Braves

By sri

March 28, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

looks like Davies needs more seasoning at Richmond.. Hope Cormier can stay off the DL.

By PABravefan

March 28, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

I think Frenchy is going to be experiencing a breakout year!!!

By Coach

March 28, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Yep , Davies needs his head examined. A five spot in the first inning and all he needed to do is be aggressive and throw strikes. Walking the bases loaded with a five run lead is just inexcusable. There is no quicker way to drive Bobby Cox crazy than to start walking batters.

By Matt

March 28, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

I wish we had signed glavine during the winter, would have been cool to see him finish out here. Lets hope Davies straightens up in the next few innings.

By brian

March 28, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

great post - I bet Cox’s blood pressure shot through the roof with those walks. Up 5, what is the worst thing a pitcher can do? WALKS. Wish Davies would watch some film of Maddux. Didn’t have overpowering stuff, but he threw strikes and went after hitters. Stayed ahead in the count while still keeping the hitters off balance.

Frenchy will be fine - I think everybody forgets how young he really is and how quickly he shot up to the big leagues. How does Frenchy’s numbers at this stage in his career (at bats and age) compare to Murphy or Chipper? Or Andruw for that matter?

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

**YO DOB , ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE CHANCES OF A MID-SEASON TRADE OF ONE OF OUR CLOSERS??

BECAUSE I VALUE YOUR OPINION AND NOT THE METS/RED SOX COALITION THAT HAS INFESTED YOUR BLOG.

C’MON DOB , GIMME SOMETHIN’ lol**

By TennesseePaul

March 28, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

I gotta get in on all this italics.

Anyone who is watching this game… are the Mets hitting the ball hard? From the box score it looks like this is more a result of Davies location. He has 2Ks and 3 gounders to no flies. All the hits are singles. Is he working on a pitch or something?

By cjohnson

March 28, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Someone also needs to be working with Kyle on holding runners. Having 3 stolen bases in 2 innings on your pitcher…..thats not good.

Journalist Jimmy Smith…..I am thinking maybe there is a toe issue with Kyle..thus preventing him from making a good pick move to 1st, which would put awkward preassure on left toes….We know that toes are not to be trifled with…..I would appreciate an evaluation and opinion from the seteemed journalist.

By Shaun

March 28, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, to continue…

So, you’re saying a player’s career numbers aren’t very useful unless you know how good he was at his hottest and how good he is at his coldest? I would tend to trust career numbers over looking at hot and cold and medium streaks—that will tell us more.

Yes, some players are consistently good and some are consistently bad but even the best players are going to have bad streaks and even the worst players are going to have good streaks.

I would like to see some evidence that some players are significantly more streaky than others. I’m sure that if there are players that go on extreme streaks, it would be worse for the team, as you say, but I’m not sure there are players that are significantly more streaky than others.

Why don’t I think that streaky-ness plays as big a role as you think? Well, because for the most part you can do a pretty good job of guessing a team’s W-L record. A team may blow out teams in one month but they may also lose a lot of close games during a particular month.

The Braves’ problem last season wasn’t a streaky offense—it was run prevention. If they would have scored the exact same amount of runs in each game and a better pitching staff, they would have been a playoff contender easily.

Streakyness may matter some but it’s not going to make a significant difference in a team’s win-loss record, it seems to me.

By KC

March 28, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Why are the Mets setting up their rotation that way??? Glavine’s not going to be the Mets opening day starter? Maybe that’s a sign of how seriously they’ll be taking all their head-2-head matchups with Atlanta.

By KC

March 28, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I still like Cormier better than anything the Phillies have at the bottom of their rotation… so my point stands. =)

By Lew

March 28, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Caveman- Think if you keep yelling, someone may take notice? The intelligence of your questions sure hasn’t gained you any recognition-maybe the caps will.

By David O'Brien

March 28, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

i don’t think it’ll happen, unless one’s struggling and another team offers a piece the Braves need at that point (and right now, I don’t know what that piece they might need would be)

They’re unlikely to trade a big piece of the bullpen in the middle of a playoff race, if the bullpen’s doing as well as they expect it to be doing.

By Mike S

March 28, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Caveman22, Just my opinion but with Wickman likely being gone after this year, it would be wise to keep both of the new guys. Wickman is the only trade candidate that is even worth thinking about but I would say no because he is a great clubhouse and pen guy. He really helped the relievers when he came in last year. Just my opinion though.

By Novice Ned

March 28, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

So is Bobby really going to have Thorman/Wilson/Johnson & Prado staff the right side of the infield? Seems with the way Orr is swinging the bat, that having an experienced 2B with tremendous speed is more than a nice-to-have, its critical. Even Wilson is a part-timer at 1B and all of those other guys don’t have a combined 100 games at their newly designated positions (in the majors).

Orr is swinging a hot, hot bat and has superb speed. Hasn’t he earned a spot in the infield rotation?

By BravesFaninRockies

March 28, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

caveman,

Not presuming to speak for the estimable Mr. O’Brien, but he has written in earlier posts that the chances are probably slim and none. It’s understandable.

First, Wicky may have a year or two left after ‘07. Or maybe not. Soriano or Gonzo may be needed as an everyday closer as early as next season.

Next, did you see our bullpen last year? And did you watch the Mets or the Angels play at all? (If they were ahead in the 6th inning, it was game over.) Why would we deal away what may be the most dominant part of the roster midseason, presumably during a pennant race?

Besides, we have sorely lacked power arms over the past few years and power pitching usually beats soft-tossing in the postseason.

If you have reason to think we should deal one of these guys, I’d love to hear it.

By Voice of Reason

March 28, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

The ESPN goobs are kissing Omar Minaya’s butt so completely and continuously, if Omar stops too quickly, a couple of guys are gonna end up two shoulders deep! For the love of all that’s good and decent, can the gushing love affair stop?!

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB, sorry about the CAPS but I wanted to distinguish between my question and the “LEW-SER” who keeps wanting to play with me..

So allow me to repost this: Gil Yes their actually is a comic book but it’s Capt. Caveman. I actually get a check from the caveman commercials b/c I wrote like 2 stupid lines in one draft copy of the first marketing campaign. It’s not enough to live on but it’s gotta be triple whatLEW makes sitting at home jerk’n off to porn. Speaking of LEW-SER, evidently I got so far under his skin he can’t spell correctly anymore. Now if your gonna compete with me in the Main Event your gonna have to do better than “anal” and “no personality”. C’mon, accuse me of being upset that my Extends supply ran out and “that certain part of the male anatomy” is shrinkin back down to midget size. Or how about the fact that I invented lightin’ farts but wasn’t smart enough to patent it before it became public property. Good stuff like that!!!

C’MON LEW-SER, GIMME SOMTHIN’ lol

By Lew

March 28, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

See Caveman-That’s exactly what I told you. Do you now feel recognized? Justified? I’m so happy for you.

By NO CHOP ZONE

March 28, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Lew…..Now I know why you don’t like Beltran. Last year he hit 9 home runs with a .318 AVG against the braves……OUCH!

By Shaun

March 28, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

No team is going to distribute it’s run scoring and run prevention evenly—even the most consistent teams you can find. A team that scores 850 runs isn’t going to score between 5 and 6 runs every single night. They are probably going to have some where they score a lot more than that, some a lot fewer than that.

My point is, every single player is streaky. Streaks don’t tell us much. Looking at the entire picture does. LaRoche isn’t as good as his hot month but he also isn’t quite as bad as his other months. He’s closer to what he did throughout the season and he’s even closer to what he’s done his whole career (after we consider age and context).

By Daybed Wagmoe

March 28, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

i really enjoyed bob dylan’s live cover of “boom boom mancini” from a few years back…i think it was 2002 when he was touring australia, and i heard an mp3 of it.

By Metropolitan Man

March 28, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

And this is why this fanatic is so estatic for this year and next. This is just a few paragraphs from the Post.

March 28, 2007 — A GAME was played in the hotel lobby at the Winter Meetings: When will the New York teams break? It was clear the White Sox were auctioning veteran starters such as Freddy Garcia and Jon Garland, and the Mets were in play if they were willing to relinquish Philip Humber or the pitcher Chicago GM Kenny Williams was asking for most, Mike Pelfrey.

But it is not the same as it ever was. Omar Minaya, as badly as he craved a veteran starter, refused to surrender either of his two best pitching prospects. And Cashman never even considered an offer for Zito.

There was a time recently when the Yankees and, to a somewhat lesser extent, the Mets, knew they were among the few organizations who could afford high-end pitching. But the game is so flush with money now that two things have happened: 1) Just about every team could retain its best, prime-aged starters on long-term deals like Arizona (Brandon Webb), Houston (Roy Oswalt), Toronto (Roy Halladay) and Cincinnati (Aaron Harang). 2) That chokes supply and raises the price not just for the best pitchers, but the second- and third-tier guys, as well. And now, more teams bid in all of the tiers. Hence $55 million for Meche, who never has reached even 190 innings in a season.

“You better protect what you have because of the dollars in the marketplace for even number 3 and 4 starters,” Minaya said.

Both New York teams have been horrendous at developing pitching and getting production from young, low-cost starters. The only young, homegrown starters to help the teams this decade are Asian imports Jae Seo (Mets) and Chien-Ming Wang (Yanks). Here is what they are doing about it: METS

Deolis Guerra

The 6-6, 224-pound righty will turn 18 in April. He pitched for two A-ball teams last season, going 7-8 with a 2.53 ERA. The Venezuelan profiles long term as a starter and is slated for St. Lucie. Baseball America rates Guerra’s changeup tops in the Mets¹ minors, and his fastball is in the low 90s.

Kevin Mulvey

No. 2 pick in 2006 out of Villanova will turn 22 in May. The 6-1,

196-pounder has “four good pitches,” according to Mets VP Tony Bernazard (fastball, changeup, curve, slider). Mulvey should begin at Double-A Binghamton.

Jonathon Niese

A 6-4, 219-pound southpaw who was drafted in the seventh round two years ago, Niese “is the best left-handed prospect that we have,” Bernazard said. The 20-year-old has struck out 166 in 158 1/3 minor-league innings. Slated to start as St. Lucie.

Joe Smith

Side-winding righty is the only reliever in this crew and also the one likely to spend the most time at Shea this season. Bernazard believes he’s capable of retiring lefties, which could allow him to be more than a righty specialist.

By Shaun

March 28, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

KC,

I hope Cormier is better than what the Phillies have at least this season. But I don’t know if he’s much better than even Ryan Madson.

By rammerjammer

March 28, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Wish I could see today’s game, but after Kyle’s three first-inning walks, none since. In other words, no meltdown (unlike last season). That’s encouraging.

By Robert

March 28, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

A question to throw out to everyone in Braves blog land: If you are Schuerholz and have the choice of keeping just one of the following players on your roster after the 2007 season, who would you pick? Smoltz, Chipper or Andruw. Based on age and productivity, I would go with Andruw myself.

By Renegator

March 28, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

So we have Dave O’Brien giving us the play-by-play on ESPN and David O’Brien giving us the play-by-play on the blog.

Is there any concern about lack of team speed. We have seen the Mets steal 3 bases today and I saw that at least one of them scored because of the steal. It seems like the Braves have no real base stealing threat (Furcal in previous years). Do you think that will be a detriment (sp?) to the team or is speed overrated? Thoughts…

By journalist jimmy smith

March 28, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

cjohnson, journalist can tell little about davies’ toes from this angle. this is a job for esteemed dob, on-the-scene correspondent. it is true that toes are not to be trifled with.

now, these announcers … do they not know there is a ballgame underway? so much blather.

and, if ralph whaleshark had a weak stomach lining can wicky be far behind?

By Lee

March 28, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Can hardly wait until the regular season begins. Ready to come in from work relax, pop the top on some cold ones and watch the Braves start winning at least 2 out of 3 series games with each opponent they play. Lucky enought to have a dish to watch all televised games. Sping traiing tends to get a little boring around the last week as does preseason football games.

Would be surprise to see any trade made unless for some unlikey reason the Braves start falling around 7 or more games out of first place. They do not need to fall behind early. This is going to be a tough division this year with the Phillies, Mets, and even the Marlins are no gimmie.

By TennesseePaul

March 28, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Payne: I did not say career numbers are worthless. I was speaking of building a team line up, (probably should have been more specific about that, though it was implied when speaking of replacing LaRoche with Thorman). I speak of this because the goal is to win a season, win the WS, so you must build for the marathon. Consistancy goes further than streakiness in this type of race. And lastly, there are players who are more streaky than others. Check out Gwynn and compare to AJ. Both are great players, one more consistant than the other. AJ is a streaky hitter. It’s just the way he is. Streaky hitters pile up Ks more than consistant hitters (or maybe strike out hitters are more streaky, I don’t know but it’s not really the point right now).
Our offense last season was streaky. It was covered up by our poor pitching. Our pitching was so blatanly awful, that you didn’t notice so much that we hit several large dry patches of hitting. Normalized 10 averages show at least 3 extended periods of poor run creation. There was one massive peak right in July when we piled up most of our runs. That followed a dry spell when we barely scored anything at all for a month. Put another way, after our dry spell, we went on a tear which doubled the number of runs scored in the previous period. Then we dropped off again. Then picked back up. Streaky all laid out in the numbers.

Now, it could be argued that our hitting was streaky because the offense was pressing trying to make up for the terrible pitching. I don’t know, but I wouldn’t be surprised. But it would beg the question, did our offense over perform because it was pressing to cover for the pitching? That is to say, had the pitching been better, would our offense pressed hard enough to produce similar results? These are questions for those who believe in the impact of the intangible…

By N8

March 28, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

caveman22

If you want your post to be bold (which it looks like you did, due to the parenthasis at the beginning and end of it), you need to either:

a) Make it all one paragraph.

or

b) Put the parenthasis at the beginning and end of EACH paragraph.

btw: IMO, (which based on your lashout at Lew - you probably have no interest in), trading for Gonzalez and Sorian was not only for this year, but for the future, when Wickman is no longer with us, or has closer “stuff”. Which could be as soon as next year, if not later in this season.

So, my guess, is that NEITHER of them are going anywhere, unless we are ridiculously out of the race, and somebody blows us away with an offer. That being said, if Wickman get’s bumped from the closer’s roll, he could be moved for somebody looking for a former closer. But I doubt it. If JS was going to “flip” either of them, NO MATTER how long after the initial trades actually happened, there is NO WAY LaRoche would’ve been traded.

By Lew

March 28, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

ChopZone-I have nothing against Beltran. Actually, I consder picking him up to be one of the Mets best acquisitions in many years-certainly better than Mo Vaughan or Jeromy Bernitz. I hope you do remember what he did last year-in his career year. He won’t be that good again, probably about how good he was for the Mets in 05. Disappointing.

By MBATL

March 28, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Shaun, didn’t the “numbers” suggest the Braves should’ve won something like 85 games last year? If it’s not streakiness, then why did we not win as many as we should have?

Numbers aside, it’s OBVIOUS that we went into a terrible slump in June, where a couple of extra runs scored (or prevented) would have made a difference, and a huge dominant stage in July/August (where we could’ve spared a few on either side).

Even the numbers out, and we’d have almost surely won more games. Right? I’m not really arguing, because I know there’s no winning an argument with your numbers, but I DO think that both players’ and teams’ success are affected by streaks. The ridiculous, extreme example is that you win the first game 900-0, and then don’t score the rest of the year; you go 1-161 but still had the best offense in the league.

As to players who don’t streak, check Albert Puljos’ numbers for pretty much any period you want.

By CMC

March 28, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I remember how you railed against Jorge Sosa last year, and well you should have. He showed up at training camp overweight and too proud of his 2005 season to think he needed further improvement. Is “Will He?” Aybar making his way to the DOB Doghouse as we speak? What’s his status today - still in street clothes with pollen issues? Tell him to join the crowd, take some Claritin, and play ball!!!

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

bravesfaninrockies thanks. I haven’t been readin these blogs too much. Don’t usually read these at work but I’ve been able to slide them in lately. So if I repeated a question sorry. And Shaun, sorry I lumped you together with LEW-SER. You actually have a few good and valid points when your talking about the Braves. Aaahhh LEW-SER , you need to understand the differenc between being a staying at home author / artist who collects royalty checks and the reality: Those are “government assistance checks and they are called WELFARE”

Jack Black moment: “OH, I sorry, are you retarded??”

C’MON LEW-SER, GIMME SOMETHIN’ lol

By kyle davies

March 28, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Anyone know any good restaurants in Richmond?

By Jim

March 28, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

One positive for Davies start today. Although it probably destined him for Richmond, he was able to settle down after walking the first 3 batters and pitch effectively for the rest of the day. He would have been more inclined to blow up after such a start last year. Also, can we attribute the first inning wildness to the pressure of trying to over-impress to make the team?

By Lew

March 28, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Caveman-What exactly is your problem? Did the two lines you wrote from the Caveman commercials deplete your store of humor and you need some fresh material? Lew-ser. Dude, How long did it take you to come up with that one? Again, I’m truly impressed. Blither on.

By TennesseePaul

March 28, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Payne: I’ll put it this way… It’s near impossible to build a team of .400+ OBP guys that all have .600+ SLG. So you gotta make a choice. When you can’t fill every position with the ideal, you pick from what you have to contruct a unit that will get the job done. Likewise, you don’t want you team to conisist of exceptionally streaky hitters. Last season we had 4 in the line up on a regular basis. That’s half the every day line up. We’ve removed 2 of them. 1 of them is young and improving. The last one is a Boras agent. This season should be considerably more consistant than last season.
And, when I speak of streakiness… I’m not talking about a 2 or three game stretch here. I’m talking about several weeks. Extended slumps. Extended periods of time of max performance and lax performance.
Another factor in last seasons offensive streaks is injuries. Particularly to Chipper. When he was in the line up, the lineup was most powerful. When Chipper and McCann were out of the line up, not even Renteria’s hitting streaks could turn it around. We still had AJ, LaRoche and Francoeur striking out all the time.

By KC

March 28, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Shaun: You’re either giving waaaaaay too much credit to Ryan Madson… or far to little to Lance Cormier. Not sure which, but either way YOU MUST BE OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!!!

By MBATL

March 28, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Davies’ walks were worrisome, to say the least. He obviously needs to work on having more confidence in his stuff. But, Braves fans, give the kid credit; he came back and posted a decent outing against the Mets’ frontliners (minus Delgado).

By KC

March 28, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Caveman22: Dude… is today a teacher’s work day or are you home-schooled? How old are you bro?

By Cast & Crew

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

Nonsensical Jimmy, Inchoherent Bob, Tempermental Lew, Know It All Shaun, Unrealistic KC, Attention Seeking Caveman, N8 the Gasbag, Blowhard Braveheart, Potty Mouthed No Chop, SJA the Martyr, STFU already! Please! Let the blog breathe already. There are others who need to heed that advice as well. People don’t want to post anymore because of you guys. Take a look around you. There’s no one left but you. It shouldn’t be that way. It’s becoming not fun. Someone needs to call a player’s only meeting. There are too many cancers in the clubhouse and we have not yet even reached opening day.

By KC

March 28, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Shaun: Madson is having a nice spring as a reliever, but as a starter last year, he got absolutely blown apart.

Cormier on the other hand posted an ERA just a hair above 3.00 after being thrust into the Braves rotation late last year, and has been nothing short of brilliant as a starter this year.

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

N8 Dude, I welcome any and all insight. That’s what I blogged for. The only I thing I got against LEW is he seems to think that if your not like him —sitting at home 24/7 reading every single word on the blog so that we don’t touch the same subject twice, that he somehow has the right to “try” and ridicule me. And like he said himself, “its cyberspace, so I don’t have to worry about him showing up on my front door”. I guess that makes him the JOE PESCI — telephone tough guy. As for as bolding, it justs makes it easier to find my blogs and I know the LEW is lookin’ hard for them so I’m trying to help him out before he blows up his E-machine. ( oh c’mon, you know he’s got one, and he’s on dial-up — but it’s HI-speed NetZero!! )lololol. You know he can’t afford broadband. I’ve been doing Stand-Up comedy for 15 years and this LEW-SER isn’t makin me flinch one bit. I’m trying to hold back b/c my really good stuff would get me banned from the blog and that’s not what I’m here for. Besides if you notice the two good zingers I got in early were about ME. I was tryin to help his lame a* out!! Now I am officially THRU with LEW. ain’t YOU. me TOO. gotta GOO.

C’MON ANYBODY, GIMME SOMETHIN’ LOL

By Shaun

March 28, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

I’m not arguing streaks don’t matter, but I would argue there not as significant as overall talent. Much like clutch-hitting and base-running, streakiness is an overrated aspect of the game. It doesn’t matter as much as things like hitting for power, avoiding outs, and keeping the other team from doing that.

And I would argue that the Braves underperformed what their runs scored and allowed indicated their record should be because of their record in close games and not because of streakiness. They seemed to lose a lot of 5-4, 6-5, 4-3 games, which I don’t think had a lot to do with streaks.

By StingerSplash

March 28, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

As I much as despise the Evil Empire and all things pinstripe, they can go ahead and call their place Legends Field, even if Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri, Berra, Mantle, et al. didn’t play there. But the Mets? Tradition Field? What tradition, pray tell, is that? Two Series titles, one the result of dumba$$ John McNamara, in 40 years merits “Tradition Field?” A tradition of what, illicit drug use? And I don’t care what MEMSO says, DOB, keep bringin’ the Zevon. Play it all night long.

By Steve-O

March 28, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Davies walks too many damn people, after getting a 5-0 lead, how the HELL are you going to walk three straight??? Unbelievable…..

DOB

Weather Update for Philly on Monday from Weather.com, %10 chance of showers. I’ll be there in my Chipper jersey ready to go up 1-0 in the East.

Peace

By Lew

March 28, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Caveman-Welfare-Isn’t that the primary source of income for comedians? Or is it the free food at open mike night at the local comedy club that draws you to the genre?

By David O'Brien

March 28, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

KC, Glavine is starting opening day _ Sunday. They open a day earlier than Braves, and also have an off day before facing the Braves.

He’ll be on regular rest when he faces the Braves next Friday in the home opener at Turner.

By David O'Brien

March 28, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Thorman just flied out to the CF warning track. He’s hitting the ball a lot harder, just not getting many hits.

By KC

March 28, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Cast & Crew: Since you’ve chosen to make your last post under something other than whatever name you normally post under, we don’t have the pleasure of assigning you a nickname as well. THAT’S NOT FAIR!!!!! I’m tellin’!

By Robert

March 28, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

“I would like to see some evidence that some players are significantly more streaky than others.”

Shaun - take a look at the career of virtually any poor fundamental player and you will see that their batting average/OBP will show a wider range of swings than those of a fundamentally sound player (and the best measures of fundamental soundness at the plate are K/BB rate and raw walk rate)

One of the hallmarks of greatness is consistancy

By flange1

March 28, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Caveman, just so you know, Lew is quite a talented artist! I have seen his stuff and it is great. You better be careful though, you are really barking up the wrong tree with Lew!!!! Good luck!

DOB, anything on the trade front?

Thanks!

By Epinephrine

March 28, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Caveman, what is the matter with you? Honestly. You are either younger than 15 or have a serious learning disability. I have no idea which, but do us all a favor and calm down.

By Lew

March 28, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Doing Comedy for fifteen years and he still hasn’t figured it out. Two lines in a commercial. What a resume. Hope the free food keeps you going. Apparently you need all the help you can get. What a waste of oxygen.

By Robert

March 28, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

“Is there any concern about lack of team speed.”

No, only because it wouldnt be used anyway. I forget the exact words, but a famously stupid Bobby Cox quote from a few years back was on the order of “Speed. We dont need to stinking speed” (with apologies to Mel Brooks)

“Somebody better go back and get a s** of dimes”

By Stuart

March 28, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Where has Bob Wickman been the last couple of days? Has he pitched any? Is he hurt, or is he ready to go?

By ernesto

March 28, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

caveman - you wrote two lines of copy and you’re getting royalty checks? I’ve been in teh biz a loooong time and I’ve never heard of anyone getting royalty checks for writing any copy…it immediately becomes the property of the agency or client employing you. nice try though, sounded odd enough to be believable.

Now onto important stuff, game that doesn’t mean anything, but still glad otherwise No Chop, Metman and the rest would have been insufferable for the next two weeks.

Aw hell, they’re fairly insufferable anyway. Heilman looked good today boys, the 8th inning should be no problem.

By KC

March 28, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

To Davies’ credit, it seems he’s settled in nicely… at least from looking at the box score. Can’t watch it until I get home, but it looks like he made an adjustment.

Cast & Crew: If you’re looking for a forum with a more dispassionate assortment of regular bloggers, you might try looking for an Atlanta Hawks blog.

By Renegator

March 28, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Caveman Why don’t you give us your take on this year’s team. I would like to hear a comedian’s perspective.

By Carolina Lady

March 28, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

It’s really strange - I honestly thought this was a Braves baseball blog where we all could talk BRAVES baseball. I am shocked to realize that it is actually a mud pit for slugging it out with whomever one takes a dislike, disagrees with or with whomever a slight, perceived or otherwise, is detected. Textbook for “How To Kill A Great Blog.” Belligerence abounds. Anybody know anything about courtesy and diplomacy?

Forget the 5-minute posting delay. The blog needs a word limit, perhaps even a max-posting limit. Maybe another day for friendly Braves discussion, huh?

CL out.

By Turnin2

March 28, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Totally (well mostly off topic) but last night I watched my first televised Braves game since returning from ST on Monday and today I’m listening to the radio broadcast on my laptop (while of course I am diligently working ever so hard in my office). Anyone else have any thoughts on the new “Welcome to the Bigs” commercials?
I sorta liked the one on tv - but this one on the radio is about to drive me nuts! First, the guy talking is obviously from NY (listen to his enunciation of BALL)…. and Geez -I hope a father has more in common with and can make memories with his son without having to take him to a ballgame (yeah yeah, I know the point, but I find it annoying)…. Sorry, first day back in the office after 2+ weeks of sun and ballgames…things are ticking me off more and more easily maybe… can’t wait to say The Boys are Back in Town!

By Shaun

March 28, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I would have to dig a little deeper but I would guess that the Braves offense was no more streaky than any other good offense last season.

And I’m not so sure AJ is any more streaky than Tony Gwynn. Gwynn was probably the better hitter, but was he more consistent or less streaky?

I suppose a good way to measure this would be to take several extremely similar players with extremely similar numbers and abilities and look at things like hitting streaks, on-base streaks, extra-base streaks, homer streaks, hitless streaks, homerless streaks, extra-base-less streaks and see if there is a significant difference in their streaks. That would go a long way towards telling us if there are players who are significantly more streaky than others.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Even more proof that if crack doesn’t actually kill you—you will end up like that guy…

By ellaguru

March 28, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Boy, what an unpleasant person. Dave, isn’t rule number one for any blog supposed to be “no ad hominem attacks”? The Mets guys are just typical jag-offs but our commercial writer/standup comic is losing you some readers, yo. At least one, anyway.

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

cast and crew that’s exactly the point I’m trying to make. This is stupid. All I wanted to do was ask DOB a question, and I was making a few jokes. It’s what I do. Now if these guys don’t know the (LOL) means I’m laughing it’s just proves that they need to get a life. The only reason I repeated my question was because they got so many back and forth’s going on about a bunch of b/s that nothing else get’s on here. Maybe my attempt was misguided but blowing LEW off the blog would certainly help get it back on subject, which is Forum for readers of DOB to conversate with HIM about things. So to anybody who was offended or put out by the blogs < I’m sorry > If Red Sox Nation would go to there own blogs and let the Braves fans have this one we could have a nice little blog. And to those who shall remain nameless, quit attacking people from your keyboard b/c you think your superior b/c you think you are a part of the team with inside info. This is for FANS. You talk about team business schedule a meeting with JS or buy some stock in Liberty and go to the board meetings.

DOB, Sorry if I ruined your blog today. I just really enjoy your style.

Caveman

By rammerjammer

March 28, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

CL,

I think we’ve all got a touch of cabin fever, waiting for the games that count to begin. A lot of scores to settle, so to speak, and everyone’s chomping at the bit and feeling frisky.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

CL—great idea on the posting limits, but that would really kill the ‘page hits’ totals—so that will never happen—I mean a page hit is a page hit, even if it’s chickenzhit—-Cha-Ching!!!…

By Shaun

March 28, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

I just looked back at AJ’s batting lines from last season. I can only find one streak of four-hitless games in a row.

Also, looking back at the Braves results, there is that one streak in July where they scored in double-digits five games in a row, but aside from that I can’t find much of a pattern of streakiness.

Could it be that your concept of streakiness is your intuition playing tricks on you?

Again, I don’t deny streaks are possible and matter but I don’t know if certain players and teams are significantly more streaky than others.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 28, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady,

I know what you mean. I’m flipping back and forth between here and a Razorback board and it’s a mess in both places. With all the outrageous rumors about the Head Basketball coach search going on over there, that board is even a bigger mess than this is. I can’t escape the drama. Maybe I should do some work before I get fired.

By Shaun

March 28, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

I just looked up Adam LaRoche’s game log from last season. He had one streak where he was hitless in five games in a row. Other than that, I don’t see many long streaks.

By MGL

March 28, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Caveman, I answered one of your questions yesterday because I thought you were a decent blogger. Today changed my mind. If you want ask DOB and only DOB a question, why not use his email? If you post a question on a blog, it is normal that other people might answer with their opinion, which is a good thing.

Obviously, you are suffering from a lack of attention, and I would guess that your comedy writing career is in trouble (certainly appears so based upon your posts). If all you can do is harrass Lew, why don’t you ask nicely for his email and leave us in peace to enjoy the blog.

By Shaun

March 28, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Robert,

Show them that team speed correlates with run scoring and maybe the Braves will pay more attention to team speed.

By MBATL

March 28, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Shaun, 94 runs in the month of June (last in the NL by a huge margin)? And 171 runs in July (first in the NL by another large margin)?

I’m not sure how to do the research, but I would guess that our offense WAS more streaky than the Mets, Phillies, or Dodgers. Call me crazy, but going from solid last to solid first in one month suggests… “streakiness.”

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

I only said what I did so you would know I was joking. LEW’s followed over from the last blog with his crap. I’m here to ask questions and get insight. LEW thinks he owns the blog. I don’t really care. I just had some extra time today and my office is getting a real kick out of some of the crap being put up here. KC - our office manager won $10 for coming the closest to guesing the time someone would ask how old I was. You should ask for 10%. My warehouse guy won $20 for correctly guessing that LEW would be unable to think of a joke on his own and try to turn around my “welfare” line. ( I know you are but what am I was actually what he guessed would be said but I gave it to him as close enough) As for me I’nm a huge Braves fan who goes to 30 games a year, sometimes just showing up — grabbing some cheap tix — and hittin the Chop Shop. Again I’m just trying to tell you something about me, not trying to BLOW my horn, just want you to understand none of this is serious. “There’s no crying in baseball” The commercial thing was just in response to somebody elses comment. And if you want a comedian take on the Braves I’ll post some funny stuff later. It’s all gooooodd. It’s just baseball and bloggin. But if try to attack me I’m gonna defend myself and trust me : “Don’t make me angry, you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry” (lol) OK SEE THAT WAS A JOKE!!

Alright now somebody try to twist muy words and make this somehow sound bad or something.. BUT at least make it funny, CAVEMAN LIKE LAUGHING!!

By MGL

March 28, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

About that power-packed Mets lineup: ST AVG to date - Beltran .241, LoDuca .205, Delgado .200, Alou .164, Green .154. I know, it’s just practice.

By KC

March 28, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Supposedly, Orr has blazing speed… so why can’t he steal a base? He just got caught stealing again today, which makes him 2 of 5 in that dept. this spring.

By TennesseePaul

March 28, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Payne: Glad to see you spend all this time on the day to day game logs of two braves players. Put a little more effort into reading my posts and it might save you some time. Or at least give you a better idea of how you might want to analyze the data besides just eye-balling it. I keep running game logs for the entire season. So I can mine this data pretty quickly. Unfortunately I don’t have splits on players like I wish. This season I intend to add that feature. But I can tell you our offense was streaky, very powerful, but not as consistant as it looked. As for LaRoche… I’d rather have a a guy hit .285 every month of the year, than hit .250 most of the year and .450 for a small portion of the year.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

A comedian so damn funny that he has to store his jokes in a warehouse—caveman22 is not only an idiot—but a liar too…

By David O'Brien

March 28, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Caveman, things must be really slow and uninteresting at your office and warehouse if you and the boys have time to wager on the Braves/Man in Black blog.

If you’ve got a betting jones, they’re playing this little thing called the Final Four this weekend.

By KC

March 28, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Hudson on the mound tomorrow?

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

KC—blazing speed isn’t all you need to be a base stealer—knowing which situation to run in and timing are just as important, if not more so…

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

DANGIT— nobody had any money on the liar comment. But they did say that some of you guys are Jack###’s so close enough. I’m giving the $10 to my assistant. I’m hoping to hit the $50 dollar jackpot on this blog and I can feel it about to happen. Keep it coming guys.

By MGL

March 28, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

caveman - true to your moniker, you are indeed a boor!!

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

DAVE— thanks that was the JACKPOT. You making a comment about all of this nonsense. Now I really love you man. So what are your feelings about Glavine starting in the Braves opener. It’s that in indication of the importance the MET’S are placing on the Braves or just the his turn in the rotation. Feels good to acually getting back to bloggin on the Bravos.

C’MON DOB — GIMME SOMETHIN’ (it’s sorta my signature line now. Hope I’m not offending anybody) lol

By Chop Chop

March 28, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Welcom. Wot is op?

Again, why does Jim Rome have a show?

Anyway, I guess ol’ Davies settled down a little bit and managed to get through five innings. He was shaky and I’m fairly certain he’ll need some time in the minors to get that shakiness stilled. Since Cormier’s armpit/shoulder/oblique toe seems to be alright, my guess is that Davies will get that opportunity in Richmond.

I’m not one of those who complains about the nature of a blog. After all, people argue about significant and insignificant things all the time. All I ask is for the people who engage in the insignificant arguments to use genuinely funny comments. Otherwise, that scroll bar can’t move fast enough.

By gotigers72

March 28, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

What’s going on with this blog today? It would be a lot better to not have to wade through all of the cat fights/non baseball/name calling posts. Jeez…grow up girls.

I know Davies is young, but it’s time he learned how to pitch. Show at least some improvement. One of those stolen bases, the runner had such a big jump that a throw wasn’t even made. He needs to: 1 - Throw MORE strikes 2 - Throw LESS pitches 3 - Get ahead in counts 4 - Keep the ball DOWN [mid thigh or below] 5 - Pay more attention to details, i.e. baserunners.

I believe he has the stuff to be a successful MLB pitcher, but it’s time he starts getting the mental side/makeup/command to be a successful MLB pitcher. He needs to get started on that now.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Your ‘assistant’?…damn, that says alot for that guy’s future…

By Renegator

March 28, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Pete Orr got caught stealing today because he took off WAY before the pitcher delivered the ball so he was dead in the water. So, true SJA, you need more than just speed.

By MGL

March 28, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

SJA - You’re on target. Can you just imagine how proud he/she’s parents must be that their child is the assistant to the comedy writer that has 2 lines in a commercial to his credit!!

By Yars

March 28, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

I can’t see Bobby platooning at 3 different positions. Why would he platoon @ 2B? Kelly Johnson will be the 2B. Nobody cares what Prado is hitting this spring. KJ isn’t going to give us Ryne Sandberg type defense, but he will get the job done both defensively & at the plate. Those who say that Prado should be the 2B are concentrating too much on spring training stats. As for Pete Orr, like Prado, the team knows what to expect out of him. He has proved he is not an everyday player. He’s a good guy to have coming off the bench & the fact that he can play 5-6 different positions is a huge asset. Don’t know what is going to happen with Aybar, but if he does begin the season on the DL, I think Orr will take his place.

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

actually SJA, my assistant is a girl. And she is very good at her job and paid accordingly. Also very pretty but doesn’t flaunt it in the office in an unprofessional way. I just had to say something nice about her b/c she’s the one who got this whole thing started. (LOL) I’ve actually been responding cuz she wouldn’t let it go and got the whole office involved. You guy’s might not be enjoying all of this but I got people rolling on the floor laughing so hard their crying. Funny Stuff. And Dave it is slow. We hit quota for the month yesterday and the company’s buying us all tix for the White Sox exhibitions. Even funnier is the fact that if all of the guys on this blog were in a bar somewhere we would all be watching the Bravos and talking and having a great time, probably liking each other too. But anonymous bloggin is “tearin us apart”.

C’MON EVERYBODY, CAN’T WE ALL GET ALONG!!

By rammerjammer

March 28, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

According to the Baseball Cube, Orr in five minor league seasons had 90 stolen bases in 121 attempts (about 75 percent). In the majors, he’s 16 out of 25 (64 percent).

He may be fast compared to his teammates but, at the major league level, a 64 percent SB success rate is not good.

By FredfromCT

March 28, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

DOB what is gonna happen with the back of the bullpen. You have wickman gonzalez and soriano. Who will be the other 3 or 4 pithchers. I would say yates mcbride villereal and paronto being the last is he takes that many.

By N8

March 28, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Here’s a “nice” article on Andruw from John Heyman at si.com.

Nothing really new (that DOB hasn’t already said 1000 times over the winter), but interesting to get an “outsiders” angle on the whole thing. Enjoy.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/03/28/wednesday.scoop/index.html

By kinley

March 28, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

blazing speed isn’t all you need to be a base stealer—knowing which situation to run in and timing are just as important, if not more so…

That’s a good point. Just look at Rocco Baldelli for example. He’s among the fastest right-handed hitters in baseball, yet has never been a big base stealing threat.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

I haven’t read anything funny today on this blog—so if your ‘staff’ is ‘rolling on the floor laughing so hard that they’re crying’ because of this blog—then what does that say for your talent as a comedian?…and with so much free time on her hands, if your assistant had any intelligence whatsoever—she would use this free time to go out and find a real job…

By the way, if your ‘company’ can afford baseball tickets for everyone—maybe they could spring for SpellCheck too, since it’s free…

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

N8 - thanks for the link. How much do you think percentage wise Andruw would take to stay here. I can’t see him doing less the 75%. Could the Bravos even afford that?? SJA — your name says it all. Do you really want to start this all up again. I’m just gonna smoke you like a cheap cigar and then everybody’s gonna be mad cuz were b***’ instead of bloggin’. This is what I’m saying, lets talk ball and bravos. And buy the way I don’t get “royalty” checks. I get a little side money for offering up a few funny lines. So get over it. Or you’ll just end up getting torched and I’ll end up looking like a bad guy.

C’MON ……… aahhh whatever

By Joshhh

March 28, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Daveee I think you need to shutup some of these Met & Phillies fans in here. haha.

So what do you think about Carl Pavano probably being the Yanks Opening Days starter??

Oh yeah, and who will lead the Braves in stolen bases this year?? Peace Out Daveee!

By N8

March 28, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Maybe Caveman22 and Prince (or the artist, if you still prefer that), share a “vault” with all of their unused material. Just saving em up, for th “right” moment.

Yeah! That’s it! THAT’S the TICKET!

By Wayne in UT

March 28, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

All this base stealing conversation. (didn’t read all the blogs, so maybe somebody already covered my point)

BaseRUNNING is much more important than base stealing.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

kinley—Take Scott Podsednik for instance, not known for speed, however he was the National League leader in stolen bases in 2004 with 70…

By Wayne in UT

March 28, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

SJA: Your’e a pretty smart feller. My stupid dog ate a whole chocolate candy bar that was left on the coffee table today. Is he going to a)die, b) crap all over the carpet or c) puke his guts out.

Just trying to be prepared. I put his sorry A$$ out in the back yard, anticipating the worse.

By Jared

March 28, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

“btw: IMO, (which based on your lashout at Lew - you probably have no interest in), trading for Gonzalez and Sorian was not only for this year, but for the future, when Wickman is no longer with us, or has closer “stuff”. Which could be as soon as next year, if not later in this season.”

Exactly. Schuerholz said in a radio interview I heard, and I quote: “Gonzalez, who we see as our closer for the future when Wickman hangs it up…” So the Braves have plans there. And Soriano can be kept a top quality set-up man or be made into a starter, but it’s all there. Soriano and Gonzalez are staying.

But kudos to caveman for finally getting noticed by asking a stupid question that he probably already knew the answer too.

Also, why is this Steve Coyler guy still pitching so often? He stands no chance of making the team. I doubt the Braves are trying to make Coyler pitch so they can trade him, so what’s the deal? This guy is a bigger waste of space than Wayne Franklin last year.

By hawks are cursed for trading Nique.

March 28, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

If the Braves would of just signed Glavine away from the Mets we would of taken away their top starter and ashured themselves of the mets demise. Instead our owners are cheap asses. Thanks timewarner…u suck. Fck u aol…i cancled my acct with them b*** and when they asked me why… i said “because u messed up my favorite team when u bought the Braves!!” “i hate yall…and yes im shure i wanna cancel” as some foreign lady that could barely speak english asked me questions…..isnt it supposed to be AMERICA online?? not india online?

By Bob, journalist

March 28, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Caveman22, you bring new meaning to the expression “piece of work”!

Laughing at someone is, within itself, deplorable … but taking pride in so doing is despicable! Attempting to use such self-indulgence to rationalize one’s behavior is an artifice of the pompous.

Exhibiting needless hostility is, well … needless to say, needless and unacceptable behavior … there’s more culture to be found in a sterilized petri dish than on this blog over the last few days.

Based on some of the posts I’ve read, methinks that were we to take the squareroot of some of our EQs, we’d find ourselves dealing with imaginary numbers.

By Willy Wally

March 28, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

The real question is will Frenchy finally have more stolen bases than McCann? Heck, will our five tool centerfielder have more stolen bases than McCann? Will our five tool third baseman have more stolen bases than McCann? Will our second baseman have more stolen bases than McCann? Will our leftfielder have more stolen bases than McCann? Maybe, but probably just barely.

By Willy Wally

March 28, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

what’s worse? To be barely able to speak a second language or to barely be able to write your first language? Yes, the hawks are cursed for trading nique.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

caveman22—the last thing in the world that you want to do is to get into a p**’ contest with me, believe that…

Wayne in UT—go dig a couple holes—one for the dead dog—and another for you’re stupid asz for letting the dog get the chocolate in the first place…

By Carroll

March 28, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Wayne: that’s horrible about your dog! Mine got into a box of chocolate cookies a while back, and it ruined her liver and slowly killed her over a period of a year, with my paying a fortune in vain to try and save her. But for future reference, if your dog gets into chocolate you should immediately force them to drink peroxide—literally pour it down their throat— so they will throw up the chocolate.

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Jared We were so close to gettin along. I asked a question to try to get the blog back about baseball and then you gotta go a call it stupid. You guys are just proving it’s not me it’s ya’ll. I been bloggin for about 3 days and ya’ll crapping at each other for about 3 months. You guys are just used to smartin off and having people shrivel up inside and fade away. It ain’t gonna happen with me so, MAYBE I can ask a BETTER, INTERESTING QUESTION……

With the pending acquisition by Liberty Media and the subsequent payroll limits set forth, the are hard decisions that have to be made. Do the Braves try and trade some of theis star talent before losing it to free agency with no compensatiion, or do they become the NEW Marlins except without the World Series victory before disbanding?? And if this scenario plays out will the price of my FootLong Hotdog and “COOOLLLDDD BEEEERRR, GETCHA IIICCCEEE CCOOOOOOLLLDDD BEEEERR HEERRE” stay around 12 bucks or will I see in increase in my parking lot six pack drinking before the game??

There…. How’s that???

By drews brew crew

March 28, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Glavine is pitching in the home opener. It means I’ll have a chance to boo his smug a* when I go to the game. he knew the braves were trying to free up money for him, but signed with the Mets before anything could be done. Just like before, Glavine shows his true colors as a sellout for the Union.

By Greg in TN

March 28, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Hello folks…

Several thoughts on today’s game.

I did enjoy the reports on Frenchy’s slam in the first and also Bryan Pena and Pete Orr’s day at the dish. We also got a great day from Steve Colyer, Tyler Yates, Macay McBride and Peter Moylan on the mound.

I believe everyone is better off with Davies starting the season in Richmond. He’s had spurts of progress in the spring, however walking the first three batters in the first with a 5-0 lead won’t endear oneself to BC and with Roger McDowell. Personally, I think the kid gets hyped up in the first inning and has trouble settling down. It seems like once he gets out of the first inning, he’s good to go after that. Glavine had that issue at times late in his Braves career, so it happens. I think some time in Richmond can cure that as well as give him a boost of confidence. We will need him here, so it’s paramount that when he does come up, his head is in the right place and he’s ready to roll.

After tomorrow’s game with the Indians, it’s time to board the charter for the ATL. A couple of games with the ChiSox at home to break in the Ted for another year along with a new PA announcer, then we head up to Philly to pop the cork in the ‘07 campaign.

A third of our first 50 or so games this year will be against the Mets and Phillies, so I’d like to see us get out of the gate and play good baseball.

By Bob, journalist

March 28, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Honorable Southern, before calling it a day, let me remind you of what the Bard had to say about such contests … “tis a tale … signifying nothing!”

There’s no need for a Matador to put on a show … the bull will gore himself, as he attempts to rid his hooves of that in which he stepped … if you will but let him.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 28, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

though jimmy smith is well acquainted with the bug company, jimmy smith does not feel that the exterminator should make announcements at turner field. jimmy smith is up for that job. if bloggers close their eyes and listen to jimmy smith, bloggers will hear much resemblance to the late, great, marshall mann - one of atlanta’s treasures. “this announcer announces the third baseman, uh, chipper jones.” now, doesn’t that bring back memories? contact the atlanta braves and put in a word for announcer/journalist jimmy smith.

By Jared

March 28, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Yeah, my comment was probably over-the-top caveman. Let me just answer your question. Here are some Schuerholz quotes:

Once he retained Wickman as the closer, Schuerholz explained, he wanted to secure a dominant setup reliever. Soriano, he said, “was among the best, if not the very best setup man, in the American League last year.” Still not satisfied, Schuerholz pursued Gonzalez, a 28-year-old left-hander, who had been the Pirates’ closer. “That’s the guy we really wanted to get,” he said. “He has a dynamic arm. We knew about his elbow issues last year, but we looked at it closely and said we want to do that, too.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/sports/baseball/25chass.html?em&ex=1174968000&en=a4ae0c1ea418c1a7&ei=5087%0A

“We vowed to ourselves we wouldn’t have to endure that again, so we tried as best we could to improve the bullpen in a dramatic fashion,” Schuerholz said. “Now, I can’t tell you I thought we were going to get three guys of this quality when we started this process, but we were able to create what we think is the strongest back end of the bullpen we’ve ever had. “Maybe [adding Gonzalez] was overkill, because we suffered so remarkably last year because of our bullpen, but I don’t think so. Because Wickman [is 38 and] who knows how much longer he’s going to go? Gonzalez is a guy we’ve got under contract for 3 years. He could be our closer this year if something happens to Wickman. Or certainly for the next 2 and maybe beyond. And Soriano we know can provide us with a great setup guy.”

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20070328Bravenewoldworld_revisited.html

Sure sounds like Schuerholz is very happy with Gonzalez and Soriano and they aren’t going anywhere, at least that’s the way I’m reading it.

By caveman22

March 28, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

SJA OK here you go. You need to get off the blog cuz your son / nephew (you loved your sister-you know you did) has got to be at little league practice and you know he’s gotta walk that last 1/2 mile cuz they banned you from the field after that “incident” during the t-ball game. And don’t forget your Lynyrd Skynyrd original double album cuz no self-respecting southerner listens to that new version of “Simple Man”. And while your at it don’t forget to brush your TOOTH and pick out your “dress” concert shirt from the “Frampton Live” tour. And while your at it don’t worry, the wrecker company said they’d get those 2 junk cars outta your front yard for ONLY 50 bucks apiece. (you pay them, not the other way around). Also don’t forget to set your alarm cuz they moved you to first shift at the poultry plant. Them chicken’s gotta get plucked !!!

I gotta go now, my beemer’s needs a car wash. I tell your mom you said HI while she drying off the hood.

CYA !!

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Well come on Caveman22—when are you going to ‘do’ some comedy for us?…

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Nuff said friend Bob—TheSouthernJackAss will refrain…

By cavemanisntfunny

March 28, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

booooooo - hsssssss

By Willy Wally

March 28, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Don’t quit the dayjob, Caveman.

Or did you meet your comedy quota last week too?

15 years as a comedian and that was the best you could come up with?

No wonder you were forced to get a real job.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 28, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Well, after all that…. I really enjoyed the game today… Thought the kids looked great. Davis mage a nice recovery after the first inning and actually did a good job of damage control to only give up two runs in the first. Escobar looks better and better. Hope I get to see him play in Richmond this year. Moylan can really pitch. Thorman put some nice swings on the ball. Yes, ESPN is BIASED!!! Bigger market in New York than in Atlanta. DO the Math. Get use to it.

By DS39

March 28, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it something how Caveman takes pride it seems in making getting other people riled up? Dude, I’m not trying to pick a fight, but this is a place to have discussions about the Braves, not a battlefield. But that’s not just to you, it’s to everyone who tries to start problems. Anyways, I’m going to stop preaching before I get slammed on here as well.

Can anyone disagree with me that speed isn’t a factor as long as you can get on base consistently? It may help with infield hits or stretching doubles into triples (which are already extremely rare), but a true, disciplined hitter could hit in the gap and get on base or take a walk. Speed isn’t really needed, as far as I’m concerned. But that’s just me.

By woogidy

March 28, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Has anyone ever been to the Bullpen Bar right beside Turner Field? Is it any good? How’s the atmosphere? I previously lived in Chicago area, kinda used to the Wrigley atmosphere(in all my Braves gear, by the way). Is it anything like that? Oh yeah Caveman, funny, but it isn’t welcome here. Just isn’t dude. Were not Mets fans.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 28, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Anyone other than me find it interesting that No Chop Zone and MetroMan have not been heard of since Frenchy and the Braves put an old fashioned whoopin on the Mets today. Again!!!!!!!!!!!! Weren’t they saying this morning that the Braves were going to get taught a lesson and see how a real baseball team plays. Yeah, that is some pitching staff you boys got there.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 28, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Baserunning is a part of baseball. Smart baserunning (not missing the base, not getting picked off) are as important as knowing when to steal (not taking the bat out of Chipper’s hands) etc. I think the Braves did a nice job today with the exception of Orr who got his pocket picked.

By MBATL

March 28, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

The Mets showed today why it’s a luxury to have a high-obp base-stealer at the top of the lineup. Reyes is great at getting on base, and the Mets are (so far) batting Wright behind him. That’s like us batting Chipper 2nd, but it would make no sense for us to do that.

So, Reyes gets on, and is pretty good at stealing 2nd. That leaves Wright up with the chance to drive the run home. If Reyes doesn’t steal, Wright is pretty good at moving the runner over. But, on the other hand, if Reyes does steal, theres the possibility of pitching around Wright to set up the DP.

It’s a risky move (in fairness, Randolph admitted as much in his in-game interview, and they may not do it in the regular season). The Mets don’t have an Edgar Renteria to hit 2nd, but they do have a leadoff guy that can get on base and turn a single, or walk, into 2 bases. We don’t have that.

I have no real opinion on it … it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 28, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

DS39—Tony Gwynn got on base very consistently—and he was as slow as a three-legged turtle…

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 28, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

woogidy… On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 5. You won’t get mugged or anything but you won’t want to write home about it either.

By Willy Wally

March 28, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

DS39,

I think speed is important because speed kills but I do have to agree with you sort of that speed is not anywhere close to the most important. A good eye and the ability to slug are obviously the most important. But baseball is a game of inches - the speed to be able to beat out a grounder, to go from first to third on a single, to score from second on a single, to score from first on a double, to cut off a ball headed to the gap, to catch up to a fly ball or a grounder that a guy a step slower would not have gotten to.

Alot of teams to me are evenly matched - speed can be something that makes a difference. I think people sometimes see baseball as a very slow and leisurely game which is true but it is also defined by the abilities of players to have momentary lightning quick reactions.

But I am mostly with you on the point you made - I would much rather start my analysis with can you be patient and hit it into the gaps and over the wall and then figure out if they can give me that added benefit of killer or adequate speed.

By OddJob

March 28, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Better than .260 ? maybe but 2 for 16 with a slam! that’s a perfect microcosm of his 2006 season.

By OddJob

March 28, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

You can pitch around 2 for 17 with a slam. Now 5 for 17 with 2 walks a homer and a double try pitching around them apples.

By MBATL

March 28, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

13 RBI, 10 runs scored in 61 AB’s, batting in the 6-hole; that’s another microcosm.

By OddJob

March 28, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

WillyWally I’m diggin the name baby! diggin it!Caveman 2 stop slandering the building deprived! cavemen are capable of displaying manners.

By Richard Cory

March 28, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Caveman—you said ‘we wouldn’t like you when you were angry’—well guess what? we don’t like you when you aren’t, either.

By OddJob

March 28, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

MBATL Point taken.

By Willy Wally

March 28, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

One of the best lines of the day that alot of people missed in the middle of all the catfighting was the guy who called Aybar “Will He?” Aybar. I really liked that line.

By ncscoots

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

Why, yes, OddJob, 2 for 16 with a slam indeed would be indicative of 2006. Fortunately, this is 2007. And I don’t see that Frenchy’s last 16 ST AB are more indicative of his season than his first 16 ST AB, or any other set of 16 AB, for that matter. That’s a one-series slump in the regular season…tough on the BA, but hardly unknown over 162.

By ncscoots

March 28, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

BTW, if scribe is giving up “denzines”, I’m appropriating it, LOL. It’s too good a blog-word to waste (not as fine as “clary”, but what the hey?).

By brian

March 28, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

back to Frenchy - can any one of you statistical gurus out there (or DOB/Carroll) compare Frenchy’s numbers at this stage of his career with Murphy’s, Chipper’s, and Andruw’s? Either by age or total at bats or both?

For Frenchy’s age and tenure he is living every bit up to his expectations. I only expect him to mature as a hitter and continue to develop more power. If he can do that, you are looking at a higher batting average with more HRs and RBIs. Frenchy has not hit his ceiling yet. Not even close.

Just ask his ego. Just kidding, though I hope neither he nor his agent gets carried away and gets too greedy. JS has shown with McCann that he is willing to commit big bucks to lock up the future. Frenchy is that future - with McCann and James (later adding Yunel, Lillebridge, Salty, Elvis, Matt Harrison, Brandon Jones, Eric Campbell). Not a bad looking future at all.

Go Braves

By OddJob

March 28, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

ncscoots Good points,let me be clear I’m a fan of Francoeur,he has as good a tool set as anybody.It don’t hurt that he’s home grown,a good guy and still a kid.I,ve got an ops jones though,and if he can get that number up, we.ve got a rock star on our hands.

By MBATL

March 28, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

I think (without looking it up) that Chipper and AJ both learned to take a walk at an early age. They’ve got that on Frenchy at this point. Best comparison I’ve seen to Francouer is Andre Dawson, who always had a big bat but struggled with low obp’s for his first 2 or 3 years, and never really was a high opb guy, but I think I’d take him in RF.

By brian

March 28, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

good comparison MBATL. If Frenchy keeps developing I would compare him to a young Vlad Guerrero, but again that is if he keeps developing. Another person I would not mind seeing in RF.

They may have walks on Frenchy but HR, BA, and RBIs cannot be that far off. Murphy could also strike out with the best of them, and he manned CF/RF just fine for the Braves for a long time

By N8

March 28, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Caveman22

“I gotta go now, my beemer’s needs a car wash. I tell your mom you said HI while she drying off the hood.”

Now that’s the FUNNIEST thing you’ve said all day.

What’s that? No, I’m NOT refering to your sarcasm. I’m referring to the lunacy that ANYBODY that would own a “Beemer” would resort to 3rd grade putdowns on an anonymous blog.

But just so “we’re on the same page” (wink, wink), maybe we should get together sometime for a race. You’ll have to wait until later in the summer though. You see, my Supermodel girlfriend has my Ferrari, with her (she lives in Canada), and she won’t be back until after I cash in all of my Microsoft stock I bought back in the 80’s, (if you know what I mean, and I’m SURE you do!).

Strangely enough, I saw this picture of your “beemer” on line. Looks like you made Lew pretty mad!

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2457201990062449984BEQvmW

By ColoradoBravesFan

March 28, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Look at these lines from the METS site on MLB.com. It’s a story about the name of their ST site Port St.Lucie

“Which brings us to the current spring: Given what happened in October and where they play on Sunday night in the first game since the “called strike three,” Port St. Louis seems to be a no-brainer. But that isn’t the story of the camp.

At one point this spring, there were 22 players 40 years or older in big-league camps. Six of the 22, including one diagnosed with arthritis, were in Port St. Latterly.

Latterly (adverb): In later part of life or later part of a period.”

At least some mets folks are admitting their old…PLAY BALL

By Brad in KY

March 28, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

MBATL

Reyes isn’t “great” at getting on base. His career OBP is somewhere around .320 and his season high was around .360 last season. Now, .360 is good, but it’s really not much better than Marcus Giles, who was around .340 last season but for his career gets on base at about a .360 clip.

By comparison, Chipper Jones is truly great at getting on base (much better than he is at getting onto the field and off the trainer’s table). His career OBP is over .400.

Of course, I don’t deny that Reyes is a much faster player.

Shaun et al

I’m not sure that I see where ya’ll are disagreeing with respect to streaks. I’d like to contribute two comments to the discussion, for what it’s worth: First, there is such a thing as luck and sometimes it’s good and sometimes not. So, you always have to account for that when discussing streaks. Second, when looking at numbers such as runs scored there’s always a degree of arbitrariness with respect to how we divide things up. Does looking at runs scored by month really tell us much of anything? Yes and no. It’s a better sample size than, say, runs scored by week, so in that respect it’s helpful. On the other hand, runs scored over two-month periods tell us more about a team’s offensive punch than runs scored monthly. I think that’s worth taking into account.

So, generally speaking, if you want to get a good grip on how good a player is offensively, you want to look at his performance over the course of a season or, even better, a three year split. Depending upon a player’s age, that should be fairly accurate. With respect to entire teams things are more complicated since rosters change and there are such things as injuries.

I think it’s obvious there are such things as “streaks” in a sense, but this should be accounted for by looking at a large enough sample size.

By Beamer

March 28, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Actually the spelling is B-E-A-M-E-R…if you morons can’t even spell it correctly, I know you sure as hell do not, nor ever will own one.

By Lew

March 28, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Nathan-You’re assuming, of course, that the moron even has a real job or any kind of vehicle to begin with. We only have his word that he isn’t on a computer in the public library, due to his homeless state of existence. I hear you’re going from 60 degrees to blizzard conditions up there.

By Dog the Bounty Hunter`

March 28, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Lewie, Lewie, Lewie…..I leave the blog for a little while and you’re up to your old tricks. How do you question someones job when you post on here every five minutes….come one Lewie, admit you have no life and I don’t even think you use your vehicle even if you have one. Have you seen the outside world lately?

Now baseball, Kelly Johnson and Kyle Davies suck. Everybody will be beggin for Prado come May…mark my words….

By dogthebountyhunterisadolt

March 28, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

pffft

By anddogiscaveman

March 28, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

anyone can ‘sniff’ this

By andwhilewereatit

March 28, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

caveman, why does Kelly Johnson suck? He might be favored by BC, but you know what - I bet he’s a better 2nd baseman than you’ll ever even dream of being a comedian. You, as everyone here, can have an opinion - so why don’t you opine as to why KJ sucks - ok?

So, while we’re at it - why do you think Kyle sucks? Because he is young, inexperienced, has some jitters maybe? You’re a sad example of the human race - you cannot build yourself up enough to pass, so you choose to try and knock others down.

Kill yourself or get over it.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 28, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Man, I leave the blog for a cool one and the next thing I know there is a train wreck…… Now baseball….

I like it that the Braves are not getting a lot of respect in the national media. I think it should be a good motivator for the team to prove those whahoos wrong. I still remember they were picked to finished last in 1991 and I don’t think the talking heads have gotten a whole lot smarter. They just make more money.

I am not going to be greedy, I would just like for the Braves to get off to a good start this year. A couple of 5 or 6 game win streaks would do just fine to create a little seperation from the pack.

As for the Kelly Johnson bashers, I still remember people saying “who’s this Lempke guy?” He looks pretty good to me. He has a nice stroke and he is getting on base a lot. Made a nice turn on a DP today too.

If he is batting .200 around the first of June I will say send him down but I don’t think it is going to happen. I do think this is going to be Edgar’s last year as a Brave though. Too much talent coming up to be denied.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

March 28, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Brad in KY, I agree with you. Numbers never lie but sometimes they don’t tell the whole truth. Scott Thorman is a great example. He started out horribly last season when he was called up from Richmond. To look at his batting average and run production you would have to draw the conclusion that he sucked. But, if you actually watched him, you knew that he was hitting the ball hard but always right at somebody (bad luck). He began to get hot and then got sent down. Look at this spring. He started horribly again and was not hitting the ball well. The last two weeks he has been tearing the cover off of it but is still experencing some bad luck. He jacked one today but was caught at the warning track.

Now, I do believe some guys are streakier than others. Some guys are red hot for two weeks and then ice cold for two weeks. A more consistent player will experience slumps and hot streaks but they are fewer and far between. Chipper and McCann are good examples. They had some extremely good hot streaks last year, but their slumps were very short in nature. I can’t remember McCann going more than two or three games without hitting well. That is contrary to a guy like Francoeur and even Andruw to some extent who are prone to going into two week slumps.

By Brad in MT

March 28, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Geez…what is with all the hostility tonight, can’t we just keep it to baseball? We are only a few days from opening day, we have a good team, and high hopes for the season, can’t we all just get along?

By David O'Brien

March 28, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Wow, just came back to read the night’s posts and this caveman (don’t you love it when the screen names are appropriate?) has just pooped all over our good place, now hasn’t he?

You certainly know how to make friends and influence people.

I just gotta say, some dudes are funny. You, I’m not getting that vibe. Not at all….

Woogidy, don’t want to bum you out or anything, but do not expect anything even remotely similar to Wrigleyville at the Bullpen Bar. Not that it’s a bad place, but there simply isn’t any of that atmosphere around Turner Field. It’s not surrounded by bars and restaurants you can walk to. Most folks drive there watch the game, get back in their cars and drive wherever _ home, out to eat, wherever.

By David O'Brien

March 28, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Brad, it’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? We’ve got our new agitator. He’s getting his kicks. There’s always one ready to step in for the one who was kicked aside. Just takes a while sometimes. It’s been too pleasant around here for the past few weeks. We were due for one.

By Wayne in UT

March 28, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Somethings gotta give here. I can’t believe all the bull$hit being bandied about. I guess I will just check down the list and read some of my fav’s plus DOB’s posts and skip all the rest of the BS.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 28, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Brad, it’s a little like being in a room full of Chihuahuas. Once one starts barking the whole place goes to hell…..

By OddJob

March 28, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

A jackass by any other name (caveman?) is still a jackass.Tell me I’m wrong fella.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 28, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

OJ… Even the SJA has more class than this guy.

By Wayne in UT

March 28, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Problem with this time of the spring is that we are down to just a few decisions, which I am certain are extremely hard for BC/JS to make. Orr or Prado in place of Aybar? Is Woodward ready? Yates or Moylan? Davies or Cormier?

I have been a bit disappointed with the storys of Aybar. He does have some skills, but you never want to put a cancer cell into your body either. Is that what he is becoming? By the way, I might miss work tomorrow, as I have a “sinus thing” going on.

I guess it’s too late to hope for the Langerhans and Cormier deal for Carl Crawford, huh. just kidding!!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 29, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Thank you…Thank you very much!…

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 29, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

Cindy Crawford maybe…..

By OddJob

March 29, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

I was thinking about Giles and all the doubles,is a double from a 2 hitter better than a homer? Right dumb question,but let me try to make a case.If you have an ideal lead off guy he’s high obp with good speed and base skills.Now if you have a good 3 guy he’s the package, power,average,etc.So if the lead guy say hits a single or walks the two guy doubles and with his speed the lead guy scores.That leaves a runner behind the pitcher to pressure him with the heart of the line up due. I know hit the dinger and put the 2 on the board,just building a classic line up in my head.

By N8

March 29, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Lew

“I hear you’re going from 60 degrees to blizzard conditions up there.”

Shouldn’t be that bad. It’s gonna snow Friday and Saturday, but be back up to 50 by Sunday. It won’t last, so it’s all good.

I spent $1400.00 on my lawn last year, so I’ll take the moisture however I can get it.

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

I would trade Chipper, AJ and Smoltz ALL for Cindy Crawford!

What a home run!

Nite all.

SJA: I never for a moment thought you were the caveman as some might have alluded to. While biting on occasion, you are much the intellect. Caveman should hope to have your charm and intellect!

By Lew

March 29, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

And it always seems to be my sunny disposition that draws them. Maybe I need to change deodorant or something.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 29, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Wayne, Do you really think Carl Crawford is worth Langerhans and Cormier?

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

OddJob: While I know that sometimes a homer might seem to be a rally killer, I still like the old “bird in the hand” thinking. So, I would always want a HR over a double. Like Mad Dog says, “Chicks dig the longball!”

By MEB

March 29, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

I love the blog but I don’t love this mess! Smells pretty bad around here tonight.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

Gil: I’d do that deal in a heart beat, and maybe throw in Escobar too!

(bird in the hand…..)

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Last parting thought. Is everyone else as sick of the Roger Clemens saga as I am? Another thing, why has he received a pass on the ‘roids/HGH thing?

I say, Roger, go home and drive your kids to school or whatever the heck else you want to do, but don’t act like you want to retire, only to return when the favors and big bucks show up in May. GEEZ LOUISE!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 29, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Definition of rally killer: Andruw Jones hitting into a DP by trying to pull yet another down and away breaking ball thus rolling over the top of the pitch and tapping it weakly to the shortstop.

By OddJob

March 29, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Lew is right caveman lacks the wit of sja or most anybody for that matter,so I retract my suggestion.The jackass isn’t my taste but he does have panache

By Coach

March 29, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

O’Brien , this creep is killing the blog. you know what to do.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 29, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

To answer your question, yes… Because he can, he is not Barry Bonds. The media attention is not focused on him right now and MLB likly as not would want to suppress any escalation of the ‘roids saga if they can. Otherwise you may as well throw out every record set in the past 30 years.

I think the Braves are going to get a nice return on their investment in Redmen. I look for him to become the expendable piece when Hampton returns unless they send Cormier down,

Depends on who stays healthy.

By ajw

March 29, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

Van Gundy is an idiot. Make him coach the hawks for 10 years, then maybe he will have some credible comments to make about the lottery.

By OddJob

March 29, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Hell yes wayne!Clemens is acting like a debutante. Last year he was asked how he wanted to be remembered,his reply was ‘as a great american’ maybe I missed his war stories, or maybe he’s a crime fighter by night, or maybe he’s just a guy who plays a game for money and it’s gone to his head.

By TennesseePaul

March 29, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this

Brad: The question isn’t how to get a good idea about a players over all abilities. It’s a matter of getting to know a players habits and cycles. A player’s over all ability can be fairly measured when looking at career numbers or three year splits or what ever. Players each play the game in their own way. Some streaky, some not. It’s the way they are. To build a successful team it is ideal to get a a .300+ hitter with .400+ OBP and .600+ SLG who does this on a consistant basis while playing gold glove defense. Ideally. But we live in the real world and you can’t pack a team with 9 people capable of putting up those numbers and playing great defense. So you balance. You do so by gathering as many consistant hitters as possible because it’s a marathon. Marathons are won by consistancy. Dynasties are made through consistancy. But none of this changes the fact that the Braves offense was streaky last year. It could have been more consistant. I think this year it will be. I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out.

By The Grinch

March 29, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

Man, I just got back from the G-3 concert at the Tabernacle; those boys put on a guitar CLINIC. DAMN. I sat about 15 feet from a wall of Marshalls and my ears are still ringing. Now, douchebags…I warned you guys about the Falcons blog; caveman hangs out over there and he’s not even noticed. Even an unusually crude, worthless, deusional juvenile blends right in there, but floats like a turd in a punchbowl here. I apologize for him; it gives our most beloved sport of football a bad name. BTW, I was at the gym watching the game today; the entire sixth inning passed without a single comment about what was going on by the morons in the booth. They just went: “Blah, blah, blah, Mets are awesome, blah, blah, Minyana, blah, blah (and when it became apparent early on the Mets suck and the Braves don’t which wasn’t in their program) when “I” played, blah, blah, Yankees, blah, blah, Red Sox, blah, blah.” Only one of the three even picked the Braves to make the wildcard. ESPN deserves to founder. Oh yeah, Ted Turner was sitting two booths down from me tonight at Ted montana Grill (what a shock), and when I walked past his booth leaving I said “Buy back the Braves” out of the corner of my mouth and he just smiled and shook his head. He was with a smokin’ hot blond of about 23; guess he’s got better things to do.

By Bob, journalist

March 29, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this

I’m tired of listening to the audio archives … they keep coming out the same way they did the first time … a lot like some players … no improvement whatsoever.

By Willy Wally

March 29, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

Have to agree. SJA has a certain Malkovich, Walkman, Oldman, Magneto, sinister flair to his posts before his self loathing and self destructive streak make him revert to Terrell Owens when he he gets slapped around for getting carried away with himself. Caveman on the other hand is the poorly written, poorly acted cheesy villain on an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.

By David O'Brien

March 29, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

Very well put, Willy Wally. Very well put, indeed.

And good morning from Wally Wor…err, Disney World, Where Dreams Come True (trademark).

That’s the slogan beneath the entrance signs now, by the way. Unless I’m mistaken _ and of course I probably am _ it used to be “The Happiest Place On Earth” beneath the signs.

Or maybe it’s just for the six weeks when I’m here that they feel it’s disingenuous to call it The Happiest Place on Earth.

By tripleplay9

March 29, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Any additional news on the final roster or will we not know anything until after this weekend?

I am not a fan of Orr or Yates but it looks like they will make the club.

By David O'Brien

March 29, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

You won’t know anything until Saturday, unless they make a trade before then (I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for that, but it’s possible).

By lifelongbravesfan

March 29, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

what’s up with this blog??

By Lew

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

The only “Dream Come True” I’ve ever noticed happening at Disney is their dream of taking all your money at every available oppurtunity.

By Yars

March 29, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

I can’t wait until after Saturday’s game so that way, there will be no more, ‘Prado is having a good spring so why doesn’t he start at 2B’, or ’ Yunel Escobar should be the starting SS’. This is the last time I am going to say this. Some of you are still looking too much into spring stats. There is a reason Prado is not the Braves 2B. So Prado had a good spring, big deal. Albert Pujols only has 1 HR so far. Does that mean he will be playing for AAA Memphis to start the season? Kelly Johnson has proved he can play 2B. Just because he is only hitting .250 right now doesn’t mean anything. Look at his OBP. Look at his walk total. Like I said, there is a reason Prado isn’t the 2B. Most likely, Prado will begin the season in Richmond. I doubt KJ will be stinking it up anytime soon.

By MEB

March 29, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

DOB… the outlook for the weather in Philly doesn’t look too bad. Just some scattered thunderstorms for Wednesday. So far the outlook for Atlanta for the home opener is pretty nice as well.

So, I am hearing that Glavine will probably be the Mets starter for our opener against either Redman or Cormier/Davies. Late July last year I came up to Atlanta and unfortunately for us Glavine threw a shutout against Thomson. We had a big crowd that day and could only muster 5 hts. Will Smoltz pitch Sunday or do you think they will keep the 5 man rotation going?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 29, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Just weather the storm, folks. Remember it’s Spring Break. It will all be over with next week when school starts back.

By caveman22

March 29, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

So let me get this straight. I ask a baseball question, and one of you guys “attacks” me for it. I “defend” myself, then I go about trying to ask my question again, same person follows me from the previous blog and starts in on me again, so I blow off at him. Then all of his “buddies” start chimin in—we give a little back and forth, I attempt to bring down the tone and get it back to baseball—even say that in my blogs — and you guys start trying to “pound” on me. So then I make a comment to your local “accepted Jackass” b/c he’s talking smack over there, and the guy who’s articles I really enjoy reading jumps on the pile against me. Your serious about all of this. So because someone hasn’t been involved in every single conversation from December of 2004 about he’s not accepted into your “blogasphere”. Do you guys read all the comments directed at me or do you just read mine and think I just decided out ot nowhere to try and rub people the wrong way. And DOB, that’s not cool man. All I said was your the man and I valued you opinion, I didn’t know that ya’ll had this little secret society that nobody’s allowed to be in but “cool” people. Maybe I’ll have to find another writer I like as much but I doubt I will. Thanks DOB — you really know how make a devoted reader feel appreciated for his attempts at conversing with you.

By N8

March 29, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Aaaahh, Disney World.

Growing up in the boondocks, Disney is where, on vacation, at age 14, I experienced seeing my first gay couple. Two men holding hands while in line for Space Mountain.

I guess it is both, DOB.

That happiest place on earth, where all dreams come true.

(sigh), what memories.

What music was in my “I’m a nerd, and where my walkman the WHOLE time I’m on vacation with my parents.”?

Why, the newley released Dokken: Under Lock and Key, Twisted Sister: Come out and Play, and Badlands (former Ozzy guitarist Jake E. Lee’s band).

Nothing like a northern plains, 14 year old Metal Head at Disney with his parents and little sister.

Sorry, to “add” the music to the discussion, for those who don’t enjoy that. But as DOB, or ANYBODY with a love for music knows…..

ALL VACATIONS, when looked back on in memory, are defined by the music you listened to while on that vacation. At least in my book.

L8R

By Arkansas Hillbilly

March 29, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Disney World—Where Financial Nightmares Come True….

Does that sound better, Lew?

By Ted Nugent

March 29, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Where have we seen >>—-> this before???

By allaboutthedrama

March 29, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

nice blog

By Coach

March 29, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

O’Brien , Ive been wondering about the options that the Braves have with Mark Redman. When and if Hampton is ready , who gets sent to Richmond ? The Braves would have to expose Redman to the waiver wire whereas Cormier still has options. I’m about ninety-nine percent sure about Redman being out of options. Assuming Cormier pitches with the same effectiveness during the season , this situation could get interesting.

By Lew

March 29, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Cavemean-Let’s get something straightened out here. Until you specifically singled out Shaun and myself and told us to “get a room” yesterday at 10:42AM, no one-I repeat NO ONE even bothered with your presence on the blog. YOU started the whole thing. But big deal. Dude, I’m an insulin dependent diabetic, something which I deal with on a daily basis. In addition, I have had nine eye operations and I’m still a damn good portrait painter. You, Dude, aren’t even a worthy virus.

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

I’d rather have a a guy hit .285 every month of the year, than hit .250 most of the year and .450 for a small portion of the year.

TennPaul, what I’m saying is their is really no such thing as a “innately steaky” hitter. If the guy who hits .450 for a small portion of the year and .250 the rest is truly a .280-type hitter, he’s just as likely to be around .280 in each month of the year.

Example: Andruw Jones may look streaky one year but is just as likely the next year to look consistent. Just eye-balling his numbers, without doing any in-depth research, this seems to be true.

Just because a player has maybe a streaky year doesn’t mean there is something in his makeup or skill set that makes him consistently streaky, per se.

To bring it back to Adam LaRoche, even though he had what appeared to be a streaky year last season, he’s just as likely to not be so streaky in 2007.

By Lew

March 29, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Hillbilly-That’s good, Dude. Maybe you should go into advertising. I hear it’s lucrative. You can make money for coming up with two whole lines. You’re halfway to a fortune.

By N8

March 29, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

caveman22

” I didn’t know that ya’ll had this little secret society that nobody’s allowed to be in but “cool” people.”

Dang! DOB….we’re all busted again.

Ah (walkee talkee static), “break 1-9, (more static)… we gotta move this secret society to a new location.” (more static), Anybody out there with their ears on?” (static) Lew, Coach, Robert….hell, even Shaun, what do you guys suggest the new 10-20 should be? I’m gonna suggest devilrays.com’s blog. My guess is they have a low traffic level, that will help keep us underground” (static), come on back now. (static), over”

caveman22, if you stand in the middle of a crowded resaraunt, whereing the ruby slippers, click your heals together 3 times, (all while saying: Beetlejuice each time yo click your heels), you be able to be part of the “club”.

It’s gonna be a little embarrassing at first, but believe me, there is NOTHING like being one of O’Brien’s “monkey boys”.

All bow to O’Brien.

DOB, you not only complete me….YOU DEFINE ME.

(static), Come on now, Rubber Duck……

never mind.

By Renegator

March 29, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

DOB or anyone else who knows,

If Aybar starts the season on the DL, are the Braves required to put him on the 25 man roster when comes off - because he is out of options?

By Braves4Ever

March 29, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

I think it’s definite , the battle in the NL East is definitely between the PHILLIES and the METS….. FOR SECOND!!!!!!!!!. Seriously the Mets have surprised me with a better starting line up but their bullpen will struggle to match last years dominance. I’ve never been sold on the Phillies starters as “Dominant:. Especially with the injuries. And their bullpen, well….

I do believe the Braves have at least an even chance to win the division, and IMO will win in a dogfight. I have the braves at 88 wins, Mets at 85 and The Phils at 84. Just my opinion, but hey that’s what it’s about huh?

By Renegator

March 29, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

Do you really believe these things that you post (Streaky argument today/yesterday & Red Sox stuff earlier in the week) or do you just like to argue with people?

I’m not starting anything - just curious…

By NO CHOP ZONE

March 29, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Foxsports.com and cbssportsline.com are both predicting the Mets to repeat as division winners. bloggers here are writing the Mets are too old, Their pitching sucks and last year was a fluke. It’ll be interesting who knows more about the Mets/baseball. Sports writers or bloggers on the AJC.

By Lew

March 29, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Rene-I believe that with no options, he would have to be activated or placed on waivers-just like leaving Spring Training. If he cleared waivers, then maybe they could offer him a minor league contract, because, clearing waivers should have the effect of making him a free agent. Or he could sign elsewhere.

By N8

March 29, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

btw: not sure why in BOTH of my last posts, I’ve spelled wear and wearing, using the spelling “where and whereing”??

My bad.

By Dirtie Birdie

March 29, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Caveman22, you’re a rookie. Every single blogger has been smacked around by another blogger or DOB. Expect some rookie hazing, especially if you come off as arrogant and loudmouthed and crybabyish and making boasts you can’t back up. As rammerjammer told BamaBrave a week or so ago, you got to expect the other bloggers and DOB to throw a high hard one under your chin when you get out of line or they feel your question or post inane. As rammerjammer told BamaBrave, now dust yourself off, stop pouting, dig back in, and try to yank one out of the park. Otherwise, go back down to the minor leagues over in the Falcons blogs and sharpen your skills and fortitude. Maybe next time the hazing won’t be so bad.

Now, let’s talk Braves.

By Lew

March 29, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

ChopZone-Obviously, we do. Foxsports and CBS don’t have a clue. The Mets are old. The Mets pitching is bad. All the commentary in the world can’t change that. Apparently Omar can’t, either.

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Renegator,

Maybe I sound half cracked, but I actually strongly believe everything I make noise about. I feel strongly about arguing certain things because I feel they are held so dearly but there is really little reason to hold them so dearly.

Oh, and Aybar has to remain on the 25-man roster once he comes off the DL, if he’s out of options unless he clears waivers. If he clears waivers, the Braves can send him down. If he doesn’t, the team that claims him, gets him.

By Renegator

March 29, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Thanks Lew - that’s what I figured too.

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

N8: Everytime I start clicking my heels in Applebee’s, I get a lot of strange looks…..

A travel agent told me last spring that the only way to save money at DisneyLand: “Don’t stay as long!”

I can’t remember my first gay spotting, but back around 1982ish I was working on a Sunday in downtown San Francisco at the Chevron building. I took the elevator down to Market Street to pick up a quick sandwich, when I was introduced to a total mass of humanity there, the annual “Gay Freedom” parade. Quite an eye opener for this southern boy.

The people here in the restaurant are still looking at me funny………

By Steve-O

March 29, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

DOB

I think I am one of the few who loves this whole Redman signing/situation. That being said, say Cormier stays consistent and Hampton comes back, but Redman is very serviceable as a #5 eating innings. There really is NO WAY they are releasing him right? I ask this because everybody seems to think Redman will get dropped off in some way/shape/form when Hampton gets back. But I dont get that, because what if Hampton comes back, then gets injured after a week or so and you cut Redman?? It makes no sense to me and I rather have Redman over Davies (at this stage) any day and this seasoned vet is so cheap and finally back in a winning environment!

By 22oz

March 29, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

I think if everything magical occurs in the first month, ie: Hampton goes through rehab without a hitch, Cormier and Redman have a good first month, and no one gets hurt along the way, AND THATS A BIG IF, then the Braves would have no trouble finding a suitor for Redman, who would likely be the odd man out, being the third lefty in a 5 man rotation. He’s affordable, and a lefty, and most likely wasn’t signed already b/c he didn’t want to play for a bad team again. If Kyle Davies shows improvement in Richmond he could serve as Hampton’s insurance policy. But as we all know, someone will get hurt, or stink it up, so things will all work out in the end. If it goes like it did last year, we’ll probably be looking for more help than Hampton.

By Glass Half Full

March 29, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Don’t you all love the panhandling and street vendors outside of Turner Field?

By Steve-O

March 29, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

By the way NO CHOP ZONE, is that all you bank on?? These sportswriters preseason bandwagon cliches??? Its pathetic, 25% of these guys got their own opinion any more. Im sick of all this Mets/Phillies BS. I can’t WAIT for the season to start to end all of these IF’s and Who WILL win garbage. I love this opening schedule for ATL because it gives them a great chance to really jump out on top and push the Phightin’ “Been in the playoffs once in the last 25 years” Phils, and the New York “We won the division once the last 20 years no where the greatest team ever” Muts. Simply sickening. Makes me ill, very ill. Nausious, very nauseating, flagrantly nausious.

By The Grinch

March 29, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Caveman, the general resentment towards you started when you popped on and asked DOB a baseball question. When he didn’t answer it immediately several nice folks on here popped up and tried to help you out with their opinions. You responded by basically saying: “Screw you guys, why the hell would I care what a bunch of ignorant bloggers think,” when you posed a question on a blog. If you hadn’t introduced yourself by telling everyone here to sit and spin, you likely wouldn’t have all this piling on. Did you even read your posts? It takes a basic set of social skills to make friends; give it a shot sometime and you might be surprised.

By NO CHOP ZONE

March 29, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

You’re right Lew. Your credentials speak for themselves so I have no doubt your anal-ysis is correct.

By Lew

March 29, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

As usual, Brother Grinch’s analysis is accurate. Steve-O’s, too.

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

No Chop Zone: In all seriousness, do you really expect Braves fans to pick the Mets to win the division? This might have happened in the 1980’s. Also, we (Braves fans) are going to find any and every chink in the Mets armor to discredit them, and to overlook or undervalue any Braves potential weaknesses or stumbling blocks. That is why they call us fans, because we are fanatical about our team.

Can I be objective? Not totally. Will I ALWAYS display a Braves bias, CERTAINLY. Does this mean my critical comments about the Mets are all total hogwash, CERTAINLY NOT.

So, while I admit my bias as a fan, sometimes the sportswriters have a similar bias, but still like to think of themselves as unaffected. John Kruk was talking up the Braves on a broadcast, then picked the Phillies to win it. Go figure. Dayn Perry is a total Mets apologist.

So, from my totally unbiased opinion, look over the Mets roster and tell me it is getting better, and not worse. Will Alou hold up for 100 games? Will Greene get better? Beltran is good, but who would you prefer in CF? For me its a toss up. But I take Francouer and whoever else over Alou and Greene. As for the infield, the Mets get the edge, by way of Delgado. Catching is a clear win for the Bravos. So, lineup for lineup, both are going to be potentially very explosive lineups and score a fair share of runs. Both starting staffs have major question marks. Who would you bet on though??? The Braves have solidified their bullpen, while the Mets are in a bit of trouble with theirs. Things can go a lot of different ways, injuries can happen to the most unlikely players, and change EVERYTHING.

So, please don’t come on “our” blog expecting to convince us. You know that’s not going to happen, which I suspect you have known all along. Some guys just like to argue. It gets some of our guys a bit fired up, and sometimes it gets very petty and insignificant. On those days I just glance down the blogs and only read Dave’s posts and those of some that I have come to respect and appreciate.

No Chop. Keep the faith. Don’t expect us to lose ours though. And we will see in October who is still playing. That’s why I LOVE this game.

From: A humble fanatical Braves lover of 40 years. (BTW, I pulled for Kranepool, Shamsky, Charles, Seaver, Koosman, Weiss, Jones, Swoboda, Gentry and all the Adorable Mets in the series in 69, even after defeating my Braves in the playoff.)

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Suggestion: Stop responding to people who just want to type out their anger on a Braves blog—you know, people who call others ignorant, stupid, or put things like this !!!!! or LIKE THIS in their posts.

Write out your baseball opinions and respond to baseball opinions with some reason and intelligence.

Not trying to single out anyone. Just a suggestion to make those of you who do such things look like you are half-way sane. I understand there’s free speech and all that.

By Braveheart

March 29, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Andruw: OPS numbers for 2006: April - .972; May .818; June - .807; July - .923; August - .921; September - .964. First Half: .848; Second Half: .957

OPS numbers for 2005: April - .712; May - .966; June - 1.151; July - .926; August - .961; September - .794. First Half: .930: Second Half: .912

OPS for 2004: April - .925; May - .944; June - .679; July - .951; August - .827; September - .837; First Half: .835; Second Half: .831

Laroche for 2006: April - .747; May - .910; June - .756; July - 1.043; August - 1.239; September - .786; First Half: .806; Second Half: 1.042. He actually had more at bats in the first half (263) than he did in the second half (229) so don’t say it was merely because he got to play more in the second half.

Laroche for 2005 - April - .689; May - .822; June - .734; July - .924; August - .571; September - .959. First Half: .810; Second Half: .732

Not sure what that means for streakiness and inconsistency or not. I’ll let you all figure that out amongst yourselves. I’m actually not even quite sure why there is a debate about this. But whatever. If any of you want to continue the research, go to Yahoo.com. They break down the split stats for the players over there.

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Caveman: Listen to the Grinch, for he is wise……

By ssiscribe

March 29, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

“By NO CHOP ZONE March 29, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this It’ll be interesting who knows more about the Mets/baseball. Sports writers or bloggers on the AJC.”

I used to do the former and currently do the latter, so maybe my opinion doesn’t count. Anyway, I like the Braves to win the East, as I told a buddy of mine and whoever else heard our conversation yesterday afternoon. I think the Braves, to a man, feel as if they have something to prove, and I think the Braves pitching is better overall than either the Mets or the Phillies.

But the Mets will win the wild card, and would easily win the NL Central were they in there. You have to respect their lineup (Wright is a emerging superstar, Beltran can single-handedly take over a game or a series).

I won’t jump in and take shots at the Mets. I respect their team. I like Willie in the dugout, even if I think he’s too aggressive at times (experience will teach him). The GM is one of the best in the game. Should be a helluva race, one that will be fun for both fan bases all summer.

But in the end, I like the Braves to win the division. The run production won’t drop nearly as much as people fear, and the upgrades to the pitching (bullpen, back end of rotation) will more than offset the difference between LaRoche/Giles and Thorman/Wilson/Johnson.

Enough of the juvenile stuff already, gang. See you at the yard in, oh, 32 and a half hours or so. I’ll probably spend most of it wandering around with Baby Scribe. What a great way to spend a Friday night!

And all you Mets fans out there, good luck in the Lou next week, and we’ll see you in eight days at Turner Field.

Selah. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Just noticed how long that last blog was….sorry.

No Chop: Now you need to tell Lew you are sorry and make nice, or you will not get any milk and cookies before nap time.

By Steve-O

March 29, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

I can’t wait for Smoltz to toe the mound with that fierce Game 7 World Series mentality on April 2nd this Monday….. It’s great to have someone like Smoltz in charge of setting the tone for such a promising season.

By RedEyedAndBlue

March 29, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

I’ve been reading this blog routinely since pitchers and catchers reported, and I have to admit - the clubhouse reporting brought me here and the music posts keeps me coming back. OK, so I did refresh about thirty times a minute when Cormier hurt his arm.

I live about six blocks from the Diamond in Richmond, and I’m a huge RBraves fan. With all this talk about which players may be sent to AAA, I can’t help but think that this may be the last year that the Atlanta Braves break camp and send players to Richmond. Basically the ABraves demand a new or renovated stadium in Richmond by the start of 2008. This situation is much akin to the Greenville, SC situation a couple years ago. The stalemate of discussions between the City of Richmond and the ABraves continues and resolution is not in sight. There’s very little in the Richmond or Atlanta papers about this mess but the sad end of this forty year relationship between Richmond and Atlanta looks like a definite possibility.

By FredfromCT

March 29, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Is there any shot that they keep willie harris on this roster instead of orr and prado. The guy brings a lot of speed and can play second base and the outfield.

By NO CHOP ZONE

March 29, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Wayne in UT, that was well said. You didn’t resort to name calling or personal attacks to get your point across. I commend you for that. I’m not realy trying to convert anyone. I guess I just feel that 14 years of divisions wins have created a fan base that underestimates and looks down on their rivals in the division. I’m not accusing all just some.

By Lew

March 29, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Little Chop Zone-Still another personal attack. You really should try something more original in the way of come backs. The Mets ARE old. The Mets DO have lousy pitching. Jorge Sosa and Chan Ho Park. What a laugh. There is no other way to spin it Grasshopper. Learn wisdom from your betters.

By Steve-O

March 29, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Fred

As DOB has said many times in the past, no chance at Willie being on team. None…..

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

RedEyed: Being originally from Greenville and coming back often, I feel your pain. Now, after the fact, Greenville has a beautiful park, and the Braves are in Mississippi. As others would say, oh the humanity….

By Epinephrine

March 29, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

I can’t wait for this season to get started. Given how miffed a lot of the Braves were over Rollins’ comments, there isn’t a better platform to get going than an afternoon game in Philly. The Braves have a chip on their shoulders. I like it.

By allaboutthedrama

March 29, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

LEW — good point. you’re correct, but you have to admit you followed over with “that’s what I said” comments. N8- now that’s funny, would you settle for some old hushpuppies at the counter of waffle house while I call out my own order?? Grinch — don’t act ingorant. The “nice” comments of help were generally followed by “that’s a stupid question, we already covered that in volume 2 section 4 of the January 15th blog in the 3rd comment from the top. Can’t you read man !!!”

Actually I was just curious if you guys could be logical in comments. It appears maybe possible. So what your saying is I have to be “jumped” into the gang. A really good beat down from the OG’s to earn my stripes, huh?? lolol OK OK whatever, it’s not like any of this is gonna change any of our lives in the Real World. You didn’t think I was over here all broke up about it did you. So here’s the thing, you want to talk baseball - fine, you want to play — fine, you want to trade insults — whatever. In the meantime I’m on my way to Golden Corral with my old red Pro Keds ( that’s K-marts performance shoe @ 9.95) where I’ll be singing Take me out to the Ball Game in true Haray Caray slurred word version at salad bar over the PA. Then — if that gets me past the first stage of initiation I’ll try to not ruffle your feathers anymore. How’s that ——— or we could just continue with the Slap and Tickle Fest.

By David O'Brien

March 29, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Renegator, yes, once Aybar comes off DL he would have to be on the 25-man roster or optioned (in which case he’d have to clear waivers)

By MBATL

March 29, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

I suspect that most of us bloggers DO know a lot more about the Braves’ personnel than most of the national writers. And we’ve probably put more effort into preseason predictions than even most of them have.

For them, it’s probably a one-time “duty” and doesn’t usually involve the scrutiny that we obsessed bloggers apply.

Now, I’m not denying that there’s a bias here, just like on a Mets or Phillies blog - but I think the regulars here do know more about the “depth” of personnel - getting past the big names like AJ, Beltran, Ryan - than a Dayn Perry, for instance.

By ernesto

March 29, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Hey Caveman, look at it this way, at least DOB finally GAVE YOU SOMETHING!!!

No Chop - Those same sportswriters all picked the Braves to win the div. last year…

By David O'Brien

March 29, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Fred, no chance.

By Lew

March 29, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Chop Zone-You’re right. The Sports Cahnnel analyst always know what they are talking about. From 02-05 they predicted the Braves fall from grace and had chosen someone else to win the division. They were wrong. Ladst year they all said they would go with the Braves and they were wrong. Quite a track record. Braves fans, on the other hand, have predicted the Braves wins for all of thos years. We were wrong once. Just who was the more accurate in their analysis? Rhetorical question, Chop Zone.

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Not trying to attribute any arguments to you but here’s something to consider:

If you break down a player’s season by months, weeks, first-half, second-half, any way, there are going to be disparities in their numbers in any given year. I don’t think this proves that certain hitters are innately more streaky than others.

I think all hitters are relatively streaky but also I don’t think there are some hitters prone to have higher “ups” and lower “downs” than others.

By Braveheart

March 29, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

No Chop, We don’t underestimate or look down on the Mets. To be honest, we never realized that there was a team called the Mets playing in our division last year just like how the Yankees barely know you guys exist in your city. You finally put us on notice last year. We just had no due process last year due to being provided lack of adequate notice. Now we have been served and you are not going to like our countersuit.

By David O'Brien

March 29, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Steve-O, once the season starts there’s no reason to release Redman. Not that $750,000 is a huge amount of money, but why in the world would you spend it on a very bargain-rate contract, then release the guy and have to pay it anyway? That’d be rather absurd, unless he was just atrocious pitching to that point.

By lifelongbravesfan

March 29, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Actually, I have to side with caveman a little. Just because you guys have been on the blog longer doesn’t make your comments more important. And I noticed that caveman didn’t name the group but N8 named them correctly in his comments. Thought the comments about the Southern JA were pretty funny actually. Isn’t he just as rude or more to everybody but somehow because he’s been doing it longer it makes it ok. Sorry to here about your condition Lew but it does explain your touchiness. If you dish it but you can’t take it, then you’re gonna have a hard life.

By Vince

March 29, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

From the SI.com Heyman article:

“I would love to stay with the Atlanta Braves. But everyone knows how the market is out there, and everyone is trying to get market value. So why shouldn’t I get market value?” Jones told SI.com. “I’m looking for a contract that will keep me here. And if it doesn’t happen, someone else will give me the money.”

Well folks, this pretty much spells it out for anyone wondering if Andruw will take the home-town discount and stay…he’s gone after this season.

By journalist jimmy smith

March 29, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

this journalist is working on taxes today. @%E&&@#&%!! now, blogging … where is the civility normally displayed on this blog? :-) and why does lew attract predators? deer scent? and what has happened to sja? sja has mellowed and now receives praises on this blog! oh, the humanity! the worm turns.

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

MBATL,

I don’t know too much about Dayn Perry or where he’s from or if he has any reason to be biased in picking the Mets. I do know he knows a lot of in-depth stuff and is a reasonable intelligent baseball analyst.

I know there are valid reasons to predict either one of the three teams to win the division. I just have a hard time believing Dayn Perry is picking the Mets because he’s a Mets fan or is from New York, if he is from New York.

By the way, I’m a Braves fan, born in Atlanta, have lived in the Atlanta area all my life. My family has been in Atlanta as far back as I know. Have no reason to be a Dayn Perry or Mets apologist, just to let you all know.

By TennesseePaul

March 29, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Payne: I just eyeballed your posts and got the gist of it… you aren’t really reading my posts, and your research is weak at best. For a person who goes on about the merits of using indepth, baseball historian, number crunching, truth vetting ways, I’m surprised you are refuting my statement with eyeballing single season stats. That doesn’t seem to be a good way to get to the truth of the game as you so often site as your motivation. Shall we put this conversation on pause until Billy Bean writes a book about it?

By Renegator

March 29, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

UT Wayne - I lived in Greenville for 4 years. One of the highlights was getting to see John Smoltz pitch a game there when he was rehabing his shoulder back in the late 90s - can’t remember the exact year. I too was sad to see the Braves and Greenville part ways.

By Braveheart

March 29, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

we already covered that in volume 2 section 4 of the January 15th blog in the 3rd comment from the top.

finally, caveman. something somewhat funny from you. You need to be more reverential about it though. That was a special Collector’s edition of the blog. It was a great edition entitled Sullied Barry Plays in Splendid Ballpark where DOB listed his top 30 baseball stadiums from best to worst. There were 766 posts to that special collector’s edition of the blog. It’s a priceless must read for most of us.

You got the comment wrong though. The first comment made that day by DOB at midnight is the one you must have been referring to and not the third one.

That is where DOB took SJA to task just like he is doing with you now. By David O’Brien January 15, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this. SJA, I could be wrong, but i think most folks here who use “journalist” in their screen name are having fun and not using the term in the literal sense. Kinda like your screen name. Oh, wait. Nevermind.

By chris

March 29, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

DOB— Quick question: with Boyer, Devin, Moylan, and Stockman all likely in Richmond’s bullpen, who closes and who sets up? Also, who is the first to get the call to the majors?

Thx,

Chris from Maryland

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Dave and Steve-O: I think what many are wondering will happen with the staff tends to work out in the long run. Did we ever conceived last year all the troubles we would eventually have? We assume Smoltz, Hudson, James and the like will all be healthy all year. As I read on a t-shirt once, $hit happens. Nice to have options when it does.

By Lew

March 29, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

LifesLong Fan-I’ll only say one more thing here. I only reacted to trash thrown in my direction. At no time, despite the posting LEW SUX, did I ever use profanity or initiate anything on my own. I was attacked and responded. If you think that’s being thin skinned, well Dude, you’re entitled to your opinion. However, I found out more decades ago than you have likely been alive, that you keep getting crap if you put up with it. I choose not to let it slide. If this makes me a bad person, oh well. I never claimed to be a paragon of virtue. One thing I have noticed on this blog though, is that usually the instigator runs around yelling about how everyone is against them. But then again, that figures, too. I have spoken. Take it as you will.

By TennesseePaul

March 29, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

unless he was just atrocious pitching to that point
This is what could happen. He could take the path of Mondesi. I think Mondesi was around a million dollar flop. But the fact that Redman was signed to such a small amount says to me they were leaving open the possibility of dropping him should he stink or become useless. Better than giving him 10 million and being stuck with him. But if Redman does well and the young guys are banging at the door ready to go, I could see Redman being traded. At that low of salary he’d be easy to trade. And if he is doing well, you could get some kind of half way descent minor leaguer or utility guy or something. He could be a nice asset come July.
Whatever happens I sleep much better now with this pitching staff than I did with last years staff. It all stems from knowing there are at least 3 guys now that can turn off the lights when it’s time to close up the shop.

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Actually, just looked it up. Dayn Perry is a Mississippi native who now lives in Chicago. I doubt he’s a Mets lover, but who knows?

I remember hearing Bob Costas once saying that fans of both teams, when he was doing national broadcasts, would complain about his “bias.”

It’s just humorous to me when people bring up biases. I don’t doubt they exist but it’s just funny that people assume bias without trying to figure out if there is any reason to assume someone has a reason to be biased. Just seems that some people want to label people biased when they say something they don’t like.

I can see thinking John Kruk is biased for picking the Phillies but doesn’t take a genius to see Dayn Perry and others probably aren’t basing their predictions on biases.

Besides that, I think it’s funny that people get all worked up over an analysts rational opinion just because they may disagree.

The whole situation is just absurdly funny to me.

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

Have read SOME not all of Dayn Perry’s articles, and to me, it sounds like he puts a big discount on the Braves plusses that we might not discount so much, AND he seems to understate the Mets weaknesses.

I would like to get him hypnotized to ask him a few questions, and then expose him for what I suspect he really is, a total Mets lover.

By Lew

March 29, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Life Long Fan- One last point. I mentioned “my condition” to show that I’ve dealt with much more significant problems than an idiot poster-not for sympathy. I have the diabetes well under control and if you think the eye problem has caused me to quit my profession, check out lewhartman.com. You might just be surprised. Caveman is no big deal. No matter what he calls me.

By Braveheart

March 29, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Lifelongbravesfan, I think everyone recognizes a certain panache and wit in SJA’s evil ways for the most part. Caveman has failed to demonstrate that yet. He is still only on a Stinky amateur level of antagonism. He needs to graduate to SJA’s professional antagonistic levels.

By caveman22

March 29, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Is it just me or does this remind you of Jay and Silent Bob and the website moviepoopshoot.com commenting on the Bluntman and Chronic movie?? None of this really matters right ??

And yes Ernesto — DOB did give me something — I wasn’t expecting “in my ear” though. Hey KID , don’t wink !!

By journalist jimmy smith

March 29, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

hmmmm … same blogger using different names and blogging with himself. hmmm … never seen that before.

now, carolina lady admonished all bloggers to be nice. carolina lady is right! baseball season begins soon and braves bloggers must unite. join bob in the tub, so to speak. oh, the humanity! that is not a pretty thought!

now, what is up when grinch and sja become the voices of reason (not to be confused with excellent blogger called, “raisins”) on this blog? and whither civility?

and will more be heard from matt diaz? “wight now, no, my toof is twoubwing me gweatwy.”

now, new blog should be up soon and jimmy smith’s post will be lost. remember to file taxes by april 17. oh, the humanity!

By NO CHOP ZONE

March 29, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, I’ve noticed a pattern of behavior from you. You seem to think that Met fans suffer from an inferiority complex at the hands of the Yankees. In order to convince you of your misjudgment you must travel through the NY metro area and discuss this issue with the citizens here face to face. I assure you we don’t lose any sleep whether the Yankees win or lose. They’re just another team from NY. In Fact I applaud them for their commitment to winning and their history which by the way started long before the creation of the NY Metropolitans. So I hate to disappoint you but will have to think of another tactic to insult us Met fans.

By michael of b'ham

March 29, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

AJ in ref to changing endorsement deal:

“[Wilson] never gave me the publicity that I should have gotten,” Jones said. “I wasn’t on the cover of their magazines or on the front of their Web site. Mizuno has told me that they would do all of that.”

Sounds like an attack of the “ME monster” for AJ. Can’t see that same attitude going towards a hometown discount. Not even saying he should take less than what he can get. Just can’t believe anyone thinks AJ will be in a Braves uni next year. He may have an “A” on his cap but it won’t be for Atlanta.

btw, DOB,thanks for getting us Braves fans through the offseason. Nice work.

By Rodger

March 29, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

RobertJITB

Don’t you need to go by Justice BHOF is the best now?

By MBATL

March 29, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I’m not suggesting Perry is Mets-biased. I just pulled his name from among many.

My point is just that (in my opinion) the national writers don’t spend as much time handicapping these races as we do. Certainly, not as much attention to the depth of personnel, or the development of little-known players.

I don’t blame them for that - who cares! And it doesn’t mean we know more about baseball than they do - just that they’ve got more pressing issues than the day-to-day development of Kelly Johnson or Lance Cormier. While we’re scrutinizing every performance by every Brave player and every personnel move, they’re busy writing another feature on Dice-K.

I’ve seen national sites that list Wilson as our LF, or Prado as or 2B. And Chuck James gets very little respect because he’s a fly-ball pitcher (this concerns me too, but I also know that he’s been successful everywhere he’s pitched.)

I do think there is bias in the amount of coverage teams get - which is sometimes annoying, but let’s face it, it’s a business. But I don’t necessarily think that influences the ‘rankings.’

Above all, I certainly agree that it doesn’t matter - except that it gives us something to blog about.

By KC

March 29, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

NO CHOP ZONE: Yes, most of the publications picked the Mets again this year. As DOB has pointed out, most of those predictions were made prior to the spring. MANY of the commentators and coaches who have seen the Braves this spring have either picked the Braves, or at least declared that the Braves would be right there with the Mets (and possibly the Phillies) in the division races again this year.

Those who made those predictions prior to the spring did not yet know what Tim Hudson would look like. Scouts are saying “he’s back”, and I think his performance attests to that. I think many people also forget that we only had Chuck James for a 1/2 season last year, and that having him in the rotation from day-1 this season will be a big boost for this rotation.

Hampton is the X-factor for Atlanta, as Pedro is for the Mets. The difference is that Hampton will likely be back much sooner.

The Braves bullpen will be the best in baseball. I’d bet money on it. While the Mets pen will still be very good, it lost a couple of significant pieces.

Your offense is better than ours. I fully admit that. But I don’t think there’s enough of an edge in that dept. to atone for the larger gap between these two pitching staffs.

By 22oz

March 29, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

If ya’ll are upset about Dayn Perry’s power rankings, check out cbssportslines. The Braves are 17th and the commment is “The Phillies and Mets have lapped them 3 fold.” It should be noted he has the Red Sox #1, and says they have 3 potential Cy Young Winners in their rotation in Schilling, Matsuzaka, and Beckett, so the man obviously knows what he’s talking about.

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Actually, I’m eye-balling Andruw’s career stats. Doesn’t seem to be a pattern of streakiness, to me, at least not any more than any other player.

Unfortunately I don’t have the time or the resources to do an in-depth study on streakiness so I’m doing the best I can with what I can see.

Just doing some Google searches, it seems that most people who study baseball in-depth don’t seem to believe that there is a such thing as a streaky hitter (a hitter that is constantly going through hot streaks and slumps).

Seems that the researchers believe that all hitters have ups and downs or streaks but there are none that have an innate streakiness.

Adam LaRoche is just as likely to be consistent from month to month as he is to be as streaky as he was last season, according to the little I’ve read from my quick Google search on streaky hitters and what I’m seeing. There’s nothing within him that makes him what we would call streaky—constantly going through long periods of hot and cold streaks.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

March 29, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

RedEyedAndBlue… As soon as every one else involve understands that they are not Doug Wilder (sorry guys, inside joke) then the new stadium will get built. I too am frustrated by it all but when you someone like “Papa Doc Doug” is in the mix things can get complicated. Ask the school board.

By lifelongbravesfan

March 29, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

So braveheart what your saying is that everything caveman is saying is true. He’s just outnumbered right now by the local yocals. I honestly wonder how many of you guys are posting under more than one name. As far as I can see caveman is standing on his own two feet and not including comments like in his blog. The attacks on him seemed to become a lot more heated when you guys all banded together to protect your sovereign ground as the preferred participants on this blog. You people can pretend like what he’s saying isn’t just funny but you know a lot of it really is. The more your little group talks about it the more you prove hime right.

By rammerjammer

March 29, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

It’s healthy that folks are stirred up about preseason predictions. Sure beats the ho-hum “another title for the Braves” talk.

The fan base is fired up. The players are fired up. The other teams are talking trash.

I can do without the vulgar stuff, but it does indicate a high level of excitement, anxiety and agitation.

April 2 can’t get here soon enough.

By MBATL

March 29, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

And Shaun, on ‘streakiness:’ I looked at AJ’s numbers for 2004-2006. He hit .261, .263, and .262 - the model of consistency.

However, in NO month during those three years did he hit between .253 and .272 - always higher or lower. It’s not a 100-point swing from month to month, but always either a “good” month (above .272) or a bad one (below .254). So, I guess it depends on your definition of streaky, but I’d say AJ is a streaky hitter.

If you were to predict his average for, say, May of 2007, you’d have to say “.262” even though historically (during the 3 year sample) he never hits that, or even really close to it.

By Wayne in UT

March 29, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

KC: Agree with most you state, but I wouldn’t say their offense is better. If the ‘Hoss is healthy for 140 games, I think it would be a wash.

By ernesto

March 29, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

CBS Sportsline has an article that should bring joy to the hearts of Metman and No Chop - basically says the real story isn’t the Mets’ lack of pitching it’s the Braves - Mets managed to win 97 last year only getting 23 starts from Pedro and relying on journeymen starters for chunks of the season. Meanwhile the Braves are “old” John Smoltz, “done” Tim Hudson, “HR-prone” Chuck James and, unless Davies steps up big, a bunch of losses from the 4 and 5 spots.

I’m just glad we actually get to play the games….hurry up Monday.

By Epinephrine

March 29, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

DOB-assuming Hampton continues his development, and is as good as advertised come mid-June, do you think the Braves flip Redman to someone depserately in need of pitching, keep him on the staff, or send him down to Richmond? I know this is an impossible question, because we will have to wait and see how he performs-but I am curious as to what your inclination on this is?

By Lew

March 29, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

KC-Actually, the Mets have lost five pitchers from their pen of last year (yes, I knoe Mota comes back after 50 games).They lost Bradford, Darren Oliver, Roberto Hernandez, now Duaner Sanchez, as well as Mota for 1/3 of the season. They are not just somewhat weaker, they are considerably weaker in that regard. Add to that they have lost 24 victories (15 by Trachsel and 9 from Pedro) and have replaced them with a pitcher (Oliver Perez) who had one good year several years ago and two rookies with damn little track record, and I’m stunned Mets fans are as optimistic as they are. The Mets are hardly the team they were last year. The Braves either-and that’s what makes the big difference. We got better, they got worse.

By TennesseePaul

March 29, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Hampton is the X-factor for Atlanta, as Pedro is for the Mets. The difference is that Hampton will likely be back much sooner.
This is a good point. But I think Hampton will have a much larger impact and more successful impact. My familiarity with rotator cuff recoveries isn’t as robust as Tommy John. I’d need KC to do all the research and post it on this blog for a couple months to put the two on equal levels, but I would imagine that coming back in August this season would be like coming back early from TJ surgery. Pedro won’t be is full self initially. And with only 2 months left in the season, his partial self more than likely won’t be too much of a difference maker. However, assuming he has no set backs, he could be quite the force next season.
Hampton on the other hand comes into play early in the season and with full recovery time. His impact should be much greater on the team, either positive or negative. My guess is he’ll be a positive impact on the team. And with that the Braves have depth in the rotation. Quality depth in the rotation. Which is a vast improvement over last season.

By HOSS HOMIE

March 29, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

JUST FOUR MORE DAYS UNTIL THE NEXT STRING OF DIVISION/LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS STARTS. THIS FERN MAN CAN’T WAIT FOR BASEBALL SEASON TO START. JUST HOPE CHIP’S FEET AND RIBS WILL STAY HEALTHY. WE ARE PULLING FOR HIM. GO BRAVES. THE REAL TEAM OF THE SOUTH.

By Coach

March 29, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

5.2 , thats how many runs the Braves are averaging through 29 games this spring. 5.2 thats how many runs the Braves averaged through 162 games in 2006. offense a problem ? I think not !

By OddJob

March 29, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

I went back and looked at one of my favorite seasons and the two memorable teams from that most memorable of seasons.The great 114 win Yankee squad and the mighta been Braves.Some interesting and I beleave telling stats from these two giants are listed below. Yankees no player who played 100 or more games had an obp below .350 while the Braves had four below .350 with 100 games played. The Braves had four players with 30 or more hr and one with 44 while the Yankees had no players with even 30 hr.Even so the Yankees had 207 dingers the Braves had just 8 more at 215. Most remember the Yanks grinding teams down with constant pressure up and down the line up.This illustrates a point I’ve contended before that it’s not as much individual stats like rbi and homers,but more the team concept of get them on,over and in that wins World Series.

By NO CHOP ZONE

March 29, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Lew….You’re assuming that the replacements for lost players are not going to do well. Lew these ARE assumptions on your part. If they don’t, you’ll end up being right. If they do, you’re wrong. As fans we are optimistic that they will.

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

Some national writers may not spend as much time or may be more ignorant as us when handicapping races but I’m sure some spend tons more time than we do handicapping them.

I’m just saying I can see very valid reasons for picking the Braves, Phillies or Mets and also see very valid reasons for thinking any of these teams could be a huge disappointment. I just think it’s funny that people are so worked up and screaming bias.

By dcarp23

March 29, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Question for the crowd: how was it that Mark Prior was able to be sent down to AAA yesterday? Certainly he is out of options by this point, because I believe this would be his fifth big league season. Is that incorrect? Does he have a ridiculous contract that allowed him to clear waivers? Or are his goods just that damaged? That last question sounded a little inappropriate…

By MBATL

March 29, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Good article on the Braves farm system and prospects on MILB.COM, for those interested. In case the link is too long, as sometimes happens here, pasting it as text too.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070328&contentid=197012&vkey=newsmilb&fext=.jsp

By Mike

March 29, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

I thought this was right on the mark with the title of this blog. Francoeur tops the list for Baseball Prospectus’ Breakout Hitters!

By TennesseePaul

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

OK Payne… you’re still eyeballing. And you still claim there are no real consistant or real streaky hitters. Albert Pujols, from 2001-2005 had 1 month, out of 30, where he hit below .250. Next closest was .272. Other than that he’s stayed within 1 standard deviation from his normalized figures. That’s pretty much perfect consistancy.
Andruw Jones on the other hand moves several standard diviations every month for the 48 total months I could find. He is a streaky hitter when juxtaposed with the model of consistancy, Albert Pujols.

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

I see your point on Jones being streaky but is this that far out of the ordinary? I’m just not sure.

I mean the difference between a .250 and a .270 hitter may not be that much in a month’s worth of games. Does the fact that he’s never in between really prove that he is innately more streaky than other hitters or does it just show what I’m saying—that hitters tend to go through ups and downs?

Something that I’m sure makes it tough to determine streakiness is the sample size problem. Streaks are almost by definition a small sample.

You can look at a player and say he’s streaky because he hits .300 one month and .250 another but maybe the difference is only 4 hits. And what about other things like hitting for power, walks, etc.?

By TennesseePaul

March 29, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Payne: two things… your worries about sample sizes are moot when the figures are normalized. And secondly, it doesn’t change the fact that even with these constraints some players are consistant, others are streaky. As to the stats evaluated, I ran SLG and OBP. Albert is as steady as a rock in all those catagories. AJ is streaky. He has been his whole career. There’s no way around it.

By Oregon_Braves

March 29, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

I agree that it doesn’t really matter, but the fact still remains. Dayn Perry is a douchebag.

By Shaun

March 29, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

How do address the sample size problem? Two hits in a month could raise AJ’s average by 30 points. The deviation may not be as great as it appears in only a months worth of plate appearances.

Not trying to argue against your point. I’m just bringing up possible problems. Just seems like a very difficult issue to study.

I could certainly be convinced that certain hitters are extremely more streaky than others but looking at game logs, I just don’t see it.

Seems a .260 hitter is just may look more streaky than a .300 hitter because of fewer hits. An extra hit here and there is going to impact a .260 hitter more than a .300 hitter.

By David O'Brien

March 29, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Dcarp, a guy doesn’t use an option in a season when he’s never sent down. so any year prior was on the 40-man roster and made the team and never spent any time in the minors, he didn’t use an option.

like pete orr, who hasn’t used any of his options. the first year orr was added to the 40-man roster, he made the team.

By TennesseePaul

March 29, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG

By David O'Brien

March 29, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

OH, and there’s a NEW BLOG UP

By MBATL

March 29, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I’m about done with this, because I can’t find any research on it either, and don’t have the time to search the archives.

When I can, I am gonna take a look at Rafael Furcal - my intuition, having watched him for years, tells me he’s a streaky hitter, but haven’t looked it up. And like I said, there really is no definition of what “streaky” means, so kind of a hard point to prove or disprove.

Your hypothesis (god, I’m becoming a geek!) is just counter-intuitive to me. I believe that some hitters are very consistent in what they do, while others are more prone to hot streaks and cold streaks. But, can’t prove it at the moment so… you win, for now. I do think it’s an interesting question.

By OddJob

March 29, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Shaun You know what they say about damn lies and statistics.Still if players career is adequate to determine his consistency.No doubt all players have a measure of ebb and flow at the plate,some of it is as blind luck as drawing cards.Still look at a player like Stan Musial he was a freak of consistency for over 20 years.Nobody stays lucky or unlucky for a whole career.As far as Pujols he is at the plate as Maddux was at pitching so many years, he can repeat like a machine and adjust like a computer.

By mr baseball

March 29, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Predictions by the national sports media should be given little weight considering the limited amount of knowledge many of the alleged experts have about individual teams. Listen to ESPN/Fox announcers doing Braves games and try to count how many comments they make that simply do not square with historical reality or the current situation. That applies to just about every team not based in New York.

Virtually all of the conventional wisdom regarding the Braves has its basis on the team’s success in the early 1990s and has not changed much since. Cox is still considered an elite manager even though his team annually compiles unimpressive records in one-run games. Schuerholz has never lost his genius label from 1991, despite his decidedly mixed record in personnel moves over the last decade.

The national media tired of the Braves’ long run of success many years ago. Some pundits have been predicting the team’s demise for several years, while others were too timid to jump off the Braves’ train, even though they wanted to. Now that the Braves’ streak is finally over, the widely-held assumption is that the train is headed south, and the Braves’ era is over.

Those of us who follow the team closely have written last season off as an abberation, not a sign that the Braves’ run is done. Those who don’t focus their attention on one team simply come to the conclusion that once a successful team begins to struggle, those struggles are inevitable for the immediate future.

The Braves had a losing season last year because of obvious deficiencies. The bullpen was awful for most of the season and the starting rotation, as a whole, wasn’t much better. Any national observor who does not recognize the huge improvement in the bullpen and doesn’t take that into account is simply too ignorant to pay attention to. The same can be said about those whose only insight into the starting rotation is to notice that Maddux and Glavine are no longer part of it.

On paper, the Braves have fewer concerns than either the Mets or Phillies, particularly in the pitching department. The best case scenario for each of the 3 teams is rosiest for the Braves because of the shaky Mets rotation and shakier Phillies bullpen. Unless Johnson and Thorman both fall on their face and the starting pitching suffers a near-total meltdown, the Braves should win the division.

This being baseball, however, should doesn’t always translate into will. Both the Mets & Tigers should have beaten the Cardinals in the post-season last year. If the Braves turn out to be as mediocre as many outside Atlanta seem to believe, those of us here will have to admit that we missed something when examining the team’s fortunes. But if the opposite is true, and the Braves return to the top of the division standings (let’s leave the playoffs aside for now), a lot of people who supposedly know what’s going on are going to have a little ‘splaining to do, if they actually deign to engage in such behavior.

By Rodger

March 29, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Good comparison, OddJob

By TheSouthernJackAss

March 29, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss has in the past, and will continue in the future to tolerate many things, such as being attacked from every angle imaginable, being misjudged, being misunderstood, being taken out of context, and most recently, reading comments masked with civility designed to suck-up to TheJackAss, it all just slides right off my back like rain off a greased goose…

However, one thing that I cannot tolerate is to be mistaken for this latest ignorant, uneducated, flash in the pan. This thing, in my opinion, is most likely some 10 or 11 year old, pre-pubescent, pre-pustulate, pud-whackin’, rich, mama’s boy who just graduated from whackin’ off to a Sear’s catalog, and who finally figured out how to boot his daddy’s computer.

TheSouthernJackAss has never taken himself seriously, even though I do give that impression at times. I only come here to have fun, and poke fun at the people who are most likely to take umbrage at such pokage. It’s only a blog for cryin’ out loud, but some of you take it, and yourselves, so damned seriously that you would think the continuation of your life, posterity, and future prosperity depended on it. The only person who needs to be concerned with this blog is DOB.

To the point, TheSouthernJackAss loathes being liked or accepted, and desires neither, and TheSouthernJackAss isn’t afraid to say the things that others would like to say, but lack the balls to do so, that’s what separates me from most of the rest of the ‘gang’, including this latest aspiring actor called ‘caveman’…so caveman, do yourself a favor, take my advice, stop while you’ve still got a little left in the tank, the people on this blog are far too intelligent, clever, and advanced for a beginner like you, so go audition elsewhere…and to the rest, even though there are numerous protestations concerning the content and substance of this blog, I believe that most of you secretly enjoy the strife so often found within…if you really wanted to get rid of someone, you wouldn’t acknowledge their presence, no matter what they say, you would simply just ignore them, then without fuel for the fire, they would go away…

“accepted jackass” Geesh!!!…

By lifelongbravesfan

March 29, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

sja — my dad can beat up your dad !!!

By wimple

March 30, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

lifelongbravesfan/joebrave/caveman22 move along before he exposes you for the idiot that you are.