Braves

By NO CHOP ZONE

March 21, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

I’m first……

By kdbanks

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

How great is it that we have so much depth, and such good young depth. The Braves have had such a good run (note the present tense, not past) because, I believe, of the scouting department. Those guys (and gals?) must be the best in the biz, because we always have good young players that can either be traded for help or can step in and do the job we need them to do. I’m so jacked about this team and seeing some of the new faces go to work.

Congrats to all on the award, but especially you DOB. Keep it up!

By Mike Mc

March 21, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

I haven’t read too much on Roger McDowell this spring. How have the pitchers responded to him in his second year? Also, is Pendleton the next manager when Cox retires in two to three? It was hard not to vote for TP as the Braves all decade third baseman, but how do you not go with Chipper?

By Patrick

March 21, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Any more progress reports on Hampton? Last time you reported on him he was seemingly ahead of schedule, anything to follow up with in regards to his injury?

By brent

March 21, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

We hear so much about our sterling, young infield prospects …

what about outfielders?

Do we have anything out there?

Thanks

By NO CHOP ZONE

March 21, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

We’ll see how good it is when the season is done……

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

hey, speaking of McCann, I just got an e-mail saying he’s featured in a Men’s Health magazine article about player who had breakout seasons. Haven’t read it yet, but here’s the ridiculously long link (hopefully it works and doesn’t crash the U.S. Defense System computers in the process. I mean, geez, what a link):

http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=fitness&category=sports&conitem=671e5f8e77b51110VgnVCM20000012281eac__

By Summerteeth

March 21, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

I love this place because I can do this and not get flamed for not talking sports…

Drown Son Volt

Sky cracks open, walls falling to the floor Just as well to keep it, a guessing game in store

You’re with me now, will be again All other points in between

And the cruel, cruel mornings Have turned to days of swim or sink

If living right is easy, what goes wrong You’re causing it to drown Didn’t want to turn that way You’re causing it to drown Doesn’t make a difference now You’re causing it to drown Silence knows, can’t drown a heart

Happenstance is falling through the cracks each day Too close now to change it Fool’s gold is lighter anyway

When in doubt, move on, no need to sort it out You’re with me now, will be again All other points in between

And I want to find the right side of you If living right is easy, what goes wrong You’re causing it to drown Didn’t want to turn that way You’re causing it to drown Doesn’t make a difference now You’re causing it to drown Silence knows, can’t drown a heart

When in doubt, move on, no need to sort it out You’re with me now, will be again All other points in between

And I want to find the right side of you If living right is easy, what goes wrong You’re causing it to drown Didn’t want to turn that way You’re causing it to drown Doesn’t make a difference now You’re causing it to drown Silence knows, can’t drown a heart

By jay

March 21, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

DOB, fine work as always. I was wondering if you could elaborate on C. Jame’s potentional to duplicate his last season dominance of last year. Is there a so-called “sophomore slump” for pitchers once everyone has film or has scouted the guy? I know James is not as physically gifted as some of the other pitchers, but I wanted to get your take on whether his success is truly sustainable. Still more than a little concerned about that rotation.

By JoeCraigMcMurtry

March 21, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Yo DOB, You ever listen to Ramsay Midwood? If not, I’ll send you a link to a couple tracks…

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Brent, Braves have a legit close-to-being-ready OF prospect in Brandon Jones, who has a couple of doubles and a homer in nine or 10 at-bats this spring when brought over from minor league camp.

He can play any of the three positions, very good athlete with a strong arm and good speed, good power potential. Rated the No. 4 prospect in the organization over the winter. They also have a couple of lesser prospects a bit further down in the system, but Jones is the one who could be a factor by next year.

Of course, what you do when you have quality and quantity at one position (infield) is trade from that position of strength to get prospects in another area.

By Bryan from Kansas (Go KU)

March 21, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

David, Even if they traded Pena or Escobar, who or what could it be for?.. We dont really need anything on our major league club, I dont think. I guess maybe a left fielder that hits .325 with 30 homers and 100 plus rbi’s…or something close to that..lol…Who would they try for, or would it be for prospects?

By Kieran from Long Island

March 21, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

David, I heard you last year on the Michael Kay show when the Braves were up in the bronx. Out of curiosity have you ever done the Mike and the Mad Dog radio show, which also airs on the YES network? I think you would be a good spot for them when the Braves come up and play the Mets. We should try and set that up.

By Shaun

March 21, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Of course, you’d rather Davies be totally healthy, but his injuries could be a blessing in disguise down the road. He hasn’t had any arm injuries and these injuries may keep him from overworking his arm while he’s still young.

You’re right O’Brien, Davies is too talented to write off. His numbers that matter look good (K rate, BB rate, HR rate) and a lot of smart people who know a lot about player evaluation like him a lot.

I think it’s only a matter of time before Davies is a presence on the Atlanta staff, maybe an ace before too long.

By N8

March 21, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Bryan from Kansas (Go KU)

I don’t think you can EVER have enough pitching in your system.

Not sure we’d get anything other than a pitching “prospect” for either of them.

But to me, you trade an area of depth for an area of “weakness”. I’m not saying that pitching is our weakness, but if there are NO glaring weakness, my vote is to stockpile as much young pitching as possible.

Worst case scenario, you can turn around and trade that young pitching for an area of need, down the road.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 21, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

First of all, DOB congratulations on the Best Blog Award. This is by far the best sports blog around. Its not even close.

Now, as for the roster situation and in particular the pitching. I have a scenario to throw at you and see if it makes sense. Okay, here it goes:

Lets say that Cormier continues to pitch well and Tyler Yates pitches well out of the pen. Obviously, when Hampton comes back he is going into the rotation and it doesn’t really make a lot of sense to place Redman on waivers unless he is absolutely stinkin up the joint, which is unlikely. So, could the Braves keep Cormier on the 25 man roster whether in the pen or rotation and then package Yates and either Orr or Prado in a deal that could bring some prospects or a piece that could be needed at the time?

I know you said a trade is in the works but I am beginning to think the Braves will hold on to their plethora of middle infielders….for now. I think the Braves will find it hard to trade T. Pena simply because, as you said, teams know the Braves will have to place him on waivers. The only way a trade could happen is if its to a team that finished in the top half of the standings and I have racked my brain and can’t think of one team that would really need him. A team like the Mets could use him but obviously that trade would never happen.

Also, is it possible that Brandon Jones is getting a tryout so the Braves can gauge whether to seek a trade for Andruw’s replacement or if he could be the guy next year?

By Lew

March 21, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

DOB-Decoration Day is my favorite Trucker’s cd. I particularly like Sinkhole-best song talking about Southern cuisine since Wet Willie’s Leona. Any song talking about sweet tea and ‘nanner pudding’s got to be good. See, all this dieting has me thinking about food. Hillbilly-Don’t worry-we don’t have enough snow to qualify for The Shining. I’ve just got a bad head cold and feel like maybe Eugene SHOULD show up with that axe. Don’t think I’ve got the strength to resist. Coach-Hopefully, as the season progresses, we’ll have reason for you to admit you were wrong about Cormier. Not yet, though-but he is looking good.

By Lew

March 21, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Shaun-Maybe in a couple of years, we’ll have a rotation of James, Davies, Harrison, JoJo Reyes and Cormier? Could happen.

By ERIC

March 21, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

DOB:i think redman will be a very very valuble asset as the season unwinds, he’s very smart pitcher. Hudson to me is the biggest concern,to say we need him at his former form is an under statement,but other than this i see the rotation in good not GREAT shape.

Dave,you ever heard Scott H. Biram from Austin TX he s a one man band guitar pickin blues demon,and a very close friend/tour mate of HankIII. this guy is amazin listen to his new album Graveyard Shift is like a warped trip through Dixe in a pack of old ford pickup cown a cotton field dirt road, this is truely music for the southern soul.

By GT80

March 21, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

DOB, one thing I haven’t seen any thing about this Spring but was reminded of by the McCann story is who is going to be the back-up catcher? You know Bobby will start the back-up every 5th day no matter how great McCann is or how horrible the back-up is. Please tell me we won’t go through another year with Todd Pratt.

By Lew

March 21, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

There’s a great article by Tom Verducci on SI.COM. He talks about how life has changed in baseball and why the Yankees’ philosophy just isn’t working anymore. He says there are only six teams (Wash., KC, DRays, Reds, Pirates and Orioles) who can’t make the playoffs. He also thinks there are 15 teams that could win the Series, though he doesn’t mention which. He thinks the series this year will be an LA Series. We’ll see. Check it out. He makes some great points.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 21, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Carroll Rogers has got the “Blues.” Go ahead girl.

DOB, Speaking of Blues, did Isbell sing “Dress Blues” lastnight? I heard it on the net several months back and loved it. But I’ve only heard it once.

Summerteeth

I love this place because I can do this and not get flamed for not talking sports…

No but you can get praised for it. Excellent Pick…I’ll have it rockin’ out the truck window on my way home for lunch in a minute.

Two kick-@$$ songs on one blog?… It’s gonna be a good day.

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

GT80, Todd Pratt is long gone. Signed a minor league contract with the Yankees this winter. Brayan Pena is penciled in as the backup catcher, though the Braves have at least noticed veteran Corky Miller’s prodigious batting-practice displays this spring and his veteran skills behind the plate and in the clubhouse. I still don’t get the impression that anything’s changed regarding the plan to have Pena as the backup, but Miller could be an option at some point this year….

Eric, I haven’t heard Biram, but have heard OF him. I gotta hear some of that. A friend of Hank III’s must have some chops and taste….

Lew, loved the line about the kudzu. I can see some granola-head Vermont folks trying to make a salad out of that, huh? Or a new Ben & Jerry’s flavor, perhaps.

By KC

March 21, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

DOB is unfortunately correct in saying that Hudson’s been shaky at times despite good numbers.

The good news it’s not at all unusual for a pitcher not to be in mid-season form mid-way through spring training. The other good news is that in each of Hudson’s last two starts, he was able to make mid-game adjustments on the mound, and finished very strong.

He looked dominant in the last inning of his last outing. I’m hoping he’ll build on that this Friday.

By MBATL

March 21, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

DOB, congrats on the award. Good to see that your hard work in support of this blog is recognized. Are you gonna share the prize money with your regulars?

I agree with you on the rotation. I think Redman will be very mediocre, at best. But, he’ll probably be predictably mediocre - good for 5-6 innings, allowing 3-4 runs, more often than not. That’s a high era, but it’s a manageable game, given our ‘pen and offense. Davies seems to be too proned to the occasional (or frequent) horrible outing.

No need to give up on Davies - he’s still young, but he’ll probably benefit from regular work in the minors.

Regarding Hudson, watch him when he’s got runners in scoring position and a decent hitter at the plate. Seems to me he still lacks an out pitch… when he has to throw strikes, he has to work too hard to get the out, and too often ends up getting hit (usually after 3 or 4 foul balls). Maybe it’s the lack of movement on his pitches discussed in the last blog.

By Billy

March 21, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

I understand what you are saying about Buddy Carlyle. But what else do you have to do? Ten innings, no earned runs. Professional demeanor.

By Inside Guy

March 21, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

I can now confrim that this blog has and will recieve the award for Best of Cox for Blogs, which for those who do not know, is throughout the Cox family of papers.

Nothing new on Giles. Will keep informed.

By MizzouGuru

March 21, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Excellent job on your blog and stories as usual. It is difficult for me to understand how someone without a degree from MU’s J-School could do such a good job! :)

In my opinion, the Braves are probably looking to trade Prado which is consistent with Cox and JS pumping up and JS description of Prado as not being a super utility type.

My hope is that Boyer will go to Richmond, knock the dust off and Yates does a good job and they can trade Yates for a lil’ something and bring up Boyer. They are so loaded that I would think Stockman would be totally underutilized to be sitting in Richmond all year.

By Turnin2

March 21, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

DOB How can there be any doubt it will be Lance over Kyle? That’s pretty much the easiest decision Bobby should have to make this month.

I agree - Brandon Jones is a keeper. Better attitude if nothing else -reminds me of Charles Thomas in that manner.

Here’s hoping there’s a nibble for someone and Pena is the ‘bonus’ to get them to bite on a trade. Or maybe just a minors 1B for Pena straight up… aren’t we a little sparse long term after Scott and Kala Kaaihue at that position (Wilson not included)? Or if Prado is moved, maybe a veteran 3B for if/when Chipper does the inevitable this year. oops, sorry… ☺
Just would hate for all that training invested in Jr to be for naught like with Marcus….

Cya in Viera!

By StingerSplash

March 21, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Great call on going to see Isbell. As good a young songwriter as there is (and hasn’t he lost a great deal of weight), and Decoration Day and Outfit are great songs (just put in Southern Rock Opera in my truck’s CD player on the way back from lunch). So what are the odds - if Hampton and Davies are ready to roll at some point — that the Braves offload some pitching for help in other areas. Where those areas could be right now for the life of me I can’t see. Do they keep the affordable Redman around if Davies starts strong in Richmond, or do they possibly ship Davies? I don’t see that happening, given the age of two projected top 3 in the rotation. And Redman gives you what you want at the back of a rotation - someone who can eat up some innings.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

this journalist is sorry to hear that dob is suffering from horse hoof - but congratulates dob on the best of cox award for this fine blog.

hmmm… best of cox award coincides with the arrival of carroll rogers. hmmm…

By David O’Brien

March 21, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Grinch, laminitis is nasty stuff. And cost about $1,000 for the medication to cure it, at least until the generic brand comes out in a year or so. I’ll deal with horse hoof until then….

By BamaBrave

March 21, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

I was b*** and moaning via email yesterday with a friend and fellow Braves freak, ‘cuz I’m still p** over Hampton’s injury…and he made a good point. I definitely had a bad vibe about Hampton’s Tommy John recovery schedule. He did not sound like a man dying to get back on the mound. Could this oblique injury actually be a blessing in disguise? Could it give him the additional weeks he needs to get the elbow closer to 100%? Apologies in advance if this has already been discussed. Congrats on the Blogaward.

By Thrillhouse44

March 21, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Congrats on the award, DOB.

By MS

March 21, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

DOB, congrats on the BOC. The reason this blog is so great (to me) is because of your updates and responses throughout the day (and night!). Hardly any other AJC bloggers will update/respond to their blogs after posting something, and if they do, it’s nowhere close to the quantity and quality you give. I’m very appreciative of that, thanks.

Ferguson’s monologues aren’t consistently funny, but he is one of the best around at interviewing people. He has an uncanny ability to make people comfortable and bring the best humor out of them. I can see why you’d think he’s not “hilarious” from his monologues, but try to catch some of his interviews and I think you’d be impressed with that. I love Conan too, so I normally start there and flip back and forth (although I really don’t watch the Late Night shows enough anymore, unfortunately…)

By Braveheart

March 21, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

congrats DOB

By geauxbraves2000

March 21, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

I may have been ready to write Davies off last year, if so, just purely from frustration of the season. But, I’m reminded of a couple of guys named Maddux & Glavine who had a couple of rough years early also.

Is it April yet?

Geaux Braves!!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 21, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave, I think you are onto something. I don’t believe that Hampton ever thought that his elbow would be at 100% on opening day. He felt the pressure and obligation to be ready opening day because of the contract and the fact that the team needs him. I do believe the extra month will help him. The oblique injury has forced him to slow down a bit and make sure his elbow is totally healthy. This Tommy John recovery is just as much mental as physical. Mentally I don’t think he was near ready as much as he probably really was physically. But, as we all know the mental aspect can always override the physical. This extra month gives him time to get his mental approach right. And, yes, he and the Braves could be better for it in the long run!

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

canned ham, right? best of cox award is a canned ham? dob shamelessly sent so many canned hams to ms. cox chambers trying to be a columnist that it only seems right dob would get a canned ham of his own for having the best blog. and where are the detractors today now that dob has this fine award? wurlitzer and best of cox - dob will need a larger cap. awards very much deserved for dedication to the blog and bloggers.

By The Grinch

March 21, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, you drive a truck? Must be an SUV.

Lew, I seem to remember you ranting and raving the other day about how you never got sick. Hubris, my friend, shall be your downfall.

CL, thanks for the kind words.

DOB, how do you know so much about laminitis? Are you a Centaur? Ha! No…Chipper can’t be a Centaur; he’s too skinny. Julio Franco could be hiding a horse body in the seat of his pants, but he doesn’t have hoof problems. Perhaps the Mets have a better staff of grooms and hostlers. And does this best blog award mean we’ll get a raise, or will we continue to be paid like “small-market” bloggers in comparison to blogs from NY, LA and Boston? I contend we deserve more if for no other reason than that we speak pie. That, oh blogmeister, speaks volumes about our character.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

March 21, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB:

I have found a blogger who is copying you, posting music lyrics at the end of his post.

Scott Miller at CBS Sportsline:

http://www.sportsline.com/columns/weblogs/entry/bull_pennings

See, everybody wants to blog like the DOB.

Go Braves!

By Shaun

March 21, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Lew,

To try to stir up some dissent for lively discussion, I’ll bring this up: baseball really hasn’t changed as much as people think. It’s always been about haves and have-nots but in the free agent era it’s also always been possible for smart, smaller revenue teams to contend.

In the early 1990’s, the Yankees management did a lot of smart things and George Steinbrenner stayed out of the way, which created the super Yankee teams of the late 1990’s. And when the richest of the rich get smart, chances are they are going to be dominant for a few years.

The Yankees have struggled in recent years because they insisted on blowing a lot of money on mediocre pitching.

Things have seemed to change a lot lately, in terms of parity, for three major reasons:

1) More revenue to all teams. Things like satellite radio and TV and the internet have brought in a lot more revenue to every team. A lot more teams now have the opportunity to bid on and keep big-time players.

2) Teams have gotten a lot smarter. In-depth, advanced statistical analysis has made low-budget teams a lot smarter. Those teams now know more than ever about how to acquire cheap talent, which helps even the playing field. Teams also now know more than ever about which abilities and skills really matter to winning and which don’t, which makes it easier to know which players to draft and which to avoid, etc. The first year player draft matters more than ever to bad teams. Last place teams now have a good idea which players have the best shots at short paths to the bigs.

3) Expanded playoffs. Most baseball fans realize that anything can happen in a short series. It’s not too surprising when a good team (like the ‘06 Cardinals) beats a better team (like the ‘06 Mets) in the playoffs. It never has been, but now the chances of a truly great team losing in the playoffs increases with an extra series. A couple of bad plays could lead to a loss in a seven-game series and has a better chance to lead to a loss in a five-game series.

By MBATL

March 21, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave, RJITB, I’ll buy that. Hampton seemed psyched out at having to be ready April 2 - his outlook changing with every throwing session.

Who knows what’ll happen with him, but I don’t think the oblique is a bad thing, in the long run. Now he can come back from the dl and make as many starts as needed in the minors, on a rehab assignment. Hopefully, we won’t be in a position where we have to rush him back.

Billy, spring training is an audition, but it’s not the only audition. Carlyle just needs to keep doing what he’s doing and he’ll get his chance, here or somewhere else.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 21, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

I know what I’m going to hear but I am going to say it again. I still think Rocco Baldelli could be a possibility. Here is why I say that. Lets say that Cormier continues his impressive start and Yates does do well. The Rays could then be more receptive to a deal because Cormier is young enough to become a staple in the roation and Yates definitely is a quality arm in the bullpen. The Braves could also throw in Prado which allows the Braves to keep Escobar and the Rays could plug Prado in at 2B, which would allow them to move Jorge Cantu who will be becoming to expensive and not worth the salary. Just a thought.

By Jake

March 21, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

DOB: Congrats on the blog award from Cox. You are most deserving. This blog not only keeps me up-to-date on all things Braves, it (and baseball) also keeps me sane half the time! You’re doing well, sir.

By wuky

March 21, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Bamabrave and Robert: How could Hampton not be mentally or physically ready by now?

Because if he wasn’t ready to pitch (aside from the oblique injury) this spring, what’s an extra few weeks going to do when he has already sat out for well over a year???

By Rosalynn

March 21, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Jimma is thrilled foah you, DOB! Jimma nevah won the Best of Cox awahd but did pick up the Nobel Peace Prize a few yeahs back. Jimma thinks you should have Lew draw a pohtrait of you weahing this awahd. Of couhse, if it is realla a canned ham weahing it would be inappropriate. Jimma and I ah hoping Anne had a medallion created for this awahd. A medallion would be a good awahd for a baseball beat writah who writes his own blog. Plus, a medallion is useful in manah wahs when on the road doing journalism. I wondah if you could do one thing foah me todah? If that nice boah Thohman is gonna be plahing fihst base this yeah, Jimma is gonna want to shahe some peanuts with Thohman between innings. I have read that Thohman is Canadian. Do you think he will eat goobas with Jimma? Could you ask him and get back to me?

By Odog

March 21, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

I was at the Isbell show as well last night. Your right about the bar- a cool little dive. First time seeing a Trucker solo. His new material was ok but not as brilliant as his DBT stuff which I wish he played more of. His band I would only call adaquete. To me it sounded as if they were still becoing familiar with each other. God Damn lovely love,dress blues, outfit were all highlights. I thought American Girl was a bit obvious kinda overplayed in my opininon. Would rather of heard John Henry or Danko.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 21, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

4wd Dodge Ram.

DOB

This was my lunch break, inspired by you, Summerteeth, and Lew.

1. Son Volt— Drown on the way home. (I only live three minutes away from my job.)

2. DBT— Live at the 40 Watt DVD at the house while eating. Flipped to these songs:

Decoration Day, G.D. Lonely Love, Danko/Manuel, Sink Hole, Women Without Whiskey, Shut Up and Get on the Plane, and Marry Me—Including the part where two people get married on stage with Cooley as the master of ceremonies. Cooley, ordained?

1. Then Danko/Manuel again in the truck on the way home. This time Live at Cooley’s House acoustic version.

By Micah

March 21, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Ticket Loss Update:

Justin, and not Jeff, at the Atlanta Braves Ticket Office has been able to procure a new set of tickets for me after I, previously, had accidentally dumped them in my trash at home.

Many thanks to the generosity and kindness of our Grade A Braves organization!

Now back to your regular programming.

Go Braves!

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

“Regarding Hudson, watch him when he’s got runners in scoring position and a decent hitter at the plate. Seems to me he still lacks an out pitch… when he has to throw strikes, he has to work too hard to get the out, and too often ends up getting hit (usually after 3 or 4 foul balls). Maybe it’s the lack of movement on his pitches discussed in the last blog.”

EXACTLY! And then that drives up his pitch count and he’s exhausted by the 5th inning every time out. That is exactly what happened last year. The only games he gave an “Ace” like performance are games where the ground balls were finding gloves; when they found holes Hudson got in big-time trouble. I say 14-10 with an ERA of 4.1 - 4.3 is what we should expect out of him this year; Good enough to be labeled a quality 3rd starter or a mediocre 2nd starter, but certainly no ACE…

It just sucks we’ll be paying him ACE money after this year…

By flange1

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

Hi All,

DOB, congratulations on the blog award. It is well deserved. I will echo the sentiment that your continuous input is what makes the blog so interesting. Yours is the only baseball blog that I spend time on.

In terms of a trade, I know the Braves and Bobby Cox REALLY like Boyer. I know that right now, there is little chance that he will make the majoe league team. Do you think that JS might package Tyler Yates, Pena and someone for prospects and let Boyer stick on the major league team? I wonder if he would be better off taking the 8th inning at Richmond, let Devine have the 9th and see how they do..

Thoughts?

By Thrillhouse44

March 21, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Here’s a link from SI. It’s supposed to be a preview of the Braves’ season, but focuses on Frenchy and McCann’s friendship. (They picked the Braves to finish second to the Mess by the way.) http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/specials/spring_training/2007/previews/braves.html

By StingerSplash

March 21, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Hey! There’s even a picture and a handful of sample blog entries on the site and some prose about the Man in Black blog! Aren’t exclamation points great! www.coxnews.com.

By BamaBrave

March 21, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

wuky: I guess that’s the point… One would certainly think Hampton would be ready now, and fired up about it, but everything I read prior to the oblique injury sounded like it came from a man loaded with doubt - maybe even a little fear. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be concerned too. And I’d be feeling the pressure to perform, and perform now. I guess what gets me now is the fact that two of our veteran starters - Hampton AND Hudson - are dealing with some serious head games these days. Not good. And certainly not what JS expected to be paying for.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 21, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

“Best of Cox”—must be an award for largest quantity of ‘page hits’—in no way could it be for quality of substance…

By flange1

March 21, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB), I agree with your thinking! I think that is the kind of deal that JS is looking for. Quantity for quality!! Maybe Rocco or someone like him.

Did you see on Buster’s blog that the Rays moved Crawford to leadoff and Rocco to batting third?????

Interesting!!!

By Lew

March 21, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

DOB-Yeah, something like Grace Potter’s Kudzu Blues Delight or something. However, one thing Vermont does not lack is ground cover. We’ve been up here for six years, in which time they’ve given the approval to build at least four new homes. Knocked the cable out all four times, too.

By BamaBrave

March 21, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Braves as wild card…hmmmmm. I’d take that.

By Carroll

March 21, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Anyone else watching BoreSox/Pirates on ESPN? Kolb is pitching and doing what he does best….came in and walked the bases loaded. Makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit just thinking about him in a Braves unie.

I honestly feel for the guy though. You can tell he is capable, but he is just an absolute mental wreck.

By The Grinch

March 21, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Yes! The Falcons are trading Matt Schaub. They will have a fat stack of draft picks, and maybe they won’t screw all of them up. Hillbilly, please don’t tell me you’re responsible for the gross overplaying of that rock ‘em sock ‘em robots commercial. That was darn near as annoying as The Truck Commercial That Shall Not Be Named. I still contend Hudson’s problems began when the ban on speed began. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and pitches like a duck…

Off to the gym.

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

“Regarding Hudson, watch him when he’s got runners in scoring position and a decent hitter at the plate. Seems to me he still lacks an out pitch… when he has to throw strikes, he has to work too hard to get the out, and too often ends up getting hit (usually after 3 or 4 foul balls). Maybe it’s the lack of movement on his pitches discussed in the last blog.”

EXACTLY! And then that drives up his pitch count and he’s exhausted by the 5th inning every time out. That is exactly what happened last year. The only games he gave an “Ace” like performance are games where the ground balls were finding gloves; when they found holes Hudson got in big-time trouble. I say 14-10 with an ERA of 4.1 - 4.3 is what we should expect out of him this year; Good enough to be labeled a quality 3rd starter or a mediocre 2nd starter, but certainly no ACE…

It just sucks we’ll be paying him ACE money after this year…

By flange1

March 21, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Hi All,

Interesting column by Jayson Stark about players who could be moved. The only Brave of note was Ryan Langerhans… Maybe if you lumped him in with Yates you could get something special???

By Christopher

March 21, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Dave,

Another website is saying that Smoltz is disenchanted and will not sign a home town discount contract next year. Have you heard anything on this topic?

By Not-A-Blogger

March 21, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Dave, and to all you blog denizens.

As a daily reader who seldom posts, I love coming to this “place,” where I’m entertained, intrigued and even educated a little.

Thanks to all.

By Carroll

March 21, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Grinch: I PRAY that you don’t know what you’re talking about with Schaub. If they do trade him, it’s gonna be Brett Favre, part deux.

By ncscoots

March 21, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Hey, Robert, as long as we’re fantasizing about trades with the Rays, I want Elijah Dukes instead of Baldelli. Attitude and all (which is likely to last all of about 3 minutes in the Braves’ clubhouse). I just don’t see Baldelli as the impact player envisioned by many on the blog. Dukes, on the other hand, will be scary good, IMO.

By Rodger

March 21, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, congratulations on the Best of Cox award. Does this confirm he is the prominent Brave who blogs? If so, is he really Robert? Might stand to reason, loves to hear everyone come to his defense…

Seriously, you make it worthwhile to chat, with info & humor. Thanks!

By Carroll

March 21, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Grinch: good point about Huddsy and the speed ban. I’ve ALWAYS said since hot got here that he looks like a meth head.

By TennesseePaul

March 21, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

DOB: As always thanks for the work. I’ve spent the better part of the morning catching up with the team, the players, the blogs, and the low down on everything I enjoy. All of this done with the comfort of knowing Montazuma has yet to vet his revenge. I’m amazed by the McCann info. I look forward to watching this guy play for the Braves for a long long time. Salty is going to have to kick some serious arse if he is to take Brian’s spot, which I doubt he ever will if McCann keeps this up.
Alright, back to the golden beaches of San Jose Del Cabo. If anyone is intrested and has a lady to bring with you, I recommend staying here. It’s just perfect.
In a day I fly to Atlanta for a wedding. Crazy times.

By Braveheart

March 21, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I think a good, thought provoking and interesting blog needs a good, thought provoking, and interesting leader who keeps his bloggers responsible and accountable to themselves, to the blog, to the fellow bloggers, to the newspaper, to this city, to the South as a whole, and to the team.

What makes this blog great is that DOB does all of these things.

A good blog leader who takes pride in his blog will create bloggers who also take pride in the blog and who will build it and maintain it together with the leader.

Unfortunately, as we often see in other blogs, bloggers left on an island to fight each other with no one to hold them accountable, will turn the darn blog into the internet version of the Lord of the Flies.

DOB/ODB is a one of a kind blogger. That’s why we call him the DOB, Dirty Old Bastard, ‘cause as Method Man said, there ain’t no father to his style.

Again, a bit congrats is due you DOB. Thanks.

By MBATL

March 21, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Crawford to leadoff, eh? So… with Cormier’s newfound effectiveness, Buddy C making waves, Hampton making good progress on his recovery, and Kyle Davies destined for the farm, do the Braves bite the bullet and send James, Prado and maybe Diaz to TB for a fleet-footed, strong hitting OF who can replace AJ next year?

Just asking!

By Braveheart

March 21, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Is anyone else holding their breath to hear Robert’s wicked interpretation of what it means to be the best of Cox?

By JohnBama

March 21, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Robert I have to agree with you. I think that the Braves need to at least poke the coals a little and see if there is anything that can be done with Baldelli. Sure Langerhans is great defensively and MAYBE he will hit….and sure MAYBE the journeyman Diaz will hit this year (you know for whatever reason he could not get a job in KC of all places) but are you really willing to bet on that?

I just think that with the questions that could be asked about Johnson and Thorman and the leftfield position, not to mention the lead off situation Baldelli makes a ton of sense. Maybe too much so because it is so obvious.

By Rodger

March 21, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Carroll, the only differene is Favre sucked when he was here…

By Braveheart

March 21, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Lord of the Flies moment, if I may be allowed:

STFU about Baldelli already!!!!!

PLEASE!!!!

Good Freaking God!!!!

Sorry, everyone but I think most agree with me.

By Braveheart

March 21, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

correction: meant big congrats not bit congrats up above.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 21, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

I was reading Jayson Stark’s column just now and a very interesting name came up on his of available players to be traded before spring training was over. The name of Ryan Langerhans was listed. Now, at first glance I said no way in hell but then again I gave it some thought. Such a move would almost certainly mean that Diaz would be the everyday LF unless the Braves plan on using another OF or acquiring one through a trade. Craig Wilson’s arthritic shoulder is going to disallow him play much in LF.

Now, the questions would be is Diaz’s spring batting avg troubling? I say no. He’s proven he can hit in the Bigs and his defense while not the best is most certainly not as bad as others suggest. The other question would be is Langerhan’s spring batting avg for real? I say no to that as well but he is a better hitter than he showed last season.

Langerhans would be quite an attractive outfielder for a team with adequate offense already in place because of his defense.

Here are a list of teams that I think could use him as a starter or third outfielder. Not saying that these teams are compatible for a trade but teams Langy could play for: White Sox, Astros, Angels, Giants, Twins, Devil Rays, Blue Jays, Padres, and Rangers.

Personally, I don’t think Langerhans is going anywhere.

By Bravo

March 21, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

*EXACTLY! And then that drives up his pitch count and he’s exhausted by the 5th inning every time out. That is exactly what happened last year. The only games he gave an “Ace” like performance are games where the ground balls were finding gloves; when they found holes Hudson got in big-time trouble. I say 14-10 with an ERA of 4.1 - 4.3 is what we should expect out of him this year; Good enough to be labeled a quality 3rd starter or a mediocre 2nd starter, but certainly no ACE…

It just sucks we’ll be paying him ACE money after this year…*

i disagree…I think he will be better this year. Lets just hope he does! The up coming season depends on Hudson performance all along, not Hampton’s come back.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! a photo of dob! diane lane was right!

http://www.bestofcox.com/2007/html/combined/blog/index.html

By Lew

March 21, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Is hubris a virus? If so, you may be right and that’s what I have. Is there a vaccine. Does it make you cough? I have sore ribs from all the coughing.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

lew, this journalist mailed a poultice this morning. a powerful ugandan poultice. if the snow is melting in vermont the poultice should arrive before the weekend. apply liberally and stay off the furniture! small animals should remain outside. good health!

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

no wonder the toe health on this team is bad! look at that photo on the ajc.com braves page of kyle davies trifling with toes using a strong rubber band. that cannot be good for toe health.

By Judy

March 21, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

I’m a bit behind and just read where Chipper was “surly” with reporters when he pulled his oblique. Nothing strange about that as Chipper is surly every day of his life. He is not a credit to the Braves or men in general. Trade the accident prone freak.

By flange1

March 21, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

JJS, The picture of DOB is great! Now we can put a face with a blog name.

Lew, GET BETTER!

Robert (JIB) Maybe Braveheart and NCscoots are right, let’s forget Rocco and Crawford, maybe we should be looking at Elijay Dukes!

By SourPatchKid

March 21, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

They should have traded Schaub and Davies to Tampa Bay for Carl Crawford

By Dave knockahomer

March 21, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Congrats on the award!

well deserved. DOB—your blog is the cure of winter time blues!

By Lew

March 21, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-Thanks for the poultice. I’ve never tried a Ugandan remedy before, but at this point, I would be willing to try almost anything. Too bad I can’t just drink a couple of shots of Jack and just knock myself out. Now Journalist’s photos (how’s that for a transition, Scribe?)-Don’t you think with a cigar in his mouth, DOB could get a part as one of the Sopranos? Guido the Newsman or something. When will they ask for OUR photos to post on the blog?

By ncscoots

March 21, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Geez, David, hoodahthunkit? You actually LOOK like a baseball writer (not a sportswriter, different animal altogether). Throw on a battered fedora, clamp down on half an unlit stogie, and shades of Ring Lardner! LOL…

By 22oz

March 21, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

It just sucks we’ll be paying him ACE money after this year…

Hudson’s salary is actually fourth or fifth starter money after this offseason.

By Lew

March 21, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

WinterTime Blues-Eddie Cochran, right? Also covered by Blue Cheer on Vincebus Eruptum and by the Who on Live At Leeds.

By Shaun

March 21, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Schaub to the Angels for Chone Figgins.

Vick to the D-Rays for Baldelli and Crawford.

By Jared

March 21, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

The Baldelli thing is so over. One story on the official site back on December 10 and some people can never let it go.

Here is what I think: Baldelli will not be on the Braves anytime during the 2007 season. The Braves have three leftfielders with Diaz, Langerhans and Wilson. Andruw and Francoeur are locked in, plus the Braves have Blanco, Bohn and Brandon Jones in the background. The Braves aren’t going to give up real quality for another dang outfielder, one who’s OBP is way too poor to be a leadoff hitter (which is why some still have this obsession with him.)

Baldelli is not coming. Get over it.

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Braveheart and others, on a roll today. I need not even comment at this point. I’ll just let you know what happens over here at Space Coast Stadium, the only place in baseball that’s windier than the walk from the 7 Train subway stop to Shea Stadium

(Why that particular corridor at Flushing is so windy, I have no clue; this one, it’s because it’s out in the middle of a former cow pasture with no trees, buildings or trees around it).

Where that photo came from, I haven’t a clue. Someone’s subverting my anonymity, dammit. That’s an old photo. I don’t look anything like that since the accident.

By ncscoots

March 21, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Shaun, surely those are as logical as SOME trade scenarios we see here! :-)

By Lew

March 21, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Scoots-I like the fedora idea. Sounds very Film Noir. Maybe Grinch can write a screenplay. “I was sitting in front of my Smith Corona at the old Atlanta Rag, when she just appeared in front of me, as if by magic. No Houdini, though- She was blond and stood about five six and was all woman.”……

By 22oz

March 21, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Anybody checked on Manny’s grill lately? They’ve pulled the grill, but you can get a t-shirt saying “I bought Manny’s grill for $99,999,999.99. Marketing genius!

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Alright gotta get down to the clubhouse, check and see if Chipper is talking, hurting, etc.

Odog, yeah, we were waiting for John Henry, but it never came. What’s the chances of that, more than one on this blog being at that room last night. We counted about 50 in the bar for American Girl. And yes, it was obvious, but done well, I thought.

Jason sure did lose a lot of weight, huh? Looks much better even than when I saw him in October. Only thing the same was he was swigging on a bottle of Jack both nights (as was the rest of the band both nights, but especially the Truckers at that 2-1/2 hour show in Detroit.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

explains the horse hooves a little. :-)

By ncscoots

March 21, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

…”and when she spoke in that voice made husky by cigarettes and fine whiskey, she asked ‘Will you be the best that ever was?’”…

By Carolina Lady

March 21, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS, DOB!! Hard earned, well deserved!

By flange1

March 21, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Lew,

She has to be smoking a cigarette and have some kind of hat on don’t you think?

By Carolina Lady

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

…”And he said, ‘Was what?’ “…

By BamaBrave

March 21, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

According to Al Gore and Dr. Heidi Cullen, the high winds between the 7 Train stop and Shea Stadium are due to a combination Hebrew National Chili Dog emissions, Bud Light gases, and general hot air eminating from Mets fans. It’s a wonder they ever get a game in…

By OddJob

March 21, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

On McCann I’m reminded of the first time he caught Wickman.I was on the phone with my brother in Atlanta, when the game was over Wickman came off the mound and said something to McCann.I thought it looked like he said ‘good job you know your sh**!My brother said it looked the same to him.Just something that made an impression when it happened.

By ncscoots

March 21, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

…“‘Do I look like Robert Redford to you?’ says I. ‘I’m just a lowly ink-stained wretch trying to make another deadline, baby, leave the awards to those other guys. I’m a writer. That’s what I do. That’s all. The best that ever was? Maybe not. But I’m sure as h!ell gonna try to be the best there ever was today. You wanta drink?’”…

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

this just in … dob has suffered an oblique strain while on the way to the clubhouse - brought on by pressure from the best of cox award and a little teasing from the bloggers. dob is scheduled to be rubbed down with liniment as soon as wicky is finished with chipper’s rubdown. which mvp will recover first and return to work?

By Lew

March 21, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Flange and Scoots-Defintely. It should also be a BATTERED Smith Corona.

By rammerjammer

March 21, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Black-and-white photo would’ve been even cooler. With a cloud of cigar smoke!

By Rodger

March 21, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Methinks the only Corona is served with a lime.

By flange1

March 21, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

How about

Baby, I can’t talk right now, got to go see about Hoss….

By Alan

March 21, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Congrats, DOB, on the blog award. You deserve the kudos; the rest of us are along for the ride. “Joy Ride” by __? Which reminds me: Isn’t Albert Hammond Sr. a bit cheesy for your taste? I very clearly recall “It Never Rains in Southern California” - nice song in its day, but my 24-year-old son (who loves The Strokes - has seen them in concert 3 or 4 times) hates AH Sr’s song. Anyway, back to baseball. I think you’re right - Redman and Cormier start the season as starters 4 and 5 and Yates and Paronto round out the ‘pen. This is barring a trade, of course, which wouldn’t surprise me at all. Langerhans should stay put - he’s going to have a good season this year. Earlier, someone made reference to an SI article (by Tom Verducci, I recall) that pretty much eliminated only 6 ML teams from postseason contention. I’d remove the Reds from that list. They’re going to make a run at the NL Central title this year. You read it here first.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

rules of the double dime ranch:

“a wounded deer is assumed dead and as such is counted as the hunter’s buck. a wounded deer is one that leaves behind evidence of being hit by the shooter. ranch management’s determination is final.”

so, is a wounded ballplayer also considered dead? say, wounded in the oblique? autographed and sent away? souvenir pen? oh, the deermanity!

By Lew

March 21, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Alan- That reminds me of an old Johhny Carson joke. He once said-“there are definitely seasons in Southern California, they’re just known as Flood, Mud, Fire and Earthquake.”

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Now I’m sure most of you will say it’s waaaay too early to be worrying about Andruw’s replacement next year and beyond, but IMO it’s never too early to start worrying about replacing 40-120 from your lineup… So, here are a list of FA outfielders next year (we could sign a RF or LF and move Francoeur to center…

Left fielders - Eric Byrnes (32),Adam Dunn (28) - $13MM club option for ‘08, Geoff Jenkins (33) - $9MM club option for ‘08, Luis Gonzalez (40), Barry Bonds (43), Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders - Ichiro Suzuki (34), Torii Hunter (32), Eric Byrnes (32), Corey Patterson (28), Milton Bradley (30), Aaron Rowand (30), Mike Cameron (35), Kenny Lofton (41)

Right fielders - Jermaine Dye (34), Bobby Abreu (34) - $16MM club option for ‘08, Ichiro Suzuki (34), Milton Bradley (30), Geoff Jenkins (33) - $9MM club option for ‘08, Trot Nixon (34), Jose Guillen (32) - $9MM club option for ‘08, Shawn Green (35) - $10MM club option for ‘08, Eric Hinske (30)

I think money-wise, Ichiro, Hunter, Abreu, Dye and Dunn are going to be out of the Braves range… Plus I don’t want Green, Nixon, Lofton, Cameron, Gonzalez or Bonds, all waaaay too old.

I think a couple guys on this list are intriguing (that is if we can’t afford Ichiro or Hunter). I think Eric Byrnes, Corey Patterson, and Milton Bradley are all guys that should be considered. Byrnes had a career-high 26 Home Runs last year (his first in the NL by the way) and he plays a ba!!s out, mistake-free center field. Corey Patterson is only 28 and has not yet entered his prime. He’s got 25HR potential, he just can’t get on base consistently. And finally, Mr. Crazy, Milton Bradley. This guy hands down is the most talented of the 3 I mentioned, but also the most troubled. He plays excellent defense, can hit 15-20 Homers and have an OBP in the .370’s.

Who would you guys want?

By Steve-O

March 21, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Congrats DOB, quick question though. I personally think the Redman signing was ingenious, even if Hampton comes back can’t hurt to have a former quality NL starter and reigning AL All-Star pitcher from the Royals. I just find it hard to believe they signed him for less than 1 million when you got the Mets scrambling signing Sosa, Sele, and Park for that price if not more. How did Redman manage to fly under the radar for so long when he was going so cheap? It amazes me how that happened it’s as if it was Bernie with the Yanks (Redman was just waiting for the Braves to make an offer, no other team). I don’t care what anybody out there says, 11 wins on the ‘06 Royals transfers to about 15 wins on the ‘06 Braves. I think this year if Redman gets the chance to start 30 games, that he’ll pick up 13-15 wins if he keeps doin what is capable of. He’s really a big piece here and although some realize it, I don’t think enough have. Imagine if he put up those Marlin numbers again….

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 21, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

So that’s DOB in that photo huh?—Damn!…I didn’t realize that Gomer Pyle has a twin brother!…

By Steve-O

March 21, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

DonC, I HATED seeing the Braves play against Byrnes last year. He seemed to torch the team every game in some way/shape or form. He brings fire to the team both literally and figuratively (See Eric’s dome piece). Everybody I have ever heard speak a word of him has nothing but great things to say about him as a teammate and person. He gives it %110 every inning and puts up some pretty nice numbers for a fair price and I am sure he would love to be tracking balls down for a winning club in Atlanta. However, this is ONLY if there is no way in HELL that we can get Andruw back, because lets all face it 19/20 of us love Andruw…..

By Steve-O

March 21, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

DonC, I HATED seeing the Braves play against Byrnes last year. He seemed to torch the team every game in some way/shape or form. He brings fire to the team both literally and figuratively (See Eric’s dome piece). Everybody I have ever heard speak a word of him has nothing but great things to say about him as a teammate and person. He gives it %110 every inning and puts up some pretty nice numbers for a fair price and I am sure he would love to be tracking balls down for a winning club in Atlanta. However, this is ONLY if there is no way in HELL that we can get Andruw back, because lets all face it 19/20 of us love Andruw…..

By Steve-O

March 21, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

DonC, I HATED seeing the Braves play against Byrnes last year. He seemed to torch the team every game in some way/shape or form. He brings fire to the team both literally and figuratively (See Eric’s dome piece). Everybody I have ever heard speak a word of him has nothing but great things to say about him as a teammate and person. He gives it %110 every inning and puts up some pretty nice numbers for a fair price and I am sure he would love to be tracking balls down for a winning club in Atlanta. However, this is ONLY if there is no way in HELL that we can get Andruw back, because lets all face it 19/20 of us love Andruw…..

By Steve-O

March 21, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Extremely sorry about the multiple posts…….

By The Stranger

March 21, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Congratulations on the Top Blog Award O’B. I’m sure it will look great next to your Wurlitzer. A very small testament to the time and effort and heart you pour into this space damn near every day of the year. J.R. would be plenty proud, and you should be, too.

By OddJob

March 21, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Don you made a point without showing any awareness of doing it.Notice how many of these top outfielders are older than Andruw?

By brent

March 21, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the update on B. Jones. I look forward to seeing how he develops.

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

“Don you made a point without showing any awareness of doing it.Notice how many of these top outfielders are older than Andruw?”

Well duh, that is a list of potential free agents in 2008… They all have at least 6 years of ML experience. I without question want to keep Andruw, but I am also realistic. Unless the Braves raise payroll, they can’t afford AJ next year and beyond. You can’t be carrying $18mil Andruw, $12mil Chipper, $14.5mil Hudson, $14.5mil Hampton, and $10mil Smoltz through 2009 (I believe Smoltz will pitch in ATL until 2009 or 2010). That’s nearly $70mil commited to 5 players until after 2009. How exactly will we pay the higher salaries of Francoeur, McCann, Mike Gonzalez and/or Rafael Soriano? Not to mention LF, SS, 2B, 1B, starters 4-5, and the rest of the bullpen?

We let Andruw walk, sign McCann, Francoeur, James and whoever else proves themself over the next 2 years (Davies, Cormier, Gonzalez?) to long term deals and go from there… Deals like Minnesota made with Johan Santana, Joe Mauer, and Justin Morneau. Lock them up in their 1st or 2nd years of arbitration with 5-6 year deals, securing them in their prime for less than market value… If we are going to have the payroll of a small market team, we may as well start operating like one…

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Steve-O, Redman simply was asking for too much early on and for most of the winter, and by the time he realized it, most teams had moved on. I’m sure he could’ve got 2-3 mill from someone if he’d taken it early. Braves got lucky with that one.

Speaking of Hampton, can you believe this: He threw off a mound today, a full bullpen session back at Disney. TWO WEEKS after he pulled the oblique. He was supposedly not going to throw at all for four weeks, and he’s already off a mound. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back by late April. Then again, he could get hurt again between now and then, so I don’t know why I bother predicting….

Chipper hit today at Disney, could play tomorrow….

Alan, I only like that one song by Albert Hammond Sr. Not really familiar with many others by him. I know he wrote a ton of them, but mostly before my time and not the kind of stuff that holds up well decades later, know what I mean? His son’s record, though, is really good. Listened to it again today.

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

And if Smoltz has another Smoltz-like season this year, I’d much rather keep him than Andruw (looking at the 2008 season ONLY). That SI article today said a close friend of Smoltz’ said he’s sick of giving “home-town discounts” to the Braves and is going to seek market value at the end of the year. Well, why not just give the man a 2 year, $25-$30mil contract after this year? Or 1 year, $15 mil? (IF he continues to do what hes been doing the last two years). And for those of you who think we can afford to lose Smoltz, WE CANT! What would our rotation be next year if Smoltz is not in it? Hudson-James-Hampton-Cormier-Davies? Wow, if that is our rotation heading into 2008 I’m gonna find another team…

By KC

March 21, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

“Regarding Hudson, watch him when he’s got runners in scoring position and a decent hitter at the plate. Seems to me he still lacks an out pitch… when he has to throw strikes, he has to work too hard to get the out, and too often ends up getting hit (usually after 3 or 4 foul balls). Maybe it’s the lack of movement on his pitches discussed in the last blog.””

Actually… as far as this spring goes, it seems to me that he’s done a very good job pitching out of jams. At least in his last start, he looked a lot better out of the stretch, which of course means with runners on base. He looked his sharpest with runners on in his last outing.

By DonCoburleone

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

03/21/2007 4:47 PM ET, “Rocco Baldelli has a tight right hamstring, and the Devil Rays are proceeding cautiously with their center fielder. Baldelli, who missed the first half of the 2006 season with a left hamstring problem, experienced tightness in Tuesday afternoon’s game against the Indians. The 25-year-old did not make the trip to Kissimmee, Fla., where the Rays are playing the Astros on Wednesday night.”

Yeah, lets trade Chuck James for this guy…

By KC

March 21, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

To follow up on last post… while Hudson has looked shaky at times, he’s also had numerous stretches in these early games where hitters are swinging over his sinker and changeup. That’s something that didn’t happen much last year.

It’s all about mechanical consistency.

Don C: I agree with you. I think Smoltz should be a higher priority than Andruw. If we want to win another World Series sometime within the next 2-3 years (I figure Smoltzy’s got that much left in the tank)… there is no player more important to hold onto that the top post-season pitcher in baseball history.

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

I write a lead note before the game on Andruw only having one homer and how it means little or nothing in terms of projecting what he’ll do in the season, and of course he then hits a two-run homer in the first inning tonight.

Frenchy also had a line-drive RBI double to right-center in that inning and Braves are up 3-0 against Nationals righty Tim Redding, who is pretty bad.

By KC

March 21, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Don C: I do have to add though that I think you’re underestimating what Hampton is likely to bring to the table next year. He will absolutely, positively be 100% recovered from the TJ surgery by that point. And should at least pitch enough this year to get sharp next year if nothing else… though I’m still hopeful that Hampton can round into form between now and October.

But don’t get me wrong… there is no replacing John Smoltz! Especially in the post-season!!

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Come on, just admit it KC, Hudson was a “greenie” popper with Oakland and now he doesn’t have his little buddy to get through the 5th or 6th inning like he used to…

By KC

March 21, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

I say when Hampton returns, we trade Redman, Tyler Yates, and Kelly Johnson or a prospect… to Washington for Felipe Lopez.

Either Blaine Boyer or Phil Stockman can be promoted to replace Yates in the pen.

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

KC, Hampton will never again be even a #2 starter in the majors, let alone the ACE we will need if Smoltz leaves. Lets face it, the Hampton trade was a Championship-Killer. His salary is going to prevent us from keeping Andruw Jones and from signing a different starter who would be able to give us quality innings. How badly would you like to have even Ted Lilly over the next 4 years rather than Mike Hampton? I’d gladly take $40million over 4 years vs. Hampton and his $35mil over the next 2 seasons ($14.5mil this year and next, $6mil buyout for 2009)… Short of Hampton winning the Cy Young in 2008, the trade that brought him here will go down as the worst trade in Braves history!

By KC

March 21, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

DonC: I doubt your serious.

When will people get it through their heads that stamina wasn’t Hudson’s issue… underperformance was. The only reason he wore out in the 6th inning is that he was having to work twice as hard to get through the early innings.

When you’re used to facing 4 batters per inning, and then suddenly you’re facing 6 per inning… you’re just not going to last as long.

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

DOB I agree with you on the Nationals, they might be UBER-bad this year. I have 5 bets in Vegas for the MLB season this year… 1)Atlanta - 35:1 to win the World Series 2)Cleveland - 18:1 to win the World Series 3)Mets - Under 96.5 wins 4)Detroit Tigers - Under 94 wins 5)Nationals OVER 100.5 losses… GO NATS!!!

By Jared

March 21, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

The Braves would be retarded, Jim Bowden level retarded, if they let Smoltz even hit free agency. There is no excuse to let a player like that go so you can go all-out in a no-doubt futile effort to give one player (Andruw Jones) about 25% of the team’s budget for 6-8 years.

With Andruw and his 13.5 million, Bob Wickman and his 6.5 million and Craig Wilson and his 2 million gone, the Braves should have enough, especially if Liberty Media does increase payroll, even just a little bit, to sign Smoltz and pay the salary increases easily.

EXTEND SMOTLZ!

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

“Short of Hampton winning the Cy Young in 2008, the trade that brought him here will go down as the worst trade in Braves history!”

I AIN’T JOKIN’ ABOUT THAT EITHER!!!

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Langerhans just made a TERRIFIC catch sprinting about, oh, 30-40 yards to catch a fly on the left-field line with his glove fully extended.

Braves up 3-1 after three, Redman has allowed three hits, looks pretty solid.

Redding, on other hand, already gone. 67 pitches in three innings. And I think he’s their No. 2 or No. 3 starter. Yikes.

By brian

March 21, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

DOB - how much time does Carroll have to put in before she gets the “Blue” name recognition here?

Since she is the newbie how about making her name show up in Tar Heel blue?

I cannot imagine there would be much marked for Bryan Pena, much less Tony Pena, but I wonder if the Braves are thinking of adding Bryan Pena to a package with middle IF to try and upgrade our return. Sounds like the Braves like Miller as a great backup catcher.

By Lew

March 21, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

I just fail to see where all of this supposed money is going to come from to re-sign Smoltz at $15 mil per, pick up a center fielder at $8 or 9 mil and sign McCann and Francoeur long term. Come on people. With Andruw and Wickman gone, yes, we save $20 million, but Hudson’s salary goes up $7 million. If Smoltz is resigned for $15, that’s another $5 mil. That right there comes close to equaling Andruw’s salary. How are you going to give McCann and Frenchy say 5 year contracts at $35 million,(which is probably reasonable at today’s prices) which comes to $7 per year each, when they are making less than half a mil each right now? Either raise will take up all of Wicky’s salary. Then, of course, people will want another starter because Hudson or Hampton isn’t performing to expectations and everyone will b!tch and moan about Redman or Davies. Y’all, it’s time to get realistic. What will probably be more on target will be to put Langerhans in center and Brandon Jones in left. Then, maybe-just maybe, we can afford more top line pitching (provided Matt Harrison isn’t rerady to go in the bigs). If Harrison IS ready, there will be even more b!tching and moaning about what a question mark he is.

By Yars

March 21, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

DOB………….any reason why Kelly Johnson was taken out of tonights game so early, after only 1 at bat? (1-1, SB, 1 run scored, turned a 6-4-3 double play). Woodward took his place. KJ isn’t hurt, is he?

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Classic Yogi-ism on the greaseboard in the pressbox here at Space Coast Stadium:

“Yeah, what paper you write for, Ernie?”

_ Yogi Berra, upon being introduced to writer Ernest Hemingway.

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Yars, Kelly’s fine. Got two at-bats, a single and a walk.

They just want to get Woodward some more at-bats, play him at some different positions.

By Jared

March 21, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

You can trade for a Baldelli or Melky Cabrera NEXT year, use Langerhans or someone else, use Blanco or whatever. There is no need for some eight million centerfielder.

Who came up with this fifteen million a year figure for Smoltz? I bet 2 years and 20 million would do the job.

If it comes down to Smoltz at a reasonable short term contract, or Andruw Jones at an expensive long-term contract, I’d take Smoltz every time. The Braves will almost certainly keep one, I just hope it’s Smoltz.

By mesmo

March 21, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

You’re a pretty good sports writer but a lousy music critic. When we want to read about country music (assuming we do) we won’t be going to the sports pages. Your opinions on this subject and other personal tastes are of no interest. Save it. Tell us about baseball.

By Trav

March 21, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

mesmo

You know what youre going to find when you come to this blog, Braves talk and music talk. If you dont like music talk, either ignore it or go somewhere else. If you go somewhere else, im sure you won’t be missed here.

By The Stranger

March 21, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Hey, mesmo, GFY.

You don’t win a Top Blog & a Wurlitzer for talking only about ERAs & RBIs & TOEs.

Like pie, good country music goes perfect with Braves baseball.

By destin

March 21, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Good Blog DOB KC — We all would like to wake up and have Maddux,Smoltz, and Glavine, in their prime, at the top of the rotation. Those days were good, but they are over. Things could go either way this season. Smoltz could stay strong and have a great year, or he could sustain an injury and be gone forever. Hudson and Hampton could end up having decent seasons, or Hampton could get married to the DL and Hudson’s ‘stuff’ could become suspect. James could show he’s solid over an entire season, or he could have the sophmore jinx. It is a little irritating that we don’t seem to be getting our money’s worth (14.5 and 14) for Hampton and Hudson especially with our limited budget. Braveheart and DOB - I agree with ya’ll about the fact that LF, 2B, 1B are all still question marks. I’m not saying we can’t win with our current roster, but these positions should be watched closely. Somebody asked why we would bother making any major trade. Thats a laugh! We certianly could improve our team - but money and available talent are always issues. Poor Johnson and Langerhans, they are still yet to establish themselves, and if we could get a ‘name’ player at either of those positions that was also a true lead-off hitter, I wish we could at least consider it.

By The Grinch

March 21, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

*It was hotter than a Cordele Yakk on a trailer roof in August. Stevie Wonder must’ve gotten the A/C bill for this fishwrap. I was back in my office after leaving Bradley crying in his beer down at Manuel’s. Christ, he could be depressing when his picks were wrong. The smuggled tuna sandwich from the press room rotting next to my printer smelled like a Shea stadium bathroom stall after David Wells spent the 7th inning stretch inside with a beer and fish taco hangover. I held my breath as I pitched it, wrapper and all, into the wastebasket next to my desk that contained my last nine headline attempts. They belonged together. It was just gonna be one of those days, I thought as I took a swig of Jameson’s from my desk drawer bottle and lit my last Cohiba. Time for a new flint in the Zippo. This one was fading faster than Tim Hudson’s fastball. I propped my feet up and glanced through the Cohiba cloud at Carroll; the smokin’ hot but off-limits dame I worked with. She mumbled something about a package from Mrs. Cox and walked away, her black pumps workin’ and her butt cheeks lookin’ like two Volkswagons trying to pass each other. Yeah, she had a personality like a toad’s belly, but her cans could stop a horse in its tracks. That’s what I used her for earlier, to distract Chipper so I could get a quote on that walking MASH unit he calls a body. He caught on after uh while and got sore, but nothin’ like his backside would feel after tommorrow’s column ran. What did he expect after givin’ me the hoof treatment, sympathy? I bet his lazy @## would run faster if he lived off a journalist’s salary. Speaking of employment, I took a glance at the package from Mrs. Cox. Probably my canned ham trophy. As long as it wasn’t a severence check, whatever it was could wait. I had a different Cox to deal with, and things might get a little sticky. Bobby waddled in and took a seat across from me. I nodded at him as he grabbed a handful of peanuts out of the bowl on my desk. I made a mental note to wash it later.

“What’s on your mind, Skipper? You look like you just watched Reitsma warm up.”

“Worse.” Huh? Bobby looked at me for a minute like he was sizin’ me up for a cheap suit. “Here it comes,’ I thought, reaching for a rolaid. “JS got plastered and traded Smoltzie to the Mets for Sosa. He’s at Charter peachford and not answering his cell.”

”$%#& you, Peter Gammons,” I thought as I wrapped my hankercheif around the Jameson’s and handed it to Bobby, “O’Brian just scooped you like a poodle turd on the boardwalk.”

By Lew

March 21, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Here we go again with someone who just doesn’t get it. If you don’t like music talk, or BBQ, or basketball or mayo, then scroll past it. B!tching about it in a post takes a lot longer. It’s much like a public speaker saying “To make a long story short.” Just by saying it, you’ve made the story longer. Take Trav’s advice, Mesmo. Maybe you’ll be a happier person. Hope you find what you’re looking for. Do you realize that no one has talked about much EXCEPT baseball for almost 3 hours? At least until you posted. You need to get over it.

By Lew

March 21, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Destin-Hudson’s only making $7 million this year. It doubles in 08.

By The Grinch

March 21, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

That was supposed to be in italics. Oh, well. DonC; you and I seem to be the only ones who agree on Huddy’s “tweaks” to his delivery. :-)

By Yars

March 21, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

When Redman starts, the offense is going to have to go into the game thinking, ‘we need to score like, 10 runs today to have a chance of winning.’ Redman reminds me a little of ex-Brave Russ Ortiz. Anyone know Ortiz’s average ERA while he was with Atlanta? Ortiz isn’t a bad pitcher, (he was just named the Giants #5 starter) I just recall the offense having to score a lot of runs whenever he pitched. Chipper needs to listen to Bobby and not play again until the last week of spring training. Those last 4 games. Chipper now has a reputation as a player whose best years are behind him. Some have already written him off. Too unpredictable. Anyone see that MLB segment on espnews this afternoon? If it’s not Chipper’s oblique, it’s his feet, ect….Maybe he will surprise everyone and put up .310/30/100 type numbers.

By KC

March 21, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

DonC: W-T-F are you smoking??

What… do you have a crystal ball up your a$$ or something? Thanks for filling my in so I can sell all my Hampton stock.

The facts are the 90% of all MLB pitchers who have Tommy John surgery make a full 100% recovery (not only in terms of health, but performance as well).

And he only went 15-2 with a 2.61 ERA before going on the DL in 2005.

But you’re right (of course). No reason to believe he’ll be worth a damn ever again.

By Jared

March 21, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

If it was up to me, the bullpen would be: Wickman, Gonzalez, Soriano, McBride, Villarreal, Paronto and Boyer/Stockman.

I hope the Braves are at least considering NOT giving that seventh spot to Yates. I hope I’m wrong about Yates, I hope he pitches well. But I seem to remember he wasn’t too good in close games last season.

By KC

March 21, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

DonC: “Short of Hampton winning the Cy Young in 2008, the trade that brought him here will go down as the worst trade in Braves history!”

If you average out what the Braves will have paid him over his 6 seasons in Atlanta, it comes out to about 8 million. Back in 2003-2005 before Hampton got hurt, the Braves were only paying him 4-6 million a season. Then the Braves collected insurance money for Hampton in 2006. So please explain how Hampton’s salary was a “Championship-Killer”.

This season will be the first year in which Hampton’s salary will be a liability… though if I understand DOB’s salary reports correctly, the Braves (for accounting purposes) averaged Hampton’s salary out evenly over 6 seasons and set aside the early surplus to cover part of his salary this year and next year.

Also, if Hampton pitches well next season (Though I know I shouldn’t even bring up that possibility because you’ve assured us all that he won’t), the 13 million the Braves will pay Hampton won’t be at all exorbitant by today’s rates. In fact if he pitches well, he might even be a bit of a bargain.

Anyway, I feel compelled to point out that before going on the DL in 2005, Hampton gave the Braves nearly 2-1/2 seasons of great work, going 31-18 with a 3.74. And, again… a 15-2, 2.61 ERA stretch before getting hurt in 2005.

Where’s Tim Spooneybarger or the other players (who’s names I can’t even remember) JS traded to get him???

“worst trade in Braves history”… I sure as hell hope that’s the worst trade we ever make.

By OddJob

March 21, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

I just thumbed through the latest sports illustrated(march 19 ncaa tourny issue)but I’m not talking basketball here,what caught my attention is the si.com fantasy 07 mock mlb draft.It has been speculated that Mauer’s agent paid them off.Well I don’t know who shot JFK or RFK or even Roger Rabbit,but this latest conspiracy theory has such far reaching implications(fantasy leagues and stuff) that it can’t be ignored by any concerned citizen of this great land.So here is the strait dope(sorry Bonds)the picks go 23 rounds the first four are shown in the magazine Mauer of course is a first rounder, while McCann isn’t off the board after FOUR ROUNDS!!So there it is the shocking truth they didn’t want you to know,or perhaps it simply didn’t occur to them.Either way this injustice will not stand.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

dob, whither uh, chipper? did chipper talk?

By Lew

March 21, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

The worst trade in Braves’ histroy still has to be Brett Butler and Brook Jacoby for Len Barker. Nothing else comes close and isn’t likely to.

By Lew

March 21, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

You mean like your’s Jacka$$? Is it possible that the poor misunderstood sociopath is trying to provoke something? Ithought you were alsways the one provoked. A*******hole.

By Jim

March 21, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

When Hampton is throwing, his motion is repeatable and the same muscles come into play in the same way. When Hampton has to field his position or when he is batting, he is much more likely to make a quick irregular move that could re-injure the oblique. I hope the Braves restrict him to throwing sessions until the injury is fully healed and the muscle has been strengthened.

By KC

March 21, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

destin:

“Smoltz could stay strong and have a great year, or he could sustain an injury and be gone forever That could be said of any player in any sport anytime.”

There’s no reason to worry about Smoltz any more than anyone else.

“Hudson and Hampton could end up having decent seasons, or Hampton could get married to the DL and Hudson’s ‘stuff’ could become suspect.”

Agreed. I’ve already gone on record as saying I don’t expect Hampton to help us much (during the regular season) this year. If he does… GREAT! But we can’t count on that. As for Hudson… sure, that could go either way. I feel good about Hudson right now and am cautiously optimistic, but I’m not calling him money in the bank.

“James could show he’s solid over an entire season, or he could have the sophmore jinx.”

I’m relatively sick of hearing about sophomore jinxes. For every promising young player that struggles in his 2nd season, there’s at least 1 or 2 that perform better than his rookie season. The sophomore jinx thing is talked about way too much. Once something gets a catchy title (“sophomore jinx”) you can count on it getting talked about often whether it should be or not. Could James struggle this year? Sure he could. But there’s no reason at this point to doubt him. He’s proven himself at every level of the minors, and in both the bullpen and rotation at the major league level. He’s aced every test thrown at him so far.

“It is a little irritating that we don’t seem to be getting our money’s worth (14.5 and 14) for Hampton and Hudson especially with our limited budget.”

I think the Braves are actually paying Hampton slightly less than your estimate, but I could be wrong. Also, please see my previous post about Hampton’s salary being averaged out. If Hampton pitches well next year, then overall, dealing for him will have worked out very well. As for Hudson… as Lew pointed out, Hudson’s not getting paid 14 million. His salary jumps to 13 mill next season, but this year it’s only 6 million.

Destin, I’m not deluded about this rotation at all. I know Hampton’s not likely to help much this season (though I’m still hopeful for October), and Hudson could very well struggle again. As I’ve said a million times… It’s all about Hudson. If he has a big year, so will the Braves. If he struggles, it’ll be an uphill climb for Atlanta.

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

March 21, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone

“Short of Hampton winning the Cy Young in 2008, the trade that brought him here will go down as the worst trade in Braves history!”

“I AIN’T JOKIN’ ABOUT THAT EITHER!!!”

I’m not going to deny that if Hampton doesn’t pitch AT ALL this year and at least come back and be fairly dominant next year, that the trade won’t be a disappointment.

But if Hampton suddenly retired and chose to take the money and run, never pitching another inning for the Braves, it still would fall a distant second, to the Len Barker for Brett Butler trade, IMO.

At least we didn’t GIVE UP anything for Hampton. Spooneybarger has been a BUST. We spent the rest of the 80’s trying to replace Butler in CF. Unless you count Odibe (or Aughta Be in Minors - as my buddies and I used to call him) McDowell.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 21, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

It could be that your you’re trying to provoke me Lew—but I doubt if you have the moxie for that…Pablo…

By brian

March 21, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Amen Lew. That trade set us back years. What would you consider the best trade? John Smoltz for an aging Doyle Alexander? Fred McGriff for 3 minor leaguers that amounted to nothing?

By Carroll Rogers

March 21, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

It was sworn to me by some very smart computer people today that my name would be in blue this time - real blue, not a certain particularly pansy shade of blue - so we’ll see. but i gotta give a shout-out to DOB and his blogging posse for the cox award. pass the canned ham?

By Jim

March 21, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

I’ve noticed that the Braves as a team have made very few errors this spring. In particular, the right side of the infield may not be a strength defensively, but so far at least, it is not a glaring liability.

By Lew

March 21, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Jacka$$-Believe me, it will take a much bigger man that you to drive me away. Besides, you’ve shown time and again that you have little to no restraint. You’ll go the way of Stinky before all is said and done. You’re a very little person with a miniscule intellect and I have little doubt you probably are small in may other ways as well (as in the personality department for one). Any time you want to confront me in person, and believe me, I know you don’t have the nads for it DUDE, I’d be more than happy to provide you a bit of what you need. A size 12 on your fat, ignorant, behind. Of course, I would probably be arrested for beating up on a teenager. Get over yourself, Oh Little One.

By Jim

March 21, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Did Davies pitch in a minor league game today?

By Lew

March 21, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Brian-Either one would work for me, but I might give the edge to the Smoltz deal. Longevity would figure into it.

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

March 21, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Brian

I would vote for the Smoltz trade. That trade has given us nearly 2 decades worth of AMAZING pitching (other than the injury years), where the McGriff deal, while great, only gave us 4.5 great seasons of 1B thunder.

Just my opinion.

By OddJob

March 21, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Brian the Alexander for Smoltz trade was easy yhe best in the Atlanta era.McGriff was a hell of a player but Smoltz has been central to the team for sixteen years and counting.

By The Grinch

March 21, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Carroll, you look lovely in blue. And I didn’t really mean it about your personality; call it artistic licence. I think you’re swell. Remind me to tell Jimmy Smith to give you a discourse on the many uses of canned ham gel; he posted them a month or two ago. No journalist should be without that list.

Lew, looks like it didn’t work. Arrived too late for the ball, I suppose.

By The Stranger

March 21, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

CR - from the posse side of the screen, I can tell you it ain’t Bluedevil blue.

Periwinkle, maybe. A distinguished shade of periwinkle, at worst.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

yes, and dob should share this canned ham. talking of canned hams, what is the word on uh, chipper jones? and what are some uses for the can when the ham is out of the can? planter? baseball cards (must be thoroughly cleaned of canned ham gel). tax records? and the little key? who saves the key? it is said that ms. cox chambers has a canned ham key collection weighing more than 35 pounds. and will this still be the best blog if ms. cox chambers becomes a regular? hmmm….

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Jim _ Davies starts tomorrow vs. the Mets (Aaron Sele).

By the way, Jonathan Johnson’s debacle of a ninth inning (three runs, five hits, walk, hit batter) came after he volunteered to pitch in what was supposed to be Blaine Boyer’s inning. Boyer was too sick (flu symptons) to pitch, Bobby said afterward.

2B Willie Harris botched a play that opened the floodgates in the inning.

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Another strong inning for Soriano, one strikeout, no hits. He’s allowed one run and three hits with no walks and eight strikeouts in six innings.

The Braves do have three legitimate closers.

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

mesmo, I’ll tell you about whatever I want to, and you can read it, skip it, or go elsewhere. How’s that, compadre?

By Lew

March 21, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

ChopZone-What crawled up your colon today? One of your Mets’ pitchers get lit up again? I’m going to bed. You and the SJA are more than I feel like dealing with tonight. I’d rather spend time with my virus. Bray on, both of you.

By The Grinch

March 21, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Night, all; been a long day. Congrats on the award; Dave.

By ssiscribe

March 21, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Wow, see what happens when I dive into a couple of special sections at the ol’ workplace, all the while trying to skate one man down (wish this penalty kill would only last two minutes)?

All kinds of great stuff breaking loose on the blog. Where to begin, where to begin …

Grinch: Bro, look at ya, trying to get Mrs. Scribe all fired up, ha ha! Seriously, she’s my one and only … the only one who’ll put up with me and my ways, my sports and my journalism and so, so many nights and weekends home alone. She’s being rewarded now that I’m home and working a normal schedule. That earlier piece by you about DOB and Cox, et al, was classic: I had a mental pic, in black and white, with cigar smoke, while reading it. Solid stuff!

(And a serious note: Glad your back, bro; we had ya in our prayers and hope you’re doing OK.)

Lew: Lovin’ that transition. You’re well on your way to having a spot in the Braves/Man in Black press box. And lovin’ that pic you sent to me, too. Need to get me a frame and get it up on the wall here by my bloggin’ chair before the season begins. If we win the World Series, I’m gonna carry that pic of AJ down Peachtree Street amid the confetti.

DOB: Congrats on the award from Cox. Well, well deserved. You and I and everybody else here know what you put into this thing, and I hope you know how much all of us appreciate it. We’ll just keep on keeping on, doing our thing and talking it up about the ballclub, ball in general, music, pie, toes and the like. A raise of the glass and a cigar to you, sir.

Carroll: Wow, you’re in blue at last! That’s like getting your press pass. You’re now official. Looking forward to reading Braves gamers by you again.

JJS: The esteemed Ugandan journalist is at the top of his game today. A Cox award and a Wurlitzer? DOB’s set the bar pretty high for the rest of us ink-stained wretches eating cheese in the press box. And I bet Chipper will not condone any horsing around in the locker room.

That’s all I got. On the day where the blogosphere we inhabit was recognized, I offer you this in passing: Life is what you make it. Make it matter. Make it last. And make it fun. We, my friends, got it down to a science here. Good stuff, and a season of promise to which we look forward. Let’s enjoy the ride, together.

The Scribe abides. As the old journalist says before doffing his hat and heading toward those isles so golden: selah.

—30—

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 21, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

There must be a full moon out tonight…

By No Chop Zone

March 21, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

I’m just messing with you Lew……..good-nite

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Chipper hit back at Disney, didn’t come over for the game. It’s possible he’ll play tomorrow. Bobby said Chipper wants to play tomorrow, Cox will decide.

Again, it’s not a serious injury. But I understand why folks would be leery, given how often Chipper’s nagging injuries tend to linger and worsen.

By Lew

March 21, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

ChopZone-One final thing. I just couldn’t resist. It has just been reported that Duaner Sanchez will start the season on the DL. So much for the fourth loss from last year’s vaunted bullpen. That’s what crawled up your colon. Gee, I commisserate. Better hope your rookies can bail you out this year. Doubt it, though.

By David O'Brien

March 21, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Grinch, you’re the man. Great stuff. And thanks, much.

By The Stranger

March 21, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

In support of Tyler Yates earning a spot in the bullpen to start the season: Yes, he had some wannagetaway moments in close & late situations last season, but who in that pen in those situations didn’t?

Yates was filthy when he was comfortable, and he was almost always comfortable under the lights. Bad guys hitting .186 against him last season in night games - 32 innnings, 2.78 ERA. Plus he’s the only guy on the team with Ukelele credibility. Seriously, we are one Canadian short of a polka band in that dugout. We’ve got to have a dude in the pen who can handle the Uke. And that dude is Tyler Yates. Brah.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 21, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

AJC—you missed a couple deletions there—the ones where Lew was threatening me…

By King Nick Saban

March 21, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

bad trades? how ‘bout bedrosian for virgil jr.? now that sucked…

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 21, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Hang around Lew—Hell!..it’s DOB to the rescue!…

By Lew

March 21, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Go ahead and zap my posts. I’m sure I will survive it. Goodnight all. You too, SJA. Chop Zone, too. Is everyone happy and secure now? Hope so. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.

By Lew

March 21, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy for Jeff Parrett.

By brian

March 21, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Congrats DOB - award most deserved. great service to the Braves (to the AJC) and most importantly to us. Thank you

Carroll - there is this great video on youtube you really need to see - this is why, this is why, this is why It obviously was not made by a Dookie

Cannot wait for the regular season.

Who is set to pitch the final preseason game Saturday in Atlanta?

By journalist jimmy smith

March 21, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

bobby walked onto the field, a late arrival. hoss was at the plate and hoss was blowing a big ol’ bubble that threatened to tangle with his new chin hair.

“what’s the count, boy?”

hoss stepped out of the box and stomped his hoof, once, twice and paused - then, looking into the distance, he stomped yet again.

“2 and 1. watch for the change.”

it began as a whinny - muted yet audible. hoss wanted a heater, not a change.

if this pitcher threw a change hoss might swing out of his new shoes.

more later …

now, baseball parades … will hoss be allowed to parade down peachtree? and must hoss be followed by sanitation workers?

By Ippississim

March 21, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

No wonder Jonathan Johnson has no major league appearances since 2003. Not the guy to throw in to the mix in the ninth, especially when that particular opponent would be extremely embarrasing to lose to. Where was J. Johnson pitching last year?

By Henry

March 21, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

DOB, if there was no Best of Cox Blog Award, they’d have had to create it just to recognize your outstanding work here. In fact, they probably did. I’m repeating myself, but your combination of detailed Braves info and obvious joy of what you’re doing makes this “place” a highlight of my day, every day. What’s amazing is that you even have an employer that appreciates what you’re doing. Dude, you are one lucky son of a gun.

Enjoy the ham.

Henry

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

“I just fail to see where all of this supposed money is going to come from to re-sign Smoltz at $15 mil per, pick up a center fielder at $8 or 9 mil and sign McCann and Francoeur long term. Come on people. With Andruw and Wickman gone, yes, we save $20 million, but Hudson’s salary goes up $7 million. If Smoltz is resigned for $15, that’s another $5 mil. That right there comes close to equaling Andruw’s salary. How are you going to give McCann and Frenchy say 5 year contracts at $35 million,(which is probably reasonable at today’s prices) which comes to $7 per year each, when they are making less than half a mil each right now? Either raise will take up all of Wicky’s salary.”

You backload the contracts of Francoeur & McCann (James possibly too).

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

“The worst trade in Braves’ histroy still has to be Brett Butler and Brook Jacoby for Len Barker. Nothing else comes close and isn’t likely to.”

I stand corrected…

By Tony Almeida

March 21, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

HAHA…MLB.COM even says Kelly Johnson is a joke for the Braves at second base. So when he sucks @ss, dont say i didnt tell ya….. Here’s an idea, but im pullin this one out of my butt…give someone who actually plays the position a chance. I’m sorry, i thought positions were supposed to be battled out and won in Spring Training…apparently I was wrong…

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Okay, how about this late night (well only 8:30 for me) poll question. Of the following players, who are you most excited/interested in seeing play in 2007?

McCann Andruw Francoeur Smoltz James Gonzalez/Soriano other…

By DonCoburleone

March 21, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

TonyAlmeida, are you really Martin Prado?

By Tony Almeida

March 21, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Nope, I’m not Martin Prado, but if I was, I’d be saying…….LOOK AT MY DAMN STATS, I DESERVE THE JOB!!!

By Roper

March 22, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

McCann Andruw Francoeur Smoltz James Gonzalez/Soriano Don,

I can’t narrow it down to just one of those players, but how ‘bout one from each side of the ball, so to speak.

I’m expecting Andruw and McCann to play about like they did last year, ‘drew will stay streaky and a friend of the strikeout. But if Frenchy can get it going in the six or so hole i think the offensive is gonna be tough to beat. Last year i was hoping for the same from him and it never quite happened, but luckily LaRoche came around.

Can he develop a better eye and hit to all fields this year, not swing at most every first pitch and walk a dozen times before the all-star break (that’s a reasonable walk total to ask for isn’t it?) Or does he follow andruw down his path of good intentions, that almost always turns into a pull the ball, feast or famine routine?

As for the pitchers i’m excited to see the new pen and if the six inning philosophy can work out.

By DonCoburleone

March 22, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

I can’t really say I disagree Roper. I mean, I think what McCann did last year is basically impossible to improve on (other than maybe more HR’s). But Francoeur is the one with the potential to become the dominant power hitter. He could emerge as the guy who fills AJ’s spot in the 4 hole in 2008 and beyond…

By DonCoburleone

March 22, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this

“Or does he follow andruw down his path of good intentions, that almost always turns into a pull the ball, feast or famine routine?”

If a “feast or famine routine” translates into 92HR and 157RBI in two seasons then I hope Francoeur does follow Andruw down that path!

By Henry

March 22, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Players I’m most excited to see this year: Wickman/Soriano/Gonzalez. A revolution in the making.

Weakest link: Tim Hudson. Has done little this spring to restore my faith. Smoltz could win 20 with this bullpen, and James could win 15+, but I’m doubtful we’ve got another starter who’ll be much better than .500. Sure would love to be wrong, but it seems to me that the rotation is likely this team’s weak spot.

By DonCoburleone

March 22, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

“Weakest link: Tim Hudson. Has done little this spring to restore my faith. Smoltz could win 20 with this bullpen, and James could win 15+, but I’m doubtful we’ve got another starter who’ll be much better than .500. Sure would love to be wrong, but it seems to me that the rotation is likely this team’s weak spot.”

Well put, exactly how I feel… but even with the rotation being our weak spot, we could still nab the the wild-card and contend for the division.

By Coach

March 22, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this

Yes , Lew is correct , the Len Barker trade is the worst in Braves history. The Smoltz trade was and still is the best trade. The GM who made the Alexander/Smoltz trade was none other than Bobby Cox. Much like last season , Cox will maximize his best pitchers. Smoltz and Hudson will probably make 35 starts again as will James. Thats 105 starts of which the Braves should win 65-70. Leaving 57 other games where the Braves would only have to play .500 ball. Add it all up and we are looking at a 90-95 win season. Metro man , no chop zone , don’t you just love math ?

By Coach

March 22, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

Guys , look at the numbers , Hudson(.665) has a better career winning percentage than Smoltz(.585) , Glavine(.603) and Maddux(.621). Of Hudson’s 247 career starts the team’s went 161 and 86. Thats basically saying the Braves will win two out of every three starts he makes. as bad as his 4.86 ERA was in 2006 the team still went 21-14 in his 35 starts. So , stop the Hudson bashing , it’s ignorant.

By DonCoburleone

March 22, 2007 3:58 AM | Link to this

Come on now Coach, don’t get me started on Hudson… He pitches his “A” game 1 out of every 3 now, instead of 2 out of every 3 games like he did in Oakland. I don’t bash the 2005 season he had for Atlanta; he had slightly worse numbers here than what he did in Oakland the year before (it was to be expected since he moved to a new league and all). But last year, in my opinion, raised some giant warning flags. If you look at his numbers last year, EVERYTHING was UP, not just ERA (and every pitch he threw). His Walks were way up, his HR’s allowed were way up, and his WHIP skyrocketed. Just from 2005 to 2006, Hudson went from averaging 11 baserunners per 9 innings for his career (1.22 career WHIP) to averaging 13 baserunners per 9 innings last year (1.44WHIP). And those numbers have only been trending upward since he left Oakland!

So, more hits, walks, and HR’s allowed each of the past 2 seasons; Don’t you think if that continues to get worse in 2007 that the 21-14 record when he starts could easily flip to 14-21 or worse???

And by the way, the Braves record when Smoltz started last year: 20-15. So using your reasoning, I could say that Hudson had a more effective 2006 season than Smoltz right? Just pleeeeaaaase don’t try and argue for Hudson, I’d rather listen to KC blabber on about Hampton’s inevitable return to dominance because before getting hurt (in 2005 by the way) he was in the middle of a 15-2 stretch…

By Coach

March 22, 2007 6:43 AM | Link to this

Don , ignorance is bliss. Hudson is a winner , maybe you don’t like winners. Maybe , you might be a Mets fan ? obviously.

By David O'Brien

March 22, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this

Ahh … sunrise in Florida.

Can’t wait to stop seeing the sun rise in a week.

Good debate on the pitching, specifically Hudson. I’ve gotta say, I’m in the same boat _ just not convinced by his performance this spring that he’s made significant strides toward reclaiming his Oakland form. But we’ll soon see, won’t we?

As long as he produces an ERA like he has this spring (1.80), won’t matter what any of us thinks. And he has seven strikeouts with only one walk and a solid .248 opponents’ average, so nothing statistically to raise an eyebrow in any way but a good way. That said, I just … oh, nevermind. We’ll see.

By Metropolitan Man

March 22, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

Hey Coach, I love math. I will love math even more when the METS mathematicaly eliminate the braves from an above .500 season. I think your elimination will ironically coinicide with Pedro’s return. No Chop Zone, are we on the same page????

By KC

March 22, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

Tell Ya what DonC… If Hampton sucks next year, I will publicly declare that you were right… you’re smarter than me, etc. As long as you’re willing to admit you were full of S#!T if/when he does return to form.

It’ not like I’m telling you he’s gonna come back and win 17 games this season. I just don’t see any reason to doubt what he can bring to the table in 2008.

As I see it, there are two things to go on when shaping your expectations for Hampton for next season… his numbers before the injury/surgery and the current recovery rate for pitchers coming back from TJ surgery (90%).

I’m just curious as to exactly what you’re basing your (Hampton should be drug out the barn and shot) point of view on.

By KC

March 22, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

“I’ve gotta say, I’m in the same boat _ just not convinced by his performance this spring that he’s made significant strides toward reclaiming his Oakland form. But we’ll soon see, won’t we?”

I’m not 100% convinced either, but encouraged. I’ve seen enough this spring to feel good about his chances of significantly improving on last season. So if I had to pick a likely outcome to Hudson’s season… either that he will succeed or fall on his face… I’m going to say “succeed”.

But of course, he could land somewhere in between clear cut success or failure. He could trim nearly a full run of his 2006 ERA, but still not pitch the way we know he’s capable.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s Hudson start… yet at the sam time, I’m nervous. I watch every Hudson start right now as if the Braves’ season is riding on it, because… it is. Well, not on any particular start, but the season will ride largely on Hudson’s performance this year. Here’s hoping.

By KC

March 22, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

MetroMan: “I will love math even more when the METS mathematicaly eliminate the braves from an above .500 season. I think your elimination will ironically coinicide with Pedro’s return. No Chop Zone, are we on the same page????”

Do you live in the Atlanta area? Are you a betting man? Because I would LOVE to get in on that action (“the METS mathematicaly eliminate the braves from an above .500 season”).

The offer is sincere. Pleaes name your stakes. Let’s do it!!!

By The Grinch

March 22, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

I agree, DOB. No doubt Hudson had a great track record, and is theoretically still capable of being an ace, but somewhere along the way he seems to have woken up from a good dream and turned into…well, there’s really no precedent for it I can think of. He’s still young, he’s not injured that we know of, and sometimes he still throws 8 innings of one run ball just to throw you off your analysis. All I know is that I don’t ever feel confident when he steps on the mound, even when he’s dealing. I like the guy and love my team; I wish I could. As for the argument that his overall record means he’ll win 2 of every three starts, Holyfeild’s overall record is still 48-8-2. You pretty confident he’ll win 8 or 9 of his next ten? Not trying to be a smartass, but that argument only holds water if we’re talking about a “slump.” This “slump” has been going on since ‘04 and it’s been steadily gaining momentum. As I’ve said many times, if he regains his form few will be happier than I. I just ain’t betting the family jewels on it.

By Coach

March 22, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

O my, I love the delusional Mets fans. I suppose you guys actually think your team is better than the Yankees to.

By destin

March 22, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

DOB — do you know anything about the intentions of the Braves ownership? It would be nice to hear some public statements from them, just to know whether they give a sh** about winning. How high will they go with payroll in the future? Is it just an investment or will they really try to field a championship team? I do hope they understand that there is going to be a critical 2 or 3 year period where some of the old, high priced players will be phased out and young, star quality players need to be signed long term (i.e. Francoeur & McCann). We will have to pay substantial sums to retain outstanding players if we hope to have any future. There will be the time when we still are carrying all the veteran (big money) contracts and will have had to sign young talent to pretty big money. So, I hope the ownership will at least allow the needed bump in payroll to see us through this transition period.

By Braveheart

March 22, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Mets fans, your tragic number now stands at 163.

No worries, we know our math skills are better than yours, so we will keep track of your tragic number countdown for you.

:-)

By KC

March 22, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

“Weakest link: Tim Hudson. Has done little this spring to restore my faith. Smoltz could win 20 with this bullpen, and James could win 15+, but I’m doubtful we’ve got another starter who’ll be much better than .500. Sure would love to be wrong, but it seems to me that the rotation is likely this team’s weak spot.”

We’d all love to see Hudson return to his dominant Oakland form, and that could very well happen. No reason to think he’s not still capable of pitching at that level. In fact… we know he’s still capable, because we saw it in flashes last year, and we’ve seen those flashes (thankfully) more frequently this spring. Then again, he very well might not return to his old Cy Young caliber form. But here’s the thing you have to keep in mind Henry…

We don’t necessarily need him to.

If Hudson competes for a CY this year, AWESOME! But frankly, if he simply pitches well, that will be enough. And contrary to popular belief, 2006 was the first and only season of Hudson’s career in which he did not pitch well.

We talk about Hudson as though he’s stunk from the moment he put on a Braves uniform. Not so. He stunk last year… no argument that. But he posted a 3.52 ERA in 2005 for the Braves, and would have easily won 17-18 games with even so much as an average bullpen behind him.

I find it puzzling how all talk about Smoltz having another great year in 2006 with a 3.49 ERA… yet we talk about Hudson’s 05’ season as being “utterly mediocre” at a 3.52 ERA (better than the 2006 ERA’s of many who are considered “aces”, including Glavine, Zito, D.Willis, and many more). How was Hudson’s 2006 season “mediocre” or “poor” or any of the adjectives I’ve heard used to describe it? Someone please explain that to me.

Tim Hudson finished in the top 15% of all Major League starters ever year of his career until last season, including 2005 for the Braves. And he was the second winningest active pitcher in baseball heading into last season. I’ll say it again: 2006 was the first and only poor season of Hudson’s career. With that in mind, why is it such a stretch to think he’ll bounce back. I’m not betting big money that he will, but it puzzles me to hear the certainty with which some of you declare he won’t.

It would be great to see Hudson win 23 games and post a 2.50 ERA. But frankly, if he can simply pitch at the same level he did in 2005, I’ll be very happy with that. And oh yeah… the Braves will win the division.

A return to Oakland form? Who knows. But “Weakest link”?? Not bloody likely.

By David O'Brien

March 22, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Destin, yes it would be nice to hear something from them. But it ain’t happening, probably not until the sale is finalized. They haven’t said anything publicly of their intentions, and I don’t think they’ve even said much privately, at least not to anyone willing to share details.

A Chipper apology? To a MEDIA MEMBER! Oh, the humanity. It happened. Details to come (actually, it’s not that tasty, so don’t want to oversell it, but it was funny)

By KC

March 22, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

CORRECTION: In my last post, I said: “We’d all love to see Hudson return to his dominant Oakland form”

Well… not all of us. Sorry MetroMan, forgot you were here.

GRINCH:

“This “slump” has been going on since ‘04 and it’s been steadily gaining momentum.”

Nothing you haven’t heard from me 100 times before, but…

Tim Hudson was not healthy in either 2004 or 2005. I quick glance at his career “games started” for each season will attest to that. YET, even while quite often playing hurt, he managed to remain among the games’ top-tier starters both seasons.

In 2006, he was not hurt and was far worse than either of the previous two season when he wasn’t healthy. Hard to figure… impossible to figure, actually. But the fact remains that what Hudson did in 04/05 while injured most of both seasons… was an accomplishment, and not the early stages of a super-slump or a career decline.

The “slump” or “decline”, or whatever you want to call it, began in 2006. Let’s all hope it ended in 2006.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

March 22, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Metro Man:

One division championship in 15 years, and all of the sudden the Mutts are the Braves killers? Boy, talk about unearned conceit!! Keep coming back, Metro - we’ll see how things unfold over the season with your stellar offense and shaky pitching - if you didn’t notice, that’s what took us down last year.

DOB - props on the award. Keep up the good work. And so what if SJA thinks you look like Gomer? Hell, he hasn’t worked in years and has an estate in Hawa-yer. Not a bad life, if you ask me.

Lew - I’m with you on the Barker trade - sheer disaster.

JJS - I’m trying to figure out if I can incorporate ham gel into my biscuit recipe - might give them some added body, not to mention flavor. The ham can may then be used to store the biscuits. Just haven’t decided on whether to use scotch tape, or duct tape, to seal the can.

By Metropolitan Man

March 22, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Ok KC, lets just place a bet of walking around with the others teams clothing on, holding a sign uplifting the winner (METS) and denouncing the loser (braves). I live in Lithonia KC so lets make this happen. Tomorrow I will list my seating from the April 6-8 games so you will know I bleed blue and orange. Now if you are serious, then there is nothing left to do but make this happen. Anyone else is free to be humiliated also.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 22, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Grinch,

Yet another show-stopper of a screenplay. I bet my co-workers down the hall are wondering why I’m laughing out loud by myself in here. It’s official…..You’re back!!!

JJS,

My,Oh My. 11:03p.m. Worthy of award of your own with that one, my friend.

it began as a whinny - muted yet audible. *hoss wanted a heater, not a change. *

WOW, that’s heavy stuff right there.

By Lew

March 22, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Coach-You’d better be careful. Those Mets’ fans jumped all over me for calling them delusional. For some reason they just don’t like it. Did you see that Duaner Sanchez will now start the year on the DL? The Mets’ fans are getting more and more desperate. No rotation and now that’s the fourth loss from their bullpen of last year. 83-79 seems about the best they will pull off this year. Both the Braves and the Phillies will kick their second citizen NY behinds.

By Lew

March 22, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Poor Metro Dude-Of all the Mets’ fans who visit this blog, Dude you’re defintely the nicest. How did you manage to become a fan of that bunch of losers. One championship (division at that) in 15 years and you’re talking smack? With that pitching staff? Don’t worry Metro Dude. When the Mets get buried this year with that joke of a staff, your Braves buddies will help you through your depression and stand you to a couple of rounds. Least we could do for such a nice, misguided guy.

By Daybed Wagmoe

March 22, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

KC, you said: How was Hudson’s 2006 season “mediocre” or “poor” or any of the adjectives I’ve heard used to describe it? Someone please explain that to me.

don’t you mean 2005? i hope so, because in the next paragraph, you say, 2006 was the first and only poor season of Hudson’s career.

hudson average ERA is 3.53, with an average of 16 wins and 8 losses per year. his average IP is 227.0. if we see anything close to those numbers, then i think all of atlanta will be very happy with hudson, and of course, we’ll be elated that he will be our ace next year (think: who’s gonna be our ace if smoltz leaves?).

last year was the first time hudson broke the 100 mark for earned runs, and before that, he had only broken 90 once.

By KC

March 22, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Metro Man: YOU’RE ON!!! So the bet is this:

If the Mets mathematically eliminate the Braves from having a .500 season at any point during the season (meaning that the Mets have to finish over .500 while the Braves finish under)… you win.

If they the Braves finish over .500, and/or the Mets finish below .500… I win.

Loser has to wear the other team’s gear (of the winner’s choosing) and walk around loudly declaring that their team is a bunch of “losers!”

Does that sound right?

By Lew

March 22, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Later y’all. Got to go to the doctor. Back in an hour or so.

By 3trees

March 22, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Congrats and thanks to DOB for getting it started and all the bloggers for keeping it rolling. Big wheel’s gotta roll!

Grinch - that set piece from last night was killin’. Had to drive down to Panama City for work. Eufaula at sunrise was beautiful, PC was… oh, the humanity!

When’s the season start? Go Braves!

By Braveheart

March 22, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

That’s not a fair tradeoff.

If we win, forcing you to wear Braves gear would improve your wardrobe and would better your life. Everything in your life would change because of your increased self-esteem you have while wearing Braves gear. We’d be doing you a favor.

On the other hand, putting on Mets gear if for only one day, would destroy all of our sense of self worth and as a result everything else in our life would crumble.

But wearing Mets gear for only one day maybe would not be too bad I guess.

Being the kind of fool who wears it every day of his life would be real punishment for losing the bet.

It would be like walking around your entire life with a perpetual dunce cap.

But taking that bet is probably a good idea. Braves fans have no chance of losing it to the Mets. It would help improve the image and self esteem of this city and state.

Shirley Franklin says that she will take the bet as a way of cleaning up the eyesores that are Mets clothing. She is tired of people puking all around the city at the sight of those softball unis.

Sonny Perdue wants to join in as well because he is tired of seeing losers in Mets gear walking around this state with slumped shoulders, hanging heads, and shuffling feet.

The best idea to punish the loser is to force them to wear Devil Rays gear. That would truly be punishment. Although, to hear alot of Braves fans talk, it may be that they would love nothing more than to start sporting Devil Rays gear instead of Braves gear since they seem to love Devil Ray players more than they do Braves players.

By bruce

March 22, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Cox Communications offers $89.95 rebate on subscription to mlb.tv subscription: Yesterday I received letter from Cox Cable (I live in northern Virginia)… quoting:

“Dear MLB Customer: We know you are an avid baseball fan. As you may know, Cox is actively negotiating with Major League Baseball to offer MLB Extra Innings package in 2007. In order to assure you do not miss a single inning of the out of market action this season we are offering you the MLB.TV online game package free this season. … To order the MLB.TV package, simply go online to www.mlb.com, dowload your rebate form from www.cox.com/promotions/mlb and mail it with your proof of purchase (your MLB.TV bill) to Cox at the below listed address. Your subscription will be reimbursed up to $89.95. … Rebate offer expires 6/15/07 and is available only to residential Cox Digital Cable and High Speed Internet Preferred customers.”

pretty cool that Cox Cable would do that… and supposedly the speed is two times faster this year starting April 1… The rebate mail-in address is an Atlanta address.

I would call this a second best of Cox, with the award to Dave being first and more valuable. Thanks, Bruce

By The Grinch

March 22, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Hillbilly and 3trees. Must be nice to work in PC. Haven’t been there in about 10 years.

MetroMan: I’ll take some of that action. I honestly think y’all are gonna finish 3rd. voton1066@yahoo.com.

KC, could you elaborate on your reasoning behind Hudson’s likely return to form? While you’re at it, if you could give us a discourse on the effects of TJ surgery and how it’s likely to effect Hampton, that would be a welcome bonus. :-)

By journalist jimmy smith

March 22, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

hillbilly, jimmy smith thanks you very much. should jimmy smith win a ham award this journalist would prefer country ham with biscuits and red-eye gravy. a little red-eye gravy on hot grits, and a cup of coffee with a touch of hazlenut. journalist could find happiness with this meal.

scalp’em, as scalp’em may remember - jimmy smith, using scalp’em’s recipe, cooked biscuits for more than 36 hours and never were they done! while jimmy smith realizes that scalp’em makes the best biscuits on the blog, this journalist is also aware that most good cooks don’t give out all the secrets of the recipe. what essential ingredient did jimmy smith leave out of the biscuits jimmy smith was trying to cook?

re-sealing a ham-can - jimmy smith has not given this much thought because there would be no biscuits left over for jimmy smith to store in such a can. still, duct tape is a versatile tool.

also, remember to keep the ham-can key. bargaining chip with the ajc.

an apology from hoss may consist of a quick nuzzle, dob should be wary.

now, carroll rogers has carroll rogers’ name in bold, blue type. this is as it should be. now, will other journalist’s be afforded this same courtesy? journalists with seniority on this blog perhaps? ugandan correspondent perhaps?

and, there was an “a-v man” in high school … everybody know what an a-v man is? audio-visual man. used to wheel the projector around and show films to the classes. journalist has seen a picture recently that brings back thoughts of the high school a-v man. not saying there is anything wrong with that - just noting the similarities. cannot detect a pocket protector in the photo. we must ask carroll rogers.

now, journalist must save the rest for the new blog.

By KC

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

Daybed Wagmoe: YES! I did mean 2005. Thanks!

Absolutely no question about the mediocrity of Hudson’s 2006 season. in fact, “mediocre” might be a kind way to describe last year for Hudson.

By KC

March 22, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Braveheart: Don’t worry. He could have thrown in a dress and a head shaving to what would happen to me if he wins, and I’d still have taken the bet. In fact, if the Braves finish under .500 this year, I’ll donate my manhood to science. How’s that Metro Man.

I’m reeeeeally looking forward to seeing you in Braves gear, yelling “the Mets are losers!!!”.

Maybe that’ll happen the same day Grinch has to by be beverages and a Skip & Pete’s BBQ sandwich (when Hudson finishes with an ERA of under 3.75).

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

March 22, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Here’s a link for anybody that’s interested.

It seems ALL SORTS (and ages) of millionaires don’t carry enough cash (or common sense) to call a cab.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-cardinals-larussadui&prov=ap&type=lgns

By David O'Brien

March 22, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

NEW BLOG should be up now, or in moments. We’re saying for this damn Don Fehr meeting to end, the once-a-year players assoc. meeting with each team.

By Metropolitan Man

March 22, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

KC, I may have spoken to soon, like I’m a braves fan or something. To even this bet out with just the METS and braves, lets just do the head to head matchup between these two to see who wins. Then we should procceed with the bet as stated before. Personally me wearing braves gear will be the lowest part of my life, nothing in the future could compare to that humiliation. Any other braves fans interested should join this bet since those braves are so mighty. And Lew, us dilusional fans will never panic becasue we read the local paers (plural) and know that since last week when W. Randolph said no more sorry play, the METs have been winning. I ‘ll take my motivating skipper anyday over any braves management. W. will make the METS champs before Citi Field opens, heck we’ll probly open Citifiled celebrating 2007, and 2008 Champiopnships!!! LETS GO BLUE AND ORANGE.

By Metropolitan Man

March 22, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Lew: Sanchez is starting the season on the DL becasue he kept showing up late and he had more work to put in then anyone else. Unlike Hampton and Chipper he wants to play but Randolph and Minaya used him as an example of professionalism no matter what you got going on. Starting the season with him on the DL is there way of saying be a team player or dont play. Tell your guys to try it.

By Braveheart

March 22, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Metro Man, the back and forth is fun with you. You have class despite the classless gear you sport :-)

By joe

March 22, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

you idiots need to forget about ricco balldelli, he is damaged goods. at 25 he has a history of injuries, may be put on injury list by rays to begin season. braves realized this and called off the trade talks as the rays were demanding too much talent. now he is their problem and not the braves. thank goodness.

By KC

March 22, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Metro Man: Will continue conversation on new blog here in a bit… gotta run to lunch.

By Rodger

March 22, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

MetroMan, funny you mention Pedro and elimination in the same sentence-the Mets pitching IS a bunch of excrement!

By jb

March 22, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

All this talk about keeping Smoltz, ditching Andruw, and the money wasted on Hudson and Hampton. Just sit back and enjoy the season. The sale to Liberty Media is not approved yet, and who knows, they might just raise the payroll. Hudson is making nice adjustments on the mound to get his sinker down. Look at his ground outs to fly outs this spring. With Cormier pitching soundly and the picking up Redman for a steal, Hampton does not need to rush back. Hudson and him could be steals next year for what they are paying pitchers now. I will not be surprised if Andruw puts up another career year and put him up with the likes of Willie Mays as one of the best center fielders ever. His offense is needed this year with the slight decline at 1B. Hope JS keeps him for the season and let the chips fall where they may after the season.

By dgd

March 22, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

DOB—To answer your original question in the blog—I think the Nats will lose a mere 95 games. I live outside DC and Boswell wrote an interesting column in the Post recently about how historically awful the Nats’ pitching staff was last year—most starters with ERAs in mid-5’s in a PITCHER’s park. Even with all the unproven guys it will be tough to be that bad again. This year they’re going with younger, more unproven guys, and Shaun Hill and Matt Chico have looked really good. Redding was initially pencilled in to be #2 or #3, but he’s been so bad that he’s likely headed to Columbus. In fact, I think he’d be there already if not for the fact that Jason Simontacchi has a strained groin. Manny Acta seems to be the real deal as manager. So, I believe they’ll be bad—easily the worst team in the division—but not historically bad………