AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTorre down, Cox still standing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s Friday afternoon, and I just finished a phone call with Bobby Cox about Joe Torre, just as Torre was beginning his why-he-rejected-the-Yankee-offer press conference before a packed room of reporters and TV and radio people in New York.
While Torre was stepping in front of the hot lights with his notes in hand, Bobby was in his old truck, driving to his farm in Adairsville and listening to Charley Steiner talk about Torre on XM radio.
The fourth-winningest regular-season manager in history (Cox) is talking about the eighth-winningest manager (Torre), whom Cox has the utmost respect for, and you can tell he has a few things he’ll keep to himself, perhaps out of his relationship with the Yankees, the team Cox played for, but probably just out of general style.
Like matters that occur in the clubhouse, Cox will always keep this stuff private.
So for the record, here’s what the current longest-tenured manager in baseball said about Torre.
(By the way, I should point out that Torre’s $7.5 million salary this year was more than double what Cox makes annually. But I should be pointed out, Torre had all the leverage when he negotiated his last contract - winning multiple World Series titles will give you that. Lou Piniella makes $3.5 mill, which is also ahead of Cox, but not by a lot; Bobby’s exact salary is tough to pin down, but I’m pretty certain it’s between $2.5 mill and $3 mill. For some comparison, Terry Francona is in the first year of a two-year, $4.5 million deal.)
Anyway, enough about managerial salaries.
Oh, wait, one more thing: Torre turned down a one-year, $5 million offer to return in 2008, which also included incentives. And while some might say he should’ve accepted a pay cut because the Yankees haven’t won a World Series in seven years, I can certainly see where Torre would see it as a slap in the face and unacceptable. After all, the man’s taken that team to the postseason 12 consecutive seasons while dealing with more pressure than anyone else in his profession on a daily basis.
OK, so Cox said about Torre: “Quite honestly, I thought he did as good job a job as you could humanly do this year. Having no pitching early on, with all the injuries they had, having to go to the bullpen in the first inning in back-to-back games….
“And he kept the team right there. I know they’re good, but I thought they had a remarkable comeback this season. They could have died easily, but Joe kept them right there. Joe’s still top-notch. I don’t know about the money and all that. It’s hard to understand all that right now.
“He’s been in an incredible situation. The last few years haven’t been as tough [in terms of pressure from the top] because George [Steinbrenner] is away from the team. But always before, Joe was the perfect guy for that job because of the demands George put on his people. George puts the same demands on his manager as everyone else; he doesn’t separate them.”
Lastly, Cox said of Torre: “He’s nothing but high-class. He’s got a great personality and character.”
Hey, like I said, it’s not Bobby’s style to throw folks under the bus, to burn bridges, to take critical shots at how any other team is doing business. He’s never done that, not that I can remember. Ever.
If you listened to the tone of players who spoke on ESPN today, past Yankees most of them, you heard the universal respect they had for Torre and their disappointment in how this transpired. I forgot which one of them said he thought Torre had earned the right to go out on his own terms, to manage as long as he wants to.
Can you imagine if a similar situation occurred in Atlanta with Cox? I can’t imagine that it would, that he’d be treated in a similar way by ownership, but then I don’t know the new owners, either. So I won’t say it’s impossible.
But let’s just say you’d have a similar outcry from past - and current - players if it did happen. Even though Bobby hasn’t had anything close to Torre’s postseason success, he’s got the same level of universal respect around the industry as Torre.
There are plenty who believe Cox should be able to manage the Braves as long as he wants. I’ll let you folks debate that if you want. I’ll keep my thoughts on that to myself.
Speaking of long tenures: Some were surprised by the unusual timing of the announcement that Andruw Jones would not be re-signed, coming as it did in the week after the season ended, long before the free agent filing period and the decision whether to offer arbitration had to be made, etc.
Some were also surprised by the timing of John Schuerholz’s move from the GM chair to the president’s office, just a couple weeks after the season ended.
But in retrospect, it all seems pretty obvious to me now, and well thought-out.
By making the Andruw announcement right away after the season, Schuerholz could clear that from the plate of his hand-picked successor, Frank Wren. That’s not something Schuerholz and the Braves wanted Wren to have to do as his first order of business, or his first press conference: “Hi folks, as my first act as GM I’d like to announce that we’re unceremoniously showing Andruw the door.”
And by then moving to the president’s role a week later, Schuerholz allows Wren to get to work and have an entire offseason to make the moves he wants to make, including one that I think is close to a sure thing: Tom Glavine.
I feel almost certain that the Braves are going to sign him now. I can’t see them possibly dropping the ball on this again. If they had no interest in Glavine this winter, they could have said so all along, not been coy about it or offered the “no comments” they have for the past couple of months.
That means they certainly do have interest, at least that’s how I see it. And I just can’t see them failing to sign Glavine for the second consecutive winter, them being outbid for his services for the third time as a free agent. Just can’t see that.
And I also don’t believe Glavine is going to rake them for every last time he can. Not at this point. He wants to be here, doesn’t want his career to end like it did with those last three starts, and certainly doesn’t want to go pitch somewhere else and leave his wife and kids back in Atlanta another season.
It’s going to happen. If it doesn’t, it means one side or the other just failed miserably in the art of compromise. And I can’t see the Braves doing that in Wren’s first offseason.
Now, if he comes out and says they’re just not interested in Glavine, that’s one thing. I’d be surprised, but at least it’d be a reason. If they say they’re just not willing to pay Glavine what he wants to be paid, to me that’s unacceptable. Both sides must compromise, and I think they will.
And then the Braves should be able to spend most of their offseason filling their other two main needs: Center fielder and one more starter. They won’t need a highly paid No. 1-caliber starter, not with Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine and possibly Hampton already in the rotation (Braves aren’t counting on Hampton, not this time, but they are hoping he’ll be ready to pitch).
Add Glavine and one more quality starter, perhaps a Blanton or Lowry or Bonderman, and the Braves have the best rotation in the National League, without question.
And with that rotation, it won’t be essential to replace Andruw’s bat with a big-power guy, just someone who can play solid defense and perhaps hit you 20-25 homers, perhaps a veteran who’d take less to play in Atlanta (I’m not gonna mention the guy from LaGrange’s name, but you know it).
To get that last starting pitcher, the Braves would probably have to do it via trade, perhaps for shortstop Edgar Renteria. Much as I know the Braves would prefer to keep him, a team like Detroit might target Renteria, and the Braves have Yunel Escobar ready to step in.
There will still be other decisions to make, including the bench. Will Willy Aybar be ready and can they count on him to stay healthy and clean? Do they want to pay the arbitration salary of Matt Diaz, who’ll probably qualify as a Super-2 guy (the guys with the most major league service just short of three years), or try to trade him if they believe Brandon Jones is ready to handle left field?
So many ways to go, so much interesting stuff to come this winter.
Big weekend of music: Bunch of good shows this weekend, including Govt’ Mule at Tabernacle tonight, and two great ones on Saturday — Vic Chesnutt at the Earl, and Jason Isbell at Variety Playhouse with the Whigs opening. Also, Over the Rhine at Eddie’s Attick on Monday.
And then there’s the Johnny Cash tribute show tonight at Star Bar. Bunch of bands playing three Cash songs apiece, no repeats allowed. “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”
Oh, and do yourselves a favor and try to see “Eastern Promises” while it’s still in the theatres. Great movie, overshadowed by some lesser ones recently.
”BETTY LONELY” by Vic Chesnutt
Betty Lonely
lives in a duplex of stucco
on the north bank of a brackish river
her ears omit the noise from a nearby airstrip
her mind floats beyond the snapper boats
Betty Lonely
her eyes are roughly staring
at a point through her sliding glass door
her heart lives over a drawbridge
her brain is wet like a thrownet
Betty Lonely
she will always think in Spanish
though I know
her Spanish black hair will start to fade
she sunk her past
out in the surrounding salt flats
her maidenhood was lost
beneath the Spanish moss
Betty Lonely
just talks to her grandbaby
everybody else she blots them out
but her words stick
like a flounder gig
her dry laugh is like a gaff
Services »
Comments
By Steamboat
October 19, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
I really believe Torre would’ve taken a 2 year deal with a paycut, to, maybe, $6 mil. Listening to the press conference, sounds to me like the “incentives” were an insult, and the 1-year deal would’ve put him right back in the position of being fired at any time.
If the Yankees wanted to make a change, they should’ve just said so and not offered Torre a contract at all. This was a classic CYA move on their part, and I think a pretty transparent one.
By Braves20
October 19, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
jjs - Your 2:13 post on the old blog may be your masterpiece. Solid!
And does Joe (repeat myself 3 times) Morgan post on this blog under an assumed name? We have one guy repeating himself over and over. Got your point the first time right fielder!
By Braveheart
October 19, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Shaun, Showalter was instrumental in building those teams. Stick Michael was the biggest but Buck Showalter was also the minor league manager for alot of the guys who became instrumental parts of their rebirth like Bernie Williams, Gerald Williams, Bob Wickman, Jim Leyritz and many others. Buck Showalter knew their minor league system inside and out and the minor league systems of other teams because he had been a minor league player and minor league manager for so many years. He understood the importance of that minor league system that became the nucleus of those championship teams. Stick & Buck were a tandem in building that team just like Bobby Cox and John Scheurholz were here. That was why when the Yankees fired Buck, the Diamondbacks were willing to give Buck Showalter complete control over almost all aspects of the development of their team during the early years of their franchise.
By Penno
October 19, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
DOB, great read as usual, but I have a question.
Assuming Hampton can pitch well enough, the Braves sign Glavine plus get another starter (a big assumption, I know), do the Braves send Chuck to AAA to work on a 3rd pitch or use him out of the pen as is? Thanks
By ugaman
October 19, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Could I be the First? Anyway, sign Glavine, with his record, we would have made the playoffs this year. Andruw cost us more games than helped us this year because of his bat and he has lost a step. I’m concerned about losing Edgar, but even when he was out, the offense didn’t miss a beat and Yunel can be just as good defensively. Find someone who can hit for average to play center to provide more baserunners for Tex, Chipper and Mac and then spend the rest of the money on the best available starter you can find. that is a winning solution!
By Bryan (Go KU)
October 19, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
David, Do you really think they would Matt Diaz go?
By MS
October 19, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
You’re right DOB, this is going to be a very exciting offseason. I can’t wait!
And even though the media and the networks might not like it, this is going to be an exciting world series, too. Both AL teams are exciting (not to mention if it’s Boston, after forging a comeback down 3-1), and who wouldn’t want to watch them go against a fiesty young Rockies team that has won 20 out of it’s last 21 (or whatever that absolutely INSANE number is)???
Enjoy yourself out there DOB! I know I’ll be watching.
By Braveheart
October 19, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
joe torre has a rather large noggin. like a big ole head on a mardi gras float. thank you to the reds for hiring dusty baker. i won’t have to listen to him anymore on espn now.
By Braves4Ever
October 19, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
* D O B * Do you think the A’s would take Edgar or would they want Yunel or Lillibridge. I don’t want to see either of those guys go, but for a Haren, maybe it’s worth it. Yunel just “feels” like a special player.
By hk
October 19, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
… I love it, just love it !! … Rutgers beat ‘mighty’ South Florida, and beat the stew out of them, old fashioned blocking and tackling … 5 of the BCS computer guys rated S fla #1 this week, other guy #2 …
… playing around with a graph showing annual MLB attendance versus metro population, St Louis is the best, then Cleveland, Colorado, Cincinnati … Atlanta 22nd (groan :))
http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/fans.htm
… (some distortion there, split the metro pop in two team towns, borrowed a bit of Chicago for Milwaukee) …
By Fammorrell
October 19, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Long-time reader, first-time poster.
Thanks for everything Dave!!
I hope we get Glavin, for not only would he make us better, but it would be fun to have him back. Plus, I bet he’d darn near pay for himself, because the park will definitely be sold out when he pitches, and he’ll sell lots of Glavine-jersies.
At least that would make sense to me.
By Ray
October 19, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
DOB as always good post in regards to Torre. I have always thought of Torre and Cox very similar in styles and personalities. How they handle the internal stuff. You didn’t hear too often things going beyond the clubhouse. I agree with you in the fact that the Braves have NO excuse in not bringing back Glavine. My thoughts are he will feel a bit relieved and rejuvinated joining his home team. 15 wins would not be out of the question. Oh what we would have done with a 3rd pitcher winning 15 games.
By Jared
October 19, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Arbitration eligible: Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez, Lance Cormier, Oscar Villarreal, Matt Diaz, Willie Harris and Tyler Yates.
Of that group, I think only Soriano, Gonzalez and Matt Diaz are locks to be offered arbitration (doesn’t mean the Braves might not trade or sell Diaz like they tried last offseason). I easily see any or maybe even all of the other four being non-tendered possibly.
By beachcomber
October 19, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Hey HK - Rutgers won by three - hardly beating the stuffings out of my alma mater! Get a grip!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 19, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
We can only hope to see a rotation of Smoltz , Hudson , Glavine , Hampton and whoever wins the fifth spot , assuming the Braves don’t trade for another arm. I am so hyped to see what the Braves can do in 2008 , this off-season will be anything but dull. Thanks for the new blog , Dave !
By Lew
October 19, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
HK-Maybe I misread the score, but 30-27 is hardly getting the “stew” beat out of you. I’m bummed that USF lost. It’s been a good program since it’s inception, only having one losing season in their history-their first year. The program was put together by LeRoy Selmon, the Tampa Bay Bucanneers only HOF player and their first ever draft pick. Their coach is a class act and they deserve the recognition they’re getting. People don’t realize it, but USF has Florida’s largest college enrollment.
By Ramblin Gamblin Wreck
October 19, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Hire Torre as Assistant GM to Wren and have him on the depth chart behind Bobby for the time that Bobby calls it a career (not before).
By Tyler
October 19, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Others were talking about how Bonderman is simply a 3-4 starter. I desagree.
In the first half of the year he posted a 9-1, 3.48 ERA, 100+ IP, and 98 K. Sure, he had a horrible second half, but he is very capable of being a solid #2, maybe a #1.
I remember watching him 2 years ago when he won 14 games thinking that the Tigers had an ace. He strikes out a lot of batters and remember he is only turning 25 in December. He’d be a very good addition.
By sam
October 19, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Its just time for a change…Torre is a class guy but the team was playing with no fire the last few years….lets see what Girardi can do. by the way, Braveheart are Buck Showalters nephew or something…I’m not sure the minor league development of Gerllad Williams, Jim Leyritz, and Bob Wickman had anything to with the Yankees recent success. wtf?
By sam
October 19, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Its just time for a change…Torre is a class guy but the team was playing with no fire the last few years….lets see what Girardi can do. by the way, Braveheart are Buck Showalters nephew or something…I’m not sure the minor league development of Gerald Williams, Jim Leyritz, and Bob Wickman had anything to with the Yankees recent success. wtf?
By Kentavo
October 19, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
If Bobby would adapt and manage the way he did at the end of this past season, then I’d be in his corner.
He couldn’t do anything about the starting pitching - he played the crappy hand he was dealt. But overuse of Yates, Soriano and Moylan was deplorable - and Villareal, I bet he didn’t know if he was coming or going. NOt to mention Wickman - who apparently was an a$$, but really shouldn’t have been used in non-save situations.
And sticking with Andruw for so long was beyond obstinant, not to mention repeated use of Woodward as a PH. Chris Woodward is not a ph, never has been. He’s a defensive replacement guy - or spot starter int he event of injury. Seems like Cox was trying to make these guys something they’re not instead of playing to strengths and minimizing weaknesses.
After it was too late and the Braves went on their late season run, Cox had everyone on a short leash, and you didn’t see much Woodward or Orr - which is the way it should have been all along.
2007 should have and easily could have made the playoffs with some smarter in-game management and lineup construcitons by Mr. Cox.
By John Tucker
October 19, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Why an over-the-hill guy loike Glavine? He’s godd for 15 wins max, and his down siode is greater than his up side. Paul Bird is a better and cheaper 85mph pitcher than Glavine at this stage. WHy not trade hot hitters like Renteria and Diaz for a Jon Garland or Jeremy Bonderman? Move Kelly Johnson to left, if branson is not ready and bring on Martin Prado sat 2B.
By Tonight on TBS
October 19, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
Torre! Torre! Torre! (1970)
The New York Yankees seem to be on the brink of war after failed diplomacy comes to no end. “Torre! Torre! Torre!”, is the cry as Yankee ownership launches a devastating, surprise attack on their own franchise. Will America survive the media assault?
By Einstein
October 19, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of all the Joe Torre apologists. When you have a $200M+ payroll, the best players money can buy, and still can’t get past the first round, you deserve to be fired. What ever happened to ACCOUNTABILITY? How many of you fellow bloggers are making $6.5M a year trying to coddle and massage the psyches of primma donna employees, who just happen to make 10 times more for 5 months work? And, if you aren’t able to get that done, your salary will be cut to $5M, plus incentives. Gime me a break…TV money has ruined sports and distorted reality. Torre is blessed just to have been given an option. Fire Bobby Cox, too, and bring in someone who actually cares!
By JC FROM UT
October 19, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
DOB: In your opinion what would it take to get Noah Lowry?
By Chop Chop
October 19, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
The Yankees should have just announced that Torre would not be back. Making him an offer he could refuse? That’s just cheap. It certainly didn’t help that organization save face with its fans. I hope to Almighty God that this means the Yankees are going to be run into the ground.
By The Grinch
October 19, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
Morning, all!
Jimmy Smith, agreed! While it would NEVER happen, it sure would be a great thing if Wren could use this new opportunity to install someone with even an average ability with x’s and o’s so that we might have a shot next year at a WS while Tex’s still here. Chipper and Smoltz deserve that (some besides me might argue Glavine does too). Alas, no way it would happen. And no, I don’t think Bobby should be unceremoniously dumped; I think he’s been a great guy and fun to watch over the years. He should have a job created for him to keep as long as he wants, as long as it doesn’t give him the power to make a bullpen move. I like Holyfield, too, but nobody in their right mind thinks he should still be boxing.
By Jared
October 19, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
Yeah, but Paul Byrd is not a free agent like Glavine. I’d like to see the Braves get him if possible though.
By T 2 the D
October 19, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Was to meet Vic night of his “accident”. You never know with him. Funnier than hell. Used to drive a station wagon longer than a mile. We used to go to college together drunk.
By hk
October 19, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Beachcomber, Lew … nothing against USF, on the contrary, good program, my beef is with the BCS computer guys, they are awful …
… reason for ‘beat the stew’, watching the game, and looking at the stats, USF only gained 57 yards offense from anybody but QB Grothe, who was sacked 7 times … Rutgers lost fumbles 3 times (to USF’s none) … Rutgers gained 181 yards rushing, a rarity in today’s West Coast offense world …
… it wasn’t as close as the score indicated ..
By barney Google
October 19, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
snuffy smith picks dingleberries out of his nose. You sure wouldn’t want to shake hands with him. But, then who would want to anyway, except his alter ego, Stinky.
By David O'Brien
October 19, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
John Tucker, first of all, who is this “branson” you’re talkinga about in left.
Secondly, we suggested Bonderman as a possibility above.
Oh, and you say Glavine’s good for 15 wins max … and what’s your point? Fifteen wins from the No. 3 starter, or 12-13 wins, is all that’s needed, because it’s innings that are at least as important, and he pitched 200 last year.
Garland’s got very mediocre stats — 10-13 with a 4.23 ERA last season (with a $10 mill salary), and an even higher ERA (4.75) the year before when he was a career-best 18-7 with great run support.
Oh, and he has only 200 strikeouts in 420 innings the last two year; Glavine, who so many here have bashed for being a soft-tosser, has 220 strikeouts in 399 innings the past two years.
Oh, and he’s 28-15 in those two years, to Garland’s 28-20.
So you’d rather trade Renteria to get Garland, who made $10 million in 2007 and won 10 games, than sign Glavine as a free agent and likely pay him less than $10 mill in 2008?
Sure, why not.
By Joe Torre Apologist
October 19, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Einstein? Don’t make me laugh. Finklestein, maybe.
By Paladin
October 19, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Lew I have no problems at all with the USF football program. It is first class. What I do have a problem with is the lack of academic integrity that allows anyone who can play football to be enrolled and to stay eligible. That does not make for the “level playing field” that is supposed to exist in major college football.
By TennesseePaul
October 19, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
They won’t need a highly paid No. 1-caliber starter, not with Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine and possibly Hampton already in the rotation
This is what bums me out. I know DOB doesn’t sign the checks or make the trades, but this attitude of we’re good without getting a top flight starter bums me out. Glavine and Hampton, regardless of him pitching or not, will be gone after next year. Smoltz just re-upped but, as much as I love him, he isn’t, or shouldn’t be anyway, the anchor #1 starter. I say that because he’s served this team for 20 years. He’s passed the role to Hudson, a good guy, but Smoltz isn’t a machine, he won’t last for ever. Plan ahead, more than one season.
While the Braves don’t need a top tier starter for next season, they will need one for 2009 and on. Looking at the players on the roster this is the most opportune time to solidify this rotation for many years to come, not just for next year. There are only 2 players that are good and free agents, AJ and Mahay. And AJ is a bigger part of the team than Mahay. I’d love to see Mahay back. But having so small of a turn over, so many players to trade that are good, and having the new owner with a higher payroll you have to make a trade for a top line guy. This is the prime time to do it.
Renteria, I love this guy too, is a great trading chip which the Braves will not have in the future. This is his last season before the option year. This is his peak value in terms of the Braves and trading. If he is to be traded and pitching is to be acquired my hope is that it will return something in the order of a top tier pitcher.
From where I stand, this is the offseason to secure the future. There have been many of these in the past. No doubt about it. But this is one we have now, the most opportune time, and I’ll be disappointed if the Braves settle for the short term instead of the long term.
By Anders
October 19, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
DOB The Yankees making the playoffs every year with their payroll is not all it’s cracked up to be, plus in the Torre era there are two ways into the playoffs. Division champ and WC which the Yanks used twice. If there wasn’t a wild card do you think the Red Sox would have sat back every year and not fight all out for the division crown? No way. That’s why I think the Braves winning 14 consecutive division titles on their payroll is 3 times the accomplishment of Torre’s 12 straight playoff appearances.The WC was instituted to placate those that want to compete but not spend the huge money, the revenue sharing was instituted to placate those who want to fill out the league’s dance card while ripping off their fans i.e. KC Royals. As for Torre being insulted by the cut in pay they offered - what a hypocrite. The pay he offers his players is playing time. He had no problem taking Mussina (borderline HOF’er) out of the rotation when he didn’t perform this season nor did he have a problem moving A-Rod (slam dunk HOF’er) to the 8th spot in the order last post season when he didn’t perform, but Torre should get paid top dollar plus while his team doesn’t perform to the previous levels? What Torre is exceptional at is reading a situation and playing to his advantage which is exactly what he did yesterday. That whole flight to Tampa for a one hour meeting to say no was another way to give us a visual of Father Joe taking the high road. I’m not saying he isn’t a classy guy and that he doesn’t deserve respect for what he’s accomplished but he’s not squeaky clean in this either. This whole situation reminds me of when Messier was negotiating with the Rangers in the late 90’s and Dave Checketts asked “How many times does he expect us to pay him for the 1994 Cup win?”
By Paladin
October 19, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
OK Shaun, quit posting under the name of “Tucker Johnson”. The sybernetricals and pollythagarisms gave you away.
By brent a.
October 19, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
Interesting to hear that the Braves aren’t “counting on” Hampton.
Understood, but quite a pill to swallow.
At least they are being realistic and not prepaing themselves to be disappointed.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 19, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
The good news , it’s a 99.99 percent certainty that Glavine will be a Brave in 2008. The bad news , he is almost guaranteed to be a type A free agent and more than likely cost the Braves their 1st round pick(18th) in the draft.
By TennesseePaul
October 19, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
Oh, and why I say all that. Take the time to get a solid 4th starter and, after next season we’ll be looking at Hudson on his way out (within a year or two), Smoltz at 41+, and a slew of 4th and 5th starters to take their place. Now is the best time to stock our rotation with a front line starter so that in a year or two we don’t wake up with a rotation of a 40+ year old and a bunch of back end starters.
I’m not on the JoJo band wagon. I admit it. Between Chuck James, Kyle Davies and JoJo, I put the other two ahead of him, and I don’t expect much out of Davies. JoJo has got a lot more to prove before I think he’s more than a 5th starter, despite all those pitches he has. Davies had a lot of pitches. He had a helluva curve and look at him. These are the minor league numbers for the three…
I know the minors don’t exactly translate, but they are telling. JoJo got his promotion for having a great season, but his career hasn’t been all that impressive, no matter how many pitches he has.
By Barnacle Bill
October 19, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
Stinky Smith doesn’t know(again)which one of his “friends” is after him. Ain’t we got fun?
By Jared
October 19, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Diaz, how come you don’t see too many teams selling players now? It’s not against the rules. Moneyball talked about how Billy Beane sold scrap-heap players for cash and used that money to get or keep good players. Seems to me selling a player to another team for money would be better than getting a miscellaneous live-arm in single-A with no real chance of ever being a good major league contributor.
Come on, there has to be at least one team willing to give the Braves 50,000 dollars for Pete Orr.
By Michael
October 19, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
Getting Glavine would be great. Smotlzie, Huddy, Tommy, Mikey, and a nuumber 5. It’s not the best rotation in the national league, but i think it’ll get us into the post season. Then take it down to a 3 man rotaion. john, tim, and tom. (and you’ve got a solid chance of makin it to the WS.
Hey DOB, i keep hearing that Maddox is a free agent. Any truth to that? If so, what are the chances we sign both Maddox/Glavine, and trade for a starter like Blanton, and just wait to see what hampton does, and if he can pitch, use on of the extras as maybe trade bait? I know it’s kinda far flung, but counting on hampton makes me a lil’ scared…
all the way from Seattle
By Paladin
October 19, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
Anders Why don’t you compare for us Torre and your Mut manager and the whole payroll situation, while you are at it. Could it be that you would rather change the subject? Don’t blame you.
By Mutt n'Jeff
October 19, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
Stinky smith is a clueless @$$hole, but a clean one since all the dingleberries are in his nose. Write me a poem, f*.
By David O'Brien
October 19, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
Michael, Maddux is a free agent, but he’s not talking about one more year and hang it up. He’s gonna go as long as he’s good and feels good. And with Boras as his agent, you can bet there would be no hometown discount and no one-year deal unless he absolutely had no two-year offers.
Maddux doesn’t have the pull to Atlanta, since his family lives in Las Vegas. Glavine lives here and only plans to pitch one more season, which is why he’ll take less to come back and finish with the team he started out with (again, unlike Maddux, who started out with the Cubs and went back to the Cubs before his West Coast thing).
By David O'Brien
October 19, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Coach, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t cost the Braves if the Mets don’t offer him arbitration, even though he became a free agent after declining his own option.
If that’s the case, Mets probably wouldn’t offer arbitration, since he’d get a raise after the season he had. Mets don’t want to pay him $12-14 mill, that’s for sure.
It’s also another reason it might take a while for Braves to sign him, though. They wouldn’t want to sign him before the date for teams to offer arbitration, because if they did that, they’d definitely have to.
I’ll check on this to make sure, but I think I’m right about this scenario.
By Ped tracker
October 19, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Stinky(aka snuffy), now that they caught your buddy in Thailand, what are you going to do in your “spare” time?
By Michael
October 19, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
OIC, thanks DOB… that’s actually nice to hear that Mad dog isn’t an option. I don’t think we need anymore 40+ guys pitching.
By Michael
October 19, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
DOB… as things stand right now, what is our opening day pitching rotation? Line-up?
By TennesseePaul
October 19, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
DOB: I think you’re right on that scenario as well. The Yankees did this with Sheffield. They didn’t give up a draft pick when they pulled him from the Braves because, even though it was widely known Sheff was going to be Yank, they didn’t sign him until 2 or 3 days after the date to secure him and the draft pick. Lukily we got them back the next year when they picked up Wright and he stunk and we got the draft pick….
By News at 6
October 19, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Stinky Smith’s mother was hit by a car on 285. Fortunately, the mattress strapped on her back saved her from serious injury. More at 10.
By Lew
October 19, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
Paladin-Do you think that USF has done something re: academic eligibility that every other school hasn’t done? Sure haven’t heard of any NCAA sanctions in that regard.
I’m somewhat confused about the eagerness to grab Bonderman, quite honestly. Tyler mentioned his starting the season 9-1, but failed to mention that from July 24 until they shut him down on Sept. 09, he went 2-8 with an ERA of 8.23 (No Typo-EIGHT.23) with 76 Hits and 23 BB in 55IP. He only struck out 36 in that span. This record, coupled with acknowledged soreness in his arm, kind of scares me.
By Braves Fan 79
October 19, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
I would rather keep renteria than have another mediocire pitcher! We already have chuck james and a few others for that role. So if we trade renteria that means were in the same spot we were last year when chipper got hurt! (before escobar) And lord knows all those games with woodcrap and orr starting is what made us nosedive back to .500 in the late spring, and what eventually caused us to miss the playoffs!
Id much rather have a question mark at the 5th starter spot than have to see orr or woodcrap…or whatever weak hitting utility man cox likes to use as a backup start every 3rd game or whenever chipper is hurting or needs a break!
I love Bobby as a manager…but if he cant make better game time decisions than last year he needs to go!
We should bring in torre to make the game decisions….and cox to be the head cheerleader. Love ya Bobby…but man WTF were u thinking leaving Escobar off the roster over orr, wilson and woodcrap!?? It bothered me in april, and it still bothers me today because i see the Rockies and know that could of been the Braves!!
By David O'Brien
October 19, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
Michael, there’s no reason whatsoever to list the opening day lineup and rotation, when teams haven’t even begun to construct next year’s rosters yet. Sorry, but I’ll wait until the Braves and other teams actually start making moves.
By flange1
October 19, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
Hey Skunk,
You still playing that lucite strat?
By TJ
October 19, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
I have a question for y’all. Why worry about a 18th draft pick, that could end up years and years to come, and afraid of losing it???? Your not getting the Next A-Rod in that 18th Pick, so why worry???
By Paladin
October 19, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
Lew What I do know is that a friend of mine was a fully-tenured Prof at USF and left to take a lesser-paying job in England. He said that there was a total lack of academic integrity and there were things going on there that would make the Jan Kemp mess at UGA look like nothing. He is not a Dawg fan and has no reason, that I know of, to lie about it.
By Stinky's ant
October 19, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
skunk baxter You are clearly one fool that missed it.
By ncscoots
October 19, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
I’m with TPaul on the need for a higher aim than Glavine and another mid-rotation guy. Man, I’m trying to get on Glavine bandwagon with the rest of you guys, but I just…can’t…do it. Sorry.
Now, the FA crop for pitchers next year is bumper, if I remember correctly, so maybe the Braves play that 2009 market and reload the top of the rotation. But that might mean a choice between signing a stud ace or Tex. Yikes.
So, now would be the time, if the scenario exists, to get a stud pitcher under club control. Even if it means a trade that hurts.
By Lew
October 19, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
Paladin-I don’t doubt that there are infractions. It was the unlevel playing field that I dispute. I can pretty much imagine that USF is no better or no worse than any other school. It’s happening everywhere. As far as football goes, I would imagine that USF is a rank amateur in that regard. They haven’t been around long enough to have the experience of most of the other schools.
By Paladin
October 19, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
OK Lew, whatever.
By The Grinch
October 19, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
BravesFan79, Torre’s only a marginaly better in-game tactician than Cox. They have similar strengths and weaknesses. He’s payed like he is because he can stay calm and deal with big egos and the media, not because he’s a genius.
Flange1, how goes it? Run the neighbors off yet? I have mine. Again. :-)
Scoots, I’ve forced myself to be indifferent about Glavine as well (instead of angry) but I really think mid-rotation guys are all we need. Hell, Chuck would be fine if he could just go 7 innings. Our lineup and bullpen are good enough to overcome average starting pitching, provided it goes deep enough into games. IMO.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 19, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
someone is trying to fool the blog and is typing in lower case and is talking jimmy smith. has nothing to do with this journalist. typical, sophomoric attempts at humor and cleverness. vulgarity, too. not jimmy smith and not associated with this journalist.
if dob will do nothing to protect this journalist’s honor :-) then maybe the new braves beat writer will stand up for jimmy smith :-)!!!!
you read it here!
Headline: Fan pleads guilty to bomb threat at Braves game Frustrated Giants fan facing 50 years in jail for trying to disrupt game
By SAEED AHMED The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 10/19/07
welcome to the blog, saeed! what is saeed’s favorite cheese?
probably just interning with dob, famed wurlitzer winner and best of anne cox chambers (or something like that).
and what are some good baseball jobs for bobby cox? can be the new bobby dews. in the pen. or can be the assistant to chino cadahia. can let out chino’s pants. or can run in the old manager’s race. against lum harris and bobby bragan and all dead braves ex-managers. probably could not win with bad wheels but could stick around longer than expected.
By Efrim
October 19, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
NCScoots
So, now would be the time, if the scenario exists, to get a stud pitcher under club control. Even if it means a trade that hurts.
Well as far as High end Minor league talent; there’s Brandon Jones, Brent Lillibridge, Jo Jo Reyes and that is about it. No one else that is considered a legit prospect in the Braves system has completed a full season in Double A. I really think the Braves should sign Glavine and try to get a starter with Renteria. Whatever that may be. Although I really don’t want to trade for Nate Robertson or Noah Lowry,
By Tucker Johnson
October 19, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
I object that my earlier post was removed.
My well-thought out suggestion, among others, that Jon Smotz pitch left-handed to extend his career was at least as good as the many other suggestions involving various players flip-flopping positions (especially to ones they have never played before).
Was the reason my spelling? Like most posters here I really can’t be expected to have to worry about getting names spelled correctly. Look at a name like shareholtz for instance (glad we won’t have to spell that one anymore).
Or is it because the AJC owns the other sports teams in Atlanta and would hate for the braves to benefit from my penetrating insights cause it will make the other mediocre teams look even worse.
Please stop deleting my posts cause I have lots of really good ideas I want to share with everyone.
I can’t wait to tell everyone about my idea to hire Steven Hawking as third base coach and how the Braves can expect an extra 6.3 wins per year as a result.
By TennesseePaul
October 19, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
Grinch: I here ya, mid-rotation guys are all we need. It’s true and I don’t question it. For 2008 all we need is a good #4 starter. The problem I have is, 2009 we’ll need another pitcher. Same goes for every other year after that. And right now we have the least amount of turnover in the roster and the most amount of money/trading chips available. This is the time to aim higher and I hope the Braves take the shot.
Besides, say we get the top line pitcher instead of the 4th starter, is anyone here going to be upset going into 2008 with Smoltz, Hudson, Top Line, Glavine, fill-in-the-blank. Especially knowing that in 2009 and beyond we’ll have Top Line on the team? Hell, I’ve already got T-Shirts for Top Line. He’s a great guy. Solid. Be here for years. Go Top Line!
By journalist jimmy smith
October 19, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
journalist disagrees. everyone acts as if the rotation will be sound with glavine here. can’t take that for granted. smoltz is old. if smoltz goes down all is lost. glavine is old and does not throw hard like smoltz. must have some new starters. must have. can never have too much pitching. hampton cannot be relied upon to come back effectively. hudson seems sickly sometimes and who knows about the rest? frank wren better get some pitchers or the team will be worse (yes, worse than this year).
By The Grinch
October 19, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
Well, sure, 10Paul. I wasn’t commenting on how we ought to build the organization for the future; who knows what payroll’s gonna be or anything else (and if we finish real well next year that may help things in that dept.)? I agree the rotation should be rebuilt for the future, but I’m not so sure it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just make a run next season with a solid new center fielder, Tommy G, another durable mid-rotation guy and Tex next year to give the new ownership something to think about.
By TennesseePaul
October 19, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
I guess this is where my greedy Americanism comes in. We have a great shot at winning it all next year with a servicable CF and a 4th starter. But after next year there are a lot of players up for new contracts. We can make all the impressions we want but come 2009 we’ll be shopping for 4 or 5 parts but won’t have all the trading leverage we have now. It just seems prudent to aim for the top while you can. A fall back 4th starter can always be had. We have plenty of those already anyway.
By Simple-ton
October 19, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
jjs I hope you are not referring to me. I’m just trying to keep it simple so that Stinky can understand.
By Simple-ton
October 19, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
“Tucker Johnson” Your earlier post was not only removed it was done with a doggy-deposit remover.
By Lonely Betty
October 19, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
DOB - I better explain to your readers what a “flounder gig” is so that they don’t get the wrong impression (most of the mbeing city folk, I imagine).
Flounder gigging involves wading or boating through shallow water and spearing flounder (who are nestled in the sand waiting to ambush their prey) with a “gig”. A flounder gig is a spearlike instrument consisting of one or more points. The typical flounder gig has two prongs with no barbs.
So my words may stick like a “flounder gig” but only if you’re a bottom feeder.
By Bubba
October 19, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
Lonely Betty Your “explanation” of what a flounder gig is. duh! No wonder you are lonely.
By Lew
October 19, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
Paladin-What’s wrong with you today? Your hemorrhoids giving you trouble? USF as the Snidely Whiplash of Big Time College football academic fraud? Come on. Give me a break. I guarantee if things were as bad as your friend the Professor says and worse than all the MAJOR college football programs, the NCAA, as ineffective as they usually are, would have caught a whiff of the scandal and taken some kind of steps to remedy the situation. Since this hasn’t happened, I’ve got to think that it’s not nearly as bad, or no worse at USF than anywhere else. Sorry your friend had his sense of honor besmirched, but I just don’t see the problem being quite as bad as you seem to think.
I’ve got to tell you, Old Fart, Sir-My wife did her Doctorate at USF and still has contacts, not only there, but in Higher Education Administration throughout the U.S. (that’s what her degree is in) and we haven’t heard any rumors about academic scandal there-and we would have. It’s just totally unfeasible that it could be that rampant and no one had ever heard about it. With the propensity for scandal, rumor and innuendo throughout the sports news media, you would think SOMEONE other than your friend would have heard about it.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 19, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
O’Brien , I hope your right. That would be great if we kept the draft pick.
By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]
October 19, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
It’s interesting to read everyone’s thoughts on the rotation for next year. I still think if we get Glavine, not only have we improved our 3rd or 4th starter, but the Mets are short another starter. Like the esteemed JJS, I worry about Smoltz. Only because of his age. Look at Shilling. He threw 94-95 in 2006, now, just 91, 92 for the most part. Clemens was at 94 for Houston, now??? 91-92 tops. Clemens is older, but how many guys can keep being a power pitcher???? Not trying to be a gloomy Gus. But, who is comparable to Smoltz???
Like 10 Paul said, it would be really nice to get a top line starter, but we know that isn’t too likely. So much depends on what the Phillies, and Mets are, or are not able to do. IF the Mets get Santana? Yikes! Changes that whole team. Hopefully, the evil empire gets him, though the rumors are the Twins would like to not run into, and get stopped by Santana on another AL team come playoff time…..
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 19, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Troll-a-plenty…jackals everywhere…
Unbelievable!…
By mo in the boonies
October 19, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
Once more I happened to post right after the new blog came…so I’ve moved my last post here.For those of you who critized my post about Savannah Guy’s 10/24/9:24 post, this is the part that got my hackles up.
Thing is, I realize that most of you denizens don’t need to read this. For you, I’ll say as Skip might say at this point, “you are free to walk the dog.
To me this reads, all you good old boys, and you know who you are, don’t need to read this, just those dummies who think they know baseball, but we know different don’t we? (wink, wink… implied) How condescending can you get?
To the short-sighted blathering ones that nit pick and slam JS as a bad, incompetent and overrated GM that has made mostly bad trades, let me just give you some news: those characterizations are patently and diametrically opposed to the truth. They are nonsense and they are unfair. Most everyone that is actually involved in baseball knows that…but evidently some Braves fans don’t. No surprise there
I , and I’m sure my fellow nit-pickers do not appreciate being termed short-sighted or blathering, just because in your opinion, and some of the good old boys, think Schuerholz and Cox walk on water, doesn’t mean that those of us who disagree are: “blathering nit-pickers”, you may as well have added idiots, because it was certainly implied. Perhaps some of us just happen to have the advantage of distance from Atlanta, and the south, and we can see things from a different perspective than you all. Either way it is still just opinion. And since I don’t imply that you all are blathering idiots, I expect to be treated with the same respect. If that is regarded as being a disagreeable poster…then so be it. I came here in peace to talk baseball, I don’t criticize your pub talk or all the other fun and games that goes on here that has nothing to do with baseball, and I don’t post filthy stuff. I figure that is your right to post what ever you like, all I ask, is to be able to do the same without being denigrated.
Wayne being Wayne I think I answered the other day in my post that the reason you never hear anything bad said about Cox or Shuerholz is because the news columnists in and around Atlanta have never been very diligent in reporting any of the dumb stuff the “anointed” have done over the years. Therefore news people and other baseball people around the country think that if Atlanta thinks they are wonderful, then they must be. Otherwise why keep them. Why indeed I wonder? After all these years where are the young prospects in the farm clubs for Pitching, and Center field etc. The ones, (excluding Francouer, McCann, and perhaps Escobar) they have brought up haven’t proved to be of much use… compared to other teams with less budget, who seem to have oodles of talent on call. We have heard all year from all you BC&JS fans that the team failures are not the fault of Cox… so perhaps they are because Shuerholz hasn’t recruited or traded for anyone good enough to be WS capable. And if neither one is to blame, then who is? The buck has to stop somewhere. Even Joe Torre only got so many chances to put up or shut up.
As for your butcher comparison, lets see, for a rib eye, $50..a pound..that’s about one steak. If I needed the steak, I’d pay the bucks. Especially if that was the going rate at all the shops, and I knew it was a damn good steak, probably the best in the world, and I’d probably never see another one like it. Or I’d at least ask, if he wanted to dicker a little on the price of steak, since it had been in the case a whole day and hadn’t been sold yet. Sometimes pride and/or arrogance goeth before a fall. And it looks like Schuerholz getting kicked upstairs was his fall.
As for Boras caring only about the cash, name me someone who doesn’t care about money. If you could get 20 mil a year would you turn it down? Almost everyone on here thinks Andruw is greedy for asking for what ever his market value is, but who among you would turn down that kind of money if you had a chance to get it?
By Rosalynn (not to imitated)
October 19, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
How manah of you remembah when mah Jimma used to plah softball on the White House lawn? Jimma was the pitcha. He was old and his ahm was lahk rubba but Jimma alwahs was the pitcha. Ah think some of those boahs would swing and miss Jimma’s pitches just because Jimma was the Commanduh in Chief and had the powah to fiah all those boahs if he got angra with any of them. Well, Jimma stahted looking lahk Tomma Glavine right theah towahd the end of his fuhst and onlah tuhm. Jimma’s pitches just rolled up theah and set up on a tee foah those boahs. Ah remembah when Joda Powell hit a ball off Jimma that almost took Ham Juhdan’s eahs off - and Joda was a little sissa boah if you will remembah. Mah point in all of this is to sah that the Braves do not need a bunch of old, rubba ahmed stahtuhs, the Braves need some young, strong, pitchas with some powah pitches. No moah nibbling around the plate - just go aftah the hittas with some cheese. Ah hope mah thoughts prove helpful if that nice Frank Wren is reading DOB’s blog tonight. Frank, honah, go get you some new pitchas and a managuh with some good sinus cavitas. Ah must go now and polish the peace tropha foah Jimma.
By mo in the boonies
October 19, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Now in regards to today’s blog, I have a message for the NYY’s. I know where there is a manager who is reportedly the best manager in the world, HOF, ETC. He even has experience taking over an old Torre team, and he will work for less money than Joe. Name? Robert Cox. Can be reached at the Atlanta Braves Stadium. Please call….
By Nick Satan
October 19, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
South Florida got to where it is because of some luck, a lot of effort, and, according to some snarky observers, because of a flexible enrollment policy. Alabama coach Nick Saban told a Birmingham newspaper that six of USF’s defensive starters would have gone to either Florida or Florida State, but couldn’t get in.
“Who’s he, making a statement like that?” Leavitt said angrily, which is a pretty good point itself.
“Why that bothers me is that it takes a hit at the credibility of our program, that we can’t do it with just hard work,” Leavitt told reporters. “There always has to be some reason. That is the heart and soul of our program, so he’s attacking the heart and soul.”
We’re not sure who’s more of a douchebag after reading this story. The Birmingham News columnist Ray Melick or Alabama football coach Nick Saban.
Melick wrote a piece titled, “Lower standards help some schools” on Tuesday regarding flexible admission policies between NCAA schools.
Melick goes on to explain what he called a “sliding scale” where higher SAT test scores can compensate for lower GPAs when it comes to admission at some schools. He says coaches who benefit from this claim an extreme difference between SAT and GPA scores is very rare, but then goes on to say “the people who work in NCAA compliance say it happens more than you might think” yet doesn’t provide any proof.
Melick continues by saying some coaches are willing to admit players based on these lower standards, while others don’t and that creates “a very real advantage-disadvantage in recruiting.”
Melick’s constant mention of “coaches” baffles us since his only quoted source was Saban. He makes no reference to any other SEC coach other than writing the conference has pushed for legislation that would increase NCAA minimum standards.
Furthermore, he doesn’t even bother to ask coaches or officials at South Florida, Rutgers or West Virginia - schools he’s insinuated have lower academic standards - to defend their admission policies.
South Florida responded to Melick’s column and Saban’s comments on Wednesday. USF coach Jim Leavitt said only two Bulls were non-qualifiers to play as freshman and both are on pace to graduate.
Here’s some irony. Bulls senior cornerback Mike Jenkins was offered a scholarship by then LSU coach Saban, but spurned it.
Senior center Nick Capogna’s rebuttal was not as cordial.
Cosmologically speaking, Alabama head coach Nick Saban is a gas giant.
Gas giants, such as Jupiter and Saturn, create huge gravitational fields, sucking stellar objects into their orbits and even bending light itself.
Because their atmospheres are filled with a cocktail of gases, the giants’ ever-changing colors are splendid to behold. However, because they’re composed of gas, they’re more volume than mass—more show than substance.
Of course, the gas giants don’t realize this. They’re too blinded by their own majesty to know they’re little more than puffed-up anomalies.
So it is that Nick Saban came to be quoted in an Alabama newspaper column this week, under the headline, “Lower standards help some schools,” commenting on the lack of academic standards at schools that are not named Alabama:
“There’s significant amounts of players who don’t qualify (at some schools) and they end up being pretty good players at some other schools,” Saban told the Birmingham News. “I think there are six guys starting on South Florida’s defense who probably could have gone to Florida or Florida State but Florida and Florida State couldn’t take them.”
This is the statement of a Gas Giant, a thing so big and self-possessed it has no filter. It thinks a thing and then says it.
Saban’s point is essentially this:
South Florida recruits idiots who couldn’t even get into Florida and Florida State.
The columnist piles on, noting “rival coaches are not quite as enthusiastic about the success of South Florida, and similarly fast-rising schools like Rutgers and West Virginia.”
First off, I’m not sure an SEC school outside of Vanderbilt can claim rigorous academic standards. So Saban and his enabling columnist friend can shelve that “Alabama is the Harvard of West-Central Alabama” campaign they’re obviously trying to gin up.
Second, South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt is now some kind of peeee-oh’d.
“It’s not right,” Leavitt told the Tampa Tribune. “We’ve done what we’ve done because we’ve worked hard. Of 110 players, we have two non-qualifiers. One starts, one doesn’t.”
Third, while it’s true that WVU has won more games since the beginning of the 2005 season than (I believe) any time in its history, it’s patently false to call the program “fast-rising.”
WVU had undefeated seasons in 1988 and 1993, and played for the national title both years.
Now, maybe Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano recruits players that couldn’t spell RU if you spotted them the R, but I doubt it.
I think the Gas Giant needs to pay a little more attention to his own planet, where his 3-2 team is stranded in the atmosphere, sucking toxic gases.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 19, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
moe in the boonies, jimmy smith knows what moe in the boonies means. journalist was once called, “your and idiot” on this very blog.
now, baseball … joe torre was heralded as the “next great catcher” when joe torre was brought to atlanta. and joe torre was dispatched from the braves because joe torre liked the night life a bit too much back in the days of blue laws and sunday school classes underway before joe torre got home from the previous night. many will remember that joe torre went on to be a m.v.p. in st. louis and the braves continued to underwhelm. now, why is jimmy smith telling this story? because joe torre reformed and became a famous new york manager with good manners for a baseball manager (no fingers in the nose). should joe torre be brought to atlanta and bobby cox kicked upstairs with homeboy upstairs? and never hold the stair railing if bobby is also climbing the stairs. journalist has begun to ramble and this post is resembling a post by you know who so journalist bids all a good night unless jimmy smith has something to say later on.
By David O'Brien
October 19, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
Mo In The Boonies, since you’re apparently in the boonies, we’ll fill you in: The Braves have never played in anything called Atlanta Braves Stadium.
It’s Turner Field.
They used to play in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
By flange1
October 19, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Grinch, Isn’t it strange how everyone doesn’t like 50 watt Mashall half stacks cranked playing power chords?
What is it with these people?
Are they deaf? :0
By Edgar
October 19, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
DOB
Why isnt Jordan Schafer ready yet?,meaning that he was selected in the 3rd Round of the 2005 Draft, but others as Troy Tulowitzki, Pelfrey, Escobar, Owings, Ellsbury,etc that were selected in the Draft, are(or are going to)establish in the majors. Is it that some prospects depevelop sooner than others? does it matters the position they play in sense of the time they have to spend in the minors?
By journalist jimmy smith
October 19, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
By SAEED AHMED The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 10/19/07
is this guy curtright coming back as saeed ahmed? can it be carroll rogers? no, jimmy smith thinks not.
saeed ahmed must be a cuban ballplayer turned sports writer. whoever this is, one thing is certain … if saeed ahmed is now writing about baseball in the ajc, then DOB MUST BE GETTING DOB’S OWN COLUMN. that’s right, a column.
must run a dob picture if dob gets a column. could scare some readers. annie haircut.
just kidding, dob. slow blog night. not even stinky tonight - must have a date (probation officer, probably).
By Lew
October 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Well, no one but Paladin’s friend and Nick Saban, apparently. I’m sure the NCAA got a good laugh over Saban’s accusations. No one EVER played for Bama or LSU that was academically challenged, I’m sure.
By David O'Brien
October 19, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
No, Edgar, all prospects develop at exactly the same pace and all arrive in the majors at preceisely the same time, then establish themselves as prominent major league players at exactly the same time and have similar careers.
By the way, just FYI, Schafer turned 21 in September.
Owings is 25. Escobar will be 25 in November. Tulowitzki is 23. Ellsbury is 24. Pelfrey will be 24 in January.
By Wayne in Utah
October 19, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
mo We will have to agree to disagree on JS and BC. To be honest, you are in the minority here. There is one or two others who feel the same way as you, and I dare say about 50 others that agree with me.
So, let’s just agree to disagree, before one of us starts calling the other one names or such. You know, my mama always said, if you can’t say anything nice……(I don’t always follow mama’s advice though!)
:-)
DOB Thanks for another pretty OK decent blog (gotcha!). I am somewhat in agreement with 10Paul on the “second” arm we need. I would love to see us pick up someone with some real upside potential, even if we had to sweeten the deal beyond Edgar.
What is the concensus among those in the know about Marcum or McGowan of Toronto. I think both came up later in the year, or at a minimum didn’t get into the rotation until about 30-40 games had passed. (both have less than 30 starts) If you project their innings out over a full season, I bet their numbers would be pretty impressive for first year guys.
I would also be OK with any of those guys from Oakland.
Gotta run for a few hours. I’ll check back for a response later.
mo Hey, everything is good. We’re both pulling for the right team!
By The Grinch
October 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Good question, Flange…it’s amazing how many deaf folks I’ve met since I started playing. It appears to be an epidemic.
By Edgar
October 19, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, some stats on Braves players in Mexican,Dominican and Venezuelan Winter Ball up to the date.
Jeff Bennett: 1-1, 1.00 ERA,2 G 9 IP, 7 Hits ,1 Run ,1 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO
Gregor Blanco: .476 AVG, 21 AB, 8 Runs 10 Hits, 1 2B, 1 3B,1 HR,3 RBI,7 BB, 4 SO, 1 SB.(This guy is tearing up the League)
Carl Loadenthal: .227 AVG,22 AB,3 Runs,5 Hits,1 3B, 2 BB, 5 SO, 3 SB.
Chris Woodward: .310 AVG, 29 AB, 4 R 9 Hits,1 2B,1 HR,7 RBI,9 SO,
Brandon Jones: .185 AVG,27 AB, 4 Runs,5 Hits, 2 BB ,9 SO.
Scott Thorman: .241 AVG,29 AB, 3 R, 7 Hits, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 10 SO,1 SB
Aybar, Brayan Peña and Francisley Bueno have played one game so far in the Dominican League.
By joebrave
October 19, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
Top of the Evenin Folks,Before I belly up to Klobbers Bar,and start a tab,Thanks to all Joe’s friends who shot out the Prayers last night,Now Klobber,Setem up,And who is the dumb@ss that wants to Hire Joe Torre?????Do you realize The Braves have already been there done that!!!circa 1982,now please Bobby is a Great not good but GREAT MANAGER,you don’t win all those games by being STOOPID as some here would have us to Believe!!!
By joebrave
October 19, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
And Neanderthal do you realize Joe Torre is 67 years old,that ain’t no spring chicken,it is a walking case of Alzheimers waiting to happen…..
By The Grinch
October 19, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Es ist Zeit, viel zu trinken! So sayeth the Grinch. Prost. :-)
By joebrave
October 19, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
While I’m Crushing dreams let me enlighten you guys who have the Man crush on mr money Tom Glavine,Tommy is 42,I too am 42,My shoulder Hurts like he11 always,and I have never pitched M.L. basebal especially for 20+ years…now do some math 15 wins my granny’s fanny!!!!
By joebrave
October 19, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
Please Mr.Wren just say NO to Glavine,Cameron,andTorre,You sir have been a driving force behind J.S. for eight Years and are a Brilliant Baseball mind,1982,and 1995,are over don’t short change real fans with some Deja vu feel good story that will only end in bitterness,T.Glavine could have been Mr.Atlanta,instead he satisfied his union,and left his legacy behind,thats where it should stay Behind!!!
By Savannah Guy
October 19, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
…so I’ve moved my last post here.For those of you who critized my post about Savannah Guy’s 10/24/9:24 post, this is the part that got my hackles up…I , and I’m sure my fellow nit-pickers do not appreciate being termed short-sighted or blathering, just because in your opinion, and some of the good old boys, think… you may as well have added idiots, because it was certainly implied.
What on earth are you thinking and why are you saying these things? Get a damn grip man. Are you self conscious or just paranoid? Why are you obsessing over a post of mine that does not concern you and continue dragging it from blog to blog like a 50-pound mudfish that swallowed your poodle? Tell you what Mo from the boonies, I’ll just stand by the words I wrote and you will be known by what you write. Then we are free to think our own thoughts and express them the best we can, regardless of whether anyone agrees or not. How’s that?
You’ve spent far too much time on this already and now, so have I. So I’ll just continue to paddle down stream…lest it get a little too Deliverance in here.
By Savannah Guy
October 19, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
The Daily Buzz (Fly on Wall Report No. 027)
(Fly language translated for your convenience).
Mr. Fly, sleuth reporter had to interrupt his Mutant Origin interview session with Ken Burns for a breaking news story. Fly usually reports exclusively on Braves matters, but since Mr. Fly is a friend of Joe Torre he made an exception. Besides, Fly still considers Mr. Joe a Brave. Since Mr. Torre does not wear suspenders to meetings like Mr. Scheurholz, Fly and Joe agreed ahead of time to let Fly nestle into a little tuft of the remaining hair on Joe’s head (ample room there) to get a closeup account of the conversation.
After weeks of speculation the day had finally arrived…THE meeting. George Steinbrenner’s son, Hank greeted Joe at the office door. Big George walked in about 15 minutes later. The tense meeting begins:
George: Good afternoon Joe. Hank, get me some tea and this afternoon’s newspaper.
Hank: Which one dad? New York or Florida?
George: Oh, I guess Florida…no, New York Daily…Ahh what the hell…get both. What the hay…splurge. Joe you want tea?
Joe: Oh, no thanks Mr. Steinbrenner.
George: Call me George, Joe. We’ve known each other how long?
Joe: Quite a few years Mr. Steinbrenner. You always indicated that I should address you that way. So why change salutations now?
George: Right. Anyway. What do you think of all this?
Joe: All what, sir?
George: The press. The reports, speculation, all that.
Joe: Oh, I don’t really think too much about it.
George: I just bought a new Rolex for everyone in my family. Look…like it? Solid gold. Everybody got one. Even the grandkids. Want to see? Here, take a look.
Joe: Very nice Mr. Steinbrenner. So, what time is it?
George: What, now? Ha ha ha! Get it? Old Yogi…
Joe: I get it sir. So, what’s on your mind sir?
George: Sure you wouldn’t like some tea?
Joe: No thanks. About my contract sir…
George: Well, since you mentioned it, you’re fired.
Joe: Excuse me? No negotiating? That’s it?
George: Ok, Here’s your deal. I’ll give you a contract that states: you will receive $1000 for every game you win this year. 500 grand if you win the AL East. An extra 5 big if you win the AL Championship. An extra mil if you win the World Series. That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.
Joe: Hmmm. Well, sir, that’s a pretty strange deal. I could wind up making as little as $90,000 for the year. That’s frankly insulting. I can’t agree to that.
George: So in other words, you don’t know how to win it all do you?
Hank: The Yankees have a proud tradition of expecting to win the World Series every year. That’s what this…
Joe: Shut up buttmunch.
George: Alright Joe, there’s no reason to…
Joe: Reason to do what Mr. Bigshot-condescending-directions-to-servants-money-bags-double-knit-wearing-rolex flaunting-tea-sipping-spineless-paranoid-bloviator? Do you really expect me to sit here and take your offensive weirdness like you gave to Dick Howser? Well, I won’t. Don’t need it. Life is too short. I’m out’a here.
George: Ok, ok ok Joe…calm down. Just relax. It was all just a negotiating strategy. I’ll give you 6 mil with a 2 mil bonus if you win it all. Now, feel better?
Joe: Actually, yes I do sir. But you can take that and stuff it in your pocket sir. I won’t be toyed with like that. I’m leaving. Tell the press what you want, I’ll tell’em what I want. DEAL?
George: Well I’m sorry you feel that way Joe. Tell you what…you tell the press you were offered 5 mil and I’ll give you 500 large tip. Then the next sucker, er, manager won’t come in here looking for 6 plus.
Joe: Sure, why not. Deal.
Hank: No hard feelings Joe. It was all just a ploy to…
Joe: Shut up buttmunch. Outa’ here.
(Torre leaves, door closes – Fly lagged behind for a moment)
Hank: Gee dad, he sure is a…
George: Shut up Muttbunch, uh…Buttwunch…uh, Bunlunch…
Hank: Sorry sir. You handled that so well sir. I’m famished. Let’s eat, what say?
George: Call my publicist…
By The Grinch
October 19, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
SG, you are a fly among men. I know that doesn’t quite sound like a compliment…
How ‘bout them Dawgs? They will not lose.
By Phillip Morris
October 19, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Nick Sabin is a hoot….. Imagine, a college coach of a big time football school dissing someone for low standards. I am laughing so hard that I almost wet myself. Next thing you know he will only recruit players with a 4.0 gpa and as SAT score of 1350. That will be when Alabama becomes a devision III school.
USF is playing on a level field, now I know where all the guys who would have played at Miami are suiting up.
By Tyler
October 20, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Lew-I did mention Bonderman’s second half. I said he had a horrible second half, which he definetely did. But he has so much upside and is a hard-throwing 25 year old with experience. Not only that, but he has some postseason experience too. He is 1-0, 3.10 ERA, 20+ IP, 11K in 3 starts. Out of all the options we have, he looks to be one of the better ones. In all likelihood, the most we would get for Renteria is Lowry, Robertson, or maybe Bonderman. There are probably others, too.
By The Grinch
October 20, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
FBG…check your mail…
DOB, your team will not continue to play good football. It does not stand to reason. KANSAS, for god’s sake. The football gods frown upon such things. It’s like St. Johns or Georgetown or Xavier suddenly…I can’t even think about it. Yikes. Cats and dogs living together.
By Savannah Guy
October 20, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
Grinch I’ll gladly accept a compliment on the fly. Looks like a slow night and I’m not far from slipping into that big white envelope myself. G’nite and watch those ears. Oh, and…
Geschätzter Grinch, Mäßigung ist kritisch. Ich muss noch einen Mann treffen, der geistigen Getränk halten konnte sowie eine Flasche konnte.
By jed
October 20, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
hey hey! a vic chesnutt lyric for the ol’ blog! i can die happy. thanks dob!
By The Grinch
October 20, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this
So was versuchst du, zu sagen? Du Amerikaner immer fungierend, als ob du alles wiest.
Take it on the fly; man…
G’night.
By uga-brave
October 20, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this
hey for all of you all that believe we are going to be better next year. heres a thought. what if our so called new corners of the franchise dont improve. what if englebert shows up with a bear claw in his mouth, yeah i mean brian he is well below average as a defensive catcher and he sure took a step back offensively.
as for francouer, i sure hope he turns into HOLLIDAY, but that swing and approach lingers some questions. he is right now adequate, he does not steal bases and his and b macc’s .obp is somewhat lousy. those two guys are the variable. if they improve no worries, but if they regess big problems.
the gwinnett county all-stars are the key to our offense next year, especially if edgar is gone. HOSS is a constant and so is TEX. frenchy and brian have to hit more than 38 combined dingers next year. no excuse for age, they have been starters for close to three years, they are the key.
i do however for as much as i have been critical believe they will be better. if not time to revaluate.
By uga-brave
October 20, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this
oh by the way had dinner at CHOPS still the best steakhouse in town sans BONES. and if you like hand crafted beer there is no better place in atl. than 5 SEASONS on roswell road.
there fest beer and whit beer is second to none. plus the staff is excellent.
By uga-brave
October 20, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this
DOB,
took your advice and saw EASTERN PROMIISES, great movie period. i loved a history of violence and this was better, thanks.
as for INTO THE WILD, read the book, insanity is what it is. hey for a great R.E.M moment dont listen braveheart, i was at the old uptown lounge in athens in 87 the night before we played KY. to see the indigo girls ( because my girlfriend was a fan) after a break stipe, buck, berry and mills did a five song set that was awesome. even better there was like only a hundred people there.
DOB, i am with you on BEGIN THE BEGIN probably their best song.
DOB, i am also a huge replacements fan. sober or not they were always pretty dam good live. TIM.
By Bravo Nam
October 20, 2007 4:26 AM | Link to this
DOB
Enjoyed your column. Thankfully, I don’t think it’s likely that Bobby Cox will have to endure the nonsense that Torre has put up with in New York. Despite the success that Torre has had in New York, the pressure he has been under in recent seasons to retain his job has been ridiculous. If BC had’ve been managing in New York, he would’ve been gone long ago. Thankfully the Braves are a class organization…irrespective of who their owners have been…and have appreciated what a great run BC has given them despite being hampered with a tight budget. I firmly believe BC will never be treated in the undignified manner Torre was in New York.
The ultimate sign of BC’s greatness will be that players and fans will appreciate even more what he did for this team after he leaves.
I also admire BC for his passion and loyalty to the Braves. Just look at his salary over the years…he could’ve demanded more…but he put other things ahead of squeezing every cent possible out of the organisation.
In your blog article, you wrote that you’ll keep your thoughts on whether or not BC should manage as long as he wants to to yourself. You’ve never been backwards in coming forwards, and I see no reason why you should start now. I would love to read your thoughts on the subject.
BY THE WAY, what is your reaction to the latest on T. Hunter…he’s saying he’d love to play in DC and Atlanta…do you think the Braves will make a run at him?
By dragrace79
October 20, 2007 4:55 AM | Link to this
I for one hope they dont make a run at Hunter. Even at, say, 15 mil/yr. That would take a payroll likely north of 100 mil. Payroll may be going up, but it aint going up THAT much, if i had to guess.
By SC Braves Fan
October 20, 2007 5:30 AM | Link to this
DOB, it sounds like you’re getting sentimental about Glavine. As fine a fellow as he may be, his past actions regarding contracts have been about money. That’s why he left the Braves in the first place(and why some of us have a heard time forgiving him).
You’re dreaming thinking he’ll accept less to play here. I think he turned down the final year on his contract with the Mets because he thinks in this market, he’ll make even more as a free agent. While we regular folks can’t fathom that kind of money, even MLB players realize how many zeros come after those numbers.
I predict Glavine goes after one last, big, pay day and it won’t be with the Braves.
By dragrace79
October 20, 2007 6:16 AM | Link to this
SC Braves fan, As much as I can appreciate your point based on Glavine’s past actions, I see this attempt to have the opportunity to play at “home” again as genuine. I would have to imagine a man of his wealth and accomplishments would want to play the game on his own terms, and those terms being within a distance to sleep in the same bed as his wife and to see his kids often. He likely wants to erase that taste from his mouth after the Mets epic collapse. I am neither an advocate nor an opponent of his signing- if there is a younger option at his price, I’ll take it. Now, baseball economics as they are, I doubt there will be. So, that being said, I don’t think Glavine is making a ploy to get a raise (which no one will give him anyway). Unless a cheaper, younger option arises (and another team doesn’t scoop him up), the smart money, in my opinion, is that you have your third starter for next year, like it or not. Barring a trade for the younger, cheaper guy- and assuming a 6-8 mill salary- he is the best value to be had on this years free agent pitching market.
By ncscoots
October 20, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
The Glavine thing is all about perspective, I guess. If the Braves were already solid at 1-4 and seeking someone to fill out the rotation at a reasonable price, then sign Glavine and hurrah says I. But to slot him at 3, as some here do, just seems a precarious proposition to me.
Playoff math is pretty simple…play .600+ in the starts from 1-3, and play .500 in the starts from 4-5. I just can’t find the confidence that Glavine can deliver the former.
If Hampton is able to pitch at all, he’s gonna be in the rotation. And who here thinks the Braves will REALLY start three lefties in a row at the back of the rotation? So get a quality arm, a righty, first. If that’s all that’s acquired, Braves could still be solid. If Glavine is all that’s acquired, I don’t think you can say the same.
By Joe Fan
October 20, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
DOB, went to the Over the Rhine show in Greenville last night. Amazing! Really was, if you go to the Atlanta show you wont be dissappointed.
By ncscoots
October 20, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this
but [Bonderman] is very capable of being a solid #2, maybe a #1.
Uh, no. Bonderman has pitched 200 innings…once; has an ERA under league average…once; a WHIP over 1.3; and a K/BB ratio of about 2.5.
Jake Peavy, an actual ace, has pitched 200+ innings thrice (and 194 in another year); has an ERA under league average 5 years in a row; a WHIP just over 1.1; and a K/BB ratio just about 3.
Bonderman hit the bigs in 2003, Peavy in 2002, so these stats cover basically the same time frame. Bonderman is a little younger, so there’s a chance he could get better, yes. But he’s shown no tendency that would lead you to believe he’s more than a good, solid mid-rotation pitcher.
By David O'Brien
October 20, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
SC Braves Fan: Uh, no. Not dreaming. Telling you what I’ve been told by someone very, very close to the situation. Believe if it you want to, matters not to me.
And sentimental? I started covering team in 2002. Only had one season with Glavine on the team. So that part, I really don’t care about.
But thanks for sharing your analysis of the situation and my reporting of it.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 20, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
journalist believes tom glavine desires to sew the union label on a braves cap next season. jimmy smith would not be in favor of this. first, tom glavine left atlanta to expand tom glavine’s horizons and tom glavine’s checking account. new york is the place to do that. why leave now?
remember, tom glavine made it a point to visit museums and galleries and theatres when touring new york to see if the city could offer cultural delights not available here - and to be photographed and portrayed as someone looking for more refinement than was available in atlanta. tom glavine found panacea in new york.
yes, tom glavine found happiness in new york and surely tom glavine purchased lifetime memberships at all the fine cultural attractions. now, why come back to atlanta? varsity? zoo? thrashers?
is it because the ny fans are turning on tom glavine like jackals that tom glavine wishes to return? is it because cold ring finger has robbed tom glavine of the 83 mph fastball?
making the sacrifice to leave all the cultural benefits of new york to return to atlanta is something we must not ask of tom glavine.
do not forget that tom glavine spurned atlanta and the team tom glavine grew up with for money and for fame. tom glavine apparently liked appearing in the new york papers - and tom glavine certainly had some newspaper exposure at the very end of this season. oh, the humanity! did tom glavine have some newspaper exposure!
they say absence makes the heart grow fonder but this journalist is not yet fond of tom glavine. may take some more time. time spent by tom glavine in new york.
those who say acquiring tom glavine will strengthen the braves and weaken the mets must remember that tom glavine is almost as old as grinch and bringing in a 42 year old with declining skills cannot be the answer. the mets will merely find a live young arm that will replace tom glavine and the mets will be better for this that one man scorned and covered with scars still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star … sorry, journalist got off track there for a minute.
saturday is baking day and let’s hope flbravesgirl is working on some cakes this morning.
By Tom Glavine
October 20, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
But Jimmy you must remember that when Tom Glavine left there was no blog and Tom Glavine was deprived of reading the musings of the Journalist Jimmy Smith. Now there is a blog and there are the musings of the Journalist Jimmy Smith. Tom Glavine is returning to Atlanta to become closer to the Journalist Jimmy Smith. The Journalist Jimmy Smith will provide Tom Glavine with cultural entertainment, nourishment, and enlightenment Tom Glavine and his wife and children can not find anywhere else. Thank you Journalist Jimmy Smith. Tom Glavine returns not for you but because of you, Journalist Jimmy Smith.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 20, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
journalist will go outside now. blog seems to be infested at this time. have a good day, all.
By Tom Glavine
October 20, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
my return to atlanta is worthy of being called infestation?
By Baseball Giy
October 20, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
bye bye Joe
Insult me with 5 million dollars
best team in baseball, and they lose in the first round year after year.
Joe is a nice guy but a mediocre manager
By ck
October 20, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Bonderman needs a mentor like Smoltz who also struggled early in his creer. Does anyone recall the red chirted doctor sitting behind home plate where Smoltz could see him and stay in control?
I would love to see bonderman come in and have Smoltz and Glavine to reel in his issues.
By Savannah Guy
October 20, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
why come back to atlanta? varsity? zoo? thrashers?
Tommy is in a pickle. Could Tommy be longing for the Atlanta Botanical Garden? Margaret Mitchell House? Has he seen the Aquarium? That could be a new attraction for him (does baby seal like?) Prefer peach pie to apple pie? Better pickle brine? So many attractions yet so many questions…
By Tyler
October 20, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Scoots-I didn’t say he is an ace, I was just pointing out he has the capability to be a front of the rotation guy. We would be sticking him at #3 most likely where he definetely is capable of posting a solid year. His 05 and 06 seasons were solid being a young pitcher, and despite his horrible second half this year I think he’s gonna turn it around. He has all the tools-he just needs to put them together.
By Tyler
October 20, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Bonderman’s 06 Highlights from mlb.com:
Established career highs with 34 games started, 214.0 innings pitched and 202 strikeouts in his fourth season with the Tigers…Tied for the lead in the American League with 34 games started, while he was second with 202 strikeouts and 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings, eighth with 3.16 strikeouts per walk and ninth with 214.0 innings pitched…His 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings are third-highest in Tigers single-season history…Fanned 202 batters during the season, becoming the first Tigers pitcher to strike out at least 200 batters in a season since Jack Morris fanned 208 batters in 1987…Rated as possessing the second-best slider in the American League by Baseball America…Posted a career-best six-game winning streak June 3- July 24, compiling a 2.54 ERA (67.1IP/19ER) over the 10- start stretch…Fanned 12 batters in consecutive starts June 14 versus Tampa Bay and June 19 at Milwaukee, becoming the first Tigers pitcher to post consecutive outings with 12-or-more strikeouts since Mickey Lolich fanned 14 batters in backto- back starts July 31 and August 4, 1971 — Bonderman fanned six straight batters in his outing on June 19, the first Tigers pitcher to do so since Nelson Cruz also struck out six consecutive batters on July 8, 2000 at Milwaukee…Earned Tigers Pitcher of the Month honors for June after finishing 2-0 with a 1.77 ERA (35.2IP/7ER) in five starts during the month — tied for the league lead during June with 44 strikeouts, while he was third with a 1.77 ERA and sixth with a .201 batting average against (27x134)…Lost a season-high four straight decisions July 30- September 10…Tied for second in the American League with four wins during July, while he was third with 38 strikeouts — compiled a 4-1 record and 3.66 ERA (39.1IP/16ER) in six starts during the month…Fanned 37 batters during August, tied for fifth-most in the league…in six starts during the month, he was 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA (36.2IP/22ER)…Started 18 games prior to the All-Star break, posting an 8-4 record with a 3.46 ERA (119.2IP/46ER) — fourth in the American League with 111 strikeouts prior to the All-Star break…finished 6-4 with a 4.87 ERA (94.1IP/51ER) in 16 starts following the break.
He definetely has the potential. And he was rated with the second best slider in the AL. Put him with Smoltz and he could be solid.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Tyler-Bonderman did, indeed go 9-1 early in the season. He went 2-8 with an 8.23 ERA from July 24 until they shut him down in early September with acknowledged arm soreness. Shut him down for the month of the stretch drive while they were still in the race (despite Bonderman’s performance). Lowrey, another pitcher who keeps being mentioned in trade scenarios, also missed the last month of the season with elbow issues. Now, if all Edgar Renteria is worth to the Braves is sore armed, injured pitchers whose performance actually sucked at crunch time (for whatever the reasons), then we are in some deep excrement, y’all. Think of what everyone’s reaction to Hampton’s injuries, Chipper’s injuries, McCann’s injuries, Gonzo’s injuries are then tell me this is a great idea.
Maybe it’s time to do a bit of realistic evaluation before running out there looking for what ever sore armed hopeful might be available (likely because they ARE sore armed). This is flipping stupid.
By Tyler
October 20, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Lew-Maybe Bonderman was pitching so badly because of an injury, who knows. He has been evaluated and said he does not need surgery, but again, who knows. If he does and he lets it heal, he has a lot of potential. Would you rather trade for a prospect who might never play a day in the bigs? I don’t see a lot of options. And to me, a team with Edgar at SS and Escobar platooning is not as good as a team with Escobar at SS and Bonderman as a solid #3.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Tyler-Thanks for pointing out all of the positive stats (extremely cherry picked, though they are), but let’s look at Bonderman realistically. He went 11-9 with a good team last year. He had an ERA for the season of 5.01, a WHIP of 1.38 and an average against of .278. Not all that great, is it? Wait, you say what about for his career? An ERA of 4.78, a WHIP of 1.37 and an average against of .268. Still not all that great.
Now let’s look a bit more closely. He pitched on five days rest most of the season-every SIX days. He was shut down for 15 days in May and another entire month in September. This doesn’t scream CAUTION to you? A guy who has arm issues and pitches on a six man rotational basis three quarters of the time?
I don’t care what he did in 06. I don’t care what he did early in the season. He has injury issues and can’t pitch reliably in a five man rotation. That’s what the Braves need and that’s not what the indications are that he can give us. Find someone else to trade the league’s number 4 leading hitter and a perennial All Star to. This dog won’t hunt, Dude.
By Tyler
October 20, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
I saw on Braves-nation the possibility of trading for Wladimir Balentien of the Mariners. They said Adam Jones would be too tough to get but Balentien could be had for maybe Chuck James. His splits were as follows: 291/.363/.509 showing in Triple-A Tacoma, with 3 consecutive 20 HR seasons. If we secure a quality arm that could be a possibility.
By Niekro35
October 20, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Bonderman is a power pitcher, and that’s what we need. If the Tigers will part with him, Wren should go for it, though I hope that’s not just a straight Renteria-Bonderman trade. The Braves need to start stockpiling arms, and the Tiger’s organization is pretty deep in that regard. Renteria/Thorman/Prado-Bonderman/Miller/Cody would be a great trade.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 20, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
understand the braves are looking at a guy named dalilama this week. pitcher. american league?
By Tyler
October 20, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Lew-I would love to trade Edgar for Blanton, but it won’t happen. We couldn’t even get Arroyo for Renteria. A healthy Bonderman to me would do fine in Atlanta. He has great stuff. Maybe he wasn’t pitched in September because his team was out of it and there was no point in risking his injury. But whatever, I want Bonderman and you don’t. It probably won’t happen, but I wouldn’t be against it if it did.
By JC FROM UT
October 20, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Would anyone out there take Rich Hill in exchange for Edgar? Maybe Chicago would even throw in Jacque Jones.
By count_schemula
October 20, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
I’d like to be more into the Tom Glavine thing.
But what really killed it for me, was that last game for the Mets. With an opportunity to cement his Mets legacy, he did exactly that giving up 7 in the first. I’d just rather have a couple of younger cheaper arms and hope that one of them steps up.
Also, I <3 Smoltz, but he’s at that point where he could throw a pitch, grimace, shake his arm and walk off the mound for the last time injured. He has big heart, and if there’s a way, he’ll figure it out, but, the shoulder, the elbow, the age, the innings… it’s a race against time.
The starting rotation needs more of an overhaul than some patchwork moves.
By JC FROM UT
October 20, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Tyler: I agree about Blanton. No way Billy Beane gives Blanton for Renteria. He may give up Blanton for Brandon Jones and Tommy Hanson, or he may go stright up for Yunel.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Tyler-Maybe had an injury? Dude, the guy missed six weeks, two on the DL and the other four, the only reason they DIDN’T DL him was because it was in September. NO ONE goes on the DL after rosters are expanded. So the guy has potential? So what? So does Chuck James, so does JoJo Reyes, so does Jeff Bennett. So do lot’s of players. Even taking all of the injury potential aside for the moment, the guy started 28 games last season. 12 of those starts were on five or more days’ rest. He is not a five man rotation guy. How can you possibly pencil him in as a number two starter, Dude.
You ask me who I’d rather trade for? I really haven’t figured it out yet. The off season just started. However, I do know that trying to trade an All Star Shortstop who just hit .330 for a pitcher who has had and (since he isn’t having surgery) is likely to have injury issues again, is foolishness personified. We need a pitcher who can step in and give us a quality start every five days. Not every six days. Not every seven days. And NOT go on the DL for six weeks and DEFINITELY not for a month in September.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Tyler-You’re grasping at straws here, Dude. Didn’t want to risk an injury when they were out of it? My God-do you realize just how wrong you are? They were in the Wild Card race until the final week of the season and they shut him down September 4. You’re damned right I don’t want Bonderman. The guy is a Tommy John surgery waiting to happen. Do I need to remind you of the fact that Mike Gonzalez missed the last month of 06 with elbow issues? Just how did THAT one end up playing out for the Braves?
One of the definitions of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results. Good thing you aren’t the new GM. This guy scares me with his injury potential and you want to trade Edgar for him. Were is the sense in that, for crying out loud?
By JC FROM UT
October 20, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Lew: absolutely right about Bonderman. Detroit just didn’t shut him down at that point of the season. If Detroit wants Edgar they are going to have to get a 3rd team involved who has a pitcher the Braves want. Maybe Edgar goes to Detroit, Fernado Rodney and Zach Minor to Pittsburgh and Ian Snell and Nate McLouth to Atlanta.
By Britney
October 20, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
You guys kill me. Always having pitcher envy. Get a grip, keep your nose out of the other guy’s bag an play your own game.
By Tyler
October 20, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
You tell me Lew, which is better? Edgar at SS with Escobar platooning, or Escobar at SS with a solid #3. You don’t want Bonderman, and some do. I’m not gonna argue with you.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
JC-I’m not so sure there will be any kind of three way deal. Like DOB says, they just don’t happen in baseball all that much. However, you’re suggestion of Rich Hill IS interesting. The only drawback is he’s a LHP and if we get Glavine, we are overloaded on LHP. Of course, if we got Hlll, we could try to trade James or Reyes. I would hate to trade either, but definitely DON’T want to trade JoJo. I think that kid will be a good one soon. If he grows a set of brass ones, and becomes less afraid to challenge hitters, he will be good VERY soon.
Nonetheless, Hill would be a good pickup, but I don’t think they’ll ship us Jones in the deal-not just for Edgar, anyway.
By Tyler
October 20, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Hill would be a great pikcup but yeah there aren’t many 3 ways-never know though. I’ll bet you the Braves get a starter this year that none of us really talk about much.
By chrisklob
October 20, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Tyler, this argument doesn’t seem to be about trading Renteria. It seems to be about who to trade him for. Yes, Bonderman does seem to have a lot of upside, but, and it’s a very, very big but, he’s got certain issues regarding his health that throw up huge red flags. I think Lew is right, he’s a TJ surgery waiting to happen.
The downfall of this team this year was a lack of decent SP in the back end of the order. Do you really want to add a guy to the roster that can’t make 33-35 starts next year? Seems like deja vu all over again to me.
With the emergence of Escobar this year, Renteria is expendable. That sounds cold, especially as good as he was but it’s a reality. Wherever he goes, they’ve got to get a good, healthy arm in return. Not some guy we “hope” is going to be good.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Tyler-I would be just as happy keeping Edgar and platooning Escobar. For God’s sake-Yunel has played in all of 90 somethings ML games. Yes, he has potential and Yes, he looked good. However, half a season is barely enough track record to dump an All Star who just hit .330 for. Chipper, unfortunately, will likely miss substantial time again. You going to trust Aybar to sub like Yunel did? Good flipping luck, Dude.
As far as a number three-a good number three. Yes, we could use a good number three that will help for more than a year. Yes, it might take Renteria to shake loose someone of that stature. I’m quite aware of the possibility and willing to deal with it-for the RIGHT number three. Based on Bonderman’s performance last year, I just don’t see him right now as a solid number three. His stats were much worse than Chuck James’ were and he was injured for 1/4 of the season. You might like to take a chance on having yet another injured pitcher, but after seeing how THAT scenario turned out the past two years (injuries to Hampton, Smoltz, James, Cormier, Gonzo et al), I’m not willing to give up that much for that little in return. The fact that you are just shows me you don’t do very accurate analysis, or you haven’t been paying attention to what’s happened in the recent past. Like I said-we took that chance on Gonzo, despite his injury history and look how that turned out. To do so again-especially after only a couple of months is stupid.
By Tyler
October 20, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Chrisklob and Lew-Yes, Bonderman has health issues. But he has not been plagued by health issues. If his injuries this year are adressed, then he will be fine. He made 34 starts in 06, 29 in 05, and 32 in 04. He is a risk, I know. But I wouldn’t be against having him. I got a little carried away on him, but he would be a good pickup, IMO.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
Tyler-Dude, Let him address those injury issues in Detroit, not Atlanta. I guarantee if we pick him up and he goes down again, you’ll be one of the first b!tch!ng and moaning about injured pitchers. However, you’ll just be one of many. Yu want to come up with something that might actually work out in our favor, figure a way to talk Pittsburgh out of Snell or Gorzelany. Then you might actually get a good pitcher.
It just mystifies me that you could think a pitcher who missed six weeks- including the last month of a stretch drive- while posting an 8.23 ERA for the final 2 1/2 months of the season and needs an extra days’ rest between starts is anywhere close to a good pickup. He has problems we don’t need. We have too many problems of our own in that regard already.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
You know what? At the rate things are going, it all might just be a moot point. We may not even get the World Series played until December or January the way things are shaping up (or NOT shaping up as the case may be). It’s time to get things moving again. Colorado may grow old and gray (or covered with snow drifts) before they get to play again. Whoever scheduled this postseason doesn’t have a clue. It has been close to a disaster.
By chrisklob
October 20, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Lew, Obviously, Selig had the folks from the scheduling department in the NBA develop the post-season schedule this year.
I feel badly for the Rockies. They may lose any momentum they had with the long layoff.
By Braves4Ever
October 20, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Bonderman is a two pitch pitcher also. He also seems to be a little clueless according to some on the Tiger’s blog. “a 90% talent, with a 10% brain” was one description. Course these are bloggers and we know how smart they can be, huh?
By Navigator
October 20, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
Cox still holding on at 80, because the Braves don’t have the guts to say good by. Torre was cut after losing in the play offs two years in a row, Cox’ team hasn’t even come close in the last two years. Let’s also remember that Torre’s team whipped Cox’s 8-2 in two world series games. If Torre had been the Braves manager during the Braves run, you can figure two more championships. Now if the Braves had any gonads, they would offer Torre the Braves job for three years. He will get this team ready to move forward, whether he wins a world series or not. Don’t forget, that after Cox was fired the first time from Braves, Torre took them to a division win. Only stupid management ever let him get away.
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna have to start drinkin early t’day,Why in the blue ginnets would anyone want to keep C.James???Guy throws nothin but JUNK!!!!
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Navigator ARE YOU A DUMB@SS or What? in 1982 Joe Torre took Bobby Cox’ team to the Playoffs!before he had a 200 million dollar payroll his record as a manager SUCKED..Know your facts before you open that dimwitted Pie Hole of yours!!!
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
I’LL take my chances with Cox anyday of the week!!Torre sucked with the Mutts,sucked with the Braves,sucked wit the Cardinals…..Fact not Fiction… He absolutely burns up more bullpens than Cox ever thought about!!!
By Amber
October 20, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Joe Torre and Bobby Cox are two of baseball’s true class acts. It’s a pity they don’t get more respect.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 20, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
as bloggers will see by going to the braves page on ajc.com, joe torre has broken a cardinal rule.
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
I just love Ignorance,some people here,If B.Cox had perrnial,Cy Young winners at all 5 rotation spots,and .300 30hr types at every position with a lights out pen,He probably could have sat back like Joe,and enjoyed a couple more series wins……but instead He had to choose between pitching,or Hitting,never both at the same time!!!!like I said Know your facts and don’t just jump on Robots coat tails and spout off ignorance!!!
By Wizard of Oz
October 20, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
if joebrave only had a brain…
By mo in the boonies
October 20, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
DOB Mo In The Boonies, since you’re apparently in the boonies, we’ll fill you in: The Braves have never played in anything called Atlanta Braves Stadium. It’s Turner Field. They used to play in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
The Esteemed Braves Beat Reporter misunderstood my reference. I meant the stadium wherein the Braves play baseball, not the formal name of the stadium, which of course, as even those of us who live in the “boonies” knows very well is Turner field. I’m sorry for not being more precise in my wording, I’ll try to do better in the future. wry grin
Joe Torre is 67 years old,that ain’no spring chicken,it is a walking case of Alzheimers waiting to happen…..
Hmmmm…methinks Bobby Cox is 67 years old also…..
Savannah Guy I’m neither self-conscious nor paranoid, I transferred my post to you from the old blog because it was the very last one on that blog, and I thought it was important, at least to me, or maybe only to me, to see that it was read. And your post did concern me, and anyone else on here that doesn’t agree with your assessment of JS. Others understood where I was coming from, and if you don’t then…. and if you don’t want to be called on some of your pontificating, then don’t step on my toes. This is my final word on this subject. We can be friends or we can be enemies, or we can co-exist and not address each other, your choice.
Wayne Agree to disagree is fine…never object to difference of opinions, it would be a damn boring world if everyone agreed. Just if someone implies I’m an idiot for mine. If you can prove I’m wrong about something…then that’s fine too. No problem.
jjs Trust me, you sir, are no idiot.
I may seem to be a little late with some of my responses to people on this blog, but I’m not on the blog in the evenings or at night. No offence, but I prefer to spend that time with my spouse, and dog and cat. I also do not blog when the ballgames are on, I prefer to concentrate only on the games.
By David O'Brien
October 20, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Navigator, since when does being offered a one-year, $5 mill contract plus incentive connote being “cut”? Because that’s the contract the Yankees offered Torre for next season. He turned it down.
As someone else suggested, you really do need to check your facts a little better.
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Wizard of Oz,if you only had some Guts!!!Trash talkin on a blog real big Man or should I say @sshole,And the Esteemed Mr.Cox,is 65 not67…Like I said IGNORANCE!!!!
By Jared
October 20, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna have to start drinkin early t’day,Why in the blue ginnets would anyone want to keep C.James???Guy throws nothin but JUNK!!!!
Because young pitching is valuable. Chuck James is 25 years old, has a career 22-14 record in the majors with a 4.00 ERA.
For all the stuff written about James, he is an average third starter and an above average fourth or fifth starter. Putting him that fourth/fifth slot in a rotation with Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine and either Hampton or another starter acquired is a strong rotation.
Smoltz/Hudson/Glavine/James/Hampton
or
Smoltz/Hudson/NewGuy (Blanton, Haren or whoever)/Glavine/James
Either would currently be the best in the NL East.
By Shaun Payne
October 20, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Navigator, I agree that the Yankees didn’t go out of their way to resign Torre and that he is a fine manager but are you really that certain that Torre would have won more World Series as Braves manager than Bobby Cox? Look at Torre’s record when he’s not managing the Yankees (not that I think he was the only responsible party in those situations).
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 20, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
Keep James ? Jared , thats the first intelligent thing you have said in a week.
By Shaun Payne
October 20, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Jared, very well said. For all the grief James gets, he’s a decent major league starter. Yes, if you expect him to be a Cy Young contender every season, you are going to be disappointed but the man is a major league pitcher.
As far as talent level look at James next to Paul Byrd. What was Byrd doing at 23-25? And I think most people wouldn’t have minded Byrd as a four or fifth starter or maybe even a third in 2007. In fact, Byrd is the third or fourth-best starter for a team that quite possibly is going to win the AL pennant.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 20, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
IF the fifth spot were to be decided between Chuck James or Jeff Bennett. I say , Bennett , no question whatsoever. By the way , James ,Reyes , Bennett and Cormier all have an optional assignment for 2008.
By Bubba
October 20, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
The “old ball coach” has been putting some bad words on the Dawgs, but the Dawgs didn’t lose to Vandy like he just did!!
By mo in the boonies
October 20, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox was born on May 21, 1941 shortly after the new season rolls around he will be 67. Doesn’t mean he is senile though, there are probably guys on this blog who are that old.
By Tommy Who?
October 20, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
See Me. Feel Me. Touch Me. Heal Me.
Listening To You, I Get The Music.
Gazing At You, I Get The Heat.
Following You, I Climb The Mountains.I Get Excitement At Your Feet.
Right Behind You, I See The Millions.
On You, I See The Glory.
From You, I Get Opinions.
From You, I Get The Story.
By Bubba
October 20, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
there are probably guys on this blog who are that old.
And Boonie in the Mo, what is your whiny, cry-baby point?
By mo in the boonies
October 20, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
My point is Bubba just because you are 67 doesn’t necessarily mean you are senile…of course in your case I could be mistaken.
Now I’m going to depart to have my supper and watch the baseball game. sob…sob
By Kenny
October 20, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
Why bring back a pitcher who has no value anywhere else? Nobody wants Tom Glavine playing a prominent roll in their pitching staff. And he only wants to come to Atlanta. And only Cox, Jones, and Smoltz really want him in the ATL - and that’s more for nostalgia than anything else.
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
Why mo I didn’t think you cared!!! You must really be in the boonies….Good to know Bobby’s birthdate tho,maybe I’ll send Him a Birthday Card!!! He is However a baseball GENIOUS!!!!!
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
My point Exactly Kenny,why not unload some wannabe’s for some Decent pitching?????
By journalist jimmy smith
October 20, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
ajc.com headline: Two eye buying Vick house
is two eye the same as t.i.? and is either one the hitting coach of these atlanta braves?
all these initials and street names are confusing to this journalist. good thing there is only one dob.
and isn’t most everyone two eye? one eye would be more unusual. like one eye bart, the pirate. not pittsburgh pirate, real pirate.
and journalist has been enjoying a fine devils food cake with cherry pie filling inside. most unusual and most tasty. baby seal has been begging for some of this cake but jimmy smith is not inclined to share.
and journalist is reminded of deviled ham and wonders why it tastes nothing like devils food cake.
and here’s a stocking stuffer idea for dob: little cans of deviled ham for that special someone. just the right size.
and now, journalist is hanging by a thread. sure to be banned now.
and tom glavine singing with the missing front tooth … “wook fowah the union wabel …”
g’night gracie. g’night george. g’night journalist bob. g’night all.
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
And Mo my post was not a discredit to the Senior Circuit on this here blog,what it is,Is what it is,Joe Torre is a product of his Team,Bobby Cox teams are a Prouct of Him!!! That is fact,Yes I will agree both are getting into the Twilight,but here is the difference,Bobby has no Heart problems,Joe on the other hand does…And irregardless of anyone’s opinion Age does Matter!!! I merely stated,in not so many words,Should Bobby hang it up,Joe Torre is not the Answer here!! that is a fact,there are only two People aptly qualified,to take His place,they are Terry Pendleton,and Ned Yost!!!that my Friend is Fact!!!! Hell even Ted Turner,admitted his mistake and Corrected it,when He stated FIRING Bobby Cox was the biggest mistake He ever made!!!!!!
By Miss Manners
October 20, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
He is However a baseball GENIOUS!!!!!
Takes one to know one!
By Lew
October 20, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
Mo=See what happens when you tell everyone you’re being ignored? You don’t always get the recognition you thought you would.
Hey Joe Brave-How are the Kiddies doing today, Dude? You know, we might just be able to get Johann Santana from the Twins for Thorman and Aybar, don’t you think? For sure if we throw in Cormier.
By Braves4Ever
October 20, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Could mo in the boonies be Robert’s illegitimate kid???? hmmmmm………
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
Lew top of the afternoon my Friend,They are fine,I think that might be a reach for Santana,might not be for Blanton… The chilren are being children today,thanks for asking!!!
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
Well lookie here if it aint Miss Manners,I wonder what it takes to get a bottom feeding trashbag troll tramp out on a day like this????????
By Bubba
October 20, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
And my point Boonie, is that only my penile is senile, the rest of me is sharp as a tack. Or, have you noticed? And I can’t speak for BC, but I haven’t laid down a bunt with that thing in years.
By Miss Manners
October 20, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
I don’t know, JoeBrave. Is that a riddle? We have had our differences, haven’t we?
I feel badly for having selected a six-word sentence that has capitalization, spelling, and punctuation errors.
A more feeling person would have selected a shorter sentence with fewer errors. Forgive me.
By Miss Manners
October 20, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
JoeBrave, I might normally wear you out but I read about the kids. I am sorry they are ill. I wish them both good health. You and I can be friends from here on out. Just mind your manners. Your friend, Miss Manners
By mr baseball
October 20, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
If the Braves are seriously thinking about bringing Glavine back, I suggest a few other deals to give the team a fresh new look. Forget Bonderman. Escobar or Renteria to the Tigers for Kenny Rogers. To clear a little payroll and fill the hole in CF, Hudson & Reyes to the Phillies for Moyer & Victorino. A lot of Schuerholz’ boldest deals involved trading for speed (Lofton, Michael Tucker, Reggie Sanders, Quilvio Veras), so why wouldn’t Wren want to follow in such distinguished footsteps.
A rotation of Smoltz, Glavine, Rogers, Moyer and Hampton or James. 4 guys over 40, 4 lefty soft tossers. The manager will be in hog heaven. Ditto having a leadoff hitter with speed. Get rid of James and maybe Leo will consider coming back so he doesn’t have to deal with any of those recalcitrant 20-somethings. Wouldn’t that be perfect?
By keylargo25
October 20, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
Here’s a trivia question for all Atlanta Braves fans. What does Tom Glavine have in common with Chuckie James, Buddy Carlyle, JoJo Reyes, Lance Cormier, Anthony Larew, and Jeff Bennett?
Give up?
Well, both groups had 23 QUALITY STARTS last year. You know, when you start a game, go at least 6 innings, give up three or less runs, and in general give your team a REAL CHANCE to win the game.
While we are talking stats, the group with James, Carlyle, Reyes, Cormier, Larew, and Bennett had 74 starts.
Tom Glavine had 34 starts. You do the math.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 20, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
If the Tigers would do it , I would trade Renteria for Zach Miner and Cameron Maybin. That’s killing two birds with one stone.
By Braves4Ever
October 20, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
Coach, the Tigers feel they have a gaping hole in LF. Might have to add B Jones and/ or Cody Johnson to get that done. I don’t know just guessing Braves get Maybin and Miner Tigers get B Jones/or Johnson plus Renteria.
???? Just thinking out loud….
By Braves4Ever
October 20, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
Not sure though that Miner is the pitcher I’d want. I’d prefer Bonderman, Robertson, or even Miller before Miner
By Lew
October 20, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
Braves4Ever-They aren’t going to give up Brandon Jones. This kid is going to be our left fielder for years to come. He is good and will only get better. The Braves have claimed that Escobar and Brandon Jones are not going to be traded.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
Braves4Evewr-Did you even pay attention to the discussion earlier today about Bonderman? Go back and check it out. If you would trade a .330 hitter for a guy with a 5.01 ERA and six weeks disabled, including the month of September during a pennant race, you’ve lost your mind.
By a
October 20, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
trade coach to the tigers blog for a blogger with a clue
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 20, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Vanderbilt 17 South Carolina 7. Now , when I think about the Bulldogs loss to Steve Spurrier earlier this season , today’s game makes me sick to my stomach even more.
By Braves4Ever
October 20, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Lew, all I did was muse about Coach’s proposal. I don’t want Bonderman, he is a two pitch pitcher. But at least he is a starter where Miner has mostly been in relief. I would prefer Snell or Gorzelanny, or maybe Haren or Blanton myself. I wouldn’t give up B Jones either, but again in response to Coach stated that I thought it would take at least that to get both Maybin and Miner. Maybe you should go back and reread a few posts.
We are offering ideas for discussion. No reason “anything “can’t be discussed and a high and mighty attitude doesn’t do anybody much good.
Thankfully none of us will be making the decisions, just living with them, but it’s fun to speculate
By mark richt
October 20, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
when i read your posts i get sick to my stomach even more coach
By Choppinmama
October 20, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
jjs: Who told you Tom found panacea in NY? If you consult your Rand McNally, I think you’ll find panacea is in the FL panhandle, right down the road from choppinmama’s retirement abode.
If Tom happens to come by looking for panacea, I’ll head him back north towards ATL (after he signs every piece of TG memorabilia in my possession - especially on a bat with “chick dig the long ball”).
I’d like him back in the family for a year, think he’ll make a valuable contribution from the ol’ bump. (I always use baseball terms like bump, can of corn, tater, crow hop, rope, dish, etc. when blogging with journalists.)
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 20, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
Bonderman’s career numbers are fairly M-E-D-I-O-C-R-E. His numbers : 56-62 with an ERA of 4.78 , the team record in his 151 starts: 71 wins 80 losses. He has three years and 33.5 million remaining on his current contract. Bonderman is a tough competitor with good command and great stuff including a mid 90’s fastball , nasty slider and a splitter he added last season. He missed the last 19 games of the season with an elbow injury and he has a history of arm , shoulder ailments and blister problems. If it were not for the arm and elbow issues I would think about a trade. As it is , with the remaining 33.5 million , three years and arm/elbow issues.I say , NO WAY IN HELL.
By Bubba
October 20, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
*mark richt
October 20, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
when i read your posts i get sick to my stomach even more coach*
“mark richt”, do you also write English?
By Choppinmama
October 20, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
Mr Fly: Kudos and congratulations for being on top of breaking baseball news, no matter what team is involved. Interesting exchanges from the Torre contract.
To paraphrase……. Yankees: “Here Joe, we’ll give you this.”
Torre: “I’m insulted. No thanks. See ya’”
Proud Yankee career over.
I watched the Bronx Zoo marathon yesterday, and thought I saw what must have been an intrepid grandfather or father fly in several scenes in Steinbrenner’s and Martin’s offices, and even once on a close-up of Mr. October at the plate. There he was, right there on the cap bill, up close and personal. Who was he reporting for back in those days?
They’d be proud of your work this season, Mr. Fly. You too, Interpreter Savannah Guy.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 20, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
Dear Mark Richt , your O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D.
By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]
October 20, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
Coco Crisp will be benched for game 6 tonight….still the best CF in the game…just can’t hit during the playoffs…in other words, a perfect fit for the Braves! ;)
By Bubba
October 20, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Cooch Y-o-u-‘r-e o-v-e-r-s-t-a-t-e-d and grammatically incorrect.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 20, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
hello, choppinmama! jimmy smith is happy to have a geography lesson from choppinmama. and journalist would have no problem with tom glavine moving to panacea, fl - just keep tom glavine away from the ted.
journalist has seen the young tom glavine pitch some good games - boring, but good. and journalist watched tom glavine pitch a gem in the w.s. but jimmy smith remembers all the playoff flops, too. flop, flop, flop, flop. go home. and choppinmama, tom glavine does not sign memorabilia - tom glavine affixes the union label.
now, jimmy smith will exit with famous baseball terms: cheese. also, pickle. tater, too. rhubarb is another. can of corn. journalist is now going down to dinner.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 20, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith The devil you say? I guess the devil is in the details….. And is deviled ham the same as ham salad?
By journalist jimmy smith
October 20, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
and here is some baseball news: ex-braves exec and now gm of the kc royals, dayton moore, has hired trey hillman to manage the kc team. moore was with the braves for a long time, but did not hire t.p., t.i., fredi, ned, or anybody else trained by bobby cox. moore hired trey hillman, formerly of the yankees organization and now with the famous nippon ham fighters. see, rather have a ham fighter than a braves coach as new manager. and what of the new york yankees? will the yankees seek to hire t.p. or ned or fredi? of course not.
and now, deviled ham is a most curious item. a google search will reveal much about deviled ham.
By Choppinmama
October 20, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
jjs: Choppinmama has seen many a flop herself, but am willing to give the Glav one more season in a Braves uni. Can’t complain about sore arms, groin strains, oblique pulls, toe trifles, only false teeth. Not to be confused with long in the tooth, however - a dental condition Tom has not reached quite yet.
I like the term rejuvination.
And how in the havarti did I leave cheese and rhubarb off my list?
By Paula D
October 20, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Well Jawl, who would have thought it? Big, fat, butta-lovin me would threaten someone so much that I would have posts deleted from this blog thingy. Talk about a little man’s syndrone.
Well jawl, I hope the Indians win, but I forget why. Oh yeah, I’m sick of the NY press talkin about the NE. Not that Ohio is that far away. It’s a fine line, but someone’s got to draw it.
And jawl, anyone that is against Coach Richt is going to burn in HELL. No doubt about that.
By Lew
October 20, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Braves4Ever-Dude, nothing high and mighty about it. If I was getting high and mighty you would for sure know it. I, too would prefer Gorzelany or Snell. Just got tired of hearing Bonderman’s name mentioned yet again. Thought we had pretty well gotten it out there that the guy is an injury waiting to happen. I misunderstood what you were saying. Sorry about that. If I was getting high and mighty Dude, I certainly wouldn’t apologize. I’m too arrogant for that.
By mark richt
October 20, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
yes paula d
coach inferno in hell
By journalist jimmy smith
October 20, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
choppinmama, what about cold ringfinger?
By journalist jimmy smith
October 20, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
lew is feisty today! that is good. journalist has not heard back from lew about finding waldo in the wurlitzer. should be a prize offered for finding waldo.
and diane lane monitors this blog and now claims diane lane can make a great devils food cake. journalist may let diane lane try a devils food cake on jimmy smith. may not be able to make good banana pudding but has many other nice qualities.
By Paula D
October 20, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
And jawl, do you all realize that unruly rascal, Manny Ramirez is only three grand slams away from Lou Gehrig’s record of 23? That’s something, jawl.
By Braves4Ever
October 20, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Lew thanks for the apology dude, I just want to talk Braves. I ain’t always the brightest bulb in the box but I have an opinion. I have always enjoyed what you write. You seemed well informed and a must read. I don’t always agree but repect your opinion. And you seem to have a valid reason for your stand, that I respect. In agree with you that it would be wasting Renteria in a Bonderman trade, but it was brought up again and I commented on it. I had not been in the mix earlier. Sorry if it got rehashed one to many times for you. I do understand overkill though. I would imagine by the time ST is over we will have “over killed” just about every thing .
By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]
October 20, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
JD Drew hit a Granny! No, not an elderly woman, a home run! With other’ s on base! First time in his life, a clutch hit!!!!!
By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]
October 20, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
By journalist jimmy smith October 20, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this and here is some baseball news: ex-braves exec and now gm of the kc royals, dayton moore, has hired trey hillman to manage the kc team. moore was with the braves for a long time, but did not hire t.p., t.i., fredi, ned, or anybody else trained by bobby cox. moore hired trey hillman, formerly of the yankees organization and now with the famous nippon ham fighters. see, rather have a ham fighter than a braves coach as new manager. and what of the new york yankees? will the yankees seek to hire t.p. or ned or fredi? of course not. and now, deviled ham is a most curious item. a google search will reveal much about deviled ham.
Esteemed journalist!!!!! Be careful now! People will think that Bobby doesn’t surround himself with fellow geniuses! ;)
By Paula D
October 20, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith, mustard, bean, gopher (properly prepared, deep fried), come to mind.
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Peace Treaty accepted
By joebrave
October 20, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Lima Beans and Biscuits,collard greens,and tater salad,with Fried Chicken……Joebrave has his Mother in the House and the Beautiful Wife is taking Lessons!!!
By chrisklob
October 20, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
JoeBrave, save me a plate. That’s my kind of eatin’ right there!
By journalist immy smith
October 20, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! collard greens! when jimmy smith first arrived here from uganda and attended jimmy smith’s first braves game, this journalist was offered an opportunity to share a collard sandwich by a fan seated nearby. this story is true and left a lasting impression on this journalist. imagine! a collard sandwich. nothing like that in uganda. cordele, maybe.
By chrisklob
October 20, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Wow, the Indians are getting POUNDED tonight!
By SupermaN
October 20, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
beers and beers and beers and beers. Did i mention beers??? Im bored.
By Choppinmama
October 20, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
jjs: I located a quick cure for cold ringfinger on ebay. A real ‘99 NLCS ring for sale from Mr. Edwards, who seems to be hard up for cash, willing to be rid of his ring to the highest cold ringfinger bidder.
Did they have boiled goober in uganda? No collard greens in the house now, but a big pot of boiled goobers on the stove. Goobers are good with cheese…..or not. Definitely juice-dripping, shell- sucking good at the ballpark. Baby seal would love them, but best eaten outside.
By flbravesgirl
October 21, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
I seem to be way behind on blog goings-on again… JoeBrave, I’m sending best wishes & positive thoughts your kids’ way. Looks like your family sticks together & that support system will help as much as any medical treatment (MomBrave’s masterpiece meals probably help the cause too!)
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 21, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this
Diane Lane Would not be required to cook for this tinged neck fellow. Only requirement would be to provide eye candy…… However, I am not sure I could meet with her expectations as I would be considered past my prime playing days. Only consolation would be having deep pockets. Could perhaps afford to hire someone else to do the cooking.
By Tyler
October 21, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this
We will probably have to give up B.Jones to get Gorzellany or Snell. The thing is that the Pirates made a lot of changes in the front office this year. Maybe we can swing a deal like Prado/Holt, Blanco, and Medlen For Snell and Duffy? (Preferably McLouth). That would be an excellent deal as long as Duffy is healthy. Some experience in CF, and if it’s McLouth it’d be awesome. Snell would be perfect as a #3.
By uga-brave
October 21, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
DOB,
tocco hills is that ur favorite music store? HECK i know that place. PENN STATE convenes at FAMOUS PUB.
either way i love the fact you love R.E.M. not too many people appreciate their music.
i got the chance to meet MIKE MILLS at the old WUXTRY ( an old music store in athens) very cordial.
stipe always rode around in a weird looking yellow cab.
hey two of those guys were in the marching band.
either way chronic town, and murmmur were pretty good.
By uga-brave
October 21, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
GIL,
where ever mechanivlle is answer me this. do you ever think francoeur is going to a star?
By Tyler
October 21, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
I meant to say because of the changes in the front office we might be able to snag one of the starters they have.
By uga-brave
October 21, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this
DOB,
music fan or not, which u are probably way over my head, in music appreciation.
got a great list of old bands in the 80’s JASON AND THE SCORTHECRS , THE CHURCH, PLIMSOULS, SMITHEREENS, REPLACEMENTS, of course. HOODO- GOROOS, mars needs guitars. trust me on the gooros, great music.
By kev
October 21, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this
DOB: How about Dan Haren in the rotation next year? is that a possibility at all???
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 21, 2007 3:28 AM | Link to this
Joe Blanton made 380,000 in 2007 and he will be arbitration eligible. Dan Haren made 2.25 million last season and he will be paid 4 million in 2008. Is Oakland really that cash strapped ? I seriously doubt that anybody in Oakland organization is considering trading either one of the 26 year old pitchers.
By keylargo25
October 21, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this
Rain coming down in torrents on a metal roof was enough to awaken me. I wish I could direct it to you Atlantans.
By ncscoots
October 21, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this
The more pitchers’ names I see bandied about on the blog, the more I keep thinking of the 2009 FA pitchers. Pitchers who are going to be in their walk year this year. Studs, and a slew of them. Sure, some will sign extensions, and some will be determined to test the open market. But might not there be one or two available in the right trade, a la the Hudson deal? Signable to a contract after the trade?
Such a deal would solidify the rotation, not just this year, but post-Smoltz; would provide some space to see which, if any, Braves’ pitching prospects step up; and might or might not include Renteria, giving the Braves some options with him. And the most telling, such a deal would be completely off the radar for the blog :-)
For that kind of trade, I wouldn’t even mind Lillibridge and another top prospect going the other way.
By Efrim
October 21, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
NcScoots
Do you mean after 2008 or after 2009? I know Sabathia and Santana are free agents after next season. After 2009, Peavy, Bedard, Sheets, Penny and Lowe are all free agents. Those would be the guys I would target in a trade. I think Santana is going to get traded this offseason, probably to the Yankees, and I think Sabathia is going to be signed long term.
By Chopdawg
October 21, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
I just don’t understand the rush to sign Tom Glavine—-a pitcher who’s in his 40’s, had an ERA well over 4 last year and absolutely blew up the most important Mets game of the season.
CHOP
By bubba
October 21, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
You people are going to continue to beat this Glavine thing to an absolute pulp and what you say will not make one iota of difference in the decision to bring him back, or not to bring him back. Do you understand that? And, if so, why continue to say the same mundane things over and over? Does it make you feel better? Then, you ought to feel great, by now.
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Chopdawg, I have mixed feelings about having Glavine come back too. The buzz about him isn’t entirely unwarranted however. He three 200.1 innings last year. Yes, ERA was a little high but he made 34 starts and is basically an innings eater which we desperately needed this year from Chuckie and the other back-end spots in the rotation. The 3, 4 and 5 starters were responsible for a lot of the bull pen’s overuse.
Glavine is also reliable. I don’t believe he’s ever been on the DL so you don’t have to worry about his health — another problem plaguing Atlanta Braves pitching recently. He’s also a “known quantity”. It’s not like going and getting a guy that’s never been around the organization before.
Perhaps most importantly is the fact that he’s available. Have you looked at the list of FA pitchers? It’s pretty thin. They can sign him and not have to pay the exorbitant price that another franchise is going to ask in the form of prospects. Plus, if they can get him for $8-$9m he’ll be a relative bargain. Remember, he’s getting $3m from the Mets for declining the option.
While I still have concerns about his age, he seems to be one of the cheaper, more effective options available this year.
By keylargo25
October 21, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Chopdawg
By Lew
October 21, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Bubba-Conversely, Dude, does it make you feel better to complain about people’s Glavine posts?
Got to agree with Chris. There is not another free agent pitcher out there who has an ERA within half a run per game of Glavine. Yes, we are aware he is over 40. We are also aware of the three losses at the end of the season. We are also aware that he blew their biggest game of the year. We are also aware that he is a stop-gap solution at best.
However, we are also quite aware of the need for someone to pitch innings for us. We are also aware the Braves will in all likelihood try to trade for a younger, mid or upper rotation pitcher for now AND the future.We’re also aware of the Braves need for pitching, it’s cost and it’s scarcity. Glavine is the best and cheapest option we have. We’re also aware that the Braves have pitchers like JoJo Reyes, Thomas Hanson, Chris Medlin and Cole Rohrbaugh who should be ready to step up in another year or so to give us a younger, talented rotation. We are also aware that sometimes steps just need to be taken one at a time and that stop gap measures are necessary in circumstances such as this, in the scheme of things.
By keylargo25
October 21, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Chopdawg
Please go back and read my post from 6:28 pm yesterday.
Add to it that Glavine will not cost us a high draft choice and NO ONE in trade.
Chrisklob was right he has never been on the disabled list and pitched 200.1 innings last year. James had by far the most of anyone not named Smoltz or Hudson at 160.
And as for that loss to the Marlins at the end of the year? He did the same thing for us in game 6 of the NLCS against the Pirates in 1992. If you pitch enough of those games you are going to lose some of them.
By bubba
October 21, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Lew You almost said it all when you told someone(relative to an apology) that you were too “arrogant”. If you had added @$$hole to the arrogant, it would have been 100% accurate.
By Tyler
October 21, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
Just wondering-When is Oswalt’s contract up? The Astros probably wouldn’t trade him, but if they did, they would probably want Escobar. I would trade him for Oswalt. If we could get a deal like Lillbridge/Prado/Holt, James, and Villareal, think we could get him?
By dooley's tumor
October 21, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
USF has no integrity at all. they will sign on anyone who can play, regardless of grades or criminal record. thier coach, Jim Leavitt, is an absolute clown who trades his integrity for wins on a daily basis.
By Jared
October 21, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Paul Byrd took HGH while with the Braves. Had it shipped to where the Braves held spring training.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/21/MNN6SSC8F.DTL
Or This
Now you worry other Braves joined him. I’ve always had a bad feeling about Javier Lopez and Marcus Giles.
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Tyler, Oswalt is signed through 2011 with a club option for 2012.
By SlapthatLEW
October 21, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Bubba I must respectfully disagree with you, Lew is certainly not an arrogant @$$hole==actually Lew is a loud-mouthed, know-it-all dumb@$$ that is shielded by the AJC censors if any attempt whatsoever is made at putting him in his place!
By Lew
October 21, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Bubba-Talk about @$$hole$, I guess you, of all people would know, considering all of your experience being one. Why don’t you just go find Billy Bob and go make some BBQ, you contentious SOB? Seems to me you have a major chip on your shoulder and derive sadistic glee from being a dip$h!t. Yes, you moron, I’m arrogant and freely admit it. However, that sure as hell beats being a complete and utter idiot, such as yourself.
By bubba
October 21, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Lew Take your foot out of your mouth. Remember your toes.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Is someone whining again? Poor, poor little persecuted schmuck.
By Wayne in Utah
October 21, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Mornin’ Lew and others. What is the concensus of the blog on Toronto’s pitchers Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan?
I like their potential upside.
By Tyler
October 21, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Oswalt sure would be a great trade…ain’t gonna happen though.
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Jared, I’m afraid that many, many more names are going to be revealed when the Mitchell report is released later this year. It’s going to be a big stain on baseball.
My guess is that there will be some big names on that list and the list will encompass most, if not all, of the teams.
I have to say that I’m a little surprised that Byrd’s name has surfaced. He is a devout Christian, and if what the article states is true, we now know that he’s a huge hypocrite. It’s a shame because he’s a genuinely nice person.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Bubba-I’d have to take it out of your anal cavity first. Bring it on moron. Your intellect is so subterranean level, you won’t amount to a challenge. Careful there, idiot, arrogance requires intelligence, something you’re sadly lacking. No original thoughts-all you can do is gripe when someone else says something. Go away before someone takes you to school.
By bubba
October 21, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Is someone whining again? Poor, poor little persecuted schmuck.
Self-portrait?
By Tyler
October 21, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Both McGowan and Marcum look promising. They pitched for a good amount of time (Both around 169 IP or more) in 07. A trade for Renteria should definetely be considered.
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Wayne, good morning buddy. You sure do seem to like those two, don’t you?
I like their upside too. Haven’t seen them pitch since they were in A Ball but I’ve heard good things about them, especially McGowan.
By Common Sense
October 21, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
I’m sick and tired of hearing about all these rich, money-hungry, cheating, drug abusing, millionaire ballplayers—if I support any ballplayers, or if I watch any ballgames, I will be supporting, and spending my money on little leaguers and youth leagues—not another minute wasted watching, nor another penny spent on these lazy, unscrupulous ba$tards in professional sports!
The best damned move that John Schuerholz ever made was to not even give Scott Boras a reply concerning his outrageous, laughable demand that Andruw Jones earn $20+ mil. per year on a multi-year contract.
Put your time and money on the youngsters, and stop supporting those rich crooks in professional sports!! Most kids can’t even watch the games on TV anymore because of money-hungry corporations trying to milk the common man for every last cent by requiring you to purchase extra sports packages, on top of outrageously high cable rates, just to watch a damn ballgame!
Stop the madness.
By B*** fight
October 21, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
B!tch Fight!!!
By bubba
October 21, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Lew Your pitiful piles of “put downs” have been used (and re-used) so profusely that they should be “put up”, post haste. And not only are you arrogant, you’re boring.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Wayne-Dustin McGowan looks like a good, up and coming mid rotation guy that learned how to pitch in 07. He has a pretty good K to BB ratio and doesn’t give up many HR’s. If we could get a good deal, I think he’d be pretty much what we need.
I have more mixed feelings about Shawn Marcum. He has a major tendency (in the Chuck James range) of giving up the long ball-as many as three in a game. That’s scary. However, most of his losses seem to be earlier in the season when he relieved in 13 games. The guy should not go near a bullpen. As a starter, however, he seems to be considerably better. Still, the HR’s are a big concern, especially considering he would be pitching in Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Houston, Colorado and the other little NL ballparks. Not so sure he is the answer we are looking for.
Oh yeah-Bubba Boy-seems to me you’re the one whining, not me. Like I said, bring it on. You’re not really up to it, though-apparently you can’t handle someone mentioning your shortcomings, though they are legion-and we haven’t even asked your girlfriend’s opinion.
By SlapthatLEW
October 21, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Boring, now that’s a very descriptive term.
Where is my friend Stinky?
By joebrave
October 21, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Contemptable Alabama inbred,first cousin to imself=BUBBA!!!Shut up Dumb@ss!!!
By bubba
October 21, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Louie, Louie: When the going gets rough you get in the gutter. And your arrogance, which you claim comes from “intelligence” is, instead, for the same reason that Michael Jackson wore one glove. No apparent reason at all.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Poor Poor Little Bubba-He’s so bored. I should go hide my head in shame. I bored Bubba. Oh moan, Oh wail. Oh The Humanity. I am wounded unto death. I bored an idiot. I should feel nothing but shame, regret and depression. Just think- to bore someone with an IQ of a rutabaga is damn near impossible. Must be my arrogance that did it.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
Slap-Probably skulking or figuring out how to get a new IP address. I know for sure he’s not posting as Bubba, though. Stinky actually has a brain. Bubba just prays for one.
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Okay bubba. You’ve proven you are an a@@wipe. Now go away. You obviously have nothing to add.
I don’t think there is a rush to judgment at all on signing Glavine. Signing Glavine is pretty sound. No one expects him to be a Cy YOung candidate. Many of those criticizing are coming at it from an immature standpoint - either resenting him for the past or confused we are not in the running for a $20 mil a year ace.
With an offense similar to the Braves in 2006 and 2007, the Mets went 24-8 in Glavine’s starts in 2006 and 18-13 until his final 3 starts this year. That made them 42-21 in Tom Glavine’s starts the last two years until the last 3 starts. Even if you include the last 3, the Mets went 42-24 in Glavine’s starts the last 2 seasons. You are taking that away from the Mets and adding that to the Braves. BTW, the Braves were 43-26 with Hudson and 38-29 with Smoltz starting the last two seasons.
At the very worst next year, Glavine will pitch like Buddy Caryle did this year. An ERA over 5 and an ERA+ of 83. That is the absolute worst. With a team that scores over 5 runs a game that made the Braves 11-9 in Buddy’s starts this season.
Compare it to Kyle Davies. When Davies had a 4.99 ERA on June 1st, the Braves were 6-4 at that point in his starts. If Glavine had a similar ERA next year with this offense, one could expect a winning percentage somewhere between 50% to 60%.
Compare it to Lance Cormier. When Lance had a 5.45 ERA in the second half, the Braves were 3-4 in his starts.
Compare it to Chuck James. When Chuck had a 4.66 ERA in the second half this year, the Braves were still able to go 7-5 in his starts during the second half.
Compare it to Hudson, Horam, Villareal, Cormier, and Thomson in 2006. With a combined ERA of 4.68, the Braves went 40-37 in their starts.
At the absolute worst therefore with Glavine, with this offense, you can expect to be a .500 team in his starts if he somehow ends up with an ERA in the low 5s which I don’t believe anyone expects. But in the best case scenario, he will have an ERA in the high 3s like he had the last 2 seasons until his final 3 starts and you are looking at a pitcher whose team will win almost 66% of his starts. But if he pitches to a more reasonable expectation of an ERA around 4.50 or so, you can expect a repeat of the 18-16 record the Mets had overall in his 34 starts this season with an offense that scores about as many runs as the Braves did.
So, why is that important?
Because in the last 3 years, the Braves are 120-78 in the starts of Smoltz and Hudson. The Braves are 28-20 in the starts of Chuck James.
You are asking Glavine to take his 18-16 with a similar offense in NYC and replace the 10-26 horror show we saw out of our fifth starters this season. That would be about an 8, 9 win difference that would have put the Braves into the playoffs with another division title.
Plus, with his innings pitched as compared to the complete lack of innings pitched from our craptastic fifths this season, the bullpen stays more fresh throughout the year and the winning percentages actually would go up because the relievers would be better able to preserve good efforts by the starters by the starters conserving the innings pitched of relievers.
Then you are taking Hampton and perhaps another guy and plugging them into the the third or fourth spot in the rotation. If that starter can win 50-55% of his starts, then the Braves are in great shape. It’s not an unreasonable expectation. You are taking Glavine and replacing the fifths with Glavine. You are taking Hampton and/or new guy and you are replacing Buddy Carlyle. If Hampton and/or new guy pitch as bad as Buddy Carlyle and have an ERA in the low 5s then we have already seen we can win 55% of the starts of that kind of pitcher because the Braves were 11-9 in the starts of Buddy this year and 6-4 in the starts of Kyle Davies until June 1st when his ERA stood at 4.99.
Essentially, you are asking GLavine, Hampton, and/or new guy to replace (1) The 10-26 with an ERA in the high 6 blight that was our craptastic fifths, and (2) the 17-13 with an ERA in the low 5s that was our 4th starter this year with Kyle until June 1st and with Buddy from June 1st onward.
The Braves are 43-29 in the starts of Mike Hampton as a Brave. Understandably, he probably will not be the guy who enables the Braves to win at a 60% clip like before his DL daze starting occurring. But 50-55% is a reasonable expectation if he is healthy (big IF).
But even without adding another starter, Hampton, James, Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine all have a track record the last few years of enabling their teams to be on at least a 96 win pace in their starts (a .600 win %) with Chuck James the lowest of the five at 58%.
With this offense and with the Braves winning at the same clip teams have with Hudson, SMoltz, James, Glavine, and Hampton the last few years, you are looking at a 93-100 win team.
Plus, you can not ignore the financial side of things nor the marketing side of it. Can they get another guy to provide similar results? Perhaps. But from a marketability and financial standpoint, Tom Glavine is going to bring more bang to the buck in revenue to the Braves than any other similarly performing pitcher out there. Glavine in an Atlanta Braves uni can still put more fans in the seats and sell more merchandise than anyone else who is a similar pitcher. That can not be underestimated on a team with a budget (even if going up slightly). The revenue Glavine will garner for the squad next year may end up paying for his salary in a way another pitcher would not be able to and it might also increase the revenue so much that the Braves can afford to go get another piece in 2008 or in 2009. Glavine in Atlanta is like Arod in NYC. It’s love/hate but he makes you care anyway either way which is always good if you are a team trying to create a buzz in the market about the team.
Again, team records when starters started this season:
That would have made the Braves 92-68.
By bubba
October 21, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Poor Poor Little Bubba-He’s so bored. I should go hide my head in shame. I bored Bubba. Oh moan, Oh wail. Oh The Humanity. I am wounded unto death. I bored an idiot. I should feel nothing but shame, regret and depression. Just think- to bore someone with an IQ of a rutabaga is damn near impossible. Must be my arrogance that did it.
And this(High School)class, is how a middle-schooler “argues”. With your increased maturity we hope to give you the vocabulary and general-intelligence to do much better. Now, open your text books to…
By Lew
October 21, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Bubba-What’s your problem? Did you get upset by the use of the word conversely? You never did answer my original question. Do you just get off on complaining about other’s posts, or do you just not have anything worthwhile to say? Or is it C, all of the above? Speaking of boredom, Dude, you are a major inducer, therof. It’s only because it’s slow on a Sunday morning that it’s even vaguely worth trading barbs with you. I sure don’t recall anything you’ve said in the past that’s even thought provoking. You’re not improving with age.
By bubba
October 21, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Oh, now Braveheart has entered the fray on behalf of his butt-brother. Let me assess my opposition. I’m not good at fractions. What do two half-brains add up to? Bravelew?
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Lew, don’t despair. I’m sure Bubba will be gone just as soon as he can find some professional wrestling on tv or when something shiny catches his eye.
Braveheart, very nice job. Makes a pretty compelling argument to bring him back. I’ve been on the fence about him before. The one aspect of Glavine that makes me nervous is his age though. At some point, they ALL get to the point where they can’t do it any more. Is he there now? Will it come during next season? Obviously, those are questions that we can’t answer, yet should still be considered.
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Paul Byrd has admitted using HGH, but he used it because of a “pituitary gland condition” and under the care of a physician.
Read it here
By bubba
October 21, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Lew My “problem” is you, you self-righteous ASSCLOWN! This all started when you(as usual)stuck your well-used piehole into things that, at the time, didn’t concern you. But, you say, anything on this blog concerns the wurlitzer wart-hog who thinks because he draws pictures, that translates into intelligence and self-worth. Wrong! I’ve got a dog that if you put ink on his @$$ and sat him on paper, it would be a pretty good likeness of you.
By krisklobnob
October 21, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Hey everybody, I sell liquor! Oh, I mentioned that? Many times? Well, keep me in mind.
By bubba
October 21, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
bubba gone shrimpin’. Goombye, assorted @$$holes.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
Bubba-You whiny Little Redneck-Two half brains equals four times your own IQ. @$$clown? Are you really SJA or someone sent to suffer in his behalf. Seems I might just know someone who doesn’t like the SJA that might try to make it look like it was him posting. And what, exactly, didn’t concern me? You mean I can’t ask you a question? That’s exactly what I did. Never did hear the answer, just a ton of moronic invective directed in my general direction by a creature with the personality and intelligence of a turnip green.
Go back to your sandbox and quit trying to bully your betters. Yes, I can draw pictures. Not sure you’re capable of drawing much more than insect infestations. Sorry you’re so jealous of someone who actually possesses talent. You’d just love to know what talent feels like, wouldn’t you? I wouldn’t worry too much about the Worth or worthiness of winning a Wurlitzer. You never will. You actually have to post something intelligent to get one. Keep trying. It will be in vain, but might lead to a modicum of self worth-something sadly lacking in your dull, boring and friendless existence. Butt boy? Wow-where did you come up with that piece of originality? Personal experience? From someone teaching you the concept when you were a little boy? Must be the reason for your lack of self esteem and your deep seated psychological difficulties-maybe even the root cause of your mindless contention.
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
if I support any ballplayers, or if I watch any ballgames, I will be supporting, and spending my money on little leaguers and youth leagues
No offense man but have you attended a youth game? Freaking absolutely boring. Bores you to tears - even if your kid is playing or if you are the actual kid that is playing. They are fun for kids to play in but absolutely painful for kids and adults to watch.
If you are frustrated with the lack of positive feedback you get from major leaguers, go right on ahead and hang out with the psycho coaches and parents and children that litter youth leagues.
There is no purity in watching youth league baseball with a bunch of unathletic wannabes who don’t understand the first thing about fundamental baseball. There is no purity at any level of athletic competition. There never has been and there never will be. Get over it already. Maybe someday God will let you into the doors of the only utopia there is.
Plus, you don’t wanna be THAT guy hanging out at youth ballfields if you don’t have a kid playing out there.
As much as you think major leaguers spit on you, if you are hanging out at ballfields without a dog of your own in the fight, each and every parent and child in the park is going to laugh, point fingers, spit at you and suspect you of being a big time child molester.
We had a guy like THAT. Always came around with his camera. Why was he videoing and taking pictures of little boys in tight little unis? He said because he wanted to be the official photographer of that Little League and he wanted us to have real professional pictures of great moments in Little League history. Whatever. Dude was scary. Wonder what he was doing in his dark room. Never mind. Don’t want to know.
Today, I don’t remember much about Little League. Don’t remember the moments and certainly don’t have any of those real professional pictures - my parents would never let me accept them from the weirdo.
But I do remember one Halloween when about ten of us chased him down the street tauntingly singing Chester, Chester, Child Molester to him as we pelted him with eggs and drowned him in shaving cream.
Great moments in little league history is not the memory he created for us. Great moments in halloween bombing history is what we remember of ole chester, chester the child molester.
But go right on ahead and hang out at youth ballfields if you’d like.
By Kentavo
October 21, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
“Mars Needs Guitars” is one of the most under-rated albums of the 80s.
As for Tommy lyrics appropriate for Mr. Glavine, what about:
“Tommy can you hear me Tommy can you hear me? Can you feel me near you?
Tommy can you see me? Can I help to cheer you.
Ooo, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy
Tommy can you hear me? Can you feel me near you?
Tommy can you see me? Can I help to cheer you.
Ooo, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy
Tommy can you hear me? Can you feel me near you?
Tommy can you see me? Can I help to cheer you.
Ooo, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy…
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
damn bubba sorely needs some female companionship. much too much man jealousy coming out right now. whew! i’m getting a little uncomfortable with this fella. sounds like quite the stalker, memorizing and obsessing over little traits about bloggers. come on already. get over it. tell lew and klobber that you got yourself a little man crush on them. they will be nice. they are liberal enough to tell you thank you we are flattered but we just don’t swing that way. but again thanks for the flattery.
be wary boys. we got a little fella doing a whole lot of man crushing today. seems like he might think us basturd perpetrators of unrequited love on this little man crusher. pretty sick little fella. crushing on men like he does. lew, he seems to be crushing on you the hardest. watch out lew. crushing is fine bubba. you just don’t gotta be a jerk about it.
By David O'Brien
October 21, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
Coach, if you’d read the posts, the entire history of this Oakland thing on the blog, you’d know that not once, not twice, but several times I’ve mentioned that while Blanton and Haren are each quite affordable, that’s PRECISELY why Oakland will trade either or both, if not this year then probably next, because the fact that they’re AFFORDABLE and GOOD means other teams will give them multiple young players/prospects in return.
That’s how Billy Beane has been able to field contending teams year after year after year on modest budgets. You can’t keep filling the pipeline by simply drafting and never missing on draft picks. You have to make deals, and that means dealing players that other teams really want, even if they’re very affordable. They sign guys like Haren to long-term contracts because it makes them both affordable and very attractive to other teams who’d be willing to give up talent to fill other future holes for the A’s.
Again, it’s not about them being unaffordable to the A’s. It has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with that. So please, try to understand that and quit asking about it….
Braveheart, you’re using way too much logic for the Glavine-bashers. Face it, the ones who don’t understand, or pretend not to understand, why he’s a very, very attractive No. 3 starter candidate for the Braves at a below-market price (not saying WAY below, but he’ll sign for below market, if you look at what proven 200-inning pitchers who win 13-15 games per year make).
Seriously, for those questioning the possible move of signing Glavine, be honest and tell us how much of it has to do with you simply NOT LIKING GLAVINE and how much of it is based on his actual performance. Or are you going to simply dismiss the undisputed fact that he had a very good season last year UNTIL THE LAST THREE STARTS. So he ran out of gas. So what? If he’d give the Braves that many quality starts and 185 good innings before running out of gas next year, that’d be a hell of an addition in the No. 3 or No. 4 starter spot.
Does the fact that Fausto Carmona has run out of gas and been a very mediocre to bad pitcher in the postseason mean that you wouldn’t kill to have that guy in your rotation?
By mo in the boonies
October 21, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
By chrisklob Paul Byrd has admitted using HGH, but he used it because of a “pituitary gland condition” and under the care of a physician
Don’t they all say that? If a guy has a health condition, his doctor gives him a prescription for the medicine, which he gets from a local pharmacy, not one in Florida. Especially one that is selling the drug illegally to athletes. He also doesn’t order 25 thousand dollars worth of it, and a huge supply of needles to self medicate. He goes to the Doc. to get his injections. So far as I know, only Diabetics can get needles legally.
Did anyone see the “dancing Papelbom” last night during the game? I don’t think he will be invited to Dancing with the Stars, but who knows? Tonight’s game should be interesting. I’m leaning toward the socks taking it, the Indians looked a little shell-shocked last night. It has been a while since a team took it to them like that.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 21, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Braveheart , you cynicism toward youth leagues is evident. Ive been volunteering and coaching little league for fifteen years. Quit frankly , I love it. The kids make it all worth while. I could do without the parents , a few are outstanding , but for the most part they don’t understand that at this level , it’s all about learning , competing and having fun. For a youngster to have the opportunity to put on a glove , swing the bat or throw a baseball makes it truly a privilege. Seeing a kid get his first hit and then watching the pure joy on his face makes little league worth putting up with the parents. By the way , just where do you think the vast majority of big leaguers learned their craft ?
By Tyler
October 21, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Mo-You say it’s been a while since a team took it to the Indians like that? Um, game 1 of 2007 ALCS: Boston won 10-3. Game 2: Tribe came back to win 13-6. I don’t think this series is in the Sox’s hands just yet, but I wouldn’t bet against them.
By Jared
October 21, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
I want the Braves to sign Tom Glavine this offseason too.
I just hope it doesn’t take till the winter meetings in December for Glavine to sign like last year.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Well-I suppose it was inevitable. It’s snowing in Denver. We may not get the World Series finished until December and they may have to move the Rockies-hosted games to San Diego or Houston if they want to get them played. Maybe it was Bubba that set the Post Season schedule. It surely wasn’t anyone with any sense.
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 21, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackAss reads this blog quite regularly, yet seldom posts a comment…however, if TheSouthernJackAss had something to say…TheJackAss would just say it…directly to you…
As for people not liking TheJackAss…well, just spin the bottle…and you’re all a bunch of A$sClowns!…
…all except Bubba…he’s just an A$s…
By mo in the boonies
October 21, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Tyler You’re right, this series has gone on so long that the previous game’s scores had slipped my mind. But other games the Indians were looking pretty cocky. Last night they looked beat. Even Eric Wedge. But I also wouldn’t count them out yet either, that’s why I said it should be an interesting game.
By joebrave
October 21, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
I done said Shut Up Bubba before I yake you to task!!! be Warned.Joe is an @ssole to te Extreme :however Lew is Joe’s Friend and Joe always has his Friend’s back,just ask Lew,Savannah Guy,SJA,etal….Be Warned you little Buttgoblin @ss mongering trailer troll!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! this blog reads like a dime store novel. imagine all the ugly talk going on here on a Sunday morning! who could be provoking other bloggers?
and lew, who is whiny?
now, anyone who thinks a 42 year old arm with a cold ring finger attached is a bad deal only thinks so because of a dislike for tom glavine, is that it?
yep, journalist dislikes much about tom glavine but mostly jimmy smith thinks tom glavine will rob a younger player of a spot much like redman, wilson, and woodward did this year.
and who might this younger player be? well, jo jo the monkey boy, maybe.
then again, glavine could bring culture to the clubhouse not found in a monkey boy (no, not athlete’s foot culture).
cultural contributions might include paintings and perhaps the clubhouse putting green can be replaced with a nice croquet setup.
are there no other options? no other pitchers that can eat some innings? frank wren must have some answers that do not involve a rotation of 40+ year old pitchers.
and one more comment on culture: the mableton cultural center is now open and would be a good place for tom glavine to hang out. close to gas stations and barber shops.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
SJA-Dude, You declared truce with me a long time ago. I was saying it was someone attempting to make it look like you. I know better.
Jared-They can’t sign anyone until after the World Series. At the rate they’re going, it might not be over until the Winter Meetings.
By Julia
October 21, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Where is that radio boy today? I betcha he is by himself at the Saints game and I betcha he is eating a big ol’ j-u—i-c-y SHRIMP SAMMICH.
One last NOLA SHRIMP SAMMICH before moving to the beach.
I would never go to the beach with a POOCH.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Bubba-Now you’ve gone and got JoeBrave upset. You don’t want to get JoeBrave upset.
Esteemed Journalist-No there are no innings eaters of Glavine’s caliber-at least on the free agent market. The closest to his stats have at least an extra half run per game on their ERA. It’s a pitifully small free agent class and not one of great ability and talent. Now maybe someone else is available by trade and we really could use TWO new pitchers. Glavine will not cost prospects, but someone in a trade likely will.
I know you don’t care for TG and his Cold Ring Finger (James Bond movie, right? With Odd Union Job as his sidekick? Derby hat and whatnot?), but he IS the best option, both for the $$$ and the fact he won’t cost us any more prospects, allowing us to make a deal for a younger, more long term option. Glavine is a stop gap measure only.
By joebrave
October 21, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Afternoon Lew,SJA,JJs,SG,and all Joe’s acquantances,atching the Falcons and cookin evening slop for the Family today just a big Ol howdy fellas…. Bubba now that is an original @ss crack Name!!!
By N8
October 21, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
You guys that are claiming that Glavine’s return would only be for “sentimental” value, are out of your mind.
Glavine CLEARLY is a better option in the 3rd (or even 4th - depending on if add another starter this offseason), spot of the rotation than we currently have on the roster, or waiting in the wings.
Did he run out of gas at the end of last year? Sure. Do we NEED 6 strong months from him? Not in my opinion.
Smoltz and Hudson had to try and do too much with NOBODY behind them to pick up the slack. They both wore down as well. If Tommy can give us 3-4 good months in the middle of the rotation, with Hudson and Smoltz leading the way (and our offense), I think this division can be wrapped up (or at least the wild card) by mid-August.
The ONLY issue I may have (this is wear Cox’s decision making comes in), is if Glavine were to be our “Ace” in the playoffs. That would be a mistake. But clearly, if we make it to the post-season, I like our chances with Hudson and Smoltz taking the mound 4 times in a 7 game series.
Oh yeah. The sentimental value would be nice as well. But if the Braves don’t win, who cares about the sentimental value? Bottom line is that Glavine can STILL help this team RIGHT NOW.
DOB, very well said on the Wren/JS/Andruw situation. I’m with you. Wren shouldn’t have to be remembered as the “bad guy” for letting Andruw walk.
Then again, if Andruw continues to struggle and slide downhill (like I think he will), JS is gonna receive ALL the credit for letting Andruw walk. LOL! Double edged sword, I guess.
Regardless of WHO made the decision, it was/is the right one. NO MATTER what Andruw does from here on out.
How about Tom Brady today? UNREAL.
By Tyler
October 21, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
The only real problem with Glavine is the age. He has shown no real signs of shutting down, but you never know. We would have a very old rotation, but still a reliable one. Signing Glavine gives us depth and an arm that will give us 30+ starts. However, if we do not find a way to get another starter, this will most likely be a disappointing season. Not to mention the next offseason will be very busy, as our rotation will have holes.
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 21, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Lew the truce is still in force…just clearing up any doubts as to where TheJackAss stands as far as making comments directly to these A$sClowns is concerned…and that TheJackAss is disliked my many, and rightfully so…my comments were aimed at them, not meant for you…Bubba is most likely the same gutless troll that posts as Julia, in a feeble attempt at stirring up rr, nearly every time I show up here…
TheJackAss also says hello to friend joebrave…
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 21, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackAss often imitated…never duplicated!…
Unbelievable how TheJackAss envy ravages so many…
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 21, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
uga-brave Is that a serious question?
By the way, Mechanicsville is about 10 miles NE of Richmond, VA. or about 2 hours from everywhere.
Go Hokies…
By Jared
October 21, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
yep, journalist dislikes much about tom glavine but mostly jimmy smith thinks tom glavine will rob a younger player of a spot…
Can somebody tell me when ‘young’ became synonymous with good?
By Lew
October 21, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
SJA-Bubba is not Julia. I know this for a fact. I know who Julia is and that poster would never consider attacking me. Just so you realize, though, I always post as Lew and no one else. Always will, too.
Nathan-Where have you been, Dude? It’s been less lively without you. Even on your more negative days, you aren’t the idiot that we’ve had blathering this morning.
By N8
October 21, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
Lew
“Nathan-Where have you been, Dude? It’s been less lively without you. Even on your more negative days, you aren’t the idiot that we’ve had blathering this morning.”*
Busy, dude. This time of the year is insane for me. My partner at the office, just had a baby in August, so I’ve had to pull double duty this year. Nothing but 2 months of running around. By the time I get to the computer for any extended time, everybody has gone to bed.
But it should slow down for me, so I’m gearing up for the hot-stove.
Should be fun.
BTW Lew, if I send you some photos, would you do a collage drawing of my kids, or do you just do celebrities? LOL!
By Julia
October 21, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
SJACKASS, don’t flatter yourself by thinking Julia is in any way linked to your appearance on this blog - and you don’t need me to s-t-i-r things up with RR.
I have posted here for many months, honey, and it has nothing to do with you.
It seems we both share an affection for RR and for SHRIMP SAMMICHES!! We should get along fine except you just called me a t-r-o-l-l.
Now I need another SHRIMP SAMMICH.
You are driving me CRAZY!!
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 21, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
who broke it?…
By Lew
October 21, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
Nathan-Absolutely. The better the photos, the better the portrait. Shouldn’t be a problem for you, I would imagine. I can work in pencil or oils. Check the portrait gallery at LewHartman.com-there is at least one oil portrait of a non celebrity (at least if you consider the Dean Of a Law Scool not a celebrity. This one doesn’t think he is).
Jared-The whole concept of youth being better than experience in baseball started around the time the Marlins’ baby team won a World series. Combined with the insanity of salary escalation since then, the drive for babies that can win big has hit insane levels. Now many think that is how you win championships-with youth. They’re wrong, of course, but that’s the widely accepted way these days.
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 21, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Well Julia…dialogue, how nice…anyhow, now that Lew has informed me that he knows who you are…Lew will be able to clear up any confusion as to you and TheJackAss being one in the same…as has occurred numerous times in the past…particularly in the case of your good friend rr…
…as for me being flattered by your presence…not so…you just aren’t very flattering…
By Lew
October 21, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
No-Julia and SJA are not the same person, either. As far as Julia not being flattering-it must be the pooch.
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 21, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
It’s more so the goatee rather than the pooch…
By N8
October 21, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks Lew. I’ll gather some photos and let you know when I’m ready. I’m thinking X-mas present for my wife.
I’ll be in touch.
L8r dude.
By joebrave
October 21, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
Here we go to Bubba’s trailer,up on blocks of wood, Joebrave and Sir Jackass,is arse we’ll kick it good!!!!
By SFU
October 21, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Joe Brave SFU, All you are is mouth.
By keylargo25
October 21, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
KEY
By SFU
October 21, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
joebrave Name one person on here that you have done anything to but “threaten”. Go eat your spinach.
By Tom Robinson
October 21, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
The Braves should have shown Cox the door long ago. Only with the Braves can a manager have a great team loaded with talent, consistently fail in the post season and still keep his job.
Cox should have been fired after 1993 and definitely after the CHOKE in 1996.
Winning your division no longer means much in baseball during the Selig Roid Era. Winning the WORLD SERIES is the only the thing that counts. At least the Yankees understand that concept. the Braves can brag about their so called 14 straight division titles all the want, but consider that the FLORIDA MARLINS have never won the division and yet they have TWO WORLD SERIES championships and the Braves only have one
Lets consider the past 10 seasons where Bobby Cox led teams are 0 and 10 - that’s no wins in ten postseasons.
2007 Missed Post Season 2006 Missed post season 2005 Lost in first round to wild card team 2004 Lost in first round to wild card team 2003 Lost in first round to wild card team 2002 Lost in first round to wild card team 2001 Lost NLCS 2000 Lost in first round 1999 Swept in World Series By the Yankees 4-0 after leading 2-0 1998 Lost NLCS to wild card team
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
baby seal has been monitoring the blog today and was miffed that jared took this journalist’s remarks out of context.
jared did not quote all of jimmy smith’s sentence.
“yep, journalist dislikes much about tom glavine but mostly jimmy smith thinks tom glavine will rob a younger player of a spot , , , “
what jared deleted was this: “much like redman, wilson, and woodward did this year.”
jimmy smith stands by the sentiment that old does not necessarily mean better. and jimmy smith would expect the roster spot to be taken by a young talent, not merely by someone youthful.
glavine will decline, not get better. and as some are fond of saying, the younger player has tremendous upside - and perhaps warm ringfinger.
geez.
By keylargo25
October 21, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
JJS
Old definitely does not mean better but it gives a clear indication of what to expect. Are you willing to bet that Glavines’ decline will be so rapid that he does not give the Braves 30 starts, 20 quality starts, 180 innings and 12 to 15 wins? Which younger player do you guarantee will give the Braves more production?
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
the a.l. pennant has not been decided and already the falcons have 6 losses. byron leftwich looked like a julia shrimp sammich after taking the hit.
and if lew knows who julia is, then can lew tell us who stinky is? same? almost the same but different? man or woman? good speller?
and if rr comes along tonight will sja and julia be in the same room? much like journalist and letwan appearing together. and letwan would like to blog again but it is not yet pie season. next month.
and whither rr anyway? most attention rr has gotten on this blog in months and is absent.
and miss manners and joebrave seem to be peaceful together now. must be the season.
and why do the leaves not turn? thirsty? and when the leaves fall will they make a noise as in non-drought years? you know, falling leaf noise … fffsswwfftt.
and since the cake did not arrive at this journalist’s house today jimmy smith thinks that flbravesgirl has lost confidence in this journalist. that, or flbravesgirl is content to let jimmy smith be pie master.
and grinch, how many falcons quarterbacks does it take to light a scoreboard?
now, this … lew, can put this journalist in n8’s christmas family portrait? think about it. baby seal, too, in stocking cap. and dob and you know who wearing mittens. hard to open a canned ham with mittens on (sorry, scribe).
and whither carroll rogers?
now, time to watch some baseball.
By SFU
October 21, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Ho hum. I’m off to dinner. Maybe I’ll check in later.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
keylago25, there are no guarantees in baseball. just as hampton did not answer the bell last season there is always the possibility that a 42-year old glavine may not give the innings or (perish the thought) that diminished skills may render glavine ineffective.
some would say the braves had glavine’s number for a time after glavine departed for n.y. maybe others have caught on as well by now.
and if old gives a clear indication of what to expect, why did the braves sign woodward and wilson - and redman, and jordan and mondesi?
sometimes, old catches up.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
Esteemed Journalist-Two prominent “Young” pitchers most frequently mentioned in trade scenarios are Jeremy Bonderman and Noah Lowrey. Both missed the last month of the season with arm issues. Neither has decided to seek surgical remedy for their various issues.
I would prefer Glavine, who has never been on the DL in his entire career over these “Young”pitchers with all their proverbial upside. It is doubtful that Glavine will come up lame during a pennant stretch. Both of these pitchers, who many here covet, spent their respective pennant races (if in fact you could call SF in a pennant race) on the DL. I would say that Glavine is the one least likely to end up not pitching in September.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
good nicknames. not on the braves. but the falcons have better nicknames. tight end jim mitchell has died. journalist remembers mitchell as, “meat”. see what journalist means?
and who will forget bubba bean? nothing like that on the braves. chipper bean? bubba jones? jo jo and corky? see what journalist means?
who on the braves could be called, “meat”? see what journalist means? maybe candy, but not meat. see what journalist means?
and charmin’ harmon … who on the braves could get away with that? charmin’ chino? journalist thinks not.
jimmy smith has copied the blogging style of another blogger for this post and journalist is now really going to watch some baseball in a little while.
By keylargo25
October 21, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
JJS
Old does catch up. Just not in one off season though. I have not checked the stats of your quintet of marginal ball players, but none of them had a solid year like Glavine did in 07. Look at his stats. I have said this 4 times now but he led the mutts in Quality Starts by 6 over Perez and Maine. He had as many Quality Starts as James 11, Carlyle 6, Reyes 2, Larew 1, Cormier 2,and Bennett 1 combined and they had forty more starts than Glavine.
I agree he is on the decline but he will not be finished next season. I think he will retire after one season. He also pitched 200 innings. James had 160 and all the others far less.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 21, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
For those of you with this mental block of 40 , consider this. Eighteen pitchers past the age of forty saw action this past season. Nine position players past the age of forty played in 2007 for a grand total of twenty-seven , more than enough to fill out an entire major league roster.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
september for glavine four straight losses. last start lasted 1/3 inning and gave up 7 runs. even if able to pitch in september, why ask?
frank wren will surprise baseball by finding a pitcher other than glavine for the 3 or 4 spot.
and did any of the young arms heal yet? boyer?
the team built on pitching and defense sure didn’t have it this season.
and have the yankees called for t.p. or chino or anybody yet? keep us posted.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
the “quintet” did not have a good season. correct. that is jimmy smith’s point. previous seasons earned them their jobs. the final season for each was abysmal.
as the n.y. times said: “Glavine was brought into New York to win games and exude professionalism, and he did all that. But yesterday the Marlins, highly motivated after the yapping and shoving between the two teams Saturday, were disciplined enough to wait him out and slap at his extremely hittable pitches. He gave up seven runs in one-third of an inning, his worst start in 20 years in the major leagues.”
just saying the league may have figured glavine out as the braves did earlier.
if glavine comes back this journalist will pull for glavine just as always with the braves. but jimmy smith would rather see someone else in the rotation.
and one last thing … shouldn’t glavine remain with the mets? or do the mets know something like they did about woodward? and about julio? oh, the humanity!
By Efrim
October 21, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
I am a HUGE Kelly Johnson fan, but WOW, having a defender like Asdrubal Cabrera would be incredible. He saved a run with that turn from 2nd on that hard hit ball by JD Drew.
Anyways….
People who think Tom Glavine SHOULD NOT be on this Braves team next year have no idea what they are talking about. It makes WAY TOO MUCH sense.
Imagine our top three starters having lines like this:
Smoltz- 15-8 3.30 ERA
Hudson- 15-8 3.40 ERA
Glavine- 13-10 3.95 ERA
I am being pessimistic with Smoltz and Hudson there too. They could easily win 18 games each with a little more luck. No reason to think Glavine is done because of three starts at the end of last season.
Where are you getting that type of line from your number 3 starter???
I can’t be certain Chuck or Hampton could give us that, and there IS NOT anyone on the free agent market who could give us that for the amount of money that we will give Glavine(8 million…I hope…it better be just that).
By Jared
October 21, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
and jimmy smith would expect the roster spot to be taken by a young talent, not merely by someone youthful.
And what young talent do the Braves currently have that would pitch better in a full season in 2008 than Tom Glavine? It’s much easier to talk about making a trade than it is actually doing it. Glavine is a free agent and wouldn’t cost the Braves any young talent to acquire like a trade would.
september for glavine four straight losses. last start lasted 1/3 inning and gave up 7 runs.
Who cares? That doesn’t change the fact Glavine pitched over 200 innings last season. It doesn’t change the fact the quality start stat. If anything, it shows Glavine could be undervauled due to a bad month that artificially inflated his ERA, which was 3.88 before his final three starts and 3.97 before Glavine’s final two starts in 2007. Every pitcher has bad stretches. Soriano and Hudson did too. Want to dump them?
frank wren will surprise baseball by finding a pitcher other than glavine for the 3 or 4 spot.
Might as well get the Kleenex ready because it’s almost certain the Braves will sign Tom Glavine for 2008. And hopefully they’ll get another starter too and not count on Mike Hampton.
By KC
October 21, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
I really don’t see what all the fuss is about in regard to these players who have allegedly used HGH in th past. Correct me if I’m wrong, but since MLB has only recently banned the substance… guys like Paul Byrd and Rick Ankiel were neither violation of MLB rules or the law.
I’m not saying I agree with it, but MLB didn’t step up and address the use of this substance until they were under the microscope for it.
You can be disappointed in these guys on a personal level, but it’s hard to make a scandal out of something that was not against the rules at the time, isn’t it?
By Paula D
October 21, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Jawl, I won’t say much, but I would like to say how much I am just incredulous about journalist jimmy smith, jawl. To come over here from Uganda! Did he escape from Idi Amin Dada? Or was he complicit in the crimes against humanity? Amin’s favorite past time was to use a slegehammer to splatter his citizen’s skulls. I would like to think journalist jimmy smith was just a bystander at best to these atrocities. jjs seems like such a nice fellow, and he has been here in the US for some time now. He has his own seal, and goes on extended vacations. He has done well for himself. I hope that wasn’t on the back of the Lango or Acholi. NO, I don’t think that at all. I’m sure jjs earned his position through hard work. Let me be clear on that point!
Now jawl, before the little man deletes this (he won’t because I called him a little man - he’ll show me!) I’d like to say I’m baking tonight. Lotsa butta, jawl!
By Jared
October 21, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
just saying the league may have figured glavine out as the braves did earlier.
Yes, after 21 years in the majors, the NL finally figured Glavine out on his last three starts in the 2007 regular season.
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz started 32 games this season and had a 3.11 ERA. After 32 starts this season, Glavine had a 3.97 ERA. Maybe he should have taken 2 weeks off on the DL in July like Smoltz did.
By Paula D
October 21, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
And jawl, journalist jimmy smith is so right about that yankee Glavine, jawl. He made his bed of millions, let him choke on it. If the Braves spend money on him, big mistake.
Who’s sticking HGH needles in their stomachs, jawl? Lot’s of baseball playas, that’s who, jawl.
By KC
October 21, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
Efrim: No what lengths some here will go to in effort to marginalize Glavine’s 2007 performance… there’s one stat that blows their arguments out of the water:
He was 5th in the league with 23 quality starts.
Now we can argue the merit of the “quality start” statistic, but the stat does quite accurately show us how often a pitcher keeps his team in the game and gives his team a chance to win.
Glavine did that 23 times last year. That is a vast - VAST - improvement over anything we got from anyone after Smoltz and Hudson last year.
By joebrave
October 21, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
SFU; methiks I’ll shut up when I get good and damn ready,besides I don’t think some trailer trash troll like you, you skirt jerking sumbitch,is big enough to shut Ol Joe up!!!!!! All I do is threaten everyone else???? I don’t think so,PUNK,Joe has friends that are way more classy than you could dare dream to be,and when some Alabama,tongue wagger,has a problem with Joe’s friends,they have a problem with Joe….Got that you snivelling little Ba$tard!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
“Every pitcher has bad stretches. Soriano and Hudson did too. Want to dump them?”
dumping a player on the current roster is much different than acquiring a 42-year old player another team appears unwilling to bring back. is there a reason?
was there a reason with julio or with woodward?
jared, try to keep up. the braves figured glavine out from the first pitch as a met. they killed glavine. even the marlins’ kids learned to wait glavine out and others will, too. might as well bring back leibrandt and a few others the way jared thinks. denny lemaster, maybe.
dob has blessed this move, so many will get in lock-step and that is to be expected here.
and paula d, a poor woman’s rosalynn, only without the humor. and calling dob a “little man” tells us who paula d really is. no cause for that, paula d.
stick with journalist and leave dob alone. and idi amin was a gourmet much like paula.
By Lew
October 21, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Esteemed Jouralist Jimmy-The big difference is that the Mets in their infinite lack of wisdom, utilized Glavine as a number one pitcher-the Ace of their staff. He isn’t an Ace pitcher any more. However, the Braves want him for, at best, a number three starter. This should allow him to pitch only 180 innings or so and that should keep him from tiring as much. Another thing that should be remembered about his September performance-that entire team was in absolute disarray. The mindset of the entire club was at rock bottom. That certainly affected all areas of their team. The fielders were making four and five errors a game behind the pitchers. This had to have a negative effect on Glavine in particular, since, with his style of ground ball pitching, relies more on defense, which was non existent at the time.
Besides-No one considers Glavine for much more than a year, anyway. He will be a worthwhile option, especially if we get another pitcher.There are kids in the minors, who look real good, such as Hanson, Rohrbaugh and Medlin, who should be ready within the next year or so. He’s a short term solution and no one thinks otherwise.
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
we explored alternative useful youthful energy alternatives this season and discovered they were more expensive than getting a glavine. so, while we would like to stop utilizing fossil fuels (glavine), the alternative energy sources are not as cost effective. we are not proud of our continued dependency on a foreign energy source (glavine from queens) but we have not learned yet how to produce effective energy sources here domestically. until we learn to produce alternative pitching energy resources in a cost effective manner here domestically, we are gonna have to continue to do business with evil doers (glavine) in order to obtain the necessary sources of foreign fossil fuel energy (glavine). unfortunately, the continued dependency on this foreign fossil fuel energy from the evil doers will continue to cause global warming (irate irrational anger from the i hate glavine crowd in atlanta).
After taking a look at our domestic youthful energy resources the last few seasons, we saw a 6.46 ERA as a starter for JoJo, a 6.12 ERA from Kyle Davies, a 6.55 ERA from Lance Cormier, an 8.62 ERA from Jason Shiell, and a 7.71 ERA from Larew and decided we better go sell our souls to the evil doers in return for some of that foreign fossil fuel energy resources we are unable to produce in a cost effective manner domestically.
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
Wow, Jake Westbrook is playing with fire tonight. Been saved by three DP’s but he’s gonna get burned if he keeps it up.
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
in 2007 versus the Braves, Glavine pitched 23.3 innings and had a 3.09 ERA.
in 2006 versus the Braves, Glavine pitched 19 innings and a had a 3.32 ERA.
In 2005 versus the Braves, Glavine pitched 34.3 innings and had a 3.67 ERA.
whatever the hell it was that the Braves “figured out” about Glavine in 2003 and 2004, they sure as hell seemed to forget during 2005, 2006, 2007.
By journalist quoting columnist
October 21, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
columnist mark bradley:
“There was a time when any rotation would have been fortified by the addition of Tom Glavine. That time, sad to say, is past. He’s not what he was. He’s not what the Braves lack. He’d be more of what they already have.”
By Paula D
October 21, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith, jawl, I surely wasn’t attempting to be anything like Miss Rosalyn. Not at all, jawl. Jawl, I wouldn’t even be a “poor man’s Rosalyn.”
As far as DOB, I’ll take your advice. Now, do I do that in lockstep? Or how do I do that, jawl?
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, so what you’re trying to say is that fossil fuels are actually more efficient than the newly created energy sources found within the organization?
The tree-hugging, granola crunchin’ crowd ain’t gonna like that reality.
By Jared
October 21, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
jared, try to keep up. the braves figured glavine out from the first pitch as a met. they killed glavine.
Let’s look at Tom Glavine’s 2007 vs. the Atlanta Braves:
April 7: 5.2IP, 2ER April 22: 6.0IP, 3ER May 24: 6.0IP, 2ER September 2: 6.0IP, 1ER
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
same discussion last year. should the braves sign glavine? some said yes, some said no.
js said, we’ll sign redman. oh, the humanity!
now, opportunity knocks. glavine can come back or someone else. who else? frank wren must become the gm and construct the team of the future.
right now, looks like frank wren will have bobby and the boys and smoltz and glavine and hampton. hudson, too, of course. that’s not 3 aces. that’s an ace and a stud who can walk off with a dead arm on any pitch and a junkballer and a guy who has had season-ending injuries for how many seasons now?
need some answers. need some youth. falcons faced something like this, too. now leftwich and harrington and losing.
too bad shockley was hurt and did not get to show how shockley could run an offense tailored for michael vick. wait, wrong game.
now, baseball … if glavine is to come here then journalist hopes smoltz and hudson remain healthy and that someone comes forward from last year. bennett? jo jo? james? juicy fruit?
and now, why is this crowd not chopping in the 7th game of a playoff series? oh, that’s right …
By Jared
October 21, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Let me try that 10:17 PM post again:
Let’s look at Tom Glavine’s 2007 vs. the Atlanta Braves:
April 7: 5.2IP, 2ER
April 22: 6.0IP, 3ER
May 24: 6.0IP, 2ER
September 2: 6.0IP, 1ER
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 21, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Me thinks JJS is coming down off a sugar high…… Too much cake?
Anyone seen Journalist Bob lately?
PS… Lofton was safe….
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
The tree-hugging, granola crunchin’ crowd ain’t gonna like that reality.
Well, Klobber, JJS always said JoJo had the name of a tree hugging monkey. I think as a tree hugging monkey JoJo crunches on bananas and not granolas though. But you never know.
The tree hugging granola crunchers might have a point though. Continuing to do business with the evildoers in order to obtain fossil fuels may cause global warming which may cause droughts (lack of World Series championships).
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
same discussion last year. should the braves sign glavine? some said yes, some said no. js said, we’ll sign redman. oh, the humanity!
LOL
Well done, Jimmy!
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
whoa, jared. check the previous seasons. those braves handled glavine quite well, thank you.
“everyone knows” the braves players ignored the hitting coach and flaunted it this season.
terry lost his manhood when bobby let andruw call the shots. no one was disciplined, hence the failure to score runners from second with no one out. hence the sometimes failure to hit the hittable.
and what did the young marlins do with glavine at season’s end?
also, glavine is coming from a team with known bad toe-health.
it appears glavine will be a brave. all cultural attractions in atlanta have been asked to hold tickets for glavine for next season. stone mountain, six flags, and cyclorama.
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Paula, can you get me Giada DeLaurentis’ phone number? She’s HOT!
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
pie, gil, pie. not cake. and jimmy smith is taking on all comers tonight (although one of tonight’s bloggers arguing with this journalist is posting with multiple names). still, nothing like a little hot stove even as game 7 of the alcs is underway. and jimmy smith has the sound turned down - has anyone said, “manny being manny” yet? and surely, if glavine comes back someone is going to point out that our pitcher is missing teeth. what an embarrassment! so old he has no teeth of his own. this is no way to run a ballclub.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 21, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
Curses…. Shades of Lonnie Smith….. Lofton should have scored.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 21, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Maybe it’s my fault, rooting for teams with Native American nicknames, The Braves, The Indians, The Redskins. I surely know the agony of defeat. Okay, the Skins won today but through no fault of their own. Cardinals blew it.
By joebrave
October 21, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
Joel Skinner should be fired for that stoopid @ssed play!!!
By Tyler
October 21, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
I believe JJS is correct. It will be a sad season if Glavine is our only rotation move. Wren needs to get some youth-some quality youth. Wanye has liked Marcum and McGowan, as do I. The Pirates have Gorzellany and Snell. Wren will probably blindside us with a pitcher we hadn’t even thought of. As long as he’s quality, healthy, and young, I’m happy with it.
Anyone notice the Reds are planning on shopping Ryan Freel? He could be a stopgap for CF until Schafer is ready. Not to mention, Bronson Arroyo is a solid choice for our #3 spot. He is 30 years old, pitched in 34 games, 4.23 ERA, 210+ IP, 156 SO, 63 BB. Of course Harang would be ideal, but that isnt going to happen. Maybe a trade of Renteria, Devine, and Thorman for Arroyo and Freel? What do y’all think?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 21, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
I am not going to argue the merits of signing Tom Glavin. I would say sign Bob Feller if he could still pitch. Age would not be my primary concern if it was a one year contract, ability to get people out is the key.
Being an ex hockey player allows for Tom to display his lack of incisors as a badge of honor. Betcha he whistles Dixie funny though.
Don’t care really, as long as the Braves don’t get crazy, after all. We all know the Braves are going to lose at least 60 games next year. How many more than that depends on the starting staff next year.
Anyone else remember when John Smoltz was the number three guy in the rotation?
JJS… what is your favorite pie? Peach? Pecan? Banana Cream? So many pies, so little time…..
And NASCAR is coming to fair Atlanta next weekend. Good seats are still available.
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
jacoby ellsbury has that same eat shyte grin to his face that chipper jones had in 1995. andruw had an eat shyte smirk to his face in 1996. the grin is better than the smirk. the grin says i just screwed you over even if i have not yet done it. the smirk says maybe i didn’t screw you over but i could have if i wanted to but i just didn’t want to this time.
By chrisklob
October 21, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Gil, how very un-PC of you!
Tyler, I like Freel too. He’s old school and I respect that aspect of him. Unfortunately, he’s never met a fence (or any other fixed object) that he doesn’t like.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 21, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
If I were the Pirates, I would go screaming into the night if the Braves showed up looking for a trade.
I think there will be some good young arms in camp this year. Look for someone to break through.
By Jared
October 21, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Tyler, what’s wrong with getting both Glavine and Snell?
By Braveheart
October 21, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
And NASCAR is coming to fair Atlanta next weekend. Good seats are still available.
Gil good seats are always available for the atlanta race in october because for some reason the NASCAR genuises have the brilliant idea to schedule the NASCAR race for the week when the entire state has their focus on the Cocktail Party in Jacksonville. Putting up a NASCAR race against Dawgs/Gators is just pure stupidity from a marketing standpoint. The kind of people who are gonna flock to Jacksonville, Savannah and Saint Simon’s are not likely gonna turn around all hammered and drive back to Atlanta for the race.
How about Randy Moss’ 2 touchdown catches today? That guy has by far the most talent of any wide receiver ever. There is no one close to him in terms of pure talent. Jerry Rice is the best receiver of all time by a wide margin but Moss clearly has more talent than anyone ever. Too bad he is a headcase.
Gotta say Grady Sizemore has not particularly impressed me in this series defensively.
By Tyler
October 21, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
Jared-I think you misunderstood me, or I explained it wrong. I meant to say that if we ONLY get Glavine it will be disappointing. If we get Glavine and Snell I would be delighted. No matter what, we need some young quality pitching, and then sign Glavine if we can. Smoltz, Hudson, Arroyo/Snell, Glavine, Reyes would be incredible.
By Chief Wahoo Raindance Savage
October 21, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
I’m sad.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 21, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
Okay, put a fork in me, I’m done. See you guys tomorrow.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
the fork is in the indians. oh, the humanity! reminds this journalist of the braves. quick! need a 9-run homer from somebody.
By flbravesgirl
October 22, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
jimmy, I’m still figuring out cake delivery logistics. Having a very hard time finding a trustworthy deliveryperson.
Switching over to pie, have you watched “Pushing Daisies”? The main character is a pie-maker so there is extensive pie talk on the show.
By ncscoots
October 22, 2007 6:38 AM | Link to this
DOB thinks some bloggers resist the idea of Glavine because they don’t like him. But that’s a blade that slices with duality. Aren’t some of the bloggers excited about him only because of his past ties? Would the same bloggers be as excited about, oh say, Kenny Rogers or Jamie Moyer? I think not.
I don’t have any qualms about Glavine being signed; I have qualms about penciling him in at 3.
KC, one does not “argue the merit” of a hypothesis that “quite accurately” forecasts. It’s one or the other. I know the “quality start” has gained traction in this era of diminished expectations, but ponder: 162 of them produces nearly 500 innings for a bullpen and needs 5-run offensive output just to stay even. Call it the “kinda maybe OK start”, and I’ll go along with it. Use it as a indicator of excellence, and you lose me. A hypothesis that fails in the extreme fails absolutely.
By Navigator
October 22, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Poor old JoeBrave can’t think at all. He jumped on my statement about Cox, but saying that Torre took Cox’ Brave team and won a division. If you weren’t stupid you would have understood that that was my point. He took what Cox couldn’t win with, and won a division title. If we had had Torre here when the Braves rebuilt, he would have won championships, that Cox couldn’t. By the number of blogs, you proven you do have something big, a big mouth. Go impress children, which is your speed.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 22, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Speaking of managers. George Steinbrenner just let the best manager he ever had , walk away.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 22, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Morning folks, Me, politically incorrect? You have no idea….. I am a kinder gentler version of myself as I have grown older and wiser. I use to insult everyone, a regular Don Rickles. However, I have an absence of malice.
There are those whom I still despise, bigots and snobs, those who are intolerant and self appointed experts who are unwilling to compromise.
Found out the hard way however that people could not always tell when I was kidding and when I was not. Now I am old enough not to care anymore.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 22, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
“I don’t know what we did wrong, but it’s coming on us this year,” (Falcons guard) Forney said. **”I guess it just ain’t our year.”
alas, forney, it has never been.
and now, flbravesgirl, thank you for the recommendation. any show that talks pie must be worthy.
and now, baseball … will be hard for this journalist to watch a world series with excessive red sox adulation from the booth. jimmy smith says, go rockies.
snow factor may play into this series.
By Lew
October 22, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Scoots-Off course we wouldn’t get excited over Jamie Moyer or Kenny Rogers. Moyer’s ERA was three quarters of a run per game higher than Glavine’s at 5.01 and Kenny Rogers missed most of the season with injuries and only pitched 63 innings for the Tigers. Come on Dude, if you’re going to use analogies, at least make them equitable.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 22, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
LL Bean, Official supplier of MLB World Series wear.
By Shaun
October 22, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
ncscoots, I agree that the Quality Start stat isn’t perfect but when a starter can do it consistently, it is pretty telling.
Also, see this study: http://www.diamond-mind.com/articles/qstart.htm
I know it’s kind of out-dated but from 1984-1991 the ERA in quality starts was 1.91. Probably a little higher now but I’m guessing a quality start usually gives the team a chance to win, and what else can you ask for from a starting pitcher?
It’s 3 earned runs in 6 innings. Teams posted a .849 winning percentage when giving up 3 runs or fewer in 2007.
Let’s say the bullpen comes in a gives up a couple more runs. Teams posted a .720 winning percentage when allowing 5 runs or fewer.
I’ll be the first to acknowledge looking at Quality Starts isn’t as good as looking at strikeouts, walks, homeruns, innings and groundballs-to-flyballs but it is a pretty useful stat.
It’s important to keep in mind 3 earned runs and 6 IP that define a quality start is just the boundary. Often times a pitcher that puts up a quality start is going to be more impressive than a 4.50 ERA would indicate.
There were 54 pitchers who posted a 4.50 ERA or better. 40 of them posted an ERA under 4.00.
Finally, I would argue that the quality start has become increasingly more telling over time because the average team scored 4.8 runs per game in 2007.
By ncscoots
October 22, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Lew, all those 40+ left-handed thumbers look the same to me :-)
By Shaun
October 22, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
2005 ERA in all quality starts: 2.04.
By Lew
October 22, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Esteemed Journalist-At least you don’t have to live in the middle of the Red Sox Nation. I can’t even go to the grocery without seeing posters of Manny Being Manny and falling over stacked bags of Red Sox peanuts. No sooner is baseball season done, then you fall over piles of Patriots memorabilia. At least Big Papi makes real good Salsa.
By Shaun
October 22, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
ncscoots, one more thing, then you can rip into me. Criticizing the quality start stat is akin to criticizing someone who may find it somewhat useful to look at the hitters who reached base at least once in the most games because a .250 or a .200 OBP (1 time on base in 4 or 5 PA) isn’t impressive.
By Lew
October 22, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Scoots-I’M 40 plus. You don’t want to compare my numbers to Glavine’s? Besides, it’s like I was saying yesterday. It’s not like we’re going to use Glavine like a number one starter, a la the Mets (still another in the continuing series of wondrous Met’s personnel moves). I don’t see him any better than a number three for us-number four if we pull off a deal for a younger up and coming starter. I think he will do exactly what we want him to do-give us quality innings at the back end of the rotation. No one (well, at least not me or anyone else who is sensible) thinks he will be our savior, just a good option for one year to shore up the back of the rotation until kids like Hanson, Medlin and Rohrbaugh are ready in a year or so.
It’s all in how a player is utilized. I still think Chuck James major problem last year was being usedin the number three instead of the five spot in the rotation (out of necessity). At number five, no one would have had any complaints with him (except the HR’s, that is).
By SFU
October 22, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Look out Navigator, JoeBravado will sic one of his Alabama relatives on you.
By flange1
October 22, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Good Morning All,
Interesting conversation on the potential Glavine signing. Here are my thoughts.
We need 2 new starters. We will look to trade for one, hopefully a younger guy with some up side potential that can be here for awhile.
The second starter will probably be a free agent signing. We need to look at the FA list and see who is available.
We also have budget constraints.
In a perfect world, we would make a trade for Santana and try to get Snell or Bonderman as well.
We can’t afford that!
What we can afford is to try to sign a #3 at reasonable #3 money. If he is young and we can sign for awhile great! If he is older, make sure it’s a short contract.
Then we look to trade.
From my viewing of the POTENTIAL FA list, Glavine seems like the best of the bunch. If we can sign Glavine early at a reasonable price, we BEGIN the process of stablizing the rotation and then look to the trade market.
Is Glavine enough - NO! Is Glavine the perfect choice - NO, but he is the best available FA that we can sign.
I agree with Scoots that Glavine is not the perfect choice, but I do think his stats last year matching up with other teams #1 were decent. In fact if he was a Brave last year and he was the 3 and Chuck James was the 4, BOTH pitchers would have had better records and the Braves would have played in the post season.
I say signs Glavine for 1 year at 7-8 million, then see what you can do in the trade market for another starter. At this point, we don’t know who will be available.
Thoughts?
By Lew
October 22, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Flange-About supposed budget constraints. I’m not so sure that we really have any. First, we have McGuirk’s comments about not being concerned with the upper figures of the salary budget. Second, I think that TW was lying their corporate @$$e$ off about losing money. There were just too many aspects of revenue (such as concessions) not listed in their balance sheet, for that to be believable.
Be that as it may, life in MLB has changed in a significant manner the past couple of years. The TV revenues, with the Extra Innings package and radio revenue with XM has risen to insane heights. In the Scott Boras article on tThe AJC, the figure of $6 billion is mentioned. I believe this is accurate.
Now everyone thinks the Braves TV package is shot to hell and back because TBS dumped them. This is absolutely not so. The FSN contracts and now the contract with the Peachtree Network (whatever the hell THAT is) will assure that EVERY single Braves’ game is televised somewhere. Just like all the Yankees games, just like all of the Mets’ games, and the Cubs, and the Cards etc. EVERY MLB game is now televised. Every MLB game is now on the radio.
The end result of this is that every single club has revenue coming in, way above and beyond what was available to TW. Factor into this situation, that TW lost their proverbial @$$e$ in the AOL deal and you have an apples/oranges situation compared to what Liberty Media faces, who not only want to build major value with the Braves, but just saved a KIng’s ransom on taxes and the like, anyway. Y’all, I don’t think a reasonable salary level is even a bona fide issue any longer. They just didn’t think Andruw was worth $20 million. They might just think Tex is. They surely will pay what they need to pay for good pitching.
By flange1
October 22, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
Lew,
I hope that you are right and that money is not really an issue! There is a large group of quality pitchers that will be FA’s after next year, maybe we can look at one of those guys too.
By Braves4Ever
October 22, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Lew as usual your last two post were on point and very informative. Best presentation of the revenue situation that I’ve heard. I totally agree with you as to Glavine as well.
By Shaun
October 22, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Any World Series picks?
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Ncscoots, no, I think most who want Glavine are being realistic (unlike you) and looking at the available free agents and seeing that, for the money, for a No. 3 starter who’ll take a bit less to pitch for Atlanta, Glavine’s probably the best choice out there, the only one who you can count on for about 200 innings and 12-15 wins and get him for a short-term commitment (one year) at less than $10 mill.
If there’s another FREE AGENT pitcher who fits that bill, please just give us a name or two. OK, can you do that? And remember, we want a guy who’s done it year-in, year-out, 200 innings and 12-15 wins, and someone who’s a free agent, who’ll require only a one-year commitment (or maybe one plus an option, at most) and won’t require giving up young players to acquire in a trade.
Because the Braves also need to get another starter via trade. Can’t afford to trade for two, since you’e pobably have to gut about all that’s left of your top prospects to get two affordable starting pitchers.
Now, back to your post this morning. Beyond totally disagreeing with you about quality starts (have you paid attention to how many starters are actually produced quality starts on a regular basis?), what does Kenny Rogers have to do with anything? The man had sugery and missed most of last season. Irrelevent comparison.
Moyer? His ERA was more than half a run higher and he gave up 30 homers to Glavine’s 23 in the same number of innings (actually Glavine pitched 1-2/3 innings more, but close enough).
And as I said before, Glavine’s ERA rose by half a run with his last three starts. In his first 31 starts, it was 3.81, or something very close to that (haven’t had enough coffee to go look up my old stats yet).
Oh, and Moyer is THREE years older than Glavine, 44 to 41.
Other than that, good comparison.
By Yuk Yuk
October 22, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Stan walks into his bedroom with a sheep under his arm and says:
By ncscoots
October 22, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
Here’s a fairly comprehensive look at free agent pitcher breakdowns over the next couple of years.
Though this year’s FA crop seems pitiful, the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 crops appear to be bumper. Nothing says Braves couldn’t try to make a trade for one of the good ones this offseason.
By Lew
October 22, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Braves4Ever-Thank you.
Flange-I can’t guarantee this, but stop and think logically for a second (not that you don’t usually, anyway). Terry McGuirk outright SAID it’s not an issue. When has THIS happened in recent years? In the past, there has been no hemming or hawing about salary. They have stated right up front EXACTLY what we could spend. There is absolutely NO reason for McGuirk to make such comments if not true. They don’t need to. Fans are used to the salary structure, for one thing and for another, distrust LM as a corporate entity, anyway. They would not be surprised if LM said screw off, y’all ain’t getting another extra penny. We would not only expect this, but accept it as normal to the ways of Corporate penuriousness.
They didn’t do this though, did they? They came out and said, in so many words, that the top line was not an issue. THEY SAID IT OUT LOUD AND IN PUBLIC, when it was certainly not necessary to do this.
Now, that is the purely emotional part of the deal. Like I pointed out in the above post, the second part of my evaluation is that the sport is rolling in cash. I mean, I get images of Scrooge McDuck rolling in his piles of cash like in a Disney cartoon-diving into the money pit. There is so much money in Baseball that it isn’t even truly imaginable to normal humans like us.
No, I can’t guarantee we will have $100-110 million for payroll, but it certainly does not seem to me to be out of the realm of possibility .
Especially considering within another couple of years, major salary will be jettisoned due to retirement and the development of kids like Hanson, Medlin, Rohrbaugh, Jamie Richmond, Bryan Dumesnil, Jose Ortegano, Edgar Osuna and others. The lower minors are loaded with kids who have 3-1 and 4-1 K to BB ratios and low ERA’s.
By Yuk Yuk
October 22, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Trying again.
Stan walks into his bedroom with a sheep under his arm and
says:
headache.”
find that’s a sheep, you idiot.”
By Shaun
October 22, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
The problem the common criticism of quality starts that a 4.50 ERA is the high-end boundary. Any starter who posts a 4.50 ERA or lower(!) is doing a pretty good job, especially these days. It’s really not that complicated when you think about it.
Only 54 qualifiers posted an ERA under 4.50 in all of baseball. That’s less than two per team.
By ncscoots
October 22, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, a joke about Rogers and Moyer, nothing more. As I said to Lew, all the 40+ left-handed soft-tossers look the same to me.
Mostly, we just disagree that Glavine is a shoo-in for 15 wins and 200 innings pitching at 3, I guess.
But I’ll admit to confusion about “unrealistic”, though. In what way and context?
By Overlord
October 22, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I dont think picking the redsox as WS winners as a sure thing, is not smart. Maybe they have lost of things in their favor…..
Experience.
Manager with WS experience.
2 of the most dangerous postseason hitters in the last 20 years.
One pitcher that has looked unbeatable this postseason.
Homefield advantage.
But the rockies have a great advantage when the series moves to denver. Their sharp defense is important in a WS, it takes lots of pressure away from pitching.
I think the Rockies can take the series, but for me the redsox have the edge.
Rockies are balanced, poised and they are in a roll so hot that if they game one game in fenway i think it will be hard for the sox to repeat their trick.
ITS GONNA BE A GOOD AND INTERESTING SERIES!!!!!!!!
By TennesseePaul
October 22, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
KC: You can be disappointed in these guys on a personal level, but it’s hard to make a scandal out of something that was not against the rules at the time, isn’t it?
It’s not hard at all. How else could we keep McGwire out of the Hall, but simply put and asterisk on Bonds? That’s fair right? Prior to any of these substances being prohibited, Bonds was on a good pace to be a great player and HOF candidate. An @sshole, but a good player. He hit 40 or so a season but then used “flax-seed oil” and hit one tenth of his career homers in a single season which shot him to the top and beat his projections by 100 HR.
McGwire set the rookie record for HR at 49 and proceeded to hit 10 less homeruns than he was projected to hit for his career. But he used Andro so he shouldn’t get in the Hall.
By Lew
October 22, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
DOB-You’re absolutely right. Among free agent pitchers this year, only two come vaguely close to Glavine and they aren’t that close. Livan Hernandez was the ONLY FA pitcher to pitch over 200 innings besides Glavine. His ERA was 4.93 to Glavine’s 4.26. Livan had a WHIP of 1.59, Glavine 1.41. Livan also gave up 28 more hits and walked 15 more batters in four more innings than Glavine. Their strikeouts were equal. Livan will definitely eat innings, but will give you a coronary watching him put all those runners on base. Not sure the denizens could cope with the added personal health issues, given their proclivity of going ballsitic for less reason than he will give.
The only other FA pitcher with close numbers (and wasn’t even as close as Livan) was Josh Fogg of the Rockies. He pitched 39 less innings and had an ERA of 4.79-a full half run a game over Glavine. He does have a bit more K potential, but his WHIP is 1.5, as well and his K to BB ratio is not even 2-1. Likely because of his recent exposure due to the Rockies’ post season appearance and success, he will get very expensive, very quickly. Now, I wouldn’t mind having Fogg as a low rotation guy, but don’t see him as the “Younger” panacea we are all searching for-in vain like Diogenes search for an honest man. Got an oil lamp, anyone?
By Shaun
October 22, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
DOB, the problem with ncscoot’s comparison with Moyer and Glavine is that Moyer was actually a decent pitcher for a 44-year-old fourth starter. His ERA+ was 92, or about 8 percent lower than league average; essentially he was just barely worse than average. If Glavine can give the Braves 200 innings of giving up runs at about an average rate at less than $10 million, that will be fine.
By TennesseePaul
October 22, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
whatever the hell it was that the Braves “figured out” about Glavine in 2003 and 2004, they sure as hell seemed to forget during 2005, 2006, 2007.
Now, whatever it is about Glavine and his success, I would point out that 2005-2007 Braves were considerably younger than in previous seasons. Glavine improved over all in the later years with the Mets so that alone would account for improvement against the Braves, but I think the youth of the Braves would also have a factor. Not a big one but I don’t think it can be total discounted. Initially Glavine went to the Mets and played against pretty much all the Braves he knew and played along with. Then later, Glavine pitched against all the kids that grew up idolizing him.
Not saying that’s the only reason his numbers improved against the Braves, just that it probably had a little something to do with it.
By flange1
October 22, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
Lew,
I agree with your logic and hope this corporate owner is more interested in winning than the last one.
It would be great to actually be able to compete with other teams on valuable FA’s rather than sign Chris Woodward!
Scoots,
Thanks for the FA list! There are some interesting names that are on the list for next year and the next. I would love to see the Braves pick up a Bedard or a Peavey in a trade. Hopefully someone will want to unload a quality pitcher because they can’t afford to resign him.
By Overlord
October 22, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
DOB i agree with you, the braves have little options for pitching and that glavine is one of the best options. But he is not worth 10mill anymore. 7-8 mill is the highest offer i would give him.
By Rick Roberts
October 22, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
To sign Glavine means: a. The Braves regain their position as being a class organization b. He pitches innings and you can count on him. The BP is automatically better c. He will win 12-15 games with Tex in the lineup d. Attendance will go up e. Saves us trading good prospects to obtain a solid SP f. Clubhouse chemistry would be postive as he is a class-pro player
Speaking of Toronto, they are the best match with MacGowan and Marcum. MacGowan has the best stuff, but Marcum is more consistent. Plus, Marcum can pitch from the BP. Thorman should be of interest to them; plus, would have to include a pitcher like a Cormier or Reyes.
By Shaun
October 22, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Overlord, yeah. It’s hard to pick against the Red Sox given that they probably just beat the second-best team in baseball in 2007 and were able to tie for the most wins in the tough AL. But the Rockies probably aren’t going to make too many mistakes. If I had to bet, I’d put my money on the Sox but I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it (then again, I probably wouldn’t feel comfortable putting my money on any team over another in a seven-game series).
Colorado pitchers must keep the ball in the park. With their defense, if they do that, they’ll have a chance. But I have a feeling Boston’s offensive approach may be too good.
By Sammy Kershaw
October 22, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
To the guy talking smack about Nick Saban’s USF comments. He was asked to comment he didnt volunteer that opinion.
By the way the reasoning is USF has 2 guys currently playing RB which both commited to Alabama. Jamar Taylor, who had to transfer for “family reasons”. And Mike Ford who committed 2 time to Bama but couldnt qualify. 2 years Bama couldnt get him to qualify now he starts for USF.
By the way the record is 5-2 douchebag
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Bubba If you had a damn clue you’d probably use it for a toothpick…Cox was let go you dip$hit before the 82 team gelled,.never had the chance to win with them,Check out His Toronto record Idiot before you open that ignorant cesspool you call a mouth…Stupid@ssed hillbilly!!!and as for you,SFU you are a meaningless little turd that needs to cut the naval cord and ge out of Mommy’s basement,just what the world needs another case of welfareitis!!!
By TennesseePaul
October 22, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
My main issue with acquiring Glavine is he is a one year deal. Yes, he could arguably be slipped into the 3rd spot in the rotation. This would logically mean all that is needed to fill out the rotation next year is a back end starter. Any acquisition of a “back end starter” is going to be via trade. And I don’t look too favorably on that idea right now.
Trading players for “back-end starter” becomes an issue because this “back-end starter” is going to be with the team longer than Glavine, an admitted 1 year deal. I just think it’s in the best interest of the team to take advantage of the current situation (low roster turn-over and new ownership financial commitment) and do everything possible to acquire a front end starter who will be able to pitch for the team for several years. This will make next year even better and offer stability for future years.
Here is an idea of what the Braves could be looking at for the future post 2008: Glavine retiring, Hampton walking, Hudson entering his last guaranteed season, Smoltz option must vest for 2009 so he could need resigning. So that means there is a possibility of starting 2009 with Hudson and a bunch of back end starters assuming that a stop gap 40 year old reunion and a back end starter is all that was aimed for this off season.
Of course you could argue that the FA class for pitching is better after next season. True. But you must also realize the following. 2008 is the last guaranteed year for Chipper Teixeira, and Renteria. So you’re looking at almost all the veterans walking after next season.
For this reason I pondered trading Tex for long term top line pitching and a first base replacement. Obviously that isn’t an option. But that is the frame of reference for my suggestion.
As far as this team goes, Chipper and Smoltz need to have the options guaranteed or an extension offered soon, perhaps mid season next year, but I’d like to see them locked up for a few more years. Maybe even extend Hudson again while they still can. But Teixeira… this guy’s situation has to be resolved sooner than later. I don’t think the Braves will be able to offer him a competitive FA contract. Not when the Yanks and Mets will need a 1B just as he becomes a FA.
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Here is a final note from me on Bobby Cox,the Man is a Hall of Fame manager,not to mention a Baseball genious,and He deserves and has earned the right to go out on His own terms,not some no pay at the gate fly by night fan’s terms… You want to replace Cox,with whom,and why? you bring up shortcomings,I don’t see them… He not Schuerholtz,started this Dynasty of 14 straight Division titles,From 85,to 90 Bobby Cox built this franchise from the ground up,No One Else!! Managerial speaking,Was it Bobby in 92 that screwed up on the bases?answer NO did Bobby toss that hit I’m Here H.R. ball to Leyritz,in 96,Nope don’t think so!! How bout 2004,was it Bobby again because No Talent was acquired for the pen at the deadline,that threw that Joey Devine junk that ended the season??? He11 No!!! My point here is The Braves have been fortunate,to have Bobby Cox,and John Schuerholtz,leading the way, Anyone that cares to B***,go look in the mirror,fair weather fans,a lack of Playoff Attendance,and lackidasical fan support,contibutes more than you think to the Ability to make Trades for that one Superstar that might have Put the Team over the top…
So before you @ssclowns berate Bobby Cox,and laud Joe Torre,Is it easier to have what ever You need and desire at your disposal,and sit back and take the Acclaim,or is it easier to lead to the same place,with less than you need…
Personally I take Bobby Cox ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. Now if you can’t understand facts,I’m sorry sue your parents for not kicking your ignorant @sses and making you get an Education!!!!!!!!!!!
You want a team full of Manny Ramirez’,A-Rod’s,Johan Santana’s put your @ss in the seats or Shut the he11 up!!!!!!!!!!!
By DAP
October 22, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
10Paul good point about the possibility that all the vets are gone after ‘08. my question…at what point will mccann and frenchy be considered veterans? is it an age thing or an experience in the bigs thing? if its an experience thing, id venture to say mccann and frenchy are veterans after ‘08.
id love to see tex signed longterm to be the older holdover from this team in a few years.
and chipper WILL retire a brave.
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Flange1, Peavy in a trade? PEAVY?
Dude, he’s gonna win the Cy Young Award. He’s 26 years old. He’s only making $6 mill next season in the final year of a very club-friendly four-year, $14.5 mill contract, and the Padres have an option at $8 mill for 2009, when he will be the most underpaid pitcher in baseball for the second year in a row.
The Padres would be NUTS to trade him in the next year or two (they’ve got good revenue streams, an almost-new ballpark, and he’s arguably the best young pitcher in baseball — you sign him to another extension, not trade him).
And if they did trade him, they’d get an absolute king’s ransom from any team he went to, and that team would then either pay him about $20 mill a year as a free agent in a long-term contract after 2009, or lose him.
By Braveheart
October 22, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
I get images of Scrooge McDuck rolling in his piles of cash like in a Disney cartoon-diving into the money pit
Did Lew just go Duck Tales on us?
Never would have seen that one coming.
By flange1
October 22, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I know I know, just wanted to stir up some trouble! He has said he wants to play for the Braves….
But really my point was that we could look for a Hudson kind of deal and see if someone wanted prospects and not to take on a lrge salary.
Peavy would fit the bill, uh, I just don’t think the Peavy or Webb or Oswalt or Halliday will be moving teams.
Just wanted to make sure you are watching! :)
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Lew,DoB,Savannah Guy,Corolina Lady,etal,I do apologize for being somewhat offensive,but it do chap my buns to see a bunch of illterates discussing somethin,and someone They know absolutely noting about!!!!! Then to get on Someone like Lew,and others just PI$$E$ Me off!!!!!
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Mr. Wren will do a fine job this offseason,I am sure… But I would rather see a trade with the Giants,say maybe Edgar,Thorman,and a middle reliever,for Noah Lowry,and Fred Lewis!!
By TennesseePaul
October 22, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
DAP: That’s true. I tend to throw all the home grown call ups into the non-vet/non-rookie class. But nevertheless, the vets I listed are bigger offensive forces than McCann and Francoeur. I’d love it though if those two could become massive threats like Chipper and Tex. Even still, Tex and Chipper are the two corners with no enternal replacements ready. That’s the 3rd and 4th hitters in the line up as well. Toss in Renteria and your looking at the #2, 3 and 4 hitters all possibly gone. #2, 3 and 4 hitters are not cheap on the FA market. Hence not acquiring a solid pitcher this offseason means less money available for securing future holes in the roster.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 22, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
scoots, face it, your and idiot. jimmy smith, too. jimmy smith is and idiot. now, signing glavine will take up $8-10 million maybe and that leaves room to pick up a couple woodwards and wilsons for more veteran presence. in fact, maybe the braves could get a few innings out of roger mcdowell. worth a try, once very good.
now, important subject: pie
oh, the humanity! journalist will have to re-think pie!
“The Roman statesman, Marcus Porcius Cato (234-149 B.C.), also know as Cato the Elder, wrote a treatise on agriculture called De Agricultura. He loved delicacies and recorded a recipe for his era’s most popular pie/cake called Placenta. They were also called libum by the Romans, and were primarily used as an offering to their gods. Placenta was more like a cheesecake, baked on a pastry base, or sometimes inside a pastry case.”
not a good name for a pie!
By Braveheart
October 22, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Any word on Grinch yet?
I’m kinda worried about the Grinch engaging in the Jerry Springer Redneck Throwdown in the early morn at the Waffle House with Kid Rock.
Does he need us post bail due to these fisticuffs with the Bullgod?
By BossLady
October 22, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Interesting article about Scott Boras. Were MLB teams under paying young rookies? These huge numbers for the Veterans are ridiculous. The rookies and new players do need to get their worth since injuries can end the career with nothing to show for the hard work.
By SFU
October 22, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
joebrave, can you have any form of communication with resorting to filth and profanity? You don’t say “One of you%$#@$%$@ pass me the *&%$#@#$ potatoes” at your dinner table, do you? Yes, you probably do.
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
We’re gonna be bloggin’ from the World Series at the epicenter of Red Sox Nation (God help me), from Chowderhead Central, starting with tomorrow’s workout day at Fenway.
So I’m gonna ask the denizens to flood the blog during the SEries, so the higher-ups will know it’s worth the price of sending me to these things to primarily blog and also do a little print-edition writing (possible features, notebooks, etc.). Fortunately I don’t have to do game stories, so I’ll be able to blog during the games.
If it works and there’s strong response, I’m sure they’ll want to do it again for future non-Braves events.
By SFU
October 22, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
“without”
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
SFU,follow your monicker you blithering PRICK and S.F.U.!!!!!!!!!
By Marcus Vick
October 22, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Did you folks hear the good news? My brother Micheal is going to be the next coach of the Georgia ‘Dawgs!
They say, if anybody can make ‘Dawgs fight, Michael can!
By TennesseePaul
October 22, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
So I’m gonna ask the denizens to flood the blog during the SEries
I see how it is. We forego our jobs, our families and all that is dear to us to over load the blog, put up with slow blog loading, and a perpetual slew of slimey posts so the Notorious D.O.B. can go to the WS year in and year out on the company’s dime.
Sounds like a good deal. Let me run it by the wife. =)
By journalist jimmy smith
October 22, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
” …So I’m gonna ask the denizens to flood the blog during the SEries, so the higher-ups will know it’s worth the price of sending me to these things to primarily blog and also do a little print-edition writing (possible features, notebooks, etc.). Fortunately I don’t have to do game stories, so I’ll be able to blog during the games.”
oh, the humanity! the dob/braves/pie/music/toes/bbq blog is the hottest thing going on marietta street! imagine dob is going to the world series “to primarily blog”.
success has arrived! the worm has turned. peter has paid paul. the bananas are off the tree. the shuttle has landed. the ham is in the can.
it will be good to have dob blogging from the world series.
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
sfu CAN YOU WAALK AND CHEW GUM AT THE SAME TIME rETARD!!!
By Teddy Ballgame
October 22, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
DOB Enjoy yourself at the “house” and “nation” I built.
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Enjoy the Chower DOB!!! and the series..
By Lew
October 22, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Rick Roberets- The Toronto pitchers you mentioned are pretty good, but you might want to think twice about putting Marcum in the pen. He was successful as a starter, but in the pen he had a 6.03 ERA in 13 appearances. In the first 11 of those appearances in relief, he gave up 11 ER and had an ERA of 8.25. In his 13 relief appearances, the Blue Jays were 4-9. Don’t let him anywhere near the bullpen. Eddie Perez should hit him with a fungo bat if he comes close.
By DAP
October 22, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
does anybody think the young royals brian bannister or zach greinke might be guys that could help the braves rotation? they are both young and inexperienced, but they seem fairly promising. not something to give renteria for, but maybe a few martin prado types for one of these guys would be a good deal.
does anybody think the royals would even trade these guys?
By Lew
October 22, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Braveheart-What’s wrong with Duck Tales? I’m a parent. I’ve seen lots of Transformers, Thunder Cats, Sesame Street, Duck Tales, Smurfs, He Man and Skeletor, Dude. Show me a parent that raised kids in the 80’s and 90’s and I’d be very surprised if they couldn’t make those same claims.
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
I see only one problem in the resume of the Braves’ new assistant GM: He majored in journalism.
Oh, well, we won’t hold that against Bruce Manno, 53, who was just named asst. GM by Frank Wren, the first hire for Wren since he became GM.
Manno spent the past six seasons with the Cardinals, and last year was their director of pro scouting and a special asst. to Walt Jocketty.
Before he was Wren’s GM in their forgettable year with the Orioles, Manno spent 16 years with the Brewers and was their farm director when they won three Organization of the Year awards from Baseball America.
Seems quite qualified.
Again, except for that journalism major at Cuyahoga Community College (not making that up).
By Lew
October 22, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
DOB-Cayahoga Community is only an Associate’s Degree. You’ve got him trumped. You’re really educated.
By Shaun
October 22, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
DOB, yeah, those journalism majors are trouble! (I have a journalism degree also, probably because it was the most easiest major ever invented.)
By Braveheart
October 22, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Braveheart-What’s wrong with Duck Tales? I’m a parent. I’ve seen lots of Transformers, Thunder Cats, Sesame Street, Duck Tales, Smurfs, He Man and Skeletor, Dude. Show me a parent that raised kids in the 80’s and 90’s and I’d be very surprised if they couldn’t make those same claims.
Lew, nothing wrong with it at all. Shows what a great father you are. You told us once about the man made Castle Greyskull you made for your boy and that was cool enough. But to actually know details of the cartoons like you showed above shows how much quality time you were spending with your boy. The reference you made was that could only be made by a kid of the 80s like myself or a good parent of the kid of the 80s like yourself.
By mo in the boonies
October 22, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Lew regarding your last post to me, right, duly noted. I had to smile at your Diogenes reference. Personally, the Braves search for good starting pitching reminds me of Sisyphus pushing his rock up the hill over and over again, but never succeeding.
I think Glavine would be an ok choice, if they also get a good starting pitcher, not a maybe good, but a definite good. Glavine’s main problem is his refusal to give in to the batter, and insistence on staying on the outside edges or the inside edges. And he hasn’t been getting the calls from the umps the way he used to, because so many of them have tightened up the strike zone. Or at least have made it a more selective strike zone.
Hmmm…I wonder how difficult it is to bat in a snowmobile suit?
By Jared
October 22, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Cardinals executive Bruce Manno was hired as assistant general manager of the Atlanta Braves on Monday in Frank Wren’s first move as GM since taking over after John Schuerholz stepped aside. Manno spent the last six years in St. Louis, where he was senior director of pro scouting and a special assistant to general manager Walk Jocketty.
By Braveheart
October 22, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
December 6, 2006: Brian Bannister traded by the New York Mets to the Kansas City Royals for Ambiorix Burgos. Another stupid trade by the Mets.
Don’t see why the Royals would give him up although his Ks per 9 are pretty darn low.
And no Scoots. We are talking about Brian Bannister and not his father Floyd. We know you got a complex about us bringing in old lefties. :o) Don’t want you to fall into shock thinking we are advocating bringing in Floyd Bannister along with Leibrandt and Glavine next season.
By Lew
October 22, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Braveheart-Nah, I just like cartoons. Even wanted to draw comic books at one time. I’ve illustrated Horror stories, too. As far as Scrooge McDuck-Dude, all the Duck Tales were originally on when I was a kid in the 50’s on Disney’s Wonderful World of Color (mostly watched on b&w TV’s back then) and were out in comic books then, too. They were old when I was a kid.
By ssiscribe
October 22, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Braveheart and Lew, you know your life has come full circle when you find yourself watching cartoons with your kids, and you realize you watched the same cartoons a generation ago with your parents and grandparents.
Tom and Jerry. Jetsons. Flintstones. Smurfs. Those are among my kids’ favorites. We watch some of the new stuff, but my boys would rather watch Scooby Doo or Huckleberry Hound or Looney Toons. We watch as much Boomerrang around here as we do anything else, especially once baseball season is over.
Don’t nothin’ beat being sprawled in front of the TV at the end of the day, watching cartoons with the kiddies after a good, home-cooked meal. That’s the biggest reason I left the scribin’ world behind. Started missing too many of those moments.
For what it’s worth, Red Sox in six. Think the layoff is gonna hurt the Rox, and the BoSox are hot. Hate it for Cleveland and their fans, though. That was pure torture last night, watching that thing get outta hand in the eighth inning after they should’ve tied the game a few minutes earlier.
DOB, enjoy the Series. We’ll be watching and blogging (and talking BBQ, and pie, and toes and whatever else the good denizens have to offer as November approaches).
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Thanks, JJS.
I might have overstated it a bit — I am required to do some Braves-angle stories if I I can find them, and work sources, talk to agents, etc.
But yes, no game stories. I’ll be blogging during games.
By ncscoots
October 22, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Floyd Bannister…American League, right? :-)
And wasn’t Scrooge McDuck left-handed, er, -webbed?
By journalist jimmy smith
October 22, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
journalism major does not make manilow a journalist.
sings a pretty good song, though a bit effeminate if you ask this journalist.
known for “i write the songs”, “mandy”, and “copacabana”.
looks like he made it … as asst gm of the braves.
can play the organ at the games and reduce payroll so braves can afford tom glavine.
not a great hire but a good one. could be temperamental, though.
“what? what, baby seal? m-a-n-n-o? not barry manilow?”
never mind.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 22, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
“Personally, the Braves search for good starting pitching reminds me of Sisyphus pushing his rock up the hill over and over again, but never succeeding.”
american league?
By SFU
October 22, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
joebrave O-R-I-G-I-N-A-L-I-T-Y. First learn to spell it. Then learn to practice it. Go!
By ncscoots
October 22, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Also, I note during my drive-by blogging today that we have mentions of Diogenes and Sisyphus. Can Polonius be far behind? And what IS the temper of the literati vis-a-vis quality starts, LOL?
By Lew
October 22, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
Mo-I never thought I’d see the day when baseball uniforms were made of Polar Fleece. They might just need it though. Boston’s pretty warm right now, but that’s subject to change at a moment’s notice. It’s certainly not too early for snow. Since I’ve been in New England, I’ve seen the cold white stuff as early as September and as late as June. Never in July or August, though.
By GermanBravesFan
October 22, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
I wonder where Robert has been… Oh… He’s in New York interviewing for the Yankees’ Manager job. I am sure they need his wisdom up there; Torre wasn’t that great since they only won 4 World Series titles under him. With Robert, it would have been twice that many!!!
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
I choose to Ignore Ignorance,no longer will the alabama scumbag sumbitch named SFU get my attention!!!
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Off to get my emissions tested … and we all know how uncomfortable that can be. (ba-da-bum)
By Braveheart
October 22, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Yes, we know Scoots is waiting for a particularly bad stretch next season to find a way to make fun of Glavine, McDowell, and Chuck James by calling them the Scrooge Mc-Chuck & Duck show. Okay, yeah, that didn’t work. A failed attempt at forced humor.
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
One parting shot how’s this for ORIGINALITY?My foot in your @ss!!!!
By Polonius
October 22, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Laertes and joe brave Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 22, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
“O’ wad some poower the giftie gi’e us, tae see o’orsels as ithers see us.”
oh, the humanity!
By ncscoots
October 22, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Notorious One, be wary of the old banana-up-the-tailpipe trick.
By Polonius
October 22, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
ncscoots Give thy thoughts no tongue. :-)
By mo in the boonies
October 22, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Lew Right, we also get snow in Oct on occasion. It could get dicey at either stadium. Could start a whole new sport, “baseball hockey”.
ncscoots: Polonius? Nope, we’re half way through, and he is dead all ready.
jjs, Greek league.
By Yars
October 22, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
The early-mid 1980’s had the best cartoons. Voltron, Camp Candy, Danger Mouse, He-Man, Kidd Video, Transformers. Those were the days. Waking up, having a smoke of herb, & tripping out to cool cartoons. Anyone remember the program Baseball Bunch? Wasn’t This Week In Baseball so much better during the 80’s? I can’t stand watching it now. In 20 years, we’ll all being saying, remember Braves baseball on tbs? The only good thing on tbs now is Seinfeld & maybe once or twice a year, they will show a decent movie.
By Diogenes
October 22, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
mo in the boonies We have two ears and one tongue so that we can listen more and talk less.
By Harry
October 22, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave: Did you catch Isbell at VP? Pretty solid show, although the crowd turnout was horrific, and I think it affected the performance. Maybe the worst crowd I’ve ever seen at the venue. I guess all the Whig fans left.
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
All that Greek stuff is makin me hungry,A Caesar Salad maybe!!!and it brings to mind an Old Tom T Hall tune,The Day Clayton Delaney Died!!!!
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
In the Immortal words of Larry the cable Guy,Polonius GitRDone!!!!!
By keylargo25
October 22, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
I remember Polonius. He played for us a season or two in the mid 90’s. Luis Polonius - outfielder and PH. :-)
By Brutus
October 22, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Caesar was Greek? That explains it!
By keylargo25
October 22, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Polonius was Cuban though.
By Braves4Ever
October 22, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
I checked out Grace Potter and group. Good stuff! I don’t always agree with the music tastes here, but I enjoyed that. Reminded me a little of a young Bonnie Raitt. I got the CD so I approve, lol. Don’t remember who recommended her, but Thanks.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 22, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
The hot stove league is already in full gear. Trade rumors abound of Johan Santana being traded to the Yankees for RHP Philip Hughes , RHP Ian Kennedy , 2B Robinson Cano and OF Melky Cabrera. Santana is a Hall of Famer in the making and arguably the best pitcher in the game , but two 1st round pick pitchers , a second baseman and an outfielder for him ? WOW , is all I can say.
By mo in the boonies
October 22, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
Rockies suspended tickets sale for the WS today because overwhelming demand crashed their computer system. To borrow a phrase from jjs Oh,the humanity! Got to go feed the dog.
By AZBravoFan
October 22, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
Just noticed that Scott Thorman is hitting .222 with 14K in 45 AB so far in the Mexican league. Looks like it’s time to start looking for the successor to Teixeira when they can’t resign him. On the bright side, Gregor Blanco is hitting .440 so far in the Venezuelan League. Who needs Mike Cameron?
By Tom T. Hall
October 22, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Old dogs care about you even when you make mistakes, God bless little children when they are still too young to hate. When he moved away I found my pen and copied down that line, ‘Bout old dogs and children and watermelon wine.
By Jared
October 22, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine has shown some interest in finishing his career here, too.
Is this true? Or another hoax to get leverage like I’m fairly certain the “Glavine to the Nationals?” rumors are.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 22, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
mo, when has jimmy smith said, “Oh,the humanity! Got to go feed the dog.”?
that’s right, misquoted. jimmy smith has no dog, only a small seal with cake crumbs in his whiskers.
and when will the world series begin? and when will the world series end?
and what is an entourage? does dob have an entourage when eating at the waffle house?
and more from channel 5: “ladies today lined up for permits to dance nude.” wrong, channel 5. ladies do not dance nude in public. lessons of the south are being lost.
and soon it will be halloween and then thanksgiving. why are both candies orange? hmmm….
and who will cook the blog turkey this year?
By Emeril
October 22, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
jjs Which one of these turkeys do you want to cook?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 22, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this
Sisyphus was always one of my idols. I felt a certain kinship with his lot. Diogenes was a different story, I knew early in life finding an honest man was not possible. Raised up amongst too many politicians.
DOB How is it coming on the scouting report for the Hawaiian Winter League? Would it help if the blog denizens petitioned the AJC on your behalf.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 22, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
sisyphus, huh? sissy? couldn’t quite get the boulder to the top of the hill … much like bobby cox.
By jbutler
October 22, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
DOB Have fun bloggin in Chowdaland…the snow is already melting here in the Mile Hi for you. Should be all right by your touch down this weekend…
The Rox have got to feel pretty excited that absolutely no one gave them even the remotest chance to get anywhere into the post season. Nothing like management underestimating tix requests to make us look pretty bush. Hope this isn’t a sign….
By Sisyphus
October 22, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
Me thinks the “real” JJS would have made a more educated and erudite commen relative to my chores of hell.
By Tyler
October 22, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
Glavine has interest in Braves, Mets, and Cardinals. Braves are the front runner.
What are your thoughts on acquiring Bronson Arroyo and Ryan Freel?
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 22, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
Damn!…joebrave’s 4:36 P.M. post has TheJackAss laughing his @$$ off…“…one parting shot how’s this for ORIGINALITY?My foot in your @ss!!!!”…
By chrisklob
October 22, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
Hey Gil, my crack about you being un-PC was just a joke. Hope you didn’t take any offense to it, although it sounded like you might have.
By Syphilis
October 22, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
Maybe if you boys spent a little less time playing on your computers you would get to know a little more about me.
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
Can’t be more Original,than thatnow can I,SJA????? How you doin My friend?
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
Can’t be more Original,than that now can I,SJA????? How you doin My friend?
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Only one problem with doing that,I ain’t got nowhere to clean that Alabama scum dung off my damn boots!!!!!
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Klobber, the saloon open tonight? I need a drink!!!
By Paula D
October 22, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
Excuse me jawl, but did y’all just see that Boston circlejerk on ESPN? Before the football game tonight? My gosh, jawl, it would gag a maggot, jawl.
By chrisklob
October 22, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
Tyler, I hadn’t heard that Glavine had any interest in playing in St. Louis. Makes you wonder if that’s not a ploy to help create an artificial market to increase his contract.
I’ve never been a big fan of Arroyo personally. He had a pretty bad year going 9-15 with a 4.23 ERA. The W/L doesn’t concern me that much but the fact that his ERA jumped by almost a whole point from 06 does. His innings pitched were down pretty significantly too. He’s due to make $3.95m next year but he signed a two year extension for 09 and 10 that will pay him $25m. I guess he’s not a horrible choice but he wouldn’t be my first choice.
Freel is a very exciting player but he plays with no regard to his body. While that is an admirable trait, the man has never met a fence or wall that he didn’t want to get intimate with!
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
Lew how’s life treatin Ya bro?
By chrisklob
October 22, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
Belly up, joebrave. I’m pouring doubles, as usual!
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Can someone please Remove that Photo of Scott Bwhoreass,he looks like Andruw jones is probing his anal cavity!!!!
By doc
October 22, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
well dave as luck will have it i will be in boston wednesday through monday for a seminar. it will be interesting to check out the vibes in the city as i wont get close to the ballpark unless you let me in to help you man up the blog while you are out getting one of those smoked turkey legs that they sell there inside fenway, some unbelievable vendors.
took my daughter to a game on my bday this summer and she came away “a baseball fan as the good news, dad and the bad news, i am a red sox fan” is the way the conversation went afterwards. the absolute best experience at a ball game ever for me, even above seeing the yankees in about 62 for an old timers game with the dimag there and it was against the sox so ted and mantle were in the same game.
so i envy you dob if you are actually inside as the emotion was huge for a game with the blue jays in july. really cant believe what it would be like for a series game. enjoy dude and if there is a favorite restaurant or hang out let me in on it, please!
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Make mine Patrone!!! and setem up!!!!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 22, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
chrisklob Naw man, I’m cool… It’s all good….. I know when the jabs are mean spirited and when they are in fun.
By Savannah Guy
October 22, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
The Daily Buzz (Fly on Wall Report No. 028)
(Fly language translated for your convenience).
After Mr. Fly, sleuth reporter returned from his meeting with Joe Torre, he flew back to rejoin Ken Burns and continue the Mutant Fly Origin interview session. Mr. Burns, true to form, has used the down-time to research fly origins, evolution, transmutation, DNA science and such. Fly’s pal John Schuerholz has graciously offered the use of his office at the Ted for the interview. Mr. Burns kindly welcomed John to stay and watch the session.
We pickup the interview as Mr. Fly enters the conference room:
Mr. Burns: Greetings Mr. Fly. How was your trip?
Mr. Fly: Sad and happy too. Joe no longer manages the Yankees but is free from, well…you know. Oh, hello Mr. John. Thanks for the big room.
Mr. Schuerholz: Hey little Buddy. Ken invited me to stay but I’ll have to leave in a minute. Have to return Tommy Glavine’s phone call.
Mr. Fly: Oh goodie. One year would be nice. Can argue either way, but good move in terms of money, capability, term and sentimental reasons.
Mr. Schuerholz: I’m taking your advice as always Mr. Fly. Besides, he should retire as a Brave. That can’t leave the room Mr. Burns.
Mr. Burns: My lips are sealed John. So, Fly…let’s get started. An unfortunate set of circumstances for Mr. Torre. Tough situation.
Mr. Fly: Yes sir, but he’s happy. That’s life in the big city. That’s the business of baseball. Almost always been a business, we just hear about those things in more detail nowadays. Everything is big now. Big TV, big media, big salaries, big union, big egos, big contracts, big expectations, big stadiums, big fan base, big corporations, big overhead, big ticket prices, big everything. Bigger is not always better but seems inevitable. Will we make it bigger and bigger until we screw it up? Soon all will be pay-per-view. But you knew all that. So sorry.
Mr. Burns: Yes Fly, seems the way of the world doesn’t it? Quantity over quality, style over substance. It’s the bigger and more and quantifiable is better mentality.
Mr. Fly: Bigger is sometimes better but not when we forget the little things, like the aesthetics and cultural aspects of the game itself, the green park, the little kids with parents there at the game, the peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack. What happened to appreciating the finesse of a soft-hand making a tough play look easy at third? How about the spectacular diving catch, the pitcher painting the corner or the determination and strength to pitch a whole game? How about the little things like a batter giving himself up with a sac bunt or a clutch hit to the opposite field or a stolen base? Now instead of stealing second base we have cheaters stealing home-run titles. More big…heads! Me rambling on so. Me sound negative but love baseball. The little things.
Mr. Burns: That’s quite all-right Fly. We both love it. Baseball is a wholesome tradition. Even on TV, you can almost smell the grass and the red clay and the hot dogs at the park, oh…it’s heaven. The contract talk, the steroids, the obsession with stats…those sometimes overshadow the game itself.
Mr. Fly: Many fans are different today. They need immediate gratification like it’s a video game. Seems there’s a sense of “entitlement” about winning the World Series every year. Where’s our patience? Where’s our perspective? Where is our love of the game? Oh my. Me stop now.
Mr. Burns: Well, I see you’ve given this some thought.
Mr. Fly: Well, it just came streaming out. Sorry. Me love baseball but me try to remember that it’s the little things in life…now we are losing entire generations of little kids who can’t stay up late to watch playoff games. That little kid is not little one day. Baseball best pay attention to the little things and little ones.
Mr. Burns: Little ones, yes. I’ll segue that thought into our main subject…you.
Mr. Fly: Yes, little old me. Where to start?
Mr. Burns: In our last session you were about to tell us, well, uh, who your mutant, DNA evolved, origin, er, human, um…let’s just say, who’s your daddy?
Mr. Fly: Well, first off…me didn’t even know his name until he was, how do me say…almost gone.
Mr. Burns: That’s when he lost all logic, reason, decency and rational human thought the instant he mutated into a fly-man in the Telepod?
Mr. Fly: Yes, but gradually. He became what we might call a troll, and conversely that’s the same moment me became aware for the first time in life. Suddenly me was a thinking, feeling, intelligent, talking creature. Before the “event” me was just sex, food, sex, food…then repeat. All mindless instinct.
Mr. Burns: Speaking of mindless instinct, I think we’ve covered enough in this segment. Documentary filmmaking rule Number one…let’s save a little for later. But before we do, can you just give us a hint…
Mr. Fly: Good idea Mr. Burns. Hint at origin-daddy name? Oh, fun…OK, his initials are JS. How’s that?
Mr. Burns: Perfect. Hmmm…let’s break for food then we’ll have another session.
CUT.
By Lew
October 22, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
JoeBrave-Life’s treating me fine. No real Trolls cruising around. How are the kiddies doing today?
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 22, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
joebrave—TheJackAss is doin’ good my friend…and don’t worry about gettin’ that scum off you’re boots…it’ll come off the next time you lay boot to @ss on some ignorant A$sClown!…hell, your boots will stay shinier than a brass doorknob on a w*******…
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Doing much Better thanks,and you and the Mrs.doing very well I hope!!
By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]
October 22, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
Bravo Nam mentioned this a few days ago, but it didn’t get much in the way of comments….from ESPN…
**Torri Hunter interested in D.C., Atlanta Oct 19 - Torii Hunter, who is expected to become a free agent this offseason, told MLB.com he is interested in joining the Nationals because of his close relationship with Dmitri Young and because of Washington, D.C.’s large African-American population. For the same reason, he is also interested in Atlanta. “I always talk to my wife about being interested in playing in front of the African-American fans and trying to get the African Americans back to playing the game,” he told MLB.com. “If I go to Atlanta or D.C. and make a difference that way, I would love it. Trust me — D.C. is very interesting to me as well as Atlanta.”
Hunter, who has won six Gold Gloves while playing center field for the Twins, is coming off a year in which he hit .287 with 28 home runs and a career-best 107 RBIs. Hunter, 32, has also given some thought about playing close to home in Texas. He lives with his wife and three children about 50 miles north of Arlington, which seems to make him a natural fit.**
By Jared
October 22, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Eww….get rid of that horrible photograph of Scott Boras on the AJC’s Braves’ page please!
BorASS is only 55 years old too. He’ll likely be ruining baseball for at least another decade before he goes away.
By [][][][]Berigan[][][][]
October 22, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Coach,
I don’t think there is any chance both Philip Hughes , and Ian Kennedy , would be traded along with Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera. The rumors I see say one or the other. Yanks can’t afford to lose both, considering they will likely not re-up with Clemens, and Petitte might not come back since Torre left.
What’s really funny, is the Twins are filthy, stinkin’ rich with pitching prospects. You can never have too much pitching, but Francisco Liriano before the Tommy John surgery looked to be a clone of Santana, if not even better if that is possible. Matt Garza has been compared to Smoltz. One blue chip pitching prospect would likely be enough, they need offense, especially after Torri Hunter leaves….
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy,How’s the night my friend????
By Dennis Claridge
October 22, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
SJA, I heard Tampa Brave was looking for you. You better run and hide pencil-neck. What a puss you are.
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 22, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Damn!…can’t even say shinier than a doorknob on a wh or eh ou se on this blog…
By Overlord
October 22, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
joebrave totally agree on boras pic… he looks evil. MLB should ban that guy from baseball.
By TennesseePaul
October 22, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
So the fires are blazing again. This doesn’t appear to be as bad as 2003 when 3000+ homes burned and 20+ people were killed. But this is only the beginning. Time will tell if this turns out to be as bad or worse.
We have Santa Ana winds out here. These are winds from the high desert. Every Fall/Winter the pressure changes which forces the hot air from the deserts through all the canyon passes and out to sea. They were calling for 80 mph winds today. That’s Category One Hurricane force winds. Instead of rain though, these winds bring fire. Thankfully I have not seen firestorms yet. The first time I saw such a thing was in 2003. That was the most incredible and frightening thing I’ve ever seen.
By TennesseePaul
October 22, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Sheeeesh. Just heard the winds got up over 100mph. That’s at least Category 2 and maybe even Category 3 Hurricane force winds.
By chrisklob
October 22, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, my wife has an aunt and uncle near San Diego in a little town called Ramona. They were told today to evacuate but I don’t think they did. Not sure why not…… In 2003 a bunch of houses in the block over from theirs were destroyed. Pretty scary. I hope that you aren’t in any danger wherever in Cali you are.
By Carolina Lady
October 22, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
Hi, TNPaul!
Cat1 = 74-95 mph
Cat2 = 96-110 mph
Cat3 = 111-130 mph
Got a note from a friend near San Diego. She wrote:
“FIRES R GETTING WORSE NOT BETTER.THERES NOW 8 FIRES GOING ON.MY EX LOST HIS HOME.WATCHED TRUCK THEY LOADED W/PERSONAL BELONGINGS GO UP IN FLAMES.GOT OUT W/KIDS, GRANDKIDS & ANIMALS WHILE FLAMES WENT OVER MOTORHOME.THANK YOU 4 PRAYERS, Lynda”
Fires, floods, drought. Anybody read Revelation lately? :-)
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Dennis I Know SJA can fight is own Battles but I don’t think He’s a Puss!!!!
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Hello Carolina Lady,My prayers will include your Friend Lynda and her Family this Evening as well as Every one else in California…
By Carolina Lady
October 22, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
Thank you, JoeBrave. Your children are still remembered in many, many prayers. Please keep us posted as to their progress! Those praying are sincerely interested.
By Tyler
October 22, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Chrisklob-I agree. Arroyo isn’t the most attractive guy we should go after, but I wouldn’t be upset. We tried to get him at the deadline. As for Freel, he does play recklessly but he would be solid if he came for cheap. Let Blanco and Shafer fight out for a spot on the team and take over if he goes down. Just a thought. But definetely not for one of our better prospects.
By Carolina Lady
October 22, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
This verse was in a card I recently received and I wanted to extend this same wish to each of you.
“Hope today will be one of those days when the angle of the sun is just right to illuminate all your blessings -
the everyday kind that are often overlooked …
and the new ones just beginning to show themselves -
delicate new buds that may yet bloom into full miracles.” :-)
By joebrave
October 22, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady,My son seems to be snapping out of it a little each day,My daughter isn’t scheduled for Surgery Yet,Thanks for the Prayers…
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 22, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
So Dennis Claridge…what is your regular blog name?…you know, the one you use when you’re not letting your mouth overload your A$s…you little p!$$ant!…Tampa Brave not have the balls to talk for himself…sent a p!$$ant to do his squeakin’ for him…
So this is for you Dennis…you Tampa Brave…& and all the rest of you clueless A$sClowns—-I ain’t hard to find…just look up…way up…
TheSouthernJackAss has been thru all this bull$#!t many times before…big talk…no walk from you p!$$ants…if you really want to go toe to toe with TheJackAss…it can easily be arranged…just ask that little puke Ron Roberts…and bring a stepladder, you’ll need it!
By Navigator
October 22, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
JoeBrave you really made my day, again. Oh yeah, Cox built the Toronto team, but could never win anything. He was also the first manager in the best of five series to win the first two and lose the next 3. Look that up, if you can read. Secondly, when Cox left Toronto, they won back to back world series. If you had a brain, the pattern would start to develop. Forget it, toothless one, much is wasted on you.
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Gil, I’m planning on Arizona Fall League trip, but don’t think I can talk myself into a “business” trip to Hawaii, unfortunately.
Only thing cooler than that would be a trip to Australia to do a feature on Moylan. Now that would be a nice little winter business trip….
Doc, I hear you on Fenway. Best ballpark experience there is, in my opinion. With Wrigley the only thing even close.
And for postseason? It’ll be incredible being in Fenway for a World Series, no doubt.
By TennesseePaul
October 22, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the concerns CL and Klob. I’m quite a ways away from the fires. I do get all the ash on my car along with all the smoke. But, if the fires get to me, it will be the single biggest desaster in American history. I’m down in the LBC a couple of blocks from the ocean.
By flbravesgirl
October 22, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
Have a good trip, DOB. I’m looking forward to your reports. Guess I’d better step up my posting frequency.
Braveheart, the Grinch is swamped with school right now. I’m sure he’ll show up here, ready to celebrate the end of mid-terms soon enough.
Cake crumbs on baby seal’s whiskers, hmm?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 22, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
Good for you DOB, now just be reasonable and tell the powers that be you would like to cover the Caribbean World Series. Not quite Hawaii but not bad. Just a week in January to prep you for Florida. Hate for you to have to go thru the rapid weather change.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 23, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
flbravesgirl You caught that one too….. JJS denials ring about as hollow as Barry’s denials of using anything other than flax seed oil. Pies indeed…. :-)
By jbutler
October 23, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
Carolina Lady Thanks for the words…I certainly needed it tonight!! The fires do make you wonder if we’re getting to the last days. That..and the ROCKIES making it to the World Series!! Now- if they win, I’m betting it will be over!! Hee….
By uga-brave
October 23, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
anybody heading down to jacksonville for our annual flogging? 15 out of 17 does not quite qualify as a rivalry anymore.
DOB, taken a few roadtrips to fenway to see the braves play up there, always a blast. nothing like riding the T, stopping by the cask n flagon and seeing a ballgame. for the most part boston fans are decent. i do however love their passion, wish more braves fans had it.
nothing worse than going to a so called sports bar in atl. and having to ask them to put the braves game on in july.
i always thought the most beloved boston sports icon would be bird, williams or yaz. however to a man all the old school fans up there love BOBBY ORR second to none. as for the series i see boston in six unless beckett proves to be human.
By A-ville Ranger
October 23, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
Just say no,please Mr Wren and JS don’t try to re-sign Teixeira.Regardless of what DOB says the world will keep turning if the Braves refuse to give Boras the time of day.DOB says my distaste for Boras effects my judgement,I don’t think so.While we’re on the subject though what effects DOB’s judgement ? I think it’s a fair question,what does he get out of promoting Boras’ interest.Probably just access to his propaganda which is then passed on to his sheep..I mean readers.Think for yourselves,let management know you’d support a decision to refuse to deal with ANY Boras client….or keep getting sheared…baaaaaa.Now the fool in Utah has something to react to.
By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)
October 23, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this
Man, I love Teixeira and all…but all the concern about him leaving is just going to give satan…I mean Boras leverage with ownership. He will say how much of a fixture he is in Atlanta now along with Chipper and Smoltz…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 23, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this
Boston or Colorado , flip a coin. I just hope it goes seven. Berigan , those trade rumors are real. Ive read more blather out of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune than you can shake a stick at concerning the impending trade of Johan Santana. Remember A.J Pierzynski ? the Twins got three pitchers for him and that is how the Twinkies operate. The Braves coughed up five for Teixeira and Mahan. One can only imagine how many top prospects a Johan Santana will bring , five or six ? the Yankees just might sell the farm.
By David O'Brien
October 23, 2007 6:02 AM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger asks: “What effects DOB’s judgment? I think it’s a fair question, what does he get out of promoting Boras’ interest….”
Yeah, that’s a fair question.
Here’s another: Are you well? I mean, seriously.
I won’t dignify your “fair question” with an answer, I’ll just say I couldn’t disagree with you more when you say the Braves shouldn’t re-sign Teixeira because Boras is his agent.
I don’t care i a player’s agent is Beelzebub. If the player will help your team and you can make his salary fit your payroll, sign him. If not, don’t.
Good thing you’re not running a sports team. Successful sports execs aren’t supposed to allow personal feelings to cloud their judgment when it comes to personnel moves.
You’d have no chance at success.
By David O'Brien
October 23, 2007 6:08 AM | Link to this
uga-braves: Ain’t that the truth, about the sports bars in Atlanta. Good barometer of a city’s sports pulse and its level of passion for its teams.
I remember going to run on the treadmill at LA Fitness one day in August, Braves game on TBS that Sunday afternoon. 12 TVs on, NONE on the Braves game.
Bowman told me he went into an Atlanta sports bar to watch a Steelers or West Virginina football game, I think in September, and the Braves were playing so he wanted to keep an eye on that game, too. There were 20 TVs in the place, not one on the Braves game. After all, they were five games out of the race, you know.
Hey, what are you gonna do? It is what it is.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 23, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this
I guess that means the Braves better be willing to Ante up. Lord knows , if Boras wants twenty million for A.J , he won’t hesitate to fire twenty-five million a season at the Braves for the services of Mark Teixeira. History suggests the Braves won’t pay that much for one player. Unless Teixiera goes against the advice of his agent and sign’s a contract extension , he is gone after 2008. I’m betting He will be a Yankee come 2009. The Braves would do well to put all their eggs in the basket for next season and make a run at the World Series.
By wjones
October 23, 2007 6:29 AM | Link to this
Navigator, I don’t think JoeBrave needs me to fight his battles for him, but since you told him to “look it up if you can read”, I’d advise you to research your points before posting. Cox’s Blue Jays lost to KC in the first year of the 7-GAME series, and was up 3-1 to KC in 1985 before losing the Series. The first team, and last, to lose an LCS 3-2 after leading 2-0, was a year earlier, with the Cubs blowing it to the Padres. You can look it up. And yes, after Cox left Toronto did win two in a row, you are correct; however, THAT WAS SEVEN YEARS LATER, AFTER HE HAD BUILT THE BRAVES INTO CHAMPIONS. So that was a bit of a compliment you handed him, that the two teams he built from the bottom should face off in a World Series.
By doc
October 23, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this
dob, i really will be reading and thinking of how close i am to the action stuck in a hotel in brainerd. please bring all the highlights of the experience you can. fenway is a lot more than the game. it is so cool, people walk at leat a mile or two just to get to the game, like strolling up the neighborhood. the surroundings are more than wrigley as it stretches all the way to what is it, east bay and copley square?
too, folks are serious about their team and getting the big mojo on for their team. spent 165 bucks a seat that costs someone 45 and felt it was worth it especially compared to the prices of a broadway play. chuckle. i know you are one to enjoy the whole, just be sure to share it in the blog, all of it and if you find the bar/eating place to not miss throw it out there too. lookin forward to reading your comments.
just say no to that stupid wave they do, please tell me you dont jump up and throw your arms in the air at a perfectly good ball game at fenway.
By doc
October 23, 2007 7:02 AM | Link to this
just saw i borrwed a line from the a’v r, sorry.
dob dont agreee with the passion for glavine because ultimately he will break our hearts as he did before; just maybe with his performance, just too schizophrenic for me even when he was at the top of his game. however, if this team can sign texteria, i dont care who his agent is you do it. he is going into the prime of his career and is gong to be one of the most productive at his position ever. unfortuanately, he will be akways a bit behind the monster pujols unless the latter suffers injury and if on enhancers it will come. he might not get noticed as much but the real fan will know and understand his worth. the way he scoops makes the infielders and pitchers much better before the first pitch is thrown. kinda said that many times about the sadly departed druw jones though crest wise on the career path tex more deserving of the numbers he gets in large bills. gosh i hate to thing someone deserves 20 mil a year. too disgusting and we make a big deal when they raise 20 thou for charity, truly pocket change considering how grady is struggling.
By ssiscribe
October 23, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
Top of the morning, everyone. Guess it’s time to start posting once a day, at least, as the Fall Classic dawns and the Notorious DOB is heading to Beantown for the World Series in Fenway …
Roll that one around for a minute: World Series in Fenway. Isn’t that one of the sweetest sayings in all of sports, for those of us who cherish the historical side of the games people play? Think about that old ballpark, the oldest yard in baseball, one the Boston Braves played in at times, now hosting a World Series in this, the era of the mega-million contracts and game stories on your cell phones.
Amazing.
I like the BoSox in six. They are hot right now. They have their pitching lined up. They have their offense clicking. They have home field. The Rockies are a great story, but great stories after eight days off tend to need a day or two to jump-start the engine. If that’s the case this time, it’ll be 2-0 Boston as they fly toward Denver for Game 3.
Now, coverage (noted transition from the Scribe): It’s the new era of journalism to go to a major event and not write a game story, but really, what point is there in writing a gamer? It makes more sense to me to to send a writer to an event and have he/she focus on local interest stuff and sidebars and blogging. So, good for the AJC to have the mindset to send DOB not to try and write a gamer at 1 a.m., but to write stuff that AP isn’t going to write, write stuff that will further fuel this ultra-successful medium we all enjoy. Just a former Scribe’s opinion, for what it’s worth.
Now, prayers (more transition): They work, plain and simple. So, if you have a need, lift it up. And CL is right … recent events make me wanna break out Revelations and brush up, just in case :-). Again, not preaching — because this forum isn’t for preaching or politics — but just stating an opinion, that’s all.
Now, other stuff (hodge podge of transition): The Thrashers and Falcons are a combined 2-13. Yikes! … The isle so golden where I used to lay my head and do my thing will be hopping this week. Too bad methinks I-95 north will again resemble the Trail of Tears come late Sunday morning. … Do you guys like the new postseason schedule that carries this Fall Classic, should it go the distance, to Nov. 1?
And whatever happened to Jerry Willard? With a tip of the lid toward the grand old gentleman of Atlanta journalism, selah.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Sissypuss
October 23, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
My aka is joebrave and I roll “terds” up hills with my nose.
By dragrace79
October 23, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
*uga-braves: Ain’t that the truth, about the sports bars in Atlanta. Good barometer of a city’s sports pulse and its level of passion for its teams.
I remember going to run on the treadmill at LA Fitness one day in August, Braves game on TBS that Sunday afternoon. 12 TVs on, NONE on the Braves game.* I hear you guys. I am a bouncer at a sports bar in west palm beach, fl. one that used to host many mlb players when the expos and braves trained 1 1/2 miles from it. memorial stadium in west palm is a relic as well as the interest in baseball in west palm (unless it involves the “big two”—yanks, red sox). the remenents of the stadium can still be seen from hank aaron drive, in the shape of the scoreboard i grew up looking towards. now the scoreboard resides in an overgrown field behind a home depot and a mobil station. i was there EVERYDAY from 1987 till the Braves moved on. Was at the stadium from 6am till school time during spring training to get autographs from everybody from nick esasky and jim presley, to gant, smoltz, justice, pendelton (friendliest basball player i have ever met, tied with sid bream) all the way up to when the braves left my town 11 years ago. as a lifelong braves fan (dad taught me well. no baseball team in south FL, braves trained in town and were the closest team geographically). forget about getting a BRAVES game on the TV these days. I cant even convince people to switch tvs to the ALCS or NLCS! preseason basketball will beat it out. By the way, we have 156 tvs in the bar- how can getting the baseball PLAYOFFS be so difficult? I hope the feeling around of the rest of the Braves nation is different, but the state of baseball in my corner of south Florida is bleak. Hope to hear it is better right about now in your parts of the country. Go Braves…but around my parts, more importantly, just Go Baseball—not even a factor in South Florida
By journalist jimmy smith
October 23, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
beelzebub. american league, right?
is cold ring finger catching?
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
TennPaul and others. Here is something you may be interested in, a common theme of our debates:
http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1305171
It’s a presentation by Alan Schwarz entitled “Can’t we all just get along: Overcoming impasses between sports insiders and outsiders.”
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 23, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Gambling is a big factor for the popularity of sports other than baseball in most sports bars. That’s okay with me though, I would rather watch the game in person or the comfort of home.
I do not care for what football and basketball on the professional level have become. Too much showboating. Some call it passion, I call it unsporting and rudeness. It’s okay to cheer on your team, but cursing, shouting obscenities and being obnoxious is not my idea of what I want to be around or have associated with my city.
By Cole Ringfinger
October 23, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
My name is Cole Ringfinger and my life has become heii since the onset of Tom Glavine’s “cold ringfinger”.
Everywhere I go people make fun of my name and children point at me and sing, “wook for the union wabel”. I am living a life no one should have to endure.
As a resident of metro Atlanta I would like to cast a vote against returning Tom Glavine and his cold ringfinger to the Braves.
Thank you for allowing me this forum. What is this called, a blog?
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
TennPaul and others, and here’s something else: http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1306308
Hopefully this will help enhance our discussions by bringing out some of my views in a more personal form instead of just cold, black words (and numbers) on a white background.
By Wayne in Utah (aka "Fool in Utah?")
October 23, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
Now the fool in Utah has something to react to.
A-ville Ranger ?????? What is this?
By Braveheart
October 23, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
As for the sports bar thingie, I was in a sports bar on September 9th to watch the Falcons first game. None of the big screens had the Braves game on. Every NFL game was on though. But in the booths they also had the little monitors where you can flip channels. I saw alot of channels being flipped between the Falcons game and the Braves game. I saw alot of people looking pretty content when Lance Cormier went into the sixth having only given up one run and the sweep of the Nats heading into the Mets series looked good. But when he gave up those 3 runs, you did hear a collective punch of the table from about a third of the people in the bar. The collective cussing of Joey Harrington and Michael Jenkins came later from the same third of the bar. The other two thirds of the people in the bar seemed to be transplants more interested in whatever their NFL team was. There are alot of divided loyalties in this town because of the demographics and where people originated from but it is cool to go to sports bars and watch the locals get angry about the local teams, some girl over there flip about because Brett Favre did something good, some dude over there go berserk because Kellen Winslow got a first down, some fella over there go bananas because Brady just threw another touchdown to Moss, and so on. Atlanta ain’t perfect with their loyalty to the local teams but the hodge podge is unique and makes it fun.
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 23, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
So where are all those gutless jackals and trolls this morning…those with plenty of bats…but no balls?…
By flange1
October 23, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
Was that you in the video?
A-ville Ranger,
In a bad mood today?
Gil,
I completely agree with you. There is little class in the NBA and the NFL on the side of the star players and their fans. I am actually getting a bit tired of the nastiness of college athletics fans as well. MLB has not had that problem to the same extent as other sports, except of course for Mets, Yankees, Philles and Red Sox fans…..
By Thrillhouse44
October 23, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Sports bars are fun if it’s not your team playing. If it’s the Braves or Redskins on TV, I need to be able to listen, scream, dance, and cuss in private. If it’s a MNF game and the Skins aren’t playing, I’m good with going to a sports bar. I used to do it a lot more when I was single. It’s amazing how expensive, flat beer isn’t quite the same when you have a good girl at home.
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
flange1, not me in the videos.
By Lee in S. GA
October 23, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Be lucky Atlanta has sports bars. Try living in the deep south around Albany Ga and surrounding areas. You have to go into restaurants such as Longhorns, Outback, etc…..just to watch a sporting event on T.V. if you can get anyone to turn it away from MTV, CNN or whatever.
By DOB
October 23, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
DOB,
I dont post…I just read….but I have noticed over the past couple of years that you have become more and more ARROGANT and “ALL-KNOWING”…you sound like a brat sometimes…like you are the be all end all authority on the Braves….you are wrong about a lot of moves. Just thought I would point that out. SO CALM THE EFF DOWN AND GIVE US “THE CUSTOMER” what we want which is Braves updates. You are highly overrated.
By David O'Brien
October 23, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Thanks, DOB. You’re the best. No, wait. Actually, we’re way overrated, you and me….
Now, to the rest of the customers (the ones I do care about, in other words all but DOB and a couple of banned folks):
Just arrived in Boston, gonna take the T to Fenway, since cab rides are way expensive from out here in Waltham and can’t rent a car here because no parking at the ballpark.
So I’ll post a new blog sometime this afternoon after getting down there to the park.
Sorry about the slow download (now that I’m on my broadband card, I see how much slower it is if you don’t have a DSL).
By Lew
October 23, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Yet another anonymous Troll, totally disaffected with life, itself and blaming DOB for all their supposed problems. Maybe if he p!$$e$ you off so badly and does such a terrible job, this isn’t the forum for your myopic views-if in fact, you have views and not just a desire to see everyone as unhappy with life as yourself. Maybe you’d be happy somewhere else-like intensive therapy for your neuroses and misanthropy or a blog that agrees with your point-whatever that may be-you’ve never really said just wehat your point is.
By Vet
October 23, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
You measure horses in “hands”; you measure jackasses in “mouths”.
By trollster
October 23, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
“dob”, since you “don’t post” you probably don’t know that your post has an “ID”with it, regardless of what “name” you put on it. So, when and if, he wants to, DOB can make you dead meat. I hope he does it soon. You are giving us hard-working trolls a bad name.
By Lew
October 23, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
And you measure Trolls by the size of the pile they leave behind.
By Ron Roberts
October 23, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Dennis Claridge… SJA does the all-talk, no-walk thing quite well himself, actually. But this little fantasy world he gets to utilize to envision himself being some bad-@$$, boot-wearing, high-n-mighty brute is his place to be what he wishes, so just let him.
He’s ticked at me because I DARED to take a better-paying job closer to my family and on the beach in SC after he’d spent (chuckles) thousands to book a hotel and (chortles) a private jet to be in New Orleans at Mardi Gras to come stomp a mud-hole in me.
Yeah, right.
By stinky
October 23, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
A pile of “lew”? That should be done in the loo.
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 23, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts—-the pure definition of A$sClown…
Come get me mr. bad@ss…and you could have made as much money flipping burgers in NOLA as you are making now in SC…gutless jackal…
By Lew
October 23, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Now Stinky-You sure you want to start up again?
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 23, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Well Ron Roberts & stinky reappear at exactly the time…how interesting…
You know…when I try to envision in my mind what Ron Roberts looks like…Danny DeVito keeps popping up for some reason…or that cartoon pup…what was his name?…Underdog!…that’s the one, yes, Underdog to the rescue!…
By DAP
October 23, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
a blogger last night mentioned what gregor blanco is doing in venezuela right now. apparently he’s hitting over .400 with quite a few homers and RBIs hitting leadoff. i think this guy is going to get a very serious look at spring training this year. even if we get a centerfielder,blanco will probably be competing for the 4th outfielder spot. personally, i would have no qualms about this guy batting 8th and playing center field for us. even if he hits .250 in the 8 spot, that would be fine for this braves team, if he plays good defense.
the blogger i mentioned above also noted that thorman was batting like .22 with a bunch of strikeouts. are there any batting instructors out there that can get specific about what his problem is? all i know is that he swings so hard that everything is moving, kinda like andruw, exc except andruw just pulled off. it seems like thorman moves every direction when he swings. when he makes contact it goes a long way… why cant he be helped to make consistent contact?
By stinky
October 23, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Beeach fight! Beeach fight! I put my money on the jackass-in-drag.
By Lew
October 23, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
DAP-.250 from our center fielder? What a concept. As far as Thorman-If he didn’t try to hit every ball out of the stadium and learned to control his swing, he might get somewhere. Doesn’t look like he will do that, though.
By Efrim
October 23, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Who can we get from the Tigers for Renteria???
Nate Robertson bores me and Jeremy Bonderman is Tommy John Surgery waiting to happen.
By Coach too
October 23, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
Lew and DAP Just like the other “coach” I could be wrong, but I think it may be hard for Thorman—playing in a league with wanna-bees and has-beens—to try and hit singles. He is convinced that he is a “power”hitter and by God he is going to swing from the heels, at everything.
Someone has to convince him that he is not playing for pride, he is playing for his career.
By Lew
October 23, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
Efrim- I too am tired of listening to all this talk about Bonderman and Noah Lowrey. I think it’s stupid to trade for pitchers who have exhibited all the signs for impending surgery and sure wouldn’t trade a .330 hitting All Star for either of them.
I still think we need to deal with Pittsburgh. They may not want Edgar, but I’m sure we’ve got some minor league guys they could use (maybe include Blanco in a package-they can use an outfielder that can get on base). They just made sweeping changes in their front office and management. They are tired (apparently) of finishing at the end of the division-a division that no one wants to run away with, anyway. Their former GM was reluctant to deal (dragged his butt waiting out other teams) and look where that got them. Now La Roche may not have performed quite up to expectations, but did perform better than anyone they’ve had at first for a while and did put up decent power numbers (especially considering his God Awful start), so they shouldn’t be too gun shy dealing with us again-especially since the guy we got from them was not as healthy as we were led to believe.
They haven’t been able to win no matter how much good pitching they draft. Gorzelany and Snell didn’t help them, so I see no reason why we shouldn’t try for one of them. They would damn well help us. We don’t have the holes to fill that the Pirates do.
Either one of those pitchers in our number three starting slot and Glavine going at number four sounds awfully good to me. It would also give us young pitching to combine with Reyes, Hanson and some of our other young up and comers for when Smoltz retires.
By Lew
October 23, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Coach too-And we saw exactly what happened when Andruw followed that course of action, didn’t we?
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Coach too, reminds me of something Mickey Mantle once said when people asked him if he ever tried to hit a homerun: “Everytime.” Not saying Thorman is anything close to Mantle but swinging for the fences is not a bad thing. In fact, chances are if you aren’t hitting the ball hard, you aren’t going to last in the bigs. Major league defenses gobble up weak contact like Wimpy gobbles hamburgers.
By DAP
October 23, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Efrim i think there are only two players with the tigers worth trading renteria for. verlander-that aint gonna happen- and granderson, which COULD happen. we would probably have to give up a few other players as well, though.
we might have to look toward some different teams.
LEW thanx for the, uh…input.
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Lew, if they have new management that is trying to turn things around, and they aren’t complete dopes, why would they trade talented, cheap, young pitching? If I’m the Pirates, I want uber-prospects, Salty types for Gorzelanny and/or Snell.
By Lew
October 23, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
DAP-That wasn’t a rip at you, but rather at Andruw’s sub par season.
By Ron Roberts
October 23, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Oh, and JJS, thanks for asking; I’ve taken a nice pay boost and moved to Myrtle Beach, SC, only four hours from my family. If one needs verification, ask Kentavo, next time he blogs. He and I spoke a coupla weeks back. Nice guy.
Sorry I’ve not been here much (and/or often) as the new job, new townhouse, 15-year h.s. reunion, family illness, etc., have all, unfortunately taken prriority over my penchant for bloviating about the Braves with my fellow denizens, and smashing monstrous egos of tiny-minded minions in (an NCScoots term here) duality.
Hope all is well.
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
DAP, only way Granderson is traded is if the Tigers get about as equally talented young player like Escobar.
By DAP
October 23, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
LEW agreed on the terms of trading renteria. this should not be a take-what-we-can-get situation. IF we trade renteria (because i dont think we NEED to) we need to know what we are getting for him. the pirates do seem to be a good fit…werent they trying to get rid of wilson? and renteria would help them immensly. but, would they trade one of the only good pitchers they have?
shaun i beleive hitting the ball hard and swinging for the fences are two different things. because one involves HITTING the ball. the other one is simply swinging, which is what thorman does. he swings, but he doesnt hit.
first thing is first for thorman. he needs to be able to make contact first. he is one of the strongest guys ive seen play, and if he makes contact, i cant help but think that it will be hit hard somewhere. if he developed a hitting style like diaz, who just puts the bat on the ball, he would be dangerous.
By keylargo25
October 23, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Coach too & Lew
I agree with both of you in that AJ’s and Thorman’s swings were out of control. They both needed a good hitting coach. Do the Braves have one or is TP just standing around waiting for BC to retire?
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
DAP, isn’t it true that concentrating on contact is less likely to lead to hitting the ball hard? And trying to hit the ball hard may lead to more strikeouts but also more hard-hit balls? Check out the power numbers pre-Ruth, when everyone was just trying to hit for contact.
By Ron Roberts
October 23, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
And, SJA, when I picture you, I envision the same out-of-work, X-Box afficienado that’s been sponging off his parents while avoiding direct sunlight, living in their basement and ignoring basic things like - oh I don’t know - personal hygiene, for years. I envision a guy who has this whole imaginary world in his mind, much like some D&D nerd playing out a far more interesting life in his mind than in real life.
Yeah, in your little fantasy world, you’re an affluent horse ranch owner / former Marine living in some posh Virginia estate.
And yet, for such a successful life, and for such a well-trained officer from the best fighting force the world’s ever known, you have absolultey all the time in the world to live out your fantasies here, and you have none of the training that every Marine I’ve ever known had to make them more socially engaging to the civilian world.
No, you, instead, are a gutless loose cannon for a mouthpiece (do you still have your retainer?) who hopes like hell somebody here believes you’re this brawny horse-rancher/retired marine with the ability to turn people into smudge marks.
The only smudge mark you’ve ever made was wiping Papa John’s pizza sauce off on your throwback Ratt t-shirt.
Google me; use Myrtle Beach if ya want. I’m not hard to find, and never have been, either. I use my real name, and back when it mattered, my real email address showed up here, as well. You, on the other hand, of course, have your bloated pseudonym.
‘Nuff said. And quityerb!tch!n’… if ya wanted to take me down, face-to-face, let me remind you that…
You FAILED to show the first time and place you insisted I give you…
I’m closer now, so this should be easier for ya to do now.
Sorry, folks. I was quiet, stayed away, been busy doing many other things, and see that S T I L L this moron can’t go without trying to run his mouth.
By Overlord
October 23, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
keylargo25 AJ has more than 10 years under his belt. Do you think his problem is a hitting coach? Wasnt TP here when he hit 51HR? IF TP is the problem how do you explain performances from Diaz, Jeff, Brian, Chipper, KJ, Edgar, Tex, Willie (when he got here), Yunel and Woodward (LOL, this one is just a joke). Thorman needs more AB, but i dont think he is going anywhere even i pete rose was his hitting coach.
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
DAP, I could be convinced other wise but it seems as defense has gotten better over time, it has become more and more necessary to swing hard and try to make very hard contact to get it through, by and over defenses, which also is going to naturally lead to more strikeouts. Seems that more strikeouts is a natural outcome of optimal offensive game strategy.
By Lew
October 23, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Shaun-For a couple of reasons. First, they’ve been drafting good pitching for quite a number of years, now and they still have 15 straight losing seasons. Obviously pitching is not their problem, They have more holes they can’t fill.
Second, Littlefield was totally anal and gun shy about making deals. He constantly procrastinated on pulling the string and decided to hold out, well past the point of productivity (just like the schmuck in Tampa Bay that won’t trade anyone for what they need, so they don’t HAVE what they need). His firing along with Tracy’s is indication that the status quo is not what the Big Brass in Pittsburgh is apparently looking for, hence the monumental changes. I don’t think it would take the Uber prospects that you do.
By keylargo25
October 23, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Overlord
My point was not that we did not have good hitters, it was that when good hitters went bad nothing turned them around.
Ideally a hitting coach is not really needed until a hitter is in a slump. How many times when Chipper quits hitting have you heard him talk about sessions with his Dad? His Dad also knew to stay away when Chipper was hitting 300.
But AJ got progressively worse over the year and if the changes in his approach were implemented by TP then TP needs to find another line of work.
Thorman’s swing never seemed to change. He just swung too hard consistently. I though if he would cut it back 25% he would be a solid hitter.
By DAP
October 23, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
shaun no, i dont think thats true. you can swing as hard as you want, but if you dont make contact, it wont matter. therefore contact is more important than swinging hard.
if youre matt diaz, and you just want to make contact (because you dont have overwealming power), you wont hit as many homeruns, but your average will be over .300
if youre thorman, and you adopt the shaun mentality, you get lucky and hit a few balls out, but for the most part you strike out and your average is .220, and soon your a lumberjack in canada.
if you hit the ball with the right part of the bat (i.e. concentrate on contact) the ball will fly.
By Lew
October 23, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
KeyLargo-Good question. I’ve often wondered that myself. Maybe it’s just that Thorman is hard headed. Andruw sure as hell was.
By DAP
October 23, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
shaun
do you realize that you are basically defending the hitting of a guy that batted .216 with .250 OBP?
this is from the same guy who defended andruw jones all the way through the all star break in ‘07 saying that there is nothing wrong with his swing.
dont do this to yourself, man.
By Overlord
October 23, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
AJ was not really interested in hitting any better, he thinks his glove will get him what he wants. Good for him. At least i never read an article all season that mentioned something about AJ getting to the park earlier than the rest of the team in order to work hard on his swing. For a player that gets lots of attention, if he was doing something about his slump, the media would have said something about it. His body also speaks for itself, not much work, lots of fat. Why work harder he already is andruw jones, right?
By Coach too
October 23, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
All I am not saying that Thorman can’t be a power-hitter, and I agree that he has to be to be a bigs fixture. But, first he must get his swing under control. Just what Frenchy has been working on. Yes, when Thorman hits it, it is hit! But, too few and far between.
And as for TP, apparently Frenchy listens to him.
By Overlord
October 23, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Thorman was a bad hitter, bad as it gets in 2007. Personally i dont think he will get much better. Just a little. Not even to the Klesko level.
AJ was bad, as bad as it gets, he might improve (i hope he does, for his own good), but i dont think he will improve much either, maybe we have seen the better from AJ already. And this year was the beginning of the end. But i think he will get back to .260 and maybe 35HR, not more than that.
By keylargo25
October 23, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Overlord
Shouldn’t someone in the Braves organization have made sure AJ was at the park early to work with TP. Where does the blame lie? If TP asked and AJ did not show up then is it BC? I do not know the answer. I just know that 2 hitters were terrible this year and no apparent effort was made to correct them.
By trollster
October 23, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Although he doesn’t need, nor has he asked for, my help, I want to say something about Ron Roberts. First, he is not a troll. I’m here in the troll locker-room on a regular basis, and I would know. No, he posts under his own name and fights his own fights. BTW, all of you ought to applaud someone who has the guts to stand up to the blog’s biggest(in his own mind)bully.
So, call Ron Roberts what you will but if you call him a troll, or gutless, you are wrong!
By Braveheart
October 23, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
My biggest problem with Thorman is that he actually does not hit the ball very hard. His BaBIP for his career is .245. He too infrequently makes solid contact. Yes, when he makes solid contact it goes a country mile but that happens way too infrequently. He does need to get his swing under control. His overswinging is causing too many strikeouts, feeble ground balls, and lame lazy flyballs and popups.
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Lew, actually the Pirates’ problems are everything—pitching, hitting, you name it. And there problems stem from trading good young players and other players useful to other teams for junk. So, it would be kind of stupid for them to trade good young pitching for a veteran that’s not going to be there by the time they are ready to contend. They aren’t going to trade one of their young pitchers for Renteria; I’d put money on it.
DAP, yes, contact is important but hard contact is even more important. There are a lot of good contact hitters who are lesser hitters than guys who don’t make contact as often.
Diaz does make a lot of contact, but he makes a lot of solid contact, hence the .497 SLG.
No, if your Thorman and you take my approach, you wait on a pitch that you know you can nail. You don’t swing at pitches that you are going to pop up or ground out. You swing hard only at pitches that you can crush. You lay off pitches that you can’t hit hard, even if they are strikes because they are more than likely ground outs or fly outs anyway.
DAP, I’m not trying to defend anyone. I’m just saying that the problems with Andruw and Thorman stem from them not hitting the ball squarely when they made contact.
By Overlord
October 23, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
keylargo25
I agree, thats why i said what i said, AJ looks to me like a guy that is allowed to act as he was jesus and nobody says nothing to him. I think having boras standing like a little devil on his shoulder and whispering stuff on his ear has a lot to do with it.
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, thank you! I would have to look at the pitches that Thorman swings at but I suspect they are not great pitches, even if they are strikes. I suspect that if he laid off hittable pitches and tried to force the pitcher to throw it where he wants, he would hit the ball hard more often and draw more walks. Again, I could be convinced otherwise, but I suspect that’s what has been going on with Thorman and what happened to AJ in 2007.
By Coach too
October 23, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Someone—Shaun I think—mentioned “soft singles”. I wish you could stand out on the infield and have a few of our young Cubanos’ tailor-made singles go by you. They are bullets!
By DAP
October 23, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
shaun
I’m just saying that the problems with Andruw and Thorman stem from them not hitting the ball squarely when they made contact.
and im saying that them not hitting the ball squarely stems from swinging as hard as they can in case they hit it.
I’m not trying to defend anyone.
but when we talked about thorman’s problem being he swings for the fences all the time you said:
swinging for the fences is not a bad thing.
it is when it doesnt work. and for thorman, it doesnt. we’re not talking in generalities here, we’re talking specifically about thorman.
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Coach too, don’t remember mentioning anything about soft singles.
By KC
October 23, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
DOB: I know this isn’t your first trip to Boston, but there’s something you have to try if you haven’t already…
Boston Chowda Co.’s Clam Chowder in a bread bowl is out of this world! There’s one at Faneuil Hall and one in the Prudential Center. If you get a chance, you’ve got to check that out!
By Coach too
October 23, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Someone mentioned “soft singles”. I wish “that person” could stand out on the infield and have a few of our young Cubanos’ tailor-made singles go by them. They are bullets!
I hope that is better, Shaun. Sorry.
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
DAP, swinging for the fences is not a bad thing. Swinging for the fences on pitches that he’s going to end up popping out, grounding out or striking out on is the problem. He’s not waiting on his pitch then swinging for the fences or walking.
By DAP
October 23, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
im not a batting expert, but from what ive observed with andruw and thorman, being selective or “waiting for a pitch they can hit” has nothing to do with their problems at the plate.
go to a batting cage, and as you take your swing, allow yourself to kinda fall backward, and see how hard it is to do anything. this is basically what andruw did all season at the plate. thorman did that, but he also fell into the plate. he was doing all kinds of stuff.
the problem is too much movement in the swing. when you are trying to hit the ball as hard as you can, you are using your whole body to generate power, and so its moving around. this makes it very difficult to hit a tiny moving ball.
andruw and thorman both need to learn to use thier hands to generate power, and not try to use everything. chipper is a great example of this. when he hits a homer, he never swings hard. its a nice easy swing and his body stays very still. its is a amazing to watch a chipper jones homerun swing slow motion, because of how still his body stays. its a thing of beauty.
By Coach too
October 23, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
DAP I’m putting together my “staff” for next year and I need a hitting instructor/batting coach. Are you available? :)
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
DAP, what you say about too much movement may very well be true. But I don’t think that changes the fact that the problem is they are hitting pitches that aren’t “their” pitches—whether strikes or balls—and that’s causing them to make outs.
By Efrim
October 23, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I think Lew was talking about trading another one of our young players for Snell or Gorzelanny. Although, if you’re a Pirates fan, I don’t make that trade. They need to keep the two pitchers that they have there. Snell is a bit overrated because he hasn’t been able to close out his seasons. He has had two straight poor 2nd half performances. Gorzelanny seems to be one of the better young left handed pitchers in baseball. I can’t imagine the Pirates trading either of them unless Yunel Escobar is involved. And I just don’t see Escobar being traded unless the Braves could get someone like Dan Haren. Paul Maholm is the only Pitt pitcher that they will trade and he just isn’t worth it.
There just isn’t many options out there for starting pitching. That’s why Jo Jo Reyes and Chuck James need to step it up next season. Not sure if James can be any better than he was anyways. Jo Jo has more ability than he showed.
By Coach too
October 23, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
We will see tomorrow night if—as I believe—being “rested” going into the series is not the most over-rated factor in sports. The Rockies were hot-hot-hot and now, they are, I’m afraid, cool-cool-cool. And after facing nothing but BP lollipops, they go against Josh Beckett.
I like it much better the way it works out in the NFL where both teams get the same amount of “rest”.
But, as I said, we’ll see tomorrow night.
By DAP
October 23, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
shaun, dude, when youve got problems with the mechanics of your swing, NOTHING is YOUR pitch!
they would both see alot more pitches that they could hit if they fixed their swings first…
coach too, i dont think you can afford me! :-)
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Efrim, Lew was talking about Renteria originally. Although he may have also said the Braves should attempt to trade prospects instead. Either way, if I’m the Pirates I’m not trading any young pitching unless I get a surplus of young talent in return. Pirates have major problems because of years of ineptitude. They better keep that young pitching or use it to re-stock their organization.
By flange1
October 23, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Hey Shaun,
I think you have a point about hitting your pitch, but DAP is also dead on that with so many moving parts, it is difficult to hit ANY pitch.
Step one, calm the body and then step two is better pitch selection for power swings.
Both of you are right!
By Shaun
October 23, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
DAP, again, I’m not sure you’re saying anything that contradicts what I’m saying.
By Efrim
October 23, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Agreed on the Pirates. If they trade Snell or Gorzelanny, they better get a package like Brandon Jones,Yunel Escobar and Jo Jo Reyes. That is really the only way young could explain trading young pitchers away to your fan base. A fan base that is more p** off than any other fan base in baseball. Although Baltimore might have something to say about that.
By Coach too
October 23, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
flange1 Are you available? :)
By Savannah Guy
October 23, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
My biggest problem with Thorman is that he actually does not hit the ball very hard.
…but with his mighty swing, there’s a nice cool breeze for the first six rows at the Ted on a hot summer day.
And when he fans, the fans don’t need, uh…fans.
By DAP
October 23, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
shaun
ok.
By Mr. Fly (sleuth reporter)
October 23, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
lame lazy flyballs and popups.
Gee wiz…couldn’t you have just said popups? Can of corn?
By flange1
October 23, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
Coach too,
I am available but probably worthless!!!
By Bob, Journalist
October 23, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
when you’ve got problems with the mechanics of your swing, NOTHING is YOUR pitch … DAP, you don’t understand … those boys were just in a slump!
swinging for the fences is not a bad thing … it is for those who don’t understand levers and the mechanics of the swing.
By Tyler
October 23, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Mlbtraderumors thinks Edgar for Bonderman is too much coming to Atlanta. What can we realistically get for Renteria? Somebody a little better than Robertson. If we trade him, the best option is to trade for prospects, IMO. I’m not letting him go for Lowry or Robertson. Maybe a package of Renteria and James for Blanton and a prospect. To me, if we go to Oakland we should shoot for Haren, regardless of who we give up. Hopefully not Escobar, but yeath right.
All this talk about getting Snell is great, but like someone said earlier it might take a lot to get him, and if we’re gonna give up a lot for him I’d rather give up a lot for Haren.
By Lew
October 23, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Shaun-Yes, they might be stupid trading their young pitching, but like you also say, they have lots of holes- everywhere you look. Starting pitching is their one strength and that’s what they’ll have to part with for overall improvement.
Go back to my earlier post-I agree with you and said they might not be interested in Edgar. However, they need a catcher-how about Brayan Pena? It looks like the Braves won’t utilize him, but I’ve always thought that he has a tremendous upside. He’s versatile, a decent defensive catcher and I’ve always thought he would be a good hitter if given an everyday chance. Alternatively, how about Clint Sammons? Given the Braves recent track record drafting catching prospects, maybe they would have an interest in him.
Or how about bullpen? The Pirates could damn well use some help and we have Devine, Paronto and probably another couple that may well be expendable. They could also use another infielder. We have lots of them. They could probably use another outfielder who can get on base. We’ve got Blanco, who seems like he’s not in Atlanta’s plans.
I think there are plenty of directions we could go to make a profitable trade (for both sides) with the Pirates to get Snell or Gorzelany. Our farm system is nowhere near as barren as most seem to think since the Tex deal.
By Efrim
October 23, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
All this talk about trading for young pitching.
If we produce one of our own, then we don’t have to worry about trading a boatload of prospects to get a young starter.
TalkingChop.com has their top 30 Braves prospects. Nice article. Check it out.
By DAP
October 23, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
plenty of thoughts about thorman here…anybody have any thoughts about blanco tearing it up in venezuela?
is he our centerfielder, trade bait, or a career minor leaguer?
By ncscoots
October 23, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Anybody remember the name of the KC prospect the Braves received in the Davies trade? First-rounder who was re-habbing?
And have the Braves already had their end-year organizational meetings?
Bob, noteworthy by your presence, my friend. Good to see you appear.
By Savannah Guy
October 23, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
Just when posting a quick one before my afternoon jog I see my old friend, the esteemed Bob, Journalist! Greetings stranger. Hope all is well with Carol and yourself. I’ll be back in a bit…hope to see more from you.
Who do you like in the World Series?
By Tyler
October 23, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Efrim-Young pitching that has major league experience is different than young pitchers in low-A ball.
By flange1
October 23, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
DAP,
I would love to see him get a chance in the ATL, but I think he is trade bait.
By mo in the boonies
October 23, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves should hire Chipper’s dad for a batting coach.
DAP Nothing or no one is going to pry Granderson away from Detroit. They’d have to go over Leyland’s dead body.
jjs What do you feed baby seal, besides cake?
Overlord Thorman was a first round draft, I think in 2000, could be wrong on the year…they must have thought he was pretty good to draft him that high up. He came up in the Braves farm system. If he doesn’t know how to hit, then who is to blame? And who thought he was good enough to bring up to the big leagues? There is a lot of blame to go around, but seems no one wants to accept it. I’m pretty sure every ballplayer wants to be a good hitter and fielder, but sometimes they need a little help, and if they don’t get it is that their fault?
As for AJ, there was an article about him taking early and extra batting practice with TP, and even Cox went down to the cage, and watched him hit. There also was a film on ESPN showing Cox sitting there watching. So evidently, whatever was his problem they couldn’t figure out a solution. I certainly don’t think he decided he didn’t need to be a good batter…. What ball player wants to go up there and strike out every time and look ridiculous? He just couldn’t figure out his problem, nor could TP or Cox. Hopefully for him, when he goes to a new team, they will look at his films and see what is the matter. I think he has a lot of good years ahead of him, and the Braves may be weeping and moaning yet, when he makes some fabulous catches off Braves hitters.
I saw on ESPN this morning that they are carrying all the WS games, with our dear friends Morgan and Miller. I sincerely hope they don’t have exclusive rights to the games, because I can not stand to watch them with Morgan and Miller…would spoil the whole series for me. Does anyone know if Fox is also going to carry the games?
To me a soft single drops right in-between the infielders and the outfielders. Which seems to be the perfect spot. Every hit doesn’t have to be a homerun. The worst spot for the Red Socks to hit a ball was toward the second baseman. I wonder if they set a record for the number of double plays they hit into?
By Savannah Guy
October 23, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
Just wondering: If Glavine does sign with the Braves, will he have a little pow-wow with Chipper about not pushing Questec at the Ted? Tommy needs a broad brush when painting corners.
By Coach too
October 23, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
flange1 Now, don’t you worry buddy. I need you. Goober had the job but he will have to keep the station open nights. This is a 16 and younger league. We had it by grades but some of the pitchers were as old as Glavine and Smoltz. And do we have perks. A bag a week of Betty’s Burgers and a free doughnut with your coffee at Dunkers on Main. You let me know when you will be arriving and we’ll have a toilet paper parade. You get to ride in the car.
By Efrim
October 23, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Tyler
Understood man, but I think it is about time the Braves produced a quality young starter of their own. I don’t care if Rohrbough threw only 60 innings in Rookie ball and Low A Rome. Striking out 96 batters in 60 innings while only allowing 33 hits is just filthy. And when scouts say his fastball sits in the mid 90’s, I’m going to get excited. I say we try to get what we can for Edgar. DO NOT TRADE ANYMORE PROSPECTS.
The pantry isn’t empty yet, but one more trade involving guys like Rohrbough, Schafer, Jones, Lillibridge or Hanson and our Farm System is on life support.
By ncscoots
October 23, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Re Blanco doing well in Venezuela, remember it’s the early part of the winter league season, so a lower level of competition than there will be in those leagues later…Blanco’s a two-year AAA player playing in a AA league right now, so I wouldn’t read “ML All-Star” into that.
By joebrave
October 23, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Sissypuss,You know someting,You could never be my alter-ego,My alter ego is a woman lovin,make her love me more and beg for i and scream machine,You on the other hand are the Record playin,sumbitch that wishes it was You,when stinky,and Ron Roberts meet up for their nightly pansy dance…….
Navigator why the Man Crush on Bobby Cox? I know he is someone You want to be,however to be that good you have to Gra-jate more’n the third grade Ya Jethro D. Beaudine retard you!!!!
By Greg O.
October 23, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, Looking forward to a potential Game 4 Tim Wakefield start in Denver, do you have any idea what kind of effect the thin air has on a knuckleball?
By David O'Brien
October 23, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
Greg O, he’s got a sore shoulder (they say) and isn’t going to be on the World Series roster.
No announcement of would-be Game 4 pitcher. They’ll see how the series goes, but I’d bet on Beckett on three days’ rest.
Anyway, that and MORE ON THE NEW BLOG THAT’S POSTED NOW
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 23, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
There is a reason a hitting instructor will tell a guy like Thorman he has a “hole in his swing” It takes a lot of energy to get the bat started and if the timing is not perfect, swish strike…. It is why a pitcher who can throw something off speed can eat a guy like Scott Thorman’s lunch everytime.
Short compact controlled swing will enable the batter to react to pitches not in the strike zone and at least foul off a pitcher’s pitch. Even great hitters are going to fail 70% of the time. Scott has the physical ability to be a great player, I am just not so sure about his mental acuity right now.
As for Blanco, let’s wait until March before we get too worked up about him. He could play the defense, just not convinced he can hit major league pitching.
By Bob, Journalist
October 23, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks Scoots … now you see me now you don’t … two rainy days in Nashville combined with virtually no energy … couldn’t help commenting on the inane notion that swinging for the fences was not a bad thing.
The end may sometimes justify the means but if you don’t understand the means, methinks the end you get may well be something different from what you intend, if you know what I mean.
Most Honourable Earl of Guy, distinguished Knight of the Savannah … Carol says that today’s the first day since her last treatment that she’s felt decent … making today a very good day!
We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends on the Blog … with prayers and moral support … so very important not to be or feel forgotten!
I think the line is 2:1 Boston … but I’m still pulling for the Braves to pull it out … never give up!!
Were I to have the money, I’d at least place token bets on the Rockies … straight up and to win in 4, especially with Wakefield out.
Thanks for beating the drum … did you see it on Sunday?
Who will be the Indians’ 3rd base coach in 2008?
By TheSouthernJackAss
October 23, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Radio Ron has one thing right…TheJackAss has plenty of time to blog…own my own horse ranch you know, very successful, 3600 acres…that’s hard for a nine-to-fiver like radio to understand I guess…cause plenty of envy tho….it amazes me how easy it is to pull his strings…make that fat, little puppet dance the jig for TheJackAss!…keep showing your true colors baby boy…until TheJackAss catches up with you…and shines his boots on your fat A$s!…