Braves

By Me

May 3, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!

By Coach

May 3, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

How many team’s could lose their closer for 15 days , starting catcher(day to day) and backup catcher(DL) , Put a starter on the DL(Redman, thank God) and keep on trucking ? Only the Braves could absorb that kind of loss and not miss a beat.

By Oil Soap

May 3, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

me? first?

By Bryan (Go KU)

May 3, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

David, Do you think if Salty does well while he is here, they would send Pena back Richmond or just find a way to keep him in Atlanta via trade or something?

By 74 Dawg

May 3, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

You have to feel for Langy, but at least he knows heis now w/ a team that really wanted him. My question would be, what the heck does Washington need w/ another weak bat in the lineup ? Isn’t this overkill, or would it be underkill? Nice Lyrics, nobody can write-em like the “other’ Dylan.

By Chris

May 3, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

KJ is the man. He can’t keep on this tear forever, but ending the season with a .400 OBP and 120+ runs will be a huge help for the Braves.

By Incognito

May 3, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Nice article Mr. O’Brien. I enjoy your insight.

I thought Mr. Johnson would hit around 280 to 300 with a 375 OBP, and maybe hit 16-18 HR’s per year. He may come back down to earth and some of the numbers I mentioned, and if he does, he is still a bargain over Mr. Giles. I don’t expect Marcus to keep it up too long either.

By 74 Dawg

May 3, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Great point coach,but don’t forget this is just the latest , they already lost TWO starting pitchers before the season even started. There ain’t no organization in MLB like the Braves.The Yankees, Mets and Red Sox can try to buy their way to where the Braves are and have been, but as Paris Hilton and many others prove every day, no ammount of money can buy you class.

By Incognito

May 3, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien: What do you think will happen to Mr. Saltalamacchia?

By Fred from CT

May 3, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

hey DOB thanks for mentioning maddux and smoltz I was trying to bring it up all day

By Chris

May 3, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

Bryan, I would bet against Salty staying with the team. Pena is a backup, and that is all he is.

Salty, meanwhile, will be a productive, every-day player, possibly even a huge stud. You don’t want that talent wasting away on a bench waiting for a turn to catch every 5th day. Salty needs to be taking his hacks and calling games every day.

Unfortunately for Salty fans (and his bank account), the Braves already have a stud catcher.

We won’t be able to keep both of them around, and I think one of them just got an extension…

Unless Salty learns another position, we may be seeing all the limited time he gets in an Atlanta Braves uniform.

By 74 Dawg

May 3, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

DOB- second Bryan’s question-if the kid hits great, which he might, do they find a way to play him, or does he just wait in line behind McCann until someone wants him bad enough for Schuerholtz to pull the trigger?

By James

May 3, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Gonzalez hit 95, Soriano topped out at 96, and Yates registered 98.

By Sonny

May 3, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Things are looking good at 2 previous positions of weakness…1B production is coming around with Thorman (now let’s get rid of the platoon with Wilson), and Harris looks like he’ll give the Braves a shot in the arm in LF. Kelly Johnson has far surpassed anyone’s expectations and the rest of the boys are doing what they do. Now if we can just get Cormier into the rotation, dump Redman, hang on with Davies and get Wickman back healthy, life will be even better.

DOB…you going to Kings of Leon next month at The Tabernacle?

By Sonny

May 3, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

BTW…can’t wait until next Wednesday…Mad Dog v. Smoltzie! I hope the Braves win, but Maddux doesn’t get the loss.

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 3, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

In regards to Saltalamacchia, they really should switch his position sooner rather than later. Sure, Scott Thorman’s doing well at first base, but if the scouts know what they are talking about Salty’s ceiling is much higher. Obviously Salty’s not going to replace McCann and his six-year contract, but Salty can surely be the first-baseman of the future for the Braves. It wouldn’t be a wise move to trade the potentially great Salty only to keep the merely good Thorman. The sooner the Braves move Salty to first base, the more comfortable he’ll be at that position when he comes to the big leagues to stay.

By Michael in Brooklyn

May 3, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, DOB:

Isn’t tomorrow’s game on TBS? It says FSN on AJC.com…

By David O'Brien

May 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Really don’t know what will happen to Salty. Too hard to guess, because he just turned 22 yesterday and Braves are in no rush to either get him in lineup or trade him. They’ve got time to consider options, etc.

Someone could get hurt, anything could happen. Just not going to get into guessing what his future will be. He’ll be a very good player for someone, Braves or otherwise. If I’m the Braves, I don’t move him from catcher for the forseeable future. Too valuable there to move while he’s so young….

Sonny, what’s the date on Kings of Leon? Great live band.

By JC FROM UT

May 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

DOB: due to the injury to B.Pena do you think the Salty call up is in any way an audition for other clubs to come make an offer. I agree he is a great untapped talant but a solid starting pitcher would do this team a whole lot more than a promosing young catcher. I would like to see if Detroit would give up Nate Robertson and and possibly Craig Monroe or Marcus Thames. Would Salty get a package like that or is it too early to tell.

By Chris

May 3, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Salty may be worth more to the Braves as a slugging C in trade bait than as a slugging 1B for the Braves.

It’s a lot easier to find a 1B who can jack the ball than it is to find a C who can do the same while also calling a good game.

It will be interesting to see where this road leads.

By The Atlanta Discontinued Operations & Non-Core Assets

May 3, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Posada is getting old. Something tells me that the Yankees will come calling for Salty eventually and that they might overpay for him. But has anyone else ever noticed that the Yankees trade all of these minor leaguers all the time and not many of them end up being any good? Phillip Hughes would be nice but the Yankees are not that stupid although the Yankees would probably get more of a sure thing in Salty for the next 15 years as opposed to Hughes. Just speculation and rambling on my part.

By Mike

May 3, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

If the Braves ever get Aybar back, then Chipper(aka consistent) will be able to get ‘off days’ once in awhile and come back and smash the ball the next day he takes the field. All of this playing time will wear on chipper and he needs resting even though he still kiling the ball everynight.

By Incognito

May 3, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Excellent point on keeping him at the catcher position. Firstbasemen are much easier obtained, whereas strong hitting catchers are rare, and would bring quite a prize on the trade market. Besides, I think Scott Thorman is going to be the real deal at first. He looks good around the bag.

If Saltalamacchia gets moved to first, and Thorman gets moved to left field, then you weaken two positions defensively. Besides, I am still hopeful that the Braves can someday pry away an outfielder from the Devil Rays.

I hope Anthony Lerew gets a call up. It would be interesting to see what kind of “stuff” he has.

By Jaysen

May 3, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Why is gasoline back over $3.50 here in So. Cal?

Looking forward to a sweep against the hated blue boys just down interstate 5. Let Furcal here it all weekend from those attending this weekend.

By BIG DADDY

May 3, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Saltalamacchia could (should?) be sent to the outfield for the rest of this year and then be ready to play there when SP begins next year. I see a great career for that fellow at the plate and if he can learn to play the outfield his value could skyrocket to the Braves or anyone else. He has a very good arm and he can hit. Surely he can learn to catch a fly in left field, or right field if Frenchy moves to center to replace Andruw in 2008.

By Chris

May 3, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

BTW, over the last 10 games, Salty is batting .360 with 6 RBI, 5 R, and only 2 K in 28 AB. Not too bad.

So far, his numbers (with the Wilson platoon, which should end shortly) translate to a 2007 of .281 BA, .328 OBP (which should go up), 22 HR and 81 RBI. I’m sure all of the numbers will go up, but when compared to Laroche’s 2006 (.285, .354, 32, 90), dude’s looking good thus far. And he’s only 25, LH and a physical beast. Why all the talk of putting Salty at 1B and throwing Thorman to the wolves?

By fastasballs

May 3, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I can’t see Salty lumbering around in the outfield, nor do I think Frenchy will be moved to center. If Andruw goes I think they go the free agent market to replace him unless the minors hold his replacement.

What outfield position does Brandon Jones play? I keep hearing his name quite a bit.

By Incognito

May 3, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

A couple of names making the trade rumors these days are Emil Brown from KC and Noah Lowry of SF. Brown is having a bad start, but has hit mid 280’s the past 2 seasons with 15-20 HRs. KC would have to eat some of his salary, but JS and DM are old buddies. They should be able to work something out, ala Tony Pena. For the best of the player.

Also, the Giants have a phenom who needs to be promoted (Linecum sp?), who is supposed to be the reincarnation of Tim Hudson. Little dude with a rocket arm. What would it take to pry away Lowry. He is a servicealbe lefty starter, certainly better today than Davies or Redman. The Giants need a bat. Would Escobar tempt them???

Just some thoughts…..

By Alan

May 3, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Folks, have you forgotten a long time ago (!), when the Braves had another big, strapping catcher whom they converted into an outfielder? Kid named Murphy? If Salty is as good as advertised, he won’t be going anywhere - particularly if Andruw bolts in the offseason. DOB, a Smoltz-Maddux matchup would be neat - although not quite as compelling as the first Smoltz-Glavine duel. I do hope it happens for purely selfish reasons: the ultra-competitive Smoltz seems to get “up” even higher than normal for his battles with Glavine. That play he made on Glavine’s dribbler was one of the best plays of its kind I’ve ever seen. He’s an amazing athlete. I hope he keeps pitching until he’s 50.

By Incognito

May 3, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Brandon Jones is probably a corner outfielder, but I don’t know if he is considered good enough to cover all the ground in CF. Blanco is the one that keeps coming up, if AJ walks.

By stew

May 3, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Why can’t Salty learn to play left field? My mother can play left. It’s the easiest position to play on the diamond. You don’t need defense in left you need offense. Think of how he could play left and be insurance for McCann. Don’t throw him away for a pitcher who could hurt his arm on any pitch he throws. They’re all pretty vulnerable. If we can’t find someone to replace a pitcher with an 11 ERA (Redman) we’re really in bad shape. How about Lerew, Harrison, or McBride? What people don’t understand about leadoff hitters is that OBP and SBs are fine, but the bottom line is scoring runs. KJ certainly even with a drop off seems destined to score 110 runs.

By Brent

May 3, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

The Braves don’t have a pressing need right now that would warrant trading Salty. While there is no doubt we could use another starting pitcher, it has not been so bad as to cripple the rest of the team. As DOB said, we can be patient with him right now, and save him for if Mac gets hurt, or if some other need develops. He could be used to get a new CF in the offseason (Baldelli perhaps), or he could be used to get a top of the line starter (maybe from Oakland, who would love a stud catcher with the arbitration clock not running).

the point is that he is young enough, and our team is complete enough, that we don’t need to do anything with him. He can sit in Mississippi and improve on his game, and when we do need him for something- whatever that may be- he will be ready to serve the purpose

By Sir Stealth

May 3, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

If anyone is taking bets, I would definitely put a lot of money on him ending up traded. This team is gonna need a starting pitcher and probably a good outfielder. I’d predict Salty will go back down, get called up at the end of the year, earn lots of fans, and then get traded to the disappointment of many. Hopefully we really do get something good in return.

If he doesn’t get traded, he’ll be playing first. I don’t think there is any way in the world that he can play outfield. The guy just doesn’t look like mobility is one of his strengths (e.g. getting thrown out at home from deep right last night). I was fine with the 1b platoon at the beginning of the year but now would like to see Thorman play everyday. He looks much better than Wilson and it would be nice to see if he can really be a productive player for when we need to decide whether to make room for Salty over there or not.

By Chris

May 3, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Salty CAN learn to play LF. Anyone can.

However, he is more valuable to the Braves as a slugging C in a trade than as a slugging LF. Once again, those come along every day. His value will never be higher than as a C who can crush the ball and call a good game.

Remember the last time we moved a big guy from IF to LF? His name was Chipper. He started getting hurt more, missing games, and he made a laughable play at least once a week.

By Incognito

May 3, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Brent: Excellent points.

Stew: I think if we can get our other positions filled either from inside or without trading Saltalamacchia, then we look at moving him. We are hopeful and assume he would be a great addition to the lineup. We also know that there are a dozen teams who would love to get a player like him. If he indeed continues to impress, I think we should hold out for a kings ransom for him, IF we do decide to trade him.

By Incognito

May 3, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Sir Stealth: Agreed on Thorman. He looks good at first so far. Would love to see him gets some AB’s against some lefties.

By Marc

May 3, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

I hope Salty does good, and I hope we trade him for a pitcher. He’ll never be a full time player as long as we have Brian and Pena is proving a very capable back-up guy.

If they don’t trade him, and assuming no major injuries arise in the next two weeks, this is where I see the braves pitching staff once Wickman gets back, until some trades can be made or they find confidence in a prospect:

Starters 1. Smoltz 2. Hudson 3. James 4. Villareal 5. McBride/Davies/Cormier (whoever sux less at the time)

LR - Moylan MR - Coyler MR - Paranto MR - Yates SU - Gonzalez SU - Soriano CL - Wickman

I think the only real issue there is the number 5 spot. McBride may not cut it as a starter, Davies could continue his mental struggles, and Cormier might end up gone for half the season. We need a solid arm to solidify the rotation, once Pena gets back I think trading Salty would be wise.

Give him at-bats, let him raise his value, and get us another arm.

By fastasballs

May 3, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

I got to see Myrtle Beach the other night when they came to town. Elvis Andrus makes some AMAZING plays, he’s made a ton of errors so far this season but he’s going to be something special in a few years.

Out of the trio of Matt Harrison, Jo Jo Reyes & Dan Smith who gets their shot later this year or next?

By F A Skippy

May 3, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Salty looked good last night but I could say the same thing about Charley Sheen in the hd tv commercial.Seriously I can see his potential but is he a star because he carries himself well ? If I had to guess in 92 which of our young pitchers had the best shot at the hall of fame Steve Avery may have been my choice.As far him at a position other than catcher first base makes some sense but he looks a little heavy legged for the outfield.

By Roswell Ed

May 3, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Hey man how ‘bout some Freedom Rock?

By Eric from MO

May 3, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

I hope the Braves do trade Salty to Detroit. Dont get me wrong Id love to have another great bat in the lineup but the Braves are in the top 3 in runs. However after Hudson and Smoltz are starting pitching is not that great. James is decent but not an ace. Call me old fashion but I loved the days when we would throw out three aces in a row like Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz. Teams hated playing the Braves because they never got a dayoff from great pitching.

By James

May 3, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

If anyone is interested,Lerew pitched a two hitter in 6 2/3 innings striking out five, walking none, and allowing no runs.

By Barrett

May 3, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Dan Smith is by far the lesser prspect. He has some gaudy numbers but they speak much more of him than he really is. He is a good pitcher, but he is on Cormier type pitcher level. If you guys would read any of the scouting reports about him, you will find this out. He is just not a top prospect pitcher. Harrison is the best out of those three.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

this and that from jimmy smith: this journalist thanks doc for the medical information. jimmy smith was somewhat skeptical about the ingrown toenail but any toe injury must not be considered trifling. now, apologies to chipper jones. this journalist reported earlier that chipper is sporting a new glove made from bunny hide. not so. kangaroo hide. (same principle - both hop around). the glove seems to suit chipper well. now, the queen will soon be running for the roses. good luck, queen. and in other news cinco de mayo is coming up in only 2 days and this journalist is wondering wikk there be a blog party? lots of chips and salsa and mexican beer. and how is walter today? much improved, it is hoped. jimmysmiththinks someone must wake bob for the games this season. are there any volunteers? and now, baseball … harris is making left field appear not to be such a problem after all. and bobbycox … what lineup will he pick for tomorrow?

By BiggAssBass

May 3, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Sure is nice reading a blog without having to wade through all that toe fetish crap.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

whoa! no delay!

By BiggAssBass

May 3, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Spoke too soon!!

By Tony Almeida

May 3, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Yo DOB, where do the Braves rank in pinch hitting?

By F A Skippy

May 3, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Stew On your comment that scoring runs is the most important thing for a leadoff hitter.That’s hard to argue with but runs are a bi-product of ops and base running.A player can get on base every time but if the 2 and 3 hitters don’t do their jobs he’ll still be there when the 3rd out is made.The purist most complete stat on hitting is ops and after getting on smart base running is a must.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

hey, sja! no time for sja tonight. blog with sja’s self. now, baseball … langerhans may be the best player on the nationals before all is done.

By Lew

May 3, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Has anyone checked out how deep our pitching is throughout the farm system? I just checked it out and was shocked. AAA Richmond-Lerew 1.37 ERA 15K 8BB. Startup 2.38 9K 4BB. Manny Acosta 0.64 18K 6BB. Buddy Hernadez 1.72 12K 4BB. Trey Hodges 1.17 10K 10BB. McBride 0.92 10K 6BB. AA Miss.-Devine 1.88 18K 6BB. Dan Smith 1.95 28K 8BB. Matt Harrison 2.14 23K 11BB. A Rome-Beau Jones 1.86 17K 5BB. Thomas Hanson 2.25 40K (Forty) 7BB. Duente Heath 2.08 13K 5BB. Joseph Johnson 0.79 in 11 IP. Y’all, I’m not certain what everyone is worried about. Our pitching looks pretty well stocked for the next few years. I didn’t even include the BA against these guys, which is outrageously low.

By Jim

May 3, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

I would like to see Salty retained (or recalled again) when we have the DH in interleague play. We don’t have a better option for DH, and for a span of games we could get to give McCann some rest and keep his bat in the lineup by alternating the two in the DH role. In this span we can get a better read on what kind of major league hitter Salty may be. If he produces at anything close to the level he did at AA, we will not be disadvantaged when having to compete with the AL lineup and its DH.

By beer

May 3, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

JOURNALIST JIMMY SMITH: ARE YOU WHITE OR BLACK? I CAN’T FIGURE IT OUT

By gotigers72

May 3, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

I agree that KJs performance came completely out of Left Field. [Get the pun there?] Seriously, anybody that thought he was gonna be this good should be playing the lottery regularly.

Looking forward to the Smoltz/Maddux matchup, but I always look forward to any game Smoltz pitches. I enjoy these matchups between pitchers that are really masters of their craft. Both are past their prime now, but still have the ability on a given night to be lights out. If Maddux is on his game, watch how he carves up the Braves young hitters. It is something to behold. I hope he’s not on that much though. I’d settle for a 1-0 Braves win with both throwing complete games.

Wonder if the Red Sox are thinking yet that they may have overpaid for DiceK. He has given up 7 runs in 5 innings to the Mariners tonight, putting his ERA at over 5 and a half. The only thing saving the Red Sox so far tonight is that HoRam is pitching for the Mariners and has given up 7 runs in 4 innings and is already gone. His ERA is over 6 and a half now. I thought he was gonna be something after his rookie year, but he hasn’t been good at all since then. Wonder what happened. Hint: Soft tossing lefty.

By Ron

May 3, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Alan, and Stew, great posts about putting Salty in LF, Why not, HELL if Manny Ramirez can play LF anybody can play that DAMN position!!! Why does everybody keep talkin about Baldelli, we dont need him now. The only reason we needed him is because he is a very good leadoff hitter, but guess what, we got a Very good leadoff hitter now in KJ, enough with the Baldelli trades, we dont need him no more, I would rather see Blanco than Baldelli!!!

By Jim

May 3, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

I think by Beer may have consumed too much of the beverage he just bought.

By Greg in TN

May 3, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Evening folks…

A quick in and out on the MIB/Braves blog on the off day. DOB, thanks for the post and the information as always.

Count me as being always optimistic, however KJ’s start has beaten almost everyone’s projections. Good for KJ I say. He’s fought hard to come back from being out with the injury and it’s nice to see him enjoying the fruits of that labor.

Hudson has completely turned things around this year and has gone a long way toward helping stabilize the rotation. We’re still not completely out of the woods, however it’s safe to say that the success so far in 2007 is in no small part due to Tim.

The bullpen is just as advertised with the moves made in the offseason. There is night and day difference now as far as the team’s expectations in having the lead going into the late innings with last night being the perfect example. Now, if we have a lead going into the late stages of the game, there is no panicking and no worry.

Last year, the knock on the offense was that we had no clutch hits when we needed it. There were very few come back wins in 2006. We’re hitting great in the clutch this year. To me, that ties back to the team’s comfort and expectations that when we get the lead back, the bullpen won’t fritter it away.

Gang, to keep this going, we need to get healthy (McCann, Cormier) in the areas where we’re not, we need to stay healthy (Chipper, AJ, Frenchy, Smoltz, Hudson) in areas we are, and we need to get more consistency from spots 3 through 5 in the rotation.

By Ron

May 3, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Some of you all are sayin trade Salty for pitchin, and I agree if we can get a young VERY VERY good inexpensive arm, but that aint gonna happen. Do yall realize that we will probably have Smoltz for another 3 years (unless he gets hurt), Hudson, James, Harrison, Reyes, or Dan Smith with us come next year, Why would we just trade Salty for just a solid Pitcher, and that is all Robertson of the Tigers is, just solid. I understand we want to win now, and I do to, but cant we get enough out of our farm system for this season to fill the 4th and 5th spots of the rotation, or if not trade Escobar for a 4th or 5th Starter, I mean damn there is no reason to trade Salty for a Solid Arm, I would much rather see him play LF, than get a Solid 4th or 5th Starting Pitcher for him, and that is what Robertson is!!!

By Tennessee

May 3, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

I hope the Braves don’t move K.Johnson back to left field and play Prado at 2B. They need help in LF, but they need to leave Johnson alone. With all of the strong minor league infielders, I believe Prado is the main trade bait. We need to keep Salty. He is a hitter and an athlete. He will find a place to play.

By KC

May 3, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Lew: “Has anyone checked out how deep our pitching is throughout the farm system?”

Lew, I disagree.

Just kidding. I just felt the need to disagree. lol Actually, I’m very much with you one that. Things are looking good. I’m only worried about this season and what we’re going to do with the bottom or our rotation.

By fastasballs

May 3, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Lew

They seem stacked as well on the offensive side. I was looking at the stats earlier and liked what I saw.

Within the next few years a lot of those guys are going to be here. KJ, McCann, Frenchy, & Thorman are going to be fixtures here for a while & very affordable at that.

Within the next several years a lot of the large contracts are going to be gone so there should hopefully be a lot of money freed up to lock these guys up long term like McCann.

It would be nice to see a large group of the home grown guys play together for many years. There is an abundance of talent here & on the farm to make it a reality.

By AdirondackDave

May 3, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Seems to me that the logical thing to do is to send Salty back to Miss. asap and mix 40-50 games at 1st/OF into his catching schedule. Look, even if he is destined for a trade, his value won’t be hurt by picking up some experience at a second position. In fact, even McCann could benefit from some play at 1st next spring training. I suspect Dave will call this way too far off the wall, but I could actually envision McCann and Salty splitting time behind the plate AND splitting time at 1st. Then bring Pena in late in every game the Braves have a lead to rest the catcher de jour. I think this might be a great way to get both big bats in line-up. Thorman could go back to our outfield. Dave and Folks, tell me why this is a really bad idea…

By MBATL

May 3, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Ron, I agree. We may need to trade for a starter at the deadline if we can’t work things out in the next 2 months, but that doesn’t mean we have to trade Salty.

Last year, we picked up a closer - Wickman - from the Indians for Class A catcher Max Ramirez. Ramirez is a pretty good prospect, but not a blue chip, and we could certainly afford to lose him. That’s the kind of deal we might need - and that’s where JS earns the big bucks.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 3, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss has decided to not read anymore of these AJC blogs for fear that some of the ignorance and stupidity that comprises most of the comments contained therein may be contagious, thereby diluting my astute mental processes…additionally, the SJA is bored with all those of lesser intellectual prowess who constantly assay to vex my peace and tranquility because of their pathetic veneration and envy…doo wop doo wah…

By Dan in NC

May 3, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

I know that we signed McCann to the big extention and that he wants to be a catcher for a long time but I wonder if maybe in the next year or two the organization seriously considers moving McCann to 1st base and make Salty our everyday catcher? If you think about it, it would be a pretty smart move. This makes McCann’s third year (second full year) in the majors, while he may be young and healthy now, more than likely three or four years from now the beginning stages of the wear and tear of playing behind the plate will show…as good as Salty is I think I would rather preserve McCann’s hitting ability at the sacrafice of some fielding ability. Plus if we did this, it would allow us the potential of maybe parting with a Scott Thorman or James Jurries in return for a good starting pitcher of the future.

Again I’m not saying this is something that should be done in the short term but its something the team may have to look at after the 2008 or 2009 season.

By ColoradoBravesFan

May 3, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Ron… Iagree with you exactly. Do not trade Salty unles it’s a deal the JS just can’t pss up. Trade a package of Prado and a godd reliver in AAA for a soild starter, if possible. i doubt teams give up any pitcher we want for Prado and a reliver.

By Bob, journalist

May 3, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

There is no such thing as black or white … only shades of green … any kid who’s watched old Popeye cartoons knows that!

I missed the game but woke up in time to watch CSI Las Vegas and now it’s time for a Hot Tub … we didn’t win but maybe the Snakes and Giants will.

By meansonny

May 3, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Quick question for the Braves Nation.

How long will it take Salty to be an “everyday starter”? I’m not qualified to make the assumption off of 4 plate appearances.

If he’d be ready to play (at any position) rather quickly, wouldn’t it be prudent to put him on a cheap salary and get production next season? Then the extra $$$ could be spent on starting and relief pitching.

It’s the biggest arguement why NOT to trade KJ (besides not wanting to mess with the team chemistry). Young talent locked up on the cheap that can score runs gives us more flexibility to avoid a “Redman” next season if Hampton doesn’t make it back to form.

If Salty is 2+ years away (it’s taken Kelly 2 seasons for various reasons), then I’d be more apt to solve the CF and/or pitching problem through shipping Salty to the AL.

By Dan in NC

May 3, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

How long will it take Salty to be an “everyday starter”? I’m not qualified to make the assumption off of 4 plate appearances.

This may be a bold statement on my part but to answer your question I think Salty could be ready to platoon next year and go full time in 2009

By Bob, journalist

May 3, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry about Kelly, he has a history of starting slow. Tub’s ready!

By David O'Brien

May 3, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Big Daddy wrote: “I see a great career for that fellow at the plate and if he can learn to play the outfield his value could skyrocket to the Braves or anyone else.”

Huh? Couldn’t be farther from the truth. His value doesn’t “skyrocket” if he goes to the outfield, it lessens. Because it means he’s not behind the plate, where he needs to keep developing and has the chance to be a slugging, switch-hitting catcher.

A few of you are just talking from a pure fan’s perspective of wanting to see the guy NOW, not looking at it the way the team is and will continues to look at it for a while, I’d guess.

Folks, he turned twenty-freakin’-two on Wednesday. 22. He hasn’t gotten his first hit in the majors yet. Hasn’t had but one solid month above A-ball (maybe two if you piece together his hot streaks during his bad season last year).

Stop, take a deep breath, and try to get a grasp of the situation. There’s absolutely no need to move the kid to 1B or LF right now. NONE. And to say the sooner the better is simply wrong. Not at 22. Not a switch-hitting catcher who’s quite good behind the dish. Sorry, but you folks aren’t going to make it happen sooner than its natural course.

Teams don’t switch quality catchers to the outfield at 22 years old when they don’t need to. And Thorman is doing quite well lately at 1B. And making no money for two more seasons after this one.

By David O'Brien

May 3, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Dan in NC, other than the team saying it has absolutely no desire to move McCann from catching in the forseeable future, and other than McCann’s stated desire not to play any position but catcher for the forseeable future, and the fact that he was an NL All-Star who hit .333 with 24 homers last season at 22 (same age as Salty now) I don’t see anything stopping the move of McCann in the next year or two.

(sorry for the sarcasm, but this is getting a bit ridiculous. Most of you folks have seen Salty hit a long fly to the warning track, get hit by a pitch, draw a walk and throw a runner out, and you’re prepared based on that to move him to the catching job and move an All-Star who’s only a year old than him to … oh, wherever.)

By meansonny

May 3, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB (I guess… for ruining the fun :)

We’re probably focusing too much on 2008 (but it’s an off-day). Andruw’s impending free agency looms over us fans like Superman over the Daily Planet.

And as much as I like Chuck James… I like him a lot more as a 4th starter.

Anyhow, the “what to do with Salty” debate will have to wait till the trade offers come in for the kid out of Richmond.

By MBATL

May 3, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, I heard JS say that the Braves have not ruled out moving Salty to another position. I really don’t see much harm in the blog speculating about it. Whatever.

By brent a.

May 3, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

I just want to say that JS has done a brilliant job of turning this team over and positioning us for future success.

This is World Series contender this year, and for the foreseeable future.

By The Atlanta Discontinued Operations & Non-Core Assets

May 3, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m sure glad we just moved to Chipper to left when Marte and Betemit were coming along because trading Chipper would have been such a travesty.

NOW, the same is true for the catchers. I’d rather stick with the known greatness of McCann rather than the unknown in Salty. Chipper is still great but was not as valuable in left as opposed to third, became more injured in left, and was not as productive in left as he has historically been at third. I predict the same fate would befall McCann if you moved him, which is such a ridiculous fan idea anyway.

BUT who the heck do you trade Salty for anyway that is going to make it worth it?!?!?!

By The Atlanta Discontinued Operations & Non-Core Assets

May 3, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

All this chatter and speculation about where Salty goes has at least provided a lot of posts and interesting conversation and a new topic for the blog to get nuts about instead of the same ole, same ole which causes everyone to get bored and ugly towards each other as a result of being bored of discussing the same tired subjects. Speaking of which, if we trade Salty anywhere, make sure it is to the Devil Rays because we have to get ourselves a Devil Ray if we are ever to going to shut up that blog contingent.

By Rod

May 3, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

All this talk about Salty is driving me nuts! Am I the only one here that thinks McCann is the better of the 2? Don’t get me wrong, I have high hopes for Salty, but Brian is the man. Last year was his 2nd year in the league. Isn’t that supposed to be the year of the sophmore slump? If last year was a slump, then watch out for his future. Salty is going to be solid, but right now, Brian is amazing. He is quite possible the best in the bigs. It can be argued. Anyway, the Braves could use another starting pitcher. That’s no secret. We have Edgar through next year, and a wealth of talent at the SS position, so package a deal for a SP. If nothing is worth going for, don’t worry about it. After all, we are in first place.

By brian

May 3, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

DOB - in the future (probably 1-2 years if Salty develops his potential) do you see the Braves possibly having McCann and Salty cover catcher and a second position so their bats stay in the lineup daily and they don’t get overly worn out at catcher? I know the obvious limitations - neither will want to move positions, it would require 2 players and not 1 to learn a new position, and this is probably a stupid debate on the board now on who to move out of C

in response from above no way I move Yunel Escobar for Noah Lowry. No way. Escobar has played his way into being a top prospect and Salty has regained that title with his quick start. JS is looking smart for not panicking and dealing them this winter for Rocco or whoever else went after them

By AdirondackDave

May 3, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

DOB - Now and then what may seem a bit ridiculous (incredible) one month becomes acceptible, even conventional, the next. It happens in life, politics, and dare I say, even in baseball. I think it’s useful to ponder the possible, not just the very likely. And by the way, Dave, sarcasm, doesn’t really enhance your argument or become you, for that matter.

By fastasballs

May 3, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

—————Streaking the Blog————->

By krath

May 3, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure how I feel now after seeing Salty. The issue has been further clouded in my mind. Wow that guy is a specimen!! He’s huge! He looks absolutely in control at the plate, not intimidated at all! This guy looks like he has unlimited potential! I think I expected him to look like a liability behind the plate but he didn’t impress me that way at all. I’m sure he will keep improving back there but he seems pretty serviceable now.

So where the heck does that leave us? We have an all-star catcher behind the plate who just signed a long term deal. McCann has proven himself and barring career altering injury or worse, should be the backstop for quite some time.

Ya gotta send Salty back, however. He needs to play every day. I think he would just stagnate sitting on the bench playing every 5 or 6th day.

Ok…. so you send him back. What now? This guy looks like he could be scary great, but he’s blocked here. So how long does he remain blocked before D-day? Assuming the status quo at catcher remains in Atlanta, no drop off in productivity, no one steps out in front of a truck…..how long do you allow Salty to sit in the closet waiting for use before you make some tough decisions?

A perfect storm is a brewin.’ I don’t know when it’s gonna hit but it can’t be too far away. The guy looks like he could be a freak of a player!

That said, McCann is still my catcher for the future.

So what are you gonna do with Salty?

I don’t want to be JS right now. I don’t want to have to make the call on this one!

By meansonny

May 3, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Discontinued Operations & Non-Core Assets

LOL regarding the Devil Ray contingent.

I don’t see how moving anyone AWAY from catching would cause more injuries (unless you think 160 games is inherently more dangerous than 140)

That being said, McCann has absolutely no incentive to move to another position. None I can think of. Unless he values anything in an ARod/Jeter comparison which I doubt.

By Rod

May 3, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Krath, I like what you had to say. I agree 100% about McCann. We have traded our top prospects a couple of times, and honeslty, for the most part they haven’t even made a mark yet. Yes, Wilson made some noise last year, but where is he this year? What about Marte? He’s batting .179, and by the way he’s on the DL now. Granted, Wainwright is doing good, but my point is this. Our top prospects haven’t panned out. Not saying the Salty won’t, just saying we need to look at the team as a whole. We have McCann, so would you dare say Salty could be deemed expendable? I say yes. There is no need to trade him away, but think about this. Andruw is most likely walking. Could we work something out with the D Rays for Baldelli? Is there another CF you like? Please understand that by no means am I saying trade Salty. This is just something to think about.

By meansonny

May 3, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Great post krath.

Except I think every GM would love to be JS right now.

Is everyone sure that Salty is the real thing? Like I posted earlier, I don’t know how much more development this guy needs.

McCann IS the real thing. It bugs me that he gets 1 day off per week (and I know its deserved. but that day has often come up a loss with poor run production). And it scares me after what happened to Estrada that our brightest hitter is one hit away from a potentially career ending collision (and I know that McCann is not afraid of performing ALL of the duties behind the plate).

Anyhow, it’s a great problem to have. The only better problem would be the one we (mistakenly) thought we had back in the spring. Too many starting pitchers.

Only good things can come from having Salty right now. Go Braves.

By AdirondackDave

May 3, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

DOB - And by the way, you didn’t answer the basic question in my last entry… What in the world do the Braves have to lose by giving Salty some time at 1st in Mississippi? I see two positives by doing this. First, it obviously creates at least a possible option to trading him, and second and equally importantly, it gives 25 or so other MLB teams the knowledge that the Braves do indeed have options and therefore don’t HAVE to trade Salty. The result being that the Braves bargaining power is increased.

By David O'Brien

May 3, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

MBATL, absolutely they haven’t ruled out moving Salty to another position. Haven’t ruled out anything (well, other than moving McCann _ I don’t see that happening for a long time, barring a major injury).

I was merely trying to point out that he just turned 22 and is coming off a really bad season in his first year above A-ball, so Salty could certainly stand to have a full, solid season in Double-A, then they can address this next winter, either by seriously considering a move to 1B (if Thorman doesn’t have a strong season), a trade of him or Thorman, whatever.

My only point was that there’s not this urgent need to do something right now, not by any stretch of the imagination. Let’s let him get a major league hit, enjoy his time up here, then go back and totally dominate Double-A pitchers and put up huge numbers. Then his value is higher than ever and the Braves can decide whether to capitalize on that value or decide he’s simply too good an offensive talent to trade and that they must find a spot for him.

And Adirondack, don’t be so proper and sensitive. I’m sarcastic, and that’s not gonna change. Sorry if you find it unbecoming. I find a hell of a lot of stuff that some folks say unbecoming, but I don’t feel the need to point it out because frankly, who cares? Nobody’s asking you to change your personality. Deal with the sarcasm or don’t.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

arrrgh matey! ol’ salty has something to say, arrgh.

a player named salty should be a pirate. sorry, but that should be obvious to all.

what could we get? laroche? arrgh!

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 3, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Typing this before reading through any responsive posts by others. So, if I repeat anything, please forgive me.

Langerhans has a sense of humor. I feel for the guy. Too bad the rest of us don’t have such a great sense of humor. He killed us at the plate this year. The team prospered in spite of him. I wish him well. Somebody was talking about a possible Redman/Langy showdown, and what a hoot it would be - let’s hope it never happens. I don’t mind Langerhans facing our pitchers (God help us all if he rakes when he does). I just don’t ever want to see Redman on the mound in a Braves uniform again.

KJ has exceeded all expectations. I was cautiously optimistic about him. He’s always been a good hitter, with decent power. Didn’t see his “dead eye” or plate patience coming though. A lead off man is supposed to get on base and create havoc. He has gotten on base, more than expected. He just now needs to figure out how to create havoc. Not sure that is going to happen, though - he’s no Furcal or Reyes in the speed department. But, compared to Giles last year, KJ is the man. Good glove at 2nd, too. A DEFINITE upgrade over last year.

Chipper makes a fan smile. He is just killing the opposition. Last night, two men on and drills a double - that’s the Chipper we all know and love. Hope he stays healthy - if so, MVP worthy season on the horizon.

Bullpen - been screaming about them since the first game of the season. The occasional meltdowns, notwithstanding, the BEST bullpen the Braves have ever had, top to bottom. Even if Oscar moves to the starting rotation (which I think he should, until a better solution comes along), the best I can remember.

Salty - enough has been said over the past 24 hours here on this young fella, so won’t repeat. Looks like the real deal - seems to have McCann’s patience at the plate, good swing, a fricking cannon to 2nd, and a pretty hot wife, with Little Salty in tow. Hope we figure out a way to get him some playing time in the bigs, and figure out a way to keep him.

Now, gotta read the prior posts.

By ERC

May 3, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Anthony Lerew had another great outing going 6.2 innings of shutout baseball with 5 K’s, 2H, and 0 BB.

I hope he gets a chance at the 5th spot of the rotation.

By You guys crack me up

May 3, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Trade Salty? Don’t trade Salty? Move Salty? Move McCann? Heck, since we’re in such a hurry to shake things up, why don’t we trade Smoltz, and let our top pitching prospect take over? It’s the same logic.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 3, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Chris: you said.. Remember the last time we moved a big guy from IF to LF? His name was Chipper. He started getting hurt more, missing games, and he made a laughable play at least once a week.

I didn’t laugh at those plays - I cried. Chipper was definitely out of his element in left. But, give the props - he has ALWAYS done what was best for the team, according to what management asked/told him to do. Glad he’s back at third.

Your point is valid, however. Though I would love to see how Salty’s strong arm worked in left, cutting down runners at the plate (perhaps as good an arm as Frenchy), I don’t see him as an outfielder. 6’4” 250 lbs means catcher or 1B, physically. Personally, I think 1B would be a waste of his arm - I got knocked out of my chair seeing him throw that bullet to 2nd last night.

By AdirondackDave

May 3, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

DOB - Before I turn in, I would still like to hear your response to basic question in my 11:16 entry.

And I am trying to deal with your sarcasm… by pointing out to you that by using it, this blog is degraded and we’ve all seen too much of that.

By meansonny

May 3, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Great article on the mlb website about Dale Murphy. Evidentally he’s speaking out against performance enhancing drugs. A grass roots campaign to influence kids and young athletes (as opposed to MLB at the moment).

Gotta love that guy. One of my hero’s to this day.

And I’ve gotta give props to Chipper. I think he’s 4 HR’s away from breaking Dale Murphy’s Atlanta Braves HR record at 371.

Cheers to those who play the game right. Go Braves!

By fastasballs

May 3, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Muts are down 4-3 in the 7th. Glavine gave up two dingers. Owings is going to be a damn fine pitcher. His brother is an outfielder for Rome.

By krath

May 3, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Seeing a couple of your responses DOB, I guess I’m even more confused.

So how long before Salty is major league ready? A year? Two? Don’t think it would be more than that. In the meantime, he continues to catch at double or triple A depending on how long he stays down. Is he going to keep catching just as an insurance policy in case McCann does step out in front of a truck? If that’s true then that’s a heck of an expensive insurance policy!

If he isn’t catching as an insurance policy for McCann, then Is he trade bait and nothing more?

If so, I suppose you have to decide when you can get absolute top trade value for him. Is that now? Is it a year from now? Don’t wait too long…can you say Lastings Millage? Teams don’t seem to be beating the doors down for him like they were a year or so ago. So he’s still a Met. But definitely not the projected star he was a couple of years ago.

It’s kind of like being the college basketball player of the year as a junior. Your team wins a national championship. You’re projected number one in the draft. Why come back for your senior year? All you can do is lose money!

The way I see it, I guess Salty is gone. Yeah as you say he’s 22 but if he’s going to be with the Braves he ain’t gonna be behind the plate. The Braves don’t want to try him at another position so he must be gone.

Unless McCann walks out in front of a truck.

But wait…. there’s more!

If the Braves ever intend to use the guy then he better learn another position. Twenty two or not, he’s gonna be blocked when he’s 25 at catcher. If the Braves love his bat and want him to stay with the club, then he’s gotta move. If you wait to change his position until he’s 23… then you are only delaying his promotion to the big leagues. ” yeah kid we like your bat and think you’re ready. But since we just now decided you need to try another position… we’re gonna have to keep you down another year until you learn another position.” I’m not sure I would understand that.

Unless McCann walks out in front of a truck.

It’s one of those deals where I don’t think it’s a luxury having Salty in the wings. I don’t think they can take their time with him. I think they have to be knowing like NOW… is he in our future plans anywhere or is he eventually going to the highest bidder. The reason I say they need to know now is because if he is EVER going to be an Atlanta Brave… he needs to be learning a new position (where ever that may be) sooner rather than later.

Unless McCann walks out in front of a truck.

It’s an old baseball saying AND…a country song.

Play me or Trade me.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 3, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

DOB

Your 10:30 post telling everyone to calm down inspired me. I even googled this term, with no hits. Maybe I should trademark it before revealing it on the blog. Nah, here goes.

Braves fans and bloggers on the Man in Black Blog have……

SALTALAMANIA!!!

When Pete, Skip and Boog are talking about Saltalamania… when fans are holding up signs in the stands proclaiming Saltalamania… when we convert Journalist Jimmy Smith from ToeMania to Saltalamania… when SJA goes Saltalamania on other bloggers, remember, you read it here first!!

By BIG DADDY

May 3, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, you are a good writer but I have been watching major league baseball a hell of a lot longer than you have and I have been writing about it for a number of years also.

I have been observing talent at every level and every stage for about 60 years. I well remember when Eddie Mathews was an 18 year old outfielder who was sent to Atlanta to work with Dixie Walker and Dixie was given orders to convert Eddie to a third baseman.

Now to Salty. There is a fine talent in that young man in my very long term opinion. He has a very good level swing and he looks very good behind the plate. He would make a good catcher but as you have said, we already have one (two) back there.

To trade such a prospect for a journeyman 3rd tier pitcher would be foolhardy. Potential hitting talent like Salty doesn’t come along that often and he should not be traded for any reason I can think of.

Since the Braves have a good tandem of catchers now why not move him to LF? It makes a hell of a lot of good sense to me and apparently to a lot of other folks too. I’ll lay my opinion of baseball talent alongside yours any day.

Now blast away, swing for the fences.

By Ron

May 3, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

I see what DOB is saying by he should stay at Catcher for now, but at the end of the season, when it is November, just like KJ did, they can teach Salty to play LF!!! No harm in that, and I agree with DOB, Thorman is going to be a beast at 1B, and he can pick it at 1B also!!! And if the Braves decide to trade him fine, but JS aint gonna trade him unless he gets exactly what he wants. How many BAD trades has JS made since he has been our GM, Only ONE, Not too bad at all, I trust whatever the Braves do with Salty that it will be the right decision!!! But there is no harm in the offseason to let him learn how to play a new position, just in case. NO HARM AT ALL!!!

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 3, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss has decided to not read anymore of these AJC blogs for fear that some of the ignorance and stupidity that comprises most of the comments contained therein may be contagious, thereby diluting my astute mental processes…

SJA - its not your reading of the blog we have a problem with. It’s the fact that you post. Can we have your promise you are gone forever? You have said this, like 176 times before, but always come back. You’re like a fricking wart on a frogs arse. You can cover it up, you can cut it off, you can apply all the WartAway one wants, but that damned, pain in the arse, butt ugly, annoying, canterkerous wart keeps coming back. Shall you provide us with the cure for the common wart, and simply go away?

By F A Skippy

May 3, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Scalp Em I believe steals are overrated in todays game.Johnson is an excellent base runner. I can’t recall a time when he didn’t hustle, made a mistake leading to an out or failed to move up.I’m not saying steals are useless,I will say that Johnson is every bit as effective a base runner as Furcal and Furcal was very overrated as a leadoff by most fans.He was under average most of his career in Atlanta.

By 96,sc

May 3, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Is Salty not athletic enough DOB? Your comment that ” power hitting LF are a dime a dozen” I wish to debate. We haven’t had a powerhitting LF since Hoss moved back to 3rd. Don’t get me wrong, I like Willie there also. Salty is our #1 prospect and he is older than the baby braves that were brought up. I would rather see Brandon Jones but if Salty is that good, let MLB see it.

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

Krath.

Good post. Personally, I don’t think anything needs to be done this year. Send Salty back down as a catcher, and bring him back up when the roster expands. Someone mentioned him as a potential DH. Gotta love the implication of that !!!

I don’t believe that a player who is capable to handle 2 positions is a bad thing (why is Orr here). Obviously we want him to be solid in the primary position (which is easier said than done). If Salty is a 4 tool player (which looks like a possibility), then a second position may be well within his abilities. And shouldn’t hurt his trade value.

Anyhow, I don’t believe that it’s too expensive to keep him at catcher for a year or two. That’s a tough position. And not many young kids make the MLB transition as easily as McCann.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Big Daddy:

You proclaim to be an expert and a writer. Shall you reveal your writings to us so that we may assess your ability to evaluate talent? I thought not.

I do agree with you about trading young Saltalamachia for pitching. Outside of one young John Smoltz, our trades for pitchers have not been outstanding. Hampton was great while healthy, but, he hasn’t been healthy in a good long while. Len Barker? Enough said - worst trade since 1966, in my opinion. Seemingly great pitchers are so easily injured - Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Mike Hampton, Pedro Martinez, Francisco Liriano, etc. I can understand a pitcher being injured taking a line drive in the grill - but they are so fragile these days!

I like Saltalamachia as a catcher. I like McCann as a catcher. Tough situation, no doubt - but no need to rush to judgment. Both are very young, very talented, and barring catastrophic injury, have bright futures ahead of them. I’ll leave it to JS and BC to make the decision.

By Ron

May 4, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Krath, your right let Salty learn a new position in the offseason or we should expect him to be traded, simple as that!!!

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB how does the Langerhans deal change now that he has been turned around to the Nats. That doesn’t affect the fact that we will get a player to be named or cash from the A’s, does it? Or does that responsibility shift to the Nats?

I’m getting more confused by the day…

By fastasballs

May 4, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

The D-Backs just blew a 4-3 lead in the 9th.

By F A Skippy

May 4, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Salty in left ? it’s hard to believe that big body would be quick enough or agile enough to be adequate out there.

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

This topic has already been beaten to death today, but let’s keep whipping the dead horse. Unless the Braves are leaning strongly in the direction of trading Saltalamacchia, at some point in the near future he is going to have to learn another position. McCann is a catcher. Period. With his size Salty seems like he can play somewhere else, either 1B or (preferably) LF.

When do the Braves begin taking a look at him at other position? Doesn’t have to be this season, but they can’t wait until he is major league ready. Maybe they give him a crash course in the instructional league.

No offense, folks, but a lot of these fantasy trades being concocted here are MIB denizen versions of Star Wars geeks making up their own stories about Wookies. Not much else to do in mom and dad’s basement, I guess.

All the Salty talk has buried discussion of who is going to take Redman’s spot in the rotation, at this time a more pressing concern. Davies and the new starter will get several opportunities the next few weeks. The Braves have been winning just about every time the first 3 starters have taken the mound, but they’re record with Davies and Redman isn’t so hot. That needs to change soon, because the first 3 aren’t going to win at this rate all season.

Those of you hankering for an end to platooning, should look at tapes of KJ hitting against Oliver Perez and envision Thorman at the plate. There are some lefties it might be advisable for Thorman to face, but guys like Perez and Hamels are not among them. Wilson has hit lefties most of his career. Because he’s struggling the first month of the season, a lot of you panic-button pushers want him out of there now, just like you wanted KJ out of the lineup after the first 2 or 3 games and Thorman after the first 2 or 3 weeks.

Grow up people. This ain’t football, where everybody gets to spout off for six days after every game. Patience, people. Or didn’t you notice that the team is in first place and several players pronounced dead by many of you “experts” are alive and quite well.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Skippy:

I don’t disagree with your comments on KJ being a good baserunner. He is smart.

Neither do I disagree with your comment that Furcal is a cement head. But, I definitely do disagree with you about the stolen base issue. Furcal stole an average of 33 bases a year while with the Braves. He was caught stealing an average of 9 times per year. Good, not great numbers. But, he worried the crap out of pitchers and catchers with every pitch, which has an effect on how batters are pitched to. 33 steals - 33 times per year he moved from a non-scoring position to a scoring position - possibility of 33 more runs scored. That is creating havoc.

Please don’t take my comments about KJ as criticisms. I love the guy. He is a complete baseball player at this point. His OBP is through the roof, and he will score runs. But, he’s not going to steal 30 bases a year, and the pitcher knows it.

By 96,sc

May 4, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Krath, Big Daddy, good posts. I really like Willie and these Braves, but this is not a small ball team.

By BIG DADDY

May 4, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

Scalp ‘Em Braves said,

“Big Daddy:

You proclaim to be an expert and a writer. Shall you reveal your writings to us so that we may assess your ability to evaluate talent? I thought not.”

Scalp ‘EM, I didn’t “proclaim” anything. I simply stated a fact. I happen to be a columnist for a few small town papers across the south and my identity is my business. I write mostly on political affairs but do an occasional column on baseball. My background and experiences in baseball are factual. And although I live in Florida I also have a home in the Atlanta area and am a member of the Georgia Press Association.

I don’t choose to share my identity with you or anyone else on a blog such as this. And what you believe makes absolutely no impact on me one way or another. I simply don’t care.

I think Salty is a very talented young man. The Braves should not lose him for anything other than first line talent. He is that good and will prove it some day soon for some team.

Incidentally, I live only 35 miles from where he grew up in Florida and I have watched him since his high school days.

Now if you want to rant and rave and insult people please be my guest and have at it. As far as I am concerned sir, you are an empty suit. I’m now going to bed. See you tomorrow.

By ColoradoBravesFan

May 4, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

Former Braves didn’t do well against the RED SOX… Manny Ramirez had the breakout game he was due for, clubbing two homers, the latter of which snapped a 7-7 tie in the bottom of the eighth. Ramirez’s game-winner — a towering drive over the Boston bullpen in right-center — was struck off Chris Reitsma. Horam Ramirez was the starter and gave up 7 even runs in 4 innings

By F A Skippy

May 4, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Scalp Em If we can have the steals and keep the rest I’ll take em.The place I like speed best is at second where the pitcher has to crane his neck,that can really throw them off their game.

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Internet sites (atlantabraves.com and espn.com) are showing Salty at 6’4” 195 lbs.

They show Frenchy at 6’4 220 lbs.

Assuming Salty is 250 lbs, his stride is so big it doesn’t seem that he should be deemed “slowfooted”. But what does everyone else think?

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Regarding team speed at the leadoff spot… I don’t think stolen bases are that necessary when your next 4 hitters have OPS .850-.1111. I’d rather not risk the out.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

Those Richmond Braves are blowing the doors off the international league. They swept tonights double header 4-0 and 5-4 to lead the AAA league with an 18-5 record. Macay McBride is slated to make his fourth straight start tomorrow night and it sure looks as if the Braves are going to give him a go in the rotation sometime soon.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Anybody see Baldelli’s homer tonight? Wow. I think it cleared the catwalk in the dome at St. Pete.

By gotigers72

May 4, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

DOB - I realize that we fans are ridiculous sometimes with our rantings and wishes. Wanting to move players from position to position, call up the entire minor league roster, etc. However, you have to realize that everyone wants to play with the new toy until the newness wears off or it breaks, and then they want another new toy. It doesn’t make any sense most of the time, but it’s fun to think about playing with the new toy.

I am a big college football fan, and the saying around here [due to blogs and talk shows], is that the most popular player on the team is the backup QB. How true that is. The most popular player on the Braves team is the hottest minor league player. Or maybe KJ for now.

By georage

May 4, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this

Actually, catchers with GREAT bats are typically moved to another position. They are not kept at catcher to “increase their value.”

Instead, they ARE moved to other positions to extend their careers and get them in the lineup everyday (catchers usually miss a game a week).

Josh Willingham is a recent example of a power bat catcher being moved from behind the plate to a position where he can play every day and not ruin his knees.

Others include Ryan Garko and Mike Jacobs.

Daric Barton in the A’s organization is a catcher moved to another position to get his bat in the lineup daily.

Typically, if a catcher has a GREAT bat, he is moved.

By F A Skippy

May 4, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

meansonny He looked slow getting nailed at the plate the other night.

By Curt

May 4, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

I have been keeping track of Baldelli all season. I still wish we could have gotten him some how.

Salty for Baldelli anyone……?

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

Big Daddy: you typed Now if you want to rant and rave and insult people please be my guest and have at it. As far as I am concerned sir, you are an empty suit.

My “rant” tonight has been limited to what was intended to be a humurous post toward a blogger with whom I have had a mutually insulting relationship for quite some time now. He doesn’t take me seriously, and I don’t take him seriously - it is all in fun, and doesn’t concern you in the least.

You, sir, are the one who proclaimed your expertise in evaluating baseball talent, stating I have been observing talent at every level and every stage for about 60 years. I could care less about your identity. I would be satisfied if you just posted ONE article you have written here on this blog, sans your name, to back up your statements. That is all I was challenging you to do.

As for your having watched Jared Saltalamachia since he was in high school, might we be privy to one of your insightfull and foretelling articles from his early days (posted, of course, anonymously) here, so that you can put your money where your fingers are?

I have never proclaimed myself to be an expert here. I am a fan, like 99% of the others here - we have a few self proclaimed experts who criticize every play, every at bat, every decision to decision to let the pitcher stay in, every decision to change pitchers, etc. I am not one of them, sir. I state my opinion, which with $1.00 these days will buy you a bag of chips or a soft drink, same as anybody else here, including you. Most of my statements are in support of the players and management. If that rubs you the wrong way, sorry for my folly.

As for me being an “empty suit”, I guarantee you I fill out a suit quite well, every work day. Your post to which I responded demonstrates that you are an arrogant, chest puffing, egotistical, know it all, empty head. And good night to you, sir.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Mr.Baseball , Salty’s immediate value is as a catcher , for the Braves. His future trade value for the Braves is as a catcher. How many slugging , switch hitting , rifle armed catchers are their in the majors as we speak ? Amswer is: ZILCH , NONE , NADA. Salty is on a whole new level all by himself. The Braves most pressing need is starting pitching. Put two and two together and tell me what you come up with. By the way , the Mets are running neck and neck with us , they have El Duque(15 day) and Pedro on the D.L. , both will probably be back before the all-star break.

By TheTeflonSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Scalp ‘uuuuuuuuum…I didn’t say I was leaving the blog…I said I wasn’t reading the damn blog anymore, mainly because of uneducated and nosy morons just like you, with your bromidic comments and childish name calling…I simply skim over the crap, takes about 15 seconds, and that tells me all I need to know…little big man…

…and who is the “we” in, “it’s not your reading of the blog that ‘we’ have a problem with”?…when you gain control over the AJC, then I’ll become your problem, until then, I’m none of your concern, just give the ol’ scroll wheel a flick with your bony, little finger, which even you should be capable of mastering, and scroll your pompous, little A$s on past my posts, chief!…now I’m finished with you…run along now…

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

Meansonny, the internet sites just take those weights off the team media guide and/or roster, which has often not been updated since the kid signed. That’s the case with Salty. He hasn’t been 195 pounds in years. That was his weight when he signed.

He’s 230-235 pounds. I asked him in spring training.

And I was impressed watching him run. Not blazing, but not at all a plodder. Pretty athletic-looking rounding the bases, actually, for such a big guy.

GEORAGE, I don’t really see where you made much of a point. For every guy you named, we could name two guys who’ve stayed at catcher. I mean, you didn’t exactly give us a bunch of young superstars there.

How ‘bout Joe Mauer? AL batting champion, and I don’t see Minnesota talking about moving him. Or McCann, who competed for the NL batting title last year. Braves aren’t talking about moving him. That’s two absolutely terrific 23-year-old hitters, average and power guys, who are very young and their teams haven’t talked of moving them.

If the Braves didn’t have a great young catcher signed to a long-term deal, they wouldn’t even THINK of moving Salty. So your point just doesn’t seem to be a very strong one, in my opinion.

Here at Georgia Tech, they have a lock high-first-round pick in this June’s draft, Matt Wieters, listed at 6-5 and 230. And though he also is a closer, most scouts agree his future is behind the plate. Don’t hear folks talking about moving him to, say, first base, and he’s 6-foot-5.

How ‘bout Kurt Suzuki of Oakland A’s, 23 years old and stuck behind Jason Kendall for now. Don’t hear them talking about moving him to another position, despite power potential and a high average and OBP (.283 avg and .386 OBP in five minor league seasons before this one).

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

Curt, I wouldn’t do Salty for Baldelli straight up, no way. Not with Baldelli’s injury history. He’s an outfielder with power, speed, etc. Salty’s a switch-hitting slugger of a catcher with no knee, shoulder, elbow injuries to speak of. I think one’s got more value because of his position and his health history. That’s Salty.

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

Thanks Skippy. I caught the beginning of the game on the Braves Radio Network. I saw him hustle down the line on his groundout to third in the 9th I believe. Didn’t seem too bad for a big guy.

How do ya really feel Scalp Em?

DOB. Thanks for the new blog today. I appreciate the effort on the off day. Even though the comments appeared to frustrate you at times tonight, it appeared much more “upbeat, optimistic, and less hostile” than many other game nights.

Anyhow. Please know that you are appreciated.

Go Braves. Beat the Bums!

By Coach

May 4, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

Salty and McBride for Scott Kazmir and get ready to celebrate winning the division. Of course you ask why would the Devil Rays do such a thing ? First , they are not going to win with Kazmir. They sure as hell are not going to catch the Redsox and the way Cleveland , Detroit and Minnesota are playing it doesn’t take a rocket scientist for the folks in Tampa to realize they are all but eliminated from the playoffs already. Salty is worth a front line starter all by himself , throw in a guy like McBride to fill that spot in thier rotation and it’s a done deal.

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

Coach, Agreed about the unique value Salty brings to a trade.

But I don’t think that uniqueness trumps the rest of the leagues demand to hold on / acquire quality pitching.

IE. You give up quality hitting when you have an abundance of it, and have needs elsewhere (ie. trading LaRoche for Gonzo).

Do you see Salty able to get anything better than a good #3 pitcher with upside? I frankly think that a heads up deal wouldn’t yield anything close to that right now.

Anyhow, I agree with a previous post that starting pitching is probably going to have to come through Free Agency.

By TheTeflonSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

Scalp ‘Em—easy on that ‘journalist’ there…oh, wait just a minute, just like the cons in the ‘big house’—“everybody is innocent”—same with this blog, hell, “everybody is a damn journalist”!!…

…and you know that these journalists, especially some who post here, are of a very delicate nature, finespun indeed…you might do irreparable damage to someones’ poetic psyche…

…might destroy the career of a future Walter Cronkite, or a John Cameron Swayze, or maybe even another damn Howard Cosell…

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Mr Baseball, good post earlier, about the fantasy trades and eventually considering Salty for another position, etc.

Matthew, why would the responsibility for fulfilling the Langerhans player-to-be-named or cash fall on Washington? Two separate trades. The Nats had to send Snelling to Oakland to get Langerhans, so why would they then also have to send money or a player to the Braves? That wouldn’t make sense. They’d be paying twice for Langerhans, making two trades to get one player hitting .060 or whatever it is now. And Oakland, in that scenario, would have given up nothing to get Snelling, since they didn’t have Langerhans a week ago and would then have Snelling, with Washington paying the Braves for Langerhans? Get what I’m saying?

Two separate trades, Braves will still get a player to be named or cash from Oakland. But as I’ve said before, it’s going to be a marginal player or insignificant amount of cash.

By Curt

May 4, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

DOB

I understand that Baldy for Salty wouldnt be the best trade at the moment, especially, as you pointed out, remembering that he has been prone to injury. I think that this trade could be one that could happen in the future, maybe after this season when Baldy has proved to be able to stay healthy all season and Salty has continue to rake in the minors. Especially if that is a world where Andruw has walked. If my memory serves correctly werent the Rays asking for Salty along with I think think Chucky for Baldy this past winter? If that is right then maybe when Salty has matured more they may see it as a worth wild straight up trade.

Your thoughts?

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

DOB. I’m more of a Braves fan than a baseball fan (typical Atlantan).

But doesn’t Mauer DH? I don’t follow the Twins. But I’ve read bloggers post that he gets plenty of playing time in his rest days (as opposed to McCann who pinch hits in the 8th or 9th).

By Ron

May 4, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

OKAY, I am tired of people sayin how they could not imagine Salty in LF, because he is too big at 235lbs. Okay I found other players that weigh at least 225lbs and that are playing the Outfield in the Major Leagues, you people might have heard of these guys!!!

Vlad Guerrero 6-3 height 235lbs

Carlos Lee 6-2 240lbs

Vernon Wells 6-1 225lbs

Kevin Mench 6-0 225lbs

Cliff Floyd 6-4 230lbs

Jonny Gomez 6-1 225lbs

Elijah Dukes 6-2 250lbs

Carlos Quentin 6-1 225lbs

Matt Kemp 6-2 230lbs

Joe Borchard 6-4 230lbs

Moises Alou 6-3 225lbs

These are just some of the names, I did not look at all the teams, but everybody that says they cannot imagine Salty playing LF, well that should clear it up, Of course the Braves would have to teach him the position in the offseason if they want to. I was surprised to see Elijah Dukes of the Devil Rays to weigh 250lbs, I think that might have been a typo but whatever, it might be right, but this shows all of yall that he is not too big to play LF, hell Vernon Wells weighs 225lbs and he is a great CF, imagine that!!! Find a better reason why he cannot play LF, all of you boneheads that say he cant. And if you do not belive this information that I have given you then look it up at MLB.com and go to the teams, pick one and go to Rosters, 40 man Rosters and you will see the Players names. Belive that people!!! Somebody previously said on this blog that Salty weighs 250lbs, you are a DAMN moron, no way he weighs that DAMN much, hell on the MLB.com site he is listed as 195lbs, and then other people have said he weighs 235lbs, well whatever he weighs he can indeed play the Outfield he is not TOO DAMN BIG!!!

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

96, sc wrote: “Your comment that ”power hitting LF are a dime a dozen” I wish to debate. We haven’t had a powerhitting LF since Hoss moved back to 3rd.”

Just because the Braves haven’t had a power-hitting LF since Chipper does nothing to change the fact that there are far, far more power-hitting LFs among the 30 major league teams than their are switch-hitting slugging catchers, or just slugging catchers. Come on, man, that’s not even open for debate.

If it came to that, Braves could trade Salty for a proven left fielder next winter, and possibly get some pitching help _ I’m just throwing out scenarios to make a point _ rather than stick a catching prospect with very little major league experience at any position, stick him in left field and hope he can prosper. In LF, he would likely be somewhere between Pat Burrell and Adam Dunn defensively.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this

What is it with this penchant for pulling up AA players, we seem to have here? We called up a good bit of AA a couple of years ago out of necessity. Look at how many of those 18 rookies panned out-Betemit is gone and ineffective. Devine is in the minors. McBride is in the minors. Boyer has been hurt ever since. KJ spent an entire year injured. Lerew was never effective. Davies troubles have been well documented. In other words, Francoeur and McCann have remained unscathed. Calling up AA players, except in extreme circumstances is not a good thing. We DO have a AAA team in Richmond. Salty needs to develop. So does Brandon Jones, Matt Harrison, JoJo Reyes, Van Pope, Dan Smith and the whole bunch of them. Rushing them along is not necessary. See my earlier post. There are good people at AAA-Pitchers, infielders and outfielders-catchers, too. Leave the kids alone.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

Can’t you dullards get it thru your thick Neanderthal skulls that talented young catchers are far more valuable to an organization than “dime a dozen” left fielders?…

I don’t think Saltalamacchia has earned that demotion just yet…

By Lew

May 4, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

Coach-The Rays have an awesome offense this year and are deep. They have stated unequivocably that any deals they make will be for good ML ready starting pitching. Kazmir is the centerpiece of their staff. They are not going to trade him. They are looking for more pitching. Consider how poor the Yankees pitching is. The Red Sox pitching is subject to major problems, too. The Rays are not as far out of it as you might think with the boomers they now have.

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this

Ron, Salty appeared about 2 inches tall on my TV screen. I agree he’s no way close to 250 lbs :)

Coach, I’d love a Kazmir. But I can’t imagine a GM keeping his job trading away 1 of his 2 decent starters (a 23 year old at that).

Doesn’t it all start with pitching? We’re complaining about our #4 and #5 (or lack of a true #3 to solve all the problems in one swoop). The DRAYs would gripe about their 2-5 rotation after dropping Kazmir. And that would only worsen things for their sorry @$& bullpen.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this

AA players are paid less money to play on cheap-A$s teams…

By Coach

May 4, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

WHAT ????? Lew , have you lost your mind. The Redsox have the most dominant rotation we have seen in years , they are going to run away with the A.L. east.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this

Ron, thank you for helping to make my precise point about how many power-hitting left fielders there are in the majors, as opposed to slugging switch-hitting catchers. I know you didn’t intend for your list to serve that purpose, but it does so quite nicely.

So the Braves should convert the top-rated catching prospect in all of baseball, at age 22, to left field so he can what, someday hopefully have a career half as good as a few guys on that list, or as good as a few others on that list (not to mention other LFs you didn’t include, such as Jason Bay, Alfonso Soriano, who’s now in LF, Holliday, Delluci, et al)

Why be just another slugging LF (and one with suspect defense), when he has the potential to be one of the best catchers in baseball for a long time?

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Meansonny, again, I will tell you there’s really no reason to speculate on whether he weighs 195 or 250. The man is between 230-235 pounds, where he’s been for more than a year. Period. That’s his weight. I asked him. He told me. No reason to continue guessing.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

As Lew correctly pointed out, Tampa Bay is not trading Kazmir. Not trading him. Not.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

If good power hitting outfielders are a dime a dozen, why not get $10 worth and convert them so as to be able play different positions?

Watching Eddie Mathews try to play third base … and ultimately succeed … was fun and proof positive that it can be done! He was a nice guy even if he did laugh at me when I tried to drink coke before the novacaine wore off … and that was almost 60 years ago … goodness!

Unfortunately, while it may well be true that such players are worth less than a penny each, a good idea that might have worked back when a dime had value, agents were G-Men and minimum salaries only existed in communist countries … is no longer viable.

Entitlement is a dangerous thing … and that includes opinions, there’s nothing worse than uninformed opinion … unless it’s the notion that you’re entitled to have one … there should be a rule!

Don’t confuse 3 digit players with members of the club … the fact that they are missing some toes doesn’t mean they’re intelligent.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

The Redsox Curt Schilling , Josh beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka are first rate. Tim Wakefield is dependable as always and Jon Lester is about to rejoin that rotation. Then when you consider the fact that the Redsox are already 18-9 and it’s a no brainer. the Redsox win the A.L. east running away.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

huh?…

By Lew

May 4, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this

Coach-Do you seriously believe that Schilling, Beckett and Wakefield will maintain ERA’s under 3.15 for much longer? Dice K is at 5.45 and Tavarez at 7.58. Just like the Mets’ staff, Boston can’t possibly maintain this pace. Besides, we’re not just talking this season. The Rays are not going to trade Kazmir.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this

One other thing about Ron’s list: The only guys on it who are both as big and tall as Salty are Floyd, Borchard and (though not on the list) Adam Dunn. Don’ t know about Borchard, but Floyd and Dunn were exceptional multi-sport high school athletes, Floyd a basketball star in Chicago who had several Div. I scholarship offers. Dunn was a backup quarterback at Texas for a year before he opted to go pro baseball route.

Salty’s not THAT kind of athlete. And keep in mind, Dunn isn’t exactly a Gold Glover out in the field.

Floyd, by the way, used to be pretty damn fast with Florida, especially for a man that size.

By MBATL

May 4, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the earlier clary.

I don’t see Salty being moved to LF. If anything, I see him going to 1B and Thorman to LF.

But, of course it’s a basic decision for the Braves brass to make. If Salty is to be trade bait, he should stay at catcher. Obviously, he has much more “value” there.

If we want to keep him in the organization long term because of his bat, he has NO value as a catcher (barring injury to McCann). His only value is in playing somewhere else.

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I’m no Big Daddy. I’ve been writing about baseball ever since Al Gore invented the internet :)

General question as to which has more intrinsic value… a) A cheap

Another way to phrase it is 1) cheap

I’m living in “DOB’s internet fantasy league” here. But we’re on a budget. And the businessworld has taught me that you make due the best you can with the cards you’re dealt. And on a budget, comprimises and flexibility can maximize output.

After posting that. I know that Bobby doesn’t like to put players in positions that they’re uncomfortable in. Only Franchise players have been asked to carry that cross (Smoltz and Chipper).

But I personally think our budget in this current MLB environment is as big a challenge as the Mets or Marlins are.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

Coach-Besides-The Rays screwed the Mets so good on the Kazmir deal, they’ll keep him around for years hjust so they can laugh at the Mets. Victor Zambrano-Right.

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

LOL. DOB, that was a joke.

2 inches tall on TV…

Never mind.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

O’Brien , I don’t care one way or another whther such a trade would ever happen on the part of the Devil Rays. They can’t see the forrest for the tree’s and that is why they have never had a winning season.

By The Atlanta Discontinued Operations & Non-Core Assets

May 4, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this

Glad to see Professor Bob posting regularly again. Don’t always agree with him (and I am not supposed to). Don’t always appreciate the mental picture of him in a tub either. But I do love when he puts his contempt for many of us aside and regularly posts.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this

Coach-Not that I really believe the Rays will contend this year, but did you realize they are 13-15 and in second place, 5.5 games behind the Red Sox? They are not nearly as bad as you might think. One or two more decent pitchers and they DO contend.

By (clary)-ornamental potherb

May 4, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this

Aunt Clary used it too

By The Atlanta Discontinued Operations & Non-Core Assets

May 4, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this

But I personally think our budget in this current MLB environment is as big a challenge as the Mets or Marlins are.

mean sonny, the owners don’t think it is a challenge to overcome for our beloved discontinued operations and noncore assets.

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 2:04 AM | Link to this

my post got cut funny. Censorship?

Doesn’t a young, cheap talent that makes less than $500,000/yr and produces ~80 RBI with an OPS .850+ have more value to a team than a power hitting left fielder making $4,500,000 to $17,000,000? Even if there is a tradeoff in defensive capabilities?

The fact that a player can save an organization millions of dollars per season which may be allocated to starting and relief pitching (or later signing that same switch hitting player to a long term contract) has to be more valuable in this league and organization than a power hitting catcher.

The point being that we’re on a budget. And one that is challenging in this current MLB environment.

I see more value in cheap talent than trade bait for a player who’s going to tap into the self imposed salary cap.

By Ron

May 4, 2007 2:04 AM | Link to this

DOB, Dude I was hoping that he would play in Atlanta, and the only real position he would have here is LF, that was my point, No doubt he would be suspect defensively, but he has a position to play with the Braves, I do agree if he stays at Catcher he will be one of the top Catchers in baseball defensively and offensively, no question about it. I was just trying to find him a position in Atlanta, thats all!!!

By The Atlanta Discontinued Operations & Non-Core Assets

May 4, 2007 2:07 AM | Link to this

Is there a Tampa connection to this blog that I am missing? I think there is more commentary on the Devil Rays here than probably appears on Devil Rays blogs. If out owners call the winners of 14 straight division titles noncore assets and discontinued operations, then what the heck do the Devil Rays owners call their team?

When AOL/TW finalizes the sale to LM, is the name of our team going to be officially changed from the Atlanta Discontinued Operations and NonCore Assets to the Atlanta Tax Breaks?!?!?!

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this

Walter’s Dad … how’s Walter, Walter’s dad, and Walter’s Dad’s Dad?

I can believe that you asked the “player to be named later” question … far more than I can believe that David answered it. I’ve often wondered if “naming a player later” meant that (a) they hadn’t yet decided upon a name for the player, (b) were keeping us in suspense by not telling us who he was, or (c) couldn’t make up their mind as to which of the players they most wanted to be rid.

Honorable Southern

these journalists, especially some who post here, are of a very delicate nature, finespun indeed…you might do irreparable damage to someones’ poetic psyche … it’s good to see some evidence that someone appreciates us and understands our situation.

By Drew

May 4, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this

DOB, off the topic of Salty, if Andruw walks, do you think the Braves would consider bringing Ichiro in? I’d think his price would be lower and I think he’d bring in a lot of interest as well as a Japanese fan base.

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 2:16 AM | Link to this

The Atlanta Discontinued Operations & Non-Core Assets

The fact that current ownership doesn’t think it’s a challenge… is what makes it a challenge to John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox. They manage it well.

But the point is that there’s an added value in quality players that produce for less than $500,000 per season.

Imagine a lineup with Chipper, Renteria, and a CF to be named later as being the only position players over $2,500,000 next season.

Frenchy, McCann, Kelly, Thorman, Salty/Willie Harris

We’re talking about added value in your starting rotation. And added value in your bullpen. It will even lead to value (average costing) in signing that same player to a long term deal later on (ie. McCann averaging under $5M/season)

By journalist eric carmen

May 4, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this

“When I was young I never needed anyone And blogging was just for fun Those days are gone

Blogging alone I think of all the friends I’ve known

By Coach

May 4, 2007 2:19 AM | Link to this

Kazmir won’t be traded by the Devil Rays , got to remember that one….lol. Yes , O’Brien he will eventually be traded. The D-rays own his rights till 2010 and they will get as much mileage out of him as possible before he is traded. They are cursed to be stuck in the same division as the Redsox and Yankees , sucks to be them.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

Lew says the Devil Rays can contend in the same Division as the Redsox and Yankees , I’m gonna be laughing for a week , thats funny stuff , Lew !

By journalist eric carmen

May 4, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this

But when I dial the telephone Nobody’s home

All by myself Don’t wanna blog All by myself anymore All by myself Don’t wanna blog All by myself anymore

Hard to be sure Some times I feel so insecure And love so distant and obscure Remains the cure

All by myself Don’t wanna blog All by myself anymore All by myself Don’t wanna blog All by myself anymore”

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 2:28 AM | Link to this

Did a journalist convention just let out?

By journalist john cameron swayze

May 4, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this

“Takes a licking, and keeps on ticking!”

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

Ron: I see you’re still with us at this late hour, so I’ll ask a question: Which one of the GM’s bad trades is the only one in your book?

Justice & Grissom for Lofton & Embree? Dye for Lockhart & Tucker? the absolute horrendous Boone/Klesko fiasco? the acquisition of Kolb? the steep price he paid for renting Drew for a year? the potential price for the short term rental of Farnsworth (jury still out on that one)?

His track record is pretty good, especially pre-1997, but it hasn’t been that great the past decade, at least until the last season or 2 — Hudson, Renteria, Wickman and Soriano/ Gonzalez (we hope) — when he’s seemingly returned to his earlier form.

By mad dawg

May 4, 2007 2:40 AM | Link to this

We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful. - Warren Buffett

By jimmy buffett

May 4, 2007 2:50 AM | Link to this

“I’d rather die while I’m living then live while I’m dead.”…jimmy buffett

By Ron

May 4, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this

mr baseball, Justice and Grissom trade for Lofton and Embree was not a bad trade, yes it does not look good when you look at it, but we were not going to be able to afford Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux. Simple as that we could not afford them all and Justice was due to make some money, not a bad trade. Dye for Lockhart and Tucker, that was also not a bad trade, we got alot out of Tucker and Lockhart, they helped us alot, and yes look at what Dye has done, a very good player. When did we make that trade after 97 season or before, dont remember exactly, but when did Dye really do good in 2000 with the Royals. At the time it needed to be done, not sayin it was a great trade or nothing like that just sayin it was not a bad trade. The Cappelan (or whatever his name is) trade for Kolb was not a bad trade when it was first made, we needed a closer and he was available, it aint like Cappelan has done anything in the Majors. So basically it was a wash, not a great trade, but not a bad trade. The King, Marquis, and Wainwright trade for Drew was not a bad trade either, we needed another bat and he played great for us, we would not have won the division that year without him, and the only one that was real good for them is Wainwright, but it was worth it at that time. The Ramon Colon and (I think Miner) also was in the trade for Farnsworth was also not a bad trade, we needed Farnsworth down the stretch and he was AWESOME before game 4 of the NLDS against the Astros, but before he was Awesome, not a bad trade. Now this was the BAD trade that I was talkin about when we traded Boone, and Klesko for Veras, Brogna, and Sanders. I did not like that trade when it happened. But I kind of understand that trade a little bit I guess, Veras was a speedy 2nd baseman and was a good player, and Brogna was a descent player at 1st Base, and Sanders was a real good LF, BUT Brogna was Pathedic, Veras got hurt, and Sanders got Hurt, but if they stayed healthy who knows we might have had a different outlook, but they did get hurt and Klesko got to play Everyday in San Diego and was very good and Boone well not trying to speculate, but was probably on the JUICE after he left San Diego to go to Seatle. That trade could have been alot different if those guys stayed healthy!!!

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 3:05 AM | Link to this

Glad to see Professor Bob posting regularly again … I’ve been called many things but the only faculties with which my name could ever have been properly associated were my own … and alas, they too now seem to be leaving.

However, my mother thanks you; my father thanks you; my sister and my brother thank you too! My dog would too but it is no longer in bloom.

Were it not for the Hot Tub, my posts would be even less frequent …

It’s certainly possible to lose one’s passion as a result of negative influences but in pondering the notion that I have contempt for anyone on the Blog … I find it to miss the mark; excluding those very few who fall below same, of course.

Apologies to Mr. George M, and good night Gracie

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 3:09 AM | Link to this

The worst trade ever was Erin Andrews for Chip Carey!…

By Ron

May 4, 2007 3:30 AM | Link to this

SJA, Dude I do miss Erin Andrews, but I do get to see her on ESPN every now and again. Almost forgot about her!!! I wish we could trade for her and put her in the Braves dugout, Wishful thinkin I guess!!!

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 3:52 AM | Link to this

Esteemed Ugandan Journalist,

It’s true that the Blog seems to refresh more quickly … maybe it’s in honor of the Queen being at the Kentucky Derby!

It’s rumored that her reason for attending is that she can’t place wagers through her normal outlets!

It is true that some Internet betting outlets will not be carrying the race. The rights to wagering on the Derby are controlled by TrackNet Media Group, which is the joint venture formed by Churchill Downs Inc. and Magna Entertainment Corporation.

As a condition for accepting wagers on the Kentucky Derby, TrackNet has evediently demanded that outlets stop carrying races from a number of tracks.

These include such major tracks as Aqueduct, Belmont, Calder, Del Mar, Hollywood Park, Monmouth Park, The Meadowlands, Santa Anita, and Saratoga.

Methinks it’s another example of what happens in sport when organizations with outside interests get involved in ownership.

Of course, gambling has always been integral part of the sport, but it’s disappointing to see that virtually every track web site includes more information about the “slots” than the races.

By bergian

May 4, 2007 5:51 AM | Link to this

Coach,Lew is absolutely right on about the Devil Rays! Have you ever noticed how much talent they have, and how well they are doing this year? They have beaten the you know what out of a very good Twins team so far this year (Not saying they will compete this year, but they have always beaten up the Yankees even when they were a 50-60 win team) First off, Kazmir is not the only starter the Devil Rays have right now. James Shields has pitched at least 6 1/3 innings in EVERY start this year! How many Braves starters can make that statement? Just one, Tim Hudson. Shields ERA is under 4. He has more than a strikeout an inning. And he has a killer Change-up. So, they would be beyond stupid to give up ANY starting pitching. Al Reyes has 9 saves and a 1.38 ERA, so there whole bullpen doesn’t suck, just most of it. ;) 2nd, they have on paper, just as much offensive talent as ANY team in baseball. B.J. Upton, who should be an outfielder, can’t be one, since they have so many talented outfielders. He makes do ok at second base though, and is hitting .382, best in the AL. Lets see who else do they have, Delmon Young, has a .284 career B.A. at the age of 21. Guess he’s Ok. Ever heard of this guy, Carl Crawford? He is a completely unknown outfielder who apparently is OK as well, at the old age of 25, he is hitting .291 with 4 HR’s and 17 RBI. He’s batting 3rd now, so not as many steals, just 7 so far. Another old timer of 25, Rocco Baldelli is hitting .273 with 5 homers and 12 rbi’s while batting leadoff these days. Playing part time, is Elijah Dukes, who probably has as much talent as anyone on the team, and hits the ball as far as anyone. Oh, forgot to mention Akinori Iwamura, an ancient Japanese player (28 years young) who before he got injured was hitting .339 and looked to be as good a 3rd baseman as there is in the A.L. But yeah coach, they should just give up any hope of ever being competitive (they are in 3rd place right now ahead of the Yankees and Orioles by the by) and just trade Kazmir for a hitting prospect.

By bergian

May 4, 2007 5:59 AM | Link to this

Folks, correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Andruw Jones have his best offensive year the year he had that very wide stance? Quite Dave Kingman like, I recall. Very little movement , but he hit 51 homers, often with the game on the line, and many to right-center? Since he is in love with the long ball, why the hell did he go away from that? He is trying to see if he can blow a disc out and tear his ACL on in one swing? Just wondering……

By bergian

May 4, 2007 6:01 AM | Link to this

Drat, forgot about spacing….once more, with feeling!

Coach, Lew is absolutely right on about the Devil Rays! Have you ever noticed how much talent they have, and how well they are doing this year? They have beaten the you know what out of a very good Twins team so far this year (Not saying they will compete this year, but they have always beaten up the Yankees even when they were a 50-60 win team)

First off, Kazmir is not the only starter the Devil Rays have right now. James Shields has pitched at least 6 1/3 innings in EVERY start this year! How many Braves starters can make that statement? Just one, Tim Hudson. Shields’ ERA is under 4. He has more than a strikeout an inning. And he has a killer Change-up. So, they would be beyond stupid to give up ANY starting pitching. Al Reyes has 9 saves and a 1.38 ERA, so there whole bullpen doesn’t suck, just most of it. ;)

2nd, they have on paper, just as much offensive talent as ANY team in baseball. B.J. Upton, who should be an outfielder, can’t be one, since they have so many talented outfielders. He makes do ok at second base though, and is hitting .382, best in the AL. Lets see who else do they have, Delmon Young, has a .284 career B.A. at the age of 21. Guess he’s Ok. Ever heard of this guy, Carl Crawford? He is a completely unknown outfielder who apparently is OK as well, at the old age of 25, he is hitting .291 with 4 HR’s and 17 RBI. He’s batting 3rd now, so not as many steals, just 7 so far. Another old timer of 25, Rocco Baldelli is hitting .273 with 5 homers and 12 rbi’s while batting leadoff these days. Playing part time, is Elijah Dukes, who probably has as much talent as anyone on the team, and hits the ball as far as anyone.

Oh, forgot to mention Akinori Iwamura, an ancient Japanese player (28 years young) who before he got injured was hitting .339 and looked to be as good a 3rd baseman as there is in the A.L. But yeah coach, they should just give up any hope of ever being competitive (they are in 3rd place right now ahead of the Yankees and Orioles by the by) and just trade Kazmir for a hitting prospect.

By Bart

May 4, 2007 6:20 AM | Link to this

The only thing Langy needs is a good Optomitrist….Seriously!

By ssiscribe

May 4, 2007 6:28 AM | Link to this

Good morning, everybody. Time for a big weekend series with the boys from the Left Coast. Excited to see that Hudson is pitching Saturday, since we’ll be at the ballpark.

Here’s what is going to happen with Salty: Bobby will give him two or three more starts. He will get to pinch-hit a few times. When Pena comes back off the DL, Salty WILL go back to Double-A. He needs to play every day. He’ll be back up when the rosters expand in September, barring a season-ending injury to McCann (perish the thought).

McCann is not going anywhere; he’s the catcher now and five years from now, barring injury. Salty probably will get some time at first base in the instructional league this fall, and in spring training next year. If the kid proves he’s ready to play in the majors every day in 2008, he’ll do so at first base. But I could even see him staying in Richmond next year, especially if he cools off and doesn’t blow it out at Mississippi this season.

He’s only had a few good weeks at Double-A, and he’s yet to get his first major-league hit. Let’s slow down before we move him, trade him or annoint him for Cooperstown. He’s only 22, as has been mentioned above. What is the harm of Salty playing catcher at Double-A this year and first base at Triple-A next year, especially if you think you can then move Thorman after the 2008 season for pitching help? By then, you’re talking about Prado and Escobar in the infield, perhaps, with Salty, and maybe even Brandon Jones in center field, meaning you’ve got that core group locked up for a few years before arbitration, along with McCann and (hopefully by then) Francoeur.

But all of that is another story for another day. For now, I just hope McCann gets better, and Salty gets some good swings while he’s here.

Enjoy your day. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 6:32 AM | Link to this

Lew

Per your post of 01:24

*By Lew May 4, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this

What is it with this penchant for pulling up AA players, we seem to have here? We called up a good bit of AA a couple of years ago out of necessity.*

I was reading somewhere a couple of days ago, where most of the young major league talent is processed from the AA level these days, instead of the AAA level. The story was that at AAA, there were a lot of hangers on (ie McCarthy), some prospects who were supposed to hit it big, but maybe didn’t yet (ie Lerew), some who didn’t quite make the roster, but that the club wanted close by (ie Willie Harris) and others who might be malcontents to some degree. The big club supposedly doesn’t want those guys spoiling the “real” up and comers.

So as the story goes, the real talent comes from the AA level predominantly. Does that make sense. Anyone want to tell me where I heard that? Was it during a broadcast maybe?? Can’t remember.

See, this is what late night indigestion will get you! Too many chili dogs last night, I guess.

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 6:38 AM | Link to this

Scribe: Good points, but I would say I don’t think Prado will ever be anything more than possibly a utility infielder. He might improve his chance of making the bigs if he could play SS, which I think is a huge question mark now. I don’t think he has played much or any there yet.

He is possibly a career AAAA player.

Excellent points on Saltalamacchia!

(now if he gets 2-3 hits tonight, and maybe knocks in a couple of runs, the discussion will begin again in earnest-move him to LF, move him to 1B, trade him……..)

Now you see me, now you don’t……

By krath

May 4, 2007 6:38 AM | Link to this

After watching Salty I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out earlier. I finally realize what position he should be working on. Outside linebacker!

He’s a physical specimen!

By Ron Roberts

May 4, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this

Just got to checking out this version of DOB’s blogs, and man, this has been comical!!!

DOB, you can tell these folks that…

Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s not being moved to a new position, that Thorman’s not being replaced at 1B by him, that McCann’s not being moved to make room for Saltalamacchia….

…until you’re blue in the face. They’re jsut frothing at the mouth and getting themselves all up in a lather over a guy who’s had a quarter of a good season at AA. I know he’s a great prospect, and the Braves’ top prospect, but who on EARTH hyped these people into such a freaking frenzy???

Reading DOB continually telling some folks that none of that stuff’s gonna happen anytime soon is like having to repeatedly tell your dog to stop “chewing down there.” Y’all need one of those stop chewing cones around your necks, apparently. Haha. Kidding. Kidding.

But please, calm down. It’s gotten beyond ridiculous.

By JasonInMaine

May 4, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

The ol’ Mutts scored 6 in the 9th for the W…

I would like to see Salty in the majors as well, but let’s not get crazy! And for the record, there is obviously no comparison between where he has more value…it is as a switch-hitting slugging defensive catcher!

Regards,

Jason

By Paul

May 4, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this

Instead of talking about Salty, shouldn’t we be talking about our starters? Besides Smoltz and Hudson, its pretty bad. When is the last time James had a quality start? When was the last time we had a quality start from Redman or Davies? How nany times is the bullpen going to bail out our 3rd, 4th, and 5th starter? Dave, has there been any talk of Villareal moving to the starting rotation? He made a few good starts last year. How good would this team be if they had a healthy Hampton behind Smoltz and Hudson?

By JasonInMaine

May 4, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this

“John Maine is 4-0 and the Mets have won 15 of his last 17 starts dating back to last season.”

The Mets got Maine and Jorge Julio for Maine and then sent Julio to the D-Backs for Hernandez. It appears Maine is the real deal, and he is certainly better than any starter on the Braves staff not named Hudson or Smoltz. This was a great move by Minaya.

Regards,

Jason

By JasonInMaine

May 4, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

Paul,

You are absolutely correct. There should be a whole lot more concern about the rotation than where to play Salty. James is a 4 at best. If this team could somehow get one more quality starter, but everyone wants a King’s ransom for even a number 3. Maybe JS can work some of his old time magic and catch lightning in a bottle somewhere…

By thats_reality

May 4, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

does anyone know what teams can afford to sign andruw to a 5-7 year deal worth 17 or more per season? if we don’t resign andruw (its not looking as we will) then that will be 2 OF positions we’ll be in need of. i understand that its best for salty to get more time in the minors behind the plate. i agree that a great OF is easier to come by than a good catcher (especially a good hitting catcher). however, at some point you have to do whats best for the team and not salty. has thorman ever played the OF in the minors? might be easier to move salty to 1b. didn’t he get some time there during spring training? also, i thought oscar was going to get the start on redmans next slot?

By Ron Roberts

May 4, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

See what I mean?

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

O’Brien,

I would say what the Braves have done in the first inning is just as much a reason they’re in first place as what they’ve done in later innings. Here are some first inning stats:

27 Runs (Most in any inning)

.342 AVG (Highest of any inning)

.437 OBP (Highest of any inning)

.596 SLG (Also, highest)

Also, in late and close situations, the Braves have out-scored their opponents by only 2 runs. (Atlanta late and close—32, Opponents—30.)

You say, “Opponents are hitting just .195 in close-and-late situations, most of that against the Braves’ much-improved bullpen.”

I’m not sure where that info comes from, unless late-and-close is defined differently, but according to BaseballReference.com opponents are hitting .247 AVG/ .352 OBP/ .345 SLG in late-and-close situations (PA in the 7th or later with the batting team tied, ahead by one, or the tying run at least on deck).

The Braves are actually getting outscored in the 8th and 9th inning, oddly enough, 17-15 in both innings.

In the 7th inning the Braves have outscored their opponents 19-6.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Whenever I see incognito, I think of Foster’s … not the Australian beverages but old Foster’s Barber Shop of Little 5 Points fame … Charlie Foster gave me the first haircut I can remember in about 1940 but unrelated to that … sometime in 1949, it was decided for me that I should learn a new word every day … the key being to use each new word you learned in a different sentence, each day for a week … if the word had multiple meanings, it meant multiple sentences too. Some words got abused more than used but things went so well during the first week that some smart aleck (I hadn’t yet learned impudent) kid observed that I had doubled my usuable vocabulary in one week.

For some reason, the first “i” word that I selected was “incognito”. I was concerned that I would be hard pressed to find a use for such a strange word in conversation but was truly amazed to find that “incognito” … with which I had been totally unfamiliar … seemed to be quite common. Ignorance is indeed bliss but I’m 1,000% McGovern certain that people started using it just to help me out! How could I have missed it … it was suddenly appearing everywhere!

Later in that week, while waiting for my turn in Charlie’s chair, I started reading a “Prince Valiant” comic and there it was again … in black and white, or maybe shades of green … “Prince Valiant, while traveling incognito …”!

Unfortunately, my excursion into the wonderful world of words didn’t last very long and my recognizable and usuable vocabularies are still about the same size … but more importantly, it gave me a greater appreciation of Mr. Foster … Hal, not Charlie, who created the Prince Valiant comics.

By The Ghost of Syd Thrift

May 4, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Good morning Mr. O’Brien, Your observations on why the Braves are in first first place are very astute. They are valid if you take the short view but one of the most telling reasons the Braves are in first is due to their organizational excellence.

The continued development of fine minor league players and young talent does not happen by chance. The majority of their roster is made up of talent scouted and developed by the Braves and the rest made possible by having a surplus of players available to acquire needed pieces in trades.

It is no secret long term health and success of a franchise is dependent upon that investment. The many fans of the Braves need only to look at the amount of money the new owners are willing to spend in player development to realize the seriousness of their commitment to the City of Atlanta and the Braves.

When Major League Baseball acquired the Expo’s franchise, one of the first things they did glut their minor league operation and scouting departments. As a results it will take many years for the Nationals to catch up to teams like the Braves and the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers who have years of player development experience.

By Paul Hamilton

May 4, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Man the weirdo’s come out of the wood work on here when Salty’s name gets brought up. Some of you don’t have a clue when it comes to baseball. DOB I wouldn’t even validate some of those posts with a response. They fall into the category of Salty’s jock sniffing fan club.

And to the other Paul, yes the back end of our rotation has been terrible, yet we are in 1st Place and we already have had quite a few injuries to the pitching staff. James will come around, and hopefully Cormier gets healthy soon. Theres not much you can do at this point but wait, most teams will wait til the mid point before they start looking at dumping players.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Paul , Chuck James has actually had one quality start , five good ones and just one bad start out of a total of six. Chuck seems to have problems getting beyond the fifth inning due to his high pitch counts. You guys are correct , the back of the rotation is a real concern and I have been screaming about it since the season started. Cormier needs to get healthy , the Braves look as if they are grooming McBride for the rotation(he will make his fourth straight start in Richmond tonight) and Davies just needs to get the lead out of his butt or find the bus back to Richmond. Redman needs to go back to his basement , permanently. We started off 7-1 and have since gone 10-9 , 17-10 looks good , but not when you consider the fast start we had.

By Tommy Boy

May 4, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Everyone here acts like the transition to the outfield is easy … do we remember Chipper out there? What about Klesko. It was an adventure every time the ball was hit out that way (moreso with Klesko than Chipper).

You don’t just CONVERT a guy for the sake of converting. I don’t have the prospect list at my fingertips, but I’ll bet if you look at the Top 100 prospects in baseball, you don’t find more than 1 or 2 switch-hitting, power-hitting catchers.

Enough said. Let’s talk about something else!!!

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

DOB Thanks for the clarification during the wee hours over the Langerhans deal. I have been on some medicine this week for strep throat, and coupled with no sleep I am getting things like this confused at times. You’re right, it wouldn’t make sense to put that burden on the Nats. Thanks again.

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Here’s an inning-by-inning breakdown of the Braves’ and opponents’ scoring this season:

1st - ATL, 27, OPP 18

2nd - ATL 5, OPP 11

3rd - ATL 16, OPP 11

4th - ATL 9, OPP 3

5th - Tied with 13 apiece

6th - ATL 20, OPP 28

7th - ATL 19, OPP 6

8th - ATL 15, OPP 17

9th - ATL 15, OPP 17

Extra - ATL 3, OPP 2

Innings 1-3 - ATL 48, OPP 40

Innings 4-6 - ATL 42, OPP 44

Innings 7-9 - ATL 49, OPP 40

Extras - ATL 3, OPP 2

The Braves have outscored their opponents 63-34 with 2 outs and RISP but they’ve only outscored their opponents 109-98 overall with RISP.

Looks like the Braves are winning because of their stellar offense rather than what they do in key situations.

They’ve outscored their opponents 142-126 but they’ve allowed the 7th-most runs in the league.

The Braves are winning because of a stellar offense overall and great set-up relief (see run differential in the 7th inning).

It goes to show the games are often won and lost in 7th and not in the 9th.

By BIG DADDY

May 4, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

With McCann healthy there is no place for Salty as a catcher with the Braves. So, if the Braves want to keep their NO. 1 prospect in the system they have little choice but to switch positions with him. That was my point and still is.

On the other hand if they want to trade him then his value is greater as a switch hitting catcher with power and a good arm. No question about that.

It’s really that simple. And it doesn’t matter much where he plays, LF or 1B so long as there is a spot for him. I mentioned LF because it looks like the Braves may have a decent first baseman.

Speaking of switch hitting catchers Brayan Pena isn’t bad himself.

And speaking of switching positions the “experiment” with Kelly Johnson has certainly worked well. Or is there still a doubter among the stalwarts of this blog?

DOB, I was watching the game last night when Baldelli hit that monster. I got a kick out of him WALKING out of the batter’s box. He knew it was long gone when he hit is.

And I agree there is no way the Rays are going to trade Kazmir until he nears free agency.

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Okay, I was wrong about the first inning. The Braves’ most impressive inning, at least compared to their opponents, is the 7th.

…that’s the last I’ll say unless someone wants to discuss my breakdowns.

O’Brien, the Braves have done a good job in many clutch situations, but I’m more impressed with the overall offense, both in clutch and non-clutch situations. I would argue what they’ve done in non-clutch situations is just as big a reason they are in first as what they’ve done in clutch situations.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Ron, if We saw what you’re saying, you wouldn’t see what We’re saying … or is it … if We saw what you’re saying, We wouldn’t say what you’re seeing?

We, of course, being the guilty collective.

I must say that the young man of 22 seems much improved over the highly heralded 20 year old I saw a couple of years back … those who “think inside the box” don’t really think, they just react … why even Mr. Arron stepped out of the box a time or two.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Morning all - see the Saltalamania has continued through the night, with the occasional voice of reason and patience stepping up. And despite his promises, SJA is still reading the blog.

Interesting quote in our paper this morning.. The past is over. This is a new day in my life and I’m going to start all over - Lino Urdaneta, who brought an ERA of infinityto Mets when called up Thursday. Urdaneta gave up six runs without getting an out in his only other major league appearance

And we think we have it bad with Redman!

Muts pitching is starting to crumble, as many predicted prior to the season beginning. Pedro still on the shelf, El Duque to the DL, Glavine gave up 4 runs in 6 innings against the Snakes last night and Pelfrey is still struggling. Maine is a definite bright spot for them. Bullpen is still strong, for the most part, but some cracks are showing which do not bode well for them. The only thing that will keep them in the race is offense, and they got plenty of that.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Bob, journalist

Walter is doing much better thank you. Walter’s Dad is still hoarse from the lingering effects of strep throat and larnygitis, and Walter’s Dad’s Dad is doing well as well…they are in the process of building a new home closer to Dad’s job. Do remember Walter’s Dad’s Mom’s Dad (also known as Paw Paw) in your prayers, as he is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove a cancerous right kidney on May 21st.

Knowing my age as you do, Bob, it may surprise you to know that your line “my mother thanks you…” is not unfamiliar to me. Yankee Doodle Dandy was one of my favorite movies as a child (it still is) and James Cagney as George M. Cohan portraying FDR (“I’d Rather Be Right”) is one of the best moments in movie history. Also, the scene with the cameo by Eddie Foy is priceless.

Now, baseball (apologies to the scribe for borrowing his transition) Folks, we DO NOT NEED Rocco Balldelli for anyone on our roster, especially for Salty. Teams around the league will be drooling over him if we choose to trade him. If we convert him to a 1B or LF, then we will reap the benefits of his ability. But we should not trade him for Baldelli IMHO. If we are going to trade for one, let’s get one that is a little less injury prone, like Ken Griffey Jr. (duck to avoid beer cans and tomoatoes being thrown).

By Arkansas Hillbilly

May 4, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

I don’t know what the criteria is for the Comeback Player of the Year Award, but after only a month, I’d say we have three top candidates in Chipper, Hudson, and KJ. (If anyone of them can out-perform Derrek Lee, that is.)

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Sorry, that should say “tomatoes.” I learned to spell from Dan “Potatoe” Quayle.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

SALTALAMACCHIA TRADED TO OAKLAND FOR JAMARCUS RUSSELL

What? we could convert him into a first baseman, then make him into a #4 pitcher as well. That is, if we don’t trade him for Baldelli, Crawford, and Kazmir.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

We don’t need Baldelli or anybody else. This team is scoring 5.25 runs per game , compared to 5.22 last season. That’s plenty of offense , fix the damn pitching.

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Arkansas Hillbilly,

I would think Kelly Johnson has to be the leading candidate for Comeback Player if he keeps up something remotely close to his current level of play.

The other guys aren’t winning it. Chipper missed time last season but he still hit .324/.409/.596 with 26 homers.

Hudson’s a more viable candidate but he still won 13 games last season and wasn’t hurt for and wasn’t absolutely dreadful.

By mad dawg

May 4, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

If we are going to trade for one, let’s get one that is a little less injury prone, like Ken Griffey Jr.

Terrence Moore is angry with Matthew because Matthew just beat Terrence to the annual Terrence Moore we need to bring in Ken Griffey, Jr. article that he cuts and pasts from the previous summer every year when things get really slow during the dog days of July and August.

By journalist tootsie toes

May 4, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Another installment a series of the best in toetally award-winning toe journalism for your reading displeasure. Mark Redman toes the rubber with little success, and we are finally toeld that he has been toeting around a big, nasty, ingrown toenail, eventually making it necessary that his bloated carcass be toed away by a toetruck. How long has Mr. Redman been toeting that nasty toere up toe around?

And what of Pedro’s toe? And what of Chipper’s toes, both of them? Toes are not to be neglected. And what of Bobby’s toes? Hooves, possibly, according to some bloggers? Will Mike Hampton ever toe the rubber again? Is McCann’s injured finger as painful as an injured toe? journalist tootsie toes has many questions, must do much journalism now to locate many answers.

Bob, journalist may have been guilty of blogging while incognitoe. And when Bob is in hot tub, does professor observe much toe cleavage? Toe dough possibly? Many tough questions in the life of an award-winning toe journalist’s lonely quest for answers. And that’s the way it is May 4th. 2007…Good day

By Carroll

May 4, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Incognito: you hit the nail on the head with your AA vs AAA analysis. By the way, the great Lewis Grizzard once said that “chili dogs bark at night.” Keep that in mind next time you make one of those late-evening “V-runs” LOL!

By Ron Robets

May 4, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Scalp’em… the reason we’re neck and neck with the Mets is because we only have two mostly-effective pitchers in our rotation right now. We have Smoltz and Hudson with the occasional Chuck James A/B performance.

The Mets, though, have Maine, Glavine, Perez and the rest of the rotation rubbish. Our bullpen and clutch late-inning hittings what evens it out for us.

But with Glavine, Maine and Perez pitching the way they have, I think it’s premature to say the Mets’ pitching is crumbling. The fact that el Duque will be returning and that Pedro is supposedly coming back, too, should be cause for concern on our end. Because we don’t have that much to look forward to when it comes to adding pitching depth.

We have Lance Cormier, who I’m confident in, if he’ll ever start feeling okay again, but he’s no Pedro, or even el Duque.

By BossLady

May 4, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

DOB, Thanks for your May 3rd night responses, it is about time. I read some their blogs and get physically sick Go Get’um Tiger

By krath

May 4, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

OK…. now it’s official. We should STOP talking about Salty! Let’s all close our eyes and maybe he’ll go away. I mean he’s only the # 1 prospect in the organization. His name has only been mentioned, and hyped, a million times on this blog and in all media outlets that have anything to do with the Braves. (yep that includes AJC….especially AJC) How dare fans get excited by seeing the guy play for the first time and make assumptions?!?

We need to also make sure that we do our best to belittle other Braves fans who may not spend hours a day watching and reading about baseball like the really “knowledgeable” fan does. Those of us who have played, watched, studied the game for years, should make sure we keep the conversation pure. Make sure that those who love the team, but really aren’t as astute as others, are hammered for their views at every opportunity.

Some of us would make as good a GM as J.S. or manager as Bobby. We know who we are. We just have to make sure that we show everyone who the real studs are by slamming someone who reacts to the Kool Aid that has been fed to us by the media covering the Braves. (ie Salty is the second coming of Johnny Bench)

The fact is, if Salty is Johnny Bench, he’s still blocked by Yogi Berra!

Unless Yogi steps in front of a truck!

So everyone straighten up! Don’t get excited by Salty! Don’t make assumptions based on seeing one game.

What if you had never seen Redman pitch. You then see Redman get shelled by the Mutts in his first start. You would probably say he sucked! Look how wrong you would have been!!!

By Lew

May 4, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Incognito-I hear what you’re saying re the AA-AAA callup thing. I think what the commentator in question was saying is that AA players DO get called up more than in the past and some are ready for it. McCann and Francoeur sure were ready. But look at the rest we called up. Many ended up with injuries, or have been flat out ineffective since. I think there’s a reason that there is a level above AA. The players, for the most part, need the development time. Remember the days when there was B, C, and D leagues, as well. As far as players like McCarthy-BillyMac would have been in left field if not for a severe ankle injury in 05, which shot almost all of that season and 06 with rehab. Discounting those two years, McCarthy hit .300 at every level in the minors, including his first year at Richmond. I also understand he has a strong arm. I’m not certain why they aren’t giving him a chance. Believe me. As penorious as the owners are, if AAA was not needed, they wouldn’t countenance the expense. Coach-If the Rays are so terrible, then why does everyone here want us to obtain Crawford and Baldelli. Why do you want Kazmir if he sucks so bad?

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Mad dawg. What? Terence cuts and pastes stuff every year? He doesn’t work hard to provide thought-provoking journalism that is not reverse-racist? Wow…I am dumbfounded.

Ron Roberts, I’d like us to pick up a reliabe #4 starter if one comes available. I’m just not sure one will be on the market at a price AOL TW/LM will allow the Braves to spend.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I’m not going to tell you that I’m highly intelligent with a broad plane of reference and a great sense of humor … that would involve too much effort so as to avoid plagiarism … but I can attest to the fact that actuarially speaking, numbers are for folks who are afraid of words and them what’s in jail.

It’s not so much what the numbers say about the close ones but how you feel about playing them. Truth is that last year, I prayed for rain if we were leading after six …
this year, I’d put our’n up agin their’n most any day in the week … and twice on Sunday.

Of course, I pray for rain every time some folks pitch buti t didn’t do no good!

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Ugh, gross. MLB Trade Rumors has an article with the “what ifs” of a Braves-Mets trade in 2008. I canot speak of it. You read it and feel free to throw up. Just don’t make a mess on the blog.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

The writer, a Mets fan, sems to think Salty is worth Lastings Milledge and Philip Humber.

By enough

May 4, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

These so-called journalist and their “tipsy toe” garbage has to be the low point of the BLOG. Boring isn’t the word for it.

Wonder if Dirk Nowitzki can pitch - he will be looking for a new career after that NBA game last night.

By The Contrarian Crew of Contrarian Lew, Saber Shaun, & Hee Haw Robert

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

Looks like the Contrarian Crew is at it again. What a shocker. Picking fights just for the sake of picking a fight.

By Albert Shaunstein

May 4, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Yes, we have to divide up our time like that, between our politics and our equations. But to me our equations are far more important, for politics are only a matter of present concern. A mathematical equation stands forever.

By Toe Nash

May 4, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Why can’t you all forget about toes already like Peter Gammons forgot about me?

By Lew

May 4, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Contrarian-Actually, Robert hasn’t been here for several days. See, you’re wrong. Contrarian? Certainly Not Me.

By Shaun Plato

May 4, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

“The highest form of pure thought is in mathematics”

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Bob, journalist,

The fact is in the 8th and 9th (and most other innings), the pitching has done enough to keep the Braves from losing. The 7th inning guys and the overall offense is what wins a lot of games for the Braves.

Not much difference between numbers and words in baseball.

By Aristotle Shaun

May 4, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

“There are things which seem incredible to most men who have not studied mathematics.”

“The mathematical sciences particularly exhibit order, symmetry, and limitation; and these are the greatest forms of the beautiful.”

By Ron Roberts

May 4, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Hey Krath,

Scroll up through this and the last blog and count just how many freaking times somebody considered (as if it were an original freakin’ thought….oooh, congratulations barco-lounger general manager) any of the following…

1. Moving Jarrod Saltalamacchia to another position to get him to the bigs now.

2. Moving Brian McCann to another position to make room so the Braves can bring Saltalamacchia to the bigs now.

3. Just pushing Scott Thorman out of 1B outright, despite the fact he’s actually played at this level more than a game, and is starting to hit and hit for a decent average, oh, and by the way, play the position well.

It’s outrageous; it’s comical just how many folks have logged on here to suggest any of the above (or even wilder notions) only to be shot down by DOB time after time-after-time-after-time-after time.

The redundancy is comical. The kid’s played a game at the MLB level, was hit by a pitch, walked, flied out and threw out a runner. I was as impressed by his poise as anybody, and loved him gunning the Phillie out at 2B.

But he’s not better than McCann. McCann’s an ALL STAR CATCHER, people. We certainly can’t be certain that he’d be better than Scott Thorman at the plate, and we know he’s not better in the field at any position other than catcher, and we’ve already covered how well we’re represented at that position.

But reading through all this “Salty” this and “Salty” that is flat-out ridiculous.

When the Braves do finally either deal him or call him up, somehow, there’ll just be another “top Braves prospect” and we’ll just have amateur GMs here who’ll clamor to bring that guy up.

If he played the same position as Kelly Johnson, I guess KJ should be concerned, too, eh? I mean, he’s only playing All-Star caliber 2B, right?

Sheesh. It’s C-O-M-I-C-A-L.

By Amber

May 4, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

My guess is that Salty is considered too good/valuable to be a backup catcher. Am I correct? Especially after McCann signed his contract, I imagine they don’t want anyone to split time, just give him a breather now and then.

It just seems silly that everyone’s rushing to have players change positions at the drop of a hat.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

My brother and I used to spend hours on end discussing “pure” thought … those were good, thought provoking times … we didn’t say much though.

By Jared

May 4, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

“Salty for Baldelli anyone……?”

Umm…the Braves tried that, remember? Ben Maller reported it back in mid-December, the Devil Rays turned down an offer of Saltalamacchia, AND Yunel Escobar AND Kyle Davies for Rocco Baldelli.

So if the Devil Rays said no to Saltalamacchia, Davies and Escobar for just Baldelli, why on Earth would they accept just Saltalamacchia now? It also shows how overvalued some Braves’ fans are making Saltalamacchia. I’ve seen people talk about getting Dontrelle Willis straight up for him. People need to take a deep breath and put down the crack pipe, Saltalamacchia is not getting a big-name #1 or #2 starting pitcher.

I also should say I would refuse that trade for the same reasons David O’Brien put forth. Baldelli is injury prone and, last I looked, had an OBP under .300. Kelly Johnson, whose OBP (the most important stat for a leadoff hitter) is sky high, is a great leadoff man, so that takes the main “purpose” of Baldelli away. The Braves can find someone to play left field (Brandon Jones?) who wouldn’t cost them the #1 catching prospect in all of baseball.

By Ron Roberts

May 4, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Krath, sorry bro. No wrath intended. But seriously, read last night’s stuff on this blog. It’s like when your 4 year-old kid asks you for a cooki and you say “no.”

So they ask again.

You say “no.”

Then they ask again.

You say “no.”

…..

So they ask again.

See what I mean? Haha.

By Jared

May 4, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

“Salty and McBride for Scott Kazmir and get ready to celebrate winning the division.”

Just wow. That’s tantamount to another team suggesting prospects for McCann. Kazmir is the centerpiece of their staff, a guy they were reportedly close to giving a long term deal this past offseason but decided to wait, and they’re going to give him to us for a relief pitcher with no control and a catching prospect they wouldn’t accept along with a SS prospect called “the closet thing in the minors to Miguel Tajeda” and a young pitcher for one of their surplus outfielders.

Since we’re just spouting off unrealistic trade offers with no chance in hell of happening:

Pete Orr and Steve Coyler for Albert Pujols and cash!

By Philospher King

May 4, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

“You teach me baseball and I’ll teach you relativity…No we must not You will learn about relativity faster than I learn baseball.” —Albert Einstein

By Philospher King

May 4, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

“The players are too serious. They don’t have any fun any more. They come to camp with a financial adviser and they read the stock market page before the sports pages. They concern themselves with statistics rather than simply playing the game and enjoying it for what it is.” - Rocky Bridges, from The Sporting News, December 12, 1970

By Philospher King

May 4, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

“Statistics are used much like a drunk uses a lamp post: for support, not illumination.” - Vin Scully

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Matthew:

Even the Muts fans have Saltalamania - amazing. I say no way, no how, does JS get in bed with Minaya and trade him to the Muts. Geez, the Muts offense is already devasting - don’t think JS would be interested in making it a beast.

That mention of the last time the Braves made a trade with the Muts was interesting - 1996 - we sent Greg McMichael for Paul Byrd. Braves eventually placed Byrd on waivers, then 5 years later, signed him as a free agent (while he was recovering from arm surgery). We pay him $10 mil over two years, he starts 19 games and has a 8-7 record. Hardly distinguishable.

That is my worry with trading any good young prospect, whether his last name starts with S or not. Just not sure we would ever get back value for what we are giving up. But in any event, never, ever help the Muts out by giving them our top prospect.

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

I think we all need a break from the Salty talk. Somebody brought this up a day or 2 ago and I’ve got nothing better to do at the moment. So in celebration of the Braves’ renewed status as co-division leaders, here is a semi-definitive list of the Worst Braves Players since 1991. (Too many candidates from the preceding 25 years).

All candidates have to be at least marginally reputable ML players. No 15-minute minor league callups.

1B - Rico Brogna. No contest.

2B - Quilvio Veras. Actually didn’t play that poorly here, but considering what the Braves gave up for him, and how little he contributed, he earns his spot.

3B - Ken Caminiti. See Brogna.

SS - Rafael Belliard. Great glove, pathetic at the plate. Ranks with the immortal Mario Mendoza as the worst offensive player in modern MLB history.

LF - Reggie Sanders. Played well his entire career EXCEPT for his one season here.

CF - Otis Nixon. Mostly for his embarrassing comeback attempt in ‘99. Drug absence in the early ’90s also factors in.

RF - Raul Mondesi. See Brogna.

C - Todd Pratt. Contributed to worst Braves team since ‘91.

INF - Keith Lockhart. Lifetime Achievement honoree.

OF - Trenidad Hubbard. Great name, useless game.

SP - Mark Redman. Merits selection even though he’s only been here a month.

SP/RP - Albie Lopez. No comment necessary.

CL - Dan Kolb. See Lopez.

MOUTH - John Rocker.

If I missed anybody, feel free to add to this star-studded list.

By Metropolitan Man

May 4, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Morning brave bloggers. Everything is even atop the NL east so lets keep it going. I’m just suprised at how stingy you guys are. Why not trade Salty to the METS for a pitcher/outfielder?? McCann is the man (contract proved that) and Salty will be a mighty backup who should be starting. The METS sure could use him next season, not this season so this is possible future talk. Lets be realistic, it would solve both issued for 2008 right now as far as these positions are concerned. Dont let a big leaguer linger in the minors.

As we can see the Philthies and Marlins wont go away. So I hope these series with the METS and Philthies at Turner in MAY turns into a lead. I dont think a lead will develop until we play outside the division for a couple of weeks, until then this tight race will keep us entertained. You guys are winning in spite of some things, but Delgado will heat up and our bench is the bomb. LETS GO METS!

By Phiz50

May 4, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

DOB, Nice comments. I enjoy reading your columns. KJ has been amazing. I was more confident of his ability to handle second than many but who could imagine this kind of production. I was more concerned about Thorman at first base but he has showed off some impressive glove work in recent games and his bat is coming around. I am not prepared to give up on Wilson but if hasn’t come around by midseason than Thorman gets to play everyday. I am getting worried about Cormier. What seemed like a minor injury is not going away. What is the latest news on him? Thank heavens for the patience of JS and BC. If this blog was making personnel decisions, the Braves roster would change on a weekly basis. Patience fellow bloggers this is a season long process and last time I looked we were still in first despite our recent struggles. Plus anybody checked our record against the Phillies and Mets recently.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

SJA-Not another Journalist. Stinky’s back-and you realize what this proliferation of posts means-still another break with his tenuous hold on reality. Another flame out is imminent.

By Hutch

May 4, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, I always hated my dweeby little kid with his incessant, “Are we almost there yet?” That drove me nuts.

He’s turned out to be a real loser BTW because he has lived his entire life with an Are We Almost There Yet attitude. Take a look around I would say, enjoy the moment, life is passing you by.

He would turn his nose up and say again Are We Almost There Yet? This is boring.

One time, I took him behind a Waffle House on I-95 and spanked the hell out of him for it. It stopped him at least for that trip although the crying was even more annoying than the nagging questions.

Come to think of it, maybe he is all screwed up because I spanked him too much or maybe I did not spank him enough. Who knows? All I know is I raised a drug addict with a whacked out baby’s momma for his kids and I am the one stuck raising my grandkids.

These grandsons are gonna be different from my son though, I can tell already. After what their parents put them through before me and my wife got them, they never have to ask are we there yet because they know with grandma and grandpa, they are always right where they want to be.

My lil’ tomahawks I call ‘em as we do the chop at the start of every game before I put them to bed by eight o’clock or whenever James, Redman, and Davies leave the game, whichever is shorter.

By michael of b'ham

May 4, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

The Braves are in 1st place. They’ve played well and yet still not their best. Would you have taken this news well back in Feb.? Probably so. Why then has this blog become so nasty and negative? Weird. Seems like things would’ve been more negative when all we could talk about was the best way to make grilled cheese sandwiches and phrases with the word “double”. Braves 4-2 against the Mets, and 5-1 against the Phils. What’s not to like?

DOB, Still doing a great job. Thanks. Btw,ever heard of Metal Elvis? Odd yet entertaining.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Jared , do you have a better idea ? I didn’t think so. You and O’Brien remind me of my ex-wife , all she wanted to do was argue constantly until she became useless for anything other than a good fight.

By rammerjammer

May 4, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Folks, the Salty infatuation has got to stop. His value will be in what he brings in a trade. We have a 23-YEAR-OLD ALL-STAR CATCHER. We don’t need two.

Assuming Salty has a super AA season, I envision JS dealing him for a pitcher and an outfielder, one of whom will be a minor leaguer.

By Philosopher King

May 4, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Yes, SJA, because Google has been so hard for me to find all these years….. Are you claiming to be the Google Pioneer or the Google Guru?….. Teach me the ways of the Google, SJA…. It has just been so difficult to find and use all these years….. I aspire to become one with the Google…… Were you one of the prospectors in the Google Mine Rush of 1999?….. Nice to see SJA is still reading the blog….. We were all so scared that he would not read us anymore last night….. SJA is the king of trade demands and contract holdouts…….

By Lew

May 4, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

MetroDude-You are assuming that one or both of your baby outfielders are major league material and would actually be worth Salty. Doubt it.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Someone mentioned overnight that Brogna was part of the Klesko trade to SD. Not so. The other player in the trade was Wally Joyner, not Brognas.

By krath

May 4, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Ron

I took no offense.

I agree with your assessment and the points you made regarding the realities that exist vs. the wild suggestions.

I have been keeping up with the previous blog as well as this one. I’ve posted that McCann would be my catcher based on the same examples you listed. I also feel that Thorman is beginning to show signs that he may be a real big leaguer in the future.

What I disagree on is the prospect of moving Salty.

I pointed out last night that I think the Braves are going to have to make a decision on Salty’s future with the organization very soon. Like now. If he shows signs of being a one in a thousand prospect who could put up dizzying offensive numbers one day, then they need to be making plans now as to how they get his bat to the big leagues. Will he be a catcher for the Braves? No. (assuming McCann doesn’t suffer a career threatening injury) So IF the Braves see him as having a future with the organization, then they need to be addressing that situation now. It will probably take him a year or more to learn a new position. If he isn’t an athlete (Like DOB says he isn’t) it may take him longer to learn a new position. So do you wait another year to change his position? If so, you’re just delaying his advancement. I agree that his offense may suffer while he changes position, but if you’re going to do it…. do it now!

If he is nothing more than trade bait, then let him continue catching. It’s that simple. To me, keeping him at that position says the Braves are going to move him when the right offer comes along.

It seems baseball organizations are in a way like lots of corporate entities. They play follow the leader. The Braves upped the ante just by calling up Salty. That simple act says to many teams that “he’s close.” The closer he is, the more likely teams will come calling. And the more offers the Braves hear, the quicker they are going to have to decide if there is a spot for him in Atlanta….or not.

Getting best value in a trade is a timing thing. I used for example Lastings Millage. The last couple of years there has been perhaps no more sought after player by clubs trying to deal with the Mets. And with the Mets having money and talking to every team it seems over the last couple of years……that’s a lot of teams who have wanted Millage! Where have the teams gone? The demand for Millage is down. In my opinion, the Mets lost out on trading Millage when he was at his top value. Look at Washington. What were they thinking by not moving Soriano last year? They lost their butts by not moving him. Back to Millage, now we’re seeing some sites suggest that the Mets should try to trade for Salty by moving Millage with another player! Millage as a throw in?

It’s a fickle world. If Salty is to be moved, now may be the time. (now being this off season perhaps, unless someone floors you with an offer now)

If he is to be a Brave, now is the time for him to learn a new position.

It’s really not that complicated.

But Ron I strayed from the point I wanted to make.

I just don’t get upset when I see fans who are excited about something like Salty. While some may be off base with their suggestions, some responses I’ve heard intimating that there is plenty of time to worry about Salty later, I don’t buy. I don’t like to see those folks beat over the head with what in my opinion is just as nutty a conclusion as some of their ideas. That conclusion being that the Braves can take their time on Salty. The examples I listed above are why I don’t think you can let the Salty situation just lay there. It has to be addressed soon. A direction has to be decided. In fact, if he continues to catch I would say a decision has already been made.

By NationalLeagueEast

May 4, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

The Mets overall team ERA—starters and relievers—is 3.00.

How exactly is the Mets pitching crumbling?

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Amber

A few people have been “inquiring” about moving McCann from behind the plate for some time now. Saltamania was not the spark.

Since April 2006, the Braves are 18-30 when McCann is either injured or playing off the bench. That’s a .375 winning percentage over 48 games. Or over the past 188 games, a third of our losses are when McCann is not starting.

That means we are 16-5 this season when he’s starting. We were 61-58 last season when he started. Overall 77-63 when he’s on the lineup card.

Could it be that his bat is important to the success of this team? Last night was the first game the Braves have won without him starting this season.

Moving a catcher is not unprecedented. But I’ve posted earlier that McCann would have no motivation/incentive to move. He’s an AllStar behind the plate.

And we’ve only asked Franchise Players to make that type of sacrifice (Chipper and Smoltz).

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Philosopher King:

SJA knows Google. He googles himself all the time. That is because there is no woman who will engage in googling with him, so SJA must selfgoogle.

By Mike S

May 4, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

mr. baseball, lets replace Belliard w/ Walt Weiss. Walt had a good glove but he couldn’t hit either and he was a starter.

By Philosopher King

May 4, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Lew, how dare there be a proliferation of different names on this blog. I’m sorry. I forgot to read the memo that the only people who were allowed to post on this great blog were Lew, KC, and Shaun.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

If Lastings Milledge were as good as Mets’ fans like to think, the Mets would not have signed Shawn Green and Moises Alou-Milledge would already have one of the outfield spots locked up.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…maybe if a few of these so-called fathers would lose that fake “he-man” persona, stop yelling at their children, and stop slapping them around every time they ask a question that old ‘pops’ is just too damned ignorant to answer—then maybe a kid wouldn’t feel the need to look for answers in a bottle, or in a chemical—maybe he always asked that same question because he couldn’t wait to get away from your pathetic A$s!…

By Johnny Evans

May 4, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Recently saw Escobar and Prado in Richmond=Both have serious attitude issues=No respect for out national song neither=

Why can’t contract have clauses in them to protect the team=ref the Hall of Fame DL players==and those who refuse to inform the team=when they have a injury issue=and yet go out=and cost the team win’s Johnny

By Metropolitan Man

May 4, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Lew: I saw the braves down on the farm report. Before you dismiss the METS farm you might want to check what you are talkng about. The METS fams is stocked with outfileders and young arms. Both teams are going down the right path, but I do beleive the METS have the edge. Your minor league squads beating up on other minor leauge squads means you can beat them but are still unknown to the MLB. Be realistic man, both farms are promising.

Now as far as Millege goes, his spring was so good, he made the club on opening day. Green has been so hot that he would not see everyday playing time at the big league level yet. He got hit on the wrist twice while with the METS, went to the minors, struggled, got hot AGAIN and then got hurt with pitches. He will be an asset to anyone if pitchers could throw balls that wont break his wrist. Anyway, dont sell Millege short, he proved he can make the proper adjustements with the big leaguers. Ask any one whats the difference between last years Millege and this years Millege…..Maturity!!!!

By Lew

May 4, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

NL East-You’re absolutely correct. The Mets’ staff has not crumbled-yet. Except for El Duque’s shoulder tendonitis and the fact that Pelfrey can’t get anyone out. Do you seriously believe the Mets’ staff will continue to achieve at such a level for the season? Considering that last year’s team ML ERA leaders had team ERA’s in the 3.87 range, I feel it is safe to assume their pitching stats should fall off considerably in the months to come-after all, the Mets don’t have Santana or Liriano, do they. Besides, despite, what to this point, has been excellent pitching and hitting, the Mets are only tied for first, not running away with anything. Go figure.

By Anthony

May 4, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

All this talk of replacing Andruw Jones if he leaves is irrelevant. Andruw will leave at the end of this season. Boras has shown over and over again that he’s more concerned about that big payoff than the personal happiness of a certain player. Andruw already fought him off once, the last time he signed a contract with the Braves. He most likely won’t be able to do it again. With a guy like Vernon Wells in Toronto earning a $127M contract, will less impressive numbers and a lower ceiling, one would think Andruw would be trying to get a superior contract. He’s already incinuated that he might not return. Also with an 80 million dollar payroll, the Braves just don’t have the overhead to keep him. One could argue, a player like Andruw deserves a 16-20 million dollar a year contract. When Chipper and Smoltz don’t even make 15 million I’m anticipating waving my foam tomahawk at number 25.

Just food for thought- The Braves went after Roco Baldelli pretty hard in the off-season, and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t to play left field for the 3 years.

Also, on Salty… He’s too good as a catcher both offensively and defensively. I’m not sure if anyone watched his cannon in his first game, but there’s not many guys in the majors anymore that base-stealers fear as much as I-Rod. Oh, and just to rub salt in people’s wounds, he’s a switch hitting power-hitter. And he hits for average. Add those pieces together and you’ve got some nasty trade bait.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Philosopher King—that was one of the dumbest comments that I’ve ever read—every living organism nows how long Google has been around, you idiot—I was insinuating that your ignorant, hillbilly A$s had just discovered it…idiot!…

Now if you feel the need to get into an intellectual affaire d’honneur with TheJackAss—go for it…idiot!…jjs?…stinky?…Cheetah?…

By meansonny

May 4, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Krath

Good post about timing. I think JS has done a good job of that in his tenure. He’ll manage Salty to the best potential of the team (it appears to be trade value based on this blog)

Personally, I still like the idea of a cheap LF’er with power. DOB says power left fielders are a dime a dozen. But they look to cost $7M to $17M depending on what market they’re playing in. An average non-power LF’er appears to be about $4M+. If Salty is ready in ’09 to start in the OF, he’d make $500,000?

What we lose in trade value and defense, we gain in Talent, Free Agency, and Cost Averaging.

Isn’t it easier to pick a pitcher in Free Agency with $$$, than to give up prospects AND pay his $$$? Cheap productive position players make that easier.

Go ahead and kill me on this… I know it’s coming.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I’m adding these to my scrapbook, the first parsed for attempted clarity … “The fact is that in most innings, the pitching has done enough to keep the Braves from losing and the overall offense is what wins a lot of games for the Braves”.

“Not much difference between numbers and words in baseball”.

However, since my thought is that all those things that contribute to allowing you to outscore your opponents are part of the winning algorithm, I can’t hold with the popular notion that the defensive elements, including pitching, are but anti-losing components.

As for words and numbers being substantially the same in baseball, all I can say is that you must be careful not to confuse the reality of words with the square root of negative words.

Matthew, knowing my age as you do, it shouldn’t surprise you that I am no longer easily surprised.

Was it he of whom I was speaking … goodness, I had no idea!

Gangster Cagney was a remarkable man … methinks he was one of the best hoofers ever to hit Hollywood and I think he made both the Cohan and Cheney families proud … not to mention his own mama and papa.

Shaun would have liked Cagney … he could certainly do it by the numbers and didn’t need words to convey his message … and his numbers were major league to say the least.

Yankee Doodle Dandy … and James Cagney as George M. Cohan portraying FDR (“I’d Rather Be Right”) is one of the best moments in movie history.

That says it all … no need to say more! However, I always enjoyed Eddie Foy Jr and priceless is the operative word for the scene.

Of course, I too would have rathered FDR be right than left …

By Lew

May 4, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Metro Dude-The Mets getting Salty for Milledge, or anyone, for that matter, ain’t gonna happen. It’s not the Mets farm system I’m dismissing. It’s the Mets. Period. All that great pitching and hitting and where are you in the standings? You’ve spent at least half the season chasing the Braves. Now you’re tied with us. As good as you seem to think the Mets are, you should be running away with the division. Where are you going to be when the pitching comes back to earth?

By Hutch

May 4, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…maybe if a few of these so-called fathers would lose that fake “he-man” persona, stop yelling at their children, and stop slapping them around every time they ask a question that old ‘pops’ is just too damned ignorant to answer—then maybe a kid wouldn’t feel the need to look for answers in a bottle, or in a chemical—maybe he always asked that same question because he couldn’t wait to get away from your pathetic A$s!…

SJA, I am your father. Your mother is concerned. She is tired of you publicly airing out our family problems for all to read. She says your rant above sounded like the lyrics to a really bad I hate my momma song by Eminem. You and Slim Shady are 30 years old and it’s about time to let go of the mommy/daddy issues. We did our best. I’m sorry if we failed. Your mother says she is sorry she never told you that you were handsome. She says she could not tell a lie. A 6’11”, 350 ogre just could not be told otherwise.

By Frits

May 4, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Dave

Would it not be an option to relocate Salty to 1st base. They did a heck of a job with KJ, why not use the same recipe on him. WOuld give us a great arm where we would need it.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Philosopher Queen—on second thought, I’m finished with you…you do not deserve an insult from TheJackAss!…you’re a rank amateur…YOU ARE WHAT HAS BEEN DEEMED HERE ON THE BLOG AS A PECKER GNAT …so buzz along now…

By Barrett

May 4, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I just read something on ESPN. They asked MLB front office personnel people to rate the top 9 NL outfeilders under the age of thirty… Jeff Francouer was first. The article said that one NL personnel man thinks in four years he will be a 45 hr. 130 rbi guy and also compare him to reyes and crawford…. Interesting if nothing else.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=2857144

By Coach

May 4, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Since 2004: Horacio Ramirez 19-19 4.15 ERA , Scott Kazmir 24-21 3.76 ERA , Horam was traded straight up for Soriano. I proposed McBride and Salty for Kazmir and suddenly O’Brien goes from praising Salty to acting as if Kazmir is the second coming of Cy Young and Salty isn’t worth anything. like I said before , all O’Brien wants to do is argue with me instead of actually thinking through the actual value of a player and the merit of my idea’s. So , what is the actual value of a Scott Kazmir and what would the Braves have to trade in order to get him ? Let’s put it in reality. Your the GM of the Devil Rays and John Schuerholz calls to inquire about a trade for Kazmir , do you do as O’Brien suggests and say NO WAY or do you listen ?

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

I thought I was the only one who knew about Google … hope it’s not like a good restaurant … the news gets out, it becomes popular, and the quality of both the fare and the service suffers.

By 96,sc

May 4, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

McCann is an allstar catcher, but, I think most of us know that he did not make the allstar team because of his defense. I think we are just one pitcher away from being even a better team than we already are. In my opinion, Oscar could be that pitcher. Maybe we could try to get Tiger Woods to try out. Maybe MJ or Garth?

By Hutch

May 4, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

I’m……. trying…… to….. buzz…. along….. the…. problem… is….. you….. are…. so…. big…. and…. fat…. i…. can’t…. buzz…. around… you…….. why…. do…. you… use….. periods…….. over…. and….. over….. again….. after writing…… each….. word….. SJA…. ? …. WHY….? …. ! ….. ? …….! ….? …!

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Well ‘HUTCH’—it appears that you must have taken my 11:37 A.M. post as being directed at you…can’t figure why…brilliant response however, considering your intellectual level…but anyhow, did my comment make you want to take me out behind a building a whip my A$s too??…oh if only you would try!!…different outcome indeed…guess you’re keeping those grandkids A$ses’ warmed up as well?…

By Drew

May 4, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Yes, the Devil Rays GM absolutely says NO WAY when asked about Kazmir. The DRays are desperate for pitching and Kazmir is a stud.

By Hutch

May 4, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Pecker Gnat. Is that what you have taken to calling it these days? No wonder you have so much rage and are so afraid of April, all that size and girth and cursed with a gnat to use. Explains alot. Thanks for finally letting us know.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

April—I’ve seen enough of your photos—so choosing Scalp ‘Em is a no-brainer!…

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball:

Good topic, good list. I would argue that Rafael Ramirez was the worst shortstop the wear an Atlanta uniform. What do Rafael Ramirez and Michael Jackson have in common? They both wear one glove for no apparent reason.

By NYC

May 4, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

*Vlad Guerrero 6-3 height 235lbs

Carlos Lee 6-2 240lbs

Vernon Wells 6-1 225lbs

Kevin Mench 6-0 225lbs

Cliff Floyd 6-4 230lbs

Jonny Gomez 6-1 225lbs

Elijah Dukes 6-2 250lbs

Carlos Quentin 6-1 225lbs

Matt Kemp 6-2 230lbs

Joe Borchard 6-4 230lbs

Moises Alou 6-3 225lbs*

You left out Andruw “pick-the-bones” Jones. He’s about 20 chili burgers ahead of Vlad.

By Philosopher King

May 4, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Now, baseball (notice the use of a terrible seam in my transition. It’s supposed to be seamless folks). One thought flowing into the other without abrupt transitions with all the seams showing.

By Jared

May 4, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

“His value will be in what he brings in a trade. We have a 23-YEAR-OLD ALL-STAR CATCHER. We don’t need two.”

No it’s not. The Braves can just as easily keep him. They could move him, or have him catch with McCann. Last I checked, there wasn’t a rule saying you can’t have two great catchers.

His insurance is nice too. What if McCann has some freak play happen and needs season-ending surgery? God forbid it happen, but anything is possible.

By Frits

May 4, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

With regard to Andruw, do you know if any talks are going on concerning contract extension? Since he comes from the same island as me (Curacao) and since I happen to know the guy, I know he’s very sincere and serious when he says he wants to stay in Atlanta. ALthough he might be hitting below his average at the moment, he is still unique in the outfield and not only his own play but also in organizing the positioning of the other players. He’s a bit stubborn with regard to his stance but he will figure it out by himself one of these days and you will see him batting again as an all star.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Coach-You fail to mention that Horacio is 19-19 while playing with a (except for one season) a Division winning team, while Kazmir has pitched for a last place team every single year. Yoou’re really starting to grasp at straws. As has been seen with the Rays in the past, they place a high value on their prospects. If they passed on Salty, Davies and Escobar for an often injured, low OBP outfielder, what do you think they will want for their ace-who you don’t think much of anyway. Just drop it. You won’t win this one.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Hutch—you just made a classic rookie blogger’s mistake—you forgot to change your name back to Philosopher King…you…know…the…one…that…I… just…told…to…buzz…off…

Dumb@$$!!!… … … …

The multiple-name poster has revealed himself…how ignorant…bye now…loser!…

By 96,sc

May 4, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Johnny Evans. Thanks for the post on Escobar and Prado. I had been wondering if anyone had saw them. I personally don’t like the players with the attitude problems. I also heard that about Lastings Milledge. I’ve saw Brandon Jones and he was quick to give my 4 year old an autograph. Van Pope on the other hand had to be talked into it by another player. There was no crowd.

By BamaBrave

May 4, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

I’d like to add Jeff Reardon to the worst Braves list…and add a subcategory…Most Overhyped & Underachieving: 1) Deion Sanders, 2) Kenny Lofton

By Lew

May 4, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Stinky-Step away from the computer before your demons catch up with you. Such prolificoutput can only lead to dire consequences. How many meltdowns can you take before permanent instituitional restraint is required?

By enough

May 4, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

WOW —— one night without a game and tensions start flying on the posts today.

Forget about Scott Kazmir. Tampa would not trade him straight for either of the Jones much less Salty. Starting pitching is exactly what the Rays need. They are actually contending this far into the season.

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

If I’m the GM of the Devil Rays and ANYBODY calls and asks about Kazmir, I ask them if they would consider Seo, and if they said no, then I would politely tell them this conversation was over.

It would be like if the Yankees called the Braves to ask about Hudson. What could they send us, or better yet, what would they be willing to send us that would ever make us listen. NOTHING.

By ellaguru

May 4, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

I was going to do one of them fan group things for Ryan L., like Francouer’s Franks or McCann’s Cans. I was going to get some people sitting close to each other in adjoining sections out in left field and we’d have called ourselves “The Aisles of Langerhans.” Now I can’t, and neither can the Oakland fans. Come on, Nats! Make me proud.

By Philosopher King

May 4, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Have no fear, Sherlock Holmes is here, taking credit for discovering blog name mysteries that were obvious to even Lew long before the self-proclaimed genius of the blog caught on. Congrats. Now Ichabod, go take Gunpowder, and figure out who the Headless Horseman is. Maybe you can also investigate the Biggie/Tupac slayings while you are at it because as Dead Prez rapped “Uh, who shot biggie smalls? If we dont get them, they gonna get us all.”

By Braves Blue

May 4, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Great point, Jim. Using Salty and McCann as alternates at DH would provide the Braves an excellent chance to see the impact of having both players in the same lineup. It would, at least, create a new set of possibilities.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Houston—We have Meltdown!…

By Renegator

May 4, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

What about biggest prospect busts - I vote for Andy Marte. How many years did we hear that he was the second coming of Chipper and he just sucks. What a bust. Glad we get Rent and some of his salary paid for that dead-beat. What a great trade!

By Coach

May 4, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Lew , it’s not about winning , as you suggest. It’s not even about arguing , as you and a few others love to do. It’s about finding a way to build a trade. You did know that Kazmir went on the D.L. three times last season , didn’t you ? of course you did and you factored that into his trade value , didn’t you ?

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Hey, I go for both of these trades: Saltalamacchia for Jamarcus Russell and also I would take the Orr and Coyler for Pujols and cash deal……..

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable!…

By Coach

May 4, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Yea, the Devil Rays contending and I have a million bucks tucked away in my escrow account.

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Is “Coach” and “Shaun” both the same blogger?? They both love to argue a point until it is totally and completely DEAD. (or until the death of the senses of all other bloggers with some degree of intellect)

By Robert

May 4, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Just checking in from vacation in Fla.

It’s nice we’re winning games. It’s nice we have a chance to build a lead. It would be nicer if any cushion we might build could be used as a mulligan in the playoffs.

Any way you slice it, this team has won three fewer games than it should have.

Come the playoffs (if we make it) that will prove fatal

And speaking of ignorant hillbillies, y’all say hi to Coach for me, will ya?

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

My dog just told me that the Braves WILL trade Saltalamacchia for Kazmir and that Andruw Jones is the BEST that he can possibly be…..

By Lew

May 4, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Coach-Maybe I’m more aware of what goes on with the Rays than you are. I saw the first concrete poured for their stadium. I was at the Grand Opening of the Dome. I know one of the Rays players. My son went to NE High with another. My son’s commencement speaker was Chuck LaMar, their first GM. Spring Training a year ago, I had lunch with half of their pitching staff. All DOB, Berigan and myself have tried to tell you is what is common knowledge-The Rays want more pitching and consider Kazmir to be their ace and are not interested in trading him. I have no idea why you reject this, except that it seems to be a personal thing with David-maybe because he told you you didn’t know what you were talking about. That is your problem, though, not ours. Let me know when you remove your head from your colon rectal cavity and maybe then we can converse again. Bye.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Kazmir had shoulder problems all last season and missed the last 36 games of the season. If I had suggested trading salty for him back Lew would have screamed no, no , no Kazmir isn’t worth Salty but now the shoe is on the other foot and perception is no where near reality.

By Lee

May 4, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball Enjoyed reading your all star list. Thought about adding Willie Aybar but you have to show up and actually play baseball to get on it.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

The Braves had a guy like Josh Hancock—his name is Rafael Furcal…

April—what’s different about your new photos…you suddenly grow an @$$??…

By Coach

May 4, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

The Devil Rays in ten years have NEVER had a winning season and that includes this season. Write it down , Coach said the Devil Rays WILL lose and watch it happen.

By Eric from MO

May 4, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

To all the people who point out the Braves struggle while McCann is starting that may be true, but lets remember he hasnt been catching this year is Mard Redman. That probable has more to do with losing than McCann not being in the lineup.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

D-Rays “contending”. That has to be considered in a relative sense. They are 2 games under .500 and in second place in the worst division in baseball so far this year. They’re 6th in the WC (too early to talk wild card). Hardly contending, at least to the point that other teams ahead of them consider the D-Rays a threat. They laid some serious whoopings on the Stanks, and beat a good Twins team last night, though. But, compared to the D-Rays of the past, I could see how they view themselves as contending. Wait til the all star break, when they are 20 games under .500, and then they’ll be ready to talk. Doubt they are going to give up their best pitcher, though, for anybody.

By StingerSplash

May 4, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball,

With all due respect, Pepe Frias was the shortstop in Atlanta Braves history. At least Rafael Ramirez could hit. Pepe Frias couldn’t hit Lori Petty’s fastball and he couldn’t catch the funk in a Buenos Aires bordello. (OK, there are two references there - one should be easy. The other is partially lifted from a great Zimmerman song).

By Coach

May 4, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Hey , robot boy. thanks for the compliment. now , go play tag with the sharks.

By dcarp23

May 4, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

DOB-thought the Five Reasons article was spot on, but I think you are undervaluing KJ’s performance to this point in the season. While he has just made one error, he also is among the big league leaders in range factor (how many plays he makes per inning) and is second in the majors in zone rating, which is a more subjective account of the number of balls he’s made a play on. While neither number is exact, they’re both pretty useful for comparision, and comparatively, he is one of the best fielding 2B in the bigs.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Coach-The whole thing is not about the Rays winning now or in the past. The whole argument is about whether or not the Rays will trade Kazmir-which you proposed. Grasp ears, pull until head comes free from sphinchter. You should hear a loud pop when this occurs. Adjustment to normal barometric pressure will happen spontaneously.

By Lee

May 4, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Get off the Devil Rays back. What would the Braves have done if they had been in the same division as the Yankees and Red Sox all of those years. By-the-way look out here come the Yankees again trying to catch / break that streak of division titles by the Braves.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

The Devil Rays are a bad organization located in a terrible city for baseball that doesn’t draw fans and they are handicapped by a budget even smaller than the Braves. But Lew , you knew that to didn’t you?

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Damn—sounds like Lew has experience…

By Coach

May 4, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Lew , one day the Devil Rays will trade Kazmir and they won’t get nearly the value in trade that the Braves could offer and that is why they are a bad organization. but , then again , you knew that to didn’t you ?

By brent a.

May 4, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Jeff Blauser < Rafael Belliard

By DonCoburleone

May 4, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Just got onto the blog… How in the world did you guys end up in a Devil Rays discussion???

By Lew

May 4, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Coach-I refer you to my 12:54 post. I don’t personally care how good or bad the Rays are, were, or may be. They have repeated continuously that they are looking for pitching and will not trade Kazmir. Take it up with them. Constantly telling me how bad they are will not change that fact. Yes, they have been terrible. They are sub .500 now and are likely to remain that way. So what? It still doesn’t mean they will trade Kazmir for Salty or anyone else. If you bothered to actually read posts and cared for anyone’s opinion other than your own, you would have noticed that I think Salty needs to remain in AA-in the Braves system, only to be traded for a good pitcher. Never did I say Kazmir was this pitcher. Actually, you proposed that trade, not me. ALL I SAID WAS THAT THE RAYS DON”T WANT TO TRADE HIM. That’s all DOB said. That’s all Berigan said. Keep beating your hopelessly expired equine and see how fast that changes. I’m sure you could find someone to help remove your head if you tried hard enough. Maybe you just enjoy the view.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Honorable, a classic seasoned blogger’s mistake is to tell the rookie about those of which he is guilty.

You do have a way of eliciting some interesting comments from a variety of personalities. Are you being impersonated? … some of that which I have seen over the past few days lacks your usual deftness.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Uh, nobody but about two of you cares about the identity of the poster with no job, hobby and/or knowledge or interest in baseball, music, BBQ or anything else of substance is. You know, the one who successfully agitated you and got under your skin because he/she doesn’t have anything better to do? Yeah, that one.

Moving on now. Nothing to see here, folks…

Back to the subjects at hand. Interested to see how Furcal and Betemit do this weekend, but even more interested to see how Giles looks next week, and to hear the reception he gets. I’m guessing it’ll be a huge ovation.

Glad to see our man Nick Marino gave the Arcade Fire show a great review. And he’s right about the connection they have to the audience. The live big-rock experience it reminded me of was U2, not the music itself so much as the audience connection and the jubilant mood in the crowd. Marino mentioned U2 and Springsteed, another apt comparison for the vibe in the place.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

SJA-I read Coach’s handbook.

By beachcomber

May 4, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Could not resist weighing on the Rays from a front seat prospective (actually I’ve seen more Braves games this year than Rays). But they are my home town team - and they stink. There seems to be no one in their organization that knows squat about pitching and pitchers. They have ruined most of the young arms they’ve kept while about 10 or so they have let go have gone on to decent careers elsewhere. A typical American League softball team in a lousy stadium.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Don , some people think Scott Kazmir is the second coming of Cy Young. I think the Braves could bag the guy in a trade if they made the right offer. But , then again , I’m the lunatic who pulled the plug on the 2006 season at the end of May and told everybody the Braves division run was over. Then June hit and it all came true , but hell , I must have been lucky. Better go hit Vegas before my luck runs out.

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Mike S: at least Weiss hit a little, and couldn’t put him on the team just because of that one play he made in the post-season against Houston. Thought about Ozzie Guillen instead of Belliard, but was concerned that if Ozzie found out, the blog would be filled with expletive-laced rants, kind of like it is when the blogger who shall not be named gets on a roll.

BamaBrave: how could I forget Reardon? He should have been included in the post-season category. Don’t think one player has done more to lose a World Series for any team in recent memory than he did for the Braves in ‘92.

As bad as Ramirez was, there were a whole lot worse SS in Atlanta between ‘66 and ‘90. A whole lot worse. Larvell “Sugar Bear” Blanks. Pat Rockett. Darrel Chaney. That’s why I limited the team to post-1990. Would have been very hard to choose from a dozen or more candidates at every position.

Don’t he hatin’ on Marte. He did bring Renteria in a trade. Speaking of which… you would think that some GMs might be reluctant to trade with the Braves, considering some of the outcomes of recent efforts.

Lou Piniella supposedly once said that if Schuerholz is discussing trading a Braves pitching prospect, run out of the room as fast as you can. The list of Braves pitching prospects who never panned out after being traded is longer than the list of second rate shortstops in Atlanta.

Other than Jason Schmidt, just about every pitching prospect the Braves have developed and traded has been a miserable failure, or in some cases, just a plain old failure.

David Nied. Ben Rivera. Bruce Chen. Jose Capellan. Roman Colon. Jung Kuen Bong. Jason Marquis (might be a late bloomer like Schmidt). Odalis Perez. Dan Meyer. Even Wainwright, who looked so good last year, is getting hammered in his introduction to the starting rotation. Has any GM ever gotten less for an All-Star caliber pitcher than the great Billy Beane got for Hudson?

Maybe Schuerholz is sharper than I thought. Still can’t forgive him for the Justice & Boone/Klesko trades, but he’s taken more than a few other GMs to the cleaners. Wonder if there are any suckers out there with a serviceable bottom of the rotation starter who is interested in Lerew?

By BossLady

May 4, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

DOB where are you? They are acting out again.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

O’Brien , I’ll be here all season keeping you on your toe’s , applauding when you get it right and dogging the hell out of you when you get it wrong. I grew up with four brothers and the old Coach can hold his own , so you just bring your skinny little butt into the blog fray and see where it gets you. Besides, I love to bring bully’s like you down to size.

By FLBRAVESFAN

May 4, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Beachcomber - dead on with your comments about the Rays. I live south of the bay area and get such a kick out of them touting how many fans they had at the Trop on a particular night. Trouble is, they are all wearing Yankee, Bosox or on those rare visits like last year, Braves gear. It’s just a matter of time until they become the Las Vegas, Indianapolis or whatever Rays. Selig is kidding himself if he thinks they will ever succeed in Tampa Bay.

By AZBravoFan

May 4, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball: How about Bret Boone and Jeff Reardon to add to your list?

By Lew

May 4, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Coach-You still don’t get it. It’s not us that thinks Kazmir is a stud Cy Young type-It’s the Rays’ brass. Why don’t you email them and let them know that they should trade him while they have the chance. Maybe they’ll listen to the Great Prognosticator. Besides, If he’s not that good, like you say, then why would you trade Salty for him? That’s what has me perplexed-not trying to figure out when the Rays will get good.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Shaun, just scrolled up to your latest argumentative post (can ANYONE post a stats-based assertion without you disagreeing, as if your territory has been stepped upon? My god, chill man.

The stats can directly from STATS INC. Late and close situations defined as: Seventh inning or later, batting team is either leading by one run or tied, or the tying run is on base, at bat or on deck.

I expect a more sophisticated analysis from you than just “they were actually outscored 17-15 in both the eighth and ninth innings.” Means so little, because you’re not looking at when those runs were scored. For the opposition, most of those runs came in a handful of games, including a few when the game was out of reach or quickly became out of reach. In the vast majority of games that were close, the Braves have clearly outperformed opponents both pitching-wise and hitting-wise in the late innings.

I expect a lot more insight from you statistically, other than raw numbers of scoring by innings. You gotta look within that stat, my man.

If that’s all you got, stick to win shares and such.

Oh, and here’s the NL breakdown on close-and-late hitting, from Stats Inc:

1. Cardinals .338 (47 for 139) with 13 extra-base hits (four homers), 23 RBIs, .430 OBP, .504 slugging.

2. Braves .312 (43 for 138) with 18 extra-base hits (eight homers), 27 RBIs, .396 OBP, .565 slugging.

NL avg: .245 (37 for 151) with 10 extra-base hits, three homers, 18 RBIs, .328 OBP, .351 slugging.

OPPONENTS BATTING CLOSE AND LATE:

1. Padres .181 (35 for 193), 13 extra-base hits (two homers), 17 RBIs, .262 OBP, .269 slugging.

2. Cards .188 (21 for 112), four extra-base hits (one homer), seven RBIs, .298 OBP, .241 slugging.

3. Braves .195 (29 for 149), eight extra-base hits (one homer), 20 RBIs, .314 OBP, .275 slugging.

Shaun, if you disagree with those numbers, take it up with Stats Inc.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Oh, I should point out those were stats before yesterday.

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

FLBRAVESFAN and Beachcomber,

The D-Rays have some quality young players and may come close to contention sometime soon. They do need to sort out all the young outfielders and trade some for pitchers but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them do alright within the next five years or so.

The problem is the Yankees and Red Sox seem to be willing to do whatever it takes to win 90-100 games most years.

The D-Rays dug themselves in a whole trying to draw fans with aging, local has-beens rather than trying to draw fans with wins.

Now they’ve finally run by some folks who know what they’re doing.

By DonCoburleone

May 4, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

I would have to agree the Rays would not trade Kazmir. And they do have another potential awesome starter in Shields. That guy has some nice stuff with excellent control (45K’s to 9BB’s in 43innings this year) and in the national league he would thrive… Baldelli and Shields for Salty and Davies? I would probably do that trade; but I can’t possibly imagine the Rays trading pitching for another bat. The 5 fans they have would revolt!

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Bob, journalist—impersonated indeed…but as long as it’s only me, who cares, right?…”who in the world would want to steal that moniker”…I will ask a favor of you, as one friend to another, please put me out of my misery…ask me to leave this blog forever, and I will so do, because of my respect for your candor…I’m like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole…frustrating to say the least…so go ahead, tell ol’ SJA that he would be better off sans this blog…and that the blog would be better for it…here’s the opportunity of a lifetime…now Slay the Dragon!!!…

By beachcomber

May 4, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

First an apology for transposing prospective with perspective - aging mind.

And Mr. Baseball - thanks for reminding me of how good we have it now by bringing names like Larvell Blanks - makes me shudder!

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Dcarp:

Glad you referenced the range factor stat. As a non-sabermagican (or something like that) I was unfamiliar with range factor. It is a little bit obscure, and there are probably weaknesses associated with relying on it too much (for instance, a right handed pitcher who pitches sinkers inside to a lineup full of LH hitters could skew the stat), but I knew KJ was getting a lot of chances over there and doing well. With the exception of a pop fly in the cold and windy afternoon sun, KJ has done an outstanding job. Thanks for bringing it out.

There is some value in these more discreet stats, as long as one doesn’t obsess over them (same goes for anything else, I suppose).

DOB without belaboring the point, I want to thank you again for being so involved on the blog. Carroll does a good job when you’re gone, but you obviously take a lot of pride in doing this well and it shows. Kudos! Somebody tell LeTwan to ask his mama to make a fully-loaded pie for DOB, complete with canned ham icing and side of pickled pigs’ feet (for the toes, of course!)

By AZBravoFan

May 4, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, and Reitsma. He should be at the top of the list given that, unlike the others, he sabotaged an entire season.

By KC

May 4, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Maine up against the Big… scratch that… the Old Unit tonight. Most likely a “W” for the Mets.

I think it’s time for Randy Johnson to go to the bullpen. I think he could still be effective there… especially against left-handed hitters.

By Mike S

May 4, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, Do you think the close-late situation stats can compare to successful postseason stats? I see the Cards up there and close-late situation is comparable to the pressures of the playoffs. I think if the Braves can win the division or at least the wild card that this team can be motivated enough to win the ship.

By RedEyedAndBlue

May 4, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball - Fun to reminisce about disappointing players through this fun stretch. Paul Bako would make my list. How about a list of most disappointing Braves’ prospects to emerge: Jung Bong, George Lombard, Odalis Perez, Bruce Chen, Tyler Houston, Mike Kelly, etc.

Scalp ‘Em - Raffy at least had one “career year” in 1982. And Pepe was terrible, too, but only for one season. Worst shortstop ever to wear the Braves’ uni. for any extended period had to be Andres Thomas. Awful, just awful. And ugly.

By DonCoburleone

May 4, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

The Salt of New York? As far as Retrosheet and I can tell, the last time the Mets and Braves hooked up for a trade was November 25, 1996, when the Mets sent Paul Byrd and a PTBNL (the inestimable Andy Zwirchitz) to the Braves for Greg McMichael. Over the years John Schuerholz has preferred to trade with Milwaukee, Kansas City or Oakland over the Mets.

But with a friendly new GM in Omar Minaya and a player with all the promise and last name of Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Salt-uh-la-ma-chee-a) on the board, anything is possible. As was pointed out in this space a week ago, the young catcher is a good fit with the Detroit Tigers. But with the Braves’ obvious dilemma of having one good young catcher too many, combined with the recent freak double-injury of Brian McCann and Brayan Peña forcing the Braves to give the youngster a major league debut for his 22nd birthday, other catching-starved organizations are bound to stand up and take notice.

The Mets’ 2008 catching situation was the subject of this MLBTR post. Without repeating what was said there, I’ll add that the Mets committed a big blunder by keeping single-A catcher Jesús Flores off their 40-man roster, allowing him to be taken by the Washington Nationals in the Rule 5 draft. While he is seriously overmatched in the big leagues, he could still develop into a solid, power-hitting backstop.

What, then, would it take for the Mets to acquire Salty? A Mets/Braves trade wouldn’t happen this year, so we shouldn’t be talking about improving the Braves’ 2007 rotation, at least not in this context. But would Philip Humber be of interest? The Braves also lack a solid left fielder, and will likely be short a center fielder come 2008. The Mets have three great prospects for these positions in Lastings Milledge, Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martínez. Finally, at first base the Mets could offer Mike Carp, who was so impressive this spring that he spent most of it with the big league Mets before being sent to AA-Binghamton.

If it took both Humber and Milledge to do it for the Mets, I think it would be worth it.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Rob Roberts, thanks for the very thoughtful and logical posts.

Krath, don’t put words in my mouth. I didn’t say Salty wasn’t an athlete _ I said he wasn’t as good an athete as 6-foot-4, 250-pound Cliff Floyd, who was the Chicago preps all-around athete of the year (Sun-Time) and had div. I basketball scholarships, or Adam Dunn, who passed for more than 4,000 yards as a high school senior and was a backup at Texas for a year before going with pro baseball.

Or, if it helps your argument, just say I said he wasn’t an athlete. Whatever. What I actually said, if you read my posts last night, was that Salty looked quite athletic running the bases and that I didn’t think he was slow. In other words, I refuted a couple of bloggers who said he was a plodder, etc.

But again, twist it anyway you want. Don’t want to throw a wet blanket on your excitement. Heaven forbid I’d try to come at this with what I think to be the organization’s view on Salty and why he won’t be moved the week of his 22nd birthday because some in the front office don’t see quite the sense of urgency that you do. Sorry to bring that up.

Carry on.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball , I could tell you the story of how Barry Bonds almost became a Brave way back in 1989 , but that would ruin your day. Smoltz , Hudson and Davies , think we can take two out of three ?

By 96,sc

May 4, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, Your point about LF power hitters was well taken and I have since been pounded with info on the subject. I was just curious as to why we can’t seem to find one.

By Lee

May 4, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

“Sugar Ray” Blanks, Pat Rockett, Darryl Chaney now I remember why the Braves were so bad for so long. This team has truly come a long way in baseball.

By DonCoburleone

May 4, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

There is absolutely ZERO chance the Braves would trade Salty to the Mets… Just thought I’d post that article cuz it seemed amazingly stupid to me…

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

journalist returns to find a number of toe journalists now employed on this blog.

now, derby news. the queen seems old to run the derby. for this journalist’s money the royals should probably run camilla.

By Metropolitan Man

May 4, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

LEW: Just once I would like you to realize how you would sound to an average baseball fan. The METS pitching will fall off by the all star break, the METS offense will slow down, The METS have no farm system, The METS are ONLY tied for 1st, Reyes is the only diffrence between the METS and the braves…….The braves will get better with subtraction, they will have the best starting 5 since 1995, they will lead the league in every offensive and pitching category…… I can admit since watching the braves this year and last year there is an improvment and they are contenders. But to let you tell it the METS are 1 win away from the cellar, dude we are even right now so what makes any team any better at this precise moment??? You are knoweldgeble fan but vey stubborn and close minded. I’m that way about the METS but you take it to another unflattering level with the braves. Whater is above a “HOMER”, you my friend take the cake. I know, I know, why am I posting here. I’m just an opinionated, bias braves, METS baseball guy who loves to talk about new baseball things, not rehashed fantasy moves!!! Hope you guys can handle the dodgers.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Tyler Houston ? O God no , not him. That guy was the worst mistake in the draft that Cox ever made. Our scouts had Frank Thomas at the top of their draft board and Cox was hellbent on drafting Houston and the rest as they say , is history.

By Lee

May 4, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

“sugar bear” blanks sorry about that - I think sugar ray could hit

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Coach, OK. Got it.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Coach:

I’d love to see us sweep the series, with Davies regaining his lost control and go 7 strong innings. I still like our team a lot. We have some holes, but they are not as drastic as it may appear. Thorman is not getting a fair shake at 1st because of Bobby’s penchant for platoons. In this case, I’d like to see Bobby give Thor a stretch of say, five or six games, where he plays every day regardless of the pitcher, just to see what he can do. In left, Diaz and Harris can get the job done. Really, we only need another starter who can consistently go 5-6 innings without giving up exhorbiant amounts of runs. We could slide the Vulture into the 4 spot and make Moylan the long reliever, and then plug Lerew, Dan Smith, or Cormier into the 5 spot. I really think Lance can do okay in that role if he could just get healthy.

Of course, if Mike Hampton were healthy we’d be dominating. But, I guess the Mets can so the same thing about Pedro Martinez.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

When proud men make a bad decision, it frequently takes some time for them to come to grips with the fact that they made a mistake … usually longer to rectify things without admitting that a mistake was made. Thank goodness for the DL!

Son, we’ve had a rash of injuries and are concerned about your health … we need you in the lineup but each time you swing so hard that you lose your balance, I’m immediately taking you out of the game … just as a precaution.

That, or a sign in the clubhouse that reads … If you swing for the fences, you sure as Hell better succeed!

By beachcomber

May 4, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Tyler Houston - another name that makes me shutter - but for a different reason. I was with Bobby on that one. When I first saw Tyler Houston, I thought he was going to be a 300-400 career homer guy and perennial All Star. Glad my money wasn’t riding on that one!

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

AZBravo Fan: Boone was actually OK his one season here. Unfortunately, he didn’t seek unauthorized help until he went to the West Coast and had some monster years. Reardon was inadvertently left off the post-season failure team.

Reitsma wasn’t that bad here, with the obvious exception of his last season, when he tried to pitch when he shouldn’t have.

Coach: familiar with all the Bonds coulda been a Brave lore. After the Pittsburgh GM sobered up, he realized that trading Bonds for Andres Thomas might not be such a shrewd idea.

Always wondered whether the Arizona GM who gave Ortiz something like $32 million for 4 years was drunk, stoned or temporarily insane. You could put together one unbelievably overpriced staff of ex-Braves starters, starting with Ortiz, Jaret Wright & Schmidt, and including Marquis, Odalis Perez, Maddux, Glavine & Millwood. Hard to believe that Marquis might be the best value of that group.

Coach: it’s true the Braves might could swing a trade for Kazmir. It’s also true that one of us on the blog could spend the evening with Jessica Alba or Jessica Biel. Not very likely in either case.

By DonCoburleone

May 4, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

DOB I wholeheartedly agree with you about Salty being athletic. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it Wednesday night! The first thing out of my mouth when I saw him hitting and running the bases was, why exactly are we not teaching this kid to play LF??? DOB can you please help me out with this one? Are we afraid he is going to get hurt or something? The only explanation I can think of is that Scheurholz fully intends on trading him and the way to get the highest possible value is to keep him as a catcher…

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 4, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Nuff said…

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

O’Brien,

I’m just going by BaseballReference.com. Maybe they’re wrong. They define ‘Late & Close’ as “PA in the 7th or later with the batting team tied, ahead by one, or the tying run at least on deck.”

Braves: .284 AVG/ .367 OBP/ .536 SLG, 32 R

Opponents: .247 AVG/ .352 OBP/ .345 SLG, 30 R

According to BaseballReference, the Braves have only outscored their opponents 32-30 in the 7th or later with the batting team tied, ahead by one, or the tying run at least on deck.

According to espn.com, which I think come from STATS LLC, here are the close and late numbers:

Braves: .312AVG/.396 OBP/.565 SLG, 28 R

Opponents: .195 AVG/.314 OBP/ .275 SLG, 21 R

Not sure why the big difference. Somebody’s obviously off. Still, Braves have outscored their opponents 28-21 in late and close situation, if you go by their numbers.

Not trying to start a war. Just think the Braves’ clutch hitting as a major cause for them being in first is a bit overrated. I think it has more to do with their overall awesome offense.

In the grand scheme of things, I’m just glad they’re winning.

By Baron

May 4, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

I see DOB lurking around, perhaps he can answer a question. Why has TBS forsaken the Braves?

I see in the news that they are showing fewer games this year than ever. Second half of last year they showed like ten games. It can’t be that 2-3 consecutive hours of Raymond, Friends or those other terrible sitcoms draw more viewers.

Perhaps they are protecting TNT’s NBA playoff coverage? But why show any games then? And are those two networks even connected in anyway now?

Couple that with the fact that we don’t even get a Braves radio broadcast down here in NorFla anymore, and you got some serious Jonesin’ (Druw, not Chipper) going on.

Signed, Forlorn in T-town

By flange1

May 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Afternoon All,

All of this Salty talk is making my head spin, that and the crazy Kazmir trade! Time to move on I think.

DOB, any news on long lost Aybar? It is amazing to me that the guy is giving up $$$. If he would report and go back on the DL and off the suspended list he would at least collect his paycheck.

Also, how long does Oakland have before having to announce the player to be named later of cash? I think they can wait quite awhile, although they announced it in about a week after the trade for the Reds outfelder they picked up.

Has Hampton been in contact with the club? I was curious about his state of mind. I know it has to be tough to bust your butt rehabbing for 18 months only to get hurt again and have to do it all again. Hope his chin is up and he is starting his comeback.

Let’ kick some Dodger butt tonight!

By Curt

May 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone

Please read some of Dave’s and other posters posts here and you will see why that would be a horrid move.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-I keep telling you I’m a Braves’ fan, yet you keep thinking I’ll praise the Mets. I just don’t understand why you would think that. Besides, do you actually think the Mets will post a team wide ERA of 3.00 for the entire season? Talk about a Homer, Dude. It’s like I say-If the Mets and their pitching were as good as you think they are, then why are you only tied for first? Despite the Mets having a World Class offense, the Braves, subtracted though they may be, are tied with you and have actually led the division for most of the season, as well as beating the Mets 4 of 6 games. That’s not a biased view, Metro Dude, that’s the fact of the matter.Coming down on me for cheering like a fan of my home team on my home team’s blog isn’t going to put the Mets any further up on the rest of the division, is it? I repeat, since it obviously has made no impression on you, if you want praise of the Mets, this is not the place to find it. Sorry, that’s just the way it is. You keep coming back for punishment and trying to find justification for your point of view. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why.

By Baron

May 4, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball-

Uh, just before the all-star break in 2005 I traded a date with Jessica Alba to Vincent Chase for a date with Jessica Beihl and a get together with Alyssa Milano to be named later.

By BamaBrave

May 4, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Amen, Mr. Baseball… Reardon would head a post-season list. I’d say more bad things about him, but he’s had it rough since his playing days ended (as I recall). A Top Enemies List, for me, would have to start with Jim Leyritz. I’m still not over what he did in ‘96. If I ever see that guy in an airport or something, I’d have a hard time not throwing my $6 beer on him.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave:

I would add Jack Morris, Joe Carter, and Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams to your postseason enemies list.

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

MetroMan: definition of fan: a person who is fanatical about their team, to the exclusion of all other teams, especially the hated Mets!

how’s that Lew??

By Metropolitan Man

May 4, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

LEW: Its becasue there is a fan, and then ther is just fantasy. What the METS are doing is REAL and you think its a dream and you will wake up and they will be in the cellar. I hate the braves with a passion but respect any club that puts a compettive product on the field. Yes I am a METS fan and if they play their best game and lose to another team, I tip my cap, not tear the other team apart. Trust me this is not an attack, its more like ARE YOU SERIOUS. I know I write plenty off the wall stuff here and its eay to decipher what I beleive and what I’m just spouting as a fan. But with you there is no difference, why blog the same topic to death and try to disguise it with current events???? I like your baseball sense, but you braves and METS sense could use some seasoning, you let the rivalry disort your brain on what is actually happening, not what you are expecting will happen. Enjoy the season LEW, but dont be disappointed if the METS finish for the season: .280+ team batting average, the starting pitching era stays below .400, the pen keeps up the good work, just tip your cap!!!!!

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

less than 5 hours till game time. one of the great things I live for!

By Lew

May 4, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-Let me put it differently for you. Last season, the MLB leading ERA’s were Tigers 3.84, Padres 3.87, Twins 3.95 - no one else was under a team ERA of 4 runs per game. The Mets posted a 4.14 and the Braves a 4.60 in 06. In 06, the highest team BA in MLB was the Twins at .287 and only five teams had BA’s of .280 or higher. The Braves hit .270 and the Mets .264 last year. This year the Braves are hitting .268, while the Mets are hitting .289. Now there is the possibility that the Mets hitters will maintain their BA over the course of the season-they are good, but without the DH like the Twins of last saeason, it is more than likely that they will not maintain that high an average. They certainly will not be the MLB leading team for ERA. Even if by some wild chance out of hell they do, it is likely they will not have a better ERA than the Tigers had last year. Your staff isn’t as good as the Tigers was. So the Mets pitching is statistically bound to get worse. The Braves, on the other hand, are performing right where one would expect them to, based on last year’s figures and the fact their bulpen is vastly improved. Sorry Metro Dude-Thems’s the facts. Everything points to an unsustainable performance by the Mets-and you’re tied with us now, even with the overperformance.

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

DOB: On to a more relevant topic. Any word on who is being considered for Tuesday’s start. I’m guessing they’re not going to commit to Oscar with Davies scheduled to start Sunday, so that leaves Barry or somebody from Richmond or Miss.

Since it’s obvious to all of us here (with one exception) that Kazmir is not coming to Atlanta, will throw out a more plausible name. If Harden & Loaiza return to the A’s rotation, Joe Kennedy might be an afforable, reasonable option. Braves could package a middle infielder (Prado?), a second tier pitching prospect, and maybe somebody like Blanco. He’s pitching pretty well, but has had zero luck this far.

If Beane was dumb enough to take Juan Cruz and Charles Thomas in the Hudson deal, maybe he’s ripe for another picking. And he does owe something/anything for Langerhans. (Gratuitous Todd Rundgren reference)

By Coach

May 4, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Mr.Baseball , the Pirates were the ones who actually initiated the proposed trade. As the story goes , Leyland was ticked off at Bonds and wanted him gone. It was at first just Bonds for Andres Thomas but Bobby Cox wanted Van Slyke included in the deal , the Pirates made it a two for two deal by asking for Zane Smith and Cox said thanks but no thanks. Perception and reality almost nineteen years later can shed light on why some trades we think are bad are actually the exact opposite. Thomas was rated the second best SS in the N.L. behind Barry Larkin and Zane Smith was a lefty coming off a fifteen win season which is why Cox refused to trade them for two outfielders (Bonds and Van Slyke). Looking back , we can see it really was a ridiculously one sided trade in favor of the Braves. So ,all in all , in the span of nine or ten months , Cox let Bonds , Van Slyke and Frank Thomas get away. We will never know what those guys would have contributed or how many championships got away , it just goes to show that we all make mistakes , even a hall of fame manager like Bobby Cox.

By Frits

May 4, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

I have been reading this blog now for some weeks and I must say I am very glad that none of you guys here is the manager of the team. (some exclusions do apply but hey does that not proof the rule?). If it it was up to you guys we basically would play every night with a different line up, what an unrest and uncertainty would exist in the clubhouse, not any player that knows he will be there the next day……patience my friends is part of the game

By Coach

May 4, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Add Chuck Knoblauch to your list , he killed us in 91 and 96.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Shaun and the fact that they hitting 20 points higher and slugging more than 100 POINTS higher than any other NL team with RISP and two outs, as opposed to ranking in the middle pure batting average-wise, is pure coincidence.

Just like McCann leading the majors in that category last year. Because according to you, as always, there are no such things as confidence in your team’s ability to come from behind in late innings, and confidence from winning so many close games early, or a player’s dominance of one team regardless of venue, or a McCann leading the majors by a wide margin with RISP and two outs last season. It’s all luck and statistical coincidence to you, always. No emotion or self-confidence involved in any such matters. Everything’s clinical to you.

Boring.

By Mike S

May 4, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Coach, From what I’ve read (I think from AJC)is that the deal was already made but Leyland killed it. Also, If the Braves would have gotten Bonds than We would have never had Maddux. I would trade 2 Bonds and a PTBN for Maddux any day. If the Frank Thomas draft pick is true than your right about that one.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Another interesting article at www.mlbtreadrumors.com. It discusses some teams with starting pitching surpluses. Although it is with a Mets slant, referring to which pitcher Minaya may snag, here are some possibilities that the article mentions who may be available in June or July:

Rockies: Josh Fogg and Byung-Yung Kim (no thanks BK)

San Diego: Brian Lawrence

Cleveland: Paul Byrd

KC: Odalis Perez (no thanks)

CHI SOX: By the summer, CHI could be putting John Garland, Mark Bueherle, or Jose Contreras on the block.

Angels: Dustin Moseley

CHI Cubs: Wade Miller

Not a lot of options, but that’s what the article lists FWIW.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/05/metstrollingf.html

By BamaBrave

May 4, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

No arguement there, Matthew. Toronto had a catcher who killed us too…Pat Borders. To paraphrase Johnny Carson, may the fleas of a thousand camels nest in their shorts…

By Lew

May 4, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-I’ll beat the horse one more time. Since 2003, only one team, The Red Sox, has hit as high as .289. Only one team, The Cardinals, had a team ERA of under 3.5 (theirs was 3.49). Any way you look at it, unless you really think this Mets team is the best team in baseball, both offensively and defensively, since 2002, their numbers will go down. Ain’t Homerism-unless you really think they are the best in 5 years. Enough Mets.

By Glass Half Full

May 4, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

DOB

Do you think the Braves are waiting for the Andruw situation to play out before they lock up Francouer a’la McCann? Also, are Braves officials waiting to see what kind of season he’ll have this year (i.e., higher average, higher OBP, plate discipline, etc.,) before committing to him long term?

By jerbo

May 4, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Hola,

Enjoyed the article though I think you overlooked the vastly improved plate discipline of francour. this has led to many of those two out rbi’s and keeping those late inning rallies going. also is colyier a possibility as a fifth starter didn’t he have the great spring with the low era? enjoy the blog.

Jerbo

By BamaBrave

May 4, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Gee Frits, sorry we didn’t all meet up at the Marriott last night and coordinate our opinions before blogging. We’ll do that next time, so you don’t get annoyed.

By ncscoots

May 4, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Frits, it’s too bad you didn’t get to the blog sooner than you you did. Unfortunately, I think you came in right about the time they began offering internet access at institutions for the criminally insane. See the recent blogs for verification, re any let’s-move-Salty post; any Devil Rays’ trade post; ALL mentions of Ryan Freel and Chone Figgins, LOL; or various and sundry trade scenarios involving any pitcher, left fielder, or strength-and-conditioning coach.

But, hey, glad you could make it :-)

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

JJS:

Camilla is a very good suggestion to run in a horse race. She already has the face. However, whither will her withers take her, or will her withers wither?

By Rodger

May 4, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Shaun, what stands out as much as the 7th inning is the 6th. That shows our starters are worn out by that time, while opponents may just be hitting stride? We have to do something with that differential to be successful-either the pitching needs to step up, or Cox needs a quicker hook.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Matthew:

Regarding your list of supposedly available pitchers, add a BIG (no thanks) next to Paul Byrd, please.

By flange1

May 4, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

It is interesting! Everyone has their favorite teams. Most normal folks like to talk to folks that also like their teams.

I find it amazing, pun intended, that folks that like other teams come to a Braves blog and talk about Braves competitors and expect everyone to suddenly say, WOW I have been wrong since 1966, I am really a Mets fan! The Mets rule!!!!

Mets fans, do you think we are going to roll over for you? I think not. If you want acceptance, try a Mets blog. If you want to stay here, that is cool, but don’t expect us all to lay down the worship for the Mets.

IT WILL NOT HAPPEN…

By Coach

May 4, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Mike , um dude , that trade I was referring to that almost happened was in 1989. Maddux was a free agent we signed in 1992 and Leyland was the one who pulled the plug on the second Bonds trade proposal in 1992.

By Frits

May 4, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave, never knew Marriott had such a positive effect on sanity…..but I guess you are missing the point I tried to make……what I was saying is that it is extremely rare in any team sport that all players excel at the same time, all kind of thing do influence a game. The mechanics of an opposing pitcher might be easy for one hitter but totally confusing for the next. Overall I think we have a team to be proud of and yes, if some guys are not performing on the level that we hoped for (and most of the time that refers to their batting perfomance) we just have to be a bit more patience. Patience does built confidence, not only for the guy that is underperforming but also reflects on the rest of the team. Exchanging people on all kinds of positions, bringing in new guys etc has the tendency to destroy something very valuable inside the clubhouse……stability

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Coach: I also heard that Leyland got cold feet the first time around after his temper cooled down. When Schuerholz was discussing Bonds a few years later, Leyland supposedly nixed the deal. At any rate, the Braves probably would not have been able to sign Maddux if they already had Bonds.

I once saw Frank Thomas play in a summer league tournament in Atlanta after he graduated from high school. The tournament was held up for five or six hours while the Columbus coaches drove back to Columbus to produce scorebooks that would prove Thomas was eligible to play. He had spent the summer working out with the Auburn football team, and had played little or no baseball. The Columbus coaches allegedly created a bogus scorebook with Thomas included so he could play. As it turned out, they got eliminated from the tournament early.

Even though he was only 18 or so, Thomas was a sight to see. He was a whole lot better baseball player than George Lombard, who should have stuck with football. Like Thomas, Francouer made the right decision, although it would have been interesting to see how he would have turned out in shoulder pads and a helmet. He would have been a stud safety and wasn’t a bad receiver.

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

just a little over 4 hours till game time…..

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Shaun and the fact that they hitting 20 points higher and slugging more than 100 POINTS higher than any other NL team with RISP and two outs, as opposed to ranking in the middle pure batting average-wise, is pure coincidence.

Of course they are going to be better than most teams offensively in certain situations, because they are better than most teams overall.

I think it’s counterintuitive and the evidence is that players generally don’t perform significantly better in clutch situations than they do overall, given a large enough sample of plate appearances.

There does seem to be some exceptions: Players with good bat control, strikezone judgement, etc. seem to hit better in clutch situations.

Brian McCann would certainly qualify.

This may be boring, but the evidence seems to suggest not a significant difference between clutch hitting ability and overall hitting ability.

Not saying self-confidence and emotion don’t play a role but they probably play more of a role in overall ability not just clutch ability.

Also, if McCann comes to the plate against, say, Billy Wagner late in a game and both are good clutch players, wouldn’t it follow that if both are better in the clutch than they are overall, the advantage would be a wash?

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

I believe some of Adam LaRoches’ problems might lie in the fact that there is much less protection in the Pirates lineup than he had in Atlanta. Just a hunch…

By Coach

May 4, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

what does Bonds have to do with Maddux? your trying to tell me that Ted Turner could not afford both ? Are you nuts !

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Rodger,

As long as the offense keeps scoring at close to the pace they’re on, I think the Braves are fine. Sure, it would help if the pitching was better, but they are in a good position to at least contend for a playoff spot if not a division title.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Frits-I don’t know about the Marriot’s positive effect, but I really like the Marriot points we rack up. That’s how we’re staying there in Boston for the Braves’ series. Free room.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Bama Brave:

Add Kent Hrbek to the enemies list. He cheated by pulling Gant off the base right in front of the ump and got away with it. Oh, also add the guys in charge of the A/C at the Baggie Dome who made the air blow toward home when the Braves batted, and out when the Twins batted, to the list.

By Lee

May 4, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Frits - I suppose you still think we should have Langerhans if LF also. The Braves did not show enough patience.

By DonCoburleone

May 4, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

DOB why do you let these stat geeks get to you so much? Let it go man…

By krath

May 4, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Sorry DOB I should have scrolled back up and put your exact quote. You being a professional and all I understand your demand for total accuracy. I don’t claim to be a pro at this stuff. (writing) However, I really don’t think the meaning was actually lost on anyone reading the post. Not as athletic as Floyd and Dunn. Is that close enough? Heck it wasn’t even an argument about athletic ability!! It was used to explain that it may take Salty more time to learn a position.

And DOB, don’t feel sorry for bringing the organization point of view. You shouldn’t have to appologize for that. Anyone who has blogged here for any time knows that’s what you do. You present the management of the Atlanta Braves point of view. You have to…don’t you? If you don’t want to be cut off in the clubhouse or from JS and Bobby…. you can’t step on too many toes can you? I mean you get paid to write about these guys. You get paid to sit in the pressbox. You get paid to report what you know because you are an insider.

I, on the other hand, pay for my ticket. Anytime I sit at the Ted the price of my seat came out of my pocket. I have to drive 3 hours a few times a season just to see a game live. I work a job that’s not connected with the Braves. I follow the Braves because I love baseball and the Braves. I was a Braves fan when they were in Milwaukee. I think it was because my dad liked them because I was really too young to make that conscious decision myself. I started attending games the first year they came to Atlanta. I love the team, always have. I watched them lose a lot. I watched them win a lot. Over the years…. I’ve probably contributed quite a bit of money from my pocket to that organization. I’m willing to pay for the pleasure to watch them.

Yep, you are probably voicing the Braves company line on Salty. I’m sure you know it better than I do. But that doesn’t mean I have to agree with the company line or you either for that matter. You see I’m a good PAYING fan. I don’t boo my team. I don’t throw stuff on the field. I don’t yell insults at my players OR the other team. I don’t get drunk and stumble on other patrons. I don’t yell obscenities that would embarrass parents with children in tow. I watch the game. Cheer for my team. Groan when things don’t go well. I eat a dog, if I feel really naughty I have a beer. I usually buy something for myself, my wife or my daughter in the way of T shirt, cap or something. I pay to park in one of the lots. Geez…. this is adding up!

OK…. I’ll get to the conclusion.

Yeah I pay and usually more than I should for the pleasure of attending games. I think it gives me the right to question the direction of certain decisions on a sports blog. A sports blog!!! It’s not like you or Braves management is going to listen to me. Hell, I wasn’t even questioning a decision… I was just stating a decision needed to be made sooner rather than later! lol

Cool down turbo. This isn’t the war powers act we’re talking about here. It’s not the very survival of our country that’s at stake. It’s a baseball blog. I’m sorry. It’s YOUR baseball blog. I do appologize though. I thought the idea was to exchange ideas. Now if we all had the same idea it would make this a really interesting place to be wouldn’t it?

I can see it now, Dave. No differing opinions. You report and 4000 people respond, “great reporting Dave, thanks for the info!” “Wow Dave, how do you do it? Great scoop!”

Is that what you want? I mean it would probably be an ego boost, but is that really what you want? No opposing opinions?

I realize that I’m coming to a gun fight with a knife. I don’t do this stuff for a living… you do. But it really doesn’t matter. I know how I feel. I know what I believe. I know I can post when I feel like it and I know that you HAVE to post. Because you get paid to do what you do and I just do it when I feel like it. I won’t get into a stupid flame war with anyone here. My fingers will eventually get tired. I’ll give up.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Honorable, I haven’t been the target of such eloquence since the Hillbilly from Arkansas honored me with a barrage of posts earlier in the year … I’m always eager to help a friend but unfortunately, your services are still needed in the fight agin apathy and amorality!

In my dragonslayer’s manual, it says … “In slaying the dragon, remember that it’s often more effective to allow the beast to be hoisted by its own petard than do the dastardly deed yourself … however, the important thing is that the dragon is slain, regardless of how it’s done!

It’s important too that dragonslayers are not perceived by everyone as themselves being dragons … them what say I’m not the Dragon … I’m not the Dragon usually are … just as rose smelling flowers on thorny bushes are usually roses, regardless of protestations.

It’s generally obvious when the dragon needs to be slain and it’s okay to offer subtle encouragement as deemed appropriate … and, when direct confrontation is absolutely necessary, it’s as satisfying as it is effective to be able to send one’s blade deep and strike the fatal blow without even being detected … at least until it’s too late.”

That’s what it says, plain and simple!

By DonCoburleone

May 4, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Okay, how about this trade in the offseason… Salty for Dave Bush from Milwaukee? Bush will be in his first year of arbitration in 2008. Maybe make the trade and then lock up Bush through his first couple years of free agency? (2011 or 2012)…

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

O’Brien,

One more thing and I’ll stop beating the dead horse, as I tend to do.

Looking at last season, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the top OPS guys in late and close situations were Travis Hafner, Albert Pujols, David Ortiz and Derek Lee.

I don’t think it’s coincidence that you rarely see bad hitters hit well in the clutch.

It seems like if clutch hitting was a distinct ability you would see a handful of usually not-so-great hitters hitting well in the clutch.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Frank Thomas lettered in Track & Field , football and baseball at Columbus high school( my alma mater). Pat(tie,inside joke)Dye offered him a scholarship and guaranteed Thomas the opportunity to be a tight end. Frank Thomas and Bo Jackson played together at Auburn , I think it was just one season. Thomas blew his knee out during his sophomore season and went back to playing baseball full time for Auburn and the rest as they say is history. Frank holds Auburn’s career(49)and single season record(21)home run records.

By Frits

May 4, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Lee,

I said act with patience, not ridiculous…..Langerhans was given a month to proof himself and he failed, but then again, don’t be surprised if he wakes up in W’ton and starts hitting…..there was a point in his career where he could. I am more pointing to the fact that if at a certain night someone does not perform to its expectancy……in here they are all willing to trade him at least……if not dump him al together

By Frits

May 4, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

in addition……at the beginning of the season, KJ also did not hit a ball……..screams for his removal in here where plenty…..now look…….he’s playing as a veteran allstar…..that is what patience showed us……same could have happened with Langerhans…..guess that was Cox’s his guess…..did not turn out that way…

By Coach

May 4, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Get him Krath , O’Brien has been full of it ever since he won the Cox award for the best blog.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Frits:

You mentioned the wrong word on this blog…stability Haven’t you figured out that the number feature of the personalities here is instability?

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Coach: what did David Justice and Marquis Grissom have to do with Maddux & Glavine? It’s called a budget. The Braves traded them and their (at the time) modest salaries so they could re-sign Glavine & Maddux, at least according to the GM. Acquiring Bonds would have had other repercussions we have no clue about. More than likely, he would not have lasted long here, given the Braves’ antipathy toward players who can can find the letter i in team.

The Braves did OK without him, except of course during the post-season, where he was not exactly stellar for most of his career.

By rammerjammer

May 4, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

So this preacher is driving down the highway and his car is weaving.

Cop pulls him over. Preacher rolls down the window. Cop looks inside and sees some sort of drink in the cupholder.

“What’s in the cup?” he asks. “Just water, officer,” says the preacher. “Let me see that,” he says.

Preacher hands it to him. Cop sniffs at it. “That’s not water. That’s wine,” he says.

The preacher shouts, “PRAISE THE LORD, HE DONE IT AGAIN!”

By flange1

May 4, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Well Coach,

It explains alot that you are a Columbus High graduate…..

By Kentavo

May 4, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

DOB, think Fookie and Betemit will be recruiting Andruw this weekend?

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

God Bless America! … and God bless Doc’s sheep for they shall inherit … at least that’s my hope as methinks that’s their best chance.

Apologies for what may seem to be irreverence but I’m confident that the Almighty understands from whence I come.

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Shaun: I like numbers as much as the next guy, but they don’t explain everything. The best hitters in general will tend to be the best hitters in the clutch. That’s pretty obvious.

How then, do you explain Francouer last year? He was a whole lot better in the clutch/RISP then overall and he certanly doesn’t fit your description of the type of hitter who succeeds in those situations. Numbers alone aren’t the answer. Sometimes you just rely on what you see in front of you. Get your head out of the stat sheets and actually watch the game. You might get a little different perspective.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

rammerjammer:

Go to the corner. You’re in trouble for vicious attacks on a preacher, and speaking as a preacher, I….

oh nevermind, it was pretty funny :)

By Mike S

May 4, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Coach, I’m just noting what I heard in the article. It was a while back so I don’t fully remember but Maddux’s signing had something to do with it. Just what I heard, good point though.

By Shaun

May 4, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

mr baseball,

Numbers are a picture of reality.

And looking at Francouer’s close and late numbers, I just don’t see that they were significantly better than his overall numbers (.284 AVG/ .314 OBP/ .547 SLG).

I watch, I’ve played, I look at stats. No one thing gives me my perspective.

By 96,sc

May 4, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Krath, it’s just a blog. Don’t start tripping. You have good posts but DOB must have upset you bad to take up all that space. It’s all good.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

rammerjammer, that my friend, is funny! … and might be effectively incorporated into a sermon or two if I know some folks as well as I think.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob:

It would not have mattered, had you taken the bait from SJA and invited/instructed him to leave. He wouldn’t have done it. Same old empty promise from SJA. Empty promises from an empty head with an empty life. The only fullness in SJA’s body/life are his bowels - only person in the world whose odiferous gasses travel upstream - i.e., his farts emanate from his mouth, not that other body part he is so fond of referrring to here on this blog.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Yep , your nuts. Mr.Baseball my butt , it was 1992 , TED TURNER didn’t have a budget back then , he wanted a championship and would have gladly payed out the nose to get one. Don’t try to lump things that happened years later into the mix. The fact that you would have not wanted the five tool early nineties talent of Bonds kind of says it all. Hey , JS wanted him and so did I , but you would have said no ? I guess thats why JS is a GM and your not.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Krath, you’ve seriously lost me, “turbo.” (I like that one, by the way. That’s new. Thanks.)

Management point of view? That’s the weakest argument you could possibly have made in trying to defend your knee-jerk proposal to get just-turned-22-year-old Salty into the lineup RIGHT AWAY, after one solid month in Double-A and one game in the majors. Management point of view? I’m simply telling you the way I think they view the Salty situation, based on interviews with Bobby, John, Frank, etc.

I mean, do you want me to lie to you and tell you something other than what the people making the decisions are thinking? I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. I mean, they do make the decisions, so I thought maybe you’d want to know where they stand regarding Salty.

If you’d rather not hear it, then skip over my comments and just keep going on about what they should do. Fine by me. Last I checked, though, their opinions _ not mine, and not yours, and not anyone else’s here _ are what’s going to determine how Salty and anyone else in a uniform is used. So most readers, at least I think so, want to know what the organization is planning, or thinking, at least as near as someone around them every day can tell.

If that doesn’t interest you, or you can’t take being criticized or your points disputed or argued, well, tough. Don’t know what else to tell you.

Your opinions haven’t been censored, cut, anything else. You can state them ad nauseum. But do you not want me to point out the flaw in the thinking, at least as it pertains to what I think the organization is leaning towards doing? OK, Krath is off-limits now. Too sensitive to have his arguments dissected or disputed.

Consider it done, Krath. You can now rip me (the organizational mouthpiece, even though I had someone from the organization call my supervisor this week with quite a different opinion) and go on at length with any opinion or insights you want to offer on the team, and I promise I’ll not comment on them.

As for coach, I won’t have the same hands-off policy, simply because he’s too overbearing and condescending towards other bloggers to let him have free reign. But you, I’ll relent. Sorry to step on your toes.

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Matthew, those who don’t think that God has a sense of humor are forgetting that he created them!

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

I was going to try to knock out a quick blog before going down to the clubhouse (traffic was brutal today and I got here a little later than planned), but since I spent the past 10 minutes reading Krath’s wrath and responding to him and the mighty coach, won’t have time to do it before clubhouse opens. Gotta get down there and get some more organizational viewpoints to ram down everyone’s throats. Right, turbo?

By NationalLeagueEast

May 4, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Lew -

It’s a little bit of a stretch to say the Mets have been “chasing the Braves for most of the season.” Both teams have been flip-flopping in and out of first by half a game for weeks, and now they’re tied with exactly the same record.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Mr Baseball, very good point about Francoeur, who hit, what, .260 last year. I don’t think it’s a coincidence he hit so much better in clutch situations last year, and has led the majors in two-out RBIs since the beginning of last season. I mean, him and A-Rod have been going neck-and-neck in that race. And all the others in the top five are superstars. So why is Frenchy in there (that would be a question for Shaun).

By Frits

May 4, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Hope everybody will enjoy the two slammers of my fellow island boy tonight…….one of these days…..

By Thrillhouse44

May 4, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Krath, I lost some valuable IQ points reading your 3:30 entry. Sad thing is, I didn’t get paid to do it. Not sure why money was such a big issue in your post. Geez, get over yourself dude. Better yet, take your own advice and “cool down turbo”.

By Coach

May 4, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Just please , keep the facts straight. Don’t go trying to rewrite Braves history .

By AZBravoFan

May 4, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Farnsworth’s meltdown probably merits him being on the bad Braves list. As for post-season enemies, wow, you could come up with quite a list. How about Livan Hernandez, Eric Gregg, Sterling Hitchcock, Chad Curtis, Erubiel Durazo, Mark Prior, Brandon Backe, Brad Ausmus, Lance Berkman, Carlos Beltran, and of course (deep breath) Chris Burke. I sure there are countless others that are escaping me right now.

By rammerjammer

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

Matthew, with your encouragement, here’s another:

So it’s raining really hard and starting to flood. Everyone gets out of the house, except one guy.

He says, “Y’all go on. The Lord will save me!” So they go on.

Soon the floodwaters circle the house. A fellow in a small boat comes by. “Hop in!” he says. “No thanks,” says the guy. “The Lord will save me!” So the fellow in the boat moves on.

The waters keep rising. Now the guy’s on top of the house. A rescue helicopter hovers overhead and they drop him a ladder. “No thanks!” he shouts. “The Lord’s gonna save me!” They fly away.

The waters keep rising until they’re over his head…and he drowns.

Now he’s standing at the Pearly Gates and is plenty disappointed.

“Lord,” he says. “I counted on you. Why didn’t you save me?”

“What are you talking about!?” says the Lord. “I sent you a boat and a helicopter!”

By ncscoots

May 4, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Then should not all players perform as well in close-and-late situations as in all other offensive situations? If clutch performance is only a reflection of overall offensive prowess? Does that logic hold, and, if not, why not?

My intuition is that the equation fails on that side of the operand, and thus fails absolutely.

By Chop Chop

May 4, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Francoeur hits well in the clutch because he’s a confident and aggressive hitter. Pitchers want to get ahead in the count in clutch situations and that plays to his aggressive nature. Because of that, Francoeur doesn’t have to chase as many pitches out of the zone when pitchers tighten up and try to throw strikes. Throw in the ability to hit the ball to all fields (when he wants to) and Francoeur is a very dangerous hitter for pitchers who doesn’t want to risk throwing those foot-outside breaking balls in the dirt that Jeff has a penchant for chasing.

That’s the only explanation I can come up with.

By Frits

May 4, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

much appreciated DOB and right on, main reason I read this blog is indeed to hear your insights and your point of view distilled out of your relations with all the bozo’s. The rest of us, just filling space, annoying the hell out of eachother and in the process it seems sometimes forgetting that we just love this game……

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Scalp ‘Em Braves, the Honorable Southern and I have a long history … he knows that I disapprove of the ineffective use of the vulgar and any use of profanity … especially my own.

However, I assure that he would not bait me … not in a harmful way. It wouldn’t be seemly.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

“Krath’s wrath” - classic, DOB. This might have some legs. “SouthernJackAss is crass and lives in a morass”…Coach gets the “Lew Spew” frequently. “Payne’s Pain” - endless debate about meaningless statistics…..”Frits’ Spits”, or “Frits’ Snits”….

By Coach

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

T-minus three hours and then we kick some Dodger butt , Smoltzy is gunning for win number four.

By Thrillhouse44

May 4, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Thanks Coach and Krath for costing us a blog. Now I’ll have to work the last 30 minutes of the week.

AZBravo, how about Kent Herbek and Chuck Knoblauch?

By BossLady

May 4, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Way to go DOB

By Greg in TN

May 4, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Afternoon lads and ladies…

In my estimation, we most certainly already have some in our midst on the Braves/MIB blog and as time goes on, those numbers will do nothing but increase.

What may that be you say?

Why it’s the number of serious Braves fans that never knew the Los Angeles Dodgers as a division rival.

I would look to the date of the first game of a series with those guys for weeks ahead of time. Anytime I saw Lasorda poke his fat a— out of the dugout would make my stomach turn. Cey, Guerrero, Sax, Marshall, Hershiser, Karros, Russell, Lopes, Valenzuela, Garvey, Strawberry… Loathed them all.

It’s a different time now denizens. Division rivals have changed. The irresistable draw of a Braves and Dodgers series from the Chop Shop or from Chavez Ravine is much less than what it used to be.

Still….. It’d do this Braves fan’s heart good to see ‘ol Dodger blue going down in flames this weekend and send the lads from SoCal down to Florida with their tails between their legs.

Go Braves!

By The Stranger

May 4, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

O’B, I’ve got a Q unrelated to moving Salty to the outfield or the bullpen or the Devil Rays or wherever else he may be heading today. I’m loading the iPod for a trip and need to add some DBT. I only have “The Dirty South” at the moment. Which album do I add next?

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

RammerJammer: Here’s ya one.

Guy dangling from a cliff, a hundred feet over jagged rocks and crashing surf, hanging on for dear life. He shouts out “Is there anybody out there who can help me??”..The Lord responds “Have faith in your Lord, my son, let go and I will take care of you” The guy thinks about it a second, and then shouts out “ANYBODY ELSE OUT THERE?”

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien: Please, continue to ram away!! Most of us thoroughly enjoy the ramming.

Coach and Krath: Somebody didn’t get enough hugs when they were little, huh.

Most other bloggers: Can you believe some of these guys???

Maybe we should just go back to the Ryan Freel/Carl Crawford trade rumors.

By Braves20

May 4, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

ArizFan - Better add a few more umpires to that list. The guys who gave the Astros 5 or 6 outs during Farnsworth’s supposed meltdown inning. One was Cooper, the others names escape me now, but I carried that boxscore all winter hoping I’d run into one of the blind man in spring training. I don’t usually harass umpires but Mr. Cooper knew how I felt after nine innings in Lakeland the following spring.

By Frits

May 4, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Scalp actually Frits Spits used to be a pretty famous DJ in the Netherlands (where I originally come from)……just so you know……Spits means in dutch…..clever……so thanks for the reference

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Scoots,

My intuition is that your intuition is correct … just my intuition mind you … but if indeed the equation fails on that side of the operand, if does most certainly fail absolutely.

By Ron

May 4, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

What about one or two of the young Angels prospect Starters for Salty, might be a good deal, I like that more than Capuano, or Bush!!!

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

New nickname for DOB: Dave “Turbo” O’Brien!! I like it. Got a nice ring to it.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

May 4, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

The Stranger,

I know your question was for DOB, but I’ll butt in and request Decoration Day, and Southern Rock Opera for your Drive-By Truckers.

By BossLady

May 4, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

As long as he practices it when he blogs, fine with me.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

very testy on today’s blog and sja is not the problem today. bob has validated sja as a blog fixture - only problem is what fixture? commode? potty mouth but knows a little baseball and used to blog with this journalist respectfully until sja turned in the night like a jackal. now, camilla would be the best bet for a horse race - not the queen. why the long face? journalist did see the queen putting on the feed back with dick cheney today. good horses are sometimes measured by good teeth. that’s why the queen mum never won a race. now, turbo … this name has possibilities. hoss being interviewed by turbo. sometimes names stick and this one may have some residual staying power. not sure, but journalist wasn’t sure about hoss either.

By The Stranger

May 4, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, that question should’ve been intended for anyone with exceptional taste, of which you surely qualify. Thanks for the rec’s.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 4, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon all, Just a quick up date from the farm.

Richmond took two last night from Charlotte winning the first game 4-0 and the night cap 5-4.

Larew pitched 6 2/3 innings of shut out ball and gave up two hits. Manny Acosta came in to record the final out for the save.

In the nightcap Trey Hodges hurled 5 shutout innings. I cannot help but think there is some pitching help available for Atlanta right here in Richmond.

McBride is scheduled to start tonight.

By Mike S

May 4, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

As I post in this blog my boss asks me who I think will get the win on Saturday. I say… Hudson over Lowe. He then says “Mayweather and De La Hoya ya dumbass.”

By rammerjammer

May 4, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks Bob, journalist. I have a Pug dog at home, and anyone who doesn’t think God has a sense of humor has never looked a Pug directly in the face. Funniest-looking dog on the planet.

By BossLady

May 4, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

MikeS I hope you and your boss are also friends outside of work if he said that.

By Christy

May 4, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN,

you are not alone. to this day I hate the Dodgers more than I ever could the Mets. And the fact that we don’t see them enough during the season to give them the thrashing they deserve breaks my heart. ; )

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 4, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

DOB:

How is McCann’s hand? Is he going to rest tonight? Is Braves’ Nation in for another night of Saltalamania tonight? Will this blog be buzzing for the next three days with hand wringing over Saltalaleft, or Saltalafirst, or Saltalatrade?

It’s beer o’clock folks. Have a good weekend. Here’s hoping the Braves run the Bums out of town with a broom.

Scalp ‘Em Braves!!!!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

May 4, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks Stranger. Of course I would go ahead and recommend Gangstabilly and Pizza Deliverance, too, but they don’t seem to be as popular with the general population as they are with me and my tastes so I’ll leave that up to you. There are some really bad-a$$ songs on those two early albums though: Uncle Frank (that song ROCKS), Love Like This, Bulldozers and Dirt, Wife Beater, 18 Wheels of Love.

Well that pretty much covers all the studio albums except “Blessing and a Curse,” which is good also….I think DOB said he really likes it. So I guess I didn’t really single anything out for ya’ now, did I? Rock on, Stranger….

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith has this to say, “Don’t confuse 3 digit players with members of the club … the fact that they are missing some toes doesn’t mean they’re intelligent.” -JB

this is the measure of a true journalist and bob is to be commended.

By krath

May 4, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

I’m confused again, DOB

Your initial post slammed me for not being accurate with a quote, yet you wrote this:

“Management point of view? That’s the weakest argument you could possibly have made in trying to defend your knee-jerk proposal to get just-turned-22-year-old Salty into the lineup RIGHT AWAY, after one solid month in Double-A and one game in the majors.”

Dave or anyone else… I defy you to find a place in any post where I proposed getting Salty into the lineup RIGHT AWAY!

It’s the pot calling the kettle black. You slam me for misquoting you yet you post something that is completely false and attribute it to me. Yep I would say that is the pot calling the kettle black. I only said a decision on whether Salty would be used as trade bait or stay in the organization needed to be made ‘right away”. Not the exact words I used, but unlike you did to me Dave….. I’ll give you a pass on that. I said in essence if he were to stay a Brave the sooner he started learning a new positon the better! And if they decided he was trade bait…. then let him contiue to catch. Never did I say they needed to get him in the lineup right away.

You only half read my posts didnt you Dave? Admit it.

And of course if you hadn’t taken the time to deal with me everyone would have a new blog. Was that a “sick’em little Davettes” move or what?

Dave, you’re a very good sportswriter. I read what you have to say. I know if there is news on the Braves, you’re probably gonna have it first…most of the time. No matter what happens here, I’ll keep reading what you say.

Here’s the deal. You treat people badly sometimes. You kill’em all and let God sort them out. There are some who deserve it and some sincere people that you sometimes just give hell! No one likes to feel belittled. No one likes to be scolded for asking a serious question. You’re too young to be that grouchy and cranky.

Yeah, I took some swipes at you, but don’t swipe at others and not expect them to swipe back.

I’m a big boy, my feelings aren’t damaged beyond repair.

Oh and one more thing. To those of you who want to jump my case simply because Dave did (the Davettes) Dave is a big boy. Just ask him. Don’t you think he can take care of me by himself? I’m not much… just some baseball fan who has no valid opinion. Hell I don’t even know you people! lol

By rammerjammer

May 4, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Scalp ‘em, that was great.

Greg in TN, man you brought back some memories. The Dodgers were the Evil Empire back in the day.

Many a night I listened on the radio as the Dodgers announcer intoned…”Batting for Hershiser. MANNY. MOTA.”

Followed by bedlam, pandemonium, and always a game-winning hit for the bad guys.

Beating them by a game to win the West in ‘91 was sweet, sweet, sweet.

Thanks for the reminder. Those were the days!

By mr baseball

May 4, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Coach: now I understand why so many fellow bloggers are so annoyed with you. You can’t comprehend what other folks say. I never said I didn’t want Bonds. The Braves apparently made 2 attempts to trade for him and never succeeded, and signed Maddux as a free agent after the ‘92 season INSTEAD of Bonds.

There was no way they were going to sign both, and had they traded for Bonds the year before and signed him to an extension, they would not have signed Maddux in ‘93. If you think they would have been able to afford both at the time, I believe the preferred comeback is, “You’re nuts.”

I think Bonds might have been a great addition to the team, but I also think he would not have fit into a Bobby Cox clubhouse. Maybe Cox could have convinced Bonds to subjugate his ego to the team, as Sheffield did for two years, but I doubt it. At any rate, if the Braves really wanted him after the ‘92 season, they could have made a stronger run at him. They didn’t. Has nothing to do whether I wanted him or not. I guess JS didn’t want him as badly as you thought.

I know coaches teach academic subjects, but I seriously doubt you were a history teacher. If so, your students probably didn’t get much of an education.

By The Stranger

May 4, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Gil,

Good scribing from Richmond. Always appreciate reports from down on the farm.

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

rammerjammer Small world. I too, am the proud owner of a pug. Rather be with people than sniffing other dog’s butts. Mine is 29 lbs, all muscle (used to hang out with Barry Bonds), and still thinks he is a lap dog!! Quite a load. You are right about the looks though….so ugly he is cute, or something like that.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

NLEast-Yeah- a little bit of a stretch, but not much.

By MGL

May 4, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Krath - I suggest a very dry Martini. It might help you chill out!!

By Bob, journalist

May 4, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Not to continue the thread but I just received this from the pen of one well aquainted with the Almighty …

A Drunk driving down the road comes upon a car off to the side, upside down. Drunk stops, go’s over to the car, gets down on his hands and knees and looks inside and sees a preacher still strapped in his seat, but upside down.

Drunk says, you ok in there preacher? The preacher replies, yes thank you, the Lord is riding with me.

The drunk replies, well you better let him ride with me before you kill him!

By rammerjammer

May 4, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Incognito, you nailed it. A pug is definitely a people dog. Yours sounds Paronto-ish. Mine’s but a pup, about 15 months old. A lot of dog in a small package.

Well, enjoy the weekend everyone. Go Braves!

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

McCann’s back in the lineup tonight. I think that finger’s still pretty sore, but he won’t say so. Doesn’t want to make excuses or look like he is. Gotta like that about the guy (he’s a standup dude, through and through, believe me)….

Nothing new on Aybar. Agent told me today “he’s with family,” but wouldn’t say more. Braves said there’s nothing new. he’s still suspended without pay. Sorry, but that’s all I got on that….

HIllbilly, I really like Gangstabilly and Pizza Deliverance, just not as much as the Truckers’ most recent four studio albums (and I’ve GOT to get hold of a copy of the live CD they put out in limited release, or maybe it’s bootleg, don’t know, but I keep hearing is just phenomenal).

I do love the song about GG Allin coming to town, which I think is on Pizza Deliverance.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Gil, thanks for that Lerew update. I really think we could see him before long, since it sounds like he’s been consistent. The thing that was holding him back before were the bouts with wildness.

By Lew

May 4, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Krath-Dude,Just remember the immortal words of Foghat “When I was stone blue, rock and roll sure helped me through.” It’s always helped restore my chi. Go rock and forget all else.

By Chachi

May 4, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Where is Javy Lopez? He was tearing it up in Colorado this Spring. They let him go for the kid. Javy wanted to start but said the only place he would back up was the ATL. Wouldn’t he be a solid backup and a nice right handed bat with power off the bench? As far as I know, he still doesn’t have a job…

By krath

May 4, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

OK Lew lol I’ll chill.

Dave’s not a bad guy and does a good job. But I’m not a bad guy either.

I’ll just let it go.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 4, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

I’ll never forget the Far Side comic strip that was entitled, “God at His Computer.” A businessman was walking down the street, obviously vexed for some inexplicable reason. A piano hung by a thread over his head. The other pane showed an old man, presumably intended to be God, with his finger on the keyboard. WHat button? The ‘Smite” button.

Funny, but I’m glad that God isn’t truly like that. While He hates sin, He offers forgiveness for the repentant. Comforting to me, as I fail every day.

End of sermon (you’re welcome).

McCann plays tonight. Let me guess, Salty’s playing 1B? No, oh well…

By krath

May 4, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Lew, Lonesome Dave doesn’t get enough props. The guy was pretty awesome. Shame he’s gone.

By Ron

May 4, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

I dont understand why BC dont just sit McCann for the Dodgers series, Everybody knows his finger still hurts, give him more of a break, we have Salty here, let him play, I think McCann is the Braves BEST hitter, but got to let him rest that Damn finger, we dont want that finger naggin him all season, BC gotta know that he will want back in the lineup even if the finger hurts or not, thats another managing job right there, BC gotta protect McCann better than that. And dont everybody go saying I dont like BC, because I think he is the Best Manager that I have seen!!!

By krath

May 4, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Ron, I have an opinion on that, but I’m sure as hell not gonna post it right now! lol If it involves using the “S” word, I’m giving it a rest!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

all this reminds journalist jimmy smith of the journalist who slid down the beer soaked ramp at the ballpark on badly-worn soles. crashing into the railing and falling out of consciousness the journalist was toes up when bobby touched his cheek with a moist finger and asked, “you alright there, turbo?” the journalist replied, “is that you, god?” and bobby just chuckled and walked away. apologies to grinch for invading grinch’s territory.

and what is that website again that april appears? who remembers? journalist would like to see that latest photo. and where has sja been all afternoon? in the spring a young man’s fancy …

and now, bob horner. yes, that’s right - bob horner. no minor league ball - right to the majors from college. yes, from college - but bob horner had all the skills to play major league baseball. and why do some 22-23 year old players adapt and others are deemed not ready to try to adapt? oh, the humanity! there are no absolutes in this. every player stands on own merit. kj made it this season. langy did not. will salty make it because salty has the skills or because salty has worn out his options like someone else on this team that cannot be mentioned? hmmm … remember, the fact they are missing some toes doesn’t mean they are intelligent.

By Incognito

May 4, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

40 minutes till game time….

By TennesseePaul

May 4, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

I sat out most of today’s discourse. Probably shouldn’t have as DOB is about to post a new blog. But I wanted to make the following comments.

I watch, I’ve played, I look at stats. No one thing gives me my perspective
—Payne
One of Payne’s first posts on this blog said, and I’m paraphrasing here, “I’ve learned more about how to play the game reading books on statistics than I ever learned while playing the game.” And, subsequent posts have gone on to show that Payne relies more on what the statistician has to say about the game than what the player, GM, or Manager have to say about the game. While no-one-thing may form his perspective, one thing in particular dominates his perspective. This particularly comes from his desire to be right all the time. As he has posted, again I’m paraphrasing “the study of statistics is the search for fact and truth.” He must be right because the stats say so. But his sources could be wrong as shown above by DOB. Below is another example…

And looking at Francouer’s close and late numbers, I just don’t see that they were significantly better than his overall numbers
—Payne
Lets look at last season:
Split AVG SLG OBP
Overall .260 .449 .293
Clutch .304 .637 .339
Last season Francoeur averaged about 99 points difference.

As for this season
Split AVG SLG OBP
Overall .311 .528 .368
Clutch .471 .706 .500
Looks like a big difference to me. This season he’s averaging 157 difference.

All stats were pulled from MLB.com (the stats with the Commissioner’s stamp of approval). They are then posted here in subsequent seasons.

By TennesseePaul

May 4, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Ron: McCann is the Braves up-and-coming best hitter. But the official title still belongs to Chipper. Chipper Jones has the 13 year proven track record of being the Best Hitter on the team. McCann isn’t far behind.

By Ron

May 4, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Krath, Dude you said you aint gonna comment, do you agree with what I said or disagreed?

By Ron

May 4, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, McCann has helped carry the Braves this year, I say they are even, McCann is not worse. No doubt Chipper has helped carry the Braves also. Oh yeah BC needs to rest Chipper some also, he aint had a day off all year, other than off days. BC has got to protect his players!!!

By krath

May 4, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Anyone besides myself listen to the pre-game show on radio? Hear Skip talk to Bobby?

By brent a.

May 4, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Profound wisdom from Joe Simpson:

“If the Braves are gonna get a win in this series, they’re gonna have to have a lead late.”

Gee, thanks Joe.

By brent a.

May 4, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

krath,

Yes, I heard Skip & Bobby.

Bobby said that Salty, “works out at 1b everyday.”

Also said that he didn’t know if Salty had ever played/worked out in the OF in the minors.

Also ended with, “I know where you’re going with this, but we plan to keep him right where he is.”

By MBATL

May 4, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Krath, no… what’s up?

By krath

May 4, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Ron, I will only say that I think I would rather have a McCann who has given that finger a few days rest rather than just a couple of days. He’s an integral part of the team. I don’t begrude seeing Chipper take a few days off now and then because he has to be there for us as well.

Anyone who has played sports and really jammed a finger badly, knows it doesn’t heal overnight and grabbing a bat and trying to bend the finger around it has to hurt like hell!

By 12 National Championships

May 4, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

krath,

What type of bat are you bending your finger around? We have a name for ewe kind of paypul at the trailer park.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

What a great at-bats by McCann. Pulls a screamer foul down the right-field line, then hits an outside pitch down the left-field line for a two-run double.

A “professional hitter,” as they say. Classic example.

By F A Skippy

May 4, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Andruw has one hit to rt field this season!How can a guy with the best instincts in the outfield in all baseball have such a brick for a noggin at the plate ? McCann doubles,this kid can play a little bit.

By MEB

May 4, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Maybe we should keep McCann as our starting catcher for a little while… aye?

I’m one who remembers the rivalry with the Dodgers and I would love to see a sweep this weekend.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Lew

May 4, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Krath-Lonesome Dave died in Orlando-he was a Florida resident in his later years. I got to meet him after a show at a club in Tampa. Quite a nice guy as well as a great guitarist.

By BabyGoatEater

May 4, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Krath, Dave:

Just read the blog as i tuned into the game. Man you guys both seem a little upset. Still, I think this blog is the only place where “the writer” would comment on your/our comments. GREAT BLOG!!!! DOB, thank you for all the work you do to keep us wannaknowitalls in the loop. krath, I happen to agree with you on the Salty issue but i guess thats why me and you aren;t Bobby and John. As for McCann….if his finger hurts -WOW- i wish i could perform at my job that good when i wasn’t even 75%.

By krath

May 4, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Obviously no ill effects from the finger.

By Ron

May 4, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

I guess McCann is alright, that is why I aint the Manager, or a GM.

By BabyGoatEater

May 4, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

I really hope McCann, Chipper, Francouer, and Renteria keep hitting with two outs…….but why do we always seem to have two outs. Doesn’t that worry anyone but me?

By krath

May 4, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

MBATL… see what bret a said just above your post. It’s accurate.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Now THAT was really strange. McCann has a sore finger after reinjuring it in his last game on an interference, so what happens _ he sticks it almost over the plate again and gets ANOTHER interference. Wow. You’d think he’d want to move back a couple inches and be overly cautious, and instead he gets a second interference call in as many games.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

BGE, thanks. And believe me, if my commenting on his comments was the problem, it won’t be a problem again. Not worth the hassle.

By N8

May 4, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Sure wish we still had Betemit.

Now that Langerhans is gone, we could use somebody to strikeout 2 or 3 times a game.

By BabyGoatEater

May 4, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Maybe we should move McCann to first for another reason……so he stops hurting himself :-)

By krath

May 4, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

BGE…. it’s not a biggie. I’m gonna get past it. : )

A guy I consider one of my best friends was in Orlando for over 20 years making music. He gigged some with Dave when the “Foghat Fight” was going on. (who owns the name etc) He echoed what you said about Lonesome Dave.

By Carolina Lady

May 4, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

The new country preacher was asked to say some words over a recently deceased parishioner. Being new to the area, he got hopelessly lost in a tangle of unmarked back roads and couldn’t find the little cemetery where the service was to take place. The time for the service came and went. The new preacher was nearly frantic when he finally spotted some workmen with a back hoe near the edge of a field.

With a terrible sense of failure, he realized that everyone had given up on him and left and that the departed was now being interred. But, with great determination and Bible in hand, he got out of his car and made his way to the workmen. He apologized for being late but asked if he could say a few words before they finished.

The workmen doffed their caps and stood respectfully as the preacher launched into a beautiful and eloquent message of hope and faith in salvation. The more he preached the more inspired he became, and he fervently preached from Genesis to Revelation.

After a final prayer, he thanked the workmen for allowing him to preach even though no one else was there. As he strode back to his car, satisfied with the knowledge that he had preached a fine service, the workmen stared in silence.

Finally one of the workmen said, “I’ve been putting in septic tanks for 20 years but I’ve never seen anything like that!”

:-))

By F A Skippy

May 4, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

I’m thinking this is the best group of hitters we,ve seen in Atlanta especially if we get to post season.A flaw of most past teams was they were composed of mostly mistake pitch hitters.This was ok in season where you face many weak pitchers.Come post season where the best teams fielded their best pitchers however the flaw was often exposed.Right now these guys look more like the 98 Yankees than most past Braves teams.

By brent a.

May 4, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

How would this line up do:

Furcal Giles Drew Dye LaRoche Estrada Betemit Langerhans Ho Ram

Reitsma Farnsworth

IMO, I think we’ve done just fine.

By F A Skippy

May 4, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

How many players in all baseball have better plate coverage than McCann ? I can think of two.

By N8

May 4, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

YIKES. That was an ugly play (or lack there of) by Thorman.

By parks

May 4, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Smoltz = Beast

By F A Skippy

May 4, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

For those who contended last night that defense doesn’t matter in rt field. Harris just saved two runs,I rest my case.

By David O'Brien

May 4, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

As bad as that play by Thorman was, that play by Willie C. was outstanding. What an escape job by Smoltz _ bases loaded, none out, and he gives up nothing.

By F A Skippy

May 4, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Please pardon the cranial gas,that sould be left field……the other left !

By flange1

May 4, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the Aybar update! I know I am an idiot, but I kind of care if he’s OK..

Your 7:54 post is EXACTLY why us ignorant folk think about McCann not risking his hands, this year, or his legs, last year, moving to 1B. I know all of this Salty crap is hard to listen to, but I think the prescence of McCann’s bat in the lineup is MASSIVELY CRITICAL to the Braves offensive production over the next 57 years. I think he understands hitting like Tony Gwinn or Wade Boggs. Not may folks can do that. I think his hitting abilities outweigh his catching abilities.. I am not suggesting TODAY, but we will be losing Andruw, so we need another big bat cheap, so…..

I love Lonesome Dave… Great guy, GREAT GUITAR!

By N8

May 4, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Brent a.

I’ll give you a “one word” response for each of your ex-braves that actually make out a pretty good lineup.

1. Furcal = OVERPAID

2. Giles = KJ (enough said)

3. Drew = LOL (OK, technically 3 words)

4. Dye = 1996

5. LaRoche = .132

6. Estrada = Erstad

7. Betemit = K

8. Langerhans = KKKK

9. HoRam = Runs

10. Reitsma = Liar

11. Farnsworth = Coward

By ElbravoX

May 4, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Blacked out in LA, what goes on?

By F A Skippy

May 4, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Kelly has a great eye,that ball looked close.

By SomeYahoo77

May 4, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

We just witnessed why we’re going to miss Andruw Jones when he signs with someone else next year: Juan Pierre’s horrid attempt at catching Francoeur’s liner.

Andruw makes that catch 10 times out of 10. Pierre is a pitiful outfielder.

But it’s good to be watching the Bravos on KCAL 9 here in Dodgerland, and to see them putting some numbers up.

I don’t see the Dodgers in the playoffs this year. Just don’t think they have any pitching and their lineup in anemic. They’re the most overrated NL club. Gonna be the Pads or the D-Backs in the West.

By Reconnoiter

May 4, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, that’s about all that religious mumbo-jumbo’s worth. Praying for a septic tank. Good one.

By Send Money

May 4, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

I guess if young players listen to Pendleton and watch Chipper long enough good things are bound to happen.

By Send Money

May 4, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox has eight kids and two knee replacements.I wonder where these kids get their resilience ?

By brian

May 4, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

I have never seen Lerew pitch. What is his stuff like? Fastball - mph, what other pitches? Looking at his stats it looks like he may get a chance at the back end of the rotation.

Are we sure Coach is not our famous anti-Cox blogger?