Braves

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

First?

By Lew

March 23, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

DOB-Actually, it’s between the Gulf and the Bay. It is, after all, two blocks south of Gulf to Bay Blvd. Not to be technical, or anything, it IS a beautiful, new facility. Certainly better than the old Jack Russell Stadium, where the Phillies used to play. I still prefer goold old Al Lang Field in St.Pete, thoug. Great view of Tampa Bay. If you see Ruben Amaro Sr., tell him Lew from Jamison says hello.

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’ve been hearing rumors out of Kansas City that our old pal Dayton Moore is very interested in Yunel Escobar as his everday shortstop. The Royals are desperate to give the starting job to anyone other than Angel Berroa (hard to believe that guy won ROY). Have you heard anything about this possibility?

By PABravefan

March 23, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

DOB, Do you think that if someone wanted Woodward (doubtful because he hasn’t played much) we would let him go and keep Prado or Pena in his place? Also, have you heard anything more out of the Cubs talk from a few weeks ago? Thanks for the daily blogs, I look at the clock all day long witing until 1:15 to check to see if you posted yet. I don’t get any Braves news here in PA. Between you, Mark Bowman, and Bill Shanks, I get all I can. Keep up the good work!!!

By Dennis

March 23, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Get pitching if we trade! How about Zack Grienke?

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

HA! “Crack”berry, so true…

By Jared

March 23, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Pitching prospects are what the Braves should get in any small trades they may make.

No big trades are happening. Sorry Baldelli-obsessers.

By Jared

March 23, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Pitching prospects are what the Braves should get in any small trades they may make.

No big trades are happening. Sorry Baldelli-obsessers.

By PABravefan

March 23, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

I think we should hold on to Escobar for a little bit longer! If he starts putting up the numbershe is capable of in Mississippi, his value will go sky high!!!

By David O'Brien

March 23, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Lew, forgot which side of the state I was on (like the days of the week down here, it all runs together late in spring).

DonC, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dayton’s trying to pry Escobar, Prado or even Pena from Braves. He knows them as well as anyone, knows what kind of players they are. But he’ll also be cautious not to get taken to the cleaners by his old boss, for sure.

By OddJob

March 23, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

It may have been a year early to sign McCann long term,but it’s hard to fault the decision.Frenchy is another matter,he needs to learn to take a pitch and get his ops to a respectable level,then talk contract.

By Lew

March 23, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

DOB-You’re on the West Coast, Dude. The best side. Hands down. Watch the sunset over the Gulf.

By Chop Chop

March 23, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Prado and Pena seem like spare parts to me. If the Braves can get useful players for those two, they’ve got to make a deal. Escobar has more sock in his bat. As a middle infielder, that makes him much more valuable. Since Prado can’t play short, he’s not worth a whole lot as a utility guy. He seems like he’s all batting average and little else. My guess is that Pena would be the one going to the Royals. He can’t hit worth a damn, but he’s light years better than Angel Berroa in the field. Maybe he could be Dayton’s Rafael Belliard?

By rammerjammer

March 23, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

GREAT post of one of the Possum’s best.

If JS deals anyone, it should be Aybar. T. Pena has made Willy expendable.

By David O'Brien

March 23, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

After watching Davies pitch these first four innings with his revamped, simpler delivery (hands stop at chest in his windup, instaed of going overhead), I have to say, he looks pretty damn good.

So … trade Cormier?

I’m kidding. Well, not entirely. Think about it _ one might reasonably argue that Cormier has never looked as good as he has this spring.

And what if… OK, probably not fair to suggest Cormier probably isn’t as good as his spring numbers suggest.

Burrell just singled in a run with a sharp grounder to the shortstop hole that caromed off Edgar’s glove, after Davies had induced a 4-3 FC from big Ryan Howard. Helms fly to Andruw to end inning.

Braves up 2-1

By BamaBrave

March 23, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Is it just me, or does anyone else get the subtle vibe that Francoeur’s stock has dropped within the organization? A year ago, he was the next Dale Murphy…the face of the future. Could it be that the Guys in Control see his lack of plate discipline as terminal? Or is it a choice between a run at Andruw, and locking up Francoeur? Something’s going on…I can sense a disturbance in the Force…

By brian

March 23, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

too bad KC would not give us Mark Teahan for Yunel with Alex Gordon set to take over at 3B

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

DOB shame on you for even suggesting trading ANY starting pitcher right now! Do I have to remind you of Kevin Barry and Jason Shiell? You can never have too many starters in my opinion…

By DonCoburleone

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

Keep up the play-by-play too please… Thanks DOB

By braveheart

March 23, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Do any of you know of any web site out there that gives a statistical breakdown for lineups and positions?

What I mean what is the average number of at bats, plate appearances, OBP, SLG, Runs, RBIs, etc., etc. for a leadoff man, cleanup hitter, shortstop, centerfielder, etc., etc.

Just playing some math games and would appreciate being pointed in the right direction with that stuff. Thanks.

By MBATL

March 23, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave, I don’t think so, regarding Francoeur. The guy is still just 23, and will probably drive in 100 runs, hit 30 HR, and score 90 or more, and he’ll play a great RF. There is no rush to lock him up. McCann was a special circumstance - a catcher, a leader, a very mature guy (and a great hitter, too) - but I would guess that Frenchy is a big part of our future.

DOB, glad to see your comments about Davies. I have no problem with him pitching at Richmond or Mississippi if that’s what’s best, but if he came into camp with a “job to lose” and has posted a 2.08 era and is still destined for the minors, well, maybe it wasn’t his job to lose in the first place!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 23, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Oh wow, DOB. You went big with that heavy-hearted Possum selection. Nice change of pace there. Thumbs up.

I noticed Francouer’s changed batting stance while watching on ESPN on my lunch break. I know it’s been discussed here before, but I’m guessing it has been a good adjustment? Yes? No?

And I would make Davies prove a little more consistency before dangling Cormier out on the trade market. Lance has been ruthless this spring. At least give him a while in the regular season to raise a few eyebrows around the league and maybe boost his worth a little while Kyle regains momentum at Richmond. Thoughts?

By GeorgetownKid

March 23, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

A position where the Braves could have expendable pieces is Relief Pitching.

We will have several relievers in Richmond who would be quite respectable in the Majors. We will also have a couple of guys in Richmond who have the potential to be very good Major-leaguers.

Not to mention the guys who will be at the bottom of Atlanta’s bullpen totem pole. Yates, Villareal, and Paronto are quality pitchers. But with our depth in Richmond, they are entirely expendable.

A good relief pitcher coupled with a very nice infield prospect who is ready for the Bigs would be an interesting package for a lot of teams, I would imagine.

By rammerjammer

March 23, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave,

I just don’t see how the Braves can sign Andruw with the current payroll.

To me, McCann’s deal was a message that the club is investing in promising young players…and they’ll let the older, established ones sign prohibitively expensive contracts elsewhere.

I’m sure Francoeur is on the Braves long-term contract radar; probably James, too, if he has another successful season.

I mean, if they were making room for Andruw’s contract, wouldn’t they try to keep other expenses at a minumum?

I think they will try hard to keep Smoltz, whose contract will obviously be smaller and shorter than Andruw’s.

Remember, too, the really big money starts next year for Hudson, and we’re also on the hook for Hampton and Chipper next season.

With an $80 million payroll, there’s four guys who’ll account for, what, more than half of it? And that’s not counting Andruw?

Just no way to keep him, so better to spend less and lock in the youngsters. Smart business decision, Braves.

By Rodger

March 23, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Maybe Frenchy’s stock hasn’t dropped, as much as he thinks its risen. (Or his agent thinks?) It doesn’t look like homeboy likes to play those games.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

March 23, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I think that the “organization” ( from the players up to the front office) are giving Frenchy enough rope to hang himself, as far as ego is concerned. Who among us was not wowed by his rookie performance? Same for McCann, but Baby Huey always came across as a lot more mature, and lot less likely to let his sudden celebrity go to his head. Give the kid time - he’s only, what, 24? While a lot of us already had families, menial jobs and other untold responsibilities at that age, everybody is different. Not sure I would have handled things any differently than Frenchy had I been thrust into the limelight, with all that talent, at that age.

One thing I think we can count on from him is that he is going to play hard every day. I’ve never seen him dog it (not that I get to catch every play, every game, etc.) But, I think he’ll come around, will become more disciplined at the plate, and will continue to provide tremendous defense in right (or center, perhaps, after this year and Andruw going for the big bucks.) In the meantime, let’s acknowledge that he is still a talent in the works, and enjoy when he does good, and sigh when he doesn’t.

By tc

March 23, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

in my opinion the braves need to lock up Jeff, if he plays this year like he has this spring and hits .290, 35-40 hrs, 120 is RBI, and everyone forgets he is great in the field, he might command close to 8-10 mil per year for a long term contract, i am sure some execs will be willing to pay close to that, the braves could get a steal if they sign him to a long term deal before or early this season. i guess we will see what happens.

By David O'Brien

March 23, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Hey, that wasn’t a suggestion to trade Cormier. Just throwing out the possibility, so there isn’t a collective heart attack if it were to happen.

I agree _ can’t have too many starters, and Davies isn’t going to be traumatized if he’s the one who goes to Richmond.

Hillbilly, yes, Francoeur made a little adjustment in his swing, he’s a little lower and bringing his foot back slightly _ a lesser version of the toe-tap that seems all the rage. It’s helped him stay back on pitches.

Most importantly, he’s been a bit more selective this spring, not drawing any walks but not swinging at so many 1-0, 2-0 pitches just because he’s got a good count. he’s waiting for good pitches to hit, came into camp determined to do that.

I talked to him and T.P. before the game for a Francoeur story I’m gonna do for Sunday paper. And no, someone asked _ his stock has definitely NOT dropped in Braves’ view. The fact that McCann’s stock has risen doesn’t mean Francoeur’s has dropped. Not at all.

By BamaBrave

March 23, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

I guess that’s my point…by stiff-arming Francoeur, or trading him, they would be making room for Andruw. IF that’s what they’re doing…I’m not saying I’m rooting for any of this speculation. It just seems like Francoeur’s (sorry, I just can’t call him “Frenchy”, even if it is faster to type) golden boy status has diminished, and I’m wondering if anything is going on behind the scenes.

By rammerjammer

March 23, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Very interesting observation regarding Cormier. It would be a risk, to be sure. Davies might revert to “deer in the headlights” and Hampton might get hurt combing his hair. Not sure what return we would get for Cormier, either.

Just trying to see how trading him makes us better. It sure has the potential to weaken us.

I think the MOST we should do is deal Aybar. I just don’t sense a lot of love for him.

By Matt M.

March 23, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

We might be able to keep Andrew. IF Smoltz and WIckman retires, that frees up $10 mill, and whatever Andrew was making. I see no reason why we can’t pick him up for about $18 a year. Lets see how he does, he seems to be struggling this spring, or is he now coming out of it?

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Arkansas Hillbilly, anything Francoeur does to improve to the point where he can take-over the 4 hole for Andruw Jones after he leaves this year is fine by me…

GeorgetownKid, I don’t think we should trade any reliever unless a couple months into the season Stockman or Boyer or Moylan are just tearing it up in the minors so much they force Atlanta’s hand.

By jed

March 23, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

somebody wanted a van morrison starter kit. it’s pretty simple…go pick up Moondance. that’s a pretty good litmus test. let me know if you want more…

By Lew

March 23, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Bama Brave-Trading Francoeur to re-sign Andruw? Dude, that way lies total insanity. Francoeur’s got another 12-15 years. Andruw has maybe 6 or 7 and those should show him with considerably diminished skills by the end of the contract, which will be way too high for the Braves to handle. Not to mention that next year, even with a renegotiated extension, Jeff will earn less than a million and Andruw close to $20 mil. That won’t ever happen. Bank on it.

By BamaBrave

March 23, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Good, DOB. Glad to hear that about Francoeur. Perhaps Rodger hit it on the head. Agents…poooey. At least Borass isn’t his agent (right?).

By OddJob

March 23, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

DOB If you appreciate that sort of thing Cayo Costa state park north of Captiva just outside of Charlotte harbor is a great natural island, you can take the ferry from Bokeelia or Boca Grande (Bokeelia is the easier access) it’s just an island with some cabins and tent sites with beaches and good fishing and wildlife( my nephew spotted the first eastern diamondback seen in fifteen years on the island)Like I said it’s not everybodies thing but I loved it.

By rammerjammer

March 23, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave,

Exactly. And since they didn’t “stiff arm” McCann, it’s less likely they’ll try to keep Andruw.

Many Braves would have to have bargain-basement contracts in order to afford Andruw, Hudson, Hampton, Chipper, and (hopefully) Smoltz in 2008.

But by signing McCann to more than they HAD to, the Braves in effect took money that could’ve gone to Andruw and gave it to Brian.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 23, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

I wonder if those song lyrics had anything to do with a certain MLB manager who was recently found passed out drunk and slumped over at the wheel?…

By Jared

March 23, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Where is Soriano? Why is Steve “no chance” Colyer pitching yet again?

By David O'Brien

March 23, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

BamaBraves, you’ve got a different read on Francoeur than anybody I’ve talked to in the organization. Trade him? Are you serious? I’ve never heard that even whispered by anyone. That’d be pretty absurd at this point to even consider. He’s only 23, had 29 homers with 103 RBIs last season, has a cannon arm, plays hard all the time, and fans and teammates love him.

You’re barking up the wrong tree with that suggestion. Just nothing to it, at all. I’ll eat this laptop if I’m wrong.

By David O'Brien

March 23, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Oh, and we just talked to Davies. he’s got a good attitude about this whole thing, admits his confidence was lagging until he made the adjustment in his delivery and had back-to-back solid outings. He also has a great attitude about the distinct possibility he’ll be at Richmond. “Wherever I’m pitching, it’s better than working construction,” said Davies, who was serious. His dad owns a big construction company.

Sounds to me like he knows and understands why he might be going to Richmond, and he’ll have the right attitude if he goes down there. Said he’s trying to do the things to improve and pitch for 15 years in the majors, taking a big-picture view basically.

By sammy miller

March 23, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

I am the three inch man! The Braves are the best team out there man!

By Epinephrine

March 23, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Ok, I know this is a bit far fetched. But what about dealing Villareal, and sticking Cormier in the middle relief spot (if he’d do it)? I think Cormier can eat more innings than Villareal, even if his stuff isn’t exactly dynamite.

By Rodger

March 23, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Poor LaRussa…I felt kind of sorru for him-for the longest time, that would have been well below the legal limit-until we find out he’s passed out in the car, at a light, with it running? Man, those watermelons and cigars must have really gotten to him!

By Scalp 'Em Braves

March 23, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Since the same old topics seem to be rehashed here, as they were in the last blog, I’ll just repost what I said earlier today about T. Pena, Aybar and Van the Man.

Grinch:

Get Van Morrison’s Greatest Hits - that’s a good start- you can skip over ‘Brown Eyed Girl” if you like, but don’t miss “Moondance” (probably the best jazz/rock song ever), “Jackie Wilson Said”, “Bright Side of the Road” & “Full Force Gale”. If none of those songs do it for you, then you won’t ever get Van.

I hope that the Braves can pick up something for T. Pena. It’s a shame he’s a Mendoza line type.. his defense seems stellar. I seem to recall the Braves had a similiar situation with Raphael Belliard - he served the backup infielder role very well. Guess they just don’t have room for that type on the bench this year. As far as I’m concerned, they can send Aybar to Zanzibar - never was impressed with the guy from the day he came over.

By BamaBrave

March 23, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Good grief everybody…I’m just wondering what’s going on!! See my post above. I’m not saying that I think trading Francoeur is a good idea, I’m simply wondering if the brass is thinking that way. Sheesh. Adios.

By rammerjammer

March 23, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for sharing the comments from Davies. Sounds smart and mature. Very encouraging performance and discussion.

By krath

March 23, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew!

In my life as a jack of all trades but master of none…. I had the priviledge of playing in Jack Russell Stadium a few times. Nope, not in spring training, but against the Clearwater Bombers. Seeing you mention the stadium brought back a ton of memories. Men’s fastpitch used to be a pretty big thing in it’s day, but hell I’m old. I probably remember the way a lot of things USED to be lol.

By OddJob

March 23, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Trade Frenchy ? Do we get Johan Santana ? if not no way !!! Wait to resign ? yes trade ? no

By Joe Smoe

March 23, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Matt M. -

As much as I love Andruw Jones, he is not worth 18 million of this teams 80 million payroll.

I understand Andruw Jones is worth 18 million, and depending on his stats this year, maybe even as high as 22. But when we could feild 4 better then average infeilders for the same pay rate. It is absurd to even consider it.

By Braveheart

March 23, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

in his mug shot though, didn’t larussa look badly sunburned? that can have an effect upon someone’s driving as much as drinking, especially if it has dehydrated you and worn you out. hence, why you would be asleep at the wheel.

By Thrillhouse44

March 23, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear Davies has the right attitude about everything. It’s got to be a tough situation for the guy.

DOB, any chance Wickman will buy you one of those TVs if the Braves win the league? I love this spring weather - upper 70’s here; first softball tournament of the year starts tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. All’s right in my world.

By caveman22

March 23, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

At a boy Dave, It’s about time a blog writer got actively involved in the actual blogging. Especially with this inane/insane comments buy obviously underinformed fans/idiots. Now having said that, would you please answer this question, what is your take on Thorman at first?? How impressive is his power in person and what do you think his potential for this year will be?? Everybody has the “maybe” projection of star status in the future but I’m interested in what you think his immediate impact at the plate/first base/lockerroom/chinese buffet?? So c’mon and gimme somethin’!! Cuz you rock , dude!!!

By MBATL

March 23, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Bama, don’t go away mad… you brought up an issue and some of us responded to it… that’s blogging. If the replies weren’t exactly what you expected, well, we can’t read your mind, dude.

DOB, great insight on Davies. It’s cliche’, but I don’t really care who starts the season, but who finishes it. Again, if it’s best for Kyle, and for the Braves, for him to start in the minors, OK. Glad to hear that he’s got a good perspective on it. But it is funny how he’s somehow been demeaned through ST, despite pitching pretty well.

Andruw is GONE after this year, folks. I don’t even think we should sign him, and I’m pretty sure we can’t. Saw a note in the NY Post today, saying the Yanks would probably make a run at him, using money targeted for Abreu, and if A-Rod walks, they’ll sure as hell be looking for a big bat to replace him.

Let the bidding begin…

By rammerjammer

March 23, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Yo, BamaBrave! C’mon man…you asked if JS was thinking about dealing Francoeur? DOB let you know that there was no chance of it. Sure he got in your grill, but, hey, that’s a rite of passage here on Braves/MIB.

Now brush the dirt off yourself and get back in the game!

By Jared

March 23, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

NO player is worth one-fourth of any team’s budget. Santana isn’t worth one-fourth. Alex Rodriguez isn’t worth one-fourth. No one is. Giving Andruw Jones 18-20 million a year for so long, while the Braves’ payroll remains at 80 million, is just flat-out insanity. You can’t do that for anyone.

Seriously, why does Mike Gonzalez keep pitching while Rafael Soriano and Bob Wickman appear MIA?

By ElbravoX

March 23, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

7 weeks after the Super Bowl, ESPN still has NFL live. 9 days before opening day, no baseball show. What a way to sell a product. Who runs ESPN, Mickey Mouse?

By Scalp 'Em Braves

March 23, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

DOB:

By the way, not saying this will happen or come to pass. But just in case you do end up eating your laptop (whether because of a Frenchy trade, or maybe just late night munchies), make sure it is free of viruses - wouldn’t want you to lose 5 lbs overnight like Diaz. :o)

By KebMo

March 23, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, Looks like a good chance that we will get Sean White back from Seattle (he has had an awesome spring!). Are you hearing anything about him and would the Braves place him on the major league roster?

By David O'Brien

March 23, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

T. Pena traded to Kansas City for a Class A starting pitcher, a prospect named Erik Cordier who will miss the season recovering from T.J. (eblow) surgery.

He throws in the high-90s, supposedly a legit prospect. Considering Pena’s situation, probably good that they got anything for him.

I thought they might start out with him on roster, but they probably figured he’d get claimed off waivers whether they tried to get him through now or later.

Anyway, done deal. It’s a one-Pena team now _ and he hit a homer today, did I mention that? B. Pena homered and nearly caught Matt Diaz between third and home, he was sprinting so fast (pena, that is).

By Braveheart

March 23, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer, DOB gave you hell Alabama!

By David O'Brien

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

Jared, Soriano pitched the 19th and 21st. So he didn’t pitch today, which would’ve been his third game in five days. Big deal. They pitch the veteran guys according to what they require to get ready.

As for Wickman, he hasn’t pitched since 19th, so I’ll check tomorrow to make sure he’s not sore or something. He said he wanted to get 12 innings this spring, and he’s only gotten seven with a week left. So we’ll see.

I just asked Bobby about Soriano to make sure, and he said he’s absolutely fine. I mean, in his last five innings the guy’s allowed one hit with seven strikeouts.

By OddJob

March 23, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

DOB This trade could be shrewd,We all know what elbow surgery can do for a power pitcher (Smoltz).I’ve never heard of Cordier but it sounds like a long view move.

By Coach

March 23, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Controversy is brewing up a storm. Davies or Redman ? I’ll take Davies and start the grist mill a churning by saying that if the Braves take Redman north to Atlanta it will be bobby’s first mistake of the season. Davies line so far this spring : 14 innings 3 runs 6 walks 7 strikeouts and a sparkling 1.93 ERA.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

March 23, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

I’m glad the Braves got something for T Pena, and am also glad he is going somewhere that he can play - God knows the Royals need all the help they can get. At least we didn’t get “Giles’d” this time around.

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

All this trade talk, but what are we going after? No GM in the game is gonna trade a quality major league outfielder (AJ’s replacement) for Lance Cormier, Tony Pena, and Escobar (or whatever other combo. of young prospects you put together). To me, AJ’s replacement is really the only thing worth trading for (preferrably AJ’s replacement will be able to lead-off and steal some bases). But if we do trade Cormier, Escobar, and Prospect X and it isn’t for AJ’s replacement, what else do the Braves go after? More prospects?

By Chop Chop

March 23, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Davies needs to stop walking so many guys. Going down to Richmond will allow Davies to focus on what he needs to do: keep the ball down and throw strikes. Redman is no great shakes, but he’s more likely to stay in games because of lower pitch counts than Davies. There’s no need to put the bullpen at risk early in the season because of a young guy who needs to work on his game. If Davies pitches well, he will be the first guy called up to try to replace Cormier or Redman if they go in the tank, so it’s not a big deal.

By JC FROM UT

March 23, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

DOB: I will be attending the April 5th game in Philly. I was wondering if there is any chance you could get a ball signed by AJ and/or CJ. My daughter (along with me) absolutely love the two and she desperately wants a autograph from them. If this is not possible could you let me know how I could get the autographs.

By 3trees

March 23, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Love the title of the blog (lead line?), DOB. AND of course the Possum tune. Gotta add one of my all time favs from the Billy Sherrill years (this is from memory, so don’t sue me):

Still Doin’ Time

Has it been a year since the last time I saw, my god, I could swear it was ten

And the oceans of liquor, I drank to forget her, is gonna kill me, but I’ll drink ‘til then

I’ve been living in hell, with a bar for a cell, still payin’ for my cheatin’ crimes

And I’ve got a long way to go, Still doin’ time

Still doin’ time, in a honky tonk prison

Still doin’ time, where a man ain’t forgiven

My poor heart is achin’, but there’s no escapin’

Each morning I wake up and I find…

Still doin’ time

Its twenty to life, when you’re caught cheatin’ twice

In a place where the sun never shines

And I’ve got a long way to go, Still doin’ time

Chorus

And if you want hear some singing, listen to Mr. Fool from the early years. The Definitive Collection 1955-‘62 on MCA looks like a good one for early GJ. Covers from when he still trying to sound like Hank to really finding his own way. Lordy, he can sing.

Now to baseball: Come on regular season. Go Braves!

By Lew

March 23, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Hey-Getting something for Pena beats hell out of getting nothing, for sure. Krath-Dude, did you used to live down there? I lived in St.Pete from 85-97, then in Orlando for 4 years before moving to the Great White North. May just have to retire to St. Pete. I really like it there. Much better than the East coast. Now-Francoeur’s wheelings and dealings. I think the whole contract situation resulted from an overeager agent as opposed to any ego Jeff might have said or done, but maybe I’m wrong. Players hardly ever negotiate their own contracts. It was a pretty dumb move for that agent to get in a pi$$ing contest with the Braves, who at this point in Francoeur’s career hold all the cards. The Braves have the right prior to arbitration to set the player’s salary unilaterally. They don’t need the player’s cooperation in the matter. Under these circumstances, I would have slapped that agent’s hand, too. It was really a dumb move on his part.

By The Grinch

March 23, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Man, I’d like to get a hold of something that would give me the munchies so bad the laptop would look tasty. Scalp ‘em, DOB’s way too anal retentive to pass something that size…don’t worry. Maybe a flash drive. :-) Luv ya, man.

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

That’s good news for Tony Pena huh? He may be starting at short for them before the year is over… Hope he gets a shot.

By BamaBrave

March 23, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the lesson, MBATL…rammerjammer. And nice piling on “Braveheart”. My life is now complete. If I want overreaction and criticism, I’ll call my ex-wife. Of COURSE Francoeur’s upside is tremendous. I’m a big fan…especially of that cannon arm. And he’s clearly a good kid. I guess I’m just picking up on the fact that the honeymoon is over for him, and there’s some pressure/incentive now for him to mature. You can say that about every 2 year player, but his case is a little more special. Fair enough?

I say send Redman to Atlanta for now, but keep Davies’ celphone number handy. Go Braves.

By rammerjammer

March 23, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

The Cordier guy from KC is definitely worth dealing a utility infielder over. Here’s a good article for background: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070320/ADV02/70320174/0/GPGent

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 23, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

(this is from memory, so don’t sue me)

No worries, 3trees. You nailed it. And Good pick.

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

“I’ll take Davies and start the grist mill a churning by saying that if the Braves take Redman north to Atlanta it will be bobby’s first mistake of the season. Davies line so far this spring : 14 innings 3 runs 6 walks 7 strikeouts and a sparkling 1.93 ERA.”

Big deal, still way too many walks and hits allowed with not enough strikeouts. Come on now, you know as well as I do that a Strikeout/Walk ratio of 7:6 doesn’t cut it in the majors.

I started the Davies bashing bandwagon and I ain’t givin up the reigns until this guy actually proves something in the MAJOR LEAGUES. He just seems like a pitcher with quad-A type stuff and serious confidence issues…

By MGL

March 23, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

rammerjammer - Thanks, sounds like this guy could be a good 2009/2010 candidate. Good deal for someone we could not use anyway.

By OddJob

March 23, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Good info on Cordier rammer thanks

By MBATL

March 23, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

DonC, as opposed to Redman’s 16 hits and 4 walks in 12 innings?

By Braveheart

March 23, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave said “And nice piling on “Braveheart”.*

Did BamaBrave just essentially call me Keith Brooking?

By brian

March 23, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

I agree we should hold onto our starting pitching. After all, the main teams that need starters are St. Louis and the Muts, and no way do I want to help them out. Unless Tampa would take Cormier plus Escobar for Baldelli (which is not going to happen, and sorry Jared, had to mention the name), then I really have no desire to move Cormier.

Of cours JS is famous for pulling things out of his, well hat.

By Coach

March 23, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Don , the first time Redman throws a subpar game and the bullpen has to bail him out , I’ll be saying I TOLD YOU SO. Giving away games by not putting your best arms on the mound is something done by people who don’t understand the importance of putting your best foot forward or MLB pitching. That would be you, Don.

By ncscoots

March 23, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

“still way too many walks…” for Davies? Guess that means Chuckie’s heading down, too (also 6 walks in 14 innings). As far as the logic that “Davies can be available in Richmond in case Cormier or Redmon tank”, that holds true the other way, also. If the kid gets sent down, those won’t be the reasons. But sent down he will be, and luckily for the Braves. The team will need him sooner than later.

By Braveheart

March 23, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Cordier minor league stats:

http://thebaseballcube.com/players/C/Erik-Cordier.shtml

By The Grinch

March 23, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Later, all; got business to attend to.

By rammerjammer

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

Glad to be of service to our fine blog denizens.

Cordier does not look like “garbage,” as the L.A. scout might say. Makes me think KC has BIG plans for our little friend Mr. Pena, to trade a guy still rated among their top 10 prospects.

Kudos JS and good luck Tony!

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Okay, so, now that Tony P. is out of the equation and Aybar is probably starting the season on the DL, it will almost certainly mean that Pete Orr will pair with Woodward as the 2 utility guys right DOB? And then once Aybar comes back Orr gets sent back down to Richmond?

By Jared

March 23, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

The Braves traded Tony Pena? Great trade! Who’d the Braves get?

By Coach

March 23, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

By the way , Don. you think you know a thing or two. What’s bobby Cox pet peeve ? I’m betting you don’t have clue.

By Braveheart

March 23, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

This is the best part of the article Rammer linked us up to about Cordier:

In fact, my agent and I are calling it ‘triple-digit’ surgery because I hope to be hitting 100 (miles per hour) on my fastball after it’s done,” Cordier said.

This kid really needs to work on his confidence and optimism. He really sounds like a glass half empty kind of fellow. :-)

By The Fan

March 23, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

With Smoltz, Hudson, and Hampton’s tendancies to get hurt (or just the team’s luck the past 2 seasons), you can never have too much pitching depth. How many times can we send Davies back down to the minors before we get in trouble with his status?

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

“DonC, as opposed to Redman’s 16 hits and 4 walks in 12 innings?”

That is an entirely different argument. I was talking about Davies and Davies ONLY. If you look at this logically, its not a fight between Davies and Redman; it’s a battle between Davies and Cormier. They didn’t give Redman 750k with a chance to make 1.2mil so he could turn into a long reliever or be released before the season starts… It’s between Davies and Cormier for the last spot, make no mistake about it. And if you’d rather take Davies, then thats your opinion, no matter how wrong it may be :-)

By Braveheart

March 23, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

What is this fascination with Pete Orr already? Orr can run but can’t steal bases. Orr slaps the ball decently but not enough. Orr has no power. Orr is not patient at the plate. Orr is decent defensively but not spectacular. Orr’s minor league numbers were .265, .320, .340, .660 OPS. Orr’s major league numbers are .276, .304, .365, .669 OPS. He really does not belong in the majors. I like the guy. I am sure he is a good kid but why are there people clamoring to have him around. Bizarre.

Martin Prado’s minor league numbers are .296, .348, .386, .734 OPS. Prado’s major league numbers are .262, .340, .405, .745 OPS.

Prado is just a more valuable and productive player to have around than Orr if one or the other is to be around.

By 3trees

March 23, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I’ve been meaning to post this mea culpa for a while: Barry went down on a Triumph, Duane on his chopped HD. Read the “SkyDog” book. Pretty good book that fills in some details.

By Coach

March 23, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Whats different , Don ? WHAT ? the fact that you got caught with your hand in the cookie jar. A walk is a walk , if your going to use it as a measuring stick , guess what. It applies to everybody. By the way , Cox pet peeve is walks. The quickest way to drive Bobby Cox crazy is to start walking batters.

By MBATL

March 23, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

DonC, okay, I’ll accept that argument. I suspect that Cormier will not live up to his spring training numbers; and that Redman will prove to be just as mediocre as he has been in the past. But, I hope I’m wrong, and like I’ve said, I’m okay with Davies getting regular work in the minors until needed.

Hope we never need him, of course, but it’s not like he’s banished to Siberia.

Redman was a bit of an over-reach, imo. I don’t think we really need him. But you’re right - the battle is between Cormier and Davies, and Cormier has probably won that battle.

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Coach, bring up whatever questions you want, but it doesn’t change the bottom line. Bottom line is it’s either going to be Kyle Davies or Lance Cormier on the opening day roster, who would you rather have???

By OddJob

March 23, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

BraveHeart I noticed Cordier’s era went down every year,that can’t be a bad thing.

By ncscoots

March 23, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

A new cutter and different curveball arm slot may indeed turn Cormier into the second coming of Kevin Millwood. Perhaps. And Redmon may indeed become a better pitcher playing on a better team. Perhaps. But I think I’ll hold off from betting my house on that positive outcome. Kyle Davies should keep his head up and a suitcase packed in Richmond.

By OddJob

March 23, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

If I had to place a bet on one of the young unproven infielders (Lillibridge and Elvis excepted) my chips would ride on Prado.

By Lew

March 23, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Scoots-Dude, I think that’s the plan.

By Jake

March 23, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

DOB: That’s my all-time favorite Possum Jones song (other than “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” which is in a class by itself). Used to get a kick out of his live version, when he’d sometimes sing “If drinkin’ don’t kill me, Tammy’s memory will…”

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

And Coach, so what if I have a negative opinion about a member of the Braves, that is allowed isn’t it? I am totally positive about almost every Brave, with exceptions being Davies, Hampton, Hudson and sometimes Chipper… Scheurholz already got rid of 2 of my most hated Braves of all time - Chris Reitsma and Horacio Ramirez…

I just don’t see Davies ever living up to his stellar minor league career in the majors. In my mind, he’s always gonna have the label “head case” or “injury proned”.

By KC

March 23, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

DOB: “I don’t think it’ll be anything big”

Boy… when you’re right, you’re right.

By Braveheart

March 23, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, I think that is a great trade by the Braves. Cordier was a second round pick and from what he says he hopes to be throwing 100 mph after the surgery. Like you said his ERA kept going down. Obviously, things will be different for him coming off the surgery. you never know how he will turn out. But getting a former second rounder for Pena who was not going to stick around because of his feeble bat and because he was out of options, GREAT TRADE! lost nothing and you potentially have a diamond in the rough that just needs to be polished up over the next three or four years.

With that being said, I would love nothing more than to sit around all day and watch Pena take grounders out at short. That is a thing of artistic beauty.

But when the music’s over, you better come equipped with a decent bat and a decent eye or you will find yourself without a chair to sit in.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 23, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

So let me get this straight—a cop finds you sitting behind the wheel of a running automobile, on a public street, at a traffic light, late at night, passed out, smell of alcohol wafting in the air—and the first thing that comes to that cop’s mind is, “Damn, I better use my trusty UV monitor and check this guy out for overexposure of harmful ultra violet rays, and then maybe run him in for driving without a sunscreen!”…

The only excuse that Tony LaRussa could ever give to be found in the above condition is if some sudden illness happened to strike him without warning—but according to police, that wasn’t the case…

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Nice… Gonzo another 2 strikeouts in yet another inning of shutout-relief. Him and Soriano will be a god-send this year.

By Lew

March 23, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-As the late, great Jim Morrison said (and I like him better than Van, too) “When the music’s over- Turn out the lights. Later, y’all.

By KC

March 23, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

“Big deal, still way too many walks and hits allowed with not enough strikeouts. Come on now, you know as well as I do that a Strikeout/Walk ratio of 7:6 doesn’t cut it in the majors.”

Yes Don, Davies has walked 6 batters over 14 innings.

Then again, Redman has walked 4 batters and beaned 2 more over 12 innings. He’s also given up more extra base hits that Davies in fewer innings. In fact, he’s given up more hits period (16 hits in 12 innings, vs. Davies’ 10 hits in 14 innings).

That said, I would still start the season with Redman. If he can give us a solid month or two, maybe he’ll have some trade value. And of course we can start Davies at Richmond, while that’s not an option with Redman. Either we take him north or lose him. So in the interest of keeping the depth in tact, I’m in favor of starting Davies at Richmond (unless of course he greatly outperforms Cormier in the short time remaining before opening day).

But there is certainly merit in the argument that we should start the season with someone potentially very good, rather than with someone who’s proven to be no better than mediocre.

By Lew

March 23, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

SJA-Got to go along with you on this one. How many years has he been in baseball? The sun’s just now affecting him? The guy’s a lawyer. He should just know better. He would have reamed on of his players for pulling the same stunt. He should be setting an example. A good example, at least.

By Coach

March 23, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Don doesn’t like Hampton , Hudson or Davies. Big surprise there….. Smoltz , Hudson , James , Hampton and Davies are my five , career wise. Don would put Smoltz , James , Cormier , Redman and who on the mound ? Like I said before Don , you don’t understand pitching.

By rlwhite

March 23, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Here’s a BA snippet, scouting report from Cordier’s draft year:

In his first game as a senior, he showed off three plus pitches (89-95 mph fastball, curveball, changeup) in front of 15 scouts. Cordier’s secondary pitches haven’t been as impressive since, especially his curve, but he has regularly thrown 90-92 mph and touched 94. His 6-foot-3, 197-pound frame offers room for projection, and his arm works well.

So the raw talent is there. In ‘08, he’ll be 22 and have missed 2 full pro seasons, not having pitched but 7 games at low-A. He’ll have to be fast-tracked somewhat, it’ll be tough to fully realize his potential now, but the ceiling on a report like that one would put him at the top of a rotation someday. Good trade getting anything for Pena, great trade getting this kid.

By Coach

March 23, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

KC , Redman is under a minor league contract at the moment , he is not as of yet on the forty man roster. that can change now that Pena jr. has been traded. about the only negative thing surrounding Davies is that this is probably his make or break season , barring injury. This will be his seventh season in the Braves organization.

By Henry

March 23, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Very glad to see the Braves got anything at all for T. Pena, and wish him well. Odds are we’ll never see Cordier in ATL, but same was certainly true for Pena.

Also very glad to hear the report on Davies’ attitude and pitching. I’m really pulling for him. Is there any question that he has more potential than Redman and Cormier?

A prediction:

April starting rotation: Smoltz, Hudson, James, Redman, Cormier, with Hampton on DL, Davies in AAA.

July starting rotation: Smoltz, James, Hudson, Hampton, Davies, with Cormier and Redman in long relief or in AAA.

Cormier is hot right now but it won’t last, and as soon as he fades Davies will hear BC say, “Welcome to the Bigs!” (To coin a phrase.)

Henry

By bobbymahlon

March 23, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

DOB. What is up with Thorman, he has not played in the last three games and in those games Wilson has dropped his average to 239. I assume the way Thorman was hitting lately that he is ill or hurt.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 23, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Tony Pena will get a shot at playing everyday. I think the Braves could have received a little more for him but perhaps this young pitcher from KC will turnout to be a good one. The Tommy John surgery does bother me a bit though.

I don’t really see Cormier getting traded unless its part of a “can’t refuse” deal. The Braves need the pitching depth and right now it will only be Cormier/Davies and Harrison down in the minors as dependable starters.

The Braves bullpen is in great shape because the minors seem to be loaded with available options should injury or bad performance take place.

I do wonder (and perhaps DOB can give some insight) with Coyler and Boyer pitching well if the Braves have considered trading Villareal if they get something of quality in return or if he is part of a package deal?

By Braveheart

March 23, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

SJA, does that mean you are not buying my feeble sunburn defense to DUI? can’t blame you at all.

By David O'Brien

March 23, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Bobbymahlon, Thorman has been out three games to be with his pregnant wife, who was to have labor induced Thursday. Braves didn’t expect he’d be out this long, and had no update Friday. I don’t even want to speculate. Hopefully, things are OK….

Davies looked real strong today. Nothing wrong with having him pitch like that for a while at Richmond, the dude’s confidence would be sky-high again, like it was when he first came up in 2005 and had so much early success (well, for four starts at least).

He was a new man today, sounded like he really had things in perspective and looking at everything with a positive spin. I really think this simpler delivery is big for him, allows him to slow down, not rush his arm and leave pitches up high in the zone.

While he “only” has six walks, you guys need to remember he had five of those in eight innings in his first three starts, and a lot of other three-ball counts. That’s what concerned/frustrated the Braves enough that they felt they couldn’t waste any time getting a replacement (Redman) when Hampton got hurt. Those first starts by Davies may have sunk him, as far as chances of being on the opening day roster.

But the Braves want him to do well and haven’t lost faith in him at all. That’s why they might send him to Richmond, to help him keep developing, so there’s less chance of a misstep the next time he’s in the rotation.

Yates is out of options. Don’t know if they’re considering anything. If Cormier weren’t pitching so well, I’d suggest you could put him in Yates’ spot and have Davies in the rotation. But Cormier has pitched so well as a starter this spring, that’s tough to justify, at least to begin the season. Gotta see if he can do it as a rotation regular, don’t ya think?

By rlwhite

March 23, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

OK, probably not fair to suggest Cormier probably isn’t as good as his spring numbers suggest.

Not fair would be ignoring the reality that he most likely isn’t this good. Fluky Septembers and springs happen very often. This isn’t to say that Cormier isn’t any good, but the pundits are really getting carried away with this one, and the quoted statement is direct evidence of it.

By Stasch

March 23, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Keeping Andruw without busting the budget. Wickman makes $6M, don’t bring him back next year and shift that money to Andruw and it is a wash.

By Epinephrine

March 23, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

bobbymahlon, Thorman’s wife is about to give birth, so he is with her.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 23, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

I wonder what will be the punishment handed down to Tony LaRussa?…40 hours of community service at a local Wal-Mart stocking shelves with sunscreen, oils, and lotions?…a defensive tanning course?…a mandatory course on the concept of shade?…touring an aloe vera plant?…10 in home sessions confined to a tanning bed at 20 minutes each?…

Hey Tony, that bright thing in the sky, it’s called the sun, it’s been there since before you were born, it isn’t something that just magically appeared recently, you’re 62 years old, you’re not a 4 year old, you should have known this man, the sun is very dangerous, it can kill you…but it did not cause you to be drunk at the wheel…

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 23, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Stasch, its not that simple. Yes, Wickman’s salary would cover Andruw but Hudson’s salary doubles next year and he will be receivng $6.5 more than this year. Now, I think with emergence of Escobar and expected emergence of Lillibridge that Renteria will be traded to make room for one of them. Of course, Edgar’s salary would cover Hudson’s increase. But, what about Smoltz? He is making $8 mil this year and at the very least will command $13 mil next season. So, where does that money come from?

The reality of the situation is unless Liberty increases payroll (which could happen, maybe) Andruw is probably the one gone. Giving Smoltz $13 or $14 or $15 mil doesn’t initially sound smart considering his age and elbow issues but any deal that he would sign would be no longer than two years and that doesn’t matter whom he signed with. On the other hand, Andruw is wanting at least a six year deal which handcuffs the Braves for a lot longer.

By DonCoburleone

March 23, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Alright guys… I’m off for my Spring Break and I probably won’t be back onto the blog until opening day. DOB keep up the good work, later all…

By Braves One!!!!

March 23, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

* DOB IF AYBAR STARTS YEAR ON DL WHO DO THE BRAVES GO TO PETER ORR, MARTIN PRADO OR YUNEL ESCOBAR *

By socalbravefan

March 23, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

My favorite country song of all time. Thank you very much for keeping me informed on the Braves for the last couple of years.

By David O'Brien

March 23, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Good question, Braves One. One we’ve all kicked around. I’m not sure. A case could be made for each:

Bobby Cox loves Orr, a proven commodity;

Prado has defensive versatility and has earned a spot with years of solid play in the minors and a good spring;

Escobar is the best talent, the most dynamic player, the best arm for third base or shortstop, and has the highest ceiling, obviously.

But Escobar is largely unproven above A-ball, and probably considered too talented to gather dust on the bench when he needs to keep developing; he’s only had 1-1/2 season of minor league ball.

I’ll go with Tony Pena Jr. Wait, what’s that? Oh, nevermind.

By the way, FRANCOUER STORY isn’t going to run Sunday. I’ll write it next week sometime. Plans changed for Sunday paper. Didn’t want anyone expecting to see it Sunday and then wondering why it’s not there.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 23, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

You know the Braves just might not be suffering from a stomach virus after all—it could be anthropogenic climate change…global warming…you know, that greenhouse effect—that and too much time under the hot sun…but in Tony’s case, I’ll just stick with the Beefeater Gin & tonic or the rum & Coke as being the cause of his “Hair of the Dog”…No, ol’ Tony didn’t get bearclawed, that’s for sure.

I sure hope Al Gore and his cult don’t get wind of this…oh well, enough about this topic…

By Coach

March 23, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

correct me if I’m wrong but if the Braves keep Redman in the rotation. They have to put him on the 40 man roster. When Hampton comes off the DL , who goes down ? Cormier has options , Redman won’t/Doesn’t ? Do the Braves run the risk of losing Redman in waivers if Cormier pitches well ? Do they keep Davies and Cormier ? Do they keep up the competition in Atlanta until Hampton gets back ? Would it make more sense to keep Redman under a minor league contract in Richmond as insurance ? I’m getting a headache thinking about it……… ouch !

By Braveheart

March 23, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Isn’t Tony Pena the 40th man on the roster that Redman will replace? I might be wrong about that.

By gd from nz

March 23, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Surprised to see there is still (fading) hope that the Braves will somehow miraculously make room on payroll for AJ. Is there anyone out there that really believes that? Anyone believe the Yanks, Red Sox won’t pay a zillion bucks for him and that the Braves won’t have to let him go?

Surely the McCann contract is a sign of the times - lock up the (hom grown) young guns for ages before they become superstars and demand big contracts. They just can’t afford them if their contract expires in their prime.

Some people ar talking about Francoeur as well, I thought it was fairly clear that the Braves have been working on him, but Frenchy’s idea of his value is a long way from the Braves, that’s the only reason they haven’t locked him up.

Re trade activity - Isn’t it great that the Braves have no immediate needs and can deal away those that are not needed without sacrificing depth and they can sign for future (not current) needs? Heaps of pitching options, don’t trade any, can never have too much pitching, when was the last year the Braves didn’t have any pitchers go down with an injury?

By Carolina Lady

March 23, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

SJA, isn’t that the truth! Did you see where Gore had an electric bill for one month of over $2,000.??

By Yars

March 23, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

With Pena Jr gone & with Aybar likely to start the season on the DL, I think the 2 reserve infielders will be Woodward & Prado. Prado can only play 3B & 2B, but I see him as a late inning defensive replacement for Kelly Johnson.

By Henry

March 23, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Nope, infield reserves will be Woodward and Orr. Prado will start the year at Richmond. As it should be. There’s more to the roster than spring training. Orr has proven his value before.

By brian

March 23, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

I agree with Yars that I would keep Woodward and Prado. Prado has earned it this spring. There is more to the roster than spring training but Prado is playing well enough he needs to stay. The Braves could showcase Prado some to hopefully deal him when Aybar comes off the DL.

That being said, Bobby always keeps his favorites, and veterans also get into the favorite status and he will keep Orr. Unlike Robert, I think Bobby has earned the benefit of the doubt and I do not feel like I am qualified to second guess Cox

By flange1

March 23, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Evening All,

Great trade for both sides! Hope young Tony Pena does well in KC. The youngster the Braves received has lots of confidence and potential! Much better than nothing.

While I hope Prado id the guy that makes the team, I think BC will go with Orr. I agree Braveheart on Orr, he has never done much for me and has limited upside.

I love that Davies pitched well today and his confidence is back. This will give the Braves some options. I know I keep pounding the trade front, but to me the potential of trading Cormier, Villareal or Yates and an outfielder in a package for an impact youngster is something that I just can’t get out of my mind…

Lew I agree St. Pete is the bomb.

Peace!

By gd from nz

March 23, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

flange1, don’t get too excited about getting anything much on the trade front, packaging rejects or journeymen or unproven prospects doesn’t get anything exciting in return no matter how many you include.

By flange1

March 23, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

GD ffom NZ,

I hear you! But with the total lack of starting pitching and relief pitching out there right now, someone might od something a bit over zealous..

You have to check out all of your options!

By David O'Brien

March 23, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Braveheart _ yes, if nothing else happens, Redman can slip into Tony Pena’s old spot on the 40-man.

Of course, more can happen in the next 8-9 days. No sense trying to figure it out yet, because you just don’t know what they might do with a couple other spots.

By Summerteeth

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

You have been mighty prophetic lately DOB…or should I say DOBSTRADOMAS? So you pick the day Pena gets traded and now you say more can happen over the next 8-9 days…

Hmmmmmmm….methinks Villareal could be shopped soon.

By parks

March 23, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

love the trade. trade a Utility guy that would have prob been waived for a young power arm!, even with the TJ surgery its freaking genius.

By MEB

March 23, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Great news for Tony Pena and I think the Royals will see some immediate results on the field. I wish Tony the very best. Doesn’t seem that long ago when the Royals were the model major league baseball franchise. Man they played some smart hard nosed baseball.

Now basketball… DOB did you see the end of the Vandy-Georgetown game? Refs should always call traveling no matter how much time is left in the game. Vandy got hosed out of the Elite Eight. Swallowing the whistle is only for contact fouls when the big guys are struggling for a rebound in the last minute. Except of course during the Aggie-Memphis game last night.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 23, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady—Yes, Al Gore is nothing but an hypocritical pitchman for raising taxes on energy use to astronomical levels, along with enacting laws designed to weaken this country even more—He just wants to make a name for himself, and I believe that he has accomplished just that…he is a “nutcase!”…imagine if he were president…

Although there is no scientific proof nor empirical basis for Gore’s hypothesis concerning global warming, it is now being taught to children in our public schools—and as Glenn Beck stated, “They can throw God out of our public schools, but they just can’t seem to get rid of Al Gore!”

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

GO HEELS!!!! This has been the strangest ncaa tourny ever.Every game the higher ranked team falls hopelessly behind then they comeback and win.The final eight is set, four ones, three twos and a three,not a glass slipper in the bunch.

By brian

March 24, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Good points MEB. I cannot believe the foul was called on the Aggie-Memphis game, and I cannot believe a walk was not called on Georgetown. They let him use his right foot as a pivot and then switch to his left foot as a pivot to get the shot off. Inexcusable. Maybe they just figured Green from Georgetown was in the mold of Charles Shakelford and “amphibious” since he could use his right foot and left foot so well

Great subtle trade by JS and best wishes to Pena. Instead of just waiving Pena the Braves picked up a top young arm. Hard Thrower! Granted that arm has had Tommy John surgery, but didn’t Chris Carpenter? The more young arms the better

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

Brian The crazy thing about power pitchers after tj surgery is,often they aren’t just good as new they’re better.Apparently the replacement ligament and the method in which it’s attached (tied through the bone)is stronger than the original hardware.

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

I’m watching sportscenter they’re doing a segment on G Maddux,he’s standing next to a young SD pitcher.If I didn’t know he was one of the five or so best to ever play the game I’d never buy it looking at the guy.

By Topher_24

March 24, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

DOB, just curious as to your opinion. Do you think/feel that there will be any more trades on the Braves front? It seems as though things have gone exactly as they needed to for Tampa Bay to perhaps regain interest in Davies as the pitcher they receive in return for Baldelli rather than James… I don’t know. I guess a lot of us got so excited about getting a potential impact player like Baldelli, that we can’t leave the thought alone. And since most of us die hard, internet feeding, miniscule article seeking, Braves News Addicts read that Mark Bowman (Braves Mailbag on atlantabraves.com) thinks talks could at least be revisited… what are the chances???

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

What I love about my UNC heels is unlike must ACC schools past and present they are coached by a real live TAR HEEL hick from the sticks. Roy Williams was raised a few miles from where I’m sitting and live,he also coached high school ball at Owens high a five minute drive from my house. You can keep coach K and all the NJ, NY carpet baggers,GO YOU HAIRY TAR HEEL!!!!

By Chop Chop

March 24, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

There’s only one non-“big-shot” team left now: Oregon. I’m waiting to see what will happen if Georgetown can get up by double digits on UNC…or UCLA on Kansas. Will those teams answer the bell when faced with top talent?

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

ChopChop That’s why they play the games,UNC may lose but they’ll play till the end.DOB Admit it you hate Williams don’t you ? So he whacked the ad and ran off to join the circus,boys will be boys.

By Robert

March 24, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

556

By ssiscribe

March 24, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

It’s opening day for T-ball season here in the newsroom, which means we’re one day closer to the Braves starting things for real.

Quick hitters as breakfast is ready and there’s lots to do:

— Like the Pena trade. Kid is going to be good, but no room for him here. Hope he does great in KC.

— Looks like the kid we got for Pena has potential long-term. And we got something for Pena instead of just losing him to waivers.

— Anybody else tired of spring training already? I didn’t even listen to the game yesterday. Ready for it to start for real.

— Good start for Davies. Glad he’s ready to go to Richmond. In the long run, that’s going to be best for him.

— Just curious: Anybody going to the exhibition games next weekend vs. the ChiSox? I’m taking my smallest guy Saturday afternoon, but I’m thinking about going Friday night, too. Just wondering if anybody else is ready to see the team in person.

OK, gotta jet. Enjoy your weekend. The Scribe abides

—30—

By bevsouth

March 24, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Let me add that JS is really a genius. Tony Pena is a nice middle infielder but from what I read about about this young pitcher this could be a trade we talk about ten years from now like Smoltz for Alexander.

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

that was a great lead sentence you wrote for this blog dob

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

Scribe, you think YOU’RE tired of spring training. I’m about to get in the car to drive to Lakeland for the third road game in four days….

Chop Chop, did you not see Kansas overcome 14- and 22-point deficits against Texas in two games in a span of eight days at the end of the season and in the Big 12 tourney final?

And I seem to remember KU “answering the bell” when faced with top talent in a game at Thanksgiving against a little ‘ol team from Gainesville. I was there in Vegas when they beat the defending national champs in OT, my friend.

I was also in Allen Field House before Christmas when they beat Boston College like a drum, too.

And if I’m not mistaken, KU beat Southern Cal this season a little more convincingly than UNC beat them last night….

MEB, yes, Vandy indeed got hosed. I think everyone in American except Billy Packer realizes that.

OddJob, yes, I do have a distaste for Ol’ Roy. But mainly I dislike Carolina because of the smugness of their fans, having grown up in the state (my parents still live there). I was a State fan as a kid; they had me hooked with high-flyin’ David Thompson, Tom Burleson, Monte Towe….

And you’re right _ I can’t remember an NCAA tourney quite like this one, with the ranked teams all advancing and so many of them falling so far behind in games only to storm back. Again and again it’s happened.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Roger Mc Dowell has caught major portions of grief since becoming pitching coach for the Braves last season. Yes, he replaced a legend and yes, the Braves’ pitching last year, particularly the bullpen WAS less than stellar. However, there have been some positive developments this spring. Tim Hudson may have found his sinker again (Maybe now he can regain his consistency), Cormier seemingly has found the correct arm slot with which to throw his now seemingly dominant curve and Kyle Davies has changed his delivery, seemingly resulting in a more successful approach. Now, yes, it is just Spring Training and no, the results don’t mean much. Nonetheless, it looks like McDowell is having a positive effect on his staff. Maybe, just maybe he didn’t deserve all of the grief.

By ssiscribe

March 24, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

DOB, won’t be long, dude, and you’ll be back on your schedule. If I didn’t see the sun rise 10 months out of the year, I think by week seven of being up bright and early, things would start to get old just a little bit. With that said, I’ve been a bit envious because this is the first spring I haven’t been at Dark Star in several years. On the other hand, I’m 30 minutes, not 300 miles, from Turner Field. Fair trade, methinks.

Now, basketball (look out JJS, the Scribe is transitioning into hoops): The tournament’s been great, even if my picks aren’t great (still got KU, my national champ, though). Thought UNC was done last night, but they roared right back. Fell asleep on Ohio State Thursday night; another great comeback. That’s been the storyline of the tournament, though.

Ah, nine days until it begins for real. Off we go.

Selah.

—30—

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

How come Redman was never forced to change his name to The Red Storm like St. John’s University was forced to do?

For all you Redman haters, looks like the Falcons just doubled your pain by signing him as a backup QB.

:-)

By Rodger

March 24, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

SJA-You act like LaRussa was totally smashed-but blowing a .0903, up until a few years ago would have been under the legal .10. There has to be something else going on, unless he just couldn’t handle his booze as he gets older. It’s not like some of these guys that get out at .20+. Now thats faced.

By KC

March 24, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Lew: Throw Macay McBride and Oscar Villarreal into the Roger McDowell conversation. He was able to help both of those guys put it together as the season went along last year. He also did some good things with Tyler Yates last season to help his control.

Additionally, while it will never be noticed or remembered because he was hurt last season… McDowell affected some adjustments in Horacio Ramirez’s delivery to help him keep the ball down in the zone, which helped him cut his HR/9 inn. ratio in half last year from the previous season.

By stuckinuk

March 24, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Sorry DOB, But I have to say Go UCLA! I think they can beat Kansas, even though Kansas is a better team overall. The Bruins defense can be stingy and they can produce enough offense. (Yes I went to UCLA) Congrats on the Blog award. Thank you for this blog it is my only good source of baseball info over here.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Rodger-He was asleep at the wheel along WITH that blood alcohol level. No, he wasn’t staggering drunk, but he WAS asleep with the car running at a light. His behavior could easily have led to tragedy for himself and for others. I lost my Dad to a drunk driver when he was 27. Sorry, Dude, a little drunk behind the wheel or totally out of control-makes no difference to me. He’s an educated man in a responsible position. He’s old enough to know better. He gets no slide from me. either.

By Rodger

March 24, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Lew, I’m with you on the danger side. Not excusable. Just, I don’t believe, all attributable to being drunk.

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

The worst thing about this NCAA tournament is that all of the #1 and #2 seeds have advanced except Wisconsin. Makes for a more competitive Elite 8 but it also allows every freaking woman and non-basketball fan to win the bracket. I can’t tell you how many of my friends are upset because their wives are beating them because their wives just picked the #1 and #2 seeds to advance to the Elite 8. The rest of us morons spend 8 hours nitpicking who our upsets and Cinderellas might be. All for naught.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Rodger-Maybe not. I still don’t care to differentiate. If you lose someone, like I did and many others do on a way too regular basis, you tend to have zero tolerance and damn little sympathy. And just so you don’t think me hypocritical, I haven’t had an alcoholic beverage in over 20 years (partially because of medication I require). I’m the designated driver- something he should have had.

By Coach

March 24, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Lew’s right , McDowell took heat for pitching decisions that were made by Bobby Cox. such as , Jorge Sosa’s 13 starts , keeping Reitsma closing far to long and bringing Mike Remlinger along for the ride. Bobby just didn’t give McDowell the same latitude he would have given to Mazzone. Live and learn.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Coach-Let’s hope that Sosa continues his stellar pitching. Now that he’s with the Mets, it may lay to rest some of the horrible images of 06. The Mets deserve him.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 24, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Fact is, Mazzone is the greatest pitching coach ever, but McDowell was unfairly ripped last year. Mazzone had a lot more talent on his pitching staff in Baltimore and the pitching was worse than the Braves. I don’t see how anybody can doubt McDowell’s ability when you look at how good McBride, Yates, Paronoto, Cormier, and even Chuck James became. Remember after James got shelled by the Mets McDowell showed him some problems with his delivery and James was almost lights out the rest of the way. The guy can coach. Mazzone was the best, but his time had obviously come to an end here in Atlanta.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 24, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

It says on the AJC-Braves home page that one of today’s games is being televised on ESPN. DOB, is that true?

By dadgum

March 24, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Given what I have seen this spring the Braves could win 100 games. They have youth at every position with talent or as back ups. The pitching corp is so deep that they can afford some injuries or missed games. We’ll see…

DOB…That NC State team of ‘74 was the best ever assembled in the history of the ACC. Yes even better than Jordan/Worthy of ‘82. David Thompson was an icon in college. Felled UCLA/Walton on the national stage. Not sure how great the Gen X era realizes he was. Forget the 2-time POY award, when it came to clutch play he was the go to guy and nobody could stop him. Oh did I mention you couldn’t dunk or hit a 3 pointer back then? I believe you have to label greatest players by position so I take Wilt over Walton by a slim margin at center and David Thompson is my #1 forward. Oh yeah,that NC State/MD ACC Champ. game from 1974 was the best basketball game ever played. That’s my thought and a whole hell of a lot of others too.

Go Braves Rock Steady!

By Rodger

March 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

I guess with DOB’s story on Frenchy, that big contract signing will have to be delayed.

By Carolina Lady

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

SJA, I’m in agreement with your 11:39pm post.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 24, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Can we please leave politics out of this. Lets just say that Gore is an idiot and the current President isn’t any brighter and leave at that. I do believe DOB has asked that political discussion be left out of this blog. You know, to keep it friendly. Well, sort of………..

By DirtyDawg

March 24, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

You can say that this blog doesn’t need to get into politics, but I’ll say that anybody that quotes Glen Beck is an idiot for having watched him in the first place

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Dadgum, I’d agree with your assessment _ D.T. (Thompson) belongs on my all-time college team. And glad you gave Wilt the edge over Walton. However, Walton wasn’t the greatest UCLA center. That would be Mr. Alcindor, aka Kareem.

No scientific proof of global warming? You’re kidding, right? I’ll not jump into that fray at all. No politics. Don’t make us start deleting.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Actually, global-warming discussions aren’t political. Or, rather, they shouldn’t be. But like just about everything else in this country, it somehow has become a polarizing issue. I guess I don’t get that. But like I said, I’m not going to weigh in on it either way, and I’m sure the vast majority of folks here would appreciate others doing same.

Baseball, BBQ, pie, good music, movies … plenty of enjoyable discussions. That’s not one for folks to have who are on opposite sides. Just creates raging debate that, in this blog format, inevitably degenerates to personal insults because no one’s accountable and no one speaks face-to-face.

So moving on…

This split-squad team in Lakeland, the one Bobby’s managing vs. Detroit, has most of the regulars _ Kelly, Edgar (he’s DH’ing, Escobar’s at SS), McCann, Thorman. The Joneses are playing in Winter Haven vs. Cleveland.

I asked about Wickman, waiting for response on whether he’s pitching vs. Cleveland. Because he’s not here and hasn’t pitched since Monday.

Braves PR guy tells me he hasn’t heard of any problems. I’ll ask Bobby afterward, if find out he’s not pitching in Winter Haven.

Paronto’s pitching today, added to Winter Haven list, which gives him back-to-back appearances. Meanwhile, Wickman hasn’t pitched since Monday.

By akirell

March 24, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

I found this article from SI that claims that Smoltz is done with “team-friendly” contracts and will most likely be departing Atlanta after this season. What’s your take on this writer’s words on Smoltz?

By akirell

March 24, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Woops, here’s the LINK

By Jared

March 24, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

In response to By Topher_24’s post at 1:08 AM:

WILL THE BALDELLI-OBSESSERS PLEASE SHUT UP ALREADY!? HE IS HURT AND THE OBSESSION STILL GOES ON!? It’s not happening. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not this week. Baldelli will not be a Brave anytime for the 2007 season. One frickin’ story on the Braves’ website, and people can’t shut up about him. I’m surprised that no one is still obsessing over Alex Rodriguez and how close he reportedly came to being a Brave before he signed with the Rangers.

Bowman is the same guy lobbying for Smoltz’s leave so the Braves can throw money down the hole (meaning they sign Andruw Jones to some absurd contract for 6-8 years.) Bowman also talked about trading Andy Marte and Brian McCann, yes McCann, for Edgar Renteria before the Braves traded just Marte for Renteria. He’s not credible and he uselessly speculates. He called Rocco Baldelli the “perfect leadoff guy” despite Baldelli’s OBP saying something totally different.

Kyle Davies, Yunel Escobar and Saltalamacchia is a total rip-off for that injury-prone pariah. I doubt I’d even give them just Davies. It’s never a good idea to thin-out your pitching, and if you trade Davies you better hope that Cormier/Redman don’t totally suck or someone gets hurt.

Forget banning political discussions. DOB should ban all Baldelli talk until after the 2007 world series, when Andruw Jones will leave and Baldelli may come. But now? It’s just spam. It’s not happening. Get over it already.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

akirell, already addressed that article a couple times.

let me know if you can’t find it in posts last couple days. don’t want to just toss a one-sentence answer, and don’t have time to go into same detail again that i did before. gotta get a bunch of special-section stuff done, and game’s starting…

OK, just went to that link. You want me to respond to “the friend says” rumors. Nah, I’ll pass.

I’ll let you know if Smoltz indicates as much to me. So far he’s said several times he has no intention of talking about his contract or making any demands publicly. But if he didn’t want to sign a “team-friendly” contract, if that meant significantly less than other offers, I sure wouldn’t blame him.

But again, Braves have given no indication whatsoever of their intentions. So why even worry about this right now? Let’s play some games or talk about the season, rather than everthing that might happen for seasons beyond 2007.

By Michael

March 24, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

DOB…Is there any shot that Willie Harris makes the team out of ST. He’s got pretty good range and his speed is a big asset considering the Braves have lacked in that department for sometime now (leadoff man?). He appears to have a pretty good bat but not sure what’s he done prior to this spring.

By tigger101023

March 24, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

You haven’t heard anything and Wick pretty much does what he wants in ST, so I imagine everything’s fine.

So DOB, what are Boyer’s chances? How does he look? Sounds like he might be the odd man out to guys like Paronto and Yates. I know he’ll have his chances to come back, but he was dynamite in 2005 and I hate to see him sit in the minors for too long. I don’t know if he can win a spot or if he has to wait for someone else to lose theirs.

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

This is for Shaun, who debated me a while back about how sinister the Boston Red Sox front office can be towards players they want to get rid of. If you remember I was applauding the Atltanta front office for the professional way that they treat players with dignity for the most part when they decide to get rid of them. Looks like in this SI.com article by Heyman that Derek Lowe agrees with my position about the disgusting way the Boston front office treats their players at contract time:

Like a lot of much bigger stars, Lowe went through a tough breakup with Boston. He blames himself more than anyone. “I didn’t pitch very good. I tried too hard to have a career year,” says Lowe, who followed an awful 2004 regular season with a 3-0 postseason.

Yet he also decries the system in Boston, where star players’ flaws are sometimes aired in the paper before they are let go. He understands the fans’ need to know is insatiable in Boston. But that doesn’t mean he enjoyed reading what his bosses thought of him.

“The sad thing about being in that market, they have to give the fans reasons why they keep guys or don’t keep guys,” Lowe says. “As the year went on, I’m reading all this negative stuff. If you want to know where you stand, just read the papers in Boston. When you play in a market like Boston, you know your fate.

“It’s too bad they can’t ease you out the door,” he adds. “They have to slam the door.”

Lowe recalls that Nomar Garciaparra, Mo Vaughn, Martinez and Roger Clemens, to separate degrees, also experienced uncomfortable breakups in Boston (and it appears the same may be happening to Curt Schilling). “They said Clemens was washed up, and he’s won four Cy Youngs since then,” Lowe remarks.

With Lowe, the knocks in the papers were related to off-field issues. “They didn’t think I was reliable or trustworthy,” he says. “I think a lot of the things they said were incorrect.” Incorrect or not, they were wrong to think Matt Clement would be a suitable replacement for Lowe, who remains as reliable and trustworthy as almost anyone on the field, where it counts.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/03/23/scoop.friday/1.html

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Looks like Heyman on SI.com also says that many agree with our assertion that the cheapskate owners are only interested in money and not winning:

Andruw Jones has mentioned how he’d like to stay with the Braves, but the consensus around baseball is that the new ownership group, Liberty Media, bought the team with an eye on finances, not winning, and that Jones is as good as gone. The Red Sox and White Sox have been rumored, but one former teammate of Jones said if Jones has his choice, he’d like to avoid a cold-weather climate. That friend sees the Angels as a definite possibility.

Heyman then also went on to say glowing things about our minor league Brandon Jones:

Keeping up with the Joneses dept.: Scouts and coaches in Florida have been impressed by yet another Jones in Braves camp. Young outfielder Brandon Jones has four hits in 11 at-bats, including two doubles and a home run

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/03/23/scoop.friday/2.html

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Where’s Bob the Journalist been?

Any truth to the rumor that his wife left him in Hardee’s?

:-)

Just kidding Bob!

By Bobby's Cox

March 24, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

“Scheurholz already got rid of 2 of my most hated Braves of all time - Chris Reitsma and Horacio Ramirez”

did you forget about brad clontz and greg mcmichael? Reitsma might be #3, but check out the stats on ramirez this spring.

i agree, send davies to the minors. he needs to be prove himself. a little extra work will not hurt. when in doubt, go with the veteran in redman. cormier has earned his spot & i think he’ll hold his own.

By Coach

March 24, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Hoss just went deep , no oblique problems today.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 24, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Well it sounds as if any topic I bring up here is not acceptable with that narrow-minded As$clown O’Brien, and civility doesn’t work either…Good bye everyone, you finally got what you wanted…and O’Brien if you ever get the privilege of a face to face with me, you will not enjoy that encounter…

You know a bit about baseball, hell, you should, you’re up the player’s a$ses 24/7, but you don’t know half as damn much about everything else as you think you do, and you know nothing about me!…

So now you can follow up with another of your pithy, smart@4s diatribes about how I’m not wanted here and how nobody cares…then you can stick your head back up Al Gore’s as$, then inhale!…cause “no one’s accountable”…

By Bobby's Cox

March 24, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

P.s.

davies’ greatest competition is hampton. when cormier shines the first month and hampton is ready to return, redman is out & there won’t be a spot for davies.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 24, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Rodger—one more thing…God forbid some drunk runs over a member of your family and maims or kills them—and because that drunk is only “blowing a .0903” the cops say well lets just ignore this and let the guy go, it’s not really that high—so, we’re sorry for your loss, but there’s nothing we can do…

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Tigger, Boyer looks good, but needs more innings. He missed entire 2006 season and missed a couple of scheduled appearances down here because of the minor finger injury (slammed it in window) and sickness last week. But I’d say we’ll see him this season. He looks good.

By The Grinch

March 24, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

.093? Man, I could blow that on a Sunday morning right after waking up. Of course, I wouldn’t have driven the night before. What a douche.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Yeah, whatever.

Anyway, Thorman just crushed a ball to left-center almost to the warning track for a double.

Aybar three groundouts, all vs. lefties (Rogers and Burdette), so we really don’t even know if he can hit left-handed still, though he did in BP.

Don’t know if he’s gonna be on the DL. Bobby said with a sort of resigned (or frustrated) tone before the game, “He’s missed 80, 90 percent of the spring.”

By Austin

March 24, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

DOB* How did Huddy look?

By Michael

March 24, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

DOB…Is there any chance that Willie Harris has a shot of making this team out of ST. He’s got pretty good range and his speed is a big asset considering the Braves have lacked in that department for sometime now (leadoff man?). He appears to have a pretty good bat but not sure what’s he done prior to this spring.

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

DOB Come on fella! smugness of fans, I’ve been reading your humble appraisals of the glorious sodd-busters from the plains for two weeks, so what is this about the kettle being black? No hard feelings,truth is Kansas ain’t so bad.

By Jim

March 24, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

The Phillies seem to be involved in a lot of high-scoring games this spring. I haven’t paid close attention, but has the starting pitching, that was supposed to be their strength, been having a very rough go of it?

By Jim

March 24, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Looks like another good outing by Hudson. Dare we hope? KJ on base all 4 times today with an RBI and in the middle of a DP. No sign yet of Wickman in the Cleveland game (Moylan pitching the 8th)

By Coach

March 24, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Smoltz(1.80) , Hudson(1.71) , Cormier(1.29) , Davies(1.93) and James(2.57) have now combined for 83 innings 17 earned runs and a whopping 1.84 ERA. When and if Redman makes the rotation , I swear I’ll scream bloody murder and it will be directed straight at Bobby Cox.

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

jim, this is what heyman reported on SI.com:

• Among young pitching phenoms, one AL exec reports that while Tampa Bay’s Scott Kazmir looks great, Cole Hamels does not.

• That same exec said, “Going in, I thought the Phillies would be a threat to the Mets. But after seeing their bullpen, I don’t think so anymore.”

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/03/21/scoop.wednesday/1.html

By Jared

March 24, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Do both games count in the standings? If the Braves beat the Indians (don’t know the score there) and the Tigers (winning last I heard), is that two spring training wins?

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Kelly having a hell of a game.

Aybar just came out, of course, when Todd Jones enters. So we won’t see him face a righty….

Oddjob, I haven’t been the least bit smug about KU, my friend. I don’t brag about them here. You just made an odd (no pun intended) comment earlier wondering how KU might respond to getting behind against “top talent” or whatever you said, and I gave you a couple of examples of what they’ve done in recent weeks. Find any post in which I’ve been the least bit smug about KU. Any post at all.

I said Texas would beat UNC, that must’ve got you. Because you won’t be able to find any example of me being smug about my school. I do that with my friends, but not here. Sorry, you missed on that one.

But you have, on the other hand, provided a good example of what I was talking about, smug UNC fans.

By Braves4Ever

March 24, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Just a side note about Sean White a rule 5 pick by Mariners from Braves. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2003630033_marinotes22.html Think we may get him back, sounds like more pitching depth. What do you think DOB, heard anything?

By dcarp23

March 24, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

DOB-What spots do you see as still up for grabs at this point? Is Yates in danger of being waived? Does Miller have a chance at beating out a still optionable Pena (I guess there would have to be a forty man spot created.) Everything seems pretty settled otherwise.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Jared, yes, both count. Braves lost to Cleveland. Winning here 3-1 in top ninth, runners at second and third with two outs against Todd Jones.

Corky Miller 6-3, inning over.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Coach, well get ready to start screaming. Redman will make the rotation, I’m fairly certain of that.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Boyer had a perfect inning in six pitches over in Winter Haven

By MBATL

March 24, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, I think I know the answer, but any chance the Braves are negotiating to trade Wickman?

By Jared

March 24, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

“DOB, I think I know the answer, but any chance the Braves are negotiating to trade Wickman?”

If he was going to be traded, wouldn’t they make him pitch more?

The Braves have commercials bragging about their bullpen, they put on a big display to convince Wickman to stay and they even found his kids a school in Georgia. The Braves are not trading him, nor should they.

By KC

March 24, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

DOB: How did Hudson look? The box score looks good… but how did he appear to you?

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

If they are, I’ve gotten no indications from anyone in the organization or from other teams. But that doesn’t mean anything. A lot of teams need closers, and the Braves could go with Soriano and/or Gonzalez.

But I just haven’t heard anything to indicate to me they’re trying to trade Wickman. And if they were, it would seem to make sense that teams would want to see him pitch more than he has to make sure his arm’s OK.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Jared, your post came up as I was answering the question about Wick. We’re in agreement.

Forgot to say: Hampton had another good bullpen session today, Bobby says they’re aiming for a rehab schedule that would get him back with Braves “around May 7.” He’ll probably throw BP next time out and then begin rehab assignment, provided all goes well.

By Al Gore

March 24, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Dear Mr. SJA: I understand you are threatening (again) to refrain from blogging on this site. In the immortal words of the late & great James Brown, “Please, please, please, please.”

It has come to my attention that Ann Coulter’s web site is in need of like-minded bloggers such as yourself. I’ve also heard that if you’re really, really nice to Her Royal Skankiness, you might get a Lewinsky for your troubles.

Isn’t the internet, which as all you thoughtful right-wingers have credited me with inventing, a wonderful thing?

I’m sorry. I forgot this was a baseball blog. The Braves get my vote. Glad I’m not in Washington any more. Would be hard to put up with what passes for a major league franchise there, especially one with a closer named Chad. Plus, you’d have to listen to Don Sutton every night. No thanks.

Not too fond of the Marlins either. If a few more voters in south Florida could actually decipher something as simple as a butterfly ballot, Tipper and I would be living in the White House and Commissioner W would be screwing up baseball as badly as he’s messed up Iraq.

By KC

March 24, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Hudson’s spring stats to date

21 innings: 18 hits, 3 walks, 1 HR, 11 strikeouts… 1.71 ERA.

Looks good to me!

Have you noticed… Lance Cormier has a better strikeout/innings pitched ratio (13 K’s in 14 inn.) and a better strikeout/walk ratio (13/1) over his 14 innings of work than John Smotlz. He’s had an amazing spring. That of course sucks for Kyle Davies who’s also had a very good spring.

If Davies continues to pitch this well (or better) at Richmond… then when Hampton returns, we should trade Redman asap. Give him to the Cardinals, they’re desperate. So are the Mets, but we wouldn’t want to help them by giving them pitching. Oh wait… Mark Redman really wouldn’t be much help, so… yeah, fine. Ship him to NY. I don’t care.

By MBATL

March 24, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Jared, I also doubt that the Braves are looking to trade Wickman (thought I made that clear in my question, and I could make a good argument for why we should trade him); but I don’t think we’ll keep him for any of the reasons you stated.

I’ll go out on a limb here, and predict that by September, Gonzalez and/or Soriano will be our closer(s). Given that, and the desperate need for relief pitching around baseball, and the fact that after this year we probably lose Wickman to retirement or free agency with nothing in return, it might just make sense to put Wicky out there for a couple of good prospects.

But again, I doubt it’s happening. It would be a risky move (for this year, anyway). Thanks, DOB, for your thoughts on it… let us know when you can why he’s not pitching more!

By tigger101023

March 24, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the Boyer info. I’m not calling Yates garbage or anything, but if Boyer is strong enough, I hope he can win a spot. Watching both of them against big-league hitters, I had a lot more confidence in Boyer. I never really trusted Yates and was surprised at his decent numbers - not sure what it is about him. They were both in terrible pens, so neither one was bailed out particuarly often.

We’ll have to see how it all shakes out.

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

DOB That comment about KU falling behind is not mine,I recall reading the post but can’t recall the perp at the moment,please confirm.GO HEELS!!! PLOW THEM SOD BUSTERS!!!

By Jared

March 24, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Sounds like Mark Redman is already getting that spot. This entire article makes it sound as so:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;ylt=Aora9YN8CaZg8UIL8GslW8R0bYF?slug=jp-mlb07redman032407&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Especially this part:

“Manager Bobby Cox said Redman will make the Braves’ roster, probably as their No. 4 starter.”

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

I want to win this year. The best way to avoid what happened last year is to have Wickman, Soriano, and Gonzalez in the back of that pen for the entire season. Have the Yankees won a darn World Series since they lost the stout end of the game combo of Rivera, Stanton, and Nelson? If, for whatever reason, the season flops, then, yeah, trade Wickman in late July. Trading Wickman now is a terrible idea. At some point here, we need to remember we are not a small market club. Right now this looks like it is going to be a very tight three way race that will be decided by at the very most a handful of games. Losing Wickman I predict would cost the Braves at least 2 or 3 losses and therefore the division.

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Just got back from a quick hike up a steep mountain with my pups and thought I’d share a good recipe for a cheap,healthy and tasty protein shake. 1 - pour 12 onces of low fat milk into a blender 2 - add 1 cup(or to taste) frozen fruit (I just buy pre cut and packaged)chop and blend 3 add 1 scoop eas 100% whey protein, it is very low sugar,liquefy and enjoy.

By Brad in MT

March 24, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I agree with you completely. After last year the Braves need all the bullpen depth they can get, esp. in a tight race. Wickman has a lot of experience, and that counts for a lot out of your closer.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Frightening stat: Langerhans has 17 strikeouts in 43 at-bats. SEVENTEEN. Fortunately, he’s hitting .349 and has a couple of homers. But 17 strikeouts … yikes.

By Coach

March 24, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Yep , I read Jeff Pessan’s Yahoo article on Mark Redman. Between the comparisons to Jason Marquis and the description of Redman as mediocrity personified , believe me when I say this. If we have to watch Redman and Hampton struggle at the same time I won’t be the only one screaming bloody murder.

By AdirondackDave

March 24, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

DOB - With K. Johnson’s 2 hits and 2 walks today do you know what his OBP is now? Also, the Braves have been making almost no errors this spring. Just another positive in what I see as a very positive spring (other than Hampton and that could be a lot worse.)

By StingerSplash

March 24, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Alcindor over Walton? Come on. Walton was a much better passer - still probably the best passing big man of all time, even better than Big Red Dave Cowens - and was 21 of 22 from the field in his last NCAA game. I didn’t scroll up to see the rest of your team, DOB, but I sure hope somewhere Len Bias is on that list. Best college player I ever saw. My heart still breaks over him.

By KC

March 24, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

tigger101023:

I’m kind of hoping that when Hampton returns, the Braves will trade Redman and Tyler Yates. I figure if they package those two guys together… perhaps throwing something else in with them, they could get a very productive piece in return.

I like Yates, but with both Boyer and Phil Stockman waiting in the wings… we don’t really need him. Particularly if he pitches well over the first 5-6 weeks of the season, he should have some trade values. As will Redman if he pitches okay out of the gate with his very modest price tag.

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Alcindor or Walton is a good debate,but Jabar or Walton there’s no comparison.Jabar was one of the top three big men all time with Russell and Chamberlan,and he had the most distinctive and unstoppable (sky hook) shot in all recorded history.

By KC

March 24, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

DOB: Any thoughts on Hudson’s performance today? Wasn’t able to watch it, and was surprised to find that it wasn’t even carried on Braves radio.

By Yars

March 24, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

A pathetic bullpen is what caused the Braves the NL wildcard last year, & Smoltz the Cy Young. Why in the world would they want trade Wickman? 100% bull*hit on that rumor. Wickman will be in a Braves uniform the entire ‘07 season. I can’t see this team falling out of the race at any point this season. Now that spring training is almost ending, I don’t see any flaws on this team. I have all the confidence in the world in Kelly Johnson, I believe Chipper will play in 140 + games, I’m glad to see Langerhans being agressive at the plate, the starting rotation looks ready for the regular season, & Thorman looks ready.

By Braves One!!!!

March 24, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

*DOB I SEE KELLY JOHNSON IS SWINGING WELL,BUT HOWS HIS RANGE OVER AT 2ND BASE???

By The Grinch

March 24, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Man, I haven’t seen a Spring game yet. Hope I can settle down a bit next week and watch some so I can actually offer some insight. As for now, I’ll say trading Wickman would be a horrible mistake. He won’t be as dominant as last year, but I’d bet he’ll still convert 80-90% of his save opportunities. More than that, our closers in waiting would benefit a great deal from watching a true closer with ice in his veins get the job done, then picking his brain about how. Plus, he’s a good guy who came down here for a 2 year deal to finish with an organization and manager he likes. How crappy would that be to ship him to some armpit city for the last few months of his great career? I know it’s a business, but dang. It’s not like he’s blowing our chance at the pennant race.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Grinch-Not only that, but look what it cost to pick him up. Basically nothing. If he’s going to retire at the end of the year, I just don’t see anyone offering much more for him-Certainly not the “prospect” everyone keeps talking about as the thing to have.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Braves One, Kelly made a helluva pivot and throw on a double play today. His range is adequate, nothing great, but nothing brutal.

The job is his, folks. He’s hitting nearly .300 now and Bobby is praising him at every turn. The latter point is all you need to know about that job.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 24, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, Jayson Stark had Langerhans on is list of possible outfielders who could be traded before spring is over. Have you heard of any such thing or is Langherhans “available”?

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash, I didn’t have an all-time team. Too tough to name five without massive debate, but Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, Jerry West, Magic, and Danny Manning would be on my top 10 _ relax Atlantans, I’m talking about strictly Danny’s college days, not the NBA, though he did have a few strong seasons before the knee surgeries.

As a college player, check with Vitale or any of the others, and Danny consistently shows up in top 10 lists, etc.

And yes, Bias would be in my top 10. And Walton. And maybe Waymon Tisdale, the best freshman I ever saw before Durant. Saw Tisale play in high school in Oklahoma, then throughout college agains the Jayhawks.

By Glass Half Full

March 24, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t count on a big trade market for Redman regardless of how well he does; remember this guy was sitting home unemployed since October. The Braves got a good bargain and Bobby loves a veteran presence. He ain’t going nowhere.

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

where would Christian Laettner fit in the list of all time great college players?

By brent

March 24, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

My FF was Kansas, Florida, Georgetown, & A&M.

I hate A&M. That should be a lesson, never pick a team that makes your stomach churn.

(that’s why it’s nice that Duke has been struggling ;-) )

By brent

March 24, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Braveheart:

Laettner is actually in the top 2-3 college players of all-time, based largely upon his NCAA tournament success.

That’s where legends are made, and he was flat-out legendary.

When you consider the buzzer-beater against UConn, combined with the “perfect game” against Kentucky (capped by a buzzer beater), the Final Fours, and the back2back titles to cap his career, Laettner is a legend.

Think about it, he was the greatest player, in the greatest game ever played, and it ended with him hitting the most memorable shot in history.

College ball player. He, Alcindor, and Walton, are absolute legends.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Now Baseball-If the other four in the rotation pitch at all like they have this spring, I don’t think anyone will even care if Redman is mediocre, or not. Especially with this bullpen. Now that we’ve seen Langerhans may at least hit for a bit more average (though the K’s are not all that cool) and that KJ will do fairly well, I see a great season ahead for the Braves. We definitely have more depth this year. Let’s just hope for health for Chipper.

By You See, L.A.'s the Best

March 24, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Rock, Choke, Jayhawk!!

By Yars

March 24, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

DOB………..If Kelly Johnson has a decent 1st month in the regular season, do you see him being Atlanta’s everyday 2B indefinitely? Meaning, until they get knocked out of the playoffs? (This is coming from a Braves fan since 1982). I still say he will put up better numbers than Marcus Giles this season. The last I heard, the Padres are batting Giles leadoff when the regular season starts.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Laettner definitely a great college player. So was Johnny Dawkins. And Phil Ford, perhaps the best college point guard I ever saw.

Jayhawks missing way too many point-blank shots and not hitting any 3’s. This is not good. Painful. Plenty of time left, but gotta start hitting 3’s and/or finishing inside. Else the Bruins are headed to the Final Four.

By KC

March 24, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

DOB: Are you ignoring my inquiries, or do you just not have an opinion on how TH looked today?

By krath

March 24, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Hiya Lew

Didn’t live in the Fla area. The team I played for in NC used to travel to Clearwater to play sometimes.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

KC-He already posted an article. His team’s getting beat-give the guy a break. Go read the article. It’s been up a couple of hours.

By Yars

March 24, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

DOB………….are you a fan of the Doors? If so, what are some of your favorite Doors songs/albums? I’m reading, “The Crawdaddy Book” by Paul Wiliams and it states that the Doors are one of the most under-rated rock bands of all time. I truly believe Jim Morrison used drugs in a positive way, (expanding the mind, looking at things in life from different perspectives, from a philosophical, spiritual view) as oppossed to a lot of musicians today who only use them because, ‘It’s like, cool man. Let’s go listen to a crap band like Nickelback & smoke a joint’.

By allbymySELF_GayhawksSuck

March 24, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Bruins oust the Gayhawks!!!…

By Lew

March 24, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Krath-You would have liked it a lot. St.Pete’s great. The Bay area has an excellent Blues scene-James and Lucky Peterson, Tinsley Ellis (a buddy of mine played sax for him), BB would show up a lot, Buddy Guy, too. Same for Dan and Frank Toler and Chris Anderson. A local named Sean Chambers played some mean a*******ed Texas blues there, too.

By OddJob

March 24, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

SOD BUSTERS BUSTED!!!

By Lew

March 24, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Yars-I like the Doors a lot, too, but let’s not get carried away with The Lizard King’s recreational habits. You must have watched the movie or something. It wasn’t quite as constructive as you make it out to be. He died.

By bruce

March 24, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Dave, Regarding Langy’s high number of strikeouts so far in spring training… what is your impression of his comfort at the plate compared to last season…. wondering if he is taking good cuts, fouling off even though he is striking out so much? and when you get a chance to ask him, I’d love to hear what he thinks of his Ks while putting up better average. He is clearly doing better with his average with the toe-tap this spring… Thanks, Bruce

By KC

March 24, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Lew, thanks. Didn’t notice the article.

DOB, wasn’t trying to be a smart-a*# with my last post. In re-reading it, I realize it may have come across that way.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

KC-No problem, Grasshopper. Adding to your knowledge is my pleasure.

By Yars

March 24, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Lew……………I’m one of those believers that Jim Morrison committed suicide. At the time, he was living in France. The trial for indecent exposure was still pending in Miami. According to some books, (including keyboardist Ray Manzerick’s (sp?) ) there was no way Jim Morrison could have done hard time, & survived. It would have killed him. Can you picture Jim Morrison locked up? Needless to say, I do believe that some drugs, if only used in moderation, will expand the mind and make you look at things in a different, unique way. Don’t be brainwashed by that Just Say No propaganda from the 1980’s, the mainstream media.

By flange1

March 24, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Sorry about the Jayhawks! I was pulling for them bceause of you!!!

By KC

March 24, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

I just read the Hudson piece. Music to my ears!

I’ve been mildly obsessed with tracking Hudson’s performance this spring because I have long believed that the key to the 2007 season for the Braves is Tim Hudson.

Though Mike Hampton could certainly provide a lift to Atlanta’s rotation at some point in the season, the key ingredient to this rotation and this team in 07 is not and never was Hampton. It’s about Tim Hudson. As Huddy goes, so go the Braves.

If Hudson has a season more reminiscent of his Oakland days… think about the difference between a starter with a 4.86 ERA, and a pitcher with an ERA around 3.00. It’s like going from Adam Eaton to Roger Clemens.

Consider also that a rotation that only had the benefit of Chuck James’ services for a 1/2 season, will have him all season this time around. That boys and girls is a faaarrr different rotation from what we saw last year.

Then if we get reasonable production from the bottom of the rotation… this would easily be one of the best starting staffs in the game. Put that with the best bullpen in baseball and a (still) solid offense…

But the key to it all is Tim Hudson. So while I won’t break out bubbly just yet, I’m feeling pretty damn good about the season ahead.

By KC

March 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

DOB posted a nice piece here on Tim Hudson a few hours ago, and here’s one from Mark Bowman:

LAKELAND, Fla. — Tim Hudson isn’t going to predict what’s going to happen this season. But based on how he’s felt and performed over the past four weeks, he’s quite confident that he’s not going to experience the same difficulties that last year brought. Knowing that his final spring start will likely consist of just three innings, Hudson took the mound on Saturday afternoon at Joker Marchant Stadium determined to adopt the same mind-set he would if he were facing the Tigers during the regular season. Fortunately for the Braves, the result was a performance that looked nothing like the many trying ones that Hudson endured while posting a career-high 4.86 ERA last year. “He was nasty today,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said after watching Hudson limit the Tigers to one earned run and four hits over six innings. Hudson entered the Grapefruit League season determined to regain the downward movement that he lacked with too many of his pitches last year. With Hudson having allowed just four earned runs and registered 33 ground-ball outs in the 21 innings he’s completed this spring, it’s apparent that his mission has thus far been a successful one. “I know how I feel right now as opposed to during [last] season; it’s night and day,” Hudson said. “I think the ball is coming out of my hand a lot differently. It has a life on it that I like seeing. … Things are just sharper.” After Saturday afternoon’s 3-1 split-squad victory over the Tigers, Cox was gushing about what he’d seen from Hudson, who was able to precisely locate his cutter, hard sinker and split-finger fastball. Through his first five Grapefruit League starts, the veteran right-hander has posted a 1.71 ERA and limited opponents to a .231 batting average. “He’s got a little bit of everything going for him right now,” Cox said. “I know he’s throwing a lot of strikes, and the ball is down.” Hudson, whose final exhibition start will come on Thursday against the Indians, has been encouraged with his ability to alter his mechanics so that he’s able to consistently realize downward movement with his pitches. He’s also been encouraged by the velocity he’s displayed. “I don’t usually go below 90 [mph] much, and last year I didn’t go above 90 [mph] much,” said Hudson, whose frustration last season was exacerbated by the fact that his mediocrity wasn’t the result of an injury. But the most encouraging development for Hudson may be the confidence he’s regained in his split-finger fastball, a pitch he’s struggled with over the past three seasons. The last time Hudson was able to consistently throw his splitter with confidence was in 2003, when he went 16-7 with a 2.70 ERA for the A’s. In the three seasons since, Hudson’s ERA has been no lower than 3.50, and his career winning percentage has dropped from .707 to .665. “I’ve probably thrown more good splits this spring than I have the past two years combined,” Hudson said. “That’s really, really good for me, to get that pitch back.” Hudson knows that he hasn’t lived up to the Braves’ expectations since he was acquired in a trade with the A’s in December 2004. But based on the results of the last few weeks, he’s quite confident that he can once again be the dominant ace that they envisioned. “The way I see the ball coming out of my hand and the way I’ve felt is something that I haven’t felt for a while,” Hudson said. “So, hopefully, it’s something better than what they thought they were trading for. I feel that they kind of got shortchanged the last two years.”

HELL YEAH!

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I love the Doors as well but as Lew pointed out the drugs eventually killed Jim Morrison.

People say the same thing about the Beatles - that using drugs was good for them but I’m not buying that much either.

I did read an article recently in ESPN the Magazine comparing the drug use of the Beatles to steroid usage by players, trying to draw the comparison of both being performance enhancers.

I don’t know. I am just not buying that. I think the Beatles would have been good with or without drugs.

By KC

March 24, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Sorry, didn’t mean for the last post to show up as one hard to read paragraph. You can see the article at the Braves site… atlantabraves.com

By Lew

March 24, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Yars-Dude-I graduated HS in 1968 and had hair down to the middle of my back (actually had hair then). I could probably have taught Jim Morrison quite a bit about mind altering substances myself. There’s still an inherent amount of wear and tear involved on the mind and body with the use of such substances-I know this from my own experiences at the time. Especially considering the amount of added substances like amphetamine and strychnine that were added to the hallucinogenic mix they liked to call LSD. There was quite a bit of pill popping, too, and not everything was the drug it was supposed to be. Not everything was pure and coming from Owsley. Add to this the fact that we were kids and since when did kids take health into consideration? Even Haight Ashbury died and didn’t necessarily go to heaven (or Nirvana, as the case may be). Not to mention Morrison was an extremely heavy drinker and we know that booze can take a heavy toll of it’s own. As far as the whole Miami incident, he could have stretched that out indefintiely with extradition and other legal manuevering. I think the drugs had a whole lot to do with his death. It’s unlikely, however, that we will ever know for sure.

By David

March 24, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Regarding Langerhans, is this really the best we can do at LF? Are there no deals in the offing to save the day? If he’s not putting the ball in play in spring training, what’s the regular season going to be like?

By Lew

March 24, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-You make a good point about the Beatles. Read the book “THe Love You Make”. It’s a bio of the Beatles days written by insider Peter Brown. He describes a Lennon binge with bowls of pills that lasted for days-at least they think it was days. No one really remembered. Love was NOT all they needed.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Drugs may affect your point of view, but will not give you any kind of functional edge in performance. To quote Bill Maher-“I wouldn’t reccommend heroin usage to anyone, but it certainly hasn’t hurt my music collection.”

By Lew

March 24, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Yars-BTW-That Summer Of Love crap lasted exactly that-one summer. People did the drugs because they got a kick out of it. That’s all. Even Tim Leary quit with the “Turn On Tune In and Drop Out” bovine excrement.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

David-What is there about a .349 spring average that indicates not putting the ball into play. Let’s take into account the Phenomenal defense he turns in, either. Sahun will argue with you whether or not it’s better to strike out or groundout. I don’t think it really matters.

By David O'Brien

March 24, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

KC, Hudson looked very good today. All in all, a strong spring and encouraging work for him….

Braveheart, so ESPN did an article comparing steroids/ballplayers to recreational drugs/rock ‘n’ rollers, huh? Most ridiculous comparison I’ve ever heard. Absurd.

It’s rock and roll, man. Love it for what it is, or don’t. But to start trying to figure out who did drugs and whether that has any bearing whatsoever on whether you like their music, that’s just silly. Sports and rock and roll are apples and oranges.

A lot of us, when we see a sporting event, would like to be able to know that the participants are on a level playing field, that one isn’t excelling more than another for any reason other than talent, drive, mental toughness, skills, hard work, etc., rather than one has a better chemist or more money or access to newer, undetectable enhancers, or is more willing than his competitor to risk health or suspension by juicing to help create strength and/or explosiveness and reduce workout recovery time.

How can that possibly be compared to rock and roll? What, you want to make sure one band didn’t create a cool, trippy sound because they were on acid, you want to know they did it clear-minded? Come on. That’s absurd.

What’s next, finding out how how much morphine Edgar Allen Poe used or whether Van Gogh did his best work on absinthe? It’s art. Artists operate in their own realm. We like the art or we don’t.

The Beatles, Doors, Hendrix, Joplin, Zep, the Who … none of them ever felt the need to lie about their drug use. Tons of drugs. They were out in the open about it. It was the culture then, and still is with many rock bands. Not saying it’s right or wrong, just saying, it is.

By Lew

March 24, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

DOB-Sorry about your Jayhawks, Dude. I don’t even care about hoops, but watched the second half for you. They sure could have used some three point shooting, for sure.

By KC

March 24, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

DOB: Yes, thanks. Just read your Hudson article a little bit ago. Bowman wrote a very similar piece as well. Very, very encouraging sign for the Braves.

Frankly, that’s almost the only thing I was watching for this spring. I didn’t much care how Thorman or Johnson looked. Both are coming around, and that’s great, but Hudson’s the most likely person to decide the fate of this team. Great news!

By Lew

March 24, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

KC-Even if it is spring, it is more than encouraging to see that half of the outs Hudson has gotten are ground outs. That’s his bread and butter. It bodes well for the season. Our pitching could very well be dominant and definitely the best in the division-at the very least.

By snowball's chance

March 24, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m feeling your pain on the Jayhawks loss. I probably will be joining you after the Ducks face Florida tomorrow. Great news on Hudson. Watched Kolb pitch for Pittsburgh the other day. It wasn’t pretty.

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

The Espn Mag article was telling that story you have heard a thousand times about how the career path and musical abilities of the Beatles was forever enhanced when they met Bob Dylan and he introduced them to pot, which supposedly forever changed their perspectives.

They may or may not have actually used drugs before that. I read their Anthology book and they were a pretty hardcore partying crew touring Europe well before they came to America and met Bob Dylan.

It may be true that Dylan and the pot forever altered the sound of the Beatles but couldn’t it also be true that when they were coming up, they were just a bunch of talented punks from Liverpool with limited exposure to musical geniuses like Dylan but then once they got big, they started meeting giant talents like Dylan and that was what actually changed their performance and abilities?

To me, it is kind of like a pitcher like Jaret Wright. He wasn’t that good until he met Leo Mazzone and Bobby Cox. Upon meeting them, he elevated his performance and abilities.

Could it be that his performance level changed because he was also on steroids or something else? I have no freaking clue. But assuming for argument’s sake that he was, would you believe that Wright’s enhancement in abilities and performance was caused by the roids or by being exposed to great coaches like Mazzone and Cox?

Since he has not been that good since, I would say it was his newfound exposure to great coaches like Cox and Mazzone and not steroids just like it was probably being exposed to the likes of a genius like Dylan which probably enhanced the performance and sound of the Beatles more than pot did. Who knows?

All apologies to jaret wright who i have no reason to suspect used steroids - just trying to make a point.

Lew, is Jim Morrison even dead? They never confirmed the cause of death and some say his actual death. :-)

Last rumor I heard was that Tupac was touring in Canada with Elvis and Jim Morrison. :-)

And then of course the people that say Courtney Love hired a hitman to kill Cobain - no fingerprints ever found on the gun that Kurt supposedly killed himself with.

But then again, drugs don’t always kill musicians - sometimes it can be something as mundane as a performance enhancing ham sandwich - just ask Momma Cass.

And, finally, who knew that during the summer of love, Lew was flying high with Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds?

By Henry

March 24, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

I second KC’s post of 9:43. If the optimistic stories we’re hearing about Huddy and the movement on his splitter are true, the Braves have a shot at this thing. I’d sure love to believe it. All the other essential pieces are there — good offense, good defense, great bullpen for the first time ever.

Barring injuries, the Braves have as good a chance as anyone in the NL, IF Huddy’s back. No pressure, though, Hud.

Henry

By KC

March 24, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Henry: Yup! If Huddy is back to being Huddy, and James simply stays on course… this Braves team could be as complete and well balanced a ball club as I’ve seen here.

I will point out however that this won’t be the first great Atlanta bullpen. If you look at the 2002 pen… it was pretty darn impressive.

By The Grinch

March 24, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Howdy, everyone. I seem to have accidentally ingested some beers. Dave…all BS aside, I feel for ya, bro. Not that I give a goat’s testicle about any team outside the SEC, but I give one about YOU, man(just one), and I know what loss feels like. My Dawgs got knocked out of the second round of the NIT, and had it been football, I would’ve lost my ^&%#. I love my Falcons, Braves, Thrashers and even Hawks, but I love my football Dawgs more than I do all but two of my immediate family members (and one of them is questionable). When they lose, I lose, and so does everyone around me. I’d launch into a Stuart Smalley affermation for you, but you probably would prefer I just shut the &%#% up. Gotcha. I can vouch for the drugs not necc. being a good thing for you; the strychnine in the acid I did a whole buch of in the 80’s has burned my nervous system out to the point I’ve gotta take Xanax or Valium just to stay even now. But yeah, it didn’t hurt my music collection. :-)

By snowball's chance

March 24, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Grinch,You and Dob were discussing Cormac McCarthy a while back so I checked him out and just finished the Border Trilogy. If it isn’t the best work I’ve read it is in the top five.Thanks

By Braveheart

March 24, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, I don’t want to misrepresent what the article said. It hit alot of the points you raised about how no one really cares about drug use in musicians and why.

Really, the point of the article was condemning how we all ignore the steroid usage that is so prevalent in football. It raised the point that we are arbitrary in the way we care about performance enhancing or altering drugs. For example, it says we get outraged with Palmeiro but we are indifferent towards Merriman.

But it did draw the comparison between the performance enhancing effects of drugs on musicians and steroids and other performance enhancers on athletes. It also drew comparisons to the stockbroker who is all coked up when he is making trades, jack Kerouac on a drug binge writing On the Road. It basically says that some of the Beatles songs could not have been written if they were not on drugs and then goes on to say nobody looks back at Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and says i guess that music is okay but it doesn’t really count because they were probably high in the studio.

But the main point of the article was basically asking why were indifferent to steroid use in football players and whether that is the right attitude that we are all taking as opposed to how outraged we all get about baseball players.

the headline on the cover of the magazine is If Everybody’s Juiced, Is It Cheating?

By The Grinch

March 24, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Snowball, just finished his play “Sunset Limited.” It’s straight dialogue, and excellent (and if you just read what you said, you know it’s only about 15% dialogue; his strength is usually description…shows his versitillity). Thought I’d read it in preparation for a playwriting course I’m starting Monday. The Border Trilogy is excellent; try “Blood Meridian” if you dig violent westerns (it preceeded the trilogy, and is probably a touch better), and “Sutree,” “Outer Dark,” “Child of God” and “The Orchard Keeper” if you’re in to Faulkner-esque Southern stuff. Also, his latest “The Road,” is a post-apocalyptic novel that’s profound. He’s as good as any living novelist, in my opinon. The rest of the world hasn’t quite caught up to him yet.

Wither Jimmy Smith?

By Coach

March 24, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Guys , the comparison of the effects of drugs in baseball to music is sheer lunacy. While drugs played a huge part in the music scene of the late 60’s and early 70’s and still does to some degree it clearly influenced the musical genius of the time. I know , like Lew , I was there. Ever really listened to Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven ? Do you really think Robert Plant was in his right mind when these lyrics were written ? he wasn’t. He was under the influence of something far beyond our understanding. Ever heard of backmasking ? The lyrics in Stairway to Heaven , forward: If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow , don’t be alarmed now , it’s just a spring clean for the may queen. Yes there are two paths you can go by , but in the long run there’s still time to change the road your on. In reverse: Oh here’s to my sweet Satan . The one who’s little path would make me sad , whose power is Satan. He’ll give those with him 666 , there was a little tool shed where he made us suffer , said Satan.

By Coach

March 25, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

http://jeffmilner.com/backmasking.htm

By Ted

March 25, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

DOB-Sorry about the ‘hawks, man. After my Creighton Bluejays went home, I was going for the other midwestern birds.

And now…my thoughts on The Doors, and performance enhancing drugs. I’m too young to “get” The Doors, for that reason I feel like they are the ‘60’s version of Nirvana (or is that the other way around?) in that when you were knee deep in the music, it all seemed so darned important. But try explaining Kurt Cobain’s lyrics you your kid sometime. Or Morrison’s for that matter.

I agree that you can’t compare drugs and art to drugs and sports. I really don’t care if Jimi Hendrix blows my mind because of or in spite of his drug habit.

As for drugs in sports, I think that this is a much more slippery slope than people realize. Steroids, bad. HGH, bad. We all agree. But I don’t understand how people wax romantic about how players back in the day did it “clean” and we don’t talk about greenies and amphetamines. Speaking of amphetamines, check out what is in most (if not all) ADHD medication. I was a HUGE Adam LaRoche fan, but imagine my internal struggle with his turnaround last year being mentioned in the same breath with his getting back on ADHD medication to treat his condition (I’m not accusing anyone of anything, but does anyone have any idea how easy it is to get diagnosed ADHD these days?). While I’m on a roll here, how come cortisone shots get a free pass? I’ve heard that relief pitchers were on steroids (or HGH, I don’t remember which) partially to help recovery times…does anyone remember what a “hero” Andre Agassi was last year for his run in the US Open(?) and saying that the only reason he could walk was the cortisone shot in his back? How is that not a performance enhancing drug? This may be a George Carlin moment, but isn’t that the very definition of performance enhancement? My point is…I actually don’t remember what my point was…but Hendrix still rules!

Oh-DOB, we had sort of spoken about Omaha music a while back, did you ever get into 311? I don’t really know where your leanings lie (I’ve never heard the Drive By Truckers) but everyone can use a little 311 in their life.

Ted

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Grinch, glad to see you are still with us. When I saw in the most popular stories above, that the “Pimp of the Year” get a lengthy jail sentence, I began to get worried about the Grinch, who is the “Pimp of the Blog.” :-)

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

Here’s the link for the ESPN article I was talking about:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=klosterman/070319&sportCat=nfl

By Lew

March 25, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

Braveheart-I can definitively say that Elvis is in Vermont. As far as the summer of Love-Dude, I was barely 16 years old and I don’t think I’d ever even had beer at that point (well, maybe so, but I wasn’t telling). The Beatles were a good band and were extremely popular, with world wide recognition well before they ever met Dylan. They did, however, change styles pretty radically, but that may have come from George Martin’s influence every bit as much as from anything Dylan got them into. It could just as well have had as much to do with the Maharishi. They had many influences. If you really want to know the misconceptions that Yars was talking about, Cheech and Chong had as much to do with the misconceptions as anyone or anything. I sincerely doubt that very many turned into the drooling idiots they were made out to be. I can truly say that I partied with people who own companies or have been ranking executives of Fortune 500 companies when we were in school. Of course, we’re all the souls of piety and discretion, now. That was 40 years ago, after all.

By The Grinch

March 25, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, I’m…speechles…(sniff, sniff). That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me. Makes me wanna put on my wide-bream hat, gold teeth, fur coat, bell-bottoms, platform shoes…grab my gold-headed cane and TURN SOME NEW ONES OUT! Cue the funky bass-line; Grinch be all up in this &%^$#. :-) Don’t worry, that wasn’t me got caught; I left my hat on some poor mofo at the station. They picked him up while I’m turnin’ out the prosecutor’s sistah…

By Lew

March 25, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Coach-How about Zep’s Whole Lotta Love on headphones in 69?

By Lew

March 25, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Ted-Have you ever had a cortisone shot? I have. They hurt like hell and don’t enhance a damn thing I ever saw. They theoretically reduce inflammation. I promise they never promoted muscle growth on me. Wish they had.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Grinch-Please, not the Pimp suit with the Yellow Clown Shoes. The world is surely not ready. Not without some good strychnine, anyway.

By MEB

March 25, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

DOB… with all the youth the Jayhawks will definitely be back in the dance next year. I don’t think they have a senior on the entire squad. Of course a senior on a top NCAA team is getting pretty rare.

Playing fantasy baseball this year for the first time and I was lucky enough to get the first pick so I took our very own Brian McCann. I’ve also got Smoltz and ol’Hoss.

By The Grinch, Pimp

March 25, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Allow me to read you all a little poem I wrote:

(ahem)

“My B&^%# betta have my money,

Through rain or sleet or snow,

My ‘ho better have my money.

Not half, not some, but ALL my cash.

Because if she don’t, I’m gonna

put my foot dead IN her @$$.

Thank you, thank you; I hardly desrve this award…

By The Grinch, Pimp

March 25, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

Ouch…had some cortisone in my knee while playing football. No, nothing recreational about that. Just frees you up so you can tough it out. Now, a six pack and some coedine when you’re done playing are a different animal.

By David

March 25, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

Lew, you say:

“What is there about a .349 spring average that indicates not putting the ball into play.”

It’s the whole not putting the ball in play 40% of the time thing. I worried all off-season about LF, and Langerhans’ play in spring training isn’t doing anything to alleviate that. It seems like he might as well be carrying a spaghetti noodle to the plate.

By Coach

March 25, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

Head phones ? Lew , I had a lot of vinyl back then and some very big stereo speakers. I drove my parents and the neighbors crazy with some very loud tunes. Maybe thats why I am hard of hearing , lol.

By gotigers72

March 25, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

Looks like Woodward will be on the team because Bobby likes to have veterans on the bench. I would prefer Escobar because I’m not impressed w/Woodward. He hit .216 last year, and is well below the Mendoza line this spring. I know spring stats don’t matter, yada, yada, yada, but he’s had what, one good year? They need one guy on the bench that can come off the bench and just rake. I hate that Daryle Ward couldn’t be retained.

I guess it’s better for Escobar that he go down to the minors and play every day. I just believe that he’s the real deal, because so many that know baseball believe he is.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Coach-Actually, it was laying on the floor of the co op at a certain college in central Georgia, with your head between the speakers of the juke box. King Crimson’s Court of the Crimson King was another favorite that messed with your head. The album cover for it was pretty trippy, too.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

David-If he hits .285 this year, which I think he will, with his defense, life will be fine. I don’t understand this concept of having to have .325 hitters at all positions. We don’t have the Yankees’ payroll and you won’t find a better outfielder than Langerhans, that isn’t playing right next to him in Atlanta. With him in left field, we have the best defensive outfield in baseball.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

Time to go to bed. All these drugs I do these days are doing me in. The blood pressure meds put me to sleep. Or is it what I take for cholestoral?

By The Grinch, Pimp

March 25, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

Lew, it’s just age, Brothaman. Either that, or all three. Time for this pimp to collect his chips and cash out. See y’all on the flip-side. Peace.

By David

March 25, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

Lew, the guy hit .240 last year in 300+ at bats. Where is the .285 going to come from if he’s striking out 40% of the time in spring training games when guys are working on their C pitches?

Our outfield defense is plenty good enough with the new Willie Mays in center and an All-American DB in RF. It’s the quarter of the time our potential LF has failed to put the ball in the play as a big leaguer I’m worried about.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

Lew -

When the music’s over, turn out the light

Or do you prefer

This is the end, my only friend, the end

By Jim Morrison

March 25, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this

Father, I want to kill you.

Mother, I want to aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh…….

By David O'Brien

March 25, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

As Jim Morrison might say, “Wake up!”

Where’s everybody. Oh, well. Hit the snooze again. I’m going down to the clubhouse. Talk to you in a while.

By Summerteeth

March 25, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

Jim also said, “Whoever controls the media, controls the mind.”

By Lew

March 25, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Alright, Jim-I’m up! I prefer “When The Music’s Over”, Braveheart. I appreciate you being my friend, but if I’m the only one, you’re probably in trouble.

By KC

March 25, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Ted: “Speaking of amphetamines, check out what is in most (if not all) ADHD medication. I was a HUGE Adam LaRoche fan, but imagine my internal struggle with his turnaround last year being mentioned in the same breath with his getting back on ADHD medication to treat his condition (I’m not accusing anyone of anything, but does anyone have any idea how easy it is to get diagnosed ADHD these days?).”

Do you have any idea what you’re talking about?

You are correct on one thing: ADHD medications such as Ritilan react as “speed” for some people… but not for those with ADHD.

For people with a certain chemical makeup (people like Adam LaRoche), these medications have the opposite effect. If you have ADHD, they actually help to prevent your mind from racing (that’s what ADHD is; a hyperactive mind)… allowing you maintain a “normal” level of concentration.

First of all, I don’t see how speed would be a performance in enhancer. But more importantly, it’s not speed for people with ADHD… it has quite the opposite reaction.

I’ve taken ADD/ADHD medication most of my life. I also played baseball for 18 years, though certainly not at the professional level. I can tell you with all confidence that medication would have had very little, if any, effect on his hitting.

Where you would see the difference would be in the field. Medication should help him cut down on the mental mistakes in the field. Trust me. If you’ll remember… Adam LaRoche’s rise also happened to coincide with his first opportunity to play everyday. That’s what people should be crediting for Adam’s ascension.

Even if ADHD medication had greatly helped LaRoche at the plate, there’s certainly nothing wrong it… no more than it’s wrong for players to wear corrective lenses.

By Yars

March 25, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Since this has turned into a baseball/music/global warming/drugs blog, the last thing I will say about the latter is every individual is different. The feeling one gets from let’s say, smoking weed is personal to the smoker, hence subjective. Everyone responds differently. I’m sure there have been many, many bands that while in the studio, smoked some weed or brought in a bottle of whiskey, ect… I really see nothing wrong with smoking a joint every now & then, or having a cold beer. When used in moderation, it can actually be very enjoyable. It’s when one becomes addicted to those things, that’s when the fun stops. In America, we have all been raised to believe that all drugs are bad, if you smoke a joint, you are going to Hell, rock music is the devils music, ect…. First, I wouldn’t lump weed in the same category as heroin, coke, lsd, and the like. I also don’t think non-violent drug offenders should be in prison. Like DOB, and a lot of you, I love music. We all have our favorite bands. Do I care that the Doors recorded Waiting For The Sun under the influence of weed? Nope. Do I care that Depeche Mode recorded Violator under the influence of ecstasy? Nope. Could you have enjoyed a Pink Floyd concert without mind altering substances? Of course. The bottom line is, if one wants to partake in drugs or alcohol, & if used in moderation, they shouldn’t feel guilty.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

David-This is Spring Training, as you have pointed out. If you insist on using 17 of Langerhans outs as an example, then you have to use the fact that he also has 15 hits, including 2HR (as many as anyone on the club) and two doubles. You can’t just have it one way. My point is that if given the chance to play oon a daily basis, he should hit better than last year, when he played hurt at least part of the year. He’s being more aggressive at the plate and working on his stroke, which is what you’re supposed to do in the spring. You belittle his defense. Sure, let Andruw cover left, too. That makes a ton of sense, doesn’t it? Andruw is good-great even (I’ve seen Willie Mays play and I’m not willing to concede the number 1 spot) and if you watched last year, a lot of balls got past Andruw that never did in the past. He has lost a quarter step and he needs that excellent defender covering left next to him. Langerhans will save just as many runs with his glove that Andruw will. He’s that good. Besides, he may just have to play center next year and I would like to see him with a full year behind him. Get used to it. No one we can package of our rejects is going to bring us anyone better. Until Brandon Jones is ready, it looks like Langerhans is it. I think you’ll be surprised.

By KC

March 25, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

LEW: I think we’ll get a chance to test your thoery. If I had to guess, I’d say Langerhanz will get the majority of the LF AB’s early on… just as he should. It’s time to find out if he can be an everyday player. If he can, then we’ve got an answer for CF should Andruw leave. But there’s only one way to find out.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Well, this keeps getting better. The Phillies just lost Freddie Garcia with bicep tendinitis as Jon Leiber with a strained oblique. So much for their improved rotation. They even lost the guy they had tabbed as their 6th starter. And Ryan Howard’s batting .239. They’re going into the season in real good shape. I wonder if Jimmy Rollins is still making predictions?

By Lew

March 25, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Yars-The only point I was ever trying to make to you was that Ole Jim’s drug use, did, in all likelihood, contribute to the general failure of his health-both physical and mental. That’s all. Never did just say No and thought it a rather naive way of dealing with a cocaine and crack problem that never has been resolved. I’ve seen what those drugs can do to people and it’s not good. I believe in the freedom to do what you damn well please as long as you’re willing to pay the consequences for your actions-and you damn well better not hurt anyone else when you do the things you do. That’s all. Amen and selah, y’all.

By woogidy

March 25, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

DOB cursed Kansas and me. First of all, What happened to Kansas last night? Oh I know, DOB was praising them on this blog and jinxed them. And as for me, the “stomach virus free” part of the title, not true. I had the nastiest Stomach virus yesterday. You know, on the toilet from both ends all day. I blame you DOB. Oh, yeah, I had Kansas winning it all on my bracket for the office pool. Gee thanks DOB. You owe me $10 for the office pool, and the cost of some pepto. Ok, in all seriousness, when does Bobby usually select his final roster?

By Lew

March 25, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Yars-I could have enjoyed Pink Floyd if only there had not been 10 inches of rain that day in Orlando. I wear glasses and you can’t see anything in a monsoon.

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Langerhans has always struck out a lot; 172 times in 657 at bats, and a similar rate in the minors. His rate this spring is a little alarming, but I wouldn’t get too worried about it as long as he’s producing when he makes contact. I agree, he’ll probably get the majority of pt in left.

On the good news front, KJ is showing the kind of discipline that was predicted for him - just 6 K’s in 49 ab’s, so he’s not likely to strike out nearly as much as Giles did.

And, the Braves lead the NL in fielding percentage! No player has more than 1 error. Hard to know how much range we’ve displayed without being able to watch the games, but that’s a very positive trend.

By MBATL

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

(correction: no player except Jurries (3) has more than 1 error - man did that guy fall fast from grace).

I hate to weigh in on the drugs issue, but can’t help it… recreational use of illegal drugs does impact other people; unless you’re growing your own stash in your garden (or cooking your own meth, whatever), it supports an entire subculture of smuggling, violence and corruption associated with trafficking. Not to sound like the Moral Majority - I try to avoid the folly of judging other people - but I just think that’s a short-sighted view of reality.

By KC

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

Speaking of the Phillies… did anyone hear Jimmy Rollins’ interview during the Braves/Phillies game the other day?

He was talking about the division race, and again acted as though the Braves didn’t even exist (anymore). He said something to this effect (paraphrasing):

” Yeah, ya know for a long time it was the Braves we were chasing, and then the Mets won it last year. But we think we’ve improved our team while the Mets are pretty much the same team, so we like our chances.”

Again, not his exact words, but close. No mention of the Braves in the present tense at all. Rollins did something like this in an interview several weeks ago, and again acted as though it goes without saying that the NL East will be a 2-team race between the Phils and Mets. Unbelievable.

If Hudson and James pitch well for Atlanta this year, Rollins is apparently going to be very surprised how the east shakes out this year.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

MBATL-Gotta agree with you, Dude. This spring has been a good one. The pitching looks ready to go and KJ and Langerhans seem ready to take over their positions with a minimum of difficulty. With the Mets pitching problems, as well as those of the Phillies, I think this will be another rewarding season for the Braves. It could even be exceptional, because we do seem to have depth this time around, in all of our problem areas.

By KC

March 25, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

LEW/MBATL: Me three. After Hudson’s start yesterday… I have to admit that I’m start to feel rather giddy.

Hey… has anyone heard from our Mets-fan friends. Seems they haven’t been in the mood to talk recently. Could it be that they see the season shaping up the same way we’re beginning to?

By Lew

March 25, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

MBATL-I won’t debate you on the topic. There IS something in what you say. However, when our government refuses to prosecute illegal alien smugglers who are busted with less than 250 pounds of drugs on our Mexican border, the problem will never be resolved.

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Lew, I’ll take that as utter and complete acknowledgment that I’m right :). Really, I don’t want to debate it either, unless we learn that someone a lot more influential than us is paying attention.

Anybody know who’s scheduled to pitch today? I sure would like to see a little Wickman (well, there’s no such thing as a little Wickman, I guess).

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

i think the mets fans are too poor for internet access at home - they just take up all their work time being obnoxious during the week.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

KC-I tried to be optimistic last spring, but I had serious doubts about Sosa. The guy had given up so many baserunners the previous year, that I thought he was a train wreck in search of a derailment site. I Didn’t think much of Reitsma, either. I did, however, expect Thomson to be better and Davies, too. I just don’t feel insecure this time around. I liked Cormier at the end of 06 and thought he and Oscar to be a great long term pick up. Now it looks like that trade will begin to pay some substantial dividends. If Hudson is getting a 50-50 ratio of ground ball outs, then maybe his difficulties are at an end, too. Davies new delivery looks good. I think that’s what really has me excited. All the pitching improvements (Hudson, Cormier and Davies) have to do with changes to their motions. They seemingly, with RMcD’s help and guidance, have figured out why they didn’t fare well last year and have rectified the situation.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

MBATL-Someone in a position of authority pay attention to a normal person? Not in this dimension, my friend.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Braveheart-I don’t know. MetroDude usually shows up on Sundays. I think we made our point to them the other day in pretty emphatic terms. I am surprised we haven’t been baraged by them bragging on El Duque’s last performance. He did pitch well. Won’t be nearly enough, though. All of their usual suspects got lit up real well this spring. It should continue during the season. Anyone claiming Park and Sosa as DEPTH to their staff is in deep do do.

By Ted

March 25, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

KC- that was kind of my point (I still don’t remember what point I was attempting to make), this is a very slippery slope—if medication, or corrective lenses help performance, aren’t they, by definition, performance enhancers? I just don’t get what some things are excepted and some things make people want to go back and erase records. The fact is, if it helps you perform, it is a performance enhancer. Whether it is steroids, or amphetamines, or glasses, or coffee during a cram session. I suppose it is a matter of degree…

CRAP!! I JUST REMEMBERED WHAT MY POINT MIGHT HAVE BEEN!!

I think we should try to clean up the sport, but I don’t know that we can get all revisionist about the “steroids era”. We don’t know who was doing what, but it sounds like hitters and pitchers were doing it. The fact is, McGwire, Palmero, Sosa, Bonds et al. dominated the “steroids era” and there performance in comparison to those around them should recieve some recognition (as much as I hate to admit it in Bonds’ case).

As for the amphetamines thing, I have no idea what that, or the derivatives(sp?) do for sports performance. I do know that greenies, or speed, have been around since like the ‘50’s. I’m certainly not accusing LaRoche of being a speed freak or a cheater, I love the guy…my son’s name is Adam for Pete (VanWieren)’s Sake!

What I was trying to point out is that when we call it Speed, or Amphetamine or Meth, it is bad; when we call it Ritalin, it is good. I don’t get it.

I think I do have some idea of what I am talking about, I worked in the Juvenile Court System in my home state for the better part of 5 years and it is amazing when you read psychological evaluation of children and see how easy it was to get them into a position where doctors are putting these kids on drug regiments. Mom she can’t control the kid, or a teacher says the kid won’t listen…give them some Ritalin and if that doesn’t work lets try a different drug. I’m not saying the medication doesn’t have its place, but I am saying that I think that it is over-diagnosed…and I sometimes wonder how tough it would be for a professional (you pick the profession) to find a doctor to say they have ADHD and get some pills.

Sorry for the uproar…lets talk music and drugs instead!

Ted

By David O'Brien

March 25, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Boyer and Bohn sent down today, last cuts before the team comes to Atlanta for the exhibitions vs. Sox.

As I expected, Braves want Boyer to go pitch plenty of innings at Richmond, work on his pitches. But they’re very encouraged by his performance this spring (7 inn, 4 hits, 4 walks, 3 K, .174 opp avg).

He’s going to get on a regular schedule down there, probably pitch two innings at a time and get a lot of innings quickly. But he’s NOT going to start down there, as was being rumored in some quarters. Bobby shot down that rumor when asked….

Aybar almost certain to start season on DL, by the way. If I had to guess, I’d bet on Orr getting the job to begin the season. Prado’s had a great spring, but just knowing how Bobby is loyal to his guys, and Pete’s one of his guys. Escobar is too good to sit on the bench and play sporadically. They need him to keep developing, playing every day….

KC, fine post on ADD and Ritalin. It is frustrating to hear folks who don’t listen to experts, who just come at it with their own opinion and won’t be swayed by actual authorities on the subject.

Anyway…

By Braveheart

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

Metroman has class. He is not your average Mets fan so it would not surprise me that he has internet access at home.

By Michael

March 25, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

DOB Noticed that Willie Harris has yet to be sent down…so where do you see him starting the season and does he have any hope of making the team out of ST? With his speed and range…would not mind seeing him leading off someday.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Ted-I don’t think just anyone can take ADD medication in MLB. I think special dispensation must be sought and a true medical history of the disorder must be proven for permission to be given. Doctors must be lined up and whatnot-and not just Elvis’ doctor. Be that as it may. I think all amphetamines really do for a player is to banish the fatigue of playing a coast to coast 162 game schedule. Chronic use would do more harm than good, to my way of thinking, as the resultant weight loss could manifest itself in strength and endurance issues.. I really don’t see how they would help you hit, field or pitch better. I think much of the whole thing revolves more around the steroid issue and Congress’s desire to look like they are earning their annual raises than anything else. I have heard, however, from a ML pitcher, that amphetamine use WAS rampant before the ban. Who knows? Maybe it’s just a reflection of what goes on in the rest of society.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Initially, I was upset at the disrespect the Braves were receiving but I believe in the end it will be a good thing. It is just one more motivator to propel them to playing good baseball. It is always good to play with a bit of a chip on your shoulder and the Braves have a couple of them with losing the division for the first time in 15 years and the fact that everybody is picking the Phillies and Mets despite their obvious pitching problems.

I said earlier in the week I thought Orr would be the guy to take Aybar’s place if he went on the DL. As much as I would like to see Prado and Escobar in a Braves uniform, it makes a 1,000 times more sense to have them playing everyday at Richmond getting just that much more seasoning.

By KC

March 25, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Ted: “What I was trying to point out is that when we call it Speed, or Amphetamine or Meth, it is bad; when we call it Ritalin, it is good. I don’t get it.”

I thought I explained this in my previous post, but I’ll give it one more shot.

Ted, it’s not a matter of what it’s called… it’s a matter of what it does.

Bro, IT IS NOT SPEED FOR PEOPLE WITH ADHD. Medications are chemicals that interact with bodies. In and of itself, no drug or medication is good or bad. It’s a little pill. It’s the effect that it has when absorbed into the body that makes a drug good or bad. For you, it would be bad. You’d be climbing the walls. Adam LaRoche has a different chemical makeup than you, so something like Ritilan has an entirely different (and positive) effect.

I remember once years ago, my mother hired a shadetree mechanic to work on her Volvo. Well… turns out, he was on speed when he worked on her car. The goal was to remove something that had fallen through a dash board vent. So he tore absolutely everything out of the dashboard and took apart the door panels!! He took the car almost entirely apart and didn’t know how to put it back together.

Believe me, if the medication LaRoche is one were speed (for him) it would not have helped his performance. Quite the opposite.

And again, taking a medication to correct a deficiency or abnormality (like wearing corrective lenses)… is completely different from taking a substance that gives you almost super-human abilities. Particularly one that’s dangerous to your health, against the law, and against MLB rules.

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

On performance “enhancers” maybe we could start with whether the drug is legally obtained. To compare contact lenses or prescribed ADD medications to illegal steroids or unprescribed amphetamines is absurd. If your world is really that void of “black and white” I don’t know how you can function.

By Jim

March 25, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

David Thomson was the best college “small forward” I’ve ever seen. I think the dunk was back in college ball during the time he played, and if he didn’t invent the alley-oop shot, he was the first great practitioner of it (not counting the 7 footers like Wilt). Thomson was the prototype for what Michael Jordan was later to become. Also didn’t he once score over 80 points in an NBA game when he and George Gervin were battling for the scoring title on the last day of the season — and trying to hit the century mark?

The greatest shooting guard I ever saw play was Calvin Murphy. Calvin did play in the era when the dunk was not even allowed in warm-ups (thanks partially to one of his early teammates, Manny Leeks, who pulled down the rim during one warm-up and delayed the game for hours), denying the crowd the pleasure of watching a 5’8” guard elevate better than most of the big men. But as a pure shooter, from the field or from the line, there was never one better. If he played in the era of the 3-point shot for a team with talent surrounding him, he would be unstoppable. He was a player you travelled miles just to see play even though the team he played for was not one you would go out of your way to see.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Well, that is quite unfortunate to hear about Prado and Orr. Bobby knows what he is doing far more than I do but Prado just brings much more to the table than Orr.

Prado, unlike Escobar does not really need more seasoning in the minors. Prado has pretty much been a consistent performer at every level of the minor leagues and already has alot of AAA at bats. Plus, Prado had some decent moments in the majors last year.

Escobar, on the other hand, still has alot to prove down in AAA after last year’s disaster in AA. And he needs more development time and seasoning in the minors. Prado does not really need that. The hope is that Escobar will become an everyday regular player and star. You bring him up when he is ready to become that. Using him as a utilityman would be a waste and detrimental.

I know JS told DOB that he thinks Prado is an everyday second baseman and he very well could be. But he is never going to be a star second baseman - just a solid everyday second baseman someday.

So, there is not as much urgency there to further develop Prado as opposed to Escobar. If he is ready to be a utility guy than he should be up and playing as a utility guy.

Prado is better than Orr and should be in the majors instead of Orr. But that’s just my opinion.

By brian

March 25, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Not bad prospects in minors for position players with Escobar at SS, Prado at 2B, Lillebridge at 2B, Brandon Jones in CF. Further back there is Eric Campbell at 3B and Elvis at SS.

any chance the Braves in the minors play Escobar at 3B, Lillebridge at SS, and Prado at 2B together in Richmond. Put Boyer and Devine in that bullpen. Davies and Harrison as starters. That is a pretty darn good team

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Chris Mullin was my favorite college basketball player and the best shooter I’ve ever seen. But I’m Irish Catholic, so I am biased about that.

Wouldn’t Pistol Pete have to be included somewhere in the greatest discussion? Didn’t win alot but scoring 44 points per game is insane.

I saw an article this morning by Peter Vescey in the New York Post where he was comparing Kobe’s 50 point outbursts the last week or so to Pistol Pete. He was basically saying that Phil Jackson has basically abandoned the triangle offense and become Press Maravich to Kobe’s Pistol Pete.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 25, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

one of the best jockeys in horse racing was bill shoemaker - who was tiny when born and was put in a shoebox in the oven to stay warm. retired with 8,833 wins. another great jockey was eddie arcaro who was known as banana nose by other riders. retired with 4,779 wins.

By KC

March 25, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

It’d be really nice to see strong starts from James and Cormier today and tomorrow. That would really have me feeling great about Atlanta’s chances to come roaring out of the gate.

I think DOB (or maybe it was Mark Bowman… can’t remember) that Hudson’s final start of the spring is only likely to go 3 innings. Anyone have any idea why that would be?? He should get plenty of rest before his first regular season start, so why only 3 innings?

By David O'Brien

March 25, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Wickman is pitching today, by the way. Big man’s OK.

And Soriano is going, which will give him back-to-back appearances.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

I’m not much of a hoops fan, as I have stated before-however….I had the pleasure of seeing The Human Highlight Reel play for UGA in the 80’s. I don’t know if he was the best ever, but he was damn good.

By Jim Morrison

March 25, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

While we’re discussing drugs, a few words about one of my favorites:

I woke up this morning and I got myself a beer.

The future’s uncertain and the end is always near.

Back to the grave.

By KC

March 25, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Aw come on guys… aren’t there enough places to talk college basketball?! You can’t get away from it right now. Opening day is about a week away. Plenty of baseball to talk, isn’t there?

By snowball's chance

March 25, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Anything can turn up on this blog, but I’m not ready for Kobe talk. I’m not sure, but most, if not all of these 50+ games are against lottery teams. As you can see ,I’m not a fan.I still think he is the best scorer in the NBA. Is he the best player? The best players make their teammates better.Jordan couldn’t take the present Lakers to the finals.Who wants to play for the Lakers? If Kobe can run Shaq out of LA He could run anyone out.

By Webster

March 25, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

What did journalist jimmy smith do for material before Google and Wikipedia?

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

i saw today that carl pavano might be the opening day starter for the Yankees. Now, that is hilarious. $200 mil payroll and pavano is the opening day guy? good lord.

By mr baseball

March 25, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

March 25, an ignominious date in Braves history. Ten years ago today, the Braves traded Marquis Grissom & David Justice to Cleveland for Kenny Lofton & Alan Embree, beginning the team’s gradual demise from annual World Series contender to perennial playoff victim.

This just in, to commemmorate the anniversary, Braves trade Andruw Jones & Chipper Jones to Dodgers for Juan Pierre & Hong-Chih Kuo. Tuesday, the Braves will trade Jeff Francouer & Will Startup to the Brewers for Craig Counsell & Brady Clark to replicate the Jermaine Dye trade.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Mr. Baseball, that was uplifting.

By Mr. J

March 25, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

I wonder what is the deal with Aybar. Last year he hurts himself as soon as he joins the team, but plays though the injury giving one and all the impression of a tough guy-team player. This year he shows up late, immediately gets a “sore” hand, and openly declines playing time. Is he miffed that the team has slated him to be a backup for a player that is going to be on the team forever, and that he was not given a real chance for the 2nd base-lead off job that might have been his chance for stardom? Is this some kind of work slowdown designed to force the Braves to trade him to a team where he might start, knowing that they cannot punish him by sending him down to Richmond (because of no options).

DOB- what is your read on this guy? Is he a good guy who has just had some bad luck this spring, or is he a problem child?

By Epinephrine

March 25, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

DOB-why is Andruw seeing limited time? (DH yesterday, out today). With how cold he has been, I’d think he would want to be getting ABs.

By Michael

March 25, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

If memoory serves me correct…Andruw is always a slow starter during the spring. I wouldn’t read anything into it.

By OddJob

March 25, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

I’ve got a bug up me arss! The more I think about Andruw showing up 20 lbs or whatever it was lighter in this contract year, the more it bothers me.The thing is I never had much concern the way he was,He wasn’t injury prone and he was producing.Besides we,re all mortal,just because he makes 12 million or whatever the amount is,doesn’t mean he is perject.So when he came in looking like a new man the only conclusion I can come to is he simply didn’t care enough about his obligation to the team and fans who pay him to give it his best,but in a contract year where he can squeeze more out of us suckers he finds the motivation.That’s why in my mind there should be incentive clauses in these big contracts (large dollar incentives))just in case these guys don’t have the character and sense of responsibility to give it their all just because they should.

By Michael

March 25, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Forgot to mention the fact that Langerhans was down with the stomach bug going around the camp and was out a couple of days…so he’s probably in there to get a few more ABs that he lost.

By David O'Brien

March 25, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Chipper just hit a two-run BOMB to straightaway center, his third homer of spring and second in two days. Braves up 4-0

By David O'Brien

March 25, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Oh, and he hit if off a left-hander, someone named Matt Chico, who will actually be part of the Nats rotation. Easy to see why they are a threat to lose 110.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Bowden, Kasten, and the Nats are regretting that stupid decision to not trade Soriano at the trade deadline last season?

By David O'Brien

March 25, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Mr J, I don’t really have a read, because he speaks limited English and says very little to anyone, period. Seems a quiet, painfully shy guy. Didn’t think he was a bad guy at all last year when he came, just shy. I don’t know.

OK, how ‘bout the change in situations for Pena, who went from being the guy trying to hang onto a job in Atlanta, whose only chance of making the 25-man roster existed because he was out of options, to this:

By BOB DUTTON The Kansas City Star

SURPRISE, Ariz. | It was a quieter Royals clubhouse Saturday morning as a subdued Angel Berroa silently watched television while slumped in a couch before pregame drills.

None of the chirps, squawks and squeaks that typically mark Berroa’s anything-but-quiet presence. And little wonder. His world turned upside down Friday when the Royals acquired Tony Pena Jr. from Atlanta to be their starting shortstop.

The other shoe dropped just before noon Saturday, soon after the traveling party _ without Berroa _ departed for an afternoon game against Seattle in nearby Peoria, Ariz.

Berroa was told heíd been optioned to Class AAA Omaha.

“The decision speaks for itself,” general manager Dayton Moore said. “We just felt it was in his best interest to do it at this time and in the best interest of the organization.”

The Royals acquired Pena after seeing insufficient progress this spring from Berroa in his effort to reverse a steady decline in production since his selection in 2003 as the American League Rookie of the Year.

“I’ve been working,” Berroa said. “That’s not the problem. If I wasn’t working hard, that would be one thing. They’ve got me trying to do some different things (as a hitter), and it’s taken time to adjust.”

Berroa, 29, is under contract for a guaranteed $8.5 million through next year and will be paid under those terms while playing in the minors.

Asked whether he believed he still had a future with the Royals, Berroa said, “That’s a question for the general manager.”

Berroa batted just .234 last season in 132 games, and his .259 on-base percentage was the worst in baseball among regular players. More alarming to club officials was a decline in his speed and defensive range.

PeÒa, 26, is regarded as a strong defensive player but has never batted higher than .282 in any of his six minor-league seasons. He is expected to be in the starting lineup for todayís game against Milwaukee at Surprise Stadium.

By Ted

March 25, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

KC-We might be missing each other’s point. I will give you that ADHD medication would have a different effect (or is it affect? I can never remember) on someone with ADHD than someone without. The reason I brought up the LaRoche thing in the first place (kind of sorry I did now) was to attempt to make a point that people use aids to enhance/improve their performance quite a bit and the standard for what is wrong and what is right can sometimes be subjective.

I think we can all agree that steroids are bad. I guess I was trying to point out that there is a lot of grey area in this issue (as in most).

By KC

March 25, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

I like Pete Orr’s hussle, but I think I would like to see Willie Harris make the roster. It’d be nice to have a true base stealing threat on the team. Orr, though he’s very fast, just isn’t much of a base stealer.

Harris is a capable second baseman and has good range in the outfield.

By OddJob

March 25, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

I’m watching the start of the Bristol race and heard one of the best analogies I can remember.It was regarding the new car at the track.The line was ’ it’s like watching mystery theater play out at the coliseum’ I don’t know if it’s original,but I like it.

By David

March 25, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Lew, you say:

“My point is that if given the chance to play oon a daily basis, he should hit better than last year, when he played hurt at least part of the year. He’s being more aggressive at the plate and working on his stroke, which is what you’re supposed to do in the spring. You belittle his defense. Sure, let Andruw cover left, too. That makes a ton of sense, doesn’t it?”

No, it does not make “a ton of sense” that a guy who hit .241 last year will suddenly morph into a .285 hitter. Langerhans has 657 career at bats in the majors. He’s struck out 172 times. I wish that were a typo. I really do. Even Jose Hernandez looks at that number and goes “Wow!”

I would love to be a sunny optimist such as yourself. In the late 80s, I certainly sat at the stadium alongside 800 other fans while the rain came down and said equally crazy things along the lines of “Paul Assenmacher will be a star closer for the Braves or “Andres Thomas is going to develop into an All-Star shortstop”. Thankfully, none of them ahem ambitious comments were archived on a message board.

It’s fine to be a fan of a team and to toss out reason a little bit for your guys. It’s something else altogether to say that a guy who has failed to hit the ball 26% of the time in his career is going to suddenly develop into an effective guy with the bat. And it’s not as if Langerhans is doing much with the balls he puts in play, either. His OPS last year was a dreary .728…which is right in line with expectations for him, sad as that is. Corner outfielders can’t be this much of a waste at the plate.

As for the comments about Andruw playing two positions, that’s the sort of childishness people resort to using when they know their argument doesn’t hold water. If you can find the place where I said that MLB should step in and alter the rules such that Andruw should hit twice per 9 at bats in exchange for his having to man twice as much territory in the outfield, I’ll cede point. Otherwise, I’m just going to presume you were having an argument with one of the voices in your hand and you typed it out for no apparent reason. That can happen…I guess. It’s about as likely a scenario as Ryan Langerhans suddenly developing into a .285 hitter, anyway.

By David O'Brien

March 25, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine, what are you talking about?

Andruw has nearly 50 plate appearances (38 at-bats, nine walks) and just had 12 at-bats (three per day) in four consecutive games before today, after missing three games with a sore shoulder (would’ve only missed one, if any, had it not been spring training and Bobby weren’t so cautious).

The veteran guys get the number of PAs they need to prepare for the season. Stats don’t mean much to them down here, the longer they’ve been in the game. Just as long as they’re feeling good, seeing the ball, etc. And Andruw told me last week that he was/is seeing the ball well.

He’s only hitting .237, but has a .421 OBP and a couple of homers. He’s fine.

By snowball's chance

March 25, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Good to hear Chipper’s going good. I watched the games on ESPN tis week.They talked about the player’s attitudes to spring training. ST was initially about getting players who had to work in the off-season back in shape.They didn’t bring up the fact that they had to dry a lot of them out.But I digress. Today’s players can afford to train year round so after a few weeks they are ready to go. ST has become a cash cow now so it remains at the origonal length. The interviews with younger and older stars was interesting. Smoltz is working on his changeup. Chipper is happy with swinging righthanded and now is concentrating on the left side. Chase Utley who had a phenomenal year wants to start the season today. He is young and indestructable while the over-thirties are a lot wiser. If not wiser, more aware of Father Time and the need to compensate with more work.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

do they really think pena is going to be the starter? amazing. great defensively but that weak stick on a team with not alot of thunder to make up for it? that’s puzzling. but i guess pena can’t do any worse than berroa was doing with all of those errors, poor average, and poor OBP. here’s to wishing for the best for Pena. If the braves were going to be awful, I would love nothing more than to watch Pena as the everyday shortstop - at least when you are on a bad team like KC, it may give you a reason to watch to see what the next great play he makes will be.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

David-I disagree. I was probably one of he thousand who were at the games in the 80’s right there with you. I guess what either one of us think won’t make a bit of difference, will it? He’s going to get his chance. My optimism or your pessimism won’t alter the situation, will they?

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

KC, i agree with you. If prado is not going to be up, then I want Harris to make the squad over Orr as well. He can play outfield and infield. And he can steal bases in a crucial pinch running spot. His bat ain’t great but I would rather see Harris out there than Orr.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

David-If you want an example of unbridled optimism, Manny Acta actually claimed that the Nationals had a chance to contend for the division this year. That’s being delusional, not thinking that Langerhans can pull his average up to .285 with a chance to play every day. Also, there’s no other alternative that can hold a candle to his defense. You may not ascribe much to this, but I damn sure want his glove out there-despite a .241 average. He’s that good. Period.

By KC

March 25, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Braves starters this spring:

John Smoltz – 1.81 ERA

Tim Hudson – 1.71

Chuck James – 2.00

Lance Cormier – 1.29

Mark Redman – 4.50

Kyle Davies – 1.93

Thorman and Johnson have been coming on nicely of late as well. So, aside from Hampton’s setback, we couldn’t have asked for a better spring. And Hampton’s situation has vastly improved of late.

YEAH BABY!

By Lew

March 25, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

KC-Why so heated up about Willie Harris? Cause he can run? The guy has a .238 career BA in 899 AB. He has 214 hits and has struck out 171 times. He has hit 5 HR and has 53 RBI in his 6 year career. He’s only successful stealing 55 of 7o times in 6 years. Not a horrendous percentage, but he has to get on first to steal. His career OBP is .306.

By KC

March 25, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: Yeah, I’m a big, big fan of having a base stealing threat on the bench. Orr runs very well, but he’s not much of a base stealer.

If they can regularly bring a guy like Harris in to pinch run when the Braves are tied or down by one late in the game… having Harris on the bench could mean the difference of at least a win or two this season.

By David

March 25, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Lew, you say:

“My optimism or your pessimism won’t alter the situation, will they?”

That’s true and I certainly hope you wind up being right. He’s a Brave, so I want him to be an All-Star. I would rather us make a trade before the season to secure the position, though. I like what I’ve researched about the kid we got from KC, but I was hoping to see Langerhans, Pena and a starter used in a bigger deal.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

KC, agreed. just look at the Red Sox in 2004 when Dave Roberts stole second in game 4 of the ALCS off Mariano Rivera. A pinch running stolen base can turn a whole series around.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

David-I don’t know that I’d expect him to be an all star, but he did hit .267 the season before last in more AB than he had last year. Now look at it this way. If, indeed, he played hurt last year (I think with a hip flexor and later a hand injury), then is it really a leap to think a player with only 2 partial years playing in the bigs, could raise his average .018? That’s the difference between .267 and .285. I really don’t have a desire to research it, but if I did, I’m sure I could find literally dozens of players who have done that in the past 2o seasons. It’s not that huge a stretch. I still contend that with him in left, we have the best defensive outfield in all of baseball. For a team coming off of major pitching difficulties, that defense is as important to the Braves as what they did to beef up pitching.

By BIG DADDY

March 25, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

A bit of insight on Aybar for what it’s worth. I have a very good friend in Los Angeles who is a knowledgeable baseball fan.

When the Braves made the trade last year for Aybar he told me, “you have just given the Dodgers a pass on a real personality problem.” He didn’t expand on that but it did stick in my mind.

I also think it is highly possible that Aybar feels he was not given a shot at second and is showing his displeasure this way. He is doing it in the wrong place. I predict he will be playing for another team in the not too distant future. I can’t see the Braves going with this for very long. And Bobby’s comments about him missing “80-90% of the spring” is a clear indication that things are coming to a head.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

I think Lew’s point is this: In the second half of 2005, Langerhans’ numbers were .292, .374, .444, .818 OPS Overall, in 2005, he was .267, .348, .426, .774 OPS. In the minors, he was .265, .355, .414, .769 OPS. In the majors, he is .254, .347, .399, .746 OPS. But you also can not forget that in his last year in AAA in 2004, he was .298, .397, .518, .915 OPS after going .280, .338, .477, .815 OPS in 2003 in AAA.

I don’t think anyone thinks that Langerhans is going to become an all star or anything but not every position needs to be filled with an all star. the yankees were better off when they had guys like girardi, brosius, chad curtis playing key roles on their teams. I think what people like Lew think is that Langerhans is a solid MLB ballplayer that although his contribution is not invaluable, it is valuable to a winning ballclub.

Although he underperformed last year, he is still a fairly new player who showed promise in the second half of 2005, in AAA in 2004, and in AAA in 2003. So, there is something there for people like Lew to hang there Langerhans hat onto. Plus, he might be the Braves best defensive outfielder at this point with Andruw slowing down (sacrilege to say but also maybe reality).

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

*Yeah, I’m a big, big fan of having a base stealing threat on the bench. *

KC, why? I’d take a solid defender who can play several positions (including catcher, I think) and a better hitter (though both are pretty weak, if history is any guide), any day of the week and twice on Sunday. How many times in the course of the year do you “need” to steal a base, and have your base-stealer on 1st?.

That issue aside, though, you’re right - hard to find much to be negative about this team with a week left of ST. If all we have to worry about is Pete Orr vs. Willie Harris as the 25th man, life is good.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

KC-We can’t keep a player on this team strictly as a pich runner, no matter what his speed or baserunning skills. At least Orr can play 2B and 3B, probably the outfield, too, if asked. I’m not a huge Orr fan, but Willie Harris? I’m still not certain why he was even in camp.

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

If Aybar is having a pity party over not being given a chance to start, someone (maybe Edgar?) should sit him down for a come-to-jesus talk (that’s hey-zus, btw… the latin pronunciation).

He’s with the wrong organization if he wants to be a petulant middle infielder.

Anyway, I guess it’s all speculation at this point. I still think the guy can hit, and hope he’ll turn things around.

By KC

March 25, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

If Pete Orr is a better hitter than Willie Harris… it ain’t by much. I’m not advocating Harris as an everyday player, obviously. But please see Braveheart’s 2:50 post.

I think it’s a HUGE plus to have that pinch runner on the bench. Orr or Harris, whichever one of them makes the team, will likely be the last bat off the bench, since either would be the weakest bat on the bench.

I just think you’ll get more use out of a great legit-base-stealing pinch runner than you will out of the last bat on your bench. And again, it’s not like Orr has proven himself to be a much better hitter than Harris.

As far as “a guy who can play several positions”… Harris can play a solid 2B and all 3 outfield positions. He’s playing CF right now.

Both Orr and Harris have had good springs. Harris just reached on a base hit as I’m typing this to bring his spring average over .300.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

well, I just researched Willie Harris’ career numbers and I might be changing my mind. Those are some pretty horrific avg, obp, slg, ops numbers. .238, .306, .294, .600 OUCH! never a good sign when your anemic OBP number is actually higher than your SLG number. well, it is never a good sign at any time but especially when your OBP number is so low. The 55 stolen bases though does impress me.

Orr is .276, .304, .365 which ain’t much different from his minor league numbers. He can play a few positions but I have never been impressed by his defensive prowess. He runs really fast but does not steal many bases.

Maybe Orr is a better option than Harris but I am frankly really sick of Pete Orr out there.

Gotta agree with MBATL though. If all we are arguing about is the 25th man, then things are good. In fact, that’s kind of boring at this point.

let’s go back to talking the greatest college basketball players of all time. :-)

Hell, maybe another little spitball fight on the effects of drugs and ADHD meds on rock and roll and people. :-)

By David O'Brien

March 25, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Soriano struck out the side in the eighth inning. Braves’ recent seasons with low strikeout totals should end with this crew of hard throwers.

By Epinephrine

March 25, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Our pen is looking nasty.

By KC

March 25, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

MBATL: Harris is a solid defender. As I just mentioned in my last post, he’s playing CF right now. He’s also a capable second-baseman.

Whether or not Orr can catch is irrelevant. Craig Wilson has played about 100 major league games behind the plate, so he’s our emergency catcher.

Woodward, who can play 2B, SS, or 3B is likely to make the team, so Orr’s flexibility really isn’t all that important.

LEW: “He’s only successful stealing 55 of 70 times in 6 years. Not a horrendous percentage, but he has to get on first to steal. His career OBP is .306.”

Yeah, again… Harris’ greatest value would be as a pinch runner. And as for the OBP, Pete Orr has played in 214 games and has a .304 career OBP. Also… only 9 steals in 14 attempts.

You wouldn’t want either one as your opening day leadoff guy… But Harris has stolen 55 bases in 70 attempts in his career, and is 6 of 7 in stolen bases this spring (while Orr is 2 of 4 in SB). We could use that speed off the bench.

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

March 25, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

KC

“If they can regularly bring a guy like Harris in to pinch run when the Braves are tied or down by one late in the game… having Harris on the bench could mean the difference of at least a win or two this season.”

I lean more towards agreeing with you than disagreeing with you. Though one could argue, with his .238 lifetime BA, having a BETTER HITTER on the bench could (and probably would), make up the difference in MORE than a “win or two”.

Where I think you and I will see eye to eye, on having a guy like Harris on the bench for a “key/clutch” steal, is in the post season. (see: Dave Robertw with the Red Sox). Having a basestealing threat off the bench, could be (and was with them), the difference in winning or losing a series. But I can’t see “wasting” a spot on the 25 man roster for 162 games, just so he “might” help us win a game or two. LOL!

By KC

March 25, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Damn… that Soriano guy can pitch. 3 up, 3 down… all KO’d.

By brian

March 25, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

who’s the starting pitcher next Saturday?

By KC

March 25, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

brian: I think Cormier will start tomorrow, and again next Saturday.

By mike

March 25, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Any reason Brayan Pena replaced Orr at 3rd? Is Orr hurt or is Bobby just wanting to give Pena some time at 3rd?

By KC

March 25, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Do the Braves sell skyline ($1) tickets for Spring training games?

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

KC, okay, you want to fall in love with a guy because he hits .300 in ST and steals a few bases, that’s fine. I don’t really agree, but again, it doesn’t matter that much.

I suspect that Orr has earned some points with the Braves as a good pinch hitter, and a versatile player, but we’ll see what the Braves decide. It may well be as you suggest.

Anyway, that’s the end of my arguments for Pete Orr - never thought I’d find myself doing that!

And yeah, Soriano is awesome.

Braveheart, you beat me to the punch on adding Pistol Pete to the list. He took an LSU program from shameful to respectable, but of course never won a championship. But few have achieved what he did (actually, no one has scored like he did), or revolutionized the game, like Pete did.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Big Daddy, that also makes you wonder about the comment the writer made to DOB that a Dodger exec. had made about the Dodgers trading “their garbage for our garbage”. Usually, JS does some digging on guys to check out their attitude and the such. But, I wonder if he missed this one. Aybar seems to be gaining a rep for being a bit of a “drama queen”. That is not good. I’m not dismissing his wrist injury, but do wonder if that wrist would be hurting as much if he were playing 2B everyday. He better get it into gear before Escobar or Willie Harris winds up taking his job. The next six days could prove to be quite interesting around Braves’ camp!

By KC

March 25, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

N8: If you could add a good hitter instead of Harris, you could certainly make that argument… but we’re talking Orr vs. Harris, and people are talking like Orr is a good hitter who gets on base.

Neither Harris or Orr have a history of hitting well or getting on base as often as you’d like. Both are solid defenders who can play more than one position. The difference, as I see it, is the base-stealing ability of Harris that could really be useful,a nd Orr just can’t match that.

By KC

March 25, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Speaking of base-stealers… whadya say when Hampton comes back, we trade Mark Redman, Tyler Yates, Ryan Langerhanz, and a prospect for Ryan Freel?

He’s a free agent at the end of the year, but with A.Jones, T.Hunter, and Ichiro all on the market this winter… Freel may not get quite the return he might otherwise. If Andruw bolts, we could use the money to re-sign Freel.

He’s been one of the most consistent leadoff men in baseball for the last 3 seasons. You can pretty much pencil him in for a .370 OBP or better, and 35 steals.

I say, let’s get him. Who’s with me?

By Michael

March 25, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know if Harris has had any playing time at 3B. I think that’s the difference in him and Orr in the field. Given Aybar’s liklihood of starting the season on the DL…Orr has some history at 3B while I’m not sure Harris has.

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

March 25, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

KC

“Neither Harris or Orr have a history of hitting well or getting on base as often as you’d like. Both are solid defenders who can play more than one position. The difference, as I see it, is the base-stealing ability of Harris that could really be useful,a nd Orr just can’t match that.”

Good point. I really wasn’t analyzing it from a “Orr vs. Harris” standpoint. But since that is the reality of it, you make a good arguement.

BOTH of them are definitely a better option than Prado or Escobar. I’m not saying that they are better players than those to are (or will be), but I’m all for young guys getting AB’s (or innings for pitchers) at AAA rather than sitting on the bench NOT GETTING USED.

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know much about Harris. Just what I’ve read. Haven’t seen much of him, to form my own opinion. On the other hand, I’ve always, like Orr’s hustle and scrappy play, even though the numbers suggest he’s overmatched at the big league level more often than not.

By Coach

March 25, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Like I have said before . Smoltz , Hudson and James are money. Add in the stats of Cormier and Davies to the total and you have 89 innings 17 earned runs and a whopping 1.71 ERA. How Cox can justify putting Redman’s 4.50 ERA 16 hits in 12 innings(Mr.Mediocre) in with them is beyond me.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

KC, I was one of the people thinking that trading for Freel would be a good idea, but I don’t anymore. I actually think the Braves should contact the Rays but not for Baldelli (unless he is avaiable). I think Elijah Dukes should be a target. Everybody says this kid along with Delmon Young are as sure prospects as anybody can be. Their problems are more to do with attitude than performance. We all know Dukes issues would be quickly solved inside a Bobby Cox clubhouse and JS ran orginization.

By Epinephrine

March 25, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

KC: I think I like Langerhans more than Diaz. I would have a hard time seeing him walk.

What do we think is going to happen when Hampton comes back? Deal Redman? What is the consensus?

By KC

March 25, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Coach: A big part of me agrees with you, BUT… it looks like Hampton is going to be back 5 weeks into the season. If you’ve got Davies and Cormier BOTH in there, you’re just going to have to send one of them back down again in early May.

Where as if Redman pitches okay through April, then when Hampton returns, we can deal Redman and get something in return for him. If he pitches alright, then at his 750k salary, there will be a number of teams that will want him.

As I’ve suggested several times… I’d like to see us package Redman and Yates together, maybe with a prospect, so we could get something significant in return.

By Art in Tenn

March 25, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

DOB-

How did Chuck James look? I didn’t get to listen to it or follow online, so all I have is the box score to look at, and the first thing I noticed under the pitching line was the 4 walks. Only 2 hits, and thats great, but walking 4 people during the season in the bigs (Im not sure if the Nats qualify, maybe high AAA could make for a long season for him.

By KC

March 25, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine: If Cormier pitches well through the first 5 weeks of the season, and Davies cooks at Richmond… I don’t see any other options but to trade him.

If Redman sucks over the first month of the season, then you simply release him. But if he pitches fairly well, there will be some trade interest… and there’s certainly no sense in sending a veteran to Richmond if he’s pitching well enough to be productive at the major league level.

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

March 25, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

RJITB

“We all know Dukes issues would be quickly solved inside a Bobby Cox clubhouse and JS ran orginization.”

You mean like: John Rocker, Kenny Lofton, Jason Marquis. Not to mention Tim Spooneybarger? My gess is that there are plenty more. Probably prospects that got dealt away, that didn’t “shape up” around Bobby. Of course, since the scouts and JS know EXACTLY what kind of players (and people) Bobby wants, I’m also of the belief that that we probably see fewer of these players than other teams.

I hear what you are saying. The “odds” of a player having an attitude problem around Bobby and JS would for sure be minimized. But SOME people are just plain difficult (allegedly), regardless of WHO is in charge.

Coach

While I still don’t have a problem with Redman being around (especially if Hampton returns sooner than later), while Davies has a good month to lock in at Richmond.

I’m beginning to side with you about Davies vs. Redman. It surely looks as though Davies has turned the corner. Though I would caution against using ANY sprint stats (for both veterans and youngsters). Obviously Redman, knows he’s in the rotation, and being a veteran, he is more or so getting in pitching shape, or “stretching the arm out” as they say.

Where Davies is OUT TO PROVE he belongs. Thus, giving his all everytime out to try and sway Bobby to keep him when the team goes north.

….to be continued. LOL!

By OddJob

March 25, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

I’m flipping between the race and Fla. Oregon game.Am I the only one who think’s Noah plays like a girl? I’m cool with the hair but he shoot’s like a girl, passes,runs,etc .

By Coloradobravesfan

March 25, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

WOW… Sosa gave up 4 hits and 6 runs for the mets in two-thirds of an inning. I love it fo the MUTS.

By Jared

March 25, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

KC, if the Braves are in it in late July, they won’t trade Mark Redman, regardless of Hampton’s status. You can never have too many pitchers.

I know it’s been said many times, but I strongly believe Soriano, Gonzalez and Wickman are going to help the starters big time. I think all their ERAs will be lower than it would be if it was the Braves’ 2006 bullpen again.

When will the obsession with the Devil Rays’ players end?

By Coach

March 25, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

The Team is scoring 5.02 runs a game this spring , just off last seasons 5.2 average. While the pitching is giving up 3.92 runs per game this spring compared to last seasons 4.96 per game. The 2006 team ERA was 4.60 , this spring 3.76 , then consider the fact that Smoltz , Hudson , James , Cormier and Davies have pitched just 89(1.71 combines ERA) of the 234.2 innings thrown this spring and it all adds up to a HOLY S.H.I.T. kinda moment ! I know its only spring training , but Jimmy Rollins and his buddied in Philly might want to rethink their odds.

By AdirondackDave

March 25, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Bet Wickman’s calling around for tv prices.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

N8, pointed taken. But, I have to wonder if Dukes’ issues has more to do with him just being uncontrollable or the Rays not really taking a firm hand with him. Yes, some guys like Rocker are just hopeless. I think in the case of Lofton it was that he was upset at being traded and took it out on the Braves. I think whatever team would have received him would have had the same issues. And, with Marquis his issue was more with Mazzone than anyone else in the orginization and he wasn’t alone in his dislike for Mazzone.

By Coach

March 25, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Like KC put it concerning Davies VS. Redman. There is certainly merit in the argument that we should start the season with someone potentially very good , rather than someone who has proven to be no better than mediocre.

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

March 25, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

RJITB

Well said. I can’t argue, especially when discussing the allegedly moody pitchers and their relationship issues with Leo, rather than Bobby.

To be fair to Bobby (and his reputation for “guiding” players of all personalities), look how he handled Andruw early in his career.

So, there is proof that Bobby can do good.

By MEB

March 25, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Good to Sosa had his good stuff going for him! No telling how many runs he could have given up.

My hope is that Redman pitches well enough to draw some serious trade interest. Davies looks to me like he belongs on the big team. The big question is what position are we trying to fill via a trade?

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Noah, can play like a woman all he wants because he plays like the leader of a national champion.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

I need to say for all those who keep bemoaning the Redman signing and wondering “if he was so good why wasn’t he signed before the Braves did”, there is a very good reason for that. Redman was wanting $6 or $7 mil a year for two years minimum and three years preferably. Nobody wanted to give him that and I can’t blame them. If Redman was willing to settle on a $3 mil/1 year deal, he would be a Met, Giant, or Mariner right now. Redman simply overpriced himself and that is why he was not signed. Honestly, I think if it hadn’t been the Braves he wouldn’t have probably signed the deal he did. The only teams who can get guys on the cheap like that are the Red Sox, Yankees, Braves, Cardinals, and from time to time the Dodgers. They all have a mystique about them. The Mets fancy themselves that way but they found out the hardway that free agents weren’t exactly clamoring to play in Shea Stadium.

By OddJob

March 25, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Lookin at the spring numbers the starters are putting up I may have to praise Mcdowell if they put a season together.That’s fine with me as long as the record supports it.This is a belated list of some of the best old time country songs. Ramblin’ man,I can’t help it (if I’m still in love with you), You win again, just a few from the incomparable Hank sr. When you say nothing at all,I wonder do you think of me Keith Whitley Loving her was easier (than anything I’ll ever do again) Kris Kristofferson Angel flying too close to the ground Willie Nelson

By Lew

March 25, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

KC-I repeat-We can’t have a roster spot taken up for a pinch runner. Orr can play many more positions than Harris and is a better hitter, regardless of how much better. Orr is just as fast as Harris and I can tell you right now that BC will use a pich runner to stay out of a double play or to go from first to thirdor second to home. He WILL NOT use a pinch runner to steal a base.

By David O'Brien

March 25, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Teams aren’t inclined to use a 25-man roster spot for a pinch-run specialist in this day and age. That wasn’t so uncommon decades ago, but not in the era of 12-man pitching staffs.

Willie Harris isn’t going to make the team, I can say with a fair amount of certainty.

By the way, the special-section stuff is mercifully completed and filed, so we can get back to normal sleep and daily blogs.

Did I mention the Washington Gnats are really bad?

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Lew, that point you made about Bobby Cox not using a pinch runner for stealing purposes is one of the strongest reasons - also that Harris plays second and outfield.

It is aggravating that Cox does not steal often and would not use a weapon that may steal 5 or 6 pivotal runs a season late in a game for the team, but it is what it is. Can’t argue with the results of Cox though.

Knowing that the manager does not like to steal much or pinch run with an eye towards stealing, then yeah Orr probably makes more sense to make this team based solely upon the tendencies and preferences of the manager.

Orr may run as well as Harris but if we could only give Orr the ability to steal of Harris, then there would not be many people arguing that Orr should not be on the team. But Orr did steal about 90 bases in the minors, so maybe it is Bobby’s reluctance to steal that deprives him of having stolen base numbers equivalent to Harris.

Orr really does not bring much to the table besides that he has a cool way of wearing his uniform. To me, Prado is the much better option than Orr but from what DOB says that ain’t happening at least in the beginning of this season.

I understand Woodward is the only one who can play short so he is going to stay. But his lifetime .247, .303, .384, .687 OPS does not really impress me much at all either.

Prado is probably better than Orr and Woodward except that Prado can’t play short and Orr is Bobby’s new Lockhart.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, how did the Nationals allow themselves to get so bad? Just two seasons ago they were contending for the division. I really think they made a mistake by not trading Soriano last year and getting something for him. They had way too high of an asking price. The White Sox, Twins, and Angels were all ready to deal and all three of those teams have deep farm systems. I also have read they are doing the same with Chad Cordero. They are willing to trade him but want the whole farm in return. While I think the Devil Rays are making a mistake in doing it, I can see where the Rays would demand so much in return but they actually have a good young team with a future and a deep farm system. The Nats don’t. They are horrible! Zimmerman is a great player but after that………..OUCH! Tell me they are not basing their future on Austin Kearns, Felipe Lopez, and Ryan Church.

By KC

March 25, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Jared: “if the Braves are in it in late July”

Wow… you feel there’s a stong enough chance that the Braves will be completely out of the race by late July that you felt the need to qualify your statement with “if the Braves are in it in late July’??

Anyway, to your point: It won’t take that long for decisions to come to a head. Hampton is due back in early part of May, and if that timetable holds up, they’ll have to make a decision on Redman.

There will only be 3 options: Trade him (or release him, if he really doesn’t pitch well), send him to Richmond, or send Cormier to Richmond instead.

If Cormier continues to perform well… I just can’t see the Braves sending him back down. If Redman outperforms Cormier (and I don’t think that’s very likely right now), he’ll stay in the Braves rotation. Otherwise, he’ll be the odd man out.

By KC

March 25, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

I agree with DOB’s take. As much as I’d like him to… Harris is not likely to make the team, so that’s probably a dead issue. It’ll probably be Woodward and Orr, unless they decide to go with Prado, but I doubt it.

By OddJob

March 25, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Can any of you guys there in hotlaner get a pair of final four tickets for a blind, orphaned, dwarf(sorry I mean little person) ? If so I’ll be happy to deliver them.

By Bryan

March 25, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Did anyone hear that the O’s cut Hayden Penn who the braves were going to get in the supposed Roberts/Penn for LaRoooche/Giles trade … . what’s the deal with that.

By ncscoots

March 25, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Gawd, just when you think it’s safe to go back in the water, up pops the name of Ryan…freakin’…Freel!! At least Chone Figgins is out for a few weeks, so the usual suspects won’t trumpet HIS freakin’ name.

Lew, no need to do much research..Chipper hit .265 his first full year, .309 the next. Heck, if Langy hits just .270, he plays every day, and should. His stikeouts this spring are worrisome, but is he striking out swinging or looking? I haven’t seen any spring games, so I don’t know.

A reminder about the difference in Orr’s .300 two years ago and .250-something last year: six fewer hits. Two oh-for-threes, in effect. Guys such as Orr, with relatively few AB during a season, can see their stats fluctuate from year to year. I make no case either way for any of the possible utility guys, but Orr shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.

By KC

March 25, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB): I agree. The Nationals had to trade Soriano last year. They had to… but they didn’t.

They need to look at the Marlins and take notes. If you’ve got to start at ground floor and build up your organizational talent… no team has done a better job of that than the Marlins. But you never see them chance something like that; having a superstar walk away with nothing more than a draft pick in return.

If you’re the Nationals and you want a superstar or two to help sell tickets… great! Sign them, let them play for a couple years, and them sell them for young talent!!

They just didn’t have enough to gain by holding onto Soriano to take that risk. The Braves took the same risk in a way by not trading Andruw last year… but that makes sense. He’ll help them win this year, and they actually have something to play for. They also felt they had a chance of hanging onto him.

Anyway… yeah, inexcusable misstep by the Nats’ brass.

By Robert

March 25, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Ok, lost lyric time. Name that tune

“He was born and raised around Jacksonville. A nice young man not the kind to kill”

556? (or have I lost count)

to whoever said

“Well, that is quite unfortunate to hear about Prado and Orr. Bobby knows what he is doing far more than I do”

Dude, give yourself some credit

By KC

March 25, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Ya know, I’ve been half expecting a “Rumors of Braves Demise Are Greatly Exaggerated” type of story to pop up somewhere in the national media… but nothing so far.

I’m wondering if any of the national writers have noticed that the best offense in the NL in 2006, really hasn’t changed all that much. And I wonder if they’ve noticed how deep the Braves appear to be in the pitching dept. I’ve been waiting for a national media type to take notice, but so far… (SFX: crickets chirping)

I guess we’ll have to wait a month or two into the season for that.

By KC

March 25, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

nscoots: Has anyone brought up the possibility of trading for Carl Crawford or Rocco Baldeli? =)

By KC

March 25, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Bryan: If that’s true… it one more reason for Oriols fans to have Peter Angelos shot. If they really had a chance to get LaRoche for Brian Roberts and someone the soon after released… ouch.

Also, if it’s true… thank God that deal didn’t happen. I think Gonzalez and Lillibridge is a much greater return than Brian Roberts alone.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, I agree. Langerhans doesn’t have to hit at the .360+ clip he has hit this spring. If he can hit .270 w/15-20HR and 50+RBI, he will be a solid contributor to this team. Now, if he does hit like that, then all the better. I think his high strikeout total this spring could be due to his being more aggressive at the plate. He said he was going to be more aggressive and felt his low batting avg last season and high strikeout total had to do with his being “too selective”. I think the strikeouts will even out and his batting avg will be much better.

Also, I am quite encourage by Frenchy’s spring. His new stance has helped a lot and his willingness to go to to rightfield will greatly help his average. How many times did he go the other way last season. I can almost count the times on one hand. His not drawing any walks could be a concern, but if he is being more selective and taking the ball the other way I believe we could see him hit in the area of .290 or better. And, also, that he has actually seen his new approach work will likely convince him that it is the right way to go about it and his approach last year was not.

By Brad in MT

March 25, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Bryan: I think that the O’s just optioned Penn to AAA, not released him, but maybe I’m wrong.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 25, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

testing. testing. jimmy smith’s posts are not appearing. has journalist been banned?

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

I think Penn is in a situation similar to Davies with us. Penn has had a good spring (an era of 1.80, I think) but was a little wild, and the O’s felt that he was better off pitching regularly in the minors. The O’s have 5 decent (if not great) starters and didn’t want to rush Penn.

By Lew

March 25, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Well-At this point in time, Baldelli is out with hamstring problems and Figgins broke a couple of fingers. Maybe that will at least shut some people up. Maybe. Of course, we could always trade every bit of our depth for a “prospect”.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

KC, I have to give credit where credit is due. Most of the national media that I have seen and read have all warned the Braves will be dangerous. In fact, both Steve Phillips and Orel Hershiser predicted the Braves will win the wild card. Now, I know Phillips can be an idiot but I’m just pointing it out. Also, Ronnie “Nighttrain” Lane on MLB Home Plate told me, when I called in, that he believes the Braves have an excellent shot at winning the division. I also heard him say that Francoeur, McCann, Gonzales, McBride, and Langerhans serve as good young nucleus that will payoff immediately.

As for the Hayden Penn rumor, if it is true, it would be quite a coup for the Braves to get him. But, I know they won’t simply because teams like the Nats, Royals, and Rays will get a shot first and any of those teams would be crazy not to snatch him up!

By Bobby's Cox

March 25, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any chance of you being a beat-writer for the braves on MLB.com. I don’t like Bowman - he writes like a fifth grader and always uses the same syntax.

Anywho, i’m glad to see the braves have revamped this year. Their deep in every position & Richmond will be better than the royals, nationals, and devil rays.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

What about Jorge Cantu? No one ever talks about him. That is one good Devil Ray player they can get on the cheap. Might have to move KJ out of the way :-)

By Lew

March 25, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

You can file this in the “Make of it what you will” category-Jaret Wright, even back with Leo in Baltimore, gave up four runs in four innings today, with 0 K’s and 4BB. I’m beginning to wonder just how much of Leo’s magic is gone.

By ncscoots

March 25, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

KC, you slay me, man, that drew a little bark of outright laughter, brah…:-) An absolutely PERFECT rejoinder, my man!

By Lew

March 25, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

The Mets just moved Chan Ho Park to the bullpen and he is not happy. Said something about signing a Mets contract to be a starter. The meltdown at Shea is already starting.

By OddJob

March 25, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

HEELS DONE!!! GOOD JOB AND GOOD LUCK G.TOWN!!!

By OddJob

March 25, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Lew Maybe Bobby and Leo are better together than either is apart.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Someone needs to inform Chan Ho that he is darn lucky at this point that anyone deemed him worthy of a MLB contract.

By OddJob

March 25, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Redundant syntax! in baseball? Holy cow!! he’s outa here!!

By KC

March 25, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

nscoots: Hey, I try! =)

Robert(JIB): I’m not sure picking the Braves to win the Wild Card is really being all that kind. At the moment, it’s impossible for me to understand how anyone would pick the Phils or Mets over the Braves.

Of course, anything can happen… but prognosticating is about weighing the facts in hand, and as things stand right now, I think the Braves look better than the Mets, and *convincingly better than the Phils.

But hey, I guess that’s more respect than the Braves were getting from anyone a month or two back.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

somewhere in this world tonight, I am pretty sure there is a happy soldier named The Georgetown Kid.

By KC

March 25, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

OKAY: I know many are reluctant to throw this sort of thing out there (especially if you’re picking the Braves and don’t want to get called a Homer), but one week out - let’s get some predictions. Division winners, Wild Cards, and post-season results…

Whadya think? Who’s gonna win what?

By Bryan

March 25, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Penn is defiantly cut- but he has options so he is going to AAA for the O’s. Sorry to be misleading.

By KC

March 25, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Okay, here are my picks:

National League

• East: Braves (Mets 2nd)

• Central: Cardinals (by default… cuz I have no idea who to pick in that division)

• West: Dodgers (But it could just as easily be the Padres)

• Wild Card: Mets (but whoever doesn’t win the west, LA or SD, will be right in the thick of things)

Post-season:

Division Series: Braves over Cardinals and Dodgers of Mets

NLCS: Braves over Dodgers

American League

• East: Red Sox

• Central: Tigers

• West: Angels

• Wild Card: Yankees

Post-season:

Divisional Series: Tigers over Yankees and Red Sox over Angels

ALCS: Tigers over Red Sox

World Series: I wouldn’t dare. =)

By brian

March 25, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

NL East - Braves NL Central - Brewers NL West - Padres Wild Card - St. Louis (or Dodgers, close race)

AL East - Red Sox AL Central - Twins AL West - Angels Wild Card - Yankees

the biggest Wild Card is Roger Clemens. Red Sox would have the best starters in the league with him, and Yankees need Roger to give them a top rung staff.

I would love to see an Angels-Braves or Red Sox-Braves World Series (of course I would love to see an anybody and the Braves World Series)

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

KC, I’ll hold off on my predictions until next weekend… must say the Braves have climbed a lot in my estimation. A great spring. Wish we could just call off the last week, or at least ice down everybody’s obliques.

Lew, the Orioles actually have the 2nd best era in the majors, so far in ST. Leo might just be working some of his magic. Good for him!

By D from Dville

March 25, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Braves are stacked again and i think the mets will be the ones fighting for the wildcard!! Were back to dominant pitching and as long as we have andrew, smoltz and chipper healthy for the postseason…i like our chances at the world series!!!

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Go ahead, KC… we all know what you’re thinking!

By KC

March 25, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Yes, I know I’m going to get called a Homer or an optimist… take your pick. But I just don’t see a team that looks better than the Braves right now in the NL. If I’m wrong, tell me who’s better?

By KC

March 25, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

MBATL: I can’t go there. I just can’t. lol

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

All I can say is I hope Aybar gets healthy because if and when Chipper gets injured, we are going to be in some major trouble with Pete Orr and/or Woodward playing third in his place.

I wish I knew that Craig Wilson was going to get 500 at bats this year ……. I am not too convinced that Thorman is going to provide us much production beyond what Laroche did in his Braves career before the second half explosion last year. Don’t forget that not too many of us were in love with Laroche before July of last season. And I don’t think that Thorman is ever going to be as good as Laroche. I think he is merely another Wes Helms.

If Chipper gets hurt and misses a significant amount of time and Aybar does not improve his attitude and/or health, this lineup will have way too many holes and/or questions with KJ, Langerhans/Diaz, Thorman, and Orr/Woodward playing third. Will anyone still be saying shut up about Betemit if and when Chipper/Aybar are not ready to go?

There’s only so much Andruw, McCann, Edgar, Frenchy can do to make up for Thorman, Woodward, Orr, KJ, Langerhans, Diaz if Chipper/Aybar are not out there. Even with Frenchy, if Chipper/Aybar are out, Frenchy’s imperfections at the plate won’t be as forgivable or endearing.

The pitching better be real damn good if and when Chipper misses his 30 or 40 games this season.

I know I should not count Chipper out but he has been injured the last few years and he has suffered two injuries already in limited playing time in spring training. Love Chipper but I am also a realist that understands that the man is 35 years old now. At that age, there is nothing to be ashamed about in getting hurt and missing some games. But you have to be real about your expectations and plan accordingly. Have the Braves done that? Aybar with his poor health/attitude and anemic Orr/Woodward would suggest not.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Okay, here are my unofficial predictions. I’ll give my official ones on Thursday.

NL East: Braves……I’m still a bit unsure about this one. I would have said the Phillies until the last two weeks or so. I look at Mets and their rotation and it reminds of us Braves fans last year about our bullpen. Like us, they keep saying things aren’t that bad, but deep down they know trouble is on the way.

NL Central: Brewers….Possibly this year’s Tigers

NL West: Dodgers

Wild card: Mets or Padres

AL East: Red Sox….I’m a little unsure about this one as well. Paplebon had to go to the closer’s role but with him in the rotation the Sox had the best rotation in baseball. I still think that are more balanced the Yanks and have less potential pitfalls (ie: Pettite and Pavano imploding and getting hurt)

AL Central: Tigers

AL West: Angels…..A lot of good young talent and unbelievable pitching top to bottom

AL Wild Card: Yankees

NLDS: Dodgers over Mets; Braves over Brewers

ALDS: Tigers over Yankees; Angels over Red Sox

NLCS: Braves over Brewers….Don’t quote me on this yet

ALCS: Tigers over Angels

WS: Tigers over Braves in seven…..Heart says Braves; Mind says Tigers

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 25, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

KC, the Dodgers and Padres at this point are just as good as the Braves if not better. However, if certain Braves perform to their full capabilities, then the Braves very well could be the best team in the NL. And, I believe Kelly Johnson and Scott Thorman will be fine. JS has done what he said he was going to do and improve the pitching. Cormier and Villareal are making that trade last year look better and better. Also, don’t be surprised if Villareal is on the block. I just can’t see Bobby letting him go though.

By KC

March 25, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: I don’t think there’s anything to suggest that Aybar is especially injury prone. And as far as his attitude… let’s be honest, none of us hang out in the Braves clubhouse. What do we really know about that?

Aybar did a fine job as a fill-in last year, and I’m sure he’ll be a capable stop-gap again this year when needed (as soon as he’s ready). But if Chipper has to be disabled at any point in the season… you could see Escobar get a call-up if things are going well for him at Richmond.

As far as this offense in general is concerned… I’ve said it many times before, but there’s only one real difference between last year’s NL-best lineup and this one: Thorman or Thorman/Wilson at 1B. That’s a likely loss of close to 7-10 homers and 10-20 RBI. Noticeable, but not enough to take this offense down too far off its perch. And that’s figuring Chipper will miss 50 games again. If he plays 130… this offense is likely to score every bit as often as last year’s club.

By Bobby's Cox

March 25, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

1. Braves 2. Marlins. 3. Mets. 4. Phillies 5.

Lets not forget the marlins had a playoff caliber team last year. They have the 2nd best pitching in the division. Lots of good young guys.

I agree that chipper will get hurt again. I’m only worried about orr or woodbridge filling in for him though. Looks like Prado and Escobar are the better players. Orr is our new lockhart - a good AAAA player.

As for LF, we’ll have to wait & see how langs hangs. Diaz can sure hit, so there’s no problem there.

The only crimple my heart feels is at the 1B position, but that’s been a hole since McGriff left to tampa. Say what you will about Roach, that fool was garbage. Either Salty needs to learn the position, or the braves need to make a trade to fill this weakness. I don’t think thorman/wilson are the answer, but i’d like to be proved wrong. Nonetheless, this team can make up for the lack of production they’ll get from 1B.

By flange1

March 25, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Hi All,

GEORGETOWN WINS!

oops sorry wrong blog.

Eh, I still wish we would have signed Craig Counsil instead of Woodward and we would not be dealing with Aybar’s drama queen issues. i’m not sure we don’t need to get Counsil, keep Harris and trade Orr and Woodward, send the kids down and kick some major league butt. I like this team alot! I agree with Lew that Langerhans WILL rebound this year. Diaz is nothing but a hitter, so let him pinch hit! KJ is handling second, lets forget Cantu like some rumors and bloggers are suggesting, he is filing in TB why should he succeed here? Thorman will be OK, he made a nice defensive play today on a slow roller to James and he stole a base and he has some pop and he hit lefties. Wilson is a hitter. B. Penya played third today. Let pick up Council, keep Harris and then we have a team that can make substitutions all over the place like the Cardinals always do. The bullpen looks good, the starters look good, this is our last year with Andruw, so call the Brewers, give them a relief pitcher (Villareal) and a prospect (Prado) throw in Orr or Aybar and GRAB Council. Then you are set with lefties and righties. You still have back up starter, relievers and middle infielders. You have a well rounded team….

THOUGHTS????

By MBATL

March 25, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

KC, I don’t think our offense will be nearly as good as last year. I know, I know… in theory, we’ve only lost a few HR and RBI from last year’s lineup. But I think last year’s lineup overachieved.

I think Francoeur will hit for a little better average than last year, but I’m not counting on him hitting .320 with RISP again; McCann is great, but I don’t see how he can really be expected to duplicate last year; and Renteria hit way above his head for the first half last year and then faded the second half - while Laroche carried the offense.

And I’m always waiting for AJ to fall off a cliff, but admittedly, he’s become pretty consistent in his .260/40/120 production, so I’ll assume he’ll do it again.

Chipper can hit .310/30/100 in his sleep, if he can stay healthy.

I don’t foresee an offensive disaster, but I think this is a middle-of-the-road offense. But, on the bright side, I think the pitching will be much better, enough so to make up for an average offense.

So this is not a prediction of gloom, just that we’ll win a lot more 4-3 games, and fewer 8-7 ones, than last year.

By KC

March 25, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB): I think the Dodgers and Padres will both have very good teams, but don’t see how either are better than the Braves right now.

The Padres have good pitching. I think Peavy is a legitimate ace (even though he’s coming off a bit of a disappointing season). They have a couple good young starters in Young and Hensley, and a couple grizzled vets in Maddux and Wells who aren’t what they once were, but should have something left in the tank. Their bullpen is also very good. I think they’ll finish top-3 in the league in ERA

However…

A weak offense got weaker this winter. Dave Roberts, Mike Piazza, and Josh Barfield are all gone from their offense, and Marcus Giles was the only noteworthy bat they added. And this was a team that already ranked 13th in the league in runs scored last year.

As for how they compare to the Braves… I like the top of the Braves rotation (Smoltz, Hudson, and James) better than a 3-combination their rotation has. Which rotation is better overall? It’s hard to say right now. Can Cormier continue what he did in September and is doing this spring? How long will it take for Hampton to get back in the fold and become productive… and then, how productive. Right now, I’m going to say that they are stable… scratch that… predictable on the back end of their rotation. But I wouldn’t trade the Braves rotation for the Padres.

Everywhere else, the Braves are clearly a better team. Atlanta’s bullpen is better (than everyone’s), and their offense is much better than SD’s.

As for the Dodgers: They have a good starting trio (Schmidt, Penny, Lowe), but not as good as Atlanta’s “big 3”. As far as the back end of their rotation… Wolf was a good pickup, but let’s call it like it is… he’s a mediocre pitcher. In short, I like Atlanta’s rotation better. Their bullpen is good, but definitely not as good as the Braves’ pen.

As for their offense, I think it’s much different from Atlanta’s (lots of speed, not so much power), but no better and no worse.

Overall, I think the Dodgers match up well with Atlanta offensively, but the Braves’ pitching is better. I think SD’s pitching matches up well, but their offense doesn’t even compare. I don’t see it Robert. I don’t think either of these teams have anything on Atlanta right now.

NOTE: This is all assuming that Hudson keeps pitching as he has this spring. If he reverts to 2006 form, all bets are off, and I would definitely re-evaluate everything I just said.

By mike

March 25, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

On the Mets blogs, where the REAL Mets fans post their comments, there is a ton of concern about their starting rotation. You really get a good feel for other teams by reading their blogs without getting on there and posting garbage like some Met’s so-called “fans” do over here.

By Jared

March 25, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

“Well-At this point in time, Baldelli is out with hamstring problems and Figgins broke a couple of fingers. Maybe that will at least shut some people up.”

Ha! The Baldelli-obsessers (and to a much lesser extent, the Figgins ones, but that ship appears to have just about sunk) will never stop spamming this messageboard about the player they can’t get over or accept that he is not coming. Maybe with him injuried one of them will say something like: “now that he’s hurt, think we could get Baldelli for James straight-up? I know the Devil Rays are taking it in the shorts, but Rocco Baldelli is the greatest player on the face of the Earth. Ever.”

And to think the Braves tried to give up Davies AND Saltalamacchia AND Escobar for this injury-prone pariah.

By Braveheart

March 25, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

flange1: i don’t want the Braves to go get Cantu. I posted that up above as a joke with regard to this love affair so many have of Devil Rays players. It’s maddening.

But i will say if you are going to go ga-ga over DRays player, Cantu is probably more realistic, cheaper, available, and obtainable for them to chase after than all of the other guys they obsess over. If done, it would possibly make sense in pushing KJ out to left and strengthening two positions with one move. But I don’t want Cantu and I don’t advise that they should chase after him. And I am pretty sure that the Braves are firmly committed to KJ at second and have absolutely no interest in such a trade.

But if fans are going to send sweet loveletters to the DRays, it would make more sense for the fans to go after guys like Cantu who may be more available and cheaper, and that would answer question marks for your team.

But understand that the Cantu thing was merely a joke on the DRAY crush that seemingly will not go away with some on this blog.

By BIG DADDY

March 25, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Last Friday when ESPN carried the Braves game I heard the announcers talking about the likely division winner and two of the three said BRAVES would win the East. I think it was John Kruk and Buck Martinez but could not be sure since they said it off camera. I heard them but couldn’t see who said it.

And Kruk is a former Philly.

By snowball's chance

March 25, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Kruk was true to his team and picked Philly. After watching them I see why he picks them. My view is if Chipper remains healthy Atlanta wins. If Chipper plays like last year with those same stats maybe they still win.

By snowball's chance

March 25, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, I think Noah and the rest of Florida get too many calls. Really did the NCAA want Oregon to win. They were in it almost the whole game despite having most of their starters especially the most physical ones foul out. Noah is Mr moving screen.

By BIG DADDY

March 26, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

I believe Kruk did throw in about three VERY LARGE “IFS” in his prediction. Or did I hear wrong?

By KC

March 26, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Yeah Big Daddy… Kruk was the one of the three that picked the Phillies. HOWEVER, hesitated big time before saying it, and earlier in the game stated that the Braves have fewer questions than either the Mets or Phillies.

Snowballs Chance: If the pitching keeps on like this… Chipper could miss the entire season and we’d still have a shot. If Atlanta pitches like this and Chipper plays at least 100 games… it’s over.

If you look at the 2002 Braves, which I think is the past Braves team that most closely resembles this one (3 big starters and the best bullpen in baseball that year)… they finished 10th in the league in runs scored and won 101 games. The difference between that team and this one is that the 07 Braves figure to score a lot more runs than the 2002 Braves.

Chipper missed 50 games last year, and they were still the best offensive team in the league. LaRoche is gone, but as good as he is, I don’t think we’ll feel that loss all that much. Thorman/Wilson will replace much, certainly not all but much, of the offense at 1B.

Francoeur looks as though he’s going to be a better hitter this year, and he was already a 30/100 guy. McCann is one of the best young all around hitters in the game. And we’ve still got the Joneses. That’s 4 big bats, plus another all-star in Renteria. Then all K.Johnson has to do is get on base, and I think he will.

We got decent offensive production from LF last year (especially for the 8th slot in the lineup) and I think we will again this year. I also expect Thorman or a Thorman/Wilson platoon to be fairly productive at 1B.

All in all, that’s a darn good offense, even in the post-LaRoche era. But the key is pitching. If Hudson has really regained his Oakland form, then with Smoltz and Chucky James… that blows the doors off anything the Mets or Phillies can run out to the mound. And again, Atlanta has the best bullpen in baseball as well as some depth on the back end of the rotation.

I just don’t view the Braves hopes this year as being so fragile that they have to hold their collective breath every time Chipper rounds a base of fouls a ball off his foot.

By snowball's chance

March 26, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

KC, Nice post. I believe Chipper is the offensive leader on the team just as Smoltz is in the defense. More than anything I want to see him healthy every game against the Muts.

By KC

March 26, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

Me too. It’d be fun to see Chipper tear up the Mets again like he did in 99!

By snowball's chance

March 26, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

This just in from the AJC: Yankees’ Wang to Start Season on DL. Have the Yanks lost their Mojo? Raphael Palmeiro dropped off the screen after doing those Viagra commercials. Are these items related? inquiring minds think maybe so.

By snowball's chance

March 26, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

I have been chastised for posting to a dead blog before. Good Night.

By Braveheart

March 26, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

KC, you have to realize though that the Braves are only 75-75 in games Chipper does not start over the last three seasons.

190-146 in the games where chipper does start.

By Chop Chop

March 26, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this

Yikes. I didn’t read the blog yesterday or today. I just scrolled through the whole thing. Not an easy chore.

DOB, when I pointed out that I’d like to see what teams like Carolina and Kansas would do if they got behind by double digits…well, I should have added “against a team that is top-notch and in a Regional Final.” The funny thing to me is that Georgetown stepped up and answered that exact challenge against the Heels. I loved it. As far as KU goes, UCLA basically took Southern Illinois’s game plan and implemented it against Kansas…but with superior athletes.

Oh yeah…sorry about the Jayhawks, DOB. I had them winning it all. I will never pick them to win a title again. I swears it! Never again, dang it!

As for baseball, the Braves and all of us are ready for the season to start. The time for meaningless games is over. The time for talk is over. It is time for action.

It is time to play ball.

By hawks are cursed for trading Nique.

March 26, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves SHOULD sign Francour to a long term deal while the price would be right! Francour is a hometown boy and the Braves should keep players like him around till the wheels fall off!! Plus waiting till the end of the season has usually driven up the price…and is why Glavine is now a Met…and why Andrew is set to leave if he hits the open market after the end of the year. i agree with scherhultz stanceon waiting to make deals…but Not on STAR players!! Bobby Cox PLEASE dont work hudson or smoltz over 4 innings in a preseason game….we all know there ready to go. Dont get a early start on wearing out there arms!

By George N. Spitz

March 26, 2007 3:18 AM | Link to this

I think both Pete Orr and Willie Harris should be retained by the Braves. Both supply exceptional speed, which the Braves are otherwise lacking. Dave O’Brien just pointed out that Pete Orr batted 291 in the second half of 2006. Furthermore, during the entire year he did not make one error. Both Pete Orr and Willie Harris are batting well over 300 this spring. Neither has made an error. They are major leaguers who have the ability to play ball infield positions and left field. Harris is also an excellent centerfielder. I have been a Braves fan since 1931 when I, now a resident of New York City, lived in the neighborhood of Braves Field in Boston. The Braves have always been in my heart even when they moved to Milwaukee and then Atlanta.. Atlanta fans do not know how fortunate they are in the performance of a Braves over the past 14 years in the excellent performance of the Braves who spent most of their years in Boston in the second division and in 1935 set an all-time record for losing. Bobby Cox is an outstanding manager and John Schuerholz is a great chief executive. I predict that the 2007 World Championships will be a long-overdue “walking distance” Series between the “Boston” Braves and the Boston Red Sox. The old Braves Field and still in existence Fenway Park (home of the Red Sox) are within walking distance of the even this 84 year old baseball fan who continues to love the Braves no matter where they play their home games..

George N. Spitz www.georgespitz.com gnspitz1@msn.com

By Coach

March 26, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this

Don’t look now , but I think those Marlins are back in business. They have Matt Lindstrom , a 6-4 right hander with a 100 MPH fastball who is slated to be their closer. His line this spring: 2 saves in 10 innings with a 0.87 ERA.

By KC

March 26, 2007 7:08 AM | Link to this

Braveheart: Their pitching hasn’t been good enough over the past three years to compensate for that loss of offense. Right now, the pitching looks the best as any Braves team since 2002.

By David O'Brien

March 26, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

Robert (JIB), we’re pretty close in our projections of the division winners, etc. I picked the playoff teams and the postseason results for the Sunday special section we’ve got coming out in the AJC. I, too, had MIlwaukee winning the Central and, yes, the Braves winning the East. But I had Mets winning wild card, and made my postseason picks based on belief that Pedro would be back by then, and at least be able to muster something approaching Pedro-like performances for a couple of postseason starts.

I’ll tease no more. Need to sell a couple of papers (I think they’ll probably post it here anyway by the weekend)….

Speaking of Kruk, saw him over at Clearwater the other day, and he still looks as thin as he does in the weight-loss commercial, the one where he says his wife no longer finds him as disgusting as before….

Thanks for the overnight post from NYC, George. If you don’t mind my saying, you’re up surprisingly late (at least it’d be late for me). Regardless, thanks.

By Braveheart

March 26, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

If any of you check out the website for Mr. Spitz, the king of the gadflies, you will find this interesting article about Mr. Spitz from when he was running for office: Patronage has long been a target of Mr. Spitz’s wrath. He said the country would have been spared the impeachment crisis if Monica S. Lewinsky and Linda R. Tripp had not been patronage employees at the Department of Defense, where they met each other. “What were they doing there?” he asked. “What could they contribute to the defense of our country? New York Is filled with Monica Lewinskys and Linda Tripps.”

Oh, so true. Sorry, hate to get political on here but that was a great line I thought.

Can we use that line against the insufferable Mets fans that come on here? Everytime they post, we can say, oh chrissakes, this blog is getting filled up with a bunch of annoying Lewinsky and Tripp New Yorkers who contribute little to the blog. Ha-ha!

As for patronage, in a sense, that is sort of what is keeping Pete Orr on this team, isn’t it? Not exactly patronage, buy you know what I mean.

By tripleplay9

March 26, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this

DOB…what about going ahead and projecting the Braves 25 man roster for us?

Also, any news on the trade front?

By The Grinch, Pimp

March 26, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Snowball, perhaps Palmiero did those viagra commercials because his wang went on the DL. :-)

By David O'Brien

March 26, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Haven’t heard a word over the weekend about trades. I’m sure Braves would trade out-of-options Yates if they could get something decent in return, but I don’t know that they can.

They could get something for Villarreal, but I don’t think they’d be willing to trade him unless they got back more than they’re likely to be offered….

The extra guy they could afford to give up is Diaz, but I don’t think they’ve been offered enough, value-for-value, to make it worthwhile. But Braves would be fine in left with Langerhans/Wilson….

If they get back young pitcher Sean White from Seattle _ and I haven’t heard that they will _ it’s not a big deal, not going to have much if any effect at the big league level this year.

By ncscoots

March 26, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

George from NYC is my new hero. Blogging at 84? That’s serious chops, my friend. I’m making that a new life-goal for myself :-)

By journalist jimmy smith

March 26, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! this jour

By OddJob

March 26, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Speculation and plagiarisum I live in NC,I read these postings on this player or that,about a player for the White sox or Brewers I’ve never seen,or how a pitcher looks in camp.So what can a guy hundreds of miles away with no local coverage add to the info?not much. I commented after watching Mcbride pitch one inning that he looked to be short on his delivery.Somebody posted instructing me that his release was fine as evidenced by the ball staying down.The game was replayed so I watched again,it looked as I’d seen it the first time but I noticed that there appeared to be only one camera behind the pitcher and it was off center to the right,so my seeing the ball released short and left may well be a product of poor visuals.As I said there’s not any coverage to speak of here so I catch a second or two on sports center or baseball tonight.In the two games I’ve caught parts of on sports south Prado looked good at the plate(good balance)Thorman looked stiff,etc.So what’s a guy to do?speculate? plagiarize? or just accept that till the season has a little seasoning to it it’s just a guess for the most part.My judgement has been as good as the next guy over the years,but till I can see for myself,maybe I’ll let those in position to see be my eyes.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 26, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, Glad to see the rotation question was settled in my absence. I’ve logged more miles than a Cuban Chevy trying to make connections home via US Air. A bit of advice my friends. FLY DELTA!!!

Props to George in NYC, I am not 84, only feel 84!!! Been rode hard and put away wet too many times I guess.

Good luck to Tony Pena Jr. Hope he plays every day in KC and makes the All Star team.

By Braveheart

March 26, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

really cool to have the creator of the NYC marathon joining us lowly bloggers. always has been a big goal of mine to run that marathon. I have been saying for ten years i am going to start getting in shape and training for that thing. have never gotten around to it for whatever reason - probably because i like to eat too much, watch sports too much, blog too much, drink too much beer, and smoke 2 packs of cigarettes a day. I really need to start training for that thing - gonna be very painful at first.

as for the Braves, from what DOB has been reporting for us all spring and winter, isn’t the opening day roster going to be McCann/Pena, Thorman/Wilson, KJ, Edgar, Chipper, Orr/Woodward, Langerhans/Diaz, Andruw, Frenchy, Aybar on the DL, Smoltz, Hudson, James, Redman, Cormier, Wickman, Gonzalez, Soriano, Paronto, Villeral, McBride?, Moylan?, Hampton on the DL?

I’m not sure about those last two pitchers though. I know DOB has reported on that issue several times but for whatever reason I get really bad ADHD issues when we start discussing who the 21st-25th players on the team are going to be. KC, when those topics start coming up, you are going to need to pass me some of Laroche’s Ritalin.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 26, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

what’s going o

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

March 26, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Just in case anybody cares. Being a KC Chiefs fan, I spend almost as much time on their message boards as I do here (just not as much in the offseason). So I happened to go check out the Royals message boards, to see what their fans felt of Cordier (the young pitcher recovering from TJ surgery that we got in the Pena deal).

Doesn’t seem that ANY of their fans are real excited about it. This kid was a 2nd round pick two years ago, and before the surgery was listed in their top 15 minor league prospects.

Looks as though (if the kid recovers from surgery in a couple of years), that JS might raided another hen house in this deal. Like I said, we might not see the benefit of this trade for a long time, but considering Pena was gonna be waived anyhow (and more than likely claimed by SOMEBODY), getting anything for him was a job well done, much less getting a former 2nd round draft pick that “was” a hot prospect.

Nice job JS.

By Yars

March 26, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

DOB………..I know that most of us already know what the Braves opening day lineup will look like, but when do you see Bobby officially announcing it? This weekend? Meaning he will officially announce KJ as the starting 2B, Langerhans as the starting LF, ect.. As for your NL wildcard prediction, I don’t see the Mets being no more than a 3rd place team this season. I can’t see Pedro coming back after the all star break and saving them. It will take more than that. I also think the NL wildcard will come out of the NL West. (Padres) The NL West division winner will be the Dodgers. As for the NL Central, I think the Cubs may surprise a lot of people. The Cards don’t have as strong of a team like last season, & the Brewers are still 1-2 years away from contention.

By OddJob

March 26, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Braveheart speaking of hearts maybe you should start by stopping(smoking)and then by starting (walking) realistic goals both.

By Mitchie-san

March 26, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

I am finally back home in Japan after two months at sea. I am excited about this season! The Braves look great!!! I should be back being a regular poster again….

By KC

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

DOB: Am I hearing a hint that you picked the Mets over the Braves in the post-season? You wouldn’t.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

mitchie-san, welco

By David O'Brien

March 26, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Wait until you guys see today’s lineup: Orr (3B), Willie Harris (RF), Woodward (SS), Andruw (CF), Wilson (1B), Diaz (LF), Prado (2B), Miller (C), Cormier

So much for the rule about playing at least four regulars in spring games.

By Shaun

March 26, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Concerning that Derek Lowe article, again, is the front office more to blame or is it certain members of the media? Seems like the front office could try to be respectful to players but if they say anything at all that could be construed as negativity towards a player, some in the Boston media are going to run with it.

There comes a time to let a player go. There are some in the media (and elsewhere) who aren’t going to understand this; some think if a player is a star and has done a lot for the organization, the organization should keep the star player no matter how much his skills are likely to decline or how much a team may be overpaying him over the length of that contract.

It’s natural for a star player to get upset when a team gives an honest assessment of a contract situation. In a place like Boston, where everyone is obsessed with the team and the media is a huge part of everything, some in the media are going to run with the natural feelings that go with letting players go, etc., because controversy sales.

By Summerteeth

March 26, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

What are you listening to right now?

Me…

M-E-T-H-O-D O-F L-O-V-E

Method of Modern Love Daryl Hall & John Oates

Classic 80’s!

By flange1

March 26, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Robert (JIB), I know you were kidding about Cantu! But I did see rumor that indicated the Rays were not happy with Cantu’s production at the plate and were thinking about moving him to the Braves. Knowing the Rays, they would want Escobar, Salty and Davies for him!

I have never been a Cantu fan. I would rather stick with KJ and see what he can do.

DOB, if we can find a taker for Yates, who gets the spot?

By Mitchie-san

March 26, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Arigato, JJS. I look forward to your great posts! I have alot of catching up to do on all things Braves….

By Braveheart

March 26, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

thanks for the advice oddjob. even with my cigarette problem though, i was still running 8 miles a day up until about 2 year ago. if i start now, i can probably get myself back up to that by the all star break (at least I hope. getting a little older now).

Shaun, I know we are both tired of arguing about this and others are tired of reading us argue about it, but the Red Sox front office does not carry themselves right. They don’t treat the players with dignity when they let them go. They don’t. The media plays a huge part in that up there, yeah, but the media gets their ammo (especially about personal life matters) from the front office.

I think you misunderstand my point. It is more than fine to make tough objective financial and baseball decisions for the betterment of the team to let a guy go, even beloved guys and superstars. But why would you have to trash a guy to justify your decision? When you have to resort to those kinds of tactics, you really have to question the soundness of the objective financial and business decision that is supposedly being made. If it was so sound and objective, you would not need to get ugly and personal about it. Every player who left there left with a bitter taste in their mouth: Pedro, Damon, Nomar, Boggs, Clemens, Vaughn, Millar, Lowe, now Schilling. Why? You are right. There were sound reasons to let them go but the front office fought ugly in the media with them when they did not have to.

Controvery sells. No doubt. But discrediting a player’s reputation also helps ease the conscience of the owners and management as well and makes it easier for them to sell their decisions to the public.

Why say anything at all if you are them? Just have the faith of your convictions, let the soundness of your decisions be demonstrated by performance on the field, publicly issue no comments to the media about contract situations, and do the same privately with the media instead of leaking damaging information.

If you do not think that the Boston management group is not repeatedly complicit in that kind of disgusting behavior at contract time, you are awfully naive and you sound like more a of a fan of owners and front office types than you are of players.

Alright, I know you are going to disagree. I am sure you will have a good well reasoned devil’s advocate response because you are usually good with those but I am tired of this subject. We will just have to agree to disagree because I really need to get back to work.

By snowball's chance

March 26, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

G-Pimp, I knew I could count on you responding To my sick humor. Remember sex is dirty and disgusting. Especially if you are doing it right.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 26, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

something is wro

By Mitchie-san

March 26, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Only a week until the games start to count. I have a feeling that the Braves are going to come out swinging and are going to change alot of peoples opinion on who the team to beat in the East is going to be….

By KC

March 26, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Mitchie-san: I have the same feeling.

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

March 26, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

DOB

“So much for the rule about playing at least four regulars in spring games.”

What do you mean? Other than Andruw, it doesn’t get more REGULAR than that. LOL!

By Lew

March 26, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Snowball-Palmiero should have opted for cork in his bat instead of lead in his pencil. Mitchie San-Glad you’re back. Don’t eat any bad sushi, Dude.

By Lew

March 26, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy-You’re dropping your consonants. Is it a virus, or has the ham gel finally caught up with you? I wonder if the ham gel would rid you of your blue werm problem?

By KC

March 26, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Since Palmiero was brought up… Please forgive the tackiness of this joke, but back when he was doing the Viagra commercials, I keep waiting for Sportscenter to show one of his home runs and and yell “He didn’t need any help getting that one up!!”

Never saw that though.

By Lew

March 26, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

KC-He got good wood on it?

By Mitchie-san

March 26, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Arigato to you as well, Lew. Any word on the Baldelli? Just Kidding…relax….

By Braveheart

March 26, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

someone needs to give JJS some Viagra. hopefully, that will help him complete a sentence.

By KC

March 26, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Nice.

By Lew

March 26, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

MitchieSan-Nah, Baldelli’s still hurt. In some people’s opinion, maybe that up’s his value. Cool little headline in SI.COm—“Mood Swing:Frustrated with Slump Howard Snaps at Writer.” I wonder, now that Freddie Garcia is out with bicep tendinitis and Jon Lieber out with an oblique strain and now this, if Jimmy Rollins intends to keep running his mouth?

By Shaun

March 26, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Where does the discrediting come from? How are you so certain that any discrediting his handed down by the front office?

Actually, I don’t think all those players you listed left with a bitter taste in their mouthes. Some had their feelings hurt because the Red Sox are one of the few teams willing to boldly trade a superstar or let one go (see Nomar). But after the initial hurt feelings, I don’t think there is an unusual amount of animosity towards the Sox front office, at least not the current one.

Look at Johnny Damon. The Sox set their price and didn’t want to go to high over that. The Yankees paid him what he was asking. I haven’t hear much animosity towards the Sox come from Damon’s mouth.

During negotiations, it was much like John Smoltz when he expresses what he thinks about certain contract decisions. But those type of things get more attention and get blown out of proportion in cities like Boston.

If John Smoltz played in a city like Boston, I’m sure he would get the kind of reputation as somewhat of a controversial figure. Would he really be that much different? No. But some in the media would cling on to his every word and make it a huge story. In Atlanta it’s different because the Braves aren’t really by far the biggest thing in town.

I think you are getting fooled into thinking the natural disagreements and statements are a much bigger deal that they are…you are basically being fooled by some members of the Boston media.

By Lew

March 26, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Oh, the longevity!

By snowball's chance

March 26, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Did Palmeiro use the clear or the cream? Careful where you apply that Raffi.

By Shaun

March 26, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Of the players you listed, I can only think of one comment that can be attributed to the front office that was sort of a big deal—that Clemens was in the “twilight” of his career. The front office shouldn’t have said that, but in hindsight even that wasn’t all that controversial. Besides, that was the old regime.

Maybe the Sox front office is evil and feeds things to the media about players they want to cut loose. But I haven’t seen much evidence of that.

Next time you read an article about how bad the Sox front office is, remember who wrote it. If it’s a player, like Derek Lowe, ask yourself could his opinion be affected by hurt feelings that they no longer wanted him (at least for the price he demanded).

By KC

March 26, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

I did seed one interview with Curt Schilling that gave me respect for him. Apparently Barry Bonds made some comment about him. Of all the things… I think it had something to do with Schilling’s placement on a “least-like” sports figure list, or something to that effect. The irony of Barry Bonds commenting on something like that is astounding.

Anyway, the reporter asked Schilling if he had heard Barry’s comments.

Schilling: “no, and I really don’t care”.

Reporter: “Well do you want to hear what he said?”

Schilling: “Nope.”

The reporter pressed him further, though I can’t remember how the conversation went. I just appreciated the fact that Schilling didn’t want to be involved in any silliness. It would have been very easy to pop off about Barry… veeeery easy. But he didn’t bite, and in so doing (or not doing) displayed some character.

By KC

March 26, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Viagra dumped Palmiero as their spokesman after the steroids thing came out. But I think they should have publicly embraced his affinity for performance enhancing substances. Pretty much in line with their value proposition, isn’t it?

By Shaun

March 26, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

I should say the Clemens comment was only all that controversial in hindsight. It’s easy to see why a team may not want to keep around a pitcher approaching his mid 30’s. Especially considering 10 years ago no one knew as much about pitching as they know now. That said, that was a comment the front office probably shouldn’t have made. But again, that was not the current regime.

By Lew

March 26, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Shaun-I live up here and there were many bitter feelings from all of those players. The Red Sox front office is and has been a bunch of very unprofessional people. Just ask a Red Sox fan about Duquette and letting the Rocket go.

By beachcomber

March 26, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

DOB - Just caught up with your Friday blog. Thanks for the kind words about Brighthouse. Had a very small part in getting it built - something I will always treasure. Spent Sunday at the Disney ballyard - not too shabby either.

By Mitchie-san

March 26, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Isnt Viagara a “performance enhancer”?

By Lew

March 26, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Shaun-Yes, ten years ago was back in the Pleistocene Era, wasn’t it? They sure didn’t know anything about pitching back then and had never had a pitcher go past age 40 (except Ryan, Niekro, etc.). You’re just wrong on this one. Unless you read the Boston Globe every day, or another local New England paper, listen to NESN on a regular basis, or live with thousands of rabid Red Sox fans, then you don’t have a clue. The Boston front office has been reviled for their moves for years. It was so bad in the 05 offseason, that the Sox couldn’t even find anyone to take the flippin’ GM job. I wonder why?

By Braves 20

March 26, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Cormier leaves the Astro game after six hitters holding his right arm.

By David O'Brien

March 26, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Cormier leaves game with injury in second inning. Looks like his arm but they haven’t said yet.

oh, and NEW BLOG UP

By StingerSplash

March 26, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

You want an indication of the media’s relationship with the players in Boston? Try reading Dan Shaughnessy’s column today on Schilling’s blog. The beat writers at the Globe (Gordon Edes, who’s very good) and the Herald (Tony Massarotti, also good), I guess, get along OK with most of the players. It’s the columnists and the talk radio guys who stir the pot. And I think the Red Sox front office, maybe more than anybody else, has leaked stuff as a means to a Machiavellian end. Think JS and his crew would do those kinds of things?

By MBATL

March 26, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Braves 20, DOB, keep us posted on Cormier. Damn!

By Shaun

March 26, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Lew,

The argument from Braveheart (from what I understand) is that the Boston front office trumps up some bad things to justify letting players go.

I think some of the louder media outlets/members, make too much of naturally dicey situations.

There is always going to be controversy and hurt feelings when players leave or are traded. In Boston utility players are like rock stars and the Red Sox are bigger than basically anything. So certain members of the media are going to blow things way out of proportion.

The Boston front office has been reviled for their moves for years.

The moves that they have been “reviled” for during the current regime have seemed to work out—could it be that the front office is, dare I say, wiser than the revilers.

By Webster

March 26, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith should Google for the answer, or go to Wikipedia—same place he gets his unoriginal material.