she issued a written statement: “scribe, scoots, TrueBravesFan, Shaun, braveheart, rosalyn, MBATL, TN Greg, Dirty Birdie - - my land, I can’t begin to name all the many smart, witty, wonderful bloggers we have. O the humanity!”
When word of O’Brien’s apprehension reached Orlando, home of the Braves spring training, a team meeting was held. Told of the news, Chipper Jones asked, “Who’s David O’Brien?”
By ernesto
March 8, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Jeez- we’re going to have to bubblewrap Hampton 6 days a week - that guy makes egg shells seem hearty.
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Is there a team out there interested enough in Salty to give up a solid, fairly young starter to solidify one of the three through five slots in the rotation?
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Yes, you can start worrying now.
Folks, I’m not out there today (first day off of entire spring, wouldn’t you know it), so I can’t confirm. But obviously it happened, because Bobby’s quoted.
This just came out this morning, hence the 9:30 a.m. post by Mark Bowman. It wasn’t mentioned by Bobby or Roger when we (Mark, Travis Haney, me) talked to both of them yesterday over in Lakeland, since it was happening at about the same time in Lake Buena Vista.
Unfortunately, can’t be two places at once, and stuff that happens back at camp usually isn’t heard about until the following morning. I’m sure Carroll Rogers will be posting something very soon.
By Patrick
March 8, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
He could be out up to two months
Un-$@#!-believable
By Lew
March 8, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Ma’am-Now you take it easy on those crows. You need to conserve your strngth for the John Deere. Flange-We figure it’s someone who had a terrible childhood and was the class nerd his whole life. This is, apparently, the way they get back at the world for perceived wrongs. That’s OK, though. I know JJS gets tired of dealing with he/she/it/them, and it is true, that JJS is the main target, but the Odiferous One won’t drive most of us away-at least not for long. As far as Bob’s reclamation project goes, I’m of the opinion that it takes much more than words to change the type of person you are, but we established long ago that Bob is of a higher moral level than I am. I just don’t believe it when I’m told “Oh, but I’ve changed and now I’m a nice person”. What a crock. I picked up the new Glenn Hughes CD yesterday. The jury is still out. It’s not as good as “Soulfully Live In The City Of Angels”. Time will tell. I also picked upo a live Jeff Beck/Jan Hammer CD. That was definitely a good purchase.
By Brad in KY
March 8, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
One way to respond to those who steal the identity of others is to simply ignore them (just like mama always said). The typical troll desires to derail the conversation by making everyone angry. This can’t be accomplished if it they aren’t acknowledged. Simply state that the previous post was composed by someone using a false identity and then move on. Once you engage in preaching at or arguing with those who are stealing the identity of others you are playing into their hands.
And since there’s enough conversation on this blog that isn’t baseball related, I won’t promise not to discuss philosophy or anything else. Interestingly, these non-baseball conversations usually have their genesis in a baseball related thread. That’s justification enough for non-baseball conversation (music, philosophy, whatever).
To steal a sophistical response in the spirit of Bob, journalist, those who know, know, and those who don’t, don’t. Thus, I don’t have to explain myself any further. Peace.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
March 8, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
Well, Mark Redman is still unsigned. Do we go that route, or make a trade?
Or, do we go with Smoltz, Hudson, James, Davies, and Cormier? Another veteran pitcher would be nice as Hampton insurance, but we’re talking about three weeks before he can pitch again. Then he’ll have to continue the comeback trail from Tommy John surgery, which who knows how long will be delayed by this injury.
DOB, you’re John Scherholz. What do you do?
By Brad in KY
March 8, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
Eric the elder wrote:
When word of O’Brien’s apprehension reached Orlando, home of the Braves spring training, a team meeting was held. Told of the news, Chipper Jones asked, “Who’s David O’Brien?”
That’s funny right there.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
March 8, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
I guess this means congratulations Lance Cormier, or good-bye Yunel Escobar.
By Lew
March 8, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Shaun-As usual, Dude, you miss my point. I don’t care how he spends his multi-millions. Actually, I’m sure he donates considerably to charitable causes. He just doesn’t have to throw it into our faces when he’s in a free agent year , about to ask for another truckload of cash. He never should have agreed to do that interview, much less agree to have it printed. As I said before, it’s tacky as all hell. It’s the kind of move Paris Hilton would make. Dale Carnegie would not be amused-nor would be be favorably influenced.
By Brad in KY
March 8, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Concerning Hampton, I think the Braves will initially do what they did last season and go with some combination of Villareal, Davies, and Cormier. They will only make a deal if it appears that Hampton will be out up to mid-season or more. The reason is that they’ll have to trade some youngsters to secure a solid pitcher and I’m betting they don’t want to do that for a temporary starter.
Now, the alternative would be if Shaun’s suggestion materializes and there’s a pitcher out there that is young enough, with enough upside, to justify handing over top talent. Such as Salty. Everybody needs a catcher that can hit, right?
By Renegator
March 8, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Hampton = most money spent for least amount of pitching
By flange1
March 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Eric the Elder, fine post! That is what this blog is all about!
Lew, anything that Jeff Beck touches is gold. If you ever get a chance to see him live, he is worth it. I might follow him around the country for a bit on his next tour.
Baseball, the Hampton injury is tough.. Bowman on atlantabraves.com suggets the Braves are looking for starters. Is the Pavano rumor acurate? I wish we could give up some quantity for some quality…Maybe 3 of our guys for 1 decent starter? Maybe we need to move Villareal to the 4 spot, Davies and Cormier for the 5 spot and add another relief pitcher to the mix..
Always tough to lose a pitcher!
I can hear the Mets fans now!!!!
By rammerjammer
March 8, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Well, the six-man rotation is down to five. Since Hamp could be back in May, not sure it makes sense to trade for anyone (no one good and affordable is available anyway).
We’ve got three solid guys and a fourth (Cormier) who’s serviceable. If Davies at #5 can hold it together, no problems.
If he stinks, there’s always Oscar, who did very well in limited starts last season.
Let’s just sit tight.
By Dawgs2007
March 8, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton is the biggest wussy this team has ever seen. The Braves keep him around as if he is Roger Clemens.
The is the Braves’s Ed Hartwell.
He should be cut and save us the mess of dealing with his setbacks. He is damaged goods and dead weight.
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 8, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Had a reply for you Bob, got deleted even before being posted…
By Brad in KY
March 8, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
flange1
I hope no one is serious about trading for Pavano. Isn’t he Hampton’s long lost twin brother? They’ve both spent the last two years doing what the rest of us have been doing: watching a lot of baseball. The difference is they get paid more than we do. And they get to wear a uniform.
The Braves would be the butt of many jokes if they traded for Pavano to “replace” Hampton.
By Lew
March 8, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Flange-Dude, I saw Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughan on the same bill about a month before SRV had his final helicopter trip. Jeff Beck did more with a guitar than anyone I ever saw (though Duane Allman will never be topped as a slide guitarist). He did things to his axe that produced sounds like I’ve never heard. He made it talk. He made it sing and I swear to whatever Diety suits your belief system, he gave it mulitple orgasms.
By The Grinch
March 8, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Morning, all! After reading this morning’s posts I thought I’d clear something up about last night. In response to Dirtie Birdie’s plea that there be no more philosophy I made one post as Nietzsche and several as Confucius (sorry, DB; nothing personal). The Nietzsche post as “Fried Rich” was not mine, nor was the one by Oscar Wilde (who happens to be one of my favorites). Upon looking back, it certainly did look as if Stinky had returned; that was not my intention and I apologize for alarming anyone in the process. And DOB, sorry my five posts somehow turned into “25 or so” plus and bored you; not everyone finds Confucian humor funny, I suppose. :-) Though in truth, the first post under that name was a real quote of his; the juvenile in me just couldn’t resist the temptation afterwards. Baseball talk may now resume. Oh yeah, glad nobody took me up on my Hampton bet a week or two ago…hopefully it’s just another speed bump in the recovery. At least the Falcons are getting better.
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Lew,
I do agree that flaunting your money is tacky.
Brad in KY,
I’m sure Salty is very desirable. It’s just a matter of turning him into the right pitcher and sorting out the possible deals for the best one.
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 8, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
i would think that it’s doubtful that the braves would trade for Pavano or sign Redman. doesn’t Pavano have a pretty heavy contract - around $10 mil/year? he has a career record of 61-64 and era of 4.27, and has had only one good full year (2004). plus, we would bring in a guy who hasn’t pitched since 2005 to replace a guy who…hasn’t pitched since 2005??? no, i just don’t see pavano as a good replacement.
and Redman…dear god, he’s terrible. i’d rather bring back jorge sosa. well, maybe not, but you get the drift.
this really sucks about hampton.
By MBATL
March 8, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
Brad in KY, I agree. I hope we won’t overreact to this and trade a top prospect for a mediocre starter. Of course if we could get a real quality starter for the long haul, I’m okay with trading Salty, Escobar, etc, but that doesn’t seem likely.
If the setback is a month, and given that we won’t need our fifth starter but a few times in that period, I think we can cobble together a rotation with what we’ve got. So Davies gets a few more starts as the temporary #4, and Cormier slides in at #5 (or, reverse those two if you want.)
Failing that, Harrison might be good for a start or two, or Villarreal, or even Buddy Carlisle has looked pretty good so far in spring. I still wonder if Blayne Boyer might be converted back to starting - at least for a while - if the need arose. (I don’t see McBride starting unless he learns to get out righties).
This just puts a little more pressure on Davies and Cormier to perform - but we were already counting on that anyway. And we were only expecting 5 innings or so per start from Hampton, so right now the shoes to fill are not that big.
Not the end of the world, imo.
By Lew
March 8, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
Let’s not forget that Matt Harrison is also in the mix. I think he may be ready enough to go if needed. I doubt the Braves would give up much for just anyone as a replacement. There are enough available alternatives with Villarreal thrown into the mix. We’re so deep in the bullpen, I think that would also work.
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
MBATL,
Yes, I agree. We can’t jump the gun and trade Salty for a bad player. But the way I see it, Salty is gone. McCann is the catcher for the next ten years.
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 8, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
rammerjammer — i agree with you that hampton would probably be back this year, so it wouldn’t make sense to trade for another starter, of which there aren’t any good and affordable ones anyway.
it worries me, though, because whenever he does come back, he’ll be very rusty and will probably struggle mightily.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 8, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
All is not lost Braves fans, just a minor set back for the rotation with Hampton. Goes to show you how quickly things can turn around and why you have to have depth in your system.
To be truthful I was not looking for Hampton to begin marking an impact until after the all-star break anyway. I just hope it is not going to be a nagging thing like it was for Glavin.
By The Grinch
March 8, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Matt Harrison by all means, but this injury solidifies Davies in the rotation somewhere which was my biggest fear. Now he gets some added pressure; lovely. Never mind that he can’t handle normal pressure. We need to sign Dr. Phil to a one year deal to sit next to him on the mound and keep him from crying. Or better yet, a horse whisperer.
By Epinephrine
March 8, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
Well this sucks. The only possible positive I see from this is giving Hampton’s elbow a break from working into shape. I definitely feel less worried about him reinjuring his elbow now that he has another month off.
Still, this is tough news. It means that we will have to fight not falling into a hole early in the season. Those will be important games. Huddy has to step up. Cormier and Villareal probably-maybe Harrison?
By Bob, journalist
March 8, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
Times have changed but some things haven’t … Coca-Cola has certainly changed for the worse but it still beats Pepsi at my house.
The mentality of “why am I not getting my share?” is one of those things that hasn’t really changed … what has … is the notion that everybody has the right to know what everybody else makes!
I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know but the notion that two folks doing the same job deserve the same pay … is only valid in the lowest level of endeavor for it ignores the intangibles each brings to the table.
I had two secretaries … did the same job, so they thought … paid one more than the other cause she smiled while she worked … doubt I could do that today … but I did, and I’m glad.
I never wanted people to know what I made … partly ‘cause it would be embassassing to me for folks to know how little I was making and partly ‘cause I didn’t want them to know I was overpaid. That sounds like a joke … unfortunately, it contains more than just a thimble of truth!
Your logic is sound and while I don’t agree that you’re worth 2 million more than me … if you think you can get it, I’ll provide you with a good recomendation, complete with statistics to back it up … and be your agent to boot!
Changing that system will probably be at least 200,000,000 times more difficult than trying to get folks to refrain from blogger abuse … but it sure would be fun to be around when it happens. At least I might be able to afford to attend some games.
By TennesseePaul
March 8, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
So isn’t this something special. Last season, we had a pending trade in place to help the team. Thomson was going to the Pirates for Wilson (I think that was the trade rumor). His elbow didn’t feel good. The trade fell through. He went to the pen. Sosa was solidified as a starter. And the Braves season was pretty much over. The next 6 months we watch the butcher take down just about every guy in the line up. Francoeur being the only one to play the whole season. AJ right behind him.
This offseason, after months of in-depth analysis by KC about the merits of waiting 18 months after TJ surgery to pitch… Hampton shows us another form of injury no one could predict. Unbelievable. At least we still have our young guys. Davies and Cormier need to step up like champions. Who knows, maybe Harrison will fill in Lefty for Lefty. After all, Baseball America did rank him the 14th best lefty in the minors.
Here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery. Maybe this will assist his arm some. He did get some stretching done with it. Maybe this will allow him to come back stronger. But this should also be a lesson… Hampton needs to tone down the Home Run cut in BP. We’ll be just as happy with his bat if he’s hitting doubles. They don’t all have to go out of the park.
And even still, if Hampton is sidelined for a month we can fill in with 1 of many pitchers we have. Not a single one of those pitchers is named Jorge Sosa, Chris Reitsma or Travis Smith. Though Kevin Berry is still in the mix, but the reports are good on him.
And I’d still rather have this rotation than that ol’ stiff neck Met rotation.
GO BRAVES
By Rodger
March 8, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Lew, Shaun-the assumption appears to be Andruw sought these guys out for the story to “flaunt”. Isn’t it likely they went to him, therebybeing only accommodating, and not flaunting. I agree, it’s enough to make you sick when you have enough trouble keeping a couple cars servicable, but I don’t think it’s the cause for him raising the price for his services.
By Lew
March 8, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Now, there’s no need to worry. We still have our secret weapon-Trey Hodges.
By MBATL
March 8, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I don’t think we’ll trade Salty this year; first, we can’t afford major league talent, as far as I know, so if we did trade him now, it would have to be for prospects.
Plus, I think that if McCann went down to injury for any extended period, Salty would probably be called up to start at catcher. I don’t “know” this, but I have a feeling that the Braves wouldn’t want Pena playing every day. No point in calling Salty up as a backup - he needs to play - but I still see him as our backup if the need is long term.
Anyway, I still harbor the fantasy of moving McCann to 1B in 2008 - so he can play every day - and Salty starting a C in ‘08. Thorman, if he proves able to hit, can move to LF. I’m the only one who seems to like this theory, but it makes so much sense to me. Oh well.
By The Grinch
March 8, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Bob, on 2 million you could attend some games, but concessions are out of the question. I spent over a hundred bucks last time on chili dogs, bottled water and beer. Good thing I had a few before I got there or it really would’ve been bad. Off to the gym.
By TennesseePaul
March 8, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
These Aussie’s get a lot of praise, has there ever been consideration of letting one of them start? Or do they just intend to pack the pen with the most diverse collection of accents in the majors?
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 8, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Exhale Bob…you’ve slain the Dragon, the big bad wolf is gone, the wicked witch is dead…all is now well in blog wonderland…let the celebrations commence…and remember, the same judgement that you show, will be the same judgement shown you…
By Rodger
March 8, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
The Hampton news is disturbing, but probably shouldn’t be surprising. I think I’ve spent nearly as much time on the mound as Hampton since we’ve had him, and the closest I’ve neen in about the 15th row!
By Lew
March 8, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Rodger-I hear you, Dude, and I’m sure he didn’t seek the interview. However, anyone with a bit of sense should have seen the ramifications of that interview-especially at this particular time. Just another clueless ballplayer. Where the hell was Borass while this was going on? Isn’t the agent supposed to keep players from hoof in mouth disease? MBATL-If Salty was going to be McCann’s replacement, he would be the backup right now. If McCann goes down, Brayan Pena will fill in. The guy can hit and is ML ready-has been for the past two years.
By MBATL
March 8, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
MLBTRADERUMORShas an article on Hampton and possible fill-ins via trade. I just don’t see how we could pursue any of the guys listed because of payroll limitations - except maybe Miner. Unless there’s more payroll flexibility than we’ve been led to believe.
By MBATL
March 8, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Lew, I don’t agree on Salty; the Braves don’t want him to sit 4 of 5 games, so there’s no point in having him as #2. Just my opinion, though… no major argument.
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 8, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
and Bob, if you’re looking for another “reclamation project”, why not give that a$shole lew a shot, maybe that would be more worthy of your efforts…
By Arkansas Hillbilly
March 8, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
I can see several options here if another starter (Davies)fails or goes down:
Matt Harrison—Hope he don’t get “Devined”
Kevin Barry—Not my favorite choice
Trade, but I don’t see the logic behind getting rid of a prospect for a patchwork starter.
Use Oscar Villareal as a starter and fill his spot with Boyer, Moylan, or Devine.—Possible
Smoltz, Hudson, James, Cormier, Villareal. Does this rotation look familiar? It should.
By Carolina Gent
March 8, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
I’m beginning to get this feeling that we’ll never see a new and improved Mike Hampton, ever. Tender this, strained that, torn the other thing. Even through the team’s typical optimism so far about his return, I always had the feeling that Hampton was far, far less sure about his return to full health. It was almost lke he was saying , “um guys, uh, not so fast in your proclaiming that I’m the season savior.” So, does anyone out there in blog-land know the answer to this one? Suppose Hampton is DL’d again for the whole season, or a large majority of it. Does the insurance policy kick in again to cover his salary, saving the team some badly-needed $$, or is the team on the hook for the full amount for the next few years either way? Right now, even with all the optimism that abounds (minus Hampton) I sorta see this like I thought about ‘91 as that season began. Hope for improvement, but don’t expect anything dramatic. Even though we went from worst to first in one year and stayed there for the next 13 after, the foundation was beginning to show the signs of wear well before last year. That won’t be rebuilt in one offseason. Improved, definitely. Maybe playoff worthy. But probably not yet all the way back, that is, unless JS has anything left in his bag o’ tricks to fill Hampton’s role.
By ssiscribe
March 8, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Happy Place USA just got a little less cheerful for the Braves.
Mike Hampton’s side injury — suffered in the batting cage Wednesday afternoon — dampens the wave of enthusiasm that had swept camp with the news Rafael Soriano will pitch his first inning today against the Yankees, and Hampton would toe the slab Saturday against the Blue Jays.
Now, Hampton’s first inning of competitive baseball since undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2005 likely will be sometime in April, or even May.
Does this wreck the Braves’ season? Certainly not. Is is a setback for somebody who will have to be an important part of the drive back to the playoffs at some point in 2007? Certainly.
Hampton’s goal — the Braves’ goal — was to get the lefty ready to go five or six innings by the start of the season. That may not happen until Memorial Day. There are those who felt the Braves wouldn’t get Hampton all the way back to 100 percent until after the All-Star break, and that still can happen.
No matter how long Hampton is out, the big question is what happens to the back end of the Braves’ rotation? Kyle Davies and Lance Cormier have been competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. One easy idea is for both Davies and Cormier to slide into the rotation at Nos. 4 and 5, behind John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Chuck James. If Hampton’s injury isn’t serious and he doesn’t miss much time in the regular season, including both Davies and Cormier is a likely stop-gap fix.
But what of Oscar Villarreal, who has a spot in the bullpen all but locked down? Villarreal is an inning-eater who started four games last year and could grab the No. 5 spot. That would send the loser of the Davies/Cormier race to Richmond, and the winner to the No. 4 spot and the starting assignment against the Mets on April 6, the home opener at Turner Field. It also would open up a spot in the bullpen that might allow a Jose Ascanio or a Peter Moylan to break camp with the big-league club.
There will be talk of trading for a veteran arm (Carl Pavano, anyone?), but I would caution that it’s not time to panic. Should Hampton be gone for a protracted part of the season, then maybe you try to pick up a veteran arm. But for now, I don’t think the Braves need to start pedaling any of their young talent for a fifth starter.
And I also would hesitate to rush young Matt Harrison, who needs experience in the high minors before starting every fifth day for Atlanta. For now, Hampton’s news is quite a downer, but the season ahead still looks bright.
It’s just Hampton now will join the picture a little later than hoped.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Carolina Lady
March 8, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Eric the Elder, what a funny post! Thanks for the smiles! :-))
Andruw’s cars: I don’t begrudge him his money ‘cause he does something that only a miniscule few can. However, the attitude that is revealed is less than attractive from my perspective.
Last season it was reported he waved his paycheck around in front of the young players and was quoted as saying something like “maybe one day you can get one of these.”
I truly love Andruw, but the attitude causes sadness, as well. Sending his cast-off to his father?? Even if the cast-off is more than many of us could ever afford, I’m disappointed to find this in someone I’ve admired and held in high esteem.
It’s not just Andruw. It often appears that those with bulging bank accounts fall into the pit of self-absorption/gratification. Sure, there are usually tax-exempt charitable foundations somewhere in the picture, but something in me can’t help but wonder how many desperately hungry children could be helped by those monies spent in excessive indulgence. How many old folks could actually be fed AND have medications in heated/air conditioned homes. There is too much genuine NEED that could be relieved.
Just my 2 pennies.
By MBATL
March 8, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Regarding AJ and his cars: really, in that article, AJ said very little. He said he was “a long way” from the original Lexus he bought, and just a couple of comments about his cars, in response to questions posed.
Most of the quotes came from other people talking about athletes’ obsession with cars. I guess the story arose because AJ’s showing some of his cars in a tv-covered event.
The article can easily rub us poor slobs the wrong way, but it doesn’t sound like AJ did too much bragging about his stuff. And what’s the point of making $13 mil a year if you can’t indulge yourself and pursue your interests a little.
It would be great if every wealthy person used their money like Dikembe Mutombo has, building hospitals for the underprivileged. But the reality is that most people use most of their wealth for self-gratification. I’m no different, just on a much smaller scale.
By Bob, journalist
March 8, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackAss,
Welcome back Carter … I wasn’t holding my breath … actually, I was reading about the continuing misfortunes of our young Mr. Hampton but dare I ask of what are you speaking?
By ernesto
March 8, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Carl Pava-NO! 10 mil a year for that? How exactly is that going to happen?
By ernesto
March 8, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Wade Miller or Mark Prior might be available from the Cubbies, although I’m not sure we have anything they need.
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-070307cubs,1,2743476.story?coll=cs-cubs-headlines
By Brad in KY
March 8, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I guess my only concern is that the odds of their being a team willing to hand over a talented young pitching prospect (one that projects to be a 2 or a 3) for Salty at this very moment are slim. But I’m not up to speed on those things right now. Plus, the Braves tend to be extremely patient in these circumstances, so unless the perfect deal materializes, I don’t foresee a Salty trade imminently (although, like you, I think he’s gone eventually for the reasons you cite).
I’ve seen it mentioned here as well (not by Shaun, who would know better) that Thorman might be a left-field prospect if he can hit consistently, allowing McCann to play first and Salty to catch. My feeling is that the Braves, like many other teams, have a greater appreciation for defense than in the past (cf. Ryan Klesko) such that left field is no longer a place holder for a player who can hit, but is weak with the glove (and Thorman wouldn’t be considered a strong defensive player in left). So I don’t foresee that move either.
Alas, baseball is still a marathon and no one knows that better than Cox and JS, so they’ll take their time and address the team’s needs as things unfold during the season. One caveat, however: last season taught them not to wait too long before pulling the trigger on a deal. And that, I think, is some consolation. Plus, I don’t think either the Mets or Phillies will be running away with the division early on, so there’ll be time.
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist,
Right or wrong, it’s basically public knowledge what baseball players make. And when a player becomes a free agent, it’s only natural to expect him to want what he thinks a similar player got.
MBATL,
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Salty traded for a young pitcher ready for the big leagues, if there is one out there.
I don’t think McCann is going anywhere. From everything I’ve read McCann is as good defensively as anyone. And the more I hear about Salty, the more it seems he’s not moving. The only solution is to trade one of them, and it ain’t McCann. Salty will be traded, hopefully for another young stud at a different position, preferably a young pitcher that will stay healthy.
Just a thought but Salty to the Red Sox for one of their young stud pitchers? They have 3 in Baseball America’s top 100 and Salty would be a nice replacement for Varitek when he hangs ‘em up.
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 8, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Bob—I said get yourself another “reclamation project”…the good people of the blog have deemed me to be beyond repair, so now they get to live with the dog they created…
By Lew
March 8, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
SJA-I’m not even going to get into it with you today. It’s just hardly worth the effort of going back and forth with someone as low on the evolutionary scale as you are. Go away like you keep claiming you’re going to do. Worm. No, wait, I’m sorry. That would give worms a bad name.
By 22oz
March 8, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
So with DOB off, who’s gonna give the in-game updates for the game today?
By ernesto
March 8, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
I think that this Hampton thing really proves that we can’t count on him to be a #3 guy this year. It would be great if he does but coming back from TJ surgery, and now being injured, I think we have to pick up someone. If Hampton is able to contribute this year, then great, takes some pressure off the kids to produce, but if not, I don’t think a rotation of - Smoltz, Hudson, James, Davies, Cormier - has WS champs written all over it.
By BoredwithBraves
March 8, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Hampton injured? I think Britney Spears has spent more time in rehab than Hampton has pitching…what a puss!
(Hampton, not Britney)!
ZZZZZzzzzzzz…
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
ernesto,
No thanks. Unless they are giving them away, I think the Braves should stay away from either Miller or Prior. You don’t want to be stuck with those albatrosses.
By TheSouthernJackAss
March 8, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
You’ve already shown your true colors lew—speaking of colors—go get your crayons and coloring books out and create some more of that fine art you like to promote on here—you worthless bastard!…
By eric the elder
March 8, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
The idea of moving Salty for someone who can really help the team is, I think, a fantasy. He’s a big guy who swings from both sides, but swinging is not hitting. He was .230 last year with 71Ks. I don’t think has has shown much this spring.
It’s a dilemma for the Braves. Hold on to him with the hope that he becomes good enough to be trade bait? But if he becomes that good, it would be more tempting to hold on to him. This strikes me as the Betemit pattern all over again.
By Hunter
March 8, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Man, as much as I’d like to see us pull of a trade for an arm, the price of pitching(young pitching especially) has shot through the roof. In order to get a good, young and cheap arm we’d probably have to give up a couple very good prospects. Take the Jason Jennings deal in Houston for example, in order to get him the Astros had to give up their top pitching prospect(who may be as good as Jennings is now), a speedy young centerfielder, and 2 more arms and the only reason Jennings was even available was because he’ll be a free agent next year. So, are we willing to trade Salty, someone like Boyer or Lerew or Harrison and 2 more young arms for somebody to come in here and make 30 starts but only win 10-12 games with an ERA over 4?
Now, having said all that, I don’t underestimate JS and how crafty he is. I mean, the only trade for pitching that was made in the offseason that did not cost a ton of money was the one he made for Soriano. I have a feeling he knows what his options are and has a plan whether it is going with the guys we have in camp now or someone else. It’ll be interesting to see what we do, but I’m not too excited about Kyle Davies and Cormier pitching the first two home games against the Mets. There’s a chance I’ll be showered with baseball’s in the outfield bleachers.
By TennesseePaul
March 8, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
And what’s the point of making $13 mil a year if you can’t indulge yourself and pursue your interests a little.
That is the best point yet on the subject. It’s similar to Will Hunting and his potential. What’s the point in being the smartest man alive if all you’re going to do is demo buildings? I would find it to be more of a disservice if AJ made his millions, and slept in a shack. He’s living the dream. He’s a great ball player, playing a game for a living and making a bundle doing so. His dream also includes really cool cars. Mine would differ… slightly. I think my cars would be different colors.
By MBATL
March 8, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I don’t really disagree with you. My “mccann to 1st” theory is just that, a theory. I don’t expect it to happen.
However, from what I know, McCann is an average defensive catcher, not a great one. He does have a great feel for calling a game, which is valuable, especially with young pitchers. I’d like to see him get 600 ab’s rather than 450, and I’d like to see Salty fulfill his potential in a Braves uni rather than someone else’s, but I know, it probably ain’t happening that way.
Yeah, Boston has some young arms, flamethrowers, and I wouldn’t be opposed to trading Salty for one of them. That would’ve been true even before Hampton got hurt. I would almost always trade a position-player prospect for an equally good pitching prospect.
But, a deal like that is not gonna fill the “Hampton Hole” this year. The Hampton injury calls for either using what we’ve got, or finding a proven guy to step in at #3 or 4. I don’t see that happening unless, like I said earlier, we’ve found some cash to spend.
By TennesseePaul
March 8, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Why would we trade for a guy at this point? We already saw what happens with a better pen and a questionable rotation. Last year, from July 1st till the end, we played the equivalent of about 90 win ball. We didn’t have Hampton that entire time. This year, we have an even better pen and quite possibly a better rotation even without Hampton. We should be able to manage until he comes back. No need to trade away a huge chip for a guy we are only going to need for about a month or so at the start of the season.
By Lew
March 8, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
SJA-I’m going to go play with my crayons (don’t you wish you had an identifiable talent?) and then I’m going to go listen to some music to warm the 1 degree weather here. Maybe some Asphalt Ballet and Dirty looks. Why don’t you do the same? Didin’t Time Life Books pout out a ten volume anthology of “Hits for Trailer Park Degenerates To Chill With”?
By JK
March 8, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Why would the sox trade a ML-ready young starter for a prospect whose done nothing above A ball? Salty is staying at C most likely in hopes of trading him down the line if he gets healthy and has a good year. His value can only go up, but it ain’t there yet.
By TennesseePaul
March 8, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Actually, from James first start the team was playing 89 win ball. That was starting June 25th I think.
By MBATL
March 8, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
New blog up.
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
eric the elder,
A few things to keep in mind:
1) Saltalamacchia is a catcher so he doesn’t have to hit quite as much to be a very valuable major leaguer.
2) Salty’s OBP in the minors is .370 and he’s drawn a respectable 43.5 walks a year. And he’s posted a respectable .448 SLG, which should improve as he matures and gets stronger. The strikeouts shouldn’t be too much of a concern at this point because he’s still showing that he won’t chase too many pitches out of the zone (as evident by his walk rate).
3) From all the reports, Salty is a solid defensive catcher.
4) Baseball America ranks Salty as the 36th best prospect and best catching prospect in the game. And I would guess over 80 percent of the hitting prospects they’ve ranked that high become productive major leaguers.
I think this is a little different from the Betemit situation because I’m sure Salty’s position and power potential make him more valuable and more desirable than Betemit.
I think the organization assumed they would find a place for Betemit but it never happened. He was never quite as good as they thought he would be and they could always had or could find a better player at his positions (Furcal, Renteria, Chipper).
In Salty they have a guy who has clear position but is blocked by an All-World catcher in Brian McCann. So I think Salty has to go; the Braves have to turn him into another young stud at a different position or several solid young players at different positions. McCann isn’t going anywhere for the next decade or so, barring a disaster.
By Pamela
March 8, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Now, maybe the Braves can go ahead and release him on medical disability and use his money for a pitcher. We paid him all last year and this is enough
By Shaun
March 8, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Why would the sox trade a ML-ready young starter for a prospect whose done nothing above A ball?
I think a team would love to have the best catching prospect in the game for a pitching prospect. I didn’t say a major league-ready pitcher, necessarily. Pitching is probably more valuable but it’s also more of a risk so I think the Sox would listen to a Salty for a pitching prospect offer.
By sammy miller
March 9, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Ghost face thrilla!!!
By Gdaddy84
March 9, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to say thx to DOB and evryonelse who routinely posts here…you people are responsible for my flunking of two midterms this week as I have just recently found this blog and can’t quit reading it.
Noob question: Whats w/ all the toe references??