Braves

By Fed Up

April 9, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Wow! The Phillies have a godawful bullpen. How were they picked to contend? Hamels gave up two runs in 6 innings and they lost 11 to 5. 11 to 5! Are Chris Reitsma and Dan Kolb pitching for them now?

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Got this e-mail from one of the higher-ups, so you guys know what’s going on:

“Coxnet is going to make a change on moveable type at 5 pm. today aimed at alleviating the slowness we’ve been experiencing for some time. it may cause a brief interruption in people’s ability to post…..but we are promised it won’t be more than a few minutes interruption.”

SO NOW YOU FOLKS KNOW.

Oh, and UVABrave, thanks for the rec on the other blog. I just saw your posts. Sounds like an intersting singer/songwriter

By blee

April 9, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

i’m first

By ssiscribe

April 9, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, great stuff as always, dude. Did ya see/hear the Phillies totally fall apart in the eighth today at Shea? That’s the type of loss that can stick with ya for a few days.

Enjoy your day off. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Phillip

April 9, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Great job DOB. I’m feeling pretty good about the team so far; I think it’s going to be a fun summer. Soriano is so nasty it’s ridiculous. When that guy comes into the game, I sit back & relax.

By keylargo25

April 9, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

First place in NL East. Best record in Major Leagues. Not another Division - yet - but who would you change places with? No one.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave, thanks for putting up the new blog just for me!! :-)

Great song. Only thing I have against Greg Allman was that Cher thing years ago! I do miss Duane though….

Excellent points. If his shoulder holds up, I could almost see Soriano or Gonzalez taking a larger share of the saves. I say “almost” because that is not Bobby’s way. Nothing against Wickman though. He has been a top flight closer for a long time. He has the demeanor and make-up for the closers job.

Philly should have picked up Reitsma over the winter. I think Chris is going to have a good year in Seattle. I hope so, as he is a genuinely decent person.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave, thanks for putting up the new blog just for me!! :-)

Great song. Only thing I have against Greg Allman was that Cher thing years ago! I do miss Duane though….

Excellent points. If his shoulder holds up, I could almost see Soriano or Gonzalez taking a larger share of the saves. I say “almost” because that is not Bobby’s way. Nothing against Wickman though. He has been a top flight closer for a long time. He has the demeanor and make-up for the closers job.

Philly should have picked up Reitsma over the winter. I think Chris is going to have a good year in Seattle. I hope so, as he is a genuinely decent person.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

I only hit post once, I promise….

By caveman22

April 9, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

DOB Thanks. And the next game I go to I will be holding up a DOB’S BLOG sign on camera. You wouldn’t mind a little more attention would you?

It was LEW’s idea, I just liked it alot.

Shaun — what’s my grammatical accuracy with my first post on a blog? And what is my response level from the blog when I actually say something intelligent??

I’m going to need that in a chart please.

By Chris

April 9, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

So DOB, I just heard from a buddy who is on the Braves’ PR e-mail list (he’s a journalist in town, but I shall not reveal for what publication) that he received an e-mail stating that Hampton is done for the year. Have you heard anything yet, or are you waiting for more official documentation, or you just trying to string us along?

Kidding about the last one, but hook us up with some news when you get it.

Please.

By Don

April 9, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

DOB, any chance Bobby is going to consider 2 inning appearances for Gonzales and/or Soriano in exchange for fewer appearances? I’d think warming up and going 2 innings and then having a day off would be easier on a guy’s arm than warming up twice and going one inning each day. I’d think pitching 90 innings in 60 appearances would be easier than 80 innings in 80 appearances.

If you look at the numbers of a guy like Goose Gossage, who was admittedly a freak of nature, he often went 2-3 innings, but he didn’t pitch in 70-80 games a year. I wonder if this move to the one inning relief specialists over the last 15 years or so isn’t (a) wearing guys out because they warm up so often and log so many appearances and (b)causing the hard throwing guys to throw every pitch full out instead of pitching.

I also think the more guys you bring in the bigger a chance you have that somebody can’t throw strikes on that day, like Baez last year or McBride this year. If Paranto or Gonzales or Soriano retires the side in 12 pitches, why not send them out for another inning instead of bringing in another guy who may or may not have it that night? Then the guy who goes 2 innings isn’t available for the next day or two.

And yeah, Betemit is stinking it up but he wouldn’t be starting if he was here and at least he’s not on the DL with a hangnail like Aybar. And I’d still rather have him than Chris Woodward, the guy the Braves paid $750K to replace him.

By Chambers

April 9, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Can someone tell me what Wickman’s entrance on the board and music is? Was only at Fridays game and didnt see on the tube.

Also, for what its worth, Im sure its that “munk” montage.

UGH.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

BAD NEWS ON HAMPTON. JUST CONFIRMED: HE HAS A TORN FLEXOR TENDON IN HIS ELBOW AND WILL HAVE SURGERY WEDNESDAY. OUT 6-9 MONTHS, WHICH MEANS THE REST OF THE SEASON. MORE TO COME.

Carroll’s handling the story. Don’t know how much more we’ll get tonight, though. Probably not anything.

It’s too bad for Hampton, but honestly, the Braves weren’t counting on him at this point, not after the setbacks and after acquiring Redman. Fortunately, they’ve got reason to believe Davies and/or Cormier will be fine.

By Epinephrine

April 9, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Not at all worried about our BA. I know Kelly’s will go up-he has been hitting the ball well. Andruw just needs May to get here.

What I think people are forgetting, due to the progress of Francouer and the entity that is Brian McCann, is that Chipper still should prove to be our best bat this year. And he hasn’t even gotten started yet. Once he gets going-and once Renteria settles into a groove, look out.

I don’t think Andruw will ever be a .300 hitter-but between Chipper and McCann (or Frenchy, which if he keeps that stance and keeps going to right, is fine by me)-he ought to see some pitches.

If Hampton can come back this year by sometime in June, I think we could be flat out disgusting.

The only thing that does worry me is Langerhans. He looks to have picked up where he left off. With Diaz playing as well as he is-well, its harder and harder to justify a platoon over a 7th inning substitution. Diaz’s bat makes this lineup a formidable one up and down.

By MizzouGuru

April 9, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Gonzales is probably just over-amped right now. I hope not closing doesn’t give him a problem.

By Chris

April 9, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Hampton expected to be sidelined 6-9 months. Well, that certainly blows for us, doesn’t it?

DOB, how exactly will Hampton’s salary affect the Braves overall team salary if he is unable to perform for the entire season?

By Chris

April 9, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

And another question…just why is a Mets doctor performing surgeries on Hampton? Something smells fishy here…

By stynes

April 9, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Hampton’s out for 2007.

By Patrick

April 9, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Think you spoke too soon about Hampton, out for the year!?!?

By PHATT

April 9, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

I had a source who told me the same thing about Hampton being done. ESPN.COM.

By The Stranger

April 9, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Hampton out for 2007.

Davies’ last start looking more impressive by the minute.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

The blog must be down. Just read on the Braves website that Hampton has a torn flexor tendon, and will be operated on tomorrow morning. He will be out for the year.

By Chop Chop

April 9, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

There is no way that the Braves can possibly expect to get anything out of Hampton from now on. It’s going to be close to three years since he was an effective pitcher (May of 2005) by the time he gets back from this injury.

By beachcomber

April 9, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Boy, you hoped that Mike Hampton would make it back for a lot of reasons. First, when he was healthy, he was lights out for us, second he’s a super guy. May we all wish him the best for a full recovery. And please folks, no piling on. It’s not like this man wishes for what’s happening to him. He is ultra competitive and this has to be killing him. All the best Mike.

By The Stranger

April 9, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Caveman, the blog is still waiting on you to say something intelligent. Anything. For once. But you’ve lowered expectations here so far in such a short time that no one will hold it against you if you can’t deliver. I literally picture a clown with a megaphone every time I come upon one of your belittling posts. A sad clown. Very sad.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 9, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

In 1995, the Braves hit .250 as a team. It doesn’t matter what the team batting average is, as long as they keep getting hits in the clutch when they need to. I’m more concerned about Kelly Johnson’s .292 on-base percentage… we need something better than that from the leadoff hitter.

If Smoltz and Hudson can play up to their potential, this team can withstand the loss of Hampton.

By Chris

April 9, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

ESPN.com was 10 minutes slower with their post about Hampton than was I. But it’s all about my buddy, not me.

Wish I was on the Braves’ PR e-mail list…

By D-Cider

April 9, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t see the Braves lineup finishing as high as 5th in terms of average, more like 7th or 8th. Braves’ batters strike out a lot and when not doing that,are hitting into double plays. The bottom 3rd of this lineup is dreadful. El Duque’s ERA in Turner Field is less than one?I think the coolest news that I have heard in awhile is TBS hiring Ripken, Jr. and Gwynn to work the playoffs! What a great hiring for a couple of recent HOFers! No use for Gregg Allman, though. Coke addict, absentee father. His brother had the talent. Cher was better off with Sonny.

By Epinephrine

April 9, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Oh well, too bad about Hampton.

DOB-I know this is ridiculously speculative, and I know you have mentioned it briefly in the past-but what do you think the prospects of Redman going to the pen are?

We definitely need to see a few more starts out of him before we jump to conclusions-and we haven’t even seen Cormier in a game yet as a starter this year-but I’m really starting to like the idea of Davies and Cormier making up the back end of this rotation.

By Rodger

April 9, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Hey, nobody’s said it yet-“Why don’t we cut Hampton and save his salary?”

JUST KIDDING!

Man, you gotta feel for the guy, but geez…

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

DOB I know Hampton is the greatest guy in the milky way and a prince among men but how about asking him if he’s ever considered giving some of the money back.There was a time when that notion wouldn’t have been so far fetched,but just to humor some of us ask him,I dare you!

By caveman22

April 9, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

A sad clown because the baseball career didn’t work out and having not listened to my guidance conselor who had recommended I steal a car right out of high school so I could go to college while in jail. Now I work as a greeter at Chucky Cheese and do the occasional batchlorette party as a joke dancer for the bride before they bring in “pretty” boys. I know it sounds glamorous to someone like you how has named himself after a masterbatory method but it’s really not all it’s cracked up to be.

But don’t worry about me, I may have already won 10 million dollars.

By sri

April 9, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, Thanks for all the updates.. Could you also update us as to how much the Braves are responsible for Hampton’s salary this year(after the insurance claim)?. If insurance pays for some of his salary, do you think the braves would use some of that for an (expensive?) upgrade later in the year. I remember a while ago reading that the braves account for Hampton’s salary as an average over the six years (49M/6yrs), if that is the case we would’nt gain much of a break from insurance right? Could you please explain those details ?

By A.J.

April 9, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

I’m not advocating this in anyway, I just want to know if it’s a possibility, but is Hampton at all considering retiring at this point.

Sure wouldn’t blame him, he’s had some rough luck. He is 34, which while by no means OLD still isn’t too young, especially when you can’t get your elbow healthy. He’ll be 35 at the start of next season. That looks a lot older when you have pitched in 2 years

I hope he does get healthy, more for him then for the Braves, and if he does get healthy, I hope he can find the skill he’s used to.

By Luke

April 9, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

David, McCann over Mauer? Sorry man, not happening. I love McCann and all, but Mauer’s better in the long run and has better tools in every area, except home run hitting.

Great blog though!

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

For the Hampton haters: Can I just go ahead and cover the bases, so we can get beyond it?

Hampton stinks. He should give up part of his salary. The Braves should trade Hampton. The Braves should release Hampton. Hampton is the worst trade JS ever made. Hampton is a waste of roster space.

So, did that cover it???

(best of luck to you tomorrow MH. Lots of us our here pulling for you and appreciating your efforts!)

By Fred from CT

April 9, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Gonna be a long year for Jimmy Rollins.

After his error, the shortstop was serenaded with chants of “Jimmy Rollins! Jimmy Rollins!” from the crowd of 56,227 - the largest opening-day attendance in Mets history.

By Chris

April 9, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

I believe I heard that Hampton was not covered by insurance for this year. Something about insurance companies only giving 3-year coverages, and I believe Hampton’s ran out and the Braves couldn’t get him insured for this season.

I may be wrong, but I swear I heard this somewhere official.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

hampton’s out. fine. sad to hear that. the insurance is going to cover some of that. does that mean we can go out now and trade a kid or two or three and add a pitcher worth $10 mil or so with the money the braves recover. or maybe a left fielder or first baseman? would rather have a pitcher but i am not sure what kind of pitcher would be out there. I usually hate crazy, ignorant trade talk and I don’t think the Marlins or the Braves would do this but what about trading Salty, Escobar, & Davies for Dontrelle Willis? Hey, at least I did not say Baldelli, Crawford, Figgins, et al.

By caveman22

April 9, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

sri Perhaps you could go back and read yesterdays blog , or last weeks blog, or last months blog, where DOB has patiently told us time and again that the ins policy expired and who the hell is going to insure a contract on a guy on the DL. That’s like buying insurance on your way to the body shop. Geez , try to keep up , OK.

By KC

April 9, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Well that’s really sorry news, but… the Braves will be fine. It just means that we really need Davies or Cormier to step up this season. And obviously it would be wonderful if both pitch well this season.

Chris: Hopefully it will work as it did last year when it was believed (the Braves never officially said) that they were reimbursed 60% of Hampton’s salary. That would put 7.5 mill back in the Braves pocket.

One would imagine that JS already has at least a few million to play with. That’s Schuerholz’s MO. He doesn’t like to go into the season without any flexibility.

So if the Braves are reimbursed 60% of Hampton’s salary… the Braves should have plenty of money this year to make any moves they might want to make.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

OddJob: you just don’t get it, do you????

If you got injured on the job I bet you would give back your salary, huh?

By Robert

April 9, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

I’d be interested to learn how much, if any, of Mike Hampton’s salary will be covered by insurance. I think he’s due about $15 million this year even if he’s disabled. I sure hope the Braves don’t have to cover that. Typically teams buy insurance to protect against a season-ending injury for high salary players. Anyone know?

By Rodger

April 9, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Stranger, I’m afraid you’re right.

D-Cider, don’t forget the heroin. Saw the Bros. when they first got back together (79?) and they were awesome, Gregg was sober, sharp, clear voice; saw them again 4-5 months later, falling off the bench again, not even on stage for Ramblin Man…

But he and the Brothers have put out some good music over a long time.

By Lew

April 9, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Well-Whatever insurance coverage the Braves have on Hampton will definitely kick in now. Will he even be able to come back next year? What’s the rehab time for this injury? Will it be impacted because of the previous problems? Even a 20-30% recovery of his salary will add several mil to the pot. Hope he recovers.

By Chris

April 9, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Hampton = UNINSURABLE. No policy on him this year. Braves eat the salary, period.

My question is, if Hampton is unable to pitch, does his salary count at all against the team’s salary for the season? I don’t believe it does.

That said, even if it doesn’t count against the team salary, I doubt the Braves have much left in the piggybank with which to work.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Caveman, favorite Smokey song, Tears of a Clown or Tracks of My Tears?

By Lew

April 9, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Chris-DOB HAD reported that, but on further checking today, he discovered that there is some insurance coverage, but we’re no sure how much. Willy Wally-Even if insurance kicks in, it won’t be anywhere near $10mil, I would imagine.

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Wayne I don’t hate Hampton,I do hate the system that drains the club and hence us fans.If you like calling people haters who have a different opinion from yours you should try the Falcons blogs. ps why don’t you send MH some of your cash ? I’m sure it would be appreciated.

By berigan

April 9, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

I feel terrible for Hampton…..you get so close, then this happens…..and you can’t do a damn thing about it! Best wishes to him.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Like the Cave-dude just stated. NO INSURANCE FOR HAMPTON this year!

sorry for yelling…….

By caveman22

April 9, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

DOB just post the the f’n ins answer one more time and put it on a 30min repost cycle.

shaun maybe you could answer that one.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

All this talk about using extra $$ for trades is really going nowhere. Not gonna happen the way some might like.

If I were going to trade anybody, it would be to get something for AJ, but he is not going to sign off on that either.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

posted yesterday by DOB:

By David O’Brien

April 8, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

OK, NEW INFO ON HAMPTON: Not on the status of his elbow, which we probably won’t know about until Wednesday, since his appointment tomorrow isn’t until after 5 p.m. But about the INSURANCE: I’m told by a very reliable source that the stuff about them not having insurance this year is completely innacurate.

So assume that if he does have to miss significant time, the Braves will have at least some of his salary covered.

By Chop Chop

April 9, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

I’ll post what DOB posted yesterday:

By David O’Brien

April 8, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

OK, NEW INFO ON HAMPTON: Not on the status of his elbow, which we probably won’t know about until Wednesday, since his appointment tomorrow isn’t until after 5 p.m. But about the INSURANCE: I’m told by a very reliable source that the stuff about them not having insurance this year is completely innacurate.

So assume that if he does have to miss significant time, the Braves will have at least some of his salary covered.

There. That’s what DOB said.

By KC

April 9, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Luke: In what respect is Mauer better than McCann?

Defensively, McCann is a very good catcher, and he’s earned the respect of everyone that’s ever pitched to him in regard to his ability to work with a pitching staff and call an effective game.

Offensively, Mauer had a higher batting average last year (.347 vs. .333). Granted. But just because his average was higher last year, doesn’t mean that’ll be the case this year or that he’s a better contact hitter.

As far as power/RBI…

Mauer (in 521 AB’s): 13 HR, 84 RBI, 36 doubles.

McCann (in 442 AB’s): 24 HR, 93 RBI, 34 doubles.

If you project McCann’s numbers out to 521 at-bats (Mauer’s totals), you’ll have the following: 29 HR, 105 RBI, 40 doubles.

But McCann really started showing his power stroke after the all-star break:

(in 238 AB’s): 18 HR, 64 RBI, 19 doubles. Just to put that in perspective… his second half stats over 550 AB’s would look like this: 42 HR, 149 RBI, 47 doubles.

Mauer over McCann? Not a snowball’s chance in hell.

By Chop Chop

April 9, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Dammit…Willy Wally beat me to it.

By caveman22

April 9, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

willy wally tears of a clown send in the clowns your an A@@clown

take your pick.

By Oldtimer

April 9, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

DOB-Thanks for the great Blog. BTW Some Wag writing for the Mets said that Billy Wagner had better stuff than Bob Wickman so he was more valuable because of strike-outs. I would rather have a smart pitcher than a thrower any day. Wick seems to get a fair number of strike-outs himself, but pop-ups on the infield and little easy grouders to second aren’t bad outs, either.

Gonzales is just over-throwing. Wild high is a dead give away. He just needs to settle down.

By Mitchie-san

April 9, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

You have got to be joking…..

He needs to retire. He wont, but he needs to.

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

It’s times like this when I see what lap dogs fans can be that I’d as soon never watch another game of pro sports. berigan send poor Mike your kids tuition money I’m sure he’d accept it.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Can someone please tell me that they would actually return $30 million to their employer if they got hurt?

As Yogi says, you gotta get that insurance so that if you get hurt and miss work, it won’t hurt to miss work

By ncscoots

April 9, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Oh, yeah…try to keep up, LOL…

By journalist jimmy smith

April 9, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! the braves have lost a good pitcher. this may be the end for mike hampton. sad. still, there are a lot of good pitchers this year - not like last year. hillbilly was smart to read jimmy smith’s post twice for understanding. healthy feet are a good thing - happy feet are not good for a ballplayer. who remembers bubba bean? and what position did bubba bean play? and why would bubba bean dance so? and is chipper still wearing shoes that are too big with two pair of socks? fast food mentality: super-size that for you? extra cheese? oh, the humanity! how is carroll rogers fitting in this year? like cheese? aware of the curse of the old journalist? and who was at the easter egg hunt yesterday and why were there no easter eggs in the bullpen? and wicky’s sticky ribs would make a good bbq dish at the ballpark. journalist must receive royalties if this idea is adopted.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Wayne, if they don’t use the extra money to make trades, this team is going nowhere. They might win another division title but at this point who really cares about freaking division titles?

By Rodger

April 9, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks Willy.

I understand skipping a lot of these posts, but one would think that DOB’s would be required reading.

By flange1

April 9, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Hi All,

Terrible news on Hampton, but I think most of us expected the worse. Wish him well in rehab! Hopefully he can come back and pitch a little next year.

Good points in your intro DOB! I was also impressed with Francouer shooting that ball to right yesterday. If he will do that, he will move toward being the superstar that he has been throughout his high school days.

The bullpen does look good, but Mcbride doeas not look the same as last year. I cannot put my finger on it, but his delivery just does not look the same Anyone else see this?

DOB, check out the REM dvd at EllaGuru. It is from German TV from a performance in 1985. It really brings back tons of memories! Yoe can see Michael with hair!

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

OddJob: What system is it you are talking about? The system whereby a club has a budget for, say, 80 million. Then somebody gets hurt, and we still stay on budget. That is not a system. That is the Braves way of running their club. There is no system there that is hurting us because Hampton is injured.

They could go out at any point and trade for a big buck player, but they choose not to operate that way. So, there is no system to blame, just the way the Braves front office operates.

You should be careful, because as you keep talking about money, it makes you sound a little bit like Hillary Clinton.

You know, since I am independently wealthy, maybe I will send the Braves about 8-9 million, just so they can get one more player. Would that make you happy??? What position do you want them to trade for. Since it IS my money, I can tell them exactly what to do with the cash.

:-)

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

Chris, Wayne, others: REGARDING INSURANCE. You probably read it here yesterday on the blog, because I wrote that I’d been told by more that one person that Hampton’s policy ran out last year and couldn’t be renewed.

I came back a couple hours later, howver, and after speaking to a team official who assured me that was innacurate, that they still have insurance on him. A local radio station here in Atlanta _ I was listening this morning _ read my initial blog post about the insurance, not the follow-up in which I clarified what I was subsequently told.

Unless you can find it somewhere else, I would suggest it’s only coming from the post I wrote yesterday, the first one, which wasn’t accurate and which I corrected as soon as I was told otherwise.

NOW, THE QUESTION ABOUT FIVE HAVE ASKED TODAY: A lot of you want to know exactly how much insurance would cover. Well, good luck. Unless and until the Braves decide to offer that percentage, there is NO WAY of knowing. I have asked 20 different ways for the figure from last year, have asked if 50 percent was too high, if 60 percent was too high, etc. And every time, on and off the record, I’ve been stonewalled on an answer.

When it comes to insurance, most clubs protect the private information and simply don’t offer the figures. So we’re left to go on past precedents or heresay or vague info most of the time, which some reporters then report as though it was specific and exact when it’s not.

Near as I can tell, no one has offered a hard-and-fast amount of how much of Hampton’s contract was covered last year, and I certainly haven’t heard how much will be covered this year. So it follows that it’d be impossible to speculation on what they might do with an undisclosed amount of money they may or may not get or that might be tied up in settlement cases that sometimes takes years to resolve.

Right now, the Braves don’t have to go get a starter. Think about it: They got Redman to replace Hampton when Hampton hurt his side. They still have Redman. Why would they have to replace Hampton twice? Unless Cormier is out longer than they think he’ll be out (another 10-14 days), then I don’t see why they need to pursue a starter.

Besides, they got the last available starter when they signed Redman. If there were any available now, don’t you think the Yankees and a bunch of others would be lined up to get them? Right now, the Braves have at least two decent starters more than most teams have.

By Rodney Derrick

April 9, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

If the Braves get some insurance money, they should use it to sign Smoltz and Andruw for future years.

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

WillyWally Most all contracts in the real world are contingent on the contractor actually delivering the goods and or services.

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Wayne next time you’re in town be sure to look poor Mike up and give him a big hug.

By Chris

April 9, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

No one “gives” money back to their employer.

And this implies that Hampton was “given” the money in the first place. It wasn’t given, it was earned, at least in the eyes of the Rockies execs that signed him to that contract.

So, no, he shouldn’t give back any money. That’s ludicrous. Don’t you think he probably views financial matters in the scope of his overall net worth? How many of you would be willing to just give up 10-20% of your overall worth? Not a damn one in this group.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Great Yogiyism Willy/Wally.

Yes, OddJob continues to talk about Hampton needing money. Now he wants us to send our money to Hampton? Sounds like the rantings of a jealous man.

I still don’t believe there is any insurance, until I see it official. Why would an insurance company insure a player who lived on the DL the last 3 plus years? If so, it is some sort of fluke.

By Chris

April 9, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, how will Hampton’s injury affect the Braves’ overall team payroll?

And thanks for adding clarity to the inusrance question (as much as you could, anyway).

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

DOB: I stand corrected..

OddJob/Willy/others: I don’t think it matters about the insurance. They have cost averaged Hampton’s salary for the past few years on the books, if I understand it correctly. So, they will just put the extra $$ back into the coffers. It might give JS more flexibility later on in the year, but who would we go after now anyway??? I am not sure who we could get that would be helpful? (Baldelli or Crawford…..just kidding…..)

Hey, I hear Reggie Sanders is available and it IS an odd year. (Go check his career stats, Shaun and report back to us why we shouldn’t go get Reggie.)

By caveman22

April 9, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Well there’s your problem right there.

Hampton had his hinge fixed bya Mets doctor. I bet the doc had insurance.

By Billsnv

April 9, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Any ideas on how much insurance like this costs? If the payout could be like 10 million I would think the cost would be pretty high as well.

By Rodger

April 9, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Why not replace the same guy twice? That’s my family’s logic with a bonus check-lets spend it on clothes;lets spend it on vacation; lets spend it on Christmas shopping; lets spend it on home upgrades. Same check, spent 4 times. They must take math lessons from the blog. No wonder I’m broke-too many bonuses?

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Reggie is batting .500 so far!!

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Yes Wayne and you are coming across as a lap dog.SIT BOY!!!

By ncscoots

April 9, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Wayne, I guess it’s always possible the policy was written with a decreasing rollover clause, and I’m guessing the policy was written when he joined the Braves (?). He wasn’t on the DL then, merely pitching badly.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Odd: I am flying through Atlanta next Sunday night. Maybe I could coax Mike H into meeting me in the terminal, so I could give him a big bear hug. We could compare scars.

:-)

Let’s not get too carried away with our opinions! After all, we are all Braves fans here (well, at least most of us are, Metro, NoChop excluded.).

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

April 9, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

I really do feel for Hampton but this is just bs. I know it is not his fault but he has pretty much stole money from the Braves the last two seasons and now it will be three. That is a bit unfair I will concede but the truth is what it is. This seems awfully unfair to the Braves or any team to be stuck paying this guy when he is not performing on the field.

I think the rotation will be fine without him. However, his salary is totally handicapping the team from making moves that could improve it. It just doesn’t seem right.

By ncscoots

April 9, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

You guys think Hampton is just taking money? Mention Albert Belle to Peter Angelos and watch his eyes glaze over.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

ncscoots: what are you calling “pitching badly”?

DOB has outlined his work in the 3 years on the staff:

‘03 14-8, 3.84 ERA

‘04 13-9, 4.28 ERA

‘05 5-3, 3.50 ERA

Not Cy Young numbers, but “pitching badly” is not the right description for his work.

OddJob What is the point about the “lapdog” reference. I don’t get the logic. Am I a totally biased Braves fan? YES. Do I appreciate the fiscal responsibility of the Braves club? YES, again. How does that make me a lap dog, and in whose lap??

(personally, the reason I am supporting Hampton so much here on the blog is that I am hopeful he will want to send me a few bucks, since he didn’t really earn the money!)

By Coach

April 9, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

This hurts the team in the long run. We are stuck with Redman due to the need for depth. Cormier and/or Davies both deserve to be in the rotation and one of them will get stuck In Richmond. It’s not Hampton’s fault , but he needs to realize that his career is probably over. A guaranteed contract is just that , but Hampton needs to do the right thing , take one for the team and retire at the end this season , then the Braves can use the money saved to improve the team in 2008.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

RJITB: How can it be unfair for the Braves, as they traded for him, knowing the back end of the contract would be loaded for them, and knowing that sometimes players get injured. They basically signed on for Hampton knowing where it could go. Rarely does a situation with a player get to this point, but it is certainly not stolen money, or unfair to the Braves. Maybe unlucky, but not unfair. As for his salary handicapping the Braves, well maybe it is, but that’s life sometimes. It’s kind of like what the Mets are into with Pedro. Agree, disagree???

By GeorgetownKid

April 9, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien,

Regarding our pitching rotation, can we send Redman to Richmond if we want to? Or would he have to clear waivers first?

I’m quite disapointed about Hampton. I always liked him. He seemed like a cool guy, and he was such a great athlete.

I know that cutting him is not an option, for that would make us liable for his salary anyway. But for our sake, I hope he decides to retire before we start paying him next year’s salary.

If we can find a way to get his monstrous salary off our books, that would make re-signing our 2 big free-agents much, much easier.

By ncscoots

April 9, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

No, no, I didn’t mean to imply that he pitched badly for the Braves, far from it. I was speaking of the reason the Braves were able to make the trade in the first place: his poor performance in Colorado.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

So Robert, would it be right for a team to be able to not pay a player because he got hurt pitching for said team? He didn’t get hurt riding a motorcycle or skiing, he’s got a torn flexor tendon, an injury that results directly from the unnatural act of throwing a baseball very hard and very frequently.

If a player has six years left on an eight-year contract and gets plowed over at the plate and blows his knee out and is never able to play his position again, should his contract be voided?

Teams assume risks when they take on big contracts. They take out insurance to cover part of it. If they can’t get insurance, they take on bigger risks. But nobody holds a gun to the team’s head when they take on that risk.

The Braves thought they were getting a bargain in their three-way trade by having the Marlins and Rockies pay a big chunk of his contract, with the Braves paying “only” $48.5 mill for six years. So they gambled, and lost. Tough. But it’s not the player’s fault. He got a ridiculously huge contract from Colorado, and the Braves took it on despite his struggles out there and a couple of past injuries.

They had no way of knowing he’d have this many injuries after they got him, but he has had this many. That’s just the way it is. It’s not the player’s fault, and that’s why they’re protected by their union, so that they’re assured of getting paid and everything else. If you were in his shoes, would you give back your $15 mill salary next year if you were hurt on the job and tried to come back and ended up requiring yet another surgery?

Have you ever had surgery and rehab from surgery? I had a broken ankle one time, both bones snapped. It sucked. The rehab was torturous. it’s not something that anybody would voluntarily go through.

It’d be one hell of a lot easier and more enjoyable for Mike Hampton to pitch in baseball games and be part of a winning team that it is to face going under the knife and another grueling rehab. No one in their right mind would opt for the latter over the former.

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

No mas Wayne,I’m all better now.My last word on this is I hope no team ever wrights another contract like this one, not for McCann or Frenchy not one….ever!!

By uncle pee pot

April 9, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

You guys keeps posting all these negative comments about Mike Hampton,about how much you want the Braves to trade him or to release him to frre up salary,but you are quick to forget how much Mike Hampton has contributed in a positive way to the Braves.you guts need to look at the whole pie,not just a piece of it,look at what he has done for the Braves before his injury. The answer is not to trade him or release him just because he is injured and has a high salary,the answer is to keep him and let him go through the surgery and rehab his arm so he can come back strong.Look at it this way,smoltz is gonna be 41 next yr and might not be back as he is a free agent,so why not hold onto Hampton just as a precaution and especially since insurance is paying for him,just in case smolts doesn’t come back.everyone says we can replace smolts but that5 will be hard to do,even if we do replace him there is no guarantee that another pitcher would help us. Hampton appears to be a descent guy and who knows he might just help us next year,remember when Jessica Lundy was kidnapped and killed he offered $25,000 toward the arrest and conviction of the killer.maybe he will return some of his salary,i doubt it but he might,don’t rule the man out.give him a chance.

By Gil in Mechanicsville(zoo keeper)

April 9, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Robert(JITB) Braves agreed to the contract warts and all… get over it. Let’s hope he can pitch next year, in the mean time let’s move on. There is nothing we can do about it.

Dave O’Brien Tank’s for the info on Blaine Boyer. It is tough to keep up with everybody. The real shame is there is still nothing about him in the Richmond paper. Any wonder that I canceled my subscription to the Times Dispatch…..

Just think, once upon a time we had a real city and a real newspaper. Now we have fluff….. Thank goodness for the internet….

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Wayne, you don’t have to believe it, but I was told by a club official yesterday who really had no reason to lie.

Chrisk, I don’t see how this would have any real affect on club payroll whatsoever. If they get money back for insurance, it probably wouldn’t come until at least next year anyway. Braves factored in his salary at betwen $8-9 mill annually for their payroll purposes, and that’s what it remains.

Coach, “take one for the team?” Yes, sure: “Here, team, keep the $15 mill you owe me next year. I hurt myself trying to pitch and trying to come back from a previous surgery for an injury that occured while I was pitching for you. But take the $15 mill. I don’t need it. I know the team is poor and can’t afford to pay the light bill at the stadium. So here’s the money. Invest it in a mutual fund or something.”

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

DOB come on man I really ! thought I was through but geez!!15 million a year for elbow surgery ? Why don’t you bunch of bleeding hearts send some money to a homeless vet ? or something that is real ? I do like baseball but Mike Hampton can kiss my a*!!! now I’m finished.

By Bob, journalist

April 9, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Wayne, If so, it is some sort of fluke

I don’t claim to know anything about insurance or this situation … but, I wouldn’t think it a fluke if coverage were to be in effect.

Unless the coverage is baseball season specific, one would think that it would not be unreasonable to have coverage operative for the duration of the player’s contract, without regard to any underwriting considerations following the effective date of coverage.

Even if that were the case, it might be argued that Hampton’s is but a continuation of an existing claim … in which case, one would think the coverage would remain in effect until the maximum payout was reached … how much that would be? … only JS, the insurance company … and Lamont Cranston knows.

By Bravesfanin MetsLand

April 9, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Hey all. i have been a lurker in this blog all last year, and hope I can contribute some this year, as this is the one site that keeps me sane up north.

DOB,

Great blog as always, I wanted to type after last week’s Shield since it opened with The Man in Black. Glad to see you like that show, I think it’s the best on TV. What did you think of The Sopranos last night?

Are you still getting conflicting reports on Hampton and insurance money, now that we know he’s done for the year?

By ncscoots

April 9, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

If Hampton goes through the rehab for TJS, AND immediately follows that up with rehab from a torn flexor, ladies and gentleman, that man deserves every opportunity to prove he can pitch in 2008. You don’t discard that kind of fortitude. In any field of endeavor.

As to whether he can pitch effectively again, I don’t know. That’s a whole ‘nuther question.

By Chris

April 9, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

Well said, DOB. Hampton won’t give the Braves any money, nor should he.

Now, the issue of retiring is an entirely different subject. If Hampton does go that route (which I highly doubt he will—only 34), it will most likely be because he realizes it’s over, not out of some loyalty to the Braves and their payroll.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, what the hell does this have to do with bleeding hearts? It’s a freakin’ contract, man. If it was you, you wouldn’t think it had anything to do with “bleeding hearts.” It’d be more like, don’t pay me and I’ll sue you a%%. Ain’t about bleeding hearts, my man. It’s about a contract. It’s called reality.

And, please, in the history of pro sports, please point to me one athlete who ever GAVE BACK money because he got hurt and felt bad about it. A player who was to be paid under contract, who gave money back. Please find that athlete, any sport in the modern era of big-money contracts. Just one.

Bravesfan in Metsland. No, no conflicting reports at all. the first reports i got weren’t from club officials.

Yes, that opening to The Shield with J.R. singing “I Hung My Head,” was awesome. And it closed with it, too.

I really liked the Sopranos last night. But I always like it.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Okay, Okay. I give in. Hampton has to return the money that he is “stealing” from the Braves only if the Braves return the money they are “stealing” from our payroll by restricting it to $80 mil when it was $103 mil only 4 years ago. We gotta deal people? I’d rather root for the millionaires who were once middle class guys like ourselves than silver spoon millionaires any day.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

I meant to say that I’d rather root for the millionaires who were once middle class guys like ourselves than silver spoon Billionaires any day.

Not that anyone really cares.

The contract was agreed to by the team and their lawyers with the player and his lawyers. Are Hampton’s lawyers better than the lawyers for the Rockies, Marlins, and Braves? More power to him then.

By caveman22

April 9, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

DOB

hey there DOB, looks like you got a little Caveman in you after all.

So what sounds better for my sign:

DOB BlOG RULES

or

Bloggin with DOB

Or I could just wright “shadddupp OddJob”

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

DOB The bleeding hearts are the ones saying poor Mike and acting like he’s had bad luck.Look at the workmans comp laws if you want to see the value of an elbow injury for 99.99999 percent of workers.If these guys want’a cry for him they can spend 150 bucks or more to take their kids to a game and scrape together the mortgage and cry away.

By brian

April 9, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

The Braves are of course not happy with Hampton’s new injury and surgery, but they have to be happy to have a one way or another answer so early in the season. The worst case would be for Hampton to be in and out of the rotation for 1-2 months and then be lost. That would have been disruptive and would have lost any chance of getting insurance payments. Now the Braves can plan ahead. I would still say they have 7 starters since Villareal did well as a starter last year and could fill in for Cormier or Redman if needed.

Davies chance is now to stay with the big league club.

By barrett

April 9, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

I honestly don’t understand what you people don’t get about what DOB is saying. It’s really not that complicated…. Really. Hampton’s hurt. We added in his salary into the last few years payroll so it won’t come back to kill us. If we dump him, we still have to pay him. No one in thier right might would just offer to refund a team because they got hurt doing the job they were paid to do. (Injuries do happen in professional sports, even to those that get paid alot) He is going to be out for another year.

Did I cover everything? I think so.

By BB FAN

April 9, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I can name you an athlete that desided to retire rather than drain the club for an extra year when he wasn’t the player he once was…That athlete was Mark McGwire.

I know a lot of fans dislike him now because of his poor showing in front of Congress. But i have to say, McGwire showed a lot of integrity to walk away from ~ $15 million in 2002 because he felt he could not play up to the standards that salary was determined for.

In fact, the Cardinals GM tried to trick McGwire into getting paid for the last year of his contract. He told McGwire to think it over for a weekend which would have made the contract payable even with retirement. McGwire told his GM he knew what he was trying to do; that he appreciated it but he could not take the Cardinal’s money for the last year of his contract.

Now, I’m not saying Hampton should retire. I wouldn’t blame the guy either way whether he rehabbed to come back or just retired. He did sign the contract so why not try to come back and get paid. However, I can’t imagine going through what he has over the last 2 years. And I can’t imagine going through what he has to over the next year.

I’ve always liked Hampton and I thought he was a very good pitcher. However, I believe it will be very difficult for him to regain his form after being out of baseball for almost 3 years.

By Chris

April 9, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

McGwire retired because the stuff he used to take was put on the banned substance list. And as we’ve all seen, I don’t think he really wanted to answer any more questions from the media and fans. Hell, he wouldn’t even answer questions in front of Congress.

By Braves1us

April 9, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Somewhat off topic… but DOB, I was reading a certain publication for its articles recently - and, in that particular baseball preview it indicated that the Braves were still paying BRUCE SUTTER a million bones a year. The article stated that Ted Turner agreed to pay Sutter $1 million a year for 30 years after he retired. Do you know if this is true?

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

BBFAN This is just plain nuts !you can’t imagine what he’s gone through ? You should visit a cancer ward at a childrens hospital,or maybe Walter Reed, DOB there’s your bleeding heart.

By Drummerdad

April 9, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Big bummer for Hamp and the Braves. He’s has a great deal of heart. I think he’ll deal with this and move on through the surgery. But any of us would be mad as a hornet at after what he’s been through. But he’s a pro and he wants to compete. He’ll be back.

For the Braves the hard part will be if Cormier’s inury is deeper than what we know now.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Well, if they were paying Bruce Sutter one million dollars last year, why didn’t they make him earn his money by pitching a few games in relief? He could not have been any worse than the bums we threw out there last year.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Bob, the journalist: Just to clarify. Fluke probably was the wrong word. Meant that is is unusual to think that a club would be able to get more than 3 years worth of insurance for a player, especially when he had spent a stretch on the DL. Maybe it was written for a longer period of time at the beginnning of the contract. I don’t know. I trust your points are correct.

DOB: Thanks for the 7:14 post, in supporting and hopefully putting to bed some of the points I had been trying to make earlier. As for the insurance, no big deal. Missed your second post yesterday and was lagging behind in your post re-confirming earlier this evening. Didn’t mean to sound like I was defiant or something…

I have to concur with you on the rehab. I have spent a large part of the past 2 years rehabbing a bum shoulder that was operated on twice. Complications due to my diabetes caused it not to heal properly either time. I have become a lefty out of necessity to play baseball and basketball with my 14 year old. Bummer. NOBODY goes through rehab if they aren’t totally motivated. I have a love/hate relationship with my physical therapist. He loves to hurt me, and I hate to keep going. Too be honest, after almost 2 years, I have given up. I can appreciate some of what Hampton is going through.

OddJob Get a life, dude. And get over that jealousy thing.

By BB FAN

April 9, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

Chris,

“McGwire retired because the stuff he used to take was put on the banned substance list. And as we’ve all seen, I don’t think he really wanted to answer any more questions from the media and fans. Hell, he wouldn’t even answer questions in front of Congress.”

Tell me Chris, when did McGwire tell you that was the reason he retired? Do you have him on “speed dial?”

Don’t say things like they are facts if you can’t prove them! It makes you sound ignorant. And the fact remains that the GM of the Cardinals reported that he tried to get McGwire to think retirement over for a weekend because his contract would have then been payable even if McGwire retired. Therefore, by McGwired turning that down, he walked away from ~ $15 Million. He could have just waited the extra 3 days and then retired and the Cardinals would have had to pay him.

That takes integrity. I’m not saying the guy was clean. I have no idea. Neither do you. His comments to Congress did not sound very good, but in America my friend, a person is not guilty unless there is enough evidence. And I believe the drug testing did not start until 2003. He retired before the 2002 season.

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

I promise this is my last posting on this for now. If you guys think Hampton is doing this out of heart or for the team you’re being naive,he’s doing it for the money,and yes many athletes have retired rather than bleed a team and embarrass themselves in the BIG MONEY FREE AGENT ERA!

By Jimo

April 9, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

The Braves will do fine without Hampton. S** happens even day but life has to go on and so will the Braves. I wish Hampton well-I know how bad he wanted to play. Who will be Next? God Bless the Braves. Boy I froze my Butt off Friday night and Sat.but had fun. Love the Mid-night rider.

By beachcomber

April 9, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Mr. Oddjob as someone who has been in one of the facilities you allude to - you are so far off base on Mike Hampton you aren’t even in the ballpark. And thanks DOB for putting the Hampton situation in perspective so much better than we mere mortals are able to craft words. Can we all just hope for a speedy recovery for a class guy?

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Yes, men like McGwire go through puberty right before your eyes in their late twenties and early thirties. THEN, when they retire, they go through reverse puberty in their late 30s and go back to looking like they did when they were 21. Then other guys like Barry Bonds finally hit puberty at the age of 38. Puberty is becoming a much harder thing to predict these days.

By dadgum

April 9, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

First let’s hope Hampton’s surgery is successful. It’s a tough thing to get this right after he was looking to rebound and play. Tough physically and mentally. Gotta feel for anyone that hurts.

Having said that I for one (and many many others) was never counting on Hampton this year at all. Not even a game and if he did pitch nobody was ever hanging the season on his degree of success. The rotation is fine and I think the starters will do fine now that they know Hampton isn’t returning and can focus on pitching and not worrying about who will be odd man out. Davies will be with the Braves now full time and Redman will get a spot start here and there. They can afford to do that with what little they are paying him. Also he will be good insurance once Cormier returns.

Wish Hampton well and the Braves are sitting great with pitching. The one thing they can’t do now is send Davies back to Richmond. Would make no sense.

By Stephanie

April 9, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

That producer has my dream job - I think Joe Buck is fantastic!!

By brian

April 9, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

On another subject - I wonder what the Brewers would ask for in return for Jose Capellan. I know his stats don’t look that good, but that man has a live arm. Since we got Dan Kolb for him, maybe we could pry him away for a reasonable price, especially since they probably just want him to go away

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

OddJob: Everything that you have written this afternoon shows your true colors. Yes, atheletes play for the money. But, for some it is not all about the money. Hampton could have just shut it down a long time ago, and continued to collect the cash. He didn’t. So, because he was fortunate enough to be born with some athletic ability, and was a hard enough worker to be successful at it, you seem to be insanely jealous of his good fortune. Now, because YOU say so, he is only in it for the money. Nobody had a gun to the Rockies head when they signed him about 6 years ago.

Maybe Hampton is your neighbor, as you seem to know a different Mike Hampton than the one that I have read about and that Dave has described to us on several ocassions.

And, yes, we all have known or experience loved ones who have suffered disease and injury much more severe than what Mike is going through. That does not change the facts that he HAS worked his tail off and attempted to get back on the field and compete.

So, if your promise is true (about your 8:22pm post), then you will not comment back with your lame A$$ jealousy argument about Mike Hampton. Sorry, had to get that off my chest.

PS: Mike, please send me that $20 you owe me for pumping you up here on the blog tonight!

By Alex

April 9, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

I feel pretty terrible for Hampton and for the Braves…but two things make me feel a whole lot better than when we got this news last time. One: the pitching staff looks solid all around…as many people have said over and over the need for the starters to be heros every single night and go 8 innings just isn’t there anymore. Two: the incredible depth of the minors, especially in middle infield players, makes me comfortable with the fact that not only can JS go out and get someone, someone good, but also do it in a way that the other team will have to pick up a large chunk of the players salary…combine that with this latest news about there being some insurance for Hampton and it just makes things that much better…trading Salty, Prado, Escobar, etc. would sting, but we can do it now and still be ok. Anyhow, rough day for Braves (teams and fans a like) but it could be far far worse.

p.s. DOB check out the band Howlin’ Rain…I’ve been a lurker here for a long while but have always loved your music talk….Howlin’ Rain is right up your alley

By BB FAN

April 9, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

OddJob,

I’m not saying I feel “sorry” for Hampton. The guy has made millions playing a game. What I am saying is that rehab is not easy to go through. And repeated injuries like he has had is even more difficult on the body.

I also never said there aren’t others who have gone through a lot more than what Hampton has! Of course there are. You named one group. I have seen a few people slowly die of cancer. It’s not pretty. Those are people my heart goes out to.

US soldiers are another group that has my heart.

There are a number of others that my heart goes out to, but I’m not going to list them all. I hope you now understand what I mean when I said I can’t imagine what he has gone through.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Brian: Interesting thought, but I don’t think the Brew Crew are down on Capellan. If we had him here, he might impede guys like Boyer/Devine/Startup, etc?

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

beachcomber I respectfully disagree with everything you said,except for the Mr Oddjob part I’m sure there was no sarcasm in that.Oh you should moisturize the lips before you pucker up for DOB,I can’t imagine what you would go through if they chapped,that should be worth what? a million or so?

By ssiscribe

April 9, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Top of the evening, folks. Tough, tough break on Mike Hampton. I have a buddy of mine who works in the radio business (not Atlanta market), and I talked to him and broke the news to him this afternoon, having just heard it myself. Tough, indeed.

But some of you who are bashing the veteran left-hander and telling him to give the money back, that he’s stealing the money, etc. and so forth, are off your rockers, plain and simple. I mean, come on. Don’t you think he would rather be pitching than being operated on tomorrow? If given a choice, would Hampton choose to have his elbow cut open, or toe the slab at Turner Field and face the Nats?

Dude busted his butt to get on the verge of climbing back on the mound, then got hurt again. Don’t you think that’s frustrating for him? Yet, there are some of you on here who think he should just cut the Braves a check and ride off into the sunset.

What some of you don’t realize is professional athletes are human beings. I’ve covered enough sports in my career to tell you this: contrary to the opinion of many so-called “experts” out there, many professional athletes, despite the insane amounts of money they make, care about their jobs and their careers just like you and I care about our respective jobs and careers. Sure, there are jerks out there who look out only for themselves, but you will find those in every walk of life, in most every office.

So, enough about Hampton being this or Hampton being that, OK? Some of you are really out of line with some of your comments. You are entitled to your opinion, certainly, but you sound just plain ignorant and unrealistic when you say Hampton stole money from the Braves, blah, blah, blah. And no, this is not the NFL, so don’t say just cut him loose. Still gotta pay him if you dump him out with tomorrow’s garbage.

Now, impact (noted transition): This deal really doesn’t make a tremendous splash on the roster, short-term. Hampton wasn’t going to be back in the rotation, pitching every fifth day, until late May or early June, and I believe it would’ve been after the All-Star break before we really would’ve seen Hampton make an impact, given the fact he still hadn’t pitched in a game since August 2005 and had to clear the physical and mental hurdles left from recovering from Tommy John surgery.

So, what this does mean is the trio of Mark Redman, Lance Cormier and Kyle Davies will have to hold the fort down all season on the backside of the Braves rotation. Personally, I think they can do it and be more than servicable. Davies looked great yesterday, the absolute best he’s looked since those first four starts in 2005. Redman didn’t pitch anywhere near as poorly as it looked Friday. Cormier had arguably the best spring of any Braves starter.

And no, the Braves aren’t going to open up the books and let DOB or Carroll or Mark Bowman or whoever is covering the team for Morris News Service or one of the guys from AP or me or you or John Doe or anybody else out there see just how much insurance they have on Hampton (or anybody else, for that matter). So to sit here and guess how much the Braves might add back to the payroll, etc., is purely speculative at this point.

So, everybody get a grip and chill. The ballclub is 5-1. They made it through the first week without Hampton, they can make it through the next six months without him, too. But again, to bash him the way he’s been hit on out here tonight, in my opinion, is garbage.

My two cents worth. Have at it, folks. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Alex: Excellent points about Schuerholz options. I think he stands pat though for now, until he sees how things are going to shake out with guys like Langerhans, Thorman, KJ, the 4-5th starters, and Chipper’s feet.

Who is out there to be had these days?

Bloggers: If you could go after one player that might be available between now and mid-season, who would it be??

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Are you feeling the mountains up there in Carolina closing in on you, suffocating you, depriving you of your last semblance of sanity? BTW, my stern mommy finds it ironic that the same guy who loves Michael Jordan because Jordan cried daddy, daddy while hamming it up as a drama queen rolling around on the floor would be the very same guy accusing others of being a bleeding heart.

By Paul

April 9, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Being a brave fan here in queens is difficult. Had a chance to see the met home opener. With the new stadium going up in the Shea parking lot, it made traffic a nightmare (which it usually is-especially on the cross island) Hey Dave, did you like Entourage last night? Will Vinnie play Pablo? Will Ari represent Vinnie again?

By Lew

April 9, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Oddjob-You can hope for no more long term contracts being signed-good luck on that one, Dude. MLB just held up the cable companies for $100 million a year, after holding up Direct TV for $100 million a year-and TBS and Fox and every other possible TV venue. They are making so much money (I mean apparently they made a fortune this weekend selling beer to Grinch, Metro Dude and Scribe) that they will continue to sign long term contracts worth disgusting and obscene amounts of money for decades to come. There is nothing that can be done about it, becausde we will keep spending our hard earned money on baseball, no matter how fed up we get-and aseball knows it. I’m certainly not going to boycott the sport I love-are you? Didn’t think so, or you wouldn’t be sitting here b!tching about it, you’d be off boycotting.

By MizzouGuru

April 9, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

With an eventually healthy and productive Hampton, I think the Braves might have been able to compete with the Mets this year. With the current rotation, I believe it will be a real dogfight just to get the wildcard.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 9, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Frankly, it’s none of anyone’s business what Hampton does with ‘his’ own damn money—just because athletes are in the public eye, and their performance, or lack thereof, is open to fan scrutiny, that doesn’t give the fans the right to delve into any player’s personal, financial affairs…the Braves weren’t forced into that contract with Mike Hampton, and neither was he…and I’m sure if the Braves really had to find extra money to sign some needed player, then multi-billion dollar corporations like AOL/TW, and now Liberty Media, would be able to scrape together enough pocket change to do so…in the overall scheme of things, the amount being paid to Mike Hampton isn’t even a drop in the bucket compared to the money flowing in and out of these corporate monsters…

One last point, considering the legendary frugality of Schuerholz and the Braves organization, and the tight-wad owners over the last few years, if I were Mike Hampton, I wouldn’t even entertain the thought of giving back one damn cent…if Mike Hampton’s injuries are severe enough, he may never pitch again, and that’s his job…who knows what could happen with those surgeries…or he may never be able to seek an appropriate career where his earning potential is adequate to the point where he can properly take care of himself, and his family, for the rest of his life…thus the remaining amount of bucks owed to him on this contract might have to do him the rest of his life…

The thing that irks some of you is the fact that Hampton earns more money in a year than most of you will earn in a lifetime…envy is a terrible vice…if ol’ Hamp was only making $6.50 an hour down at Burger Whopper, nothing would have been said…

By ssiscribe

April 9, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Obviously, it goes without saying Hudson has to continue to build off his good outing up in Philly on Wednesday and put together that 17-win season with a good ERA.

Hampton wasn’t going to be the savior of this staff, but he was going to be a pretty nice addition, a veteran lefty with big-game experience, for the season half. Now, without that, you need Hudson to continue to step up and pitch like an ace, and hope Smoltz stays healthy and continues defying Father Time.

And Lew, indeed, we enjoyed our share of beverages. Now, I’m officially on the wagon for a while, so I’ll be enjoying my Coke Zero, Diet Pepsi and water going forward. Next time we meet for a game — may have to wait a few weeks to let this one settle down a bit on the home front — I’ll be clutching my Aquafina.

Metro Man, how you think Jimmy Rollins is feeling tonight?!

—30—

By N8,,,,All of my posts will now be ONLY 1 sentence.

April 9, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

DOB

On the Hampton contract: Some people STILL don’t get it, do they?

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Lew Those contracts will come from my wallet and your’s,whether directly or indirectly.I’m not holding out hope for sanity as long as fans are so compliant which judging by these bloggers will be forever.

By FanWIthNoName

April 9, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

DOB — I completely agree with you regarding Hampton … but (and I could be mistaken) didn’t Larry Bird decline the remaining compensation on his contract when he could no longer play due to his back injury? Technically that’s not giving back money already given, but pretty darn close.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 9, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

OddJob—if you stop attending games, and stop watching them…then your wallet will never be affected by any contract…it’s your choice…

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Lew it’s not the per season dollar value I have a problem with (even though they’re rediculous)it’s the long term under incentivized contracts that lead to this sort of madness.One thing you’re wrong on is my walking the walk,I’ve made a point to limit the money I put in the pro sports industry for years because of this and other issues.I’m politically active I recycle,limit my fuel use,etc so call me crazy but I’m not just hot air.

By keylargo25

April 9, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

Not having read the entire blog I realize I may be chastised for “not keeping up” by an unscrupulous character or three, but I do have one thing to bring up I have not seen mentioned. There is this country doctor over in Alabama, Andrews I think is his name. Seems like he may have been a little closer than this hotshot in NY>

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

SJA You must not know a thing about economics if you really believe that paying for this is limited to direct spending.All broadcast are paid by advertising and all advertising cost is built into everything you and I buy.I make my living in the market so please spare me the bs.

By NCBravesFan

April 9, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

I just feel really bad for Hampton for working so hard to get back after the first surgery, only to have this happen. Some of you dudes need to look past your obsession with freakin’ dollar signs and just let the human side of the story be what we concerns ourselves with here.

Schuerholtz did a great job signing Redman and improving the bullpen. Not to diss Mike, but his loss is not likely to figure ultimately in the team’s ability to get back to postseason ball.

Best wishes Mike - I hope you get back sooner than everyone expects.

By Canuckbravesfan

April 9, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Why are people still obsessing about Hampton’s salary ??? This subject is getting extremely tiresome !!! Is this a blog for baseball fans or CPA’s and tax specialists ??

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 9, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

OddJob—-then don’t purchase that particular advertiser’s products…you must not know a thing about common sense…

By The Stranger

April 9, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

In tribute to Mike Hampton:

“Iron Mike’s Main Man’s Last Request” by Todd Snider

Hey little buddy don’t even worry Everything is going to be okay I could have told you that when you started making money That the world was going to treat you this way… Hey Iron Mike don’t let them get you down…

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

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

DOB, Wayne, and everyone else that was frustration that came out earlier. I know Hampton is not at fault. He has had an incredible string of bad luck. I know that nobody more than him wants him to get back on the mound. It is just so frustrating that his salary is so much and for the most part has done nothing for the team. I know Hampton is frustrated. Hell, if it was me I would just about be in tears by now and wondering if I shouldn’t just give it up. It is just an unfortunate incident.

Lets just hope that Hampton will be ready to go by spring training ‘08.

As for the rotation, I think it will be fine. Cormier or Davies will be just fine in the #5 spot.

DOB, could Andruw’s struggles have to do with him pressing too much. Everybody is looking for Andruw to have a monster year since its his walk year and perhaps he is pressing too much to put up big numbers. As you said yesterday, he looks very lost at the plate.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Andruw is just being the Andruw we have known since 1996. 5-10 games in a row where he looks clueless and terrible. 5 to 10 games in a row where is mediocre. 10-15 games where he is a monster. Then rinse and repeat and the cycle continues. It’s just Druw being Druw. Just when you are fed up with him, you fall in love with him all over again. A maddening ball player at times.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 9, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

let’s say an award winning journalist is typing away at an important story, trying to make deadline, and has to hit a semi-colon and when this journalist does so … arrrgh! the journalist shatters the journalist’s right pinky finger! now, is this journalist to be never again paid by the journalist’s employer though the journalist has an employment contract and was injured while doing journalism? and what is a journalist doing with an employment contract? and isn’t this a right to work state? and why would a self-respecting journalist use a semi-colon anyway? and why strike a key hard enough to shatter a finger bone? and what difference does any of this make with mike hampton who has a contract and was hurt while pitching? oh, the humanity! hampton should give the money back to the braves much like all the other guys in the past gave back the money when they had equilibrium problems, arm problems, and urinary tract infections. and lamont cranston could speak to this as journalist bob reasons but lamont is still hiding easter eggs. now, baseball … red sox, yankees, red sox, yankees … why are they always on tv in atlanta?

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 9, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

It seems that the idiots who were demanding a trade for Giles (when there were no takers), the people who were demanding management trade Andruw this off season to “get something” for him (when both he and Bor-A$$ were saying he wasn’t going anywhere), those who wanted Baldelli at all cost, and those who wanted to trade Chipper, Smoltz and Edgar are back. Mein Gott!!

The incessant moaning about Hamptom, his elbow problems, and his salary, continues. For the uninitiated, this is baseball, and this is business. Players are fungible goods. And, they are goods who are subject to damage. No doubt, $14 mil this year (with, or without some degree of insurance) is a big waste of money for someone who hasn’t pitched in almost 2 years, and who now will not pitch until next year, if ever again. Stuff happens, and you go on. Ain’t nothing nobodby can do.

When Hampton was pitching, he was good, real good, and I was damned happy to have him on the team. The guy has been the BEST athlete in the league (according to his peers) for years. He is a competitor, and I have no doubt that NO ONE is taking this news any harder than Mike Hampton. Have you seen him in the dugout in the past year? He’s been there every day, cheering on his team, helping younger pitchers, etc. He wants to be out there every fifth day, getting the rush that playing brings. No way am I going to believe that he is happy to sit back and collect his fat pay check for nothing.

Now, for those who say he should give up his salary. If, over the winter, during rehab, he realizes he doesn’t have it anymore, and truly believes he is done, he should retire, and give up the money. But, he has a guaranteed contract, and he is entitled to the money, irrespective of whether he is able to play or not. If he retires gracefully, good for him. If, on the other hand, he truly believes he still has it, and the competitive spirit still drives him, I’m ok with him collecting the dollars.

Baseball players are WAY overpaid. They do work hard. They spend months away from home and family. They deal with aches and pains everyday. They are supremely talented (who among us wouldn’t take their place if we could - of course, if ANY of us tried to play major league ball, we would be booed out of the stadium and the bloggers would give us hell).

I believe somebody like J D Screw would be perfectly happy to sit out, do nothing and collect his check. He’s a good player, but he has a crappy attitude.

However, I refuse to believe that Hampton is that way. He wants to play, in the worst way. I think he made a bad choice of surgeons (earlier comment by a blogger that we are letting a Mets doctor work on our $50 mil man was right on point). He should have come to Birmingham, and let Andrews fix his elbow. Had that happened, KC would have been proven right, and Hampton would be on the mound.

There’s my vent. I’ll turn to something else now.

By choppinmama

April 9, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

DOB: saw you moonlighting today on ESPN, announcing the Yankees game. Dude, the disguising makeup job looked lousy, and don’t let them use your real name -David O’Brien. You’re not fooling anybody.

I’m headed for the Nats series this week and a luncheon tomorrow attended by the whole team. I’ll let you all know how that goes. Anybody have any messages they want me to pass along?

Devastating news about Hampton. Get Dr. Llewelyn and the counselling started now and we’ll try again in ‘08.

By ElbravoX

April 9, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but I just can’t hep it. CUT, OR TRADE HAMPTON NOW. Much better now.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 9, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

blog milestone: first use of fungible on braves man-in-black blog by scalp ‘em braves on april 9, 2007.

some will no doubt think this is a special bat used to hit fungo - but, no … fungible has to do with toe sickness. absorbine jr is good for fungible toes.

journalist is happy to be of help on this matter.

By Lew

April 9, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Oddjob-I’m not accusing you of anything here. Please understand that. My point is that baseball is so universally loved that the powers that be know the money will roll in, no matter what. I live in Red Sox country (though I’m not a Sox fan). When they spent the $100 million on Matsuzaka, it was reported up here that they immediately made the money back by signing ONE Pacific Rim T Shirt deal. Dude, that and what just happened with the Extra Innings package, indicates that the days of rationality are long gone, never to return (or at least not in the foreseeable future). Wait until this offseason and see what contracts look like then. This past year, with the Lilly, Zito and Carlos Lee signings will look like kid’s stuff. Unless there is a huge boycott, which of course, I’m not advocating, nothing will change. A boycott won’t happen, either. Look at what caused fans to turn away- a complete stoppage. We b!tched because they took our baseball away. MLB now gets it. They won’t have a work stoppage. They’re making way too much money. Actually, if the Braves were spending like everyone else, instead of on a budget, I doubt we’d even care about Hampton’s contract situation.

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 9, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Great post - wide reaching and informative - of course, you said all the things that I was already thinking, and had not had time to post earlier - funny how that happens!!

Bullpen - I am so freaking ectstatic over this group we have. Soriano has been automatic - hope that continues. Beefy Bob has been steady, and unflappable, even when he gets dinged. He needs his teeth whitened though. When he gives that “Grommet Grin” (you know what I mean, the British claymation series about the dog - when Beefy looks in for the sign, he shows his teeth like Grommet), I cringe at how brown his teeth are from the chaw. But, dark grin, and all, love the guy. Tell Gonzalez that all we want from the fans is that he pitch the way he wants to pitch, not how he thinks everybody else wants him pitch. He is throwing bullets - he’ll come around.

Yates & McBride - back off folks - both have done well at times, not so well at others. None of them are perfect, and some are less perfect than others. God knows we are so much better off than last year. I mean, so much better off than last year. Paronto has been solid, and Villareal will eat some innings when we need em.

By Ron Roberts

April 9, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Dave, is Raphael Soriano intimidated or intimidating?

Folks, the Braves aren’t owed a thing by Mike Hampton; he was on the job all last season and this off-season preparing for his comeback this season.

Meanwhile, Chipper Jones was was eating from fast-food drive-thrus, tossing deer feed on his ranch and I’m sure, studying the occasional pair of orange tight shorts at a local wingery, too.

The kool-aid drinkers who were all proclaiming the great things we’d be able to count on from Mike Hampton should now note that this is just the sort of thing that always kept me in the expect nothing and be delighted with anything camp all this off-season.

I’m more than very pleased that we had a GM in place who had the smarts to grab a Mark Redman when he was out there available. I’m also thrilled with what we saw out of Kyle Davies yesterday.

So now let’s make doubly sure that we get Lance Cormier back healthy and we’ll be in an enviable position of having six good options for five rotation spots.

Find me another MLB squad out there who can say that.

I wish Hampton well, and hope like hell he’s available for us next year; but I’ve come to …

….expect nothing and be delighted with anything.

By The Stranger

April 9, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

choppinmama, please tell Andruw that Boras has been saying nasty things about his mother. Tell him dad said to call home. Thanks.

By Sir Stealth

April 9, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Personally, I’m more interested in where our pitching is headed in the immediate future than trying to rip on Hampton or the Braves for trading for him. That was a great trade, we got some really pitching out of him for discount price with other teams picking up the tab. We would have been paying fair value for him if he’d stayed healthy. He didn’t, ish happens. Not his fault, nothing to be done about it.

I know that Redman and Davies have each only had one start this year and Cormier hasn’t had any, but my personal hunch is that Redman isn’t gonna be very good, good salary value or not, and that our best two options will be Davies and Cormier. So, I know we’ll see MR and KD pitch again before Cormier comes back and will have to wait and see how they do, but if Redman does clearly appear to be the inferior pitcher, do we still have to keep him in the mix just cause we signed him to be in the majors? Does Davies have to get sent back down just because he’s young and started the year in the minors and can be better saved there for depth purposes than Redman can? I think it would suck if Redman sucked and we had to stick with him with somebody clearly better waiting in the minors.

By Willy Wally

April 9, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Altanta Underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem. If no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire, The Odd Jobs.

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 9, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

JJS:

I should have known better than to have used “fungible”, with your sharp eye. However, were we to talk about toe fungus, I surely would have included some talk about Hoss. How is his Absorbine Jr supply? Shall we supplement it with Lamisil? Would Lamisil have helped Barbaro’s Lamitis? Did the vets miss the boat on that one? Oh, the Horse-manity!!!!

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Fungible: Having the ability to be very funge.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 9, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

choppinmama, hampton was highly fungible and the players may need shots (only tell chipper this). this should be good for a few laughs.

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 9, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

The Stranger:

Awesome dude - wish I had thought of that. Choppin Mama - after you tell Andruw what Stranger said, tell him that Bor-A$$ thinks Latino players are over rated and that he told somebody at a power lunch lately that Andruw has a Donkey-Donk Butt.

By choppinmama

April 9, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Stranger - will do. Robert - don’t bother, I WILL NOT bray at Bobby. jjs - I’ll be doing a toe check just for you.

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 9, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Choppinmama - you one smart, and funny lady - good one on anticipating Robert’s request, and turning him down before he made it!!!!! When you do the toe check, be sure to bring along the latex gloves - but in Chipper’s case, make sure he isn’t allergic to Latex - perhaps that is why the Hooter’s girl had Chipper Jr.

By Jared

April 9, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

What about Anthony Lerew? Feels like he’s been on the verge of coming up for a while now, and hasn’t aside from some feel-good innings in September when the rosters expand.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 9, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

choppinmama, a chipper jones toe count would be very helpful and might win a wurlitzer for choppinmama.

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 9, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

FYI - for the fungus freaks, defintion is below, sustaining moi’s use of fungible.

Main Entry: 2fungible Function: adjective Etymology: New Latin fungibilis, from Latin fungi to perform — more at FUNCTION 1 : being of such a nature that one part or quantity may be replaced by another equal part or quantity in the satisfaction of an obligation 2 : INTERCHANGEABLE 3 : FLEXIBLE 3

Can we all agree that baseball players, in today’s environment, are oily loaves of bread who swing lumber?

From Wikipedia: “Fungibility is different from liquidity. A good is liquid (or tradable) if it can be exchanged for money or another different good. A good is fungible if one example of the good is indistinguishable from another example of the same good.

Fungibility does not imply liquidity and liquidity does not imply fungibility. Diamonds are easily bought and sold (the trade is liquid) but individual diamonds are not interchangeable (diamonds are not fungible). Zimbabwe dollar bank notes are interchangeable in London (they are fungible there) but they are not easily traded there (they are illiquid in London).”

JJS

Could not resist the reference to Zimbabwean dollars - What are Ugandan dollars exchangeable for?

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Jared: Lerew stunk it up pretty bad at Richmond last year, before they shipped him back to Mississippi, where he did better. I think if he doesn’t put it together this year, he might lose his visibility.

By MBATL

April 9, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Hard to be too upset about losing Hampton - it’s hard to miss what you haven’t had in so long. And the “return the money” talk is just idiotic.

The guy I’m concerned about is Gonzalez. He had a very mediocre spring, and has given up 7 hits and 4 walks in 3.2 innings in his first week. The “too pumped up” reasoning just doesn’t sound quite right to me. That makes sense for one batter, or one inning - but four bad outings?

I’m not concerned that he’s “no good,” but that he’s hiding an injury. Hope not.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Ugandan dollars are exchangeable for Vienna (pronounced Vy-ena) Sausage.

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 9, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

explanation for the otherwise unexplanable comment above.

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 9, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

oil, wheat, and lumber are fungible commodities

ditto on above - why do copy and paste of quotes in < > not appear? and why will the < > not appear on this blog?

By Bob, journalist

April 9, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

OddJob, you might want to rethink your comments regarding the relationship between the indirect “costs” associated with advertising and the direct cost to the consumer … yours in an economic simplism.

By choppinmama

April 9, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

jjs: I’ll pass on the wurlitzer, but I would be interested in a (an? - this darn English language)ukulele.

By The Grinch

April 9, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Scalp ‘em, good one at 11:30. Also must agree with you on Hampton. Most of y’all must not have watched him play. The guy is as proud and competetive as they come. I guarantee you nobody is hurting more from this than Hampton, and I really feel for the guy knowing that. He’s a total bulldog, and I wish him nothing but the best in recovery so he can get another chance to prove himself. He’s no pre-madonna. Now, the Grinch has had a long day and must snooze. Holla atcha boi, peeps.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

MBATL, I’d give Gonzalez another week, another 2-3 outings at least _ if he’s still struggling at that point, then maybe it’s time to get a bit concerned.

But so far, not enough for me to get too worried.

His last five outings this spring: Five scoreless innings, five hits, five strikeouts, no walks. Pretty solid.

Which is why I say after only a few outings, after six Braves game, it still could be a matter of toning it down, getting back into his pattern, a routine, settling in. But we’ll see.

By David O'Brien

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

Ron Roberts, the guy “has intimidated,” as in, he has intimidated everyone _ opponents, team employees, some media, etc. You know exactly what I was saying, so why try to correct me? And besides, it’s not even incorrect.

If I said, “he has been intimidated…” that’s one thing. I didn’t say that.

By MBATL

April 10, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Hope you’re right, DOB… I’m not down on the guy, just concerned that the killer stuff doesn’t seem to be there.

I’ll give it a while (as though I had any choice). I haven’t been able to watch many games so far, so I’m just going on stats… thanks for the reply.

By choppinmama

April 10, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Isn’t penicillin the cure for fungibility?

Hudson’s up tomorrow, let’s get this Nats sweep started.

‘night all.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

Oddjob, nice logic: So if you’re not in a cancer ward, a children’s hospital or Walter Reed, you can’t suffer or be depressed by having to go through 2-3 years of surgery rehab to try to do the job you once did so well? Yeah, that makes since.

So if you get divorced, of if your dog dies, or you get in a car wreck and break a few ribs, then you shouldn’t expect sympathy because you’re not truly suffering until you have cancer or are hurt in combat? Got it. Thanks for setting us straight.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

By the way, how nice is this new revved-up speed on the ol’ blog. They really did something to help it out. I can certainly tell the difference.

By Willy Wally

April 10, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Gonzalez just seems to have one of those deliveries/windups where things can go wrong and he can get out of whack easily. Too many limbs flying about. But obviously he has been a good pitcher throughout his career regardless. I have not seen him play enough and have not dug my way through his game logs and whatnot, but I would imagine that because of his funky delivery, he is always going to have one, two, or three game stretches every couple or months or so where his windup and delivery get messed up and it takes him a few days to figure out how to get his limbs coordinated again. Just my speculation based upon the look of his windup and what i see as the things that can easily go wrong in it every once in a while. He might be trying too hard mentally to impress or he might simply need to fine tune his mechanics.

By Greg in TN

April 10, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Evening (0r morning depending on your port of call) friends and neighbors…

Spending a few days in a very pitching deprived locale called St Louis. What a difference a year makes, right?

Disappointing news on the Hampton front today. I read through much of the hand wringing and consternation on the Man In Black blog. He wanted to go this year worse than anyone and I hate that for the guy that he is facing another surgery. Folks, that’s the breaks. That’s the only realistic way to look at it. It’s frustrating, maddening and excruciating, however such is life. Hampton’s contract is guaranteed, it’s good that the team will be getting some type of restitution via insurance, so we don’t take a total hit on his salary for 2007.

To this point, Davies’ performance on Sunday and through the spring has really made this a moot point. We didn’t expect very much from Hampton anyway until May or June and I have a sneaking feeling that the three-headed monster that is Cormier/Redman/Davies will be pitching well enough along with Hudson to make this a non-issue.

Gang, we have the Nats coming in. The good ship Atlanta Braves has started off quite splendid, so we need to keep the throttle wide open and jump on the boys from DC early and often later today.

By Wayne in Utah

April 10, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Dave: Thanks for revving up the blog! Much appreciated.

Midnight Rider! What year was that? Love the keyboard and guitar work in that one!

Good way to find out if a person is a true Allman Brothers follower: Ask them what color was Dickie Betts guitar? Ask them who gave them that answer in another song?

Watching my GA Tech boy and my Utah Jazz get the bejeebers beaten out of them tonight at the hands of the Golden State Warriors.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

Looks like DOB has a little JackAss in his system this evening…

By Greg in TN

April 10, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

DOB, the speed is much much better, thanks to the folks at the AJC for their work on improving it.

By Coach

April 10, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

O’Brien , your the typical smart a.s.s journalist my friend. Hampton is done. So yes , retiring and saving himself and the team the embarassment of trying to overcome the near impossible is the honorable thing to do. Hampton has about a snowball’s chance in hell of pitching effectively in the big leagues again. But , hey he could use the 14-15 million more than a team with 24 other guys and an 80 million dollar payroll. I’m sure Hampton is a nice guy and he has worked his butt off trying to get back to the mound. The bottom line is , if he never pitches again , he will look like the biggest horses a.s.s , gauranteed contract and all.

By Bravo Nam

April 10, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

DOB

Thanks for clarifying the PV/Maui thing. You may have in fact written Puerto Vallarta the first time, as I was only going by memory when writing “G” instead of “V”.

A question for you that has been gnawing at me for most of the spring. I’m a big JS fan, but sometimes some of his moves puzzle me. The person in question here is Daryle Ward. From memory, he signed a one million dollar deal with the Cubs. The guy really dug the Braves, so if he was prepared to sign for the Cubs for one mill, I can assume that he was only asking the Braves for one million. Instead of signing Ward for a mill, JS went and signed Craig Wilson for double that. At the time JS signed him, it was primarily as a bench role player occasionally spelling Thorman at first. Exactly as Ward had done. Given Ward was with the team last season, plays at least as well as Wilson, and ended up half the price as Wilson, why on earth did JS sign Wilson and not Ward?

Hampton and Andruw

Hampton being out for the year sucks. But there’s not much more that can be done…but hopefully get some of his salary back on insurance. At the end of the day, JS deal for him was still a brilliant move…he got Hampton at an average of 8 mill a season, and for the potential of the man, it was a good deal.

But…the man who will rue Hampton’s season ending injury almost as much as the man himself will be Andruw. Let’s not forget- JS traded for Hampton at an average of only 8 mill a season- yet, having him out the past two seasons has really hurt the Braves. Now…fast forward to contract negotiations between AJ and the Braves at the end of the year, with Hampton still fresh in JS’s mind. How keen do you think JS is going to be signing Andruw to an 80 mill/4 year deal? At this stage, we’re looking at thisk ind of figure. Something that would tie up approximately 1/4 of the Braves budget. Even with Andruw at peak form, that still hamstrings the Braves manoeuvrability. But…what if Andruw was to get injured and have a marked drop-off in form? What kind of albatross is hanging around JS’s neck then? Unless the Braves new owner suddenly coughs up an extra 10 mill a year, I can’t see JS being prepared to sign Andruw for anywhere near what he’s hoping for.

Cold weather

With a number of Braves’ bats still cold, and many big bats throughout the league still cold, I wonder how much the current inclement weather conditions have impacted on players’ swings.

Overuse of Big 3

While it is great to have Gonzalez, Soriano and Wickman there for that 1,2,3 punch, the reality is that the Braves are going to have to sometimes turn to their other releivers to pitch key innings. I’ve been a bit worried already by how much these three guys have already pitched. There’s no point making the post-season if one of the reasons you got there (a dominant BP) is totally fatigued. The problem BC has at the moment is that apart from Paronto, he doesn’t feel comfortable turning to any of his other relievers in close/late situations. And unless McBride can sort himself out quickly, I think it’s a remarkable luxury keeping a bullpen guy for lefty situational times to pitch a third of an inning. I’d give the BP another couple of weeks, but if Yates and McBride are still struggling, I’d be turning towards a number of our other BP guys waiting in the wings. This is as much for ensuring our Big 3 don’t burn out as it is to help the Braves win at this stage.

By ernesto

April 10, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

I remember a Pirates fan on here right after the Gonzo trade and he said soemthing like “have fun with that guy -he’s constantly putting people on and getting out of bad situations…” I didn’t ever really follow the Bucs and I know he was 24 of 24 in save opps but I was wondering, does Gonzo just ahve a bit of a Houdini element to his make up that we’ll have to learn to live with?

By ernesto

April 10, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

By the way, “i don’t own the clothes I’m wearing…” always cracked me up…is he sitting at the back of the bus in a stolen clown outfit? Did he beat up a postal worker and take his threads? Is that why whoever’s not going to catch him is after him?

By joebrave

April 10, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

Well before i chime in joebrave would like to thank the Jackass and Lew for their gracious hospitality on his anniversary,now on to Hampton for all you people bashing this guycmon are you Idiot a*******holes paying his damn salary?I believe the Braves are NUFF SAID!!! meanwhile Fridays game sucked cold weather and all. I still love the pen with the exception of Yates man he just can’t keep it together for a long stretch> and where did this dude come from that is pretending to be O.Villarreal.

By brent

April 10, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

I’m sure the MLB Player’s Union would really love it if Hampton volunteered to give the Braves back his salary because he was injured.

By joebrave

April 10, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this

And get off Redman’s case too man he did his job blame that s** on the pen,If any one of these guys aren’t earning their salary it has to be someone named Jones at this point,judge a guy that is in the game and not in the O.R.

By brent

April 10, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

Bravo,

I’ve got a suspicion that JS expected that Craig Wilson (or someone) would be needed to platoon with Thorman at 1B.

I honestly think that when the Braves traded LaRoche, the talk of Thorman being ready to play everyday was a “PR” move.

Had Thorman really done anything to make us think he could be an every day starter?

Was he further along than LaRoche was 2 years ago, when he had to platoon with Julio Franco?

Even last year, the Braves wanted to platoon LaRoche with Brian Jordan, and did for awhile until BJ was finally hurt.

I would have like to have kept Ward, as well, but maybe, just maybe, JS thought he needed a right-handed bat who could play first base, more than he needed a Left-handed pinch-hitter.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this

Bravo Nam, when they initially pursued Wilson they were actually thinking more in terms of him playing full-time between LF and 1B, platooning at one or the other or maybe playing more than that at one or the other.

The Braves were about to sell Diaz to a Japanese team (Diaz approved the deal, from what I’m told, but it fell through at the last minute), and Wilson was going to play more in LF than he is now (I don’t think the Braves were aware of his shoulder issues, which don’t prevent him from playing the OF but might prevent him from playing it on a regular basis and making a lot of throws from out there).

Anyway, I agree with you on Ward _ I thought the Braves shouldn’t signed him at 1 mill or slightly more. But if they needed a guy to play a lot of LF and some 1B in a platoon with Thorman, then Wilson fit the bill better than Ward, certainly.

Anyway … hope that helps explain it.

oh, COACH: Thanks alot. You’re both completely unrealistic, living in a dream world where being a “horses’ a**” in the eyes of you is supposed to outweigh all logic and lead a guy to give up trying to pitch again and to give back $15 mill to a team that has given itself a payroll limit. Let me repeat: The Braves’ owners and/or management gave themselves a limit; there is no salary cap in baseball.

So we’re supposed to feel sorry for them, have Hampton give back $15 mill to the multi-billion-dollar corporation that owns the team so it can better spend the money within the payroll limit it gave itself. Oh, and nevermind that he’s part of a union that frowns upon such practice.

And I’m the smarta@@? No, I live in the real word. You’re in fantasy land.

By Jimmy H.

April 10, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

JJS - regarding your earlier 6:30pm post..I believe Bubba Bean was a running back on the Falcons a long while back.

DOB

Opinions I’ve gathered from the first week of the season -

1). Soriano has the attitude I really like in a late inning reliever (no-nosense, a lot of confidence and even a little air of arrogance).

2). Gonzalez will be just fine.

3). I like what I’ve seen from Kelly Johnson so far even though the average doesn’t reflect much. He seems to be a lot more willing to work the count than Giles was last year when he was in the leadoff spot.

4). Really rough news on Hampton. It turned out to be a good thing that we stocked up on starters because they are needed now. Will Davies end up staying in the rotation over Redman or will Redman and Cormier end up being the back part of the starting rotation?

5). The Phillies look like they are having a lot of problems already..Hmm..

Good night to all from Texas..

By OddJob

April 10, 2007 1:37 AM | Link to this

DOB It’s a matter of proportionalty,of course Hampton can be depressed as can you or I,but you make it sound like he’s some greek tragic hero.My point as I’m sure you know is there are worse things than getting paid millions to recuperate from what is by comparison to cancer or having limbs blown off minor surgery,is not a bad deal.How many players have answered the question of when they’ll retire with when I can’t do the job anymore ? Well can he do the job anymore ?

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

By the way, anyone see that Rob Zombie movie “Devils Rejects”? Great opening sequence where they use the song “Midnight Rider.”

Gregg’s Laid Back album, with Midnight Rider and These Days _ an equally incredible song.

Seeing Gregg perform Midnight Rider with REM backing him at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony a year ago … that was spine-tingling good.

By TennesseePaul

April 10, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for all the reporting. I always appreciate it. Just got back into town. It’s been a busy weekend for the Braves.

This Hampton business is truly disappointing. It means Redman is around for longer than he should be. At least Redman’s not expensive, 750,000 for about 10-12 losses. The good thing is, since there is insurance on Hampton, I’d bet it will pull in more than Redman’s contract meaning Redman truly is filling in for Hampton. However, Davis could keep looking better and better and Cormier is going to be right there as well. I’d like to see them in the rotation but they both can’t be there with Redman taking up a spot. Anyways, it’s nice to have such depth. Much better than last season.

And, because I couldn’t celebrate the day of… GO BRAVES!! Great game on Saturday. GO BRAVES!! Amazing rebound to snake the series!
I look forward to seeing what this team does when Chipper and AJ heat up. Hopefully this next series will do the trick.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

Oddjob, you retire AFTER your contract’s over, not while you’re owed $15 mill. But you know what? I’m done arguing. You’re not using common sense; you’re going strictly on your passion as a fan, throwing common sense and reality and all logic out the door.

So good for you. Maybe you can persuade him to retire and the Braves can spend the money on another player. Sounds like a plan.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 1:51 AM | Link to this

Now I’m certain that DOB has a little JackAss coursing thru his veins this evening—-Hampton signed a legal and binding contract with the Braves, Hampton was injured in the performance of that contract, Hampton is due every penny owed him in that contract, whether or not he ever tosses another pitch for the Braves—-these athletes do have a life after baseball, and taking into consideration the fact that they only have a few years in which they have the opportunity to earn a lifetime’s worth of income…they must grab every dollar they can get while they can get it…by damn TheJackAss surely would too…everybody else is earning the big bucks from baseball, MLB, owners, media conglomerates, advertisers, etc, so the players who sacrifice life and limb to make the game possible deserve the same big paydays…if I were Mike Hampton, and you called me a horse’s a$s for not giving back my money…I would raise my tail, and tell you to kiss that nasty brown circle just beneath it!…

Unbelievable!…

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this

One final blast—even if Hampton gave back all that money—how long do you think it would be until some long-fingered, corporate bigwig would stuff it all in his own hip pocket?…sure as hell wouldn’t be spent on the team!…

By OddJob

April 10, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this

DOB Regarding Allman’s Laid Back cd, it’s my personal favorite of his.The Jackson Browne song these days is especially good.

By OddJob

April 10, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this

Get personal DOB,OK then the truth is you’re full of it on this one.It’s pure bs that players don’t retire before contracts are up as you know full well.Maybe you’re too dependant on access to be objective or even honest on this,especially him being Chippers best buddy on the team,you don’t want’a tip the old gravy wagon do you ?

By Andy--LA

April 10, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this

DOB—I didn’t know you watched the sheild—the part of emoila (vic/forest’s) CI is my girlfriend—its her last show tonight. So tivo it(if you still have a house).

And yeah Hampton will give his money back as soon as the oil companies make gas a 1.50 a gallon again(remember the 80’s) because they should. right.

By Chop Chop

April 10, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Hampton should have to work for that money, injury be damned! He should be out there pitching until his arm falls off or he’s worse than Reitsma. Then, and only then, will I be satisfied that he has earned that money! Oh, oh! How dare he steal money from the club! Oh, oh! I’m about to go all Sam Kinison up in here!

Oh, oh!

(I guess I already did.)

Anyway, Hampton’s contract isn’t going to keep the Braves from competing this year, so I don’t give a damn how much he’s getting paid. I just hope the guy can come back and be a serviceable pitcher again. He won’t need any more money after his current contract runs out, so I’m guessing that his previous rehabbing, the upcoming surgery and his willingness to undergo the subsequent months of rehabbing that flexor tendon are as much about his love for the game as it is about his hatred of sitting on his a@@ and doing nothing.

By Wayne in Utah

April 10, 2007 3:25 AM | Link to this

Chop Chop: I like your idea about Hampton working for his pay. We should send him over to OddJob’s place to keep watch over that guy, because he is such an flaming “you know what” that somebody needs to watch him, so he don’t hurt himself.

OddJob: Is that really you? Did the Stinkster take over your handle and turn you into a raving lunatic tonight. I remember earlier that you told me that your one post would be your last. So, now you are a showing us what you really are…..

SJA: It looks like our man Dave has opened up a can of whupa$$ tonight on the Odd-Dude. Some people can’t see the freakin nose on their face, if you handed them a mirror.

Odd Dude: You know, sometimes I make some half baked statement here, and I am corrected by my friends. I thought you were one of those guys too, but man, you perplex me this evening. I hope you get a good nights sleep and maybe tomorrow, some sense and sanity will come to you.

It is late as heck here in the Intermountain West, so I hope all my Braves friends are fast asleep in the south. I think I will take a hiatus from the blog for a day or so, as I don’t know if I can handle another day of this.

As my buddy Sly Stone would say: Peace Out!

By Wayne in Utah

April 10, 2007 3:32 AM | Link to this

Shaun Tomorrow, look up the stats on Reggie Sanders. I have joked quite a bit about how he would be a good pickup for the Braves, but take a look at his even vs odd year numbers, if you will.

I am not saying he is someone we need, but he is an interesting piece to somebody’s puzzle. The fans in Atlanta will only remember his terrible year here (even numbered year), but the dude has put up some decent odd numbered years.

Just curious, not trying to convince you, but curious what you think!!

If you respond, address it to me and maybe identify “Reggie Sanders” in bold so I can find it quick, as tomorrow is going to be a hard day for blogging for me.

But I’m not gonna let ‘em catch me, no Not gonna let them catch the Midnight Writer….

By Coach

April 10, 2007 3:42 AM | Link to this

Fantasy Land ? whatever dude. I suppose Mark McGwire should have told the Cardinals to pay him too. but no….. that man had some class , he admitted his career was over and retired by his own choice and he had one year left on his contract for 15 million. I’ts not just about money , it’s about class , honor , dignity and most of all self respect. O’Brien , your living in a bubble where reality is not what what it seems.

By Coach

April 10, 2007 4:10 AM | Link to this

Yes , John Smoltz really is a freak of nature , but I’m willing to bet almost nobody outside the Braves organization knows what I’m refering to. It’s part of the reason he has had four elbow surguries and yet he is still pitching at the top of his game. Come on all you knowledgeable Braves fans , whats the skinny on the Smoltz(FREAK)anomaly that has allowed him to keep pitching ?

By woogidy

April 10, 2007 5:07 AM | Link to this

What is so hard to understand? Hampton is under contract. He will get his money. He is not a bad guy for accepting it. It is a business, not a relationship where things are negotiated. Negotiations took place when he signed the contract. DOB, agree with you %100. Typical Braves fans though, not being able to understand business logic. Oh yeah, 24 was awesome lastnight too.

By Ron Roberts

April 10, 2007 6:24 AM | Link to this

DOB…

Dude, when I read the first write of the blog, the line ahout Soriano hainvg intimidated opponents didn’t read right, bro. I don’t know if I read it wrong or if it was worded differently and edited later or not, but I wasn’t calling you out. I think while buzz-sawing through Oddjob all night, ya decided to just rip through me as well, though.

I wasn’t being a smart @ss or a southern jack @ss, for that matter, either. Your reaction to me was….

…ouch man. Ha ha. S’all good. I always hated when my grandmother would proof-read my work when I was a stringer in H.S. and college at the local paper, and instead of saying “good job getting published in the local paper,” she’d grab the red pen and correct grammatical errors and typos.

But I never bit her head off. Then again, I’m not yougr grandma, either.

All well, man.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this

Ahhh…Ronnie Roberts—you just couldn’t stand not messin’ with me could you…that’s alright monkeyboy, I ran you off before…I’ll just do it again, you brainless trollodyte!…No, on second thought, if you hang around, I’ll just expose you for the ignorant A$sClown that you really are…

By the way, Aintstein—-you ain’t no smart A$s…cause that starts with smart—-you ain’t no SouthernJackAss…cause that takes even more smarts—-you’re just a plain ol’ A$S!!!…

Feel complete now?…

By Bravo Nam

April 10, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

Brent and DOB

Thanks to both of you for clarifying the Ward/Wilson situation- both of you made some good points.

By ssiscribe

April 10, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Good morning, denizens. PROGRAMMING ALERT: DOB is scheduled to appear on 680 The Fan in Atlanta sometime after 9 a.m. today. Hear em if you got em.

There you go. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Wow. Morning, everyone. Nice to see y’all chatting amicably around the water cooler. Jackass, good posts at 1:51 and especially 1:59. DOB, I bought a copy of “Devil’s Rejects” a few months back; great movie. Can’t beleive the chick from three’s company in there doing such a hot nude scene at 50-something. And Zombie’s old lady…only thing keeping it down is that it isn’t quite violent or depraved enough. :-) Well, Braves are 5-1 with the Nats coming to town, The Jonses WILL get better, Davies looks like there’s some chance he might have finally pulled his head out of his @$$, the Thrashers win their division and drew a team they have a shot at in the first round, the Falcons signed a legitimate backup QB finally, the Hawks’ best remaining player is suspended so there’s a better chance of them getting a lottery pick, and I’ve got a pretty mean breakfast lined up. Things could be worse. FBG, you need a new e-mail account.

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

Bravo Nam, welcome back. I posted it the other day but the blog was down.

By Metropolitan Man

April 10, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Just saw that post last night at 9:10 pm. This is how J. Rollins feels.

While the sure-handed shortstop’s first error of 2007 proved costly, and amused 56,227 fans — the largest crowd for a Mets home opener — it was one in a long list of painful performances. The bullpen neglected to protect a two-run lead in the final three innings, a lead provided by a Ryan Howard slump-busting three-run home run

As Rollins disgustedly picked up the ball, he heard it from the crowd, who chanted “Jim-my Roll-ins,” in sing-song fashion. This continued for a few verses, and Rollins heard it again after retiring the final out of the inning six batters later.

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

MetroMan, whassup? Glad Rollins did that at the Shea home opener; taking advantage of that sort of thing is the one area where Mets fans truly shine. One thing we can always agree on is humiliating the Phillies. Got any new dents in your car? Now, food…

By Striker

April 10, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

I’m not mad at Hampton. He can’t help it that his body is breaking down. He, just like everyone else, is going to take the money he’s making. Can’t blame him.

HOWEVER, you can hate the system. If a normal person got hurt and had to go on disability they very likely wouldn’t be recieving their full paycheck. They’d be getting a percent. Baseball people constantly point to regular people not turning down raises to switch companies when justiying bolting in free agency but they forget what regular people go through when they get hurt and can’t work. Regular people have to hire lawyers and fight and scrape to get money. Baseball players don’t have to worry about that. None of us would turn down full pay at our jobs if we were disabled. Hampton’s not going to on his. The difference is that most of us wont be offered full pay at our jobs. Maybe baseball needs to work that into the system. Write into player’s contracts that they’ll make 70% pay when on the 60 day DL. Alas, the players union would never allow it.

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

Morning all. I know I’m going to get reamed for (God forbid) replying to O’Brien’s post and expressing my thoughts, but I’m going to do it anyway.

Do you think the Mets left town wondering how they lost a series in which they hit .282 with a 2.16 ERA, while the Braves hit .207 and scored nine runs to the Mets’ 16?

I would hope the Mets realize that the reason they lost the series is because they won one game by a margin of 10 runs and lost two games by a combined margin of 3 runs. They won in a blowout and lost two games that could have gone either way. I’m sure they would have rather won two of three, but I don’t think they are too worried.

I also don’t think the Braves are too worried because they scored plenty of runs last season and didn’t lose much, as I and many others have been saying all season. And we’re barely in the first week of the season.

They are second in batter strikeouts (51), which better not continue, for their sakes. (Imagine where they might be in the latter department if they still had Adam LaRoche, who entering today led the majors with 13 strikeouts? Yikes.)

Again, I’m not sure the Braves are all that concerned about strikeouts. And I think they are fine without LaRoche but not because he’s been bad over the first week or not because I think he is going to be worse than Thorman/Wilson.

Last season the Phillies had the third-most strikeouts in the NL and finished number one in runs. The Braves had the sixth-most strikeouts and finished second in runs scored. And over in the AL, the top six run-scoring teams struck out over 1000 times and only two of the bottom eight struck out over that many times.

…but it’s really too early to say all that much about this season. The Braves, Mets and even the Phillies are still going to be battling it out all summer. It’s still way too early to stray from what we thought before the season.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Most Honorable Southern I don’t know what is scarier, seeing yourself in others or refusing to do so. Although your methods are a bit rougher than mine I see many of the same character traits (flaws) as you and share many of the same views on the issues. It is just perhaps I have mellowed over the years after being the minority of one in the room more than once. Found it was difficult to build a coalition after calling a person a dumba$$ in front of the group. Even if they were.

Jimmyssmith…. Pardon my confusion over the “peeps”. Being as my wife has a flock I was confused a mistakenly thought you meant “baby chicks” which are also popular at Easter. I guess sometimes I have a hard time understanding your accent with your being from Uganda and all.

Wayne Isn’t it frustrating when you use common sense, facts and intelligence in your argument and the other side uses emotion and hearsay and voodoo. I was involved in negotiating over two dozen Union contracts not to mention many other issues. It is like convincing Robert that Bobby Cox deserves to go into the hall of fame.

Dave O’Brien Thanks for keeping forum together and apart so we can rant all season long. And for the record, I moved to bluegrass and gospel long ago from Motown although I still like Blues.

So it’s off to a day of visiting with my 88 year old mother who is talks just like Ms Roselynn, is stubborn just like Robert, crafty just like Lew and has more money than Time Warner so I put up with more abuse than the SJA can dish out…..

By Lew

April 10, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Wayne-About Bett’s guitar. Red. But did you mean his Gibson ES335 or his ancient Les Paul(1947 or 48) that looks like a Gibson SG? They’re both red, but you really should clarify next time.

By Ron Roberts

April 10, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Striker, you have some valid points. But the players’ union would NEVER go for some sort of disability pay vs. what their contracts call for, that’s for darned sure.

By George

April 10, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

A contract is a contract. a deal is a deal. The Braves knew what they were doing and Hampton’s people knew what they were doing. all were happy. Hamptons goal was to win 20+ games every year. but you know what s—- happens. He deserves the money owed on his contract. now with that said, I would love to see him back in great form in “08 win a lot of games and sign a NEW contract for 1 million a year(as a gesture) so young kids will know what honor is all about. these guys are not only great athletes, but role models for kids. there are a lot of ways to be a hero.

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Did something happen to Mike Hampton??

By Steve-O

April 10, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

I like Redman in the #5 slot, but is Zane Smith still throwing baseballs?

By Gene Garbage

April 10, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

hey DOB- what do you think about Isbell getting BOOTED from the truckers?

I know it is early, but Jimmy Rollins must feel a little stupid about his comments?

By David O'Brien

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

Shaun, you’re an idiot.

(i’m kidding).

Gil, good stuff. I’ll recommend a new CD to you and Grinch, who’s a huge Allison Krauss fan: the Greencards’ “Viridian.” Great CD.

It’s the new-underground folk/bluegrass sound, real similar to Krauss and Union Station, this band has two Aussies and a Brit, and the woman lead singer is the closest sounding voice to Krauss. But they’re just a great band for anyone who likes a more bluegrass-sounding version of the Lucinda alt-country vein…

Ron Roberts, actually, it’d be I’m not your grandmother, in this example.

No worries, dude. You’re right _ I was buzzsawing through the stack because of Oddjob’s rantings. Sorry ‘bout that. But don’t ever proofread me again.

(again, kidding)

By Jeff R

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

Just goes to show how overrated offense is—I mean, the blow-the-doors-off-the-barn sort of hitting that fans love. Good hitting will beat poor pitching, but good hitting rarely beats good pitching. Friday night, Mets hitting lit up poor Braves’ pitching. Saturday and Sunday, good Braves’ pitching shut down Mets’ hitters.

Keep up the good pitching, and get the hits and runs when you need them. If the Braves keep doing that, they’ll win the division.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

April 10, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Gene Garbage,
Isbell got booted from the Truckers???? Tell me you’re lying. This upstages Hampton as the worst news of the Month. Man you just ruined my day.

By Bob, journalist

April 10, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Goodness!

By caveman22

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

DOB

so , any recommendation on the sign??

I could just make one the says “I’m an As$clown”……

but I’m not sure if it would make the right impression about the blog.

By Gene Garbage

April 10, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

It is fo real…

John Neff pulling in the slack…

Me likey..

By Thrillhouse44

April 10, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Is it okay to post something that is not Hampton related? I really dig watching Soriano. Watching him pitch gets me crunk! It’s similar to what happens when I listen to “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin to F* With”.

I dig the Wickman intro okay. I think it’s a lot more appropriate than McBride’s “Light’s Out” intro.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Andy-LA, that’s cool, man. She’s great in that role. Best show on TV, in my opinion. Or even with The Wire, Sopranos. I go back and forth on which is best, depending on episode I’m watching.

By Willy Wally

April 10, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

DOB is sounding about as ornery as Skip Caray this morning.

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’m one of the few people in my town left who already has a greencard, but I’ll definitely check it out anyway. More Krauss-ness in the world can only be a good thing. Lew, quit being a snob. :-) Speaking of red SG’s, I used to have one (maroon, actually, with a black pick guard) but for some reason I never could quite sound like Mr. Betts. More like Angus Young, who plays a virtually identical one. Alas, I pawned it for drug money about 15 years ago. Oh, the guitarity!

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

McBride’s intro should be “Coming Undone” by Korn. Cool song, though; just got the alblum last week. Ok, time to get some work done.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, Wu-Tang would be a helluva lot better intro for someone, don’t you think?

Wick should have a Cash intro. These guys just miss so many opportunities like that.

By Metropolitan Man

April 10, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Whats going on Grinch. The Rollins thing has taken a life of its own. I’m so proud of him, after 1 week the Philthies are horrible and there isnt anything he can singlehandly do about it except make crucial errors, life is good.
I didnt drive actully, the lady did but I did pass out only to wake up to the pizza coming back up that I ate at the Game. Other than that I was up and at’em early on Sunday. You guys let me know when we are gonna do it again, baseball is baseball. 1 last thing, I gave the braves props for being competitive which looks for real but the New York papers have offically put you guys back in the limelight. Now they agree its a 2 team race with the Philthies being a joke. Cant wait to see how it plays out.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Caveman, now THAT was a funny post.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

And our friend is right _ absolutely no momma-bashing. That ain’t cool or tolerable here, under any circumstances. gonna have it removed now. wouldn’t want to suggest what’ll happen if it’s repeated.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

DOB—I think AJC should delete that nasty 8:38 A.M. post just for the principle of the thing…

By Lew

April 10, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Grinch-Me, a snob? Nah, Dude, I wouldn’t even know how. Caveman-How about one that says “I Blog with DOB on The AJC”-or just “I Blog with David O”Brien”. Simplicity, Dude, is the way to go. You don’t want all those fans in TV Land to have to read a paragraph in 5 seconds. It should be short and to the point. However, the a$$$clown thing…..

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Thank you DOB—-I know I ain’t no saint…but I’m trying to do a ‘little’ better…

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Jeff R,

The Yankees were tops in runs and middle of the pack in pitching and won 97 games last season, most in baseball.

The Tigers allowed the fewest runs in the AL and had a somewhat middle-of-the-road offense but won 95 games.

There’s no one way to win except for scoring more and allowing fewer runs than your opponent.

By ncscoots

April 10, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Ron, didn’t you once mention you were in broadcasting down on the Gulf Coast? Mobile, by any chance?

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

caveman—better leave the task of assigning the A$sClown label to me…I’ve been doing it for a helluva long time…

By ElbravoX

April 10, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Testing the site’s speed.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Just don’t wear some goofy hat or look uncouth when you’re holding up that sign, my man. If you’re gonna represent us on camera, gotta be cool.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Gene, tell me that’s Garbage _ tell me Isbell didn’t get aced by the Truckers. I haven’t heard that. Why in the world?

By Ron Roberts

April 10, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

When DOB’s keeping SJA insults on the blog and removing those who respond to him, the terrorists have won.

Ya disapoint me, D’ob.

By fastasballs

April 10, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

I think the Marlins may make it a three team race, for a while at least.

I can’t wait to see the Braves live this year. Going up to DC for a series in May & hopefully down to Atlanta in the summer for a series or two.

The last time I was in Atlanta was to watch my Hokies choke in the 2nd half against the Bulldogs. I guess that’s a topic for another blog, lol.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Just read the announcement on their MySpace site, from Patterson Hood. It’s true. But he wasn’t booted _ it was amicable. And to emphasize that, Isbell’s wife is still in the band.

You know, when I saw him solo in Orlando last month, I was thinking to myself how he wrote a lot of my favorite Truckers songs, and how good he sounded with his own band. Damn, that hurts, him leaving. That’s one-third of their guitar trio, but maybe more than one-third of their great songwriting.

By Willy Wally

April 10, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

There’s no one way to win except for scoring more and allowing fewer runs than your opponent. Has John Madden and Bill Walton joined the blog? The masters of stating the obvious.

BTW, Ron Roberts, the 1970s just called. They want the 1970s like porn star name back that you stole from them.

By Rodger

April 10, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

An unfortunater JR song could be used for McBride-“I Walk the Line(up)”

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

roberts—get over yourself…I’ve had more of my posts deleted than you’re even capable of making…so move along now, before you get terrorized…

By robdawg06

April 10, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

I’m impressed with the play of McCann,Francoeur,C.James,Smoltz,Davies,and the bullpen so far. Redman should have been released yesterday. Andruw is in a big offensive slump. Cormier,Villareal,or anybody can’t do any worse than Redman. Chipper & Andruw need to take lessons from McCann on hitting.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

April 10, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

DOB, I know it’s all speculation but some of these folks seem to think Isbell and Shonna are on the outs. Also read the last statement in the main article that Isbell made on his myspace. Sounds contradictory to Hood’s statements to me.

http://www.stereogum.com/archives/005035.html

Man what a sucky day.

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

sja Some people just don’t understand the rules of engagement. Now I know we’re not gonna start holdin hands and singin Kum-By-Ya anytime soon but if you do run into him I’ll swear to the cops the guy the just slipped and fell.

How’d that be for you??

By TennesseePaul

April 10, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

DOB: Have you had a chance to pick up the office mail? Did the CD arrive?
After watching Newman all these years on Seinfeld I have my doubts about the USPS’ services. But they do tend to come through more often than not.

By fastasballs

April 10, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

I think Redman will be fine. He won’t be facing the Mets line-up every start. Besides I didn’t think he pitched all that bad. He went an inning too long.

Chipper has been coming around the last few games. He’s taken quite a few walks & had some timely hits to start a rally or two.

By bruce

April 10, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Dave, Can you get some medical scoop on how the surgery that Mike is having (had) this morning and how it compares to what was done with TJ. I realize today is a repair and the TJ was replacement, but without getting too medical, what broke loose from what and where compared to the replacement and of all the TJs done, what percent suffer this type of setback.

In the early eighties I blew out my left achilles tendon (casual volleyball) and then 15 months later the right achilles(pickup basketball). My surgeon cried when he saw me on the stretcher in the emergency room… he said the odds of this happening were so small (millions) and he knew that I knew what was ahead of me. I comforted him when I saw his response. I had asked the ER to call him at home even though he had just left to go home, he got up from his dinner immediately to come see me in the ER.

I wonder how Hampton’s doc reacted to his injury, knowing what Hampton did to re-hab and now what he has yet ahead of him with possibly changed prospects of success (I just wiped tear from my cheek thinking about Hampton). With my repairs, they gave me better/thicker tendons than I had before, using tendon tissue from the calf area, so that re-rupture of repair became almost impossible, but below (outside of repair) same odds of another blow-out.

I realize that Hampton’s situation is very different, but it would be great to get an understanding of how unusual this was and what is ahead for him and the doc’s view on prospects for full recovery and risks of recurrence. Thanks Dave! Bruce

By Macphisto

April 10, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

DOB- I wish that you would find yourself another forum to bore people about when you go to the john or what the hell you are listening to. Reading the braves blog gives me more information on your boring life than what i care to know about the braves. I hope the AJC would find some sane nut to run this column. I am sure most of the readers on here find it absolutely annoying to read your unwanted innuendos, what the hell you listen to in the bathroom or how excited you are to pay your damn bills..!! Just do your damn job.

By Gene Garbage

April 10, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

there is no tellin’ what happened. i too enjoyed his tunes…

yall should check out Lucero… they are b***’. id start off w/ their album Tennessee

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

caveman—-Unbelievable!…I appreciate the offer, however, if you swear anything to the cops, it better be a little more believable, like, “the poor bastard stepped out in front of a speeding semi, or express train, or was in a plane crash”, cause there’s going to be substantial tearing of the soft tissues, and the fracturization of many bones…

By Alex

April 10, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

DOB I think a lot of our frustartion has to do with the thought of losing A. Jones to free agency next year, b/c the team won’t likely match other offers. Combine that with the 15 mil. or whatever it is the Braves have to pay for a player who will not have seen the MLB field for 2 years, and the fans want somehow the money to be “used” to sign A. Jones? Yes, you’ve already explained in a logical way that it can’t happen and it doesn’t work that way, but some people I guess don’t want to understand.

I feel that if the Braves at least made a competitive offer to A. Jones and sign J. Smoltz, you wouldn’t hear much out of the crowd that wants M. Hampton to give back/retire or just plain disapper without getting paid.

By bruce

April 10, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

wow how about that photo of Wicky on the AJC braves homepage!!

It looks like Bob is looking at the target(catcher’s mitt), but similar timing photos of Hudson seem like he is looking at the ball in his hand or just released at nearly the same time in his delivery. Anyone else notice that before? Thanks, Bruce

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Maybe I’ll give them the Roadhouse excuse:

“Tinker — you see anything?”

“A polar bear fell on me!”

Can’t believe there went a few Emmy’s for that movie…..

By MBATL

April 10, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

One thing that’s been overlooked about Hampton is that his contract actually runs through ‘09. He is due $20 mil in ‘09, but there is a $6 mil buyout clause. Luckily, for us, Colorado is on the hook for that $6 mil if we decline to pick up the option. But, it’s all the more reason for him to rehab and try to come back for ‘08, and to either earn the $20 mil for playing (not likely) or the $6 mil buyout to become a free agent in ‘09.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Now ain’t that the perfect coincidence—-at 11:10 A.M. Mr. roberts is conveying his utter disappointment in DOB’s removal of his nasty post—then at 11:37 A.M. this never before seen blogger, that calls himself Macphisto, comes in here and just gives ol’ DOB what fer!…

I think maybe if DOB were to compare the IP address of the 11:10 A.M. poster with that of the 11:37 A.M. poster…it would be discovered that they are one in the same…

roberts—you’re dumber than I first thought…Unbelievable!…

By Ron Roberts

April 10, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally? Didn’t you stuff candy bars with golden tickets to lure little kids to your seedy candy factory:?

C’mon… you’re gonna mock my real name when you log on with that?

SJA… I’ve taken a vow to stop mocking the less fortunate, so you’re off my radar, slow-learner.

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Jeff R,

I guess you could argue that offense is underrated by many. Everyone is always talking about pitching and defense.

But offense is much easier to find than pitching.

Goes back to almost every great young hitting prospects becomes something at the major league level but the odds are against young pitchers.

By Jeff R

April 10, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Shaun, the Tigers went to the Series and the Yankees didn’t. I certainly think better Tigers’ pitching made a difference. I’d much rather have the pitching the Braves are getting now if that meant sacrificing a strong offense. Mets’ hitting may keep them in contention, but when it comes to crunch time, a team’s got The Mets pitching isn’t as good as the Braves; that’s probably especially over the course of the season.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 10, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, what’d you think of Coach P’s press conference? I like that Hawgball is coming back to the hill.

Hampton being out is a shame, but I expected it. Anything we get from him next year is bonus. JS couldn’t have known what was going to happen, and to get Hampton for only a third of his contract was a good move. Answer this, if Hamnpton had won a Cy Young and had a couple of 20-win seasons, would you be griping? No, and he cannot help it that his arm is deteriorating. He was hurt on the job, and is rehabbing and trying to get back. He deserves to have his contract fulfilled.

Now, baseball and journalism (transition in honor of the Scribe). Do any of you read the MLB Press Pass from www.atlantabraves.com? If you go there and select news, then Press Pass, it gives a lot of good information. I read one from the other day, then heard several of the notes being used during the TBS broadcast. It’s good stuff, and it’s free, so check it out!

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/mlb/presspass/index.jsp?c_id=atl

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Did someone just fart?…well the ol’ blog has been more fun today than the time I went down to the zoo and watched the looks on the faces of the monkeys as I fed them rubber bananas…just didn’t need bananas today!…JackAss out…

By MD Braves fan

April 10, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Redmond did not impress me at all. He throws nothing but soft stuff and has to be absolutely perfect to be effective. All those extrs base hits were on balls which were not polaced perfectly. Smoltz and Davies will get balls wacked hard too, but they are ten times more likely to get away with a mistake. I hope that when Cormier is healthy again - Redmond becomes history.

By Mike

April 10, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

I’ve noticed Hudson’s eyes before, too, Bruce. I made a comment about that last year. When a pitcher does that, he is not focusing in on the target, nor his release point, but rather the rotation of the ball. If he were to change where his eyes wonder, he’d probably be more on target.

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts There’s a saying in boxing that goes like this:

“just stay down, stay down!!”

C’mon and admit it, you were on the short bus to school, probably the kid in the front seat wearing the harness and a helmet.

It’s not smart to mess with the guy who’s actually running the blog and really not smart to keep messing with a guy who calls himself a Jacka$s.

Now if you’ve been shown enough attention to get over your lack of a sex life and the void you call a brain, please take this in the spirit it is intended and

SHUT THE F—K UP!!!!!

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Macphisto, good points. Now run along…

On Rude Awakening this morning the host said he didn’t think the Braves’ rotation compared favorably to some in division without Hampton. Told him I disagreed, that to me Hampton wasn’t going to make or break the team this season and that, provided Chuck James pitches similarly to last year and Hudson has made the strides it appears he’s made, they still have the best rotation in the division if they get anything decent from Davies/Cormier/Redman at back end.

Gene Garbage, we’ve discussed Lucero quite a bit here in recent months. I got that acoustic, hard-country EP they re-rereleased, “Attic Tapes,” last fall and went from there. “Tennessee” is a great CD. And the most recent one, Rogues, etc., is good, not great in my opinion.

Jake, the Braves radio producer who blogs here and is from Memphis and knows someone in Lucero, recommended “Nobody’s Darlings” from 2005, and I think he might be right _ it’s their best, or at least their hardest-rockin’.

Isn’t it amazing how close the guy’s voice sounds to Patterson Hood’s on a few songs?

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, haven’t been to the office in weeks, but will be there tomorrow. I’ll let you know if it’s not there.

By ssiscribe

April 10, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Metro, lovin the fact that Rollins is getting those comments of his shoved square in his face. That game yesterday was so perfect for the Phils, who now are 4.5 games out of first one week into the season.

Yeah, they’re the team to beat, and beat, and beat. Good thing the Nats are in the division or else the Phils would be all alone at the bottom.

Now, tonight: Need a good outing from Hudson. Did a great job of keeping it low in the zone up in Philly; need to do it again and not mess around against a team that’s really struggling right now. A sweep would be great, but even winning two out of three puts this team at 7-2 entering the weekend. I’d take that.

Grinch, ready for the Thrashers’ opener Thursday night? Glad Saturday is a day game; can be home in time for first pitch Saturday night.

DOB, not 90 minutes after you explained to the folks on 680 that there will be no payroll impact from insurance this season, Kincade goes on Cowherd’s show and says that the Braves could get a payroll boost from Hampton’s insurance. Incredible.

Now, the blog sign (transition): Maybe some of the denizens can walk along the walkway between the field and terrace levels carring a long, horizonal sign that reads, “We Blog With DOB and the AJC … Come Join Us!” Just a thought.

Alas, back to deadline. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Ron Roberts

April 10, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah, DOB, compare the IP addresses and tell SJA what you find out. Once again, he’ll be wrong.

Two things you’ll ONE DAY learn about me, SJA….

1. I don’t shy away from logging on and using my real name, and….

2. I don’t get hot-headed at DOB and rant on here to him. Never have. I might razz him a little, might disagree with him on rare occasions, too, but I’m civil about it and keep it light-hearted.

Wrong wrong wrong again, you are. You’re like a wadded up piece of paper; a cool cat might play with you for a bit, but after awhile the cat figures out this thing’s dead and dumb and ceases to be entertaining.

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Jeff R,

It is true that pitching and defense seem to matter in the post-season while offense doesn’t seem to matter all that much. But, at the same time, anything can happen in the post-season (see the ‘06 Cardinals) because it’s short series. So I believe the goal should be to build the best team possible (a team with a good run differential) however you can (with good offense, good defense or both) and hope for the best in the post-season.

As far as the Mets and Braves pitching this season, looks like the Braves should be better. But the Mets pitching didn’t look all that impressive before last season but they still finished near the top in fewest runs allowed.

I’m pretty sure the Mets won’t finish the season allowing under 2.3 runs a game and I think their pitching/defense will be worse than it was last year. I do also think it’s too early to say whether their pitching is going to be good enough to make them a great team or it is just going to allow them to be merely a good team.

As far as the Braves, I think they are a slightly bigger mystery. They’ve looked impressive so far but can Hudson and Davies continue to pitch well? My guess is they can but, again, it’s too early to tell at this point.

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

O’Brien,

I agree with your assessment of the rotation. I think Davies is the overlooked guy here. I think he could be better than James very soon. He’s had a fairly good K rate, BB rate and HR rate even when he struggled. Seems that when he’s struggled it’s because the few times the hitters do make contact, it’s solid contact. I think he just needs to make minor adjustments—whether it be pitch selection, location, just gaining a little bit more pitching knowledge—and he’s going to break out big time. I’m sure he’ll get it all together soon. Hopefully it will be as soon as this season. I really think he’s a top of the rotation guy in the future.

By Lee

April 10, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

No surprise at all about Hampton. I would actually be surprise if he pitches at all any more. His body seems to really be falling apart. I feel with the current starters and with Cormier coming back eventually, the Braves will be o.k. If not look for JS to pull one of his infamous trades for a proven starter, if the Braves remain in contention, which I see no reason they will not. He has been know to deal away a few minor leaguers in the past. There is usually a trade or minor league promotion every year with any MLB team. Player injury and poor individual performance alone contribute to this. The odds of this team remaining with the same 25 current player roster is zero percent. It will be interesting the next couple of months. I think a midseason trade also adds new spark to a team sometime. Remember the Fred McGriff trade years back.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

“civil and light-hearted”…guess that’s what got your post deleted huh?…oh by the way, ronnie—heard you received some good news recently—-your test came back negative—-too bad it was an IQ test…

By Ron Roberts

April 10, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Oh no doubt… if Smoltz is Smoltz and Hudson’s (did you mean Hudson instead of Hampton earlier, DOB?) rebounded to the form we saw against the Phillies, and James gives us at least what he gave us last year, our rotation’s as deep and talented as any in the majors.

Throw in the Davies/Cormier/Redman situation and it doesn’t drop off much. I just don’t see many, if any, rotations that have the potential to be as strong. I use “potential” because, of course, there are the unknowns, like Is Hudson back to form? and Can Chuck James avoid the sophomore slump? but all in all, I’d take my chances with what we have, even without Hampton.

The emergence of Cormier and Davies’ solid start Sunday defray the loss.

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t the AJC come up with the placards itself? N8, KC, and myself would be hopeless in coming up with a sign with our “blathering” styles as we have been frequently accused of. We would probably have to reserve entire sections of the Ted to ourselves to contain the hundreds of cards we would need to contain our collective blathering. Maybe we could just keep it simple and say: Readers Beware. I Proudly Blather on the DOB/MIB Blog.

Lew, of course, would have to display a sign that says I Proudly Brawl With Everyone on the DOB/MIB blog.

Or maybe everyone’s sign should simply say, Oh, The Humanity. Toes Are Not To Be Trifled With - DOB/MIB Blog.

By Mike

April 10, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t know who (bruce?) posted about BRUCE SUTTER’S contract, but check this site out:

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/20040608mlbcontractsarchive.html

BRUCE SUTTER is still being paid by the Braves: $44 million over 30 years!!!

By Lew

April 10, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Now let’s not be so hard on Macphisto-In al likelihood he just has a case of intestinal parasites. He certainly sound like something crawled up his-no wait. We’re stil being kinder and gentler. Maybe it would be better if he just went ot the Macphysician.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 10, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Whatever the sign says, hold it up for the TBS cameras to see. I want to see it on TV tonight, while I toil away in NE Arkansas. I like the “Toes are not to be trifled with” sign. THat has promise. Maybe put a Krispy Kreme beside it, for added flavor (pun intended).

Count your blessings that you can go to the game whenever the fancy strikes you. I’ve been trying to get to Turner Field since it opened. Just can’t afford the trip on a pastor/teacher salary with a wife and baby at home.

I know, I can hear you crying for me…

GO BRAVES!

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what everyone else was thinking but to me anything the Braves got from Hudson in 2007 would have been gravy. It’s amazing that so many people thought Hampton was the key to the Braves’ season.

By Lew

April 10, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-Wanna fight?

By AdirondackDave

April 10, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

I noticed that nugget in one of DOB’s earlier comments about Diaz almost being sold to Japan. I hope some talent was coming our way in the deal. Hate to think we are reduced to selling off assets for cash.

Chances of Hampton’s contract being picked up in ‘09 for $20M isn’t slim, it’s zero. He could win 25 in next year and it still wouldn’t be picked up.

By Mike

April 10, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Well crap! Try this instead:

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/20040608mlbcontractsarchive.html

By AdirondackDave

April 10, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

I noticed that nugget in one of DOB’s earlier comments about Diaz almost being sold to Japan. I hope some talent was coming our way in the deal. Hate to think we are reduced to selling off assets for cash.

Chances of Hampton’s contract being picked up in ‘09 for $20M isn’t slim, it’s zero. He could win 25 in next year and it still wouldn’t be picked up.

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Ok I don’t subscribe to ESPN Insider but there is an aricle/blog about the Mets/Phillies having a BIG rivalry this year. Can anybody look at that and see if they are dismissing the Braves again or if the rivalry is for 2nd place.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 10, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Blogging with DOB…on the AJC!…Unbelievable!…

By bruce

April 10, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Mike: I’ve thought a bit more about the pitcher’s eyes staying on the target since my post and your response.

From high school pitching, I recall eye-focus on the target through the wind up and then at some point after release watching the flight of the ball to the target. These guys are going so fast that the transition is probably much earlier than mine was and something the cameras pick up which seems wierd to us. I have to believe that they have slow motion of their entire delivery that they analyze any change or oddity like taking their eyes off the target too soon. But it sure makes for some fun and unusual photos.

I do remember that early on after release, I would know whether I was going to hit the target or not (long before it got there) because I used to pitch alot inside and brush back the batters, but when I knew the ball was going to hit the batter, I would holler “watch-out” or something like that, again, “long” before the ball would unintentionally hit them. Also fat pitches down the middle that I thought might be come right back at me got my before-target impact attention.

By Mike

April 10, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

What the …?!?

Bruce Sutter

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Nah, Lew, you are my best tag team partner. Need you on my side. I’ve developed too many haters on here lately.

By Lee

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

Bruce Sutter needs to be paying the Braves back. He was past his prime when he pitched for them. A memory of the old Braves - thank goodness times have changed.

By Lew

April 10, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-I don’t hate. I’m kinder and gentler. Dude, you should see those points of light. Wait-You don’t think someone slipped acid into my Crystal Light, do you?

By Blogger Formerly Known as Wayne in Utah

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

Shaun

Check out the 3:32am post to you last night. I will not be around much today, as I have 350 miles of highway to cover mixed in with work.

Let me know what you think. Just curious. I’ll check out the blog later tonight.

By Mike

April 10, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

How can this be? Andruw may not make the list of top gloves in the game in a vote at www.RawlingsGoldGlove.com. As of now, he sits 5th for outfielders and doesn’t even crack the top 50! Guys and gals, we need to correct this travesty!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

DOB… Thanks for the tip. Yes, love AKUS been a fan for a very, very long time…. going to see them in either D.C. or Salem in May.

Back for dear old mom’s. :-)))) Bless her heart… You folks have no idea… Take a 100-pound rich southern white woman and cross her with a Marine D.I. and pit bull. Trust me. there is no abuse in my life I cannot take. I was raised in boot camp. I did not leave home. I escaped… LOL. Thank the Lord she does not know how to blog……..

Now baseball… I am hoping the Braves bats will heat up along with the weather this week. The Nationals bring with them a very weak pitching staff but they play every team in the division too so we need to make sure we get ours now before they learn how to pitch or get lucky.

Beware of the Marlins. They are no pushovers. They have basically the same staff as last year and the Braves have not always hit that well against them. Will see if the Braves’ relief corps can throw strikes this week, as the weather will be warmer. If not look out.

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Did I hear you say tag team??
OK here’s a match for you : You and Lew vs Caveman & Jackass No-holds Barred / NO DQ / No tiemlimit Steel Cage Match for the World Blog Title !!!!!

Special Guest Referee — DOB !!!

of course near the end Jackass could turn on me with a Chairshot to the back of the head and you guys could do the whole stand over me a laugh routine…

and DOB would say : now THAT”S funny !!

That’s just good TV right there.

By OddJob

April 10, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

First let me say a few of you can go to hell ! boy that feels good! Now for the rest of you (the vast majority) my disgust isn’t with Hampton so much as with pro sports in general of late.Just a few well known names Grady Jackson,Josh Smith,Michial Vick and yes Andruw and the way the Hampton thing is turned into some noble,selfless, quest on this blog.A genuine thank’s to Lew who helped give me some perspective,so I choose not to attend any pro sports this year or buy anything produced for or by the leagues.This isn’t a call to boycott,enjoy the games!it’s just where I’m at on this.Now for the few insipid little people who will post their insipid little responses,a big preemptive go to hell,and the rest of you have a great day!!

By Lew

April 10, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Caveman-No, I’m now kinder and gentler. I spend all my time these days watching those thousand points of light. And what pretty lights they are. Wow.

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

caveman, the only thing SJA would use you for in a steel cage tag team match is to use his 6’11”, 350 pound frame to pick you up over his head to club me and Lew over the head with.

It would be quite ironic for a guy called caveman to be used as a caveman’s club in a battle.

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

oodjob I like to dedicate a song to you:

Send in the A—clowns — never mind , he’s heerrrrreeeee..

GET LAID DUDE!!

By TennesseePaul

April 10, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Payne: It’s amazing that so many people thought Hampton was the key to the Braves’ season.
This could be explained by KC offseason daily reasonings of Hampton’s eventual 2007 return to fame. To KC’s credit, he did state time and again that the season depends more on Hudson than Hampton. But his frequent posts on Hampton probably aided to the heightened sense of importance for Hampton. Having said all that, half a season of average Hampton would still have been better than a whole season of Redman, even though Redman is making slightly less than double the minimum. And therefore it is somewhat of a blow that Hampton is done for the year. Hopefully Cormier and Davis step up like champions. And if Redman does well that wouldn’t hurt either. The insurance certainly will cover Redman’s contract. I’d imagine it would provide more than Redman’s contract. This could then aid in any potential midseason deals we might make.

Nevertheless, I like this team and I still think it can win it all. Hopefully the hitting will warm up and the pitching will remain good. This Nationals series should do wonders for both of those parts.

GO BRAVES

By Tom

April 10, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

DOB: Reading through the earlier posts and you said to name one player that took a cut in pay.

Almost certain that Glenn Davis did just that when he was with the Baltimore Orioles.

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Braveheart It would look kinda like BAM-BAM when he used to toss Dino around by the tail on the Flintstones.

As long as I’m useful for something. Just try to get in where I fit in. You guys have stats and info and knowledge and that’s great — good to have around. Me — I just have mindless drivel and sophomoric put-downs and otherwise diversionary conversation to break up the monotony of the ANAL Analyzers that post their mini-novels of insight here.

OK , I actually have insight but why just blend in with the chorus when you can SOLO OFF-KEY!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Hey OJ…. ROFLMAO…. Grow up man.. Do you remember that great line from North Dallas Forty “How come everytime I call it a sport you call it a business and everytime I call it a business you call it a sport”? Man I lived it for 40 years….. It is life. It is why the lawyers serve the papers on you on friday afternoon at 5PM. Suck it up and get over it.

Sometimes you have to know that the other side does not always play fair. I can remember everytime I caught the company cheating. Found out they were not afraid of threats. They were very afraid of action however…. So face reality, learn life is what you make it. There is room on here for everyone and you are welcome to your opinion and even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

By LadyBravesFan

April 10, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

You guys stayed up all night to Blog, I don’t believe it, That’s terrific.

By OddJob

April 10, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

caveman enjoy your life as a pointless little p** ant ?

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah,

I don’t know if it would be worth it for the Braves to pick up Reggie Sanders. The Royals have him so the Braves would have to give up something. Just not worth giving up anything for a 39-year-old corner outfielder that is basically a league average hitter. Corner outfielders are relatively easy to find (see Matt Diaz—who the Braves plucked from KC).

The every-other-year thing is kind of weird. I doubt there is anything to it (the Bret Saberhagen phenomenon). His numbers are better in odd years over the past seven years but they aren’t extremely better or worse in alternating years. I think it’s just one of those weird fluky things.

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

OJ So what’s your point?? this is my point, it’s pointless, so quit trying to make a point because your not scoring points with your points. That’s the point.

OK there Poindexter.

By KC

April 10, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

TennPaul: Here I am in my office, minding my own business, when I get this weird sense that someone was talking about me. I bring up the ole’ Braves blog and sure enough… =)

I felt Hampton would play a big role late in the season. I figured he’d come back on schedule, post an ERA somewhere in the 4’s through the first half… but then look much better in the second half. I especially thought he’d be a valuable weapon in Sept/Oct.

Bummer.

But yes, Hudson is still the biggest key, though now it will also be important that either Davies or Cormier step up this season. Of course it would be wonderful if both pitch well. That is… if the both get a chance to pitch in this rotation at the same time.

Redman gives us depth, but if remains in the rotation when Cormier returns, he’ll mediocre roadblock standing in the way of a potentially very good young pitcher (regardless of which young starter - Davies/Cormier - gets the last spot in the rotation.

Again though… I feel this is more of a post-season loss than anything that will really affect our reg. season record.

By KC

April 10, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

TennPaul: Also, I was encouraged that Hampton could make a healthy comeback this year because 90% of pitchers who do have TJ surgery are completely and perfectly healhty within 18-24 months at the latest.

Mike Hampton was the 1 in 10 that didn’t. That sucks. Oh well… Davies/Cormier, the floor is yours.

By Lee

April 10, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

I glad we are playing the Washington Nationals tonight. If TBS decides to show one of their new highlights of the Past , it will be about the Braves. There is no way the Nationals have many past highlights. I could have cared less about seeing Lenny Dystra hit the home run in the 1986 divisional series shown over the weekend. TBS stick to more Braves highlights in past years. It is starting to look like ESPN with Jon Miller and Joe Morgan showing their favorite moments.

By Lee

April 10, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Shaun - Also if I remember correctly Reggie Sanders had his worse year in the majors as an Atlanta Brave. I know you have the stats.

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

To nitpick you a little, I think any team that can reach the playoffs could win it all. But moving on…

I don’t know if KC was just being an optimistic fan, but I’m talking about a lot of people that make their living talking or writing about baseball (particularly sports radio guys). But I guess some of those guys have to find something to talk about.

But they should have known that Hampton probably wasn’t going to be back until close to the All-Star break or after at best.

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Lee,

I wouldn’t be as concerned about Reggie’s year in Atlanta as I would his age and the fact that he plays a position where it’s relatively easy to find decent players.

By Bob, journalist

April 10, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

David O’B,

When one feels obliged to explain that they’re kidding, I’m reminded of that famous Dorothy Parker line “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”

Just kidding … it was Mark Twain!

By John Adcox

April 10, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Man, I really feel for Hampton. This has got to be killing him… not to mention the agony of rehab to look forward to.

Any idea how Trey Hodges is looking at Richmond? Considering he, um, hasn’t pitched yet and all? Folks, we’re an injury or two away from just needing a warm body to stand out there every fifth day.

By eric

April 10, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

It’s too bad about hampton but a mets’ doc ? can we get a Braves doc to cut on the mets’ pitchers when they need “help”? I think cormier and davies will be fine if redman can’t do the trick . GO BRAVES!

By Fred from CT

April 10, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

DOB what is the plan with McCann and him getting days off. Is Pena gonna catch one of the pitchers like Cox usually does and which pitcher will it be?

By Bob, journalist

April 10, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

David,

I see what you mean about the Blog accepting posts more efficiently … just kidding!

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 10, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

I posted this on another Braves forum with respect to McCann vs. Mauer. A recent SI article, which has ATL ranked #2 in the Power Rankings, said that McCann can now be mentioned in the same breath as Joe Mauer. Read my response, and respond if you’d like.

BEGIN QUOTE HERE

“McCann can be mentioned in the same breath with Joe Mauer”

Uh, excuse me, but McCann is not only in the same breath, he is a better player. Consider these facts:

1. Mauer plays half of his games inside, in the comfortable Metrodome.

2. He gets a good chunk of his AB as the DH, and doesn’t have to crouch half the time.

3. He is a year older than McCann.

4. Compare their hitting stats:

Mauer: In 521 AB, he hit .347, SLG .507, and his OBP was .429. He hit 13 HR and had 84 RBI while gaining 181 hits overall.

McCann: In In 442 AB he hit .333, SLG.572, and his OBP was .388. He hit 24 HR and had 93 RBI while gaining 147 hits overall.

When you match the numbers, and consider #1 and #2 above, McCann is far and away a better catcher. “In the same breath?” You know, the SI guy is almost right. McCann isn’t in the same breath as Mauer. He’s in a class all by himself, and Mauer is looking up at him, as are every catcher is MLB.

Go B-MAC !

By Robert

April 10, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave,

First off… I am a huge fan!

But I just wanted to ask you about Mike Hampton, with him being out for the rest of the year, will the Braves get another insurance claim to take care of most of his salary like they did last year?

And if they do, will they use it towards another piece at the trade deadline (if needed) or could they possibly take that money and apply it towards locking up Andruw Jones in a longterm deal after the season is over?

The way I see it is that is around $14.5 million dollars that we could potentially spend on some other talent this year or put it away for upcoming free agents.

Thanks again, you are awesome!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

I think tonight will be McCann’s night off. Left hander on the mound for the Nat’s. Time to give the kid a rest…

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 10, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Fred from CT:

I like the idea of B. Pena pinch running for McCann in the 7th or 8th. Keep BMac’s bat in there as long as possible, but give him some rest as well. I have a feeling that B Pena will get some games at C just to rest BMac, but once every five days is too much IMHO.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Matthew, I love BMAC’s bat… Not too crazy about his arm. As far as resting your catcher. It is a very demanding position over the course of 162 games. I am hoping they teach him how to play first base in the next couple of years.

Boy would that set off a whole new string on the blog?

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Matthew, Walter’s Dad and O’Brien,

I’m not saying who’s better, but I don’t think it’s clear at this point. You certainly couldn’t go wrong with either McCann or Mauer.

Actually they both play in home parks that favor pitchers. Mauer has a pretty significant edge in OBP in a tougher league but McCann has a pretty significant edge in SLG. Mauer is faster, McCann is younger. Both are Gold Glove-type defensive catchers.

I don’t want to get in the debate because it’s like arguing Ted Williams vs. Mickey Mantle: it’s virtually impossible to say who’s more valuable.

I will say this, both teams got the catchers they needed—both got the local guy, which means they are probably more likely to stay with their respective teams. Braves, Twins and baseball fans everywhere can just enjoy their careers. It’s going to be fun seeing what they can do and seeing them battle in all-star games for the next decade or so.

By Fred from CT

April 10, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

I tend to agree Gil I would think tonight off so he gets two straight days. I just wasn’t sure if they were gonna have Pena catch just one pitcher like Bobby has done in the past.

By Summerteeth

April 10, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Wickman should come out to Walk the Line. Mention that to him DOB…and should HE be called Hoss?

By StingerSplash

April 10, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Wait a minute. Isbell’s out of DBT? (Expletive) (Expletive) (Expletive) (Deleted) (Expletive). Almost makes me want to not go see them again. But don’t forget Cooley’s great contributions, such as Zip City and Women Without Whiskey and Marry Me. Since my truck’s in the shop and 99 percent of my CDs are in there, I gots to listen to the radio and I heard a song last night that would be perfect for Wickman’s entrance: Seek and Destroy.

By StingerSplash

April 10, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Now warming in the Mariners bullpen (in a 13-1 Red Sox lead): Chris Reitsma.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 10, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Hey Shaun:

I just don’t like the suggestion by the media that McCann is barely in the same breath as Mauer. That’s my biggest beef. I like Mauer and agree with the notion that he is going to be a good one. But he is not worlds ahead of BMac.

By Lew

April 10, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Gil-They just had an off day yesterday. Why does he need more time off this early in the season?

By flange1

April 10, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

CAVEMAN,

The ESPN Insider story on the Mets Phillies rivalry is basically just getting Mets responses to Jimmy Rollins and Brett Myers mouthing off. There is very little mention of the Braves at all. Actually a pretty crappy piece by Jayson Stark….

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

THANKS FLANGE1

I was wondering if anybody was looking.

Jayson Stark’s been gettin really lame lately.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

April 10, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash,

Yeah, DBT made some good music before Isbell, but he only made them better. I love Cooley’s stuff and Hood is the heart and soul of the band, but I wish I could have seen them live at least once as a whole. I went home and watched “Live at the 40 Watt” on my lunch break earlier today. Consider yourself lucky to have seen that kind of performance. I hear his replacement will be John Neff, who played pedal steel on some of the albums. A friend of mine, who’s seen them live a few times, said Neff can really rock too, but he’s not a songwriter.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Problem was McCann was playing in Frenchy’s shadow when they both came up. I think that is begining to change but national media hates to admit they might have been wrong so they just ignore McCann until they think no one will notice.

Then it will be “LOOK AT THIS GREAT PLAYER WE HAVE DISCOVERED!!!! who’s Francoure?” Then they we run to the next “flavor of the week”.

By TennesseePaul

April 10, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Payne: Interesting… So are you saying the media over stated Hampton’s role on the 2007 ATL Braves team?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Yes Lew, I thought about that after I posted. We will see. Tough to keep a hot bat out of the line up and tough not to give your back up catcher some time too.

I will admit, I am impressed with McCann. The kid knows how to hit. Not only that, he know when to hit what. Like Chipper says. He gets it. That double to left Sunday was a thing of beauty. I think Francoure has actually learned something watching him…

By TennesseePaul

April 10, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Found this tid-bit on ESPN.com
Ryan Howard made some history, becoming only the second player to homer in five straight games against the Mets (Hank Aaron is the other)

Aahhhhhh. That’s just nice to know. Hammerin’ Hank has such a record which was only just recently matched. And matched by a guy I don’t really mind matching it. I hate that Howard is on the wrong team, but he seems like a good guy and he plays the game well… unlike some one else who is approaching the Hammer’s milestone.
But to think… A Brave, Hank Aaron at that, was the only one to homer in 5 games straight against the Mets prior to yesterday. It’s just wonderful. God Bless Hammerin’ Hank.

GO BRAVES

By MBATL

April 10, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Mauer was a No. 1 (overall) pick, so he came in with a lot more recognition than McCann; and the Twins had a great year last year, while the Braves didn’t. And, Mauer has a year of experience on Brian… so there’s more recognition for Mauer… who cares?

I think it’s great to have 2 guys who are so similar in their development; like someone (Shaun?) said, both are playing for their local teams, which makes them even more popular favorites. Both have been signed longterm, and it’ll be fun to watch them for the next several years.

By Coach

April 10, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

McCann and Mauer are both phenomenal , I’m just glad that we have McCann and Mauer is in the A.L……………… Gripe time ! I’m not buying the spin from Schuerholz. Redman is a necessity(depth) only because the Braves will need six arms in the rotation for the duration of the season. The guy is a below average pitcher with a losing record 64-77 , losing win/loss percentage of .454 and that brutal career ERA of 4.66 His 11 wins last season were due to run support of 68 runs , thats a phenomenal 6.1 runs per win. The Braves have a standard of excellence in pitching and he’s not it. He has no options , so the Braves will not run the risk of losing him(waivers) by sending him to Richmond which means that Cormier gets screwed. The four starters of Smoltz , Hudson , James and Davies will have to contribute the bulk of wins if the Braves are to be competitive and so far they have done just that. It’s not a bad situation for our Braves , but it could be better. I can’t believe that nobody knows the answer to my Smoltz question ? Smoltz really is a physical freak , but how ? C’mon , where are all the knowledgeable fans at ?

By Lew

April 10, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-I had the pleasure of watching Howard take BP in Clearwater, when he was still in AA. He was awesome. The only thing more impressive that session was Thome hitting a ball onto HWY. 19. If you’ve never been there, I assure you it was a feat. I’m not sure anyone else has done it. It was a massive shot.

By joebrave

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

DOB just wondering, if there is any chance of a deal now with K.C. for say Zach Greinke seems his name was kicked around during the winter? and what is wrong with Andruw? man he looks slow at the plate and in the field.

By KC

April 10, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash:

I’m sure that’s a good one, but…

Here is the perfect song for Wickman’s entrance: “Lights Out” by P.O.D

Pull it up on ITunes and listen to the chorus. It’s a hard-driving, kind of intimidating song, and the lyrics are perfect. I can see the words “LIGHTS OUT!” flashing on the HD board at the Ted in sync with chorus of the song. Good stuff…

It’s Lights Out, Game Over.

If you wanna you can check my stats.

It’s Lights Out, Game Over.

Make way cause the kids is back.

Lights Out, Game Over.

If you really think you got it like that.

It’s Lights Out, Game Over.

Word on the streets is the boys is back.

By meansonny

April 10, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Coach Considering that an average starting pitcher would be a #3 starter (1 and 2 is better, 3 is average, 4 and 5 is below average), are you shocked that Redman is below average?

He puts too many people on. But Atlanta has had pitchers in the past known for allowing lots of runners with more than adequate results (Ho Ram, Ortiz, Jorge Sosa).

The Braves averaged 5.1 runs per game last year (that’s wins and losses. Not just wins). So 6.1 runs per game is not unfounded for a winning pitcher.

I don’t mind your passion. Just be realistic that 1) He’s a bargain 2) He’s a Lefty 3) He’s a 4-5 starter 4) He’s only pitching once every 5 games.

By TennesseePaul

April 10, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Lew: That’s awesome. Minor League games are great. I recall a game in AA Braves when Chipper was coming up. He fielded a ball and launched it to first base. It was wide and sailed into the stands and nailed a baby in the back. Frightening, but all turned out well… except the runner was safe. Javy nailed a guy as well. Square in the back. The batter had either bunted or nubed the ball so that Javy was fielding. He picked it up and gunned it to first. He just nailed that runner as he was racing up the line. The guy crumpled on the way to first base. It looked more painful than Chippers baby beaming episode. Javy was closer though. Chipper threw across the diamond.
I remember the brief bit of time AJ was there as well. Lots of fan fare for that guy. He was there one day and gone the next it seemed. I still have a G-Braves ball that has Tom Glavine’s signature on it as well as others. It’s good stuff. After AJ came through Jordan came through town with the White Sox farm team. That was fun.
I miss the minor leagues. I grew up watching the AA Braves. Then moved to TN where I saw Mauer play in the Tri-City area. Then moved out west, where there are 3 major league teams within close range. It’s hard to get back on the farm when you can watch the show all the time.
There is an independent league local which is good to watch. But most of the team’s games are on the road. And, since it is independent, you rarely, if ever, see a guy who could be in the majors.
LBState and Fullerton are the closest thing to minors I get these days. But College ball is just different. I did get to see Langoria and Weaver play. That was exciting. Weaver dominated. Pitched 6 innings and had 18 strikeouts, he was taken out due to his high pitch count (he had walked a couple as well). Simply dominate. I don’t think I’ll ever see anything like that again.

By caveman22

April 10, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

KC Just when I go thinking your 75 yrs old and a Lawrence Welk fan you go and pull out one of my favorite groups.

P.O.D. rocks!!

By nelson

April 10, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

stupid mets fans , kiss my a*

By Lew

April 10, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

TenPaaul-This was during Spring Training. I did attend St.Pete Cardinals games when I lived there. I think I saw Rick Ankiel pitch and got to meet The Famous Chicken.

By Coach

April 10, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

O the agony , bad news for the man in black fan’s. Johnny Cash’s house in Tennessee caught fire and was heavily damaged.

By Sam in KY

April 10, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Macphisto can suck it!!!

Who are you to criticize DOB’s blog you turd? I like hearing about DOB’s bills getting paid. How bout you go start your own blog you nappy headed ho? I bet it would be real popular…just like you were in high school, you loser!!!

How bout 5 and 1 while hitting .220? Things are looking good as a Braves fan. I can’t remember being this excited to start the season. Seeing Andruw’s at bat in the 8th inning Sunday made me realize I’m not going to miss his offense next year. He can’t move a runner over to save his frigging life!!

Craig Wilson seems like a nice guy and all but, man, does he look terrible at the plate? I’ve yet to see him have a good at bat this year.

I’m glad we didn’t sell Diaz to Japan. Our O looks really suspect w/ Thorman/Johnson/Langerhans/Wilson in the lineup.

Could McCann play 1st when Pena catches? How bout we get Yunel Escobar or Martin Prado to play 1st base? Any thoughts people?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

LewGotta say… The “Chicken” has to have been one of the greatest mascots. Only the Phanatic comes close now. And I think he is two guys……

By journalist jimmy smith

April 10, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

journalist sends out a big hello to sja and rr - reunited. when this journalist broke into blogging sja and rr were being deleted all day (well, mostly sja). and rr once promised to send letwan the bird for thanksgiving - but the bird never arrived. and yes, bubba bean was a running back for the falcons and bubba bean had happy feet in the backfield. and happy feet make for good ballgames. yes, choppinmama, a ukulele is a very nice instrument and would make a fine wurlitzer award. no, jimmy smith does not know much about commodities but does understand fungible toes would not be a desired commodity. and now, baseball … too bad a fellow named jimmy is going to receive so much scorn this season for intemperate remarks. and if diaz were to go to a japanese team with a missing front tooth, could diaz say, sushi? and how would sushi sound? thuthi? “bwing me thome thuthi and a woll.”

By TennesseePaul

April 10, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Seeing Andruw’s at bat in the 8th inning Sunday…

Yeah, but how about that catch? No matter what that man does at the plate (and for the last 2 years at least, it’s been amazing) he is always a rock out in the field. Solid as they come the standard to which all are measured. I hope he sticks around. I still think it will happen. Not going to give up hope until I see him in another uni. If that other uni is a Dodger uni, I’ll be sitting in the All you can eat section launching Dodger Dogs at him. It would be the most depressing thing to me to see him in a Dodger Uniform. Just atrocious.

By Tomahawkin

April 10, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Aight coach, Lets continue on from last year, I got the Beer ready to watch Hudson…Hopefully after consuming about 6 can hopefully, Huddy will throw seven strong tonite, becuz I do not feel like throwing cans (or my remote)at the TV like I did last year…

Lets make it 6-1…

Go Braves!

By flange1

April 10, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

JJS, The Diaz line is one of your all time best!

By jb

April 10, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

Nice blog, David!

It looks like good pitching and defense does win games. The one game the Braves did not pitch well or play good defense, they lost badly. The offense will get better. Like watching Johnson take some pitches vs. swinging hard over a curve ball in the dirt. Andrew’s catch yesterday more than makes up for his work at the plate. He saved at least one run for certain and probably allowed Davies to stay in the game. That also helped give the pen some rest, but the big three will need more rest soon. Liked the way the Braves manufactured a run on Saturday after Johnson reached on an error. It’s too bad they probably wont do that a little more often. By the way Epinephrine, Andruw did hit .300 one year. Since I doubt he will hit that average again, your point is still well taken.

By flange1

April 10, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Did you see the story about Johnny Cas’s house in Hendersonville, TN burning down?

link here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070410/apenmu/johnnycashhome_fire

By 74 Dawg

April 10, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

DOB- Idlewilde South is the album w/ the original version(w/Dwayne). It is a great and much under appreciated album. also contains “In memory of Elizabeth Reed, Ramblin’ Man, Revival, Some really ,really good stuff. I was fortunate enough to see them in the early days. Classic.

By 74 Dawg

April 10, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

DOB-p.s. I don’t know if I even need to add this , but if you can find a CD of Idlewilde South,given your musical tastes ,you shoud buy two-you will ware out one.

By Sam in KY

April 10, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Good point TennessePaul

I’ll definitely miss his D. That catch to rob D Wright was yet another display of his gold glove…and probably a game saver given the fact that S. Green went deep two batters later. We’ll just have to enjoy Andruws D this year. I actually wouldn’t mind seeing him go to the Dodgers. Only an American league team would be better. Then I wouldn’t have to be reminded of how good he is that often. I wouldn’t hold out hope of seeing him in a Braves uni next year. Scott Boras is going to get $15 million/yr for a career .265 hitter…too rich for Shuerholtz’s blood

By TheSouthernJackAssRadioPersonalityGoneHayWireRR_Savant

April 10, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Good evening jimmy smith—be careful of rr…he is like a bully that got knocked the f* out, then wakes up, flailing wildly, at everything and everyone near him…and today rr felt the sting of DOB’s delete button for the first time…sorry to hear that he stiffed you on that bird…he has however sent me an overabundance of them during the past few years…just let me know, It would be my pleasure to share them with you…I keep them frozen…

By SJAsFORMERBOYTOY

April 11, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this

SJA needs a date. I dropped him like a hot rock after his infatuation with randome dudes he talks to on the internet here all day. So if there’s a dude into squirly, small-handed, lives-with-his-mom-in-her-basement types, hit him up.