Braves

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

this is an excerpt from Matt Diaz’s greatest hits. I’m a.. hit’n fooool,..I’m a hit’n foooool,..I’m a… hit’n fooooooool,…I’m a…. hit’n fooooooool,… hit it fool !! hit it !! oh my!!…. Prince done went and hit it. no fool’n.

By Meanie

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

Hey look! Six innings of one run ball from Chuck! I guess we don’t have to dump him now! We’re going to the World Series!

(This has been a public service announcement for the Get a Grip Bloggers Foundation)

By Ron

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

I still remember a few weeks ago how some on this blog wanted us to trade Salty for Bush, or Capuano of the Brewers!!! Yeah good job guys you are right on with that trade, we win the world series after making that trade!!! LOL!!!! I would not wont to trade Salty for no one on the Brewers mainly because damn they would have Salty, Weeks, Fielder, Hardy, Brauer(their young 3rd Baseman), Hall, Tony Gwynn, and who cares who else they got, they would trade Estrada for a good player!!! That would be a team that Atlanta would have to get past to get to the World Series in the Future!!! Yeah good job whoever said make that trade, give them a guy that could be a very good catcher with the rest of that young team!!! The reason I mentioned it now is mainly because some get to see how young and talented this team is and will become!!! The Braves snuck up on teams in 1991, the Brewers are the team in the Future that teams will have to go through to get to the World Series, not saying they will make the World Series this year, but if they get to the playoffs this year, would be great for a young team!!!

By JasonInMaine

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

Wow, that was a shot!

The Braves need pitching, and I don’t see them getting the kind they need without including Salty. So, DOB, do you see them trading him in any scenario?

By JasonInMaine

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

Why is Salty not on deck…because of the backup catcher scenario?

By A-ville Ranger

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

That really hurts ! all loaded up and going nowhere.You have to get at least one in that situation.

By We Have Mets the Enemy

May 28, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Chip Caray: “Brewers back at second and short, willing to concede the run for a double play. So just putting the ball in play is what’s foremost in Prado’s mind.”

Next pitch: Prado swings like he’s Jose Canseco right through a fastball for strike three.

By Meanie

May 28, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Look up “not ready” in the dictionary and you’ll find a photo of Prado. Bad at bat from Kelly too.

By Mike R

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

What is going to happen when Chipper gets a real injury? Has he simply lost his desire to play or is his pain tolerance that low? Will someone please answer this question; would Ripken have played with this “injury.” I agree that Chipper used to be a gamer and went 8 years without any DL time but he has lost that drive in his 30’s. Hopefully he will leave some $ on the table and retire at the end of this season. We can use the money to sign Anruw. He has struggled but he is man enough to play with injuries.

Good to see we have such clutch hitters. Bases loaded and no one out and 3 straight hitters choke. I would send Prado back to AAA now. He didn’t come close when a simple fly ball scores a run. I also notice Choker Jones didn’t think this game is important enough to pinch hit…

By Stuart

May 28, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Salty is the biggest chip we have. I sure would have loved to seen him up instead of Prado with the bases loaded. Bobby really needs to quit with the hole not wanting to bat his backup cather thing. Cox should have taken a shot there. Take McCann out after the inning and leave salty in there if you are scared about the game going to extras. Bobby is really losing it as a manager.

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

OH GOD…PRAY FOR RAIN.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 28, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Brave’s offense really misses Chipper.

Nice job by Chuck James today.

By JasonInMaine

May 28, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Man, our bench does suck…we need a big 2 out hit…

By Ron

May 28, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe what happened in the top of the 7th inning, no outs and bases loaded and did not score, we will regret that!!! I will be out for a while and when I come back, I figure we will lose this game, because of crap like that!!! When it is bad it is bad!!!

By Víctor

May 28, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Bases loaded and 0 runs… come on, we can do it better, Prado and kelly were to anxious…

By MEB

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

The Brewers have racing sausages and the Gnats have Presidents running around the field. What do our Braves have for the fans at Turner Field? Our Braves are stuck with the tool race on the big screen. I think it would be cool if Coca-Cola sponsored a race with different label bottles (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Mr. Pibb, Fanta, etc.) A little something to entertain the home crowd.

Of course winning some baseball games at home would be nice.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 28, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Uh oh, Tyler is off today….

By mr baseball

May 28, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

For all you panic button pushers on the blog who are convinced the Braves have only 2 major league caliber starters and absolutely have to trade every prospect in the farm system for Dontrelle, Joe Blanton, Bronson Arroyo, whoever, a few names and numbers to consider.

Carlos Zambrano: 5-4, 5.24 ERA Bronson Arroyo: 2-5, 4.01 Woody Williams: 1-7, 5.65 Brett Tomko: 1-5, 6.14 Freddy Garcia: 1-3, 4.81 Zach Duke: 2-5, 5.55 Pat Maholm: 2-6, 5.43 Adam Wainwright: 4-4, 5.59 Kip Wells: 2-8, 6.10 David Wells: 2-2, 4.85 Barry Zito: 4-5, 4.70 Ervin Santana: 3-6, 6.00 Daniel Cabrera: 4-5, 4.78 Odalis Perez: 2-5, 5.61 Ramon Ortiz: 3-4, 5.75 Mike Mussina: 2-3, 5.86 Miguel Batista: 4-4, 5.61 Jeff Weaver: 0-6, 14.32 Vicente Padilla: 2-7, 5.77 Kevin Millwood: 2-4, 6.62

If the bullpen holds the lead for Chucky, he & Davies are a combined 7-7. James’ ERA is going to dip below 4, and Davies has had more good starts then bad ones. If ya’ll really think the Braves can’t win with the two of them in the rotation every 5th day, you have no concept of the lack of depth in most starting rotations around MLB and the potential of the 2 of them.

Included in the above list are pitchers whose salaries are in the Smoltz/Hudson neighborhood. If any of you really think the Braves are going to be able to pull off a trade for quality, affordable starter, you need to stick to watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, ‘cause that’s about as close to your reality (and mental capacity) you’re going to find.

After six straight winning weeks, the Braves have struggled the last 2, even with a series win over the Mets. A lot has gone wrong over that stretch, but none of it is dire. Get Chipper back in the lineup and have Andruw go on one of his big runs, and things might look a lot different in a few days.

By A-ville Ranger

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

This would be a crushing loss.With a great game from James’ against a slumping team,this team has to take advantage here.

By Mitchie-san

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

11th!

By JasonInMaine

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

He was out!! And yates is getting squeezed!

By MBATL

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

Prado made sense in that spot. Coming into today, he’d struck out once in 24 AB’s… which is almost like “never strikes out.” ‘Course, it didn’t work out, but it made more sense than using Salty when all you needed was to make contact to score an insurance run.

Great job by James. He probably could’ve gone another inning if his turn at bat hadn’t come up. ERA down to 3.86… very encouraging!

By Gil In Mechanicsville

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

Mike R.. You got money on the game? I take it you have never had a hand injury. Get off Chipper’s case…. You are embarrassing yourself.

By ElbravoX

May 28, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Ribs are not overrated, RBI’s are! I have a funky feeling about today.

By Víctor

May 28, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Wow, good morning, good evening & good night!!! nice stuff!!!

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 28, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

For you folks who remain clueless…. Don’t know if you have ever had a cortisone shot before but let me tell you it hurts like hades. Nobody gets one unless it is really necessary. Chipper got hurt being a gamer. He could have phone the play in on which he got hurt but gave extra effort.

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Mr Baseball No we don’t suck.If the objective is the playoffs however it’s going to take .600 or better to win the east and probably .580 or better for a wild-card.That is the objective isn’t it ?

By Savannah Guy

May 28, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Not a wise call to let James go into third head first. Stupid. Very stupid.

This game has become the battle of the popsical bats. Bases loaded, no outs and…zippo, nada, zilch.

Does Frenchy have somewhere to be this afternoon? Out 4 times on first pitches. Hot date maybe?

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

It makes sense to use Soriano for two here.We have to get this one if possible.

By JasonInMaine

May 28, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Wow, frenchy has seen a total of 4 pitches…reverting back to his old self now that he is struggling a touch…

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

I had a brain fart and forgot Wickman is available…..never mind.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

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

WOW! I am impressed by Sorianto.

By ernesto

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

Big cal to bring Soriano in to put out the fire int the 7th. I think that could have bee the game. Sure could use some insurance here.

By Mike R

May 28, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Yes I have had a cortisone shot before and yes it does hurt. I also recall Ripken had one and played the next day. But of course he cared…

By ernesto

May 28, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

C’mon Big Wick!!! We need this one!

By Gil In Mechanicsville

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

Okay Wicky… Get er done Dude…

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Gil Chipper needs to take a gander at how Andruw makes tough plays.He doesn’t expose vulnerable parts of his anatomy to impact.To be fair that may be instict on Andruw’s part and not learnable.

By Mitchie-san

May 28, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

MAn, it sucks having to watch the games on the internet. MLB gamcast is cool, but I want to SEE the game. You can tell alot more that way!

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Big ‘ol sigh of relief.Now for some quality time on lake lure.Later dudes and dudettes.By the way Diaz will do in left that was a really good catch.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 28, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Great play Matt Diaz, good job Wick… Braves Win!!!

By ernesto

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

How many bloops, bleeders and balls beaten into the groudn for singles can one team see in a week? Wow, that was good win, and timely too. Way to stop the bleeding Bravos!

By Víctor

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

Diaz should be an every day player… he is proving not to be a liability on left

By JasonInMaine

May 28, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Still concerned about the O…we went against a struggling pitcher and managed 2 runs. Luckily, not getting an insurance run with the bases loaded and 0 out didn’t come back to haunt us. But, a good win and Soriano continues to dominate.

By We Have Mets the Enemy

May 28, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

First run was a freakish homer on an awful pitch.

Second run should have been out at the plate by 20 feet (thank you, Prince Fielder!).

I think we’ve found a team whose play and luck is running worse than ours!

Scoring change needed: Tyler Yates actually gets credit for a hold with that performance!

By berigan

May 28, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Did anyone hear the other day (forget on which of the 4 stations that run Braves games) How Matt Diaz saw an eye specialist since he was having such trouble with depth perception in the field? Matt told the broadcaster how the guy gave him some eye exersises and how they really helped him. Matt is SO much better this year than last in the field!

By flange1

May 28, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Great win for the Braves! Super job from CJ and the pen.

WOW we really miss CHipper’s bat in the lineup. Hopefully he will be able to play again soon.

DOB, any discussion on who will make the next Carlisle start? Will they keep Buddy up or go for a relief pitcher?

By berigan

May 28, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Posted this on the other blog not knowing there was a new one….

Robert(JITB), I don’t think the Angels would trade for Salty right now. Mike Napoli has set some weird record, (Something about getting a hit and scoring a run in 10 straight games) and he is only 25. They are also in first place. Man, we feel like we get the shaft from ESPN, they swept the Yankees, have a 6 game lead on Oakland, and except for Vlad, no one on the team gets mentioned.

You mentioned Ervin Santana as the guy to get from them. I thought he was having a decent season, he is not. 3-6 with a 6.00 ERA!!!

By ChrisinPA

May 28, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

DOB

Maybe you did already, but could you update me on a couple of things.

1) Did Steve Colyer return to the Braves? 2) Does anyone with the Braves believe Will Startup could help the team this year? 3) Do you think Salty will start getting some starts at 1B soon? 4)Listened to Phonograph yet?

Later…thanks

By TN-MAN

May 28, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, heard that Cormier went 3 innings. 1 hit, 3 k, 0 bb, but only 34 pitches. I figured he may go 5-6 innings today?

By Steve from OH

May 28, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Cormier pitching in Richmond today,his line so far: 3IP, 1H, 3K. Looking good.

By Steve from OH

May 28, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Sorry, posted that before seeing TN-MAN’s post.

By TN-MAN

May 28, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Steve, thats ok. Do you know if Cormier is still pitching?

By Braveheart

May 28, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Good job. A win is a win is a win. Good job by Chuck James today. Andruw with a dinger. What more can you ask? Well, actually, a whole lot more but a win is a win is a win.

The Magic Number is 117!

By David O'Brien

May 28, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Sounds like Chipper is going to be DL’d though no decision official yet. Bobby first said when I asked, that he hoped he’d be able to play in Chicago (meaning he’s not playing in Milwaukee at all).

Bobby said they were mulling it over. If he’s DL’d retro to Thursday, he wouldn’t be able to come off DL until June 8. So it’s a pretty big decision.

By David O'Brien

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

Livebox says Cormier’s still in, has allowed only three hits in six innings. Might be coming out now, not sure

By brian

May 28, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

unless the Braves get a top notch young starting pitcher, with the potential to become an ace, Salty should not be traded. His ceiling is high enough they need to keep him and move Thorman if they need to or keep Thorman to get spot starts at 1B and LF. I love Thorman but Salty is starting to show what all the hype is about.

And no I would not trade Salty for Rich Harden who while affordable seems to have the durability of Mike Hampton or Chipper Jones of late

By Steve from OH

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

Anybody see Wilson got signed by the White Sox? Hopefully he heats up in time for the Phillies and Marlins…

By Chris

May 28, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Bobby has thought of trying Salty at 3rd. He’s got the athletic ability to pull it off.

By David O'Brien

May 28, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Cormier 6-2/3 scoreless innings, four hits, two walks, four strikeouts.

I’d guess we’ve seen Buddy’s last start, at least for the time being.

By Lew

May 28, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Gil-You’re damn well right on that one. A cortione shot hurts like hell. I had one in my neck and liked to punch out the doctor giving it. It hurt watching my wife get one in her foot. I can’t even conceive of getting it in both hands. People need to ease up on Chipper. If he plays and doesn’t hit, he’ll hear about that, too. He’ll be back when he’s ready. A great win today. Chuckie pitched out of some trouble, for sure. Makes it all the more impressive. Same for Wicky. He’s old and finished-yeah, right.

By brent a.

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

I still can’t believe that people would be mad at Glavine for throwing at Murph’s legs back in ‘91.

(Just had to get that out as I’ve been away for a couple of days).

If nothing else, it’s just important, IMO, to get the details out there. Rather than simply saying, “Glavine threw at Murphy …”

tell the story!

Go Braves!

By Bake

May 28, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Dave,

With Andruw all but gone next year, is there any talk of Jeff moving to center and then putting Salty at 1st and putting Thorman at a corner outfield spot, he did play a lot of left last year. Then use the Diaz and whoever platoon in the other outfield position.

By beki

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

Way to go Chuckie! We needed innings from you and you did it;and, you got 8 strikeouts. Now,let’s bottle that performance and Davies’ performance from before the last one and hope the blogs, calling for your trading,will end.

By JasonInMaine

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

That’s really too bad about Chipper. But, this is a freak injury. He was playing great and was having no problem with his feet. I feel bad for him as he was bound and determined to play 150 games. If he is put on the DL, Salty needs to find a way in the lineup. Prado won’t cut it!

By Luke

May 28, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Cormier pitched well today, seems to be back to spring training form when he looked like an above average mjaor league starter. If he can come up and fill in that 5th spot, I feel the Braves are going to have one of their magical June’s going somewhere in the neighborhood of 18-9 and hopefully gain a little separation in the Wild Card chase and gain some ground on the Mets.

By brent a.

May 28, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

JasoninMaine,

I was thinking the same thing the other day regarding Salty being in the line-up with Chipper out. It just seems to make sense when you have that kind of a bat out, to try and work in your best hitter on the bench.

Maybe as we travel to some AL cities in the coming weeks …

It may be hard, in the meantime, to replace Thorman with Salty, but it might be necessary.

By Caleb

May 28, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, since Craig Wilson just signed a minor league deal with the White Sox, do the Braves still have to pay him the rest of the 2 million, one-year contract? I’d hope with him signing a contract with another team, that would nullify the Braves contract.

By Chris

May 28, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Chipper is a slow healer; they need someone who fill in better than what we have. Prado is awful. Woodward is a slightly better version of Keith Lockhart, which is to say that we need someone else backing up at 3b.

By gotigers72

May 28, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Braves intentions are to keep Salty. I like Thorman, love the way he plays the game hard, but damn he strikes out a lot. I still believe that eventually Thorman will hit .280+ with 25 homers and 80-100 RBIs. But it may take awhile. He swings at a lot of bad pitches, especially bad curves from lefthanders.

IMO Salty’s upside is even more. DOB is right saying he can’t be kept as a backup catcher, so get on with teaching him how to play first.

By JasonInMaine

May 28, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Caleb,

Wilson cleared waivers meaning the braves have to pay him the full amount…

By brent a.

May 28, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Caleb,

If Wilson cleared waivers, then the Braves owe him his salary. That is my understanding of the matter.

By Caleb

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

yeah, I thought that probably was how it worked, but was still hoping. Figures, lol. Gotta be nice to make 2 million for two months of really bad work. Crazy. Now he’s getting two paychecks.

By Caleb

May 28, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the answers.

By Shaun

May 28, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

gotigers72,

Of course I have no clue, but I’d be surprised if they keep Salty (unless they do something drastic and work him out in the outfield, firstbase and thirdbase in the offseason). As I said before, if he moves to first, he’s just another good hitting firstbaseman. But as a catcher he could be one of the best offensive catchers in baseball.

Of course the Braves already have one of the best hitting catchers in the league, so why not trade him? I’m assuming a lot of teams would give up (a) good player(s) for potentially one of the best hitting catchers in the game.

Also, as I’ve said before, I don’t think there is any way the Braves trade a player like Salty for a rent-a-player unless that rent-a-player is quite a player (in which case, I don’t think that player’s team would give him up).

The Braves have Thorman, good-hitting firstbasemen are relatively easy to find, so I think the Braves would trade Salty unless they want to try him in the outfield and/or thirdbase.

By SRF

May 28, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

I guess we just have to resign ourselves to the fact that the Braves are a good team, but not a great one. They are clearly not in the same league as the Red Sox, Mets or even Phillies. They are above average and entertaining, but the playoffs are looking less likely every day. Smoltz in the only pitcher who looks solid. Hard to lead a division when you can only expect to win one out of five each week.

By two_truths

May 28, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Really enjoy your writing…. Bobby and JS have made a few good moves with the lineup this season. Really excited about Willie Harris.
One glaring mistake I see is bringing up Salty. McCann has admitted to confidants that this seems like the Johnny Estrada situation all over again. Those close to him think it has played mind games w/ him. Second truth, Andrew’s back might have been hurt, but he pulled himself out of the lineup when he saw himself batting 6th. Again, insider.

By Mike

May 28, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Only way you move Salty is for a big time pitcher. Someone like D. Willis, not some quick fix who will walk away in a year or so.

By Steve from OH

May 28, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Don’t you think Mac’s contract extension would provide him with a bit of reassurance?

By brian

May 28, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

if Chipper cannot play, DL him and call up Escobar. Let’s see what he can do during the regular season

By Ron

May 28, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Shaun, Dude you dont think they can move Thorman to LF!!! I still think we do not trade him, who is gonna give up a very good pitcher for him? I like Thor, but Salty is a completely different player, and by that I think Salty will be Great!!!

By Caleb

May 28, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

SRF, you’re an idiot. Maybe we’re not in the Red Sox class right now, but you can’t say the Mets are way above us and certainly not the Phillies. We’ve had a bad month and the Mets are only 4 games up, while the Phillies are still 2.5 games behind us! Both the Mets and Phillies will go into a slump or two at some point, just like the Braves have recently.

By KC

May 28, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Great news on Cormier!

I’m guessing he will make his first start on Tuesday in that double header against FLA.

By David O'Brien

May 28, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Yes, Braves owe Craig Wilson full $2 mill. Of course he cleared waivers. Anyone claiming him would have had to pick up his contract….

Someone asked about Carlyle. Actually, the Braves might need him again for DH vs. Marlins on June 5, same day they next need their fifth starter. So that day, in effect, they might need two fifth starters….

By the way, Andruw finally conceded that he’s worked a lot on his balance and getting his feet closer together in his stance, etc. Last week when he had the two-hit game, he downplayed it, acted like he hadn’t done anything new, even though visually you could see that he had….

Two Truths, thanks.

While we were all pretty certain Andruw pulled himself out — when we first heard that he was hitting sixth, between those two games, “Well, if he’s scratched we’ll know how he feels about it” — the fact is, if he says he was hurt, if the manager said he was hurt and had two lineups ready that night in Boston, and if none of his teammates say they know otherwise, not much to do with that story. Besides, he hit sixth the next day and ever since, without uttering a complaint.

Know what I mean? Not much of a scandal if the guy doesn’t complain or sulk….

As for McCann, wouldn’t doubt it he’s a bit peeved from all the praise for Salty he sees from everyone, including Bobby. Of course, if they have any intention of trading Salty they’re going to be talking him up as much as possible (though I have no idea if they’re actually even considering trading him).

Difference in the McCann/Salty and Estrada/McCann situation is huge. For one thing, Estrada was a Silver Slugger, but without half of McCann’s power and without his defensive ability.

And the far bigger difference: They just signed McCann to a six-year contract extension. Estrada was coming off a concussion and no one even knew if he’d be able to perform at a high level again.

By Ron

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

Mike, Dude you would trade Salty for Willis? I would not, what has Willis actually done since his Rookie season? He has gotten worst every year!!! The most I would trade for Willis is Escobar, Devine, Larew, Harrison, and maybe another player or two!!! Would that get done, Hell no, they would want way more than that, but so what, let another team give up their farm system for that Overated dude!!! The difference with the Braves organization and one like the Mets organiztion is if Willis did not work out for them, and after giving up sooo much for him, they can fill their needs in Free Agency!!! That is the Difference, we make that trade and Willis flops for us after we gave up sooo much, we are in real trouble!!! You actually think that the Marlins would just want Salty, yeah right, they would want him, Harrison, and at least Brandon Jones!!!

By KC

May 28, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

I mentioned this earlier in passing, but Oscar Villarreal has come around nicely. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last 6 appearances (over 8 innings) and has yielded only 1 hit over that stretch.

By Caleb

May 28, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

DOB, since so many idiots are blogging about it, maybe we should trade BOTH McCann and Salty. Throw in Francoeur, and maybe the Yankees will trade us Clemens for the next couple months. Wouldn’t that be great? lol.

By rehydration engineer

May 28, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

chris Prado isnt awful. your dead on about the braves needing a solid backup at 3rd, but almost all teams need better backups.

By MEB

May 28, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Chuck James is a solid #3 starter who pitched a great game today. Looking forward to Smoltz tomorrow and Hudson on Wednesday. I don’t buy into the Smoltz and a bunch of dolts mindset and Braves fans have a lot of victories to look forward to this year. Good to hear about Cormier’s solid start and with him in the fold I feel good about the rest of the year.

Like DOB said “It’s only May, but an important week for Braves” and the week has started out pretty good.

By JasonInMaine

May 28, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

You really think two_truths has inside scoop??

By woogidy

May 28, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Soriano has pitched 9 2/3 hitless innings dating back to May 2 (leadoff man got on and he retired the next 3). In his last 15 appearances he has pitched 15 2/3 innings, 18K, 4BB 0 Runs, and 2 Hits (both singles). That is truly amazing. Also 14 out of 23 appearances were perfect. How’s Horacio Ramirez doing?

By Steve from OH

May 28, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

HoRam: 4-2, 6.47 ERA and only 14K. I think we may have gotten the better of that deal…

By brian

May 28, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

McCann will not be looking over his shoulder, he of the new 6 year contract. He will be an essential part of the Braves future and he knows it. The Braves have made very clear that McCann is our catcher now and in the future. Thorman should be the one looking over his shoulder which is a shame because I really like Thorman.

By Chris

May 28, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Rehydration - You’re right: I am being hard on Prado. But he’s looked terrible since he came up. As for Chipper, he’s going to be out a good bit this year; we’ll be in trouble if Woodward/Prado get 200 AB’s over there. So I wonder if they’ve thought of pulling a Joe Torre with Salty. It would give him AB’s and keep Thorman in the lineup.

By brent a.

May 28, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Last year, Bobby sent up Todd Pratt to pinch-hit for McCann against Billy Wagner with the bases loaded. McCann looked peeved, and Pratt struck out miserably.

It was almost immediately after that that McCann’s hitting took off.

Sure, he’s annoyed now. But, you know what, he injured his hand, which seems to have affected his hitting, and he also doesn’t seem to be as good at throwing out runners as Saltalamacchia. But, even with all that, most of the comments made in Salty’s praise are accompanied by comments like, “we need to find a place for him”, not “he’s our catcher of the future.

The kid can hit, and our offense has been struggling. Of course we need to find a place for him.

Again, I can understand McCann being annoyed, but back to the Pratt comment: It would be my hope that McCann would be just as motivated by the Pratt snubbing as he is by the Salty praise. But, his finger injury may just be preventing that.

By Penno

May 28, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

DOB

Are the Braves off the hook for the rest of Redmans salary since the Rangers picked him up?

By two truths

May 28, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

I’m only repeating what I’ve heard from someone VERY close to him. This is not about a contract, though I would agree with your logic. McCann is a competitor; he see’s Salty perform well, see’s his big arm, and he’s suddenly measuring himself.

By chrisklob

May 28, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

When a player is released by one organization, not claimed on waivers by another, and then signs with a new club the original team owes him the balance of his contract (minus the prorated share of league minimum, which is $380k this year).

This is why the Diamondbacks are still paying Russ Ortiz $7.5 million this year and $8 million next year (less league minimum of course) even though he is back in SF. They released him in June of last year and have been paying him ever since.

So yes, the Braves will pay Wilson and Redman to play for other teams the balance of the season.

By Gant #5

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

Thorman was drafted as a third baseman. I don’t imagine he’s played over there in awhile, but why not start getting him some work at the hot corner while Salty is taking grounders at first? That way you get Thorman, Diaz/Harris, and Salty all in the lineup; and fans won’t have to suffer through watching Pete Out and Chris Woodless waste AB’s.

By rehydration engineer

May 28, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

hi chris i fully agree with you about keeping Thorman in the lineup. not a terrible idea to give Salty time at 3B. but its sooo unlikely to happen anytime soon. like dob said in this blog, this is an important week for the braves. cant have an inexperience fielding player at the hot corner during this critical time of the season. chipper is decent when he plays, he just has to do a better job of avoiding tumbles over players while running the bases,lol

By David O'Brien

May 28, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Thorman can’t play 3B any more. Too big, doesn’t move well enough (yes, Rolen’s bigger, but much more athletic and with a cannon arm)….

Penno, no, because they didn’t claim him on waivers. They signed him, meaning he cleared waivers first.

By Braveheart

May 28, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Thorman is a great athlete just like all of them but I don’t think he can play third either. As DOB said, Rolen might be bigger but he was an extraordinary athlete in high school - a Frenchyesque high school athlete. Rolen had scholarship offers in high school to play basketball for UGA and Oklahoma State and the Crimson Tide.

By Greg in TN

May 28, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Evening ladies and gents…

Haven’t been on the last few days, so forgive me for trying to get caught up on the last few days of life on Planet Braves, however before I do that, need to get this out of the way.

To the men and women of our armed forces who are serving us now, or have served in the past, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to keep this great land free.

Now on to baseball… The loss of Mike Gonzalez stings, however I still think the trade was a good one at the time, and I am hopeful that Gonzo will bounce back next year. The sweep by the Phillies definitely stunk. I’m not sure why we’re not able to follow up a great series with the mets and build on it, however those little funks like that will happen. Davies is inconsistent, so I view him as a work in progress. We do see snippets of the type of pitcher he can be and I think over time, we’ll see more and more of that guy instead of the guy that gets shelled like he did the other day.

We really needed the win today, and Chuck James pitched exceptionally well. Happy to see that. We’ve gotten off to a good start on this road trip, let’s keep it rolling.

Tough to see Chipper off the field today, however bone bruises are nasty things and are tough to get rid of. It takes time to heal from them. So the comparison between Cal’s injuries and what Chipper has is apples to oranges and I don’t see the relevance. Let’s give the guy a break and give him some more time to get to 100%.

By Eric from MO

May 28, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

SRF what do you base that on? We are 6-3 against the Mets, 5-4 against the Phillies and 1-2 against the Red Sox. We may not be better than then them but we are definetly in their class.

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

I’m back from a great kayak trip on lake lure.I’ve said before this team will either ride the rotation to the post season or they’ll watch the action like the rest of us.Wasn’t the 93 phillys the only nl team to go a season without being shut-out ? My point is the offense is in a bit of a slump,offenses do that.These guys can hit the ball,this pen has everything but a solid lefty,they’ll get the job done most days.So we’re back to the rotation if we can get mostly quality starts and the odd great effort like today,this team will be in it the whole way.If not, they’ll be out of it early.

By Caleb

May 28, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, if the Braves do put Chipper on the DL, who do you think they’d activate to take his roster spot for the next week?

By Eric from MO

May 28, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Ron- do you must have a memory problem. Have you forgotten 2005 when Willis led the league in wins and got jipped out of the Cy Young for Chris Carpenter. Even Cardinal fans knew that was a joke. Willis threw more innings, more stikeouts and a better ERA compare to Carpenter. Only difference was Carpenter was on the better team that made it to the playoffs.

By Ron

May 28, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

two truths, Dude who is this person close to him, you dont have to say a name, just say family member, or a very close friend!!!

By ElbravoX

May 28, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

If we don’t win, we are going to lose.

By Gant #5

May 28, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, I totally agree that Thorman has bulked up and subsequently lost some agility. He does however, possess a very strong arm, which some thought could have made him a pitcher. Thorman at third is not ideal, I concede, but in my humble opinion, the benefit of his bat outweighs his potential defensive liability. He has proven he doesn’t have the best range at first, but he has yet to committ an error either - Something that can’t be said for Orr and Woodward, who each have Fielding %’s .900 or less. The kid hustles, has heart, and knows how to play the game. His very apparent desire to perform well gives him as good a chance as anyone at succeeding at third. Again, I know it’s not ideal, but Thorman, who has experience at third, makes a lot more sense at third base, than teaching someone who to my knowledge has no experience there, Salty. I realize the Braves likely wouldn’t even consider Salty at third, which was earlier suggested here, so I simply wanted to propose another perhaps more reasonable idea. Thanks to DOB and all the bloggers for making this blog an informative and entertaining one.

By chrisklob

May 28, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

I agree that Thor couldn’t handle the hot corner. While he has played pretty well at first and has no errors, I don’t think he looks really comfortable over there. He doesn’t play the position gracefully like LaRoche did. Third base would be even more challenging.

It’s interesting to note that on the Braves official website they show five players at the top of the home page: Smoltz, Chipper, Andruw, McCann and Francoeur. Smoltz, Chipper and Andruw all have MUCH smaller pics than do Frenchy or McCann and those pics are in the background while Frenchy and McCann have close-ups. I know it’s very minor but to me it’s a subtle hint that the Braves are banking on those two guys for the future. For all the folks that think McCann should be moved I have to ask, Why would they trade the face of the future of the franchise?

By David O'Brien

May 28, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Caleb, I would think Escobar would have to be a likely candidate. They have room on the 40-man to add him without moving someone else off it.

By Eric from MO

May 28, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

All season I have said give Andruw till June and he will take off…Well Friday is June 1st and Andruw has a 4 game hit streak…plus a couple homeruns recently. Dont all of you bloggers just hate it when Im right?

Anyways today is a prime example why I say Soriano is better as a setup man than closer. We can bring Soriano in when there are runners on base and he can get a strikeout. Soriano has inherited 8 baserunners, not one has scored. So I have said it before, dont fix what isnt broken. Leave Wick as the closer and Soriano as the setup man.

By Ron

May 28, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO, you must have memory problems, because his rookie season was unbelievable, and yes he has gotten worst every year!!! I know he did not pitch his entire rookie year, because he was not called up until May, or June, or something like that!!! He was untouchable his rookie year, even though he had a very good 2005 season, his rookie season was better!!! So you must have memory problems!!! What you would give a Kings Ransom for Willis? I sure as hell would not!!! And plus what has he done lately, not much. This is a league of what have you done lately, why would you give up alot of prospects for what he did a few years ago!!!

By Eric from MO

May 28, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

ElbravoX- Im sure you are being sarcastic towards someone but what are you talking about? Of course if we dont win we will lose.

By N8

May 28, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any chance of the Braves moving McCann to 1B, TODAY??

Just kidding. Just got home after a long holiday with the fam, and decided to skim through the old blog and this one. Looks like you’re gettin a little testy on the subject. :-)

Just had to give you grief.

I know I asked you yesterday, and you didn’t answer. Maybe for good reasons, or NOT wanting to speculate.

But of all the pitchers out there on other teams that MIGHT become available, who is one or two that the Braves may be interested in, in your best guess.

Is Arroyo a guy that intrigues them, or not? Or have you literally heard nothing?

By SteelCav

May 28, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Soriano totally blew away the kid Braun. He is beyond hot right now.

By MEB

May 28, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Phillies go down to the D-Backs 5-4. They tried to come back in the bottom of the ninth but came up just short.

By Braveheart

May 28, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Efrim, if you don’t put the bat on the ball, you’re not gonna get a hit.

By brian

May 28, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

If Escobar is activitated, I just hope he gets regular ABs to show what he has. He is too talented, like Salty, to sit on the bench

By Eric from MO

May 28, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Ron did you read my post? I never said to trade for Willis. I have never ever said to trade for Willis. So I guess you cant read either. Now back to 2005, name a better pitcher in the NL than Willis and dont say Carpenter because I as I said before that was a joke. I live in St. Louis and nobody could believe that Carpenter was better than Willis. How can you say that Willis rookie season was better? In 2005 Willis had more innings, more strikouts, better ERA, and we was the Ace. He was going up against everyone’s elses Ace unlike his rookie season.

By brian

May 28, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

another option the Braves may do if Chipper goes on the DL is move Harris to 3B, let Diaz and Thorman platoon in LF, and let Salty have a go at it at 1B

That would be an interesting lineup

By chrisklob

May 28, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Brian Willie has never played third base professionally, going back to 1999 at Bluefield. As intriguing as it sounds, I don’t think it’s going to happen.

But then again, Salty has never played first base either and that sounds like it’s a distinct possibility.

Does anyone know if Harris has been taking grounders at third?

By Crystal Ball

May 28, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

I must give my ironclad guarantee that the player manning the hot corner in 2009 , his name will not start with Chipper.

By Eric from MO

May 28, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Brian can Harris really play 3rd base or are you just saying that because you want to sound smart? If Harris can play 3rd then why in the hell is Prado starting and not Harris?

By Eric from MO

May 28, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Crystal Ball- 2009 is the last year in Chippers contract and he has a no trade cause. So my question is how is that possible?

By Ron

May 28, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Let me ask everybody something, Can Chuck James throw 101mph? I dont believe he does, but for some reason ESPNEWS said Fielder hit 101mph pitch out of the park!!! Im just relaying what ESPN said, not what I am saying!!!

By proffish

May 28, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Something I think hasn’t got nearly enough discussion is the difference between the Brave’s two supposed leaders, John Smoltz and Chipper Jones. Which of these two stories would you be most likely to believe:

“John Smoltz took a brutal hit on a vicious line drive up the middle by Ryan Howard. He was obviously in pain, but refused to leave the game and retired the next batter before leaving the game for the Brave’s bullpen which held onto the win. Later xrays confirmed a broken tibia. Smoltz doesn not expect to miss next week’s scheduled start.”

“Chipper Jones was in obvious pain when he attempted to field a popup in an afternoon game. Staring into the sun, he sustained a serious eyebrow strain. He was helped from the field by teammates. His prognosis is good and he is blinking with only moderate pain, and he should be back in the lineup in about two weeks.”

What a man and what a wuss!

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

May 28, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

It seems Bobby is reluctant to let Salty actually play at 1st without another catcher on the roster. I belive he wants to get the kid in there, but is afraid something terrible would happen to both McCann and Salty in the same game, making Pete Orr the catcher. Yikes!

By Willie Harris

May 28, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Hey man , I play 2B and the outfield. 3B is for all them slow white boys.

By brian

May 28, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

just threw that one out there. I thought Harris had played some 3rd in the past though he has mostly played 2B and the OF in the majors.

I was probably grasping at straws in the hopes that I do not have to see Chris Woodward or pete orr (or probably Prado) start for 2 weeks. Bobby likes the veterans or people who have paid there dues and the last thing I want to see is for Escobar to get called up and then Prado/Woodward/Orr get the playing time because they are higher on the pecking order

By Caleb

May 28, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

If Salty is playing first and McCann is in at catcher and McCann gets hurt, Cox can just move Salty to catcher and bring in Thorman to play first base. So it wouldn’t be a problem, except for McCann getting hurt. Also, Diaz can play catcher, so he’d probably be the second backup, not Orr.

By chrisklob

May 28, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

profish stop being such a hater. Your little stories are completely ridiculous. Chipper has shown many times how much he cares about this franchise. Do you remember when he went to left field for two years so the club could bring Castilla in? He didn’t do that because he thought it would benefit him. He did it because he thought it would benefit the team.

If Chipper thinks he is a liability to the team then I believe him. I’d rather have a healthy Prado at third than an injured Chipper there. Right now, all he needs to do is get himself healthy for the rest of this very long season, and hopefully, long post-season too.

By Ron

May 28, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO, Dude you asked who was better in 2005, Roger Clemens!!! Clemens’s 2005 season ended as one of the finest he had ever posted. His 1.87 ERA was the lowest in the major leagues, the lowest of his 22-season career, and the lowest by any National Leaguer since pitching great and contemporary rival Greg Maddux in 1995. He finished with a 13-8 record despite ranking near 30th in run support, with the Astros scoring an average of only about 3.5 runs per game in games in which he was the pitcher of record. The Astros were shut out nine times in Clemens’s 32 starts, and failed to score in a 10th until after Clemens was out of the game. The Astros lost five Clemens starts by scores of 1-0, including three consecutively in April. What you say about that? Be careful what you ask for!!!

By Caleb

May 28, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

I still don’t understand Salty not pitch hitting in the seventh for James with the bases loaded.

By Ron

May 28, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO, Dude I did not say that you said that you wanted to trade for Willis, all I said is WOULD YOU TRADE FOR HIM? That is all I said!!! Maybe with the Caps on, you will understand better!!! Doubt you will though!!!

By MEB

May 28, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

proffish… did you see the awkward spill Chipper took? Did you see the game last year in the slop at San Francisco that put Chipper on the DL. My guess is you are like the guys talking out their azz on the ESPN commercials. Your observations on Chipper’s injuries are typical of someone who never played the game or understand what it takes to play the game.

By David O'Brien

May 28, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Caleb, you should know that Cox hates leaving himself in position of possibly having to use a non-catcher to catch. In this case, with Craig Wilson gone, if he pinch-hits Salty there and the game goes extra innings (which it certainly could have very easily), then McCann has to stay in as long as the game lasts. If he gets hurt, you have to bring in Diaz, who’s never caught in a game.

By brian

May 28, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

caleb - the above scenario would only work if Pena was recalled, but as above posters pointed out, Harris is much less a 3B than I thought

By Bob, Journalist

May 28, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

Shaun, please explain your reasons for so thinking … “I don’t think there is any way the Braves trade a player like Salty for a rent-a-player unless that rent-a-player is quite a player”

and your clarification … “in which case, I don’t think that player’s team would give him up”

What’s your definition of a “rent-a-player”?

It sometimes seems that Chipper’s confidence in the team’s prospects and his eagerness to put on the leotards are kissing kin.

By Ron

May 28, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, you been watching any of the Spurs and the Jazz game tonight? I have not seen Wayne with his DOB sign yet.

By David O'Brien

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

Ron, I’m watching it. Haven’t seen it, but frankly forgot to look. I’ll look now. But I don’t see many camera angles panning up that high.

Hell of a game, though, huh? Been flipping it back and forth between this and the replay of the Braves-Brewers game, only because I wanted to see Soriano’s innings on replay (the TVs in the pressbox were so small and so far back, I could barely see the replays).

The dude is just bringin’ it, man. Soriano is destined to be a closer.

By the way, I didn’t notice that little misstep by Wickman live. Saw it on the replay, looked like he either turned his ankle a little or had some tightness in his leg or back. I couldn’t tell, but he definitely had a bit of a gimp after his follow-through on a pitch. Then the next pitch, or two pitches later, bounced in the dirt.

Probably nothing, but that’s what happened before when his back was sore, he couldn’t get extension on his pitches.

By N8

May 28, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

DOB

“Caleb, you should know that Cox hates leaving himself in position of possibly having to use a non-catcher to catch.”

I know this might be nit-picking, but at the same time it is the downside of having a pretty good hitting backup catcher.

But let me get this straight, just for the record. Bobby would rather NEVER use his “good hitting” backup catcher (whether it’s Salty or McCann in the games Salty catches), on the CHANCE that one of them gets hurt and somebody who has NEVER caught in a game is forced into action. Which would then be solved the next day (if it was a serious injury), by a roster move.

As opposed to using a guy who could be perfect in a situation (many games out of the year)???

Talk about ME always looking for the worst case scenario. Seems like an awful waste, for Salty to be up here for “emergency” duty.

Besides, isn’t Orr the emergency catcher?

By David O'Brien

May 28, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Ron, by the way, I’d consider that trade. Willis is still very young, still a top-of-rotation stud, even if he’s been a bit in-and-out the last couple years.

If I were the Braves and convinced he’d stay healthy with that delivery long-term, I’d definitely consider it. But his salary is really going to get high, though, which is a definite drawback. I think I’d try to get someone a little younger (cheaper), but I wouldn’t take anything less than an impact starting pitcher for Salty.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 28, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

chrisklob Willie Harris played third base while in Richmond…

By alan from Atlanta GA.

May 28, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

It’s hypothetical, about needing a catcher if the game went into extra innings and McCann was hurt. It doesn’r matter at all. Bobby Cox decided to use Prado who should still be in the minors for this hitting and occasional fielding lapses. It was late in the game and Salty was available, he should have been used. Are they showcasing Prado for a possible trade? It’s looking like 2006 again with the pitching staff having injuries and staring to fall apart.

By N8

May 28, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Sorry to harp on this (it’s what I do), but it still just baffles me that Bobby would think that way.

I understand in the playoffs. Hell, all those years, he carried 3 catchers in the post season certainly didn’t need to be done, but I get it.

Here’s some “simple math”. Add up how many times McCann has come out of the game due to injury in his career, since being called up. Then add up how many times that a “good hitter” is needed to pinch hit in a crucial spot, over the course of a season.

I bet without even consulting the baseball reference website, I can wager a guess as to which one occurs more often.

Yeah, yeah, yeah…..Better safe than sorry, I get it.

Confusius say: “Baseball manager who NEVER take chances, win only one World Series in many tries.”

By Caleb

May 28, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

DOB, I can understand that. It’s just frustrating not seeing a hitter like Salty come up in that situation. But, the Braves won, so it’s all good. Thanks for the responses tonight.

By David O'Brien

May 28, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

N8, how often have you seen Bobby Cox use his backup catcher to pinch-hit in a regulation nine-inning games over the years?

Yes, in answer to your question. Bobby is very unlikely to put himself in position where he’d have to use a catcher who’s never caught a game in the majors, and like I said, this game could easily have gone to extra innings. I’m just talking about that game, nothing to do with next day or calling up a player or anything else. That game. That day.

If Wilson were still on the team, that’s one thing. He’s caught plenty. Orr and Diaz haven’t. They are absolute emergency-only catchers.

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Proffish That eyebrow sprain jab at Chipper was just mean.Well not JUST mean it was also pretty damn funny.

By David O'Brien

May 28, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

proffish, why don’t you come down to Turner Field (or the ballpark near wherever you live) and just politely tell Chipper he’s a wuss to his face. Or the team hotel.

Tell you what, let me know what city you’d like to do it in, and I’ll tell you where the team hotel is, when the bus is leaving the hotel.

Sorry, but just about nothing more absurd than people sitting anonymously at a keyboard and calling professional athletes wusses. Really.

By N8

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

DOB

I’m not trying to argue with you. I get it.

But doesn’t common sense tell you that it’s better to “sacrifice” one game with a player “out of position” at catcher, in return for maybe having a better hitter up in pinch hit throughout the year MANY TIMES.

I’m not saying Bobby is stupid, I’m not saying he’ wrong, I’m right.

I’m just saying the “odds” of an injury to the catcher, I would imagine, are very limited as compared to how often a guy like Salty would be a better pinch hitting option that a guy like Woodward, Prado, or Orr.

That’s all. Of course if Salty turns out to be a HORRIBLE pinch hitter, then it’s a moot point. Or as Jessie Jackson once said in an SNL skit…. “The question is moot!”

By N8

May 28, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

How big a boy are you DOB? My name is Roy D Mercer, and I’m about to come down there woop yo ais!

Sorry. Just listened to some RDM last week….still fresh in my head.

By ElbravoX

May 28, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO- I was referring to the 9:35 post, last two lines. Yogism at its best. If we play tomorrow, there is a 100% chance we loose, if we don’t win that is. Now I am confused… I still say that Mr. Pat Corrales is a bigger lost than Leo, not even close, which is far away. Shucks!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 28, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

I doubt there is a major league player that doesn’t know the story of Wally Post. It is why many will hide and injury or play hurt. However, sometimes they realize they would hurt the team more by trying to play at less than 100%.

The time for a player to make a position change in not in the middle of the season at the major league level. They would have to be one heck of an offensive threat to make up the defensive liability.

A lot of these Braves players are still very young. What a great future that portends.

As for pitchers, There are some pretty great pitchers who struggled when they first came up. Do the names Glavin and Smoltz ring a bell? Davis looks to have great potential, he’s what, 23?

By chrisklob

May 28, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Gil, You may be correct. I made my statement based on information on The Baseball Cube which, unfortunately, does not include information for 2007. If you are right, then I stand corrected. I can’t find any info that shows where he might have played this year but if you can provide it I’d appreciate it if you’d post that info (not that I doubt you).

Either way, he only played 17 games at Richmond which means that whatever experience he had at 3b was very, very limited and probably means that he’s not very experienced there.

By Kentavo

May 28, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

D.O.B., do you know if Braves are seriously pursuing another legitimate starting pitcher, and if so, who might be on the radar other than what I’ve heard about Rich Harden?

By A-ville Ranger

May 29, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

I’m watching sports center and Clemens minor league start.Will Mcbride,Paronto and all the big pitchers please watch his delivery.Use those bodies, center that throw and find a long low release point.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

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

chrisklob I honestly cannot provide you to any link to verify my statement. Only that I witnessed it for myself. I do not know how many games total Willie actually played at third.

Lew Here is a link to an article on Ryan Langerhans you might be interested in. http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070528&contentid=1990789&vkey=newswas&fext=.jsp&c_id=was

By chrisklob

May 29, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Gil I looked at Richmond’s website at their game notes. It looks like Harris played at third five times this year (not sure if those were all starts, in-game switches, or a combo) but either way, you sir, are correct.

Either way, Harris can’t exactly be considered to be a third baseman by trade.

By David O'Brien

May 29, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

N8, I didn’t say I agreed or disagree with his strategy/philosophy regarding catchers/pinch-hitters. Just telling you what said strategy is for the man. That’s how he does it.

Besides, weren’t people lining up not too long ago singing the praises of Prado? And now he’s not even good enough to pinch hit?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 29, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

One more time…… Do not expect a rookie (young) pitcher to have a great outing every-time out. Expectations is one good start in three. The disadvantage young pitchers have in coming to a winning club is they do not get the opportunity to craft their game with little pressure.

What do you think the price would be for Shawn Hill of Washington?

Anyone remember Avery’s first start? How about Sholtz and the “red Sweater”?

No one is going to give up pitching unless they are going to get the farm plus a bunch…. It is why you better have a good developmental system of your own.

By Drew

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

For real, I remember trying to tell people in the offseason that Prado would never amount to a major league starter, but no one would listen. Now, I have vindication, as everyone else is frustrated, Prado is proving what I knew all along.

DOB, on another note, what do you think Mike Gonzalez’s injury does to the chances of the Braves re-signing Wickman in the offseason. Since Gonzo is out until probably June next season, do you see the Braves offering Wick another 1-year deal?

By Coach

May 29, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Well , it sems a little obvious that the Braves will call up Escobar and send Orr to Richmond if Chipper goes on the D.L. , but if Salty moves to first as DOB has said , that means the Braves are going to need Brayan Pena to back up McCann. Would the Braves send Thorman back to Richmond in order to facilitate these moves ? probably not. Which means , Prado goes to ? Cormier will take Caryles spot , obviously. Twenty-three transactions between Richmond and Atlanta already this month , I wouldn’t want John Schuerholz job , that’s for damn sure.

By Wayne in Utah

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

Dave and Ron The sign read “Go Jazz, DOB Blogger”

I don’t think the cameras could get up as high as we were.

Ron, your team is a great team, but dang it, I would have liked to have seen an even match. The officiating was atrocious. Jazz got 6 T’s in the game and 27 fouls to 17 for the Spurs. Free throws were 41 to 20. What a disparity! The refs just flat out took the Jazz out of their game. Most of the times that they would take it inside, NO calls. If the Spurs took it in, they got lots of phantom calls. Steve Javie is a terrible official. Everytime he comes to Utah to do a game, it is obvious that he has something against this team or against Jerry Sloan.

It would have been a good game if it had been called fairly. Jazz shot 47% from the floor, and the Spurs shot 40%. Rebounding was almost even. Advantage went to the 6th man, Steve Javie!

Very frustrating night for Logan and I. At least Chuckie and our Braves won. Can it be that AJ is coming around?

Dave, I guess I would trade Saltalamacchia if we could get a top flight starter, but nothing less. Certainly not for guys Blanton or Harden, or even the guy from Cincy (I forget his name).

By N8

May 29, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

DOB

“Besides, weren’t people lining up not too long ago singing the praises of Prado? And now he’s not even good enough to pinch hit?”

Sure. But I was NEVER one of them. If you recall, I’ve been on the KJ bandwagon ever since you mentioned he was the reason that Marcus was gonna be let go.

I have NEVER been a big Prado guy.

Just debating, like I always do. I know Bobby’s theory is not your theory. And even if you agree with him, that’s cool.

I take it your not a Roy D. Mercer fan, DOB?

I’m not sure why, but he just makes me laugh.

By David O'Brien

May 29, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

Wayne, yes, Chuck and Andruw both showed results from adjustments made in the past week, Chuck to stop throwing across his body and Andruw to improve his balance by bringing his feet together and not collapsing on that back leg.

Jazz gave it a go, and I really thought they were going to do it for a while there. You’re right — officiating stunk. They really let it get out of control with the calls made/not made.

But tell me something: Is Genobli the ultimate guy you hate on the other team and love to have on your own team, or what? Smart and nasty, and a hell of a player.

By David O'Brien

May 29, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this

Drew, too early to know if they’ll need him, or even if Wickman will want to pitch again.

Braves need to see where they are with some young guys who are getting close. I have no idea right now if they have any interest in bringing back Wickman, nor do I think he knows if he plans to pitch. Too early to worry about stuff like that, man. Way too early.

By Bravo Nam

May 29, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this

Reward the Performances

I think we’ve seen enough of Willie Harris so far to suggest he isn’t a one or two week wonder. Both Diaz and Harris are producing offensively and defensively, doing so with a bit of passion and hustle…both of them deserve to be on the field at the same time…my suggestion is to DL Chipper and get him properly healed…play Harris at 3B while he’s out and see what he can do…he’s done enough to deserve the opportunity…and then when Chipper gets back, if Harris has done well, to look at giving him regular duties.

DL McCann

I know that Carroll Rogers interviewed him and he said he’s completely fine. I think there is a combination of stoicism and not wanting Salty to completely steal the limelight if he was to be DLd that’s behind that comment. His hitting and defense have been lacking something since the two injuries to his hand. He seems out of sorts. I don’t think his hand is as good as he suggests. I would DL him and get him back to full health. This would bring a number of benefits: give Thorman uninterrupted time at 1st to show us what he has, bring in Pena as a back-up but still give most of the workload to Salty, and most importantly, let arguably our most valuable hitter behind Chipper to fully heal and be the defensive and offensive presence we need him to be come the business end of the season.

By Wayne in Utah

May 29, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

Dave: You are correct! Ginobelli (sp) and Duncan are top of the class in my book. Actually, I really do like the Spurs as a team, and if my team were not in the playoffs, I would pull for both the Spurs and the Suns. Manu disappears some nights though???

Glad to see AJ and Chuckie adapting.

There are some real idiots on this blog sometimes! Mike R earlier today is certifiable. I suspect that 50-75% of the current players are true gamers, playing sometimes when they shouldn’t. Maybe the percentage is higher. I don’t know if it’s a jealousy thing with some fans, but JEEZ, give it a rest guys. If Chipper is out of the lineup, it is because he can’t swing the freakin bat.

I too have had cortisone shots in several locations: foot, shoulder and elbow. Hurts like he!! for days sometimes. Anybody that says they have had one and still criticize guys like Hoss are either liars or just idiots.

Sorry for the vent……

By Wayne in Utah

May 29, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

One last thought on the Jazz-Spurs game tonight. Deron Williams was sick for the past two days, missing the last two practices, and he still scored 26 points. He did give out of gas in the 4th though.

A thought or two on Escobar: Why would the Braves use Prado when Escobar seems to be so much more talented? Are they trying to hide something with him to keep his value level up??? If not, I hope he gets his turn soon to prove his worth. We could use his bat. Where are all those guys that were touting the wonders of Prado at the beginning of the season?

By mr baseball

May 29, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox’s managing style: he plays not to lose instead of playing to win. He’s so scared of bad things that might happen — using your #2 catcher as a pinch hitter then having your starter get hurt — that he won’t make a move that might help the team win at that moment. The GM apparently feels the same way, or at least did in 1996.

For whatever reason, the Braves always had to have a 3rd catcher on their post-season roster, so they would always pick up some journeyman right before the roster deadline. That year I think it was Joe Ayrault.

To put him on the post-season roster, the Braves had to dump one of their bench players - Dwight Smith, a veteran pinch hitter who had a lousy year. I’m pretty sure that was the year the Braves pinch hitters — mostly Luis Polonia, Mike Mordecai and an overweight, washed up Terry Pendleton — went the entire post-season without a hit, including a bunch of key outs against the Yankees.

We’ll never know if Smith might have made a difference, but it’s within the realm of possibility that he might have gotten a hit or 2 at the right time that could have changed the outcome of that series. At any rate, that’s typical of how the Braves approach things. Instead of preparing for the most likely eventuality, they fear the worst and let that dictate their decisions.

Back to the present, wonder what all the Chicken Littles on the blog are going to say if the Braves win the next 2 and sweep the Brewers. With Smoltz and Hudson going, that’s within reason. And for all the Woodward haters here, no love on his contributions to the win today.

There’s probably no way the Braves can find somebody to adequately fill in for Chipper, but the GM needs to look really hard and get a RH hitter to spell Thorman at 1B. Woodward is a competent backup middle infielder; not fair to ask him to fill in at 1B or 3B and provide the offense expected from those 2 positions.

And as much as I question the managerial acumen of BC, nice move today getting Yates through the 2nd out in the 8th before bringing Soriano in. Might not have looked so good if Thorman hadn’t gotten in the way of that line drive.

By Wayne in Utah

May 29, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

Bravo Nam: Agreed that Harris has done well so far. Maybe he has finally figured things out, or maybe he just hasn’t come back down to earth yet. I will be surprised (pleasantly, I might add) if he continues to hit this way through June. Personally, I am hoping that Escobar gets his shot at 3B if Chipper is DL’d. As for McCann, if he indeed is hurt, then he should step back, at least for a few days in a row to let it heal, or go to the DL if that is appropriate.

Saltalamacchia looks like the real deal so far, huh?

By Coach

May 29, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this

13-13 so far this month , it would be nice if Smoltz , Hudson and a little offense could finish off May 15-13.

By Eli P. Karatassos

May 29, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this

Salty today is a better catcher than McCann was when he came up. They’re both good with the stick, good at calling the game. McCann has an average arm and cannot block the plate. Salty has a cannon for an arm and nothing gets past him. McCann should go to 1st and Salty behind the plate.

By Malted Falcon

May 29, 2007 2:28 AM | Link to this

Chip Caray makes my ears bleed. Grassroots campaign to get rid of this yo yo. What happened to our great announcing tradition?? He’s ruining summer and it’s still May.

By fastasballs

May 29, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

Chucky J stepped it up today. Last year the only guy that could stop a losing streak was Smoltz. A good outing tomorrow could make Smoltz the first to 8 wins in the NL.

Andruw is slowly coming around. Odds on a 2 HR game before the road trip is through? With Chipper being down Andruw has to get it together now. Frenchy has looked really bad lately, McCann not much better. Other than Renteria & Diaz there has been little consistency lately with the bats.

Good news on Cormier. Hopefully he can pitch as well as he did in the spring. The season really comes down to how well James, Davies & Cormier pitches. Hampton going down really hurt. Wouldn’t Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James & Cormier/Davies sound a lot better right now?

On to the Salty saga. Like I said in other blogs he plays somewhere other than catcher or he is traded. Even if trading him is where JS is leaning I doubt it happens this year. I think he waits to see what he gets from James, Davies, & Cormier this year. Also factored in will be the progression of Reyes, Smith, Harrison & others.

Next year’s needs will be totally different. There is going to be a huge vacancy in centerfield to fill.

By Jared

May 29, 2007 3:50 AM | Link to this

Salty today is a better catcher than McCann was when he came up. They’re both good with the stick, good at calling the game. McCann has an average arm and cannot block the plate. Salty has a cannon for an arm and nothing gets past him. McCann should go to 1st and Salty behind the plate.

Umm…no. McCann calls the game himself, Saltalamacchia gets pitch selection calls from the dugout. McCann calls a much better game, just ask John Smoltz. I don’t know if they’ll trade Saltalamacchia (I hope not) or move him to first, but they aren’t moving all-star Brian McCann from catcher to make room for someone with not many at-bats (see: small sample size).

Chip Caray may be a great guy, but he really is an embarrassment to Braves’ baseball, TBS and Skip Caray when he is announcing a game. I can’t stand to hear “gets his man” anymore. I can’t stand hearing Chip scream for the other team anymore. I can’t stand the fact that he doesn’t know the pitches being thrown (constantly calling a curveball a splitter) and he’s “SWUNG ON AND BELTED” on pitches ten feet shy of the warning track. Chip Caray really needs to go.

By Marc

May 29, 2007 4:36 AM | Link to this

Davies is a work in progress? That’s fine, it’s ok to be a work in progress, but doesn’t that mean he should be in the minors?

By ncscoots

May 29, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this

Imagine my surprise this morning to read Didn’t know if there was enough interest on the holiday to do one, but it appears there is.

Fellas, you have GOT to get out more, LOL!

McCann is peeved at Salty’s hype? Sure. You bet. Even if he were, that might last as long as it takes to read one scouting report and the signatures on his contract.

For those lamenting his current offensive performance, only about 25 other ML clubs would kill for a catcher with his current stats (did bloggers really think he was going to be a career .330 hitter?). I would guess he picked up some bad habits compensating for the injury, and, if so, he’ll work that out. If not, then I’d take .290-15-75 from a 130-game catcher any year, any team. There’s nothing wrong with McCann or his performance, other than blogger expectations.

By Coach

May 29, 2007 7:12 AM | Link to this

Marc , Davies previous start was great , eight innings , one run and of course the three run jack he hit. Kyle’s problem so far is consistency , he has not been able to put two solid back to back starts together yet. So yes , Davies is a work in progress. But the starting five of Smoltz , Hudson , James , Davies and Cormier is all we have at the moment and I think it will get the job done if the offense can ever get it going. I did some pitching matchups well into the middle of June and it is looking brutal. Seven of the first thirteen games we will see a lefty on the mound and then the Twins , Redsox , Indians and Tigers come calling. So , brutal would be an understatement. Whicn means that Chipper and McCann have to get healthy , stay healthy and Cormier needs to contribute soon , otherwise we are in deep deep deep dodo.

By Ron Roberts

May 29, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this

Here’s a question for ya, DOB…

What, if any, vibe do you get from an organizational standpoint with regards to Roger McDowell’s performance as the Braves’ pitching coach, thus far?

I can’t help but wonder, when you see Jorge Sosa’s turned things around (his game against Atlanta notwithstanding), the up-and-down performance of Kyle Davies, the whole Mark Redman fiasco (his performance, withholding an injury that you’d think a pitching coach would percieve before anybody else, wouldn’t you?), the recent up-n-down pitching from Chuck James (I’ll give the benefit of the doubt here since they apparently spotted the flaw in Chuckie’s delivery and worked it out)…

Don’t get me wrong; he’s not Leo, but then he hasn’t been given the stable of arms Leo had, either.

I just see the work Rick Peterson’s doing with young pitchers, then with Jorge, etc., and can’t help but wonder if they got the better pitching coach.

I’m not looking for McDowell to the hook; I’m just curious as to how pleased the organization is with McDowell’s work, thus far.

I certainly don’t hold 2006 against him. He had nothing to work with aside from Smoltz and Hudson, but then Hudson was mediocre, at best, last season.

So what’s the vibe on McD?

By h_charles

May 29, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this

DOB — A few points and a question —

Trading Salty or McCann — I don’t think it would be a bad idea, if you can get a young top of the line starter. Willis would be a huge addition, and another lefty. Salty is a rare player, but still potential unrealized, and Willis is a big-time stud. Moving either catcher to first is an absolute waste of their value. (as an aside, Salty will be a much better defensive catcher — he has a cannon!).

Chipper — I understand the frustration with fans. This lineup is drastically altered without his bat, and he can’t seem to stay healthy. However, if he can’t go, and with bruises like that, repetitive banging caused by swinging in a game could just prolong the injury.

While I will never understand how such an elite athlete could fall so ungracefully on the play he got hurt, Chipper deserves better treatment from our fans. He could have gone elsewhere for more money, but he stayed a Brave, one of the few stars who did.

Roger McDowell — Jury is still out, but I’m starting to wonder. Since his arrival we seem to have an awful team fixing once successful pitchers who get out of whack (Sosa, McBride, Devine, Reitsma, Kolb, Davies, etc.). Perhaps these guys are unfixable, but Sosa is certainly back to his old self.

I’m not saying he’s a problem, but for years this organization had a rep of reclaiming good arms whose mechanics have gone astray. Now we seem to do the opposite. Any thoughts?

By Jeff R

May 29, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Thorman isn’t the 1B of the future. The guy’s adequate, but I doubt he’ll ever get past the 20-70 .250-.270 range, if that. Salty has big talent, and isn’t wed to playing catcher (I don’t believe), so why not work him at first? Trade him this winter? Does the Braves’ brass really think Thorman is a keeper over Salty? Come on… Could management get top flight pitching talent in return? If so, well, then maybe that’s worth considering, but it would have to be darn good talent.

By David-ATL14

May 29, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

I raised the issue of the 3 catchers repeatedly during the Boston weekend.

Pena should have remained on the roster. Havig Mccann or Salty on the bench is completely negated by the lack of a 3rd catcher.

it matters not a whit, whether the bloggers would pinch hit with Salty or mccann when the other is catching, Bobby won’t. End of story.Pena should be recalled, he’s a better option than both Orr and Prado.

i remember back to the Boston weekend and the bloggers especially Shaun going on ad nauseam about how Salth could DH or pinch hit early in a game without the 3rd catcher.

As DOB eloquently points out, wrong again.

Big difference in actually covering the game and paying attention to the inner workings of the club(ala DOB) or just regurgitating the same nonsense over and over from Rob Neyer or Joe Sheehan.

By Yet Another Name

May 29, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

“As for McCann, wouldn’t doubt it he’s a bit peeved from all the praise for Salty he sees from everyone, including Bobby.”

It doesn’t matter if you just signed a long term contract for 30 mil, the self doubt can still creep into a 23 year olds psyche.

I love Salty. I have been vocal about that on this blog. Even though I love his potential, there is no way you move McCann. I still say Salty’s future with the Braves (if he has one) is first base. I don’t dislike Thorman, I simply think Salty has more upside potential.

If the statement DOB made that led my post is accurate (I know he is speculating and not quoting) that might explain why McCann has played as much as he has through the injury. He told Carroll Rogers he was 100% yet everyone says he’s not.

I had been wondering why he had not been given multiple games off until his finger was much better. In fact, with the way Salty has swung the bat, I was hoping McCann would get time off. Catching depth is a luxury some teams don’t have. Perhaps McCann has been begging into the lineup because he’s insecure about his job. Maybe he envisioned himself as a modern day Wally Pipp. He shouldn’t be. I would think if there was anyone who could get that message across it would be Bobby.

One more point. While I know Bobby’s philosophy on not burning your back-up catcher mid game, if he’s not going to use Salty as a genuine offensive threat off the bench, send the kid back to Pearl and let him learn to play first.

Every team in majors knows who Salty is. He’s had a nice showcase. His stock has to have risen. It won’t depreciate by going back to the minors.

If he’s only going to catch a game once a week and be used to pinch hit ONLY if you’re way behind in a game, then bring Pena back and use this time for Salty to get some game experience at 1B in the minors.

The Braves reluctance to either get Salty some games at first or send him back to learn to play first, may tell us all what the plans are.

It could mean “bye bye” Salty.

By Jeff R

May 29, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

Don’t forget, this is James second full go-round facing major league batters. They’ve got a book on him now and have made adjustments. Part of James’ problem may be a flaw in his delivery, but, chances are, he’s also not fooling batters as easily. The key with any good major leaguer (pitcher or batter) is his making adjustments. The guy’s got talent; I believe he’ll straighten out.

Otherwise, over the course of the season, with the starting pitching, the big challenge is settling the 4-5 spots. I think Smoltz, Hudson and James will produce, though let’s watch Hudson. His track record in Atlanta has involved his fading in the summer. Worth watching.

By thats_reality

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

whats up with the braves and lefties? they should salivate at the chance to face a lefty. renteria, CJ, AJ, francouer, and diaz should feast more on lefties than righties! so far, johnson seems to handle lefties much better as well. the schedule is going to be brutal until the break. the reason rides on the next month. ATL has to be within 5 games of the wild card or the mets at the break or they prolly won’t make the playoffs. it all started with the red sox series. i was hoping for 3 of for against washington before going into the current stretch. for whatever reason, they can’t seem to beat below average teams. this seasons sucess just might depend on the arm of cormier!

By Braveheart

May 29, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

I can’t stand the people who get on to Chipper. Yeah, he is a great player - when he is hurt, it becomes painfully obvious how important he is.

But to get on the man about injuries and such really does not make much sense to me. An injury is an injury. The man played hurt forever before the last few years. All those years he was playing about 155 games, do you not think that he was hurting for the majority of those games and toughed it out? I think he did.

He’s 35 years old. This is what happens to 35 year olds (don’t let all the new 40 year old medical marvels in the steroid baseball era fool you). I just think now he is getting older and when ballplayers get older, they break down. It’s just the way it is.

To me, Chipper loves baseball, loves playing it, and that’s all he wants to do. I think Chipper loves baseball the way that Shaun loves stats and the way DOB loves sports, music, and writing all day and night about sports and music. I think that Chipper wants to be in there playing just like DOB wants to be in there blogging with us on his off days where Carroll is the lead blogger, which he often does even though he does not have to.

If Chipper could be out there, he would be out there. I mean do you think he wants to sit on the bench? He has to go to the ballpark anyway. Do you think he just wants to sit around if he has to come out to the ballpark anyway? That’s absurd.

His daddy raised a baseball player. I think he still plays trying to make his dad proud and trying to honor his father for all the work and sacrifice his father made in trying to make Chipper a baseball player. What do you think his father would say if he saw Chipper being a wuss? I’m not sure but I think his father would not need DOB to tell him where the hotel is. I think Chipper’s father would get his butt over to the hotel himself and knock Chipper out himself. I could be wrong about that though. To call Chipper a wuss or anything like that truly dishonors his father.

Chipper also plays for himself and his family and his fans as well. Do you think he likes his family coming to games and watching him sit on the bench? Of course not. Do you think he likes for chumps to call him names on forums that his children can read?

I’m not sure if he gives a flip about what any of us think but I think that he does. If you remember back in spring training when he got his first injury of the year, the blog got into a disrespectful uproar about it. I think he showed that he did care because he tried to play hurt through the injury, basically telling us all to go F ourselves without being a jerk about it. Skip and the bunch even referenced this during one of their radio calls that he might be trying to prove something to the crazy fans on the blogs. Of course, he got injured yet again several days later trying to play through the first injury.

So, let him heal. Trust the man. If he ain’t ready, then he ain’t ready. You don’t want a little nagging injury to turn into a chronic thing that destroys his season but more importantly our entire season. Injuries happen. Deal with it. He’s not 25 anymore, he’s 35. Despite the injuries, along with Smoltz and maybe Soriano this year, Chipper is by far the most important player on this team.

By SteelCav

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

Good post Braveheart, well said! Completely concur.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Ron,

I think a team loaded with top pitching prospects (Boston?) would give up one of them and a lesser player for Salty.

Bob, Journalist,

I define rent-a-player as one the Braves would only have for this season. I don’t think the Braves would give up Salty for that kind of player unless that player is the difference in a playoff or World Series run. But if the player is that good, why would a team trade him?

If Salty is traded, I don’t think it’s a secret the Braves would like a young player (around 25 or younger), preferably a pitcher, with star potential.

By Ron Roberts

May 29, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Jeff R….

So let me get this right… with 50 games under the belt of his first full season in the bigs, playing 1B, you’re ready to declare Scott Thorman a failure at being an everyday 1B?

Let me tell ya why it’s a little too soon to go making sweeping declarations like that….

After 50 games, Mark Teixeira’s stats were like this…

Teixeira: BA .242 8 HR 29 RBI

Thorman: BA .246 6 HR 24 RBI

Now folks are ringing the Rangers’ phone off the hook trying to pry him away from ‘em.

By h_charles

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

Hey “That’s Reality” —

The Braves struggle with lefties for one reason:
The lefties they struggle with tend to stay on the outside of the plate to righties and throw a good bit of off-speed stuff (most lefties do, as left handed starters can stay in the league a lot longer than righties without a great fastball (Glavine, Moyer, etc.)

Brave hitters, particularly the righties (except Renteria — notice how he is feasting this year on all those lefties pitching him away???), are overly aggressive at the plate. Andruw, Frenchy, and to some extent Diaz all want to pull the ball. All that off-speed stuff and pitches away equals rolling over the top of grounders, swinging a bit too early (lot’s of balls ripped foul down the 3b line), and Ks.
Our lefties are a bit more patient in general (save Thorman), but it is just harder for them to hit lefties, as the old rule goes. The Braves will continue to struggle against these type of pitchers, but hopefully Andruw has seen the light. That will help. One other difference is KJ. Going back to the Furcal days, the Braves offense has always gone the way of the leadoff hitter. When our leadoff hitter does well, so does the offense. KJ will struggle a bit more with lefties, and the cascade effect through the lineup is felt (not sure if this is the case with all NL teams, but man the Braves sure live and die with the leadoff guy).

By Shaun

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

David-ATL14,

Salty does have two plate appearances as a pinch-hitter and McCann has three.

That’s not a lot but Cox will still use Salty or McCann if he needs to to give the Braves a shot to win a game.

Is it worth having an extra still-young catcher on your bench that is sparingly going to play just to give Salty or McCann pinch-hit appearances the few chances it may actually make a difference?

I see your point but sometimes it’s just not worth having to use a roster spot on an emergency-type player who should be getting as much playing time as possible because he’s still young.

By Jeff R

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

Chipper can’t help the injuries, that’s for sure, but my focus is how Cox is managing his playing time. Chipper’s not an everyday player anymore—he hasn’t been for a couple of seasons. He needs to be platooned, for his sake and the team’s. Rather than running the risk of a season-ending injury because he’s in the lineup, day in and day out, pace the guy. I sure would like Chipper healthy for the post season, if the Braves make it.

By Savannah Guy

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

The bar was raised yesterday

DOB: just wanted to say great job on your holiday article/blog yesterday and, for the most part, also great posts from many bloggers (many of whom were baseball aficionados that don’t just “camp out” on the blog and bloviate incessantly just to see their opinions on the web). Instead of the trend of posts meant to aggravate they were intended to ponder…and illuminate.

Thanks for being the catalyst (and herder and conductor) for one of the most articulate, informative, entertaining baseball-centric collections of ideas/opinions I’ve seen here in a while. It was fun to follow along.

Hopefully we started two winning streaks yesterday.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 29, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

another reason the braves struggle with left-handed pitchers is the weakened lineup sent out to face such pitchers …

and the blogger makes a good point, would brayan pena be a better option off the bench than orr or prado or woodward? more pop and can run a little for a catcher. doesn’t pena play other infield positions? lost his job after an injury - not something that normally happens on a happy ballclub. and that was not to say the club is unhappy - only to remind bloggers that some unusual things are taking place this season. and a blogger questions the effectiveness of roger mcdowell … oh, the humanity! journalist thinks mcdowell has helped the sinker ball pitchers - not sure about the others. and andruw was standing beside terry in the dugout before the at-bat when andruw hit that big homerun yesterday. andruw should stand and talk with terry more often. now, birds … some motorcyclists rode past yesterday and scared all the little songbirds away - and most of the women. journalist must go call more birds. as you might expect with handsome jimmy smith, the women are back already. “what diane? yes, journalist knows that was an especially ugly cyclist . . .”

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 29, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Chipper has become very fragile but the braves can live with just 120-130 games from him. Smoltz on the other hand is the one player the braves season depends on. Lose him and watch your season fade away…….

By Shaun

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

h_charles,

Actually, the Braves aren’t that much worse against lefties:

vs. RHP - .261 AVG/.338 OBP/.434 SLG, 162 R (16th in baseball)

vs. LHP - .263 AVG/.330 OBP/.426 SLG, 80 R (5th in baseball)

They do have the most AB vs. LHP but they are also .25 runs/game better than the major league average vs. LHP.

They are actually below the league average in runs scored vs. RHP.

And Kelly Johnson has looked just fine against lefties throughout the season—.316/.409/.513.

Also, the leadoff hitter is important to a lot of teams. The leadoff man is likely to come to the plate more than any hitter so you want that hitter on base as often as possible because that’s going to lead to a lot more scoring chances.

By meansonny

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

SScribe

Great post yesterday (11:07 AM). Well said.

By Tom

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

let me ask you something, would you rather chipper just manned up and played hurt, even if it hurt the team while doing so? Chris Reitsma tried to man up and hide an injury to keep playing and look what happened with that.

for those that are complaining about chipper being do you remember the spill he took to get injured? a lesser man would have been hurt far worse.

By Mike in ' fretta

May 29, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

No Chop Zone,

Lose Glavine for any extended amount of time and watch your season fade away. Any time any team loses their ace it will have a major impact on their season - and Smoltz is one of the best pitchers in the game, so yes losing him would have a major impact on our season. I know you are a little slow (and by that I mean stupid) but even an idiot like yourself should be able to add 1+1…well maybe not…

So what is the point in saying that losing Smoltz would cause our season to fade away? Why are you trying so hard to come up with something to say? Get off our blog, man you are one dumb sumbitch.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

vs. RHP - .261 AVG/.338 OBP/.434 SLG, 162 R (16th in baseball)

vs. LHP - .263 AVG/.330 OBP/.426 SLG, 80 R (5th in baseball)

They do have the most AB vs. LHP but they are also .25 runs/game better than the major league average vs. LHP.

They are actually below the league average in runs scored vs. RHP.

But most of you knew they were better against lefties than righties (compared to other teams in the league) because you all watch the games. (Not trying to be a smart a**, just dishing out what I take.)

By beachcomber

May 29, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Braveheart - Thanks for your post. Wish I could say it as well. I know I’ve banged this drum before but if Chipper’s injury is going to keep him out much longer, we need to get Escobar up from Richmond. Our other short term solutions at third just aren’t cutting it.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Regarding the Braves vs. Lefties.

Shaun, I’m surprised that you didn’t notice that the out avoidance is lower than versus right-handers. That despite having a higher batting average.

hcharles, I agree with you regarding patience at the plate and trying to pull too many out and away pitches versus lefthanders. Our walks are way down. And our singles are way up (note the OBP and SLG being lower than versus righties despite the higher AVG). I don’t see us being able to take more walks as the pitchers we struggle against have done a good job throwing strikes in the zone (especially away in the zone).

I believe the issue is a personnel issue. Without Andruw raking (and especially with Chipper out), we are relying on Renty and Diaz for our power. They are producing, but we can’t expect power numbers from them to count as wins in half our games (it appears that we play a Lefthander every other game).

I expect a solution from JS at 1B before the playoffs. It may be Salty, it may be a hired gun. Either way, it’s an improvement. Andruw will eventually get his, and Chipper will get back. And our runs will hopefully come. Despite our rankings, we are definitely lacking in RBI’s when facing lefthanders (a product of the lower OBP and SLG).

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

I see that Salty played one game at 3B in 2003 in the Gulf Coast League as an 18-year-old. I wonder if he played their in high school and if there is any consideration of putting him there if Chipper is out for any length of time. Doesn’t seem very likely but maybe it’s worth a shot.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

and why has chipper become fragile? playing him less is no solution. heck, chipper is not playing now. it is not wear and tear - it is injury sustained when chipper hits the ground (thumbs), or swings (oblique), or runs the bases (toes).

dob and others apparently don’t like criticism of hoss being soft - and maybe such criticism is in poor taste (poor taste on the blog? oh, the humanity!) but the manager has penciled chipper in the lineup at least twice and has been asked by chipper to remove chipper from the lineup. the team needs chipper’s bat - one of the best in the league. journalist cannot know how much the injuries hurt - but journalist knows this … the team should report chipper’s thumbs were crushed by a vicious fan (fight in the hotel, remember?)- or were smashed in a revolving door accident rather than saying chipper is out for days with sore thumbs from falling on the playing field. freel will be back in the lineup before chipper. and will the blogger take on chipper at the team hotel as invited by dob? will not be the first fan to do so. chipper is a big dude, better to get chipper while the thumbs are too sore to take issue with a blogger. now, journalist will have offended many with this comment about chipper jones but as ron roberts has often said, it may be time to man-up and return to the lineup. not a pianist - not a surgeon - a ballplayer. and did we ever learn what happened with the lawsuit the philadelphia fan filed against chipper jones for assault at the hotel? have a nice day.

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 29, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Mike in Fretta were the insults necessary? As for your point with glavine I must disagree. We lost Pedro and are still 4 games in first. I think Pedro was a bigger loss that Glavine would have been. I wasn’t trying to stir anything up. I was just saying you could get by with less at bats from chipper but losing Smoltz would be devistating…..That’s all.

By berigan

May 29, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Funny, a few weeks ago, everyone and their brother said NO WAY do you switch Salty from behind home plate, he’s a switch hitting catcher!

So, we don’t trade Salty(fine with me) don’t even think about trading McCann. Ok. Fine.

So tell me, anyone think the team as presently constituted, could get past the first round of the playoffs???

Could this team compete for the wildcard slot if Smoltz or Hudson was out a month?

Mets, Red Sox, Indians, could lose their ace, and still be aok. In fact the Red Sox improved while Beckett was out.

If we are still rebuilding, and if we compete will this goes on, fine. No reason to morgage the future. But, if we are really trying to get back in the playoffs, and hope to COMPETE, we need to improve our starting pitching.

I will be quite pizzed if we hear the Mets, or Brewers get a 2 or 3 starter from Oakland, while the home boy was waiting for the trading deadline. Like I said mentioned before, the A’s have the best ERA in the AL. 3.54. Yet, they are 25-25, and 5 games behind the Angels. They need offense, and soon, or they will be out of the race.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

KC,

I agree with your sentiments yesterday about Salty potentially being a great catcher. He appears to be sound defensively and has a cannon of an arm that DOES impact the way the games are played.

I also agree with your sentiments about McCann being a better offensive threat than he is a Catcher (and the benefits of 150+ games versus 130). And the fact that the daily knicks and chinks in his body may add up a toll equally as erosive to the toll on his knees. And equally the fact that injuries of the Estrada nature can potentially affect a player’s career or position within a clubhouse.

But Salty obviously is NOT the catcher of the future here. 10% of MLB players want to play in Atlanta because of Bobby Cox. And that is because Bobby WILL NOT move McCann out of the Catcher spot. If McCann moves, it will have to be on his own. And that is not going to happen.

DOB, I have to disagree with you about McCann’s All Star qualities. You keep bringing up that he is an All-Star Catcher. We all know how the All-Stars work. McCann is an all-star because he hit .343 going into the all-star break last season.

Everyone knows that the All-Star game for the NHL, NBA, NFL, & MLB is an offensive game. McCann’s presence (as is everybody’s presence) was due to offensive numbers. Not due to his gold glove (or percentage in throwing out runners). For the record, Atlanta had a lot of errors and very few assists from the Catcher position in 2006 (Last place in MLB in assists from the Catcher spot. 7th most errors in MLB for 2006 from behind the plate).

But DOB is correct that the Move McCann bandwagon should sit besides the Trade Andruw and Chipper is a Lazy a$$ on the Group W Bench .

McCann is 23 years old, and will improve both defensively and in his game-calling. He knows baseball. And as he sees the hitters of the NL more and more, we will get better and better results from the likes of Davies and James. He has a competitive fire that will contribute to championship baseball.

All the speculation is great. But it also won’t hurt us to recognize the situation as it is. McCann was paid the money this off-season because he is a catcher. And the one that this franchise will build around for the future. The only person with the opportunity to change this is McCann. And it isn’t going to happen.

By SteelCav

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

Escobar has been a hitting machine down in Richmond (around .330 last I checked), playing SS. I know he got looks all around the infield in Spring Training, but I’m curious if the scouts have a preference regarding his targeted position in the majors?

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

So tell me, anyone think the team as presently constituted, could get past the first round of the playoffs???

Sure. As long as Smoltz and Hudson are starting and Soriano is in the ‘pen, I think the Braves would have just as good a chance as any other team. Look at the 2006 Cardinals. Did anyone think they had a chance?

Could this team compete for the wildcard slot if Smoltz or Hudson was out a month?

Not many teams could compete if they lost one of their two best pitchers for a month. The teams you brought up are special cases:

The Red Sox can lose Beckett and still compete because 1) they may have the best pitching staff in baseball and 2) their offense is so good all they need is decent pitching.

The Mets can survive because 1) their offense is also very good and 2) because their pitching staff is underrated by many and 3) their key pitchers are so far having career seasons in the very early going.

The Indians are surviving purely on offense. Their run prevention is merely average.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts had asked DOB a question regarding the mumblings and grumblings around the clubhouse in regards to Roger McDowell.

I personally think he’s doing a fine job.

Not to be a tabloid-kind-of-guy, but I wonder more if he’s anything like the Roger McDowell who appeared on so many MTV Rock&Jocks. Is he all business (as he appears on TV)? Or does he contribute to a loose clubhouse? I haven’t seen an interview with him on TV as of yet. I’m more curious as to the type of personality he brings to the youth of this club.

I can’t say that I was ever a fan of his (I don’t really follow the AL) while he played. But he did make me laugh at times.

By Braveheart

May 29, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

I don’t know about Chip Caray. I really have not given him a fair shot. I don’t like his style for whatever reason. I think it is because I spent way too much time listening to him do Cubs games that I identify him with the Cubs and watching day games on WGN at Wrigley. He just does not feel like a Braves announcer to me. And maybe that is unfair. Skip and Don and Pete and Joe make me feel like I am watching the game with my uncle or grandfather - they were the Braves to me as much as any player out there.

Chip does spend too much time talking about the Cubs which is annoying. It’s kind of like you’re dating a girl who you always identified with another guy but you started dating her and she still won’t shut up about the other guy. I understand that he does that mostly because it is a big part of who he is, having spent so much time there. It is easier when you have so much air time to fill to talk about what you know deeply and intensely. It is also easier to talk about what you know when you are trying to be comfortable on the air. But when you listen to him, you don’t get the feeling that he is totally immersed in the ins and outs of the Braves for the last ten years. I know that he is his daddy’s child and therefore knows probably more about the Braves than most of us combined just by listening to his father all the time and by watching the games himself as a tag along with his father, but you just don’t get the sense that he is giving you the heart and soul of the Braves fan. Skip and Joe and Pete usually make me feel that way.

I also think that Chip tries too hard to be the objective professional and not to be a homer as if being a homer when you are the local announcer is something taboo. The irony is that it does not matter how professional he tries to be, the rest of the baseball world will still identify him as the Braves guy just as I and many others identify him as a Cubs guy. SO, he might as well be a homer because fans identify him as part of those teams anyway.

He’s trying way too hard to be another Joe Buck. F Joe Buck. Joe Buck was lucky and got handed the reigns by FOX when they first started doing sports and now he has a monopoly on it. Don’t be Joe Buck. Buck is a pretty good announcer but Buck had perfect luck and perfect timing, so there is only one Joe Buck in the announcing world right now. But Chip still seems like he is trying to chase that, worried more about his career and being the ultimate objective professional instead of creeping into the heart and soul of the local fan base.

Worry less about your career objectives Chip. The stiff TBS suits might not like that (they clearly don’t with the way they have treated the fans and Skip, Don, Joe, & Pete), but the fans will. The announcer should be announcing for the fans and not for other announcers and not for stuffed TBS suits. As your father and grandfather showed, admiration and love from the fans will carry you alot further than bending over for the corporate schmucks who run this team.

The difference when you listen to guys like Skip and Pete for example is that they pull the most obscure things out of their behinds all the time. They will talk about some crazy thing that happened in July 1988 when they were already light years out of first place and the funny thing is that, 20 years later, you will actually remember that happening when you were watching on TBS when you were ten years old and you can still vaguely remember the exact words Skip said in that very moment about that play. You’ll even remember that you were watching the game with your grandfather and that grandma just made you some ice cream right before the play happened, that your father was outside on grandpa’s deck grilling, that your mother was outside in the front yard playing with your little sister, and that grandpa kept driving you crazy in the living room watching the game by pressing mute during the commercials because he hated commercials and that meant you had to talk to Grandpa during the commercials (or rather be talked at by your grandfather). Maybe, he didn’t really hate commercials and just liked to talk to you and used the commercials as a chance to do so.

And when Skip references that obscure player or obscure play, you will flashback and wish you could go back to that time and place even though the Braves were terrible because your grandma and grandpa who have long since passed, were still alive and able to spoil you with ice cream and you wish that you had not been annoyed with your grandfather so much when he talked at you and that you should have been listening more because you missed out on alot of important stuff by being annoyed with him.

That’s what TBS and AOL/TW and perhaps Liberty Media just don’t get. Skip and Pete are more than just old announcers to us. Whether we always like them or not, they are our old uncles who always bring photo albums with them so that we can remember our family and our past. Listening to Skip and Pete is like listening to Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, David Allen Coe and so on. They are not just voices who do the game or sing music to us. Just like JR, Merle, Waylon, they take you to times, places, and people that you love. But whatever. I am wasting my thoughts.

So, maybe I just have not given Chip a fair shot. Maybe he will grow on me just as our beloved Braves announcers were new at one time and had to grow on us. But first, he needs to start announcing for us and not for everyone else. But maybe I’m just not a kid anymore and kids will grow up identifying Chip as the voice of Atlanta baseball the same way I did with Skip. Two things I do remember my grandfather saying all the time were that nothing stays the same and that things are never and were never as good as you remember them.

By #10

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

To Mr. journalist jimmy smith: I would imagine that every time somebody like yourself takes the “field” it’s not the thumbs that end up sore.

By FanWithNoName

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

Jared, I think you’re dead on about Chip Carey. To me the game of baseball is exciting in and of itself. It really gets on my nerves when he interjects that false enthusiasm — sounding like it’s the first time he’s ever seen a nice play from deep short. But, I doubt he’s going anywhere, so I guess we’ll just have to get used to it … or use our mute buttons.

By Braveheart

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

I think DOB said in spring training that scouts and those types think that with his body, Escobar is eventually going to project to be an MLB third baseman.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

meansonny,

Defensive stats are tricky for other positions and are even trickier for catchers. Catcher errors don’t take into account a cross up in the signs, etc.

Listen to DOB when he says scouts believe McCann is a good defensive catcher.

Even if McCann is average or slightly below average, his offense is more than enough to make up for it.

By Mackey Sasser

May 29, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Truer words were never written about what Skip and Pete mean to Braves fans. TBSAOLTimeWarnerLiberty don’t get it. And they never will.

By Lew

May 29, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

JeffR-Sitting Chipper on a regular basis might help if his injuries were as a result of playing too much-such as if he were having trouble with his chronic foot problems. However, Chipper’s major injuries, ie. the twisted knee/ankle last year and this one to his thumbs are, for lack of a better term, sh!t happens injuries. They have had nothing to do with chronic problems and are likely to happen when he plays, no matter how rested he is. We’ve seen the team performance the past couple of years when he is out. We suffer horrendously trying to score. You have to find a way to keep him in the lineup more, not less. Rest would not have kept either of his past two major injuries from happening. They are situational, nothing more. They had nothing to do with fatigue and don’t, for that matter, point to age as a factor.

By KC

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

BTW… I forgot to mention this last week, but during the Mets series… was anyone else annoyed by the extent to which the Braves announcers doted on the Mets?

I literally had to turn down the volume on the TV at one point. I was thinking “Okay damn it!!! We get it!!! Yes, the Mets are an excellent team! You can shut up about it now!”

I realize that announcers have to maintain a certain degree of professional objectivity, and they’re going to give credit to the other team. There’s nothing wrong with that. But I wish they would keep in mind that the Mets are the arch enemy of the Braves, and that they might irritate many Braves fans if it sounds like they’re fawning over the other team (which it did).

Common guys… during the next Mets series, it’s okay to point out the their strengths, but could you dial it back the Mets praise just a hair?

By David O'Brien

May 29, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Very good point, Lew. How would resting him prevent him from flipping over a third baseman or slipping on a wet field?

As for Escobar, he could play SS or 3B. Got the arm and range for both, though he hasn’t hit for the typical power you want from a 3B.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Lew,

I can’t know for sure, but it seems age is a factor. Maybe not the primary factor in his injuries but looks like it’s probably a factor.

By Rodger

May 29, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Well said Braveheart. Throw Ernie into the mix too-you listen to him while watching the game, and sometimes wonder if he’s watching the same game, but he just made you feel so comfortable. Never got that feeling with Milo, or John Sterling, or the Sport South guys, etc. I like Boog tho, I think he’ll be OK.

By Ron Roberts

May 29, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

I don’t mind Chip Carey, personally. What I do mind is his dad being relegated to mop-up duty. I know some people don’t like Skip, and I know folks inside the Atlanta area probably even less-so, since they get to hear how ascerbic he can be on call-in shows, but let’s face it: he has to answer the same moronic questions that come through the callers that we all bear witness to here, over and over and over and over and over and over… you get the point.

Any of us would be smart-@sses after dealing w/that day-after-day through entire seasons.

I just wish TBS still had 100 or more games (I live in Louisiana and get the shaft when it comes to SportSouth access and FSN South, too) and that Skip, Joe, and Pete were rotated from TBS to radio like they used to do. Maybe it was silly to do it, but it sure was enjoyable.

Man, Skip was at his best in blowout games. The guy has wit.

His son’s just a game-caller. Nothing special, but not as bad as some folks make him out to be. I think some folks subliminally have an issue with him because he sorta portrays a homer when he did the same thing for the Cubs on WGN, too, and some of us would watch those games from time-to-time. So he seems a little disingenuous maybe.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Regarding the 3B conundrum…

I’m not a Prado fan. But I think we’re getting way ahead of ourselves in thinking someone else needs to be there (besides Prado or Woodward). We don’t have anyone else in the system who is ready (personally, I think Escobar should be left off the 40 man this season and be used as trade bait this offseason).

Moving Salty, Thor, or Willie Harris to 3B WILL NOT IMPROVE the defense versus what we are getting from Prado. It will substantially deteriorate it. Along with the fact that we have a first year 1B, 1st year 2B, 2nd full year C, and a bunch of young rookie pitchers… We don’t need to be adding any more liabilities on the infield mid-season.

And Prado’s 25 at-bats aren’t enough to write him off as a cast-away. Similar to Kelly Johnson’s first jump, Martin is not striking out a lot. There is hope that he will improve in his approach to where he’s finding more opportunities to get on base.

I’m not and never have been on the Prado bandwagon. But I think the hounds need to settle down a little before we abandon ship on him. For his trade value and/or confidence’s sake.

By KC

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

Jared and FanWithNoName: Chip gets on my nerves a bit too.

I just posted about the Braves announcers fawning over the Mets… Chip was one of them. And it annoys me in general when he sounds so excited about a great play made by the other team. This IS still a Braves telecast, right? They don’t switch to the neutral MLB stuff till next year if I understand it correctly. So don’t sound so damn excited when something bad happens to the Braves.

You have to keep your audience in mind. When the other team makes a great play or homers, there are many thousands of Braves fans watching at home going “aaaah sh!t!!!!”. They are not excited. Not at all. Something to keep in mind when you’re announcing BRAVES games Chip.

By David O'Brien

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

Berigan, can’t understand why you’re so pessimistic and negative about this team. They’re right there in the wild-card lead and four games out of first place despite less than a .220 average and eight homers from the guy who hit about .260 with 92 homers in the past two seasons, and despite the fact they’ve gotten absolutely nothing from the back two spots in the rotation, where Cormier can certainly help if he pitches as he did in spring training and in his rehab starts.

Let’s put it this way: Cormier had a better rehab start yesterday than Roger ($20 mill commitment) Clemens has had in any of his rehab starts….

Just saw where Andy Marte was demoted to Triple-A. Had batted .180 (9-for-50) with Indians.

That Renteria trade can’t look any better, can it?

By NO CHOP ZONE

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

Hi there LEW, It’s me. Well June is right around the corner and the Mets have put a little space between themselves and your braves. Hopefully they could keep up and make it an interesting season. Unfortunatley Pedro and Duaner Sanchez will be back by the begining of August (Lets not forget the possible trade) and then the real seperation will begin…..

By Steve from OH

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

Yeah, Chip is annoying. Remember the “rehydration engineer” rant? That went on way too long…

By David O'Brien

May 29, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, really liked the post at 8:53 a.m.

Jared, thanks for setting Eli P. straight about the catching situation.

I probably should still ask Eli for his number so I could give it to Braves officials and scouts from other teams so he could set them straight on McCann (since they’re all apparently wrong about him and Eli’s got the real tip)….

By SteelCav

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

To me, the TBS suits and announcers have already settled into their MLB-centric style (meaning little favoritism towards the Braves). I miss the days of Pete, Skip, Don and Joe, though Joe and Boog are pretty good over on South.

By meansonny

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

Regarding our young pitching, I think it should be noted that Atlanta has the 2nd fewest Grounded Into Double Plays in the majors.

Part of this is due to the youth we have at 2B, 1B, P, and currently 3B.

The experiments at 3B being proposed will complicate this problem even more. This isn’t a big regular season concern for me.

But I do think that this is something which may hurt our playoff chances. Outs left on the field usually come back to bite teams when facing a Mets or BoSox type offense.

By crimedogrules

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

Braveheart, you got it right, great post. Skip and Pete are our family without a doubt.

By Lew

May 29, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Shaun-Age was not a factor in either of the aforementioned Chipper injuries. If a twenty year old had slid on that SF field or flipped over a third baseman, landing on his hands the way he did, he would have had the same injuries. I repeat, age had nothing whatsoever to do with either of them. There is absolutely no way you can prove it to be the case. They were freak, situational injuries, likely to happen to anyone in those situations, despite their age. That’s like saying McCann’s hand was hurt because he was too old to get out of the way of the pitch. Wrong place, wrong time. Nothing else.

By bruce

May 29, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

What did you guys think of Chuck James base running from 1st to 3rd. yesterday? Bobby made a joke about it in the MLB article, but I thought it was key to getting that game winning run across even if by accident. If Chuck is not running to third, the ball is not cut off and the runner is out at the plate. Dave, did you see that when you were watching the re-play? I did not notice until the replay. Thanks, Bruce

By flbravesgirl

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

Braveheart, really outstanding posts at 8:53 & 10:38. Thank you.

By Kieran from Long Island

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

AN Interesting point made on the radio yesturday by Host Max Kellerman (The old Around the Horn Anchor)

He said that one of teh reasons teh Braves have been so successful is that they’ve used their best bullpen pitcher, rafael Soriano, situationally rather then as their closer. They gave their closer role to a semi-reliable veteren who has done it many times before and saved tehre ebst pitcher to use whenever they feel they need him the most. He used it as a way of dissing the yankees because they have all of these clowns who pitch crucial innings in the 7th and 8th and Mariano never gets in the ball game.

If you think about it, it is a rather silly how obsessed todays manager has come with teh closer, something that Tony Larussa revolutionalized with Dennis Eckersley. But it begs the question, if you have depth in teh bullpen why not free up your sharpest arm rather then locking him down in a cemented role. We’ve all scratched our heads at soem point on why Wickman has remaine dthe closer, but as usual, i think Bobby Cox might just be a little smarter then all of us. Except Robert of course. Kudos to Bobby.

By Howard Cosell

May 29, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Sad news ladies and gentleman, sad news indeed>>It’s never good to be the bearer of such sad and oft humiliating news such as I have the inauspicious burden of unloading upon the delicate psyche of the blogosphere this fine May morning>>However unload I must, just moments ago, it was reported, on all major news wires, that the esteemed journalist jimmy smith, who had but recently embraced the relaxing hobby of bird calling, was seriously injured in an act of utter terror and disbelief>>it appears as though the journalist was perched high in the boughs of a towering goat willow tree attempting to call in a common, but beautiful, Baltimore Oriole, when, it’s sad to say, the journalist being a bit amateurishly off tune with his calls, inadvertently sounded the mating call of the gigantic African Ostrich, successfully I might add, fetching a nearly fatal outcome>>

Ladies and gentleman, children and small pets, you may want to turn away as I endeavor to convey to the stunned and shock stricken masses the dire images of the deplorable extent of this poor human being’s unfortunate malaise>>on second thought, and at the risk of appearing a tad bit verbose, a condensed version may be more suitable at the early stages of this heart wrenching story>>smith, himself small in stature, was suddenly overtaken and barbarously attacked by this amorous, however misguided, bird of over 9 feet tall, and oft weighing in at over 345 pounds>>and while enduring a merciless and embarrassing assault, of a vicious manner with which I must refrain from further clarification, was well-nigh dismembered and left for dead>>

Bystanders who witnessed the nearly fatal attack reported that the journalist seemed to be enjoying himself at first, but as things got rougher he tried to escape the clutches of this mighty bird, “then things just got ugly, ugly indeed”>>

More on the journalist’s condition will follow as this tragic event continues to unfold>>>>Tragic, tragic indeed>>>

By All That You Dream

May 29, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Perfect post on Chippie Carey, Braveheart.

Having “listened” to the Braves on radio and tv for 35+ years, I never dreamed they would hire a gay announcer (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

“And Smoltz comes out after making 112 tosses.” Puh-lease, somebody shoot me.

By David O'Brien

May 29, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Bruce, actually Bobby didn’t make a joke about it. he was serious when I asked him (I was joking) about Chuck’s going from first to third on that play. Bobby was serious when he said that Chuck had allowed them to score that run, even though he was smiling.

The MBL guy filling in for Bowman took it as a joke, but it wasn’t one.

By Mike in ' fretta

May 29, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

No Chop Zone,

I am sure that after being dominated for 14 years by the Atlanta Braves that you and your fellow Mets fans have some pent up rage. Do you realize how pathetic you are though? Seriously, you live on this blog and comment on every move the Braves make…and don’t make and then you make up some scenario’s like the whole Smoltz thing. Did you dream that up last night??? Dude, you are obsessed with the Braves, and to be frank it is kind of creepy.

Even when your team is playing the Yankees you are on this blog. You really need to take a step back because you are crossing the line between being a fan and being a psycho. Seriously dude, I am sure you have other things going on in your life so just take a couple of weeks off from the Braves blog and focus on them. It’s not healthy to obsess on any one thing especially when that one thing is just a game.

I look forward to not hearing from you ever again.

Sincerely, Mike in ‘fretta

By Luther

May 29, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

At least Chip is better than Bob Rathbun. Anyways, isn’t TBS planning on going national next year and dropping the Braves unless their game falls under the regional braodcast? Also, I believe Chip is going to be their #1 announcer, so maybe he has fell into the same luck as Joe Buck considering TBS now has the playoffs. Get ready for a lot of Sciambi and Simpson.

The last few years I have really wanted to believe that Chipper would play 150 as he hoped, but I don’t know why I let myself believe that. Unfortunately, Chipper’s body(I don’t think it is his desire) will not allow him to play 150 anymore. Andruw and Diaz crash into walls last week that look just as bad as Chipper’s play, but their bodies allow them to play. Braves really need Chipper as the linup is completely out of whack without their most consistent hitter.

By Shaun

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

meansonny,

Prado’s bat is decent but he doesn’t have the power to be an everyday thirdbaseman. I agree, he’s probably the best defensive option and the Braves shouldn’t do anything drastic unless Chipper is out for a lot longer than a couple of weeks.

But a player has more of a chance to make an impact on offense than on defense.

By meansonny

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

Shaun,

A catcher whose claim to defensive fame is the way he handles the rotation and pitch calling duties… one can’t also lay poor defensive statistics to “mix ups” with the pitcher.

That was your claim. Not McCann’s. So I’ll chalk it up to a very poor post.

McCann is an average at best defensive catcher. He does have an excellent grasp of the game of baseball. And he is 23 years old (it is not a slight on McCann to say that a 23 year old is average at best defensively). He will improve.

His contributions to this team are measurable in how he approaches his plate appearances and how he handles this pitching rotation. Unfortunately, his deficiencies (or more better worded “average performance”) is in the context of containing base-stealers and keeping the ball in front of him. At least statistically speaking.

I’m a huge McCann fan. I’m a huge Braves fan because of the way they handle their talent like McCann.

But we can be real about his contributions to this ballclub, and the upside potential he will bring to this franchise.

By Kieran from Long Island

May 29, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Bob Rathbon Was the worst announcer ever, outside of the Joe Morgan Jon Miller combo.

By Howard Cosell

May 29, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

That’s correct folks, correct indeed>>an African Ostrich with the unexpected ability to climb a tree while in a state of full sexual arousal>>Oooh, the humanity>>

By bruce

May 29, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Dave, Wow… when watching live, I thought, ooo.. third out at third by the pitcher. Not good on several counts but on the replay when the ball was cut off, I was impressed at how good a play it was for us. Then to read that Chuck was going to third because he did not believe it would be cut off… we had good fortune on that one and it was a difference maker. So glad to hear your perspective after reading the MLB take. Clearly you and Bowman have more experience at reading Bobby, so the fill in gets a pass from me. Its a good story. Thanks, Bruce

By VaBravesfan

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

Anybody have any numbers comparing the Braves hitting stats and W-L record with Chipper in the lineup and with him out? Just curious. I would think Chipper at 50% would be better than some of the guys we run out there. By the way, cortizone shots in your thumb area hurt like hell.

By JasonInMaine

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

DOB,

I apologize if you have already covered this, but is L. Cormier scheduled to make another rehab start or will be be joining the Big Club? If he is joining the club, when do you think he will make his first start? Saturday would be his regularly scheduled day, but do you think he will pitch in the DH on Saturday?

Regards,

Jason

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Kieran from Long Island,

Excellent point at 11:48. It is extremely dumb that a lot of managers would use their best pitching only in the 9th inning with their team leading by three runs or less.

Many games are won and lost in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings.

I love the fact that the Braves are letting Wickman, a solid veteran, rack up saves while they use their best relief pitcher late when the game is actually on the line.

By beachcomber

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

Great posts on the announcing situation. Indeed it seems like we are back to the bad old days when TBS thought it was no longer a Braves outlet. As for young Caray, I’m not so sure he always tries to be objective - if that were true he would have had the guts to say that Davies was throwing slop against the Phils instead of praising the Phils for hitting pitches my grandmother could wack.

By JasonInMaine

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

I keep hearing reports that the White Sox may deal Buerhle…I wonder if he would be interested in playing for the Bravos long term…and if so, let’s get ‘em!

By SteelCav

May 29, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Kieran from Long Island - Jon Miller today is nowhere near his prime during his stint with the Orioles in the mid 80s. Of course, no one could touch Chuck Thompson.

By David O'Brien

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

Jason, the DH isn’t Saturday, it’s June 5 vs. Marlins. Saturday’s a day game at Chicago.

I think Cormier will probably rejoin the rotation on June 5, when they next need a fifth starter (actually need two that day, unless they use Villarreal or someone to start one of them).

And yes, we covered this ground yesterday with news of Cormier’s results. Braves haven’t decided yet when he’ll pitch; need to see how he is today, the day after, and perhaps how their pitching shakes out next couple days.

I’ll let you know soon as I hear something, trust me. Not keeping that a secret or anything.

By Braveheart

May 29, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Oh, I would take Chip any day over Rathbun. Good Lord, that was an unbelievably awful listening and viewing experience by FSN for the last few years.

Luther, maybe you are right about Chip lucking out like Joe Buck did in 1996. Hope for the best for him because I like his father and liked his grandfather and actually liked him when he was doing the Cubs games.

It is kind of funny and hypocritical the way I attacked Chip right after I had defended Chipper from personal attacks. But I think I was fair with Chip. But I do believe that if I said those things about Chip in front of Skip, he would sic his dogs on me just like Chipper’s father would knock our teeth out for disrespecting his son to his face.

That’s the other thing I love about Skip. While Chip tries to be diplomatic about the b.s. circumstances surrounding his departure from the Cubs, Skip will have none of that. Skip openly roots against the Cubs which I love hearing from a father. He makes these witty acerbic comments all the time about the sorry fortunes of the Cubs that make me laugh out loud every time I hear them because I know it is coming from a father telling the Cubs to go F themselves for the way they treated his son, especially after the grandfather was really the most recognizable member of the Cubs in the past 25 years, right there with Sammy, Ryne, Grace, Wood, Prior, and, yes, Bartman. Really, the only more identifiable thing about the Cubs other than the grandfather for the past 25 years was Wrigley and the ivy.

I also love Skip for making sure his son had a safe landing place after the Cubbies did his son wrong - even if, as it turns out, it hurts him at his own job.

So, when I listen to Skip these days take shots at the Cubs, I love it because it reminds me of my family and my father and grandfather, in that he is willing to fire away at those who have hurt his son, all the while shielding his son, while Skip’s bosses stick a knife in his back.

By Howard Cosell

May 29, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS>>It appears as though the esteemed journalist jimmy smith had regained consciousness long enough to give authorities a brief statement concerning his unfortunate incident earlier this morning>>

smith>>”that was the biggest Baltimore Oriole that this journalist has ever seen, but he had good toes”>>

After making his statement smith fell back into cosmic oblivion once again>>more to follow>>

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

DOB

Assuming Cormier is back for the Tuesday double-header, whose roster spot does he take?

Someone else had mentioned Carlyle. But Carlyle obviously can’t pitch that day AND be cut to make room (or am I wrong).

Thanks

By JasonInMaine

May 29, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the correction…had a brain cramp. I you covered his great results and mentioned that we probably saw Buddy’s last start, but I couldn’t remember if you mentioned anything specific about when he would join the team. I guess I was figuring they wouldn’t want to give him 7 days in between starts is all.

Also, thanks for the Holiday Blog yesterday. It kept me entertained and informed after doing most of the chores my better half had lined up for me (:

I think Smoltz will be his dominant self tonight, and we will be going for a sweep tomorrow afternoon!

Regards,

Jason

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

meansonny,

I’m saying you can’t judge a catcher’s defense by his defensive stats. Defensive stats are tricky and are even more tricky for a catcher than other positions.

Defensive stats don’t really take into account a cross-up in the signs or how much of SB percentage is the pitcher’s doing.

His SB percentage doesn’t look that good but it looks like he and the pitching staff are doing a pretty good job as they’ve only allowed 17 steals with McCann behind the plate, 8th lowest total in baseball.

Please expound on what you see that tells us McCann is an average at best defensively.

Catcher’s defense is one area where you’ve got to trust scouts and reputation greatly over stats. Not that all the stats are extremely bogus but defensive stats for catchers are way too problematic at this point.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

VABravesfan

The Braves are 24-16 when Chipper starts.

1-0 when he PH.

4-5 when he doesn’t make it past the on deck circle.

By chris

May 29, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Don’t you think the Braves will start Lerew (who will be off of the DL by then, right?) over Carlye on June 5th along with Cormier? Also, aren’t James numbers actually pretty decent? He’s on pace to win 15 and has his E.R.A. below 4.

Thanks,

Chris from MD

By Salty

May 29, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Shaun I know you really mean well, but whenever you mention players’ age as a factor, I can’t help but recall Soylent Green!

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 29, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Mike in Fretta, thanx for the advice. I appreciate your concern but I’ll be fine. I can’t say the same for your braves. I’m sure it irks you and others to have a Mets fan right in your face reminding you that the braves didn’t invent baseball. Yes, the division run was impressive but it doesn’t give their fan base the right to carry their collective noses in the air as if they’ve won 14 WS’s instead. Go ahead and keep living in the past. Because to honest with you, right now the past is all you’ve got. The Mets will be very good for a while. In fact I predict in the next five years the Mets will win at least 2 WS’s. You heard it here first.

By alvin

May 29, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

I have watched the Braves on many occasions have the bases loaded and no outs only to come away with nothing or 1 run when they should break the game open. I am tired of watching Andruw strike out or hit into a game ending double play. I’m sorry, but I will be glad when he walks after the season and maybe Chipper will demand a trade so he can leave also. All of MLB knows the Braves are a free swinging bunch of players and can get them out without throwing strikes. Can Terry teach them some plate discipline where they take pitchers deep into counts. Davis has been overrated from day one as well as James and they will never be more than a #5.

By Braves Fan 79

May 29, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

By Mike

May 29, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Salty looks like a superstar in the making. Trading him for just about anybody would be a big mistake. Has any thought been given to moving him to right field? Once Andruw leaves this offseason, they could move Francoeur to center. Salty clearly has the arm to play right and he seems athletic enough. I still think that Thorman will be fine at first once he stops trying to chop down a redwood with every swing.

By nelson

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

trade saltamalachia and davies to tampa for kazmir & crawford and trade andruw jones to white sox for Mark Buehrle

By Sabanite

May 29, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

The Braves should continue rebuilding and not sacrifice Salty for pitching this year. I wouldn’t mind seeing him at first 3 out of 5 days and catching every fifth day.

I think W. Harris maybe our CF next year with a Thor Diaz platoon in LF.

By Lew

May 29, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Kiernan-I realize you were paying BC an offhand compliment, but your statement “We’ve all scratched our heads at some point on why Wickman has remained the closer…” Uh, Dude, not all of us have asked that question, but nonetheless, could the answer be because he has converted 26 of 29 save opportunities since coming to Atlanta, with an ERA of less than 3 runs per game this year and cumulatively in the range of 1.75? As is more than typical on this blog, he was reamed when he had a minor stretch of mediocrity for all of three days. Three flipping injured days!! Everyone seems to forget all the positive accomplishments a player has just as soon as he has a setback. Wickman’s old and fat (the fact he’s been one of the most reliable closers in baseball for the past few years no longer counts). Chipper’s old and injury prone (the fact he’s a .320 hitter with beaucoup HR’s and RBI’s no longer counts). Mike Hampton’s just staying hurt so he can collect all that money while sitting on his a$$. Thorman’s hopeless and must be traded because he hasn’t hit .300 with 15 HR yet. Langerhans is a perpetual .050 hitter (despite the fact we went about 10-2 while he was in the lineup). Kyle Davies will never be more than a mediocre #5 starter (though he has shown flashes of excellence). Prado should be starting instead of Kelly Johnson (now that he’s up and performing lowered expectations, he sucks). I mean, we even had Efrim telling us this week that Harrison and Reyes, both in AA, will never be any better than number 5 starters (I still can’t figure out how he knows this). Do any of you realize how ridiculous you all sound? It’s really getting absurd.

By meansonny

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

Shaun,

I’m surprised to hear you say that. But the fact is that over a large enough sample size, even defensive statistic rankings say something about the defensive contributions (or being average) a player makes.

According to ESPN.com (Stats, Inc.)

2007: 21st out of 22 in fielding percentage.

Currently tied for the most errors by C in MLB

17th in caught stealing percentage out of 22 qualified in rankings.

He does have the 3rd best CERA and currently has the 11th most assists from the Catcher position in MLB

In 2006: He was 22nd in assists in MLB.

Tied for the 4th most in errors in MLB for a C

14th in Fielding % out of 17

14th in Caught Stealing % out of 17 qualified for the ranking.

He did have the 9th best CERA out of the 17 qualified Catchers.

Anybody can make what they want to out of these stats. I ignored zone rating and range factor as I’ve never had a comfort level with how they are compiled (at least it hasn’t been explained real well to me).

McCann does have a very young pitching staff right now. And he is 23 years old. His presence will improve immensely as he plays in the league.

My point is that his defensive contributions to the club are not why he’s an AllStar. And I personally don’t feel that those contributions have more upside to Salty.

But as I’ve said earlier, he is the C of the future as he should be (this is Bobby’s team, and I support the way he manages the club. nobody should be able to argue with his results).

By David O'Brien

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

Chris, I didn’t say anything about Chuck. I think Chuck’s having a pretty good season, and now with the adjustment might get on track and have a damn good one.

I’ve only ripped the last two spots, which have been a black hole save for a couple of good Davies starts.

I wouldn’t place any money on Lerew, not with the way his last stint with the big club went. Just didn’t get a good feeling about that whole weekend in Boston, the way things went down.

And why would I act like I know who they’ll move to open a spot for Cormier a week before they even have to make the move? Let’s let things transpire, because these things often take care of themselves. Why do you care so much about who they’ll move to make room for Cormier. Such a relatively insignificant matter in the sea of events that will happen between now and then.

I’m thinking about tonight’s game, tomorrow’s possible Hudson-pitching-for-a-sweep game, the three day games in Chicago, what steakhouse to hit….

NOT who will possibly move in the possible transaction of Cormier possibly rejoining the rotation in a week…. Too many variables to try to nail it down for no reason.

By Adam

May 29, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

NO CHOP,

What you just said sounds like you are jealous of what the Braves have done in the past 14 years. Yes the Mets are a better team today than the Braves. The Braves are rebuilding and still very competitive. The Braves rebuild from within, even when we had one of the higher payrolls we did most of our work from within. The Mets are no different than the Marlins or D-Backs trying buy a title. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. but don’t fool yourself into thinking that the Mets are built for the long term. You have a lot of old guys on your team. Your pitching is old and a lot of key position players are long in the tooth.

By Braveheart

May 29, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Is there any way we can make a trade for Vin Scully?

Probably not.

Could they offer Chip, Joe, and the younger Caray doing games down in the minors to get their hands on Scully though?

Or, more in line, with all the crazy trade talk on here, can we just trade the younger Caray doing games down in the minors straight up for Scully? That would most certainly be a fair trade, right?

Trading for Scully would probably anger the fan base anyway. I’m guessing they would probably prefer that we trade for a Devil Ray announcer, whomever the hell that is.

As DOB pointed out earlier, what is the deal with this whole man crush so many on here had with Prado coming out of ST and then through the season and then he comes up and everyone is all like, ah, forget about Prado, he stinks? Bizarre. It’s simply amazing to me.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

alvin,

Actually the Braves are 10th in the majors in walks, so they actually do take pitchers deep into counts.

They are 10th in the majors in lowest out rate, so I doubt pitchers think they are easy outs.

Also, Chipper (7) and Renteria (6) have grounded into more double plays than Andruw (5).

Not sure which Braves you are watching.

By Lew

May 29, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Braves Fan 79-Apparently you’re not aware of it, but we control the contracts of Soriano and Gonzalez through 2009. No need to sign him long term over the offseason. There’s plenty of time left. Let’s see how the arm holds up before squandering mega bucks we don’t really have until after 09.

By Salty

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

Lew Agree with the absurdity! What’s bigger the Grand Canyon, or the gap between perception and reality on this blog? Makes for tedious reading/scrolling and ‘blog-bog’!

By MGL

May 29, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

In an attempt to be as relevant as many of the questions asked, what will the starting line-up be for the 2008 season opener?

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Thanks again DOB. Appreciate the info.

Alvin… How can Kyle Davies be over-rated? The best compliment I’ve ever heard paid him is that he’s only 23 and has so much potential.

Regarding plate discipline, ATL is 10th in MLB in Walks, 11th in MLB in OBP, and 12th in MLB in AVG and SLG. I’d say that Terry is doing an OK job with this young team in regards to their plate discipline.

KJ, Andruw, McCann, & Edgar are all in the top 30 for the NL in # of pitches per plate appearances.

I understand your frustrations. But I don’t feel that there is any validity to your points.

By David O'Brien

May 29, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Shaun, agree with you completely on the catcher stats. It’s the one area — well, actually I don’t like many defensive stats at all, other than errors — in which stats just aren’t very reliable. I mean, take caught stealing — so much of that has to do with the pitchers and how well they hold runners, rather than the catchers’ themselves.

When Leo was here, the Braves hardly bothered at all working on holding runners. He wanted his pitchers to focus on the batters, and it worked quite well. Unless you were a catcher, and your caught-stealing numbers were horrible. Ask Johnny Estrada how he felt about that emphasis, or lack thereof, on holding runners when Leo was here.

After last season, Roger had his pitchers work on it more this February at his mini camp, and I think they worked on it more in spring training, but not sure.

Again, McCann’s played much of the young season with a sore finger, which was the direct cause of a couple of passed balls and the interference he was called for when he was lunging because he didn’t trust the finger/hand on his glove hand.

Kid’s a “gamer,” to use the expression the fellas in the game always use. He really is. And his teammates want him back there behind the plate, very much so. Especially his pitchers.

And anyone who think he’s average-at-best defensively just doesn’t pay close attention, either to the games or the comments of those who are paid to either play or scout the game (not me, writers or broadcasters, but players, managers, scouts).

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

meansonny,

Five errors, four on passed balls, which affect both error total and fielding percentage Is that due to a mix up in signs or the fact that McCann is a bad defensive catcher?

If he throws a runner out, he gets and assist or if he drops a third strike or fields a bunt and throws somebody out. Hard to say the number of assists has much to do with how good a defensive catcher he is.

Again, how much is caught stealing percentage due to his pitchers? I mean, even Ivan Rodriguez, who is said to have a good arm only has thrown out 28 percent of opposing baserunners. Only seven out of 22 qualifiers have thrown out more than 28 percent.

How much of the CERA is because of McCann? Pitchers should throw what they want.

Range Factor is simply assist plus put outs divided by innings; basically how many outs a player had his hand in per inning.

Zone Rating is how many balls a player fields in his typical defensive zone. STATS, Inc. divides the field into defensive zones and zone rating measures the percentage of the balls in a player’s own zone he fields.

Both of those stats are okay for McCann, so it’s pretty convenient for you to ignore them.

But, again, defensive stats for catchers are some of the most problematic stats in the game.

How good is McCann at blocking balls in the dirt? Seems like one of if not the most important aspect of catching.

Your posts about McCann’s defense are a perfect example of stats being used irresponsibly.

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

While I diectionally agree with some of your comments regarding Skip Carey, being ascerbic in response to moronic comments is different from being defensively boorish in response to rational dissagreement … as he has been known and prone to be. With the exception of that personality flaw … possibly a case of chemical imbalance … methinks he’s been among the best of the best. We all must suffer the slings and arrows, no matter the outrageous the fortune, but methinks the crop being harvested is one of his own sowing.

The verdict is still out on Carey, the younger … my espectations were great but my initial impressions are negative and he has been a dissapointment.

I’m somehow reminded of ole Lonesome Rhodes …

We are what we are … and we will always be surrounded by shills … personally, I was always most comfortable with Ernie Johnson, the Elder.

Many bloggers do indeed micromanage … maybe it’s osmosis for it’s certainly a practice in which most announcers indulge.

We are what we are … though we don’t always know what that is. Let’s be less interested in instant gratification which leads to a “grass is greener” mentality … and git rid of the bad ‘uns and keep the good ‘uns … if we so do, things will be fine.

Where’s the fire? Maybe Frenchy took Bud Selig’s desire to speed up the game to heart … he’s certainly doing his part at the plate!

By Lew

May 29, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

If I didn’t know otherwise, I would suspect many of you were sub ground level, intellectually. Let’s get real here. Amost everyone who has commented insists that we must have McCann’s bat in the lineup. Nathan even used that as a justification for moving BMac to first. Of course, he conveniently forgot that if Salty is catching full time, we won’t have HIS bat in the lineup, just as often. Y’all we made it to the playoffs year after year with Javy Lopez, a shall we be nice and say AVERAGE defensive catcher was behind the plate. Now McCann may not be the best defensive catcher in MLB, but he’s good enough that John Smoltz was immediately comfortable having Brian catch his starts. That’s good enough for me and should work for y’all, too. Stop and think a minute. Would McCann (bat aside), be better at a position he’s played for apparently most of his life, or at first base, a total alien position, which he is not vaguely suited for? Add to this equation the fact that Salty HAS played first base, is of a physical type more suited to play at first, and I believe your questions have been answered. Selah and QED. Argue not, anymore.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Denizens,

A better question would be…

Can the Braves make a roster move in between games for a double-header?

ie. Player X start the first game, then be cut to make room for player Y in the nightcap. Does MLB allow Team Z to make such a move?

Yes or no. Again, thanks in advance.

Also, to those who pointed out the effects on team payroll in regards to players who clear waivers but get resigned… A belated Thank You. I’d asked the question a little over a month ago (wondering the payroll effects of a Redman dropping). I appreciate the nuggets of knowledge.

By FLBRAVESFAN

May 29, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Alvin was watching yesterday’s game where French swung at the first pitch in all four at-bats. That’s just sick. Or a game last week where the opposing pitcher recorded a a four pitch inning.

By chris

May 29, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I didn’t mean to imply you said anything about Chuck. I was simply saying that he is starting to turn his season around. And I think you may have confused me with another person who was wondering who might get sent down to replace Cormier. I’m just wondering why Lerew wouldn’t be considered not who would get sent down. No big deal.

Truly, I love your insights and agree with just about all your comments.

Chris from DE

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I greatly appreciate the input in regards to zone rating and range factor. That is actually the best explanation anyone has made (although I still feel that zone rating is probably very subjective).

If it means anything, I ignore those stats when employed with Andruw Jones and every other player who has stepped on the field.

Regarding passed balls. Those are subjective. But the scorekeeper deems it against the catcher (isn’t it more common for a wild pitch to be scored than a passed ball?). I would say that it is a VERY important stat in regards to a catchers defensive ability. Especially with runners in scoring position.

Anyhow, this season McCann ranks 6th worst in passed balls. And 8th out of 22 in regards to range factor.

I don’t see how any of the stats support that McCann is anything other than an AVERAGE AT BEST DEFENSIVE CATCHER.

Keep in mind that 70% of a bell curve falls under average. And that a 23 year old catcher deemed average should not be taken the wrong way.

I think the “Homer” Glasses are coming into play because everyone loves (and should love) McCann in a Braves uniform.

We can agree to disagree. I’ll contend that he’ll never win a gold glove. I’ll contend that his defense will improve. I’ll contend that he is the Catcher of the future for Atlanta.

But at the moment, he falls under the same category as 70% of the other catchers in the league (he shouldn’t be considered in the top 15% defensive catchers in the game today).

By DT

May 29, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Speaking of backup 3B, is there anything new on the Willy Aybar situation?

By Lew

May 29, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Chris-Lerew is on the 15 day DL at the present time.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 29, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

I posted this on the Braves scout.com page and was ripped for suggeting it. Look at this scenario, and tell me if you think it is realistic.

1. Give the LF job to Harris outright.

2. Work out a three-team deal where the following happens:

a. Salty and Rick Vanden Hurk to the Dodgers (I don’t see a top-level C prospect on their home page)

b. Dontrelle Willis and Rudy Seanez to the Braves

c. Chad Paronto, Scott Thorman, and C. Tsao to the Marlins (when he comes off the DL).

1. Give the 1B job to Diaz.

That would get us Dontrelle but keep Salty out of the East. We’d get Seanez as a throw-in. Florida would get a good groundball pitcher to replace the loss of Vanden Hurk (Paronto) and Tsao was an excellent reliever before getting hurt. Thor will do very well in FLA as well. LA gets the shortest end of this deal I realize, but if they really wanted a star catcher, it would be worth two relievers. I’m hesitant to give up three players to get two in return, but Dontrelle would thrive in ATL, and give us the #3 pitcher we need. The rotation would then look like: Smoltz, Hudson, Willis, James, Cormier.

I have been told that it fleeces the Marlins, and it does, but consider the fact that very soon, Dontrelle will be out of the Marlins’ price range. At least this way they get a decent return. Not saying it will happen , but if you’re JS, would you pull the trigger?

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

meansonny,

One more thing about McCann’s defense.

The Braves rank tied for 19th in wild pitches this season in baseball. Last year they were 26th. During the second half of 2005 they did rank tied for 14th.

Could it be that McCann had at least some part in the team doing an excellent job in preventing wild pitches at least in 2006 and so far in 2007?

You ignored those numbers in your analysis of McCann.

DOB,

Yes, defensive stats are very tricky and problematic. Zone Rating is okay but doesn’t take into account trajectory. Range Factor is decent but there is no way pitching and team defense doesn’t skew the numbers. And no defensive stat is going to take into account defensive positioning.

Also, with errors, I would rather have a shortstop that makes a lot of errors yet gets to a lot of balls and makes a lot of outs than a shortstop that doesn’t make errors but only gets to balls hit within two steps of him. Also, as we all know, errors are subjective.

I think the best way to evaluate defense is by reputation (from scouts, players, coaches, managers, etc.) and looking at a wide range of defensive stats.

I do think there are some decent stats when looking at team defense. A good team defensive stat is Defensive Efficiency, which is the percentage of balls in play that a team turns into outs.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I reread your post directed to me.

It appears that you are being argumentative.

You even debate the points where I favor McCann behind the plate (CERA).

And in regards to your question… McCann’s ability to block balls in the dirt. My response is the same in regards to what I see and what the stats tell…

McCann is no better than the average MLB catcher in regards to blocking balls in the dirt. He does record a lot of passed balls (respective to the league) this season. But he also has a young pitching staff throwing to him.

I don’t think there can be an argument that McCann is a great defensive catcher.

In regards to passed balls being counted as errors. That is not always the case. There are several catchers who have more passed balls than errors for last season (Posada, Johjima, Pierzynski, Paulino, Mauer)

By chris

May 29, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Hi Lew,

Yes, but he should be due to come off before next Tuesday.

Chris

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 29, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

DOB have you heard anything regarding Sheets? Will he pitch tonight, or has Milwaukee made a definite choice?

Also, Bowman over at mlb.com lists Chipper as a game-time decision. I’m assuming that’s the party line right now, right?

By Efrim

May 29, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Matthew, Dad to Walter-

The Dodgers have Russ Martin at Catcher.

The Marlins are receiving way too little in that deal.

By MBATL

May 29, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Matthew, among other problems, the Dodgers already have Russell Martin, one of the best young catchers in baseball.

By Coach

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

If Salty gets traded , this fan has a whole bucket of tar and feathers for John Schuerholz.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 29, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I didn’t realize that R. Martin was still young. I was just looking at minor leaguers.

And the Marlins get the short end, I agree. What would it take, either from ATL or the Dodgers, to make it palatable to FL?

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I’ll give you the last word as this’ll be the final post I make about McCann’s D this season.

Do passed balls hurt a team’s chance to win? Do successful stolen bases against a battery hurt a team’s chance to win? Do errors in the field hurt a team’s chance to win? How about against team with a very dangerous lineup? Where every out is a battle?

I am not ignoring the things that McCann does well. He calls a good game. His pitchers have a good comfort with him behind the plate. He has the team’s confidence back there. He is a good defensive catcher. He is a GREAT student of the game. He has a FIRE to win. He is VERY COMPETITIVE.

DOB and scouts say he has great footwork.

But there are certain “execution points” and certain game factors that have shown him to be human. And at 23 years old, that shouldn’t be such a surprise.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

meansonny,

I’m going by reputation (what DOB says the scouts say and quotes from scouts I’ve read over the years).

I look at McCann’s defensive stats and I don’t see that they tell us much of anything. I mean, looking at the stats he may be bad at preventing passed balls but he may be good at preventing wild pitches.

His caught stealing percentage isn’t great but he hasn’t allowed many steals, even though he plays in the same division as three of the top five teams in steals.

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Shaun, isn’t it funny how we tend to use stats to support our opines and explain away stats when they fail to so do.

McCann is a good athlete. Truth is, he is an adequate defensive player who appears to have a superior work ethic and considerable potential for further improvement. That we are able to say that about most of our young players is cause for celebration.

If we were choosing up sides, I’d certainly pick mcCann, regardless of his current weaknesses … but, his world is changing and it will interesting to see how he responds and develops.

Success requires planning your work and then working your plan … it’s easy to become so involved in your work that you forget your plan. That’s why potential is seldom fully realized. It’s also easy for lame ducks to become preoccupied with the moment.

Methinks the Braves should hire Greg Maddox as a catching coach.

By Coach

May 29, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Did anyone notice that Andruw hit his HR to right field ? Francoeur saw four pitches in four at bats while recording four outs , nice job there Jeffy !

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 29, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Okay, let’s play “I’m the Homeboy” for a minute. Here is your mission:

Trade for Dontrelle Willis without sending Saltalamacchia to a team in the NL East.

That’s what I tried with the ATL-FL-LAD deal, and it is too one-sided.

Now’s your chance.

By Lew

May 29, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Matthew-Respectfully, I would not go anywhere near that deal, and frankly, neither would the Marlins. If nothing else, can’t you envision the total disruption on the Braves that this would cause? I’m still not convinced that Willie Harris OR Matt Diaz are long term solutions for anything, much less Diaz at first and no platoon in left. They are marginal players at best. Diaz can seemingly hit and has done better in left than I would have thought possible, but still…. Harris is playing way above himself offensively. Even if he is to end up batting .300 for the season, a major slump in is the cards to get him down to that level (which would still be good). I just don’t think his success is sustainable. I would much rather do one of two things A. Put Salty at first and move Thorman to left, which he has already played, more than satisfactorally. B. Just move Salty to left. With his arm he could be successful out there and I would like to keep his bat. This leaves Thorman at first, where I think he will do quite well, longer term than either Harris or Diaz will. Besides, we will seemingly need another outfielder next year with the imminent departure of one A. Jones. I would sure like to have Salty and Thorman, as well as Brandon Jones as options. We need pitching from our own system to step up and strap on the leotard. Opportunity awaits-someone that wears Braves on their uniform needs to take charge.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

meansonny,

Not trying to be argumentative. My point about CERA is that a catcher’s defensive stats are tricky; that stats like CS percentage and CERA depend greatly on the pitcher.

And I guess passed balls don’t count as regular errors but that still doesn’t answer how the Braves are ranked low in wild pitches. Seems McCann must have something to do with that.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 29, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Bob, good pick of Maddux as catcher’s coach. Maybe he could be a player/coach and pitch every fifth day?

Just a thought.

By N8...Uncle Upper!!

May 29, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Coach

“If Salty gets traded , this fan has a whole bucket of tar and feathers for John Schuerholz.”

Amen. Count me in, as well.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist,

I think a good rule of thumb to determine the reliability of stats is to ask “Does this stat tell me anything about a player’s abilities? If so, what does it tell me? Can I use this stat to answer a question as opposed to proving/disproving a theory?”

A player’s OBP tells us how good a player is at getting on base/avoiding outs. I can answer the question of who is the best player at getting on base and how often does a player get on base.

A catcher’s CERA or CS percentage tells us as much or more about a pitcher’s ability than the catcher’s. These stats may tell us a little bit about a catcher’s ability but the pitcher’s affect on these numbers cloud what they may tell us about a catcher’s ability.

I think meansonny has this theory that McCann is a bad defensive catcher and is using the stats to prove it. Instead of asking the question, is McCann a good defensive catcher, he is backing up his theory using stats that tell us nothing about McCann’s catching ability.

Instead he should ask the question, is McCann a good defensive catcher? Then he may see that stats like CERA or CS percentage don’t really answer the question. Or he may see that McCann has a high PB total but the Braves have had a low WP total over the past two seasons, so we don’t really know if he is good at blocking balls in the dirt by looking at the stats.

By bclontz

May 29, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Don’t want to start a war here, but if Salty has the better arm, and is strting to show that he might even be a better hitter, couldn’t we try MCCann at another position? First base is easier (not easy) to play than some of the other positions for the first time! Thorman would probably do better at hitting if he were told point blank, cut down on the swing, or we’re gonna put a governor on you to slow down the upper deck swing! Surely he dosen’t want to grow up to be like that other upper deck swinger who is waisting all that talent right now? Someone better take charge in the Braves club house and start calling spades spades….If you are going to have a hitting coach give him the authority to coach a hitter, the pitching coach should have the authority to coach a pitcher, why are we seeing these guys doing the same ole thing day in and day out? Disipline ! How does Pendleton feel about being “flicked off” by Andruw ? Bobby needs to be as agressive with his players as he is with the Umps! Wonder if they’ll stop the game and present him with the ” You’re Outta the Game” trophy? After saying all that, let me say this……..my opinion ain’t much, but it’s about all I have left…..and you thought you were in bad shape….smile

By Coach

May 29, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

David , your 8:22 a.m. post hit the nail on the head. If anybody is still wondering why Prado pinch hit in the top of the seventh , Cox wasn’t going to use his back up catcher , Chipper was unavailable , Cox would not match a lefty hitter(Harris) on a left handed pitcher which left Pete Orr and Prado.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Crazy question for the BlogNation…

There is mention on here that Thor is too big and doesn’t move well enough for 3B, but he played 21 games in LF last season.

Am I missing something here?

By Coach

May 29, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Make that three one pitch at bats for Francoeur and one strikeout.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

bclontz,

You really think Cox and Pendleton aren’t taking charge and don’t demand their player be disciplined? You really think discipline is a problem on this team?

I suppose anything is possible but I’m not sure where that idea comes from.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

You’re making a liar out of me.

I said I wasn’t going to post about this again. But not only are you arguementative. But you also interpret and project comments incorrectly. I NEVER SAID MCCANN WAS BAD DEFENSIVELY. USE YOUR SCROLL BAR AND APOLOGIZE.

A good defensive catcher CAN BE CONSIDERED AN AVERAGE MLB DEFENSIVE CATCHER!!!

The stats support that McCann’s arm and ability behind the plate is no better than average.

My eyes tell me that as of this minute, McCann’s ability behind the plate defensively is no better than 70% of the catchers in MLB today. He can make great plays, but over the course of 162 games there will be some errors, passed balls, highly successful base-stealers (I think a lot of his throws sail high and to the right into the runner making it tough on the SS or 2B).

I don’t mind you being arguementative. You’ve been on this blog longer than I. I enjoy reading 1/5 of your posts. But before you respond to the next blogger, READ CAREFULLY THE WORDS AND CONTEXT BEFORE YOU START SPOUTING OFF HOW YOU FEEL!

By TODO

May 29, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Chuck James, JoJo Reyes, and Eric Campbell for Alex Rios.

Bob Wickman and Joey Devine For Wily Mo Pena

Andruw for Ervin Santana and Nick Adenhart

By ernesto

May 29, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

How do we cut Wilson and not ship off Woodward or Orr. Pete hasn’t done anything in a season and a half now…Woodward’s off to a terrible start and his lifetime avg. doesn’t show that when he kciks in it’s going to be that much better.

How do you can Wilson for sucking and give those two Hoovers a pass?

By ernesto

May 29, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

It’s time to bring back Fick. He can catch (freeing up Salty to occassionally pinch hit), play a little first. He’s scrappy. What do you think it would take, the Nats couldn’t want much.

And BC’s got to ahve forgiven teh Cubby glove slapping incident by now.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

meansonny,

Not trying to make you out to be a liar. Just saying, the stats you are pointing out don’t really tell us too much about McCann’s defensive abilities.

Until there is a stat that can adequately measure things like blocking balls in the dirt or CS percentage independent of the pitcher, or CERA independent of the pitcher, I’ll trust scouts and coaches and players and managers.

Not sure what this means: “A good defensive catcher CAN BE CONSIDERED AN AVERAGE MLB DEFENSIVE CATCHER!!!” I think you said McCann is average at best. I’m assuming you meant an average MLB defensive catcher. Just like you wouldn’t have to qualify that Pujols is a good major league hitter. Who would argue that?

By FLBRAVESFAN

May 29, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

re: the 7th yesterday with FOB. I can only guess that Cox used the guy he thought had the best chance to put the ball in play - a MUST in that situation. Unfortunately Prado failed to do that. I just don’t see what our organization sees in this guy. Limited range, no power and really exposing himself yesterday as a guy you can’t count on to put a ball in play. Even with the lefty - lefty match-up, Harris was the better choice. He puts the ball in play.

By alan from Atlanta GA.

May 29, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Things really move alot faster these days. It wasn’t long ago that everone was praising McCann, now the praise is for Salty who really has to prove himself. McCann is a very good catcher in a hiiting funk right now. wouldn’t be better to bring back Pena, try salty at first base or left field. Put Prado back to the minors where he belongs. Maybe get rid of Woodward and McDowell also. Both don’t seem to be helping much. Especially McDowell and the injured and falling apart pitching staff.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 29, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Lew, I suppose you’re right, but we need another starter and I don’t see a whole lot of bargaining chips from the Braves’ perspective (other than prospects). We can’t trade Andruw, who has no-trade protection, we’d be foolish to trade Franceour, McCann, Renteria, etc. so our options are a little limited.

SO what do you do?

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 29, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Funny, their was a guy on the All Star team for umpteen years who played for the Dodgers and the Mets who was a below average defensive catcher. Gee, waht was that dude’s name? Mike something or the other…..

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Your response is getting closer to what I actually said.

No apology necessary. I forgot who I was blogging with.

McCann is average defensively. Doesn’t mean that he won’t make good plays. But his overall performance in MLB defensively has not made him a standout performer.

I’m surprised that you’re not emailing the commissioner demanding a “blocked balls in the dirt stat”. Maybe it should be phrased “passed ball avoidance”.

And my original point to DOB is that McCann’s All Star performance is based solely on him hitting almost .350 before the AllStar break last season. Not his ability with “stolen base avoidance” and “passed ball avoidance”.

By Braves20

May 29, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

FL BRAVES FAN - The guy you really needed in the 7th in Milwaukee to put the ball in play was probably up in the radio booth - Mark Lemke. I agree with you on Prado. He’s taking up bench space that should be occupied by Escobar. Prado is basically a second baseman - we have three of those. Escobar would give us coverage on the left side where, currently, we need it.

By Headlines

May 29, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Just trade the whole bunch of them for a sack of stale donuts and a cup of coffee. Cox can stick the jelly in the holes. That is about all he could be good at. Just face the facts, Losers.

By Shaun

May 29, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

meansonny,

Okay, so he doesn’t stand out defensively. Does that mean he’s no more than average and not better than average?

Of course McCann made the All-Star team because of his bat. There aren’t many guys in history who made All-Star teams primarily because of defense. But that still doesn’t mean McCann is merely average defensively.

I’m not sure what’s wrong with wanting to measure how good a catcher is at probably the toughest part of his job, blocking balls in the dirt. I think that would give us an idea as to who the best catchers are. Until then, I’ll trust the scouts.

By David O'Brien

May 29, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Meansonny, what’s your point? Adam Dunn (6-5, 270 or so) plays left field. So does Ryan Klesko. So did, oh, Matt Stairs. And on and on.

Can they play 3B? Hell no. Man, you really don’t think that LF requires the same agility, quickness and athleticism that 3B does, do you?

By Bob, Journalist

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

lew, my good friend, your Diaz can seemingly hit and has done better in left than I would have thought possible is delightful … simply delightful! Artfully done!

Seemingly is such a beautiful word when used so deftly … and better … than I would have thought possible is strong praise indeed!

Of course, I’ve been saying the same things about Andruw for ages … his play in Center was, for a long time, better than I would have thought posible … and he too could seemingly hit, albeit infrequently at times.

Hopefully, Matt’s woeful offensive start to the season will serve as inspiration for others on the team that they too can become, as you say, marginal.

The problem is, your words render my vocabulary useless and I fear misguide aspiring young players … for if he is indeed marginal, I am left with no words to describe the play of the majority.

What is it to play way above one’s self? Perhaps you’re refering to Willie’s leaping catches … but, it is indeed remindful of McGovern’s 1,000% … delightful, simply delightful!

Hopefully, Smoltz will be at his marginal best tonight, keeping the ball on the edges of the strike zone with attitude … and Bobby will have a lineup full of marginal players who can semmingly hit and play better than we thought possible!

By Coach

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

The Bottom line : With a healthy contributing Chipper we are competing for a spot in the playoffs. Without Chipper , we are just another team struggling to stay above .500

By beachcomber

May 29, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Coach - Your 4:12 post nailed it.

By Efrim

May 29, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

COACH,

AGREED!!!!

By Michael Smith

May 29, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Bien:

Television broadcasts of baseball would be better if we could see a left-handed pitcher’s pitches over his left shoulder the way we currently see a right-handed pitcher’s pitches over his right shoulder.

With a right-hander, the over-the-shoulder view lets us see all of the action on his pitches: up, down, in and out, curving, etc. However, when a left-hander is pitching, this view makes his pitches just seem to move across the screen from left to right and one sees less of the pitch’s action.

Can you ask one of the broadcast guys sometime if they have ever considered two outfield cameras so both views are possible? Just curious.

You do a great job covering the Braves, by the way.

By MBATL

May 29, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

… Five errors, four on passed balls, which affect both error total and fielding percentage

Shaun, are you sure of that? I really don’t know, but according to ESPN.COM and BB Ref stats, Yadier Molina had 7 PB but only 4 errors in 2006. If passed balls count as errors, how is that possible?

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

The Blog probably needs an injection of the Bard but since most of it is much ado about nothing, what’s the point?

Matthew, I’ve so thought about Greg as a “coach” for a long time … he unders the inner game better than most … I can’t think of anyone better … and his insights would greatly benefit both hitters and catchers.

It’s possible that his reputation surpasses his acumen but at least it would give him the added advantage of being one to whom plople would listen.

By Michael Smith

May 29, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien, sorry for misspelling your name!

By 22oz

May 29, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Chipper should be DL’d so the hand can actually heal, instead of being tested every day and still being sore. This injury will not go away if you don’t allow it some time off to heal. Its better to be without him for a short time now than have this injury creep up all season.

By Lew

May 29, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Bob-Dear Friend. What about marginal is confusing? I don’t feel that either Diaz OR Harris are full time everyday players. Apparently the hierarchy of the Braves (and several other teams as well) view them in this regard as well. I don’t think Diaz is a good defensive outfielder. He has made some plays that impressed me, a 50 year MLB fan, but I still experience a lurching in the intestinal tract when he goes after a fly ball-circling like a hawk in the throes of hunger pains. Maybe I do him a disservice-if so I will apologize to him if the opportunity ever arises, if that will make you feel better, as I’m sure he’s a nice person. As far as The Esteemed Mr. Harris. I’m also quite surprised at his offensive output to this point. Surprised, but well pleased nonetheless (as if he needs my approval, anyway). I just have little faith in his ability to sustain this level of hitting for a long period of time. I base my comment of him playing above himself on the fact that he was a career .238 hitter coming into this season-an average accumulated in 6 seasons in close to 900 at bats. Maybe he has been bathed in the river of Adirondack by Walt Hreniak and become a believer in his offensive ability-never to return to the land of Mendoza evermore. I simply have no idea and I dropped and broke my crystal ball the other day. So there-my justification or rationalization-whichever-you choose. Glad you liked my use of the language, though.

By eric the elder

May 29, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Every time I see a “Let’s trade Salty for …,” my blood runs cold. We should not trade Salty for anyone, I don’t care who it is.

The fact is, we are on a limited budget with Chipper, Smoltz, Andruw, and Hampton eating up most of it. The last thing we should do is trade a potential star for yet another player that we will eventually not be able to afford. If we find jewels in our farm system, we have to keep them.

I’ll say again, the Braves scouts should be offered a huge bounty for finding and drafting young power arms that can be ready for the bigs in two years. To paraphrase Rumsfeld, “You can’t always have the budget that you want. You have to make do with the budget that you have.”

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 29, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

is ben sheets still gonna pitch tonight?

By ncscoots

May 29, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Bob, probably not much ado, but certainly coincidental that we’ve recently read some “birds of my tongue” from jjs, and endured the “beasts” of others, LOL!

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Past balls, errors … pitcher throws seven pitches to each batter, all of which are mishandled and get by the catcher … but he strikes out 27 straight, and the catcher recovers in time to throw out each runner, recording 27 straight outs … no errors?, no passed balls? … perfect game?

I don’t know but if he throws out none, they may well still batting in the top of the first.

We need a new stat!

By ncscoots

May 29, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

To paraphrase Rumsfeld, “You can’t always have the budget that you want

omigosh. Donald Rumsfeld paraphrases Mick Jagger?!? Now we KNOW the apocalypse is near.

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

… or a new catcher!

By Jim

May 29, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Matthew, Look at Willis’ stats over the last year and 1/3. I do not make a Salty for Willis swap (and give away Thorman as well) where ever Salty ends up. Hopefully we get to see Salty playing some at first base and geting more ABs (especially in AL parks) and get a better idea of just how good he may be, but given the first returns he’s worth a lot more than a very expensive Dontrelle Willis.

The outfield is another spot where Salty (or Thorman) could eventually end up, but I don’t like the idea of moving Francouer to center. In rightfield he is a defensive standout, in CF, I think he would be below average. If you want to play the find a position for Salty game after Andruw leaves, a better arrangement might be Salty/Thorman in left, Harris in center, Francouer in right. (This said with half the blog expecting Harris to turn into a toad in the next week or two.)

By journalist jimmy smith

May 29, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! good enough athelete to play the outfield but not third base? journalist thinks skill sets are the answer. how could chipper play third base so well and not be able to play left field? too big, too muscular, too athletic? maybe these guys are all instinctive and have certain instincts and not others. kelly worked at being a 2b but had the instincts to be a ss earlier and a left fielder. thorman played left and now is a large first baseman - instincts for both positions? and chipper can’t play the outfield so that is not valid. now, apologists who will say chipper played a good left field must remember that chipper played the entire left field because chipper’s back was often against the wall. and some ugly bird posts have appeared about jimmy smith and all jimmy smith can say is that no thumbs were injured in the filming of this movie.

By Fred Secunda

May 29, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Eric the Elder, I couldn’t agree more. I’m looking forward to the post-Andruw life more and more and I do not think we should trade Salty.

If we keep Salty, I would love to see a lineup that looked something like this:

1. 2B Johnson
2. SS Renteria
3. 3B Jones
4. RF Francouer
5. C McCann
6. CF Bill Hall
7. 1B Salty
8. LF Brandon Jones/Diaz

I think someone like Hall can be had given all the prospects waiting in the wings in the Brewers system and he’s a good character guy that would fit in well with Atlanta. In my opinion, someone like Mike Cameron is too far removed from his prime and would be like a better defensive version of Brian Jordan.

Harris is poised for a serious dropoff after this season as he’s been a youneyman/minor leaguer for much of his career (see Charles Thomas). If he finishes the year above .300, we might be able to get something of value for either him or Matt Diaz.

The addition of Salty as the everyday first baseman makes Thorman the odd man out, and realistically I think he finishes this season with better numbers than LaRoche’s first full year in the bigs. I expect something along the lines of .260-25-75 — pretty good for a rookie. We should be able to package a deal of Thorman, Yunel Escobar and Jo-Jo Reyes for a solid No. 2 starting pitcher, and Chris Young of the Padres is a guy I think we should look at.

By MBATL

May 29, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

I just wonder if Blanco might be a real prospect. No need to see him this year except maybe in a September callup, but for 2008 …

Right now, he’s boasting a .400 OBP, .310 BA, at AAA. What if he could be a rookie CF next year; keep Frenchy in RF, and some combo of Brandon Jones/Diaz/Thorman/Harris in LF/4th OF (with Salty at 1B).

You could argue for keeping Diaz as 4th OF; Thorman as combo 1B/OF, and Willie C. as an infield sub…. lose Orr and Woodward… call up Escobar to back up the left side…

Man, sounds pretty good to me.

By meansonny

May 29, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien

And Bob Horner played the hot corner. Now there’s Joe Crede, Scott Rolen, & Eric Chavez.

My question was if there was something I was missing?

Did Thor put on a whole bunch of weight in the offseason? Is his 25 year old body not capable of fielding bunts (the same body that hustles down the line every time he puts a ball in play).

Personally, I don’t want to see him at 3B. There are too many other players with experience to put another liability on the infield. But I note a contradiction to your claims that he’s not in the type of shape to handle it. The guy is a ballplayer. One who hustles for with each play. And that is the style of ballplayer that a club should like to have on the hot corner.

Now let’s keep Woodward and Prado there till Chipper is ready to step into his position.

By Fred from CT

May 29, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

I never thought I would say this but with chipper banged up this team really misses willie aybar.

By Barrett

May 29, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

I still think that it is funny that you guys are on the Willie Harris band wagon. There is no doubt that he has been a spark plug so far, but all of you were condemning the fact that the braves signed him. Now you are singing his praises. I guess this just show that people are fickle…

Why would Bobby Cox put thorman at third? He isn’t athletic enough to play solid left feild, much less third. And he has never played there to my knowledge, and if he has, he has not played third in any substance. I am not saying that he doesn’t hustle or that he isn’t a good athlete. He does and is. Third base is not a possiton that you just stick someone like LF sometimes is. It is just crazy to want to put thorman at third. This isn’t a video game.

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Lew, that others might share our opinions is statistical evidence that the world is full of incompletes.

My favorite scout worked many years for Mr. Silverheels. Watching Eddie Matthews try to play third as a kid always made me uncomfortable. Player development may not always be pretty to watch but you learn alot and it helps you in selecting those with whom you whould share a foxhole.

Scoots, I don’t believe in coincidence … it’s positive contagion.

By Lew

May 29, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Barrett-The Harris bandwagon? I think not. Read my 4:44 post.

By Ron Roberts

May 29, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Until Scott Thorman becomes an abject failure or is traded, I think we need to keep an open mind on the guy, folks. Saltalamaccia taking grounders at the position has some of y’all frothing at the mouth over the prospects of his permanently grabbing a position he’s yet to play over his 11-game batting performance.

I did this earlier, and I’ll reiterate it for those just logging in to read…..

With 50 games under the belt of his first full season in the bigs, playing 1B, some folks are ready to declare Scott Thorman a failure at being an everyday 1B?

Let me tell ya why it’s a little too soon to go making sweeping declarations like that….

After 50 games, Mark Teixeira’s stats were like this…

Teixeira: BA .242 8 HR 29 RBI

Thorman: BA .246 6 HR 24 RBI

Now folks are ringing the Rangers’ phone off the hook trying to pry him away from ‘em.

By Braveheart

May 29, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Asking why Thorman can’t play third is like asking why Mark Bavaro could not play wide receiver.

By Barrett

May 29, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

I didn’t mean you. I was reffering to these folks that have this crazy idea of giving the LF job to him full time this year and center next year. Sorry about the confusion. I do agree with your synapse of Harris whole heartedly. Not so much of Diaz, but our opinions are close.

Cheers

By Braveheart

May 29, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Fred from CT, completely agree. Although I would say that they miss Wilson Betemit even more - with Betemit, they would be no need for stinking Woodward since Betemit could back up short. Betemit would also certainly have been a better option starting at first base last week against Woodward who should never play first base because he is such a weak hitter.

By Efrim

May 29, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts

You comparing Scott Thorman to Mark Texiera????

FOR SHAME BRO

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Chipper proved that the fact that you can play reasonably well at third doesn’t mean you can play well in left.

Barrett, how quickly some folks change their mind is humorous … when one feels entilled to express uninformed opinions, such things often happen … but to suggest that all condemned his signing is itself uninformed opinion.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 29, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

6 Hurt on Disney World Water Ride - more on this later from journalist jimmy smith. now, bob is awake so there will be no need to wake bob for tonight’s game. hk, no need to call bob. mmm, scout and kemo sabe … and a most interesting bird has been called this day - a hummingbird - a thumb-sized bird. now, don’t get all sore, mr. hummingbird …

By Ron Roberts

May 29, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Wow, Braveheart…astute point.

This team does miss Wilson Betemit, doesn’t it?

I think he misses the team, too. Just hasn’t gained traction over in L.A., and, in essence, we hold nothing of any value in that trade right now, do we? Fact is, I was alright w/the trade when it was pulled off, but hindsight’s 20/20, and Dannys Baez didn’t offer us much last year towards a late-season wild card push, and now that he’s gone and Aybar’s AWOL, we’re playing Woodward at 3B when Betemit would’e filed in, and as before, maybe been more of an offensive catalyst.

Methinks John Schuerholz would list that trade right behind the trade of Jermaine Dye as one he’d wished he could’ve had back now.

By eric the elder

May 29, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

We’ve put Salty at every position on the field. Because he has a cannon for an arm, can he pitch?

By Ron Roberts

May 29, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Look at the numbers, Efrim. They’re comparable numbers.

By Barrett

May 29, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

You can look back when DOB said that the braves signed Willie Harris. I do not think anything was said along the lines of, “this is a good move” It was more of a, “is this the best we can get?”

Enough of this subject. Blog on

By Lew

May 29, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Efrim-Ron Roberts analysis is right on. After 50 games, Texiera was no better than Thorman has been after his first 50 at first. How do you know Thorman will never achieve Texiera’s stats? Did you perhaps consult the same crystal ball you used to make the determination that Harrison and Reyes would never be more than #5 starters? Dude, you have yet to prove you have any clue with your analyses. What makes you come to these conclusions? Really, I’m interested. I’d like to avoid the criteria you’re using.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 29, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Eric:

Can he switch-pitch, like the kid from Creighton? Becuase then he could pitch, bat cleanup (switch hitting of course) play catcher in the first half of the game, then switch to first in the 7th, then get traded to the HOF for Christy Mathewson.

Insane, isn’t it? But we are in a pickle when it comes to starting pitching, and Salty is our best bargaining chip, so trade scenarios are going to be made (including mine, which the more I read the less I like).

John S, I don’t want your job!

By Ron Roberts

May 29, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

And for the record, I’m not saying Thorman will be like Mark Teixeira in the long run, but it’s just as feeble to judge the guy like he’s a disappointment after a mere fifty games into his first full season. Alot of y’all didn’t like LaRoche much either, but the guy belted 32 dingers with a .285 BA last year. I can only imagine the clamor for Saltalamaccia playing everyday at 1B if LaRoche were still here - esp. if he was struggling as he did in April for Pittsburgh. FYI, he’s hitting .276 the month of May… it’s gonna take him a good while before his BA looks decent again at that clip, but don’t write Adam off just yet. A lot of folks did that last season after early struggles.

My point is, can we give Scott Thorman some time before we toss him aside?

By TennesseePaul

May 29, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Did we get a comp pick for Baez?

By Fred from CT

May 29, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

I liked willie harris signing and I thought he should of made the team out of spring training. I did post that in march during spring training. That was the first time I ever posted on here and I stand behind that.

By jb

May 29, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Salty is too good of a bat to sit with bases loaded with no outs while Prado pinch hits. I Bobby Cox is concerned about the cathing position if he pinch hits Salty, bring Pena back. Woodward, Prado, and Orr all on the team leave too much redundancy. All are light hitters who strike out too much per home run hit. All can play 2nd, 3rd, Orr and Woodward can play short, and Woodward can play first. Orr and Woodward can also play some outfield in emergency. Prado has shown he is a AAAA player. Can tear it up in the minors, but not that productive in the majors. His defense has been shaky also. Also keep in mind that Pena did play some 3rd base in the spring. I would like to see both Orr and Prado sent down and Escobar and Pena brought up. Escobar has some pop to help make up for Chipper’s absence and can play SS and 3b. Woodward also gives depth at SS, 3b, and 1b. Remember Harris can lead off and also play 2nd if Johnson needs rest. I have no fear of Diaz hitting against a right hander if Harris is at second. Pena’s presence will free up the ability to use Salty as a pinch hitter with no worries about him needed behind the plate.

By jb

May 29, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

That should read If Bobby Cox is concerned about the catching.

Can’t type worth a S$#t today.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 29, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

I’m with jb. As soon as Chipper’s back I’d give Pena the call and send down Prado (since I imagine neither Orr nor Woodward has any options). Give Salty a chance to play 1B a lot, not just as the RH half of a platoon. Keep Pena as your insurance as catcher or as another switch-hitting bat off the bench. (And hasn’t Pena played some 1B too?)

By Steve from OH

May 29, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

DOB, was wondering if you like Kix… I picked up “Blow my Fuse” the other day and really enjoyed it.

By THE BEAR

May 29, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

After watching this season for two months all around both leagues I have reached the conclusion that what we need are about 24 teams, two divisions in each league with playoffs between division winners and the winner going on to the big dance.

Let’s face it, there are simply not enough MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS to staff 30 teams or whatever there is today.

There are far too many AAA players wearing major league uniforms and the fans ought to be getting tired of it.

I can think of a few on the Braves team such as Pete Orr, Martin Prado, Chris Woodward and a few pitchers anyone could add to this list. I’m not sure Thorman belongs there either.

And while we’re at it why not get rid of that silly DH rule? That is no way to play baseball. It is actually rather stupid to goof around with the game that way.

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

Barrett, I agree that it’s a dead horse … but the fact that some open the mouth before engaging the brain doesn’t mean that everyone disapproves of the actions of those making the decisions. Neither do all of us always feel the need to endorse those actions of which we approve … some of us only belabor what we believe to be the obvious when it seems appropriate … and we are generally reluctant to take a position without adequate information … and then there are the “others” who live on the other part of the island … communists, who drink Pepsi!

Go Braves!

By A-ville Ranger

May 29, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

I want to revisit the Braves 14 division title win streak and add a little more perspective.If any team in most of our life times was going to threaten this record it would be the Skankees who currently stand at 9. That’s a frog’s hair off 36% behind the Braves mark.Given that the Bo-Soxs are the best team in the game and the Skanks are rather rancid(and 13.5 back) it seems likely this run will end at 9.These smelly dwellers of the rotten apple will have a payroll when Clemens is added of close to triple the Bravos,in the past six or so years they’ve signed a who’s who of free-agents and contract pick-ups.Still with all the advantages the Bronx Butt-Rags will fall well short of a record for consistency that will likely stand for decades and beyond.

By jb

May 29, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

THE BEAR,

What cities would lose their teams?

Can’t say I wouldn’t miss the DH or AAA players saturating the rosters though.

By mariner

May 29, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, we get the 33rd pick in the draft as comp for Baez.

By Barrett

May 29, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Are any of you guys going to watch, or even interested in the MLB draft?

By GT

May 29, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

What’s with the AJC devoting so much Braves coverage to all these ridiculous distractions from the play on the field? How sexy is Francouer, will Kelly Johnson get married, lets have a heart-to-heart about the interleague schedule, Cox brings a tear to my eye because the old man is about to get tossed again - isn’t that adorable.

Is this baseball or the Lifetime Network? Wake me up when someone is ready to hammer the lack of starting pitching in our rotation.

By C'mon Dave

May 29, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

“Can they play 3B? Hell no. Man, you really don’t think that LF requires the same agility, quickness and athleticism that 3B does, do you?”

Wow Dave, that’s a reach there trying to make your point. It’s apples and oranges. Some people can do both. Some people can do neither. There have been some real blobs play third base in the majors as well as left field. There have also been some great athletes play 3rd AND left field.

Third base requires a certain quickness and to a degree agility, but to suggest that third base requires athleticism that a left fielder doesn’t normally possess is rediculous.

Some of the best athletes in majors are in the outfield. The outfield requires less from the mental game, thats why some guys who don’t have a home get dumped there. A third baseman may have more options and requirements to use his head once he fields the ball. He must consider the bunt, charge a ground ball, what base to throw to with runners on, eat it rather than throw it.etc.

An outfielder has to catch it and throw to the proper base. Accurately if possible.

But a better athlete? Not necessarily.

I understand the point. Some guys aren’t infielders. On the other hand, some guys aren’t outfielders either.

By mariner

May 29, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

I can’t watch the draft because I’ll be at work. Otherwise, I would. It’s great that each team can only take 5 minutes per pick. Should be easier to take than the NFL draft coverage.

By A-ville Ranger

May 29, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Barrett I think the reason the baseball draft isn’t sexy(sorry GT)is the length of time from when a player is drafted till(if)they make it to the bigs.In the NFL and NBA the player goes strait to the team and many high picks play right away.

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

There are far too many AAA players wearing major league uniforms … what is a AAA player … one who has membership in the automobile club?

It’s sort of like Afro-Americans … they’re Americans … it matters not that they themselves are from South America and have an Egyptian ancestry.

The Major Leagues represent the highest level of play within within a structure established by the game’s regulators.

It’s all relative … and though certain players may not meet our individual standards of excellence, it’s they who have walked the walk while we talk the talk.

Whether they are in the Major Leagues, belong to an automobile club, or attend meetings for alcoholics … forget the tags and enjoy the game … enjoy these inept, flawed players as they strive for excellence!

It’s us against them … let’s get it on! May the best team win so long as it’s us!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 29, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

ajc journalism has turned an ugly head - sexy rankings. no, not another crime report or infidelity - a ranking of sexy players by a prostitute. oh, the humanity! covers dixie like the garbage truck. and as to the discussion of whether fielders can be basemen and basemen can be fielders … what of prince fielder who is a first baseman? case closed. was prince fielder included in the latest ajc article? and who has been digging around in mike vick’s backyard? imagine when the new owner decides to plant some azaleas! and whither wicky on this ranking of sexy ballplayers? and why are there no women mentioned? mia hamm? irina korzhanenko? google irina for a good time.

By David O'Brien

May 29, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

No, C’Mon Dave, you don’t get my point in even the slightest way. You totaly distorted my point.

Of course some of the best athletes in baseball are outfielders. Most of the speediest and best athletes, in fact, ARE outfielders.

But my point was, you can hide a big, slower guy in, say, left field. You can’t hide him at the hot corner. There are no big, slow third baseman in the majors. No lone even remotely built like Adam Dunn or Matt Stairs is playing 3B. You have to have quick reflexes and at least decent range, be able to move quickly to your left or field balls down the line and fire across the infield, or make that bare-handed play coming in and fire to first in one motion.

C’Mon Dave, that’s what I was talking about. if you didn’t get my point, it probably can’t be explained to you. You can hide a big, slower guy in the OF corners, at least get serviceable defense out of him, better than you can hide him at third base. Period.

Now, better late than never … NEW BLOG IS UP

(that is, if some of you media critics can stop analyzing the newspaper’s decisions long enough to actually blog about the Braves here)

By Braveheart

May 29, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

I agree that there is only enough legit talent to fill the rosters of 24 teams. They should contract but they won’t.

SO, what I would like to see is an expansion. Create 2 other teams. Where? I have no friggin’ clue. San Antonio? Las Vegas?

Have 8 divisions filled with four teams each. 3 set aside specifically for smaller markets. 5 for the major markets. Lose AL and NL distinctions and get rid of the DH. I think it would be like college basketball where you have your major D-I programs trying to get into March madness and then you have your midmajors trying as well. There would be more division races and more rivalries created I think.

Divisions would be:

1. Yankees, Mets, Red Sox,

2. Braves, Orioles, Nationals, Phillies

3. White Sox, Cubs, Tigers, Cardinals

4. Giants, Angels, Dodgers, Mariners

5. Rangers, Astros, Arizona, Colorado

6. Marlins, Devil Rays, Blue Jays,

7. Pirates, Reds, Indians, Brewers

8. Padres, As, Royals, Twins

That way the small market teams could not cry anymore because at least 3 of them will be going to the playoffs every year. Some of those small market teams might end up with under .500 records, but so what? It happens in college basketball and it would be fun to watch them go up against the titans in the playoffs because there will be much more Cinderella stories in baseball as opposed to basketball because any team can win a five game stretch - the braves beat the hell out of the phillies earlier this year and the phils just returned the favor to us.

It would be fun watching the bloodbath that would be the Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox division.

Crazy idea. Never will happen but it would to me at least make more sense and make things more competitive for all the teams.

By Bob, Journalist

May 29, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

GT, I don’t dissagree with the notion that some of the ancillary coverage is poor and without substance or value … but the game would be better off if all teams were limited to equal longterm budgets and we could eliminate things like free agency and unions for folks with individually negoiated contracts … so that there was more stability and fans could better identify with the teams players.

In truth, we’re probably luckier than most in that regard.

I think that the ancillary coverage is weak and needs substance … but, I grew up knowing most of the players on the Cracker teams … and that made it extra special.

Having these reports isn’t the same but I’m still glad they’re making the effort!

That our pitching is temporarily impaired is belaboring the obvious and my guess that it is receiving due attention.

By Bobby's Cox

May 29, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB for reporting on Cormier’s last and find rehab start…

i tried looking on the braves website but yet again Mr. Bowman failed to report it, as well as Bobby’s 2200.

Cormier will be the savior at the end of the rotation.

Can’t wait for THOR to leave. Salty should play everyday @ 1st & be practicing…can you tell me if the braves are working with him at first?

After the troublesome first 5 weeks in LF…looks like things have changed by dropping langy…matty and willie are studs.

So…langs, redman, and wilson are gone, my formula to sucess minus davies and thor…but looks like kyle will have to man up until someone in AAA is ready…and Salty too.

Hey DOB…can you tell chipper to eat more iron?

By berigan

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

Well crap……………Hope it ain’t serious!!

By Dave

May 30, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

If the braves want to contend, they are going to have find replacements for Matt Diaz and Scott Thorman. Combined, they’ve walked 8 times. The braves built their legacy with winners. Guys who demonstrate patience, character, and heart. Hackers like Diaz and Thorman who swing at the first pitch - and typically miss - do not belong on the Braves, if they want to be contenders.

By Dave

May 30, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

If the braves want to contend, they are going to have find replacements for Matt Diaz and Scott Thorman. Combined, they’ve walked 8 times. The braves built their legacy with winners. Guys who demonstrate patience, character, and heart. Hackers like Diaz and Thorman who swing at the first pitch - and typically miss - do not belong on the Braves, if they want to be contenders. Does anyone agree?