Braves

By Carolina Gent

March 14, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

DOBeat Writer (or maybe DOBeat Blogger!): Question of the minute for you, or anyone else out there in Bollger-land who can answer this… what is the difference in someone being “outrighted” (is this different than being Curtrighted?) to Richmond and someone being sent to the minor league camp?

By Balla Beans

March 14, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Sounds Good DOB. Thanks for the update.

Are you into that extreme fighting?

By Bob, journalist

March 14, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

By Bob, journalist

March 14, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Apologies to the obese children … it’s just that when I was growing up, a work still in progress, I had several obese friends but didn’t know what “obese” meant … had to call ‘em something.

Seriously, obesity, especially in children, is no laughing matter … no intent to be insensitive … the “fat kid” reference was just my shucking and jiving with the Coach.

By Carolina Gent

March 14, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

oops, obviously meant blogger!

By Bob, journalist

March 14, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry about the duplicate post from the previous Blog … I refreshed for several minutes without seeing any changes … posted over here and then it showed on the other one.

Hot tub time …

By Lew

March 14, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

“With Brayan behind the dish.” I like that. Real baseball language. Let’s just hope he didn’t have the tuna salad on his dish.

By Brian O'Brien

March 14, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

So DOB, what are the chances of you posting a list of newer Americana bands that you enjoy? We get very little of it out here in Oregon, and I’m a big fan of the genre. Info on new bands seems scarce. Oh yeah, and one O’Brien to another, happy St Patty’s day in advance.

By DC Braves Fan

March 14, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

DOB, if Prado is doing so well, would the Braves consider moving Johnson back to the OF - after all it’s about getting the best unit on the field?

Ever heard of another NC band - Lou Ford? Actually don’t know if they’re still around but their debut a few years back was definitely worth having (think early Son Volt).

Also check out the group Brainfang (brainfang.com) and their children rock outfit Rocknocerous, recently featured on XM Radio

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 14, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Warning: Use Pork Chops with caution. Side Effects may include a severe Wicky mauling or Paranto stampeding. Use as directed.

By Max Sizemore

March 14, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Hey, David, have you or anyone else pointed out that Craig Wilson has a lot of experience at catcher (he’s not bad there, either), and that could make the bench a lot more flexible — allowing McCann more easily to PH on a day when Pena starts, for example.

By Adam

March 14, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you think the Braves may be looking to deal Salty? I get the feeling he is built more for the American League.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 14, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Someone asked about Durant carrying his team to the Final Four. I think the emphasis on him will result in a Final Four, because other teams will forget that Abrams is a threat and DJ Augustin is the REAL DEAL. If he stays that long, he could be the best point guard in the nation in a couple of years. Overlook him and concentrate on Durant, but it’s gonna cost ya.

By rammerjammer

March 14, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

My guess on the five subs who break camp: Aybar, T. Pena, B. Pena, Wilson and Diaz.

Wonder if JS was talking up Prado to stir some trade interest?

By eware

March 14, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Brian O’Brien, I’m a huge alt-country/americana fan. Here’s a list of new and old I can’t get enough of: Whiskeytown, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, Jay Farrar, Son Volt, Drive-by Truckers, Uncle Tupelo, Deadstring Brothers, Endrick Brothers, and Old 97’s. There are plenty of others, but these get me amped!

Deadstring and Endrick are new to me, and both are fantastic, especially Deadstring. Two singers voices sound great together. Ryan Adams lended a hand on the Endrick Brothers album.

By Renegator

March 14, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Charlie: What have you seen from Woodward that makes you want to keep him? He hasn’t played for the Braves yet because of his bum calf. I think last year he batted about .216 so I don’t see the upside to him. Aside from his veteran leadership (which I think we have enough of already)

By Lew

March 14, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

DC Braves Fan- I had similar thoughts, but for next year. Suppose if Andruw were to leave, they move Langerhans to center and Johnson to left. Let Prado play in AAA and move him to second for next year. It gives Lillibrun an extra year for development and maybe leaves him for short when Edgar is gone.

By Bubba

March 14, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Frenchy is poised for a huge year. The adjustments should cut down on his strikouts. I looking for him to bat 290 with 35 homers and 120 Ribs. Not too high expatations for a guy with his skills.

By Will

March 14, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

DOB - Sorry for repeating but I wasn’t sure if you saw this at the end of your last blog. Can you find out who will make the trip to Tampa to face the Yankees? Also, for an away night game like tomorrow, do the players that don’t make the trip stay back and practice / take BP at Disney. If so, do they practice in the morning or afternoon. Thanks.

By Troy

March 14, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

DOB- If there is any truth to the rumor that the cubs might be interested in Woodward, the braves should seriously consider that. I mean Why couldn’t Tony Pena do what Woodward is projected to do for Atlanta. I know Wooodward has not yet played, and I am sure I have seen him play but don’t particularly remember him, but he surely isn’t a better defender than Pena who can flat out pick it. Woodward is a .247 career hitter with not much pop, sounds like a veteran version of Pena to me so why not give the kid a spot he’s out of options, he’s hungry to play and win. I guess I understand why we signed Woodward to make sure we were covered at the middle infield spots, but that sure does look like some pretty solid depth now doesn’t it.

By Renegator

March 14, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Braves pitching is getting lit up today. Doesn’t it seem like the Astros always have our number?

By Lew

March 14, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Tickets for the Braves/Red Sox at Fenway arrived today. Decent seats and I can still afford to pay the rent. At the end of May, it’s possible we won’t need to wear long underwear.

By TennesseePaul

March 14, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

DOB: Is it Jason Jennings or Williams pitching against Chuck James? I think you’ve just got Lucinda all over your mind

By Bob, journalist

March 14, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

rammerjammer,

I don’t know but a few days back, Bobby said on radio, … in effect … “scouts for other teams would have to blind not to see all the young infield talent we have”.

By Robert

March 14, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

“The dude singing the National Anthem forgot the words and stopped about 15 seconds in.”

Cox sang the anthem?

By Lew

March 14, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Eware-Let’s not forget Tony Joe White. If you haven’t heard his “Heroines” CD, you should. He does duets with Lucinda, EmmyLou Harris and several others. Great music.

By Bob, journalist

March 14, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Jimmy is taking the day off … 5 nice young men from Rome are subbing for him.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 14, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Damn!…Who is in charge of photography at AJC?—the Tooth Faerie??—that little Frenchy looks like he could eat corn on the cob with the husk still on!…

TheSouthernJackAss abides…

By eware

March 14, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Sweet, thanks for the recommendation, Lew. I sure wish I could sing a duet with Emmylou.

By Brad in MT

March 14, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Troy….I completely agree, if the Braves can move Woodward they should do it. The young infielders are cheaper and probably better than him and his salary could be used later in the season to fill a hole. He was a signing that didn’t make a lot of sense and it still doesn’t, especially considering how well everyone else is playing.

By Kieran from Long Island

March 14, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I know it sounds silly right now, and might even sound more ridiculous in a couple days, but this Niagra Team can ball. They ARE NOT a conventional 16 seed. I’m not telling any of you to dare pick them in your bracket but it is a common tought up here that this team did not deserve the 16 seed, let alone the play in game. I’ve seen them play a coupel times and I wouldn;t be suprised if they played competitivly with Kansas. Alos keep in mind while Kansas has won 11 games in a row, Niagra has won 12. History in the making? If one team is gonna to it, it’s Kansas. For teh record DOB, I had both 8 Seed Rhode Island(With Tyson Chandler, Cuttino Mobley, and Lamar Odom) as well as the cinderella Bucknell beating Kansas in my brackets. This year? I got Kansas in the Elite 8. But watch out, if they are sleepin in that first round matchup, it could be Niagra Falls for the J-Hawks.

PS-That great Rhode Island team was seconds away from going to the Final 4, they blew a decent lead at then end of that game in a Heart Breaking loss to The Stanford Cardinal(Why no Plural on that by the way? Stupid Tree mascot)

By Kieran from Long Island

March 14, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I know it sounds silly right now, and might even sound more ridiculous in a couple days, but this Niagra Team can ball. They ARE NOT a conventional 16 seed. I’m not telling any of you to dare pick them in your bracket but it is a common tought up here that this team did not deserve the 16 seed, let alone the play in game. I’ve seen them play a coupel times and I wouldn;t be suprised if they played competitivly with Kansas. Alos keep in mind while Kansas has won 11 games in a row, Niagra has won 12. History in the making? If one team is gonna to it, it’s Kansas. For teh record DOB, I had both 8 Seed Rhode Island(With Tyson Chandler, Cuttino Mobley, and Lamar Odom) as well as the cinderella Bucknell beating Kansas in my brackets. This year? I got Kansas in the Elite 8. But watch out, if they are sleepin in that first round matchup, it could be Niagra Falls for the J-Hawks.

PS-That great Rhode Island team was seconds away from going to the Final 4, they blew a decent lead at then end of that game in a Heart Breaking loss to The Stanford Cardinal(Why no Plural on that by the way? Stupid Tree mascot)

By Renegator

March 14, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Charlie:

I’ll admit, I’d like to see him play before we decide to keep him or not. However, if the Cubs are really interested in him - we may not get the chance.

By Kieran from Long Island

March 14, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I know it sounds silly right now, and might even sound more ridiculous in a couple days, but this Niagra Team can ball. They ARE NOT a conventional 16 seed. I’m not telling any of you to dare pick them in your bracket but it is a common tought up here that this team did not deserve the 16 seed, let alone the play in game. I’ve seen them play a coupel times and I wouldn;t be suprised if they played competitivly with Kansas. Alos keep in mind while Kansas has won 11 games in a row, Niagra has won 12. History in the making? If one team is gonna to it, it’s Kansas. For teh record DOB, I had both 8 Seed Rhode Island(With Tyson Chandler, Cuttino Mobley, and Lamar Odom) as well as the cinderella Bucknell beating Kansas in my brackets. This year? I got Kansas in the Elite 8. But watch out, if they are sleepin in that first round matchup, it could be Niagra Falls for the J-Hawks.

PS-That great Rhode Island team was seconds away from going to the Final 4, they blew a decent lead at then end of that game in a Heart Breaking loss to The Stanford Cardinal(Why no Plural on that by the way? Stupid Tree mascot)

By Phillip

March 14, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I’m listening to these Astros clowns on XM & they stink. Everytime I hear another teams announcers they spend the whole time talking about their own team or what their producer did over the weekend. Half the time I don’t know which Brave is batting or pitching.

By Lew

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

Eware-No problem. I’ve been a Tony Joe White fan since the days of Poke Salad Annie. I think this is the only CD I ever reccommended that DOB actually liked. It’s a good one. Pay special attention to “Fireflies in the Storm” which he does with Jessi Coulter. It’s the best song on the CD.

By MBATL

March 14, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I’m comfortable with Woodward on the team (not that I really know his game - have probably seen him play 3 innings in my life). But we need a shortstop to back up shortstop. And Woodward can play just about every other position too. And there is just not much to be gained by having Escobar or Prado ride the bench.

We’re not gonna get much, in terms of big-league help or top prospects, for Woodward, I wouldn’t think. If they offer something of real value, that would change things.

Why rush a kid (Escobar, Prado) to the majors to sit on the bench? Aybar and Woodward will be fine off the bench, and Escobar and Prado will be playing every day in the minors and available if needed.

By ncscoots

March 14, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Good grief. Enclosed, air-conditioned rodeo arenas??? Another sign that the apocalypse is near, without doubt…Glad to see that Francoeur didn’t pick up his goofy grin later in life, he’s obviously had the same one since he was a child, LOL. Great pic…Good to have some old-fashioned slab-toeing and dish-behinding back in the content. Throw in some “steaks” and “taters” and we can open our own blog eatery. Except no toe-fu, of course.

By Shaun

March 14, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

O’Brien,

Isn’t there some kind of rule against trading a player signed as a free agent in the off-season until after May 15 or something like that? How could the Cubs acquire Woodward, if that’s the case?

By Carolina Lady

March 14, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

The federal appeals court in Atlanta has upheld the convictions of former Atlanta Braves pitcher Rick Camp, ex-state Representative Robin Williams and another man found guilty of conspiring to steal more than $2 million from an east Georgia mental health agency. What happens to people that makes them want to do this stuff?? I really hate that Rick sank to that level. 37 months in Federal prison.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 14, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

In other more important matters—I certainly hope that the court makes the right decision “this time” when it comes to John Couey—so he can’t rape anymore little girls, then bury them alive!…

By David O'Brien

March 14, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I think that’s what’ll happen and agree with you. Escobar isn’t even going to be considered for a bench role. No way. And he doesn’t play second base, or hasn’t enough to be considered for it.

Frenchy’s batting .414 now after going 2-for-3 today.

Two welcomed doubles for Thorman today, got his average up to .241, same as Kelly Johson (1-for-3 today).

Escobar (2-for-5) is hitting .458, Langerhans .407 (2-for-4 with a double today).

Go figure: TWO of the FIVE HITS off Chuck James were by Chris Burke, who doubled his hits total previously this spring. He came in batting .059 (2-for-34). His homer to left was an absolute bomb off James.

By Braveheart

March 14, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

I have finally figured out Davies problems. He needs to start sporting those really cool glasses again that he wore as a kid.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 14, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

And CL—When I said more important matters, I meant more important than the usual baseball and music banter, not because of your post, for it had not yet appeared…

By Shaun

March 14, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

That’s too bad about Rick Camp. But I really hate Mork was involved.

By Alan

March 14, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

I think Woodward stays as a veteran backup at SS as well as the other IF positions, and T. Pena gets traded or waived (in which case he’s sure to get snapped up by someone). Too bad he’s out of options, but that’s the way it goes. Because Orr has an option left, he’ll probably start (and perhaps finish if Chipper, Woodward and Aybar stay healthy) the season at Richmond - playing either 2B or 3B alongside Escobar at SS. Prado still has options remaining, so he also could start the season at Richmond (the R-Braves should be strong this season), which could conceivably keep T. Pena in Atlanta, but I doubt it. Prado has been terrific this spring. All of this infield depth - a pleasant problem. Now that’s alliteration, DOB, and an oxymoron to boot.

By Troy

March 14, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Frenchy should be good for about 120 RBI’s this year huh?

By CAR3BOOGIE

March 14, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

BRAVES Boycott on Mike Vick’s new eatery… Is he a Nats fan?

By MBATL

March 14, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Rose admits to betting on Reds every night.

Goodbye, HOF chances.

By 22oz

March 14, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Easy fellas. its just spring training. Frenchy hitting over .400 is nice and all, but not too newsworthy. i see langerhans is too, but where’s the headline? If these current avg’s are a sign of the coming season, then we should bench chipper & andruw, and start willie harris and escobar. Nice stories, but not front page news.

By Gibby

March 14, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Rose bet on his team. Since he bet on them to win I have NOOOOO problem with that. Is that what has kept him out of the BBHOF. Now that a joke!

By Bill

March 14, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

What’s up with all these rumors with the Cubs? They even mentioned Renteria. That would be o.k. if it’s the right trade. I think there will be a big trade before they break camp.

By Pulpwood Smith

March 14, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Enjoy Lucinda tonight. I’ve got tickets for her show at the Tabernacle Saturday. I’m not completely sold on the new album, but she’s always great live.

Have you heard The Tarbox Ramblers? Great roots music from a band from Boston if I’m not mistaken. Give them a try. Springsteen featured them as his walk-in music during the Devils and Dust tour.

By Micah

March 14, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Hank says he is adamant about Pete not being in the Hall of Fame. And, that was before Rose disclosed he bet on the Reds every night. Love to hear a quote from Mr. Aaron.

Ain’t nothing like rubbing baseball through the dirt with steroids and gambling…I’d say that baseball doesn’t even deserve to be on Outdoor Channel except DirectTV just signed a ludicrous deal. To quote Van, “where I stand no time for days like this”.

:(

By methinks

March 14, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

i’m glad the guy singing the anthem stopped, apologized, and started again. at least he didn’t try to just fumble along. and big props to the fans fro singing along, which is what people oughta do anyway. just wondering if anyone else was wondering why kieren from LI was posting on the braves blog? he was talking about the final 4, yes? i know i start my drinkin’ early but that really had me confused…

By MBATL

March 14, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Gibby, there are a lot of scenarios where betting on your own team is way wrong (starting with the fact that it’s simply forbidden), but let’s take another one:

Tuesday, Rose has his ace going against the Braves 4th starter, and knows that Dale Murphy has a sore rib cage. So he puts down $5,000.

A few nights later, Rose has his worst starter going against Phil Niekro (hey, back in the day, huh, and I’m making this up, so if the year’s don’t match the players, forgive me…). Murph is healthy by now and has hit this guy like a heavy bag, and Concepcion and Morgan are not gonna start (or play well) for the Reds because of a sore ankle and a migraine. So he puts down just $100.

The bookies see this stuff, and adjust their lines accordingly. That’s what they call Inside Information in Oddjob’s world, and it’s not to be accepted.

By Coach

March 14, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

where did the AJC get that picture of the little Rascals ? Alfalfa , buckwheat and spanky are playing ball for the Braves…..Wow , what a motley looking crew. The outfield is crowded , so is the infield. The bullpen is ten deep , so it looks like it all comes down to just how well that rotation holds up. Gotta go play in the snow with the grand kids before it melts , Peace !

By rammerjammer

March 14, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Did Gonzalez look like his old self today? Can’t tell much from the box score; 1 ip, 1 k.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 14, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

wanda rodriguez of the astros and annabelle sanchez of the marlins. are these girl pitchers? the braves should have no fear of facing girl pitchers with such fearsome pitchers as soriano and wicky.

has journalist jimmy smith been dealing in alliteration with the wonderful yet wordy wendell wurlitzer posts?

and now, baseball … did bob sleep through today’s game? in the tub?

By wayne

March 14, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Escobar as backup SS. He’s ready! Ayabar and Escobar can share 3b back up duties. Ayabar 2B primary backup…..maybe even starter if K Johson contines to swing a rubber bat.

Trade Woodward for a prospect.

By Jim

March 14, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

I’m also curious about how Gonzalez looked today. Was his velocity better than last time out? Also Boyer has had a good line every time out this spring. I assume he’s the next-in-line after Yates and Paronto for the last opening in the pen.

By Braveheart

March 14, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

also, you can’t bet even on your own team because if you become indebted to the bookie, the bookie owns you - which causes the temptation to fix games as a method of paying your bookie back.

also, you can’t bet even on your own team because that bookie then owns you because he has sufficient information to blackmail you with.

MBATL also raised probably one of the better points about why gambling on your own team can not be allowed.

By TennesseePaul

March 14, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Rose said he bet on his team to win every night, so he bet on them every night to win. So he put his money on the team going 162-0. Sounds like a safe bet.

By David O'Brien

March 14, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Gonzalez hit a guy and struck out one. His stuff was fine, but I don’t know that it was nearly as troublesome as some indicated last time out. The Braves said it was fine that night. I don’t know where the 84 mph figure came from, or whatever someone said here. I didn’t see anything like that.

By ElbravoX

March 14, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

What did he clocked? What is he saying? Gonzales that is.

By David O'Brien

March 14, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Rather, I should say I was TOLD his stuff was fine. Didn’t see it today because we were in the clubhouse talking to Chuck James and Wickman when Gonzalez pitched. He (Gonzalez) came into the clubhouse looking upset, I presume over hitting the guy. But I don’t know. He’s intense when he’s pitching or immediately before and after. Very intense.

We’ll see tomorrow, make sure he’s fine.

By Nick

March 14, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Dave:

I’ll be going to see Lucinda Williams Saturday night at The Tabernacle back here in Atlanta. It would be nice to see the Braves too though. I’m looking forward to April and the excitement a new season and new bullpen will bring. Sounds like McBride and Soriano are humming it. Once Gonzalez and Wickman get in game shape, we ought to be lights out in the late innings.

By athens rotgut

March 14, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

hey Dave

ive been outta town for the last week or so and didnt hear much brave info down in jupiter but i did see you were down there too. thats cool. it was truely beautiful for the first week in March. i caught langerado music festival while i was down there too. BUT back to my early spring training follow up question of CHUCK JAMES vs. Kyle Davies. i actually heard one of davies starts didnt go so swell. but he’ll bounce back.

But i was wondering if you get the time if you could just throw out some of the starter’s numbers so far in spring training. that would be awesome or ANYONE that wanted to find the stats for me that would be awesome.

By Waffle Boy

March 14, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Dave, What do you think about Boyer? He was the setup man for Farnsworth before he missed all of last year and I recall he was pretty darn good. It seems like a waste to have him in Richmond but of course this bullpen is deep.

By David O'Brien

March 14, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

Boyer’s looked good so far, very encouraging. Braves just don’t want to rush him or count heavily on him yet, and don’t need to. He’ll almost certainly start out at Richmond, but be one of the first guys they call. If he stays healthy, he’ll pitch for Atlanta this season, that you can count on.

By Patrick

March 14, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

How was Chuck today? What did you think of his performance?

By Bob, journalist

March 14, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

That’s too bad about Rick Camp. But I really hate Mork was involved.

I like your humor but at least Mork could have avoided prosecution with a single call.

I’m sure I’m in the minority … and neither OJ or Michael Jackson would agree, but things have gotten so bad that I sometimes think we’d be better off …

If they’d eliminate jury trials … just provide all defendants, regardless of social status, political influence, or wealth with the best possible level of defense provided by salaried legal experts … but without privelege, relative to information relative to the crime … eliminate the statute of limitations and use of the 5th ammendment by defendants, at least relative to the crime in question … with deliberations and decisions made in open session by a panel of qualified judges taking special circumstances into account; subject to one level of automatic review.

Wouldn’t it be novel if we were to try to convict the evil doers … rather than making it a spitting contest between two groups of lawyers … it seems that rather trying to convict, we look for ways to let them go free.

There are those who would also prefer we simplified the penalities for felonys … it’s simple: first offense, death!

I don’t agree with that … it’s a little too simple … but we could greatly simplify things … first offense, 25 years to life depending on the crime … solitary confinement, no priveleges, no parole or time off for “good” behavior.

Second offense, life or death penalty.

Of course it’s harsh … for them what choose to do the crime and get caught … stupidity and ineptness are not to be rewarded … do the crime, do the time; that’s how it should be.

Were such a system in place, I doubt that many folks now going to jail would be facing any hard time. As it is, I’m sorry when they do the crime and they’re sorry too … mostly when they get caught.

Methinks such a system whould have the longterm effect of minimizing crime; reducing or eliminating the exposure of our children to drugs and sexual abuse … and our streets would be safer. Why, you might even feel safe in introducing yourself to your neighbors, going out after dark and even leaving your doors unlocked at night.

Of course, you’d have to take the bad with the good … it would also eliminate the chance for poor honest folks becoming instant millionaires by writing books about their experiences as juriors and reduce the number of lawyers.

Would I make blogger Identity Theft a felony … you betcha!

Of course, the sad story about Rick Camp triggered this crazy effort at dark humor and it ain’t never gonna happen … but the trend ain’t good and change is needed … if it’s wrong, just don’t do it.

Now, for a hot tub and the audio archive of today’s other bummer.

By Micah

March 14, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

DOB, As promised, my Son Volt (The Search) review:

If you strip the sonic layering of keyboards (organ and piano) and the hard hitting soul horns, it appears, to me, the band is getting back to their earlier material. And, the result is outstanding! Clearly, Farrar still stands out as the leader but the maturity of the rhythm section really brings the Son Volt sound into its own (especially on the title track). Speakin of N. Young (Bill Noonan), you can clearly identify the Young-influenced leads throughout. Also, you could say its Young-influenced lyrics, with Satellite, Adrenaline and Heresy, and the title track having the politically p** off vibe:) Much, much better than Son Volt’s second album!

In a mild comparison with Wilco’s developed sound, I believe that Son Volt is really developing the rhythm section whereas Wilco is providing an almost psychedelic twist in Nels Cline sonic exploration. I am very very happy with both bands progression.

On Lucinda’s new one, I have to echo Pulpwood Smith’s sentiment, in that, I am not completely sold on her new album. No doubt she secures her standing as an incredible singer-songwriter. But, this album doesn’t resonate with me like “Essence” and “World Without Tears” does. If I were to be pressed to explain why it would be because of how dark a LOT of the tunes seem. (I don’t even mention “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” because, to me, that is in a class in itself.) That said, the tunes “Come On” and “Unsuffer Me” rocks, “Everything has Changed” is sweet and soulful, and “Are you Alright” has song of the year potential (classic)! I made the call to not see her this time around. Maybe DOB will give a review that will prove me foolish…..I actually hope so.

Go Braves!

By Robert

March 14, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Too bad for Rose he never got to manage against Cox in the playoffs. One sure thing wager and he couldve retired

If the HOF ever even makes Rose eligible for induction, it will have destroyed its own integrity totally.

Exactly what part of “Thou shalt not” did Pete Rose fail to understand?

If you line up every player, coach, manager, writer, etc that ever had anything to do with baseball, based on their merits towards getting into the HOF, the nine guys last in line behind Bobby Cox are the Black Sox and Pete Rose

By bobbymahlon

March 14, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Get rid of T Pena,Chris Woodward and Willy Aybar and keep Escobar and Orr. Escobar has proved he can hit at all levels, play short,second and third base. Orr can pinch hit,pinch run and play second,third and the outfield corners. Maybe we can get a little something for the three of them as we are not loosing much.

By Carolina Lady

March 14, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Understood, SJA. Thanks.

By Robert

March 14, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Why cant you bet on your own team?

So Rose lays down $100,000 on his team to win a meaningless weekend series late in the summer

Now all he’s gotta do is get his buddy who manages the other team to agree to cut the profits.

Or the size of his bets affects the lines.

Or any of the other scenarios other bloggers have outlined.

Gambling on a sporting event by those involved, even if THEY do it “innocently” is the seed of the total corruption and loss of the integrity of that sport.

Period.

That is why it is THE only INVIOLABLE rule, transgression of which is now and FOREVER unforgivable.

If you dont see that, then you dont understand the power of money to corrupt

By Sonny

March 14, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

On a non-baseball note, you should really check out this site if you haven’t already, being the music lover that you are:

http://concerts.wolfgangsvault.com/

It’s just a few of Bill Graham’s archive tapes from the shows he promoted over a long career and amazing…priceless!

By Craigs in the Fire

March 14, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Whats up with Kevin Barry getting cut already? Doesn’t appear he has a future with the Braves regardless of how well he does. It sucks for him, I wish the Braves would let him go play for someone else before he gets too old.

By Craigs in the Fire

March 14, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Nice hat Vick, with that flat bill it looks like you borrowed it from the CHIEF. I wish it was an indication that you were going to play for the Skins. Too bad those fans know what it takes to win a super bowl, and they wouldn’t have you for free!

Whats up with Kevin Barry getting cut already. Doesn’t appear he has a future with the Braves regardless of how well he throws. I wish they’d get rid of him so he could go play for a different big league team before he gets too old.

By Carroll

March 14, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Who the hell is Josh Burrus?

By Bob, journalist

March 14, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

What triggered the Pete Rose thread? Another confession?

By Oddjob

March 14, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

How cool would it be to have the best catcher and right fielder in the league? both in their early twenties,good guys and home grown.If Jeff can mature as a hitter he has the whole package,and Brian is already the best catcher in the nl.

By MBATL

March 14, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Geez, Bob, journalist. Yeah, let’s scrap the 6th amendment and let a tribunal of paid judges tender justice. That’s how Hitler did it!

I don’t know Rick Camp from Adam, but assume he’s probably an okay guy who found himself in a bad situation, and made a mistake.

Justice? Surely! No mercy, no positive influence toward rehabilitation? I don’t agree.

Guess you’re blessed to have no extended family members, or no people you actually know, who’ve made a mistake but might still lead a useful life down the road. Good for you!

They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security - Ben Franklin.

I think I triggered the discussion by posting a link to the article on Rose, btw. I’m already mad at myself for arguing politics on a baseball blog, and this is the last I’ll say on the subject.

So, what’s Frenchy’s batting average again?

By Oddjob

March 14, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

MBATL Rick Camp had a world class sinker and loved tractors,as for his guilt or innocence that’s what we have secret tribunals for. just kidding!

By Oddjob

March 14, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Where the hell are my glasses - old Ben Franklin

By brian

March 14, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

DOB - how happy are you that Kansas is a number one seed this year? No number one seed has every lost a 1st round game which has to be comforting after the recent past. I still cannot get over Texas being a number 4 seed. They will give the Tar Heels all they can handle.

Do you think the Braves are building up Prado to try and move him this spring? Even to the Cubs or someone looking for a utility guy now and a 2B in the future. Lillebridge is the 2B of the future and will be at AA or AAA to start the year. Move him while he is hot.

I think the Braves would rather move Prado and keep Woodward for the exact reason you mention above - able to play SS.

By ElbravoX

March 14, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

I am leaning towards Tony Pena. He’s been around the game his whole life. There is something intriguing about him. ‘The show’will not be new to him. Doesn’t that count for something?

By chris

March 14, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

DOB— You are probably right about Yates and Paronto, especially given the options factor. But I still think Boyer will find a way to win a spot. I feel much better about what he did in 05 than I do about Yates. Yates is fine but Boyer is better.

Chris from MD

By chris

March 14, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Forgot to ask, on a scale of 1 to 10, how likely would the Braves go after Javy?

Chris from Maryland

By Braveheart

March 14, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

bob, i understand your frustrations somewhat with the legal system but the folly of your proposed court system is so crazy and unnecessary, i could write a million pages and never quite get around to completely describing how needless and ill conceived such a court system would be. MBATL’s Ben Franklin quote says it best though without me wasting millions and millions of words to describe the folly of your proposed court system.

By Greg in TN

March 14, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Evening folks…

Well, the day started off with promise, right? The middle innings wound up being our undoing today. We’re still hitting the ball well, but couldn’t get any hits with ducks on the pond (11 LOB).

What I liked today - Escobar, Francoeur and Langerhans continued their torrid springs from the plate. Thorman hit well today (a pair of doubles, knocking in a run) and Blaine Boyer had two scoreless innings.

What I didn’t like today - A loss, against the Astros, again. James and Wickman both gave up taters today and we left a lot of base runners out there.

Didn’t get listening to the broadcast today until after the top of the first and had to look twice when seeing that Escobar got thrown out trying to steal home. DOB Do you know or can you look up when the last time we attempted to steal home and the last time we were successful during the regular season? (if we were unsuccessful during the last attempt) Kinda curious about that now that I think about it.

By Bob, journalist

March 14, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

MBATL. don’t get me wrong … I totally agree that in this environment, such a thing is not feasible … besides, it wasn’t meant to be serious, other than possibly a directional rant … containing some points I think have validity … against what I perceive as glaring flaws in our existing system.

I do believe that strangers, family members and/or friends should receive equal and fair treatment … that the purpose of the system should be to determine the truth … and that the guilty should be punished. I don’t care how it’s done … just do it!

I also believe that severe punishment will deter crime … folks simply won’t cross the in the middle of a block if the penality for jaywalking is 25 years! I took the extreme position in the initial post withthe purpose of shock value … we all know that that any extreme position is frought with peril.

That’s only harsh for those who jaywalk … and since there won’t be any so doing, it ain’t harsh. No rule is without its exceptions and special circumstances … but, I also said, “taking special circumstances into account”.

I wasn’t suggesting that the those administering the system be under political control. The fact that Hitler had a corrupt system doesn’t mean that the form of the system was necessairly bad … nor does it mean that form would have been good had it not been politically driven and corrupt.

While I wasn’t intending that I be taken seriously I do believe that professionals can do a better job of determining guilt or innocence than those who have no such training … especially if the objective is finding the truth rather than winning a game.

And I think I did say that I felt that I was in the minority.

By Braveheart

March 14, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Let’s stop all the wishful thinking and look at the numbers:

Tony Pena, minors: .253, .285, .335, .620 OPS

Tony Pena, majors: .227, .261, .341, .608 OPS

Escobar, minors: .285, .365, .401, .766 OPS

Escobar, 2006 AA minors: .264, .361, .346, .707 OPS

Prado, minors: .296, .348, ..386, .734 OPS

Prado, majors: .262, .340, .405, .745 OPS

Woodward, minors: .264, .344, .378, .722 OPS

Woodward, majors: .247, .303, .384, .687 OPS

Kelly, minors: .281, .366, .464, .830 OPS

Kelly, majors: .241, .334, .397, .731 OPS

Lillibridge, minors: .289, .391, .467, .858 OPS

Aybar, minors: .265, .342, .403, .745 OPS

Aybar, majors: .292, .387, .416, .803 OPS

Pena might be slick with the glove but you should be able to see why he doesn’t belong with his bat. You see why they are doing everything they can to get Kelly in there to replace Giles’ production at the plate. You see Escobar is simply not ready based upon what he did (or did not do) last year at freaking AA. You see that Prado is probably good enough to play in the majors but unfortunately can not play short. You see why they like Aybar who also unfortunately can not play short. You see that Woodward is not great but alas is the only one who can play short because Escobar and Lillibridge are not ready yet and Aybar and Prado can not play short. You see that Lillibridge looks like a heckuva hitter at his position who is still roughly about two years away - hopefully he will sustain it and not run into the same woes encountered by Escobar and others in AA last year.

By Troy

March 14, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Maybe JS could make a deal with our old buddy Dayton Moore, since its sounding a lot like Tony Pena will not get a spot on the big club with Atlanta I would really like to see him do well, and in a place like K.C he might get an opportunity. Given the chance to play regularly, I think he might fight for a gold glove. He’s in the Adam Everrett mold and on the verge of becoming an Omar vizquel type. Anyway I just wish the guy the best, wherever that may be he seems like a great guy with some special talent

By The Grinch

March 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Just because Bob’s a sweetie as we commonly know him doesn’t mean he wouldn’t lay the smack-down from the judicial bench once he found his teeth. :-)

Speaking of smack-down, my Dawgs whupped the imposter bulldogs from Fresno State in the first round of the Not-important-tournament, setting a record for 3-pointers. Looks like we get Air Force next.

I, too, think Pena deserves a shot since he’s out of options; he’s a slick and speedy fielder with a good pedigree who would make a fine back-up at the positions of need. We won’t need much offense from him, and I’m afraid his offense is what will have him being Ozzie Smith Lite for another team without compensation for us. Woodward should go to the Cubbies for a draft pick/prospect, and Pena should stick here. So sayeth the Grinch.

By Brad in KY

March 14, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

I see that Francoeur is having a hot spring and apparently I’m not supposed to be concerned that he hasn’t drawn a walk yet because this is so. That being said, let me be the first (from what I’ve seen) to express concern. Let’s suppose Francoeur manages to hit .300 this season. That means his .OBP would still be in the very low .300s given the amount he gets on base, and that’s still too low. What a shame that it looks like he still hasn’t learned that you can’t just hack away like you’re in high school. Oh well.

By Braveheart

March 14, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

You are no longer Bob, the Journalist. You shall be hereinafter referred to as Bob, the Prosecutor. Or do you prefer Bob, the Persecutor? Or Bob, the Executioner? Or Bob, the Hanging Judge? Or Draconian Bob? There’d be a whole bunch of Brian Nichols situations with that court system.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 14, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

if you wanted someone to play the bongos, would you pick chris woodward or little ricky? applying the same logic tony pena, jr. must make this team. now, toes … the new blogger who asked why toes are talked on this blog … toes make the team. good toes - good team. bad toes - bad team. extra toes - playoff team that wins. too few toes - may make the playoffs but not likely to advance. not saying the braves have too few toes - that has not yet been confirmed. maybe carroll rogers can find out for us. now, country music … why do mandolin players have so few teeth?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 14, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

I just don’t really think the Braves would move Prado unless they get a “can’t refuse” deal. Despite what the brass says publicly I don’t think they are 100% convinced Johnson can play 2B everyday; thus, it would be wise to keep Prado just in case Johnson gets off to a slow start. If they trade Prado, that would leave them with Orr whom I don’t think is an everyday 2B.

Honestly, I see T. Pena being a better option for trade because he is out of options. I could see perhaps Paronto going along in the deal. Considering what JS said today about Prado I think he will only trade him if he gets something very good in return ie: Felix Pie, Jacque Jones (with the Cubs taking the majority of the remaining salary), and Carlos Marmoul. Now, surely the Cubs would not be so stupid as to trade Pie for an young infielder and bullpen hand, would they? No? They wouldn’t, right?

Woodward on the surface makes a lot of sense for the Braves to move but when you think about it, it would be counterproductive. The one big advantage of having Woodward is that he can play everywhere. If he is traded, then Edgar has no real backup when you consider Prado nor Orr have any experience at SS. Escobar has experience at SS but none at 2B. Woodward not only can play every IF position but every outfield position.

Again, there are only a handful a guys the Braves would trade for and none of them seem to be available. The Braves will probably send both Escobar and Prado down to Richmond with anticipation both will be in Atlanta in 2008.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 14, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

The problem doesn’t lie within the court system, and neither does the answer—the problem lies within the heart of man—immorality, wickedness, selfishness, and so on…a switch to totalitarianism would accomplish nothing but to seize the souls of the people…

They are presently filling jails and prisons faster than they can build them—and “corrections” has become a very lucrative and profitable business…all at the expense of human suffering…this ain’t right!…and as the number of jails and prisons increase, so does the crime rates, so that isn’t the answer either…

More importantly, how many instances of corruption and inappropriate behavior do we hear about every day pertaining to judges and prosecutors?—take the Duke rape case for instance…as for me, I would rather take my chances with a jury of my peers any time rather than place my fate in some crooked judicial dictator that is only interested in his own personal career advancement, and that at the expense of my freedom…if we abolish these basic rights, then we will be no different than Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or all the rest of these a$sbackward countries!…

And as heinous and evil as some of these people accused of various crimes are—they are still considered innocent until proven guilty by this system of checks and balances called a trial in a court of law, even with it’s glaring faults, rather than with the alternatives!…

By Micah

March 14, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

A. they can’t afford mandolin picks so they use their toothpicks.

By Scott

March 14, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

The sport is called Mixed Martial Arts not “extreme fighting”.

By Professional decision maker

March 14, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

”Bob, Journalist”: “I do believe that professionals can do a better job of determining guilt or innocence than those who have no such training”

And a computer could do it better than either one. But is that really desirable?

I recognize that part of your rant was meant to shock. But part of it betrayed a belief that the jury system should be abolished. That’s the part I’m responding to here.

Thomas Jefferson famously said that the right to a trial by jury was more important than the right to vote. He was right. America is built on the premise that justice is not handed down from above, it comes from the collective judgment of the community, expressed not by experts or professionals, but by a representative sampling of the community, coming together to share their collective wisdom and common sense.

Want a justice system run by professionals? Go to any totalitarian society. But if you want a justice system that believes that justice and mercy must both be considered, if you want a justice system where our founders’ principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is upheld, my friend, then you must include juries.

Jefferson and the other Founders experienced a justice system run by “professionals” first-hand. They liked it so much they enshrined the right to a jury trial in the Constitution. I’m one of those professionals, and you can take away my right to a jury trial when you pry the constitution from my cold, dead fingers.

Yeah, we’ve got too much crime. And yeah, freedom, especially American style, is messy. But if you’d really surrender our most cherished freedoms and turn this into a police state just to reduce the crime rate, then your high school civics teacher needs to hunt you down and slap you. No jury in the world would convict her.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled spring training. DOB, I apologize for getting off-topic on your most excellent blog.

By Kieran: Long Island Braves Fan

March 14, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

It’s funny last year we were talking about Boyer as a potential closer, this year he’s “Almost certainly” starting at AAA Ball.

By Braves fan 202

March 15, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Im having baseball withdraws, I CANT wait til april, i cant decide if im watchin the braves or the final four april 2nd

By MBATL

March 15, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

decision maker, well said. Who’s your favorite baseball team?

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 15, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

This guy walks into a bar and starts raising his glass and toasting everything he could think of…

Having just gone thru a nasty divorce, and unable to think of anything else to toast—he raised his glass and said, “All lawyers are a$sholes!”

A voice from the back of the bar yells back at him, “Hey, I resent that!”

The drunk replies, “Why, are you a damn lawyer?”

The guy in the back says, “Hell no, I’m a damned a@shole!”…

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this

Lucinda was her usual phenomenal self tonight. Anyone going Saturday in Atlanta, I’d advise to get there early to see the excellent opening band, Heartless Bastards (from Cincy, not the Heartless Bastards who backed McMurtry on his live album)….

Chris, Boyer is probably more talented. But Yates is out of options and Boyer is not. And Boyer missed all but the first week of the ‘06 season with shoulder problems and surgery, and Yates did not….

Regarding Javy, I’d say a 2 or 3 on a scale of 10 they go for him. One Braves person got a good laugh when he noted they could sell a lot more tickets to females by signin Javy (he was kidding … uh, sort of… no?).

By TennesseePaul

March 15, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this

Decision maker: That’s all good and well, but the issue here is, do you trade Woodward if the Cubs come asking? Should Johnson get the nod over Prado?

In the immortal words of Socrates: I know only simple things, I don’t know details. It was always: “Socrates, what is truth? Socrates, what is the nature of the good? Socrates, what should I order? Socrates, what are you having?” Not once did anyone ever say: “Socrates, hemlock is poison!”

By Jared

March 15, 2007 3:09 AM | Link to this

“I think there will be a big trade before they break camp.”

I think you’re either delusional or just wishfully thinking. There may be some minor nothing trade, like a Nick Green for Jorge Sosa type deal, but nothing big will happen. Didn’t O’Brien quote Cox as saying no trades were needed?

By Coach

March 15, 2007 4:23 AM | Link to this

Bob, lets just burn the Constitution while we are at it. The communist’s and Hitler had it right. Wouldn’t it be better to be waving swastika’s , wearing jack boots and calling each other comrade ? somebody get Bob a straight jacket and some weed to calm him down before he hurts himself. Bob , democracy may be flawed but until there is something better , I for one will continue to cherish it. Those who would give up essential liberty(Freedom)to purchase temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety….Benjamin Franklin.

By Bob, journalist

March 15, 2007 4:36 AM | Link to this

In partial response to one or more reactions to my earlier posts …

I have strongly believed in the jury system throughout my life … and still do … the notion that the ones making the judgment are selected at random and, within limits, agreed unon by both sides … is a good one!

In point of fact, I usually have more problems with the posture of some of our current judges and certainly that of many lawyers than I do with most juriors … I would just like to see the abuses, wherever they reside, eliminated.

I don’y think that legal professionals are better equipped to make judgments, based on the facts, than are juriors.

However, the extent to which some trial lawyers have developed and refined their acting skills so as to play the emotions of juriors and motivate them to accept form over substance is of greater concern yhan it ever has been.

I also don’t understand oe agree with the notion that computers can be programmed so as to be able to render judgments comparable to those made by people … and if it was presented as a natural extention of my thinking, the algorithm was flawed.

By Bob, journalist

March 15, 2007 5:23 AM | Link to this

I thought this had been posted earlier in the evening but just found where I saved it as a draft before I broke for supper.

By way of explanation, the words “I sometimes think we’d be better off …” was intended to make it clear that what followed would be expressions of frustrations.

In fact I created a new paragraph for emphasis … and it’s true that when I see all the abuses, I do sometimes so think! The implied compliment to that is that I usually think quite differently.

Hopefully, most will realize that if that doctrine were the medicine I was peddling, I would have certainly adopted a much more subtle approach … maybe offered some free samples, but never a full case of snake oil.

I do actually believe that if we made the punishment for all crimes extreme, then all but the very worst among us would make the obvious risk/reward choice … but while I do support stronger penalities for certain crimes, I didn’t think folks would believe that I would seriously advocate something so radical … first, because it seriously conflicts with other of my basic values, and second, because it would require massive legal changes and many years to effect.

I have a rather simple view … truth is truth and you’re either innocent or you’re guilty. I certainly don’t want the innocent punished nor do I want the guilty to escape punishment.

Surely … with over 200 years of history and experience behind us … we should be in a position to identify, evaluate and modify what we have so as to at least better address the most glaring flaws.

Some of the rhetoric in the responses included volitle terms like “Hitler” and “police state” … each person must decide for themselves but I again assure you that it was not my intent to be taken seriously.

I’m not sure what each of our connatative definitions for a police state is … but I somehow think the point was missed that in a democratic republic, were it not to be the will of the people to change the system, it would not be done. In fact, I believe it would take a 2/3 majority … and I don’t see how a mandate of the people is properly associated with a police state.

By Bob, journalist

March 15, 2007 6:24 AM | Link to this

SJA, I appreciated your comments.

My two most recent posts are just me unsuccessfully trying to explain myself … it should make people happy to know that this is my final word on the subject … I know it will do that for me.

A lesson long ago learned but foolishly forgotten: if you have a warped sense of humor that includes laughing at yourself … don’t try to be humorous and make points at the same time while you’re frustrated … especially with sensitive material. Maybe I should start using LOL and other such devices to tell folks when I’m being funny … but, that ain’t my style! LOL

I agree with your observation that it is imperative that proper, effective checks and balances are maintained in our justice system … but what we have now isn’t all that good … and is the source of my frustration … defense lawyers getting richer and richer; judges giving probation because thay think a convicted felon is too short or too fat to go to prision; jurors with private agendas gaining the spotlight and able to profit financially from having served; high profile cases with inane outcomes; and released offenders returning to their old ways immediately upon release.

But just as the large number of checks in my checkbook is not related to my small balance … it doesn’t matter what the checks and balances are … the important thing is to have good ones.

Certainly I agree with your basic premise “the problem lies within the hearts of men … ” and given that’s the problem, then it must be the source of the solution. Until we can somehow improve that situation, no system will be what it should be.

My view is that though people are considered innocent under the law until proven guilty … they are either innocent or guilty at the time of the act of which they’re accused.

I wouldn’t change that … I sinply want us to get the matter properly resolved … and if our existing system, with its glaring faults is indeed better than the available alternatives … it’s not something that we should point to with pride … instead, we should either rid ourselves of the glaring faults or demand that better alternatives be found and effected … and if those now responsible can’t do that, fire them and hire someboby that can!

Now I have to fix breakfast for my wife and finish reading a book on how to behave in public.

Later

By Bob, journalist

March 15, 2007 6:40 AM | Link to this

Coach, please go back and carefully read the posts … it original post wasn’t written as either a posit or an opine. I’ve also tried to offer some additional clarification in my last 3 posts.

I doubt that my real views are much different from those of most folks … those were not my views … just expressions of frustration with the abuses and flaws of the system … if after rereading it … you don’t think I’m being honest with you, then so be it … but I would hope that you would.

By BOBO

March 15, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this

So Hank doesn’t think Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame. Reckon what he thinks about Bonds and his eligibility?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 15, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

I think about this last night, but here is a possiblity in a potential Woodward trade. If the Braves were to trade Woodward to the Cubs, the Braves could use Kelly Johnsonn in that utility role (since he can play all the same positions except 1B) and that would allow Prado to play 2B or Prado and Johnson could platoon at 2B with Johnson also filling that utility role. Just a thought.

By Gil in Mechanicsville,old fat guy

March 15, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Good morning gentlemen, you too Southern… Bob, Don’t’ let certain individuals pull your chain. No need to explain yourself. The more you try the more they will toy with you. I have dealt with a much baser element in my history and know the type.

As the saying goes, “you cannot please everyone”, stop trying. You are a very insightful person and knowledgeable about the subjects. Don’t let others get you off topic.

I have used that tactic before too to great advantage to weaken an adversary’s resolve. Just continue to add to this blog what you do and forget trying to reform some of those who do not wish to be reformed.

Now baseball…. With each loss the “Chicken Littles” squawk a bit louder. If we lose one more we can count on a clamor for a trade of our projected starting infield and the resigning of Andruw for at least a 10-year deal plus the immediate firing of Bobby Cox. Maybe we could get Frank Robinson as the Manager, now that is a brilliant baseball mind for you. Could whip those young pups into shape in no time, right Robert?

By Dirty Dawg

March 15, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson may prove to be an adequate second baseman…he may even be a good second baseman…but he’s no leadoff hitter. Shoot, he looks like Adam LaRoach running to first. Speed, dadgumit, speed.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 15, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

Somebody mentioned the Cubs were interested in Renteria???? That would pave the way for an infield of Thorman, K. Johnson, uh Chipper, and Who??? Another infielder with little or no major-league experience or Chris Woodward? Escobar is not ready. Lillibrdge is not ready. I see absolutely no upside to this scenario. Trash that rumor.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Dirty Dawg,

Speed is nice but it’s overrated by a lot of people.

Speed does no good if the hitter is so bad he costs his team a lot more outs than he should. Outs are more valuable than bases.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Renteria’s not going to the Cubs…unless the Braves get Derek Lee for half his salary or something ridiculous like that. Ain’t happening!

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Hillbilly, that (Renteria) is not a rumor I’ve heard anywhere but the blogger who wrote it here, when he said “they” are even talking about Renteria.

Well, that’s a good rumor. “They.” Not a Cubs source, not this newspaper or that, not a radio broadcaster or the cable-TV installer or the dude pouring your Starbucks. Just “they.”

By Jared

March 15, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Thank you for saying that Shaun. So many people who seem obsessed about the overrated leadoff spot don’t even seem to know what the heck makes a good leadoff hitter. Speed is valuable, yes. But to a much lesser extent than the ability to get on base.

I came to know the leadoff-obsessers are clueless back during those Baldelli rumors. People wanted him as a leadoff hitter. Yet his OBP was something like .329. I remember reading (I’ll see if I can find it) a Devil Rays’ blog where a Braves’ fan said the Braves wanted Baldelli as a leadoff hitter. All the Devil Rays’ fans said Baldelli is a #6 hitter and his on-base skills are too poor to leadoff. Also the Braves in 2006 were first or second in almost all major offensive groups with Marcus Giles leading off.

Yet despite that, people want him to bat leadoff over speed. What a farce. I’d much rather have somebody with a .400+ OBP and little, if any, steals leadoff than someone whose OBP hovers around .300 and who can steal a lot of bases.

I wish Kelly Johnson luck in the leadoff role. I think he can do it good.

By Braveheart

March 15, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Shaun: I don’t understand this comment you made: “Outs are more valuable than bases.”

I get the idea of what you are saying but I think there are problems with that statement.

Pretty much every team makes the same number of outs every game and every season. At the end of every game, every team pretty much has 36 or so at bats and 40 or so plate appearances. At the end of every season, each team pretty much has 5500 or so at bats and 6200 or so plate appearances.

If every team is pretty much making the same number of outs every game and every season, then it is clear that it is the bases earned per plate appearance that is ultimately more valuable.

So, I would not say that outs are more valuable than bases.

In 2006, the Braves had 5583 at bats, 6284 plate appearances, and they made 4073 outs. They scored 849 runs.

In 2006, the Cubs had 5587 at bats, 6146 plate appearances, and they made 4091 outs. They scored 716 runs.

Outs are a given, Shaun. There has to be 27 of them for the game to end.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

While there are certainly far more important topics and problems in the world that could be discussed, there are also countless _ and I do mean countless _ places to discuss them. This isn’t such a space.

Since we’ve long made it clear (and most everyone understands and agrees with the policy) that politics are to be left at the door upon entering this recreational blog space, could we please wrap up this discussion of the radical (and completely unrealistic) ideas for the overhaul of the judicial system? I mean, seriously, you’re putting the vast majority of folks here to sleep with the mind-numbing, circular discussion. End it, please.

And for those who might reply by saying they don’t like discussions of music, BBQ and sometimes pie, well, fine, then go elsewhere. No worries. But this Braves/MIB blog is devoted to discussions of baseball and other essential debate on good music and ‘que, and anything else that might churn up in that pleasurable wake. Not the justice system. Not the president’s approval rating.

Please, no more.

By Gil in Mechanicsville,old fat guy

March 15, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

On Pete Rose… Baseball owners maybe the most hypocritical individuals God ever created. That is going some when you consider the competition for that title, the people who actually vote for baseball hall of fame enshrinement.

Just about every thing that could be done to bring shame and dishoner to the game has been done. Drugs, alcohol, rape, sexual assault, adultery and spousal abuse have all been documented and either ignored or accepted by a willing contingent as part of the game.

The only vice that appears to be the unpardonable sin is to have gambled on baseball or wager in any form. Yet baseball is even now falling into bed with Liberty Media with ties to an organized sports book operation.

I understand the entire history of the “Chicago Black Sox” scandal and the black eye baseball received afterwards but it was really more anti-union than it was anti-gambling. Had not the owners suppress the wages of the players so severely to begin with perhaps they would not felt the need to make a guaranteed income on the side.

SO STOP THE HYPOCROCORCICY, PETE ROSE BELONGS IN THE HALL OF FAME No, he was not the smartest guy to ever play the game but if you were choosing sides he would be one of the first ones you would want on your team.

With apologies to the great Henry Aaron, if I were picking a human being who deserver to go based on his qualities as a man I would pick his brother Tommy, who did not have the major league career his brother had but was one the finest gentlemen one could ever hope to meet. However, that is not the criteria for enshrinement.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 15, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Beware of the Ides of March—Soothsayer

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 15, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Well, I finally watched “Goodfellas” yesterday. And then two episodes of “The Sopranos.” About five hours of mobsters in one evening. (Man I need a hunting season or something to open soon.)

By Jared

March 15, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

I’d only trade Renteria to the Cubs for Felix Pie. But it’s all irrelevent, the Braves aren’t trading him. I think what you see now is what the 2007 Braves will look like. I don’t see anyone big being traded (by big I mean anyone who would make the opening day roster if we didn’t trade them.)

I wonder if Smoltz will still be doing Home Depot commercials this year.

By Renegator

March 15, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Amen, DOB!

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Jared,

Besides that, a leadoff hitter is only truly going to leadoff maybe once a game.

Batting order in general is overrated by a lot of folks. You have a team full of guys who can hit—who avoid outs and can hit the ball hard—you are going to score runs. You want your good hitters near the top of the order because their spot in the order will come around more often.

Speed is nice because it may help you get on/avoid outs and advance around the bases quickly but if you are a week hitter, major league pitchers and defenses will get you out even if you are Michael Johnson in spikes. I think that’s obvious to any baseball fan, but some still think speed is the most important skill for a leadoff hitter.

By flange1

March 15, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I read the Renteria rumor on a MLB rumor site. It looked to me as if people were trying to explain a Cubs’ scout at an Braves-Blue Jays game. One of the spins was Renteria to the Cubs for Felix Pie and a pitching prospect. I don’t think anything on the site was a real rumor, just speculation by fans. The real funny one had the Braves giving up Salty, Hampton, Escobar, Davies and Diaz with the Cubs getting most of these folks, the Rays getting Esobar, Davies and Felix Pie and the Braves getting Carl Crawford… Now that is funny! We give up Hampton, Davies, Salty, Escobar and Diaz for Carl Crawford…If Crawford is worth that much, I guess we could trade Andruw for the entire D rays team!!!!

On the utility players, do you think that a Woodward trade could end up with Tony Pena and Aybar as the 2 back ups?

Thanks!

By Jeff R

March 15, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Nice to read that Johnson has looked good in his early trials at second base, but learning of his history at SS is a concern. Was any consideration given to starting Johnson at Richmond to give game experience, and then bringing him up? I’m all for a second baseman who can hit, but I’m more for a second baseman who can field. Prado’s got a solid glove. Teams can win games with pitching and defense more than hitting.

By Lew

March 15, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Gil-From another old fat guy (but I’m losing weihgt)-About the Rose situation. Were you aware (and DOB can confirm this) that there has always been a copy of Baseball’s rules against gambling posted on the wall of every ML clubhouse? Rose should have no excuse whatsoever. For decades, MLB’s ONE no no was gambling. It was known by everyone who played the game. THE ONE TABOO! They let Steve Howe slide about 35 times on drugs, but ALWAYS have had a zero tolerance policy on gambling. There was absolutely no excuse for Rose’s actions. He knew what he was doing was specifically prohibited and did it anyway. Apparently every night. No sympathy here,Dude. He knew he was wrong and did it anyway. Let him pay the price for it. He was good and his stats are more than worthy of induction, but the guy made his own bed, knowing fully what the consequences would be. He didn’t care.

By brent

March 15, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Brand in KY:

Right now, Francoeur’s OBP is over .400

By Lew

March 15, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

On a different topic-I haven’t seen it mentioned, so I’ll do it. Has anyone come to the conclusion that much of last year’s slow start by Francoeur might have been because of that damned World Classic thing? Her missed most of Spring Training. Look at how he’s doing now that he’s getting his full workout with the team. It would not surprise me in the least to see him pull off a .300+ season. You could tell in Spetember that he was waiting on the ball better and trying to take it up the middle-and was succeeding. I predict a monster year for the kid. Now if he could just Curb His Enthusiasm on his throws to home, he’ll be phenomenal. That and take an occaisonal walk. Just to keep the pitchers honest.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Braveheart,

The fact is, whoever prolongs outs the best greatly increases their chances to score runs. The Cubs didn’t score as many runs as the Braves because they made a lot more outs per plate appearances.

As I’ve expressed before, this is why so many people put down on-base percentage—they don’t understand that on-base percentage is the same as out-avoiding percentage. And what is more vital an offensive skill than avoiding outs?

I guess my point is things like stealing bases or being fast enough to stretch singles into doubles or doubles into triples is overrated by some. This is obviously a good skill but it means nothing if the player with this skill is not a good enough hitter to avoid outs in the first place.

I guess a more appropriate way to say it is outs are more precious than bases. Because teams have 27 a game (or around that depending on extra innings and all that) is precisely why speed is overrated by some folks. Advancing that extra base is not as important as avoiding an out/getting on in the first place. Advancing bases is necessary but you have to get on to advance and the only way to get on is to avoid outs.

Of course you’d rather have the whole package—I’d love to have a team full of Rickey Henderson-type hitters. But I’d rather have a slow team that had the out-avoiding skills to string together baserunners than a team full of super fast guys that make a lot of outs.

The obvious practical example would be the late 1990’s-early 2000’s Oakland A’s. They were slow as molasses but consistently finished among the league leaders in runs scored because they were good at avoiding outs. That could string together baserunners and the more baserunners you have the more likely you will score runs.

Some folks will say what good is getting runners on if you can’t drive them in. Well 1) if the hitter behind the guy who gets on also gets on, the runners will advance and 2) you also need either extra-base power or, yes, speed so that you can advance. Still doesn’t change the fact that avoiding outs/getting on is the most vital part of a good offense. Other skills are necessary but out-avoiding is the most vital.

(I’m rambling and I’m going to p** people off, so I’ll stop now.)

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 15, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

I believe the blogger DOB is referring to about the “they” comment is me. I did post it but made it clear it was listed on MLBTRADERUMORS.com. I want it to be clear that I never said Renteria was on the trading block nor do I think he should be. I don’t see any way in hell the Braves trade Renteria and surely not for Itzurius whom Renteria is a better player than.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Lew,

Taking a walk doesn’t just keep pitchers honest. It’s also pretty much necessary to draw some walks to stay in the majors. Not many hitters can avoid enough outs by just swinging away.

Most hitters hit about .290 when they put the ball in play. The best hitters hit in the .350-.320 range if you just take into account balls in play. Unless you are super elite, you aren’t going to avoid outs enough to survive in the majors on just contact alone (especially if you are a corner outfielder).

You have to have other ways to avoid outs besides just making contact, which is where walks come in. And if you are a high strikeout guy, a decent walk total is even more important because even less chances to put the ball in play and even fewer hits.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Robert, I didn’t see any reference to where it came from. My bad.

Still highly skeptical of that one, though. Haven’t see it anywhere else, haven’t heard it mentioned among anybody around camp, including the scout I spoke to yesterday who’d talked to a Cubs official this week.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 15, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

It’s all yours DOB—pie, toes, your juvenile music tastes, and your redundant love of Hoss—it’s all about you “Chin”!…Quoth TheSouthernJackAss nevermore!…

By Rodger

March 15, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

While avoiding the outs, speed and power will allow more bases, and therefore often more runs, between outs. And runs, although I know there may be debate (?) WIN GAMES!

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Lew,

Exactly! Even if we assume the best of Rose—that he never bet against his team or never bet based on inside information—he lied all those years. He lied until it was convenient for him to tell the truth. And then he tries to make himself the victim—“My Life Behind Bars”? Please!

Poor, Pete. He’s living in such a prison that had nothing to do with his actions or the people he surrounded himself with. Don’t you feel so sorry for him?

Baseball has to draw the line somewhere and when you bet on the game, that’s shady enough. Especially when you lie about it for your own convenience and tell the truth when it’s convenient.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Lew, actually have have discussed a few times, at least, last season and this winter, the effect that the WBC pine time probably had on Frenchy. Had some comments by Chipper about it (I asked Chipper a few weeks ago and he said yes, he thought it possibly affected Francoeur and that that’s why Hoss _ had to throw that in once today _ was leery of having Francoeur play on the U.S. team, fearing he might not get to play much and get the spring at-bats he needed in his first full season).

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

I lost respect for Rose when he tried to make himself the victim. Show some remorse, understand that you created the monster and accept the punishment. Let others with dignity speak on your behalf and give you mercy—don’t try to force mercy upon yourself by playing the victim.

By Rodger

March 15, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Rose has lost many long time supporters-me included-with his lates case of foot (toes also) in mouth. I don’t understand his motivation, or thinking. I was still willing to forgive the “bet on baseball” transgression and defend him as the major league hits leader, but c’mon! This admission will keep him out of the HOF forever. The Hall of Dumb A’s is looking for him, though.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Rodger,

Speed and power do give you more bases between outs than no speed or power, and that can help make up for some deficiencies in out-avoiding, out-avoiding is still necessary because you still have to avoid outs to reach base and therefore make it around the bases.

And history proves that out-avoiding/getting on base is the best indicator of runs scoring.

Again, I challenge anyone, show me a way to score a run without avoiding an out.

By Mad Mike

March 15, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

I’m a big fan of Sammy Kershaw’s, too. “Let’s talk about baseball…”

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Pretty much right, SJA, which is why I’m surprised you’re still here. The blog reflects the person writing the blog’s tastes or opinions. That’s the nature of the beast. But, hey, you’re welcome on this blog anytime. Just try to talk about something other than yourself and/or your perceived battles with me or the mean ‘ol AJC “censors.” No one cares. No one.

And by the way, Lucinda Williams turned 54 in January, and the audience last night was mostly folks in their 30s through 50s. If that qualifies as “juvenile” for you, well, tip of the cap, old timer! Glad you’re got so much spunk left in you.

By Lew

March 15, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

DOB-Sorry-Guess I missed it. It must have been while I was in the hotel trying to get a flight to Florida. The fact remains, though, that the difference between this year and last is immense. I think the kids going to be a superstar. This will be a huge season for him. Then he’ll never look back. All of his detractors can then eat their words. He will be on of the best.

By cityofdecatur

March 15, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB for the music hints. that Noonan band has some full songs on their web site and myspace free for the sampling. keep up the braves, music and bbq. that’s all from the peoples republic of decatur the bluest spot in blood red georgia.

By N8......."It's ALL good!"

March 15, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

DOB

Is it a “safe” bet, to assume, that if Francoeur has a MONSTER year, and shows that he is ready to take the ball the other way and take the neccesary (and patient) steps to being a complete hitter, and if Langerhans actually hits this year, to go along with his defense, that it would be a FOREGONE conclusion that Andruw will not be a Brave next year? Not that it isn’t already, to some (myself included).

It just seems to be JS’s “style” to NOT overpay for ANYBODY (no matter how great/popular they are), when there could (extra STRESS on “could”), be people in place to make up for the lost offense (Francoeur) and defense (Langerhans).

BTW: Lew, get ready if it’s not already on the eastern half of the country. 75 degrees in the northern plains on this past Monday……Currently 20 degrees with NW winds (and snow) blowing at 29 MPH. Talk about bi-polar weather.

It’s no wonder I have mood swings.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Rodger,

I think the simplest explanation for Rose’s behavior is that he really has no remorse but is told the truth for his own convenience. Why else would you lie about something for almost 15 years? Why else would you withhold the entire truth for several more years? Maybe his motives are pure, but I don’t know if baseball can or should assume that given the entire situation.

Think about it, most of us if we were truly remorseful would admit we did wrong, accept our punishment and let others make the case for our mercy. Or just ask for mercy instead of saying things like, “gambling on the game is not as bad as this or that” or writing a book called “My Life Behind Bars.”

By hk

March 15, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

… as near as I can figure, Braves starters era’s so far this spring 2.31, probable relievers at 3.50, not bad, that includes McBride at 7.11 but he’s doing better lately …

… probable batting lineup currently hitting .330, but of course against spring training pitchers ..

By Lew

March 15, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Nathan-I can’t comment on your mood swings. Maybe your therapist needs to UP your dosage? It was 63 here yesterday and Saturday is supposed to see a major snow event. You’re never alone with a schizophrenic-Ian was right.

By yoyoma1234

March 15, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Baseball? BASEBALL?!

How dare you infidels infest DOB’s Country Music Corral with your slanderous talk! There will be none of that ‘baseball’ chatter here. Let’s keep this thing on track…Slide guitar or acoustic?

And to all you poor saps who brought up the judicial system, shame on you. Only DOB has the RIGHT to digress into boring diatribes about uninteresting subjects.

By TennesseePaul

March 15, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Payne: Interesting challenge. Wild pitch on strike three. Batter runs safely to first. This method of reaching base is not reflected in OBP. Batter could also reach on an error of any type. Said error can put the batter at any base. However, odds are it will be a single base error. From here, the guy steals second. Next, he is sacrificied to third for the first out of the inning (technically second but the passed ball/WP/error got him on). Then a Sac Fly scores him. The team is 0-1 in the inning at this point with a run scored. And they have created 3 outs, one is “erased” due to an error.
Think about it… Braves did the opposite of this last year or the year before. They had a single inning in which they batted a 1.000. It’s not OBP of 1.000, but AVG of 1.000.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

hk,

All those ERA’s are impressive but I wouldn’t put too much stock into the ERA’s of a couple of weeks in March.

Still, the Braves pitching should be much better.

By DAP

March 15, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

coach are you sure your 4:somthing AM post was a quote from franklin? i thought that sounded pretty close to something winston churchill said… just wondering.

i just read the article about kelly johnson seemingly nailing down second base…and to be honest, i dont get it. martin prado is have a much better spring at the plate, and he is already a good second baseman. it just seems weird that they would give the job to johnson over him. im pretty sure johnson’s minor and major league number are better than prado’s over all, but why should we assume it will stay that way? as well as prado is playing, if they dont give him the job at 2nd, he should at least be on the major league roster.

not that i dont like kelly, i just wish he was hitting better right now. but, maybe prado cant hit leadoff…i dont know…

By DAP

March 15, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Lew i meantioned one time a long time ago that without francouer’s slump at the beginning of the season (most likely because of the classic), he hit in the mid .270s last season, and that i expected him to improve this coming year. a .275 avg. last year would have made his season look ALOT better. i am not really convinced francouer is a .300 hitter in the majors, but i will be surprised if he doesnt hit at least .285 this season, plus his power numbers.

even if he doesnt get any more patient at the plate, if he can just keep from striking out as much (i.e. make contact) i think his average is going way up.

By dougp

March 15, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

The cool thing about the new tv crew is we can refer to them as ‘Boog and Joe”, sounds like a cartoon strip or something. DOB, you are correct, I really enjoyed listening to Boog the other night, he kept the game flowing nicely and you get the impression he is much more a baseball guy, than Rathburn was. If we can’t have our Carey’s everynight anymore, Boog is an acceptable substitute.

By Mad Mike

March 15, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

yoyoma1234:

In case your disbelief is directed at my suggested topic, allow me to enlighten you to the chorus of the aforementioned Sammy Kershaw tune:

“Politics, Religion and Her” Hey ole buddy, how you been Not much has changed here on my end No I don’t think she’s comin’ back We better not get into that

CHORUS: Let’s talk about baseball Talk a little small talk There’s gotta be a good joke That you’ve heard Let’s talk about NASCARs Old Hollywood movie stars Let’s talk about anything Anything in this world But politics, religion and her

Politics can start a fight Religion’s hard to know who’s right And one more topic I won’t touch That one’s her — it hurts too much

CHORUS(2X)

So it is still, in fact, DOB’s country corral in which we reside. Enjoy!

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Nice job. But running to first on a missed strike three or reaching on an error happens how often compared to a walk or a hit?

I should have thought about that scenario. My bad. You answered the challenge but I’ll still take OBP. Players are going to reach base on things that show up in OBP probably 98 percent of the time.

But still, how often does that happen? Much better to build your offense around OBP than it would be to build it around forcing errors.

Best I can tell, the NL average fielding percentage was at least .980.

By DAP

March 15, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

does shaun really think that batting order doesnt matter? i agree with the over emphasis of a leadoff hitter with speed, but i disagree that the order doesnt even matter and you can just throw guys into the lineup randomly. you construct a batting lineup by knowing the strength and weaknesses of the hitters on your team. andruw jones is a good hitter, but would be a stupid option at leadoff, because many of his homeruns would be solo shots, and you wouldnt score as many runs. to me, it seems like the most important hitters in the lineup to arrange is 1-5. to me, this is what those hitters should have.

1. this is your guy that can get on base alot, hopefully he has speed so that he can steal or advance to third on a single or to home from second. he doesnt have to hit with power, as long as he gets on base, it doesnt matter how he does it.

2. this guy is there to advance runner #1. he should be very good with the bat, with bunting, and hitting the ball to the right side to advance that runner. HR power still isnt that important here, but gap power is real nice to have. on base % needs to be good to in case #1 doesnt get on.

3. to me, this should be your best all around hitter. you want this guy to hit for power, and hit for average. he is your last chance to get runners on at the beginning of the game if #1 and 2 fail to get on, so his OBP needs to be really good as well.

4. this guy should be your pure power hitter, your best HR guy. AVG isnt as important, here you want SLG%.

5. this guy is alot like #3 but obviusly not quite as good. he is there in case #4 doesnt get the job done, and to keep #4 from getting pitched around.

what do ya’ll think? i have thoughts on what 6 7 and 8 should be to, but ill spare you. my point, i think alot of thought should go into batting order, shaun. its important.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

DAP,

I’m going to butt in…

Prado is younger so Johnson’s closer to his peak and therefore more likely to have a good year. Also, it’s not as if Johnson has no experience as an infielder. He played the toughest position on the diamond throughout the minors. Also, don’t put too much stock into spring numbers. I’m sure neither one have more than 50-60 plate appearances at this point, if so it couldn’t be much more.

Prado’s having a great spring, but I don’t know if Johnson has been that much worse. I don’t know Johnson’s walk total and what he’s done on defense compared to Prado. But again Johnson is older (closer to his peak) and we shouldn’t put too much stock into spring numbers.

By Yars

March 15, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

It’s fun to sit around and wonder, why this? Why that? I’m pretty sure that the Braves front office, Bobby Cox, ect… know a lot more about their players then we do. There is a reason Kelly Johnson will be the braves opening day 2B. There is also a reason Scott Thorman is the 1B, and so on.. Judging a player based on spring training games is pointless. Sure, Prado is having a good spring. Does that really mean anything? Frenchy is hitting over .400. The Braves already have an idea what to expect from players such as Prado, KJ, ect.. So KJ is only hitting .241 so far this spring. I wouldn’t read too much into it. The guy was out all last year. I’m surprised he is hitting that well right now. Bobby knows he can hit. He wasn’t worried about that. It was his fielding. So far, he is doing a good job at 2B. I know Bobby praises all his players, but if he didn’t have faith in KJ, he wouldn’t be the favorite right now for 2B. Either Orr or Prado would. Spring training is to make adjustments, perhaps even try a new batting stance, ect… Things like that. The front office knows what every player on their 40 man roster is capable of doing. They know KJ will put up better numbers than a Orr or a Prado. They know Escobar isn’t ready for the Show. Even if he were to hit .800 this spring. Who else, aside from KJ could hit in the leadoff spot? Renteria? Diaz? Langerhans?

By Lew

March 15, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Yoyo-What happened to you, Dude? Someone try to do a colonoscopy with your cello bow? Get over it. Or are you Stinky in disguise again?

By Mad Mike

March 15, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Shaun: Try the Oakland A’s blog—it will be more receptive to the strategy you’re detailing. It’s affectionately referred to as “Bean Ball” if I’m not mistaken.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

DAP,

I didn’t say batting order doesn’t matter but it doesn’t matter as much as people think. The best research indicates batting order may make the difference in maybe a handful of runs a year.

I mean, if Andruw hit leadoff, and your lineup was full of hitters who get on, then you would still score plenty of runs. You may even score more because Andruw would come up more often rather than a lesser hitter.

By Yoyoma

March 15, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Mad mike,

Sarcasm…look into it.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Mad Mike,

I believe history has proven the strategy of avoiding outs is the best way to go to increase run scoring.

Show me a team that finished in the top five in the league in OBP and didn’t finish at least in the top half in runs scored. There may be one or two out there but I’d be surprised if there were many more. In fact, I would guess the overwhelming majority of teams that finish in the top five in OBP are going to finish in the top five in runs scored.

It’s not Beane Ball, it’s common sense ball.

By yoyoma1234

March 15, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Ah blew, don’t be offended if I talk about your Wild Bill’s drinking buddy. Who writes ‘Dude’ in a blog anyway? Next time you borrow the frat’s computer, try coming up with something interesting to say. It might make you a few minutes late for beer pong, but your liver will thank you.

By DAP

March 15, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

shaun, that makes a little more sense, but still…

i know its just spring, but we dont have much else to judge these guys on. if they were coming into spring training battling for this spot, no one who is objective can say that KJ won the spot over prado!

so, we knew KJ could hit, and just needed to see if he could play second. and it looks like he can play second BASED ON SPRING TRAINING GAMES

we knew that prado could play second well, we just werent sure about his bat , and it looks like he can swing the bat ALSO BASED ON SPRING TRAINING

im not pretending to know more than the people who really make this decision, i just am not sure i can just accept it with out question.

it just seems like KJ is the favorite, as long as he doesnt do really bad at 2nd, where prado has shown this spring that hes better with the bat and at second. if they were ever really battling for it, KJ is losing.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

DAP,

The best way to explain it—the advantage you get from putting high on-base guys in front of power hitters or loading the top of your order with your best hitters is going to be offset at least somewhat by the fact that weaker hitters in the lineup eventually have to bat.

If weak hitters are scattered throughout the lineup, it may cost you outs in the middle of rallies. If they are all loaded at one spot in the order, that means more scoreless innings.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

DAP,

Actually the Braves have all kinds of minor league stats and scouting data to judge these guys on—much more data than they would have from just a couple of weeks of spring training.

By Lew

March 15, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

YoYo-You whiny little jerk. I’m way too old for a frat and I don’t drink beer. Come to think of it, I don’t listen to Country music, either. I guess almost all of your conceptions are inaccurate. Figures. If you don’t like the blog, then go elsewhere. Of course, it could just be that you don’t like DOB, myself, or any one else that thinks independently, or for that fact, has a brain. Go away classical boy. I doubt we’ll talk too much about Pachelbel. Dude.

By Mad Mike

March 15, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Shaun: I didn’t mean to offend you with the “Beane Ball” comment. And I agree, you have go to first before you go to second, etc. But I don’t think the Braves are built to be OBP “Beane Ball” players. We’re more like the conventional, old fashioned example DAP illustrated. And I like it that way. BTW DAP: One more thing we want in our 2 hole guy—low K ratio.

By david

March 15, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

The braves should put Pena on their roster, he is a better defender than woodward, which is why they got woodward. im sure they didnt get him for his bat. we have enough veterans. I cant see the braves letting Pena go and keeping Woodward. If they cant trade woodward then release him, thats still better than losing a great young defender who is finally showing some offensive promise.

By Braves Blue

March 15, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Why are bracketology comments usurping space reserved for Braves remarks? Did the AJC neglect to provide a vent-space for the basketball critters?
We already have to spend precious time culling out the music lovers’ misplaced ramblings.

By dougp

March 15, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

The Adventures of Boog and Joe. Has a nice ring to it. I’m cracking myself up over here.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

DAP,

One more thing to consider. The odds of a hitter, even the best hitters, making an out are greater than him avoiding an out. So loading good on-base/low out guys in front of power hitters is going to increase scoring chances somewhat but the odds are still not very high that even a great on-base guy or two would get on and then a great power hitter would do something to drive him in.

By Mad Mike

March 15, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew: Pachelbel did have that one hit, “Canon in D.” He kinda maxed out with that though. I admit…I’m into it (especially at weddings.) Like a 16th century “Flock of Seagulls” or somethin. Rock on, Yoyo.

By Lew

March 15, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

BBlue-Actually, the misplaced ones are those who can’t deal with anything but baseball. All of us here are baseball fans-some of them as knowledgable as any fans anywhere. But man lives not by baseball alone (and probably, women don’t either). We enjoy discussing music, pie and BBQ-even the final four. If you don’t, then scroll past these posts. That’s what I do when something I don’t care for is being discussed. I don’t like basketball, either. I ignore it when it’s the topic du jour. Try it. It works fine. If you don’t want to try that, then I guess you just have to have something to gripe about. In which case, get over it. I’m sure there’s somewhere in cyberspace you can find a site where you can whine to your heart’s content.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Mad Mike,

Problem is if you aren’t somewhat built to be a “Beane Ball,” OBP team, you aren’t going to score many runs. The Braves weren’t a great OBP team last season but they were top 6.

By Lew

March 15, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Shaun-You’re right. No one ever hits three run HR’s. They’re near mythical. Just ask Earl Weaver and Bobby Cox. They’ve never counted on them before. There, YoYo and Blue. I talked about baseball. Do you realize that you spend just as much time griping about non baseball posts as people spend posting all of the non-baseball stuff? If your time was as precious as you claim, you wouldn’t be blogging at all.

By ncscoots

March 15, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Fellas, I believe Shaun may have mischaracterized re batting orders. What the research and simulations I’ve seen show is: no “non-traditional” batting order (e.g., batting Bonds second instead of fourth) offers any more efficiency than a “traditional” order (OBP at the top, run-producers in the middle, etc.). Since there’s no evidence that a thinking-out-of-the-box type of lineup is better, there’s no reason not to use conventional reasoning to sort the lineup. That isn’t exactly the same as “order makes no difference”, and I surmise that is the actual point Shaun was trying to make.

I actually happen to think that, over the course of a single game or a short span of games, any difference in run-scoring would be minimal, regardless of lineup position. But over a larger sample of 162 games, I think those small differences could add up to a number at least approaching significance.

By Mad Mike

March 15, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Maybe you say tomato and we say tomato, Shaun. Tell you what: give us your lineup…Braves ‘07 post-spring lineup. This could clear it all up.

By Lew

March 15, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

MadMike-You act like Pachelbel actually did something, like influence J.S.Bach. Come on, if you really like Classical music, listen to Rainbow’s version of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony or Hall of the Mountain King, by Grieg. Maybe Emerson,Lake and Palmer’s cover of Pictures at An Exhibition. Now that’s how Classical music should be played. Expand your horizons, Dude.

By ElbravoX

March 15, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

KeepTonyPena.com. I would create it if I had the time. A grass roots movement must start. Tony could develop his hitting as Ozzie and Omar did. Homeboy, keep him! I know it’s lame, but its lunch time.

By Billy (TBFnB)

March 15, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Glad to see C. Crawford still has a place in this blog. That won’t die will it.

On another note…I think I am going to the east coast. Not going to be able to see the Braves much here in Oklahoma. Which really sucks. So all I have to watch is stuff about the Astros. Which I’ve always found boring.

By DCBrave

March 15, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

I am worried that Gonzales is beginning to look like the Second Coming (of Dan Kolb). Did we really trade an All-Star caliber 1B for him?

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Yes, three-run homers do happen. But the odds are still against them. And that’s still only three runs.

I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but how often did the Braves hit a three-run homer? Maybe once every two or three games, at most.

The way you arrange a batting order seems to matter just not as much as some think.

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

My lineup:

2B Johnson SS Renteria 3B Chipper CF Andrew C McCann 1B Thorman LF Diaz RF Francouer

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

DCBrave,

Gonzalez has an excellent K/BB ratio and and excellent K rate and an excellent HR rate. Kolb couldn’t strikeout Adam Dunn swinging a pool cue.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 15, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

But man lives not by baseball alone (and probably, women don’t either). We enjoy discussing music, pie and BBQ-even the final four.

Thanks Lew,

I really get into March Madness, love me some Razorbacks, and frankly I’ve been ignoring the anti-“bracketology” comments, just like I expect the folks complaining should ignore my posts about the NCAAs. Maybe somebody will respond to my basketball posts, maybe nobody will. D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F.??? I’ll keep posting it here until DOB categorizes it with political posts. Right now I’m 1 out of 3 on my bracket thanks to two dastardly ACC teams.

And if the Hogs win Friday, you can bet your @$$ I’ll be calling the Hogs like a mad man on these blogs come Monday morning at 7:00 a.m. (Even if they lose Sunday.)

By Shaun

March 15, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Lew,

It comes down, as I said before, to the fact that weaker hitters are going to have to bat eventually. If they are scattered throughout the lineup, you are more likely to make outs in the middle of rallies. If they are all bunched in one spot, you are probably going to have a lot of scoreless innnings.

By Rodger

March 15, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

*One more thing to consider. The odds of a hitter, even the best hitters, making an out are greater than him avoiding an out. So loading good on-base/low out guys in front of power hitters is going to increase scoring chances somewhat but the odds are still not very high that even a great on-base guy or two would get on and then a great power hitter would do something to drive him in. *

Yes Shaun, but with speed, those OBP guys can advance, and a productive out can score them.

By dougp

March 15, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

DCBrave, don’t go worrying yourself about little things like that. Gonzo will be fine. There are bigger things to worry about round here, scroll back up and read what shaun is throwin down. There’s something to lose some sleep over my friend.

By Mad Mike

March 15, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew: I think you misinterpreted my “Rock on, Yoyo” comment. In one of his retorts to an earlier post of mine, he suggested that I try sarcasm. I simply obliged. I thought you’d get a kick out of it, actually, Lew.

By Braves Blue

March 15, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

OK, here’s my projections of the Braves’ lineups versus RHP and LHP to begin the season on April 2: Versus RHP 1. Johnson 2b 2. Renteria ss 3. C Jones 3b 4. A. Jones cf 5. McCann c 6. Frenchy rf 7. Thorman 1b 8. Langy lf

Versus LHP: 1. Prado 2b 2. Diaz lf 3. C. Jonee 3b 4. A. Jones cf 5. Frenchy rf 6. McCann c 7. Wilson 1b 8. Pena ss

The platooners will take advantage of R-L matchups except in the case of the two Penas. McCann has to be spelled at catcher once every five days for fatigue reasons, and I think Tony Pena will spell Renteria for the same reason, and to provide defensive punch in late innings.

Diaz-Langy, Wilson-Thorman, and Prado-Johnson will incorporate Cox’s penchant for seeking advantageous R-L matchups wherever possible. Prado can expect to do double-duty at 2b and 3b, when Chipper’s pistons are not moving in sync, and maybe Tony P. will find duty calls when Prado’s plate is full.
No crystal ball forecasts here, but I don’t see Chris Woodward making the Opening Day squad, with no game duty before March 15 in Spring Training. This squad of five field players as subs of B. Pena, Wilson, Prado, T. Pena and Diaz leaves twelve spots for pitchers, as appears to be Bobby’s preference. The pitchers are almost a given, based on reports coming out of Lake Buena Vista, and from what I glean, have no surprises, so I’ll not delve into the front-line hurlers and stoppers. Any comments?

By Pulpwood Smith

March 15, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

DOB-

Thanks for the Lucinda review. Really looking forward to seeing her Saturday.

I see that your colleague Furman Bisher has written another story. Do you ever join Furman for the early bird special at Picadilly? Does Furman ever just lose it in the press box and start yelling at the players to “get off my lawn”?

By Yars

March 15, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

DAP….. Hypothetically speaking, if Prado somehow was the Braves opening day 2B & played 150 games, and let’s say if Kelly Johnson was to become the Braves opening day SS & played 150 games this season, I’m pretty sure KJ would put up better numbers than Prado. He would have a higher average, more HR, more RBI, more SB, & a better OB% at the end of the season.

By Braves Blue

March 15, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your retort, Lew. I was just trying to stir up the hornet’s nest and generate a little rhetorical excitement in these here blog parts.
To that end, I’ve succeeded. Mo offense meant, and none taken.

By Jim

March 15, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Some random top 10 lists:

Braves most likely to make all-star team (in order of likelihood, not that all or any of this number will actually make it)

1. Smoltz — even when the all-star staff is dominated by closers, they still take about 5 starters and Smoltz, Carpenter, Webb, Oswalt, and Zambrano are the top 5 going into the season

2. Andruw — losing weight and playing for a contract == a big year

3. McCann — They will probably take 3 catchers, but I’m not sure he get’s voted in if LoDuca or Molina or Barret is having a good year—more votes in other cities.

4. Francouer — I think he will have a breakout year and they will take 6-7 outfielders

5. Wickman — if the rest of the pen is strong, he should have a lot of save opportunities and they stock up on closers on the all star team

6. Chipper — Third base is a very competetive position and Zimmerman will probably be selected for one as the lone Nat. If Wright is having a good year, he will get the votes (also Rolen will get a lot of votes if he has a decent year, and also LaRussa is the mgr.)

7. Renteria — SS is less competetive than 3B, but Reyes and Rollins will probably be the top 2 and Eckstein will be a favorite of LaRussa.

8. James — not very likely, but he has a better chance of being unexpectedly good than Hudson (in my opinion)

9. Hudson — once upon a time was an all-star and if he has a good half season, will get some consideration based upon familiarity with his past.

10. Gonzalez/Soriano — Set-up men can be very good and are very imoortant, but they don’t make all-star teams.

By Yars

March 15, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Bravesblue………Bobby isn’t going with a platoon at 2B & SS. Renteria a platoon player? No way. I do agree with you on 1B & LF. Let’s say if Woodward does begin the season on the DL. Bobby can choose from Prado, Orr, or Pena Jr to fill his void.

By tvsportscaster

March 15, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

BravesBlue there is one flaw in your opening day roster. First of all, Prado will not make the team if he is not starting, and you also left out Aybar, who the Braves like, and Woodward will probably also make the team, so there will be no room for T. Pena and Prado, unless there is a trade.

By Braves Blue

March 15, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Unsaddle your high horse, Lew, and take a load off your dusty boots. Nobody’s arguing with you, at least not vociferously. We might even find we have something in common, in spite of differences on the blog’s contents issue. I come to you as Reagan did to the old USSR and say, “Mr.Lew, tear down this wall.”

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 15, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Lew is just suffering from “snow fever” is all. Gets frustrating and boring when everyone else is finally seeing signs of spring and you still see snow.

By Braves Blue

March 15, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Yars, you make a good point about Renteria, I don’t really consider Tony as an adequate fill-in for Edgar’s bat, either, but as a concession to Renteria’s age (he is over 30, I believe, and has the defensive range that Edgar is not blessed with as a post-30 player). Certainly, Tony, batting as a righty, is not a platoon player in the sense of L-R vs. R-L. I think Orr will be the odd man out, expecting Aybar (and Orr) to start the season in Richmond. I expect JS to make a move to reduce payroll with Woodward, as we save our pennies for an all-out assault against those who would seize(aided by Boras & Co.) A. Jones and Smoltz from our ranks in 2008.

By Coach

March 15, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

David , Chris Woodward will be on the team. He does everything except pitch and catch. He is a sound defensive player and has a cannon for a throwing arm. He might start the season on the DL or not , we will just have to wait and see. The Braves will carry only five players on the bench , Cox will want the most versatile five. Brayan Pena(switch hitting catcher) ,LH Craig Wilson(1b/LF/RF) , Willy Aybar(switch hitting 3B/SS/2B) and or LH Langerhans/RH Diaz(starter/Backup) are locks for four of the bench spots. I already mentioned the attributes of RH Woodward(OF/3B/2B/SS/1B). So , unless somebody gets hurt neither 2B Prado , SS Pena jr. and (SS/2B/3B) Orr have any chance of making the team. 2B Prado is having a great spring training but the Braves have all but declared Kelly Johnson the starter at 2B. Orr and Prado have options(Richmond) , Pena jr. doesn’t(trade or lost in waivers).

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 15, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

The kids, Prado and Escobar are coming north to Richmond for the season or at least for the first two or three months. No way they are going to sit on the bench in Atlanta.

Bobby Cox does not like to have a rookie on the bench as a utility guy. Woodward is a good player but if he is going to be injury plagued then I think the Braves would rather have Pete Orr. Two more weeks to find out.

Yes, James Jurries proved last year that having a great spring did not translate into a roster spot with the big club but part of that was his own fault getting caught using steroids and sitting 50 games the previous year in AAA.

The big question is how are they going to hide Tony Pena Jr.? He will never clear waivers but he is not good enough to displace Renteria yet. At least with a bat, the kid can really play a mean defense though.

By Jeff R

March 15, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

It’s interesting that, earlier, management moved Johnson from short to the outfield because of his very poor fielding. I get that his bat and his prior, though poor, experience as an infielder made him a candidate to replace Giles at 2B. And, granted, the early trials ar reasonably encouraging, but playing 2B is going to be a day-in and day-out grind. Johnson’s going to have to handle a lot of chances in real games. Prado does have a solid glove, though he’s not going to hit as well as Johnson as the potential to. Just a gut feeling, but Prado gets sent to Richmond and then gets a call up in mid to late May.

By Bill Walpole

March 17, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the great review of our cd “Catawba City”.

I’ve been a big time Braves fan since 1957. So, I’m honored by the review.

From the slide/steel player of Bill Noonan Band, Bill Walpole