Braves

By Hunk Erdown

March 15, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

DOB-

Is Crawdaddy’s still open and rocking there in Tampa? I was there a long, long time ago and saw Stevie Ray Vaughn perform… Probably the best live show I have ever seen. I miss him.

By Chris

March 15, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

First post? Is this the first?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 15, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

I hope some of the whinning and complaining about the Betemit trade will simmer down. The guy thrived in a utility role but struggles when called upon everyday. It should speak volumes that the Dodgers are considering moving Nomar…NOMAR to third instead of playing Betemit there. Look, the worst thing that could happen with this trade is that neither Aybar or Betemit do anything or that Aybar fulfills his role and Betemit continues to struggle.

Same thing with Marte. All the crying that took place over that trade needs to subside as well. Marte is looking more and more like a bust and Renteria has served this team well.

Despite what some want to say or how they feel JS knows what he is doing. He and Cox have a good feel for talent and just how good a player can be. I honestly believe that we will see Francoeur, McCann, McBride, Prado, AND Escobar prove them right.

Yes, mistakes have been made with the youngsters. But, really how many of the prospects traded away have really amounted to anything except for Dye and Wainright? Some may have had a good season here or there but most have not produced at all.

By ElbravoX

March 15, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Keeeptonypena.com. Why did you go black font on us? Now we can see you loud and clear.

By MGL

March 15, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Amen Robert(JITB)!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 15, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

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

Bobby 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 Arkansas Hillbilly

March 15, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

That’s an awfully bold blog you posted there, DOB. =-)

By Alan

March 15, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Great job as always, DOB. Thanks. Interesting tidbit about T. Pena. I believe he’ll attract interest on the trade market if he doesn’t make the Braves’ opening-day roster. But with Aybar and Woodward both hurt, maybe he will make the team. (The Yankees just might have their eyes on Pena, who is a much better defender - especially at SS - than Cairo. For that matter, Woodward is better than Cairo, too.) And speaking of Aybar, I wasn’t aware that he’s also out of minor-league options. It really is a sticky situation around the infield, isn’t it?

By Coach

March 15, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

The Redsox have a lights out rotation and a questionable closer. We have a lights out bullpen and questionable rotation , very interesting. We shall see how it all pans out during the season.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 15, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Question? Why does everyone always have to ask who was the winner in a trade? When you buy a house or a car do you always feel like there is a winner and a loser? IT WAS A TRADE…. Looks to be about even up to me. We needed a pitcher and they needed someone that could hit. We no longer have the pitcher, They no longer have a hitter. End of story. Aybar was just extra.

By Jim

March 15, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

My only complaint with Bobby Cox is his extreme loyalty - if Wickman proves to be “hittable” this year, how long would we suffer before Cox would decide to try Soriano?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 15, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

I think longer than Spring traing

By BamaBrave

March 15, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Amen Robert…JS knows what he’s doing most of the time. Wainwright looks like the real deal, and closing the World Series is mighty nice to have on the resume, but he’s still unproven. If he has 25-30 wins by the end of next season, then I’ll be ready to chalk that one up as a JS blunder…but not yet. I also get perverse satisfaction (as a Braves fan) over the demise of players that leave simply for the bucks, like Jaret Wright, Farnsworth, even Maddux and Glavine to some degree.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 15, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Okay, pain medicine is wearing off, time to crawl back under my rock. Catch ya’ll later.

By BamaBrave

March 15, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

My good Red Sox informant swears there’s no way Papelbon will be moved back to the bullpen…but I’m not so sure. Who’s left to deal for? Cordero? Their bullpen situation feels like ours was last year. Yessir…having Wickman, Gonzales and Soriano feels good…mighty good.

By yoyoma1234

March 15, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

DOB

Why must you fill your blogs with all that completely unrelated info? I mean no one wants to hear endless droning about southern men and their problems, seriously. No one wants to hear about hearache, severing of relationships of loved ones, or tales of tradition or epic battles between north and south! No one wants to hear about grown men who cheat on their wives, live on ranches, and get in trouble with the law, am I right?!

We want to hear what we came here for dammit!

Country music!

I mean, what is this, a baseball blog?

By Fed Up

March 15, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Is tonight’s game on TV?

By Fed Up

March 15, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Is tonight’s game on TV?

By dougp

March 15, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Gil, that was funny no need to crawl under your rock yet. Wasn’t it you that said the other day that one shouldn’t mix xanax and pain meds then try to blog??? I think more should try it…

By Lithoman

March 15, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

In this day and age, Bullpen is the name of the game. And we’ve got the guns. I just wished I lived closer to Turner field. Id be there every night!

By TennesseePaul

March 15, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

In all fairness to the Dodgers. Part of the thought of moving Nomar to 3B is due to the presence of James Loney who was a wiz last year. The Dodgers have high hopes for this guy. He’s one of their future faces. He is a first baseman. If he is to make the team, Nomar has to move. With Kent at 2B and Furcal at SS the only option left is outfield or 3B. The outfield would probably pop his hammy and render him useless. But 3B they could use some improvement. Betemit could put it all together. And if Nomar does take 3B, he would either be traded or forced back into a utility role.
The Dodgers mainly complain of Betemits lack of hitting ability in the switch hitting role. I keep reading that they want him to drop switch hitting and just try batting from the one side that works for him. But if that doesn’t work, then he is finished and pretty much untradable.
However the Dodgers do things differently. Take note of the Braves. Robert complains of the constant praise Cox dishes out, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that is also part of the sales pitch. If the guy stinks you do what you can to spin it the best way possible. The Dodgers don’t do this. They want a guy gone, they publicly speak of all his short comings. “Penny is a bad teammate.” “Betemit can’t hit.” And so on. So Betemit could be untradable no matter what he does once the Dodgers mouth is done running.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

yoyoma: whatever.

took you a hell of a lot longer to write that wonderful post than it would’ve taken you to scroll past one graph.

and you should go by the screen name Yo La Tengo, great band.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

Fed Up, tonight’s game not televised.

By Patrick

March 15, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

But now you get to do play-by-play for your bloggers DOB!

By Lew

March 15, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

MadMike-In reference to the last blog-I know you were being sarcastic. If you re-read my post, I was being ironic. Pachelbel, as well as JS Bach’s teacher, Buxtehude, were huge influences on Bach. All of the rock covers of the Classical pieces I mentioned, are among my own favorites and are all in my CD collection. See YoYo-we can even intelligently discuss Classical music on the Man In Black/BBQ blog. What do you think of that? Dude.

By Lew

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

Report from Lew The Bionic Artist, Journalist-Bowie Kuhn, the ex MLB Commissioner has died.

By Craigs in the Fire

March 15, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

It is on the radio though. 94.9 FM. You can also go to MLB.COM for a fairly live box score.

By tvsportscaster

March 15, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Someone asked about television. For those of you who have Directv it will be televised by the Yes Network on Channel 622.

By Craigs in the Fire

March 15, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Assuming Hampton is done for the near future, and Smoltz, Huddy, James stay healthy, whos spot in the rotation do you think is most secure? Davies, Cormier, or Redman.

If Cormier gets a spot, will they put Davies or Redman in the Pen?

By methinks

March 15, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

DOB, i can’t help but think that yomama was being teasing, that she liked your country music comments. maybe not. i know one thing, this is one of the best baseball blogs written in the u.s.of a. seriously. baseball, music, and the occasional snarky comment. love it!

By methinks

March 15, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

i completely forgot to comment on the marcus giles leading off note…that’s going to be very interesting. he hated hitting leadoff and essentially blamed it for his weak numbers. hmmm. was he just homesick?? we shall see.

By HUMBUG

March 15, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Don’t see a weak spot on the opening day roster. Best looking Braves team in several years. Don’t complain when the cutting starts. Only the cream of the crop, in each position, will be here opening day. NOW LET’S GITTER DONE!

By Epinephrine

March 15, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Its on mlbtv tonight.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

March 15, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Stuck at school for Parent/Teacher conferences, the stupid firewall is blocking CBS’ March madness on-demand, but life is still good. I can hear Skip on MLB Gameday Audio, and can follo the dialogue on the always-great DOB/Braves/MIB blog.

Keep up the good work, DOB!

By Bob, journalist

March 15, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Gil, I truly appreciate the kind and wisdom filled words … but, were it not for those who pull my chain, I would be a lonely man.

The first reaction to my initial post took me aback and I was concerned that my words and my intent were at cross purposes … however, I reached the “No need to explain yourself” conclusion immediately upon my rereading of the post.

The fact that people read and retain the “what” rather than the why was long ago well established … and that I continue to be surprised is a mystery yet to be solved.

I’m afraid that I will forever be going off topic … for mind triggers are my guide and I never know where I’m going until after I arrive.

Two mind triggers that may or may not lead me to orchards of trees containing edible fruit … I sometimes tell the story of losing what I thought to be a very good friend.

Two associates were telling me how my friend was the dumbest person they knew and giving their reasons for the posit. I responded that I couldn’t concur but that if he were to take 100 true/false intelligence tests, he would probably score close to zero on each and every one.

Word got back to my friend that I was telling people he was very stupid indeed and that if he took a test of 100 questions, he’d score close to zero. It hurt him that I thought he was stupid … it hurt me that he thought me capable of so doing.

When I tried to explain that I said he was brilliant with a different perspective rather than stupid without perspective … it fell on deaf ears … and the harder I tried, the worse it got.

Trigger junior … out of each tragedy, there’s usually some elements of comedy to be had … and this one was no exception. That some folks were explaining the constitution and the thoughts of our founding fathers to me … while others thought me either guilty of treason or crazy … brought both sighs of dismay and roars of laughter.

I admit to being a bit bemused by proffering of some until I considered the broader audience for whom the play was being staged … they made my day, you made my week!

Time to relax and enjoy the game … thanks again!

By True Braves Fan

March 15, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

DOB..Do you know why Furcal has only had 5 AB’s for the Dodgers this spring. Is he hurt??

By DAP

March 15, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

can someone tell me if i can listen to the game online? im listening to the bull(94.9 atl) online right now but theres no braves game on it.

help!! want to hear the game!

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 15, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable!…

By Bob, journalist

March 15, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

SJA, what’s not to believe?

By Zac

March 15, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Tonights game is televised…on MLB.com/MLB.TV (YES feed). I ponied up the $15 for a month so I could watch tonights game/listen to many others. You can watch live, or if you can’t make the time, you can watch it later. No, I’m not spamming!

By Bob, journalist

March 15, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

DAP, games on MLB.com are generally “blacked out” for other online feeds. The audio for most, if not all games, is available from MLB … $14.95 per year, including access to all audio archives.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

March 15, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Pete and Skip are giving Merle Haggard and the Man in Black mad props!

I knew Skip and Pete were really working for DOB…

Go Braves!

By DAP

March 15, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

ok, guys…i guess no one could tell me on here, so i did some research and found out that radio stations cannot stream the games online, because of mlb rules. so, since im a little far from atlanta (augusta, to be exact) i wont be able to get them. im holding out hope that i may have a radio in the house that will pick up 640.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

March 15, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

DAP:

I would suggest that you purchase MLB Gameday Audio. At $15/year, it is a bargain. This is my second season to have it, and for a guy in NE Arkansas, it is a Godsend. I can listen to all of the games (with the best announcers in the history of baseball) and it’s cheaper than PPV. It’s worth considering!

Go Braves-let’s get a hit!

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

If you’ve got satellite, the game’s on the YES network. We’ve got it on in the pressbox (unfortunately; I’d rather have NCAA tourney games on).

Cormier’s pitching REALLY well. The guy’s stuff never really impresses me, but he’s pretty solid. To me, it’s becoming evident he’s going to be the fifth starter, not Davies. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.

By the way, I just wrote a note about Woodward playing in a five-inning intrasquad game tomorrow against Braves minor leaguers, will allow him to get five at-bats.

But guess who else will be in that game? Mr. Davies. He’s pitching against the minor leaguers. Redman pitching tomorrow night in the ‘real’ game.

By Edo River

March 15, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Who’s pitching? Into the fourth inning and no score.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Thought I’d share with you guys an e-mail making the rounds among us KU alums on the eve of the first-round game:

Our Father, who art in Lawrence,

Hallowed be thy Game.

Thy tourney come,

Thy championship will be done,

In Atlanta as it is in Allen Field House.

Give us this day our deserved victories.

And forgive us our turnovers,

As we forgive Roy who double-crossed against us.

And lead us not into defeat,

But deliver us from East Coast bias,

For Kansas is the basketball kingdom,

And the tradition,

And the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen.

By Braveheart

March 15, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

get mlb audio, grab a pack of cigarrettes, a six pack of bud, grab your laptop, head to the porch, blog it up on here, and listen to the crickets and the best announcers in baseball. i hope it is this good in heaven. go braves!

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Fine piece of hitting by Langy in the fourth inning, an opposite-field single to right to drive in the first run of the game.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 15, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

I know Bobby isn’t too high on Cormier but it looks more and more like he should be the fifth starter unless the Braves get a really good offer for him. I like Davies and the Braves have to walk a fine line with his confidence but I think he would be better served pitching in Richmond this year. Again, that is unless a good deal comes along for Cormier. Redman will most certainly stay in the rotation all year unless Hampton can prove he will be healthy the rest of the year when he returns which would give the Braves the option of trading Redman.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Hell of an impressive inning for Cormier in fourth. With a runner at third and one out, he struck out A-Rod and Matsui back-to-back, both looking. Froze A-Rod with consecutive knee-buckling curveballs, then got Matsui looking at a fastball up and away.

By Bob, journalist

March 15, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Things don’t always go as planned but methinks there may be good reasons why teams stay longer with some players than with others … Lance’s blade seems sharper than some others too.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Chipper off Clippard.

Homer on a 1-and-2 fastball down the gut with one out in fifth for 2-0 lead.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

The Clippard in question, by the way, is Tyler Clippard, 22-year-old right-hander with no big league exp.

Might as well have put that one on a tee for Hoss.

By Braveheart

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

Too bad Clippard won’t hit a ground ball to Chipper: Then we could go get to hear Chopper to Chipper by Clippard

By cityofdecatur

March 15, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

justice slides into home in game 3. picture on front page has wrong caption

By eric the elder

March 15, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, how did Langy get an “opposite-field single to right”? Was he batting right handed? Relax, just joshin’.

By TN-MAN

March 15, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

DOB, heard that Cox said on the pregame show that the team has had trade talk about middle infielders. Any more definite info about who that may be or who they may be looking at?

By DAP

March 15, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

thanx for the tips on mlb audio, yall. i think i might just tuff it out. since i am in the braves market in augusta, GA, i think i can can handle not getting EVERY spring training game since EVERY regular season game i have easy access to.

and i only look at highlights for other teams, i wouldnt take the time to really listen.

i thought hard about it, though! thanx ya’ll!

By Roper

March 15, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

DOB, I fear you missed the boat grousing about yoyo’s blog. allow me to write between the lines…

Why must you fill your blogs with all that completely unrelated info? (baseball) I mean no one wants to hear endless droning about southern men and their problems,

(chipper’s toe, hampton’s most everything, no more options…) seriously. No one wants to hear about heartache, severing of relationships of loved ones, (Smoltz) or tales of tradition or epic battles between north and south! (Yankees vs. Braves) No one wants to hear about grown men who cheat on their wives, live on ranches, and get in trouble with the law, am I right?! (Chipper again for the former two, perhaps Furcal for the latter)

well, that’s the way i read it anyway.

By KC

March 15, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Lance Cormier… We may just have to find a place for this boy in the rotation, cuz he ain’t takin’ no for an answer, apparently.

By KC

March 15, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

How bout’ Tyler Yates too?

Here’s an interesting fact: Yates spent 4 full months with Atlanta last season. He had a lousy August, but the other three months (June, July, September)… 2.17 ERA.

I’m not trying to throw out August. Obviously it counts. But the point is that if he can be more consistent this year and avoid a stretch like he had last August… he could be a helluva pitcher.

He’s looked pretty good so far this spring.

By Bob, journalist

March 15, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

Roper, you could take a pole to find out … but several have already been taken … always with the same result … the South won the war and your assumption was wrong.

By Scalp 'em Braves

March 15, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

The day that I base season performance of a pitcher or hitter on how they do in spring training is the day that hell freezes over. I’ve been to spring training twice (once for 3 days, once for a week - would love to go for a longer time in the future - its a blast). It is NOTHING like the season. Guys are trying out new stuff - new stances, new swings, new pitches, etc. - both us and the competition. For God’s sakes people, don’t try to predict how we will do in the season.

The naysayers about the starting rotation. Maybe outside of the Dodgers, I think we have as good a group as anyone else in the NL. The Brewers definitely improved with off season acquisitions. The D-Backs had the young kid, and nobody else until they brought in the broken down world’s tallest pitcher. The Phils have a couple of good arms, but nothing to write home about. The Mutts rotation is a joke at this point. We’ll be fine, and if we get Hampton back and he is effective, watch out (notice I said IF).

As for the bullpen, sounds like we are smooth. Hope it don’t blow up on us with injuries.

This our year - we win the division by 2 to 3 games. Win the NLDS, and get to the NLCS for a change - after that, who knows?

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

March 15, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

KC

You said:

“Lance Cormier… We may just have to find a place for this boy in the rotation, cuz he ain’t takin’ no for an answer, apparently.”

Not to beat a dead horse, but I’d put this guy in the rotation everyday of the week and twice on Sunday’s vs. Kyle Davies. And if Davies continues to have a strong spring, I’d put Redman in the bullpen, or keep him around for depth.

I know that there is little, to NO chance of Cormier and Davies BOTH being in the rotation and Redman not (barring injury). My guess is that Cormier ends up in Richmond or the bullpen.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 15, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

VCU VCU VCU Virginia Commonwealth takes outs the Blue Devils in the first round. Man… feel like a million bucks…. YIPPEE!!!!!!!

Bob… Smartest man I ever met thought I was a genius….

By Greg in TN

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

Evening gang…

One of these days Joe Torre will no longer be managing the Bronx Bombers and then I can really start loathing them again. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like them, but as long as Joe T’s hands are on the reins, I have to respect them for that.

I always felt that getting the triumvirate of Wickman, Soriano and Gonzalez will benefit this team over 162 games. Honestly I think all three will do well, but having all of them in the pen also gives us flexibility and insurance against injury.

Gil, your 5:05 post on trades really caught my eye, and I agree. People always look at the trade in terms of who got the better deal, when there are plenty of trades where both teams came out just fine. There also seems to be a lot of confusion from folks in terms of short term deals and criticizing some of them, and JS, because they are looking at the long term implications. Missing the forest for the trees in many cases.

This is what I liked about tonight’s game - Cormier pitched well for 5 innings and he’s getting harder and harder to ignore. I don’t see how this guy doesn’t become starter #5 unless he just falls flat in the next few weeks. Chipper’s tater was very welcome. McCann and Langerhans going 1-3 and two steals tonight by Langy and Lillibridge.

This is what I didn’t like to see - Villareal was ineffective to say the least. McCann had a passed ball and we’re still leaving a lot of runners on the bases (9 tonight left on base, 5 were left on in scoring position).

Even with the losses lately, there’s still very many positives coming out of most of these games. Cormier, Yates and Moylan all pitched well tonight.

By KC

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

N8: I agree with you. Cormier is going to have to win the 5 slot away from Davies. If Davies doesn’t impress the rest of the way and Cormier does… Cormier could win the job. But if Davies pitches well, the job is his, even if Cormier outpitches him.

Not saying that’s how it should be, just that I think that’s how it will be.

I think they like the idea of having an insurance policy. They know they can turn to Cormier if needed, which gives them depth should any other starters go down. If they didn’t sign Redman and plugged Cormier in, they wouldn’t have had that 6th starter waiting in the wings.

By Oddjob

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

DOB Did Williams play ‘lake charles’? if so was the band able to get the zydeco sound right? there may be no more beautiful ballad in the english language.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Cormier is NOT going to Richmond, long as he stays healthy and keeps pitching anywhere close to this. He’s the clubhouse leader, no question, over Davies.

Redman is in the rotation, barring injury. That’s done. No question about that. It’s just Cormier vs. Davies for the final spot (actually it’ll be fifth spot, only because that’s way it falls from rotation order being set at start of spring.

All you need to know about how the race stands at this point can be gleened from this graph in the brief story I just filed. For Cox to say this says plenty. He was asked about Cormier/Davies battle and responded thusly:

“We’re still open-minded, but he’s throwing the ball super,” manager Bobby Cox said of Cormier, who ranks among major league leaders in ERA, wins (3-0), strikeouts (13) and innings (14), and has issued one walk. “He’s looked great all spring, and he looked good in all the starts he had [in 2006].”

He also said, “Outstanding. Just outstanding. He put it right where he wanted all night long.”

And, “Roger [McDowell] gave him a little cutter that he’s really using. His stuff was real good tonight.”

Of the strikeouts of A-Rod and Matsui, Cox was especially impressed with the Matsui K: “That’s awesome.”

THIS JUST IN: The Yanks just announced Tyler Clippard has been optioned to Triple-A.

Yes, Chipper knocked Clippard back to the Clippers.

(Actually, that’s too good to be true _ the Yanks moved their Triple-A team, the former Columbus Clippers, to Scranton, and they’re the Yankees now. Dammit.)

By Roper

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

I don’t recall the South winning the war of Northern Aggression. Justice was served when they pushed the Indians out on the Trail of Tears, i’ll give you that. And they did put fear into the hearts of those northerns, but in the end, those damn reserves got up off the deck and burned Atlanta to the ground.

By David O'Brien

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

By the way, Orr has a sore knee, didn’t play tonight. But he was here, not a big deal. Will probably play tomorrow. Prado had a sore hamstring but played.

K. Johnson (.219) and Thorman (.212) were hitless tonight, but Kelly at least drew a couple walks.

By Greg in TN

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

I would be remiss in also not commenting on the passing of Bowie Kuhn in Jacksonville today.

Kuhn certainly had more than a few run ins with Ted Turner over the years. Whether it was the suspension and tampering charges on Ted’s signing of Gary Matthews Sr, telling the Braves that Andy Messersmith could not wear a uniform with the word “Channel” over his number 17 in place of his last name, or kicking Ted out of the dugout after his one game stint as manager against the Pirates in 1977.

Turner wasn’t Kuhn’s only foil during his time as commissioner. Kuhn also rattled sabers with Charlie Finley, George Steinbrenner and Ray Kroc. Fans may also remember that Kuhn ordered the Braves to play Aaron in the 1974 season opening series in Cincinnati instead of letting the team sit the Hammer in hopes of seeing him tie and pass the Babe in the ballpark.

It’s too bad we don’t have a guy like Kuhn or Giamatti or Fay Vincent as commissioner at this time instead of a former team owner. Recent history could have been quite different indeed.

By Kentavo

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

I thought Cormier did a pretty good job at the end of the season as a starter = certainly better than Davies.

Maybe we can dangle Davies in the long-bandied about Baldelli deal.

And on another note - I think Craig Wilson will get significant time at 1st. Think of how Bobby would platoon Franco, Jordan or anybody else in there for LaRoache’s frist two and a half years.

By gotigers72

March 15, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

DOB - I agree with you on that Lucinda Williams song ‘Are You Alright”? Was that written for a friend or family member that has passed away. I’ve tried to figure that out from the lyrics, but haven’t been able to. Maybe you know. But it is the best new song I’ve heard in quite some time.

Don’t have a dog in the hunt in the NCAAs, so I may as well pull for your Jayhawks. Saw them play a couple of times during the regular season. I was very impressed. Would like to see them and UNC in the Final Four. That would be a good story with Roy Williams history at Kansas.

I was glad Dook lost tonight. I’m still upset that their clock operator and the ACC officials for the game with Clemson hosed my Tigers. It’s about time The Rat [Coach K] felt how that feels to be on the other end of those games, although that wasn’t the case tonight. His intimidation of conference refs during the regular season does not help his team once they get into the tournament and get officials from other conferences.

By David O'Brien

March 15, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

OddJob, yes, she played it, and introduced it with a story about the guy it’s about. Great story, even greater song. One of my very favorites of hers.

They didn’t really get the zydeco thing going. No accordians to be found. But Mr. Pettibone jammed on it and everything else. He’s phenomenal. And Lu can play a pretty mean guitar herself.

By Scott

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

DOB… How did Kelly look tonight with all of the assists he made? Does he look really natural? Or still a little awkward? Also, and talk abotu Scott Thormans lack of offence at this point?

By Oddjob

March 15, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

DOB I see where you posted that Williams did play ‘lake charles’ in my minds ear I hear her doing duets with Peter Wolf,’lake charles’ and ‘nothin but the wheel’ come to mind.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 15, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you put any stock in Thorman or Johnson’ spring batting averages or do you just think its spring training and no big deal? Johnson was tearing the cover off the ball until this week.

Also, if Thorman continues to struggle as he has do you think the Braves would consider going after Chris Shelton from the Tigers, whom seem to be way to eager to trade him?

By Don

March 15, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

The “imminently available for a reason thumber” Redman gets handed a spot in the rotation just for showing up? That’s just terrific.

By Oddjob

March 15, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

As I sit here in my Black Mountain NC home It would be remiss of me not to say GO HEELS!!!!

By Micah

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

DOB, I appreciate all the updates. Making me feel the pain of not being able to go Saturday night!

Go Braves!

By Scalp 'em Braves

March 15, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

For somebody that does not give one whit about college basketball, but fills out the office bracket anyhow, my final four is Florida, Texas, Kansas & Memphis. Florida and Memphis in the final, with Membphis winning it all. Yes, the South’s gonna do it again, and again (CDB).

If we have a weakness this year, I think it will be on the right side of the infield, both offensively and defensively. Have heard Hubbard talk about how hard KJ has worked. Don’t know if that will translate into his being able to turn 2 on a regular basis. As for Thorman, I’ve never been that impressed with him. Guess we’ll have to see how he does when he gets regular at bats, instead of platooning. I know he can knock the crap out of the ball, but how often? If he bats 6th or 7rh, how many times will he leave McCann or Frenchy standing on the base while he hits a long, noisy fly ball out?

By Bob, journalist

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

Gil, my father had a different opinion of me … actually, it was my common sense rather than my intellignece that gave him pause.

By Steve-O

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

Who is the Braves #1 Starter?

By KC

March 16, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Steve-O: John Smoltz

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 16, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Well, You definitely won’t catch VCU looking past their next match-up. :-) Now baseball

Always appears one of the Braves’ relievers has an off night. Tonight it was Villarreal’s turn. Of course in a real game situation you do not just bring in a guy and let him get shelled for four hits. Looks like Moylan returned to form and pitched well.

I hate not being able to watch these games, so hard to tell what is really going on. Sometimes it is working on a new pitch or a change in mechanics or going at 80 or 90 percent.

A look like Cormier is cooking though. Making it tough on the old man to make a decision. Anyone keeping tabs on the Phillies? How about Dave O’Brien, other than providing their pitcher’s with flack jackets and post traumatic stress disorder counseling, anything else we should be watch for in the opener?

Of course the Fanatic is the best Mascot in baseball since the “Chicken” left San Diego in a stew and nearly worth the price of admission by himself.

By KC

March 16, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

I stand corrected on the Cormier/Davies thing. If DOB says Cormier’s the frontrunner… he’s in the clubhouse, and I’ll take his word for it.

By KC

March 16, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

If Cormier’s in, then Davies could get stuck down at Richmond for a while… unless of course, he’s traded. If Redman does a half-way decent job, then then there will obviously be no room for Davies, which will be even truer when Hampton returns.

By KC

March 16, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Wow…I feel fortunate to have two talented young guys battling it out for that 5 slot. It could be a looooot worse.

We could have Chan Ho Park and Jorge Sosa competing for a spot in the rotation.

By KC

March 16, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Boy… it’s a dead room in here tonight. Oh well, need to get to bed anyway. Here’s hoping Redman looks good again tomorrow. G’night all.

By Spiderhoff

March 16, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

When I think of Bowie Kuhn I remember him sitting in shirtsleeves in a cold World Series game when the Series first went to night games. He was better than Bud,but is that much of a compliment.

By Spiderhoff

March 16, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

I like Lucinda but has everyone she ever met died.

By Coach

March 16, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

From what I’m reading and hearing , Cormier is about to nail down the fourth spot in the rotation. Thats a comforting thought , four dependable starters in Smoltz , Hudson , James and Cormier. That little cutter that Cormier started throwing has really added to his repertoire. JS was forced to dump Millwoods contract and traded him for Johnny Estrada. Who in turn was traded for Villarreal and Cormier. Call it dumb luck but we have really got a lot of mileage out of an unintended trade. Don’t give up on Davies just yet , we are only half way through spring training. Do we really have to have Mark Redman for a fifth starter ? I would much rather see Davies grow into the rotation than watch Redman get lit up like a Christmas tree every fifth game. Cox’s insistence on going with the veteran pitcher has me seeing visions of Sosa all over again.

By Jared

March 16, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this

I saw an interview with John Schuerholz today at talkingchop.com where he talks about a possible trade(s) brewing.

“Martin Gandy: Anything brewing on the horizon?

John Schuerholz: Yeah, got a few things.

Gandy: Anything you can allude to?

Schuerholz: No, I’m not going to change. It helps me get my job done. I’m able to get my job done better if fewer people know what I’m thinking.”

This has been a rare offseason as I have liked all of Schuerholz’s move. I really like this team as is. Why do I just get the feeling he’s going to ruin it by trading away someone big (by big I mean someone who would easily make the Braves’ opening day roster if not traded)?

By brent

March 16, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this

SOMEONE NEEDS TO FIX THE PHOTO DESCRIPTION OF JUSTICE SLIDING INTO HOME.

THAT WASN’T GAME 2

GAME 2 OF THE ‘91 WS WAS PLAYED IN MINNESOTA AND THE BRAVES LOST.

That was the Hrbek/Gant game.

By TennesseePaul

March 16, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this

DOB: As always thanks for the blog and all the info. I appreciate it.

What a day. I love the way Cormier is pitching. The only thing this kid needs this year is run support. He had the worst run support last season. If he gets some runs, his wins will climb fast.
I hope Davies keeps pitching well. I’d like to see him make this a really tough choice for all involved. It’ll only help the team in the long run. If he isn’t on the team opening day, he will be eventually. He just needs to keep proving himself worthy.

I’m outta here fellas. Off to Mexico for a week. I’ll try to check in if possible. Gotta know what’s going on with the team and the Beat/MIB Blog.
VIVA LOS BRAVOS!!

By Spike

March 16, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this

A couple of observations. The first, why is the 5th starters job being handed to Mark Redman after just one outing when Cormier, Davies, and Villareal have proven their worth and worked for the spot. It’s not like Redman is Roger Clemens, and I would like to see him earn it. Cormier has made a strong case for his turn in the rotation and Redman pitched three innings. We’ll see how this plays out, but I’ll be surprised if Redman retains the spot. Villareal had an off day today but he is a very capable pitcher, Tyler Yates looked really good and was throwing hard with movement, and Peter Moylan was solid also. What a difference a year makes.

By Jared

March 16, 2007 2:42 AM | Link to this

“The first, why is the 5th starters job being handed to Mark Redman after just one outing when Cormier, Davies, and Villareal have proven their worth and worked for the spot.”

Have you paid any attention to spring training at all? Villarreal has had nothing but trouble, plus he is on the relief pitcher schedule. He’s not going to be a starter (at least to start the year).

By Spike

March 16, 2007 5:04 AM | Link to this

Jared My point was that it’s hard to rationalize giving a starters spot to someone who hasn’t earned it. Three innings? All this talk about the depth of Atlanta pitching and we’re giving a guy a starters spot after three innings? He may end up with the spot but it seems a little premature to me…but then I probably don’t pay any attention to Spring Training.

By ssiscribe

March 16, 2007 6:34 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, folks. Been a busy week, so checking in before diving back into things:

— Cormier has just about lapped Davies in the race for the fifth spot, don’t y’all think? His stuff never really blew me away when I saw him pitch last year, but he must have really put some time in during the offseason because dude has been spot-on the way he’s working hitters, etc.

Cormier is striking out A-Rod, and Davies is pitching on a back field to minor leaguers. But really, Davies going to Richmond isn’t a bad thing. Takes some of the pressure off the Pride of Stockbridge as he gets used to pitching every fifth day again.

— I’m not worried about Thorman. I think you’ll see him go through streaks and slumps. Dude hits the ball hard, though, which is always encouraging. He’s a big boy who’ll rip it and hit .400 one week, .200 the next, as he plays pretty much full-time (I really think he should play full-time).

— Jimmy, check out the notebook story today. Toe journalism with Langerhans talking about toe taps. Frenchy is doing a toe tap. I spot a trend story.

All right, off I go. Probably won’t be on here much this weekend. Enjoy the tournament. And DOB, why I did this, I don’t know. But I picked Kansas to win the whole thing. Figure the Jayhawks are about due for a long tournament run, after totally ruining my bracket in recent years.

The Scribe abides. Peace.

—30—

By Paul

March 16, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

I will never understand why Josh McRoberts doesnt average 20 points/10 boards a game. He has so much ability but is too unselfish. For all you Duke haters….they have an amazing class coming in next year. One recruit apparently reminds many of Adam Morrison. Dave, doesnt VCU’s style of play remind you of Arkansas 40 minutes of hell back in the 90’s? They will give Pitt fits in the 2nd round.

By Braves Blue

March 16, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Lance Cormier Gotta thank the U of A, my alma mater, for grooming this young hurler for the Braves, by way of the Arizona Snakes. Give an assist to Johnny Escobar and JS, too. -Roll Tide-

By KC

March 16, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

DOB: Any theories on what Schuerholz might have cooking? Are you hearing anything?

By jeremy

March 16, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know who is pitching on Saturday vs. THE Cards at Disney? I think it might be smoltzies day…. I am hoping it’s not Kyle Davies

By T-bone

March 16, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

DOB, Two questions:

1) What’s the word on Salty? Has he fallen from uber-prospect status?

2) Why is Bobby so committed to KJ at 2nd when Prado is better (at least more proven) defensively and is showing a better bat this spring?

I’ll hang up and listen.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 16, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Paul,

I’ll chime in on that one. I watched most of the game lastnight, (in Applebee’s—no sound) and the VCU/40 minutes of hell comparison entered my mind as well. Man those guys just lowered their heads and got physical with Duke, didn’t they. No Fear, No intimidation whatsoever. I love it. If not for Acie Law, I’d call Maynor the most clutch player in the tournament this year. I watched their conference championship game last week, too. The best open court defender I’ve seen in a while.

What sucks about the whole deal is I had to leave with 3 minutes left, and by the time I got home the game was over. I missed the exciting finish.

By Braves Blue

March 16, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

God bless the U of A (my alma mater, too) for grooming Lance Cormier and the Arizona Snakes, for not messing him up before he came to the Braves. Give assists to JS and Johnny Escobar. And, as always, -Roll Tide-

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

The Red Sox have a lights out rotation and a questionable closer. We have a lights out bullpen and questionable rotation , very interesting. We shall see how it all pans out during the season.

In today’s game, no pitching is guaranteed…well, come to think of it I don’t know if pitching was ever guaranteed. That is unless you had Maddux, Glavine or a group like that.

Pitching has always been somewhat of a mystery.

By JC from UT

March 16, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

As we all know Tony Pena has little if no future at all in Atlanta. I noticed Escober got some innings in at short perhaps to see if he can backup Renteria. That being said I did a little research to see who may be interested in acquiring Pena. Granted the return would not be much but getting a quality arm that may be in A or AA and developing him is better than just lettin Pena go throiugh waivers, where we all know he will not get through untouched. Here is what i’ve come up with: ChiSox- they have nearly no depth in the middle infield and have 2 hard throwers in A ball. Cleveland-they are not happy with Jhonny Peralta and Hector Luna has beeb a nightmare with the glove this spring and Cleveland usually drafts decent pitchers. Detroit and SanFran- both are getting older up the middle with no depth. Another trade that could help both teams now and in the future could be Pena and Langerhans to KC for David DeJesus. DeJesus could lead off this year and play left and next year could move over to center if.God forbid AJ decides to leave. Any comments?

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Even with Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz, there was always questions concerning Smoltz—who may have had (may have) the best pure stuff of the bunch.

I think as time goes on, we will start to realize how lucky we were to have those guys in the same rotation for as long as we did. That’s the kind of rotation that only comes around once a generation, if you’re lucky.

Think of all the rotations that were supposed to be the next big thing and how many flopped—Wilson, Pulsipher and Isringhausen; Prior and Wood. Even a some of the Braves young guns—Avery, Pete Smith—didn’t quite last as long as some thought they would.

Somebody could make a lot of money if they could figure out which young studs are going to pitch well for a long time and which are going to flop.

By David O'Brien

March 16, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Shaun, others: As unlikely as it would have seemed a week or so ago, I’m looking at the rotation today and thinking it actually has fewer question marks than it did before Hampton got hurt in the batting cage.

I say that because Cormier has looked so sharp in his last couple of outings, and Redman looked so good in his initial one (granted, it was just one start, but if he just does what he’s done in recent years for mostly bad teams, Redman should be able to win 10-12 games for a pretty good one as a back-of-rotation guy).

With Hampton to open season on DL, and the Davies groin/psyche thing (sounds like a good band name) likely headed for Richmond, and the solid-if-unsensational Redman and Cormier in the rotation (and so far, Cormier’s been closer to sensational this spring, but again it’s only spring), I really think this rotation replaces two of its biggest question marks with more dependable, less-risky options.

And if/when Hampton’s ready to come back, it could be a big boost, but not one the Braves have to depend so much on. Same for Davies if he starts out with a great month or two at Richmond. Braves will have rotation depth that lacked entirely last season.

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Anyone read the Gary Sheffield interview on espn.com?

There’s a lot of things that go on [in the Yankees organization] that you don’t know until you get there. I heard stories about how they’re a first-class organization. That they’re everything you want in playing for a team. I’m not saying they’re not first-class. But I’ve played for teams that were family-oriented organizations. They made you feel like family. The Yankees are strictly a business. Baseball is your life and everything else is secondary.

Makes you wonder if the family-oriented organization is the Braves.

Also, he mentions that he was never the poster-boy for any organization because of race. Not to get too political, but could it be that he was never a poster-boy because he’s seen as an angry, hyper-sensitive star that needs to be coddled?

He seems to blame “corporate, white America” for his uncle Dwight Gooden’s drug use and any perceived problems he’s had.

He also doesn’t understand that maybe the reason he’s played for seven teams is because he thinks a little too highly of himself, which is not a crime and certainly not unique to just him. But he should understand that he’s a power-hitting corner outfielder and they are relatively easy to find for much cheaper than he demands.

Sheffield seems to have a lot of anger built up and, because of that, is blinded to the big picture.

By Eric from MO

March 16, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Why is it that Chuck James spot is garunteed. That is dumb. What has James done? Granted he had a good rookie season but so did Davies. Davies was hurt last year that is why he did bad. Davies and Cormier are both doing great this spring and James not so great. Of all of them Davies has the most potential to be great. Do not give up on him. Honestly if it was up to me I would make Redman a long reliever and leave Davies and Cormier in the rotation until one starts to struggle. That would mean that our bullpin would consist of the big Three, Virreal, Mcbride,Boyer, and Redman. I would send Yates back down till someone struggles or gets hurt.

By David O'Brien

March 16, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

T-Bone, Salty has not fallen from uber-prospect status, not at all. But his struggles last season, and the way things snowballed and played with his mind, showed the Braves he has work to do and they’re not going to rush him to the majors until he’s ready.

He just needs to have a good, solid first half at Double-A, just not worry so much about how good Brian McCann is and what he (Salty) needs to do to get to the majors, etc. That stuff got to him a little last year. Maybe more than a little, from what I’m told.

And he got hurt last year, which really contributed to his sluggish performance at the plate.

The kid is immensely talented, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s up here in the bigs. Might take a couple or three years, but who knows? he might have a great season and be catching _ or playing first base _ for some major league team a year from now.

Anything can happen. Anyone can get hurt. Crazy to try to pin down and map out the future with some guys who have studs ahead of them at their position in their current organization.

The KJ/Prado question, it seems like we’re literally having to answer this question every single day, especially when he goes 0-for-3 (he did have two walks). Here goes again.

Short answer: Prado’s never hit for any power in the minors, nor had a high on-base percentage, so he’s not a power hitter or a leadoff type. He could hit for a high average, .280 or higher maybe, in the majors, but not going to hit for power.

KJ, they believe, can hit for power and average, and have a high on-base percentage (he’s got a great eye). Much higher ceiling offensively, though not nearly the glove of Prado.

Many view Prado as more of a solid utility guy than an every-day second baseman, regardless of Schuerholz’s for-the-record comment to me couple days ago. If you’re going to pencil in him at 2B, that’s yet another position where you can count on fewer than 10 homers, and in his case without a high OBP, if his recent minor league career is any indication.

OK, ended up giving you long answer.

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

O’Brien,

I agree. I honestly think the Braves may be one of the two or three teams in the NL with the fewest questions.

Almost every team is going to have major pitching questions going into every season. We just were spoiled here for the past 15 years so last year was foreign to many of us. But this is what the majority of teams, even good teams, go through almost every year.

Look at teams like the Yankees and Red Sox. They seem to win over 90 games every year with pieced-together rotations.

As I said last week, did anyone really expect Hampton to make a significant impact before the second-half, at the latest? Keith Law mentioned this last week on 680—the Braves probably weren’t expecting much from Hampton anyway. It’s bad that’s he’s hurt, but it really doesn’t change much in the grand scheme of things.

By David O'Brien

March 16, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

KC, just noticed your late-night post. it’s dead overnight because it’s spring training, man. We’re all on the spring schedule, up at 6 a.m, passed out by midnight or 1 a.m. Right? Oh, we’re not? Oh, nevermind.

But that is the reason the overnight posts have slowed. Just wait till the season starts in two weeks. We’ll be posting away at 1 a.m., bitching and moaning about one thing or another that happened in the game that night and what needs to be done. As we should.

By michael

March 16, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

DOB, What kind of baserunner is KJ? Do you think he’ll be able to put any pressure on opposing pitchers when he’s on base?

By Paul

March 16, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Arkansas Hillbilly,

I was waiting for Scotty Thurman to lauch a three. I will always remember the Duke/Arkansas final. (great game) VCU is a fun team to watch. Maynor and Law are clutch players. Does anyone else think that Carolina is going to struggle against MSU in the 2nd round?

By KC

March 16, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

DOB: Don’t mean to pest you but…

Any clue at all what JS might have been eluding inn that interview Jared refered to in an earlier post. Any credible trade rumors?

Huh? Huh? Huh?

By David O'Brien

March 16, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Scott, Kelly really does look fine at 2B. You don’t notice him, which is good. Not sensational, but he’s not out there falling around and bobbling balls or making awkward turns and throws to second base, etc. Who’d have thunk the bat would be the bigger concern at this point? But remember, this is a guy who started out 2-for-34 or whatever it was his rookie year, then won NL Player of the Week when Cox stuck with him and he started killing the ball. he’ll hit, and I think the Braves know that and aren’t going to make any knee-jerk decisions based on two weeks of spring games.

Thorman, I’m not sold on as far as his having a good season and replacing LaRoche with anything comparable to LaRoche numbers. But I won’t be surprised if it ends up as a Wilson/Thorman platoon, and together I think the two of them can produce 20-25 homers and 90 RBIs from the 1B position, which will be close to LaRoche’s numbers. Wilson can hit, fellas.

By Lew

March 16, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Eric from Mo-Davies is ALREADY struggling. Chuck James rookie season made Davies’ rookie year look like nothing. It wasn’t even close. James has improved year by year-Davies has not.He needs more time in AAA to get his head together and to recover from that horrible injury from which he was rushed back (Do you remember the Schultz article proclaiming him our absolute last chance to win the Wild Card?). As far as Redman. He is a veteran, experienced starter. He had a winning record last year for the absolute worst team in all of baseball, and hasn’t played on a good team for years. Add to that the fact that Oscar Villarreal is one of the best long relievers in the NL and there is no need to put Redman in that position. Why, exactly, would you send Yates down to the minors (he has no options, anyway and Boyer does). Did you see him last night? He looked plain nasty, as he has most of the spring. Dude, you need to do some analysis before making your proclamations. You were all over the place, there.

By Lew

March 16, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Late night might be a bit unlively the next few nights. There has been a loss in the Grinch family. He is temporaily on leave.

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

T-Bone,

With my limited knowledge of the situation, it seems like everyone thing Salty is a catcher. My guess is the Braves trade him for maybe a decent major league-ready pitcher and one or two solid pitching prospects by Opening Day of next season. I think teams would give up a lot for a big, switch-hitting catcher. The trick for the Braves is to not let everyone know they may be looking to trade him so that his trade value doesn’t sink. Maybe have him play a lot of firstbase or even the outfield in the minors for the simple fact it gives other teams the appearance that the Braves want to keep him and they’ll have to give up a lot for him.

Prado may be a solid, everyday secondbaseman someday but Kelly Johnson has shown much better, what I’ve come to call, out-avoiding skills. Johnson’s plate discipline may be the best in the lineup, aside from maybe Chipper. And he’s has line-drive power potential similar to Marcus Giles’s—lots of doubles.

And Johnson played the toughest position on the field in the minors—shortstop. So they feel he’ll be adequate at second.

Plus, Johnson is a little older than Prado and therefore closer to his peak (which is late 20’s for most players).

I have a feeling Braves fans will come to love Kelly Johnson as the secondbaseman and leadoff guy.

By NO CHOP ZONE

March 16, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

The Mets rotation the Braves and the rest of the NL will face will be……1)Glavine 2)El Duque 3)Maine 4)Perez 5)Pelfrey. I’m sure that rotation won’t scare anyone but last years rotation of Martinez, Glavine, Zambrano, Bannister, Trachsel wasn’t exactley the fearsome five. Oh Yeah, Pedro will be back in late July……..LETS GO METS!!!

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

O’Brien,

Seems like Kelly Johnson is more athletic than people realize. I guess a lot of people just assume because the Braves threw him left he can’t field.

If you’ve played a decent shortstop at any level of professional baseball, you’re an athlete.

If he’s not an adequate secondbaseman already, he will be soon.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 16, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Paul,

That shot is the defining moment in Razorback tournament history. Helluva game that never seems to get mentioned along with the best NCAA tourney games. How convenient that Duke losing in a championship game gets swept under the rug by the media, huh?

I think if that little bald-headed white dude heats up, Michigan State can hang with the Tar Heels but I just don’t see it happening. The Longhorns will prevail though. (The hog fan cringes again as he types those forbidden words for the second time in a week)

By KC

March 16, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

DOB: Correction… Meant to say “don’t mean to pester you” of course.

So what about it? Huh? Huh???? (mental picture of my tugging on DOB’s pant leg)

By Turnin2

March 16, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB — gotta go with you all the way on the KJ and Thorman statements. I’m lovin’ what I see in KJ out there and think he’ll only improve with more and more experience. As I’ve said in the past, if Hubby thinks he’s good enough, he is… (and just why isn’t Hubby listed on the poll??) btw- good to see you at ST - I’m the one who was sitting with Choppinmama when she ‘holla’d’ at ya at the Astros game….

By Lew

March 16, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Shaun-Exactly why do you think Salty will be worth a ML ready pitcher and two pitching prospects when all we were offwered for Andruw was Coco Crisp and Hansen? You are in LaLa land if you think he will bring close to that much on his own.

By Martin Calloway

March 16, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Any trade talk? I’m living in St. Pete now, and, poor Seth McClung, the Rays don’t seem to even have a warm body to put on the mound in the 9th. With the surplus of potential closers (adding in Devine) the Braves have (that doesn’t even sound right, does it?), wonder if a closer+, + in exchange for Baldelli might be a possibility. Crawford and D. Young are absolute keepers, and Elijah Dukes has so much upside I think they are going to try every attitude rehab they can think of to keep him. Baldelli for 5 years for life after Andruw would be mighty nice. Should I mention he has no trouble batting leadoff? Have you seen Alejandro Escovedo live?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 16, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Sorry to hear that, Lew. If you get a chance, pass along the message to him that thoughts and prayers are headed his way from South Arkansas.

By Lew

March 16, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Shaun-45 errors at short in the minors in one season is not a decent year at short.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 16, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

DOB, I have a question for you. Considering Boyer and Moylan have looked very good this spring and the fact that Soriano has looked very good as well and Gonzales is too good not to round into form, could you see the Braves possbily trading Wickman. The Red Sox obviously need a closer. Could a deal be swung where the Braves send T. Pena and Wickman for Kyle Snyder and somebody. Perhaps, a guy like David Murphy or even Jacob Ellisbury.

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Lew,

Well, Andruw is a pending free agent, he’s approaching 30, he’s going to want a huge contract. Just a guess, but I think the Red Sox would have been willing to give up three quality players for him—Crisp, Hansen and a lesser prospect. The Braves wanted Lester but I’m guessing the Red Sox would have included a lesser prospect instead.

Salty is a young, cheap, switch-hitting catcher with big offensive potential. I think a lot of teams would love to have him and would probably give up either their number two or three pitching prospect for him along with one or two other quality players.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I could see a team like the Red Sox making a run at Salty at some point. They are loaded with pitching prospects and their catcher is older.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 16, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

scribe, thanks for alerting jimmy smith to the toe-tap information. question for scribe: does langerhans toe-tap exactly like chipper toe-taps? not saying anything - could be only a rumor. now, will this team hinge on a toe? oh, the humanity! hinge on a toe! journalist is feeling good today. if the toe-tap enables ryan langerhans to hit like chipper jones won’t ryan langerhans become the star of this team? and where is the blogger that thought toes a trifling subject for the blog? actually, toes make the team. toes are not to be trifled with.

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Lew,

True. 45 errors not good. But they thought he was athletic enough to play the position because they kept him there.

By Braveheart

March 16, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

this is really stupid and crazy. But how come Salty and McCann could not someday alternate catching and first base responsibilities? Kind of the bastardized Javy Lopez model. McCann catches 3 of the starters. Salty catches two of the starters. When McCann is not catching, he plays first base. When Salty is not catching, he plays first base. That way you avoid the wear of tear of catching 162 and you keep their bats fresh and in the lineup more often. In the day and age of keeping salaries down and getting more production per at bat and per dollar spent, this could be a good cost cutting measure. It sounds crazy because it has not really ever been done. But if we got the talent, then why not? I know it sounds crazy and may be impractical but…. I know that this is really a problem or scenario for next year or the year after but why not?

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 16, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Absolutely Un be liev able!!!…

By David O'Brien

March 16, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, you’re right _ that’s stupid and crazy.

But an A for creativity and another for effort.

By rammerjammer

March 16, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to Cormier!

He could’ve whined and complained that he wasn’t the anointed one, but instead he worked with McDowell (Shock! You mean *Leo isn’t the only pitching coach who can help a guy improve??) and made himself better.

By Yars

March 16, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Most hard core Braves fans that follow the team on a daily, if not hourly basis even in the winter, are already familiar with Kelly Johnson. I’m sure a lot of you check out the box scores for Richmond, Mississippi, A ball, even rookie league. KJ has always been a pretty good hitter and I think he could possibly have a better career than a Marcus Giles, maybe even put up better numbers than Giles this season. I know that is saying a lot, but I truly believe that if KJ plays a full season at 2B, (atleast 150 games) he will put up solid numbers this season. We have to remember that KJ was out of baseball for an entire year. Maybe he is working on some things in regards to his hitting this spring. Making some adjustments at the plate, ect… I am not implying that KJ is having a lousy spring, but a lot of players view spring training as a time to get back in the groove, try a few things different. Plus, KJ has some great team mates to go to for advice. (Chipper, Andruw, Renteria)

By David O'Brien

March 16, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Lew, keep in mind that a couple other future Braves All-Stars had some trouble on that Macon infield in their early years: Chipper Jones had a whopping 56 errors there in 1991 (and 43 at Richmond in 1993).

He’s never made more than 25 errors in the majors.

Marcus Giles had 20 errors at the All-Star break for Macon in 1998. Never made more than 14 in a major league season.

So far, defense hasn’t been an issue this spring for Johnson.

By woogidy

March 16, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

General question to all and to DOB, What is/are the improvement(s) that this team has to have if they are to win the World Series? I know its early, but I am curious to hear some thoughts.

By Yars

March 16, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Regarding ex-Brave Gary Sheffield. It seems that Sheffield has always had an attitude problem. That is one of the reasons the Brewers got rid of him early in his career. He didn’t get along with a lot of teammates, there were times he wouldn’t hustle, butting heads with mgmt, ect… It is a bit strange he has been on so many teams. Aside from all that, he is one heck of a player when focused. I enjoyed his time with the Braves, and I’m sure he knew when he came to Atlanta that they are an organization that doesn’t put up with egos & snotty attitudes. I think a lot of people are getting tired of certain athletes playing the race card. Being addicted to drugs, (like his uncle Doc Gooden was) or not being able to handle fame & $$$ is a weakness in the person. Blaming others isn’t the answer. In any case, Sheff is still a fun player to watch and I remember watching an interview with him a couple years ago. He was asked about his stint with Atlanta & he spoke very highly of Bobby, Chipper, & Andruw.

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Braveheart,

It would be an interesting experiment—alternating Salty and McCann at firstbase. But there are a lot of questions that go along with trying something like that: How much, if any, would it affect their offense if they had to concentrate on playing defense at two positions? How much would it affect their defense at either position? If one is going to catch and one is going to play first, why not just keep one as the catcher and one as the firstbaseman? Would it really be worth that much in offensive value to flip them every few games? Would the Braves get more value out of Salty in a trade or doing something like this?

I think there are just too many questions with trying something like that.

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

O’Brien,

What’s the latest news on LF? Are they planning to go with a Langerhans-Diaz platoon or what?

By Braveheart

March 16, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Derek Jeter made 56 errors in 126 games in 1993 as a 19 year old in A ball and 29 errors in AAA as a 21 year old in 1995.

Jeter made 22 errors as a MLB rookie in 1996 and 24 errors in 2000 but has never had a number higher than the teens in errors in any other year of his 12 year career, including a season in 1998 where he only made 9 errors in 148 or so games as a 24 year old.

By David O'Brien

March 16, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Martin, yes, I’ve seen Alejandro Escovedo live, and he was phenomenal.

When I made the comment about Lucinda in all-time live performers I’ve seen, should’ve noted I meant among bands I’ve seen 4-5 or more times, and definitely should’ve included Prince and REM in the list, too, and Elvis Costello. And Beastie Boys. Prince might be No. 1. I’ve seen REM 10 or so times and can’t remember a bad show.

Escovedo, Hole, Screaming Trees, Drive-By Truckers, the Hold Steady, Husker Du, Replacements, Nirvana, Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed _ all have put on shows I rank near top of my list, but haven’t seen most of them more than a couple or three times.

Oh, and regarding Baldelli _ we’ve used our allotted 1,200 trade questions about him already this offseason and spring. Can’t answer any more until season starts. Rules is rules.

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Yars,

Exactly. Sheffield has so much going for him. Why does have to bring in all the negativity?

And the nature of being a great-hitting corner outfielder with limited defensive value in this day and age is that you are going to move around a lot as you get older, unless you want to take less than market value to stay with one team. Unfortunately he doesn’t want to look beyond his bitterness to see the details of the situation.

By David O'Brien

March 16, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I addressed Langy’s spring and the LF situation in today’s notebook, which is posted online.

No indication whatsoever from Bobby about which direction he’s leaning. All he says when asked is, still looking at the situation.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 16, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Yes DOB, Baldelli is approaching the top of the Trade Rumor posts list on the blogs.

The Standings at this point:

1.Carl Crawford 2.Rocco Baldelli 3.Scott Linebrink 4.Coco Crisp 5.Chone Figgins 6.Ryan Freel 7.Melky Cabrera

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

March 16, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

DOB

What’s your thoughts on Eddie & Alex Van Halen (along with DLR), NOT attending the R&R HOF induction ceremony?

As a guitar player, I can “appreciate” BOTH versions of Van Halen (actually didn’t mind the VH-III album with Gary Cherone either - so I guess that make 3 versions), but ultimately I think the version of VH that made them HOF worthy is the DLR years. Some of it seems a little tacky when looked back upon, but you can’t deny the fact that they were a fun band.

It just seems kind of silly that Sammy and Michael Anthony would be the only two to show up. As far as the upcoming (alleged) tour, one has to feel sorry for DLR, with Wolfgang in the mix on bass. If he thought it was tuff having two guys with the last name Van Halen in the band, I can’t imagine how much “fun” it will be for him with THREE! LOL!

By Braves20

March 16, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

DOB - For what it’s worth. The all-era Brave poll site is messed up. The categories where you vote for multiples (SP and OF) only allow you one. So my Greg Maddux and Andruw Jones are going to have weary arms and legs. But I did pick Smoltz to close - so he can come in about the 5th or 6th. Know this ain’t your department but thought I’d mention it.

By Jim Hertel

March 16, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

I enjoy reading David’s reports about the Braves, and I’d be interested in knowing what he would think of a lefty-righty platoon at 2nd with Prado/Johnson, at 1st with Wilson/Thorman, and in left with Langerhans/Diaz. Has anyone thought about this? and would it be a good idea? It seems that it would be fair to a fairly good group of players where no one stands out, and give them all playing time. And it would give us the traditional lefty righty advantage. But is this too much change?

By Mad Mike

March 16, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB: If you don’t mind, what are Kelly Johnson’s minor league and Spring OBP anyway?

By ssiscribe

March 16, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Lew, et al: Hate to hear that about Grinch’s family. Pass along those prayers to him from the southern rim of the capital city, will ya? Also, the little guy who was missing down on the coast was found dead yesterday, so prayers to them down there as well. Wayne, glad the little guy in Utah turned up safe and sound.

Been a crappy week, folks. Ready to escape with some family time and some time watching/listening to the Braves this weekend to help soothe the soul.

Peace. The Scribe abides.

—30—

P.S.: JJS, we must get Langerhans and Frenchy together and compare toe-taps. Toes, indeed, make the team. And if the Braves win the World Series, will the team ride the firetrucks down Peachtree Street barefoot?

By Eric from MO

March 16, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Lew-How is Davies struggling? His era is 2.25 last I checked thats pretty good. James is over 4. Last I checked thats not so good. Who cares if he walks a couple batters if they dont score.

By Mad Mike

March 16, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew: Can we just agree to disagree with anything Yoyo says? The blog will be a better place….

By DonCoburleone

March 16, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

DOB I’m glad you brought up Wilson Betemit. I live in So Cal and I’ve been keeping track of him since the trade, and you are absolutely right. He is basically a power-hitting strikeout machine, without the power. His stats don’t lie, a full season for him at third base would produce a .260avg, 23HR’s, 80RBI with probably 15-20 errors and an OBP of .320 or so. Not horrible, but not enought for a traditional “power position”, especially when he’s on a team that desperately needs power from the power positions. I said it last year when the trade went down: Aybar is a younger, cheaper, more patient version of Betemit, with just a little less pop. Throughout Aybar’s entire professional career, the guy has produced an OBP in the high 300’s, with 15-20 homer potential and an ability to hit the ball to all fields. I liked the trade at the time, and even though we don’t have Baez anymore, I still like the trade.

By Braveheart

March 16, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

no offense but anyone who voted for a player other than crime dog for first base deserves to be shot. big cat, okay, maybe. but other than that, hell no.

as for closer, whoever did not vote for smoltz deserves to not only be shot but they also deserve the most cruel and unusual punishment possible. as for wohlers getting more votes than rocker? you can’t be serious.

you cannot possibly be a braves fan if you voted for derosa and castilla over chipper and TP.

did over 100 people really vote for treadway and veras at second as well? absurd.

who the heck voted for eddie perez for crying out loud?

bad job by the ajc not allowing people to vote for three outfielders and five pitchers. bad job.

By Mad Mike

March 16, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

I think I read somewhere that Eddie Van Halen checked himself into rehab. Maybe that’s why he wasn’t at the HOF induction ceremony…?

By Shaun

March 16, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone,

I can’t believe the Betemit trade is getting this much attention. I can’t tell you how many friends I’ve talked to that still want to bring it up and say it was a bad move.

Betemit is a solid, useful player but he would be no more than a backup here. As you said, Aybar is younger, cheaper, faster version of Betemit with slightly less power but better on-base/out-avoiding skills and probably more range.

I feel like I’m beating a dead horse talking about this trade months after the fact.

By DonCoburleone

March 16, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

By DonCoburleone

March 7, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Here are a few predictions I’ve come up with for the Braves (based on what I’ve been reading and the play on the field)…

1) Lance Cormier will not start the season as the 5th starter, but will be by May or June cuz Davies’ is gonna struggle.

2) Soriano and/or Hampton miss the first 2 weeks of the regular season.

and finally, my GUARANTEE…

3) At some point in the first half of the regular season, First base and Left field will turn into a platoon-only situation. Thorman/Wilson at first and Langerhans/Diaz in left. Cox loves platoons too much, Wilson and Diaz are both too good a hitters to split time with Langy in left, and Thorman is going to struggle early on…

Dang, remember now, I made these predictions before Hampton went down with his injury (he injured himself on March 8th). Looks like they are all coming true in some way, just a little off on the timing… NIIIIIICE!

By Eric from MO

March 16, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Lew I just read the rest of your post and I will explain this to you just this once. ERA is how many runs a pitcher gives up. Lower the number the better. Did you happen to see what Redman’s ERA was when he was with the Royals. Here I will tell you. It was well over 5. That sucks no way around it. Did you happen to see what his ERA was in the second half. Here I will tell you. It was over 7. Thats just plain pathetic. There is a reason Redman couldnt get a contract before Spring Training because he sucks. So while Redman may have experience it doesnt mean its good experience. There is a reason why he always has a new employer. I bet in 2008 he will once again have a new team and let me be the first to say it,”Good Riddens.” By the end of the year you will all be saying that. Now to the Todd Yates thing I will admit that I didnt know he didnt have any options but eventually you have to play your best players and Boyer is the better pitcher. He was damn good his rookie season and he has been good this Spring Training. Many people thought he was the future closer for the Braves and before his career is over he will be a great closer for somebody.

By Rodger

March 16, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

N8-Eddie’s in rehab (again)!

Saw a picture of him in the AJC the other day-he looked like the misfigured Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars! Plus the pic of Sammy & michael Anthony-could not believe how HUGE Sammy’s gotten. Having seen him way back to when he was with Montrose (about 30 yrs ago), to solo, to VH, that picture was kind of shocking!

By David O'Brien

March 16, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Folks, I completely agree on the voting for All-Era team. Should be five starting pitchers, three outfielders, no question about it. And i just forwarded your complaints and my agreement to the proper authorities. Hopefully they fix it. they didn’t ask me how it should’ve been done.

NEW BLOG IS UP

By Rodger

March 16, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Brent, saw your early AM post about the Gant/Hrbek game. I think most people forget that, while blaming losing the series on Lonnie Smith. That HORRIBLE call may well have turned the series right there, and we could have rightly been talking about multiple championships during the run!

By Braveheart

March 16, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Can everyone just appreciate that Betemit was a darn good, useful, and productive player when he was here? Such venom over a guy who helped this team a lot when he was here.

So, he is not going to be a superstar? oh well. Maybe now he will be humbled and accept being the really good utility player that he was. He has been through a tremendous humbling experience before and fought back. From Mr. Ballyhoo as a prospect to the disappointing prospect to the guy who only stuck around because he was out of options to the guy who played all positions on the infield as a backup and who essentially hit .290/.350/.450 in the playing time that he got (500 plate appearances).

For crying out loud, you don’t like Betemit as a person or as a player, the nfine. You don’t think he is going to be a superstar, then fine, you’re right. You don’t think he is going to be a full time starter, then fine, maybe you are right. I will bet though that he may just end up being a decent starter some day. Just as he went through disappointment at the end of his minor league career and bounced back from a productive standpoint during his year and a half up here, maybe, just maybe he might struggle during the early part of his attempts to be a starter and he will snap back. The kid showed me some fortitude and character in being able to stick it to people who gave up on him before he got up here. If you want to justify the trade, then go ahead and try to justify it. Just remember the good things he did here before you get all dismissive of him in favor of justifying the moves of John S. Baez was a stupid move. Aybar is not any better than Betemit and he can’t play short. Any money saved by trading Betemit for Aybar was squandered by signing Woodward who is less useful and productive than Betemit.

I betcha Betemit ends up having a better overall and more productive and useful major league career than Escobar, Prado, Pena, and Woodward.

Who would you rather have as your utility men this year: Betemit/Prado or Woodward/Aybar or Aybar/Prado? We are going to get stuck with Woodward/Aybar even though that is the inferior combination of the three. Betemit/Prado would be more helpful than Aybar/Prado because Betemit could play short. Woodward/Aybar is not any cheaper than a Betemit/Prado combo would have been - so don’t give me the money line that has been fed by the organization.

Betemit’s gone. Fine. I can accept that. I’ll let it be though only if everyone else lets it be.

Don’t be surprised if the Yankee are the ones who snatch away Betemit who is much better than Cairo. They’ll be glad to take the Betemit “problem” off of the hands of the dodgers

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

March 16, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Rodger

I knew that Eddie was in Rehab abgain, but what was stopping Alex from showing?

And from what I’ve read (depending on whom you believe), there were issues with DLR performing with Velvet Revolver, issues over what songs to play is what I read.

You would think that with how much of a camera hog that DLR is, he would’ve been ALL OVER showing up for that, with or without Eddie and Alex.

And you are DEAD ON with how rough Eddie looks these days. Imagine that, all that partying eventually catches up with you. hmmm. LOL!

By KC

March 16, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Woogidy: “General question to all and to DOB, What is/are the improvement(s) that this team has to have if they are to win the World Series? I know its early, but I am curious to hear some thoughts.”

In answering this question, many will talk about young guys like Kelly Johnson and Scott Thorman performing well, and Chipper remaining reasonably healthy. While I think those things are important… I don’t think they are the real keys to getting the Braves back in the championship picture.

While keeping Chipper on the field is certainly important… he did miss over 50 games last season, and Atlanta was still the best offensive team in the league. And while Kelly Johnson is unproven, we’re not likely to get much if any offensive drop-off at 2B, given the sub-par season Giles had last year.

The only real difference between this year’s offense and last year’s NL best lineup, is the loss of Adam LaRoche in the order. That is significant. But as D.O’Brien mentioned in an earlier post… between Thorman and Craig Wilson (who may platoon at 1B with Thorman), the Braves are likely to replace muchnot all, but muchof the offense we got at 1B last year.

What I’m trying to say is that the offense will be just fine. I’m not saying there isn’t room for improvement, but the Braves are still going to finish in the top 3 or 4 in runs scored in the NL. The bullpen also figures to be one of the best, if not the best in baseball. So all that’s left is… STARTING PITCHING!

That’s the real key to any World Series aspirations the Braves may have this year.

First of all, we have to pray that the rotation isn’t decimated by injury as it was last season. The over-the-winter subtraction of our two most injury prone starters, John Thompson and Horacio Ramirez, helps our odds of remaining healthy.

John Smoltz could win a Cy Young this year… he’s still that good. Chuck James was excellent for us last season, and there’s no reason to think he won’t pick up where he left off. The bottom of the rotation should be fine. The Braves have 3 starters right now for two rotation slots: Lance Cormier, Mark Redman, and Kyle Davies. I personally don’t believe that Mike Hampton will be a factor in the division race, but he could be healthy in time to get 3-4 good months in prior to October… so he could be a big post-season factor.

But the greatest key to the success of this rotation, and therefore this team, is Tim Hudson. After a solid (not great, but solid) first season in Atlanta in 2005, he posted a career-worst ERA. He doesn’t have to put up Cy Young numbers as he did in Oakland. He just has to be solid. With this bullpen and offense, that’s all we need. If we get that from Huddy… the Braves will be in the post-season, and will have a pretty good chance of making some noise when they get there.

By Jim

March 16, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

I watched the game last night on YES and have these observations.

Very impressed with Cormier. He attacked the hitters and trusted his stuff. He only fell behind a couple of times and both times came back to get the hitter.

It was a good night for Kelly Johnson. He got a lot of chances and had to cover first on the (surprise) suicide squeeze. None of the chances were very difficult but it has to help his confidence to make all the plays he had to make in the game. There was one ball hit to his right, but he had a force a second and did not have to make the throw across his body. He was a little tentative on some of his throws, particularly the short throws. Prado only had on AB, but I liked KJ’s setup at the plate and eye much better than the swings from Prado.

The Yankee anouncers commented on how similar Escobar’s swing (on his base hit) is to Julio Franco’s. He’s not as extreme as Franco in wrapping the bat behind his head, but when they showed the replay on TV the rest of the swing and follow through looked very much like Julio.

Yates looked very good. He was throwing 94-95 and blew Giambi away with a high fastball.

Villareal looked terrible. He had no velocity and poor location and the ball seemed to have very little movement coming from his arm angle. I don’t think it is an open contest between him and Boyer for a roster spot, because I think the Braves want to give Boyer some time in Richmond to recover from his surgery, but if Boyer is healthy and in good form by the all-star break, a trade of Villareal could be wise.

Finally, I don’t want to sound like Robert, and I disagree with his assessment of Cox in general, but last night Joe Torre was managing to win the game, Cox was just managing to give everybody some practice time. Torre brought the lefty specialist in to pitch to one hitter (It was McCann-and it didn’t work out)— the best lefthanded hitter in the lineup, because that will be his role in the season. He also manufactured the winning run with a pair of bunts. If spring training is a time for players to work on their game, it should also be a time for managers to sharpen theirs as well. Spring training games don’t count, but winning can become habit forming.

By Coach

March 16, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Braveheart you correct. The AJC really screwed the voting up. BAD , BAD , BAD job people !

By Joshhh

March 16, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Dave you need to check out The White Stripes live. I know you may not like them on CD but when you see them live, its amazing. Jack White owns the stage. He played for 2 hours straight, with no setlist.